Monthly Archives: September 2013

2013 Day 253 – Job7-9, Psalm 120

10 Tuesday Sep 2013

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In today’s reading you can begin to hear Job’s desperation in trying to reach God. He wants the ability to plead his case for mercy, but he does not know how to reach out for God and wishes he had a mediator between himself and God. In Job 9:33-34 it says, 33 If only there were someone to mediate between us, someone to bring us together, 34 someone to remove God’s rod from me, so that his terror would frighten me no more. This is what the Holy Spirit is for us. He is the mediator between us and God to intercede for us. In Romans 8:27 it says, And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. What Job longed for in his suffering we already have. Don’t ever forget that we are never alone no matter alone we may feel.

2013 Day 252 – Job 4-6, Psalm 119:161-176

09 Monday Sep 2013

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One of the hardest things about reading Job is reading the words of Job’s friends who assumed Job was suffering because he had committed a great sin. Neither they nor Job knew about Satan’s conversation with God in Job 1:6 – 2:8. It is easy to blame people for their own troubles, but Job’s story clearly shows that blame cannot always be attached to those who are struck by troubled times. We must always show compassion and help people who face trials and suffering without judging them. We all face rough times and it is always good to treat others the way we would want to be treated.

2013 Day 251 – Job 1-3, Psalm 119:145-160

08 Sunday Sep 2013

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Today we begin reading the book of Job. Moses was a possible author of this book and chronologically, it is believed to have been the first book of the Bible ever written. This is a very difficult book to read, but it is an essential book for all believers because it speaks about faith and God’s sovereignty even when we suffer. The important thing to remember is that even in his intense suffering, Job never cursed God. In the third chapter Job does curse the day of his birth, but never curses God for allowing the suffering to occur in his life. Job’s life is an example of trusting God even in the most difficult of situations. Suffering may happen in our lives, but God never leaves us, and more importantly, He never stops loving us. This will be a long book to read with 42 chapters, but if we read it with the mindset of understanding how to handle suffering, we can learn a lot from this book.

2013 Day 250 – Dr. E.V. Hill’s Wife’s Funeral Part 1

07 Saturday Sep 2013

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Dr. E.V. Hill was the preacher of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist in Los Angeles, CA for almost 42 years. In 1987, after his wife’s prolonged illness, he was given the difficult task of delivering a eulogy for his wife’s funeral. Below are the two videos that make up the sermon he preached. It is one of the most powerful sermons I have ever heard. It talks of trusting God when we don’t understand His will. Three years ago I gave my father’s eulogy and I know how hard it must have been for Dr. Hill to get in front of his congregation and deliver this message. It must have been difficult, but it shows the trust he had in God to deliver him from one of the most difficult moments in his life.

 

 

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2013 Day 249 – 2 Timothy 1-4, Psalm 119:129-144

06 Friday Sep 2013

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Today we are reading the entire second book of Timothy. This is the second and final instructions Paul gave to Timothy who was the pastor of the church at Ephesus. Paul wrote this to Timothy as he sat alone in prison. Because this is Paul’s final letter, it reveals his heart and his priorities; sound doctrine, faith, endurance, and love. The key verse for this letter comes right in the beginning of the book, 2 Timothy 1:7, For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. If we truly trust in God and allow ourselves to take on the spirit and character of God, we will have everything we need to face the trials of this life in this world.

2013 Day 248 – Esther 8-10, Psalm 119:113-128

05 Thursday Sep 2013

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In the book of Esther we see God’s hand clearly working in the lives of the people who trust in Him. Even when it looks like the world is firmly in the hands of evil people, God is still in control, protecting those who belong to Him. We may not always understand what is happening around us or why it is happening, but we must trust in God and know He will protect us. God’s plan is perfect, regardless of how much we see or understand it.

2013 Day 247 – Esther 4-7, Psalm 119:97-112

04 Wednesday Sep 2013

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Esther is an amazing woman. Her beauty and character won the heart of the Persian King. She combined courage and careful planning to accomplish what needed to be done. She was open to advice and willing to act. And while she initially hesitated, she showed courage in recognizing she would have to risk her own safety in order to protect others. In Esther 4:14 it says, For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” She realized God had placed her in a position where she could make a difference. It is important to remember that having courage is important, but it does not replace the need for careful planning led by the Holy Spirit.

2013 Day 246 – Esther 1-3, Psalm 119:81-96

03 Tuesday Sep 2013

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Today we begin the book of Esther, which is interesting for various reasons. First, it is one of only two books named for women. Second, in it’s original version, no name, title, or pronoun for God appears in it. This caused some church fathers to question it’s inclusion in the canon, but God’s presence is clear throughout the book. The purpose of the book is to demonstrate God’s sovereignty and His loving care for His people. This is a great story filled with drama. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as me.

2013 Day 245 – 1 Timothy 4-6, Psalm 119:64-80

02 Monday Sep 2013

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1 Timothy 6:10 is a verse used by people who think money is good and bad, For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. The reality is that money is neither good or bad. The desire to be rich is what leads people to sin, not the actual possession of wealth. However, there comes a time when money will himder us from stepping out in faith and allowing God to lead us and take care of us. Do not let the love of money be your guide, but let God lead you into using His blessings for the good of His kingdom.

2013 Day 244 – 1 Timothy 1-3, Psalm 119:49-64

01 Sunday Sep 2013

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Today we begin reading the book of 1 Timothy, which is a letter Paul wrote to Timothy as an encouragement for the struggles he faced serving the early Church. Timothy was young and struggled with a timid and reserved nature. He sometimes allowed others to look down on his youthfulness. Youthfulness should never be an excuse for ineffectiveness in the Church or anywhere else. Just as those who are older should not be given authority just because of their advanced age. All authority is given by God and our ability to serve Him comes from His power and given ability. None of us are perfect, but our inadequacies and inabilities should not keep us from being available to serve God in any way He directs. We should be thankful that we never stand alone and that He is always with us. Praise God for His constant presence in our lives.