Make a difference--like Phinehas!
Thursday - 2/1 - Read Malachi 2:1-9
Levi was a man (actually, it's referring to Levi, as represented by his descendants, not just him individually), according to Malachi, who "stood in awe of God."
Would you say that's a fair assessment of your attitude toward God?
I would imagine most of us would say, "Well, sometimes, but not all the time."
How can we improve on that?
Verse 5 talks about the descendants of Levi who "reverenced" God's name. According to verse 5, why did they revere God?
This covenant referred to Phinehas in Numbers 25:1-13. Take time to read this passage.
What according to Numbers 25:11 caused God to honor Levi with this covenant?
What can we learn from Phinehas example, and how would that help us stand "in awe of God?"
How does God make a covenant of life and peace with us?
In Malachi 2:6, it states that "true instruction was in his mouth." What do you think this refers to and how can it become part of our lives?
The last part of this verse says he, "turned many from sin." How does this fit into the idea that we are priests today and leaders?
Think of at least one person you know who is not doing well spiritually. How can God use you to help them?
Determine, before this day is out, that you will contact them, no matter how difficult it is for you.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Words! They are powerful!
Wednesday - 1/31 - Read Malachi 2:1-9
Today, I am drawn to the statement by Malachi in 2:8, that says because of the teaching of the Levites they had "caused many to stumble."
How can our words and our teaching cause others to stumble? Parents, what about yours? Grandparents? Friends? Classmates?
Has anyone's words ever caused you to stumble?
Apparently, part of the problem with the "teaching" of the Levites was a "partiality in matters of the law (2:9)."
Have you ever known anyone to USE scripture to manipulate people for their own purposes?
Have you ever done that? How? Can parents and grandparents do that?
Are we, in our relationships with others, trying to change the behavior or the hearts of those we influence?
If we change the behavior of an individual, will the heart follow?
If we change the heart of an individual, will the behavior follow?
In light of your answers, is it best to try to change the heart first, or the behavior?
Today, consider your words you use around those you influence. Remember what you said to your son or daughter this morning?
Were those words uttered by you to help develop their heart into an authentic follower of Christ, or were you just trying to make them behave so that your life would be easier?
What about those you communicated with at work or school?
Wednesday - 1/31 - Read Malachi 2:1-9
Today, I am drawn to the statement by Malachi in 2:8, that says because of the teaching of the Levites they had "caused many to stumble."
How can our words and our teaching cause others to stumble? Parents, what about yours? Grandparents? Friends? Classmates?
Has anyone's words ever caused you to stumble?
Apparently, part of the problem with the "teaching" of the Levites was a "partiality in matters of the law (2:9)."
Have you ever known anyone to USE scripture to manipulate people for their own purposes?
Have you ever done that? How? Can parents and grandparents do that?
Are we, in our relationships with others, trying to change the behavior or the hearts of those we influence?
If we change the behavior of an individual, will the heart follow?
If we change the heart of an individual, will the behavior follow?
In light of your answers, is it best to try to change the heart first, or the behavior?
Today, consider your words you use around those you influence. Remember what you said to your son or daughter this morning?
Were those words uttered by you to help develop their heart into an authentic follower of Christ, or were you just trying to make them behave so that your life would be easier?
What about those you communicated with at work or school?
Monday, January 29, 2007
Tuesday - 1/30 - Read Malachi 2:1-9
My thought today is this--Anyone who takes God's honor seriously is a leader! Do you think that is a true statement? Why or why not?
I believe it is. Before you read on and discover why, make sure you interact with the questions I just ask. Work through this issue between you and God first. The reason--God takes His honor seriously (Malachi 1:11,14b; 2:2b,5b). If we do, and I think everyone would say we should, what kind of impact will that have on your life?
How will you see your role as His follower in light of the honor do His name (Matt. 5:13-16)?
As you desire to honor God's name in your marriage, family, friendships, etc., what kind of influence will you have on others?
As you have an influence on others, do you become a leader?
How serious is this role?
Does your answer to these questions help you to understand the seemingly bizarre statement by God in Malachi 2:3 about Him spreading on the faces of the Levites the offal from their festival sacrifices? Why is understanding this statement by God so crucial in being a leader?
Malachi 2:8a says, "But you have turned from the way!" What do you think this means?
In light of the potential influence we have in other people's lives, why is it crucial that we stay in "the way?"
Are you spending time with God daily? Are you staying in "the way" in your life? What changes will you need to make to make sure you are staying in "the way?"
My thought today is this--Anyone who takes God's honor seriously is a leader! Do you think that is a true statement? Why or why not?
I believe it is. Before you read on and discover why, make sure you interact with the questions I just ask. Work through this issue between you and God first. The reason--God takes His honor seriously (Malachi 1:11,14b; 2:2b,5b). If we do, and I think everyone would say we should, what kind of impact will that have on your life?
How will you see your role as His follower in light of the honor do His name (Matt. 5:13-16)?
As you desire to honor God's name in your marriage, family, friendships, etc., what kind of influence will you have on others?
As you have an influence on others, do you become a leader?
How serious is this role?
Does your answer to these questions help you to understand the seemingly bizarre statement by God in Malachi 2:3 about Him spreading on the faces of the Levites the offal from their festival sacrifices? Why is understanding this statement by God so crucial in being a leader?
Malachi 2:8a says, "But you have turned from the way!" What do you think this means?
In light of the potential influence we have in other people's lives, why is it crucial that we stay in "the way?"
Are you spending time with God daily? Are you staying in "the way" in your life? What changes will you need to make to make sure you are staying in "the way?"
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Me! A leader?
Monday - 1/29 - Read Malachi 2:1-9
The first thought that comes to my mind about Sunday's sermon is applying it.
I think that most people understand that pastors, elders or deacons are leaders, right? What about you? Do you see yourself as a leader?
First, turn to 1 Peter 2:9 in your Bible and read carefully and slowly this verse. Ask yourself, "Do I really believe I am a member of a royal priesthood?" Do you really believe your are a priest?
Ask yourself what the role of a priest is according to the last part of 1 Peter 2:9.
In what ways can you apply this verse in your life today? In your home? At work? At school?
What is the "darkness" that God called you out of? Cp. Eph. 2:1-3; Acts 26:17,18
What is the "light" God has called you into?
How can you lead others, even though you may not be a formally recognized leader in the church?
As a friend? As a parent? As a grandparent? As a co-worker? As a classmate? As a __________?
Have you ever considered this concept of leadership before? Have you ever seen yourself as a potential leader before? Are you willing to be one?
On a piece of paper, list the names of people that God might be calling you to lead?
The first thought that comes to my mind about Sunday's sermon is applying it.
I think that most people understand that pastors, elders or deacons are leaders, right? What about you? Do you see yourself as a leader?
First, turn to 1 Peter 2:9 in your Bible and read carefully and slowly this verse. Ask yourself, "Do I really believe I am a member of a royal priesthood?" Do you really believe your are a priest?
Ask yourself what the role of a priest is according to the last part of 1 Peter 2:9.
In what ways can you apply this verse in your life today? In your home? At work? At school?
What is the "darkness" that God called you out of? Cp. Eph. 2:1-3; Acts 26:17,18
What is the "light" God has called you into?
How can you lead others, even though you may not be a formally recognized leader in the church?
As a friend? As a parent? As a grandparent? As a co-worker? As a classmate? As a __________?
Have you ever considered this concept of leadership before? Have you ever seen yourself as a potential leader before? Are you willing to be one?
On a piece of paper, list the names of people that God might be calling you to lead?
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Friday, January 19, 2007
What's this all about?
Why in the world is Pastor Bob starting a blog? Good question. Actually, there is a reason that I believe might be beneficial to all of us.
I would like to begin communicating thoughts about the sermon I preached the previous Sunday throughout the week (Mon. - Fri.). Each day you can log on and work through some meditations with me on what we learned the previous Sunday and how these truths might play out in your life. Perhaps from time to time I'll elaborate on something that I just didn't have time to really delve into during the sermon (35-40 minutes really is a short period of time!!!).
Actually the name of this blog, Abiding In Grace, says it all. We don't want to abide in God's presence and grace just on Sunday morning during worship services. We don't just want to learn and apply the principles of God's Word only on Sunday morning. We want to abide in His grace (the truths He's taught us on Sun. morning) throughout the week. Hopefully, this blog will live up to its name, then.
So, starting January 29th, each week day, you'll be able to grab a cup of coffee and your Bible and join me at your convenience through this blog, to dig in a little deeper into the sermon I preached the Sunday before.
Smitten by God's Grace,
Pastor Bob
I would like to begin communicating thoughts about the sermon I preached the previous Sunday throughout the week (Mon. - Fri.). Each day you can log on and work through some meditations with me on what we learned the previous Sunday and how these truths might play out in your life. Perhaps from time to time I'll elaborate on something that I just didn't have time to really delve into during the sermon (35-40 minutes really is a short period of time!!!).
Actually the name of this blog, Abiding In Grace, says it all. We don't want to abide in God's presence and grace just on Sunday morning during worship services. We don't just want to learn and apply the principles of God's Word only on Sunday morning. We want to abide in His grace (the truths He's taught us on Sun. morning) throughout the week. Hopefully, this blog will live up to its name, then.
So, starting January 29th, each week day, you'll be able to grab a cup of coffee and your Bible and join me at your convenience through this blog, to dig in a little deeper into the sermon I preached the Sunday before.
Smitten by God's Grace,
Pastor Bob
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