Monthly Archives: October 2015

Politics doesn’t run God’s kingdom (Psalm 146), October 11, 2015

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Today’s Podcast

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Psalms 146

Set – Psalms 146; Luke 24

Go! – Nehemiah 5-6; Psalms 146; Luke 24

Psalms 146
1 Praise the Eternal!
Praise the Eternal, O my soul;
2 I will praise the Eternal for as long as I live.
I will sing praises to my God as long as breath fills my lungs and blood flows through my veins.
3 Do not put your trust in the rulers of this world—kings and princes.
Do not expect any rescue from mortal men.
4 As soon as their breath leaves them, they return to the earth;
on that day, all of them perish—their dreams, their plans, and their memories.
5 Blessed are those whose help comes from the God of Jacob,
whose hope is centered in the Eternal their God—
6 Who created the heavens, the earth,
the seas, and all that lives within them;
Who stays true and remains faithful forever;
7 Who works justice for those who are pressed down by the world,
providing food for those who are hungry.
The Eternal frees those who are imprisoned;
8 He makes the blind see.
He lifts up those whose backs are bent in labor;
He cherishes those who do what is right.
9 The Eternal looks after those who journey in a land not their own;
He takes care of the orphan and the widow,
but He frustrates the wicked along their way.
10 The Eternal will reign today, tomorrow, and forever.
People of Zion, your God will rule forever over all generations.
Praise the Eternal!

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

Across the United States, politicians begin to jockey for position. They try to tell you how they will change things because of their leadership, their intellect, their ability to see things the way they really are and make things better for you. As I’m sure you’ve learned over the last several decades, their actions fall very far short of their promises. Campaigns changed recently, though, now politicians make fewer promises because they know they can’t keep them. Instead, they just tear each other down. They let their crews find half-truths about their opponents and blow them out of proportion to enhance their own likelihood for election. I suppose they think it’s best to elect the better of two evils.

Perhaps that strategy works in the world, except that the world belongs to Me. And I don’t particularly want evil of any kind to reign here. The better of two evils still sounds like evil to Me. The psalmist understood that. He recognized the falacy of putting trust in the hope of kings and princes, or in your case, presidents and congressmen. Too often individuals just want power or fame or some kind of legacy. They talk about public service or benefactor of the people, but who among them comes out of office with a smaller bank account than when they entered? How does that benefit or serve others? What have they really done?

On the other hand, My kingdom lasts throughout eternity. It always operates for My glory and your good. No human leader can create the earth or skies or living creatures, but I spoke them all into place. No human can change the course of the stars, but I set each one in motion and at My command can just as easily change their direction, cause them to cease giving their light, or make them explode to engulf their planets. I can cause it to rain or inflict draught across a region. Who among you can do that?

The rhetoric you will hear in the political campaigns over the next several months will encourage you, frustrate you, maybe even make you think you’re going insane because of the pointless arguments the candidates and their cronies shout across your radio and television networks. The elections are important to the operation of your earthly government. Governments remain in place at My pleasure. But they will never solve the real problems of the world, your nation, your state, or city.

Only bowing to the ruler of My kingdom, the triune Godhead, can the problems of the world be solved. I can rid the world of sin and evil and guilt if all people will give their lives to Me. Will it happen? Only each of you can determine that. Because each of you have the choice as to whether you will give Lordship of your life to Me. As you look across the world at the devastation you create each day, the answer is probably no. With more mass murders this year than days this year, it seems you will continue to follow your selfish paths. But the evil can stop. Just turn to Me.

Even in just one country or one state or one city, if you will listen to My words and do My will, I will make such a difference in your community that the world will be astounded by you. My will on earth is not just a few words I taught you to pray. It can be the beginning of a revival that turns the rest of the world around if you will just obey Me and let Me work in your lives. Try Me.

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

A wonderfully horrible day (Luke 23:26-43), October 10, 2015

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Today’s Podcast

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Luke 23; 26-43

Set – Nehemiah 3; Luke 23

Go! – Nehemiah 3-4; Luke 23

Luke 23; 26-43
26 On the way to the place of crucifixion, they pulled a man from the crowd—his name was Simon of Cyrene, a person from the countryside who happened to be entering the city at that moment. They put Jesus’ cross on Simon’s shoulders, and he followed behind Jesus. 27 Along with Him was a huge crowd of common people, including many women shrieking and wailing in grief.
Jesus (to the people in the crowd): 28 Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for Me. Weep instead for yourselves and weep for your children. 29 Days are coming when people will say, “Blessed are the infertile; blessed are the wombs that never bore a child; blessed are the breasts that never nursed an infant.” 30 People will beg the mountains, “Surround us!” They’ll plead with the hills, “Cover us!” 31 For if they treat Me like this when I’m like green unseasoned wood, what will they do to a nation that’s ready to burn like seasoned firewood?
32 Jesus wasn’t the only one being crucified that day. There were two others, criminals, who were also being led to their execution. 33 When they came to the place known as “The Skull,” they crucified Jesus there, in the company of criminals, one to the right of Jesus and the other to His left.
Jesus: 34 Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they’re doing.
Meanwhile they were drawing lots to see who would win Jesus’ clothing. 35 The crowd of people stood, watching.
Authorities (mocking Jesus): So He was supposed to rescue others, was He? He was supposed to be God’s Anointed, the Liberating King? Let’s see Him start by liberating Himself!
36 The soldiers joined in the mockery. First, they pretended to offer Him a soothing drink—but it was sour wine.
Soldiers: 37 Hey, if You’re the King of the Jews, why don’t You free Yourself!
38 Even the inscription they placed over Him was intended to mock Him—“This is the King of the Jews!” This was written in Greek, Latin, and Hebrew.
39 One of the criminals joined in the cruel talk.
Cynical Criminal: You’re supposed to be the Anointed One, right? Well—do it! Rescue Yourself and us!
40 But the other criminal told him to be quiet.
Believing Criminal: Don’t you have any fear of God at all? You’re getting the same death sentence He is! 41 We’re getting what we deserve since we’ve committed crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong at all! 42 (turning to Jesus) Jesus, when You come into Your kingdom, please remember me.
Jesus: 43 I promise you that this very day you will be with Me in paradise.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

What a wonderful, horrible, gloriously, terrible day that was. As the Son of God, the day of My crucifixion was the pinnacle of success for My mission. I became the sacrifice for all humankind’s sins. No longer did anyone need to bear the burden of guilt Satan laid on your shoulders because of your failure to follow Me. You could come to the Father in all His holiness because I died for you. He forgives you because I forgive you.

What a glorious opportunity for you and for Me. Finally, the bridge between us was complete. My death, My sacrifice closed the gap that kept us apart. My blood paid the penalty that you could not pay and you could come into the presence of a holy God without fear of instant wrath. My blood covered your sins.

As the Son of Man, that day was the most horrific experienced among men. I died the most terrible death imaginable. The Romans had to create a new word, crucifixion, to describe the humiliation, horror, and agony associated with this new form of execution. They were masters at bringing their prisoners just to the point of death and keeping them alive for days as they hung on the cursed tree. Only because of the request of the priests and the coming Sabbath were the other criminals’ legs broken to speed their deaths. I gave up My life willingly. No one could take it. I proved that many times during My ministry. I could have done it again as the Son of God on the cross. But as the Son of Man, I gave up My life for you.

I endured the pain, the humiliation, the agony of that day for you. The Father turned His back on Me as I hung there as I shouldered your sins. Then I died. My blood dripped down the rugged wood beams and out across the rugged rocks of the hillside. My blood covered your sins as it covered My body and covered the cross.

It was a horrible, wonderful day for God and humankind. Remember it well. 

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

Get rid of the selfish streak (Luke 22:7-46), October 9, 2015

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Today’s Podcast

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Luke 22:7-46

Set – Nehemiah 1; Psalms 133; Luke 22

Go! – Nehemiah 1-2; Psalms 133; Luke 22

Luke 22:7-46
7 They came to the Day of Unleavened Bread, a holy day when a special lamb (called the Passover lamb) had to be sacrificed. 8 Jesus chose Peter and John and gave them instructions.
Jesus: Go and make all the necessary preparations for the Passover meal so we can eat together.
Peter and John: 9 Where do You want us to make preparations?
Jesus: 10 When you enter the city, you’ll encounter a man carrying a jar of water. Just follow him wherever he goes, and when he enters a house, 11 tell the homeowner, “The Teacher has this question for you: ‘Where is the guest room where I can share the Passover meal with My disciples?’” 12 He’ll show you a spacious second-story room that has all the necessary furniture. That’s where you should prepare our meal.
13 They did as He said and found everything just as He said it would be, and they prepared the Passover meal. 14 When the meal was prepared, Jesus sat at the table, joined by His emissaries.
Jesus: 15 It has been My deep desire to eat this Passover meal with you before My suffering begins. 16 Know this: I will not eat another Passover meal until its meaning is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.
17 He took a cup of wine and gave thanks for it.
Jesus: Take this; share it among yourselves. 18 Know this: I will not drink another sip of wine until the kingdom of God has arrived in fullness.
19 Then He took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and shared it with them.
Jesus: This is My body, My body given for you. Do this to remember Me.
20 And similarly, after the meal had been eaten, He took the cup.
Jesus: This cup, which is poured out for you, is the new covenant, made in My blood. 21 But even now, the hand of My betrayer is with Me on this table. 22 As it has been determined, the Son of Man, that firstfruit of a new generation of humanity, must be betrayed, but how pitiful it will be for the person who betrays Him.
23 They immediately began questioning each other.
Disciples: Which one of us could do such a horrible thing?
24 Soon they found themselves arguing about the opposite question.
Disciples: Which one of us is the most faithful, the most important?
Jesus (interrupting): 25 The authority figures of the outsiders play this game, flexing their muscles in competition for power over one another, masking their quest for domination behind words like “benefactor” or “public servant.” 26 But you must not indulge in this charade. Instead, among you, the greatest must become like the youngest and the leader must become a true servant. 27 Who is greater right here as we eat this meal—those of us who sit at the table, or those who serve us? Doesn’t everyone normally assume those who are served are greater than those who serve? But consider My role among you. I have been with you as a servant.
28 You have stood beside Me faithfully through My trials. 29 I give you a kingdom, just as the Father has given Me a kingdom. 30 You will eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and you will have authority over the twelve tribes of Israel.
31 Simon, Simon, how Satan has pursued you, that he might make you part of his harvest. 32 But I have prayed for you. I have prayed that your faith will hold firm and that you will recover from your failure and become a source of strength for your brothers here.
Peter: 33 Lord, what are You talking about? I’m going all the way to the end with You—to prison, to execution—I’m prepared to do anything for You.
Jesus: 34 No, Peter, the truth is that before the rooster crows at dawn, you will have denied that you even know Me, not just once, but three times. 35 Remember when I sent you out with no money, no pack, not even sandals? Did you lack anything?
Disciples: Not a thing.
Jesus: 36 It’s different now. If you have some savings, take them with you. If you have a pack, fill it and bring it. If you don’t have a sword, sell your coat and buy one. 37 Here’s the truth: what the Hebrew Scriptures said, “And He was taken as one of the criminals,” must come to fruition in Me. These words must come true.
Disciples: 38 Look, Lord, we have two swords here.
Jesus: That’s enough.
39 Once again He left the city as He had been doing during recent days, returning to Mount Olivet along with His disciples. 40 And He came to a certain place.
Jesus: Pray for yourselves, that you will not sink into temptation.
41 He distanced Himself from them about a stone’s throw and knelt there, 42 praying.
Jesus: Father, if You are willing, take this cup away from Me. Yet not My will, but Your will, be done.
43 Then a messenger from heaven appeared to strengthen Him. 44 And in His anguish, He prayed even more intensely, and His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. 45 When He rose from prayer and returned to the disciples, He found them asleep, weighed down with sorrow. 46 He roused them.
Jesus: Why are you sleeping? Wake up and pray that you will not sink into temptation.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

Can you believe it? I had just explained to My disciples the significance of the meal they were sharing with Me and they start talking about who was most important among them. That selfish streak that seems to pop its head up just couldn’t stay away. It would take another 50 days, until Pentecost, before they would really understand what losing themselves to Me really means. To find out what I wanted them to know, I asked them to pray. So they did. And they prayed some more. And then they prayed some more. Until finally they let go and let My Spirit purge their lives and take control of their whole being.

It can still happen today. I still want My children to experience Pentecost. I want My Spirit to flow through you as it did My disciples in the upper room. But it takes prayer, letting go, letting Me take charge of your life. I’ll do the same for you that I did for them. Be willing to spend time on your knees with Me and you’ll be amazed at what I can do for you. 

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

No substitutes (Ezra 10:1-17), October 8, 2015

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Today’s Podcast

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Ezra 10:1-17

Set – Ezra 10; Psalms 131; Luke 21

Go! – Ezra 9-10; Psalms 131; Luke 21

Ezra 10:1-17
1 As Ezra was praying his confession and weeping and bowing on the steps of the True God’s temple, a huge group of Israelite men, women, and children joined him in weeping. 2 Shecaniah (son of Jehiel the Elamite) then spoke up.
Shecaniah: You are right. We have forgotten our True God and have married foreign women from pagan nations. But there is hope for Israel yet. 3 We shall make a new covenant with our True God, promising to banish our foreign wives and their children. You and the others who follow the laws of our True God must guide us in this, so that we obey the law. 4 So stand up! Helping us follow the law is now your responsibility. Do not be afraid; we will support your actions.
5 So Ezra stood up and persuaded the leading priests, the Levites, and all Israel to swear an oath to banish their foreign wives and foreign children. When everyone had taken the oath, 6 he entered the temple chamber of Jehohanan (son of Eliashib) and continued mourning the exiles’ unfaithfulness by fasting from food and water.
7 Those who had sworn the oath sent letters declaring it throughout Judah and Jerusalem telling all the returned exiles to assemble in Jerusalem 8 within three days. The counsel of chiefs and elders agreed that anyone who was not here would forfeit all his possessions and his status within the assembly. 9 Not surprisingly, all the men from Judah and Benjamin gathered in Jerusalem within three days, in spite of the winter rains. On the twentieth day of the ninth month, everyone sat in the courtyard in front of the True God’s temple—shivering under the weighty matter and the heavy rain.
Ezra: 10 There is no doubt that you have abandoned His ways and have married foreign women, adding to the list of Israel’s sins. 11 Now you must confess these sins to the Eternal God of your ancestors and do as He pleases: break away from the pagan nations and your foreign wives.
Assembly (loudly): 12 You are right. We must do what you’ve told us to do. 13 But look around. There are too many people here to house in this city, and the rains will not allow us to stay outside for very long. Also our sins are too horrible to be adequately dealt with in a day or two. 14 Allow our chiefs to represent everyone in this assembly right now. Then each person in every city who has married a foreign woman can come back with his civic leaders at a scheduled time. We can then continue the inquiries until our True God withdraws His wrath from us about these sins.
15-16 With the exception of four men, Jonathan (son of Asahel), Jahzeiah (son of Tikvah), Meshullam, and Shabbethai (the Levite), everyone supported this plan. Ezra selected one leader from each tribe to represent his people and recorded their names. These tribal leaders then gathered on the first day of the tenth month to begin the inquiries. 17 By the first day of the first month, the investigations of all men who had married foreign women was finished, and the offenders were recorded.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

Do you see a problem here? It’s the same problem I see every day among those who almost believe in Me. The crowd gathered in the rain and heard My words, but were more concerned with the rain on their heads than the storm clouds in their hearts. They knew their sins and knew their sins must be cleansed, but asked that representatives be sent to take care of it instead of staying to take care of their own sins.

Today, too many of you think your godly parents or grandparents can pray for you and that will be enough. Too many of you think your “representatives” in the church or your representative offerings will absolve you of your guilt. It doesn’t work that way. I sacrificed Myself for your sins, but in return I demand your all. I want you, not your representative.

I spilled My blood for you. I don’t care that it rains a little on your head. I died for you. It shouldn’t matter that you get a little cold or uncomfortable to stay and accept My forgiveness. What does it take to get you to understand that representatives don’t work? Only four of those surrounding Ezra understood the importance of what was happening that day. Only Jonathan, Jahzeiah, Meshullam, and Shabbethai recognized that everyone needed to stay in My presence until the work was completed.

Too many of you today say a little prayer, cry a few tears, confess enough to feel better and then go about your merry way without doing the necessary work you need to let go of yourself and let Me really clean you up from the inside. It starts in an instant when you give yourself to Me, but takes a lifetime as you become like Me. No one can represent you in that transforming work. No one can take your place in giving yourself completely to Me. I want you and no one else in your place. I died for you and would not allow a substitute for My sacrifice. I will not accept a substitute for you. 

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

What the crowd said (Luke 20:9-19), October 7, 2015

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Today’s Podcast

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Luke 20:9-19

Set – Ezra 7; Luke 20

Go! – Ezra 7-8; Luke 20

Luke 20:9-19
9 He told the people another parable:
Jesus: A man planted a vineyard. He rented it to tenants and went for a long trip to another country. 10 At the harvest time, he sent a servant to the tenants so he could be paid his share of the vineyard’s fruit, but the tenants beat the servant and sent him away empty-handed. 11 The man sent another servant, and they beat him and treated him disgracefully and sent him away empty-handed too. 12 He sent a third servant who was injured and thrown out. 13 Then the vineyard owner said, “Now what am I going to do? I’ll send my much-loved son. They should treat him with respect.”
14 But when the tenants recognized the owner’s son, they said, “Here’s our chance to actually own this vineyard! Let’s kill the owner’s heir so we can claim this place as our own!” 15 So they threw him out of the vineyard and murdered him. What do you think the owner will do to these scoundrels?
16 I’ll tell you what he’ll do; he’ll come and wipe those tenants out, and he’ll give the vineyard to others.
Crowd: No! God forbid that this should happen!
Jesus: 17 Why then do the Hebrew Scriptures contain these words:
The stone that the builders rejected
has become the very stone
that holds together the entire foundation?
18 Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to fragments, and if that stone falls on anyone, he will be ground to dust.
19 That was the last straw for the religious scholars and the chief priests; they were ready to attack Him right then and there. But they couldn’t for fear of public opinion, and they realized that Jesus, through this parable, had exposed their violent intentions.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

What did the crowd mean when they cried out, “No! God forbid that this should happen!” Were they upset that the owner’s son was killed or were they upset that the owner came and wiped out the tenants and gave the vineyard to others? It is interesting to stop and think about their answer, isn’t it?

When you think about what will happen to Me in the next few days, you might begin to wonder who the crowd was thinking about when they cried out. Did they consider themselves the tenants, want to remain in the vineyard and live off the fruit of their labor? Did they think they would gain control of the religious authority that I alluded to as I gave them this parable? Did they think that by doing the same things they had been doing that they would keep control of all they had?

Or were they finally seeing the falacy of their religious practices? As you see from the reaction of the scholars and chief priests, they thought I was talking about them and want to kill Me right then. But what about the crowd? Whose side were they on? I spoke to the crowd and everyone there heard the same parable. Did they think I was about to take Abraham’s blessings away from them and give it to the Gentiles who occupied their city? It would be easy for the Roman army to move the Jews out of the temple and take it over. I could give it to them because of the apostacy I saw among My own people. So what did the crowd think of the parable?

More important, what do you think of the parable? If you were in the crowd and listening to the parable of the vineyard owner, the servants and the son, what would you think? Who would you think I’m talking about? There’s no interpretation, just the parable. Would you see the vineyard owner as the Father above? Would you see his servants as the prophets the Father sends to try to guide you onto the path of righteousness and bring you back into a right relationship with Him? Would you recognize that the pastors and priests He puts in your path are there to help you know Me and follow Me? Would you abuse them and fail to listen to them as My people did the prophets I sent to teach them and try to rescue them from the destruction they faced?

The parable fits today as much as it did when I gave it to the crowd that day in Jerusalem. Put yourself in the crowd. Think carefully about what your reaction to the story would be today. Would you react as the scholars and priests and determine to kill Me? Would you cry out with the crowd, “God forbid that this would happen!”? And if you cried out with the crowd, who would you mourn, the servants, the son, or the tenants who will be thrown out of the vineyard at the owner’s command?

I trust you have the right answers. Your eternity depends on it!

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

Some despised their ruler (Luke 19:11-27), October 6, 2015

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Today’s Podcast

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Luke 19:11-27

Set – Esther 9; Luke 19

Go! – Esther 9-10; Luke 19

Luke 19:11-27
11 The crowd has been listening to all this, and everyone assumes that the kingdom of God is going to appear at any moment, since He’s nearing Jerusalem. So He tells them this parable:
Jesus: 12 A ruler once planned a journey to a distant country to take the throne of that country and then return home. 13 Before his departure, he called 10 of his servants and gave them each about three months of wages. “Use this money to buy and sell until I return.” 14 After he departed, the people under his rule despised him and sent messengers with a clear message: “We do not want this man to rule over us.”
15 He successfully assumed kingship of the distant country and returned home. He called his 10 servants together and told them to give an account of their success in doing business with the money he had entrusted to them.
16 The first came before him and said, “Lord, I have made 10 times the amount you entrusted to me.” 17 The ruler replied, “Well done! You’re a good servant indeed! Since you have been faithful in handling a small amount of money, I’ll entrust you with authority over 10 cities in my new kingdom.”
18 The second came and said, “Lord, I’ve made five times the original amount.” 19 The ruler replied, “I’ll entrust you with authority over five cities.”
20 A third came and said, “Lord, I have successfully preserved the money you gave me. I wrapped it up in a napkin and hid it away 21 because I was afraid of you. After all, you’re a tough man. You have a way of taking a profit without making an investment and harvesting when you didn’t plant any seed.”
22 The ruler replied, “I will condemn you using your very own words, you worthless servant! So I’m a severe man, am I? So I take a profit without making an investment and harvest without planting seed? 23 Then why didn’t you invest my money in the bank so I could have at least gained some interest on it?” 24 The ruler told the onlookers, “Take the money I gave him, and give it to the one who multiplied my investment by 10.”
25 Then the onlookers replied, “Lord, he already has 10 times the original amount!”
26 The ruler responded, “Listen, whoever has some will be given more, and whoever doesn’t have anything will lose what he thinks he has. 27 And these enemies of mine who didn’t want me to rule over them—bring them here and execute them in my presence.”

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

Have you ever paid attention to the first and last of this parable? You’ve probably heard sermons and stories about the ruler who entrusted his wealth to his servants and they multiplied his riches according to their abilities. You’ve probably heard about the one who hid the master’s money and gained nothing during his master’s absence. You’ve probably heard the reprimade and punishment the servant received and how what was given to him was taken away and given to the one who multiplied the master’s money the best.

But have you ever paid attention to the first and last of this story? When the ruler went away, there were those who didn’t want the ruler to return because they despised him. And when the ruler returned from his conquest of another country, he called for those to be brought before him and executed.

There are those within the human race that despise Me despite My attempts to show them My love. Despite the fact that I created each of you and enable you to live and breathe each day. Many of you despise Me. Many of you despise Me because I give you rules to live by even though they protect you within a community and teach you to love as I love. Many of you despise Me because of your selfishness and your desire to satisfy your base instincts in ways that are harmful to the delicate balance of that provides good for all things within My creation.

I know what is best for all My creation and I know what is best for you. I gave you an established set of rules and commands to enable you to live together and care for My creation. I gave you a way to live abundantly. I even made a way to come back to Me when you were far from Me. I still love those who hate Me and want to live far from Me. But one day I will return and those who still despise Me will feel My wrath. I am a holy God and true to My word. My word tells you that those who do not follow Me will be punished eternally for their failure to recognize Me as their Lord and Master. Trust Me, you do not want to be in that group. 

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

God works behind the scenes (Esther 4), October 5, 2015

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Today’s Podcast

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Esther 4

Set – Esther 4; Luke 18

Go! – Esther 3-8; Luke 18

Esther 4
1 Mordecai mourned when he found out what had happened. He ripped his clothes, put on sackcloth, and wiped ash onto his body. Then he went through the city, weeping loudly in anguish. 2 When he came to the king’s gate, not far from the palace, he stopped since those wearing sackcloth were not permitted to enter it and disrupt the mood of the court.
3 In the meantime, as word of the king’s decree began to spread throughout all of the provinces, terrible distress grew among the Jews. They fasted, wept, and screamed out in misery. Like Mordecai, many put on sackcloth and ashes.
4 Back in Susa, Esther’s maids and eunuchs witnessed Mordecai mourning outside of the king’s gate. They went and reported to the queen all that they saw.
Esther: What is wrong? Why is he doing this? It breaks my heart to think of him like this. Take these clothes to Mordecai so he can put them on instead of wearing sackcloth.
But when the servants arrived, Mordecai refused to wear the clothes Queen Esther had sent. 5 So Esther sent for Hathach, who was one of the king’s eunuchs assigned to serve her.
Esther: Hathach, go to Mordecai at once. Find out why he is mourning, and report back to me all that he says.
6 Hathach went to Mordecai in the open square of the city in front of the king’s gate. 7 Mordecai told the queen’s servant everything that had happened and how much money Haman had pledged to place into the royal treasury in exchange for the destruction of the Jews. 8 Then he gave Hathach a copy of the order for mass murder of the Jews, the same order issued in the city of Susa.
Mordecai: Show it to Esther. Tell her everything I have told you. Convince her to go before her king and plead for his favor, not only for her life, but also for the lives of her people.
9 Hathach returned to Esther and told her everything Mordecai had said. 10 Esther ordered Hathach to return to the city gate and reply to Mordecai.
Esther: 11 How am I supposed to see the king? It’s known throughout the land, from the greatest of the king’s officials to the common folk who live in the provinces, that any person who approaches the king in the inner chamber without being invited is sentenced to death. That’s the law! There’s only one exception, and that’s if the king were to hold out the gold scepter to that person and spare his or her life. It’s been 30 days since the king last summoned me!
12 Hathach and the other servants took Esther’s response to Mordecai.
Mordecai: 13 Tell Esther, “Don’t be fooled. Just because you are living inside the king’s palace doesn’t mean that you out of all of the Jews will escape the carnage. You must go before your king. 14 If you stay silent during this time, deliverance for the Jews will come from somewhere, but you, my child, and all of your father’s family will die. And who knows? Perhaps you have been made queen for such a time as this.”
15 Once again, Hathach returned to Queen Esther with Mordecai’s message. In turn she sent a reply back to Mordecai.
Esther: Tell Mordecai, 16 “In preparation for my audience with the king, do this: gather together all the Jews in Susa, and fast and pray for me. Intercede for me. For three days and nights, abstain from all food and drink. My maids and I will join you in this time. And after the three days, I will go in to the king and plead my people’s case, even though it means breaking the law. And if I die, then I die!”
17 Mordecai left the king’s gate and put all of Esther’s instructions into action.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

Mordecai gave sage advice to his niece, Esther. “Perhaps you have been made queen for such a time as this.” I made you with a purpose in mind. I created you at the perfect time in history. I put you in just the right place and time to accomplish the tasks I had in store for you. It’s not a mistake that you have the parents you have or live in the place you live. Certainly some of the choices that were made along the line were not My choices, but I still allowed them to happen and none of the choices surprised Me.

I can still accomplished My plans through you if you will submit yourself to My will. You see, I can take the worst case scenarios and turn them into days of feasting and celebration as I did with Purim for the Jews. I accomplished that change through the faithfulness of a man named Mordecai and his niece, Esther. Neither expected to become instrumental in the salvation of their race as a people, but they were because of their faithfulness.

You never know how I will use the events in which you find yourself to change the circumstances and turn evil into good. You never know how I will reshape events to My will when you just obey Me and did the right thing. You just don’t know how I will work in the back ground to make sure My plans work out to rescue those who cannot defend themselve so that they suddenly become the victors against great odds to turn sorrow into joy and wailing into celebration.

Just try Me and see how I work behind the scenes in your life to make things work out in exceptional ways to see you through this life and the next.

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

A flash of lightning (Luke 17:20-37), October 4, 2015

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Today’s Podcast

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Luke 17:20-37

Set – Esther 1; Luke 17

Go! – Esther 1-2; Psalms 150; Luke 17

Luke 17:20-37
20 Some Pharisees asked Jesus when the kingdom of God would come.
Jesus: The kingdom of God comes—but not with signs that you can observe. 21 People are not going to say, “Look! Here it is!” They’re not going to say, “Look! It’s over there!” You want to see the kingdom of God? The kingdom of God is already here among you.
22 (to His disciples) Days are coming when you will wish you could see just one of the days of the Son of Man, but you won’t see it. 23 People will say, “Look, it’s there!” or “Look! It’s here!” Don’t even bother looking. Don’t follow their lead. 24 You know how lightning flashes across the sky, bringing light from one horizon to the other. That’s how the Son of Man will be when His time comes.
25 But first, He must face many sufferings. He must be rejected by this generation. 26 The days of the Son of Man will be like the days of Noah. 27 People were eating, drinking, marrying, and being given in marriage. Everything seemed completely normal until the day Noah entered the ark. Then it started raining, and soon they were all destroyed by the flood.
28 It was just the same in the days of Lot. People were eating, drinking, buying, selling, planting, building, and carrying on business as usual. 29 But then came the day when Lot left Sodom—a different kind of rain began to fall, and they were all destroyed by fire and sulfur falling from the sky. 30 That’s how it will be on the day when the Son of Man is revealed.
31 When that day comes, if you’re on the housetop, don’t run inside to try to save any of your belongings. If you’re in the field, don’t bother running back to the house. 32 Remember Lot’s wife. Turning back is fatal for those who do so. 33 If you try to hold on to your life, it will slip through your fingers; if you let go of your life, you’ll keep it. 34 Listen, on the day of the Son of Man, two people will be asleep in bed; destruction will take one and the other will be left to survive. 35 Two women will be grinding grain together; destruction will take one and the other will survive. 36 Two men will be working out in the field; destruction will overtake one and the other will survive.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

My coming again will be sudden and destructive for those not aligned with Me. I gave My disciples some metaphors to compare. Noah, Lot, Lot’s wife all show what My coming will be like when I return. There’s no turning at that point. You choices will have been made. I will come as fast as lightning flashing across the sky and that quickly My return will be over. My bride will be swept up with Me in the air and brought to enjoy the riches of heaven with Me.

The days after My return will be such a disaster, they will make the flood, Sodom’s destruction, and Lot’s wife’s punishment seem like a party at the beach. My wrath will pour out on all who remain for their failure to recognize Me as Lord. Those left behind will wish to die but will not be able to escape no matter how much they long to. Each will feel the full wrath of My punishment for their wickedness.

The only escape comes from joining Me as I pass through the air like lightning. If you’re ready, I’ll take you with Me. If you’re not, you stay behind. There is only one way to stay ready. Believe in Me for the forgiveness of your sins. But believing means more than just knowing that’s why I came to earth. It means doing what I ask you to do. It means following My commands. It means walking away from sin and walking toward the good I ask of you. It means loving Me and loving others. Believing means taking action because of your belief. It’s whole body, mind, and spirit given to Me.

Thinking you can figure out when I’ll come and squeeze in just in time is a risky gamble. I may come in the next storm. Oh, and did I mention that there is a storm somewhere on the planet all the time? So which storm do you want to take a chance on? Do you think I’ll wait for the one that the weatherman says will arrive at your doorstep? Don’t count on it. No one told the people of Noah’s day it would rain except Noah and everyone laughed at him. No one in Sodom believe it would rain fire and brimstone, either, but it did. No one thought a person could turn into a pillar of salt, but Lot’s wife suddenly found out when she looked back at the destruction I was pouring out on that city.

I’ve warned you for two thousand years. Just because My grace has been extended that long doesn’t mean it will be extended another year. It might, but then again…

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

The clever asset manager (Luke 16:1-18), October 3, 2015

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Today’s Podcast

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Luke 16:1-18

Set – Ezra 6; Psalms 138; Luke 16

Go! – Ezra 5-6; Psalms 138; Luke 16

Luke 16:1-18
1 Here’s a parable He told the disciples:
Jesus: Once there was a rich and powerful man who had an asset manager. One day, the man received word that his asset manager was squandering his assets.
2 The rich man brought in the asset manager and said, “You’ve been accused of wrongdoing. I want a full and accurate accounting of all your financial transactions because you are really close to being fired.”
3 The manager said to himself, “Oh, no! Now what am I going to do? I’m going to lose my job here, and I’m too weak to dig ditches and too proud to beg. 4 I have an idea. This plan will mean that I have a lot of hospitable friends when I get fired.”
5 So the asset manager set up appointments with each person who owed his master money. He said to the first debtor, “How much do you owe my boss?” 6 The debtor replied, “A hundred barrels[a] of oil.” The manager said, “I’m discounting your bill by half. Just write 50 on this contract.” 7 Then he said to the second debtor, “How much do you owe?” This fellow said, “A hundred bales[b] of wheat.” The manager said, “I’m discounting your debt by 20 percent. Just write down 80 bales on this contract.”
8 When the manager’s boss realized what he had done, he congratulated him for at least being clever. That’s how it is: those attuned to this evil age are more clever in dealing with their affairs than the enlightened are in dealing with their affairs!
9 Learn some lessons from this crooked but clever asset manager. Realize that the purpose of money is to strengthen friendships, to provide opportunities for being generous and kind. Eventually money will be useless to you—but if you use it generously to serve others, you will be welcomed joyfully into your eternal destination.
10 If you’re faithful in small-scale matters, you’ll be faithful with far bigger responsibilities. If you’re crooked in small responsibilities, you’ll be no different in bigger things. 11 If you can’t even handle a small thing like money, who’s going to entrust you with spiritual riches that really matter? 12 If you don’t manage well someone else’s assets that are entrusted to you, who’s going to give over to you important spiritual and personal relationships to manage?
13 Imagine you’re a servant and you have two masters giving you orders. What are you going to do when they have conflicting demands? You can’t serve both, so you’ll either hate the first and love the second, or you’ll faithfully serve the first and despise the second. One master is God and the other is money. You can’t serve them both.
14 The Pharisees overheard all this, and they started mocking Jesus because they really loved money.
Jesus (to the Pharisees): 15 You’ve made your choice. Your ambition is to look good in front of other people, not God. But God sees through to your hearts. He values things differently from you. The goals you and your peers are reaching for God detests.
16 The law and the prophets had their role until the coming of John the Baptist. Since John’s arrival, the good news of the kingdom of God has been taught while people are clamoring to enter it. 17 That’s not to say that God’s rules for living are useless. The stars in the sky and the earth beneath your feet will pass away before one letter of God’s rules for living become worthless.
18 Take God’s rules regarding marriage for example. If a man divorces his wife and marries somebody else, then it’s still adultery because that man has broken his vow to God. And if a man marries a woman divorced from her husband, he’s committing adultery for the same reason.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

Have you ever thought about My parable of the crafty asset manager? He cheated his boss, but in the process gained friends so he could at least get some sympathy if he was fired and maybe get a meal or two from those he helped. Some would call him dishonest and, in fact, he was. He was dishonest to his boss and dishonest to those who owed his boss money. But he found a way to make friends.

I’m not condoning dishonesty. I am asking you to think outside the box to figure out ways to make friends. The world thinks money is the answer. The clever asset manager figured out ways to ease the financial burden for some. He found ways to connect to people. His ways were unconventional, but he certainly got their attention. Perhaps there are unconventional ways you can link with people in your community to enable you to share My message with them.

No, I don’t want you to break My laws to do it. I still want you to obey My commands, but there are ways to reach people outside the conventional means to do so. What are their interests? What are their needs? What can you do to help meet those needs in ways that do not put them in jeapordy or you in violation of My laws? The asset manager actually had the authority to discount those bills. His boss didn’t criticize him for doing it because it was within his purview to do what he did.

Can you do the same within your authorities? Can you help others in ways that you might not think of immediately in your line of work or your daily routine? If making money is not your driving force, how can you use your activities to help others and show Christ today?

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

Slopping pigs or celebrating, which will you choose? (Luke 15:11-32), October 2, 2015

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Today’s Podcast

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Luke 15:11-32

Set – Zechariah 14; Psalms 147; Luke 15

Go! – Zechariah 13-14; Psalms 147; Luke 15

Luke 15:11-32
11 Once there was this man who had two sons. 12 One day the younger son came to his father and said, “Father, eventually I’m going to inherit my share of your estate. Rather than waiting until you die, I want you to give me my share now.” And so the father liquidated assets and divided them. 13 A few days passed and this younger son gathered all his wealth and set off on a journey to a distant land. Once there he wasted everything he owned on wild living. 14 He was broke, a terrible famine struck that land, and he felt desperately hungry and in need. 15 He got a job with one of the locals, who sent him into the fields to feed the pigs. 16 The young man felt so miserably hungry that he wished he could eat the slop the pigs were eating. Nobody gave him anything.
17 So he had this moment of self-reflection: “What am I doing here? Back home, my father’s hired servants have plenty of food. Why am I here starving to death? 18 I’ll get up and return to my father, and I’ll say, ‘Father, I have done wrong—wrong against God and against you. 19 I have forfeited any right to be treated like your son, but I’m wondering if you’d treat me as one of your hired servants?’” 20 So he got up and returned to his father. The father looked off in the distance and saw the young man returning. He felt compassion for his son and ran out to him, enfolded him in an embrace, and kissed him.
21 The son said, “Father, I have done a terrible wrong in God’s sight and in your sight too. I have forfeited any right to be treated as your son.”
22 But the father turned to his servants and said, “Quick! Bring the best robe we have and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and shoes on his feet. 23 Go get the fattest calf and butcher it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate 24 because my son was dead and is alive again. He was lost and has been found.” So they had this huge party.
25 Now the man’s older son was still out in the fields working. He came home at the end of the day and heard music and dancing. 26 He called one of the servants and asked what was going on. 27 The servant said, “Your brother has returned, and your father has butchered the fattest calf to celebrate his safe return.”
28 The older brother got really angry and refused to come inside, so his father came out and pleaded with him to join the celebration. 29 But he argued back, “Listen, all these years I’ve worked hard for you. I’ve never disobeyed one of your orders. But how many times have you even given me a little goat to roast for a party with my friends? Not once! This is not fair! 30 So this son of yours comes, this wasteful delinquent who has spent your hard-earned wealth on loose women, and what do you do? You butcher the fattest calf from our herd!”
31 The father replied, “My son, you are always with me, and all I have is yours. 32 Isn’t it right to join in the celebration and be happy? This is your brother we’re talking about. He was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found again!”

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

Have you ever really looked at what the father did for his son in the story of the prodigal son? Read it again. It gives you a little insight into the choices he allows his sons to make despite the price it might cost him. When his youngest son asks for his inheritance early, that’s a pretty brazen act. In order to give his son his inheritance, it cost the father everything! He had to liquidate his assets to do it.

Remember, an inheritance is supposed to come after a person’s death, but the father liquidated his assets, his ability to make a living for himself, to give his sons their inheritance before his death. Then a third of the value went to his youngest son and two-thirds to his oldest as was the custom. So imagine selling everything you have right now to give a third of its value to your rebellious, troublesome son. Your house is gone, your cars are gone, your furniture goes, everything. The auctioneer comes in and determines the value so your youngest can run away with everything you’ve worked for all your life.

Maybe you have been saving up for retirement and wanted to travel the last few years of your life. Now it’s gone. Maybe you planned to set money aside for your grandkids. Too bad, all whisked away in the auction to settle the inheritances. But the father willingly gave up all he had for the wayward child’s decision. Now for all intents and purposes, he was a hired hand for his oldest son. Fortunately, his son kept him on to manage the rest of the assets and the story implies other two-thirds of the family fortune grew under his father’s management.

The father gave up more than you might initially think when you first read the story. Then look at what he does when the son returns. He welcomes him into the home as a lost son. No recrimination, no criticism. The father just opens his arms and welcomes his lost son with love, mercy and grace.

It’s a good metaphor for how I treat you. I give you a choice as to how you want to live, and it costs Me everything when you tear away from Me. I gave Myself to win you back. I gave up heaven and all its glory and became flesh to be the sacrifice for your sins. And I celebrate when you wake up and discover you can come back to Me. I welcome you home with open arms as the father in the story does when you figure out My plans are best for you.

Wake up. Discover My home is the best place for you. 

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.