March 31, 2016

John 3:16  "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."

I don't know if you write in your Bible or not, but I do.  In my Bible I put a light line through the words "the world" and wrote above them, in red, my name.  It helps me to remember the love Christ had for me is a very personal love.  A love that goes to extremes, all the way to the cross.  I also am convinced that when it says in Hebrews that Jesus endured the cross for the "joy" set before Him...... that we are that "joy".  

As you ponder all the mysteries of this Easter season, don't miss the passionate love the Lord has for you.  The love that drove Him to the cross.

March 29, 2016

Luke 19:37-40  As he was drawing near - already on the way down the Mount of Olives - the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had, saying, "Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!  Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"  And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples."  He answered, "I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out."

Agreeing on worship and praise music must be an age-old problem.  As I read this I couldn't help but think of the people in church today who argue about the music.  I don't know if these disciples were singing too reverently for some contemporary worshipers, or if they were singing too modern of music for some more reserved people.  I almost wish the rocks would have cried about - that would have been one, great Rock Concert.  I am sure there would have been plenty to argue about then.

I think we need to see that worship is a heart condition and we should be able to worship regardless of the music.  The Lord is definitely worthy of all kinds of praise.

March 28, 2016

Job 24:1  Since times are not hidden from the Almighty, Why do those who know Him see not His days?

You know God tells throughout His Word what is coming.  He promised us a Redeemer in the first book of the Bible.  He told us where He would be born, when, and why.  Jesus told His disciples He would have to suffer, die, and be raised up.  But they didn't get it.  Don't get me wrong, I doubt that I would have either, but this verse makes me think that we should.  We should be in God's Word and know it to the degree that we see what is coming and know God's plan for the world and for ourselves.

This is just another reminder of how important it is that I get into God's Word daily and let Him speak to me.  I want to know all I can concerning my God.

March 27, 2016

Psalm 62:1  Truly my soul silently waits for God; From Him comes my salvation.

When I read this today, I thought to myself how difficult it is to wait on the Lord.  As I have to wait on the Lord, I often complain and become restless.  This verse though indicates that my soul waits silently ( and I think patiently)  for God.  I wish my flesh could learn to follow my soul.  Give it some thought.

March 26, 2016

Genesis 15:1  After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, "Do not be afraid, Abram.  I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward."

This is the first occurrence of the word "fear" (translated afraid in this version) in the Scriptures.  I think it sets up the dichotomy  we find between fear of man and fear of the Lord.  They are two sides to the same coin.  If you truly fear God, you will have no reason to fear man.  Fear of man is a tactic of Satan to cripple us and to silence us.  Fear of God is a virtue of a godly person.

Study Proverbs 2:1-5 and learn how to understand the fear of the Lord.

March 25, 2016

Hebrews 11:23  By faith Moses, when he was born was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king's edict.

This is a good example of how faith does not fear man, but reveres God.  Moses's parents must have know it didn't matter what the earthly king could do; they were more interested in what the King of Kings could do.

Think about it.  By faith we do not have to fear man or what he can do to us.

March 24, 2016

Isaiah 60:1  Arise, shine; For your light has come!  And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you.

There is a day coming when the glory of the Lord will be all that illuminates our world. Won't that be a glorious day!

Just allow yourself to meditate on the idea.  You can almost feel the warmth of the Lord as you bask in His love.