Remember not the former thing!!

Reading: Isaiah 42-43, Psalm 82, and Acts1

 

Scripture: Isaiah 43:18-19, Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.

 

Thoughts: In a world of social media and the memory pop up on Facebook we are constantly looking back on things in our past, no matter if it was good, bad or indifferent we get to see the things we posted in years past. As it is good to have memories and learn from our past mistakes. Isaiah was speaking of John the Baptist and Jesus here, speaking of the new way and that John would preach and Jesus would fulfill. Israel had fallen of the wagon and tried to get back on countless time with countless kings. Isaiah is saying forget the way we have been doing it and look to the new way that God has set fourth for us. We in the same way were one way and now in Christ have been called to the new way of living. We are to learn from our past but not let it define us, there are many addiction recovery groups that look at once an addict always and addict but in Christ we are set free from our past, yes we can learn from it and grow but it no longer defines or dictates who we are because our Father in heave now defines who we are. Let us not remember the former things and walk in the new ways of the Lord.

 

Prayer: Father God, you are the one who defines who we are, you have called us from our sinful ways and named us sons and daughters. I thank you that you have called me and that you are working in my life that I may better show your love and your grace to the world around me. I ask that you continue to mold me and refine me in the fire that I may become purified and walk in your image. Help me to be the father and husband you have made me to be. Open my heart to correction and discipline that will lead me close to you, and be and example to the world. 

The End or Not

Reading: Hosea 8-11 and Mark 13

 

Scripture: Mark 13:6-8, Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains.

 

Thoughts: Watching the state of the country and world today, I hear many people saying things like “The Lord is coming soon.” or “The end time are here.” The way I see it we have been in the end times since Christ ascended to heaven and took his place at the right hand of God. There have been wars and rumors of war seemingly forever, there are famines and earthquakes all over. Here Jesus responding to the disciples asking when things were to happen, “These are the beginning of the birth pains.” Ask any woman who has given birth what the begging was like verses how it was when the baby was born and you will learn about then difference between contractions 30-40 minutes apart and the ring of fire and why God put it in the minds of those who created the epidural. As the father of two wonderful children who regularly test our sanity I have watched my wife go through this twice. In the beginning we are at home going for walks and doing what we can to help her to be comfortable as her body prepares to give birth. With all that we are seeing going on around the world the are only the beginning of the birth pains. We need to not be complacent that every day we move one more day towards eternity but be driven by that thought that we are moving towards eternity. We don’t know if Jesus will return tomorrow or another thousand years in the future but we need to live as if it will end tomorrow because it could for someone. How little do you have to care about someone to not throw them a life ring when they are drowning. Let us toss the life ring, some will grab ahold and others will not accept it, but we are doing out part and putting it out there. 

 

Prayer: Lord God, I thank you for sending your Son, who took my sins, my failures, and washed them clean. I thank you that you are working in my life, that you are providing my needs. I thank you that you are molding me and refining me that I can reflect you better. I ask that you help me to grow my boldness and my discernment that I can overcome the evil one. Lead me and guide me as I go about my days.