Scripture: Isaiah 53
Who has believed our message? To whom has the Lord revealed his powerful arm? My servant grew up in the Lord’s presence like a tender green shoot, like a root in dry ground. There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance, nothing to attract us to him. He was despised and rejected—a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care. Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins! But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all. He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth. Unjustly condemned, he was led away. No one cared that he died without descendants, that his life was cut short in midstream. But he was struck down for the rebellion of my people. He had done no wrong and had never deceived anyone. But he was buried like a criminal; he was put in a rich man’s grave. But it was the Lord’s good plan to crush him and cause him grief. Yet when his life is made an offering for sin, he will have many descendants. He will enjoy a long life, and the Lord’s good plan will prosper in his hands. When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied. And because of his experience, my righteous servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins. I will give him the honors of a victorious soldier, because he exposed himself to death. He was counted among the rebels. He bore the sins of many and interceded for rebels.
Observation:
Isaiah 53 is one of the most well-known chapters that foretells about Jesus.
What do the verses predict about Jesus? What kind of person will he be? What will his life be like?
Jesus was physically described as a man with plain looks.
Most people did not like him—he was despised, rejected and mocked.
He willingly gave his life to save ours.
He never did any wrong or deceived anyone.
He was a servant.
Application:
If you lived “back in the day” (hundreds, hundreds and hundreds of years ago), and you heard that a great king, redeemer and son of God was coming, what would you have pictured him to be like?
Would you have imagined him to be like Jesus was, or more “royal,” with a huge palace and tons of servants?
The Bible tells us that we are supposed to be like Jesus. How does your life match up with his?
Do you serve people more than they serve you?
Do you sacrifice your time and energy to reach the lost and hurting people around you?
Are you blameless and without sin?
Even though Jesus is royalty, his life was one of a humble, self-sacrificing servant.
Prayer:
Spend some time meditating on what it means to be like Jesus. Read the New Testament stories of his life and reflect on how well your life actions match (or don’t match his). Thank God for sending his royal son to be a servant, for giving the ultimate sacrifice (his life!) for us! Ask God for the wisdom and encouragement to live like his son.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Monday, December 8, 2008
Monday, December 8, 2008
Scripture:
Prophecy: Isaiah 7:14 – Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.
Fulfillment: Luke 1: 26-33 – In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you. … You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.”
Prophecy: Isaiah 53: 3, 5 – He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. But he was pierced for our transgression, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.
Fulfillment: Mark 15: 25-30 – It was the third hour when they crucified him. The written notice of the charge against him read: THE KING OF THE JEWS. They crucified two robbers with him, one on his right and one on his left. Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, “So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, come down from the cross and save yourself!”
Observation:
The history of Jesus began long before he even set foot on Earth. The above prophecies are just 2 of the 60 major prophecies (there are about 270 “smaller” prophecies)!
The prophecies foretold about Jesus tell about his birth, his life and his death.
What do you think the odds are of one person’s life fulfilling even just 8 specific prophecies, which were told hundreds of years before that person’s birth?
The chance that one person could have fulfilled all 8 prophecies is 1 in 100,000,000,000,000,000! (Stoner, 1976)
The fact that Jesus fulfilled all 300+ prophecies definitely means that there is something special about him!
Application:
Are you as amazed at these prophecies and their fulfillments as I am?
Do these prophecies/fulfillments encourage you in your walk?
Prayer:
Take some time to just worship God and rest in his awesomeness. We can get so caught up with what’s going on everyday that we forget to spend time with the one who gave us the day.
Prophecy: Isaiah 7:14 – Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.
Fulfillment: Luke 1: 26-33 – In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you. … You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.”
Prophecy: Isaiah 53: 3, 5 – He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. But he was pierced for our transgression, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.
Fulfillment: Mark 15: 25-30 – It was the third hour when they crucified him. The written notice of the charge against him read: THE KING OF THE JEWS. They crucified two robbers with him, one on his right and one on his left. Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, “So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, come down from the cross and save yourself!”
Observation:
The history of Jesus began long before he even set foot on Earth. The above prophecies are just 2 of the 60 major prophecies (there are about 270 “smaller” prophecies)!
The prophecies foretold about Jesus tell about his birth, his life and his death.
What do you think the odds are of one person’s life fulfilling even just 8 specific prophecies, which were told hundreds of years before that person’s birth?
The chance that one person could have fulfilled all 8 prophecies is 1 in 100,000,000,000,000,000! (Stoner, 1976)
The fact that Jesus fulfilled all 300+ prophecies definitely means that there is something special about him!
Application:
Are you as amazed at these prophecies and their fulfillments as I am?
Do these prophecies/fulfillments encourage you in your walk?
Prayer:
Take some time to just worship God and rest in his awesomeness. We can get so caught up with what’s going on everyday that we forget to spend time with the one who gave us the day.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Friday, December 5, 2008
Scripture: John 8:31, 32
To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Observation:
What is Jesus trying to say in these two verses?
Basically he’s saying that if you believe in what he has said then you believe in what is true. But it goes farther than just believing in what is true; you have to act on what is true.
How can these verses relate to Christmas?
Application:
What Christmas traditions does your family have?
Is your Christmas focused around Santa, reindeer, trees and gifts?
Or do you and your family focus on the true (and perfect!) gift of Christmas?
…which is Jesus!
For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
Prayer:
Make sure to keep your Christmas focus on Christ. Christmas is always busy with school and family, but remember to set aside time to spend with God. Give God all your praise and thankfulness for giving us the perfect Christmas gift…Jesus.
To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Observation:
What is Jesus trying to say in these two verses?
Basically he’s saying that if you believe in what he has said then you believe in what is true. But it goes farther than just believing in what is true; you have to act on what is true.
How can these verses relate to Christmas?
Application:
What Christmas traditions does your family have?
Is your Christmas focused around Santa, reindeer, trees and gifts?
Or do you and your family focus on the true (and perfect!) gift of Christmas?
…which is Jesus!
For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
Prayer:
Make sure to keep your Christmas focus on Christ. Christmas is always busy with school and family, but remember to set aside time to spend with God. Give God all your praise and thankfulness for giving us the perfect Christmas gift…Jesus.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Scripture: Luke 1:26-38, 2:1-20
In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”
Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.”
“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”
The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God.”
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her.
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register.
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Observation:
Today’s scriptures are pretty long, but I hope you took the time to read all of it.
What is your favorite part of the story?
Can you imagine what it would have been like to be Mary or Joseph?
Historians believe that Mary was only about 14 years old when she had Jesus. That’s super young!
It would be extremely difficult to be a young parent, have a baby in a stable, and then be on the run from Herod (who was threatened by Jesus and wanted him killed).
Application:
The story of Jesus’ birth IS Christmas.
What does the true story of Christmas (the birth of Jesus) mean to you?
Does knowing the true story of Christmas affect how you spend Christmas?
Prayer:
Take time to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas and what it means for you. Ask God to give you a true understanding of what this season is supposed to be about. Thank God for any and every blessing he has given you.
In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”
Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.”
“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”
The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God.”
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her.
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register.
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Observation:
Today’s scriptures are pretty long, but I hope you took the time to read all of it.
What is your favorite part of the story?
Can you imagine what it would have been like to be Mary or Joseph?
Historians believe that Mary was only about 14 years old when she had Jesus. That’s super young!
It would be extremely difficult to be a young parent, have a baby in a stable, and then be on the run from Herod (who was threatened by Jesus and wanted him killed).
Application:
The story of Jesus’ birth IS Christmas.
What does the true story of Christmas (the birth of Jesus) mean to you?
Does knowing the true story of Christmas affect how you spend Christmas?
Prayer:
Take time to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas and what it means for you. Ask God to give you a true understanding of what this season is supposed to be about. Thank God for any and every blessing he has given you.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Friday, November 21, 2008
Scripture: Genesis 1:27
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
Observation:
In whose image are we created?
God’s!!
What do you think it means to be created in God’s image?
Back in ancient times a king was said to rule in the image of a certain god. The king was basically seen as the human form of that god. So if you wanted to know what a certain god was like, you looked at the god’s king.
So our being created in the image of God stamps us as a representation of God (we are not God, but a representation of God).
Application:
Being made in God’s image places a lot of responsibility on us, especially if we call ourselves Christian. If we call ourselves Christian then we are attaching God’s name to our name. So if we do something really good we are attaching God’s name to that really good thing, but if we also do something really bad we are attaching God’s name to that really bad thing.
What kinds of things have you done that God’s name has been attached to?
Are they good things or bad things? Do they bring glory to God’s name or do they disgrace God’s name?
Do you do more for yourself, or more for others?
What areas do you need to work on, and how will you work on them?
Prayer:
Spend some time reflecting on what it truly means to have God’s name attached to yours. Admit to God and turn from anything you have done that hasn’t brought glory to his name. In whatever you do, remember that you are not the only one whose name is on the line.
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
Observation:
In whose image are we created?
God’s!!
What do you think it means to be created in God’s image?
Back in ancient times a king was said to rule in the image of a certain god. The king was basically seen as the human form of that god. So if you wanted to know what a certain god was like, you looked at the god’s king.
So our being created in the image of God stamps us as a representation of God (we are not God, but a representation of God).
Application:
Being made in God’s image places a lot of responsibility on us, especially if we call ourselves Christian. If we call ourselves Christian then we are attaching God’s name to our name. So if we do something really good we are attaching God’s name to that really good thing, but if we also do something really bad we are attaching God’s name to that really bad thing.
What kinds of things have you done that God’s name has been attached to?
Are they good things or bad things? Do they bring glory to God’s name or do they disgrace God’s name?
Do you do more for yourself, or more for others?
What areas do you need to work on, and how will you work on them?
Prayer:
Spend some time reflecting on what it truly means to have God’s name attached to yours. Admit to God and turn from anything you have done that hasn’t brought glory to his name. In whatever you do, remember that you are not the only one whose name is on the line.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Scripture: Genesis 1 (condensed)
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. (Day 1) And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. (Day 2) And God said, “Let there be an expanse between the waters to separate water from water.” So God made the expanse and separated the water under the expanse from the water above it. (Day 3) And God said, “Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear.” And it was so. Then God said, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds. (Day 4) And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years, and let them be lights in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth. (Day 5) And God said, “Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the sky.” So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living and moving thing with which the water teems, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. (Day 6) And God said, “Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: livestock, creatures that move along the ground, and wild animals, each according to its kind.” The God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
Observation:
Genesis 1 is where it all started. After reading these verses can’t you tell that God definitely had a specific purpose in mind when he was designing everything?
God knew what he was doing from the start…there was no guess work involved.
Since God is the creator of the earth and everything on it, it makes sense that the earth and everything on it belongs to him. Have you ever thought of yourself as a guest on God’s earth?
Application:
When you visit someone’s house you treat their things with a certain level of respect and care, don’t you? (If you don’t, you should!!)
God is letting us live on this good and perfect earth he created, so we need to treat it with respect! That means taking care of the land, the animals and the people!
How do you treat what belongs to God? What can you improve on?
Prayer:
Take time to truly thank God for what he has blessed you with!! Spend time enjoying what God created, and make a conscious effort to take care of God’s creations.
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. (Day 1) And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. (Day 2) And God said, “Let there be an expanse between the waters to separate water from water.” So God made the expanse and separated the water under the expanse from the water above it. (Day 3) And God said, “Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear.” And it was so. Then God said, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds. (Day 4) And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years, and let them be lights in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth. (Day 5) And God said, “Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the sky.” So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living and moving thing with which the water teems, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. (Day 6) And God said, “Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: livestock, creatures that move along the ground, and wild animals, each according to its kind.” The God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
Observation:
Genesis 1 is where it all started. After reading these verses can’t you tell that God definitely had a specific purpose in mind when he was designing everything?
God knew what he was doing from the start…there was no guess work involved.
Since God is the creator of the earth and everything on it, it makes sense that the earth and everything on it belongs to him. Have you ever thought of yourself as a guest on God’s earth?
Application:
When you visit someone’s house you treat their things with a certain level of respect and care, don’t you? (If you don’t, you should!!)
God is letting us live on this good and perfect earth he created, so we need to treat it with respect! That means taking care of the land, the animals and the people!
How do you treat what belongs to God? What can you improve on?
Prayer:
Take time to truly thank God for what he has blessed you with!! Spend time enjoying what God created, and make a conscious effort to take care of God’s creations.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Scripture: Mark 8:22-25
They came to Bethsaida, and some people brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he had spit on the man’s eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, “Do you see anything?” He looked up and said, “I see people; they look like trees walking around.” Once more Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly.
Observation:
How did Jesus heal the blind man who was brought to him?
He spit on the man’s eyes and then put his hands on him.
How many times did Jesus have to touch the man’s eyes before he could see?
Twice. Jesus had to put his hands on the man’s eyes two times before the man could see. Not that there was anything wrong with the method Jesus was using to help this guy, but sometimes the results don’t happen right away or on the first try.
Application:
We need to learn that when we help someone often the results aren’t going to instantly be obvious…sometimes it takes awhile, maybe just a few hours, days or even years. Are you willing to help people even if you don’t get results right away?
Prayer:
Ask God for patience and commitment to help people even if it takes longer than you want it to. Spend some time with God and let him show you how he wants you to best use your gifts to help people for his glory.
They came to Bethsaida, and some people brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he had spit on the man’s eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, “Do you see anything?” He looked up and said, “I see people; they look like trees walking around.” Once more Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly.
Observation:
How did Jesus heal the blind man who was brought to him?
He spit on the man’s eyes and then put his hands on him.
How many times did Jesus have to touch the man’s eyes before he could see?
Twice. Jesus had to put his hands on the man’s eyes two times before the man could see. Not that there was anything wrong with the method Jesus was using to help this guy, but sometimes the results don’t happen right away or on the first try.
Application:
We need to learn that when we help someone often the results aren’t going to instantly be obvious…sometimes it takes awhile, maybe just a few hours, days or even years. Are you willing to help people even if you don’t get results right away?
Prayer:
Ask God for patience and commitment to help people even if it takes longer than you want it to. Spend some time with God and let him show you how he wants you to best use your gifts to help people for his glory.
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