Together in Christ: 'Detestable to the Lord' — Proverbs 3:31-32
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
Don't envy violent people or copy their ways. Such wicked people are detestable to the Lord, but he offers his... View MoreTogether in Christ: 'Detestable to the Lord' — Proverbs 3:31-32
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
Don't envy violent people or copy their ways. Such wicked people are detestable to the Lord, but he offers his friendship to the godly.
— Proverbs 3:31-32 NLT
Key Thought
For decades, the entertainment industry has poured violence into our heads and hearts by portraying all sorts of violent acts committed against and displayed between all kinds of people — including many innocent victims of this violence. Often, the heroes of our movies and television shows are people of violence — violence that is unnecessary and excessive. Other times, this violence is portrayed as the logical bringing of vengeance upon those who are violent and abusive.
Unfortunately, over time, we lose our Spirit-placed loathing of violence and those who inflict it on others. We forget that the glorification of violence is anti-Jesus, who absorbed human violence, cruelty, mockery, and abuse to save us. [1] We forget that so much witnessed graphic violence desensitizes us to the actual violence that God hates because it destroys people. Then we wonder why violence is cascading destructively through our cities, fueling and inflaming gang and drug culture. As Jesus disciples, contrary to using violence, we are to be people who love our enemies and pray for those who abuse us. [2]
Today's verses speak a much-needed message in the present atmosphere of pervasive violence. I can remember providentially stumbling over this verse as we struggled with what to allow our children to watch four decades ago. Many of the heroes portrayed in cartoons were heroes who triumphed through violence. This verse changed our selection of TV shows our children watched!
I want God's friendship. I want to honor Him as God Almighty, as I also desire to be His friend. I want Jesus to call me his friend like He did His early disciples. [3] So, let's listen again to these words of wisdom from the Holy Spirit. Let's pray they will transform our hearts as we push back against the pervasive influence of violence in our world. Let's remember that God longs to offer His friendship to us!
Don't envy violent people or copy their ways. Such wicked people are detestable to the Lord, but he offers his friendship to the godly.
[1] Isaiah 52:13-15, 53:1-12. [2] Matthew 5:43-48; Luke 6:27-29, 31, 35-36. [2] John 15:9-17.
TODAY'S PRAYER
Create a pure heart in me, dear Father, and create a holy, innocent, loving spirit in me. I need Your grace and power to sustain and protect me. Don't let the prevalence of violence distort my standards of a true hero, but may I always remember Jesus as Your answer to the violence in our world. I pray this in His name. Amen.
RELATED SCRIPTURE READINGS
2 Chronicles 22:1-10
Isaiah 52:13-15, 53:1-12
Unstoppable! 'Savagery and Solidarity' — Acts 8:1-4
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
Saul was one of the witnesses, and he agreed completely with the killing of Stephen.
A great wave of persecution began th... View MoreUnstoppable! 'Savagery and Solidarity' — Acts 8:1-4
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
Saul was one of the witnesses, and he agreed completely with the killing of Stephen.
A great wave of persecution began that day, sweeping over the church in Jerusalem; and all the believers except the apostles were scattered through the regions of Judea and Samaria. (Some devout men came and buried Stephen with great mourning.) But Saul was going everywhere to destroy the church. He went from house to house, dragging out both men and women to throw them into prison.
But the believers who were scattered preached the Good News about Jesus wherever they went.
— Acts 8:1-4 NLT
Key Thought
These early believers humble me with their love, solidarity, and commitment. As I read about our persecuted brothers and sisters today, I fear that those of us in more economically and religiously privileged countries have forgotten our suffering brothers and sisters in other places. Take some time to learn about ways to help our persecuted brothers and sisters throughout the world. Consider helping support a child to grow up knowing Jesus, having food, and receiving an education through Compassion International or Rwanda Children. In the face of the savagery in the world, we are still called to be salt and light in a world of decay and darkness (Matthew 5:13-16). If we stay together, the world can come to know Jesus because of our love for each other! (John 13:34-35)
TODAY'S PRAYER
Father, thank you for the example these early disciples are for us today. Thank you for their solidarity with one another and their commitment to the cause of Christ. During our day, we want to stand together and share the love of Jesus with a broken world. We ask for your power to be poured out on us mightily in our day so we will be your servants to the world. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
RELATED SCRIPTURE READINGS
Acts 2:41-47, 4:32-37
John 13:31-35, 17:20-23
Verse of the Day for Tuesday, April 23rd, 2024
[Jesus continued his message, saying:] "Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for... View MoreVerse of the Day for Tuesday, April 23rd, 2024
[Jesus continued his message, saying:] "Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth."
—John 4:23-24
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
God seeks true worshipers. He seeks those who long to praise him passionately and authentically as they praise him spirit to spirit. To help us in our quest, he gives us his Spirit to help us worship (Ephesians 5:18-21; Philippians 3:3; Jude 20; Romans 8:26-27). Most of all, our Father wants us to worship him genuinely, according to his revealed will in Scripture, with each heart yielded to him in daily living.
MY PRAYER...
Loving Heavenly Father, thank you for your Holy Spirit, who is now interceding to perfect this prayer. My heart thrills at the knowledge that you not only know me but also desire for me to come into your presence. Please accept my feeble words and hear the emotion of my heart as I say, "Thank you!" for all you have done for me. In Jesus' name, I pray and praise you. Amen.
The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.
Together in Christ: 'The Spirit's Choice' — Acts 2:16-18, 21:8-9
Monday, April 22, 2024
[Peter spoke to the crowds,] "No, what you see was predicted long ago by the prophet Joel: 'In the last days,'... View MoreTogether in Christ: 'The Spirit's Choice' — Acts 2:16-18, 21:8-9
Monday, April 22, 2024
[Peter spoke to the crowds,] "No, what you see was predicted long ago by the prophet Joel: 'In the last days,' God says, 'I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on my servants — men and women alike — and they will prophesy.
. . .
The next day [as Paul and his mission team were headed back to Jerusalem, they] went on to Caesarea and stayed at the home of Philip the Evangelist, one of the seven men who had been chosen to distribute food. He had four unmarried daughters who [were prophesying]. [1]
[1] From our first Bible reading text above. This is the literal translation. The NLT translates it as "had the gift of prophecy."
— Acts 2:16-18, 21:8-9 NLT
Key Thought
We often recognize that women were present when the disciples of Jesus were praying before the day of Pentecost, and the Lord Jesus poured out the Holy Spirit on that day and led three thousand to become believers. [2] However, as Peter answered the charges about the disciples being drunk while they spoke in multiple languages, he answered back with a quotation from Joel 2 about the coming of the Spirit in the last days. [3] The Spirit's outpouring emphasized the importance of both men and women servants speaking by the Spirit's lead and the sons and daughters of Israel prophesying as Jesus facilitated this Spirit-outpouring.
We should not be surprised to meet women who respectfully prayed and prophesied in the church assemblies at Corinth. [4] Philip the evangelist [5] also had daughters who prophesied before Paul [6] and probably also the entourage of men accompanying Paul on his way back to Jerusalem carrying the contribution from other churches. [7] These important women servants in the New Testament remind us of the importance of encouraging our godly women who the Holy Spirit equipped to serve God's people using their spiritual gifts [8] of speaking. [9]
[2] Acts 1:14, 2:1-4, 41.
[3] Acts 2:5-18; Joel 2:28-29.
[4] 1 Corinthians 11:5.
[5] Acts 6:1-6 NIV; Acts 8:1-25 NIV.
[6] Acts 21:7-9.
[7] Acts 19:29, 20:4-6, 22, 21:15-19, 27:2; Romans 15:25-26; 1 Corinthians 16:1-4; 2 Corinthians 8:1-14, 9:1-5; Philemon 24.
[8] Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:7-11; Ephesians 4:11-16.
[9] 1 Peter 4:10-11.
TODAY'S PRAYER
Almighty God, please fill all your servants of the risen Christ with power and humility from the Holy Spirit. We desperately need every one of Your gifted children to serve, bless, and evangelize. Jesus, for those who remain content to be spectators rather than participants in an active life of discipleship, please open of our eyes so we can see people in need and use the gifts you have given to us to bless them. Please use me, O Lord, for Your glory and the good of Your church. Amen.
RELATED SCRIPTURE READINGS
Galatians 3:26-29, 4:1-4
Luke 10:30-42
Unstoppable! 'The Tumbleweed Phenomenon' — Acts 8:1-4
Monday, April 22, 2024
Saul was one of the witnesses, and he agreed completely with the killing of Stephen.
A great wave of persecution began t... View MoreUnstoppable! 'The Tumbleweed Phenomenon' — Acts 8:1-4
Monday, April 22, 2024
Saul was one of the witnesses, and he agreed completely with the killing of Stephen.
A great wave of persecution began that day, sweeping over the church in Jerusalem; and all the believers except the apostles were scattered through the regions of Judea and Samaria. (Some devout men came and buried Stephen with great mourning.) But Saul was going everywhere to destroy the church. He went from house to house, dragging out both men and women to throw them into prison.
But the believers who were scattered preached the Good News about Jesus wherever they went.
— Acts 8:1-4 NLT
Key Thought
Years ago, notable New Testament scholar F. F. Bruce wrote a book on Acts called "The Spreading Flame." As I read his book in grad school, I couldn't help thinking about living in West Texas as a pre-teen boy. We had 70 acres to explore, fish, make forts, and play. Anytime we had to make a fire when camping, we would find a tumbleweed, stomp it into small pieces, and use it as fire-starter for dead mesquite limbs. We learned that you NEVER put a full-sized tumbleweed on a burning fire. As it burned, the tumbleweed would pop and shower the air with red-hot embers that floated on the wind threatening to start a wildfire. The more you tried to stomp out the burning tumbleweed, the more you spread the embers on the wind. Similarly, the unstoppable Good News of Jesus was a Spirit-ignited tumbleweed phenomenon. The more adversaries of the Jesus movement tried to stomp out the spreading flame, the more the wildfire spread throughout the Roman Empire. When Jesus' followers are scattered, the spreading flame brings God's love, grace, and salvation!
TODAY'S PRAYER
Dear Father, ignite us, inspire us, and use us to spread the flame of your love, grace, and salvation in Jesus. I ask this for the world's benefit and for Jesus' glory. Amen.
RELATED SCRIPTURE READINGS
Luke 24:44-49; Acts 1:1-8
Matthew 28:18-20; John 20:19-23
Verse of the Day for Monday, April 22nd, 2024
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in ... View MoreVerse of the Day for Monday, April 22nd, 2024
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds...
—Ephesians 4:22-23
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
God makes us new when we become disciples of Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:17). Most of us, however, have moments when the old way of life erupts, makes its presence known, and tries to drag us back into the old way of living. So, being new is a lifetime decision we must make each day, offering ourselves to God, putting off our old self, and inviting the Holy Spirit to renew us (Romans 12:1-2). Throughout Ephesians, Paul talks about the Holy Spirit's power working in us (Ephesians 1:17-20, 3:14-21, 5:15-21). As we commit daily to following the Lordship of Jesus, the Holy Spirit empowers and matures us to be more and more like him (Ephesians 4:12-16; 2 Corinthians 3:18). The newness of our life in Jesus never has to become old or stale!
MY PRAYER...
Almighty God and dear Heavenly Father, please bless me today as I seek to live as a new person — cleansed, made holy, and empowered by your Spirit. Give me a new and clean mind as I intentionally put aside my old habits and desires to pursue Jesus. In his name, and based on his authority, I pray. Amen.
The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.
Together in Christ: 'Women Who Supported Jesus' Ministry' — Luke 8:1-3
Sunday, April 21, 2024
Soon afterward Jesus began a tour of the nearby towns and villages, preaching and announcing the Good Ne... View MoreTogether in Christ: 'Women Who Supported Jesus' Ministry' — Luke 8:1-3
Sunday, April 21, 2024
Soon afterward Jesus began a tour of the nearby towns and villages, preaching and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom of God. He took his twelve disciples with him, along with some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases. Among them were Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons; Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s business manager; Susanna; and many others who were contributing from their own resources to support Jesus and his disciples.
— Luke 8:1-3 NLT
Key Thought
Over the years, whenever I have spoken on these verses and other similar passages, [1] many people are surprised to learn that a group of Galilean women supported Jesus' ministry financially and encouraged Him by their presence. [2] Several different women anointed Jesus, extravagantly honoring Him. [3] Jesus blessed many women by personally ministering to them. [4] A group of women remained faithful to Jesus during His horrific death and burial when the men abandoned, denied, and betrayed Him. [5] Both an angel and Jesus also gave some women the responsibility to be the first to declare His resurrection. [6] Some of these women were present as the disciples were praying at Pentecost when Jesus poured out the Holy Spirit. [7] Reminded of these examples, some have remarked: "Oh yes, I do remember these now!" So my question related to our relationships in Christ is this: Why do we not remember the vital role played by women in Jesus' ministry more readily, and why do we not encourage women to follow the example of those women today? Hmm!"
All four gospels stressed the presence of faithful women during the Lord's Passion. [8] Even when the men grew frightened, then abandoned Jesus and hid in a locked room, the women continued to follow Him and bore witness the horrific events of the cross. [8] As is typical of John, the fourth gospel emphasizes things in detail that the other gospels omit. In this case, John's gospel stresses the importance of women we don't find mentioned in the three other gospels — the Samaritan woman at the well, [9] the adulterous woman, [10] and the vital connection between Martha and Mary with their brother Lazarus and their faith in Jesus. [11]
What are we to make of this? I believe the New Testament stresses several realities of our Christian faith directly tied to women: [12]
God values women and considers them equal in importance, value, and significance to men and has done so from the very beginning of creation. [13]
In Christ, as disciples of Jesus, women are indispensable to men, and men are indispensable to women in the spiritual family of God. [14]
Women played a vital role in the ministry of Jesus as partners and supporters of His ministry. [15]
Women were treated with dignity and respect as Jesus served and ministered to them when they were often neglected in their culture and community. [16]
Jesus emphasized that the importance He placed on women in ministry should not be taken from them. [17]
Amazingly, in the New Testament, Jesus is never accused by His critics of abusive or sexually immoral behavior with a woman. The Lord Jesus left us an example of non-sexualized and non-abusive friendship and ministry partnership with women in His family of believers.
As we journey ahead and look at healthy and proper relationships in God's family, the Lord's example must play a significant role in helping us know how to treat and value people of both genders, all backgrounds, and all ages. Godly men and women need each other to live productive lives while passionately displaying the Kingdom of God!
[1] Mark 15:40-41; Matthew 27:55-56.
[2] This financial support from women is the emphasis of today's verse and other similar passages.
[3] Matthew 26:6-13; Mark 16:1; Luke 7:36-50; John 11:1-3.
[4] For a few examples: Mark 5:21-43, 7:24-30; Luke 7:11-17, 36-50, 8:2, 10:38-42; John 4:1-30, 8:1-11, 11:1-44.
[5] Mark 14:50; Matthew 26:70-74, 27:55, 28:5-11; Luke 22:47-48, 23:27, 24:1, 5, 11, 22, 24; Acts 1:14, 2:17-18.
[6] Matthew 28:5-7; Mark 16:1-7; Luke 24:8-12, 22-24; John 20:11-18.
[7] Acts 1:14, 2:17-18.
[8] John 19:25-27; Luke 23:55-56; John 20:1-18; Matthew 27:55-61; Mark 15:40-41.
[9] John 4:1-42.
[10] John 8:1-11.
[11] John 11:1-45, 12:1-3.
[12] This is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Notice all the women listed in Romans 16:1-16.
[13] Genesis 1:26-27, 31.
[14] 1 Corinthians 11:11-12.
[15] See today's verses and also Mark 15:40-41 and Matthew 27:55-56.
[16] We see this dignity and respect in Jesus' ministry to the Syrian woman (Mark 7:25-29), the Samaritan woman at the well, the woman caught in the act of adultery, the women who anointed Him, and the widow at Nain — references listed above. Note that some of these women were not Jewish.
[17] Luke 10:39-41. By allowing Mary to sit at His feet, Jesus was defending her right to be one of His disciples (rabbis) in training — see Paul's claim for sitting at Gamaliel's feet for a parallel in Acts 22:3 NRSV. Luke uses the parable of the "Good Samaritan" and this story of Mary at Jesus' feet to make the point that, in Christ, "There is no longer ... male and female." (Galatians 3:26-29)!
TODAY'S PRAYER
Loving Father, I know the problems with sexual immorality in our world and in Your churches break your heart. Please help us be wise in treating each other as men and women. Open our eyes to Your Scriptures to see how women and men played a vital role in Your unfolding story of redemption in every era, regardless of the freedoms and roles allowed in culture. Thank You for Jesus, Your model of godliness in all relationships. Thank You, Jesus, for valuing people of each gender, every race, and any social standing. Help us empower each of Your disciples to serve You with dignity, appreciation, and support. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
RELATED SCRIPTURE READINGS
Romans 16:1-16
Luke 23:49, 55-56, 24:1-12; Acts 1:14
Unstoppable! 'Genuine Sorrow' — Acts 8:1-4
Sunday, April 21, 2024
Saul was one of the witnesses [to Stephen's being stoned to death], and he agreed completely with the killing of Stephen.
A great w... View MoreUnstoppable! 'Genuine Sorrow' — Acts 8:1-4
Sunday, April 21, 2024
Saul was one of the witnesses [to Stephen's being stoned to death], and he agreed completely with the killing of Stephen.
A great wave of persecution began that day, sweeping over the church in Jerusalem; and all the believers except the apostles were scattered through the regions of Judea and Samaria. (Some devout men came and buried Stephen with great mourning.) But Saul was going everywhere to destroy the church. He went from house to house, dragging out both men and women to throw them into prison.
— Acts 8:1-4 NLT
Key Thought
While we have looked at victorious faith over the last few days, we must not minimize the grief faced by those left behind when someone they love dies. John's disciples, along with his cousin Jesus, mourned John the Baptizer's death. Jesus wept at Martha's and Mary's grief and reacted with deep emotion to the pain that Lazarus' death caused in those who knew him. In our eternal relationship with Jesus, death is a moment; life with Jesus is forever. That moment of death, however, is agonizing for those of us left behind. We must deal with the loss of someone we love. We have to deal with death even when it feels unfair and capricious. Jesus' resurrection empowers us past the fear of death, but the Lord's tears are our reminder never to minimize the pain death brings.
TODAY'S PRAYER
Precious Father, please bless those who are on my heart because of the grief they bear. Use me to be a blessing and a source of encouragement and comfort. However, dear Father, I ask that you give me wisdom not to say anything that might be hurtful or might minimize the loss they feel. Please pour out your comfort into their hearts through the Holy Spirit. I ask for your grace to be their peace. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
RELATED SCRIPTURE READINGS
John 11:31-36; Hebrews 2:14-15
2 Corinthians 1:3-5; 1 Thessalonians 4:13, 5:11
page=1&callback_module_id=groups&callback_item_id=696&year=&month=&tab=&tab=
Load More
