Day of Atonement...

Reflection on Leviticus 16:1–34

In spite of God’s desire that we be holy, he is fully aware that we will not remain free from sin. But because he loves us and is gracious to us, he provides a way for our sins to be forgiven. In the Old Testament, the Israelites were cleansed from sin annually on the Day of Atonement. This yearly event was a picture of the atonement that would be accomplished through Jesus’ sacrifice. Since Jesus died and rose from the dead, and offered himself to pay for our sins once and for all, we are cleansed through his work and can rely on his forgiveness moment by moment.

CALLED TO BE A SAINT

1Corinthians 1:2

To those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours

Have you noticed that one of the most frequently used words of identity for Christians in the New Testament is saint ? A saint is literally a holy person. Yet Paul and the other writers of the Epistles used the word generously to describe common, ordinary, everyday Christians like you and me. For example, Paul's salutation in 1 Corinthians 1:2 reads: "To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours."

Notice that Paul didn't say that we are saints by hard work. He clearly states that we are saints by calling. Some of us have bought into the mentality that saints are people who have earned their lofty title by living a magnificent life or achieving a certain level of maturity. No way. The Bible says you are a saint because God called you to be a saint. You were "sanctified in Christ"--made a saint by participating in the life of the only true holy one, Jesus Christ.

Many Christians refer to themselves as sinners saved by grace. But are you really a sinner? Is that your scriptural identity? Not at all. God doesn't call you a sinner; He calls you a saint--a holy one. If you think of yourself as a sinner, guess what you will do: You'll live like a sinner; you'll sin. Why not identify yourself for who you really are: a saint who sins. Remember: What you do doesn't determine who you are; who you are determines what you do.

Since you are a saint in Christ by God's calling, you share in Christ's inheritance. That which is true of Christ is now true of you, because you are in Christ. It's part of your identity. You are not the great "I Am," but with Paul you can say, "By the grace of God I am what I am" (1 Corinthians15:10).

Prayer: Your grace and Your calling in my life are totally undeserved, but it is my privilege to claim my inheritance. Thank You, Father. Thank You, Jesus.

source:

http://www.remnantbride.com/tab_pent-2005/tab_pent-2005.8.htm

http://marshill.com/media/good-friday/the-day-of-atonement

http://www.ficm.org/

True And Lasting Beauty

Charm is deceptive and beauty if fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

Proverbs 31:30

New International Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY'S VERSE...

So many things we honor and exalt in our culture are shallow and temporary. The one thing that lasts in a beautiful woman is not her charm or her beauty, but her godliness. Let's make sure in our church families and our physical families that true and lasting beauty is clearly valued and amply praised!

MY PRAYER...

Holy God, please give us better eyes and more faithful hearts that we may value in all people qualities that reflect your character. Bless us as we raise our children that we may instill in them a sense of proper values as they choose their life partner. And dear God, please help us in our churches to value and praise women for their holy character. In Jesus name. Amen.

IF ONLY

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“He who tends a fig tree will eat its fruit...”

(Proverbs 27:18, NIV)

TODAY’S WORD

It’s easy to get stuck in the trap of thinking that if only your circumstances would just change, then life would be better. You might think, “If I got a new job, or a new house or had better friends, then I would really be happy.” But I’ve learned that often times, God changes us before He changes our circumstances. We are thinking, “If only my circumstances would change,” when God may be thinking, “If only your attitude would change!”

Today, if you’ve been thinking, “If only,” it’s time to turn your thoughts around. Don’t allow negative thinking to direct your attitude or affect how you treat others. Instead, begin to thank God for what He has planned for you. Bloom where you are planted. Tend to what God has placed in your hand. If you will focus on what you have instead of focusing on what you don’t have, then God can bless you and multiply you and lead you forward into the destiny He has in store for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father in heaven, thank You for Your goodness and grace upon my life. Today I choose to turn my thoughts around and focus on what You have placed in my hands. I will be faithful knowing that You are faithful, and that You have a good plan in store for me in Jesus’ name! Amen.

— Joel & Victoria Osteen

source:

http://tina-ramblingsofacountrywoman.blogspot.com/

http://www.flawlessclinic.com.au/cosmetic_acupuncture.html

http://www.joelosteen.com/Pages/Index.aspx

An Appropriate Response

Reflection on Exodus34:5–8

The basic meaning of worship is to kneel or prostrate oneself on the ground in recognition of the power, majesty and authority of the object of one’s worship. Worship is more than assigning worth; it’s acknowledging that worth is already there. When we worship God, we are responding to his intrinsic majesty and goodness. That was Moses’ response when God passed by, revealed his glory and proclaimed his name and attributes. God declared his compassion, grace, mercy, love, patience and faithfulness. And since he is a God of justice, he also pledged not to leave the guilty unpunished. The emphasis, though, wasn’t on the Lord’s wrath, power and judgment—but on his love. When we hear of the goodness, the greatness and the glory of God, worship is our appropriate response too. We bow before him in awe and appreciation of who he is.

THE CHOICE OF FORGIVENESS

Ephesians 4:32

Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ has also forgiven you

Most of the ground that Satan gains in the lives of Christians is due to unforgiveness. We are warned to forgive others so that Satan cannot take advantage of us (2 Corinthians 2:10, 11). God requires us to forgive others from our hearts or He will turn us over to the tormentors (Matthew 18:34, 35). Why is forgiveness so critical to our freedom? Because of the cross. God didn't give us what we deserve ; He gave us what we needed according to His mercy. We are to be merciful just as our heavenly Father is merciful (Luke 6:36). We are to forgive as we have been forgiven (Ephesians 4:31, 32).

Forgiveness is not forgetting. People who try to forget find that they cannot. God says He will "remember no more" our sins (Hebrews 10:17), but God, being omniscient, cannot forget. "Remember no more" means that God will never use the past against us (Psalm 103:12). Forgetting may be a result of forgiveness, but it is never the means of forgiveness. When we bring up the past and use it against others, we haven't forgiven them.

Forgiveness is a choice, a crisis of the will. We choose to face and acknowledge the hurt and the hate in order to forgive from the heart. Since God requires us to forgive, it is something we can do. (He would never require us to do something we cannot do.) But forgiveness is difficult for us because it pulls against our concept of justice. We want revenge for offenses suffered. But we are told never to take our own revenge (Romans 12:19). "Why should I let them off the hook?" we protest. You let them off your hook, but they are never off God's hook. He will deal with them fairly--something we cannot do.

If you don't let offenders off your hook, you are hooked to them and the past, and that just means continued pain for you. Stop the pain; let it go. You don't forgive someone merely for their sake; you do it for your sake so you can be free. Your need to forgive isn't an issue between you and the offender; it's between you and God.

Prayer: Lord, I stand amazed at the example of Your forgiveness. I desire to grow in my willingness to forgive those who have hurt me.

source:

http://barrywallace.wordpress.com/tag/worship/

http://live-sent.blogspot.com/2009_09_01_archive.html

http://www.ficm.org/

"Thingometer"- The Measure of Success

MR & MRS THING

Mr. and Mrs. Thing are a very pleasant and successful couple.

At least, that's the verdict of most people who tend to measure success with a "thingometer."

When the "thingometer" is put to work in the life of Mr. and Mrs. Thing, the result is startling.

There is Mr. Thing sitting down on a luxurious and very expensive thing, almost hidden by a large number of other things.

Things to sit on, things to sit at, things to cook on, things to eat from, all shiny and new.

Things, things, things.

Things to clean with and things to wash with and things to clean and things to wash.

And things to amuse and things to give pleasure and things to watch and things to play.

Things for the long, hot summer and things for the short, cold winter.

Things for the big thing in which they live and things for the garden and things for the deck and things for the kitchen and things for the bedroom.

And things on four wheels and things on two wheels and things to put on top of the four wheels and things to pull behind the four wheels and things to add to the interior of the thing on four wheels.

Things, things, things.

And there in the middle are Mr. and Mrs. Thing, smiling and pleased as punch with things, thinking of more things to add to things.

Secure in their castle of things ...

Well, I just want you to know that your things can't last.

They're going to pass. There's going to be an end to them ...

And someday, when you die, they only put one thing in the box.

You. 

Story adapted from: 

Christian financial stewardship leaders Larry Burkett (1939-2003) and Ron Blue

Think About It

Psalm108:7-9

God's ownership goes hand in hand with his victory: "In triumph I will parcel out Shechem ... Gilead is mine, Manasseh is mine; ... Moab is my washbasin ... over Philistia I shout in triumph" (Ps 108:7-9). Wicked and disobedient people may prosper in the present life, but the psalms remind us over and over again of the truth: All the wealth of the world one day will be returned to its rightful Owner. "For from him and through him and for him are all things" (Ro 11:36)

·         What does it mean to you that God owns even the nations?

·         In what ways do you resonate with the story told by Burkett and Blue?

·         It's likely the story reminds you of a truth that you already know. So why is it so difficult to prioritize life properly?

Pray About It

Lord of all, I praise you for your might and power. And I pray that I will be a good steward of all the things that you have given to me in this life.

sources:

http://www.biblegateway.com/ 

http://genesis-design.deviantart.com/art/Materialism-258865029 

http://io9.com/5849520/new-study-confirms-that-materialism-destroys-marriages 

Give Honor To Whom Honor Is Due

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies... She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.

Proverbs 31:10 27-28

New International Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY'S VERSE...

Give honor to whom honor is due! This biblical principle is most certainly true of women, and especially those who are godly mothers. Let's make sure we praise the key women in our lives today!

MY PRAYER...

Father, I want to thank you for the women of character and grace, tenderness and fire, love that and tenacity, who have helped shape my life in a way helped me find you. Please bless them this day, I ask in Jesus' name. Amen.

WALK THROUGH

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me”

(Psalm 23:4, NIV)

TODAY’S WORD

We’ve all been in seasons of life when we feel like things aren’t going our way, or we’re not where we want to be. In these times, it’s tempting to let discouragement and doubt come in and take away the peace and excitement you once had.

You may be in one of those seasons right now, struggling to truly be happy where you are. But this is not the way God wants you to live. He tells us in scripture that even in the difficult times, He is with us. Even when you can’t see a way out, He will make a way through. Even when things don’t turn out the way we planned, He has a plan to turn things around for our good.

The key is, don’t get upset about your circumstances. Instead, be determined to walk through to victory. Declare by faith that no weapon formed against you shall prosper. Declare by faith that you are rising higher. Keep standing, keep believing and keep hoping because God has a bright future in store for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, I humbly come to You today giving You all that I am. I ask for Your peace in the midst of the storm. I ask for Your strength to stand strong, knowing that with You, I will walk through every adversity in Jesus’ name. Amen!

— Joel & Victoria Osteen

source:

http://pitbulldemexico.webs.com/

http://www.internetmonk.com/archive/13674

http://www.joelosteen.com/Pages/Index.aspx

Human Religious Instincts

Reflection on Exodus32:1–6

 While Moses was on Mount Sinai communing with God, the people of Israel were fashioning an idol to worship in the Lord’s place. Fueled by ignorance, shamelessness, a short memory and old religious assumptions from the place of their former captivity, the Israelites rushed headlong into one of the most remarkable displays of indiscretion in the Bible.

It’s easy to criticize the Israelites, but we also tend to worship what we can touch and easily manage. Even while we are basking in the light of revelation from God, we can be drawn back into the familiar and the comfortable. We need to be vigilant against subtle idolatries and human religious instincts. God has called us into an entirely new way of life.

ACTIVE FAITH

James 2:18

You have faith, and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works

When my son Karl was just a toddler, I would stand him up on the table and call for him to jump from the table into my arms. Did Karl believe I would catch him? Yes. How did I know he believed? Because he jumped. Suppose he wouldn't jump. "Do you believe I will catch you, Karl?" I might coax, and he may nod yes. But if he never jumps, does he really believe I will catch him? No. Faith is active, not passive. Faith takes a stand. Faith makes a move. Faith speaks up.

There are a lot of Christians who claim to have great faith in God but are spiritually lethargic and don't do anything. Faith without action is not faith; it's dead, meaningless (James 2:17, 18)! If it isn't expressed, it isn't faith. In order to believe God and His Word, we must do what He says. If you don't do what He says, you don't really believe Him. Faith and action are inseparable.

Sadly, one of the common pictures of the church today is of a group of people with an assumed faith but little action. We're thankful that our sins are forgiven and that Jesus is preparing a place in heaven for us, but we're basically cowering in fear and defeat in the world, just hanging on until the rapture. We treat the church as if it's a hospital. We get together to compare wounds and hold each other's hands, yearning for Jesus to come take us away.

The church is not a hospital; it's a military outpost under orders to storm the gates of hell. Every believer is on active duty, called to take part in fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19, 20). Thankfully the church has an infirmary where we can minister to the weak and wounded, and that ministry is necessary. But our real purpose is to be change agents in the world, taking a stand, living by faith, and accomplishing something for God. You can say you believe God and His Word. But if you are not actively involved in His plan, are you really a mature believer?

Prayer: Lord, if I'm not moving forward by faith and taking ground today, I'm only treading water or slipping backward. Nudge me forward today, Lord.

source:

http://www.booksie.com/religion_and_spirituality/article/vinod_sailes/a-myth-by-name-rebirth

http://omglols.wordpress.com/

http://www.ficm.org/

Be Kind And Compassionate

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Ephesians 4:32

New International Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY'S VERSE...

Be kind and compassionate, -- two qualities that seem to be in short supply. Maybe it’s because we hold up the wrong heroes, but these two qualities are often seen as a sign of weakness rather than strength. To forgive as God forgave us requires great courage and great strength. So let's be strong!

MY PRAYER...

Holy God, there is no way I can adequately thank you for sacrificing so much to forgive me. So this day, I pledge to be more like you, to share more of kindness and grace with those who have wronged me. Today, I ask you to help me release my bitterness toward _____________ and I ask you to bless this person with your kindness and grace. By the power of Jesus' example I ask this. Amen.

HE’S WORKING IN YOU

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“...he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus”

(Philippians 1:6, NIV)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Sometimes when God is doing a work in our lives, it can begin to feel a little uncomfortable. We may encounter people who are hard to get along with or have circumstances that seem beyond our control. When this happens, instead of complaining, getting sour or trying to change everything around you, why don’t you look deep inside and say, “Lord, thank You for doing a work in me.” See, I’ve learned that God is more interested in changing me than He is in changing my circumstances. If I choose to stay sour because I’m not getting my way or discouraged because things aren't happening on my time table, that's going to keep me right where I am.

If you want to see change, if you want to see God open up new doors, the key is to bloom right where you’re planted. You can’t wait until everything gets better before you decide to have a good attitude. You have to be the best that you can be right where you are. When you bloom where you’re planted, you’re allowing God to work in you, and He will be faithful to complete what He’s started in you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father God, thank You for doing a work in me. I choose to align myself with Your plan by blooming where I’m planted. Help me, by Your Spirit, to be an example of Your love and life everywhere I go in Jesus’ name. Amen.

— Joel & Victoria Osteen

source:

http://darryd.com/Photo-Quotes/TOC.pdf

http://mindpower365.blogspot.com/2011/05/powerful-bible-verse-of-day-ephesians_26.html

http://www.joelosteen.com/Pages/Index.aspx