Wednesday, October 29, 2008

The Almost Daily Devotional

ESV 1 Thessalonians 2:1 For you yourselves know, brothers, that our coming to you was not in vain. 2 But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict. 3 For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, 4 but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. 5 For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed- God is witness. 6 Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ. 7 But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. 8 So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.

Meditation

Literal: Paul’s goal as he entered a city was to form a “gospel community” of people. This “gospel community” would be the long term center for the ongoing work of making disciples and teaching them to observe all things that the Messiah Jesus had taught. In this “gospel community” those who believe in Jesus would have there spiritual family, center of worship, and school of discipleship. If Paul did not build a “gospel community” then his ministry in a city was a failure.

The first step in building such a community the first thing that Paul did was to present the gospel in boldness before God and men in presenting the gospel without fear. The Greek word for boldness is parrhsia,zomai parresiazomai and means to speak freely or boldly (Acts 9:27; 13:46; 14:; 18:26; 19:8; 26:26; Eph. 6:20; 1 Thess. 2:2) This word reflects the Greco-Roman philosophical concept of "bold speech." “This expression was used in antiquity to indicate freedom of speech and courage to speak in the face of opposition. It is used with political connotations of not allowing civic authorities to stem protests or the cry of the mob from preventing the proclamation of what is right.”[1] Although what Paul declared was unpopular, he declared it boldly. Even when such bold presentation of the gospel lead to being shamefully treated, it did not silence Paul.

The next step in building community was that Paul and his “gospel community” planting team lived lives of personal integrity. Paul and his team have been tested by God to make sure that they are involved in the ministry only to present the truth and not to manipulate the people. Their goal, as true lovers of the divine wisdom, is not to make human beings happy with their message, to teach and practice the truth. Those we minister to must know that we are not there to flatter them, take their money, or seek fame. While having a true spiritual authority there is great care not to be religiously abusive. To some extent the gospel could be trusted because the messengers of the gospel were trust worthy people. A healthy “gospel community” must have integrity as one of its core values.

The final step in building community was emotional commitment and bonding. Here we see Paul using the illustration of a nursing mother to describe how open, transparent, dedicated, steadfast, and caring he was with those who had come to faith. He shared his soul with the people he discipled. He had real empathy for them. He was not cold, professional, or distant. A healthy community must be one where the disciples are real and open with each other. There must be a dedication to giving to each other from the heart.

So this passage tells us what we need to encourage, pray for, and work towards in order for us to see our churches become healthy “gospel communities”. Every believer has a role to play in boldly declaring the gospel, living a life worthy of the gospel, and emotionally embracing the other disciples even as Christ has embraced us. As these three core values dominate our churches we will see them become fruitful “gospel communities” in the midst of our culture.

Christocentric: Jesus the Christ was the incarnation of the Gospel and came boldly into a rebellious world, living a perfect life of grace and truth, and totally giving His life in sacrifice for us that we might live. Messiah Jesus is the ultimate builder of “gospel communities” for He is the one building His Church in every nation.

Moral: To preach the gospel without living the gospel is hypocrisy. To live the gospel without preaching the gospel is cowardice. To preach and live the gospel without compassion is slander to the heart of God.

Eternal: There will be a day when we will see the wonder and glory of the eternal “gospel community” which will be made up of a great multitude of every people group, language, culture, skin color, nation, tribe, and group. We will know an eternal fellowship with our gospel brothers and our gospel sisters for all eternity before the accepting and loving face of our Lord Jesus forever and ever. Amen

Prayer
Lord, help me be a builder of your “gospel community” and not one that would tear it down or do it harm. Help me love your people as much as you love your people. Help me to believe in the gospel’s power to save as much as you believe in the gospel’s power to save. Give me boldness, integrity, and compassion for your glory and my good.

Contemplation
I will build My church; and the gates of Hades shall not overpower it.


Action

Where could I present the gospel boldly today? How could I live the gospel boldly today? How could I boldly open my heart to another believer today?




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[1] 1 Thessalonians 2:1–8 Commentary by Richard Ascough

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Almost Daily Devotional

Almost Daily Devotional

Reading

NLT Deuteronomy 34:1 Then Moses went to Mount Nebo from the plains of Moab and climbed Pisgah Peak, which is across from Jericho. And the LORD showed him the whole land, from Gilead as far as Dan; 2 all the land of Naphtali; the land of Ephraim and Manasseh; all the land of Judah, extending to the Mediterranean Sea; 3 the Negev; the Jordan Valley with Jericho-- the city of palms-- as far as Zoar. 4 Then the LORD said to Moses, "This is the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and I told them I would give it to their descendants. I have now allowed you to see it, but you will not enter the land." 5 So Moses, the servant of the LORD, died there in the land of Moab, just as the LORD had said. 6 He was buried in a valley near Beth-peor in Moab, but to this day no one knows the exact place. 7 Moses was 120 years old when he died, yet his eyesight was clear, and he was as strong as ever. 8 The people of Israel mourned thirty days for Moses on the plains of Moab, until the customary period of mourning was over. 9 Now Joshua son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him. So the people of Israel obeyed him and did everything just as the LORD had commanded Moses. 10 There has never been another prophet like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face. 11 The LORD sent Moses to perform all the miraculous signs and wonders in the land of Egypt against Pharaoh, all his servants, and his entire land. 12 And it was through Moses that the LORD demonstrated his mighty power and terrifying acts in the sight of all Israel.


Meditation

Moses was informed in advance of his upcoming death (Numbers 27:12, Deuteronomy 31:14, 16, and 32:49-50), thus giving him some time to reflect upon it. Why would God have to tell Moses on numerous occasions that he would die and not enter the Promised Land? Would not a single time have sufficed? It is very possible that Moses was having a hard time accepting this reality. He hoped against hope that perhaps God would relent and allow him to enter the land. He had sinned by striking the rock and claiming credit for giving water but he hoped perhaps the consequences of that action would be taken away (Num. 20:11). However this was not to be the case for teachers of the law are held to a stricter judgment.

Was Moses Afraid to Die? In Deuteronomy 3:24-25, Moses recalls a time when he said, "O Lord God, you have only begun to show your servant your greatness and your might; what god in heaven or on earth can perform deeds and mighty acts like yours! Let me cross over to see the good land beyond the Jordan, that good hill country and the Lebanon. It is hard to tell whether it was death or not reaching His life time goal of brining the people into the Promised Land that Moses feared. It seems most likely that it was not reaching the Promised Land and bringing the people into that land that was what caused the heartache in Moses rather than a fear of death itself.


When Moses is ready to obey God's instruction to ascend the mountain, he takes one last opportunity to speak to his community, the Israelites, offering a generous and stunning blessing upon them. Some of Moses' best leadership skills and characteristics reveal themselves as he offers a very faith filled, optimistic prayer.

"There is none like God, O Jeshurun," says Moses, "who rides through the heavens to your help, majestic through the skies (Deuteronomy 33:26)," and then, "Happy are you, O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord, the shield of your help, and the sword of your triumph! (33:29)."

The desire of Moses to encourage the people is demonstrated by his calling them “Jeshurun” which most likely means “supremely happy. It is used four times in the Old Testament as a symbolical name for Israel in (32:15; 33:5,26; Isaiah 44:2) It is most probably derived from a root signifying "to be blessed." With the intensive termination Jeshurun would then denote Israel as supremely happy or prosperous, and to this signification the context in (32:15) points. Though most blessed, Israel sinned, yet the LORD did not forsake them. This is amazing grace.

How Much Could Moses See from the Mountain? "Then Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah..., and the Lord showed him the whole land...: Gilead as far as Dan, all Naphtali, the land of Ephraim and Manasseh, all the land of Judah as far as the Western Sea, the Negeb, and the Plain...as far as Zoar (34:1-3)." This is quite a view! This is not just a natural looking out that Moses has here but a divine vision of the Promised Land. Some have suggested that Moses did not just see the land but God showed him the whole future of Israel and the final fulfillment of every promise in the final Kingdom of God. This we cannot know. But what God did do was allow him to see what His heart so desired to claim. This was an act of kindness by God as He brought His servant home.

The Bible's Final Tribute to Moses is one that sees him as the greatest prophet of the Hebrew era. The proposal that God himself would take be concerned about Moses' burial is astounding The reason, then, that no one knows where Moses is buried is explained by the fact that God took care of it and didn't tell anyone. God was Moses pallbearer since He was Moses friend.

The Bible's final acknowledgment to Moses in Deuteronomy 34:10 is remarkable: "Never since has there arisen a prophet in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face." What an epitaph! Moses, was by the grace of God a prophet, a lawgiver, a teacher, a philosopher, a general, a king, a sage, and most important a friend of God. Moses finished well. Not perfect but well.

Christological - NLT John 1:17 For the law was given through Moses; God's unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ. Jesus was the prophet like himself that Moses prophesied would come in Deuteronomy 18:15. Jesus is the second and greater Moses. He is the final and ultimate prophet, priest, and king.
Moral: Be aware that sin can cost you even when it is forgiven. There are consequences to sin that remain even when we have been pardoned and accepted by God.

Eternal: We now just see through a mirror dimly the wonderful promised land of the eternal kingdom of God. Like Moses, God has given us a vision of that paradise. But there is coming a day when we will fully experience and be allowed to enter into the glory of the full experience of God’s promises. What total joy that will bring to our hearts.

Prayer

Dear Lord, help me to finish well. Forgive me my acts of rebellion and pride. Allow me to leave a good legacy for my children and your Church. Amen

Action

If God told you the day of your death what changes would you make in your life? Are you living today in such a way that you believe that it will produce the life that you want reported at your funeral? List the things you would change. Begin developing a plan for each of these items that will bring about a healthier and more faithful lifestyle.

Saturday, October 25, 2008

The Almost Daily Devotional


The Almost Daily Devotional

Reading

NLT Matthew 22:15 Then the Pharisees met together to think of a way to trap Jesus into saying something for which they could accuse him. 16 They decided to send some of their disciples, along with the supporters of Herod, to ask him this question: "Teacher, we know how honest you are. You teach about the way of God regardless of the consequences. You are impartial and don't play favorites. 17 Now tell us what you think about this: Is it right to pay taxes to the Roman government or not?" 18 But Jesus knew their evil motives. "You hypocrites!" he said. "Whom are you trying to fool with your trick questions? 19 Here, show me the Roman coin used for the tax." When they handed him the coin, 20 he asked, "Whose picture and title are stamped on it?" 21 "Caesar's," they replied. "Well, then," he said, "give to Caesar what belongs to him. But everything that belongs to God must be given to God." 22 His reply amazed them, and they went away.


Meditation

Who are the Pharisees and the Herodians? The Pharisees were a Jewish religious party in Palestine that emerged about 160 BC in opposition to the Sadducees. The Pharisees held that the Jewish oral tradition was as valid as the Torah. They struggled to democratize the Jewish religion, arguing that the worship of God was not confined to the Temple of Jerusalem and fostering the synagogue as an institution of worship. The Herodians were a Jewish political party who sympathized with the Herodian rulers in their general policy of government, and in the social customs which they introduced from Rome. They were at one with the Sadducees in holding the duty of submission to Rome, and of supporting the Herods on the throne (Mark 3:6; 12:13; Matt, 22:16; Luke 20:20).

Normally the Pharisees were at odds with the Herodians and the Sadducees since they represented those who focused on the temple and supporting Rome while the Pharisees were more about making the Jewish faith less dependent on the temple and were less supportive of Herod and Rome. However, their fear and opposition of Jesus was greater than their opposition to each other. In Jesus they had a common enemy.

In this situation they are putting before Jesus a question that at the time there was no good answer to give in a public setting. If Jesus said that the people should not pay taxes then he would be labeled a “Zealot” which was a Jewish sect in Judea in the first century who fought to the death against the Romans and who killed or persecuted Jews who collaborated with the Romans. This would have led to his arrest and reduced his popularity among the people. If he said they should pay taxes then this would have aligned him with those who supported the Roman rulers and the wealthy elite. This again would cause the masses that followed him to abandon him as Messiah since the Messiah was coming to free them from Rome not support it. To support Rome was to compromise with pagans and to therefore not be a pure lover of God.



Jesus is aware of what they are doing. So are most of the people in the crowd. Like the question; “Have you stopped beating your child?, just answer yes or no” There is no good answer. The crowd is most likely smiling but also interested in which one of the two “wrong” answers that Jesus will choose.

Instead Jesus, points out this is not an honest question looking for an honest answer. This is a game and not a seeking after truth. Questions can be either way. They can be real questions looking for real answers or they can just be spiritual games aimed at avoiding the truth. Then he responds with his own question.

Whose head is on the coins with which you pay your taxes? This seemed silly. Every child knew whose head was on the coin with which they paid their taxes. Just like our coins and bills, that have on our coins normally the head of some former president, the coins in the Roman empire had stamped upon them the likeness of one of the emperors of Rome. So they answered with a smirk, well of course it is Caesar.

Then Jesus turns everything around. Well the coin must belong to Caesar since it has His likeness on it. Therefore, give it back to him if he wants it. He produced it so it belongs to him. Give to God what bears His image. He produced it so that belongs to Him.

What bears God’s image? Well every Hebrew knew the answer to that question. Humanity was made in God’s image. I was made in God’s image. Therefore, don’t worry about taxes; just make sure that you give God your heart. Then you will know how to handle taxes in a God pleasing way.

This answer did not please the Zealots, the Herodians, the Sadducees, or the Pharisees. It avoided the trap. It also raised the real question. Would they stop playing games and begin seeking God. Life should not be lived as a game. Politics is not a game. Our relationship with God is not a game. We need to face reality and make sure we are sincerely seeking God and truth in every sphere of our lives. This is what Jesus the Messiah confronted them with that day and that is what He is confronting us with today.

Christocentric – Jesus is the Messiah and the wisdom of God in the flesh. He should always be sought out when we have honest answers for He is the wisdom who can answer them.

Moral: God must always come before country or empire.

Eternal: All the nation states and empires of history will perish. They all will become dust. In the end of history there is only on monarchy that reigns supreme over all peoples, tribes, cultures, nations, and empires. That one true eternal monarch is our Lord Jesus Christ. There is no end to His kingdom or to Him. We are citizens of that one eternal kingdom and secure within it. We will enjoy and benefit from the rule of God forever and ever. Amen

Prayer

Dear Lord, help me not be playing games with you. Help me not be making excuses about why I don’t follow you. Help me recognize you have made me and recreated me in the new birth in your image. Your desire is that I be like you. Help me have this as the ultimate desire of my heart. Amen


Contemplation
You are mine!

Action
What games am I playing with God? Where am I using “questions” to avoid truth? Where am I holding back giving myself to God? Does God control my vote?

Friday, October 24, 2008

Socrates Cafe at 3:00 PM on Oct 26


So, why should you care about these Socrates Cafés? Well answer these questions first. When was the last time you could discuss your thoughts openly and honestly with others? Have you ever questioned society and it's assumptions or your own? Do you like to have a good, safe discussion without fear of being attacked for having an opinion that is different? This is Socrates Café.Here we are, a group of individuals, who like to talk. We come from all walks of life, all nationalities, all religions, all political views, both genders. We come from North, East, South and West. We get together and discuss what is on our minds, from something on the news that day to the age old questions of "What is ...?" We want to help you learn how to think clearly and to learn from one another.

The Almost Daily Devotional


Almost Daily Devotional

Reading

NLT 1 Thessalonians 1:1 This letter is from Paul, Silas, and Timothy. It is written to the church in Thessalonica, you who belong to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. May his grace and peace be yours. 2 We always thank God for all of you and pray for you constantly. 3 As we talk to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and your continual anticipation of the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. 4 We know that God loves you, dear brothers and sisters, and that he chose you to be his own people. 5 For when we brought you the Good News, it was not only with words but also with power, for the Holy Spirit gave you full assurance that what we said was true. And you know that the way we lived among you was further proof of the truth of our message. 6 So you received the message with joy from the Holy Spirit in spite of the severe suffering it brought you. In this way, you imitated both us and the Lord. 7 As a result, you yourselves became an example to all the Christians in Greece. 8 And now the word of the Lord is ringing out from you to people everywhere, even beyond Greece, for wherever we go we find people telling us about your faith in God. We don't need to tell them about it, 9 for they themselves keep talking about the wonderful welcome you gave us and how you turned away from idols to serve the true and living God. 10 And they speak of how you are looking forward to the coming of God's Son from heaven-- Jesus, whom God raised from the dead. He is the one who has rescued us from the terrors of the coming judgment.


Meditation

Thessalonica is a seaport in northeastern Greece on an inlet of the Aegean Sea The original name of this city was Therma; and that part of the Macedonian shore on which it was situated retained through the Roman period the designation of the Thermaic Gulf. Cassander the son of Antipater rebuilt and enlarged Therma, and named it after his wife Thessalonica, the sister of Alexander the Great. St. Paul visited Thessalonica (with Silas and Timothy) during his second missionary journey, and introduced Christianity there. The first scene of the apostle's work at Thessalonica was the synagogue. (Acts 17:2,3) It is stated that the ministrations among the Jews continued for three weeks. Not that we are obliged to limit to this time the whole stay of the apostle at Thessalonica. A flourishing church was certainly formed there; and the epistles show that its elements were more Gentile than Jewish.

Paul seems to have two attitudes that dominate in his relationship with other believers. One he thanks God for them being believers and what they bring to the kingdom of God through their gifts and talents and second he constantly prays for God to help them become more like Christ.

Paul specifically thanks God for the believers in Thessalonica for their activities inspired by their faith, their labors of joyful love, and their patient hope in the return of Christ. Here we see that Paul defines what God is doing in them as a matter of faith, hope, and love. Paul is able to see God at work in the lives of the imperfect believers in Thessalonica. He is able to see the glass half full as well as to call them to fill it more. His optimism is not based on his faith in the believers of Thessalonica but in God who is at work in them.

Paul also affirms his faith that they are truly the objects of God’s eternal love in Jesus Christ. He remembers as he preached to them that there was a true movement of God’s Spirit among them and that they gave a clear profession of faith. The Thessalonians had seen God’s power in miracles performed by the Holy Spirit but also in the lives of love demonstrated by the apostolic missionary team that had brought them the message. This team had become an incarnation of the gospel and its power.

In light of the power of the Holy Spirit in deeds of wonder and in the lives of the missionaries that brought them the gospel of Jesus they had joyfully believed even though it had brought upon them persecution and hardships. Here we see pain and joy combined. There is an ability of human beings to have sorrow and holy glee at the same time. They became like Jesus and the missionaries who had both been blessed by being allowed to suffer persecution for righteousness sake.

Now, the Thessalonians were an example of faith under fire and were providing an example to believers throughout Greece and around the world. Because they were a center of trade and travel, what happened in Thessalonica traveled around the world through the travelers and traders that went through the city.

Their faith is one in which they have not just added Jesus into their religious lives but have allowed the Lord Jesus Christ to totally dominate their thinking. They were willing to turn against the ultimate concerns of their lives before Jesus in order to make the Lord Jesus the ultimate concern of their lives. This reality, lived out in their daily existence, had become the talk of the world and a demonstration of the truth of the gospel.

Christocentric - Christ must become our operating system and not just another program we add into our lives. Our true loyalty to the Lord Jesus Christ is measured to the degree we abandon our “idols” that is whatever we value or trust in more than we do the person of Messiah Jesus. Christians who do not abandon their idols lose the opportunity to become world changers because they are worldly.


Moral - Faith determines what tasks we find important enough to do, inspires in us a working faith, and allows our actions to endure disappointments because we optimistically believe that history is governed by Christ. We are called to have faith, love, and hope be the dominate attitudes of our actions.

Eternal - For Christians death and the end of the world do not hold fear. We know that at these great moments in our personal and world history we will be embraced by God and fully accepted in our Lord Jesus Christ. We have joyful anticipation of what the future holds for us in the eternal kingdom of God.

Prayer
Lord Jesus help me to abandon my idols in the way the believers in Thessalonica did when they heard the good news. Let me break my allegiance with the world system of unbelief and give to me a stronger and more fruitful faith.

Contemplation
Abandon all and follow me

Action
Today let me thank God for my brothers and sisters in Christ and take note of their virtues instead of their vices. If I find myself complaining or gossiping about others let me stop and make a compliment about the person. Let me look for and specifically define how God is working in the lives of those around me and praise God for them in this light.