January 2, 2014 – Matthew 2 – Trusting the evidence.

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from Matthew 1. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

What Does this Passage Say?

• Jesus was born in Bethlehem a small hamlet in the region of Judea. Bethlehem is a bedroom community for the city of Jerusalem five miles away.
• Some wise men, how many we do not know, who come from eastern lands, more than likely the land of Babylon which had been conquered by the Medes and Persians (modern day Iraq), see a star in the sky and they follow it to Jerusalem looking for a king.
• It is interesting that they know what they are looking for. There is a lot of speculation about these wise men. These men are possibly the religious teachers of their day. They were the primary scholars of their day. With these roots they would be knowledgeable in astrology, astronomy, medicine, math, and natural sciences.
• With their educated backgrounds these men may have been experts in many different types of religious literature. The writings of the Jews would certainly be known to them since the Jews were once conquered by and lived under Babylonian and Persian rule. In fact several Jews had high ranking positions within Babylon and Persia … remember Daniel, Shadrach (Hananiah), Meshach (Mishael), Abednego (Azaria), and Ester (Hadassah).
• There is also a chance that these wise men that came had Jewish ancestry. When the Persians allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem during the times of Nehemiah and Ezra not all returned. Some had pretty good lives established in the land of captivity. Instead of returning many continued to live their lives in the new land. We do not know for sure, but some of these wise men may have been Jewish. This would give reason for their desire to worship … however, you did not have to be Jewish to worship.
• These wise men understood something that the Jews would later struggle with, they were expecting the birth of Jesus and they were looking for it. They were watching because they understood the words of the prophets and they believed them. When the wise men come looking for the child they begin by going to Herod, the King (Not really the king since Rome was in charge, but a title the Roman’s allowed him to keep).
• Herod struggled with this because he felt threatened. Now the Jewish priest and teachers of the Law understood the scriptures but they missed all the sings. This will be a theme of theirs for Jesus entire life.
• Herod sends the wise men on their way, to the town where the Priest said He would be born. He also tricks them making them believe he too wants to worship this new king. Fortunately for Jesus we learn that God intervened because Herod had other intentions.
• The wise men find Jesus just after following a star that lead them right to Him. Jesus was not in a stable and probably still not in a manger. Time has passed. The census that we learn of from Luke has passed and Mary and Joseph are now possibly the invited guest into someone’s home, home owners themselves, or renting a place (Joseph a carpenter would be able to find work in Bethlehem). There is a chance that Jesus is nearly two years old by this point. Later we learn that Herod wants all baby boys in and around Bethlehem that were two years or under killed. This possibly gives us Jesus age.
• The wise men present Jesus with an offering of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. People have speculated about various spiritual implications of these gifts connecting them to Jesus life and mission, but we will not do that here. We do know this; there was a lot of value in the gifts they presented Jesus and His family with.
• When the wise men leave they do not go back to Herod because God directs them not to. Herod becomes furious and decides to kill all boys two and under. Jesus is not one of them, because God had already sent Jesus and His family to Egypt. The gift of the wise men would certainly help fun this journey.
• The family lives in Egypt until Herod dies and then they are lead to return home. The young family decides to return to their hometown, Nazareth to avoid any more threats on the child’s life from Herod’s son.

 What is this passage teaching?

• Throughout this passage Matthew references the prophetical writings of the Old Testament. Matthew established in our chapter one that Jesus had a strong linage from Abraham and David. Now in chapter two He established Jesus divine linage. Jesus just was not some child that was randomly born. His life was planned and the events of His life foretold through the prophets; the place of His birth, the result of His birth leading to weeping in Bethlehem, and His growing up in Nazareth. Matthew wanted His audience to understand Jesus was from God and all along part of God’s plan.

 How can I apply this passage to my life?

• Friends … Jesus wasn't a mistake. God had a plan for Jesus all along. He sent His son to us in a prescribed way giving us a lot of evidence to make faith in Him something easy. God never wanted salvation to be something hard … if He did, He would have made it something we had to do. No Jesus came so that He could save us from our sins. Do not beat yourself up and do not struggle trying to save yourself. Jesus has done that for you. He asks us to have faith, confess and repents our sins, accept Him as Lord and savior, and then die a death in the watery graves of baptism. What I love about God is He gives us so much evidence to believe in Son!

November 25 – Galatians 4-6

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from Galatians 4-6. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

Photo Credit: Microsoft Clip Art

In our reading plan we have come to the book of Galatians. This is the first book we see written by the Apostle Paul. This however was not originally a book but a letter. Paul was the first to carry the Gospel to the churches of Galatia … Galatia was a region not a city. Now the church is facing some difficult times … many theological. People have come in preaching and teaching a false doctrine of following Jesus. Not only that, but they are still bombarded by Jews who are trying to destroy the church. In the midst of these false teachings, they also have the Gentile worship of their land to fight off and turn away from. There is definitely confusion taking place.

Paul is writing to them to encourage them and to teach them. In chapter four Paul solicits an emotion and memory that he holds dear … “Where is that joyful and grateful spirit you felt then?” (Galatians 4:15 NLT) Paul reminds them of the joy and spirit they had when he first came and preached the message of Jesus and they accepted. Somehow in someway they have let that slip away.

As I look at the church too often I feel the same thing has happened to many Christians. They initially found joy in Christ and the new relationship that they begun with Him. They felt relief from the burdens they carried around. They felt a new lease on life. They were on fire. The spirit of God was overwhelming them in a really amazing way. But somewhere along the way that joy evaporated.

As followers of Christ we have the greatest reason to find joy. We have been saved through the blood of Jesus! We have reason to be joyful to know that this world is not our home. Sure there will be moments of frustration, worry, doubt, and struggle. But those emotions should not dominate our lives. Our lives should be filled with joy and that joy should radiate for all to see!

Let me ask you, be honest with yourself, would people see joy in your heart and life through a simple encounter with you?

November 19 – Acts 9 & 10

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from Acts 9 & 10. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

Have you ever worked on a project and no matter what you did you were not able to be successful? You kept working and working but nothing you did made you successful. Finally you just set the project down and walked away. Then amazingly when you came back and picked it up you completed the project successfully on the first try? I do not know how many times I have done this. I remember in college I was playing a video game. For days I worked to try and beat what turned out to be the final level. No matter what I did I was not successful. Finally I got frustrated and stopped playing the game for months. One day I decided to pick the game back up, went in and completed the mission on my first try.

Why do we do this? Sometimes it’s because we do not know any other way. Sometimes our skills just are not up to the task at hand. Other times our knowledge might not be as great. Sometimes we just are not ready to learn. Sometimes we need to step away, clear our minds, and approach the problem or task with fresh eyes. Many times it is new perspective (at least fresh perspective) that gives us the needed clarity to complete the project.

In our reading today we find Peter, one of the twelve, the man who had the privilege of delivering the first presentation of the gospel message (a message where three thousand people were baptized), and he needed a new perspective. Until chapter ten of Acts all Christians were Jews who accepted Christ. There were some exceptions … the Samaritans, but they were simply half bread Jews, and others who had fully converted to Judaism. Now for the first time God is ready to extend salvation to a full on Gentile.

So to prepare Peter, God works to give him a new perspective. He shows the vision of the white sheet and the unclean animals. He tells Peter to accept the messenger’s invitation. He pours out the Holy Spirit before baptism. He does all of this to bring about new perspective; this time a new inclusion of people into the Kingdom of God.

Is there a place in your heart where you could use a time away to draw a new perspective? Maybe it is clothing worn to church. Maybe it is a new heart for hurting people. Maybe it is a new look at your marriage. Maybe it is a renewed approach to your parenting. Maybe it is a fresh approach to worship. I do not know what your current perspective is, but I am confident there is an area that we can all improve ours in. 

November 18 – Acts 7 & 8

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from Acts 7 & 8. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

The life of Jesus is now behind us. He has went to the cross and resurrected. He has even left His disciples on earth until His final return at the end of days. While He has left earth, He has not left His disciples alone. On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was poured out upon mankind bringing salvation along with it. Now the church has begun. People are being brought to a life changing relationship with Jesus. Those who are opposed to Jesus, pulling the old power strings, are fighting back against the church. They have now arrested Stephen.

Stephen stands before the Sanhedrin and he is telling them the story of their ancestral history, concluding with their deliverer from Egyptian slavery, Moses. In this retelling Stephen gave this line after God called Moses, “So God sent back the same man his people had previously rejected when they demanded, ‘Who made you a ruler and judge over us?’” (Acts 7:35 NLT). I absolutely love when something new stands out to me no matter how many times I have read a passage … this was one of those times.

In many ways Jesus was compared to Moses. Moses delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Jesus delivered all of mankind from the slavery of sin. Moses was considered a prophet. Jesus was considered a prophet. Moses gave God’s original Law. Jesus fulfilled the Law and provided a new Law … Grace. And in another similarity Moses was rejected by the people he came to rescue. Jesus was rejected by the people He came to rescue.

What is wonderful is both times God won. When God is in charge, when God is leading the way, when God is the one we trust, we will come out victorious. 

November 13 – Luke 23, and John 18 & 19

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from Luke 23, and John 18 & 19. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

Photo Credit: Serf Publishing Inc.

The reason the Jews chanted crucify was they felt threatened. They felt threatened by the claims Jesus made. They felt threatened that He might mess up the power they had by causing a revolt, and bringing the hand of Rome down even stronger. So to get rid of the threat, they sought Jesus death. I do not believe any of this went unnoticed by Pilate.

When Jesus was placed on the cross, Pilate had a sign simply reading … “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” (John 19:19 NLT) Did Pilate do this because he really believed Jesus was the King of the Jews? I do not believe so. Did he do this because he couldn't stand what the Jewish leaders were making him do? Possibly. Did he do this to get back at the Jews? Absolutely. I am sure he saw these people as a problem, so just to grind it in, he did something that made them mad.

And did it ever. Like little children crying to their parents to make someone else change their behavior, they objected and said … “Change it from ‘The King of the Jews’ to “He said, I am King of the Jews.” (John 19:21 NLT) They did not want people believing that Jesus was their King. But they did not get their way. Pilate told them no.

What the Jews did not understand is that what Pilate had written was the truth. Jesus was the King of the Jews. His family tree took Him all the way back to King David. His blood line was pure royalty, both as a descendent of David and as the Son of God. Now the King of the Jews was about to become the savior of the world. These men who sent Jesus to cross, who felt threatened by His claims, did what was necessary. Their fear brought salvation to the world. For that I am thankful. 

October 31 – Matthew 19 & Mark 10

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from Matthew 19 & Mark 10. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

I do not write what I am about to write in a proud and boastful way, only as a teaching element. In 2007 I graduated college with a degree in Bible and Theology. I spent four academic years of my life studying the Bible. I was given tools and knowledge to better understand the Bible. In those four years I studied nearly every book of the Bible on some intimate detail level. Sadly to say, it was not until 2012 that I actually for the first time read the Bible cover to cover. I had read it all over different parts of my life, but never in an organized attempt to do so. With all that training, with all that study, and with all the times I have read the Bible, especially many sections of the Bible, you would think it would be hard to have a new understanding, especially over familiar passages.

Photo Credit: Microsoft Clip Art

Well in our reading today, I found an amazing truth nestled in the words of Jesus. A rich young man comes to Jesus and asks what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus goes over some basics and the man confirms that he has kept all of them. Jesus reminds him there is one wrong thing he has done … he has clung to his wordily wealth. When the man leaves sad and dejected, Jesus turns to his disciples and tells them … “Dear children, it is very hard to enter the Kingdom of God. In facts, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!” (Mark 10:24-25 NLT) From here Jesus disciples are perplexed and they struggle with the thought that no one can enter into God’s kingdom. Here is where I had a new revelation … “Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.” (Mark 10:27 NLT)

I have always read the camel in the eye of the needle story independently without the follow up. At least I have never connected them. In the first part Jesus is teaching that in reality, there is nothing that anyone can do to enter into the Kingdom of God. Rich men cannot buy it. Poor man cannot be pure enough. Religious men cannot do enough. There is nothing you and I can do to inherit the Kingdom of God. But that is where God steps in on this matter … “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God.” I do not know about you, but that tells me there is something God is up to.

As Christians we know the rest of the story. We know that Jesus will go to the cross … something He alludes to latter in the chapter … where He will pay the debt for our sins. A camel goes through the eye of a needle easier because there is nothing you and I do to inherit the Kingdom of God. It is the work of God in Jesus on the Cross.

Now I did not learn anything new in our reading today. I only saw for the first time this teaching Jesus used here in Mark 10 to illustrate it yet another time in scripture. Friends, no matter how many times you have read the Bible there is always something new and something different that you can draw from God’s Word. 

October 22 – Mathew 18

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from Matthew 18. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

In a recent post I commented on the idea that it is often best to read the gospels by their topical arrangement. You can read that post here. By doing so we are able to get a complete picture of that particular grouping of stories. It will enhance your Bible study immensely if you do so.

Today’s reading is another one where grouping helps. The conversation revolves around the Kingdom of Heaven. In it we are given different aspects of what the Kingdom of Heaven will be like. We are given a glimpse as to who will get in and the pursuit that God is on after us. We are also given a glimpse of how the people who belong to the Kingdom of Heaven are to treat one another. What strikes me about this discussion is it is alluding to the fact that Kingdom of Heaven is not a future tense object, but something currently present.

How we treat children is a here and now concept. How we pursue people who are not part of the Kingdom of Heaven is a here and now concept. How we look out for the mistakes of others is a here and now concept. How we forgive others of their debts and wrong doing’s is a here and now concept. If the Kingdom of Heaven is so great, then why on earth would we want to wait for it? Wouldn't life be much more enjoyable if we all worked to make the Kingdom of Heaven a reality in our present day lives? 

October 18 – John 6

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from John 6. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

Jesus has just feed five thousand men plus women and children with two fish and five loaves of bread. This is the same story that we experienced yesterday in the other three gospels. After the feeding, the next morning the crowds wake up to find that Jesus and his disciples are not there. Now they know how the disciples got across, they saw them leave by boat. But Jesus went up on the hillside to pray. It was during the night that Jesus walked to them on the water. They are surprised and perplexed as to how Jesus beat them to that side of the sea.

Jesus knows what’s on their minds when they show up … “I tell you the truth, you want to be with me because I fed you, not because you understood the miraculous signs. But don’t be so concerned about perishable things like food. Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man can give you. For God the Father has given me the seal of his approval.” (John 6:26-27 NLT). They come wanting what Jesus can give them. They do not necessarily want a relationship with Him. They are focused on here and now not the eternal life He has come to provide.

How much are we like them? Examine your prayer life; is it full of request for the here and now or does it encompass a broader spectrum of your relationship with Christ? We live in the here and now. We have aches and pains, broken hearts, and real physical needs. There is an element to our relationship with God that we trust He will provide and care for us. But our relationship with Christ should be much deeper and broader than just the physical needs of our life. We have been promised eternal life with God through Jesus. Cherish that each and every day! 

October 15 – Mark 4-5

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from Mark 4-5. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

In our reading today Jesus encounters a man who is possessed by demons. His case is severe. They have caused the man to live in a cemetery because of his wild behavior. He could no longer be restrained because he broke the chains and shackles. There was no one strong enough subdue the man and he spent his days wandering the hills and caves howling and hurting himself. When Jesus arrives on the scene he comes out to great Jesus. To a normal person we might have run at the sight of this man, but Jesus did not.

Why? Because the man came before Jesus paying the utmost respect and honor due to the creator of all things. Does that response startle you? It should. People do not just run up to someone and bow before them. It happens here because the demons possessing this man know who Jesus is, “With a shriek, he screamed, “Why are you interfering with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In the name of God, I beg you, do not torture me!” (Mark 5:7 NLT) When this demon saw Jesus he knew immediately who he was.

While the people traveling with Jesus were still not sure who he was … remember the scene before in Mark 4 when Jesus calmed the storm they were left questioning who Jesus was that the wind and the waves obey him … this demon knows Jesus! There was no doubt in their minds who He was and why He was here on this earth. He was here to end the reign of Satan. He was here to end their reign of terror and ultimately crush evil and death.

Do you believe with the same conviction in Jesus that the demons did? While they rejected obedience to God, they believed in God, they believed in Jesus, and they knew that their days were numbered. This may sound odd, but we should develop the level of faith the demons possessed … just do not follow their example of obedience to God. 

October 3 – Matthew 2

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from Matthew 2. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

We can again see Matthew’s purpose in writing was to give an account of Jesus’ life that was targeted at the Jewish community. They were familiar with the Old Testament. They knew the stories of their ancestors. They studied it like we study American history. They could tell about Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. They knew about Ehud and Eglon. They were familiar with the life of David. Not only did they know the stories, they also were waiting on hope. God throughout the period of the Old Testament slipped in glimmers of hope through his prophets and through his writers. We often call these Messianic Prophecies.

We are given a glimpse of Matthew’s purpose by the abundance of Messianic Prophecies Matthew uses in chapter two, … “And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah, are not least among the ruling cities of Judah, for a ruler will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.”  (Matthew 2:6 NLT) This prophecy is taken directly from Micah 5:2. Jesus was born in Bethlehem because that was where is ancestral roots came from. Now believing this prophecy is not hard, because it is where David was from and this is what was supposed to happen. Matthew is simply reminding and showing his audience that in fact this did happen.

God certainly knows what He is doing. He knows that there are people waiting on the Messiah, so he speaks through Matthew and reminds the people that what He set in motion through the prophets has now come to fruition. God gives solid evidence from the very birth of Jesus to point to His Messianic work. 

October 2 – Matthew 1 & Luke 2

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from Matthew 1 & Luke 2. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

The story of Jesus birth and all that happened are simply wonderful and amazing. Matthew starts his Gospel with what some might consider a boring genealogy. This genealogy however establishes Jesus as first being a Jew and second being from the right family tree as predicted by God. This was an incredibly foundation for Matthew to build upon.

What I also love about our reading is the awesome events that play out.

•   Joseph is visited by an angel in a dream – Matthew 1:18-25
•  Shepherds are sent to Bethlehem to see the child because angels visited them – Luke 2:8-20
• When Jesus is presented at the temple two people offer amazing prophecies, first by Simeon – Luke 2:25-35 and second by Anna – Luke 2:26-40.

 This birth is special. There is now way around it. Joseph and Mary had to know that what was happening was all because of God. How would you have felt to be chosen by God to do something so great? Would it have been hard or easy to accept knowing your life was going to drastically change? These are tough questions to answer. 

September 30 – Malachi 1-4

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from Malachi 1-4. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

Today we close out the Old Testament. It has been a long nine months going through the Old Testament. I love the Old Testament. There are so many wonderful stories as well as so many heart breaking stories. I love that throughout God gives hope in the darkest moments of despair. Now for the next four hundred and some years God will be somewhat silent as Israel waits for the coming Messiah. But he does not leave them without a challenge to give fully to Him.

The entire book of Malachi is God challenging the quality of the sacrifices and gifts brought before God. To be frank, their gifts were not that great … “You have shown contempt by offering defiled sacrifices on my altar.” (Malachi 1:7 NLT) … “You defile them by saying the altar of the LORD deserves no respect. When you give blind animals as sacrifices, is not that wrong?” (Malachi 1:7-8 NLT) … “How I wish one of you would shut the Temple doors so that these worthless sacrifices could not be offered!” (Malachi 1:10 NLT) This is just a little sample of the strong words God brings against Israel.

Let’s apply these thoughts from God to our giving. What does it look like? Are we giving God our best or what is left? Yesterday I had lunch with a very godly woman whose husband is barely hanging onto life right now because of his health. She made the comment that when he was healthy and involved in his day job that the school he worked for got the best of him. How often does that scenario play out in your relationship with God? How often do we let everything else come before our relationship with God and when we get to Him, we are wiped out, barley giving Him any quality. As we turn to the life saving mission of Jesus tomorrow, let’s contemplate our sacrifices before God. 

September 10 – Ezekiel 43-45

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from Ezekiel 43-45. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

In the vision that Ezekiel was given about the Temple God gave Him some basic instructions. Now I am not positive if the Temple that Ezekiel saw was the eternal Temple of God in Heaven, or the rebuilt Temple following the return from exile. It is probably a little of both. I can be sure of this, the instructions that God gave for those serving, they are to actually be carried out when the return from exile happens.

What struck me as great is the fact that it is the responsibility of the clergy to set the pattern of holiness. God gives instructions on what the priest of the family of Zadok are to do: special clothing, special headwear, carefully trimmed but not shaven hair, no wine before serving, pure wives, teach the difference between holy and unholy, clean and unclean, serve as judges, obey God’s instructions, not defile himself with dead people, own no property but live in the allotted land, and for all this God will provide their needs from the offerings of the people.

While the role of minister may look different today, I do not believe our call has been made that much different. We are still the teachers, the leaders, and the example setters. We have been called to be holy to show people holiness through our lives. Help us do that. If you find us not doing so, please come to us in love and correct us where we are wrong. I pray we are humble enough and in tune with God enough that we will listen to your words of love. 

September 6 – Ezekiel 31-33

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from Ezekiel 31-33. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

Photo Credit: Microsoft Clip Art

God instructs Ezekiel to do something strange today … “Son of man, mourn for Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and give him this message,” (Ezekiel 32:2 NLT) and “I will disturb many hearts when I bring news of your downfall to distant nations you have never seen.” (Ezekiel 32:9 NLT) God is bringing judgment against Egypt. He knows it will disturb hearts, but he also instructs Ezekiel to mourn. That is an odd request for God to make of a man who possibly sees Egypt as an enemy.

This past week news broke that Ariel Castro had hung himself in his prison cell. You probably remember that Ariel Castro was the Cleveland man who kept three women hostage in his home for nearly ten years. With one of the girls, Amanda Berry he fathered a daughter. What reaction ran through your mind when you heard the news of his death? Did you celebrate because now the man was dead, he could no longer harm anyone else, and we as taxpayers do not have to pay to keep him alive? Or did you mourn for him knowing that he probably did not know Jesus as his Lord and Savior, and is now spending eternity in Hell? Or do you think his eternal punishment in Hell is perfectly fine?

God told Ezekiel to mourn for Egypt because of what He was getting ready to do to them. I believe whole heartedly that God loves every person who has ever walked this planet no matter the evil in their hearts. I think it tears God’s heart in two whenever one is sent to eternity in Hell. God told Ezekiel to mourn for Egypt. I believe we should mourn for our enemies as well. Yes, people who do wrong, who harm others should pay for their crimes. But no where, no way should we celebrate their eternal punishment in Hell. That should break our hearts. 

September 2 – Ezekiel 21-22

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from Ezekiel 21-22. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

Do you look for hope as you read through all the destruction of the prophets? I hope you do because God has planted it throughout. In our reading today we saw just another example of that … “Destruction! Destruction! I will surely destroy the kingdom. And it will not be restored until the one appears who has the right to judge it. Then I will hand it over to him.” (Ezekiel 21:27 NLT) As I have said before I love the fact that God doesn’t only paint a picture of destruction, but he also gives hope.

What we see here isn’t just hope of restoration as a nation. The kingdom talked about here is much more than they could imagine. We know that the Israelites understood that there was coming a messiah to offer deliverance. We know that during Jesus life they were looking for a military or political leader in their messiah. And we also know that even Jesus own disciples didn’t fully understand Him. But as people living after the resurrection we have historical perspective. We can understand God’s words here on a level 1^st century Israel didn’t.

I am grateful for that. Because I can look at the Bible, the wonderful story it weaves and see God preparing the world for the coming of the Messiah! I can see the language of the one who has the right to judge, and know that person is Jesus Christ. Jesus was God in the flesh; He had the full authority to judge and the full authority to forgive. Had they understood this passage, the Pharisees might not have questioned Jesus like they did in Matthew 9:1-8. I love that I can look at that and understand what God is saying. Do you cherish that ability as well?

August 29 – Ezekiel 9-12

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from Ezekiel 9-12. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

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“The word of the lord came to me: “Son of man, you are living among a rebellious people. They have eyes to see but do not see and ears to hear but do not hear, for they are a rebellious people.” (Ezekiel 12:1-2 NLT) While this was written about those in Jerusalem and remaining in Judah before the final destruction, you could easily see those words talking about our day and culture. This past week has been filled with the news of Miley Cyrus gyrating in barely there clothing on stage at the MTV Video Music Awards show.  Also in the news is the newly constant debate about race relations in America. Constantly we are bombarded with images of sex, scantily clad women, homosexual relationships, drug abuse, and so many other grievous sin issues that we quickly connect with these words of God.

The destruction that we face today is different than what Israel faced. Israel faced the destruction of their city, their promised land, and the mass loss of life. Today we may not see the physical destruction, but those who have eyes to see and ears to hear, but refuse the message of the gospel, they face a permanent destruction in Hell. That thought should break our hearts. It should break our hearts to action.

Maybe we are Ezekiel and the people living in exile. We know something else. We know that there is life with God. We know that there is joy in Christ. It is our responsibility to creatively open up they eyes and ears so that the gospel message can reach deep and wide. So what are some ways we can open up the gospel? Feel free to share your ideas in the comments below!

August 28 – Ezekiel 5-8

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from Ezekiel 5-8. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

Photo Credit: J.T. Noriega

How big is your God? How omniscient is your God? By the time of Ezekiel’s writing and prophesying, God to Israel was not very big. In our reading today God takes Ezekiel for an awesome trip. First of all wouldn't it be cool to have the privilege to see the glory of God like Ezekiel did? Then He takes him on some out of body experience to Jerusalem to see the detestable sins of the people.

In Jerusalem the sins of the people keep growing. They are under siege, but they are not turning to Yahweh. They are dying of starvation and sickness, and they turn to the gods of the people around them. They believe at this point God is either small or no longer present. “The LORD does not see us; he has deserted our land!” (Ezekiel 8:12 NLT)

Do you ever feel that way? Maybe you are going through a rough patch of life; cancer, divorce, loneliness, sickness, death, financial struggles, and you feel as Israel felt, God has deserted you. But just like Judah, God knows what is going on in your life, in your heart, and in your mind. He may not be working in a way that you can see or feel, but He is still there. Give Him time. Put your trust in God. Live a life that is worthy of the salvation you cherish. 

August 15 - Jeremiah 30-31

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from Jeremiah 30-31. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan. 

Photo Credit: Microsoft Clip Art

In our chronological study of the Bible we are just now experiencing the crushing blow Babylon is bringing against Jerusalem. Throughout God has told Judah through prophets that His judgment would be harsh and some would be taken away from the homeland. This promise is exactly what we experienced two days ago. We also learned yesterday that God was going to yoke up with us in a partnership and what a blessing that is. Today God gives us hope again, and this hope is comforting.

                                                

In Jeremiah 31:10-11 God says this … “Listen to this message from the LORD, you nations of the world; proclaim it in distant coastlands: the LORD, who scattered his people, will gather them and watch over them as a shepherd does his flock. For the LORD has redeemed Israel from those too strong for them.” (NLT) Now this is talking about God’s care for Israel. But remember, as a Christian you have been redeemed by God. Your sins have been paid for. Christ has become your ransom. He now stands before God as our mediator. And as Israel was redeemed and protected as a shepherd protects his flock, we the redeemed can find comfort in our great shepherd.  

We have talked about love and grace a lot. I do that because I think grace is something hard for us to grasp. We struggle to forget where others have wronged us, even if we have forgiven them. God forgets our transgression because of Christ. We struggle to understand how God could forgive us because we know all the wrongs we have committed. Grace is hard to fathom. While we might understand it on a cognitive level, we struggle to get it on a heart level. Because grace is so powerful and freeing, we will continue to explore it as the chance presents itself. 

August 13 – Jeremiah 23-25

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from Jeremiah 23-25. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan. 

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While extremely grateful, I realized today I have always somewhere felt bad for the pilgrims. I am grateful that they came and settled here in the new world. But when we hear the stories of how hard life was for them especially during the first few winters, my heart breaks for them. And the genesis of it all was to escape religious persecution; all so they could worship God the way they believed they should. After today’s readings, I am beginning to wonder if I should feel so bad for them. Let me explain.

In our reading today we find a discussion between God and Jeremiah. God is telling Jeremiah what He is going to do to the faithful in Judah and Jerusalem. He does so through a picture of good and rotten figs. Here is what God said of the good figs … “The good figs represent the exiles I sent from Judah to the land of the Babylonians. I will watch over and care for them, and I will bring them back here again. I will build them up and not tear them down. I will plant them and not uproot them. I will give them hearts that recognize me as the LORD. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me wholeheartedly.” (Jeremiah 24:5-7 NLT) God basically said he was taking His people, the good people, those who loved Him and was moving them out to protect them.

The amazing thing to me was he was moving them to a pagan land where they could truly worship God as they choose. We know some of these as Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah from Daniel 1. These men glorified God in amazing ways as we see with the fiery furnace and Daniel in the den of lions. The words God spoke to and through Jeremiah He fulfilled in those stories, plus many more.

Should we feel bad for Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah? No! They were under the care of God in the land of Babylon. The good figs were protected and cared for. The bad figs, those that remained in Jerusalem, they are the ones our hearts should break for. They were the ones to feel the wrath of God. What about in your own life? Do you have people whom God would consider a bad fruit, simply because they have not accepted a life changing relationship with Jesus? Does your heart break for them?

Maybe I am simply finding perspective. No longer will my heart break for the pilgrims. Maybe their trails here were God using them to do something new and bigger in His grand scheme. God sending the faithful off to Babylon was His protection. Where my heart should break is for people who do not love and know God. 

August 6 – Zephaniah 1-3

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from Zephaniah 1-3. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

Photo Credit: Microsoft Clip Art

Our reading today comes from another one of God’s prophets sent to deliver a message of destruction to Judah. The time has come for God’s solid hand of punishment over his people to be issued. Here is a stark contrast … many of the prophets sent have spoken during times of moral corruption and failure. When Zephaniah preaches he does so during a time of renewal and honest worship to God under the leadership of King Josiah, Zephaniah 1:1. This is a reminder that God is always in charge.

However, no matter what judgment God has ordained to take place, there is an opportunity for individual repentance. Zephaniah writes … “Gather before judgment begins, before your time to repent is blown away like chaff.” (Zephaniah 2:2 NLT) God’s judgment was going to come regardless. However, there was still ample time for individuals to make a decision for God.

God has already ordained the final day of this life, whether it be in our own individual days or the final days before the return of Christ. However, each one has the opportunity to make a decision for Christ. We who know him have been called to make sure others have the same opportunity offered to us. That means we must constantly busy ourselves with sharing the gospel, or as we say it at West Side … loving and leading people to a life changing relationship with Jesus Christ.