August 19- For Such A Time As This

August 19, 2011

Scripture Reading:
Esther 4:1-7:10; 1 Corinthians 12:1-26;
Psalm 36:1-12; Proverbs 21:21-22

The purpose of influence is to "speak up for those who have no influence." 
(Psalm 31:8) It's not about you. 
~Rick Warren

Esther 4:1-7:10

Have you ever wondered why you are on the earth?  What is your purpose?  Today, Queen Esther has a revelation.  She realizes why she was born.  I had an experience like this in my life that is too personal to get into here on the blog.  I will only tell you that as I went through this trial and the consequential changes that occurred in my life, one day, I had an epiphany.  I realized that God had put me on the earth for that very moment in time.  I was supposed to do what the trial had forced upon me for a higher purpose.

As our story begins, Mordecai has read Haman's decree to kill all of the Jews in the kingdom.  Knowing that once something has become law for the Medes and Persians, it can NEVER be revolked, Mordecai is beside himself with grief.  He tears his clothes, puts on sackcloth and ashes, and wails loudly in the streets.  Queen Esther, unaware of the decree, is embarrassed by his behavior and sends out a new set of clothing for him. Mordecai sends back a copy of the decree to Esther with a request that she go to the king to beg for mercy for the Jews.  Esther replies that the king will kill anyone who comes before him without being summoned.  Mordecai retorts that Esther should not think for one moment that she will escape death from this decree.  He also reveals his belief that God's Providential hand has been involved in Esther being appointed queen when he states, "What's more, who can say but that you have been elevated to the palace for such a time as this."

Esther is convinced by this reply and asks that Mordecai gather the Jews in the city to fast.  She and her maidens will also fast for three days.  Why don't they pray?  This shows us that this group of Jews are not in God's will.  They have lost touch with God's Word and are living apart from daily prayer and worship.  They are aware of God's promises to them as a people group, but this is all.  They do not have an intimate relationship with Him at this time.

Have you ever been out of touch with God?

With courage and bravery, Esther approaches King Xerxes.  He extends the scepter of grace to her and allows her to approach the throne.  Her act is one of self sacrifice.  She is willing to die for her people.  Esther is truly acting like nobility.  This shows good character. Esther simply invites the king and Haman to a banquet.  Very cunning.  Her plan is to develop fellowship and get to the king through his stomach.  Wise. Haman is proud and puffed up after attending the banquet.  The only thing that squelches his good mood is that pesky Jew, Mordecai.

By God's providence once more, the king is unable to sleep that night.  He decides to have his history read to him.  During that reading, Mordecai's act of saving the king from an assasination plot is read.  The king asks what was done for Mordecai as a reward for this good deed.  It is revealed that no reward was given.

Haman comes into the king's chamber just at that moment to ask that the king hang Mordecai from the gallows Haman had built. But first, the king asks Haman how he should honor a man who pleases him.  Haman thinks the king is talking about him.  He comes up with a plan that the king has Haman personally carry out to honor Mordecai.  Oh my, we see the humor in God's providence!!

Haman's wife sees this as a bad omen for Haman.  Her intuition is impeccable.  Haman goes to Esther's second banquet where King Xerxes again offers to give Esther whatever she wishes. She asks that her life and the lives of her people be spared from annihilation.  When asked by the king who has done this, Esther replies that this wicked Haman has done it. The king is enraged and storms out to the gardens.  In the meantime, a pale and fearful Haman falls on Esther's couch to plead for his life.  The king comes in and sees him on Esther's couch and roars that Haman should be hung on his own gallows.  The king's rage subsides after Haman is hung. 

God's hand moves in interesting ways.  Haman tried to annihilate the Jews.  Antiochus IV tried to annihilate the Jews. Hitler attempted to annihilate the Jews.  In the end times, the Antichrist will attempt to annihilate the Jews.  None of these people will succeed, because God has made promises to preserve the Jews and bring them back to Himself.  God is true to His promises.  His Providence protects the Jewish people, in order to fulfill His promises to them. He protects them, even when they are out of His will. This story is a picture of that truth.

What do you think about God's protection of the Jewish nation?  Do you feel His hand upon your life?

1 Corinthians 12:1-26

Did you realize that no one can call Jesus "Lord" except by the power of the Holy Spirit?  This is one of the teachings that Paul gives to the Corinthians today. Paul is beginning to teach about the concept of spiritual gifts.  God is a giver.  He gives us salvation.  He gives us the Holy Spirit.  He gives us faith to believe in Jesus.  Today, we see that he also gives us certain abilities, so that we can help others within the Church.

Some people are given the ability to give wise advice. Others are given special knowledge, or faith, or the power to heal, perform miracles, or prophesy.  Some people can discern good from evil, while someone else is able to speak in a foreign language, in order to witness to others.  These gifts are designed to help other people and glorify God. 

Christ's Church is described as a body with many functioning parts.  The individual parts have functions that cause the whole body to work together.  This is what we are like as Christ's body on earth.  You may think that the little toe has no purpose on the body, but it serves to balance you as you walk.  Paul's point is that we all have a purpose!!  We are all important.

Lesson: Just as Esther realized that she had an important purpose on earth to help save her people, we as believers in Christ, each have a vitally important purpose to use our God-given gifts to help God's people on earth. We are here for such a time as this!

Psalm 36:1-12

I think of Haman when I read these words, "Sin whispers to the wicked, deep within their hearts. They have no fear of God to restrain them."

Proverbs 21:21-22

Pursuing godliness will result in finding life.  Eternal life.

What did you notice today?

Blessings,

Jubilee Gal
Kathy Fullerton
© 2011

August 18- The Power of Providence

August 18, 2011

Scripture Reading:
Esther 1:1-3:15; 1 Corinthians 11:17-34;
Psalm 35:17-28; Proverbs 21:19-20

Neutrality is no favorite with Providence, for we are so formed that it is scarcely possible for us to stand neuter in our hearts, although we may deem it prudent to appear so in our actions. 
~Charles Caleb Colton

Esther 1:1-3:15

I always thought that the book of Esther was a story about a beautiful woman.  I was wrong.  This is a story about a beautiful God and the beauty of His Providence.  What is Providence? Providence is defined as, "The care, guardianship, and control exercised by a deity.  Divine protection."  This is the story of God protecting the Jews, even though this particular group of Jews have chosen not to return to the Promised Land. The amazing thing is that the book of Esther never mentions the name of God.  This is the nature of God's Providence.  Even if people are going about their business from day to day without ever acknowledging the existence of God, He is still directing the events of history.  His hand is ever upon us.

Let's get some background before we begin to analyze this story.  This book is probably written by Mordecai.  We will meet him in the story.  At this time in the history of the nation of Israel, the Southern Kingdom has been taken into captivity by Babylon.  (Remember that the Northern Kingdom was previously taken into captivity by the Assyrians.) The Babylonian Empire has subsequently been defeated by the Persians, and now we are reading about the Empire of the Medes and Persian.  The Jews have settled nicely into their captivity.  They are prosperous members of society, even though they are foreigners.  After seventy years in captivity, Zerubbabel leads a group of Israelites back to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple.  This effort has the blessing of the Persian King Cyrus.  A number of years later, Ezra returns and revival occurs. Then, Nehemiah gets the permission from Artaxerxes to go back and rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.  Esther is a contemporary of Ezra and Nehemiah.  She is also a contemporary of the prophets Haggai and Zechariah.

While the books of Ezra and Nehemiah contain much information about the remnant of the Jews who return to Jerusalem (approximately 60,000) and worship God through reading the Scriptures, prayer, and rebuilding God's Temple, the book of Esther never even mentions God by name.  This is the picture of the fifteen million Jews who were unwilling to follow God's command to reoccupy the Promised Land.  These are the people who have chosen to live out of God's will and make due with their own gifts and talents, apart from direction from their Creator.  Do you know anyone who lives their life this way?  Do you know people who act as if God is not even around?

We learn from this story that even if you think God is not involved in your life, He is.  God's Providence directs this material world.

By the way, if your Bible calls King Xerxes by the name of Ahasuerus, this is simply a title like the title Caesar.  His real name is Xerxes.  As our story begins, we learn that Xerxes is a powerful king who rules the lands from India to Ethiopia. He is ruling from the capital city of Susa.  His wealth and power are displayed when he decides to have a six-month long celebration to display his wealth and opulence.  Everything is decorated beautifully with fine cloth and mosaic tiles of marble, pearl and costly stones.  The goblets are made of gold and the wine is flowing freely. 

During the seventh day of the banquet, Xerxes gets drunk and decides to call in his Queen Vashti, who is also throwing a banquet for the women, to come before all of the men wearing her royal crown so that the men can gaze (lust) upon her beauty.  Vashti refuses.  Good for her.  Needless to say, Xerxes is furious and burns with anger.  Upon consulting his advisers, Xerxes decides to divorce Vashti and banish her from his presence.  The king, and his princes and advisers are hoping to teach all women in the kingdom a lesson about obeying their husbands. The subsequent proclamation sent out from the king across his vast empire notes that every man should be the ruler of his home.  We see that men needing the respect of their wives is an ancient need.  There is truly nothing new under the sun.

In God's Providence, Vashti is banished from being queen and coming before the king and the court again. Xerxes is left without a beautiful queen by his side.  It is decided that there will be a search for a new queen from among the virgin women of the empire.  The search will be based on physical beauty.  Really?  Men choosing women based on physical beauty?  What a novel approach...  Young virgins from each province will be brought to Susa and put into the royal harem, where they will receive beauty treatments for twelve months! 

A Jew named Mordecai, who has adopted his orphaned cousin Esther, encourages Esther to enter the contest. Esther's name means "star" and she really was a star.  As she enters the harem, she is favored by Hagai, the man in charge of the harem. Neither Esther or Mordecai reveal to anyone that they are Jewish.  After her twelve months of beauty treatments, Esther is taken to the king's bed, going in with the jewelry and clothing suggested by Hagai, who favors her.  Upon seeing her, Xerxes sets the royal crown on her head.  Again, God's hand is moving in this situation. It should be noted that this was a risky situation.  If the king rejected a girl, she was doomed to live in his harem for the rest of her life. This would mean never marrying or having a family of her own. 

Mordecai conveniently becomes a palace official and eventually prevents a plot to assassinate the king. His good deed is recorded in the annuls of the king.  Coincidence that he is at the city gate and overhears the plot?  I think not.  It's Providence.

Now, we meet the villain in the story.  Haman is a character like Hitler.  He has a thirst for power and a hatred for the Jews.  When asked to bow down to Haman, who is essentially the prime minister of the Empire, Mordecai, the Jew, refuses.  This infuriates Haman, who decides to punish Mordecai by destroying all of the Jews in the Empire.  Haman is planning a holocaust.  Haman convinces the king that when they destroy these people (Jews), they will be able to seize their assets and add the money to the royal treasury to pay for military pursuits.

With power from the king's signet ring, Haman creates the decree for the Jews destruction, and it is sent to every province in the kingdom. The city of Susa falls into confusion because the Jews are prominent citizens in the kingdom.

Lessons:  The Jews have a history of prosperity and success, even when they are not in their own land. The Jews fall into persecution and Satan attacks them throughout history.  God's hand moves to protect the Jewish people for His good purposes, even when they are out of His will.  God's Providence can protect believers, even when we are out of His will.

Do you recognize the Providential hand of God in the universe today?  The founding fathers of America referred to God as "Providence" in recognition of this fact.

1 Corinthians 11:17-34

Have you ever dealt with a really immature person?  They just don't seem to get that their behavior is inappropriate?  This is what Paul is dealing with in Corinth.  Today, Paul is asking the Corinthians to honor the sacrament of the Lord's Supper with dignity and proper reverence.  Apparently, the Corinthians were using it as an opportunity to pig out and get drunk.  Really? Please, people.

Paul encourages the Corinthians to examine themselves before they partake of the Lord's Supper. If one takes the bread or drinks the cup in an unworthy fashion, that person is dishonoring the body of Christ.  This results in eating and drinking God's judgment upon oneself.  The Lord's Supper is not about pigging out to satisfy a person's temporal hunger. It is about confessing one's sins, getting right with God, and renewing one's faith by remembering work of Christ.  When a person takes communion, they are acknowledging that they are sustained by the Bread of Life, which is Jesus.  They drink his death and resurrection when they drink his blood, which is the life in each body.  A person partakes of his death and resurrection in the Communion ceremony.  This is to be done with reverence and humility.

Do you take the Lord's Supper with the proper attitude of remembrance?  This is a good reminder to all of us.

Psalm 35:17-28

Think of the Jews being under a death threat from Haman as you read this psalm today.

Proverbs 21:19-20

"It is better to live alone in the desert than with a crabby and complaining wife."  Ouch.  Hope I am not thought of in this way!

What did you learn today?  Please share.

Blessings,

Jubilee Gal
Kathy Fullerton
© 2011

August 17- You Do What You Can

August 17, 2011

Scripture Reading:
Nehemiah 12:27-13:31; 1 Corinthians 11:1-16;
Psalm 35:1-16; Proverbs 21:17-18

Nehemiah 12:27-13:31

Have you ever tried to make a difference in a situation, but no matter what you did, the situation seemed to revert back to its original form?  Let's say you have two friends who always fight.  You speak to each of them and they seem to work out their differences for a while.  Eventually, they get back into the same old pattern of gossiping about each other and creating conflict.  Today, Nehemiah ends this book by realizing that the Israelite remnant has fallen back into the same old sins.  He asks God to remember his attempts to get the people to follow God and repent of their sins.

As our reading begins, two large choirs are employed to sing at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem.  There are trumpets and music and loud celebrating.  The Word of God is read aloud. Many sacrifices are offered and things are going great.  Nehemiah had gone back to act as cup bearer to King Artaxerxes and while he was gone the Israelites fall into breaking the laws again.  They have mixed with the Moabites and Ammonites and let them into the assembly. There is favoritism among the priesthood.  The Levites are no longer getting a stipend from the people and so the singers have been dismissed and worship has suffered. People are working on the Sabbath. And finally, they have married foreigners once again.  How quickly the mighty have fallen!  Nehemiah goes about correcting the situation and repeating the cycle of repentance and reformation.  He asks God to remember his actions.

What can we learn from this?  The Israelites are a picture of us!  We are the people who continually return to sin.  This confirms in our hearts and minds that we are in need of a Savior.  Remember the Apostle Paul's writing to the Romans in Romans 7:24, "Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death?"  Then, in Romans 8:2, "because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death."

What we see in the ancient Israelites and in ourselves prior to being saved is the law of sin and death.  It is a cycle that cannot be defeated in the flesh.  It is through Jesus Christ and His work on the cross that this cycle is defeated. It is through the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives that we are able to begin to experience sanctification and freedom from the cycle of sin and death.  Praise God!

Have you realized that need to rely on Jesus to break the sin cycle?  How are you acting upon this truth?

1 Corinthians 11:1-6

Today, Paul deals with a situation that is unique to the Corinthian church.  We have seen that this is an immature group that is given to immorality on a variety of levels. Paul is now having to deal with how the Corinthians are presenting themselves in worship.  The rabbis of that day have incorrectly started a practice of having the men cover their heads in worship, just as Moses covered his face with a veil after seeing God on the mountain (Exodus 34:34).  As they pray and prophesy, they are covering their heads and faces.  Paul argues that because man is made in the image of God, covering this image in worship actually dishonors Christ.

On the other hand, the women in Corinth are coming to worship with their heads uncovered, which happens to be a local practice of the prostitutes.  Also, the pagan temple prostitutes would often shave their heads.  Paul is encouraging the women to cover their heads as they pray and prophesy in order to distinguish themselves from the local prostitutes.  This will honor their husbands, as they display modesty in their worship.  Please note that women are publicly praying and prophesying in the worship services.  Paul does not suggest that they stop praying and prophesying, only that they cover their heads as they do these activities. The fact that women are participating in worship in this way should silence the people in our day who suggest that women are never to speak in worship services.  This is not confirmed in Scripture.

Paul describes the relationship between men and women as being intertwined.  Here is what he concludes,

"But in relationships among the Lord's people, women are not independent of men, and men are not independent of women.  For although the first woman came from man, all men have been born from women ever since, and everything comes from God."  1 Cor. 11:11-12

Paul is encouraging believers to be respectful of one another.  He also mentions that this is the common custom among other Christian churches at this time.

What can we learn from this?  We are to honor God in our bodies.  We should honor one another in our relationships.  Women can pray and prophesy in church.

Do you think about your appearance and how it might affect others?

Psalm 35:1-16

Here is a psalm about having enemies.  Pray this in your times of hardship.

Proverbs 21:17-18

If you seek pleasure constantly, it will not bring you wealth.  Wine and luxury are not the way to riches.  Many in our day have overdrawn bank accounts, as they drink their wine coolers.

What did you learn today?

Blessings,

Jubilee Gal
Kathy Fullerton
© 2011

August 16- Do All To The Glory Of God

August 16, 2011

Scripture Reading:
Nehemiah 11:1-12:26; 1 Corinthians 10:14-33;
Psalm 34:11-22; Proverbs 21:14-16

Nehemiah 11:1-12:26

The Israelites are determined to experience reformation.  Sometimes, reformation includes disrupting one's normal life situation.  As we read today,  lots are cast to see who will leave their homes in the farmlands and countryside to reoccupy Jerusalem.  These people, who willingly made this sacrifice to reoccupy Jerusalem, were commended by both the people and by God for this sacrifice.  Their names are listed in the book of Nehemiah for a record through all of eternity.  Do you realize that when you make a sacrifice for God as a result of your reformed life, it is recorded for all of eternity?  Let this book of Nehemiah remind you of that truth!

1 Corinthians 10:14-33

Paul is continuing his lesson on fleeing from idols.  He just recounted how the ancient Israelites who wandered and died in the desert were examples to all of us on how not to approach God.  They gave into temptation and worshiped idols. 

Marketplace

Paul clarifies that the idols to whom the pagan Corinthian population are sacrificing are not gods, but are demons.  Paul suggests some practical ways to approach the problem of meat sacrificed to idols.  He encourages the Corinthians to not ask whether or not meat has been sacrificed to idols when purchasing it at the marketplace.  That will keep their consciences clear.  If they are invited to dinner and someone states that this is meat that has been sacrificed, then, they are not to eat it because it might hurt the faith of a weaker Christian. 

Paul summarizes by saying that he tries to please everyone in everything he does.  He tries to think of other people first. He does what is best for them, in order that they may be saved.  Please note that Paul is not pleasing others to gain their favor.  He is acting this way to please God and save souls.  Paul's motivation here is key.

Do you think how your actions may affect others?  Do you put other people ahead of yourself?

Psalm 34:11-22

I love this verse, "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those who are crushed in spirit." vs. 18

Proverbs 21:14-16

Justice is joy to the righteous.  Yes, how many people yearn for justice on earth!

What did you notice today?  Please share.

Blessings,

Jubilee Gal
Kathy Fullerton
© 2011

August 15- Repentance Leads to Reformation

August 15, 2011

Scripture Reading:
Nehemiah 9:22-10:39; 1 Corinthians 9:19-10:13;
Psalm 34:1-10; Proverbs 21:13

Nehemiah 9:22-10:39

When training a young child, it behooves a parent to teach the process of repentance and reformation. For example, a child must learn to apologize when they have disobeyed and then correct the behavior that led to the need for an apology.  It is for the child's safety that they learn to obey the first time when told to do something by their parent.  For instance, a young child who has learned to obey the first time will respond when a parent tells that child to stop at the curb when a car is coming down the street.  This can prevent a tragedy from occurring.  As human beings, we are all in need of correction.  Being able to accept correction and admit the need for change is huge in the development of good character.  Today, the remnant of Israelites, who have rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem, renew their covenant with God as they repent of past sins and reform their behavior.

The key to knowing that one needs to repent is reading God's Word.  The Bible is a barometer of sin.  It is the means by which we learn God's will and His ways.  As our reading begins, Ezra, the High Priest, has read the Book of the Laws of Moses to the congregation for three hours.  The people have been convicted by God's Word.  They are joyous in their accomplishment of returning to the land and rebuilding both the Temple of God and the walls of Jerusalem.  God's Word has led to revival.  Revival has caused repentance, and now, repentance is leading to reformation.

The people promise three things to God as a sign of their desire to reform:

• They promise to not let their sons or daughters marry the pagan people of the land, in accordance with the laws of Moses.  Vs. 30
• They promise not to buy, sell or work on the Sabbath. Vs. 31
• They promise to pay the annual Temple tax and observe the tithe, in order to not neglect the Temple of God. Vs. 32, 35, 39

These changes reflect a desire to please God and follow His commandments. How has reading God's Word this year led to changes in your life?  Has His Word produced revival, repentance, and reformation in your life?

1 Corinthians 9:19-10:13

As the Apostle Paul trains the young immature Corinthian church, we get good instruction on what our attitudes towards other people should be, as we mature in our faith.  Paul describes purposefully adapting to whomever he is with, without giving up the law of Christ.  As we know from our reading of the gospels, the law of Christ is to love your neighbor as yourself.  So, Paul is saying that as Christians, we must put other people before ourselves and this may mean giving up certain food or drink, if partaking of those foods or drink will harm the faith of our weaker brothers or sisters in Christ.

Paul uses the illustration of a Christian being an athlete in a race.  You might imagine that the Corinthian believers were familiar with the Olympics.  Perhaps, Paul attended the Olympic games.  This group would understand the training and discipline it takes to be a good athlete, especially one that is able to be victorious.  Paul encourages the Corinthians to be like good athletes, who exhibit self-control in many areas as they train to be victorious in the race.  Paul admits that he disciplines himself to behave according to Scripture, so that he will not be disqualified from God's race.  How about you?  Do you discipline yourself to behave as God tells you to?  This is an example of reformation.

Paul continues by reminding the Corinthians that the ancient Israelites, as they wandered in the desert with Christ leading them in the cloud, are an example of those who are punished for craving evil things, worshiping idols, eating and drinking in drunken revelry, and participating in sexual immorality.  Those Israelites died in the wilderness and did not enter the Promised Land.  According to Paul, they serve as an example of how not to approach God.  Paul warns the Corinthians and us, to not fall into the same sort of sin.  As a comfort, Paul reminds the Corinthians that God does not bring any temptation that has not been brought to others.  He also states that when confronted with temptation, if one seeks God, He will show that person a way out, so that they will not give in to the temptation.

Do you realize that when confronted with temptation, you can turn to God for help?  This is what Jesus did in the desert when confronted by Satan.  Jesus turned to God's Word, in order to defeat temptation.  You and I can do the same thing.  As you read God's Word this year, you are developing the spiritual ammunition to fight!

Psalm 34:1-10

Notice how this psalm speaks of how to defeat temptation.  As we recount God's great works, we look to Him for help in our trials and temptations.  It states that the angel of the Lord (Jesus) guards all who fear Him and He rescues them.  PTL!

Proverbs 21:13

Do not shut your ears to the cry of the poor.  We are to have mercy on other people.

What did you notice today?

Blessings,

Jubilee Gal
Kathy Fullerton
© 2011

August 14- Revival Breaks Out

August 14, 2011

Scripture Reading:
Nehemiah 7:73-9:21; 1 Corinthians 9:1-18;
Psalm 33:12-22; Proverbs 21:11-12

Nehemiah 7:73-9:21

the water gate

The registry of the people of Judah has been taken.  Now, the people gather and request that Ezra read the Book of the Law of Moses to them.  What a wonderful request.  You know that revival is near when people begin to read the Word of God again.  His Word does not go out and return empty.  The people assemble at the Water Gate.  Do you remember that the Water Gate symbolizes the Word of God and how we are washed by God's Word and made clean?  Ezra has a large pulpit built.  At the appropriate time, the people gather at the gate and Ezra reads from early morning until noon from the Scriptures.  We are told that the crowd is made up of men, women, and children who were old enough to understand.  When the Book of the Law is opened the crowd stood in honor to God's Holy Word.  Can you imagine standing there for hours listening?  Nehemiah records that their reaction to this is intent listening and constant weeping.  The priests are helping the people to understand what the meaning of the Law is. They are teaching and providing understanding for the crowd. The Holy Spirit is moving among these people.  They are convicted by the fact that they have not been acting properly in accordance with God's will.  There is great sorrow and distress. 

Finally, Nehemiah encourages them to go and celebrate to the Lord.  Instead of being sad, they are to have the joy of the Lord be their strength.  They have learned from the Law that it is the time of year to celebrate the Festival of Tabernacles.  This pictures Jesus Christ as our Tabernacle, in whom we dwell in the presence of God.  As the psalm says, their mourning turned to dancing and for seven days the Israelites celebrated in their booths made of branches.  Jesus is our branch and we are the vines on the branch.  As they dwell in the shelter of the branch, this beautiful picture of their future Messiah is complete. They can celebrate because they are trusting in the future work of their Messiah to shelter them from the punishment that their sins deserved.  He will take their punishment with His death.

Next, we see the people return for another observance that allows for confession of sin. At this time, the Book of the Law was read for three hours, and then the people confessed their sins for three hours. An important part of revival is to not just feel sorry for sin and rest in Jesus' work, it is also to actively confess your own sin by examining your life and forsaking those behaviors that displease God.  This is where sanctification begins.  After this confession, a call to praise the God of heaven and earth is given. We see a recounting of God's great works on earth. 

All good revivals have certain characteristics:

• They are based on the reading of God's Word.
• They create sorrow for sin.
• They inspire confession of sin.
• They promote repentance from sin.
• The Messiah is the focus and the solution for sin.
• Sorrow is turned to joy.
• God's mighty works are declared.

One day, the nation of Israel will experience a similar revival to what this small remnant experienced.  During the Tribulation, the nation of Israel on earth will read the Word of God, be taught by evangelistic Jews, and experience a miraculous revival that will result in a remnant of nation turning to their Messiah.  This is will a fulfillment of prophecy and a completion of God's story.

Are you willing to pray for revival in our time?  With the advent of the Internet, God's Word and the study of its truth are more available than ever.  Please pray with me for genuine revival to occur during our lifetime.

1 Corinthians 9:1-18

Paul stands on his authority as an apostle of Jesus Christ to teach these things.  Paul argues that Christian workers should be paid for their work.  He uses the Old Testament example of God mandating that an ox that is treading out the grain should be allowed to eat the grain.  This means that Christian workers, who are bringing people into the kingdom of God through their study and work, should not feel bad about being paid for this work.  It should be noted that Paul and Barnabas never were paid by other people.  Paul earned his money by being a tent maker. Paul considers this a distinction.  This is very similar to Nehemiah's proud declaration that he did not profit from the public coffers.  This is a sign of good character in both of these men.

Paul indicates that he is not such a great fellow, it is just that God has compelled him and chosen him to work in this way. Paul says that his pay for all of his work is the satisfaction he gets from preaching the Good News without expense to anyone, even though it is his right as a preacher.

Do you feel that preachers should get paid for their work?  Do you begrudge their salaries?

Psalm 33:12-22

This is a psalm that speaks of the Lord looking down on the whole human race and understanding everyone's heart.  Do you realize that He knows you?

Proverbs 21:11-12

A wise person learns from instruction, rather than punishment.  We see the Israelites in revival behaving this way.

What did you learn today?

Blessings,

Jubilee Gal
Kathy Fullerton
© 2011

August 13- Servant Leadership

August 13, 2011

Scripture Reading:
Nehemiah 5:14-7:73; 1 Corinthians 8:1-13;
Psalm 33:1-11; Proverbs 21:8-10

One of the best sources of perspective is enemies. 
If we can learn from them, then we can profit from anyone. 
~Dan B. Allender

Nehemiah 5:14-7:73

I had the priviledge of meeting Dan Cathy, the president of Chick-fil-A, and listening to him speak on servant leadership.  He emphasized the following points:

• Leadership is often developed beginning with the model you saw from your family growing up. His parents modeled Christian faith and passion for their business and other people.
• People come first when you are a leader.  You must have concern for others.
• Compassion and forgiveness are important when you lead others.
• When leading others, it is important to stay on track.  The main thing is the main thing.
• Having good character in leadership is vitally important.
• A good leader knows how and when to pass the baton. 

Today, Nehemiah exhibits servant leadership as he successfully completes the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem, while dealing with crafty enemies.

We see that Nehemiah is proud to establish that as a leader he did not draw on an official food allowance that many past governors had used.  These sorts of perks weighed heavily on the population of regular folks, who had to pay the taxes to support their lavish lifestyles.  Our modern Congress and President would do well to read this passage and learn from Nehemiah.  In addition to being frugal with other people's money, Nehemiah and his officers rolled up their sleeves and did the manual labor of helping rebuild the wall.  This extraordinary project was built by regular folks and even the wealthy Israelites.  We see that cooperation and faith led to an amazing accomplishment.  The wall was built in only 52 days.

It would be nice to think that this was a miraculous event that did not include any trials, but when is that ever the case with a great work?  Nehemiah is plagued with mulitple thorns in his sides named Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem.  Upon completion of the wall, Sanballat and Geshem try to get Nehemiah to meet them at a village.  He refuses, suspecting their intent is to harm him.  They accuse Nehemiah of trying to become a king in Jerusalem.  Nehemiah meets their intimidation tactics with prayer.  He cries out numerous times for God to remember all that he has done.  He also asks that God remember all the evil things that his enemies have done.  Do you rely on prayer for strength and encouragement when you face enemies?

Nehemiah successfully completes the wall and then registers the people of the city.  We are given a detailed list of the remnants.  People count in God's economy, and Nehemiah is literally counting them! This is a wonderful reminder that we are part of God's registry.  He knows us by name and loves us.  Our works will be recorded and remembered, forever.  Notice that God also records the gifts that people give in His name.  What have you given recently in the name of God?

1 Corinthians 8:1-13

Paul is continuing to mentor/disciple the Corinthians.  Now, the topic is food that has been sacrificed to idols.  We do not deal with this problem today in America.  Back in this time period, pagan religions were practiced and many of these Corinthians would have been raised eating food that had been sacrificed to a pagan god.  Paul points out that idol gods are not really gods, at all.  There should be no problem eating food that has been sacrificed to them, but some young Christians feel that in good conscience, they cannot eat food that has been dedicated in that way. 

Paul encourages the more mature Christians to abstain from eating food that has been sacrificed to idols, if eating it would damage the faith and conscience of a fellow Christian.  In our day, this can be applied to drinking alcohol.  One Christian may feel that there is no problem with drinking alcohol provided that it does not lead to drunkenness.  Another Christian may feel that they cannot drink in good conscience.  Paul's teaching would indicate that the more mature Christian should abstain from drinking alcohol in the presence of the Christian who feels that it is wrong, in order to help their fellow believer.  This is the idea of loving your neighbor above yourself.  It is an example of putting others first.

Living your life intentionally is always good.  This is a way to help other Christians not stumble.

Do you practice this type of selfless Christianity?

Psalm 33:1-11

Notice the power of God in verses 6-7.  Do you believe these words?

Proverbs 21:8-10

Do you walk a straight path or a crooked path?  Crooked paths are filled with problems, as a consequence of sin.

What did you notice today?  Please share.

Blessings,

Jubilee Gal
Kathy Fullerton
© 2011