# 678 Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 13:33 "Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is.
Three things Jesus calls His followers to do until He comes again. (1) Take heed. (2) Watch. (3) Pray. The first is self-explanatory, yet it seems we must repeat it often. Take heed! Listen to what Jesus is saying here! Don't get sidetracked into day-dreaming about different end time scenarios. Because as much as you daydream about it, you will never know the hour of His return.
That being the case, it is vital that we (2) “watch.” The idea of being watchful is that of being on guard. In the matter of your personal faith, don't fall asleep, don't be lulled into apathy and neglect. Your very eternal soul is at stake. Please understand this. We have been and continue to be on the brink of the end for a long time. No need to point to this earthquake, that tsunami, this plague, that political scene. The need is, watch your faith! And the best way to watch your faith is to keep in contact with the One who gave you your faith.
(3) Pray! The enemy of your soul also knows we are on the brink and it would give him great pleasure to shipwreck your faith. So pray! Lu 21:36 "Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man." Take heed, watch, and pray.
Don't miss the importance of this last one! Jesus point blanks tells us to pray how often? ALWAYS!
And what are we to ALWAYS pray for? That we may be counted worthy to escape the Final Judgment! There is only one way to be counted worthy. You and I must be found in Christ on that Day!
Father God, I know how easy it is to slide into apathy. In fact my flesh yearns for it. I beg You Father, guard my heart against lukewarmness. Help me to keep my God-given passion for Christ alive until You call me home.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Monday, January 30, 2012
But Only the Father and the Mayans
# 677 Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 13:32 "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
I was watching a documentary the other day. It was a slick piece of production using natural catastrophe's to stir up feelings of impending doom, and then the implication that all this would occur on December 21, 2012 because that's the date the Mayan calender ends.
Of course I immediately ran to the store and bought my third gas generator since the year 2000. Then I restocked the backyard fallout shelter my Dad dug out in the 50's.
Not!
What's crazy about this, is that many Christians will be taken in by these emotional programs and get worked up into a tizzy and fearfully await the end!
Fearfully?
First of all, shouldn't we be anticipating the end joyfully? Should we not join in with John at the end of the Book of Revelation when he says, “ Even so, come Lord Jesus?”
But wait a minute. Before we get all worked up shouldn't we re-read this passage? Let's look at it again: Does it say, "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father and the MAYANS?”
Are we suppose to think that the Mayans or anyone else were more privileged than the angels? More privileged than the Son of God! I think not. Remember, slick production is not the source of truth......Jesus is.
Father, let the fear-mongers live in fear, help me to live in the peace that passes all understanding.
I was watching a documentary the other day. It was a slick piece of production using natural catastrophe's to stir up feelings of impending doom, and then the implication that all this would occur on December 21, 2012 because that's the date the Mayan calender ends.
Of course I immediately ran to the store and bought my third gas generator since the year 2000. Then I restocked the backyard fallout shelter my Dad dug out in the 50's.
Not!
What's crazy about this, is that many Christians will be taken in by these emotional programs and get worked up into a tizzy and fearfully await the end!
Fearfully?
First of all, shouldn't we be anticipating the end joyfully? Should we not join in with John at the end of the Book of Revelation when he says, “ Even so, come Lord Jesus?”
But wait a minute. Before we get all worked up shouldn't we re-read this passage? Let's look at it again: Does it say, "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father and the MAYANS?”
Are we suppose to think that the Mayans or anyone else were more privileged than the angels? More privileged than the Son of God! I think not. Remember, slick production is not the source of truth......Jesus is.
Father, let the fear-mongers live in fear, help me to live in the peace that passes all understanding.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Don't Park Your Soul On A Metered Street
# 676 Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 13:30 "Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. 31 "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.
Three times we catch the phrase, “pass away.” The phrase means “to perish.” We could say it means to expire. Let's consider these three “expirations.” The first expiration is the hard-hearted. The hard-hearted will always be with us, right up to the very end. And when the Lord returns, THEN the hard-hearted will expire, their time for repentance will have expired like the time on a parking meter.
The second perishing is that of Creation as we know it. Mind boggling, but inevitable. Both of these perishings are on the meter even as we speak. And when the meter goes off, will there be anything left?
Yes! The Word of God!
Don't blow this off! Don't park your soul on a metered street of that which is temporary! Stop resisting God's Word! Stop relying on the temporary things of this world. Park your soul on the street of God's Word! No meter maid will chalk your tires, no ticket will be placed on your windshield.
When you park your soul on the words of Jesus. (All of them!) You can live your life in perfect peace, knowing that while others may be towed away into the fires of hell, you will be safe forever, because you parked on the words of Jesus!
Father, in this fleeting world, thank You for giving us Your unchangeable, everlasting Word.
Three times we catch the phrase, “pass away.” The phrase means “to perish.” We could say it means to expire. Let's consider these three “expirations.” The first expiration is the hard-hearted. The hard-hearted will always be with us, right up to the very end. And when the Lord returns, THEN the hard-hearted will expire, their time for repentance will have expired like the time on a parking meter.
The second perishing is that of Creation as we know it. Mind boggling, but inevitable. Both of these perishings are on the meter even as we speak. And when the meter goes off, will there be anything left?
Yes! The Word of God!
Don't blow this off! Don't park your soul on a metered street of that which is temporary! Stop resisting God's Word! Stop relying on the temporary things of this world. Park your soul on the street of God's Word! No meter maid will chalk your tires, no ticket will be placed on your windshield.
When you park your soul on the words of Jesus. (All of them!) You can live your life in perfect peace, knowing that while others may be towed away into the fires of hell, you will be safe forever, because you parked on the words of Jesus!
Father, in this fleeting world, thank You for giving us Your unchangeable, everlasting Word.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Generation = Kind of Men
# 674 Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 13:30 "Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place.
The word “generation” needs to be closely examined here. Sometimes the word can be used to indicate a period of time (typically 20 years) but it is more accurately used in the Bible to categorize a KIND of men.
Even today, we categorize up and coming generations as Generation X or Y or whatever. So Jesus is not referring to a specific time frame here but rather to a specific KIND of men.
These MEN or KIND OF MEN will be with us until the second coming of Christ. They will by no means “pass away.” Who then is “this generation” that Jesus is speaking of? What kind of men are they?
In context, He is speaking of the Jew with the hardened heart. Now in one sense, that's good news, it means that the Jewish people will never be wiped out. Oh how the devil and men have tried to do this through the ages, but no one will ever succeed. There will always be a remnant of Jews.
But in another sense it is sad because there will be those Jews who will reject Jesus as the Messiah all the way to the end. Bottom line is it's not a question of whether or not the Jews will be around, the question is, “will we be around the Jews” preaching the Good News to them and praying that they will be open to receive it.
Father, hardened hearts will always be with us. Keep my heart soft for them, and let me always be ready to share the Good News.
The word “generation” needs to be closely examined here. Sometimes the word can be used to indicate a period of time (typically 20 years) but it is more accurately used in the Bible to categorize a KIND of men.
Even today, we categorize up and coming generations as Generation X or Y or whatever. So Jesus is not referring to a specific time frame here but rather to a specific KIND of men.
These MEN or KIND OF MEN will be with us until the second coming of Christ. They will by no means “pass away.” Who then is “this generation” that Jesus is speaking of? What kind of men are they?
In context, He is speaking of the Jew with the hardened heart. Now in one sense, that's good news, it means that the Jewish people will never be wiped out. Oh how the devil and men have tried to do this through the ages, but no one will ever succeed. There will always be a remnant of Jews.
But in another sense it is sad because there will be those Jews who will reject Jesus as the Messiah all the way to the end. Bottom line is it's not a question of whether or not the Jews will be around, the question is, “will we be around the Jews” preaching the Good News to them and praying that they will be open to receive it.
Father, hardened hearts will always be with us. Keep my heart soft for them, and let me always be ready to share the Good News.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Summer's Coming!
# 674 Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 13:28,29 "Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender, and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. 29 "So you also, when you see these things happening, know that it is near--at the doors!
The parable of the fig tree is so simple, a child can understand it. I don't have a fig tree in my yard, but I do have a couple of apple trees, and in spring, the tender new leaves start to show up, and even though there may be some cold, wet, stormy spring weather, these new leaves tell me that summer is on the way!
Remember too, that parables are understood best when we look for Jesus in them. In this parable then we see the promise of the second coming of Jesus, and all the pleasantries of an eternal summer that He will bring with Him for those who endure to the end. Summer is coming! And that Summer is Jesus!
This would and should be a great source of encouragement for His church then and today. Take the time to re-read this chapter in Mark. Wars, earthquakes, famines, persecution, false teachers, the destruction of Jerusalem. All of these things a part of the weather that we will have endured and will have to endure until He comes again.
All of these things tell us that summer is “at the door” and ready to arrive at any moment. Be ready! Endure! Jesus is at the door!
Come Lord Jesus.
The parable of the fig tree is so simple, a child can understand it. I don't have a fig tree in my yard, but I do have a couple of apple trees, and in spring, the tender new leaves start to show up, and even though there may be some cold, wet, stormy spring weather, these new leaves tell me that summer is on the way!
Remember too, that parables are understood best when we look for Jesus in them. In this parable then we see the promise of the second coming of Jesus, and all the pleasantries of an eternal summer that He will bring with Him for those who endure to the end. Summer is coming! And that Summer is Jesus!
This would and should be a great source of encouragement for His church then and today. Take the time to re-read this chapter in Mark. Wars, earthquakes, famines, persecution, false teachers, the destruction of Jerusalem. All of these things a part of the weather that we will have endured and will have to endure until He comes again.
All of these things tell us that summer is “at the door” and ready to arrive at any moment. Be ready! Endure! Jesus is at the door!
Come Lord Jesus.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
The Return of Jesus
# 673 Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 13:26 "Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. 27 "And then He will send His angels, and gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest part of earth to the farthest part of heaven.
Jesus is speaking of His return on Judgment Day. Our finite minds cannot fathom the idea that someone in the United States will be able to see Jesus at the same time someone in China will see Him, but when He returns, time and space as we know it will be done away with.
The elect (believers) will be gathered up by angels and meet Jesus and those who have gone on before us in the air. 1Th 4:17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.
Not so for those unbelievers left behind, listen to their fate on this Day! Re 6:15,16 “And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb!
Did you catch that! The greatest to the least, will all be in the same boat. It's not about what you have or can achieve on earth. It is about being found in Christ on that Day. Shouldn't that be enough to readjust your priorities?
Oh beloved, this Day could come at any moment, return to Jesus today and be spared!
Father, let me live today and every day as if Jesus were returning.
Jesus is speaking of His return on Judgment Day. Our finite minds cannot fathom the idea that someone in the United States will be able to see Jesus at the same time someone in China will see Him, but when He returns, time and space as we know it will be done away with.
The elect (believers) will be gathered up by angels and meet Jesus and those who have gone on before us in the air. 1Th 4:17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.
Not so for those unbelievers left behind, listen to their fate on this Day! Re 6:15,16 “And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb!
Did you catch that! The greatest to the least, will all be in the same boat. It's not about what you have or can achieve on earth. It is about being found in Christ on that Day. Shouldn't that be enough to readjust your priorities?
Oh beloved, this Day could come at any moment, return to Jesus today and be spared!
Father, let me live today and every day as if Jesus were returning.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
The Sun, Moon, and Stars, Will Be Undone
# 672 Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 13:24-26 "But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light;
25 "the stars of heaven will fall, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.
26 "Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. (Mr 13:24-26)
What will cause these catastrophic conditions? I think we can get a clue by looking at Is 6:5. In this passage, Isaiah has been brought into the presence of Lord. In the New Testament, this presence of the Lord is referred to by Paul as the third heaven. (2 Cor 12:2)
In order for our finite minds to be able to grasp where Jesus is now (the right hand of the Father) we are given this picture of three heavens, (three skies) The first heaven is the earth's atmosphere, the second heaven is what we call outer space , and the third heaven is where God is pictured to be.
Because all of creation (sun, moon, stars, etc) has been tainted by sin, when the Father gives the green light to the Son to return in His full glory, the moment HE enters the second heaven all that is tainted by sin including the sun, moon, and stars, will become as Isaiah …..undone.
They must in the presence of the Holy, sinless, all glorious Jesus Christ!
What a terrible Day that will be for those who have refused to receive Christ as their Lord and Savior. For they will be judged and begin serving their sentence of the eternal wrath of God.
Knees will be bowing now.....but it will be too late, and they will know it when they look upon the holy gaze of Jesus.
Father, thank You for Your grace and mercy, for I know I deserve Your wrath, but You have granted me the gift of repentance and faith. I pray that many more will come to the saving knowledge of Jesus before that great and terrible Day.
25 "the stars of heaven will fall, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.
26 "Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. (Mr 13:24-26)
What will cause these catastrophic conditions? I think we can get a clue by looking at Is 6:5. In this passage, Isaiah has been brought into the presence of Lord. In the New Testament, this presence of the Lord is referred to by Paul as the third heaven. (2 Cor 12:2)
In order for our finite minds to be able to grasp where Jesus is now (the right hand of the Father) we are given this picture of three heavens, (three skies) The first heaven is the earth's atmosphere, the second heaven is what we call outer space , and the third heaven is where God is pictured to be.
Because all of creation (sun, moon, stars, etc) has been tainted by sin, when the Father gives the green light to the Son to return in His full glory, the moment HE enters the second heaven all that is tainted by sin including the sun, moon, and stars, will become as Isaiah …..undone.
They must in the presence of the Holy, sinless, all glorious Jesus Christ!
What a terrible Day that will be for those who have refused to receive Christ as their Lord and Savior. For they will be judged and begin serving their sentence of the eternal wrath of God.
Knees will be bowing now.....but it will be too late, and they will know it when they look upon the holy gaze of Jesus.
Father, thank You for Your grace and mercy, for I know I deserve Your wrath, but You have granted me the gift of repentance and faith. I pray that many more will come to the saving knowledge of Jesus before that great and terrible Day.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
It'll Be Lights Out For Everyone
# 671 Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 13:24-26 "But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; 25 "the stars of heaven will fall, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 26 "Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.
“After that tribulation, speaks of the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. Sometime AFTER THAT tribulation, the rest of this stuff is going down, and the rest of this stuff is the second coming of Jesus Christ.
This period covers all the time frame from those days until He comes again. And as we have said before, the second coming of Christ will occur after the gospel has been proclaimed to the entire world. If that hasn't already been fulfilled, it is certainly very close.
Are you ready? You better be, because that Day will not be very pretty for those who have not bowed their knee to Jesus. On the Day of His return, the sun will be darkened, and of course that will turn off the light on the moon, and the very stars in heaven will fall from the heavens! It will be lights out for everyone!
The powers in the heavens, (the demons) will be shaken, that is greatly agitated because they will know that this is it for them. Their days of freedom from the abyss have just turned into moments. It could happen at any time. Are you ready?
Father, I think we really don't understand how terror filled these moments will be for the lost. Never allow us to forget that there will be a wrath-filled Judgment Day.
“After that tribulation, speaks of the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. Sometime AFTER THAT tribulation, the rest of this stuff is going down, and the rest of this stuff is the second coming of Jesus Christ.
This period covers all the time frame from those days until He comes again. And as we have said before, the second coming of Christ will occur after the gospel has been proclaimed to the entire world. If that hasn't already been fulfilled, it is certainly very close.
Are you ready? You better be, because that Day will not be very pretty for those who have not bowed their knee to Jesus. On the Day of His return, the sun will be darkened, and of course that will turn off the light on the moon, and the very stars in heaven will fall from the heavens! It will be lights out for everyone!
The powers in the heavens, (the demons) will be shaken, that is greatly agitated because they will know that this is it for them. Their days of freedom from the abyss have just turned into moments. It could happen at any time. Are you ready?
Father, I think we really don't understand how terror filled these moments will be for the lost. Never allow us to forget that there will be a wrath-filled Judgment Day.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Follow His Instructions
# 670 Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 13:21 "Then if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or, 'Look, He is there!' do not believe it. 22 "For false christs and false prophets will rise and show signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 23 "But take heed; see, I have told you all things beforehand.
Again, it is important to note that Jesus is speaking about the immediate future for His disciples, namely the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. The Roman historian Josephus reported that “these were such men as deceived and deluded the people under pretense of divine inspiration....and these prevailed with the multitude to act like madmen and went before them into the wilderness as pretending that God would show them the signals (the signs) of liberty.”
The Jews, in their desperation to rid themselves of the Roman yoke would be ripe to follow such messiahs, but the disciples and the true church were forewarned by Jesus to not fall for their claims. Their deliverance from the destruction of Jerusalem would be to follow His instructions to “flee to the mountains.”
Come to think of it, following His instructions is our only hope to escape our destruction as well. Mr 16:16 "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.
And do you want another reason to bow down and worship Jesus? How about the fact that He predicted these events just as they happened thirty plus years before they occurred.
Father, we are so quick to have our ears tickled by false teachers. Grant to us the discernment that we need to remain in the one true faith.
Again, it is important to note that Jesus is speaking about the immediate future for His disciples, namely the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. The Roman historian Josephus reported that “these were such men as deceived and deluded the people under pretense of divine inspiration....and these prevailed with the multitude to act like madmen and went before them into the wilderness as pretending that God would show them the signals (the signs) of liberty.”
The Jews, in their desperation to rid themselves of the Roman yoke would be ripe to follow such messiahs, but the disciples and the true church were forewarned by Jesus to not fall for their claims. Their deliverance from the destruction of Jerusalem would be to follow His instructions to “flee to the mountains.”
Come to think of it, following His instructions is our only hope to escape our destruction as well. Mr 16:16 "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.
And do you want another reason to bow down and worship Jesus? How about the fact that He predicted these events just as they happened thirty plus years before they occurred.
Father, we are so quick to have our ears tickled by false teachers. Grant to us the discernment that we need to remain in the one true faith.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
The Rules of Salvation Are the Same For All
# 669 Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 13:19 "For in those days there will be tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the creation which God created until this time, nor ever shall be. 20 "And unless the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect's sake, whom He chose, He shortened the days.
Again Jesus is referring specifically to the destruction of Jerusalem which would take place in 70 A.D. The word tribulation here means a squeezing or pressing in, and if you take the time to read the accounts of Josephus you will see what Jesus meant.
The Roman siege (squeezing) against Jerusalem was horrific, and if God wouldn't have put a stop to it at Jerusalem, the Jews would've been completely wiped out. God stopped the possible extermination of the Jews in Esther's day, in Hitlers and Stalin's day, in the days of the inquisition. And as horrific as these other events were, Jesus tells us that the destruction of Jerusalem was even worse!
But the Jews will never be exterminated! Never! There will always be Jews, and there will always be believing Jews, because God has promised to always keep a remnant of His chosen people. As Paul wrote in Ro 11:5 Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace.” No other ethnic group of people has that promise, it's why we must not weary in bringing the Good News to the Jews.
But the rules of salvation are the same for all. Ro 10:12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him.
And that rule is salvation by the “election of grace” alone. Eph 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.
Father, let us never weary of proclaiming the Good News to all people. For it is Your power unto salvation.
Again Jesus is referring specifically to the destruction of Jerusalem which would take place in 70 A.D. The word tribulation here means a squeezing or pressing in, and if you take the time to read the accounts of Josephus you will see what Jesus meant.
The Roman siege (squeezing) against Jerusalem was horrific, and if God wouldn't have put a stop to it at Jerusalem, the Jews would've been completely wiped out. God stopped the possible extermination of the Jews in Esther's day, in Hitlers and Stalin's day, in the days of the inquisition. And as horrific as these other events were, Jesus tells us that the destruction of Jerusalem was even worse!
But the Jews will never be exterminated! Never! There will always be Jews, and there will always be believing Jews, because God has promised to always keep a remnant of His chosen people. As Paul wrote in Ro 11:5 Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace.” No other ethnic group of people has that promise, it's why we must not weary in bringing the Good News to the Jews.
But the rules of salvation are the same for all. Ro 10:12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him.
And that rule is salvation by the “election of grace” alone. Eph 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.
Father, let us never weary of proclaiming the Good News to all people. For it is Your power unto salvation.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Invite God Into the Details
# 667 Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 13:15-18 "Let him who is on the housetop not go down into the house, nor enter to take anything out of his house.
16 "And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. 17 "But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! 18 "And pray that your flight may not be in winter.
The destruction of Jerusalem would be sudden and it is very helpful for us to view this as escaping from a tornado, or a hurricane, or a fire. Get out! Seek shelter immediately. The gates are closing and to go back for personal possessions is to run the risk of being shut inside the doomed city.
This flight to the mountains won't be easy for the woman with child, or the woman with an infant. Such flights are seen today in all refugee situations. It's just not easy for mothers and mothers to be.
Then Jesus says something very precious that we should not miss. He tells the believers to pray to God that the timing of the destruction of Jerusalem would not be during bad weather.
People were actually asking God for favorable weather conditions years before the actual event took place. Don't tell me that Jesus isn't concerned with details of our everyday lives.
Pray! Invite God in to the little details of your life!
Father, thank You for this precious lesson about prayer. Jesus didn't guarantee the flight to the hills would be in good weather, but He did remind us to ask the One in charge of the weather for favorable conditions. Let us learn to ask.
16 "And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. 17 "But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! 18 "And pray that your flight may not be in winter.
The destruction of Jerusalem would be sudden and it is very helpful for us to view this as escaping from a tornado, or a hurricane, or a fire. Get out! Seek shelter immediately. The gates are closing and to go back for personal possessions is to run the risk of being shut inside the doomed city.
This flight to the mountains won't be easy for the woman with child, or the woman with an infant. Such flights are seen today in all refugee situations. It's just not easy for mothers and mothers to be.
Then Jesus says something very precious that we should not miss. He tells the believers to pray to God that the timing of the destruction of Jerusalem would not be during bad weather.
People were actually asking God for favorable weather conditions years before the actual event took place. Don't tell me that Jesus isn't concerned with details of our everyday lives.
Pray! Invite God in to the little details of your life!
Father, thank You for this precious lesson about prayer. Jesus didn't guarantee the flight to the hills would be in good weather, but He did remind us to ask the One in charge of the weather for favorable conditions. Let us learn to ask.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Where is the Dumbfoundedness?
# 666 Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 13:14 "So when you see the 'abomination of desolation,' spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not" (let the reader understand), "then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. (Mr 13:14-16)
Again, it's very important to note that Jesus is talking about the immediate destruction of Jerusalem which would occur in the year 70 A.D. He says that the warning siren for His followers would be the “abomination of desolation” “standing where it ought not,” namely the holy place as Matthew put it, which means in the temple.
Something would happen in the Temple that Daniel had called, the “abomination of desolation? Okay, so what does that mean? Well, an abomination is something absolutely detestable, and the word “desolation” means to stupefy. Something so absolutely detestable was going to take place in the temple that people will be dumfounded, speechless.
There are many theories as to what this abomination was but I believe it was the slaughter of their Jewish brethren by the Idumeans and the zealots that took place in the temple. The Roman historian Josephus records the slaughter of 8500 people within the walls of the temple, and he noted that this carnage was the beginning of the end for Jerusalem.
Evidently the Christians noted it too, because they fled and were spared
I wonder about the modern day Temple, the church of Jesus Christ. Are there abominations taking place in the church that cause you to be “stupefied?” God hates the spilling of innocent blood. (Abortion?) He hates divorce. And how do you think he feels about false teaching, and those who would add to or detract from His Word?
Where is the dumbfoundedness in His church over these things? Where is the sorrow over sin? Repent! For when our Lord returns, this time, there will be no place to flee to.
Again, it's very important to note that Jesus is talking about the immediate destruction of Jerusalem which would occur in the year 70 A.D. He says that the warning siren for His followers would be the “abomination of desolation” “standing where it ought not,” namely the holy place as Matthew put it, which means in the temple.
Something would happen in the Temple that Daniel had called, the “abomination of desolation? Okay, so what does that mean? Well, an abomination is something absolutely detestable, and the word “desolation” means to stupefy. Something so absolutely detestable was going to take place in the temple that people will be dumfounded, speechless.
There are many theories as to what this abomination was but I believe it was the slaughter of their Jewish brethren by the Idumeans and the zealots that took place in the temple. The Roman historian Josephus records the slaughter of 8500 people within the walls of the temple, and he noted that this carnage was the beginning of the end for Jerusalem.
Evidently the Christians noted it too, because they fled and were spared
I wonder about the modern day Temple, the church of Jesus Christ. Are there abominations taking place in the church that cause you to be “stupefied?” God hates the spilling of innocent blood. (Abortion?) He hates divorce. And how do you think he feels about false teaching, and those who would add to or detract from His Word?
Where is the dumbfoundedness in His church over these things? Where is the sorrow over sin? Repent! For when our Lord returns, this time, there will be no place to flee to.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Flee To Christ
# 665 Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 13:14 "So when you see the 'abomination of desolation,' spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not" (let the reader understand), "then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.
Up to this time, Jesus has been speaking comprehensively regarding the whole time until the end of the world. Now he turns to the destruction of Jerusalem in particular.
History tells us that this event took place in 70 A.D. This event is of great importance for the Twelve (the church) and for their (our) work because like the destruction of the Flood, and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah it stands as a type or example of the final judgment.
In all three cases, the righteous were warned of the impending God-wrought judgment, and they in turn warned others before they took the God-ordained steps to be spared. History tells us that the Christians fled Jerusalem and headed to the mountains just as Jesus told them to do and were spared.
Friend, there WILL be a Judgment Day, and it will be more horrific than the Flood, more horrific than Sodom and Gomorrah, more horrific than the destruction of Jerusalem!
It's closer than you might think. Be prepared! Warn others! Flee to Christ, He is our only hope! For when the gospel has been preached to all the world, the end will come. Our only chance to escape is to believe that gospel and be found in Jesus.
Father, thanks for the warning. It's just another example of how much You love Your children.
Up to this time, Jesus has been speaking comprehensively regarding the whole time until the end of the world. Now he turns to the destruction of Jerusalem in particular.
History tells us that this event took place in 70 A.D. This event is of great importance for the Twelve (the church) and for their (our) work because like the destruction of the Flood, and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah it stands as a type or example of the final judgment.
In all three cases, the righteous were warned of the impending God-wrought judgment, and they in turn warned others before they took the God-ordained steps to be spared. History tells us that the Christians fled Jerusalem and headed to the mountains just as Jesus told them to do and were spared.
Friend, there WILL be a Judgment Day, and it will be more horrific than the Flood, more horrific than Sodom and Gomorrah, more horrific than the destruction of Jerusalem!
It's closer than you might think. Be prepared! Warn others! Flee to Christ, He is our only hope! For when the gospel has been preached to all the world, the end will come. Our only chance to escape is to believe that gospel and be found in Jesus.
Father, thanks for the warning. It's just another example of how much You love Your children.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Persecution and Ridicule Will Come
# 664 Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 13:12 "Now brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. 13 "And you will be hated by all for My name's sake. But he who endures to the end shall be saved.
Almost unbelievable betrayal, yet undeniably prophesied by Jesus Himself! This will happen to those who proclaim Jesus as the only way to the Father and to those who live in such a way affirming this proclamation.
It happened to the early church, and it is happening in countries even today as families turn against their own bringing a civil death sentence upon their own flesh and blood simply for renouncing the state religion and choosing to follow Christ.
We taste of it in a much milder form in our country, just start talking about Jesus at a family get together and see what happens. The shunning and harsh words start the moment you profess Jesus as the only way to salvation, and His Word as the only source of truth.
Oh you can still come to the family gatherings, but don't you ever bring up Jesus again! You will hear things like, “You're no fun anymore,” because you don't participate in their sin! Whether your persecution is mild or severe, Jesus says, “endure to the end.” Keep the faith until you die, don't let the threat of persecution deter you. And when persecution and ridicule come, look to Him (as Stephen did) to get you through
Father help me to live and speak with perseverance the words of the Holy Spirit in Rom 1:16, I am not ashamed of the Gospel for it is the power of God unto salvation for all who believe.
Almost unbelievable betrayal, yet undeniably prophesied by Jesus Himself! This will happen to those who proclaim Jesus as the only way to the Father and to those who live in such a way affirming this proclamation.
It happened to the early church, and it is happening in countries even today as families turn against their own bringing a civil death sentence upon their own flesh and blood simply for renouncing the state religion and choosing to follow Christ.
We taste of it in a much milder form in our country, just start talking about Jesus at a family get together and see what happens. The shunning and harsh words start the moment you profess Jesus as the only way to salvation, and His Word as the only source of truth.
Oh you can still come to the family gatherings, but don't you ever bring up Jesus again! You will hear things like, “You're no fun anymore,” because you don't participate in their sin! Whether your persecution is mild or severe, Jesus says, “endure to the end.” Keep the faith until you die, don't let the threat of persecution deter you. And when persecution and ridicule come, look to Him (as Stephen did) to get you through
Father help me to live and speak with perseverance the words of the Holy Spirit in Rom 1:16, I am not ashamed of the Gospel for it is the power of God unto salvation for all who believe.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
God Is Able To Write A Bible Through Men
# 662 Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 13:11 "But when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not worry beforehand, or premeditate what you will speak. But whatever is given you in that hour, speak that; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.”
Do you think the Apostles were afraid of the punishments they might receive from the authorities as they preached Jesus as the only way to salvation? Maybe, but here, Jesus is assuring them that He will give them the God-honoring words they will need, when they are put on trial.
Wouldn't it be great to know all the words spoken by these disciples when they were brought into the courtroom? Of course we know some of them as they appear in the Book of Acts, and that should be enough
But think about it! These words were placed into the minds, and spilled out of the lips of the likes of Peter and Paul by God Himself, through the Holy Spirit!
These words of Peter and Paul, spoken before the authorities carry a double whammy, for not only were they inspired in the courtroom, but also in the writings of Scripture.
Do you sometimes struggle with the idea that all Scripture is God-breathed? Then read this passage and understand that if God can put exact words in the mouths of disciples in a courtroom, He can put them in the minds and pens of the authors of Scripture as well.
As we read in 2Ti 3:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,“
May this Scripture strengthen your trust in the inerrancy of Scripture! Believe all of the Scriptures beloved, they are foundational to your faith.
Father, thank You for Your Word. Your Word is truth that can be trusted!
Do you think the Apostles were afraid of the punishments they might receive from the authorities as they preached Jesus as the only way to salvation? Maybe, but here, Jesus is assuring them that He will give them the God-honoring words they will need, when they are put on trial.
Wouldn't it be great to know all the words spoken by these disciples when they were brought into the courtroom? Of course we know some of them as they appear in the Book of Acts, and that should be enough
But think about it! These words were placed into the minds, and spilled out of the lips of the likes of Peter and Paul by God Himself, through the Holy Spirit!
These words of Peter and Paul, spoken before the authorities carry a double whammy, for not only were they inspired in the courtroom, but also in the writings of Scripture.
Do you sometimes struggle with the idea that all Scripture is God-breathed? Then read this passage and understand that if God can put exact words in the mouths of disciples in a courtroom, He can put them in the minds and pens of the authors of Scripture as well.
As we read in 2Ti 3:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,“
May this Scripture strengthen your trust in the inerrancy of Scripture! Believe all of the Scriptures beloved, they are foundational to your faith.
Father, thank You for Your Word. Your Word is truth that can be trusted!
Monday, January 16, 2012
God Knows Your Every Possible Anxious Moment
# 662 Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 13:11 "But when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not worry beforehand, or premeditate what you will speak. But whatever is given you in that hour, speak that; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.”
Wow! This is an incredible piece of Scripture! So much to talk about! First of all as Jesus speaks of the immediate future of His apostles, He makes no bones about it....they will be arrested, they will be delivered up to church councils and civil authorities. And they were! Just read the Book of Acts!
I remember the two times I have been brought before the court to face OWI charges. I was shaking in my boots, and rightly so. Ro 13:4 For he (the judge in my case ) is God's minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.”
Now I was shaking in my boots for an OWI, what are the Apostles going to be feeling like facing whippings, stonings, and possible tortuous death? If you were in that situation wouldn't you be consumed about your defense?
But Jesus seeks to calm their fears immediately by telling them not to worry about the words they will use in the courtroom. The Holy Spirit will consume them and supply what they need.
Lesson #1 for us. Fear not, even in your own present situation. God knows your every anxious moment. HE will supply what you need to get you through..
Father, we have a great fear of the unknown. Help us at those times when fear gats a grip on us. Help us to remember that nothing is unknown to You.
Wow! This is an incredible piece of Scripture! So much to talk about! First of all as Jesus speaks of the immediate future of His apostles, He makes no bones about it....they will be arrested, they will be delivered up to church councils and civil authorities. And they were! Just read the Book of Acts!
I remember the two times I have been brought before the court to face OWI charges. I was shaking in my boots, and rightly so. Ro 13:4 For he (the judge in my case ) is God's minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.”
Now I was shaking in my boots for an OWI, what are the Apostles going to be feeling like facing whippings, stonings, and possible tortuous death? If you were in that situation wouldn't you be consumed about your defense?
But Jesus seeks to calm their fears immediately by telling them not to worry about the words they will use in the courtroom. The Holy Spirit will consume them and supply what they need.
Lesson #1 for us. Fear not, even in your own present situation. God knows your every anxious moment. HE will supply what you need to get you through..
Father, we have a great fear of the unknown. Help us at those times when fear gats a grip on us. Help us to remember that nothing is unknown to You.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Maybe We Like It A Little Too Much Here
# 661 Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 13:10 "And the gospel must first be preached to all the nations.
The disciples have inquired as to when the end will come, and this is as close to a definitive answer as the Bible gives us. It's not going to happen until the gospel has been preached to all the nations.
The early church really understood this and worked hard toward that end. They had heard firsthand from Peter, James, and John about GLORY from their experience on the Mount of transfiguration. As the betrothed bride of Christ, they earnestly desired to be with Jesus, but they knew He wouldn't return until the gospel was preached to all people.
Just look at that map in your Bible that shows the missionary journeys of the apostles. The pattern was to take the gospel from Jerusalem out to the known world! They earnestly desired to have the mission completed in their lifetime.
How bad did they want it? Listen to a small part of what Paul suffered as he sought to bring the Good News to the ends of the earth:
2Co 11:25 Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep;”
The Apostle Paul sacrificed greatly but as the Keith Green song “Asleep in the Light” says. “Jesus rose from the dead, but we can't even get out of bed.”
Why don't we have the same passion? If I didn't know any better, I'd say it looks like we like it too much here on earth the way it is. Maybe, we need a new jolt of reality, a new reminder from heaven that our time here is but a vapor, as is our material blessings.
Or maybe we just need to really start believing in the existence of heaven. If it's as great as we say it is, (it's not, it's infinitely better than we can even imagine!) Shouldn't we earnestly desire to bring as many with us as possible?
Father, for the love of You, for the love of Jesus, for the love of others, light an evangelical fire in our hearts. Give us renewed passion for the lost.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
The Right Tizzy
# 660 Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 13:10 "And the gospel must first be preached to all the nations.
The disciples have inquired as to when the end will come, and this is as close to a definitive answer as the Bible gives us. It's not going to happen until the gospel has been preached to all the nations. Do you understand the importance of this statement?
Stop getting into a tizzy about earthquakes and political turmoil as if that's going to be the end, and start getting into a tizzy about spreading the gospel to all nations!
These other things are distractions that keep us from the main thing! We waste so much time, energy, and resources on trying to figure out the end, that we miss the true mission of the church! BRINGING THE GOSPEL TO THE NATIONS!
The early church grasped this, and embraced it! Read the Book of Acts and see how, no amount of hardship could keep them from their mission. Every single Apostle felt that the end could come at any minute and they risked everything to bring the message to the known world.
It's why John prayed at the end of the Book of Revelation, “Come Lord Jesus!” But there was more world than the disciples knew about, many more nations (tribes) to reach. Are there more children of Babel that need to hear the Good News? Let's make it a priority to find out!
Father, we are so close to reaching all the earth with the Gospel of Jesus. Give us the same passion that Your early church had for reaching those who have not yet heard..
The disciples have inquired as to when the end will come, and this is as close to a definitive answer as the Bible gives us. It's not going to happen until the gospel has been preached to all the nations. Do you understand the importance of this statement?
Stop getting into a tizzy about earthquakes and political turmoil as if that's going to be the end, and start getting into a tizzy about spreading the gospel to all nations!
These other things are distractions that keep us from the main thing! We waste so much time, energy, and resources on trying to figure out the end, that we miss the true mission of the church! BRINGING THE GOSPEL TO THE NATIONS!
The early church grasped this, and embraced it! Read the Book of Acts and see how, no amount of hardship could keep them from their mission. Every single Apostle felt that the end could come at any minute and they risked everything to bring the message to the known world.
It's why John prayed at the end of the Book of Revelation, “Come Lord Jesus!” But there was more world than the disciples knew about, many more nations (tribes) to reach. Are there more children of Babel that need to hear the Good News? Let's make it a priority to find out!
Father, we are so close to reaching all the earth with the Gospel of Jesus. Give us the same passion that Your early church had for reaching those who have not yet heard..
Friday, January 13, 2012
Bracing His Disciples For What Was To Come
# 659 Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 13:9 "But watch out for yourselves, for they will deliver you up to councils, and you will be beaten in the synagogues. You will be brought before rulers and kings for My sake, for a testimony to them.
The disciples have asked Jesus about the destruction of the Jerusalem temple and the signs of the end of the world. In these verses He tells His precious twelve what lies ahead for them and the early church.
The beauty of this passage is you can read of it's complete fulfillment in the Book of Acts. This is exactly what happened to these “heralds” of the Good News. They would be tested in the most severe way because of their faith.
First of all, they will be dragged before Jewish councils where they will be flayed because they keep preaching Jesus as the Messiah, the only way to the Father. Then they would be brought to civil authorities and portrayed as troublemakers. These civil authorities would be used by God (who controls the heart of the king) to further advance His kingdom, whether it be through Paul shackled to guards in Rome, or those whose blood was shed in martyrdom at the hands of the state.
These unwavering testimonies in the midst of intense persecution, will be used against the enemies of Christ on the Last Day, for they heard the Good News, but their actions proved their rejection, and their mouths will be stopped when they are condemned.
Father, thank You for these martyrs, may their witness continue through our lips and lives as we seek to bring their testimony of Christ to the world.
The disciples have asked Jesus about the destruction of the Jerusalem temple and the signs of the end of the world. In these verses He tells His precious twelve what lies ahead for them and the early church.
The beauty of this passage is you can read of it's complete fulfillment in the Book of Acts. This is exactly what happened to these “heralds” of the Good News. They would be tested in the most severe way because of their faith.
First of all, they will be dragged before Jewish councils where they will be flayed because they keep preaching Jesus as the Messiah, the only way to the Father. Then they would be brought to civil authorities and portrayed as troublemakers. These civil authorities would be used by God (who controls the heart of the king) to further advance His kingdom, whether it be through Paul shackled to guards in Rome, or those whose blood was shed in martyrdom at the hands of the state.
These unwavering testimonies in the midst of intense persecution, will be used against the enemies of Christ on the Last Day, for they heard the Good News, but their actions proved their rejection, and their mouths will be stopped when they are condemned.
Father, thank You for these martyrs, may their witness continue through our lips and lives as we seek to bring their testimony of Christ to the world.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Wars and Rumors of Wars
# 657 Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 13:7,8 "But when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be troubled; for such things must happen, but the end is not yet. "For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows.
Every generation since the time of Jesus have pounced upon these words from Him to state their case about the “end being near.” But think about it. There have always been wars, two of them were almost world wide! Yet, here we are, the Lord has not returned.
Likewise there have always been famines and earthquakes, some more serious than others, yet here we are, the Lord has not returned.
There have always been “troubles” that is, civil disturbances, riots, resisting of civil authorities. Yet, here we are, the Lord has not returned.
While these events should always trigger thoughts and hopes of our Lord's soon (perhaps we should say “sooner”) return, it seems every time these disasters strike, whether natural or man-made, some Christians go into panic mode.
But what does Jesus say? “Do not be troubled.” The Greek word means “do not be frightened, or do not make a lot of noise about it.” It seems we often do just the opposite of what Jesus tells us to do. We make excessive noise about it. (isn't that typical1)
Beloved, chill. Jesus said these things must happen, rest in the knowledge that He knows, and then in all troubled times, indeed in good times and bad, learn to rest in Him.
The main thing of course is to be ready, to be about the Father's business when Jesus returns.
Father, we live in a tumultuous world, grant us Thy peace.
Every generation since the time of Jesus have pounced upon these words from Him to state their case about the “end being near.” But think about it. There have always been wars, two of them were almost world wide! Yet, here we are, the Lord has not returned.
Likewise there have always been famines and earthquakes, some more serious than others, yet here we are, the Lord has not returned.
There have always been “troubles” that is, civil disturbances, riots, resisting of civil authorities. Yet, here we are, the Lord has not returned.
While these events should always trigger thoughts and hopes of our Lord's soon (perhaps we should say “sooner”) return, it seems every time these disasters strike, whether natural or man-made, some Christians go into panic mode.
But what does Jesus say? “Do not be troubled.” The Greek word means “do not be frightened, or do not make a lot of noise about it.” It seems we often do just the opposite of what Jesus tells us to do. We make excessive noise about it. (isn't that typical1)
Beloved, chill. Jesus said these things must happen, rest in the knowledge that He knows, and then in all troubled times, indeed in good times and bad, learn to rest in Him.
The main thing of course is to be ready, to be about the Father's business when Jesus returns.
Father, we live in a tumultuous world, grant us Thy peace.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Be Especially Aware of Date Setters
# 656 Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 13:4-6 Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled? And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you: For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
I've never heard anyone actually claim to be Christ. And if I did, I would likely write that person off immediately as some sort of a crackpot. But what if we were to understand this verse as saying, “many shall come in My name, saying, I am a Christian,” kind of puts a new light on it doesn't it?
Many strange doctrines and teachings have come from those claiming to be Christians. It is vital therefore that we be like the Bereans who investigated Paul's teachings by using the Scriptures. Ac 17:11 These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.
How often did they search the Scriptures? DAILY! As you and I daily get into the Word asking the Holy Spirit for enlightenment, and as we display a willingness to be taught by God, and a willingness to put God's teachings into practice in our own lives, He will clear up any false notions about being followers of Christ.
By the way, in the context of the preceding verses, it would seem that these professing Christians are very much into date setting. And straight from the mouth of Jesus we get this warning, “Take heed, lest any man deceive you!” Some of these deceivers are well meaning, some are just out to get your money, but motive doesn't matter, they are false teachers, and history is full of accounts of many being led away to false hope and being bilked.
So take heed! Don't fall for their misguided logic, because their seemingly logical assessment of the Last Day falls short in the words of Jesus from Mt 24:36 "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.
To claim to know the hour, places one above Jesus...is that really wise?
I've never heard anyone actually claim to be Christ. And if I did, I would likely write that person off immediately as some sort of a crackpot. But what if we were to understand this verse as saying, “many shall come in My name, saying, I am a Christian,” kind of puts a new light on it doesn't it?
Many strange doctrines and teachings have come from those claiming to be Christians. It is vital therefore that we be like the Bereans who investigated Paul's teachings by using the Scriptures. Ac 17:11 These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.
How often did they search the Scriptures? DAILY! As you and I daily get into the Word asking the Holy Spirit for enlightenment, and as we display a willingness to be taught by God, and a willingness to put God's teachings into practice in our own lives, He will clear up any false notions about being followers of Christ.
By the way, in the context of the preceding verses, it would seem that these professing Christians are very much into date setting. And straight from the mouth of Jesus we get this warning, “Take heed, lest any man deceive you!” Some of these deceivers are well meaning, some are just out to get your money, but motive doesn't matter, they are false teachers, and history is full of accounts of many being led away to false hope and being bilked.
So take heed! Don't fall for their misguided logic, because their seemingly logical assessment of the Last Day falls short in the words of Jesus from Mt 24:36 "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.
To claim to know the hour, places one above Jesus...is that really wise?
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Be ready
# 654 Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 13:3,4 Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked Him privately,
"Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign when all these things will be fulfilled?"
Jesus has just prophesied about the total destruction of the building which took place in 70 A.D. So the four of His closest disciples ask Him two questions. First of all, “when will this be? (When will the destruction of the temple take place?) And their second question is addressed to His Second coming. (When will all these things be fulfilled?)
Make note of His reply. He didn't say, “the temple will be destroyed in 70 A.D. And I will return on December 21, 2012.” No!
Calendar dates are man-made and subject to change, but an eternal God really isn't all that interested in days, months, and years. 2Pe 3:8 But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.”
God is much more interested in His people being ready. Ready for persecution, ready for false teaching, ready for testing, ready to witness, and ultimately ready for His return. Let us invest in our own readiness, as we read and heed His Words of life.
And for those of you who are fascinated by the Mayan prophecy, I would encourage you to be more fascinated by the possibility of getting run over by a truck today.
Are you ready for THAT circumstance? In short, are you ready to meet your Maker. All of our days are as numbered as the hairs on our head, God only knows how many we have of each! Be ready!
Father, we do not know the number of our days, let us always be ready, and help us to encourage others to do the same.
"Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign when all these things will be fulfilled?"
Jesus has just prophesied about the total destruction of the building which took place in 70 A.D. So the four of His closest disciples ask Him two questions. First of all, “when will this be? (When will the destruction of the temple take place?) And their second question is addressed to His Second coming. (When will all these things be fulfilled?)
Make note of His reply. He didn't say, “the temple will be destroyed in 70 A.D. And I will return on December 21, 2012.” No!
Calendar dates are man-made and subject to change, but an eternal God really isn't all that interested in days, months, and years. 2Pe 3:8 But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.”
God is much more interested in His people being ready. Ready for persecution, ready for false teaching, ready for testing, ready to witness, and ultimately ready for His return. Let us invest in our own readiness, as we read and heed His Words of life.
And for those of you who are fascinated by the Mayan prophecy, I would encourage you to be more fascinated by the possibility of getting run over by a truck today.
Are you ready for THAT circumstance? In short, are you ready to meet your Maker. All of our days are as numbered as the hairs on our head, God only knows how many we have of each! Be ready!
Father, we do not know the number of our days, let us always be ready, and help us to encourage others to do the same.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Redeemed Organized Dust
# 654 Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 13:1,2 “Then as He went out of the temple, one of His disciples said to Him, "Teacher, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here!" And Jesus answered and said to him, "Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone shall be left upon another, that shall not be thrown down."
The headline read, “ Crystal Cathedral Sells Property For 46 M in Bankruptcy Exit Plan.” This beautiful edifice built under the “Hour of Power” ministry of Robert Schuller has in essence gone the way of the temple in Jerusalem. And while we may shake our heads and say, “what a pity,” the truth is your magnificent church building or not so magnificent church building is headed for the same destination.
Bottom line is that all church buildings are nothing but organized dust, come to think of it, that's all we are as well. But as baptized believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, we are redeemed organized dust. The church is not about buildings, it's about redeemed people redeeming their time for the sake of the kingdom.
Your church building will not be left standing when all is said and done, but what You do in the name of Jesus can never be overturned. CT Studd once wrote, Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.
Father let me never forget that I am nothing but “organized dust,” that is so loved by You, that You sent Your only Son to purchase me at great price, I thank You and praise You for such unmerited love.
The headline read, “ Crystal Cathedral Sells Property For 46 M in Bankruptcy Exit Plan.” This beautiful edifice built under the “Hour of Power” ministry of Robert Schuller has in essence gone the way of the temple in Jerusalem. And while we may shake our heads and say, “what a pity,” the truth is your magnificent church building or not so magnificent church building is headed for the same destination.
Bottom line is that all church buildings are nothing but organized dust, come to think of it, that's all we are as well. But as baptized believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, we are redeemed organized dust. The church is not about buildings, it's about redeemed people redeeming their time for the sake of the kingdom.
Your church building will not be left standing when all is said and done, but what You do in the name of Jesus can never be overturned. CT Studd once wrote, Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.
Father let me never forget that I am nothing but “organized dust,” that is so loved by You, that You sent Your only Son to purchase me at great price, I thank You and praise You for such unmerited love.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
The Fruit of Going All In
# 653 Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 12:43,44 “So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; "for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood."
In calling over His disciples, Jesus calls us as well to learn this very important lesson. It's not that God wants you and I to empty our wallets every time the offering is taken, but He does expect us to go “all in” with Him and “all in” with our local congregation.
Just look how this worked out with the early church. We read in Ac 2:44-47 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
It's not about how much you give, it's about seeing the need and being willing to part with your possessions to meet the need. Are you all in with God? Are you all in with your local church? Look what happened when the early church went “all in.” “The Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.”
Father, the church was never stronger than it was in the 2nd Chapter of Acts, may the Holy Spirit help us to reassess our priorities as churches and individual believers and be the church You want us to be.
In calling over His disciples, Jesus calls us as well to learn this very important lesson. It's not that God wants you and I to empty our wallets every time the offering is taken, but He does expect us to go “all in” with Him and “all in” with our local congregation.
Just look how this worked out with the early church. We read in Ac 2:44-47 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
It's not about how much you give, it's about seeing the need and being willing to part with your possessions to meet the need. Are you all in with God? Are you all in with your local church? Look what happened when the early church went “all in.” “The Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.”
Father, the church was never stronger than it was in the 2nd Chapter of Acts, may the Holy Spirit help us to reassess our priorities as churches and individual believers and be the church You want us to be.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Going All In
# 652 Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 12:41 Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much. 42 Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans. 43 So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; 44 "for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood."
Just imagine being this widow. No husband, no life insurance policy, no welfare check or food stamps, just 2 cents to her name. Not knowing where her next piece of bread is coming from, she gives it all to the church offering basket.
“For crying out loud woman, look at the beautiful temple, the ornate trumpet shaped coin receptacles. What possible difference can your two cents make? Keep it and buy some flour or something. Furthermore, you are giving to a corrupt church run by a bunch of fat cat Pharisees and Sadducees!”
But this woman doesn't see it that way. She sees the church for what it should be, a place where we go all in with each other and all in with God. No wonder Jesus was impressed. It's not about giving all our money, it's about being willing to go all in with our heart, soul, and might! (Dt 6:5).
Thank You Lord for this beautiful picture of what it means to follow You. Help me to present myself a living sacrifice to you every day. Help me to go all in and stay all in.
Just imagine being this widow. No husband, no life insurance policy, no welfare check or food stamps, just 2 cents to her name. Not knowing where her next piece of bread is coming from, she gives it all to the church offering basket.
“For crying out loud woman, look at the beautiful temple, the ornate trumpet shaped coin receptacles. What possible difference can your two cents make? Keep it and buy some flour or something. Furthermore, you are giving to a corrupt church run by a bunch of fat cat Pharisees and Sadducees!”
But this woman doesn't see it that way. She sees the church for what it should be, a place where we go all in with each other and all in with God. No wonder Jesus was impressed. It's not about giving all our money, it's about being willing to go all in with our heart, soul, and might! (Dt 6:5).
Thank You Lord for this beautiful picture of what it means to follow You. Help me to present myself a living sacrifice to you every day. Help me to go all in and stay all in.
Friday, January 6, 2012
What We Do With Money Matters To God
# 651 Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 12:41 “Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much.”
First of all please note that this was a purposeful action on the part of Jesus. He stationed Himself in an area where he could watch people give to the church. What we do with our money matters to God.
Money is the unrighteous mammon spoken of in Lu 16:11 "Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?”
Giving at the temple treasury is very different from the way we give in church today. We typically have an offering plate handed to us in the pew, and we discreetly put in our offering or hide it in an envelope. At the temple there were 13 trumpet shaped receptacles to receive offerings. Think in terms of a toll booth basket catching your coins.
The rich would make quite a racket as they tossed their coins in, the poor barely a tinkle. But there was no hiding what you were giving.
This same Jesus looks down from heaven, every Sunday at the pews in every church in the world and He watches what you give. He is not impressed with the noise of your giving, He is impressed with your heart, and one thing we know, He loves a cheerful giver. (2 Cor 9:7)
What's the mood of your heart when you purpose to give? He's watching. He sees. He cares
Father, let my giving never become mindless, but always generously grateful for what You have provided for me.
First of all please note that this was a purposeful action on the part of Jesus. He stationed Himself in an area where he could watch people give to the church. What we do with our money matters to God.
Money is the unrighteous mammon spoken of in Lu 16:11 "Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?”
Giving at the temple treasury is very different from the way we give in church today. We typically have an offering plate handed to us in the pew, and we discreetly put in our offering or hide it in an envelope. At the temple there were 13 trumpet shaped receptacles to receive offerings. Think in terms of a toll booth basket catching your coins.
The rich would make quite a racket as they tossed their coins in, the poor barely a tinkle. But there was no hiding what you were giving.
This same Jesus looks down from heaven, every Sunday at the pews in every church in the world and He watches what you give. He is not impressed with the noise of your giving, He is impressed with your heart, and one thing we know, He loves a cheerful giver. (2 Cor 9:7)
What's the mood of your heart when you purpose to give? He's watching. He sees. He cares
Father, let my giving never become mindless, but always generously grateful for what You have provided for me.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
A Different Kind of Well Done
# 650 Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 12:40 "who devour widows' houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation."
Hell is chilling enough, but in this verse we see that these “ripocrites”, “those who take advantage of others in the name of Jesus) will receive the tortures of hell in an even more terrifying way!
The matter of degrees in hell was also spoken of by Jesus in Luke 12:41-48. In this portion of Scripture, He assigns the more terrible punishment to those who spit on His grace and mercy by wild living and withholding mercy from others. And in v47,48 we read, “And that servant who knew his master's will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. 48 "But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few.”
Now don't think for a minute that any level of hell is tolerable. It isn't. But know too that a specially tortuous spot is reserved for hypocrites.
Unredeemed sinners will suffer, but unmerciful hypocrites will suffer more. Are you a hypocrite? Are you in this only for “show?” Enjoy the fruits of your hypocrisy now, for the only “well done” you will hear on Judgment Day will be the degree to which you will be cooked in the fires of hell.
Repent of your hypocrisy and be spared, it's not what others think that matters! It's what God knows. Turn to Jesus, He is the only One who can deliver us from hypocrisy.
Oh God, help me to walk humbly in Your mercy with Jesus. He is my only hope.
Hell is chilling enough, but in this verse we see that these “ripocrites”, “those who take advantage of others in the name of Jesus) will receive the tortures of hell in an even more terrifying way!
The matter of degrees in hell was also spoken of by Jesus in Luke 12:41-48. In this portion of Scripture, He assigns the more terrible punishment to those who spit on His grace and mercy by wild living and withholding mercy from others. And in v47,48 we read, “And that servant who knew his master's will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. 48 "But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few.”
Now don't think for a minute that any level of hell is tolerable. It isn't. But know too that a specially tortuous spot is reserved for hypocrites.
Unredeemed sinners will suffer, but unmerciful hypocrites will suffer more. Are you a hypocrite? Are you in this only for “show?” Enjoy the fruits of your hypocrisy now, for the only “well done” you will hear on Judgment Day will be the degree to which you will be cooked in the fires of hell.
Repent of your hypocrisy and be spared, it's not what others think that matters! It's what God knows. Turn to Jesus, He is the only One who can deliver us from hypocrisy.
Oh God, help me to walk humbly in Your mercy with Jesus. He is my only hope.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Be Looking Away From Ripocrites
# 649 Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 12:38-40 “Then He said to them in His teaching, "Beware of the scribes, who desire to go around in long robes, love greetings in the marketplaces, "the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts, "who devour widows' houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation."
The Holy Spirit reminds us here through the words of Mark that this is an important teaching of Christ. We ought to pay special attention to it.
He starts out with “Beware!” The word means “be looking away from them,” in other word turn your backs on them, leave them. What a great strategy! These scribes, or professional interpreters of Scripture, can be likened to anyone who serves in the gospel arena solely for pay or benefit.
When we spot “flock fleecers” and refuse to have anything to do with them they have no fuel for their raging fire of self-satisfaction. These men and women are not just hypocrites...they are “rip o crites” as they seek to rip people off through the means of flowery Christian speech and weighty sounding prayers.
Mass communication has enabled these ripocrites to thrive in our day and age, so heed the words of Jesus and “beware” of them brothers and sisters!
And beware professional gospel workers, lest your motivation for serving Christ becomes skewered and you fall into the trap of Balaam. For if you do, your raging fire of self-satisfaction will be fed to the raging fires of hell.
Jude 1:11 Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit, and perished in the rebellion of Korah.
Father, guard our hearts from this sin of self-gratification. Let all our gratification come from Christ..
The Holy Spirit reminds us here through the words of Mark that this is an important teaching of Christ. We ought to pay special attention to it.
He starts out with “Beware!” The word means “be looking away from them,” in other word turn your backs on them, leave them. What a great strategy! These scribes, or professional interpreters of Scripture, can be likened to anyone who serves in the gospel arena solely for pay or benefit.
When we spot “flock fleecers” and refuse to have anything to do with them they have no fuel for their raging fire of self-satisfaction. These men and women are not just hypocrites...they are “rip o crites” as they seek to rip people off through the means of flowery Christian speech and weighty sounding prayers.
Mass communication has enabled these ripocrites to thrive in our day and age, so heed the words of Jesus and “beware” of them brothers and sisters!
And beware professional gospel workers, lest your motivation for serving Christ becomes skewered and you fall into the trap of Balaam. For if you do, your raging fire of self-satisfaction will be fed to the raging fires of hell.
Jude 1:11 Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit, and perished in the rebellion of Korah.
Father, guard our hearts from this sin of self-gratification. Let all our gratification come from Christ..
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
What Is the Footstool of God
# 648 - Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 12:36 "For David himself said by the Holy Spirit: 'The LORD said to my Lord, "Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool."'
I've always been intrigued by the idea of the Lord having a footstool. What does it mean to make the Lord's enemies a footstool? One thing we can gather from this passage is that when the last enemy is part of this footstool, the end will come as Jesus will be sent from the right hand of the Father to come and claim His bride the church.
I would propose to you that this footstool is none other than the universal church of God. In 1Ch 28:2, we read, “Then King David rose to his feet and said, "Hear me, my brethren and my people: I had it in my heart to build a house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and for the footstool of our God, and had made preparations to build it.”
Here we see that the temple is referred to as the footstool of God, and when the last enemy is brought into the footstool, the temple, (the church) the end will come.
Who then is an enemy? It is anyone who is not with Christ. Therefore when the last enemy has been converted, when the last soul has been reached, (and God alone knows who that soul is,) the end will come.
Every name in the Book of Life will be accounted for! None will be missing. All the more reason for us to pray with the Apostle John, “Come Lord Jesus!” Are you in or out of the footstool? Is God waiting on you?
2Pe 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
Father, thank You for Your patience. Give all of Your children a longing to see Your footstool complete, help us to live and pray toward that end.
I've always been intrigued by the idea of the Lord having a footstool. What does it mean to make the Lord's enemies a footstool? One thing we can gather from this passage is that when the last enemy is part of this footstool, the end will come as Jesus will be sent from the right hand of the Father to come and claim His bride the church.
I would propose to you that this footstool is none other than the universal church of God. In 1Ch 28:2, we read, “Then King David rose to his feet and said, "Hear me, my brethren and my people: I had it in my heart to build a house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and for the footstool of our God, and had made preparations to build it.”
Here we see that the temple is referred to as the footstool of God, and when the last enemy is brought into the footstool, the temple, (the church) the end will come.
Who then is an enemy? It is anyone who is not with Christ. Therefore when the last enemy has been converted, when the last soul has been reached, (and God alone knows who that soul is,) the end will come.
Every name in the Book of Life will be accounted for! None will be missing. All the more reason for us to pray with the Apostle John, “Come Lord Jesus!” Are you in or out of the footstool? Is God waiting on you?
2Pe 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
Father, thank You for Your patience. Give all of Your children a longing to see Your footstool complete, help us to live and pray toward that end.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Sometimes We Can Educate Ourselves Right Out of Heaven
# 647 - Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 12:35-37, Then Jesus answered and said, while He taught in the temple, "How is it that the scribes say that the Christ is the Son of David? 36 "For David himself said by the Holy Spirit: 'The LORD said to my Lord, "Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool."' 37 "Therefore David himself calls Him 'Lord'; how is He then his Son?" And the common people heard Him gladly.
“Then Jesus answered,” is another way of saying that He added to the subject matter of the original question of the scribe which had to do with which commandment was the most important. It's like He was saying, “Look, the first commandment states that the Lord Your God is one and I want you to think a little bit more about this “oneness of God” as it relates to Me.
“How does this “oneness of God,” concept square up with David's Holy Spirit inspired statement about the Lord (the Messiah) coming from his loins! This cannot be an ordinary human descendant!” He must be God!
The Jews knew that the Messiah would come from the house of David, but they thought he would merely be an earthly king anointed by God. Jesus was in effect telling these people that they needed to confess with Peter that Jesus is more than that! He is the Christ the Son of the Living God! This confession is God-given and Jesus was giving it to them right now, but they rejected it. The common people did not. They heard Him gladly!
The word common here simply means the majority. The majority of the people were uneducated. It was one of the things that set them apart from the religious rulers.
This lack of sophistication on the part of the common people, put them in the same class as little children, and what did Jesus say about children? “for of such is the kingdom of heaven” (Mt 19:14) God doesn't ask us to check our brains at the door, but sometimes we can “educate” ourselves right out of heaven.
Father, this truth is so vital to our salvation. Only You can reveal it as You did with Peter. We pray for this revelation for those who do not yet know You. Grant them the faith of a child.
“Then Jesus answered,” is another way of saying that He added to the subject matter of the original question of the scribe which had to do with which commandment was the most important. It's like He was saying, “Look, the first commandment states that the Lord Your God is one and I want you to think a little bit more about this “oneness of God” as it relates to Me.
“How does this “oneness of God,” concept square up with David's Holy Spirit inspired statement about the Lord (the Messiah) coming from his loins! This cannot be an ordinary human descendant!” He must be God!
The Jews knew that the Messiah would come from the house of David, but they thought he would merely be an earthly king anointed by God. Jesus was in effect telling these people that they needed to confess with Peter that Jesus is more than that! He is the Christ the Son of the Living God! This confession is God-given and Jesus was giving it to them right now, but they rejected it. The common people did not. They heard Him gladly!
The word common here simply means the majority. The majority of the people were uneducated. It was one of the things that set them apart from the religious rulers.
This lack of sophistication on the part of the common people, put them in the same class as little children, and what did Jesus say about children? “for of such is the kingdom of heaven” (Mt 19:14) God doesn't ask us to check our brains at the door, but sometimes we can “educate” ourselves right out of heaven.
Father, this truth is so vital to our salvation. Only You can reveal it as You did with Peter. We pray for this revelation for those who do not yet know You. Grant them the faith of a child.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Let's Not Settle For Mere Pointing
# 645 - Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 12:32 So the scribe said to Him, "Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth, for there is one God, and there is no other but He. 33 "And to love Him with all the heart, with all the understanding, with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love one's neighbor as oneself, is more than all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices."
34 Now when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, He said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." But after that no one dared question Him.
Candles, vestments, rituals, liturgies, and anything else we might use in worship to help picture biblical truth can be very useful tools in focusing on Jesus. Just as the Old Testament system of burnt offerings and sacrifices were useful tools for focusing on the coming Messiah! But both systems can be abused.
We can get so caught up in order and symbols that we forget the main thing. The main thing is love. All churches have their own liturgy, but when our worship is all about form and we forget about love...we're in trouble. Beware of rote worship as if going to church once a week and taking in all the symbols is enough.
Our worship is to be a 24/7 love of God and love of others because .when all the dust settles, love stands. “Love never fails” (1 Cor 13:8)
Father thank You for symbols. They are very helpful in pointing us toward You. But let us not settle for mere pointing, let us embark on the journey of loving You with all our heart, and loving others as our self.
34 Now when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, He said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." But after that no one dared question Him.
Candles, vestments, rituals, liturgies, and anything else we might use in worship to help picture biblical truth can be very useful tools in focusing on Jesus. Just as the Old Testament system of burnt offerings and sacrifices were useful tools for focusing on the coming Messiah! But both systems can be abused.
We can get so caught up in order and symbols that we forget the main thing. The main thing is love. All churches have their own liturgy, but when our worship is all about form and we forget about love...we're in trouble. Beware of rote worship as if going to church once a week and taking in all the symbols is enough.
Our worship is to be a 24/7 love of God and love of others because .when all the dust settles, love stands. “Love never fails” (1 Cor 13:8)
Father thank You for symbols. They are very helpful in pointing us toward You. But let us not settle for mere pointing, let us embark on the journey of loving You with all our heart, and loving others as our self.
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