August 7- Permission Granted

August 7, 2011

Scripture Readings:
Ezra 4:24-6:22; 1 Corinthians 3:5-23;
Psalm 29:1-11; Proverbs 20:26-27

Ezra 4:24-6:22

Have you ever been really discouraged and ready to quit a project?  Today the Israelites, who have risked everything to come back to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple, are discouraged.  The project seemed to be going well as they read God's Word, rebuilt the altar, reinstated burnt offerings to God, built the foundations of the Temple, and worshiped God with praise and thanksgiving.  Then just as things are going their way enemies cropped up and began to frustrate their plans.  The work was halted by a decree from the King Artaxerxes. 

For a number of years the work lay dormant.  Politics got in the way.  The good news is that God is not controlled by politics.  He is the one who controls everything.  God is in partnership to rebuild the Temple with the remnant of Jews.  But how is God going to choose to jump start the rebuilding of the Temple?  God decides to use two prophets.  Remember, the Temple represents God's kingdom.  So far in this rebuilding process we have had a priest (Jeshua), a king (Cyrus), and a prince of Israel (Zerubbabel) initiate the building of the Temple.  But Christ, who is the true builder of God's kingdom, is not only a priest and a king, he is also a prophet.  It stands to reason then that God would complete the building of His Temple by using prophets, also. 

Haggai and Zechariah, who are prophets, could not be any more different in their personalities, but God uses the prophesies of these men to encourage the remnant to begin the rebuilding process once more.  It is God who grants permission that the project proceed.  It should not surprise us that the local Persian governor, Tattenai, comes to inquire as to why the Jews have begun to rebuild.  The Jews, having been inspired by their prophets to follow God's command, explain their situation.  Tattenai sends a letter to King Darius, who is now the king, explaining the Jewish position and requesting that King Darius try to uncover the decree from King Cyrus that commanded that this Temple be built.  King Darius finds the decree and sets forth a new, stronger decree about the Temple.  Darius requires that anyone who tries to prevent the building of the Temple be punished.  He also demands that the local taxes not be sent back to Persia, but be used locally in the building of the Temple.  I can guarantee you that Tattenai did not expect this response. 

Now in addition to their heavenly king God granting permission to rebuild the Temple, the Jews have the permission of their earthly king Darius to rebuild the Temple.  The Temple is completed and within five weeks the Passover feast is celebrated in God's dwelling place.  As we know, the Passover is a picture of God's redemption of mankind through the death of Jesus Christ.  With the Temple as a symbol of God's Kingdom, we see that Christ is a priest, a prophet, and a king.  He is the central character of the Bible and the person through whom God's Kingdom is built.  The account of this story is a physical picture of a spiritual reality.

What a beautiful picture.  Do you think the tiny remnant of Israel, who struggled to rebuild this Temple, had any idea that they were a living picture?  Do you struggle to do God's work on earth?  Is Christ the central focus of your work?  All things live and breath because of Him.  Do you live your life with this truth in mind?

1 Corinthians 3:5-23

Paul is reminding the carnal Corinthians, who want to quarrel about who has the best leader, that both he and Apollos are simply servants.  Paul says he planted, Apollos watered, but God caused the growth.  This is a partnership with God.

Do you live your life in partnership with God?  Do you realize that you are on a team with God?

Paul explains that he is a builder.  He has laid a foundation of faith for people.  Others now come and build upon the foundation that Paul has laid.  This foundation is built on God's truth about Jesus Christ.   What other people come and build upon this truth about Christ will be tested by God in the end.  Whether or not their teachings and works were of God will be determined by God at the judgment.

Paul explains that the Church of Jesus Christ on earth is God's Temple. This ties in nicely with our Old Testament passage today.  The remnant built an earthly temple with the encouragement of a priest, a king, and a prophet.  We are the Temple of God on earth today, spiritually.  We are built with the help and encouragement of Jesus, who is our priest, king, and prophet.  Paul proves our position as God's Temple by saying this in verse 23, "Everything belongs to you, you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God."  Enough said.

Psalm 29:1-11

This psalm emphasizes the power of God's voice.  It is His Word that creates all things.  His Word/Voice will last forever. Sounds matter in the universe.

Proverbs 20:26-27

"The Lord's searching light penetrates the human spirit, exposing every hidden motive."  This is exactly what the Apostle Paul was talking about in 1 Corinthians today.

What did you learn?  Please share.

Blessings,

Jubilee Gal
Kathy Fullerton 

August 6- Rebuilding 101

August 6, 2011

Scripture Readings:
Ezra 3:1-4:23; 1 Corinthians 2:6-3:4;
Psalm 28:1-9; Proverbs 20:24-25

Each of us is carving a stone, erecting a column, 
or cutting a piece of stained glass in the construction of something much bigger than ourselves. 
~Adrienne Clarkson

Ezra 3:1-4:23

Each year millions of high school graduates go off to college to pursue a degree from an accredited university.  The daunting task of scheduling classes in one's freshman year are made easier by the numbering system that tells a person which courses are the beginning courses of a particular discipline.  Let's say that you are going to be a history major.  As you peruse the college course catalogue, you see that there are three courses on early American history.  How do you know which course you should take as a freshman?  The beginning course is numbered with 101.  This 101 class will be an introductory course designed to lay a foundation of knowledge on which to build your education in American history.  Today, Jeshua and Zerubbabel are professors in a biblical course called Rebuilding 101.  They will teach us how one succeeds in doing a work of God.


As we read yesterday, approximately 50,000 faithful Israelites decided to leave Babylon and return to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple of God.  They had the command of King Cyrus of Persia and money from the captive Israelites, a million of whom lived in Babylon for seventy years to rebuild.  No project can be accomplished without the vision of good leaders.  In today's story, Jeshua, a priest, and Zerubbabel begin the task of leading the people of Israel in rebuilding.  Note that God uses a priest (Jeshua) and a prince of Israel (Zerubbabel) to accomplish this great work. 

So what does Scripture show from this story in how to succeed in rebuilding?  First, we learn that these men consult the law of Moses on how to approach this task according to God's will.  Next, they build the altar of God and begin to institute regular burnt offerings on the altar.  They worship and celebrate according to the Jewish religious calendar.  They give freewill offerings to materially support the work.  Finally, they lay the foundation upon which the Temple will be rebuilt.  We are told that 200 male and female singers are part of this first group to return to Jerusalem.  The worship experienced throughout this project is an important aspect of doing things God's way.

Consulting the Law of Moses, in order to follow God's prescribed way of creating the Temple, teaches us that God's Word should be our guide in building God's Kingdom on earth.  Building the altar and reinstating the offerings and sacrifices proved that the Israelites, who returned, believed in a future Messiah whose work on their behalf would provide redemption from their sins.  The sacrificial work of the Messiah is key to building God's Temple.  In our lives, Christ and his sacrificial death on the cross are the key works that build God's kingdom on earth.  Just as the ancient Israelites gave a freewill offering for the work, we must be willing to give materially to promote the spread of God's Good News during our time on earth.  With worship and praise, our work is to be lifted up to God.  The foundation of God's kingdom is laid on these principles of faith, followed in obedience to God.

How are you doing in Rebuilding 101?  Are you relying on God's Word, putting Christ first, giving freely, and worshiping in the process?  Are you working to bring about God's kingdom on earth?

It should be noted that whenever a group determines to do a work for God, enemies will arise to attempt to thwart God's kingdom.  For the Israelites, the local people, who had stayed in the land come, to offer assistance.  The leaders of the remnant are not interested in blending with this group.  As a result, these potential allies reveal that they are truly enemies.  They seek to stop the work by discouraging and frightening the people.  They offer bribes to agents to frustrate their plans.  Finally, they convince King Artaxerxes that the Jews in Jerusalem are rebuilding the Temple as an act of subversion.  King Artaxerxes acknowledges the power of past Israelite kingdoms according to the recorded history at his disposal, and demands that the work on rebuilding the Temple stop.

At this point in the story it appears that the enemies of God have won. Do you have things in your life that serve as enemies to stop you through fear or discouragement from accomplishing a work for God?  Do your own fears stop you from accomplishing what you could for God?

1 Corinthians 2:6-3:4

Paul reveals that God made wisdom before the foundation of the world with the express purpose of benefiting the believers in Christ who would become part of God's family.  This secret wisdom is being revealed through Paul and the apostles of Christ.

Paul explains that this wisdom is received through God's Holy Spirit.  This is one of the purposes of the Holy Spirit on earth. It is the Spirit's words that explain spiritual truths. People who are not Christians cannot understand these concepts.  Understanding these things requires that one have the mind of Christ.  It is the Holy Spirit that gives a person the mind of Christ.

Do you have the mind of Christ?  How have you realized this as you have studied Scripture?

Paul explains that his initial interaction with the Corinthians was like feeding a baby milk.  If you have ever had a child, you know that it is a long process to get that child to the point of eating solid food, even longer to have the child eat large pieces of meat.  Initially, a baby can only tolerate milk.  Next, comes soft cereal, then mushed vegetables and eventually, after they teething, small bits of meat.  The Corinthians are babies in their faith.  Their lack of maturity is seen in their squabbles over who is the better spiritual leader.

Paul explains that this immaturity stunts the amount of information about God they are able to absorb. Jealousy, quarrels, and being controlled by one's own desires prevents maturity.  Fighting over Apollos and Paul limits their ability to eat meat, spiritually.  It also makes the Corinthians unable to understand some of the deeper secrets of God that are only available for those who have the mind of Christ.

How about you?  Are you a steak eater or milk drinker in your faith?  Is your life marked by peace or dissension?

Psalm 28:1-9

This is a psalm where David is crying out for God to do the work in his life.  It is in His strength that we receive salvation.

Proverbs 20:24-25

The Lord directs our steps.  That is the only way we can make sense of the road we are traveling.

What did you learn today?

Blessings,

Jubilee Gal
Kathy Fullerton

August 5- Going Home

August 5, 2011

Scripture Reading:
Ezra 1:1-2:70; 1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5;
Psalm 27:7-14; Proverbs 20:22-23

Is this home?

Is this what I must learn to believe in?

In this tragic place

Just in case

I should stay here forever

Held in this empty space

Oh, but that won't be easy

~'Home' from Beauty and the Beast

Ezra 1:1-2:70

As the mother of two children who are either in college or have graduated from college, I have a unique perspective on the importance of home.  When a person has gone to a different place and left all that is familiar, the memories of what was becomes a balm to the soul.  Resting in thoughts of the familiar can help a person as they navigate what is foreign.  Phone conversations with my kids sometimes end with them saying, "It sure will be nice to come home."  Today, a remnant of the Israelites, who have been in captivity for seventy years, will finally come home.

The book of Ezra is written by Ezra, who was a descendant of Hilkiah, the High Priest who found the Book of the Law during the reign of Josiah.  Ezra comes from a priestly line who values the Word of God.  We will find in this book that Ezra values the Word of God, too, and points out to his readers the power and authority of Scripture.  Ezra is thought to have authored 1 and 2 Chronicles, Ezra, and Psalm 119.  All of these writings emphasize God's Word and God's perspective on history.  As we read about the Israelites reoccupying Jerusalem after their captivity, Ezra is a key character along with Nehemiah.  Nehemiah was a layman and Ezra was a spiritual leader.  The prophets associated with this time period are Haggai and Zechariah.  It is during this time that the temple will be rebuilt, the walls of Jerusalem refurbished, and revival will occur, with God's Word leading the way.

Ezra opens his book with King Cyrus being an object of prophecy fulfilled.  Ezra, who was a scribe of the Law and an ardent student of the Bible, mentions that Jeremiah prophesied that the Temple would be rebuilt, and this prophesy is fulfilled when God prompts Cyrus, the king of Persia, to do just that. The prophet Isaiah prophesied about Cyrus In Isaiah 44:28, almost two hundred years before Cyrus' birth.  We see that it was God's intention all along to have the Israelites go into captivity and come out of that period of wilderness, in order to rebuild the Temple. Please remember that the Southern Kingdom of Israel went into captivity through King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon.  By the time Ezra is writing this book, Babylon has been conquered by Persia.  During the time of the Captivity, Daniel (the prophet) is a key advisor to both Nebuchadnezzar and Cyrus.  It is Daniel's witness that has converted these men to belief in the God of Israel. 

Cyrus, King of Persia

As the book opens, Ezra confirms that the Lord stirred Cyrus' heart to send out a decree.  In this decree, Cyrus calls the Lord "the God of heaven."  Please note that with the Temple in ruins and the Israelites in captivity, God's Shekinah glory was lifted from the Temple and returned to heaven.  This is detailed in the book of Ezekiel.  Cyrus acknowledges that as ruler of all the kingdoms of the earth, it is God who has given him his position.  He also decrees that God has appointed him to build him a Temple in Jerusalem.  Are you surprised that God is communicating with a Gentile leader and asking a Gentile to build Him a Temple?  What is the message here?  Do you see that God's intentions are to use the Jews and the Gentiles to build His Kingdom?  All people on earth make up God's family.

Cyrus is told by God that the people of Judah will rebuild the Temple in the city of God's affection, which is Jerusalem.  Cyrus does not command that every Jew go back to Jerusalem.  He merely give them permission to do so.  It should be noted that it is God's will that the expense and sacrifice for this project is to be supplied by the Jewish people.  Some people participate by giving material gifts.  Some people participate by going and doing the work.

God then stirs more people's hearts.  This time, He stirs the hearts of the priests and Levites, and the leaders of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin to return to Jerusalem and rebuild.  These are not the wealthiest people of Israel.  They are of more modest means. Many gifts are given to support this effort, and Cyrus brings out the items taken by Nebuchadnezzar from the original Temple.  The Temple items are counted and the exiles, who have decided to return to Jerusalem, are counted.  Approximately 50,000 people go back to Jerusalem.  It is this faithful group who will go home to a land that has been devastated.  But still, it's home!

Lessons:  God stirs people's hearts to do His will on earth.  God's Word prompts revival.  History is His Story.  God uses simple people to accomplish great things.  God is tied to the land, as well as to the people of Israel.  God uses both Jews and Gentiles to bring about His will on earth.

Have you ever supported a missionary to go out and do the work of God that you are supporting materially?  It is a combined effort to build God's Kingdom.  Do you acknowledge that the God of heaven stirs people's hearts and is involved intimately in our lives?  How does this change your attitude about events in the world?
Is God's Word creating revival in your heart?

1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5

Today, Paul is speaking to a group of people in Corinth who are part of a society that considers itself very sophisticated.  Their worldly wisdom has created a town called "Vanity Fair."  Paul is determined to show them that God uses the foolish things of this world to confound the wise.  He uses the weak things to defeat the strong.  God uses the powerless to shame the powerful.  This is why the foolish would not understand that the cross of Christ is powerful.  How can a man who dies a humiliating death on a cross be strong?  How can death bring life?  But, it does.  God used what appeared to be weakness as strength to conquer sin.  God took Jesus' humility in death and produced the power of eternal life for many.

Paul explains in verse 30 that Jesus Christ is wisdom itself.  If the Corinthians are vying to be wise, they need not look any further than to Christ.  Jesus makes us acceptable to God.  He is the ring that restores our broken fellowship with God.  Paul reiterates that he purposefully did not use lofty words and brilliant ideas to explain God's message.  He wanted only to focus on Jesus Christ and his death on the cross.  Paul admits that he came in weakness without persuasive speech, so that the Corinthians would trust in the power of God, rather than human wisdom.

Do you rely on human wisdom, rather than the simple message that Jesus died for your sins?  Is this too unsophisticated for you to accept?  Our amazingly complex God shows His true brilliance in the simplicity of how He solves the problem of mankind's broken fellowship because of sin.  Can you embrace God's basic message? 

Psalm 27:7-14

Picture Christ saying these words on the cross.

Proverbs 20:22-23

Let the Lord settle the score for you.

What did you learn today?  Please share.

Blessings,

Jubilee Gal
Kathy Fullerton

August 4- Living On Borrowed Time

August 4, 2011

Scripture Readings:
2 Chronicles 35:1-36:23; 1 Corinthians 1:1-17;
Psalm 27:1-6; Proverbs 20:20-21

2 Chronicles 35:1-36:23

As we begin our reading today, good King Josiah celebrates a historic Passover.  The Bible tells us that there had not been such a large Passover celebration utilizing all of the priests and Levites since the time of Samuel.  This is a reflection of how Josiah's reading of God's Word to the people of his kingdom led to a genuine spiritual revival.  People were obedient to the Scripture, reaffirmed their faith in a coming Messiah, and sacrificed lambs at Passover to confirm their trust in a sacrificial death by their Messiah in the future.  The faith of these Old Testament saints saved them. 

Josiah is not a perfect man.  We see that his death occurs because of his stubbornness.  He insists on going to battle against King Neco of Egypt.  He is mortally wounded and buried in Jerusalem.

There are a series of evil kings after Josiah's death.  God's hand of judgment against Israel is near.  The clock has been ticking for 490 years of rebellion, for the most part.  The inhabitants of Judah are living on borrowed time.  The last king of Judah is Zedekiah.  Under his reign, the Southern Kingdom is pummelled by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon.  Nebuchadnezzar's army sets fire to God's Temple, breaks down the walls of Jerusalem, burns all of the palaces, and completely destroys everything of value.  The people are carried away to Babylon with only the poorest of the poor left to tend the vineyards and fields. God warned the Israelites that if they turned from worshiping Him to following pagan gods, they would be thrown out of the land.  Now, God's prophesies are coming to pass.

The Bible gives us another explanation for why the Exile is occurring.  In addition to the Israelites ignoring God's prophets and mocking His Word according to chapter 36:2,

"The land finally enjoyed its Sabbath rest, lying desolate for seventy years, just as the prophet had said."

This is significant.  You may remember that God had regulated in Leviticus 25 that the Israelites were to let the land lie fallow every seventh year.  God told them that He would provide enough food in the sixth year to allow the land to rest in the seventh year.  The Israelites had been ignoring that commandment for 490 years.  While the Israelites are in exile in Babylon and Assyria, the Promised Land finally gets its Sabbath rests.  The people are out of the land for seventy years, which accounts for each of the sabbath land rests that the Israelites ignored.  When God says something He means it.  This picture of rest is an important picture to God.  He rested on the seventh day after the Creation.  Did He need to rest because He was tired?  No.  It was a symbolic act.  It was a picture of the rest that Jesus would bring to mankind. The land was to rest on the seventh year.  We are to rest in Jesus Christ.  His completed work on the cross (7 is the number of completion) gives us our rest.  Since the Israelites did not obey the picture, God threw them out of the land and gave the land its promised rest.

Notice that the land, as well as the people, has a promise from God.  God has decided to tie Himself to the Promised Land.  This is important to realize as we study His Story.

The book of 2 Chronicles ends with Cyrus, the king of Persia, deciding to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem.  That event takes place after the seventy years of exile.  God's viewpoint in this book of the Bible is to focus on the land.  Once it has had its rest, God moves in the heart of Israel's captor to bring the people back to the Promised Land.  We will be reading the book of Ezra, next.  In that book, the remnant of Israel goes back to the land.

Are you resting in Christ?  Do you realize that God is not finished with the land of Israel?  His Story is not complete until all of His promises are fulfilled.  Keep reading to find out what happens!

I Corinthians 1:1-17

Today, the Apostle Paul is writing to the believers in Corinth.  Corinth was a port city in the Roman Empire.  It was wealthy and busy and sinful.  We have a saying,  "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas."  Well, you could have easily said, "What happens in Corinth, stays in Corinth."  Corinth was full of wild living and promiscuous religious worship.  In the Temple of Aphrodite/Venus, there were a thousand priestesses who were nothing more than prostitutes.  Sex was a religion in Corinth.  A Corinthian native would have considered themselves well educated and able to philosophize ad naseum.  They were evolved, in their own minds. 

The church in Corinth was a young church.  Because of their culture and immaturity, the church had many conflicts and questions.  Paul's letters to Corinth serve to clarify many issues and teach the people the way of Christ Jesus.

In Paul's opening salutation, he emphasizes that he (Paul) was chosen by God to be an apostle.  He also points out that each believer in Corinth is called by God to be holy.  This group of people would need to learn this truth.  They are to be set apart, not only positionally in Christ, but set apart in practice.

Paul acknowledges that they are gifted in eloquence and knowledge.  This was part of the culture of Corinth.  They sat around debating all manner of topics. Paul reminds them that some of these abilities are spiritual gifts from God.  This would have prevented the Corinthians from false pride.  It is God who is the giver of gifts.  These gifts are designed to be used in partnership with Jesus.

To stop the arguing among these young Christians, Paul appeals for harmony, so that believers will be of one mind, thought, and purpose.  Remember in the book of Romans that harmony is a key characteristic of being sanctified in Christ.

People are apparently arguing about which Christian teacher they follow...Paul, Peter, or Apollos.  Much of the argument centers around who is the more eloquent teacher. Paul reminds them that he was not crucified and does not baptize believers.  His point is that we are all followers of Christ Jesus, not men.  Paul mentions that he keeps his talks simple, in order to never lose focus on the cross of Christ.  He avoids high sounding ideas and clever speeches, because he only wants to draw people to Jesus, rather than to himself. 

Our modern churches would do well to heed Paul's advise.  We must be wary of being too "culturally relevant."  It can be that our own cleverness clouds the cross of Christ. It can be that we follow men, rather than God.

Is your church marked by harmony?  Do you feel that the modern Church in America is busy fussing amongst themselves?  It is a sign of immaturity and carnality, if it is.

Psalm 27:1-6

This is a beautiful psalm for anyone who feels surrounded by enemies.  Jesus is our Tabernacle and in Him we find protection.

Proverbs 20:20-21

Respecting one's parents is a biblical concept.

What did you notice today?  Please share.

Blessings,

Jubilee Gal

Kathy Fullerton

August 3- One Bad Apple

August 3, 2011

Scripture Reading:
2 Chronicles 33:14-34:33; Romans 16:10-27;
Psalm 26:1-12; Proverbs 20:19

One bad apple don't spoil the whole bunch, girl.

Give it one more chance before you give up on love.

~ The Osmonds

2 Chronicles 33:14-34:33

I quoted this song from The Osmonds mainly because I had a crush on Donny Osmond when I was in elementary school.  I would sing this song at the top of my lungs when I played it on my record player.  Some of my younger readers may have never seen a record player in their whole lives!  Anyway, this tune is catchy, but the sentiment of the song is all wrong.  You see, one bad apple actually can ruin the whole bunch.  The reason for this is that fruit and vegetables give off a gaseous hormone called ethylene.  The riper the fruit, the more ethylene it produces.  If you have a bad apple giving off ethylene around other good apples, the ethylene can cause the other pieces of fruit to ripen and  also go bad.  Today, we are gonna talk about two bad apples that ruled in the Southern Kingdom, and one very good apple that preserved the whole bunch.

Yesterday in our reading, Hezekiah passed away and his evil son, Manasseh, comes to power.  He rebuilds the pagan shrines and altars and even sacrifices his own sons in the fire.  Never able to get enough of the occult life, Manasseh practices sorcery, divination, consults mediums and psychics, and even delves into witchcraft.  This would mean that he took drugs, in order to hallucinate and receive visions. He takes a carved idol and puts it in God's Temple in Jerusalem.  God reaches out to Manasseh, but Manasseh ignores Him.  So, God takes action.  God uses the Assyrian armies to humble Manasseh, by putting a ring through his nose and leading him by the nose into captivity in Babylon.  In deep distress, Manasseh finally cries out to God.  The Lord is moved by his repentance and requests.  Manasseh is sent back to Jerusalem and realizes that the Lord, alone, is God.

In Jerusalem, the bad apple throws off his evil ways and removes the foreign gods from the land.  He tears down the idols and encourages the people of Judah to worship the Lord.

Unfortunately, one bad apple often begets another bad apple.  In this case, once Manasseh dies, his evil son, Amon, becomes king.  Amon must have been influenced by his father in his early years, because Amon is stuck on worshiping the idols that his father made. Amon never humbles himself in front of the Lord and is eventually assassinated by some of his officials.

This happens when Amon's son, Josiah, is only eight years old.  Will we have another bad apple?  The answer is no.  Josiah is a good apple.  By the time he is sixteen years old, he begins to seek God.  In a campaign to purify Judah and Jerusalem, Josiah destroys all of the pagan shrines, Asherah poles, and carved idols. It is a slash and burn campaign designed to stamp out idolatry.

Good King Josiah appoints governors, and assigns a royal historian to repair the Temple with accuracy.  During the restoration, Hilkiah, the High Priest discovers the Book of the Law of Moses in the Temple. He gives it to Shaphan, the secretary, to read to the king.  When Shaphan reads the Word of God to Josiah, he tears his robe in despair.  Realizing that the curses and judgments predicted by God are bound to happen to his rebellious kingdom, Josiah sends his royal officials to Huldah, a local prophetess, to seek God's direction on the matter. God confirms that Judah is going to be punished for their idolatry.  The city of Jerusalem will be destroyed, and it's people will be thrown out of the Promised Land.  Because of Josiah's humility and sorrow over their sins, God will not do this during Josiah's lifetime.  Josiah assembles the young and old in his kingdom and reads the whole book of the Law to them.  He promises to obey the words of the law and requires that everyone in Jerusalem make similar pledges.  Because of his leadership, the kingdom does not turn away from God during his lifetime.  As you can see, the one good apple helped to preserve the whole bushel.

Do seek to vote for leaders who follow God?  Do you realize that their godly lives can affect a whole nation?  God judges both individuals and nations.

Romans 16:10-27

It is hard to believe that we are coming to the end of this tremendous epistle.    After lengthy greetings to his brothers and sisters in Christ, Paul concludes the letter to the Romans with a warning about bad apples.  His appeal is that the Church in Rome watch out for individuals who use smooth talk to cause division by teaching things that are contrary to the doctrine taught by Paul and the Apostles.  Paul reminds the believers that the God of peace will eventually crush Satan under their feet.  This hearkens to the psalm that indicates that Jesus' enemies will become his footstool.

Paul clarifies that the plan of salvation and the grafting in of the Gentiles was kept secret from the beginning of time.  It is through Paul's writings that we have this clarified aspect of God's will. It is fitting that Paul conclude his letter to this influential church by reminding them that the prophets foretold and the eternal God commanded that the Gentiles would believe and obey Christ.  It is in His wisdom that this is accomplished.

For those of us who are Gentiles by birth, this epistle is our Hallelujah!  Thank you, God, for your eternal love and salvation of all people groups on earth!

Do you discern wrong teaching in the modern Church?  Are there doctrines that divide, rather than unify people?  Have you thanked God for His plan of bringing the truth of Jesus Christ to the Gentile world?

Psalm 26:1-12

This psalm takes sides.  David is taking God's side.  Are you?

Proverbs 20:19

Gossips tell other people's secrets, probably because they talk too much.  True.

What did you learn today?

Blessings,

Jubilee Gal
Kathy Fullerton

August 2- Seeds of Doubt

August, 2, 2011

Scripture Reading:
2 Chronicles 32:1-33:13; Romans 15:23-16:9;
Psalm 25:16-22; Proverbs 20:16-18

Any belief worth having must survive doubt. 
~Anonymous

2 Chronicles 32:1-33:13

I think I watched too many scary shows when I was a kid.  Of course, I was kind of a scaredy cat, anyway.  I would get scared of The Twilight Zone, Dark Shadows, and certain Alfred Hitchcock movies. There was one episode from Alfred Hitchcock's Hour called The Monkey's Paw that practically put me over the edge. At one point, I remember sitting in my room wondering if my parents were really just bad guys who were wearing masks to hide their real identities. I feared that at any moment they would peel back the masks, show that they were evil impostors, and reveal their true wicked intentions to harm me.  I was momentarily overcome with doubt.  Good thing I was just a dumb kid who had watched too much television.  My doubts were unfounded. 

Today, in the midst of revival, King Sennacherib of Assyria attempts to plant seeds of doubt about the God of Israel to the two tribes of Israel in the Southern Kingdom, who are experiencing God's blessings.

Hezekiah was a wise leader and had brought great wealth to his people through his faithfulness to God.  You would think that revival would prevent trials from occurring in the life of the people.  Not true.  The Scriptures teach us that right when God breaks forth within the life of a person or a community, Satan shows up and attacks.  Like a moth to the flame, enemies run to attack the godly. 

In our passage today, King Sennacherib has laid siege to the rich, fortified cities of the Southern Kingdom.  The idea is to starve the people into surrender and take over the prosperous territory.  King Hezekiah takes measures to protect his territory and the city of Jerusalem.  First, he cuts off the water supply to certain cities.  Lack of water might lead the enemies to leave the land. Next, Hezekiah repairs broken walls and builds additional walls to fortify the cities.  He develops weapons and assigns military leaders before gathering the assembly to encourage the people to be brave, and remember that Israel has the Lord God on their side to fight their battles for them.

But like any wiley enemy, King Sennacherib sends a message to plant seeds of doubt in the minds of the people of Hezekiah's kingdom.  Sennacherib's seeds include the following ideas that are shouted to the people:

• Hezekiah is misleading you about the power of your God.
• Hezekiah is going to cause your death by starvation and thirst.
• Hezekiah destroyed the Lord's shrines and altars.  (these were pagan altars)
• Hezekiah demanded that everyone only worship at one Temple.
• We, Assyrians have defeated the people who worship many gods throughout the land, and no god could stop us.
• Do you really think your God can do any better than these?
• Hezekiah is deceiving you.
• Your God cannot rescue you from me.

Sennacherib's officials mock God and heap insult upon insult upon Him.  These taunts and threats are done in the Hebrew language, in order to strike fear and doubt in the minds of the people. 

Do you realize that Satan and your own sin nature can work against you to plant seeds of doubt in your life?  Sometimes these seeds come from false messages about yourself, including your worth, effectiveness, and ability to be loved.  Some of these seeds were perhaps given to you by other people in your life.  Sometimes these seeds come from false teachings through the media.  Sometimes seeds of doubt come directly from an enemy of God, who is not personally related to you.  They can also come from our own fallen nature.  How do we handle these seeds of doubt?  How do we fight against lies and deception designed to cause us to doubt God and His love for us?

Hezekiah fights this attempt to plant doubt by crying out to God with the prophet Isaiah and asking for God's help and direction.  God's response is swift and effective.  He sends an angel to destroy the Assyrian army.  It should be noted that Sennacherib goes home in disgrace and is assassinated by his own sons.

Just as Satan tempted Eve in the Bible to doubt God and God's rules about the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, Sennacherib tempted the people of Jerusalem to doubt God's deliverance. Satan will tempt you and me to doubt the power of God in our lives to forgive our sin, renew our minds, and give us victory over trials.  When you feel the seeds of doubt being planted in your mind, remember God's Word and His promises.  God is a God of mercy and love.  God heals the brokenhearted and brings the dead back to life.  His power is alive and well in your life, and God is as close to you as the prayer on your lips.  Let God destroy the enemies who attack you.  Let God stunt the seeds of doubt. Start the process through prayer.

I wish I could tell you that Hezekiah led a perfect life with no mistakes, but I can't. I will deal with him in tomorrow's blog post.

How are you going to reject seeds of doubt in your life?

Romans 15:23-16:9

The sanctified life results in gratitude to God and others.  We see this as the Apostle Paul explains that the Gentile Christians in Greece have collected money to give to the poor Jewish Christians in Jerusalem.  Their gifts are a sign of their gratitude to the Jews for bringing the Messiah and the Good News of salvation and fellowship with God to the Gentile world.

Paul sends greetings to fellow Christians in Rome, including his good friends Priscilla and Aquila, who were apparently instrumental in founding the Church in Rome.  Please note that women are very involved in ministry in the early church, including forming house churches, acting as deacons, and serving as evangelists. Junia is mentioned as an apostle!

What can we learn from the Apostle Paul?  We learn that when a person is a new creature in Christ, he/she has humbly admitted their sins and their need of a Savior.  Believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live changed lives that include putting God and other people ahead of themselves.  This leads to harmony and peace among believers.  People's gifts then glorify the God who created them.  This is a gender neutral experience.  Both men and women are gifted to promote the Church on earth.  God will work through both Jews and Gentiles to bring about His Kingdom.

How are you participating in this experience?  Do you live a sanctified life?

Psalm 25:16-22

Here is a psalm to read on a really bad day.  Hezekiah may have cried out to the Lord with this psalm when Sennacherib was taunting him.

Proverbs 20:16-18

Here are good words to live by.

What did you learn today?  Please comment.

Blessings,

Jubilee Gal
Kathy Fullerton

August 1- The Results Of Revival

August 1, 2011

Scripture Readings:
2 Chronicles 30:1-31:21; Romans 15:1-22;
Psalm 25:1-15; Proverbs 20:13-15

Study the history of revival.  God has always sent revival in the darkest days.  
Oh, for a mighty, sweeping revival today!  
~Adrian Rogers

2 Chronicles 30:1-31:21

Let me take a moment to congratulate you for reading with me this far in the Bible.  For the last seven months we have immersed ourselves in God's Word.  I hope that your experience has been one of personal revival.  As we seek God and read His story, it is hard to not be convicted and changed by Truth.  Today, Hezekiah is continuing to lead the Southern Kingdom in a spiritual revival.  Let's review what this revival looked like:

• The doors of the Temple were reopened.
• The Levites began to be purified, again.  Religious leaders were fulfilling their proper roles and being effective.
• Decision were made based on taking instruction from the Lord.
• Worship of God became a regular practice.
• People decided to dedicate themselves to God.
• People repented of their sins.

As you have read the Bible this year, have the doors of your heart been opened?  Has God purified you through His Word? Are you beginning to take instruction from God and adopt the principles layed out in the Bible? Do you find yourself able to worship God more deeply?  Have you dedicated yourself to God in a new and more profound way?  Have you repented of sinful attitudes and behaviors?  If you answered "yes" to these questions, you have experienced a personal revival as a result of studying God's Word! 

Revival always has an impact, not only in a person's life, but also in the life of the community. Now, let's look at the results of Hezekiah's revival. 

• Belief in a future Messiah, who will die to save people from their sins is acknowledged through the reinstatement of the Passover celebration.  Remember that Passover is a picture of Christ on the cross.  Vs. 2-4
• A witness and invitation to worship is sent out to the Northern ten tribes of Israel to come celebrate the Passover and participate in the revival. Vs. 6-9
• Peace and Harmony are characteristics of God's Spirit indwelling people and spiritual revival.  Please note that Hezekiah is promoting peace and harmony between the Southern and Northern Kingdoms, who have been at war with each other. Vs. 4
• While most people laugh at Hezekiah's invitation to worship the Passover, a remnant of true followers of God in the Northern Kingdom respond to Hezekiah's call.  The Southern Kingdom responds with strong desire to unite in obeying their king.  Response to God's call requires humility. Vs. 10-12  Foreigners (Gentiles) hear about this celebration and come to participate. Vs. 25
• The Passover is celebrated by a huge crowd. Vs. 13-17
• Hezekiah prays for the Lord's grace and mercy, with regards to some of the details of the Passover regulations, including the time of the celebration because of the vast number of people who need purification.  God's mercy prevails.  Mercy is a result of revival.  God responds to prayer. Vs. 18-20
• Wisdom is evident in the leaders, during the revival.  Vs. 18
• Joyous celebration and worship is embraced.  Vs. 22-26
• God hears their worship from heaven. Vs. 27
• Pagan idols are torn down. Chapter 3:1
• Sacrificial giving, starting with Hezekiah, spreads throughout the community. Vs. 2-7
• Thankfulness and humility result from God's abundant blessings. Vs. 8-10
• Abundance results from obedience, as storehouses are created for all of the overflow. Vs. 11-19
• The whole community is blessed by the revival, spiritually and materially. Vs. 20
• Hezekiah seeks God wholeheartedly, and as a result, he is very successful. Vs. 21

We must pray for revival in our day and age.  Like Hezekiah, we must pray that God will draw people back to the truth through His Word.  This will result in people believing in the Passover Lamb that takes away the sin of the world.  Revival will cause witness and worship in harmony.  Many will be invited, but the remnant will come. Personal idols will be torn down in our lives. Wisdom will prevail, and joyous celebration will result.  Sacrificial giving will create abundance that can help those in need.  God will hear from heaven and be pleased. Let's pray for revival in the Church on earth. 

What can you do to promote revival like Hezekiah did?

Romans 15:1-22

Today, the Apostle Paul continues to prove that the Holy Spirit promotes harmony in the Church on earth.  As we are sanctified in Christ, we accept other Christians who may have different convictions than we do.  We also acknowledge that both the Jew and the Gentile are called to worship God in harmony.

Paul clarifies in Romans 15:8-9, that Christ came as a servant to the Jews to show that God is true to His promises.  He came to the Gentiles to give glory to God by showing mercy. 

This is proven in Psalm 18:49; Deuteronomy 32:43; Psalm 117:1 and Isaiah 11:10.  It is important that Paul prove to the Jewish believers in Christ that the Old Testament writings have always indicated that Gentiles would be grafted into the family of God.

Paul explains in Verse 14 that once you have been sanctified by the Holy Spirit, you are able to teach others the truth about God.  Paul confirms that he is a special messenger sent by God to teach.  He is enthusiastic about giving out the Good News and praying for those who sit under his teaching.  Paul confirms that he has been called to bring the Gentiles to God through his messages, life example, and miracles.  He is quick to explain that this has been done in the power of the Holy Spirit. Paul also clarifies that his goal has been to take the gospel message to areas that don't already have a church in place. He says that this approach fulfills Isaiah 52:15.

Paul has been like Hezekiah in that he has led a revival in his lifetime.  He has taken the Good News about the Passover Lamb to both the Jews and the Gentiles.  As a result of revival, God is worshiped and lives are changed.

Are you willing to promote revival in your community?  Think of small ways you could begin to do this.

Psalm 25:1-15

I am going to focus on the verbs in this psalm to show how to pray for revival.  Here is the list of requests:
show me, lead me, remember, forgive.

Here is the confirmation of what God does:  shows, leads, forgives, shares the secrets of his covenants, and rescues from enemies.

Proverbs 20:13-15

Wise speech is rarer than rubies and gold.  We should strive to have the riches of wise speech in our lives.

What did you notice today?  Please share.

Blessings,

Jubilee Gal
Kathy Fullerton