Advent literally means the arrival.  However, this is no ordinary home from seeing Aunt Marge arrival.  The meaning here is that the arrival is one of a notable or special person.  Christ's arrival on earth was much anticipated, but few noticed the Advent of Christ. 

Today we begin to prepare our hearts for the celebration and joy of the season.  I encourage you as we read to begin to reflect in your own heart the arrival of Christ.  What has His arrival meant in your life? 

Historically, Advent was celebrated first with a time of penitence and fasting.  A time of remembrance that the purpose of Jesus’ coming into the world, of the "Word made flesh" and dwelling among us, is to reveal God and His grace to the world through Jesus’ life and teaching, but also through his suffering, death, and resurrection.  As Advent neared Christmas, or the birth of Christ, the celbration focused more on the joy of a new born child bringing the Good News to earth. 

Join us in reading as we anticipate the arrival of Christ through His Word.  If you don't already have reading plan, there is one available on the website.  Just click on Advent Reading and download yours today.

May God Bless the reading of His Word as we prepare our hearts.

What an amazing journey it has been over the course of the last 40 days.  I am so amazed (I shouldn't be, I know) at the insights that God has given so many of you.  Thank you to each one who has shared here on the blog or in Sunday School or through a testimony.  It has really encouraged me. 

A new Heaven and a new Earth.  Wow!  What a powerful image.  The earth as we know it will be gone.  In fact, even the way the world works will change. "Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (21:3-4) God will dwell with us here on the new earth.

Yesterday, Jason posed a great question, "How can we be ready" for God's return as we read John's revelation.  I don't have all of  the answers, but I think it starts with Christ's invitation "“Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city."(22:14) or "Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life." (22:17).

I must agree with John as he closes "Amen. Come, Lord Jesus"

Are you thirsty today?  Are you seeking water that truly satisfies and quenches your thirst?  Accept the invitation through Jesus Christ today.  Come and drink the free gift of the water of life. 

What is God saying to you today?

Revelation has always been a hard book for me to read.  I have struggled with all of the meanings and the imagery.  I remember once that one of my favorite authors was getting ready to release a book on Revelation.  I was certain that his style that I had come to know and love would finally lend that extra bit of understanding that I had been seeking.  You know what his overarching theme in the book was?  Be Ready.  Not what I had expected, but it was confirmed again to me as Nathan Covington was here in Revival.  The message was not about what we could expect or what the signs meant.  It was about being ready in my own spirit and having a broken spirit for those who weren't ready.

Today as we read the introduction to John's Revelation, I am again struck by the gospel message that has been so prevalent throughout our readings over the last several days.  It is a message of Victory.  "Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last.  I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades."  Amen!

How is God speaking through His Word?

What an amazing passage and one that is filled with so much meaning again.

First, I am amazed as God works this out and Peter testifies in 10:34-35 "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right."  What a promise to all who will accept and fear God through Christ's death and ressurection!

Then, we see the Holy Sprit moving once again in 10:44-46 "While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God".

Finally, Peter is questioned as to why he stayed in the home of a Gentile.  Most specifically because Gentiles were "unclean" because the Gentile was uncircumsized.  Peter's response is so gracious and loving.  He gives his testimony of how God showed him the vision and his response was amazing " So if God gave them the same gift he gave us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could stand in God’s way?”  (11:17).

What is God saying to you through His Word today?
 

Today we read about Saul's conversion.

This reading continues the thought of how God chooses people who don't appear on the surface to be likely candidates for His service. I am struck by the way that God uses Ananias.  It just goes to show that when we are obedient and listening to God, He can do great things through us.

Ananias is hesitant for sure: "I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name" (v 13-14). But, he is obedient and goes to the house were Saul is staying.

This passage encourages me that no matter what we've done, as bad as we think it may be, God's grace and mercy still seek us out and reaches us.

What is God saying to you today?

I was looking into the background of Pentecost and found something interesting. Most understand this day as the “birthday of the Christian church.” The word Pentecost is the Greek translation for the Hebrew Shavuot – or Festival of Weeks. Knowing something about this day from its Jewish roots provides two interesting connections with our NT understanding of Pentecost.

One, this festival commemorated the end of both the barley harvest (which began on Passover) and the wheat harvest (which ended 7 weeks later on Shavuot, or Pentecost).  Two, the festival is also the traditional date ascribed to God giving the Law to Moses and the people at Mt. Sinai seven weeks after the historical Passover. Now, I consider that context after reading Acts 2:23 – “But God knew what would happen, and his prearranged plan was carried out when Jesus was betrayed. With the help of lawless Gentiles, you nailed him to a cross and killed him.”  Then further in v.38-39, he adds, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is to you, and to your children, and even to the Gentiles—all who have been called by the Lord our God.”

Just as Shavuot commemorates two harvests, so here does the apostles’ baptism by Christ’s Spirit – the harvesting of Jews and Gentiles who are both responsible for His death, yet called to Him. And just as Shavuot commemorates the giving of the Law, so here does the filling of the Spirit – the giving of Christ, the Logos, the Word, the fulfillment of that Law.

And then the timing of it all shows God’s perfect nature. As a festival, the city was packed many of them Jews from out-of-town, even. So God gives the apostles the audience, the message, the perfect context, and the words from the divinely-inspired Joel (which also dealt with a harvest – a barren one in that case).  But then most importantly, God gives them His Spirit so that Peter could proclaim the Truth in boldness and confidence and with authority. Then he and the other apostles just remained obedient and God took care of the results. And that’s what we’re asked to do today – use the situation and tools and abilities God presents to us and be obedient – He’ll take it from there!

As I begin today, I want to take a moment and encourage you to pray for those affected by the earthquake in Turkey.  Please check out the Links section of our website.  There is a link there to the NMI Prayer Mobilization Line and I am hoping that information will be shared there.  Pray that God would open doors for Nazarenes in the area to assist and that doors would be opened for the Gospel to be spread.

Today as we read, we see the coming of the promised Holy Spirit.  I can just imagine the disciples as they are gathered together, praying, but still not certain what to do next.   But, their patience is rewarded as the Holy Spirit comes with a rushing wind and tongues of fire fall on the disciples and they begin to testify. How amazing that they all began speaking in different tongues, but they were gifted just as they needed to be to spread the message of Christ.

One thing that stood out to me today was in verse 37: "When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”   I long for this type of annointing of the Holy Spirit.  The Spirit is so heavy that the people are convicted and immediately begin to ask what they need to do to deal with the conviction.  Are we seeking such an outpouring of the Holy Spirit today?

Peter shares with them the Good News: "Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call." (v. 38-39).  We go on to read in v. 41 that 3000 were added to their number that day.  Wow!  Standing room only, for sure.

What is God saying to you today through His Word?

Today we begin to read about the birthing of the early Church as the disciples witness Christ's ascension. What do you think the disciples' state of mind is at this time? I don't think they fully grasped what was to come. Are we any more prepared for the moving of the Holy Spirit today? What is God showing you today?

Yesterday, I said, the life of Jesus didn't end on a cross.  He took on my sin and yours and suffered and died.  But, today we see the victorious fulfillment of of His mission.  He rose again!

This is another passage that is rich in meaning, and I think we could write a week's worth of blogs on just John 20.

Two things really resonated with me as I read today.  First, at the end of Ch 20, verse 30-31 "Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name."  That's what the gospels are all about.

Secondly, the restoration of Peter in 21:15.  What an amazing picture of God's grace and mercy at work.

What is God saying to you today?

As I read today about the trial and crucifixtion of Jesus, I was first struck by Pilate's recognition and fear.  At several points, Pilate tried to free Jesus.  The scripture says, partly because he could find no wrong and partly because he was afraid. "When Pilate heard this, he was even more afraid" (v8).  I wonder why Pilate recognized Christ and yet, the Jews didn't.  But, then my answer came quickly "Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.” (v11). 

Jesus came to die for our sins.  The die had already been cast, it was God's plan. 

Today, as I read about the pain, the humiliation that Jesus suffered for my sins, it brought me a new sense of appreciation.  Jesus was blameless before man and before God.  Yet, he took on my sin and suffered and died that I may be in a right relationship with God.  The story does not end here, though.

What is God saying to you today?

Okay, trivia time: what is the shortest verse in the Bible?  If you said John 11:35, “Then Jesus wept,” well you’re wrong!  It is actually Luke 20:30: “So the second brother married the widow, but he also died.”  Remember, the Bible was not written in English – wink, wink!  Which leads me to ask what the Greek says in v.39.  The King James Version says that Lazarus “stinketh,” which I don’t know about you, but always makes me snicker.  So I looked it up and the concept in the original writing is that Lazarus is decaying.

I really like John’s culmination here to the ongoing progression in documenting Jesus’ miracles.  He starts with Jesus’ first public miracle at Cana with the water to wine.  That one was easy, huh?  Yeah, that sounds silly.  It should.  But it is clear by the recorded reactions to the series of Jesus’ miracles (chapters 2-11) that their mindset was to become more and more amazed as Jesus did something different again and again that had never been known to have occurred before.  I’m not sure we today could argue we would have been any different.

So by the time the people of the village of Bethany witnessed this, some had already heard about, and some had even seen, Jesus’ works.  But raising a man from death?  Certainly even that was beyond a miracle.  That was Mary and Martha’s reaction.  “If only you had gotten here sooner,” they cried, then there was a chance.  And I’m sure everyone else believed the same.  And he wasn’t just dead.  Lazarus was stinking, which happens when decay sets in, which means he was completely dead.  This isn’t a Princess Bride “mostly dead” kind of thing!  He’s not just asleep or in a medical coma.  He’s dead.  And Jesus meant for him to die.  Why?

After receiving the news, Jesus waited two days before leaving for Bethany – to make sure that Lazarus was really dead.  His disciples misinterpreted this delay, figuring it was to avoid trouble.  However, He clearly sends word back to Mary and Martha in v.4, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.”  Despite that declaration, Martha and Mary still didn’t think it could just possibly be true.  Yet, in v.41-42, that verification is given, “So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, ‘Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.’”

Despite the progression of miracles that many had witnessed – despite Jesus’ words of what would come to pass with Lazarus – people still struggled with believing in what wasn’t right in front of them.  Even if we know who Christ is, just as Martha proclaims in v.22-27, we still struggle with seeing beyond the tangible world.  Another component to this incident is that Luke (7:11-16) and Mark (5:21-43) record Jesus raising the dead and that, according to most scholars, those took place prior to Lazarus.  But those other two individuals had not been dead for four days.  In other words, even though Martha, Mary, and the disciples knew Jesus could do this, they also could not get past the fact that Lazarus was not only dead, but decaying.

Which makes the miracle even more impactful!  One that “would benefit the people standing” there.  Jesus’ motivation in performing miracles was not just out of a sense of compassion, but as a means to display his power and authority.  Death is seen as such a finality by many in this world – something that has power over us.  But Jesus wanted to show that it is actually He who has ultimate authority over all things that we know of or can even imagine.  And though we declare this, and it has shaped the Church’s theology for centuries, and we even personally claim, do we always live like it?

Today, we read about Jesus' return to Bethany to vist Mary, Martha, and to raise Lazarus.

The first thing I see is the disciples reluctance to go back.  "But Rabbi,” they said, “a short while ago the Jews there tried to stone you, and yet you are going back?” (v8).  Finally, Thomas realized the seriousness and said "Let us also go, that we may die with him". (v16). 

The next thing that jumps out at me is how some are upset because Jesus didn't get there earlier.  Mary and even someone looking on made the comment that if only Jesus had been there, he could have kept Lazarus from dying.  So often, we see things not from an eternal or heavenly perspective, but from an earthly one.  I'm sure it didn't even enter anyone's mind that Lazarus could be healed, even from death, by Jesus.

Finally, the end result is that because of the miracle, many believed in Jesus.  However, the Sanhedrin, wasn't so amazed.  They wanted Jesus stopped.  Two very different reactions.  What is our reaction today? 

What is God saying to you through His Word?

As we read today, I see all that Christ was doing in a new way. 

First, he gives the disciples power to "drive out demons and cure diseases" (v1). But, more than that he sent them to "proclaim the Kingdom" (v2).  Once again we see a picture of God's glory being shown, not through human efforts or endeavors, but through the glorious movement of God's power. 

Next, they are posed with the daunting task of feeding 5000 (or more).  I have to laugh as I imagine the expression on the disciples' faces as Jesus said "You give them something to eat" (v13).  Again, the disciples were only focused on what they had in thier human efforts, 5 loaves and 2 fishes.

This gets me thinking: Are we prepared for this today?  Or, are we content in our human efforts and things we can manage?

What is God saying to you today?

I can't believe we are on Day 30 already.   I hope that God is creating a new hunger in your heart for His Word and that you are seeing the truly transforming power of God's word.

Today, we read in Luke about those who are lost.  We see parables regarding lost sheep, a lost coin, and a lost son.

What great pictures of the lengths that God will go to "find" us.  As I was reading the passage today, I was thinking about all of the meetings that God has ordained with various people in the lives of people at our church. It seems like more and more, people are "running into" people that they haven't seen in years.  The common thread that I see in these parables is the rejoicing that takes place when the one who is lost is found.

What an amazing vision that each and every week (or day) we could be having these celebrations of lost souls being found.  Is there anyone who is lost in  your life?  Begin praying for those who are lost that the Holy Sprit would begin to speak to their heart and thay they would be found.

What is God saying to you today?

As we read today about Jesus' healing of a blind man, this passage is rich in meaning for us today.

The first thing that jumps out at me is in verses 6-7 "After saying this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes. “Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam”. So the man went and washed, and came home seeing".  Jesus used a different means of healing this man.  He didn't just say "be healed" and the man's blindness was gone.  Instead Jesus used the mud and then told the man to go wash.  It required a level of obedience from the man.  But, you we can see that his obedience was rewarded.  I am again amazed (I shouldn't be, I know) that God uses different means each time and that He gets the glory in every situation.

The important question though today is found in verse 39 "Jesus said,“For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.".  The pharisees respond in a proud manner that they aren't blind.  But, the reality is that they are spiritually blind.   Are you spiritually blind today?  Is God speaking to you about an area in your life to which you have been turning a blind eye?

Jesus came so that we don't have to suffer from spiritual blindness.  He wants to remove the scales from our eyes and allow to see our condition.  But, he doesn't leave us there.  In His mercy, he provides resotration and healing and sets us on a new path with our eyes wide open.  Praise God for his mercy and grace today.

What is God saying to you today?

Today's reading is the Beatitudes and the Sermon on the Mount.

I read a commentary or heard a sermon once on this passage, focusing on the Beatitudes.  I forgot who it was, but they said that so much is lost in the translation of this text.  For example, one thing that has really been resonating in my mind is 5:3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven".  That's such a starting point in our search for Christ.  We have to come from a place that we are truly poor and realize that we are broken and undone.  It's humbling to realize the depths from which Christ rescued us. So,in this case, the word "poor" doesn't really capture the full meaning.  We have to be broken and realize that we can't do it on our own.

As we read on, Jesus proclaims that the Law is not done away with, but that "For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished."  Jesus goes on to explain that it's not just about following the letter of the law, but the spirit of the law.   I am reminided here of Romans 8:3 "For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering".  The law is just a set of rules, a guide for living.  But, the Law is powerless, it didn't erase sin.  Jesus came to give the law power to erase sin.  But, He went a step farther and said "Go and sin no more".  Praise His Name!   He won the victory over sin and gives us the power to live a holy life.

So, we see that murder now means not just the physical act, but "anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell" (5:22).  God calls us to a higher standard than the Law.  But, he doesn't leave us powerless.  He sent His Son, Jesus to give the law power.

What is God saying to you today.

Today, we read about Jesus' baptism and temptation.

I think as I read today, I was struck by the seriousness of temptation.  Going back to our reading about the fall of man in Genesis, we have seen throughout the Bible how seriously temptation must be taken and the consequences if we fail to take it seriously.

Just as in the Genesis account, we see that the devil knows scripture well.  In fact, he tries to twist the scriptures as he presents them to Jesus just as he did to Eve. But, something important is emerging here.  Jesus uses scriptures to fight off temptation.  So, if we are in God's word, we are better able to fight and resist temptation. I was challenged as never before as I read 4:4 "It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."  This is a reference back to Deuteronomy 8, when the Israelites were in the wilderness and being fed with Manna every day.  Am I hungering for God and His Word just as I am for my food every day?

Finally, look at the end of the temptation in 4:11 "Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him".  When God's word is spoken, the devil must flee.  We should take temptation seriously and combat it with God's Word.  Then, the devil has to flee.

What is God saying to you through His Word today?

Is this guy for real? Imagine the surprise of people as the began to hear and see the message of John the Baptist.  It really stood the religious community on its head.  Today we read about John the Baptist preparing the way for Jesus.

This passage contains a fulfillment of prophecy in verses 4-6.  Isaiah prophesied about John the Baptist in Isaiah 40.

Secondly, it calls out the ways of the people. It's an honest assesment, if you will, of the people at the time.  "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire (verses 7-9).

Finally, it contains a call to action.  He calls everyone to begin bearing fruit.  Further, he brings the Good News.  I like the way that it is translated in "The Message": "I'm baptizing you here in the river. The main character in this drama, to whom I'm a mere stagehand, will ignite the kingdom life, a fire, the Holy Spirit within you, changing you from the inside out. He's going to clean house—make a clean sweep of your lives. He'll place everything true in its proper place before God; everything false he'll put out with the trash to be burned"  (16-17).

What an amazing presentation of the Gospel.  Prophecy, an honest assesment of our current condition and an offer of true freedom and an ability of the Savior to "change us from the inside out". 

What is God saying to you today?

I can't believe we're over half-way through our 40 days of reading God's Word.  I hope that this time has created a hunger in you to read God's Word daily.  I know that it has been exciting for me to hear how God is speaking to several as they have shared on this blog.

Today, we read about Jesus' birth. Traditionally, this is a passage that we read about during the Christmas season.  But, I got a new perspective on this passage as we read it in the context of all that we have been reading, as part of a thread.  Yesterday, I was struck by Mary's humility and obedience as it was announced that she would carry God's child.  Today, it is the humble birth of Jesus.  I suppose many people of the time were expecting the Messiah to be born from a royal lineage (He was).  I also suppose they were looking for a Messiah that would bring about sweeping changes to the system and finally restore Israel to its' rightful place.

God loved us enough to send His Son into this world to redeem us. Do we respond with the same humility?  Coming before God honestly, admitting our need for a Savior?

How is God speaking to you today?

In the 1960s and 70s, a new “kind” of history, Social History, exploded on the academic scene.  Okay, so maybe you would not apply such an exciting verb to such a dry subject.  But nevertheless, this new focus began to radically revise how historians studied the past.  Despite the name “social,” it had nothing to do with leftist or liberal politics, but instead studied the “common man.”  It looked at the lives of people and how they collectively impacted the development of societies, cultures, and nations – arguing that these unnamed masses were more critical to history than pharaohs, caesars, kings, emperors, generals, presidents, and dictators.  Indeed because of farmers, fertilizer, and agricultural development, one of their catchphrases was, “Horse manure was more important to French history than Napoleon.”

Which brings me to Luke.  Not the horse manure part, but the social history part!  Since giving my life to Christ, I have always been a homer for the Gospel of Luke because of the historian in me.  Luke clearly sets out his purpose for, and method of, writing his gospel in verses 1-4.  This is an important intro because he was not a Jew and he “wasn’t there.”  He was not writing from personal experience like Matthew and John.  But his gospel, which is very historical in nature, is built on a study of known sources and with interviews of eyewitnesses.  Indeed, Luke begins his account with the great King Herod, but only as a chronological reference point, not as a political history of his many achievements.  Instead he immediately proceeds with two people who normally would have been ignored by everyone else.  His entire gospel is rooted in the history of common people whom God used to achieve the greatest turning point in human history.

I’m struck by the similarities and differences between Zechariah’s and Mary’s angelic visits.  Both are individuals of “little account” in the society of the day – very ordinary people.  Gabriel is the messenger to both of them.  He visits them privately.  He gives them God’s message with a detailed explanation about what their children will accomplish in life.  He tells both exactly what to name their children.  And both respond with a question – it only seems natural to want to know more.

On the flip side, Zechariah is an old, married man while Mary is a young, female virgin only pledged to be married.  Then, interestingly, the purposes of their questions are construed differently though on the surface they seem quite similar.  Zechariah’s question in verse 18 is, “How can I be sure this will happen?  I’m an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years.”  He recognizes the quite natural situation he is in and appears to ask for a sign.  Mary’s question to the surprising news in verse 34 is, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.”  She, too, recognizes the biology involved here and appears to ask for clarification.

Now, the line between wanting a sign or some clarification seems thin to me, but evidently is quite wide where faith is concerned.  Gabriel’s reply to Zechariah is that he will be mute until John’s birth because he didn’t believe the message!  Yet to Mary’s question, he explains how it will be accomplished.  I always felt bad for old Zach!  But maybe there are two differences here?  First, Zechariah, although ordinary, was still a priest serving the most important function at the time and in the most holy of places.  I guess you could say in that context and surrounding there should be no excuses for even a hiccup in faith?  Second, perhaps God was simply providing that sign?  If so, the sign which Zechariah sought was his inability to speak until all that had been foretold came to pass.  In which case, this would be another example of “be careful what you ask for!”