sound of a soft breath

E100: 056 | Who Am I

2010-07-28T09:05:00.000-04:00

"Today’s reading in Matthew chapter 5 verse 1 to chapter 6 verse 4 comes from a section of Matthew’s gospel known as the Sermon on the Mount. In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus sets forth the priorities, standards and values of his Kingdom. Jesus’ teaching calls his followers to live a lifestyle of discipleship. A lifestyle in which his followers receive blessing as they learn to center their lives on expressing love to God and others." (New Zealand's Rhema Radio) Read Matthew 5:1-6:4 | (ESV) "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."What does this mean - "Poor in spirit"? Our spirit is low? Down in the dumps? Depressed? Not exactly. The first thing I like to do when I am not sure I fully understand the meaning of a verse is to look it up in other...

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E100: 055 | Perfect Realism

2010-07-27T09:05:00.001-04:00

"In today’s reading, in Matthew Chapter 3 versus 13 – to chapter 4 verse 17, Jesus begins his ministry on earth by being baptized. As he rose from the waters, a voice was heard declaring that Jesus was the beloved Son of God in whom the father delighted. After his baptism Jesus faced a series of temptations. Jesus overcame each of these temptations by quoting the Word of God." (New Zealand's Rhema Radio) Read Matthew 3:13-4:17 | (ESV) The Holy Spirit led Jesus into the desert. There the devil tempted him. ... Jesus said to him, "Get away from me, Satan! ... Then the devil left Jesus. (New International Reader's Version)Temptation is real. Temptation is strong. Temptation is a daily battle. Am I a realist? In this passage we see Jesus as the perfect realist. A realist is a person...

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E100: 054 | Room for Doubt

2010-07-23T08:36:00.000-04:00

"Today we read in Luke chapter Luke 3 versus 1 – 20 a brief account of the ministry of John the Baptist. John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus’ ministry. John faithfully proclaimed the coming of God’s salvation and called the people to repent of their wrongdoing. As a consequence of his faithfulness to God he was imprisoned and ultimately beheaded." (New Zealand's Rhema Radio) Read Luke 3:1-20 | (ESV) The people were waiting. They were expecting something. They were all wondering in their hearts if John might be the Christ. ...John answered them all, "I baptize you with water. But One who is more powerful than I am will come. I'm not good enough to untie the straps of his sandals. ... But John found fault with Herod, the ruler of Galilee ... Herod locked him up in prison. (New...

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E100: 053 | God Came Near

2010-07-22T08:03:00.000-04:00

"Today’s selected reading’s in Luke chapter Luke 2 versus 1 – 40 focus is on the birth of Jesus. Jesus was born in a specific place and time in fulfillment of prophecy that had been spoken centuries before his miraculous birth. Jesus was not only born to rule but to save. As a child, Jesus experienced the favor of his heavenly father as he grew in strength and wisdom." (New Zealand's Rhema Radio) Read Luke 2:1-40 | (ESV) In his book titled God Came Near Max Lucado used his vivid imagination to bring to life the account and surrounding circumstance of God coming to earth. Amazon lets you read the first chapter online. Here is Chapter 1 called the Arrival. The noise and bustle began earlier than usual in the village. As night gave way to dawn, people were already on the streets. Vendors...

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E100: 052 | WITH God

2010-07-21T08:39:00.000-04:00

"In our passage today, Luke Chapter 1 versus 1 – 80 we read how the angel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary. Gabriel announced to Mary that she had been chosen by God to miraculously conceive a child. That child was to be given the name Jesus. Jesus would receive an everlasting kingdom from his heavenly Father over which he would rule forever." (New Zealand's Rhema Radio) Read Luke 1:1-1:80 | (ESV) The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you. ...For nothing is impossible with God."Sometimes I find it encouraging to dwell on a verse and really think about the actual words used. Sometimes it can be interesting and informative to think of other ways the sentence could be formulated. Here, the question came to my mind why doesn't this...

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E100: 051 | The Word

2010-07-20T08:36:00.001-04:00

"In today’s reading, in John chapter 1, versus 1-18, we learn something about the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ. John refers to Jesus as the Word who was in the beginning in intimate fellowship with God. The Word was himself divine. In due course something wonderful happened and the divine word became human. After the Word had become incarnate we were able to see the glory of God displayed in human form, full of grace and truth. Now all who receive the Word can become just like Jesus." (New Zealand's Rhema Radio) Read John 1:1-1:18 | (ESV) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. ... The Word became flesh and made his dwelling...

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E100: 050 | No Reward in Following God?

2010-07-19T09:08:00.000-04:00

"Following the exile, the Israelites had become insincere in their worship. Today in Malachi chapter 1 to chapter 4 verse 6 Malachi talks about Israel’s privileged status, but he also catalogues the long list of sins committed by Israel . But those who fear the Lord will be remembered." (New Zealand's Rhema Radio) Read Malachi 1:1-4:6 | (ESV) "Israel, I have loved you," says the Lord. "But you ask, 'How have you loved us?' ... "You have worn the Lord out by what you keep saying. "How have we worn him out?" you ask. You have done it by saying, "All those who do evil things are good in the Lord's sight. And he is pleased with them." Or you ask, "Is God really fair?" ... "You have turned away from my rules. You have not obeyed them. ... Return to me. Then I will return to you,"...

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E100: 049 | Slow to Anger

2010-07-15T09:28:00.000-04:00

"Today’s reading, Jonah chapter 1 to chapter 4 verse 11, reads like a four act play. When God commands Jonah to go to Nineveh, Jonah protests; and learns his lesson. After being swallowed by a big fish, he prays for deliverance. Revival breaks out and Jonah responds with a temper tantrum. But the story is really about God’s patience and love." (New Zealand's Rhema Radio) Read Jonah 1:1-4:11 | (ESV) The Lord gave this message to Jonah son of Amittai: “Get up and go to the great city of Nineveh. Announce my judgment against it because I have seen how wicked its people are.” ...But Jonah got up and went in the opposite direction to get away from the Lord. He went down to the port of Joppa, where he found a ship leaving for Tarshish. He bought a ticket and went on board, hoping to escape...

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E100: 048 | Ripple Effect of Faith

2010-07-14T08:36:00.000-04:00

"Today’s reading in Daniel Chapter 6 versus 1 to 28 tells of Daniel who became the victim of a deceitful decree punishing anyone who prayed to any god except the king. But Daniel refused to play the part of a victim and continues to do what he believes is right." (New Zealand's Rhema Radio) Read Daniel 6:1–28 | (ESV) Then King Darius wrote to the people from every nation and language in the whole world. He said, "May you have great success! I order people in every part of my kingdom to respect and honor Daniel's God. He is the living God. He will live forever. His kingdom will not be destroyed. His rule will never end. He sets people free and saves them. He does miraculous signs and wonders. He does them in the heavens and on the earth. He has saved Daniel from the power of the...

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E100: 047 | Jealous God

2010-07-13T08:52:00.000-04:00

"Who would be an Old Testament prophet? In Jeremiah chapter 1 to chapter 3 verse 5 we read about Jeremiah who had the difficult task of telling his people that God was about to unleash a terrible punishment for their idolatry. He uses a very graphic image - a bride who becomes a prostitute. But God’s love is great and he is willing to forgive and “re-marry” his wayward people." (New Zealand's Rhema Radio) Read Jeremiah 1:1–3:5 | (ESV) As we discovered earlier after the Israelites escape from Egypt God made a covenant with his people. In part he told them "Do not put any other gods in place of me. "Do not make statues of gods that look like anything in the sky or on the earth or in the waters. Do not bow down to them or worship them. I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God. (Exodus...

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E100: 046 | God's Plan

2010-07-12T08:46:00.000-04:00

"We have read before about how Israel’s cycle of idolatry and sin brought a terrible punishment. In today’s reading Isaiah chapter 51 to Chapter 53 verse 12 we begin to hear the message of hope God gave to the prophet Isaiah. Isaiah pointed to what God had done for them in the past and emphasized God’s willingness and power to save. The good news is that God will send a Savior. He will be known as the suffering servant." (New Zealand's Rhema Radio) Read Isaiah 51:1-53:12 | (ESV) OK, back to a little more world history. As I pointed out before, at the end of the second book of Kings the second of the two kingdoms (in the south) had fallen and the exile of Israel had begun. We are actually going to take a couple steps back from this point in history to a time after the northern kingdom...

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E100: 045 | Character of Wisdom

2010-07-09T08:26:00.000-04:00

"Today in Proverbs Chapter 16 to chapter 18 verse 24 we see themes of Wisdom and Folly. Using our words for positive ends is one of the most significant wise things we can do. A humble, content life is far more satisfying than grabbing for all the glory we can get. Don’t forget God’s will and human action. God expects us to use our talents and abilities, but to trust the final results to him." (New Zealand's Rhema Radio) Read Proverbs 16:1-18:24 | (ESV) Some characteristics of those who are wise according to the book of Proverbs: HumilityWhen pride comes, shame follows. But wisdom comes to those who are not proud. (11:2)Know & Respect GodIf you really want to become wise, you must begin by having respect for the Lord. To know the Holy One is to gain understanding. (9:10)Delight...

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E100: 044 | The Cross is the Wisdom of God.

2010-07-08T08:51:00.001-04:00

"Today’s readings in Proverbs Chapter 1 to chapter 2 verse 47 contains the writings of Israel’s King Solomon, to whom God gave a unique gift of wisdom. Solomon understood that true wisdom begins with “the fear of the Lord” and is the foundation for godly living." (New Zealand's Rhema Radio) Read Proverbs 1:1-4:27 | (ESV) "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. ... For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. ... Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 1:7, 2:6, 3:5)James the brother of Jesus contrasts two kinds of wisdom writing:Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it...

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E100: 043 | It Begins and Ends with Praise

2010-07-07T09:25:00.000-04:00

"Todays reading in Psalm 103 chapters 1 to 22 catalogues the benefits of God towards humanity.. One of the main ones is forgiveness of our sins, removing them as far away as the east is from the west.. The Psalm also reminds us the right response to God, it begins and ends with praise, simply in light of who God is, and all he’s done." (New Zealand's Rhema Radio) Read Psalm 103:1-22 | (ESV) I will praise the Lord. Deep down inside me, I will praise him. I will praise him, because his name is holy. ... The Lord does what is right and fair for all who are beaten down. He told Moses all about his plans. He let the people of Israel see his mighty acts. The Lord is tender and kind. He is gracious. He is slow to get angry. He is full of love. He won't keep bringing charges against us. He...

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E100: 042 | God Desires Honesty over Religiosity

2010-07-06T09:39:00.000-04:00

"The depths of despair that David reached after a low point in his life are expressed forcefully in today’s reading in Psalm 51 Verses 1 to 19. In his brokenness David asks God to straighten out his inner motives so he’d avoid future sin. But none of that is possible without the merciful God whom he throws himself on and declares unconditional confidence in." (New Zealand's Rhema Radio) Read Psalm 51:1-19 | (ESV) A poem written by David sometime after the prophet Nathan came to him and called him out on his adultery with Bathsheba. Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. ... For I was born a sinner— yes, from the moment my mother conceived me. But you desire honesty from the womb [heart], teaching me wisdom even there. ... You do not desire a sacrifice, or I...

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Let Everything That Breathes Praise the LORD

2010-07-01T08:29:00.005-04:00

Praise: To extol or exalt; worship. Worship: To honor, love, and regard with ardent or adoring esteem or devotion. Read Psalm 150:1-6 | (ESV) What is worship? "Our response both personal and corporate to God - for who he is and for what he has done! Expressed in and by the things we say and the way we live." | Louie Giglio Devotions on Facebook

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E100: 041 | That's Eternity

2010-06-29T09:05:00.002-04:00

"The Psalms reflect the life of the Hebrew people, and all of life. Psalm 23 versus 1 to 6 is most often read at funerals,. In it David describes God as a shepherd who comforts and protects the sheep in his care, that’s nice. But don’t forget the other picture of a host at a banquet table, surrounded by his enemies!" (New Zealand's Rhema Radio) Read Psalm 23:1-6 | (ESV) The first line always stops me. Sometimes a cold hard eye opening stop. It is hard for me to read past the first line of this Psalm. "The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing." I am not sure I really understand this in a complete and living way. Really knowing this inside and out, in all my thoughts, my actions, my relationships would change everything. This is my prayer today. That I would truly know in every way...

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E100: 040 | Holy Intention not Perfection

2010-06-25T09:03:00.001-04:00

"Today’s reading 2 Kings chapter 25 verses 1 to 30 describes a very significant point in the history of God’s people Israel. Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonians killed Israel’s leaders, smashed the glorious temple, burned Jerusalem and took most of the people into captivity. Nebuchadnezzar promises peace if the inhabitants submit to the king of Babylon." (New Zealand's Rhema Radio) Read 2 Kings 25:1-30 | (ESV) ...in the nineteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon ... an official of the king of Babylon, came to Jerusalem. He set fire to the temple of the LORD, the royal palace and all the houses of Jerusalem. Every important building he burned down. The whole Babylonian army under the commander of the imperial guard broke down the walls around Jerusalem. ... the commander of the guard...

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E100: 039 | Come Near to God

2010-06-24T09:03:00.001-04:00

"This passage in 1 Kings is full of drama. Ahab is the worst king of Israel to this time, and he goes head to head with a prophet from Gilead called Elijah. The centerpiece takes place on Mount Carmel where Elijah challenges Ahab and his 850 pagan prophets to a contest. Elijah is victorious but immediately plunges into depression, until God whispers his name." (New Zealand's Rhema Radio) Read 1 Kings 16:29-19:18 2 (ESV) The Lord said, "Go out. Stand on the mountain in front of me. I am going to pass by." As the Lord approached, a very powerful wind tore the mountains apart. It broke up the rocks. But the Lord wasn't in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake. But the Lord wasn't in the earthquake. After the earthquake a fire came. But the Lord wasn't in the fire. And after the...

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E100: 038 | Radiance of God's Glory

2010-06-23T08:48:00.001-04:00

"In today’s reading in 1 Kings Chapter 8 to chapter 9 verse 9 , the Temple was a spectacular building and was made complete with the placing of the Ark of Yahweh’s covenant. The glorious presence of the LORD fills the place., Solomon praises the LORD and blesses the people, calling on Him to help them obey His laws. Through obedience security is assured, but if not, destruction and dispersion await." (New Zealand's Rhema Radio) Read 1 Kings 8:1-9:9 2 (ESV) Then King Solomon sent for the elders of Israel. He told them to come to him in Jerusalem. ... Solomon wanted them to bring up the ark of the Lord's covenant from Zion. Zion was the City of David. ... All of the elders of Israel arrived. Then the priests picked up the ark and carried it. They brought up the ark of the Lord. They also...

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E100: 037 | Beauty in the Broken

2010-06-21T09:21:00.000-04:00

"Solomon is the second son of David and Bathsheba. He follows David as king and is best remembered for his uncommon wisdom, a gift from God which he chose over other possibilities. Today’s reading , 1 Kings chapter 2 to chapter 3 verse 28 reveals a ruler who demands loyalty from his servants, and whose reputation becomes legendary." (New Zealand's Rhema Radio) Read 1 Kings 2:1-3:28 2 (ESV) In 2 Samuel Chapter 12 we read: ... Now listen to what the LORD God of Israel says to you: ... "Why did you disobey me and do such a horrible thing? You murdered Uriah the Hittite by having the Ammonites kill him, so you could take his wife. Because you wouldn't obey me and took Uriah's wife for yourself, your family will never live in peace. ..." (Contemporary English Version)God pointed out that...

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E100: 036 | Create in Me a Clean Heart

2010-06-18T08:30:00.000-04:00

"In today’s reading 2 Samuel chapter 11 to chapter 12 verse 25 David, the man “after God’s own heart” commits adultery, arranges a murder, and then attempts a cover up.. The prophet Nathan confronted David with his sin and an opportunity for repentance but not without consequences." (New Zealand's Rhema Radio) Read 2 Samuel 11:1-12:25 2 (ESV) ... Then David said to Nathan, "I have sinned against the LORD." Nathan replied, "The LORD has taken away your sin. You are not going to die. But because by doing this you have shown utter contempt for the LORD, the son born to you will die." Have mercy on me, O God ... Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge. (Psalm 51)Our sin offends God and hurts...

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E100: 035 | God's Promises Order our Future

2010-06-17T09:07:00.000-04:00

"When he was 30 year old David became king of Israel, and he reigned for 40 years. Today’s reading in 2 Samuel Chapter 5 to chapter 7 verse 21 is one of the most significant eras in the story of God’s people. David was unafraid to proclaim the greatness of his God, who promises to make David’s name great and lead his people to a place of peace and security." (New Zealand's Rhema Radio) Read 2 Samuel 5:1-7:29 2 (ESV) ... The Lord who rules over all says, ..."Your royal house and your kingdom will last forever in my sight. Your throne will last forever." ...Then King David went into the holy tent. He sat down in front of the Lord. He said, "Lord and King, who am I? My family isn't important. So why have you brought me this far? I would have thought that you had already done more than...

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E100: 034 | Slow Down, Be Still, Trust, and Wait

2010-06-16T08:41:00.000-04:00

"Today’s reading follows David hiding in villages and caves from Saul who in turn is relentless in seeking David. Saul feels threatened by David and impulsively takes things into his own hands. David’s impulse, in contrast, was to trust God in every situation. When he had every right to kill Saul in self defense, David preferred to let God do things his way." (New Zealand's Rhema Radio) Read 1 Samuel 23:7-24:22 | (ESV) ... Saul went into a cave to relieve himself. But as it happened, David and his men were hiding farther back in that very cave! “Now’s your opportunity!” David’s men whispered to him. “Today the Lord is telling you, ‘I will certainly put your enemy into your power, to do with as you wish.’” So David crept forward and cut off a piece of the hem of Saul’s robe. ... “The...

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E100: 033 | Don't Be Diverted by the Giants

2010-06-15T08:42:00.001-04:00

"The story of David and Goliath has become part of our popular culture. We love the story of the little guy winning the battle against the big guy. In today’s reading in 1 Samuel chapter 16 to chapter 18 verse 16 we visit this scene again but we also see that the relationship of Saul to God and to David is an important and intriguing part of the plot." (New Zealand's Rhema Radio) Read 1 Samuel 16:1-18:16 | (ESV) Max Lucado in his book "Facing Your Giants" takes note of David's observations regarding Goliath. "I find only two. One statement to Saul about Goliath (v. 36). And one to Goliath’s face: “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?” (v. 26 niv). That’s it. Two Goliath-related comments (and tacky ones at that) and no questions. No...

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