Wednesday February 8, 2017

“He speaks through creation and providence”

1 The heavens declare the glory of God;

And the firmament shows His handiwork.

2 Day unto day utters speech,

And night unto night reveals knowledge.

3 There is no speech nor language

Where their voice is not heard.

4 Their line has gone out through all the earth,

And their words to the end of the world.

In them He has set a tabernacle for the sun, - Psalm 19:1-4

Called by God

A.        The Call of God

            1.  Old Testament Background

B.        General Calling

God summons men to acknowledge him. He speaks through creation and providence. The same God who reveals himself in acts and words is the same God whose autograph is written in the heavens. The call to all men which declares God’s being, his glory and his handiwork, rises above the barriers of language and culture. God’s eternal power and beauty are clearly inscribed on all he is made.

In addition to this general revelation of God to mankind, the word of the cross is also to be preached to all men. It is the duty of the Christian church in every age and place to proclaim to every person that there is provision for his needs in Christ. The first disciples were to obey and transmit the command of the master: ‘Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned’

(Mark 16:15 – 16).

This invitation to salvation is given in the gospel of Christ (Acts 2:38; 17:30; Matthew 11:28 – 30). But clearly it is not always received. Many are called, but the chosen are few. In fact, instead of softening hearts and drawing men to Christ, the preaching of his message may result in a hardening which is increased by rejecting the grace which is offered in the good news. For both old and New Testament profits, this was one of the inexplicable realities of their ministry (Isaiah 6:9-10; Mark 4:12).

Challenge:

Are you one of the “Chosen” few? Or are you part of the “many who are called” but unresponsive? In the medical field, a person who is “unresponsive” is one who may be unconscious or even dead. Your desires and affections are indicators of your internal condition. Pray through Psalm 139:23-24 and perform a “self-evaluation” with the Holy Spirit’s help.

This Day in Christian History:

February 8, 60 – the apostle Paul set sail from Malta to Rome where he would spend the remainder of his earthly life.  

Memory Verse:

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; - 1 Peter 2:9

Ka ko kimoutolu ko e ha‘a fili, ko e tu‘unga taula‘eiki fakatu‘i, ko e kakai tapu, ko e fa‘ahinga ‘oku ma‘ane me‘a tonu, koe‘uhi ā ke mou ongoongoa atu ‘a e ngaahi lelei ‘o ‘Ene ‘Afio, ‘a ia na‘a ne ui mai kimoutolu mei he po‘uli ki he maama fakaofo ‘a‘ana: - 1 Pita 2:9

Bible Reading Plan: (52 weeks; 5 days a week)

Week 6 – Exodus 25-27; Psalm 90; Philippians 1

Tuesday February 7, 2017

“Ignoring His call?”

12 Therefore I will number you for the sword,

And you shall all bow down to the slaughter;

Because, when I called, you did not answer;

When I spoke, you did not hear,

But did evil before My eyes,

And chose that in which I do not delight.”

Isaiah 65:12

Called by God

A.        The Call of God

            1.  Old Testament Background – cont.

“Busy tone” – I believe that was the title of the Tongan love song from the 90’s or maybe early 2000’s. A suitor calling on the telephone only to find a busy tone. His disappointment in the song is rather comical. The point being that a “call” can go unnoticed, disregarded or ignored.

In yesterday’s devotional, we looked at God’s call, being used “to name” or “to summon.” For the most part, God’s call accompanies his command and power to bring about the desired result. In the legal sense, citizens occasionally receive notices from the court known as “summons.” These legal documents are binding and require a response. To disregard this legal “call” would invite legal consequences.

However, in today’s text, we come to a puzzling discovery. God issues a call that receives a “busy tone” from us. We are, apparently, preoccupied with something more important that keep us from responding to God’s call.

And now, because you have done all these works,” says the Lord, “and I spoke to you, rising up early and speaking, but you did not hear, and I called you, but you did not answer, - Jeremiah 7:13

There is a strange ambiguity here. On the one hand, God’s call seems to have its own creative power. On the other hand, God opens his arms and his heart to the rebellious as he calls them, but his summons seems to fall empty to the ground and meet with no positive response. It is irresistible, and yet it seems to be rejectable.

In the New Testament, this same ambiguity persists. Jesus says that many are called but few are chosen (Matthew 22:14). Here, there seems to be a contrast between the larger number who receive the call and the smaller number who respond positively to it. By contrast in Paul’s letters, God’s ‘call’ is almost invariably seen as powerful and effective.

These two apparently different effects of calling are often described by the terms General Call and Effectual Call. We will pick up on these concepts next time.

Challenge:

How have you “ignored” or put off God’s call on your life? Whether for salvation or service? What “explanation” or justification can you give? Find time to sit quietly before God and allow His Spirit to search you and reveal to you what you where you are (status update) and what you need to do to live in “obedience”

This Day in Christian History:

February 7, 1945 – On this day, Dietrich Bonhoeffer was transferred from Tegel to Buchenwald. A Lutheran minister, he had been arrested for working with the underground resistance and helping Jews to safety. Bonhoeffer’s noble words and daring actions were completely in keeping with his book The Cost of Discipleship in which he wrote, “When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die” and “Being a Christian is less about cautiously avoiding sin than about courageously and actively doing God’s will.”

Memory Verse:

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; - 1 Peter 2:9

Ka ko kimoutolu ko e ha‘a fili, ko e tu‘unga taula‘eiki fakatu‘i, ko e kakai tapu, ko e fa‘ahinga ‘oku ma‘ane me‘a tonu, koe‘uhi ā ke mou ongoongoa atu ‘a e ngaahi lelei ‘o ‘Ene ‘Afio, ‘a ia na‘a ne ui mai kimoutolu mei he po‘uli ki he maama fakaofo ‘a‘ana: - 1 Pita 2:9

Bible Reading Plan: (52 weeks; 5 days a week)

Week 6 – Exodus 22-24; Psalm 109; Eph 6

Monday February 6, 2017

“a Command to listen and Obey”

God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. So the evening and the morning were the first day. – Genesis 1:5

Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, “Where are you?”

– Genesis 3:9

This day the Lord your God commands you to observe these statutes and judgments; therefore you shall be careful to observe them with all your heart and with all your soul – Deuteronomy 26:16

Called by God

A.        The Call of God

            1.  Old Testament Background

As we shed more light on God’s call, it is important to get some background on the word. The original word is qara. It is used ‘to name’ (Gen 1:5, 8, 10) and ‘to summon’ (Gen 3:9).

Throughout the Old Testament these two meanings exist side-by-side. But in the writings of the prophets, the call of God is seen as a command to listen to his voice and walk in obedience to it. In this, the prophets are basically summoning the people back to their allegiance to God in the covenant. They often referred to God’s covenant message to Israel recorded in Deuteronomy 26:16 – 31:13. But as the prophets reflect on that covenant which God had forged with his people at Sinai, they become conscious of a new pressure on their spirits.

Because of the disobedience of the people, another emphasis begins to emerge. They see that God had done more than call his people in the sense of speaking to them. It was his calling which had created them in the first place. Just as his voice had called the universe into being, so he had called into being a people who would be a fit reflection of his love and glory. He called Israel by name. Israel is his (Isaiah 43:1). ‘When Israel was a child’, says God, ‘I loved him and out of Egypt I called my son’ (Hosea 11:1). God’s call was not only a summons, but it seemed to display a creative power.

What an awesome truth, to know that God affects our lives by His call. His sovereign call comes to us in order that we may participate in His saving plan. But oh, how we spurn His will with excuses of our “self-importance” and ignorance.       

Challenge:

Surrender that area of your life that you have guarded from exposure to God’s divine guidance. How silly for us to think we can “handle it” on our own. Strip off the cover and mask we’ve put on it and give it to Him. He will work wonders because He specializes in turning sadness into joy; weakness into strength; meekness into greatness.

This Day in Christian History:

February 6, 1812 – Adoniram Judson was commissioned as America’s first foreign missionary. He and his wife and companions sailed to Burma on February 18.

Memory Verse:

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; - 1 Peter 2:9

Ka ko kimoutolu ko e ha‘a fili, ko e tu‘unga taula‘eiki fakatu‘i, ko e kakai tapu, ko e fa‘ahinga ‘oku ma‘ane me‘a tonu, koe‘uhi ā ke mou ongoongoa atu ‘a e ngaahi lelei ‘o ‘Ene ‘Afio, ‘a ia na‘a ne ui mai kimoutolu mei he po‘uli ki he maama fakaofo ‘a‘ana: - 1 Pita 2:9

Bible Reading Plan: (52 weeks; 5 days a week)

Week 6 – Exodus 19-21; Psalm 33; Eph 5

Sunday February 5, 2017

“and He calls His own”

2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5 Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” - John 10:2-5

Called by God

The Call of God – cont.

That unmistakable voice! “M E L E … H A ‘ U!” Island kids growing up in the islands are very familiar with this ritual. After changing from school clothes, you quickly throw on your play clothes and head to the neighbor…marbles, hop-scotch, rugby etc. As the sun descends over the horizon, the chickens make their way to their tree perches and you’re still playing…then the VOICE ring out – echoing and vibrating throughout the village ... Calling your name for God and satan to hear… If you value your life, you drop everything and dart home, going through your “plea” for forgiveness and mentally preparing for the wrath to come…

Those who heard Jesus on that occasion did not understand what he meant. But his meaning should not be difficult to grasp. He is describing a picture language what it means to become a Christian. Few things are more awe-inspiring than the first occasions when we become conscious that Another is addressing us. For many people the first sense of it is when they hear a sermon, or read a book or some portion of the Bible, and discover that it seems to speak directly to their personal circumstances. Preachers are occasionally accused of exposing the lives of their hearers when they have known nothing about the person who has been so disturbed. The sharp, personal edge of God’s word has touched them. Slowly it dawns, as the speaker emerged from the voice of the messenger, that the voice we heard was the voice of the Shepherd; he has been calling us by name, and now we recognize his accent as he draws us into his flock and we become his lambs. Thereafter we look to hear his unmistakable commands throughout the whole of our lives (John 10:27).

Have you heard His call? Or are there too many voices or distractions competing for your attention? Maybe you’re not sure who is calling you. Take a moment to quiet your soul and answer His call today. Tomorrow may too late.

Challenge:

Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling,

Calling for you and for me;

See, on the portals He’s waiting and watching,

Watching for you and for me

This Day in Christian History:

February 5, 1864 – the date Fanny Crosby wrote her first hymn at the age of 44. When wrote 8,000 more before her death.

Memory Verse:

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; - 1 Peter 2:9

Ka ko kimoutolu ko e ha‘a fili, ko e tu‘unga taula‘eiki fakatu‘i, ko e kakai tapu, ko e fa‘ahinga ‘oku ma‘ane me‘a tonu, koe‘uhi ā ke mou ongoongoa atu ‘a e ngaahi lelei ‘o ‘Ene ‘Afio, ‘a ia na‘a ne ui mai kimoutolu mei he po‘uli ki he maama fakaofo ‘a‘ana: - 1 Pita 2:9

Bible Reading Plan: (52 weeks; 5 days a week)

Week 6 – Exodus 16-18; Eph 4

Saturday February 4, 2017

“The Call of God”

These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful.” – Revelation 17:14

Called by God

In theology and in many churches, there is always a discussion or even debates surrounding the topic of “Election and Predestination.” If you don’t know (or don’t care) about these issues or unsure about them, don’t worry, we will cover them later. What is important is the fact that any matter of controversy should be dealt with in light of the context of the “whole of Scripture” and doctrines which are closely related to it.

The call of God

We became Christians because God called us. Peter tells us:

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; (1 Peter 2:9)

The same picture is often used in the pages of the New Testament. Our Lord Jesus Christ’s summons to men and women to enter the kingdom of God sometimes spoken of as a “call.” I came not to call the righteous, but sinners (Matthew 9:13). He does not mean to imply that his summons addresses itself to only a section of mankind, since all men stand under the call to repent and believe the gospel; but the call of Christ locks in to the hearts of men who are aware of the sinfulness and need it is such men who hear the voice of Christ summoning them. Others are deaf to his overtures. John records a similar idea in the picture of Christ as the good Shepherd:

2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5 Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” 
(John 10:2-5)

This Day in Christian History:

February 4 February 1932 - Bakht Singh was baptized in Vancouver, Canada. Formerly a Sikh, he had grown up in India, hating and mocking Christians. While dedicating himself to Christ, Bakht Singh sensed that God was asking him to accept three principles. (1) He must live by faith, (2)He must ask no one for anything (not even a cup of coffee), and (3) He must make no plans on his own. Binding himself to these three requirements, he sailed back to India. Bakht Singh’s obedience to God, he won thousands of Indians to Christ and had a hand in planting many churches. So influential and beloved was he that six hundred thousand people turned out for his funeral

Memory Verse:

In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will

- Ephesians 1:11

‘io, ‘i He‘ene ‘Afio ‘a ia ne fai ‘iate ia foki homau fili mōno tofi‘a, ‘o toka tu‘utu‘uni kimautolu ki ai, ‘o fakatatau ki he finangalo ‘o ‘Ene ‘Afio, ‘a ia ‘oku ne ngāue‘i ‘a e ngaahi me‘a kotoa pē ‘i he ‘alunga ‘o e fakakaukau ‘o hono finangalo – ‘Efeso 1:11

Bible Reading Plan: (52 weeks; 5 days a week)

Week 5 – Exodus 1-15; Psalm 105, 114; Gal 5-6; Eph 1-3

Friday February 3, 2017

“That we may bless Him”

1 Bless the Lord, O my soul;

And all that is within me, bless His holy name!

2 Bless the Lord, O my soul,

And forget not all His benefits: - Psalm 103:1-2

The Plan of Grace

Practical repercussions – (cont.)

a.  Deeper Humility

b.  Steadier Assurance

c.  Worship

13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory. – Ephesians 1:13-14

For the beggar who finds bread, he is grateful and overjoyed. For the blind man who regains his sight, he is exuberant. And for the countless number of people who encountered Jesus in his earthly ministry, they found the end of their search in total satisfaction and joy. Many threw themselves at the feet of the God-man; they worshipped him from a grateful heart.

In wrapping up our topic of the Plan of Grace, we discussed how the plan of salvation and understanding the work of God should lead us to deeper humility. The awesomeness of the work of God brings us to our knees and we fall on our faces in total humility for it is only by his grace that we are saved. In addition, it leads us to a steadier assurance as we rest and lean on the Rock of Ages. Again, we do not look at what we can do to sustain our own salvation (good works) but we look to the cross and the finished work of Christ. I am weak but he is strong. I waiver but he is the rock in the tower that I run to. All these wonderful and immeasurable benefits of being in Christ leads me to worship; to bless his name forever.

To bless, literally means to speak well of him. Furthermore, we find loving him to be our greatest delight and serving him to be the most satisfying thing in the world.

To the Name of our salvation

laud and honor let us pay,

Which for many a generation

hid in God’s foreknowledge lay

but with holy exultation

we may sing aloud today

Jesus is the Name exalted

over every other name

in this name, whenever assaulted

we can put our foes to shame

strength to them who else had halted

Eyes to blind, and feet to lame

Therefore we, in love adoring

this most blessed Name Revere

Holy Jesus, thee imploring

so to write it in us here

that hereafter, heavenward soaring

we may sing with angels there

(15^th century hymn – John M Neale)

Challenge: Take time to worship (meditate, pray, sing) God today. Whatever your situation, worship Him for what you Already have, rather than what you wished to have (materially).

“Turn your eyes upon Jesus,

Look full in His wonderful face,

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,

In the light of His glory and grace.”

This Day in Christian History:

February 3, 1825 – death of HENRIK SCHARTAU – Lutheran Pastor who was an effective evangelist in Sweden. The most famous of Schartau’s sermons, titled “Jesus Only,” encapsulated his theory of faith. “It is in sanctification that the power of our Lord Jesus Christ is best shown, for it is Jesus who provides the power to put off the old man and put on the new,” he said. “Love for Jesus is the chief motive unto sanctification in a converted soul.”

Memory Verse:

In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will

- Ephesians 1:11

‘io, ‘i He‘ene ‘Afio ‘a ia ne fai ‘iate ia foki homau fili mōno tofi‘a, ‘o toka tu‘utu‘uni kimautolu ki ai, ‘o fakatatau ki he finangalo ‘o ‘Ene ‘Afio, ‘a ia ‘oku ne ngāue‘i ‘a e ngaahi me‘a kotoa pē ‘i he ‘alunga ‘o e fakakaukau ‘o hono finangalo – ‘Efeso 1:11

Bible Reading Plan: (52 weeks; 5 days a week)

Week 5 – Exodus 1-15; Psalm 105, 114; Gal 5-6; Eph 1-3

 Thursday February 2, 2017

“Secured in what God has done”

The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;

My God, my strength, in whom I will trust;

My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. – Psalm 18:2

These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God. - 1 John 5:13

The Plan of Grace

Practical repercussions – (cont.)

a.  Deeper Humility

b.  Steadier Assurance

Teenagers are challenged with finding and reaffirming their identities. And with social media, that identity is often skewed and blurred by the myriads of offerings and voices they encounter on a daily, and even hourly basis. This constant bombardment from so many sources lead to young people obsessed with “self.” Unfortunately, many find themselves “lacking” in what may be “in.”

In today’s devotional, we come to ASSURANCE. This is a key component of our relationship with Christ. Just like that teenager that constantly checks himself against the trends, the Christian who lacks assurance spends too much time looking at himself rather than looking to Christ.

Lack of assurance is often caused, like the sense of inferiority, by being too taken up with ourselves. But our assurance does not lie in what we are, be we great or small. It lies in what God has done in his plan of salvation to secure us to himself. ‘Believe God’s Word and power more than you believe your own feelings and experiences’, wrote Samuel Rutherford to a correspondent. ‘Your Rock is Christ, and it is not the Rock which ebbs and flows, but your sea.’ The more we know of the strength of our Rock, and we understand that we have all the blessings of the Christian life secure in him, the more steadily assured we will be and the greater will be our joy.

Challenge: Anchor your hope in Christ today and every day. Assurance is a gift of God to us! It is not about “you” (or me). It is about God! Cling to God in Christ. And when you “feel” like your grip may be slipping, “know” HE IS HOLDING you in His grasp. He won’t let you go because you’re His! 

This Day in Christian History:

February 2, 767 – English scholar, Alcuin was made deacon and school headmaster of Cathedral School in York, England. He was influential in educating the court of King Charlemagne of the Franks, his clergy and established parish schools.

Memory Verse:

In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will

- Ephesians 1:11

‘io, ‘i He‘ene ‘Afio ‘a ia ne fai ‘iate ia foki homau fili mōno tofi‘a, ‘o toka tu‘utu‘uni kimautolu ki ai, ‘o fakatatau ki he finangalo ‘o ‘Ene ‘Afio, ‘a ia ‘oku ne ngāue‘i ‘a e ngaahi me‘a kotoa pē ‘i he ‘alunga ‘o e fakakaukau ‘o hono finangalo – ‘Efeso 1:11

Bible Reading Plan: (52 weeks; 5 days a week)

Week 5 – Exodus 13-15; Psalm 114; Eph 3