Are you in the Book?

Today's Readings: OT - Jeremiah 51:19-42 / NT + Matthew 25

"Later the others also came. ‘Sir! Sir!’ they said. ‘Open the door for us!’ “But he replied, ‘I tell you the truth, I don’t know you.’ “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour." -- Matthew 25:11-13

I stood in the foyer of a hotel some years ago and watched as a fellow traveler became quite animated when he was told that there was no reservation and no room for him. He was absolutely sure that he had a reservation, but the hotel had no record of such and they had no rooms available. No matter how sure he was, the record was clear... his name was not found.

"At midnight the cry came out: 'Here's the bridegroom'" The midnight cry is coming and we have no way of knowing when. The door will be open for all those who have reservations. But when it shuts, those left outside will be without hope. No matter how sincerely we believe that we have reservations, if we don't have the oil of salvation in the lamp of our souls, all we will hear are the words, "I tell you the truth, I don't know you". If we don't know the bridegroom (Jesus) in this life, our name won't be found in the reservation book.

For some, the midnight cry is expected with great anticipation. What about you? Have you trusted Jesus Christ as the only means for your salvation? If you have done so, you have been filled and sealed with the Holy Spirit and your lamp is ready for the wedding banquet.  Don't wait until the last moment to come knocking at the shut door. Make sure that your name is found in the reservation book.

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Jeremiah 51:43-64  / NT + Psalm 78 

Are You Ready?

Today's Readings: OT - Jeremiah 51:1-18 / NT + Matthew 24

“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him." -- Matthew 24:42-44

We used to live in a neighborhood that had certain criminal activity. From the time we moved in I took definite defensive steps to be prepared in the event of a robbery. Twenty crime free years passed, but I was no less expectant when we moved than I was  at the beginning. I didn't live in fear, I just remained ready.

The Lord chose this very picture to illustrate his imminent return. He will return for his church and after seven years of tribulation, he will return to bring judgment on unbelievers and reign on his throne, as detailed in this chapter and the next. Whether the wait is for the catching up of his church or his return to reign, careless living would be most unwise. It's best to be expectant and remain ready.

As believers, we await the Lord's coming in the clouds; the rapture of the church (Acts 1:11/1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). For us, the judgment seat of Christ is coming (2 Corinthian 5:10). This day will show the quality of our work for Christ (1 Corinthians 3:13). Are you ready for such a moment?  If you don't know Christ as your Savior, this chapter speaks a sure warning to you. The day will come when one will be left to live and serve in the kingdom, and another will be taken into eternal judgment where there will be "weeping and gnashing of teeth". Are you ready for that day?

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Jeremiah 51:19-42  / NT + Matthew 25

HIS Focus...

Today's Readings: OT - Jeremiah 50:26-46 / NT + Matthew 23

“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel." -- Matthew 23:23-24

The story is told about a coastal life saving station that saved a great many lives every year. As time passed the station became famous and efforts were made to buy better equipment and build a bigger building. The volunteers continued to give much time and energy to improve the looks and quality of the station. It eventually became more beautiful than any other station with more volunteers than ever. With all the activity focused on the station itself, one thing ceased to happen; saving lives. They lost their focus.

Within this passage we read strong words of rebuke from Jesus. He was greatly displeased with the leaders of Israel at that time. They were determined to follow the very fine details of the law with tremendous diligence. They were caught up in the technicalities of the law to such a degree that they forgot the more important matters of justice, mercy and faithfulness. They lost their focus.

It's easy for us to become so obsessive about small microscopic issues that we forget the greater matters and why we are called of God. Some believers are determined to do church the right way and make it look and sound better than any other. In the process they lose sight of the reason the church exists: to save souls. Please be careful my friend, in your drive to do the very best for Jesus, that you don't lose HIS focus... "When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them..." (Matthew 9:36)

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Jeremiah 51:1-18  / NT + Matthew 24

Always Learning...

Today's Readings: OT - Jeremiah 50:1-25 / NT + Proverbs 19

"Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise... Stop listening to instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge." -- Proverbs 19:20, 27

What's the difference between a good Doctor and a great Doctor... or a good mechanic and a great mechanic? One who is well trained in their field will be good. But one who continues to train throughout their career will be great. The difference is this: one has learned and the other is always learning.

This principle was understood by Solomon as he emphasized the need to listen and accept instruction to be wise. At the same time, those who stop listening to instruction will stray. The humble lifelong learner will be wise indeed, because they not only have learned, but are always learning.

Never believe that you finally know the Bible and all its teaching. There is always more to learn and much more to master. The difference between a good disciple and a great disciple is this: one has learned and the other is always learning. Which will you choose to be?

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Jeremiah 50:26-46  / NT + Matthew 23

Memories...

Today's Readings: OT - Jeremiah 49:28-39 / NT + Psalms 76-77

"Then I thought, “To this I will appeal: the years of the right hand of the Most High.” I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds." -- Psalm 77:10-12 

Nostalgia can be a mixed bag of memories. The good old days may bring pleasant thoughts for reflection. Then again, if the "good old" days were really that good, we might feel discouraged about the present "not so good" days. The best memories are those that restore faith and hope.

Such was the case for the psalmist.  As he said earlier, "When I was in distress, I sought the Lord". In the midst of discouraging circumstances, he took time to remember God's faithfulness and miracles of long ago. He knew that a God who never changes would be as quick to perform "mighty deeds" today as yesterday. This kind of reflection restored his faith and hope.

Nostalgia is a very good medicine when we remember the deeds of the Lord. Jeremiah said it best in Lamentations 3:23, "Great is your faithfulness". Since we have a Savior who is the "same yesterday, today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8), we have every reason to be daily restored in faith and hope.    

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Jeremiah 50:1-25  / NT + Proverbs 19

God Alone...

Today's Readings: OT - Jeremiah 49:7-27 / NT + Psalms 74-75

"No one from the east or the west or from the desert can exalt a man. But it is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another." -- Psalm 75:6-7

Stars come and go without public elections or political power struggles. Our Solar System is just one member of a vast Milky Way galaxy with 100 to 400 billion stars. But how many galaxies are there in the entire Universe? A recent German supercomputer simulation put that number at 500 billion. Who determines the size or placement of one star or another?  God alone is in control.

The Psalmist says in Psalm 147:4, "He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name." and we are told in Isaiah 40:26, "He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing." Since God rules every corner of the universe, why should we find it hard to believe that he rules in the affairs of men? Just when men have deceived themselves into believing that they control their world, this truth knocks at the door, "But it is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another". God alone is in control.

John the Baptist said in John 3:27, “A man can receive only what is given him from heaven." Be wise my friend and look to the Lord for your promotion in life. Be assured as well, that though your world may seem to be in complete disarray, there is order in the universe. Trust in this great truth: God alone is in control.

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Jeremiah 49:28-39  / NT + Psalms 76-77

Lost?

Today's Readings: OT - Jeremiah 49:1-6 / NT + Matthew 22

"Jesus replied, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God." -- Matthew 22:29

 Have you ever been lost in a city? You stop and ask someone for directions and they give you a rather nebulous response. A few blocks later you have to stop again. This time you have an interchange with two or three bystanders and the discussion becomes even more confusing. Oh for a map! (Quite often more dependable than any GPS)

The Scriptures are God's map for life. We can sit around and discuss many ideas about spiritual matters, but if we don't use the map, we will get lost. A good map not only shows the right roads to take, but also has the power to provide us the distance and time our trip will take. God's Word gives clear direction and his power brings possibilities into reality. 

Be careful when theological discussions move toward perplexity. The study of the Scriptures will always give insight and the power of God will always give confidence for the future. Don't stay lost in a labyrinth of spiritual confusion. Study the Scriptures and find the direction and power you need for the journey.

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Jeremiah 49:7-27  / NT + Psalms 74-75