PLUNGE READINGS FOR JULY 12, 2009

July 12, 2009

LISTEN

In the past weeks, God has been leading us to the Prophets of Scripture. A prophet, according to Strong’s Bible Dictionary, is one who “speaks or sings by inspiration.” In other words, a prophet speaks the Words that God gives him to speak. Last week, if you recall, the prophet Ezekiel spoke words describing rebellious, revolting, obstinate and stubborn people? This week, God is again leading us to the Prophets. What is God saying and are we listening?

LISTEN
"Look, I am setting a plumb line among my people Israel; I will spare them no longer” Amos 7:7
Any knowledgeable carpenter will tell you, if your building is out of plumb, you’ve got problems. Amos tells us God’s people were out of plumb. But before we start thinking– oh, that’s way back then, it doesn’t pertain to me - better think again. Because of our sin(s) (sins of action) and our sin (sin of nature) we are just as Ezekiel and Amos describe – rebellious, revolting, obstinate and stubborn – out of plumb with God. No one wants to hear that – we all like to think that we are “pretty good joe’s”. But God’s Word tells us different. God’s Word tells us we are all, by nature, hopeless sinners with no defense and no resources. It’s a tough reality to hear, but we must listen.

LISTEN
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love He predestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. 7In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace” Ephesians 1:3-7

Ah, but don’t despair. In comes our knight in shining armor – our hope filled Savior, Jesus Christ. The Prophet Jesus tells us we are no longer hopeless, rebellious, revolting, obstinate, and stubborn people who are out of plumb with God. In fact, the Prophet Jesus describes God’s people in totally opposite terms. In Him and because of Him we are blessed with every spiritual blessing, we are chosen, we are holy, we are blameless, and we are redeemed and forgiven children of God. Now those Words are music to our ears and to our hearts.

LISTEN
“Herod feared John and protected him, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard John, he was greatly puzzled; yet he liked to listen to him….. he did not want to refuse her” Mark 6:20, 26

He calls His own, He looks at us as Holy and blameless, He forgives our sin(s)(sins of action) and takes away our sin (sin of nature). So how do we react to all this Grace? Unfortunately, all too often we are like Herod – we like to listen, but we don’t want to refuse the temptations the world, our sinful flesh, and Satan throw at us. Instead, we should follow the advice the Psalmist offers: “I will listen to what God the LORD will say; he promises peace to his people, his saints— but let them not return to folly.” Psalm 85:8

LISTEN
We dare not ignore the voice of the prophets when they paint the picture of what we are without Jesus. But to focus on that picture is to ignore the voice of our Prophet Jesus and the Grace He sings to us from the cross and the empty tomb. Listen to what God the Lord says; don’t return to the folly of sin. Instead rest in His righteousness, forgiveness, and holiness – through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN!!!

Father, open our ears to hear, accept, and learn from what Your prophets have to say to us – especially Lord, help us to listen and learn from The Prophet – Jesus Christ. AMEN

Week ending: July 12, 2009

Monday – (Old Testament)
Amos 7:7-15
Look at the consequences of being “out of plumb” with God. Thank goodness for the redeeming work of Jesus who took those consequences for us.

Tuesday – Psalm 85:8-13
A beautiful picture of the benefits we reap when we follow Jesus

Wednesday –(Epistle)
Ephesians 1:3-14
Those benefits of following Jesus just keep getting better and better

Thursday – (Gospel)
Mark 6:14-29
Don’t be that guy. Don’t be like Herod. Listen, believe, repent and be saved

Friday –When the devil the world and your sinful mind accuses you – Reread Ephesians and be assured your are clean

Saturday – SHARE what you hear from God this week
Sunday – Worship together as holy, blameless, redeemed, and forgiven children of the King