QT 10/10/2024 Rev 3:1, What is your reputation based upon?

Revelation 3:1 (ESV) — “And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: ‘The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars.

“ ‘I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead.

 

NOTE: How can one have a reputation for being alive, but be dead? First of all, this is in reference to spirituality. The person has a reputation for being spiritually alive but is in fact spiritually dead. How does that happen? What might a person look like in this case?

1. He would know (intellectually) truth, but it would not affect him in the inner man.
2. He would be active in the church, but not active in his relationship with God.
3. He would be passionate about external spiritual things, but not passionate about knowing God.
4. He would have works, but no effect on other people. People can see through facades.
5. He would talk a lot about certain spiritual things, but not about how God is personally changing him.

There is a verse in James 1:22 which means a lot to me and is what I think trips up many.

James 1:22 (ESV) — 22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

I think people deceive themselves with knowledge of the bible, activity in church, and a reputation through those things. But inside, there is no love, no kindness, no compassion, and no real passion to know God. And all because they hear and do not do.

 

PONDER:

1. How am DOING?
2. Do I apply what God shows me or do I just apply it to others?
3. I have knowledge but does it make me more loving, kind, compassionate, and hungry to know God?

 

PRAYER: Father, open my eyes to myself. Help me to see where I am developing a reputation but not a changed life. I want to honor you with my life, I don't want to be honored by the life you have given, that is backwards.

QT 10/9/2024 Rev 3:1-6, We are a dying church body

Revelation 3:1–6 (ESV) —

1 “And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: ‘The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars.

“ ‘I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 2 Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God. 3 Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you. 4 Yet you have still a few names in Sardis, people who have not soiled their garments, and they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. 5 The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels. 6 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’

 

NOTE: In terms of history, this church most closely resembles the church of the reformation. Ultimately, the separation from the Catholic church only resulted in state churches in England, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, and Scotland. It also did not solve the problem of laity versus clergy either. It was a dead church spiritually. Some were trying to fix it, but most did not understand the gospel message and were not spiritually reborn. It would have been hard to live in those days. There are still many of those religious churches today. Fortunately the church and state have separated in most places. One is not born a citizen of a state by church baptism. This spiritually dead time will ultimately lead to a revival and a great outreach by the church into the world during the 1800s and 1900s.

 

The church today is mostly dead. There are a great many "alive" churches filled with born-again believers, but too many are wed to the culture and have destroyed their witness. Holiness is our greatest weakness. We have bought the lies of the culture and subjugated the truth of God's word. Will there be another revival? Maybe, … but it will probably be in the midst of the great tribulation, the promised apocalypse which is near.

 

PONDER:

1. Am I playing religion? Or am I sold out on the truth of God's word?
2. Do I override the bible and fit in cultural wisdom?
3. Am I embarrassed by the bible? [As a scientist myself, I am fully convinced of the truth of Gods' word. I find no contradictions.]

 

PRAYER: Father, give us boldness and learning to stand up to the lies of the world. Your word is truth and it holds the key to true human joy and happiness.

 

QT 10/8/2024 Rev 3:15-18, Our churches stink of dead bodies

Revelation 3:15–18 (ESV) —

15 “ ‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. 17 For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see.

 

NOTE: I have always felt that this last church was mostly composed on non-believers who were merely religious. Jesus says 4 things about them:

1. The church members are wretched (how can a person who knows Jesus be wretched?)
2. The church members are poor (we have a treasure in heaven; we have a glorious inheritance; those who know Christ are rich)
3. The church members are blind (Jesus removes the salve over our eyes when we come to him)
4. The church members are naked (Jesus clothes us in white clothes of righteousness; where are their clothes?)

Years ago, people argued that Rev 3:20 was written to a church of believers and so it could not be used in evangelism. Whoever came up with that dumb idea didn't read the verse in context. This is a church in name only, mainly made up with people who don't know the savior. Therefore Jesus calls out to these religious unbelievers:

Revelation 3:20 (ESV) — 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.

The church of Laodicea is the church of today, neither hot nor cold, who THINK they are rich, have prospered, and need nothing. And yet, they have nothing spiritually.

 

PONDER:

Am I like one of the members of the church of Laodicea, do I really know the savior or do I just go through the motions?

 

PRAYER: Father, I pray for the church, open our eyes. Too many are dead, spiritually DEAD. We are a church of corpses. It stinks and smells in most of our churches today because it is filled with spiritually dead bodies.

QT 10/7/2024 Matt 28:16-20, We have orders

Matthew 28:16–20 (ESV) —

16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

 

NOTE: In Luke 4, Jesus is tempted by Satan to forgo the cross, to worship the evil one, and to receive the kingdoms of the world. Jesus rebuked Satan and quoted scripture that only God is to be worshipped. Jesus completed his mission and what Satan had tempted with his temporary authority on earth, Jesus won by fulfilling God the Father's command.

 

Daniel 7:13–14 (ESV) —

13 “I saw in the night visions,

and behold, with the clouds of heaven

there came one like a son of man,

and he came to the Ancient of Days

and was presented before him.

14 And to him was given dominion

and glory and a kingdom,

that all peoples, nations, and languages

should serve him;

his dominion is an everlasting dominion,

which shall not pass away,

and his kingdom one

that shall not be destroyed.

 

Jesus did it the right way and gained the kingdom and the authority. But he has not taken that rule yet, despite Jesus having the authority. Satan still rules on earth, even though death has been defeated. Jesus will come soon to claim the thrones.

 

Mark 14:61–62 (ESV) —

61 But he remained silent and made no answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” 62 And Jesus said, “I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.”

 

Making disciples is not a gift, but a command. The whole church it commanded to make disciples. They can use their gifts, but that is not required to make disciples. It is rather simple. One, share the gospel. Two, for those who respond or have responded in faith, meet with them regularly and spend time in the word of God -- over coffee, over a meal, while walking, etc. Anyone can make disciples, but few churches do it. Too many churches see education and classes as discipleship, but it is not.

 

We have been ordered to make disciples by him who has the authority, what are we doing?

 

PONDER:

1. Am I making disciples? Why or why not?
2. What steps do I need to take this year to become a disciplemaker?

 

PRAYER: Father, I pray our church would continue to grow in this area of discipleship. Use me to help the church. Use me in the right places.

QT 10/6/2024 1 Cor 14:24-25, It is our job to share the gospel, not the pastor's job

1 Corinthians 14:24–25 (ESV) —

24 But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all, 25 the secrets of his heart are disclosed, and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and declare that God is really among you.

 

NOTE: Prophecy, or God's word is what changes people, either bringing them to repentance or helping them to know God better. Tongues, without interpretation, may do something for the person, I don't know, but has very little spiritual value. Everyone, believer and unbeliever, needs to hear God's word. And we, the church -- not the pastor -- have the responsibility to share God's words with our neighbors, co-workers, friends, family, and community -- everyone. Some churches think this is the Pastor's job -- it is NOT! Yes, he like us in the body, must share within his relationships, but his job is to equip us to share the gospel. How are we doing?

 

PONDER:

1. How are we, the body, doing sharing the gospel?
2. Do we accept that it is our responsibility? Or do we shirk that responsibility?

 

PRAYER: Father, thank you for the role I have. Continue to show me ways to minister to the outside world. Give me opportunities and boldness.

QT 10/5/2024 Acts 6:2-4, The importance of using your gift

Acts 6:2–4 (ESV) —

2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”

 

NOTE: "It is not right" is not an indication that one thing is more important than another thing, that is, the twelve are not saying that preaching is more important than serving. I think the Apostles are not able to use their spiritual gifts because others in the body were not using their spiritual gifts as they should. They chose seven men to take over this ministry, these men are our first examples of deacons. They serve in a way that relieves the pastor/elders to serve as God has gifted them.

 

Our church currently does not have a lay-elder role, or at least not officially. We only have deacons and then paid full-time pastors. But, God is not limited by structure or scheme. If a person is a pastor-teacher (elder) then he needs to exercise that gift, even if he does not receive or have that title. My gifts are teaching, studying, discipling, and giving. I can serve, all people should serve, but it does not excite me like teaching does. Still, I can perform the role of an elder even if there is no position or title in the church. The body has parts, not titles or name plates. The most important thing is that we discover our gift and then utilize it, whether or not there seems to be a place for it. There is always a place for a gift, we might have to create it by doing it.

 

PONDER:

1. What is/are my gifts and how am I using it/them?
2. Am is using an excuse of no places to serve for the reason I am not exercising my gift?

 

PRAYER: Father, thank you for the body I serve in. I pray for wisdom for the new pastor as he brings in new practices. I pray you would protect him. I pray that our church would be unified and accept his leadership.

QT 10/4/2024 Acts 11:2-21, An exceptional church example

Acts 11:19–29 (ESV) —

19 Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. 20 But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. 22 The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, 24 for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. 25 So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.

27 Now in these days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 And one of them named Agabus stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world (this took place in the days of Claudius). 29 So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea.

 

NOTE: Antioch, more than Jerusalem, was really the first century sending church. They were growing and impacting their community and others. They saw needs and determined how to meet those needs. They sent missionaries and would be the church supporting Paul's first two missionary journeys. What I also like about this passage is how a handful of unnamed men from Cyprus and Cyrene started the most influential church in Europe. Not only that, but this Church was made up of Hellenistic Jews, Proselytes, and formerly pagan Gentiles. We don't know if they had to become Jews first but I imagine after the arrival of Saul, and his year of teaching, they were grounded in the true gospel. This is the church, a body composed of many different parts, following the Lord, and taking steps to both love others and to share the gospel.

 

PONDER:

1. How does my church look? Are we reaching out? Are we sharing the gospel?
2. Does my church make disciples? Are people growing in their relationship with God?
3. Is my church a place for religion (rules and rituals) or a place for a relationships with Jesus to grow?

 

PRAYER: Father, Continue to lead our church in your will. Help us to be receptive and excited about what you are doing in our midst. May there be growth and change and excitement caused by our relationship to you.

QT 10/3/2024 John 13:33c-35, A disciple loves like Jesus

John 13:33c–35 (ESV) —

33c … ‘Where I am going you cannot come.’ 34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

 

NOTE: This passage is the night before he died, in Jewish terms, the same day, since the day started at sunset. This is not the last command Jesus gave but it is an important one for a disciple. We are to be characterized by love for one another -- the distinguishing sign of a believer.

 

At work or in the community, we get to know many people, but we don't love them. We should, but we reserve love for our family and our very close friends. Love means to sacrifice for another, as Jesus did for his disciples (and for the whole world). Love costs. It is selfless. And it is unusual. Finally, the example is Jesus Christ, "… just as I have love you …."

 

My concern probably does not rise to that level. I do care for people greatly, but I don't know if I truly love others. I could do more if I loved. I could pray more fervently. I could ask more questions. I could invite over to my home. I would do all these things if I truly loved others as Jesus loves me.

 

PONDER:

1. What can I do to love others? Who can I invite out for a mean?
2. Whom do I need to serve who is not my family?

 

PRAYER: Father, forgive me for my sins. I continually fall and fail you. Help me to love others like Jesus. Help me to see the opportunities. Help me to follow through.

 

QT 10/2/2024 1 Cor 14:12, Spiritual gifts should build others up

1 Corinthians 14:6–12 (ESV) —

6 Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching? 7 If even lifeless instruments, such as the flute or the harp, do not give distinct notes, how will anyone know what is played? 8 And if the bugle gives an indistinct sound, who will get ready for battle? 9 So with yourselves, if with your tongue you utter speech that is not intelligible, how will anyone know what is said? For you will be speaking into the air. 10 There are doubtless many different languages in the world, and none is without meaning, 11 but if I do not know the meaning of the language, I will be a foreigner to the speaker and the speaker a foreigner to me. 12 So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church.

 

NOTE: The passage is aimed at the misuse of the gift of speaking in tongues, which seems to be the popular gift of the time. In many ways, tongues is a completely useless gift without an interpreter. It is a good example of a case where you can overuse a gift, or use it without actually bringing about any good. Instead Paul focuses on the idea that the gift needs to build others up. In another section, the idea was for the common good (some good to the individual). Paul suggests some gifts that are a little more difficult to overuse -- revelation, knowledge, prophecy, and teaching -- but even in these cases, if a person doesn't use the gift, that is, apply the gift, it is useless. In the passage preceding, Paul had emphasized that all the gifts are worthless without love. Paul's summary statement is that we need to strive to excel in building up the church (the body of believers). If the gift is not helping them to be more mature in Christ, it is not being used correctly. And it is not being done in love.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I know what my gift is?
2. Am I using my gift to build others up? Or am I using it to life me up?

 

PRAYER: Father, I am grateful to have a spiritual gift that can be very useful to build others up. But, help me to focus on the "so what does it mean for my life" and "how do I use the knowledge for good." I want to build the body up above all other things.

QT 10/1/2024 1 Cor 12:7-11, The gifts are not ours

1 Corinthians 12:7–11 (ESV) —

7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.

 

NOTE: I know this truth but I don't think I truly internalize it. I've seen God use my teaching, and that is the problem -- I see it as my teaching. It is the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good that was given to me. But it is not me, it the Holy Spirit's (HS) gift. It is not my insight but what the HS has shown to me. It is not my explanation, but the words that the HS has given. It is supernatural, not a natural ability. It is God-given for a purpose. It is meant to be used to build up the body.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I recognize my gift(s) are really not my own, but God who is at work within me?
2. Do I ever thank God for his gifts?

 

PRAYER: Father, forgive me for thinking that what I write or speak are somehow my abilities. I know they are not intellectually, but I don't think I grasp it within my being. Thank you for your gifts. I truly am unworthy. However you use those gifts in the future, may you continue to lead me in ways that I can use these gifts for your glory.

QT 9/30/2024 Heb 10:23-25, Do we even understand what Fellowship really is?

Hebrews 10:23–25 (ESV) —

23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

 

NOTE: Why do we neglect (don’t consider important) to meet together in fellowship? My years of observation has shown me that most people have never experienced Christian fellowship. They go to church and small group; they talk about work, sports, hobbies, and family, all the time thinking that they are fellowshipping. Real Christian fellowship is one thing I saw in a parachurch organization that I rarely see in the church body. In the parachurch, we were mostly new believers. We were excited about the new things God was showing us. We would share verses that we had memorized or new thoughts about God from our quiet times. We were on fire, and our fellowship energized others to know God more deeply. I saw real-true-Christian fellowship that STIRRED UP people to walk with God more closely. For the most part, I have been disappointed in most church bodies. Some bible churches seem to show a little bit more of that spirit, but most denominational churches fail. I am seeing it a little more at the current denominational church I attend. I think it is a product of an emphasis on discipleship, devotional life, and memorizing scripture, and I am encouraged. As we get into the word of God more, it is a natural byproduct of a deepening relationship with God.

 

PONDER:

1. What characterizes my fellowship? Do I talk about work and sports, or do I talk and ask questions about what God is doing in my life and others?
2. Am I in the word daily? If not, I will have nothing to fellowship about other than work and sports. My conversation (fellowship) with others reveals the extent of my commitment to knowing God.

 

PRAYER: Father, help us to see and understand this important truth. We are missing out on the joy of true Christian fellowship by going through the motions of church. Help us to break out of this and commit ourselves to a deepening relationship with you through your word.

QT 9/29/2024 1 Cor 3:1-4, Training men to follow JESUS

1 Corinthians 3:1–4 (ESV) —

1 But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. 2 I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready, 3 for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way? 4 For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not being merely human?

 

NOTE: There is a real danger in exalting teachers and not Jesus. Our teachers today are godly men, but are also sinners. They struggle with sins, even secret sins. They are not perfect. Their teaching is probably wrong at some point. They have biases, unconscious biases at least. They do not deserve heaven. They, like every one of us, are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. And yet Paul could say 1 Cor 4:16 — I urge you, then, be imitators of me. How could he say that? It wasn't that he was perfect, but he was seeking God. That is the part we are to imitate. Yes, we will fail, but we pick ourselves up, we repent, we ask for help and strength, and we go back to seeking God -- every time.

 

I think the problem in the Corinthian church is they were trying to establish a pecking order. "If I was trained by so-and-so, then I must be a better trained Christian than you." No, no, absolutely no. It is God who causes the growth, not men. Our job is to seek him, and my job is to get you to seek him. I'm not trying to get you to have my point of view, I'm trying to get you to seek God daily.

 

PONDER:

1. What is most important to us in our Christian walk? Is it making disciples or making people who think like me?
2. What is more important, a theological point of view, or someone who daily searches God's word for answers (a Berean)?

 

PRAYER: Father, help me to major on the majors and minor on the minors. What do people need to do to be a Christian man of God? That is what I desire to be my focus.

QT 9/28/2024 Ps 133:3, Unity causes others to grow

Psalm 133:title–3 (ESV) —

A Song of Ascents. Of David.

1 Behold, how good and pleasant it is

when brothers dwell in unity!

2 It is like the precious oil on the head,

running down on the beard,

on the beard of Aaron,

running down on the collar of his robes!

3 It is like the dew of Hermon,

which falls on the mountains of Zion!

For there the Lord has commanded the blessing,

life forevermore.

 

NOTE: Unity is the theme, but the illustrations are probably not as well appreciated in today's modern age. The one is verse 3 does fit if you think of a mountain where the water runs down and the dew in the morning covers all the plants. The valley is green and lush, everything grows well in that valley. That is the picture of unity, everything grows well when there is unity in the body of Christ and in smaller groups within the church.

 

But, where there is disunity, the opposite happens. When people fight, snipe, and are bitter toward others, there is no spiritual growth, just a worldly existence. The church is sapped of strength, because no one is growing in their relationship with the Lord. Sin blocks our relationship. The Holy Spirit is grieved. And one bitter person can be a root of bitterness that springs up and defiles everyone. It only takes one person.

 

PONDER:

1. Am I bitter or angry toward someone in the church?
2. Have I gone to God and repented of my sin of bitterness and asked him for the strength to love?

 

PRAYER: Father, I can't think of any issue that bothers me or any person I struggle with a relationship. I see difficult people, but I hold no grudge. I want your Holy Spirit to guide me in my relationships with others. Protect me from Satan's schemes.

QT 9/27/2024 Rom 15:1-3, Is it serving or volunteering?

Romans 15:1–3 (ESV) —

1 We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3 For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.”

 

NOTE: The passage does seem to argue (with caveats) that we are to be people-pleasers. The caveat is that the purpose of people-pleasing is to build them up, and that it should be for their good. I would add their spiritual good. People-pleasing so that their life is more comfortable falls outside this definition because it is not good. The historical record of scripture (Israel) is that when life is good, people forget God, but when life has struggles, people turn to God. If my people-pleasing is just to make another person's life more comfortable, then it is destructive and not helpful. We can take burdens from other people's shoulders when they are over-burdened or overwhelmed. There can be "good" spiritually for them in that type of service.

 

Galatians 6:2 (ESV) — Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:9–10 (ESV) — 9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

 

The point of these verses -- it is good to do bear another's burden, in fact it is even commanded. But Paul reiterates in Galatians that our motivation needs to be the person's good. In summary, we must always ask a couple of questions:

 

1. How can I serve that will please this person?
2. Will my service be good for the person or merely allow them to continue in a poor path?

 

PONDER:

1. Do I serve or volunteer? Volunteering is done on my terms. Serving is done on the other person's terms.
2. When was the last time I truly served another?

 

PRAYER: Father, we are so selfish that often we don't even realize that our helping out is not really helping but putting another person on our timetable and schedule to make ourselves feel good. Forgive me for my selfishness. Help me to see and understand how I placed boundaries on my serving others. Cleanse me of my sin.

QT 9/26/2024 Matt 6:30-34, We need to dump the selfishness and seek God to meet our needs

Matthew 6:30–34 (ESV) —

30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

 

NOTE: "O you of little faith," that pretty much describes me. Instead of trusting, I am often scheming. Instead of believing, I am worrying. Instead of going to God in prayer, I'm considering my options first. I do go to God in prayer, but often too late, when I should go immediately. And I need to add a phrase to my prayer to remind me about God. "Answer me according to my needs, not according to my wants."

 

We do confuse "needs" and "wants." And consequently, we don't pray or trust God because we feel he has failed us, that is, he did not answer our prayer for a "want." We don't serve when it is inconvenient. We don't pray because we are focused on "wants." We don't grow because that takes time from the things we really want to do. We are selfish, selfish, selfish.

 

Who can rescue us or transform us? God can, but will we go to him and ask for his transformation? It might be inconvenient for what we want to do with our lives.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I believe that he cares enough to give up worrying?
2. Am I too focused on self?
3. Do I understand the difference between getting what I want and getting what I need?
4. Who am I really living for?

 

PRAYER: Father, we are a selfish people, sin is deep within our core being. It motivates us, drives us, confuses us. We call right, wrong; and wrong, right according to the dictates of our flesh. We are more worried about what others think about us, then what you think. Father, free us from our misery. Fill us with your Spirit. Help us to see life differently and to live not for selves but for you.

QT 9/25/2024 Rev 2:2-7, Judgment for our rebellion is near

Revelation 2:2–7 (ESV) —

2 “ ‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. 3 I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary. 4 But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. 6 Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.’

 

NOTE: The phrase "… to eat of the tree of life …" is eternal life. It was denied to us at the fall in the garden of Eden when we rebelled against God's rule. Instead, we wanted to be our own gods, knowing good from evil. And how is that going? No so well. We seem to head to more and more evil with more and more freedom. We are never satisfied. And we have rampant mental health problems in our day of great knowledge, freedom, and pride that we can do as we choose. Our sin is slowing destroying us. We can see it in our societies. Evil grows, crime grows, and the love for others is missing. And somehow we think we are advancing.

 

We need a transformation, a reformation in faith, and a boldness to stand up to the evil around us. Soon, the rapture will take place and judgment will begin. I think we are within ten years, but it could be tomorrow or far into the future. Whatever the case, we need to start living and acting as if it is very soon.

 

PONDER:

1. Am I in lockstep with the culture, or do live according to God's word?
2. I can't force people to change -- that is not my role -- but I can warn them of a coming judgment for those who do not know Jesus. Am I warning others?

 

PRAYER: Father, we have strayed so far from you. I wish we were the church of Ephesus, but even the description of Laodicea does not fit us. We are falling fast. I pray to be a witness for truth in these days.

QT 9/24/2024 2 Chron 7:12-14, Truly seeking God

2 Chronicles 7:12–14 (ESV) —

12 Then the Lord appeared to Solomon in the night and said to him: “I have heard your prayer and have chosen this place for myself as a house of sacrifice. 13 When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command the locust to devour the land, or send pestilence among my people, 14 if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

 

NOTE: The passage is specific to Israel and in response to Solomon's prayer. But, the principles are common in how God has chosen to deal with those called by his name. He uses hard times to drive us back to him, and to seek him once again. He desires us to humble ourselves in repentance, to pray, seek him, and turn from our sin. Finally, he promises to forgive, and in his time, to heal. It is almost like math equation with one large difference, it is not a formula, but a reflection of what the true heart of a child of God should feel. One cannot fool God by going through the motions of repentance and seeking him through outward works. It has to be from the inside. It has to be from the heart.

 

PONDER:

1. Am I going through the motions in my seeking God?
2. Is my heart fully engaged? Am I truly repentant? Am I broken?

 

PRAYER: Father, I do so desire to seek you with all my heart. I don't want to live for this world or the things of this world. I am not placed here to enjoy life (although that is no evil), but I am here to serve you. Help me to follow your will and serve you with my whole spirit.

QT 9/23/2024 Josh 5:13-15, It is His will we seek, not ours

Joshua 5:13–15 (ESV) —

13 When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing before him with his drawn sword in his hand. And Joshua went to him and said to him, “Are you for us, or for our adversaries?” 14 And he said, “No; but I am the commander of the army of the Lord. Now I have come.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped and said to him, “What does my lord say to his servant?” 15 And the commander of the Lord’s army said to Joshua, “Take off your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.

 

NOTE: Jericho is the first city in the conquest of the land, and Joshua is near the city, probably staring at it before looking down. It was a walled city like none other in the land. It required siege instruments, not the swords and arrows of Joshua's army. Leon Wood writes,

 

"The walls were of a type which made direct assault practically impossible. An approaching enemy first encountered a stone abutment, eleven feet high, back and up from which sloped a thirty-five degree plastered scarp reaching to the main wall some thirty-five vertical feet above. The steep smooth slope prohibited battering the wall by any effective device or building fires to break it. An army trying to storm the wall found difficulty in climbing the slope, and ladders to scale it could find no satisfactory footing."

 

When Joshua looks up, he encounters the Commander of the Lord's Army. The instruction to take off his sandals suggests that this is the Lord himself (like Moses encountered at the burning bush). The Lord answers Joshua's question of which side he was on with a resounding "No." God does not take sides; God is not at man's beck and call, we serve God's will.

 

What do we learn? When we think it is impossible, we need to go to God, searching His will, not His help to do our thing. We need to do His thing. God did take down Jericho in a very miraculous manner. And when we go to God, we need to throw away our support. Sandals were man-made devices to protect our feet. Joshua was commanded to stand on his bare feet, not on the works of his hands. Also, it is holy ground, which means we need to repent. Before we go to God, we go with a clear conscience, ready to do his will.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I go to God to get him to do my thing?
2. Do I go to God to know His Will?

 

PRAYER: Father, get our eyes off of ourselves and our little problems. May we seek you and what you desire to do with our lives.

QT 9/22/2024 Matt 6:9-15, God is looking for true worshippers

Matthew 6:9–15 (ESV) —

9 Pray then like this:

“Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name.

10 Your kingdom come,

your will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread,

12 and forgive us our debts,

as we also have forgiven our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

14 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, 15 but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

 

NOTE: This model of prayer is not to be repeated in a rote fashion. Jesus spoke against those types of prayer (vs 5). Religion includes prayer as a "work," but for God, works cannot save a person. God is looking for the person who worships in spirit and truth. Also, if done in rote, this would be "empty phrases (vs 7)." Having grown up Catholic, and repeated this prayer many times after "confessional," I know how empty it is. I did not know the savior back then and my religious works did nothing for me. When I truly put my faith in Jesus and asked him into my life, everything changed from the inside out. I was, as 1 Cor 5:17 reads, a new creature, the old was gone and the new had come. I felt it, I knew it, and I saw it. I still see it today as God speaks through his Holy Spirit (who resides within me) and the scripture. The Holy Spirit brings understanding as I read the scripture, and He applies it to my life.

 

PONDER:

1. Do you know the savior or do you follow religion?
2. Are you changed, born again, or just someone who does good works in a futile attempt to please God?

 

PRAYER: Father, thank you the salvation is a gift. It can never be earned. There is no good work that can take away our sin. Jesus, perfect and infinite, paid our penalty for sin on the cross. He alone can take away sin and give life, including a resurrected life in the future.

QT 9/21/2024 Ezek 37, Pray for Israel

Ezekiel 37:7–14 (ESV) —

7 So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I prophesied, there was a sound, and behold, a rattling, and the bones came together, bone to its bone. … 10 So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived and stood on their feet, an exceedingly great army.

11 Then he said to me, “Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. Behold, they say, ‘Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost; we are indeed cut off.’ 12 Therefore prophesy, and say to them, Thus says the Lord God: Behold, I will open your graves and raise you from your graves, O my people. And I will bring you into the land of Israel. 13 And you shall know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves, and raise you from your graves, O my people. 14 And I will put my Spirit within you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I am the Lord; I have spoken, and I will do it, declares the Lord.”

 

NOTE: At this point in history, the northern kingdom has been destroyed by Assyria and the southern kingdom, more recently, by Babylon. The nation is gone, and like many nations of that time, Aram, Tyre, Edom, and others, they are in the dustbin of history. But God says 'not so,' to Ezekiel. God was going to do the impossible and bring to life the nation and bring them back to the land of Israel. We could take the graves literally, and this can refer to the millennial kingdom, but another option is that the graves are being used as a symbolic reference to the destruction of Israel where the dead lie in many nations, in that case, it has been fulfilled already. Ezek 37:15-23 says it more clearly with two sticks, a much more obvious metaphor than graves since God can raise people from the dead. Although, 37:24 says David would rule over them, and that is clearly a reference to the millennial kingdom. I think both are true. The nation will be reestablished as it has been, true believers will be resurrected after the tribulation, and David will rule once again.

 

So what does it mean to us? Right now, God has brought the nation back from the dead. Right now, the world seems to be in agreement to destroy the nation. But that is not God's intent. At some point a peace treaty will be signed between the leader of the world (Gentiles) and the leader of Israel. That world leader is the antichrist. He will break his word after 42 months. And then in 42 more months, God will end his judgment upon the nations, to include Israel's initial rejection of the Messiah, and all Israel will be saved. And peace will reign for a thousand years.

 

We need to pray for Israel during these dark days -- they will get darker yet.

 

PONDER:

1. How often do I pray for the nation of Israel's safety?
2. How often do I pray for the salvation of Israel spiritually?

 

PRAYER: Protect the people who are called by your name. Open their eyes. Help them to see and understand that they rejected the Messiah, but you have not rejected them. Protect them, and bring them to Jesus.