|
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Our Kinsman RedeemerEach day we walk through the Bible chapter by chapter making an application of our text to help us grow in the Lord. Today in Ruth Chapter 3 We see the story of Ruth following
Naomi's plan of approaching Boaz as a kinsman-redeemer. In making application we have a kinsman-redeemer in Jesus Christ,
who though He was God, came to earth as a man in order to save us. By His death on the cross, He has redeemed us from sin
and hopelessness and thereby purchased us to be His own possession. If we simply approach Christ through confession and repentance
of our sin we can be redeemed. How about you? Do you see Jesus-Christ as your kinsman-redeemer? Let us learn from our text
today and this account of Ruth and Boaz seeing Jesus-Christ as our kinsman-redeemer.
11:58 pm edt
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Labor in the LordEach day we walk through the Bible chapter by chapter making an application of our text to help us grow in the Lord. Today in Ruth Chapter 2 we read the story of Ruth gleans
in Boaz's field and what catches my eye is the initiative of Ruth to work. She could have been proud and not worked but if
she had she would not of eaten, The Bible says we are to work if we want to eat. We are to labor where the Lord places us
an he will move us in and out of situation a result of our obedience. In making application we see our need to labor where
the Lord places us. If we are faithful the Lord will increase and bless us. The Lord is in control directing our steps but
labor is a part of our obedience. Many feel that their labor is in vain so they see no need to labor and are content with
living off of charity but even in charity there is labor to be done as Ruth shows us in our text today. How about you? Do
you see the truth in our text today? God is in control and will take care of our needs but we must do what we can to follow
the Lord in obedience laboring even within charity we have been given.
12:29 am edt
Thursday, September 27, 2012
The Lily of Your Valley Each day we walk through the Bible chapter by chapter making an application of our text to help us grow in the Lord. Today in Ruth Chapter 1 we start a
new book of 3 key people: Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz in a dark time in Israel's history when people lived to please themselves
and not God. Despite this, these 3 key people stayed strong in the Lord. Today in our text we see Naomi's husband and sons
die and Ruth decides to go with Naomi to Bethlehem. In making application we see that tragic things happen to those who serve
the Lord too. The Bible says that rains on the just and the unjust but the Lord goes with the just through the valley. He
never leaves you nor forsakes you. It reminds me of a friend we had a Church who lost her child at an early age. A tragic
situation to a family who served the Lord. The mother later testified on how the Lord gave her the grace to walk through this
situation. She proclaimed how the Lord was truly the lily of her valley. How about you? Have you been through the valley lately?
If you are now in the valley, or if you go through the valley in the future - remember - the Lord goes with you, giving you
grace, and will be the lily of your valley.
10:17 pm edt
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Judge or JudgementEach day we walk through the Bible chapter by chapter making an application of our text to help us grow in the Lord. Today in Judges Chapter 20 we continue in the 3rd section
of this book, The Moral Failure of Israel and this the final section, The civil war from the total lawlessness and lack of
focus on the God of Israel. In making application we see a parallel with some of God's people working together in His body,
the Church. When are focus gets off the Lord and obeying His Word - the Body will suffer, become lifeless, and many times
split. It reminds me of a Church that ended up splitting over the color of the carpet during a renovation program. It was
evident that this Body took it's eyes off the Lord and the Obedience of the Word in this civil conflict. How about you? Are
you following the Lord's Word and Focusing on Him to do His Will in His Body, the Church? Let us learn from todays text and
Israel's failure to Focus on the Lord and Do His Will in His Body, The Church
11:43 pm edt
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Focus on the LordEach day we walk through the Bible chapter by chapter making an application of our text to help us grow in the Lord. Today in Judges Chapter 20 we continue in the 3rd section
of this book, The Moral Failure of Israel and this the final section, The civil war from the total lawlessness and lack of
focus on the God of Israel. In making application we see a parallel with some of God's people working together in His body,
the Church. When are focus gets off the Lord and obeying His Word - the Body will suffer, become lifeless, and many times
split. It reminds me of a Church that ended up splitting over the color of the carpet during a renovation program. It was
evident that this Body took it's eyes off the Lord and the Obedience of the Word in this civil conflict. How about you? Are
you following the Lord's Word and Focusing on Him to do His Will in His Body, the Church? Let us learn from todays text and
Israel's failure to Focus on the Lord and Do His Will in His Body, The Church
12:05 am edt
Monday, September 24, 2012
Obeying the BibleEach day we walk through the Bible chapter by chapter making an application of our text to help us grow in the Lord. Today in Judges Chapter 19 we continue in the 3rd section
of this book, The Moral Failure of Israel and this the final section, The war against the tribe of Benjamin and today the
runaway concubine as we see the fruit of the seed planted as "every man did what was right in his own eyes" Israel
quit letting God lead them and became like any other of the heathen tribes of the world. In making application we see Christians
doing the same today. Ignoring the leading of the Lord from His Word and as a result we see the Church having the same problems
as the world. Divorce, morality, financial problems, etc. are just as prevalent as the lost because the Christian of today
has rejected the truth of the Scripture, doing what is right in his eyes, reaping the same fruit of the lost. How about you?
Do you see the truth in our text today? Let us learn from our text today and obey the teachings of the Bible so we will see
fruit of our obedience resulting in the Blessings of God.
11:29 pm edt
Monday, September 24, 2012
Spiritual BankruptcyEach day we walk through the Bible chapter by chapter making an application of our text to help us grow in the Lord. Today in Judges Chapter 18 we continue in the 3rd section
of this book, The Moral Failure of Israel. Our story of Micah continues as He has his Idols that he made taken from him which
left his life empty. Today, in making application, we see that Idols are anything that we place between us and the the Lord.
They can be money, careers, relationships, possessions, etc and many pour their lives into these idols. When these Idols fail
to produce anything in the lives of their makers it leaves an empty space in the heart of the one who possessed it. Leaving
a spiritual bankruptcy to its owner resulting in a wasted life just as Micah in our text today. How about you? Have you made
idols in your life? Let us learn from this text and worship the God of Israel - the God of the Bible - Our Lord Jesus-Christ
who wont leave you bankrupt but pays dividends for eternity.
12:03 am edt
Friday, September 21, 2012
Christ AloneAs we walk through the Bible - Chapter by Chapter & Day by Day - We make an application of our text to help us grow in the Lord. Today in Judges Chapter 17 we enter into the 3rd section
of this book, The Moral Failure of Israel. We started in this book looking at the Military failure of Israel, then the Rescue
of Israel by the Judges to transition to this section of the Book where Micah collects idols in the Idolatry in the tribe
of Dan. Here we see a reoccurring theme stated in verse 6 where "every man did what was right in his own eyes" creating
his own brand of religion. In making application we see that times have not changed. Man is still doing what is right in his
own eyes and believing his own lies. God is clear on your only way to heaven and it is ONLY JESUS-CHRIST. It is not Christ
plus something or minus something. Only Jesus-Christ can forgive your sins and make you acceptable in the Eyes of a Holy God.
Your works, your gods, your manipulation of the truth of the Word of God will not be sufficient to satisfy the wrath of the
Holy God of the Bible. How about you? Are you relying on Christ, and Christ alone, to forgive your sins and make a home in
Heaven when you die? Let us learn form the life of Micah which reminds us that only Jesus Christ can forgive your sins.
8:47 am edt
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Learn from your MistakesEach day we walk through the Bible Chapter by Chapter & Day by Day. As we make an application of our text today in Judges Chapter 16 we read of the story of Samson and
Delilah. It would seem that Samson would have learned from error of dealing with the Philistines after loosing his family.
Yet his desire to ignore the Word of God and follow his own flesh cost him everything. In making application we see the importance
of not only following God's Word but learning from our mistakes and sins. Samson only repented at the end of his life when
he ask for the Lord to renew his strength as he moved the pillars killing the Philistines along with himself. It is sad it
took coming to end of himself to repent. It reminds me of a man who worked for me that was lost. His wife was friends with
us at Church and we witnessed and witnessed to him for years. He came down with a illness that took his life but repented
on his death bed to receive Christ. I often wonder what would have happened if he had repented earlier as we witnessed to
him daily. I am sure his only regret is that he had repented earlier in life to live for the Lord. How about you? Have you
repented and been saved? Let us learn from today's text and repent lest we too end up like Samson.
11:24 pm edt
Thursday, September 20, 2012
RevengeEach day we walk through the Bible Chapter by Chapter & Day by Day. As we make an application of our text today in Judges Chapter 15 we read of the problems of Samson
and his Philistine wife and family. After ignoring the instruction of the Lord we see Samson reaping problems from his decision.
In the process a serious of revengeful actions take place between Samson and the Philistines. In making application we see
results of revengeful actions. The Lord in later chapters instructs us to turn the other cheek because no one wins in revenge.
It only escalates to war. This does not mean we are to not stand our ground and protect our families and property but when
provoked we are to forgive and show the love of Christ that extends forgiveness toward them. It reminds me of lost neighbors
we had once who lashed out at us unprovoked. My initial thought was one of revenge but the Holy Spirit led me to forgive and
extend the hand of Christ. This act of forgiveness left them speechless and know the God we Serve. How about you? Do you have
problems with revengeful actions to those who do you wrong? Let us learn from today's text and the life of Samson - forgiving
others as Jesus-Christ has forgiven us - Extending them forgiveness instead of acting in revenge.
12:13 am edt
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Unequally Yoked As we make an application of
our text today in Judges Chapter 14 we continue looking at Samson's life as he takes a wife of the Philistines. His parents
disapproved but finally gave in to his desires even though it was against God's law and a disgrace to his family. In making
application we see a parallel of a Christian dating and marring a non believer. I have heard many say that they will change
the other spouse to see a marriage end up in divorce. In society today we need to stress to our young people the importance
of this principle. Casual dating should replaced with courting and fellowship provided in youth group outings and functions
that take the pressure off the 1 on 1 relationships that knit hearts together prematurely. God will provide young people with
a spouse in the right season but if we rush this process we will end up with someone who we are unequally yoked. How about
you? Do you see the importance in this application of our text? Let us learn from Samson's life and teach our young people
this principle so they will avoid being unequally yoked.
11:52 pm edt
Monday, September 17, 2012
Our Lord ProvidesAs we make application of our text today in Judges Chapter 13 where we begin the Sixth Period
of the rescue of the Judges of Israel with the birth of Samson. Again Israel fell into cycle of sinning and turning from God
to have God announce the birth of the deliver Samson by an angel much like the Messiah, Jesus-Christ would be in future days.
In making application we see the Lord sending a deliver for mans sin to be forgiven and meet their needs. When we come to
the end of ourselves we see that only God can forgive our sins and meet our needs. IN my own life I wonder why I fail to remember
this truth. I find myself focusing on my needs verses the one who provides my needs, the Lord Jesus-Christ. How about you?
Do you see the Lord is the one who provides out needs. Let us learn from today's text and this book of Judges remembering
that the Lord provides our needs.
10:25 pm edt
Monday, September 17, 2012
A Quick TemperAs we make application of
our text today in Judges Chapter 12 we see the end of the life of Jephthah. He judged Israel for 8 years and he was used of
the Lord. His only setback was a quick temper as he acted before he reasoned to the tribe of Ephraim acting upon an insult.
In making application we see the danger in having a quick temper. If we take a moment to reason before lashing out many heart
aches could be avoided. It reminds me of a TV show I watched as a person was on death row for killing a man for an insult
made to him. He wished he had just ignored it or walked away but his "loss of temper" affected so many lives. When
placed in a situation of conflict is always best to walk away or calm down before we act. How about you? Do you have a quick
temper. Let us learn form the mistakes of Jephthah in our text today and have a plan walk away from a quick temper.
Friday, September 14, 2012
God will Use YouAs we make application of
our text today in Judges Chapter 11 we see the account of the life of Jephthah. He was the illegitimate son of Gilead and
was chased out of the country by his half brother. He suffered as a result of no doing of his own. Despite his brothers rejection
God used him in a mighty way to defeat the Ammonites. In making application we see how God uses those who might be in bad
situations not of their own doing. It reminds me of many I have had the privilege ministering to in a bus ministry. Many have
been used of God although others have shunned them due to their parents choices. How about you? Have you suffered at the hands
of others? Let us learn from todays text and the life of Jephthah remembering that God uses those despite the circumstances
that surround them.
Judgement and Our SinAs we make application of our text today in Judges Chapter 10 we see the fifth period of the
rescue of the Judges of Israel with Jephthan, Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon. Today we see Israel again worshiping strange gods which
causes the hand of God to be removed and the enemy overtaking them. They then repent and call unto the Lord who moved but
at a much slower rate due to their habitual disobedience. In making application and what catches my eye is the Lord taking
His hand off our lives when we sin over and over. When we choose to sin it causes judgement to come in our lives. Judgement
comes in many forms but what I have seen frequently is the Lord removing himself from our actions to simply see us suffer
the consequences for our sin. I have seen this in my own life. Committing a sin and instantly being convicted to call on the
Lord who delivered me from the consequences of that sin. To later do the same sin, calling on the Lord, to have him let me
suffer the consequences of my sin. How about you? Have you seen the judgement of God in your life over sin? Let us learn from
todays text to escape the Judgement of God by choosing not to sin lest we too suffer the full consequences of our sins and
the judgement of God.
1:14 am edt
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Listen to Your ParentsAs we make application of our text today in Judges Chapter 9 we see the account of Abimelech
who was Gideon's son. Now with the passing of Gideon we see Abimelech wanting to go against his father wish of having no King
(depending on the Lord to be their KIng). To Abimelech being a self proclaimed King of Israel. Abimelech's lust for power
motivated him to kill 69 of his half brothers to achive his disobedient plan which eventually led to his own death. In making
application we see the results of sinning against God and his father Gideon. When lust is conceived it bringeth forth sin
and when sin is conceived it bringeth forth death. If Abimelech had only listened to his parents he would have enjoyed the
blessing of God instead it brought forth the Judgement of God and his death. I have seen this so many times in my life and
the lives of others. The younger generation thinking the older has no clue on living to go in the wrong direction only to
see them later in life saying "If I had only listened to my parents" How about you? Do you see the value and wisdom
from your parents advise? Let us learn from our text today and the life of Abimelech to realize the wisdom in listening to
our parents.
12:18 am edt
Jesus is our KingAs we make application of our text today in Judges Chapter 8 we see Gideon punishing those who
refused to help, Gideon refusing to become king, and the end of Gideon's life. What catches my eye is Israel wanting a King.
Gideon said "No" God is our King but the fascination of Israel wanting someone to rule over them,verses trusting
in God,exposes their hearts. In applying this passage today we see that not much has changed. People still want a king or
president to rule over them and deliver them verses trusting in our Lord to provide and deliver us. It reminds me of our elections
today as each party back stabs other to satisfy the peoples desire to have a king, or in this case a president. Our nation
has turned its back on God refusing to repent and in the process will bring judgement on our nation. This process will bring
the pages of Judges to our lives as God will have to raise a Judge to deliver us from the false gods we are worshiping. How
about you? Do you desire a man to be king and rule or deliver you? Let us learn from our text today, to repent as individuals
and as a nation, allowing the Lord to be King of our lives.
3:30 am edt
Monday, September 10, 2012
God's Ways are not Our WaysToday we continue in the book of Judges chapter 7 looking at the 4th period of the rescue of
Israel by the Judges with the story of Gideon. Here Gideon selects an army and defeats the Midianites. What catches my eye
is the way the Lord defeated the enemy. Having Gideon to trim his army down to what seemed to be impossible odds, Then having
the Midian army killing itself in a serious of strategic moves. In making application we see that God ways are not our ways.
God has a plan and we must be obedient even when we don't understand the outcome. It reminds me of a set of Bibles I sent
to Ghana. They never reached their destination and it disappointed me. Later that year I received a letter from Kenya of a
man who received Christ as a result of getting a Bible we sent. I never sent these Bibles but the picture he sent showed the
Bibles that I had sent to Ghana months ago. In this incident God's way was not my way - but God's will was done and they ended
up where He wanted the Bibles to go. How about you? Do you see the Lord's ways are not our ways? Let us learn from our text
today being obedient in the instruction of the Lord realizing the Lord's ways are not our ways.
11:38 pm edt
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Grace in the Eyes of the LordI hope everyone had a great weekend. Today we continue in the book of Judges chapter 6 looking
at the 4th period of the rescue of Israel by the Judges with the story of Gideon. Here Gideon is commissioned by God, Gideon
destroys idols, and account of the putting out of the fleece. Gideon had his faults in questioning what he was hearing from
God but what catches my eye is verse 8 where Gideon found grace in the eyes of the Lord. This grace came from his humble acknowledgement
of who God was, what God had done, and what God would do to deliver the nation of Isreal. A Humble faithful man can do mighty
things from the Lord. It reminds me of a preacher friend of mine who sat with me on the back row of a Church many years ago.
I remember when He received Christ and then approached the Lord in the same humble way Gideon did. Today he pastors a Church
here in town doing a great work for the Lord. How about you? Have you humbled yourself, calling upon the Lord in faith - to
see the Lord work in your life? Let us learn from Gideon and our text today to find Grace in the eyes of the Lord for our
lives.
10:14 pm edt
Friday, September 7, 2012
Sing unto the LordToday we continue in the book of Judges chapter 5 continuing to look at the 3rd period of the
rescue of Israel by the Judges with the conclusion of Deborah and Barak as the 4th Judge. In our text we see the song of Deborah
and Barak as they put to music the victory gained in Chapter 4. In making application we see the importance to sing unto the
Lord. The Bible says we are to sing with Hymns, Psalms, and Spiritual Songs making melody in our heart to the Lord. Many a
times that I have been down, discouraged, or in need of a touch from the Lord to be filled with the spirit through my heart
making melody to the Lord with a song. As I sang my mind is reminded of victories in my life. I can personally testify of
our text today. How about you? Do you see the need and blessings from lifting to the Lord a song. Let us learn from our text
today and the song of Deborah and Barak to lift a song to the Lord reminding us of His Blessings in our lives.
10:33 pm edt
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Women in His ServiceIn making application of todays text. We continue in the book of Judges chapter 4 seeing the
3rd period of the rescue of Israel by the Judges. Today we see Deborah and Barak as the Lord uses Deborah as the 4th Judge.
In using her we see the Lord using a women in leadership. In making application we see that the Lord uses women in the service
of the Lord. Many today in the Church say that women cannot be used in the Ministry of the Lord. Nothing could be further
from the truth. The Lord uses women just as much as men in His Service. That being said there are Leadership principles and
qualifications in the Church today. Women are not to be Pastors or usurp authority in teaching men but this doesn't limit
there importance or being used of the Lord. My wife reaches as many souls as I have and is used as much, or if not more, in
the Ministry we have been called just as Deborah was used. How about you? Do you see how the Lord uses Women in His Service?
Let us learn from our text today and the life of Deborah understanding that the Lord uses women in His Service
11:22 pm edt
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Learn from HistoryToday we continue in the book of Judges chapter 3 as we apply these scriptures to our lives.
Many applications can be made from each days text. Today we start the rescue of Israel by the Judges over the next 13 chapters.
Each with a series of cycles: sinning, worshiping idols, being punished, crying out from help, being rescued by a judge sent
from God, obeying God for a while, then starting the cycle over again. In making application we see the pattern of history
repeating itself. Man has not changed and if we are wise we learn from this pattern and guard our hearts from falling into
its cycle. It reminds me of times in my life where I have fought a reoccuring sin. I would fall into this pattern of temptation
- sin - conviction - repentance. My problem is that I didnot learn from my own history. I had to make changes in friends,
enviroment, and attiude toward the sin as I depended on the Lord to give me a way of escape when the tempation revisited me.
How about you? Do you have a reoccuring sin? Let us learn from today's text and learn from the history of our failures.
11:22 pm edt
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Teach Your Children of the LordToday we continue in the book of Judges chapter 2. In our text today we see the Angel announcing
the breaking of the covenant and the Religious rebellion of the People as Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord worshiping
Baalim as this generation forgot the Lord of their parents. In this we see the raising of the Judges of which the book is
named. What catches my eye is how this new generation forgot the God of their fathers due mainly to the fathers failing to
stress the God of Israel. In making application I see the same principle in our lives today. The parents are failing to teach
their children the precepts of the Lord. Families are replacing the family alter and family Bible devotions with TV and Internet.
The parents shift the responsibility of teaching their kids on Biblical standards to the Church which they attend sparingly.
The truth is that the responsibility of sharing the Lord rests on the parents. How about you? Are you teaching your kids about
the Lord through family devotions and family prayer? Let us learn from todays text and not forget to teach our children of
the Lord
11:58 pm edt
Monday, September 3, 2012
Little SinsToday we enter into a new book of the Bible. The book of the book of Judges. Here in our text
today we see the Military Failure of Israel and the Incomplete conquest of the land as Israel fails to drive out the enemy.
Many application can be made from the text but what catches my eye is failure to drive out the enemy from the promise land.
In applying it today in our lives we see the need to drive sin out of our lives. If we allow "little" sins to abide
in our lives it will come back to defeat us just as it did the nation of Israel. What we need to embrace is that all sin is
bad for us. The smallest white lye nailed Jesus to Cross and we must drive it out of our lives. "Little Sins" remind
me of rip tides in the ocean. You are told not to swim in them but when you do - before you know it they will take you out
to sea. How about you? What is your view on "little sins"? Let us learn from our text today and drive out all sin
from our lives.
11:49 pm edt
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Totally Sold Out to the LordI hope everyone had a great weekend. Today we finish up with the book of Joshua. Here in Chapter
24 we see the end of Joshua's life. Today we see Joshua addressing all of Israel and them promising to worship and obey the
Lord and following His death we see Him buried in the promise land. In making application we see the benefit of living a Godly
life. Joshua is an example to us of how to live a successful Christian life. He stayed faithful and in the end influenced
a whole nation. It reminds me of great preachers of the past like Spurgeon who lived a godly life and influenced nations.
How about you? Do you see the potential in your life for living a life that is totally sold out to the Lord. Let us learn
from Joshua and live a life totally dedicated to the Lord which will influence nations.
9:58 pm edt
|
