Listening to the Word

  Amos 7-9; Psalms. 104; Titus 2 “’In that day I will restore David’s fallen tent. I will repair its broken places, restore its ruins, and build it as it used to be, so that they may possess the remnant of Edom and all the nations that bear my name,’ declares the Lord, who will do these things…’I will plant Israel in their own land, never again to be uprooted from the land I have given to them,’ says the Lord your God.” Amos 9:11, 12, 15 James, the brother of Jesus, and leader of the Church in Jerusalem quoted these words from Amos in the Council of Jerusalem to support the decision that Gentiles who were turning to God did not need to be circumcised (Acts 15:16, 17). David’s fallen tent was being restored by the Lord Jesus, Son of David. Salvation in his name was being proclaimed to the nations. In our day, God has once again planted Israel in their own land - his covenants are being fulfilled. God is true to his Word. Just as the early Church discerned God’s grace to be extended to t

  Amos 4-6; Psalms. 87; Titus 1   “He has set his foundation on the holy mountain; the Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob…I will record Rahab and Babylon among those who acknowledge me – Philistia too, and Tyre, along with Cush – and will say, ‘This one was born in Zion.’…As they make music they will sing, ‘All my fountains are in you.’” Psalm 87:1, 2, 4, 7 God’s kingdom and covenant people include individuals from the nations, including Israel’s old enemies of Egypt, Babylon, Philistia, and idolatrous Tyre. We all find our life, our “fountains”, in the Lord and in his presence. For those “born in Zion”, or born again into God’s family, our joy and source of life comes from the Lord. The well of salvation is open to all who are thirsty. Where are our fountains, and what are we drinking? Are we open to drinking from the Fountain of Life with those who come from our “enemies”? Are we willing to share this Living Water with our neighbors and those far away?

  Amos 1-3; Psalms. 80; 2 Timothy 4   “…’The Lord roars from Zion and thunders from Jerusalem; the pastures of the shepherds dry up, and the top of Carmel withers…You only have I chosen of all the families of the earth; therefore I will punish you for all your sins. Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so? Does a lion roar in the thicket when he has no prey?...The lion has roared- who will not fear? The Sovereign Lord has spoken – who can but prophesy?’” Amos 1:2; 3:2-4, 8 Does the Sovereign Lord still roar today over the sins of his people? Does the Lord still punish those he loves (Hebrews 12:6)? Amos had heard the Lion roar and he lived in the fear of the Lord. What if we can’t hear this roar? Can our hearts become so calloused to the Word of the Lord that even when it sounds like a roar, it doesn’t penetrate? One of the marks of revival, in any age, or in any region of the world, is the fear of the Lord. Do we know the Lion, or only the Lamb of God? God is speaking to

  2 Kings 13-14; 2 Chronicles 25; 2 Timothy 3   “People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money…having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them…always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth.” 2 Timothy 3:2, 5, 7 This description of both the culture and the Church in the last days is sobering. Without death to self, religion and even biblical teaching can become enablers of carnal living and habits. The power of God to transform lives is found in the Gospel which is centered on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The power of his promised Holy Spirit is available for those who repent of their sin and believe in Christ. When the Gospel and the Holy Spirit are merely words and not realities which are experienced, they do not bring transformation. Repentance and faith require the engagement and surrender of our will to God. The self-willed individual will not be transformed by classes, teachings, or religious services. This untr

Jonah 1-4; 2 Timothy 2 “’Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me…Let everyone call urgently on God.’…’Let them give up their evil ways and their violence. Who knows? God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish.’” Jonah 1:2; 3:8, 9 Does the wickedness of our cities still come before God? Are his eyes on our city and nation right now? The response of Nineveh’s king to Jonah’s call to repentance was astounding. He repented and he called his people to humble themselves and repent. He knew enough about God to know he was compassionate and loving as well as holy. Would our leaders today have the same basic understanding of God’s nature and would they fear the Lord? Does God love our nations and cities enough to still call us to repentance? Does God still raise ministries like Jonah’s to deliver the same message? Do we love and fear God more than we love our own lives? Would we be more

  Joel 1-3; 2 Timothy 1   “’Even now,’ declares the Lord, ‘return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.’ Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity. Who knows? He may turn and have pity…’” Joel 2:12-14 Repentance without a return to the Lord with all our heart is not true repentance. The humbling of our life before God with fasting, weeping, and mourning for our sin and how much it has grieved God, are all indications of the depth of our repentance. In response, God’s grace, compassion, patience, and love are aroused as we turn toward him in full repentance. To expect God’s merciful response without repentance, true repentance, is unrealistic. The modern mind does not imagine that a benevolent, grace-filled God would send calamity; however, this is only a god we have created. God hates sin. Apart from the mercy and forgiven

2 Kings 11-12; 2 Chronicles 24; 1 Timothy 6   “Joash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord all the years of Jehoiada the priest…After the death of Jehoiada, the officials of Judah came and paid homage to the king, and he listened to them. They abandoned the temple of the Lord…” 2 Chronicles 24:2, 17, 18 Joash was like a young tree that was staked to a strong pole (the priest Jehoiada), so that the tree would grow up straight. When the pole was removed, the tree fell over.   Why? Joash never developed his own life of worship and intimacy with the Lord. He had no spiritual roots. When the Judean officials finally acknowledged his authority following the death of Jehoiada, Joash was easily swayed away from the Lord. Do we serve God out of deference to our parents, family tradition, spouse, or mentors? Or, have we developed our own spiritual roots that keep us strong when all other supports have been removed? “Lord Jesus, you are my strength and my life. My hope is in you, for your gl

  2 Kings 10; 2 Chronicles 22-23; 1 Timothy 5 “After he left there, he came upon Jehonadab son of Recab, who was on his way to meet him. Jehu greeted him and said, ‘Are you in accord with me, as I am with you?’ ‘I am,’ Jehonadab answered. ‘If so,’ said Jehu, ‘give me your hand.’ So he did, and Jehu helped him up into the chariot.” 2 Kings 10:15 At a time when everyone was running in fear from Jehu, Jehonadab went out looking for him. They shared the same zeal for the Lord God Almighty and were grieved at the Baal worship in the land. Jehu killed the kings both of Israel and Judah, all the royal sons, and anyone connected to the house of Ahab; yet, Jehu invited a common person from the house of Recab into his chariot. Why? Both Jehu and Jehonadab were in agreement. We must also be discerning about who we invite into our “chariots”. Recab and his descendants were a family that had covenanted with God and lived with principles that had not been corrupted by the house of Ahab. Do we know w

2 Kings 8-9; 2 Chronicles 21; 1 Timothy 4   “Elisha went to Damascus, and Ben-Hadad king of Aram was ill. When the king was told, ‘The man of God has come all the way up here,’ he said to Hazael, ‘Take a gift with you and go to meet the man of God. Consult the Lord through him; ask him, ‘Will I recover from this illness?’” 2 Kings 8:7, 8 Elisha was recognized as a man of God both in Israel and beyond. Perhaps Hazael was one of the soldiers who was blinded by the Lord earlier, when he had come to capture Elisha. Perhaps he was also one of the soldiers leading the siege of Samaria until the evening he and his fellow Arameans heard the approach of chariots, horses, and a great army. Terrified by the sound, they abandoned their camp and fled for their lives. Perhaps Hazael had met Naaman, the Aramean army commander, and heard his story of healing in the Jordan River after obeying the Word of the Lord. Our stories of faith and the power of God are meant to be told among the nations, that th

  2 Kings 6-7; 2 Chronicles 20; 1 Timothy 3   “And Elisha prayed, ‘O Lord, open his eyes so he may see.’ Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. As the enemy came down toward him, Elisha prayed to the Lord, ‘Strike these people with blindness.’…Set food and water before them so that they may eat and drink and then go back to their master.’…So the bands from Aram stopped raiding Israel’s territory.” 2 Kings 6:17, 18, 22, 23 What we focus on determines how we fight. Elisha’s focus was on the Lord and on the unseen spiritual realm. He understood that realm was the ultimate reality. Ironically, while Elisha could see into both the unseen and physical realms, he prayed that the Aramean soldiers would be blinded. Which realm are we focusing on, and how do we define our battle? After his prayer, Elisha then showed kindness toward the Aramean soldiers and the battle was over. The weapons of humility, kindne

  2 Kings 4-5; Psalms. 83; 1 Timothy 2   “But Elisha said to him, ‘Was not my spirit with you when the man got down from his chariot to meet you? Is this the time to take money, or to accept clothes, olive groves, vineyards, flocks, herds or menservants or maidservants? Naaman’s leprosy will cling to you and to your descendants forever.’...” 2 Kings 5:26, 27 Those whom God uses to bring the Gospel of the kingdom to lost people have significant influence with new believers. To experience the inner peace of God, the forgiveness of sins, healing, freedom, and restoration is an amazing gift of God. Gehazi, Elisha’s servant used this favor and influence to ask for a gift from Naaman the Syrian, putting him in the same category as the pagan temple servants and prophets who used their spiritual powers for personal gain. This is the time to confront the kingdom of darkness, not copy it through materialism and idolatry. Gehazi was rebuked by Elisha because his motive was personal gain, not self

2 Kings 1-3; Psalms.82; 1 Timothy 1   “’Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by following them you may fight the good fight, holding on to faith and a good conscience.’” 1 Timothy 1:18, 19 There are good “fights” and bad “fights”. Resisting the Holy Spirit, quarreling with other followers of Jesus, fighting flesh and blood, these are all bad fights. Paul himself said at the close of his life that he had fought the good fight. Here, he called Timothy to also fight to hold on to faith in God and a good conscience before God and men. Satan is daily opposing our life of faith and looking to interfere with our experience in the love of God. Our good fight is a spiritual battle with the weapons of God’s Word, Christ’s name, blood, and authority. Overcomers know their weapons and are not unaware of the devil’s schemes. Timothy was a teacher of God’s Word, having received prophetic words concerning his calling and giftings. Th

  1 Kings 22; 2 Chronicles 18-19; Colossians 4 “The king of Israel answered Jehosophat, ‘There is still one man through whom we can inquire of the Lord, but I hate him because he never prophesies anything good about me, but always bad. He is Micaiah, son of Imiah.’…The messenger who had gone to summon Micaiah said to him,…’Let your word agree with theirs, and speak favorably…The king of Israel then ordered, ‘Take Micaiah…Put this fellow in prison and give him nothing but bread and water until I return safely.’” 1 Kings 22:8, 13, 26, 27 Micaiah had a reputation of speaking exactly what the Lord spoke to him. He was a God-pleaser, not a man-pleaser. In the face of overwhelming political and peer pressure, Micaiah remained true to the Word of the Lord. Would we be willing to go to prison for the Word of the Lord? Would we be willing to face rejection from our denominational peers for the Word of the Lord? The price of listening to and obeying the Word is high. However, the cost of not obe

1 Kings 20-21; 2 Chronicles 17; Colossians 3   “’I am going to bring disaster on you. I will consume your descendants and cut off from Ahab every last male in Israel – slave or free.’…When Ahab heard these words, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and fasted. He lay in sackcloth and went around meekly. Then the Word of the Lord came to Elijah…’Have you noticed how Ahab has humbled himself before me?...I will not bring this disaster in his day…’” 1 Kings 21:21, 27-29 God’s kindness and mercy toward us are amazing! God exposed Ahab’s hidden sin and plot to murder Naboth, and there were consequences for that sin. There isn’t an area of our lives that God doesn’t see. No one can hide from God. The consequence of sin is death. Yet, the good news of the Gospel is that in his mercy toward us, God sent his Son Jesus to die for our sin - in our place. That’s mercy! Ahab’s repentance for his willful sin of murder got God’s attention, and so will our prayers of repentance. God extends grace to

  1 Kings 17-19; Colossians 2   “I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Colossians 1:1-3 Paul’s goal for the Church was that they would know and experience the love of Christ. He labored in prayer and in writing letters of encouragement to new disciples of Christ so they could be transformed by Christ and his love. The distractions of the dietary laws, fine sounding religious arguments, precise wording in theological arguments, and other seemingly life-giving purposes were exposed by Paul as powerless in transforming hearts. Only knowing, following, loving, and obeying Jesus Christ will transform us. This is a relationship with a person, not a s

1 Kings 16; 2 Chronicles 15-16; Colossians 1 June 15, 2016 “…’Because you relied on the king of Aram and not on the Lord your God, the army of the king of Aram has escaped from your hand…For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.’…Asa was angry with the seer because of this; he was so enraged that he put him in prison…” 2 Chronicles 16:7, 9, 10 What are the attributes of someone whose heart is fully committed to the Lord? We might claim that quality, but how is it lived out? In Asa’s story, when faced with opposition, he found a political solution rather than humbling himself before the Lord and crying out to him. Then, when confronted with his misplaced trust, he became defensive, vindictive, and angry with God’s messenger. Pride was revealed. After a lifetime of seeking and serving the Lord, Asa’s pride caused him to waver when tested. How do we respond in our tests within family, work, community, or Church context

  1 Kings 15; 2 Chronicles 13-14; Philippians 4   “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength…All the saints send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.” Philippians 4:12, 13, 22 Paul’s witness in Rome, as a prisoner with initially some freedom of movement, included sharing the Gospel with the highest levels of Roman society. Caesar’s household heard the Gospel and some joined the Church. Later, the conditions of Paul’s imprisonment became harsh as Nero and others targeted the growing Church. Paul was as comfortable in chains in a Philippian jail cell, as he was ministering among the luxury and influential of Caesar’s inner circle. Wealth or poverty weren’t Paul’s focus, but rather, his focus was on Christ. Are there any barriers in our witness

1 Kings 13-14; 2 Chronicles 12; Philippians 3   “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.” Philippians 3:10 For Paul, knowing Christ meant more than meeting him on the road to Damascus Road. For Paul, to knowing Christ meant, becoming like Christ in his death and resurrection – not just at the point of his physical death, but in his spiritual death and new birth at conversion. More than that, the cycle of death to self and resurrection life and empowerment was a key to daily living as Jesus lived. The only way Paul, or any of us, can know Christ in this way is if his Spirit daily empowers us to obey Jesus and deny ourselves. Jesus called this the mark of his disciples. Knowing Christ without obeying him, without “living up to what we have already attained”, means we don’t actually know Christ, only about Christ. Paul had the humil

1 Kings 12; 2 Chronicles 10-11; Philippians 2   “Then King Rehoboam consulted the elders…’How would you advise me to answer these people?’ he asked. They replied, ‘If today you will be a servant to these people and serve them and give them a favorable answer, they will always be your servants.’” 1 Kings 12:6, 7 “I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon…I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 2:19-21 The counsel given by the elders to young king Rehoboam was to serve his people in humility, and then they would in turn serve him. Where do we find leaders with that kind of motivation? Paul said he was sending Timothy to the Philippians because he was the only leader travelling with him who had a genuine concern for the welfare of the Church. For Paul, looking to the interests of Christ and serving with genuine concern for the welfare of the Church were synon

1 Kings 12; 2 Chronicles 10-11; Philippians 2 “I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:20, 21 How we face death speaks to the reality of our faith. Paul faced death with courage, hope, and humility. The Roman palace guards in the court, and even Caesar’s household, knew of Paul and his bold, clear witness to the Gospel. Surrounded by the towering pagan temples and emperor cult, Paul lived with supernatural boldness and confidence in Christ his Lord. Only Christ had conquered death. Only Christ had sent his Spirit to comfort and empower as a seal of his ownership of Paul’s life. Can we say, “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain”? Paul was executed on the Ostian Road outside Rome, but he was welcomed into heaven by the Lord Jesus Christ. Is our hope sure in Christ? Do we know the r

  Song 1-4; Ephesians 6   “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.” Ephesians 6:18-20 Those powerful words were probably written by Paul from the Mamartine prison in Rome, surrounded by the magnificent temples honoring pagan gods. Rather than being intimidated, Paul recognized his authority in Christ and, through the Spirit, God’s desire to speak through him. The prayers of Ephesian believers, also being led by the Spirit to pray specific faith-filled promises for Paul, were advancing the Gospel in Rome. Through prayer all of us have a part to play in God’s mission. Through prayer, every one of us can be a channel through prayer; every one of us can

Ecclesiastes 10-12; Psalms. 94; Ephesians 5 “O Lord, the God who avenges, O God who avenges, shine forth. Rise up, O Judge of the earth; pay back to the proud what they deserve. How long will the wicked, O Lord, how long will the wicked be jubilant? Psalm 94:1-3 The Lord God Almighty is both the source and final expression of justice. It is true; the Lord is a God who avenges. However, he is also a God who loves mercy. In our prayers for justice and vengeance in the lives of others, we sometimes forget we are deserving of that same justice for our sin. God’s mercy to us, in Christ, is still offered to everyone. Justice will ultimately triumph, but it will be expressed in love, even as Christ absorbed the wrath of a holy God against sin, and lovingly forgave those who put him on the cross. We can trust that God will bring to justice every sin and all evil, and will vanquish every foe. Do we influence the timing of God’s vengeance against sin through our prayers? Our only standing befor

  Ecclesiastes 7-9; Ephesians 4   “As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:1-3 When the price of fulfilling our calling includes prison time, we might be tempted to question that calling. Paul’s challenge to us from his prison cell is to live a life worthy of the calling we have received as followers of Christ. The price for us might be different from Paul, but it includes being completely humble, gentle, patient, forbearing, and loving. We are to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Living in relationships this way will be costly. It will cost us our pride, having the last word, being right, having our way, being understood, having our needs met, and a host of other limitations which living on mission with Jesus requires. Are we choosing to

Ecclesiastes 4-6; Psalms. 18; Ephesians 3   “For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being…” Ephesians 3:14-16 Why was Paul praying for the Ephesians on his knees in a Roman jail? Was it that the Ephesians might be empowered and refreshed with God’s love? …for what reason?...that the Church would demonstrate God’s love for both Jews and Gentiles by loving each other in the same way that God has loved us in Christ.   This is not just a personal renewal prayer, but Church-transforming prayer! This is intercession for the walls of hostility and misunderstanding between cultures to come down, particularly between Jewish and Gentile disciples of Jesus. The Church still gravitates toward mono-cultural expressions and denominational, tribal thinking. We need the fulfillment of this prayer, through Spirit-filled love tha

  Ecclesiastes 1-3; Psalms. 45; Ephesians 2   “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do…For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility…His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace…in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.” Ephesians 2:10, 14, 15, 22 Jesus is in the construction business. He has torn down the walls of hostility and barriers between people groups and between us and God. He has prepared and designed good works and projects for us to join with him. We ourselves are a piece of work that is under construction as we yield our lives and our wills to God. Those who offer themselves to God are being built together in his kingdom to become a corporate spiritual dwelling which expresses and contains the very presence of God. This massive, global build

Proverbs 30-31; Psalms. 33; Ephesians 1 “The Lord foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.” Psalm 33:10, 11 “…with all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment – to bring all things in heaven and on earth under one head, even Christ.” Ephesians 1:8-10 God’s salvation plans have endured throughout history, encompassing both nations and individuals. The Psalmist testified to God, thwarting and foiling the plans of nations who interfere with his covenants and purposes. Do we still believe God works on a global scale with nations? Do we believe he involves his servants in his purposes and plans? Or, have we reduced God to a personal salvation formula which benefits us, often on our own terms? God loves p

  Proverbs 28-29; Psalms. 60; Romans 16   “He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy. Blessed is the man who always fears the Lord, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.” Proverbs 28:13, 14 It’s the kindness and mercy of God that leads us to repentance. Human nature corrupted by sin seeks to hide and conceal sin from others and from God. When we repeatedly resist the mercy and grace of God to repent, our heart hardens. What is the remedy for a sin and pride-hardened heart? When we confess a specific sin both to God and to others, and renounce that sin by going in the opposite direction, we are repenting. Repentance is a pathway in which we are invited to daily walk with God. Those who walk with God in daily repentance practice the fear of the Lord; they are quick to receive counsel and correction from the Lord and others. They grow in wisdom and experience God’s fellowship and blessing. Why hide from God and others when o

Proverbs 25-27; Romans 15 “Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses…Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of one’s friend springs from his earnest counsel.” Proverbs 27:5, 6, 9 Do our friendships include the capacity for honest counsel, heartfelt advice, and even wounding that can be trusted? When friendships are formed by the Lord for his purposes, we find our security in the Lord, not in our acceptance by others. We would rather rebuke a friend than let them stumble into a trap of the enemy. Honest counsel is one of the rare fragrances that make friendships valuable. Do we give our friends permission to speak into our discernment questions even when it’s not the kind of counsel we wanted to hear? Friends who both listen to us and to the Lord are a gift. Let us find ways to thank them and commit to being those kinds of friends to others. “Lord Jesus, thank you for your living Word and honest

  Proverbs 22-24; Romans 14   “Listen, my son, and be wise, and keep your heart on the right path. Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.” Proverbs 23:19-21 “For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit…” Romans 14:17 Food and drink have been given to us by the Lord as gifts to enjoy, but not as focal points to center our lives. The dietary laws were a prescribed form of earned righteousness for Israel that exposed their need for God. Jesus came eating and drinking as he pointed to the righteousness that only God can give through the Lamb of God, our sinless sacrifice. However, as those who have received God’s grace and righteousness in Christ, we, too, can fall back into a life focused on food and drink - not as righteousness, but as our daily center. The right food, coffee, wine, and pourings can become m