April 13: The Curious Thing about God’s Work
#Devotional
Deuteronomy 26:1–27:26; 2 Corinthians 6:14–7:1; Psalm 40:1–17
Doing God’s work is a curious thing. It requires both mad rushes and patiently waiting.
Christ followers are meant to think like the psalmist did:
“I waited patiently for Yahweh, And he inclined to me and heard my cry for help” (Psa 40:1).
Yet Jesus’ followers are also meant to do His work at breakneck speed, as described in Deut 26:1, where the Israelites are told to take possession of the promised land and settle it.
We’re meant to recognize where the answers and timeframe come from: God. Giving the first of what we make to God’s work indicates this understanding:
“You shall take from the firstfruit of all the fruit of the ground that you harvest from your land that Yahweh your God is giving to you … and you shall go to the priest who is in office in those days, and you shall say, ‘I declare today to Yahweh your God that I have come into the land that Yahweh swore to our ancestors to give to us.’ Then the priest takes the basket from your hand and places it before the altar of Yahweh your God” (Deut 26:2–4).
In ancient Israel, the firstfruits wouldn’t be wasted. This sacrifice would provide the priest with a livelihood so that he could serve Yahweh by serving others.
God has asked His followers to listen and to act, but to leave the timeframe of doing both up to Him. Giving after we complete both tasks shows that we realize that God has given us all we have, and it requires us to understand the purpose of sacrifice.
Just as the Israelites were a wandering people (Deut 26:5), we were also once wandering sinners. It’s for this reason, and many others, that we must trust our God in our patience, in our speed, and with our giving.
What is God asking you to be patient about, and where should you make haste? How are you currently neglecting to give?
#Devotional
Deuteronomy 26:1–27:26; 2 Corinthians 6:14–7:1; Psalm 40:1–17
Doing God’s work is a curious thing. It requires both mad rushes and patiently waiting.
Christ followers are meant to think like the psalmist did:
“I waited patiently for Yahweh, And he inclined to me and heard my cry for help” (Psa 40:1).
Yet Jesus’ followers are also meant to do His work at breakneck speed, as described in Deut 26:1, where the Israelites are told to take possession of the promised land and settle it.
We’re meant to recognize where the answers and timeframe come from: God. Giving the first of what we make to God’s work indicates this understanding:
“You shall take from the firstfruit of all the fruit of the ground that you harvest from your land that Yahweh your God is giving to you … and you shall go to the priest who is in office in those days, and you shall say, ‘I declare today to Yahweh your God that I have come into the land that Yahweh swore to our ancestors to give to us.’ Then the priest takes the basket from your hand and places it before the altar of Yahweh your God” (Deut 26:2–4).
In ancient Israel, the firstfruits wouldn’t be wasted. This sacrifice would provide the priest with a livelihood so that he could serve Yahweh by serving others.
God has asked His followers to listen and to act, but to leave the timeframe of doing both up to Him. Giving after we complete both tasks shows that we realize that God has given us all we have, and it requires us to understand the purpose of sacrifice.
Just as the Israelites were a wandering people (Deut 26:5), we were also once wandering sinners. It’s for this reason, and many others, that we must trust our God in our patience, in our speed, and with our giving.
What is God asking you to be patient about, and where should you make haste? How are you currently neglecting to give?
April 13 - Jesus on Murder: Contrast to the Rabbis
#LifeOfChrist
“‘You have heard that the ancients were told, “You shall not commit murder” and “Whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court.” But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court’” (Matthew 5:21–22).
With just two sentences Jesus shatters the rabbinic view of murder, which was so complacently self-righteous. Because of their externalism and legalism, the Jews had an inflated view of themselves. But Jesus destroyed that thinking with the declaration that a person guilty of anger, hatred, cursing, or defamation against another is guilty of murder and worthy of a murderer’s punishment.
All anger, hatred, etc., is incipient murder, as the apostle John writes,
“Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer” (1 John 3:15a).
By that biblical standard, we are all guilty of murder—after all, who has not hated someone at one time or another?
Not only does Jesus here sweep away the rubbish of the rabbinic, traditional view of murder, His total indictment blasts away any notion of self-justification so common to everyone. The way the Jews thought in Jesus’ time is identical to people’s prevalent thinking today. Even believers can feel proud that they are
“not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers” (Luke 18:11)
—and we could add “murderers.” Jesus in that parable and in this passage says we are all potentially capable of the worst sins, even murder, because of the sometimes evil attitudes of our hearts.
Not to consider the state of your heart and confess thoughts of anger and hatred, which can lead to taking someone’s life, is not to consider that the Lord can hold you guilty of murder.
Ask Yourself
What benefit is found in knowing that you and I are capable of the most heinous crimes imaginable? Does recognizing this startling piece of information have an effect on your relationship with God and your resultant manner of living?
#LifeOfChrist
“‘You have heard that the ancients were told, “You shall not commit murder” and “Whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court.” But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court’” (Matthew 5:21–22).
With just two sentences Jesus shatters the rabbinic view of murder, which was so complacently self-righteous. Because of their externalism and legalism, the Jews had an inflated view of themselves. But Jesus destroyed that thinking with the declaration that a person guilty of anger, hatred, cursing, or defamation against another is guilty of murder and worthy of a murderer’s punishment.
All anger, hatred, etc., is incipient murder, as the apostle John writes,
“Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer” (1 John 3:15a).
By that biblical standard, we are all guilty of murder—after all, who has not hated someone at one time or another?
Not only does Jesus here sweep away the rubbish of the rabbinic, traditional view of murder, His total indictment blasts away any notion of self-justification so common to everyone. The way the Jews thought in Jesus’ time is identical to people’s prevalent thinking today. Even believers can feel proud that they are
“not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers” (Luke 18:11)
—and we could add “murderers.” Jesus in that parable and in this passage says we are all potentially capable of the worst sins, even murder, because of the sometimes evil attitudes of our hearts.
Not to consider the state of your heart and confess thoughts of anger and hatred, which can lead to taking someone’s life, is not to consider that the Lord can hold you guilty of murder.
Ask Yourself
What benefit is found in knowing that you and I are capable of the most heinous crimes imaginable? Does recognizing this startling piece of information have an effect on your relationship with God and your resultant manner of living?
DAY 13: How does God’s guarantee of success to Joshua relate to us?
https://telegra.ph/DAILY-BIBLE-04-13
https://telegra.ph/DAILY-BIBLE-04-13
Telegraph
DAILY BIBLE
Reading for Today: Joshua 15:1–16:10 Psalm 45:1-5 Proverbs 14:4-5 Luke 11:29-54 Notes: Joshua 16:10 Ephraim did not drive the Canaanites from their area. This is the first mention of the fatal policy of neglecting to exterminate the idolaters (see Deut. 20:16).…
On the cross, Jesus did not accomplish partial salvation. He finished redemption!
❤4
Having a bad experience with a Christian or a local church is not a reason to avoid the Church or Christianity as a whole.
Just like having a bad experience with a nurse or a hospital is not a reason to avoid all healthcare as a whole.
God didn't mistreat you.
People did.
Just like having a bad experience with a nurse or a hospital is not a reason to avoid all healthcare as a whole.
God didn't mistreat you.
People did.
Since He did not spare even His own Son but gave Him up for us all, won’t He also give us everything else? - Romans 8:32 NLT #verseoftheday
Dear Christians,
Read the Bible.
Study the Bible.
Meditate on the Bible.
Obey the Bible.
Love the Bible.
Be transformed by the Bible.
Repeat daily until God calls you home.
Read the Bible.
Study the Bible.
Meditate on the Bible.
Obey the Bible.
Love the Bible.
Be transformed by the Bible.
Repeat daily until God calls you home.
❤2🥰1
Do not lose heart during times of sorrow. Continue to sow seeds even when tears blur your vision, for God promises a harvest of joy in return.
@StudyBibleFam
@StudyBibleFam
❤4
STRONG marriage in April means WATERING the roots daily! 🌱🙏 Time in God’s Word! Time in honest conversation! Time in prayer together! Healthy roots produce STRONG fruit that lasts! 💪 Ps 1:3 ❤️
How consistently are you watering the roots of your love? #StrongMarriage #April
How consistently are you watering the roots of your love? #StrongMarriage #April
No other price but Christ’s perfect blood could have paid our eternal sin debt.
❤3
O Lord, cause every Christian prayer, at heart, to be “Hallowed be thy name!”
“Help us, O God of our salvation,
for the glory of your name;
deliver us, and atone for our sins,
for your name’s sake!” Psalm 79:9
“Help us, O God of our salvation,
for the glory of your name;
deliver us, and atone for our sins,
for your name’s sake!” Psalm 79:9
❤3
Jesus didn't say, "Follow me and you'll be blessed."
He said, "Take up your cross and follow me."
The cross is an instrument of death.
If your faith hasn't cost you anything, you might not have faith at all.
He said, "Take up your cross and follow me."
The cross is an instrument of death.
If your faith hasn't cost you anything, you might not have faith at all.
❤4
“The invasion of the Church by the world is a menace to the extension of Christ’s Kingdom.” —John R. Mott
❤4
Better to be hated for preaching the truth of the Bible than to be loved for a lie.
❤7
April 14: Tearing Down to Build Up
#Devotional
Deuteronomy 28:1–68; 2 Corinthians 7:2–7; Psalm 41
It’s difficult to take rebuke, especially when it’s unsolicited. We feel exposed and embarrassed when our sin is brought to light. And if we don’t have the humility to accept rebuke, the experience can leave us at odds with the brave soul who assumes the task.
For Paul, who rebuked the Corinthians, news of their love was a relief and comfort to him:
“But God, who comforts the humble, comforted us by the coming of Titus, and not only by his coming, but also by the comfort with which he was comforted among you, because he reported to us your longing, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced even more”
(2 Cor 7:6–7).
We form community when others challenge us and encourage us to live for God. While community can fulfill our social needs, it’s this common purpose that draws us together. When we take rebuke graciously and seek forgiveness from God, it forges the bond of community. When we rebel, or when we’re sensitive and prideful, it creates a rift. Because the Corinthians felt sorrow for their sin and expressed concern for Paul, it solidified their relationship. And it comforted him and brought him incredible joy during conflict and trial.
Surprisingly, the rebuked person often has to be intentional about extending love and comfort to the one who brings the rebuke. Paul tells the Corinthians to
“make room for us in your hearts” (2 Cor 7:2).
We should do the same for those in our community. Not all people possess Paul’s zeal and boldness, so we should prepare ourselves to graciously accept correction when it comes—solicited or not. Reaching out to those around us and letting them know we appreciate their rebuke will help build up a community that is authentically following Jesus.
Do others approach you about your sin? If you haven’t been rebuked recently, how can you make yourself more approachable?
#Devotional
Deuteronomy 28:1–68; 2 Corinthians 7:2–7; Psalm 41
It’s difficult to take rebuke, especially when it’s unsolicited. We feel exposed and embarrassed when our sin is brought to light. And if we don’t have the humility to accept rebuke, the experience can leave us at odds with the brave soul who assumes the task.
For Paul, who rebuked the Corinthians, news of their love was a relief and comfort to him:
“But God, who comforts the humble, comforted us by the coming of Titus, and not only by his coming, but also by the comfort with which he was comforted among you, because he reported to us your longing, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced even more”
(2 Cor 7:6–7).
We form community when others challenge us and encourage us to live for God. While community can fulfill our social needs, it’s this common purpose that draws us together. When we take rebuke graciously and seek forgiveness from God, it forges the bond of community. When we rebel, or when we’re sensitive and prideful, it creates a rift. Because the Corinthians felt sorrow for their sin and expressed concern for Paul, it solidified their relationship. And it comforted him and brought him incredible joy during conflict and trial.
Surprisingly, the rebuked person often has to be intentional about extending love and comfort to the one who brings the rebuke. Paul tells the Corinthians to
“make room for us in your hearts” (2 Cor 7:2).
We should do the same for those in our community. Not all people possess Paul’s zeal and boldness, so we should prepare ourselves to graciously accept correction when it comes—solicited or not. Reaching out to those around us and letting them know we appreciate their rebuke will help build up a community that is authentically following Jesus.
Do others approach you about your sin? If you haven’t been rebuked recently, how can you make yourself more approachable?
❤1
April 14 - Selfish Anger Equals Murder
#LifeOfChrist
“‘Everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court’” (Matthew 5:22).
From Jesus’ own life we know He does not forbid every form of anger. In righteous indignation He twice cleansed the temple of its defiling, profaning influences (Matt. 21:12–13; John 2:14–15). The apostle Paul instructs Christians to
“be angry, and yet do not sin”
(Eph. 4:26). Faithfulness to Christ sometimes demands that we exercise a righteous anger. Many of the current cultural trends, the surges of violence and grossly dishonest and immoral practices, and the unbiblical ideas promoted even within supposedly evangelical circles need to be opposed with righteous anger. That’s because such things undermine the kingdom and glory of God. The psalmist wrote,
“God is a righteous judge, and a God who has indignation every day”
(Ps. 7:11).
In His sermon, Jesus did not speak against legitimate, righteous indignation, but against a selfish anger toward someone for doing something against us, someone who’s just rubbed us the wrong way. The word the Lord used for “angry” indicates a simmering anger that a person nurtures and refuses to let die. Examples of such anger are the long-standing grudge or the smoldering bitterness that refuses to forgive someone. This kind of anger does not want reconciliation and can become so profound as to be a
“root of bitterness springing up”
(Heb. 12:15).
Jesus says anyone who harbors such severe anger against another person is the same as guilty before the civil court of murder and deserving of the death penalty in God’s eyes.
Ask Yourself
So are there names and faces that come to mind when confronted with this stark reminder from Scripture? Is there personal anger that needs instant removal from your heart?
#LifeOfChrist
“‘Everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court’” (Matthew 5:22).
From Jesus’ own life we know He does not forbid every form of anger. In righteous indignation He twice cleansed the temple of its defiling, profaning influences (Matt. 21:12–13; John 2:14–15). The apostle Paul instructs Christians to
“be angry, and yet do not sin”
(Eph. 4:26). Faithfulness to Christ sometimes demands that we exercise a righteous anger. Many of the current cultural trends, the surges of violence and grossly dishonest and immoral practices, and the unbiblical ideas promoted even within supposedly evangelical circles need to be opposed with righteous anger. That’s because such things undermine the kingdom and glory of God. The psalmist wrote,
“God is a righteous judge, and a God who has indignation every day”
(Ps. 7:11).
In His sermon, Jesus did not speak against legitimate, righteous indignation, but against a selfish anger toward someone for doing something against us, someone who’s just rubbed us the wrong way. The word the Lord used for “angry” indicates a simmering anger that a person nurtures and refuses to let die. Examples of such anger are the long-standing grudge or the smoldering bitterness that refuses to forgive someone. This kind of anger does not want reconciliation and can become so profound as to be a
“root of bitterness springing up”
(Heb. 12:15).
Jesus says anyone who harbors such severe anger against another person is the same as guilty before the civil court of murder and deserving of the death penalty in God’s eyes.
Ask Yourself
So are there names and faces that come to mind when confronted with this stark reminder from Scripture? Is there personal anger that needs instant removal from your heart?
❤1
Jesus didn’t come preaching tolerance; He came preaching repentance.
❤3
“The silence must be deafening after a sneeze at an atheist gathering.”—Ray Comfort
❤2