ALL – Psalm 150:1-6
ALL – Proverbs 31:25-31
OT – Malachi 3:1-4:6
NT – Revelation 22:1-21
Interesting passage for the day: The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come.’ Let each one who hears them say the same, ‘Come.’ Let the thirsty one come—anyone who wants to; let him come and drink the Water of Life without charge. – Revelation 22:17, The Living Bible
Thought: It’s always nice to be invited. Especially to be invited by someone important. I think God and His kingdom might possibly fit into that category.
When someone important invites you over, don’t you usually do everything you possibly can to go?
With God, there’s no excuse for rejecting His invitation. He sent His Son to die so that we could accept His invitation. He’s sending His Son again to escort us home. His final words in the Scriptures are words of invitation and grace, and He’s so serious about the message getting across that He leaves a stern warning for anyone who tries to change things up.
If you’re reading this, you’ve received an invitation from God: “Come.” Come to Jesus. Come to His Spirit. Come join His people. Come home with Him. Come.
Question: Are you coming?
To review the Bible reading plan options, please visit http://tinyurl.com/yj2o7jz.
Showing posts with label Holy Spirit. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Holy Spirit. Show all posts
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Friday, December 3, 2010
Impossible Commands
ALL – Psalm 122::1-9
ALL – Proverbs 29:1
OT – Daniel 11:1-34
NT – 1 John 3:7-24
Interesting passage for the day: And this is what God says we must do: Believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another. – 1 John 3:23, The Living Bible
Thought: Easier said than done. That’s what I think anyway. Believing in Jesus. Loving people. Both are definitely easier said than done. In fact, apart from God’s gracious intervention in our lives, they’re both impossible for any of us.
Humanity will not easily believe in the true God. He insists on His own sovereignty, not just in outward behaviors but inwards. He cannot be manipulated. If it is His will that we learn patience through suffering, then even though He fully intends to end all suffering for His people one day, He will not end it for His pleading child until patience sprouts like a lily from the suffering-tilled heart. We may willingly believe that Jesus is the Son of God, but believing in Him is another matter entirely. That requires submitting our rights, choices and desires to our Lord without bitterness. Believing in requires unconditional trust. And our hearts will not give anyone, even the Creator of the world, our unconditional trust unless the Holy Spirit has first given them the supernatural gift of faith.
Nor will our hearts love one another easily. We will shower love upon attractive people—at least, until they scorn us. We will devote ourselves to those who have blessed us—at least, until they harm us. We will commit ourselves to our families and friends—at least, until they betray us. We will serve those who pay us—at least, until they ask us to shoulder more of a burden than we think their pennies are worth. But to love one another unconditionally is hard. In fact, it is pretty much impossible. We do not easily love the unattractive. We shudder at the thought of doing a kind deed to our enemies. We boil with rage against those who have betrayed our close relationships. And we view our employment as a mere business transaction rather than as an opportunity to love; in business, love always has a price. But to love one another truly and unconditionally, regardless of seeing “what’s in it for me”—there is no human love that achieves this goal apart from the Holy Spirit’s gentle, strong re-creation of our hearts.
Believing in the name of God’s Son Jesus Christ. Loving one another. Do you hear these commands and think, “No problem!” If so, I pray that your life is soaring along on the Holy Spirit’s wings. Because otherwise, you are grossly misunderstanding the nature of true faith and the nature of true love. And if so, you are swiftly approaching the greatest failure of your existence.
Question: Has Jesus asked you to do something the risks of which you’re not sure you can trust your Lord to handle for you? Will you call on the Holy Spirit for help and believe in Jesus? Has Jesus commanded you to love someone you simply cannot love? Will you call on the Holy Spirit for help and love that someone?
To review the Bible reading plan options, please visit http://tinyurl.com/yj2o7jz.
ALL – Proverbs 29:1
OT – Daniel 11:1-34
NT – 1 John 3:7-24
Interesting passage for the day: And this is what God says we must do: Believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another. – 1 John 3:23, The Living Bible
Thought: Easier said than done. That’s what I think anyway. Believing in Jesus. Loving people. Both are definitely easier said than done. In fact, apart from God’s gracious intervention in our lives, they’re both impossible for any of us.
Humanity will not easily believe in the true God. He insists on His own sovereignty, not just in outward behaviors but inwards. He cannot be manipulated. If it is His will that we learn patience through suffering, then even though He fully intends to end all suffering for His people one day, He will not end it for His pleading child until patience sprouts like a lily from the suffering-tilled heart. We may willingly believe that Jesus is the Son of God, but believing in Him is another matter entirely. That requires submitting our rights, choices and desires to our Lord without bitterness. Believing in requires unconditional trust. And our hearts will not give anyone, even the Creator of the world, our unconditional trust unless the Holy Spirit has first given them the supernatural gift of faith.
Nor will our hearts love one another easily. We will shower love upon attractive people—at least, until they scorn us. We will devote ourselves to those who have blessed us—at least, until they harm us. We will commit ourselves to our families and friends—at least, until they betray us. We will serve those who pay us—at least, until they ask us to shoulder more of a burden than we think their pennies are worth. But to love one another unconditionally is hard. In fact, it is pretty much impossible. We do not easily love the unattractive. We shudder at the thought of doing a kind deed to our enemies. We boil with rage against those who have betrayed our close relationships. And we view our employment as a mere business transaction rather than as an opportunity to love; in business, love always has a price. But to love one another truly and unconditionally, regardless of seeing “what’s in it for me”—there is no human love that achieves this goal apart from the Holy Spirit’s gentle, strong re-creation of our hearts.
Believing in the name of God’s Son Jesus Christ. Loving one another. Do you hear these commands and think, “No problem!” If so, I pray that your life is soaring along on the Holy Spirit’s wings. Because otherwise, you are grossly misunderstanding the nature of true faith and the nature of true love. And if so, you are swiftly approaching the greatest failure of your existence.
Question: Has Jesus asked you to do something the risks of which you’re not sure you can trust your Lord to handle for you? Will you call on the Holy Spirit for help and believe in Jesus? Has Jesus commanded you to love someone you simply cannot love? Will you call on the Holy Spirit for help and love that someone?
To review the Bible reading plan options, please visit http://tinyurl.com/yj2o7jz.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Weekly Sermons in Swanton: Follow One Voice
The message, preached on November 14th, 2010, covered 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, and it can be heard via streaming audio at http://www.swantonalliance.org. To follow God’s one voice as very different people, Christians need to know our God, to accept different gifts and to serve one another. Note: Past sermons can be accessed through the resources page.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Student-Teachers
ALL – Psalm 97:1-98:9
ALL – Proverbs 26:13-16
OT – Jeremiah 49:23-50:46
NT – Titus 1:1-16
Interesting passage for the day: Their belief in the truth which they have been taught must be strong and steadfast, so that they will be able to teach it to others and show those who disagree with them where they are wrong. – Titus 1:9, The Living Bible
Thought: The other evening our church had a discussion about biblical femininity. The Bible addresses the topic, for sure, and definitely encourages women to serve God exactly as He made them—as women, not men. The implications of that rather common-sense truth are sometimes less-than-clear, though. As I guided the discussion, I kept remembering how many questions I still have about what God is asking of His church’s women.
I’m still a student. But I’m a teacher. And that is one of the great challenges of being an elder or pastor.
The verse above indicates that elders’ faith in “the truth which they have been taught” should be very firm. In some ways, no problem. On many issues, “the Bible teaches it, I believe it, and that’s the end of the discussion.”
But on some issues, “the Bible teaches it, I believe it, but I can’t give you a complete list of the implications of this teaching yet. I’m still learning.”
As an elder/teacher, sometimes we understand what the Bible says, and we understand what it means, but we don’t quite understand what it means for us and for those we lead. Sometimes we have to make a judgment call. In those cases, what Paul wrote in 1 Cor. 7:25 and 40 is helpful to remember today, too: “I give a judgment as one who by the Lord’s mercy is trustworthy … and I think that I, too, have the Spirit of God” (NIV).
To those fellow students who are not leaders and disagree with me or other church leaders at times: first, we cannot lord it over your faith; but second, please remember that our desire is to serve Jesus Christ faithfully by His mercy and the power of His Spirit, and that even without perfect knowledge we may well be trustworthy. We want the best for you and for the kingdom of God.
Question: When you reject a church leader’s advice, how often are you sure that he’s wrong? How often is it just that you’re not sure he’s right? How often might it be because you don’t want him to be right and choose to disregard his message?
To review the Bible reading plan options, please visit http://tinyurl.com/yj2o7jz.
ALL – Proverbs 26:13-16
OT – Jeremiah 49:23-50:46
NT – Titus 1:1-16
Interesting passage for the day: Their belief in the truth which they have been taught must be strong and steadfast, so that they will be able to teach it to others and show those who disagree with them where they are wrong. – Titus 1:9, The Living Bible
Thought: The other evening our church had a discussion about biblical femininity. The Bible addresses the topic, for sure, and definitely encourages women to serve God exactly as He made them—as women, not men. The implications of that rather common-sense truth are sometimes less-than-clear, though. As I guided the discussion, I kept remembering how many questions I still have about what God is asking of His church’s women.
I’m still a student. But I’m a teacher. And that is one of the great challenges of being an elder or pastor.
The verse above indicates that elders’ faith in “the truth which they have been taught” should be very firm. In some ways, no problem. On many issues, “the Bible teaches it, I believe it, and that’s the end of the discussion.”
But on some issues, “the Bible teaches it, I believe it, but I can’t give you a complete list of the implications of this teaching yet. I’m still learning.”
As an elder/teacher, sometimes we understand what the Bible says, and we understand what it means, but we don’t quite understand what it means for us and for those we lead. Sometimes we have to make a judgment call. In those cases, what Paul wrote in 1 Cor. 7:25 and 40 is helpful to remember today, too: “I give a judgment as one who by the Lord’s mercy is trustworthy … and I think that I, too, have the Spirit of God” (NIV).
To those fellow students who are not leaders and disagree with me or other church leaders at times: first, we cannot lord it over your faith; but second, please remember that our desire is to serve Jesus Christ faithfully by His mercy and the power of His Spirit, and that even without perfect knowledge we may well be trustworthy. We want the best for you and for the kingdom of God.
Question: When you reject a church leader’s advice, how often are you sure that he’s wrong? How often is it just that you’re not sure he’s right? How often might it be because you don’t want him to be right and choose to disregard his message?
To review the Bible reading plan options, please visit http://tinyurl.com/yj2o7jz.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Holy Agent of Change
ALL – Psalm 66:1-20
ALL – Proverbs 23:26-28
OT – Isaiah 39:1-41:16
NT – Ephesians 1:1-23
Interesting passage for the day: And because of what Christ did, all you others too, who heard the Good News about how to be saved, and trusted Christ, were marked as belonging to Christ by the Holy Spirit, who long ago had been promised to all of us Christians. – Galatians 1:13, The Living Bible
Thought: How thankful are you for the Holy Spirit? Do you realize that He has been given to us because of Jesus Christ? Peter tells us in Acts 2 that Jesus “poured out” the Holy Spirit on His disciples, and the Holy Spirit has been given to all believers since then. Romans tells us that if we do not have the Spirit of Christ, we do not belong to Jesus.
The Holy Spirit marks those who have faith in Jesus Christ. His fruit is grown in our lives. He lifts our eyes to Jesus when we would otherwise get distracted or discouraged. He speaks to our conscience and encourages us toward what is best. He brings the newness of Christ’s life to dwell in our souls, and He navigates the new creatures we are safely through this world’s challenges to dwell in our heavenly home.
Question: Are you working with Christ’s Spirit or against Him? What difference do you think that His presence in our lives should make?
To review the Bible reading plan options, please visit http://tinyurl.com/yj2o7jz.
ALL – Proverbs 23:26-28
OT – Isaiah 39:1-41:16
NT – Ephesians 1:1-23
Interesting passage for the day: And because of what Christ did, all you others too, who heard the Good News about how to be saved, and trusted Christ, were marked as belonging to Christ by the Holy Spirit, who long ago had been promised to all of us Christians. – Galatians 1:13, The Living Bible
Thought: How thankful are you for the Holy Spirit? Do you realize that He has been given to us because of Jesus Christ? Peter tells us in Acts 2 that Jesus “poured out” the Holy Spirit on His disciples, and the Holy Spirit has been given to all believers since then. Romans tells us that if we do not have the Spirit of Christ, we do not belong to Jesus.
The Holy Spirit marks those who have faith in Jesus Christ. His fruit is grown in our lives. He lifts our eyes to Jesus when we would otherwise get distracted or discouraged. He speaks to our conscience and encourages us toward what is best. He brings the newness of Christ’s life to dwell in our souls, and He navigates the new creatures we are safely through this world’s challenges to dwell in our heavenly home.
Question: Are you working with Christ’s Spirit or against Him? What difference do you think that His presence in our lives should make?
To review the Bible reading plan options, please visit http://tinyurl.com/yj2o7jz.
Monday, September 20, 2010
The Guide, The Spirit
ALL – Psalm 64:1-10
ALL – Proverbs 23:23
OT – Isaiah 33:13-36:22
NT – Galatians 5:13-26
Interesting passage for the day: I advise you to obey only the Holy Spirit’s instructions. He will tell you where to go and what to do, and then you won’t always be doing the wrong things your evil nature wants you to do. – Galatians 5:16, The Living Bible
Thought: We need the Scriptures because they help us to learn to recognize God’s voice, and they correct us when we think we heard God’s voice and later find out otherwise.
But I’m growing more and more impressed with how often the New Testament writers urge us to listen to the Holy Spirit’s voice as we make our daily choices. We believers have the Holy Spirit living in us! He whispers to our hearts and minds what His desires are for us in every situation. And we are called to listen and obey.
This certainly involves challenges. We have to learn to distinguish between our own desires and the Holy Spirit’s. We need enough humility to admit that we sometimes claim we’re hearing His voice when we really aren’t. We still need to discipline ourselves to return to the Scriptures, even though some people might deny this is a necessity since the Holy Spirit is guiding them (but then, wouldn’t the Holy Spirit’s desire for us include time in God’s Word?).
But we should be able to walk through life a lot more confidently than we often do. We should be confident that we can make good choices consistently—GODLY choices—not because we have perfectly read, studied, memorized, systematized and analyzed the Bible, but because we walk with the Holy Spirit every moment.
Question: What decisions are you thinking through today? What direction do you hear the Spirit leading you to take? Share it here and share your impressions with believing friends. You’re free to follow wherever He leads.
To review the Bible reading plan options, please visit http://tinyurl.com/yj2o7jz.
ALL – Proverbs 23:23
OT – Isaiah 33:13-36:22
NT – Galatians 5:13-26
Interesting passage for the day: I advise you to obey only the Holy Spirit’s instructions. He will tell you where to go and what to do, and then you won’t always be doing the wrong things your evil nature wants you to do. – Galatians 5:16, The Living Bible
Thought: We need the Scriptures because they help us to learn to recognize God’s voice, and they correct us when we think we heard God’s voice and later find out otherwise.
But I’m growing more and more impressed with how often the New Testament writers urge us to listen to the Holy Spirit’s voice as we make our daily choices. We believers have the Holy Spirit living in us! He whispers to our hearts and minds what His desires are for us in every situation. And we are called to listen and obey.
This certainly involves challenges. We have to learn to distinguish between our own desires and the Holy Spirit’s. We need enough humility to admit that we sometimes claim we’re hearing His voice when we really aren’t. We still need to discipline ourselves to return to the Scriptures, even though some people might deny this is a necessity since the Holy Spirit is guiding them (but then, wouldn’t the Holy Spirit’s desire for us include time in God’s Word?).
But we should be able to walk through life a lot more confidently than we often do. We should be confident that we can make good choices consistently—GODLY choices—not because we have perfectly read, studied, memorized, systematized and analyzed the Bible, but because we walk with the Holy Spirit every moment.
Question: What decisions are you thinking through today? What direction do you hear the Spirit leading you to take? Share it here and share your impressions with believing friends. You’re free to follow wherever He leads.
To review the Bible reading plan options, please visit http://tinyurl.com/yj2o7jz.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
God’s Spirit, God’s Glory
ALL – Psalm 43:1-5
ALL – Proverbs 22:8-9
OT – Job 31:1-33:33
NT – 2 Corinthians 3:1-18
Interesting passage for the day: Shall we not expect far greater glory in these days when the Holy Spirit is giving life? – 2 Corinthians 3:8, The Living Bible
Thought: In this verse, Paul is drawing a contrast between the glory that came with the Law that God gave to the Israelites and the glory that lives in all believers because of God’s Holy Spirit. The Law could not give life; it could only condemn people to death. But we no longer live under the Law, so we no longer live under a fear of condemnation. We have received God’s Holy Spirit—God’s life-giving Spirit! If we have the Spirit of our Creator living within us, how can God’s glory help but be displayed in our lives?
Question: What keeps you from expecting to see God’s glory in your life?
To review the Bible reading plan options, please visit http://tinyurl.com/yj2o7jz.
ALL – Proverbs 22:8-9
OT – Job 31:1-33:33
NT – 2 Corinthians 3:1-18
Interesting passage for the day: Shall we not expect far greater glory in these days when the Holy Spirit is giving life? – 2 Corinthians 3:8, The Living Bible
Thought: In this verse, Paul is drawing a contrast between the glory that came with the Law that God gave to the Israelites and the glory that lives in all believers because of God’s Holy Spirit. The Law could not give life; it could only condemn people to death. But we no longer live under the Law, so we no longer live under a fear of condemnation. We have received God’s Holy Spirit—God’s life-giving Spirit! If we have the Spirit of our Creator living within us, how can God’s glory help but be displayed in our lives?
Question: What keeps you from expecting to see God’s glory in your life?
To review the Bible reading plan options, please visit http://tinyurl.com/yj2o7jz.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Thinking God’s Thoughts … For Sure
ALL – Psalm 28:1-9
ALL – Proverbs 20:24-25
OT – Ezra 3:1-4:24
NT – 1 Corinthians 2:6-3:4
Interesting passage for the day: But, strange as it seems, we Christians actually do have within us a portion of the very thoughts and mind of Christ. – 1 Corinthians 2:16b, The Living Bible
Thought: Have you ever wondered what’s on God’s mind? I have a hard enough time figuring out what’s on my wife’s mind, and she’s human! You’d think I could understand her thoughts easily enough … but not so. But knowing the mind of God—how incredible would that be?
Now, for the astonishing revelation: Paul says that Christians have the mind of Christ! Perhaps not the mind of Christ in ALL of its infinitude and knowledge and majestic intelligence, but we have the mind of Christ to a not-insignificant degree. In fact, part of the Holy Spirit’s ministry as He lives in us is to reveal to us the thoughts of God! We know what the Creator and Overseer of our souls thinks! We know the life and heartbeat of God’s intentions and desires for us!
If we know God’s thoughts, then we know reality. And if we know reality, we can live in it.
Question: As a follower of Jesus, is there anything you’re “supposed to believe” that you aren’t sure about? As you look at the Scriptures and listen to the Holy Spirit’s promptings (which will agree with one another), are you ready to live in the reality that God teaches? What will that look like for you?
To review the Bible reading plan options, please visit http://tinyurl.com/yj2o7jz.
ALL – Proverbs 20:24-25
OT – Ezra 3:1-4:24
NT – 1 Corinthians 2:6-3:4
Interesting passage for the day: But, strange as it seems, we Christians actually do have within us a portion of the very thoughts and mind of Christ. – 1 Corinthians 2:16b, The Living Bible
Thought: Have you ever wondered what’s on God’s mind? I have a hard enough time figuring out what’s on my wife’s mind, and she’s human! You’d think I could understand her thoughts easily enough … but not so. But knowing the mind of God—how incredible would that be?
Now, for the astonishing revelation: Paul says that Christians have the mind of Christ! Perhaps not the mind of Christ in ALL of its infinitude and knowledge and majestic intelligence, but we have the mind of Christ to a not-insignificant degree. In fact, part of the Holy Spirit’s ministry as He lives in us is to reveal to us the thoughts of God! We know what the Creator and Overseer of our souls thinks! We know the life and heartbeat of God’s intentions and desires for us!
If we know God’s thoughts, then we know reality. And if we know reality, we can live in it.
Question: As a follower of Jesus, is there anything you’re “supposed to believe” that you aren’t sure about? As you look at the Scriptures and listen to the Holy Spirit’s promptings (which will agree with one another), are you ready to live in the reality that God teaches? What will that look like for you?
To review the Bible reading plan options, please visit http://tinyurl.com/yj2o7jz.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Much Has Been Given!
ALL – Psalm 27:1-7
ALL – Proverbs 20:20-21
OT – 2 Chronicles 35:1-36:23
NT – 1 Corinthians 1:1-17
Interesting passage for the day: Now you have every grace and blessing; every spiritual gift and power for doing his will are yours during this time of waiting for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. – 1 Corinthians 1:7, The Living Bible
Thought: Sometimes it feels like we just get loaded down when we come to church. You know what I’m talking about. We’re grateful that Jesus died for our sins, don’t get me wrong. But Jesus’ call to holy living sometimes seems overwhelming. Even though we’ve been saved from our sins, avoiding them isn’t always easy.
Today it’s time for some encouragement! Jesus’ goal isn’t to drain you of every last drop of life, to squeeze every last ounce of goodness out of you like orange juice from an orange, leaving you crushed and worthless. Jesus came to give you life! To fill you! He not only died to free you from sins, but He ascended to heaven to pour out His Holy Spirit into your life! God Himself is filling you! He is filling you with strength, with His thoughts and words, with holiness and righteousness, with new motives! God is infinite, so His Holy Spirit will never stop supplying your every need!
Some of you may hear this the wrong way. You may think, “Oh, Matt’s just telling me I have no excuse for feeling exhausted, discouraged, worn out and fed up. He wants me to get up and work harder.” That’s not what I’m saying. If you’re exhausted, Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy-burdened, and I will give you rest.” If you’re overwhelmed, spend some significant time with Jesus. See if you can lay other expectations aside for a few hours, or a day, and go to the King who wants to fill you with His riches. I’m saying to take a break. But I’m not advocating the kind of break many people are tempted to take. They step back from serving Jesus and His church because they’re exhausted, but they seek to be refreshed only via the world’s ways: sleep, food, entertainment, lounging. These things can be gifts from Jesus, so go ahead and receive them during your break. But make sure that you spend significant time with Jesus, too. One on one. Praying. Reading or listening to His Word. Being refreshed by godly songs. Unless you spend time being refreshed by Jesus, you’ll never find the motivation you need to stop taking your break. Only when you are receiving Jesus’ blessings can you be ready to share them. If you’re empty, stop trying to share what you don’t have. Go to Jesus and be filled up with His life. Then, once you and Jesus agree that you’re ready, come back to the harvest field singing and refreshed.
Question: Have you been working to the point of exhaustion? What would it take to get some time to spend alone with Jesus? Or perhaps you’re taking a break. Have you been taking that break with Jesus, or without Him? How can you re-work your time to receive the rejuvenation that Jesus gives us by His Spirit?
To review the Bible reading plan options, please visit http://tinyurl.com/yj2o7jz.
ALL – Proverbs 20:20-21
OT – 2 Chronicles 35:1-36:23
NT – 1 Corinthians 1:1-17
Interesting passage for the day: Now you have every grace and blessing; every spiritual gift and power for doing his will are yours during this time of waiting for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. – 1 Corinthians 1:7, The Living Bible
Thought: Sometimes it feels like we just get loaded down when we come to church. You know what I’m talking about. We’re grateful that Jesus died for our sins, don’t get me wrong. But Jesus’ call to holy living sometimes seems overwhelming. Even though we’ve been saved from our sins, avoiding them isn’t always easy.
Today it’s time for some encouragement! Jesus’ goal isn’t to drain you of every last drop of life, to squeeze every last ounce of goodness out of you like orange juice from an orange, leaving you crushed and worthless. Jesus came to give you life! To fill you! He not only died to free you from sins, but He ascended to heaven to pour out His Holy Spirit into your life! God Himself is filling you! He is filling you with strength, with His thoughts and words, with holiness and righteousness, with new motives! God is infinite, so His Holy Spirit will never stop supplying your every need!
Some of you may hear this the wrong way. You may think, “Oh, Matt’s just telling me I have no excuse for feeling exhausted, discouraged, worn out and fed up. He wants me to get up and work harder.” That’s not what I’m saying. If you’re exhausted, Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy-burdened, and I will give you rest.” If you’re overwhelmed, spend some significant time with Jesus. See if you can lay other expectations aside for a few hours, or a day, and go to the King who wants to fill you with His riches. I’m saying to take a break. But I’m not advocating the kind of break many people are tempted to take. They step back from serving Jesus and His church because they’re exhausted, but they seek to be refreshed only via the world’s ways: sleep, food, entertainment, lounging. These things can be gifts from Jesus, so go ahead and receive them during your break. But make sure that you spend significant time with Jesus, too. One on one. Praying. Reading or listening to His Word. Being refreshed by godly songs. Unless you spend time being refreshed by Jesus, you’ll never find the motivation you need to stop taking your break. Only when you are receiving Jesus’ blessings can you be ready to share them. If you’re empty, stop trying to share what you don’t have. Go to Jesus and be filled up with His life. Then, once you and Jesus agree that you’re ready, come back to the harvest field singing and refreshed.
Question: Have you been working to the point of exhaustion? What would it take to get some time to spend alone with Jesus? Or perhaps you’re taking a break. Have you been taking that break with Jesus, or without Him? How can you re-work your time to receive the rejuvenation that Jesus gives us by His Spirit?
To review the Bible reading plan options, please visit http://tinyurl.com/yj2o7jz.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Unseen Presence
ALL – Psalm 119:71-80
ALL – Proverbs 16:4-5
OT – 2 Samuel 12:1-31
NT – John 16:1-33
Interesting passage for the day: But the fact of the matter is that it is best for you that I go away, for if I don’t, the Comforter won’t come. If I do, he will—for I will send him to you. – John 16:7, The Living Bible
Thought: The Comforter—the Holy Spirit—has come. And Jesus said that it was for our best that the Comforter was coming, even though Jesus would be leaving. It was Jesus who sent the Holy Spirit.
So often we want God to be right here with us. We wish we could live when Jesus lived, walk with Him, be one of His disciples. But the fact of the matter is that God is still with us. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit, and we are not alone. With the Holy Spirit in our lives, we have the presence, wisdom, and power of Jesus available at every moment.
Question: How can we express our dependence on the Holy Spirit in practical ways and remember that He is with us even though we can’t see Him?
To review the Bible reading plan options, please visit http://tinyurl.com/yj2o7jz.
ALL – Proverbs 16:4-5
OT – 2 Samuel 12:1-31
NT – John 16:1-33
Interesting passage for the day: But the fact of the matter is that it is best for you that I go away, for if I don’t, the Comforter won’t come. If I do, he will—for I will send him to you. – John 16:7, The Living Bible
Thought: The Comforter—the Holy Spirit—has come. And Jesus said that it was for our best that the Comforter was coming, even though Jesus would be leaving. It was Jesus who sent the Holy Spirit.
So often we want God to be right here with us. We wish we could live when Jesus lived, walk with Him, be one of His disciples. But the fact of the matter is that God is still with us. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit, and we are not alone. With the Holy Spirit in our lives, we have the presence, wisdom, and power of Jesus available at every moment.
Question: How can we express our dependence on the Holy Spirit in practical ways and remember that He is with us even though we can’t see Him?
To review the Bible reading plan options, please visit http://tinyurl.com/yj2o7jz.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Weekly Sermons in Swanton: Staying Safe Among Wolves
The message, preached on February 28th, 2010, covered 1 John 2:18-27, and it can be heard via streaming audio at http://www.swantonalliance.org. What’s an antichrist? How do you recognize them? What do they do? And how can you stay safe when they’re all over the place, as they are in these last days? Note: Past sermons can be accessed through the resources page.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Weekly Sermons in Swanton: The Coming of the Christ
The message covered Acts 2:14-39, and it can be heard via streaming audio at http://www.swantonalliance.org. Once the Jews understood what Peter was telling them about the Holy Spirit’s coming, they “were struck to the heart.” Why? Because the Holy Spirit’s arrival proved that Jesus is the Christ and that He’s waiting for His enemies to be made a footstool for His feet. Yet there is hope. Note: Past sermons can be accessed through the resources page.
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