God Provides The Sacrifice

PRAYER PRACTICE

CUP PRAYER: This prayer will help you pour your heart out to God (Ps. 62:8). Begin with your hands folded together like an upside-down cup. Pour out before God all your fears, anxieties, guilt, sin, and shame. Tell Him what troubles you. Take time to be specific. When you feel like you’ve poured out your heart, flip your hands over, folding them like an open cup, ready to receive from God. Sit in silence, asking God simply to fill you with His Spirit. If your mind runs back to sin, shame, anxiety, or concerns of the day, flip your hands back over and pour it out to the Lord. When you are finished praying, read today’s Scripture and listen as God shares His heart back with you.

DAILY READING

Genesis 22:1-14

DEVOTION / REFLECTION 

Trusting God Above All Else
by Pastor Jeff Morlock

“Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven", we pray. Do you trust the Lord and his promises more than the gifts he gives, which can easily become idols? This is what is being tested in today’s reading. God has finally granted Abraham and Sarah a son in their old age, promising that though Isaac, all people would be blessed. But is Abraham’s faith in the gift or in the Giver? Several hints about God’s faithfulness here may help us answer that question for ourselves.

Hint #1: it is after a three-day journey that the Lord brings Abraham and Isaac to Mt Moriah. The "third day" reminds us that can and does raise the dead. And Moriah mean’s “to see”. Throughout the generations - through Abraham, David, Solomon, and others, an altar remained on Mt. Moriah, where sacrifices were provided for the sins of the people. Later this mountain would be known as The Temple Mount of Zion, in Jerusalem.

Hint #2: While later Levitical law condemned human sacrifice, Isaac would be the ONLY living sacrifice of any kind in the Old Testament. According to God’s command, sacrifices were first killed and drained of blood, then placed on the altar and offered up to the Lord. Isaac was bound, alive, to the wood.

Hint #3: Instead of placing the wood on the donkey, Abraham places it on Isaac, who carries the wood for his own sacrifice. The messianic parallels here are stunning. “Take your son, your only son... ” (used three times) while Abraham has another son named Ishmael. And “On this mountain the LORD will provide...”. There is ONLY ONE other living, bound sacrifice as recorded in the New Testament – Jesus!

Hint #4: Because Abraham trusted God and did not withhold his only son from the Lord, neither would the Lord withhold his only Son from Abraham, Abraham's descendants, and all nations. On that same mountain, Jesus became the perfect once-and-for-all sacrifice, through whom sins are forgiven and the kingdom comes to each of us.

Is there anything that you are holding back from the Lord? Is there anything you’re looking to or counting on more than him and his promises? Confess this in prayer, thanking him for his provision. Ask the Lord to establish his kingdom in the world and in you. Ask God to grow the fruit of faith in your life as you yield your will your will to his.

March 10 - Power and Authority

Matthew 20:17-28

Today we read about the mother of Zebedee’s sons (James and John) asking Jesus to grant that they sit at his right hand and left hand in his kingdom.

References to the right hand in the bible were often associated with power and authority. In Exodus 15:6 we read “Your right hand, Lord, was majestic in power. Your right hand, Lord, shattered the enemy.” I did not find much information on the left hand, but it seems to be a safe assumption that the left hand was second in power and authority to the right.

The desire for power and authority has been with us for a long time. We see it in governments, the workplace, families, and our own lives. Certainly there is a need for the order and leadership that comes from properly exercised power and authority, but far too often power and authority are sought for selfish purposes and are abused.

It is interesting to note that Matthew places the story about the mother of Zebedee’s sons immediately after Jesus predicts his suffering, death and resurrection and refers to himself as the “Son of Man”. Two weeks ago I learned about the term “son of man” as I was writing my blog. If you recall, this term goes back to Daniel 7:13-14: 13 “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man,[a] coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. 14 He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.”

After establishing who he was Jesus uses the request from the mother of Zebedee’s sons to make a radical point about power and authority. He says that “whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave.” Then he backs this up by citing his own life (and death) as an example. These are certainly not the words that we would expect to hear from the “son of man”, and yet that is the character of Jesus.

As we think about this reading from Matthew, are we really much different than the mother of Zebedee’s sons? Are we different than the disciples who were “indignant” when they heard about her request? Do we have servant hearts and do we live our lives like Jesus desires?

Lord, help us to better understand what it is to be “great”. Help us to know what it takes to be “first”. You demonstrated servant leadership as the “son of man”. Help us to demonstrate servant leadership as your disciples. Amen

March 4 - Give to the Poor

Luke 12:32-34

The world is full of people with fears.

Some of us fear pain. So we collect means of safety and security.

Some of us fear insignificance. So we collect opportunities for meaningful contribution to the world.

Some of us fear worthlessness.  So we collect achievements and accolades.

Any threat to our collections is, in essence, a threat to our existence.

These things we collect are not evil in and of themselves. And yet, everything on earth fades, rusts, and decays. There is nothing on earth we can collect that will give everlasting security, meaning, or worth to us, and when we count on them to do so, we will do anything possible to hold on to them—often at the expense of other souls dearly loved by God.

How beautiful these words from Jesus as he reassures us not to be afraid, “for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom”! Where God rules and reigns, there is meaning, there is peace, there is justice, there is flourishing, and there is wholeness.

In God’s kingdom we are safe, we are ascribed worth & meaning, and we are loved. This means that we are free to give away our little collections without giving way to our fears, because every fear is stilled in God’s presence, and our greater inheritance of a kingdom of goodness, justice, peace, and wholeness was secured by the blood of the cross.

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

Clearing a Path

Hebrews 12:23-29

Today’s message from Hebrews talks about God performing a thorough housecleaning and getting rid of the “junk.”  The God of the Old Testament may come off harsher than the God of the New Testament, but they are one and the same.  I love my children, but sometimes I need to be a disciplinarian.  Just like God loves us at all times, sometimes He needs to lay down the law and “clean house” to make room for what’s essential.

Clearing out what’s not necessary can make our kingdom journey a lot easier.  How wonderful is it that the kingdom is unwavering?!  Like it says in verses 28-29:  Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire."

Imagine if God was not a consuming fire, burning what needs to be burned?  Our lives would be utter chaos.  Thank God, He is a fire that gets rid of what we don’t need.  Kids today say, “that’s fire!” which means “that’s awesome” and we do have an awesome God.

Father, during this time of Thanksgiving, we want to praise you for providing what we need and eliminating what we don’t.  Thank you for clearing our paths to the kingdom.  Like we often say during our time of confession on Sundays, Forgive us, renew us, and lead us so that we may delight in Your will and walk in Your ways to the glory of Your holy name. Amen.

Keys to the Treasure of Heaven

By Thomas Denegre

For every lock there’s a key.  For every mystery there’s a clue.  In Matthew Chapter 6:19-34 Jesus talks about the treasure from heaven that we should seek and having the clear eyes so our body will be filled with light. I know all of us want the treasure of heaven.  It’s eternal and marvelous.  So how do we acquire this treasure?  What is this treasure Jesus wants to give us? The eyes are the clue to this mystery.

Jesus used the term that bad eyes will make your body full of darkness. I discovered that bad eyes represent the way we value and filter things through our self-professed identity. Our character and virtues are established from our identity; such as being a doctor, lawyer, farmer, mother, teacher, bank robber, or a saint.

After college I entered the U.S. Navy pilot program.  I discovered early on that being a goofy college student was not compatible with being a professional pilot.  I bought a pair of gold wings and put them on a uniform.  I saw myself wearing those wings and then I saw the person behind them.  I saw the character and virtues a pilot needed to be great at his craft.  So, I robe myself with the virtues of being the best navy pilot and became one.  By stepping into my future identity, I was able to change my present self. 

My walk with God was in the same way.  For awhile I was the confused Christian who thought I was still a sinner or the goofy college student.  However, when I assumed my future identity as a saint, disciple and, a son of the Most-High God then I became transformed.  Everything changed.

As Ephesians 2:4-6 puts it: But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus…

By knowing I am a son of God, I robed myself with the virtues (Col. 3:12-14) of God that the Holy Spirit gave me, which allows me access to the treasures of heaven. St. Paul aptly wrote;

You are always and dearly loved by God! So, robe yourself with virtues of God, since you have been divinely chosen to be holy. Be merciful as you endeavor to understand others, and be compassionate, showing kindness toward all. Be gentle and humble, unoffendable in your patience with others. Tolerate the weaknesses of those in the family of faith, forgiving one another in the same way you have been graciously forgiven by Jesus Christ. If you find fault with someone, release this same gift of forgiveness to them. For love is supreme and must flow through each of these virtues. Love becomes the mark of true maturity.  Col. 3:12-14 (TPT)

At this point I want to encourage you to embrace your identity as a son or daughter of God.  By knowing and being a son or daughter of the Most-High God, you freely receive the treasure from heaven.  By living in life union with Jesus and having his words living powerfully within you, (John 15:7)  the Holy Spirit will pour his living streams of water to empower and fill you with love, kindness, gentleness, long suffering, patience, peace, and joy.  By knowing and owning these characters of virtue, the treasures of heaven become yours.

The treasure is God’s presence and gifts with you all the time.  He will go through the trials, tribulations, and temptations in life with you.  You will never be alone.  Our Father will bring the love, trust, and security in your life.  By being broken in humility our Father will make you complete and perfect, you’ll be satiated with your sense of purpose and mission.

By investing yourself in the treasure of heaven you obtain real eternal wealth;

When you give

When you forgive

When you encourage and lift others

When you share the gospel

When you love your enemies

When you endure insults and persecutions

When you have mercy and tolerance for those in the family of faith

The Power of the Normal Life

By Thomas Denegre

Matthew 6:9-14

I was talking to a Latino gang leader named Carlos during a Kairos Prison Ministry weekend event at a State of Ohio Correctional Facility. By looking at his face I can tell he was in a state of wonder and puzzlement.  God will do that to a sinner who is searching for the truth.

He explained to me how he spent most of his young life in a variety of prisons. Not long-ago Carlos was released from prison and paid a visit to his girlfriend.  They got into an argument and she called the police.  When they arrived, they found a concealed gun on him.  Back to prison he went.    Now he was spending a long Kairos weekend tasting God with the most powerful men in the prison; the Kairos team. So we had this conversation

“What is going on?” Carlos asked. “I’ve never been treated like this in my life. I’m being treated so well.  What’s the deal?”

“This is called normal,” I explained.  “All your life you lived in fear and violence thinking it was normal.  Yet this is the normal life and it’s called the Kingdom of God.  It’s why we do it.  It’s why we’re here. Do you want know more about normal Carlos?”

“Yes, I do,” exclaimed Carlos.

“Do you know the Our Father’s prayer?”

“Vaguely,  I remember my mother use to pray it over me when I was little.”

“Mind, if I give you the expanded version,” I asked. He nodded his head and I proceeded with the expanded version.

As you know it starts with “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.” We have a magnificent and awesome Dad.  Everything seen and unseen has been made by Him. Before you were born every day of your life was ordained in his book as written in Psalm 139:16. Like the father of the prodigal son, our Dad has been watching you with a keen eye. He dreamed of you before you were born.   He’s less concerned about your sin than about you.  He’s waiting for you to cross the line into his kingdom.  Because when you do, he’s going to smother you with hugs and kisses. Instead of life filled with death and destruction, he’s waiting to give you an abundant life. (John 10:10)  You’re his dearest child and he created the universe so we can have a home to live in.  His greatness and love deserve our awe, respect, and love in return.

The next part says, “Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”  So, what is the kingdom?  It’s his spiritual Kingdom coming into our lives on earth.  Just as water permeates a sponge, so does God’s spirit permeate our spirit. We are one in his glory. (John 17:22) The normal comes alive.  By living in life union with Jesus and having his words living powerfully within you (John 15:7) then his streams of love, joy, mercy, kindness, friendship, and long-suffering enter into your life.  No longer will you be imposing your will on others which results in fights and divisions, but like gravity, you’ll enter a mass of power called God’s love that will heal all your heart wounds and put you into a peace the world will never understand. This is the kingdom of God we bring to this world.

The prayer goes on to say, “Give us this day our daily bread.”  Let me tell you about the bread.  Jesus is called the bread of life for he’s is the great I am. (John 6:33) When I receive the consecrated bread, I know Jesus is feeding me with his spirit.  As you know, living in the world can drain the life out of you.  But Jesus has a plan. His daily bread refreshes us.  Jesus will say to you, “If you are in despair, I’m your encourager. If you are hungry for truth, I am your food. If you are weak, I am your strength. I am the way, the truth, and the life.  I am your life.  I am your love. I am your joy and peace.  I am your patience and long suffering in all things.  I am your battery charger of life.  I am your streams of love, tenderness, kindness, and mercy.  I am the great I am.  I am your source of life and let me charge you up.  Taste and eat me for I will refresh you!” Indeed, he does!

The next line in the prayer says, “And forgive our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” Or, in other words, Jesus is saying, “I care more about you than what you have done.”  Do not let the poison of retaliation, hatred, and unforgiveness produce bitterness and self-destruction. Through experience I know that by living in life union with Jesus I can see you as Jesus does.  I can see the goodness and gold in you. Through repentance of your sins, and belief in Jesus as your savior, Jesus is ready to make you perfect and complete.  Through your humility and open heart, Jesus will craft you into your original design as mentioned in Psalm 139:16 and be made into His image.  Forgiveness is everything because it stops all the violence and destruction.  It allows a person to draw in the peace that heals the heart. Don’t we all want mercy? God will not give you what you deserve, but what you need. That’s why he’s such a great dad. He’s waiting for you to cross the border into his kingdom so he can bless you.

Lastly, the prayer says, “And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” Jesus knew that in this fallen world we will still face temptations and tribulations.  We are still flesh, and sometimes the old desires coming creeping up to tempt us.  But mark my words.  And it’s all about words.  Let God’s word always be in your mind and heart, because when events come your way, so will his word come to save you. 

“So, this is the normal life Carlos. It’s called the Kingdom of God.   Do you want it?” I asked Carlos.  He took it and became a new saint.

Like the father of the prodigal son, Jesus is always scanning the border to spot his child who wants to return home, waiting to make a mad dash to his child so he can smother him with kisses and to welcome him home. Jesus is always more concerned about the person than the sin.  Shouldn’t we?

Given

January 1 

This next year, we have the ability to make changes in our lives with resolutions that we can fulfill on our own.  But with Jesus, we have the ability to experience relationship with the only One who can make all things new.

As we begin the New Year, many people have their sights set on newness. We are simply programmed with the assumption that life can and should be different. The Bible gives us a clear account for why this is—we live in a fallen world that cries out for newness, for restoration. So as we enter the New Year, it is great to pursue the hope that comes with our resolutions, but our ultimate hope will come in trusting in our God who came into the world in order to make all things new.

Scriptures for today, Isaiah 9:6-7 and Revelation 21:1-5a, which invites us to look at the ability we have to experience a relationship with the only One who can make things new.

Take time to reflect together on the passage. Read the passage a second time if needed. If you’d like some help in drawing out reflections, share answers to these questions: With the start of a brand-new year, where does the Kingdom of God need to break into your life in new ways? What are things in your life that need forgiveness? Newness? Hope?

Knowing that God is with you, what are ways that you need to grow your relationship with Him?

God’s promise of making everything new is not just a future promise but an everyday promise. How can you live into that promise every day, what little steps can you honestly make that will let you be made new in Christ?

After giving time to reflection, offer up a simple prayer to God. If you aren’t sure what to pray, consider something like this: “Jesus, thank you for coming to dwell

Here are some other ways you can put your faith into practice with this week’s focus of “Given.”

For Adults

As you go through your week, what things need to be made new in your life? Pray that you can give that to God to be made new through Him.

With the promise of everything that is yet to come from God, who in your everyday life could use a new view of Jesus? Start to pray how God can use you to share who He is. Pray every time you think of that person that God would work on their heart.

For Teens

What in your life seems old, tired, or needs to be made new? As you come across those things in your week, stop and pray in that moment to give those things to God and that He would make them new.

For Kids

Take advantage of the time you’ll spend this week doing chores around the house. Weave a faith conversation into the simple act of cleaning up the kitchen or your child’s bedroom. Have your child take mental note of the mess before you begin. When you’re done cleaning, reflect on how the room is new again. How can it be used because of that newness? What are the things that Jesus makes new for people?

—Brittany Timm & David White

2 Corinthians 9: 1-9

^{2 Corinthians 9:6-7}  

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

So I guess this means we are not supposed to race around all week, and when we finally slow down and settle into the pew on Sunday, check to see what’s left in our wallet and put that into the collection basket.

Any time activities are well planned and properly orchestrated we are more calm and comfortable. When we are flying by the seat of our pants, we cannot be at peace. It is not wise to take a trip without extensive planning and preparation. It is foolish to simply throw a few things into a suitcase without thinking through what we will truly need for each day of our journey, what it will cost, how we will pay for it, and what our ultimate goal or plan is when we arrive at our destination.

Several years ago my nephew, who was a young Pastor at the time, was traveling with us by car to Ohio. We took turns driving and talking, catching up on each other’s lives and getting to know my nephew again as he had been away for quite some time. I recall some words of wisdom he spoke when reflecting on a mentor of his from seminary; “Ruthlessly eliminate hurry.”

I latched onto that line, and have it posted in various locations at home and work as a constant reminder. This world encourages and supports just the opposite. How are we ever going to Be still and know that He is God, if we are constantly on the go until we plop down on Sunday morning?

Planning and preparation have never been my strength, however as the years race by I am learning the beauty in eliminating hurry, and the time it leaves for planning what I am to do for the Kingdom of God…in my daily life, in my prayer life, and in my giving. I urge you to do the same. 

Read/Listen to 2 Corinthians 9:1-9

Matthew 6: 19-21, 24-34

Stewardship and the Kingdom of God

What is really going to matter 100 years from now? I used to teach with an amazing man who has gone to be with the Lord, but while here, Jim was always a calming force in my life. My father lived in another state, and though he loved me and shared his wisdom with me from time to time, Jim was my dad away from dad. As a young teacher, I would sometimes get upset about things and go to him. Jim would remind me of the importance of staying calm. “The only two things worth getting worked up about are birth and death,” he would say. Though he never referenced the bible, probably because we worked in the public school setting, I discovered at his funeral how his life was driven by God’s word. No wonder he had such peace about him, even though he was often dealing with very significant issues as an administrator.

Matthew 6 reminds us of what is truly important as well, and that worry is futile. If we value that which is eternal rather than the things of this earth, we will be at peace, awaiting our heavenly home. Our birth offers us the opportunity to live for the Lord, and our fate upon death is determined by what we do in between birth and death.

 Jim was so right.

Verse 19-21 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven….. for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Verse 24 "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hateone and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money."

Verse 25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life…”

Verse 27 “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?”

Verse 33 “But seek first the kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

In Philippians 4:4-7 Paul includes these verses, as he ends his letter to the Philippians; “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Amen.

Read/Listen to Matthew 6:19-34 

Matthew 25:14-30

Want to go on a treasure hunt? When I read a parable I am on a search. Jesus challenges me with hidden messages. I dig through clues to discover new insights into living life as a Christian.

Jesus tells a story of a master who gives each of his servants some talents. He expects them to invest the money to make a profit for him. The obedient servants take a risk with the money and bring additional cash to their master. The master shows his appreciation by allowing them to have greater responsibilities and share in his happiness.

The third servant makes no effort to honor his master. The money is hidden in the ground. The only work he does is digging the money up to return to his master. The master, irritated by the laziness and disobedience of his servant, says, “…throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (v 30)

Jesus' message is: We are expected to work hard using what God gives us for the benefit of His Kingdom. Our life will be worth nothing if we live it only for ourselves. We make an investment in eternity when we step out and join Him in His work.

Has God given you something to invest that is similar to the talents handed to the servants? Are you doing something that benefits His Kingdom? This is what God expects of lives lived for Christ.

Read today's text, Matthew 25:14-30, on Biblegateway.