This blog all started out as an assignment for a course and this blog entry is the last one that is required. I think I will continue this blog every now and then to continue to dive further into Scripture.
I found this experience to be very helpful to me because I could focus on a particular piece of Scripture as well as meditate on it throughout the day and the evening. The YouVersion reading plan that I also started at the time of this blog assists me with reading and exegeting God's Word and learning more information about His Word.
This blog also helped me to get in daily Bible reading which is something I have been struggling with and I have no excuses. I have found out that I enjoyed blogging and thinking about and reading the Scriptures and taking the passage presented and seeing it from my perspective. I am finding that the more that I continue this journey the better I am able to articulate my faith as well as focusing on the Gospel of Jesus.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Monday, July 23, 2012
Be on your guard
2 Samuel 11:2 Late one afternoon, after his midday rest, David got out of bed and was walking on the roof of the palace. As he looked out over the city, he noticed a woman of unusual beauty taking a bath.
Be on your guard dear brother or sister as we are never out of the reach of temptation. David was at home, in his palace, and arose from his bed (couch) in the evening. He probably stretched and wiped the sleep from his eye and went to take look around on the rooftops. Spurgeon says that "idleness and luxury are the devil's jackals, and find him abundant prey". David should have been out with the other fighting men instead he was taking (albeit much needed) time to rest and recooperate. Charles goes on to say in this devotional that, "They are well kept whom God keeps, but woe unto those who go forth into the world, or even dare to walk their own house unarmed. Those who think themselves secure are more exposed to danger than any others. The armour-bearer of Sin is Self-confidence."
David most likely went up to his rooftop for a quite moment of spiritual meditation and prayer to His God and what he found was Bathsheba. "Is it possible that the king had mounted his housetop for retirement and devotion? If so, what a caution is given us to count no place, however secret, a sanctuary from sin!" warns Spurgeon. Do not think that any place is safe! We need to be praying for strength against sin. But that's not enough, we need to be praying to God for strength for purity both in heart and in mind.
We need to use every ounce of diligence everywhere we go. Men in particular are very visually oriented creatures, God has wired us this way and we should thank Him for it. We also need to be VERY careful about what we view with our eyes, since they are the "gateway to the soul". David went up for a time of spiritual refreshment and what he was presented with was a woman who, we are told later, was bathing on her rooftop unbeknownst to David's prying eyes. He should've been more careful; he should've known that sin, mixed with our own flesh, seeks to destroy us wherever we are. Everyone knows that you need to be diligent to be wary of lust when at a beach...
What about in the classroom, or in church?
Charles closes with the following, "We need a watchman for the night as well as a guardian for the day. O blessed Spirit, keep us from all evil this night." The Holy Spirit is our watchman. He will always be with us to correct and guide and instruct.
I pray Lord Jesus that you would be our Helper. Be our strength when we are weak. Keep us from temptation and deliver us from evil. May we be always on our guard against our own pride and lust. Please reveal to us and remind us that Your Grace covers us when we do sin. But that is not all, we need to go to our fellow believer who we've sinned against and ask for forgiveness as well as repenting of those sins and turning back to you on the narrow road. Thank you for the blood of Jesus our Savior, in His powerful and gracious name. Amen.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Lighting up our dark world
Psalm 36:9 For with you (O, God) is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light.
As I was reading this I was struck by the depth of this statement and thought about it more and more. Before we come to know God we are walking around in spiritual darkness. It is by the Lord's Grace alone that we come to into a saving knowledge of his son Jesus Christ, through work of the Holy Spirit. When we are indwelt with the Holy Spirit God puts his light in us to shine before men. We are called, in Matthew 5:14-16 to be a city on a hill and to let our light shine.
Take a candle and light it. Once lit, one does not then take that precious light, which was used before electricity to provide light to a room, and hide it under a bowl. Instead, they let that light fill the room and provide light to everyone in it.
Let's take this information and add it to what was talked about previously in Genesis 4. God is light. The world is darkness. When one talks about light, how do we as people living in darkness even know what the word light means unless there was someone who was light before us. Psalm 36:9b says in your light do we see light. The "light" the psalmist is speaking about here is about Jesus, but one could also make the claim that he's referring to the Light of God's word, which reveals Jesus Christ and the gospel, to all peoples. The word 'your' is the one that is really interesting. It could have said "In the light do we see light" which would mean that when there is light around we can see. But no, the psalmist uses the pronoun 'your' which is an attributive adjective. The light being described had to come from somewhere, it has to be attributed to something, since light does not just come out of nowhere. If it's dark, light can't just be thought into existence by humans, it has to be fashioned by a source; enter Jesus!
Jesus is called the Light of the world. He is the one who shines His light into our hearts and souls and allows His light to be seen by men. We have no light unto ourselves that we have, nor that we can produce from the things of this world. This is the majesty that is in God our Creator. He, being outside of creation, made separated the light from the darkness. This implies that there was darkness prior to the light and when God decided in his providential timing he created the world, first by separating light from darkness (Genesis 1:2b-4).
"Father, I pray that we would let our light shine before those around us. Let us be instruments for your glory to take the saving gospel of Jesus to the dark world that we live in. I come to O God asking that you would help me to surrender to the Light of the Word of God. May it fill my heart and mind so that I can be more useful to your Kingdom. In Jesus mighty and life-giving name, Amen."
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Day 3
Genesis 1:4 (ESV) "And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness."
There are a lot of implications or inferences that can be made from this text, but I'm only going to discuss it briefly. When I read this passage this morning, and I think about light I see it from two perspectives: physical and spiritual. I watch the sun come up and as its light breaks over the horizon and physically pierces my eyes I can now see things that were once hidden by the darkness. We can take this same sentence and tweak it just slightly and think about it in a completely different way. I watch the Son (by the Holy Spirit) and as His light breaks over the horizon (of my days) and pierces my (spiritual) eyes I can now see things that were once hidden by the darkness (sin).
When we get a glimpse of ourselves against the Holy Light of God and His Word we see ourselves as we really are: filthy and unkempt. That is when we realize we need to cry out for God's grace and mercy all the more. If God calls the light of the world good, ponder how much more His Holy light must be. How glorious will be the day when we finally see His face shine upon us. Numbers 6:25 (ESV) "the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you".
I can't say this any better so I'm just going to let C.H. Spurgeon say it,
"No sooner is there a good thing in the world, than a division is necessary. Light and darkness have no communion; God has divided them, let us not confound them. Sons of light must not have fellowship with deeds, doctrines, or deceits of darkness. The children of the day must be sober, honest, and bold in their Lord's work, leaving the works of darkness to those who shall dwell in it forever. Our Churches should by discipline divide the light from the darkness, and we should by our distinct separation from the world do the same. In judgment, in action, in hearing, in teaching, in association, we must discern between the precious and the vile, and maintain the great distinction which the Lord made upon the world's first day. O Lord Jesus, be thou our light throughout the whole of this day, for thy light is the light of men."
The concept of light is so profound to Charles that he takes both morning and evening to talk about it. He goes on to say that, "If the Lord has given you light, dear reader, he looks on that light with peculiar interest; for not only is it dear to him as his own handiwork, but because it is like himself, for 'He is light.'" This gives us that are in Christ much comfort because we know that even in our uncleanness God still looks at us with favor. Phillipians 1:6 "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." I am so thankful that the Lord sees His light in us, even when we cannot see it. It is much better for the Judge to see me as innocent than for me, the sinner, to think that I am innocent.
Spurgeon goes on to say, "You may be sighing and groaning because of inbred sin, and mourning over your darkness, yet the Lord sees "light" in your heart, for he has put it there, and all the cloudiness and gloom of your soul cannot conceal your light from his gracious eye. You may have sunk low in despondency, and even despair; but if your soul has any longing towards Christ, and if you are seeking to rest in his finished work, God sees the 'light.'"
The Lord preserves the light in us by His Grace alone. We should be nothing but grateful and giving thanks to Him. He alone will, on that appointed day, make the light in us appear fully in glory. The light within is the dawn of the eternal day. Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
There are a lot of implications or inferences that can be made from this text, but I'm only going to discuss it briefly. When I read this passage this morning, and I think about light I see it from two perspectives: physical and spiritual. I watch the sun come up and as its light breaks over the horizon and physically pierces my eyes I can now see things that were once hidden by the darkness. We can take this same sentence and tweak it just slightly and think about it in a completely different way. I watch the Son (by the Holy Spirit) and as His light breaks over the horizon (of my days) and pierces my (spiritual) eyes I can now see things that were once hidden by the darkness (sin).
When we get a glimpse of ourselves against the Holy Light of God and His Word we see ourselves as we really are: filthy and unkempt. That is when we realize we need to cry out for God's grace and mercy all the more. If God calls the light of the world good, ponder how much more His Holy light must be. How glorious will be the day when we finally see His face shine upon us. Numbers 6:25 (ESV) "the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you".
I can't say this any better so I'm just going to let C.H. Spurgeon say it,
"No sooner is there a good thing in the world, than a division is necessary. Light and darkness have no communion; God has divided them, let us not confound them. Sons of light must not have fellowship with deeds, doctrines, or deceits of darkness. The children of the day must be sober, honest, and bold in their Lord's work, leaving the works of darkness to those who shall dwell in it forever. Our Churches should by discipline divide the light from the darkness, and we should by our distinct separation from the world do the same. In judgment, in action, in hearing, in teaching, in association, we must discern between the precious and the vile, and maintain the great distinction which the Lord made upon the world's first day. O Lord Jesus, be thou our light throughout the whole of this day, for thy light is the light of men."
The concept of light is so profound to Charles that he takes both morning and evening to talk about it. He goes on to say that, "If the Lord has given you light, dear reader, he looks on that light with peculiar interest; for not only is it dear to him as his own handiwork, but because it is like himself, for 'He is light.'" This gives us that are in Christ much comfort because we know that even in our uncleanness God still looks at us with favor. Phillipians 1:6 "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." I am so thankful that the Lord sees His light in us, even when we cannot see it. It is much better for the Judge to see me as innocent than for me, the sinner, to think that I am innocent.
Spurgeon goes on to say, "You may be sighing and groaning because of inbred sin, and mourning over your darkness, yet the Lord sees "light" in your heart, for he has put it there, and all the cloudiness and gloom of your soul cannot conceal your light from his gracious eye. You may have sunk low in despondency, and even despair; but if your soul has any longing towards Christ, and if you are seeking to rest in his finished work, God sees the 'light.'"
The Lord preserves the light in us by His Grace alone. We should be nothing but grateful and giving thanks to Him. He alone will, on that appointed day, make the light in us appear fully in glory. The light within is the dawn of the eternal day. Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Day 2
Colossians 4:2 (ESV) - Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.
This verse really struck a cord with me that I need to remain in daily prayer and remaining alert in prayer so that my prayers will not be hindered. I need to ensure that my prayers are truthful (we cannot hide from the Lord) and that they are filled with thanksgiving. As 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV) says 16 Rejoice always,17 pray without ceasing,18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
I am so thankful that we have power because there are many around the city of Columbus that do not. I have told friends and neighbors that they are more than welcome to use our power or shower if needed.
This verse really struck a cord with me that I need to remain in daily prayer and remaining alert in prayer so that my prayers will not be hindered. I need to ensure that my prayers are truthful (we cannot hide from the Lord) and that they are filled with thanksgiving. As 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV) says 16 Rejoice always,17 pray without ceasing,18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
I am so thankful that we have power because there are many around the city of Columbus that do not. I have told friends and neighbors that they are more than welcome to use our power or shower if needed.
Ending up in World Religions
One of the courses I am taking this trimester at Franklin University is on World Religions during which "we are invited to experiment with a spiritual method with which you are not already familiar, to incorporate it into your daily life, and to reflect on its effect."
This blog will be a daily look into my prayer life and devotional Scripture reading. I try to read God's Word daily and I am at a place where I am praying multiple times per day. This is much improved to where I was a year or so ago. So let's start out this journey with blog post number one which I will highlight my past and how I came to this course. I will also try to make additional posts to reflect on the thoughts, prayers, and readings of the day.
Prior to Franklin
...or as I like to call it "The Past"
I did not grow up in the church. My parents got divorced when I was about 6 years old, and this shifted how I viewed the world as well as how I was raised. I lived with my mom during the week and saw my dad every other weekend. I was not raised in a religious home, but this does not mean that I was without moral values. My mom was of the opinion that you need to be nice people and kindness was revered in our home. This is similar to the belief in karma, but it wasn't practiced as such.
I went through a period early on where I did a lot of soul searching because God was tugging on my heart, but I didn't know it was God at the time. So I used the internet to try and find out where I wanted to camp, spiritually speaking. Then one day in a class at high school I got a tap on the should from a guy who would end up later baptizing me into faith in Jesus Christ.
Things started out great and I was reading my Bible a lot as I was held accountable and shown the ropes by the other people my age who I hung out with in our youth group. I learned more about the the Christian faith and was doing alright until I went into the military. I was away from my family and friends both physically and spiritually and I really struggled with both. I really did not do well when I was on my own, and part of that was due in fact that I didn't find a new youth group and my Bible reading dropped dramatically.
Current
I got out of the military and met my wife who was attending the same church I was in high school only at different times out our lives - it only made sense that we go back there together. We starting going back to church and I eventually came back to reading God's Word more and more. He pulled me out of my previous behaviors by His Grace and has set me on the straight and narrow path.
Day 1
Prayer
Today's prayers focused around strength to get through this day. I had a rough morning and woke up feeling very tired as my wife did not get much sleep last night. I prayed to God during my drive to work in the car and a few times throughout the day. I also remember praying during my drive to class for safety to get the class as well as thanking Him for getting me through my day.
As I start out my journey to work at around 07:30 every morning I usually find myself listening to Alistair Begg on 91.5FM and this morning he was preaching his last of three sermons on forgiveness, as it relates to the Lord's Prayer in Matthew 6. I listened intently having heard bits of his previous sermons and enjoying them thoroughly I wanted to hear how I could be a more forgiving person. Jesus says in Matthew's Gospel in chapter 6 verses 14 and 15 that if we forgive others their transgressions or sins (depending on translation) our Heavenly Father will forgive us our sins. Verse 15 is the reverse of this statement in the negative tone. If we do not forgive others, our Father will not forgive us our sins.
Daily Readings/Devotional
I recently started a daily reading plan with YouVersion reading through Morning and Evening, a classic devotional with a morning and evening meditation, by C.H. Spurgeon. The start of this blog coincides with the start of this year long reading plan so this will be a new and interesting exercise for me to write down my thoughts of daily prayer and readings. This blog will focus on these daily readings and devotional time; so, without further hesitation...
Morning Devotion - Joshua 5:12 "12 And the manna ceased the day after they ate of the produce of the land. And there was no longer manna for the people of Israel, but they ate of the fruit of the land of Canaan that year."
Israel's wanderings were over. No more moving, no more tents. They had landed in the land that "flowed with milk and honey". I found this verse to be a remembrance of all of the things that the Israelite people went through to get to this new promised land. Looking at this verse, having the entirety of the Bible and the life and works of Jesus Christ we can see the larger implication that this story points to having eternal rest with our Heavenly Father. In the mist of the trial faced by the Israelites this larger picture emerges where we see God saving and delivering his people from their afflictions, which is a foreshadowing of Jesus on the Cross.
Evening Devotion - Song of Solomon 1:4 "4 Draw me after you; let us run.The king has brought me into his chambers. We will exult and rejoice in you;we will extol your love more than wine; rightly do they love you.
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