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Here’s a four letter word for you – Work! (2 Thessalonians 3), May 19, 2015

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – 2 Thessalonians 3
Set – 2 Chronicles 2; 2 Thessalonians 3
Go! – 1 Kings 4-5; 2 Chronicles 2; Psalms 101; 2 Thessalonians 3

2 Thessalonians 3
1 Brothers and sisters, having shared all this, let me ask you to pray for us. Pray that this message of the Lord will spread quickly and receive the praise and respect it deserves from others as it has with you. 2 Pray also that we would all be rescued from the snares of harmful, wicked people—after all, not all people are believing. 3 Still, the Lord is true to His promises; He will hold you up and guard you against the evil one. 4 We do not doubt the Lord’s intentions for you; we are confident that you are carrying out, and will continue to carry out, the commands we are sending your way. 5 May the Lord guide your hearts into God’s pure love and keep you headed straight into the strong and sure grip of the Anointed One.

6 For the sake of the church, brothers and sisters, we insist in the name of our Lord Jesus the Anointed that you withdraw from any brother or sister who is out of order and unwilling to work, who is straying from the line of teaching we passed on to all of you. 7 You know how essential it is to imitate us in the way we live life. We were never undisciplined 8 nor did we take charity from anyone while we were with you. Instead, you saw how we worked very hard day and night so we wouldn’t be a burden to even one person in the community. 9 We had the right to depend on your help and hospitality, as you know; but we wanted to give you a model you could follow, to lay a path of footprints for you to walk in. 10 This is exactly why, while with you, we commanded you: “Anyone not willing to work shouldn’t get to eat!” 11 You see, we are hearing that some folks in the community are out of step with our teaching; they are idle, not working, but really busy doing nothing—and yet still expect to be fed! 12 If this is you or someone else in the community, we insist and urge you in the Lord Jesus the Anointed that you go to work quietly, earn your keep, put food on your own table, and supply your own necessities. 13 And to the rest of you, brothers and sisters, never grow tired of doing good.

14 If someone disregards the instructions of this letter, make a note of who it is and don’t have anything to do with that person so that this one may be shamed. 15 Don’t consider someone like this an enemy (he is an enemy only to himself) but warn him as if you were redirecting your own brother.

16 And now, dear friends, may the Lord of peace Himself grace you with peace always and in everything. May the Lord be present with all of you.

17 This final greeting is by me, Paul, written by my own hand. This is my signature, letting you know that this is a genuine letter from me, and so I write to you:

18 May the grace of our Lord Jesus the Anointed be with all of you.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

Somewhere along the line, many get the idea that society owes them something. Paul put the words down correctly when he told the church body in Thessalonica, “Anyone not willing to work shouldn’t get to eat!” I want you to take care of those unable to work for themselves. I want you to help the feeble, the sick, those who cannot work. But those who can, you do them no favors by your unbridled charity. Give them something to do so they may understand their usefulness to society.

The Garden of Eden was not a place of continual rest and relaxation. People get that misconception sometimes. Heaven won’t be a place of rest, either. I gave Adam the requirement to care for creation before the fall. That’s a lot of work, but it gave meaning and purpose to his life. The curse on Adam and Eve’s banishment was not that they would start to work, but that the earth would fight against them in their toil.

You see, I have something for you to accomplish. You have skills and talents, spiritual gifts, I’ve given you that I expect you to use to assist others in finding Me or in building My church. I expect you to use those gifts in accomplishing things for My kingdom. Using those gifts will sometimes seem like work and sometimes seem like complete and utter joy. The two go hand in hand because I made you to work, not to sit around and do nothing. I made you to accomplish tasks…for Me.

There you have it. Paul wasn’t being cruel or dispassionate when he gave those words to the Thessalonians. He passed on My thoughts and My directions. I made you as productive members of society helping each other in ways only you can help. Find your place and accomplish your tasks. Everyone can do something. So get to it and get your jobs done with joy and gladness.

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.

Want to trade places with John? (Matthew 3), Apr 16, 2015

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Matthew 3
Set – 1 Samuel 18; Psalms 11; Matthew 3
Go! – 1 Samuel 18; 1 Chronicles 6; Psalms 11; Matthew 3

Matthew 3
1 Around the same time, a man called John began to travel, preach, and ritually wash people through baptism in the wilderness of Judea. John preached a stern but exciting message.

John: 2 Repent! For the kingdom of heaven is near.

3 John’s proclamation fulfilled a promise made by the ancient prophet Isaiah, who had said, “There will be a voice calling from the desert, saying,

Prepare the road for the Eternal One’s journey;
repair and straighten out every mile of our God’s highway.”
4 John wore wild clothes made from camel hair with a leather belt around his waist—the clothes of an outcast, a rebel. He ate locusts and wild honey.

5 People from Jerusalem, all of Judea, and indeed from all around the river Jordan came to John. 6 They confessed their sins, and they were baptized by him in the Jordan.

7 He told some Pharisees and Sadducees who came for the ritual baptism,

John: You children of serpents! You brood of vipers! Did someone suggest you flee from the wrath that is upon us? 8-9 If you think that simply hopping in the Jordan will cleanse you, then you are sorely mistaken. Your life must bear the fruits of turning toward righteousness. Nor are you correct if you think that being descended from Abraham is enough to make you holy and right with God. Yes, the children of Abraham are God’s chosen children, but God can adopt as daughters and sons anyone He likes—He can turn these stones into sons if He likes.

10 Even now there is an ax poised at the root of every tree, and every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and tossed into the fire. 11 I ritually cleanse you through baptism as a mark of turning your life around. But someone is coming after me, someone whose sandals I am not fit to carry, someone who is more powerful than I. He will wash you not in water but in fire and with the Holy Spirit. 12 He carries a winnowing fork in His hand, and He will clear His threshing floor; He will gather up the good wheat in His barn, and He will burn the chaff with a fire that cannot be put out.

13 And then, the One of whom John spoke—the all-powerful Jesus—came to the Jordan from Galilee to be washed by John. 14 At first, John demurred.

John: I need to be cleansed by You. Why do You come to me?

Jesus: 15 It will be right, true, and faithful to God’s chosen path for you to cleanse Me with your hands in the Jordan River.

John agreed, and he ritually cleansed Jesus, dousing Him in the waters of the Jordan. 16 Jesus emerged from His baptism; and at that moment heaven was opened, and Jesus saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming upon Him, alighting on His very body.

Voice from Heaven: 17 This is My Son, whom I love; this is the Apple of My eye; with Him I am well pleased.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

Not many people want to change places with John the Baptist. It might sound cool to baptize My son in the Jordan and announce the beginning of his ministry to the world, but…

Even in Jesus’ day, camel hair clothes and only sporadic baths in the desert didn’t exactly draw the fashion crowd. John could probably smell himself. It was only because of My message he attracted anyone at all. But then again, the message wasn’t exactly the popular theme of the day either.

John cried for repentance. He pled for those who came to him to cast off the ritual of the temple just for the sake of practicing rituals as many of My earlier prophets did. He made a lot of enemies among the religious…few among the righteous. I gave him a hard mission trumpeting My arrival in flesh and blood. I knew few would believe him. I knew he would have at least as difficult a time as the prophets before him.

John never backed away from his task, though. Despite the rough treatment. Despite the hard conditions. Despite the many who shouted at him, hated him, tried to drive him away or change his message, John stayed true to his task. He never let up on his call to repentance to those who failed to follow My word.

John even found himself imprisoned after announcing to Herod the wrongs he committed in his illicit marriage. Still he refused to back off from the message I gave him to share with those around him. It made no difference whether they held high positions of authority or barely survived from day to day. John’s message, My message always came across boldly and without hesitation.

Not many want to change places with John. His might sound like an interesting life, getting to baptize My son. But living like John and losing your life to an executioner’s sword, few will sign up for knowingly. I won’t give you John’s task. But I will give you something only you can do for Me. And when you do what I ask, boldly and unhesitatingly, I guarantee you’ll meet Me face to face one day.

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.

Can you be a Gideon? (Judges 6:1-21), Mar 29, 2015

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Judges 6:1-21
Set – Judges 6; Psalms 52; 1 Corinthians 14
Go! – Judges 6-7; Psalms 52; 1 Corinthians 14

Judges 6:1-21
1 When the people of Israel again did what the Eternal One considered evil, He made them serve the Midianites for seven years. 2 The power of Midian prevailed over Israel so that the Israelites built for themselves hiding places in the mountains, in caves, and in safe strongholds. 3 Whenever the Israelites planted seed, the soldiers of Midian, Amalek, and others from the east would rise up against them 4 and destroy their farms and fields as far as Gaza in the west, leaving them nothing to eat and no livestock. 5 They would come up with their tents and their livestock, as thick as a cloud of locusts. They and their camels were so numerous they could not be counted, and they left the land desolate behind them.

6 So the people of Israel were impoverished because of the Midianites, and they cried out to the Eternal One for help. 7 When the people of Israel cried to the Eternal for relief from the Midianites, 8 He sent a prophet to them.

Prophet: Here are the words of the Eternal God of Israel: “I brought you out from slavery in Egypt. 9 I delivered you from the Egyptians, from all who would have oppressed you. I drove the Canaanites out before you and delivered their land into your care. 10 But I said to you, ‘I am the Eternal One, your True God, and you must not worship the gods of the Amorites, those people in whose land you settle.’ And you have not listened to Me.”

11 Now in Ophrah, the Eternal’s messenger sat under an oak tree that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite. Gideon, the son of Joash, was beating out wheat in the winepress so that the Midianites could not see what he was doing. 12 The Eternal’s messenger appeared to Gideon.

Messenger of the Eternal One: The Eternal One is with you, mighty warrior.

Gideon: 13 Sir, if He is with us, then why has all this misfortune come on us? Where are all the miracles that our ancestors told us about? They said, “Didn’t the Eternal deliver us out of Egypt?” But now He has left us. He has made us servants of the Midianites.

14 The Eternal turned to Gideon and addressed him.

Eternal One (speaking through His messenger): Go out with your strength and rescue Israel from the oppression of Midian. Do you understand that I am the one sending you?

Gideon: 15 But, Lord, how am I supposed to deliver Israel? My family is the weakest in the tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least of my family.

Eternal One: 16 Go. I will be with you, and you will totally destroy the forces of Midian as one man.

Gideon: 17 If You do look on me with favor, then give me a sign that I’m really hearing from You. 18 Wait here until I return and bring out my offering and place it in front of You.

Eternal One: I will stay here until you return.

19 So Gideon went into his house, cooked a young goat, and made cakes of unleavened bread from half a bushel of flour. He then put the meat into a basket, poured the broth into a pot, and brought the food out to present it to Him under the oak.

Eternal One: 20 Put the meat and the unleavened bread on this rock, and pour out the broth.

Gideon did as he was told. 21 Then the Eternal’s messenger touched the meat and bread with the tip of the staff he carried. Fire raged out of the rock and consumed the food, and the Eternal’s messenger vanished from sight.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

Gideon was anything but a mighty warrior until I met him and made him one. Notice what he did before I came to him. Gideon hid in the wine press to thresh his grain because he feared the retribution of the Midianites who invaded the land like locusts. But I chose Gideon to act as the judge, the military leader for Israel to rescue them from the hands of these invaders.

If you look back through history, you’ll find I do that a lot. I choose the most unlikely characters to do spectacular things for Me. Gideon rightly noted he came from the weakest clan of the weakest tribe in the nation. How could lead such a defenseless, unorganized band to defeat such a formidable foe? The answer is he couldn’t, but I can…through him.

Was Gideon afraid? Absolutely, until he understood I would fight his battles. Did he understand how I would use him to defeat his enemies? Not at this point, but he willingly volunteered to act as an instrument in My hands. Would Gideon volunteer if he knew I would ask him to defeat the Midianites with just 300 men? Probably not at this point. But Gideon trusted Me and that’s all I really asked of him.

You might think you’re not good enough, strong enough, smart enough to do something I’ve asked you to do. That’s not unusual when I call people to important things. I know your capabilities. I gave them to you. But in your weakness, I am your strength. In your foolishness, I am your wisdom. I know My plans for you. And I don’t make mistakes.

The job I want you to do for Me is suited best for you and you alone. Otherwise I wouldn’t ask you to do it. Just trust Me. Like with Gideon, I’ll be there for the whole journey. I won’t leave you to face the job alone. I’ll make you successful when I give you a task. Just say yes to Me and trust Me to carry you through. 

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 has a task for you (1 Corinthians 12:12-31), Mar 27, 2015

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – 1 Corinthians 12:12-31
Set – Judges 2; 1 Corinthians 12
Go! – Judges 1-3; 1 Corinthians 12

1 Corinthians 12:12-31
12 Just as a body is one whole made up of many different parts, and all the different parts comprise the one body, so it is with the Anointed One. 13 We were all ceremonially washed through baptism together into one body by one Spirit. No matter our heritage—Jew or Greek, insider or outsider—no matter our status—oppressed or free—we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 14 Here’s what I mean: the body is not made of one large part but of many different parts. 15 Would it seem right for the foot to cry, “I am not a hand, so I couldn’t be part of this body”? Even if it did, it wouldn’t be any less joined to the body. 16 And what about an ear? If an ear started to whine, “I am not an eye; I shouldn’t be attached to this body,” in all its pouting, it is still part of the body. 17 Imagine the entire body as an eye. How would a giant eye be able to hear? And if the entire body were an ear, how would an ear be able to smell? 18 This is where God comes in. God has meticulously put this body together; He placed each part in the exact place to perform the exact function He wanted. 19 If all members were a single part, where would the body be? 20 So now, many members function within the one body. 21 The eye cannot wail at the hand, “I have no need for you,” nor could the head bellow at the feet, “I won’t go one more step with you.” 22 It’s actually the opposite. The members who seem to have the weaker functions are necessary to keep the body moving; 23 the body parts that seem less important we treat as some of the most valuable; and those unfit, untamed, unpresentable members we treat with an even greater modesty. 24 That’s something the more presentable members don’t need. But God designed the body in such a way that greater significance is given to the seemingly insignificant part. 25 That way there should be no division in the body; instead, all the parts mutually depend on and care for one another. 26 If one part is suffering, then all the members suffer alongside it. If one member is honored, then all the members celebrate alongside it. 27 You are the body of the Anointed, the Liberating King; each and every one of you is a vital member. 28 God has appointed gifts in the assembly: first emissaries, second prophets, third teachers, then miracle workers, healers, helpers, administrators, and then those who speak with various unknown languages. 29 Are all members gifted as emissaries? Are all gifted with prophetic utterance? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Or are all gifted in healing arts? Do all speak or interpret unknown languages? Of course not. 31 Pursue the greater gifts, and let me tell you of a more excellent way—love.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

I really want everyone involved in the work of My church. There are a handful of leaders in a congregation that I’ve given the skills to manage the business of the church. But I don’t expect them to do everything because I didn’t give them the skills to do everything. I gave pastors the gift of preaching My word, sharing the good news of what I can and will do for you. But I didn’t give them all the skills necessary to fulfill all the responsibilities I planned for My church.

Today, too many parishioners think they only need to warm a seat in the sanctuary and they fulfilled their responsibility to Me. That thought is so far from the truth. I gave each individual in the congregation just the right skills and talents I need to help My church complete all I want it to complete. When everyone gets involved with the skills I gave them, the very gates of hell can not hold it back from the success I have for it.

The problem most churches have is you’ve told yourselves for too long that the work is someone else’s responsibility. Since when did that work ethic become part of My plan? You may not be gifted in teaching, but if you’re not, that’s probably not the job I had in mind for you anyway. Standing in front of a crowd might make you want to faint. If so, I probably didn’t give you the gift of preaching.

Perhaps, though, you have a tremendous knack for carpentry. I gave it to you for a reason. Would it hurt you to give some of that talent to support My church or the people I direct you to help? Maybe you are at the top of your league in some sport. Could you spare some time for some of the kids in your neighborhood to teach them some of your skills…for Me? I gave you those talents for a reason. I want you to use them to carry out My plan for you.

You see, it takes all kinds of talents to carry out the plans I have for your particular congregation. I have a job for every single individual there. I just need you to get on board and recognize the skills you possess came from Me for My purposes. I have plans for you, individually and collectively. When all of you work together to build My church and My kingdom, amazing things can happen. But when you try to let a few carry the load, they don’t have all the skills they need, no matter how hard they try.

It’s time for you to pitch in and do your part. Did you ever think about tithing your time to Me? Remember, I want your living sacrifice much more than I want your money or material goods. Everything in the world is Mine, so I don’t need your money. I gave you particular talents because I want you. I want your time. I want your commitment to the plans I have 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.

Lessons from Philip and the Ethiopian (Acts 8:26-40), Feb 1, 2015

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Today’s Scripture

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Acts 8:26-40
Set – Exodus 32; Acts 8
Go! – Exodus 30-32; Acts 8

Acts 8:26-40
26 A heavenly messenger brought this short message from the Lord to Philip during his time preaching in Samaria:

Messenger of the Lord: Leave Samaria. Go south to the Jerusalem-Gaza road.

The message was especially unusual because this road runs through the middle of uninhabited desert. 27 But Philip got up, left the excitement of Samaria, and did as he was told to do. Along this road, Philip saw a chariot in the distance. In the chariot was a dignitary from Ethiopia (the treasurer for Queen Candace), an African man who had been castrated. He had gone north to Jerusalem to worship at the Jewish temple, 28 and he was now heading southwest on his way home. He was seated in the chariot and was reading aloud from a scroll of the prophet Isaiah.

29 Philip received another prompting from the Holy Spirit:

Holy Spirit: Go over to the chariot and climb on board.

30 So he started running until he was even with the chariot. Philip heard the Ethiopian reading aloud and recognized the words from the prophet Isaiah.

Philip: Do you understand the meaning of what you’re reading?

The Ethiopian: 31 How can I understand it unless I have a mentor?

Then he invited Philip to sit in the chariot. 32 Here’s the passage he was reading from the Hebrew Scriptures:

Like a sheep, He was led to be slaughtered.
Like a lamb about to be shorn of its wool,
He was completely silent.
33 He was humiliated, and He received no justice.
Who can describe His peers? Who would treat Him this way?
For they snuffed out His life.
The Ethiopian: 34 Here’s my first question. Is the prophet describing his own situation, or is he describing someone else’s calamity?

35 That began a conversation in which Philip used the passage to explain the good news of Jesus. 36 Eventually the chariot passed a body of water beside the road.

The Ethiopian: Since there is water here, is there anything that might prevent me from being ceremonially washed through baptism and identified as a disciple of Jesus?

Philip: 37 If you believe in your heart that Jesus the Anointed is God’s Son, then nothing can stop you.

The Ethiopian said that he believed.

38 He commanded the charioteer to stop the horses. Then Philip and the Ethiopian official walked together into the water. There Philip baptized him, initiating him as a fellow disciple. 39 When they came out of the water, Philip was immediately caught up by the Holy Spirit and taken from the sight of the Ethiopian, who climbed back into his chariot and continued on his journey, overflowing with joy. 40 Philip found himself at a town called Azotus (formerly the Philistine capital city of Ashdod, on the Mediterranean); and from there he traveled north again, proclaiming the good news in town after town until he came to Caesarea.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

Philip’s experience teaches a couple of things I want you to remember. First, you never know when I might ask you to do something important on a moment’s notice. Philip had a strong evangelical ministry in Samaria. His preaching was bringing in new converts daily just as Peter and John were doing in Jerusalem. He didn’t expect Me to send him somewhere else. He enjoyed his ministry there. No one expected him to leave. But I had another task for him.

So I sent My messenger and told Philip to leave Samaria and head south on the Jerusalem-Gaza road.

Philip didn’t hesitate. He knew I must have a reason and he left. He didn’t ask why. He didn’t ask, “Why are you sending me through this barren desert?” He didn’t question My directions. He just got up and left Samaria and headed down the southbound road as I told him to do.

My Holy Spirit prompted Philip to catch up to a chariot he saw in the distance. No explanation, just catch it. So Philip began to run. Again, no question. Just obedience. When he caught up. You know the story. He found the Ethiopian reading from Isaiah in the chariot. The eunuch turned out to be an important man in Queen Candace’s court. The treasurer made sure armies got their money. Kings and queens didn’t last long when their armies didn’t get paid. Military coups happened when soldiers were unhappy. Messing with pay meant changes in power. This eunuch was at least as important to Candace as anyone in her court.

Lesson number one: When I give you a task to do, just do it.

Second, Philip asked the Ethiopian if he knew what he was reading. The man could have killed Philip for questioning his wisdom or even for interrupting his reading. He had power. No doubt, as treasurer, he did not travel alone and had a retinue of soldiers traveling with him on that deserted road.

Instead of punishment, the treasurer offered Philip a place in the chariot to mentor him on what he read from Isaiah. And Philip began to unfold the events that took place surrounding the death and resurrection of My Son, Jesus. The hope that comes through faith in Him. The good news that we can have forgiveness of sins because Jesus paid the price for our freedom.

Lesson number two: As Peter records in the letter I inspired him to write, “Always be ready to give a testimony of the reason for the hope you have within you.”

My Spirit whisked Philip away after the Ethiopian asked for and received baptism that day. Philip spent enough time with him, he was not only ready to believe in Me and receive My Spirit, but Queen Candace’s treasurer wanted to let all those around him know it through the outward sign of water baptism. Philip did all he could do and then went on to another assignment. He didn’t stick around for pats on the back. He didn’t travel with the treasurer to do what I had in mind for the Ethiopian. He stayed only long enough to do what I asked. Then I gave him another task – preach in every town from Azotus to Caesarea.

I sent the Ethiopian home to minister there. Queen Candace’ court received the impact of his conversion. I ministered through him and Ethiopia became one of the fast growing communities of early Christendom.

Lesson number three: Expect new assignments. Celebrate, but know I will give you new tasks quickly. There are too many that need to hear My Good News to stop or get complacent about spreading My Word.

So who on your path do you need to tell about the good news 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.