March 1, 2009
GOD TESTS – NOT TEMPTS
A friend of mine told me a story recently about a man whom God asked to go outside in his yard and push this very huge rock. Loving the Lord and wanting very much to be obedient, the man went outside, day after day, and faithfully pushed on the rock – never once making it move. After a while the man went to God and very bluntly said. “I don’t get it Lord, I have been obedient to you and have pushed the rock day after day after day, but I have yet to move it – what’s up with that Lord?”
To that the Lord replied, “I didn’t tell you to move the rock, I only told you to push it. I know it may seem useless to you, but look at the strong arms, the tan body, and the perseverance that rock built in you. It was never my intent to move the rock, rather to build the man.”
In this week’s readings God shows us how we are to persevere and “push the rock” not only when being tested, but also when tempted.
Observe Abraham: Scripture makes it very clear that God’s purpose in telling Abraham to sacrifice Isaac was to test him: “Sometime later GOD TESTED ABRAHAM.” (Genesis 22:1) WHY? To see if Abraham feared, loved and trusted in God above all things – even his son. Guess what, he passed, “Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son." (Genesis 22:12).
Observe Jesus: Scripture makes it very clear that God’s purpose for Jesus in the desert was to for Him to be tempted. WHY? So that He would know what it was like to be completely human – “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. (Hebrews 4:15)
But, pay attention to WHO is doing what? GOD TESTS “God tested Abraham” (Genesis 22:1) NOT TEMPTS!!! “At once the Spirit sent him out into the desert, and he was in the desert forty days, being tempted by Satan.” Mark 1:12; “When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire” James 1:13-14
So what should our response be to both testing and temptation? TURN TO JESUS!!
HOW?
As a humble and obedient servant:
•“Here I am Lord” Genesis 22:1
•“Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long”. Psalm 25:3-4
•“The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news! "Mark 1:15
AND as a strong and confident child of God:
•“To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul; in you I trust, O my God… No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame” Psalm 25:1-3
•“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him” James 1:12
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:1-3
Prayer: Lord, fix our eyes and hearts on Jesus and “direct our hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance” 2 Thessalonians 3:5 AMEN!!
Church Season –
First Sunday in Lent
Week ending: MARCH 1, 2009
Monday – (Old Testament)
Genesis 22:1-18
Check our Exodus 20:20, Deuteronomy 8:23, and Hebrews 12:1-12 to see why God tests us
Tuesday – Psalm 25:1-10
Check out Isaiah 30:15-18 – see what God told the children of Israel and what there response was – DON’T BE THAT GUY!!!
Wednesday –(Epistle)
James 1:12-18
Look for God’s assurance during temptations in 1 Corinthians 10:13
Thursday – (Gospel)
Mark 1:9-15
Check out Hebrews 4:14-16 – “Look the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the World” (John 1:29)
Friday – REFLECT on the passages above – what do they say about God’s character and how He feels about His children?
Saturday – SHARE
Share ways God has kept you strong during testing and tempting times
Sunday – As you worship – Pray – “Direct my heart Lord into Your Love and Christ’s perseverance”
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Sunday, February 15, 2009
PLUNGE READINGS FOR FEBRUARY 22, 2009 - Transfiguration Sunday
FEBRUARY 22, 2009
GOD’S POWERFUL WORD!!!
THERE’S GOLD IN THEM THERE HILLS.” Those six little words caused a chain reaction that brought about the California gold rush and the fulfillment of the United States “Manifest Destiny.” As a result it changed the history of the entire United States.
Words have power - but none compare with the power behind the Word of God. They are more then just words on pages written years ago – like a history book. Quite the contrary, they are the very Words of God which are, “living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12) That’s power.
In this week scripture readings we hear and see God’s powerful word and the effect it had on Moses, the world, Jesus and us. Check it out!
Exodus 34:29 “When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the Testimony in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the LORD.”
THERE’S POWER IN THEM THERE WORDS – Speaking with God caused Moses’ face to shine – so much so he had to cover it with a veil. God’s glory shines!!
Psalm 50:1-2 “The Mighty One, God, the LORD, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to the place where it sets. From Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth.”
THERE’S POWER IN THEM THERE WORDS - God spoke and brought into existence everything that we see – from the rising of the sun to the place where it set. God’s glory shines!
Mark 9:1-3, 7 “After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was tran - sfigured before them. His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them….This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!’”
2 Corinthians 4:6 “For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness, “made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ”.
THERE’S POWER IN THEM THERE WORDS - God’s Word shines and brings about a transfiguration in us in the Person and saving work of His Son Jesus Christ. “Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation” Colossians 1:21-22 God said it, we believe it, and that’s all needed. God’s glory shines in Jesus Christ and in us – thanks be to God.
“God’s Word is our great heritage and shall be ours forever, to spread its light from age to age, shall be our chief endeavor. Through life it guides our way, in death it is our stay. Lord grant while worlds endure we keep its teaching pure – throughout all generations.” (Lutheran Service book pg 582)
Prayer: “Lord Jesus Christ thy power make known for You are Lord and Lord alone.” Reveal Yourself to us in Your Word, so that we may know you and the saving power of your power of your Son Jesus Christ. In His name I pray AMEN!!
Church Season – Transfiguration Sunday
Week ending: FEBRUARY 22, 2009
Monday – (Old Testament) Exodus 34:29-35 SHINE JESUS SHINE!!
Tuesday – Psalm 50:1-6 AH, the power and beauty of God’s Word
Wednesday –(Epistle) 2 Corinthians 3:12-13 & 4:1-6
In Jesus Christ, with unveiled faces, we reflect HIS GLORY!!
Thursday – (Gospel) Mark 9:2-9
This is my Son, whom I love – LISTEN TO HIM
Friday – REFLECT - Contemplate deeply the power you have in your hands in the form of Scripture. What is God revealing about Himself and His love for you? What is He revealing about you? How is He shining in your life?
Saturday – SHARE
Share with someone God’s answers to Friday’s questions.
Sunday – As you worship – Pray – "SHOW ME YOUR GLORY FATHER IN AND THROUGH JESUS CHRIST!!!"
GOD’S POWERFUL WORD!!!
THERE’S GOLD IN THEM THERE HILLS.” Those six little words caused a chain reaction that brought about the California gold rush and the fulfillment of the United States “Manifest Destiny.” As a result it changed the history of the entire United States.
Words have power - but none compare with the power behind the Word of God. They are more then just words on pages written years ago – like a history book. Quite the contrary, they are the very Words of God which are, “living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12) That’s power.
In this week scripture readings we hear and see God’s powerful word and the effect it had on Moses, the world, Jesus and us. Check it out!
Exodus 34:29 “When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the Testimony in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the LORD.”
THERE’S POWER IN THEM THERE WORDS – Speaking with God caused Moses’ face to shine – so much so he had to cover it with a veil. God’s glory shines!!
Psalm 50:1-2 “The Mighty One, God, the LORD, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to the place where it sets. From Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth.”
THERE’S POWER IN THEM THERE WORDS - God spoke and brought into existence everything that we see – from the rising of the sun to the place where it set. God’s glory shines!
Mark 9:1-3, 7 “After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was tran - sfigured before them. His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them….This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!’”
2 Corinthians 4:6 “For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness, “made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ”.
THERE’S POWER IN THEM THERE WORDS - God’s Word shines and brings about a transfiguration in us in the Person and saving work of His Son Jesus Christ. “Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation” Colossians 1:21-22 God said it, we believe it, and that’s all needed. God’s glory shines in Jesus Christ and in us – thanks be to God.
“God’s Word is our great heritage and shall be ours forever, to spread its light from age to age, shall be our chief endeavor. Through life it guides our way, in death it is our stay. Lord grant while worlds endure we keep its teaching pure – throughout all generations.” (Lutheran Service book pg 582)
Prayer: “Lord Jesus Christ thy power make known for You are Lord and Lord alone.” Reveal Yourself to us in Your Word, so that we may know you and the saving power of your power of your Son Jesus Christ. In His name I pray AMEN!!
Church Season – Transfiguration Sunday
Week ending: FEBRUARY 22, 2009
Monday – (Old Testament) Exodus 34:29-35 SHINE JESUS SHINE!!
Tuesday – Psalm 50:1-6 AH, the power and beauty of God’s Word
Wednesday –(Epistle) 2 Corinthians 3:12-13 & 4:1-6
In Jesus Christ, with unveiled faces, we reflect HIS GLORY!!
Thursday – (Gospel) Mark 9:2-9
This is my Son, whom I love – LISTEN TO HIM
Friday – REFLECT - Contemplate deeply the power you have in your hands in the form of Scripture. What is God revealing about Himself and His love for you? What is He revealing about you? How is He shining in your life?
Saturday – SHARE
Share with someone God’s answers to Friday’s questions.
Sunday – As you worship – Pray – "SHOW ME YOUR GLORY FATHER IN AND THROUGH JESUS CHRIST!!!"
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