week of 06/21/11 5th recorded HighQuest Psalm 19:1-14

The passage I read was Psalm 19:1-14

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+19%3A1-14&version=NIV

The verse that most stood out to me:

7 The law of the LORD is perfect,
refreshing the soul.
The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.

As I reflect:

David starts off praising the work of the Lord. Specifically the skies. He says eloquently that the sun is strong and moves steadily and is hidden perfectly until again it will move across the sky. He is complimenting the wonderful perfection of God’s creation. He also explains of the “heavens” that knowledge is being shared from the stars. This is not mythology. He is saying if it weren’t for there being a day and a night, and we all lived in eternal day time, we may never have known just how infinitely large the expanse of God’s glory really is. This doesn’t need to be spoken by the stars. Just as a picture is worth a thousand words, we can look to the Heavens and see millions of reasons to glorify God and we are left without excuse to deny His existence. Romans 1:20 says, “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.”

The next 3 verses seem to change direction a little (much like the “Lord’s Prayer” starts with the hollowed name of the Lord and moves to the bread of the manner). David moves his focus to the word of God. He uses multiple words to describe it, but he means all of the words that God has given us… Not just the law. The reason verse 7 stood out to me the most is it is about me. Maybe it’s about you too. But I remember when I was at my simplest moment. I remember when my mind was almost gone and when my soul seemed sold permanently into slavery of Satan. I remember when I walked into the homeless shelter so many many nights ago and found the Word of God on my bunk. On that night, I read the LAW and as I read I realized my need for God and as I cried and prayed, I received revival. My soul was refreshed and the word of the Lord taught me, making me wise. I became wise to what I had become and what I needed to do, and from that night on, I trusted Jesus. Verse 7 is about me. It’s true. The word of God is trustworthy and it refreshes the soul and makes even the simple to be wise in the Lord. Verse 8 goes on to describe the joy to the heart that comes from the word. David says His commands give light to the eyes. Verse 9 says the fear of the Lord is pure and endures forever and all of them are righteous. All these things, I can personally attest to as 100% true. Ask me why I believe in the Bible… It’s my story.

In verse 10 and 11, David speaks of the value of the word of God. He says it’s more precious than gold and sweeter than honey… Why? He says that it warns and in obeying there is great reward. As he speaks about being warned and rewarded he is drawn to pray for forgiveness. I love the way he speaks so humbly as to admit that both known and unknown sin not only can occur in his life, but if not properly dealt with can also rule over him. (again, I feel like his psalm is in several ways paralleling what is commonly referred to as the Lord’s prayer). Here we get to the “forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us and lead me not into temptation but deliver me from evil” portion of the prayer. But David doesn’t only ask for forgiveness, he recognizes his need for repentance and forgiveness of even his unknown sins and ask for the Lord to help him not to sin. He speaks of unknown sin and willful sin saying that if the Lord helps him to not commit either, then He would be blameless and innocent of great transgression. And then comes the hope of all of the followers of Christ, that what we say, sing, pray, think, and feel (our very hearts) would be pleasing to the Lord. David wraps up this psalm saying, “May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” May we pray no less with our very lives than that in faithfulness we may also please Our Redeemer.

My response to the Lord:

My Redeemer, I truly know what it is to have a kinsman redeemer for you stepped in and not only paid my debt but rehabilitated me and changed me into so much more than I was. Lord, I look not only at the skies and at the oceans and the animals and see the greatness of your creation; your perfect design, but also, I often look at something as simple as my finger and think about the millions of things that happen perfectly just for me to be able to move a finger. I think about how you made every intricate detail of us with purpose. I think about how you knew how many hairs I would have on my head before I was born. How purposeful your design is Father. Oh that the foolish would have their eyes opened to your great glory in creation and in every one of us. May you be glorified by your creation Lord. May I glorify you in my very existence. Lord, like David and like every other person living today, I too need forgiveness. I too am imperfect not because of your design but because of the fall; because of my own free will and the sinful nature of my flesh. Lord, I pray not only that you would forgive my sins (both known and unknown) but that you would also lead me in light that I would not sin. I desire to be pleasing to you Father and I desire to be obedient to your word. This is why I pray for my Helper to guide me. Your Holy Spirit help me not to sin against you Father. In the same way that Paul told the Romans that sin is no longer their master, may I also be under your grace eternally Lord. I thank you for your word and the great miracles you have produced in my life as a result of receiving your word. May the story continue in me and in all believers till the day we meet Jesus face to face. May your followers be blessed and shine brightly your Word into all the world. In Jesus’ name.

6-19-2011 sermon notes from Luke 21

Luke 20:45-47 NIV

While all the people were listening, Jesus said to his disciples, "Beware of the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. They devour widows' houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely."

Luke 21:1-3 NIV

As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. "Truly I tell you," he said, "this poor widow has put in more than all the others.

These particular coins were mites and each was valued at 1/16th of a penny. It was more because it was out of a heart of gratitude. David understood this value before God in 2 Samuel 24. Abraham understood as he purchased the tomb for his wife from a man that was willing to give it freely. God doesn't need gifts out of the "i have to" type of additude. He wants gifts that are cheerfully given. 2 Corinthians 9: 7 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.

There is no gift that is too small for God. If you feel like you don't have enough to give God, your heart is right. Now cheerfully give to God. Be cheerful in giving to the God who saves you.

Luke 21:4-6 NIV

All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on." Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said, "As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down."

History shows us this is true. It took 40(ish) years to complete and was only up for 6 years and was destroyed in 70ad. Jesus was just emphasizing the value of the two mites and his disciples aren't getting it as they say, "hey look over here Jesus. Aren't these stones awesome. They are soo big!?" But Jesus continues to instruct them.

Matthew 24:3 is a parallelled text to the next verse.

Luke 21:7 NIV

"Teacher," they asked, "when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?"

And then his answer (also recorded in mark and in Matthew). So, when is the end?

Luke 21:8 NIV

He replied: "Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am he,' and, 'The time is near.' Do not follow them.

So be careful not to be convinced by a false teacher that the end is here. Instead study your word and get around other believers. read and pray and discern the times by what God says about them.

Luke 21:9 NIV

When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away."

So these things are going to happen (and for us are currently happening), but don’t be scared because it has to happen before his return. Our response is different than the rest of the world. When the world responds in fear, we know what the Bible says and we can respond in confidence.

Luke 21:10-12 NIV

Then he said to them: "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven. "But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. They will hand you over to synagogues and put you in prison, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name.

This still happens today. We count it all joy to be persecuted for the sake of spreading the gospel.

Luke 21:13-15 NIV

And so you will bear testimony to me. But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.

This isn't an excuse not to prepare your sermons. This is referring to being verbally attacked and held on trial for your beliefs. During those times, simply trust in the Lord to give the grace of utterance. Let him speak through you during that time and do not fear. God will also give you the grace to deal with death when it comes. Do not fear these things. Both will happen and we respond differently during these times. Our confidence must be so. God is faithful. He is greater than our trials.

Luke 21:16-17 NIV

You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers and sisters, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. Everyone will hate you because of me.

What is more painful? Death? Or being hated by your family because of your choice to live for Christ?

Luke 21:18-19 NIV

But not a hair of your head will perish. Stand firm, and you will win life.

Today while we are free to worship in church without persecution here, there are Christians being tortured and killed all over the world. But no one can take our eternal relationship with God. No one can take our erternity with our Savior. We have to be eternally minded like this.

Luke 21:20-24 NIV

"When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country not enter the city. For this is the time of punishment in fulfillment of all that has been written. How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! There will be great distress in the land and wrath against this people. They will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

The second coming of Christ is different than the rapture. The rapture is the church (us-believers) going up. The second coming is Jesus coming down. 2 different events. Read revelation. Revelation 6 lists some of the things being discussed in this next section.

Luke 21:25-31 NIV

"There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." He told them this parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the trees. When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.

It is true of our time also, we can see signs of each season changing and thus we know what to expect next.

Luke 21:32-33 NIV

"Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

Process that for a moment. Pikes peak has a life span. Your road has a life span. But God's word will last forever. What he is declaring will last for ever. Everything around us will be burnt up but what our savior has said is everlasting. Stop examining those around you and start examining yourself. Are you so concerned with today that you are drowning? Be eternal minded. Be of sober mind. Keep watch so that the second coming of Christ doesn't take us while we are unaware. No surprise while we are obsessing over our rent. No! Be eternally minded and let your heart not be weighed down or focused on these temporary things. Yes, be a good steward of this life, but no, do not let it consume you. Remember your God and his word.

Luke 21:34-36 NIV

"Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap. For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth. Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man."

Watch. Don't be caught spiritually asleep. Be in constant fellowship with God. A common nightmare amung Americans "getting caught asleep in a meeting or at work". This life is our spiritual job. Be awake watching and praying. Why? To escapee these things that come to pass. This is one of the things in the Bible that point to a pre tribulation rapture. We are to watch and pray that we may "escape" these things (the tribulation). Now as you read revelation you will find we are definately not in the tribulation yet. The rapture of the church actually could happen at any moment.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 NIV

Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord's word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words.

Luke 21:37-38 NIV

Each day Jesus was teaching at the temple, and each evening he went out to spend the night on the hill called the Mount of Olives, and all the people came early in the morning to hear him at the temple.

Are you ready? Are you watching and praying? Are u ready for the rapture of the church?

6-11-2011 sermon notes from Luke 20 (part 1)

Luke 20

Jesus is in the temple. He had just come into Jerusalem on a donkey and he wept because of the uncleanness of the hearts of the people there and he then cleansed the temple.

Exodus 12:3-6 describes what the perfect lamb sacrifice is. Keep this in mind while reading this text.

Luke 20:1 NIV

One day as Jesus was teaching the people in the temple courts and proclaiming the good news, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, together with the elders, came up to him.

He is proclaiming inside the temple that people are sinners and he is going to die for them.

"Jesus last command should be our primary concern." If this sharing with others was so important to Jesus shouldn't it be important to us?

Luke 20:2-8 NIV

"Tell us by what authority you are doing these things," they said. "Who gave you this authority?"

They want Jesus to fumble into a trap that will lead to death by his response.

Luke 20:3-8 NIV

He replied, "I will also ask you a question. Tell me: John's baptism—was it from heaven, or of human origin?" They discussed it among themselves and said, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will ask, 'Why didn't you believe him?' But if we say, 'Of human origin,' all the people will stone us, because they are persuaded that John was a prophet." So they answered, "We don't know where it was from." Jesus said, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things."

Now Christ answered their question with a parable but there is no way for them to hold the parable against him in the way they had hoped his words would make him guilty.

Luke 20:9-10 NIV

He went on to tell the people this parable: "A man planted a vineyard, rented it to some farmers and went away for a long time. At harvest time he sent a servant to the tenants so they would give him some of the fruit of the vineyard. But the tenants beat him and sent him away empty-handed.

Elijah is the first prophet in this parable and the nation of Israel would not recieve him.

Luke 20:11-12 NIV

He sent another servant, but that one also they beat and treated shamefully and sent away empty-handed. He sent still a third, and they wounded him and threw him out.

Jeremiah and another prophet were also turned away and not recieved.

Luke 20:13 NIV

"Then the owner of the vineyard said, 'What shall I do? I will send my son, whom I love; perhaps they will respect him.'

Now, how many people after three messengers were beat up would then send your son? That’s how much God loves us. He knew that the son would be killed and He sent him anyway. Now remember Christ is telling this story to those who are plotting to kill him. He wants them to have a last chance to repent here as he tells them that they will try to kill him and that there would be a great punishment for that choice.

Luke 20:14-17 NIV

"But when the tenants saw him, they talked the matter over. 'This is the heir,' they said. 'Let's kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.' So they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him.

"What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them? He will come and kill those tenants and give the vineyard to others."

When the people heard this, they said, "God forbid!" Jesus looked directly at them and asked, "Then what is the meaning of that which is written:

"'The stone the builders rejected

has become the cornerstone'?

1 Corinthians 3:11 (NIV)

¹¹ For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.

Luke 20:18 NIV

¹⁸ Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces; anyone on whom it falls will be crushed.”

This is a huge key verse here because we must be broken to be saved. It is true of every Christian today that we have been broken from who we were and we therefore have the ability to grow in faith. If we fall upon Jesus Christ, we will be saved. If however you have to wait until he falls upon you, you will be ground up.

1 Peter 2:4-10 NIV

As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For in Scripture it says:

"See, I lay a stone in Zion,

a chosen and precious cornerstone,

and the one who trusts in him

will never be put to shame." Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe,

"The stone the builders rejected

has become the cornerstone," and,

"A stone that causes people to stumble

and a rock that makes them fall."

They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for. But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

Whoever comes to God will be broken resulting in salvation.

Luke 20:19 NIV

The teachers of the law and the chief priests looked for a way to arrest him immediately, because they knew he had spoken this parable against them. But they were afraid of the people.

These were not God pleasers but man pleasers. Who do you live for?

Luke 20:20-21 NIV

Keeping a close watch on him, they sent spies, who pretended to be sincere. They hoped to catch Jesus in something he said, so that they might hand him over to the power and authority of the governor. So the spies questioned him: "Teacher, we know that you speak and teach what is right, and that you do not show partiality but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth.

So here we see capital punishment had been taken away and so they desired to catch him in his words to hand him over for judgement. They start with flattery and then they add the "but", which we know really negates everything before it.

Luke 20:22-24 NIV

Is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?" He saw through their duplicity and said to them, "Show me a denarius. Whose image and inscription are on it?"

"Caesar's," they replied.

Christ is making a point here that they were enjoying the services that came with their position. But... render your life to God. You owe the government what is theirs but you owe God everything.

Luke 20:25-26 NIV

He said to them, "Then give back to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." They were unable to trap him in what he had said there in public. And astonished by his answer, they became silent.

They can find no blemish in the perfect blemishless lamb. So a different group will now try. The Pharisees failed so their opposing side tries.

Luke 20:27-28 NIV

Some of the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus with a question. "Teacher," they said, "Moses wrote for us that if a man's brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man must marry the widow and raise up offspring for his brother.

They only believed in the first five books of the old testament (the Torah) and this is where their question comes from.

Luke 20:29-33 NIV

Now there were seven brothers. The first one married a woman and died childless. The second and then the third married her, and in the same way the seven died, leaving no children. Finally, the woman died too. Now then, at the resurrection whose wife will she be, since the seven were married to her?"

So a totally analytical hypothetical question. But its totally meaningless as there is no marriage in heaven. It’s a blessing now but we will no longer have it in heaven.

Luke 20:34-36 NIV

Jesus replied, "The people of this age marry and are given in marriage. But those who are considered worthy of taking part in the age to come and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage, and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels. They are God's children, since they are children of the resurrection.

So not only is there no marriage but there will also be no death.

Luke 20:37-40 NIV

But in the account of the burning bush, even Moses showed that the dead rise, for he calls the Lord 'the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.' He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive." Some of the teachers of the law responded, "Well said, teacher!" And no one dared to ask him any more questions.

This all happened in public. And it showed him as the spotless lamb.

Luke 20:41-44 NIV

Then Jesus said to them, "Why is it said that the Messiah is the son of David? David himself declares in the Book of Psalms:

"'The Lord said to my Lord:

"Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies

a footstool for your feet."' David calls him 'Lord.' How then can he be his son?"

So here he returns to the crowd a directional question to iterate that Jesus is all God and all man, but they are stumped. So multiple questions can't stump Jesus but Jesus stumps the crowd with one question.

Luke 20:45-47 NIV

While all the people were listening, Jesus said to his disciples, "Beware of the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. They devour widows' houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely."

These people exist on facebook, myspace, out in public, and in churches still today. They are the people that serve the Lord for the perks and for the recognition and measure instead of simply to serve God. Christ gives a warning to those peoples. Your prayers aren't for others to praise you based on, but rather for the purpose of communication with God.

06-04-2011 Luke 19 sermon notes. part 2

Luke 19:28-30 NIV

28 After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.29 As he approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, "Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here.

Jesus then anticipates the objections in the next verse.

Luke 19:31 NIV

If anyone asks you, 'Why are you untying it?' say, 'The Lord needs it.'"

This is a huge test for the disciples. Compare it to today. That’s like Jesus telling you to go onto a new car lot and take a brand new car that has never been driven off the lot. Now, I think at this point its good to state that you better be real sure it’s Jesus telling you to do it before you go and take that new car.

Luke 19:32-34 NIV

Those who were sent ahead went and found it just as he had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, "Why are you untying the colt?" They replied, "The Lord needs it."

This goes to say a great deal about the time of living as well as the values in possessions. Can you imagine hanging on to your possessions so loosely as to simply let them go at hearing the Lord wants them? Well, that is in fact how we ought to be. Keep a listening ear to the Lords will in your life.

Luke 19:35 NIV

They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it.

Now think about this for a second. No one has ever been on this colt. So that would go to say that it’s not able to be ridden at this point. But Jesus has no difficulty riding it. This is a very small part of showing his glory. The larger part resides in this...

Zechariah 9:9 NIV

Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion!

Shout, Daughter Jerusalem!

See, your king comes to you,

righteous and victorious,

lowly and riding on a donkey,

on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

So in his glory, the Messiah is also fulfilling prophecy. Jesus doesn't come in the manner of Hitler or in the same manner of generals riding on a horse after a victory. No, the creator of the universe is riding upon a foul. A donkey which is famous for carrying great weights. Here he comes to take away the weight of the world... the weight of our sin. In Matthew 11 He says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Remember your God relates to you. Remember that he has been lowly and he knows how you feel where ever you are and what ever you are going through.

Luke 19:37-39 NIV

When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!"

"Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!" Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples!"

The Pharisees didn't want him to accept such a title but rather to rebuke those who named him as such.

Psalm 118:22-23 NIV

The stone the builders rejected

has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this,

and it is marvelous in our eyes.

Luke 19:40 NIV

"I tell you," he replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out."

Think about that. Know you why creations exist? It is to glorify God.

Romans 8 speaks of this. As does psalm 148 and other places in the Word as well.

Psalm 96:11-13 NIV

Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;

let the sea resound, and all that is in it. Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them;

let all the trees of the forest sing for joy. Let all creation rejoice before the Lord, for he comes,

he comes to judge the earth.

He will judge the world in righteousness

and the peoples in his faithfulness.

Luke 19:41-44 NIV

As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, "If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God's coming to you."

Jesus sees the day of their judgment and knows that they are blind to it. We know that this occurred in history exactly as he said it would. Titus came in and wiped out Jerusalem in 70 ad.

Luke 19:45-46 NIV

When Jesus entered the temple courts, he began to drive out those who were selling. "It is written," he said to them, "'My house will be a house of prayer'; but you have made it 'a den of robbers.'"

God never desired for his church to be a business and here we see his anger at those who have taken advantage of those who genuinely desires to seek God.

Luke 19:47-48 NIV

Every day he was teaching at the temple. But the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the leaders among the people were trying to kill him. Yet they could not find any way to do it, because all the people hung on his words.

They not only wanted to kill him but to destroy him. And this then points to the great love and mercy Jesus has in knowing what would occur and yet going forward to lay down his life (that which they couldn't take) for us.

So what is your view of Christ from just this passage? As you examine his love and humility make it personal. When you examine the words in the Bible, make it personal... It was written for you. Every word applies to your life and is designed to give you a clear understanding of God and his will for you. We are his temple. Have we allowed ourselves to become a den of thieves? If Jesus then owns your temple, know that he will clense it. But it can be a great deal easier if you help now by recognizing those things in you which require cleaning and beginning the process with him rather than fighting him to hold on to that which is impure.

God loves us enough to die for us and take our punishment. But he also loves us enough to not leave us in our sins. Just as we would not allow a poison to stay in our child’s system, he loves us enough to not allow the poison of sin to remain in us. Have fellowship with Christ that your joy may be full. We have an opportunity beyond just reading the word. We have the opportunity to taste and see that God is good. We have an opportunity to pray with and experience God in our lives. We are the body of Christ. We are the church. Lets take hold of the opportunities he has given us.

week of 06/21/11 4th recorded HighQuest Deuteronomy 6:4-9

The passage I read was Deuteronomy 6:4-9

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy+6%3A4-9&version=NIV

The verse that most stood out to me:

6 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

As I reflect:

Not just a song, but here a command to the children of the Lord to Love the Lord your God with all your soul and with all your strength. Not only had Moses told us this, but Jesus also reiterates this passage in Matthew 22:37, Luke 10:27, and I believe a couple other places as well. As I read further, I hear that these are not passing words to shortly consider but rather we are to keep the commandments on our hearts, teach them to our children, talk about them, and in all ways keep them active in our memories and actions. I receive from this passage that the Lord doesn’t desire that we simply hear the word and then walk away unchanged. Similar to the message received from James 1 verse 23 – 25 which state, “Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.” I think both messages are trying to get across the fact that these words are so much more than just words, but only if you focus on them and apply them and for the right reasons do so. We are to submit to the Lord’s authority – yes. But why? Because we love Him with all of our soul, strength, and mind. If you love someone in this manner, how could you ever desire anything other than to be obedient to their desires and please them with all that you are. For us, we find that the only way for us to please our Heavenly Father is by faith and that if we in fact love the Lord, we also abide in His commands. (John 15:10 – and I believe other places as well state this)

As for a personal reflection on this passage and its application to my life, I believe it serves to remind me that no passage in the word is simply to be skimmed over without investigation much like I have done with this passage. Each word that comes from God has the power to change, to build up, and also to destroy. It is of up most importance that we all treat the word as the treasure it is and apply this daily bread to our walk as though our very lives depended on its correct interpretation and daily application. God has given each of us warnings, treasures, promises, and if you are a believer who is repentant then also eternal life with Christ. This book is a key to so much mystery in the relationship between us and God. Why would we desire to forget what it teaches for even a moment of our day. Meditate always on the word that it may deeply root in you.

My response to the Lord:

Lord, you alone know the measure of my love for you. Though my love hardly compares to yours for me, I gladly lay down my life for you. My life is not my own. All that I am is yours. I thank you that you did not mold me in blindness, but that you gave such a treasure as to be able to learn from you through those who came before me. I thank you for your Holy Spirit working these mysteries into me and providing me with understanding. May I always meditate and never forget the great wisdom you give. Your word Lord is a lamp unto my feet. May I always abide and obey. May I faithfully teach my children your ways. Jehovah Ezer (The Lord our Helper), guide my words and actions carefully that my children may be greater servants and more fruitful than I. Light the way Jesus.

week of 06/21/11 3rd recorded HighQuest Psalm 119:97-104

The passage I read was Psalm 119:97-104

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20119:97-104&version=NIV

The verse that most stood out to me:

Both the 1^st and last verse of this passage stand out to me. Here’s how they read:

97 Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. 104 I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path.

As I reflect:

I have chosen not to include 3 verses in my reflection simply because I struggle with pride at times and though you may say these 3 verses are not prideful, I believe (for me) they would cause boasting of myself instead of the Lord. So, verse 98, 99, and 100 are not being reflected upon by me in an attempt to remain humble.

Instead 3 ideas stood out to me most as I read and I noted that each in turn caused the other. Starting in verse 97 the psalmist says, “Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long.” If this is true of the psalmist and also true of us, then it should cause on to restrain ourselves from that which is directly contradicting to the law. In our case, that would be sin. The Psalmist says in verse 101 “I have kept my feet from every evil path so that I might obey your word.” So far I see that the psalmist because he loves the law of God, has kept himself from ever evil path in an effort to be obedient to God’s word. Easier said than done, but none the less a goal daily in my walk and I certainly hope in other’s walks as well that we would make effort to live in blameless ways being constantly obedient to Our Father… Not out of since of duty, but out of love. This brings me to the 3^rd idea that most stood out to me and it (I believe) a result of these first 2 concepts. In verse 104, the psalmist says, “I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path.” I think of this as an evidence of change. Where we might have once been obedient to sin, accepting it into every area of our lives, we have now been changed. Now, as a result of loving God and loving His word, we have no more acceptance of sin. We hate sin and everything about it. Sin destroys where God’s word builds us up. Sin lures away from God, while God’s word draws us near. If we are to be lovers of the God’s word, then we ought to be haters of Sin. (not to be confused with hating sinners. – hate the sin, not the sinner)

How sweet the words of God are to me. I live on them and He uses them to correct me and build me up to do His will. I am thankful for the daily bread I find in His word for me. May it be as fulfilling to all those who read it.

My response to the Lord:

Jehovah Jireh, My Provider, I thank you for giving me your very word. I thank you for speaking to my new man and teaching me your precepts. May I never be wise in my new man but wise in you that I would not succumb to pride. May I know every wrong and right path and have your blessing of discernment to always choose right. May my will be so strong to turn away from darkness that I might be obedient to you eternally. May I hate sin and cling to your truth that I may live in such a way as to reflect you to others. Guide me in a walk that is blameless Father. In Jesus’ name I pray.

week of 06/21/11 2nd recorded HighQuest Deuteronomy 32:44-47

The passage I read was Deuteronomy 32:44-47

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy%2032:44-47&version=NIV

The verse that most stood out to me:

V47 They are not just idle words for you—they are your life. By them you will live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess.”

As I reflect:

This passage starts off saying that Moses “spoke all the words of this song in the hearing of the people.” So naturally I wanted to go back 43 verses and read the whole song to get the gist of what is being communicated to Israel. And that sent me into the previous chapter to get the idea of where this song is coming from. The basic Idea is that God gave prophecy to Moses and Joshua regarding the future of Israel and their disobedience specifically in the way that they will one day go after other gods/idols. God told Moses to write this song and share it with them. I take that his song communicated (among other things) a warning using the past occurrences to Israel’s ancestors as an example of what not to do. The warning seemed to be mostly about how we respond to God and who he is to us, as well as not to follow after foreign gods/idols. Moses’ warning was a strong one emphasizing not only the importance of dedication to God, but also the punishments His wrath would bestow upon those who sought a higher power elsewhere.

That being the gist of the song, I moved on to v46 as Moses said to Israel “Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law.

The Law being spoken of was the entirety of everything that had been taught to Moses and also to the Israelites from God up to this time. The complete law was written down for the first time and shared aloud by Moses before this people would enter into the Promised Land. Again from the previous chapter this information is shared.

He goes on in verse 47 to share what is perhaps the most impactful thing in this passage (at least for me). “They are not just idle words for you-they are your life. By them you will live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess.”

What powerful words for all of us who claim to be followers of Christ. We can proclaim Jesus as our Savior and with our words tell people that His Holy Spirit is here with us working mightily in our lives… But we are not to speak idle words. Let us be a people of action whose lives (if even without a word) demonstrate precisely where our loyalties lie. If indeed we live by the Word of God, then it will be evident in our lives. I believe it to be of upmost importance to not only say that we are Christians, but to live in such a way that by our actions it is undeniable that we seek and follow after God. In this way may our relationship with Jesus be one that salts the oats so that other too may desire the same. May we teach our children and always remember the law has not been abolished and still has daily application as we live for the One that wrote it.

My response to the Lord:

Lord, I need your help to obey you. I am so fallible in my flesh. May you help me to strike a blow to my ever wondering flesh and cause it to be obedient to your word even as my spirit wills. May others (including my children) learn your words through my obedience and may they grow even as I too seek growth. In the Holy name of your Son Jesus Christ, I pray.

week of 06/15/11 5th recorded HighQuest Mark 4:1-10

The passage I read was Mark 4:1-10

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%204:1-10&version=NIV

The verse that most stood out to me:

9 Then Jesus said, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”

As I reflect:

Parables

Every parable is kind of like a story that is told to parallel an idea or teaching. In each parable’s case, there is a “key” that is needed to understand the parable or it may easily be misinterpreted in many different ways. One of the reasons that Jesus spoke in parables is to cause his followers to make their own choice on how deeply they desired truth. A parable would give the listeners the opportunity to either focus and meditate deeper to gain understanding of the meaning and its application to them, or to display their lack of interest in the surface value of “just another story” and thus turn their hearts away. Jesus didn’t always make thing plainly obvious and simple thus leading people to only drink milk. Jesus didn’t desire followers that wouldn’t grow and become stronger as they followed. He wanted them to take not only milk (easy teachings) but also the bread and meat (the harder concepts that force growth). Following this particular parable, in verse 14, Jesus gives the disciples the key to the parable telling them that the farmer is sowing “the word”. With this key it becomes easier to understand what Jesus is teaching us. If you haven’t read verse 14-20 in addition, I would recommend doing so as to receive from God the meaning of the parable… but perhaps challenge yourself before you do, and see if simply knowing that the seed is “the word” is enough for you to decipher the parable.

Often called “the parable of the sower”, this parable is perhaps better titled as “the parable of the soil” as the focus isn’t on the farmer (the sower) or on the seed (the word), but rather on the soil (the recipient).

The pathway

Some seed fell on the pathway and was quickly eaten by birds. This scenario is regarding a person who hears the word, but then is unable to apply it because of how quickly Satan comes in and destroys/steals that word from them. I think of this scenario as when supposed Christians go to church and then as soon as they leave church they forget everything that was taught and fail to apply any of it to their life as they race out of the parking lot and speed home to indulge themselves in the super bowl. I can just as easily be compared to the young adult who after attending his youth group leaves to have adulterous sex with his girlfriend before hitting up the clubs where he will consume until intoxicated. He was given the word, but it didn’t gain any root at all.

Rocky ground

Some seed fell on rocky ground and grew up quickly, but because they had shallow roots, when the sun came up they quickly withered and died. This scenario is regarding a person whom hears and receives the word quickly and happily so. The only issue with this person is that they are not fervently founded in the word. They lack fellowship, Bible study, support, prayer life. They are only just barely skin deep Christians who are not at all prepared for the hardships that come with being a follower. When they are tested by trials and tribulations they will quickly fall away from the life that is in Christ. I once knew someone that I would perhaps define in this way. She took shelter at our home for an extended stay and was brought with us to church, partook in all of our Bible studies, and for all intents and purposes appeared to have her own relationship with Jesus. She spoke “Christianese” and memorized verses and worshipped Our God with us. All this occurred while we held her hand, but when the time came to release her into her own place of living, she quickly fell victim to all the old temptations and was soon gone fully back into the world. We saw her profile online about a year later and found that this particular “Christian” who had stayed with us was now professing to be an atheist and was selling her body for a living in New York. This is the example of a seed falling upon rocky ground, gaining shallow root, and then quickly withering when the sun comes out.

Among thorns

The final seed that did not grow properly was the seed that fell among thorns. This is the seed that gained good root and grew but found itself surrounded by thorns and choked out, thus unable to bear fruit. This is a parallel to those who received and grew in the word but became unfruitful because they bought into the lies of wealth and their desires for worldly treasures choked the word of God until they could only hear but not apply what they learned in their own lives. I also know of examples of this seed’s growth. I have had friends that I watched receive the word and even get offers to become leaders in the church. I have watched these same friends have every opportunity to spread the gospel to their own families and friends and strangers and apply the word to their life. I have watched these friends time and again, chose not to tell even their own children about salvation and instead show them by example how to buy the nicest of things and live in such a way as to strive with every ounce of their being to gain more money, more possession, and more selfish endeavors into this temporary life. All of their values have been skewed by the world and pulled and tugged at by the desires of this life until their lives no longer have any representation that could convict them of being saved. They become unable to apply the word and turn a deaf ear to the passages that should convict and invoke change in one’s life. Eventually they will become just like the rest of the unbelievers living identical to those that are in need of salvation.

Good soil

The final area that the seeds fell was upon “good soil”. This is speaking of those who would hear the word of God, accept it, and produce a crop (be fruitful) multiplied. These are my closest brothers and sisters whom I have no doubt have heard the word, shared it, applied it, live by it, and grown in it. These are those who follow Christ not only by word but by action. These are those whose relationship with Christ is evidenced in every area of their life. We know the value of the seed and we support each other in growing . We are pruned by the Farmer and we look forward to the day that He harvests us.

My response to the Lord:

Lord, thank you for what you have done in my heart and in my life. I realize that though I used others as comparison in the parable you told, in all reality I have been each of those soils at one point or another within my life. It is only thanks to your continuous tilling and nurturing that I eventually was able to receive your word, get deeply rooted, and eventually grow. I thank you for the roots of my brothers and sisters who help to hold me up. I thank you for all the support and outlets you have provided to help me to be fruitful and grow. I thank you for your continuous pruning and watering and feeding and giving light. You deserve all honor and all glory for any and every thing that is good in me today. May you alone be glorified throughout the future of my growth as well. I pray Lord that for those whose soil is not ready to receive the seed of the gospel, you would do a good work in them and use me as you will to help. I pray that for those that have received the word, you would help me in this great harvest to guide, encourage, cut back the thorns and bring light and truth that they would not be choked and become unfruitful. For those who have not yet received the seed at all, Father provide me courage and the words to share that the gospel may be delivered to them. Father, use me as you will to bring you glory. In Jesus name.

week of 06/15/11 4th recorded HighQuest 2 Corinthians 4:1-12

The passage I read was 2 Corinthians 4:1-12

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+4%3A1-12&version=NIV

The verse that most stood out to me:

⁷ But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.

As I reflect:

Our response to the mercy of our calling

Paul starts here again setting a great example for the follower of Christ in that we should have at all times the mindset that this commission upon our lives to spread the gospel is in fact our commission by His mercy alone. We are to be mindful of and have our hearts in this same humble space where we realize that our very calling to do the Lord’s will is in fact His mercy in our own lives. It is better to serve God than to be served by Satan. In recognition of the merciful position that God granted Paul to preach the gospel, he responded properly in not only humbly doing so, but also doing so in an honorable manner being sure not to pollute or change in any way that which is a perfect message from God. We also should be sure not to pollute the gospel with our own “twist” or change its meaning in anyway, but rather be sure to share the message as it was written and for that same purpose as well. There are many preachers handling the word of God in a deceitful manner. May we be always mindful not to make this same mistake. I believe that Paul’s reminder that we preach/witness/share with others in the presence of God, will certainly help us to stay honest and humble in our approach to sharing.

The heart of the matter

As a side note, I find it delightful to see that Paul also preached to the conscience of every man. He didn’t preach to their intellect but to the heart of the matter. This is much the same way that “way of the master” as well as others choose to witness and preach today. It is always better to go for the conscience of a person so that they themselves will confess their need for Jesus rather than us confessing their need for them and thus also taking the foundation of that decision from them. Let the heart of man stir on the words that we share that the heart of man may be changed from within.

It’s not the gospel’s fault

Paul goes on to explain the perfection of the Gospel he preaches in that when it is not received or accepted, it is in no way the gospel’s fault, nor is it his fault (knowing that he preached it honestly to the conscience of men in the sight of God). Instead he describes those that do not receive or accept the gospel as perishing and says that they are blind to the gospel truths. Calvin describes a great analogy of this by saying, “the sun is no less resplendent because the blind do not perceive its light.” And who has blinded them? “The god of this age”, which we know is satan. And it’s not as though satan is blinding people without their participation. For we know that John 3:19 says men chose darkness rather than light. Satan helps them in this choice and then continues to do his best to keep them from receiving the gospel. Men still have free will to make this choice on their own though.

Directing people to Jesus…Not me.

Paul goes on to say that it’s not himself that he preaches but it is Christ Jesus the Lord. Again a wonderful example for us. As believers and followers of Christ, we are all called to be ministers. We are ministers at the grocery store, at work, at the corner store, to our neighbors, etc. Paul is saying here that we are not preaching ourselves… in other words, if the focus of all of our jokes and our stories about the passages in the word are always about us and always point others to how great we are, then we have missed the point of sharing. It’s ok to put a little “here’s how this applied to me” into your witness and can in fact be a useful tool, but don’t make it about you in the process when it should be and is in fact all about Jesus and directing people to Him.

Then Paul gets to his all famous analogy of “jars of clay”. He says, “We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” Think of it this way: if I have a jar made out of clay, it’s not of high value first off. But if I then tell you that there is a million dollars in the jar, will your focus now be on the jar or on the treasure within it? Much in this same way we are simple vessels (jars of clay) designed to share and spread God’s word (the treasure) that the focus may be on Jesus and not us. Make since?

The price; how does it affect us?

Paul says he is hard pressed, perplexed, persecuted, and struck down for the sake of the gospel. And yet his response to those things is that he is not crushed, not in despair, not abandoned, and not destroyed. What an encouragement to those of us receiving far less persecution than Paul. I mean if he for the sake of the gospel can go through so much more than we do, and yet respond because of Jesus so much better than we do, can we not be encouraged that; first off we could be far more persecuted than we are. And second off, we should respond far better because of Jesus than we often do.

Even greater a witness during the trials of our lives.

In the last 3 verses Paul is talking about a dynamic which many people want nothing to do with. Many people say they want the power of Jesus’ resurrection in them, but they don’t want to take part in the sufferings of Jesus and certainly not of the death of Jesus. Paul is in fact suffering a great deal and is hard pressed on all sides. He is counting this as a good thing not only because he is partaking in the suffering of Christ and thus (similar to fasting) he is more empowered and feels closer to Christ, but also, because in his great sufferings he has been made an even more effective witness to those whom he reaches with his letters and his visits. We likewise have an opportunity to share the gospel with others in our life. And when in our lives we come across trials and tribulations and even worse sufferings for the sake of the gospel, we have an even greater opportunity to be a witness to others because it is in fact in the most horrible of conditions; seemingly the most inopportune moments that we are actually given the greatest opportunity to shine the Lords light. How easy it is to speak of the joy of the Lord when all is well… How much greater a witness to show the joy of the Lord is real even when all is seemingly at a loss?

My response to the Lord:

My Father, I thank you sincerely for the privilege it is to share your gospel with others. I thank you for this because I know that to share the gospel means that I have received the gospel and am saved through faith in grace and mercy. I know that I am only responsible to share it and that I am not responsible for whether or not it is received by those I share with. I pray that you help me to share honestly and properly and that you would give me words to say. I pray that when I share, that (because you have given words to say) those who hear would have their hearts molded and changed that they may receive the message. I pray that you would prepare them before I even meet them that they would not be blind to your truths. I pray Lord that when I share your word, I would direct people to you and not make the message about me. And when I received persecution; when I am hard pressed by those around me for the sake of the gospel, may I rejoice and be a good witness. May I not lose the joy that only you can give. May others see your light in my life that they may be directed to seek after you for themselves. In Jesus name.