Tommy Altman

Jan 29: Genesis 9

2012-01-29T00:01:00.000-08:00

We’re continuing in Genesis today with chapter 9.

This chapter has some interesting things for us. First, at the end of the chapter God tells Noah that a rainbow will be the sign of God’s promise to all creation to never allow a flood to destroy the earth again.
Also, did you notice that after God told Noah to make lots of babies, God told Noah he could eat meat? Does that mean that before the flood everyone was a vegetarian? We’re not sure but it’s interesting to think about.
After God told Noah they could eat meat he told them to make sure it’s “lifeblood” was gone. God insisted on this point and even said if anyone (human or animal alike) disobeys this rule God would punish them. God made special mention to avoid killing another person. But did you catch why? God made it very clear in verse 6 that it’s because of the great value he places on each human being. We’re made in his image and so God values us over all the rest of creation.

There’s a lot of cool things for us today in our reading. The first was a simple rainbow, something we take for granted probably. Next time you see a rainbow remember God’s promise and know he’s looking at that rainbow too and thinking about how much he loves you. And God tells us how each person has great value to him because we’re created in his image. Of all of creation only humans are created in the image of God. In fact, most of the guidelines God gives us to live by are to protect us from hurting ourselves and other people around us because we’re so valuable to him that God even wants to protect us, even from ourselves. Do you ever struggle with depression or low self image? Next time you’re having a tough time remember how highly God values you.

Jan 28: Genesis 8

2012-01-28T00:01:00.000-08:00

We’re reading Genesis chapter 8 together today.

In this chapter we read about how Noah and his family were in the boat for a long time but we see how God remembered Noah and ended the flood.
Did you notice that Noah obeyed God in every step and all along God protected and provided for Noah and his family? Even after that water had went down and Noah could see dry ground he waited for God to tell him to leave the boat. Surely, Noah was tempted to go out on his own but he waited for God’s command.
As soon as Noah was safely on dry ground he took time to worship God and thank him. Then God promised to never again allow the earth to flood completely.

The account of Noah and the flood is a great lesson for us to remain in touch with God for every step in our lives. Noah is also a great example of patience and trusting God. Are you having a tough time waiting for God on something right now? Or do you have difficulty in trusting God to take care of you and your family in what you’re going through? Follow Noah’s lead, stay in constant communication with God and trust that he knows better than you do.

Jan 22: Genesis 7

2012-01-22T00:01:00.000-08:00

We're continuing in Genesis today, chapter 7.

1. This chapter is pretty straight forward but there are a couple things to point out.
2. First, you may have noticed that Noah took a pair of every animal but then seven of the "clean" animals. Strange, right? But the "clean" animals were for Noah and his family to eat and to use to worship God.

3. Did you notice in verse 16 that it was God who shut Noah and his family in the ark along with all the animals? Pretty cool that God took a personal interest in securing Noah and his family inside.

This chapter is self explanitory but we can still fin d application for us today. God gave Noah some really odd instructions that everyone would have thought were insane. But God didn't leave Noah alone to carry out his orders. Instead, God personally got involved and sent him the animals and secured them into the ark safely himself. When God asks us to do something he always promises to help us. Whatever God is prompting you to do (that maybe you're scared of) know that he will be there to help you as you go.

Jan 20: Genesis 6

2012-01-21T00:01:00.000-08:00

We’re jumping back into the book of Genesis for the weekend with chapter 6.

In the early lines of this chapter we read about the “sons of God” and their offspring, the “Nephilim.” What are these two groups? We’re not sure. Some scholars believe the “sons of God” are fallen angels and the “Nephilim” are the offspring of their union with humans. Other scholars still aren’t certain. So we can’t know for sure but it’s obvious that they were bigger and stronger than other humans, which is why they were called the “heros of old.”
If the “sons of God” are indeed fallen angels then it makes sense that God would be angry about them marrying within the human race. God created human beings in his own image and values us above everything else he created. So, it’s logical that God would go to extreme ends to protect us and the “purity” of our kind.
As God watched the depravity on earth it broke his heart so much that he regretted creating us and so he decided to wipe out everything he created on earth. But then God noticed Noah. . .
Noah was a good man who wanted to follow God. God spoke to Noah and told him about the flood that was about to happen and God told Noah to build a huge boat. The interesting thing is there had never been a flood before or even rain at this point on earth. So, Noah must have been pretty confused but he obeyed God.
God gave Noah exact specifications for this boat and told Noah he would send him two of each type of animal and start the world over with Noah’s family. Wow, talk about a serious message from God.

The “story” retold in this chapter is one that a lot of people have a difficult time believing, and it is rather unbelievable so I understand. But assuming it’s true (and I believe it is) what would you do? Would you obey God and do something that has never been done before? Imagine how much criticism Noah must have received when he told people it was about to rain? They had never seen rain so they must have thought Noah was crazy. Would you be obedient to God, even when everyone else laughed? I bet there is a step God is whispering to you to take right now. Will you be obedient? Noah must have felt really uncomfortable and rather foolish for obeying God but we still talk about him today. We can’t hope to live a life worth watching without taking risks for God.

Jan 15: Genesis 5

2012-01-15T00:01:00.000-08:00

We’re reading Genesis chapter 5 today. Let’s jump right in:

This chapter is kind of weird because it’s just an account of Adam’s lineage up to Noah.
The interesting thing is how old everyone was. These people lived a super long time. Adam lived to be 930. In this chapter we read about Methuselah who is the oldest man recorded in the Bible; he lived to be 969.
We’re not entirely sure why people lived so long but we will notice that after the flood (which we will read about tomorrow) people stopped living so long. There are some theories and maybe the best is that God made human beings to live forever with him but because of sin we eventually die.

Maybe you’re wondering right now why God didn’t allow people to continue to live so long? Honestly, maybe God gave us a blessing by shortening our lifespans. Take a moment to think about it; would you really want to live over 900 years with all the pain and suffering in the world? Probably not. However, this should also be a reminder for us to do something positive with our life in the short time we’re here. God decided that the main way he would positively change people’s lives and the world is by using those who follow him. That’s why Jesus said we should be about; loving God, loving people and by that we will turn the world upside down.

Jan 14: Genesis 4

2012-01-14T00:01:00.000-08:00

We’re reading Genesis chapter 4 together today. Below you’ll find a couple things to think about:

In this chapter the first murder was recorded. Adam and Eve had two sons; Cain and Abel. Cain and Abel took offerings to God from their work and gave it to him as a way of worshipping God. However, Abel took his best and Cain gave God his left overs. So, God accepted Abel’s gift because it showed his heart was turned towards God. God rejected Cain’s gift because it showed he was more concerned about himself. God even told Cain if he had done what was right then he would gladly accept the gift.
Then Cain kills his brother Abel because he was jealous that God favored Abel’s gift. Sounds insane right? Well, it kind of is. If Cain would simply have given God his best next time then God would have accepted his gift too. Instead, Cain’s solution was to kill his brother then lie to God about it. This is why God banished him from his people.
Now you might be thinking the same thing I am: Where did all these other people come from in this chapter? Honestly, we don’t know. We can only assume this event took place a long time after the first three chapters in Genesis. And what about the “mark” placed on Cain? We have no idea what this was either. Any suggestion given would be pure speculation.

In reading about Cain and Abel’s gifts to God we learn he doesn’t want our leftovers. God wants us to think of him first; this is the first description of bringing an offering to God mentioned in the Bible and is one of the reasons we still do that in church today. Us giving at church is one more way we worship God. But notice God didn’t want to be “tipped out” by Cain. Rather God accepted Abel’s gift because it was a sacrifice. Abel could have given God the old sheep who were about to die but instead he choose to give God his best newborn sheep. God accepts our gifts to him when they’re not an afterthought because then he knows we really want to worship him.

Have you ever heard someone use the phrase; “I’m not my brother’s keeper”? This is the phrase Cain used when God asked Cain about his brother that he had killed. So, next time you hear the phrase think about this story and the principle we learned. God deserves our best and won’t settle for anything less.

Jan 8: Genesis 3

2012-01-08T00:23:00.000-08:00

Today we’re reading Genesis chapter 3 together. Here are a couple thoughts on it:

The narrative of this chapter is really the narrative of all our lives. In the first few lines we read how Adam and Eve sinned against God by eating fruit from a tree he told them not to.
A lot of people (by “a lot of people” I mean some guys) like to point out that Eve was the one who ate the fruit first and then made Adam eat it too. However, that’s just dumb. If we read the story again we see that Adam was standing right there beside Eve all along and was just too weak to stand up for his wife.
The next part of this chapter is also indicative of our lives; Adam and Eve hide from God because they disobeyed him. Aren’t we still like that today? We mess up and then we hide, thinking we can hide from God. We hide in many different ways. Some of us hide in our “disbelief” by thinking if we don’t believe in God then we can’t be accountable to him. Some of us hide in our anger or even cynicism. Sadly, some of us hide from God in our “righteousness” by all our “good” works we think we can hide our failures from God.

At the beginning of this chapter we read about the “fall” of humankind when Adam and Eve ate the fruit God forbade them to eat. The interesting thing is “why” they ate it. They ate the fruit because the serpent (Satan) told them if they did they would be “like God.” Adam and Eve ate the fruit for the same reasons we rebel against God; we want to be God. We want to be the god in our lives. We don’t want to listen to someone else. We want to call the shots. That’s basically why Adam and Eve sinned and by eating the fruit threw all of creation into a messed up spiral that God has been working towards redeeming. Where in your life are you trying to be “god”? Adam and Eve hid from God when they sinned. Where are you hiding from God today? In our reading today we read that God sought Adam and Eve out and then restored their broken relationship. That’s exactly what he wants to do with you and I as well. Wherever you’re hiding God wants to reconnect with you despite your past. Ask God to show you where you’re hiding and give you the courage to stop hiding.

Jan 7: Genesis 2

2012-01-07T00:01:00.000-08:00

Hope you’re enjoying the Verve Bible Reading Plan. Today we’re back in Genesis, reading chapter 2.

This chapter starts out with God taking a rest. Do you think God was tired? Impossible, right? So, why did God rest when he didn’t need to? He was showing us the importance of resting.
Then we read a more detailed account of God making humankind. God formed us with his own hands and breathed his breath into us. We’re created in God’s image whether we like it or not. That gives each of us extreme value and potential.
Then we read about a perfect garden God created for people to live in but there’s a catch: There’s one tree they’re told they can’t eat from. But God gave Adam and Eve the freedom to choose to disobey him. A lot of people are confused by this. The reason God did this was he didn’t want mindless robots. God loves us so much he gives us the freedom to love him in return.
Finally, we read about the first marriage. God created a man and then said it wasn’t good for him to be alone so me made a woman as well.

In this chapter we also read about how God gave is the freedom to choose him or not. God took the greatest risk of love when he gave us free will. God wants more than anything for us to have a relationship with him but he loves us too much to make us love him. At the beginning of this chapter God shows us we are made to take times of rest. Honestly, a lot of us in the “western world” think if we aren’t running around like a chicken with our head cut off then we’re not doing enough. Strange though, if you look at other nations that have been established for a lot longer than us you’d see they have built in times of rest in their cultures. Look at the English; they take their tea breaks religiously. Many people in Japan take 20 minute naps in the middle of their days. Maybe that’s why so many Americans are suffering from being on the verge of a mental breakdown. Some have been at this breaking point for years thinking it’s what it should be. We should take a clue from this chapter; God purposefully showed us we need to rest. So, what are you busying yourself with right now that you could rest from? Or maybe your priorities are out of whack. What should you be focusing on that’s more important? Your family? Or your relationship with God? Take some time today and ask God to help you get your priorities in order.

Genesis 1

2012-01-03T21:07:00.000-08:00

On January 1st we started our year with a very appropriate chapter, the first of the Bible, Genesis 1. Go ahead and read it, and then feel free to read the following thoughts:

The Bible begins with "In the beginning God..." God is the beginning, He is the end, and He fills up the middle. He is the point of it all. He is sovereign. And we learn here that He is the Creator.
If it's hard for you to believe that God is behind creation because you've always learned that the world exists due to luck, and bangs, and gases combining in just the right way, and evolution, you need to know that there is a lot of science supporting the idea that an intelligent creator is behind all that we see. If you'd like to do some reading on this, here are a few book suggestions: (1)The Case for a Creator: A Journalist Investigates Scientific Evidence That Points Toward God, by Lee Strobel, (2 The Fingerprint of God: Recent Scientific Discoveries Reveal the Unmistakable Identity of the Creator, by Hugh Ross, (3) Science and Faith: Friends or Foes?, by C. John Collins.
Also, I'd like to point out that there are Christian scholars who believe God used evolution. They believe that the "days" mentioned during the creation account in the Bible represent time periods (maybe of even millions of years each). So, if you're thinking to yourself that you can't believe the Bible because you believe in evolution then think again. You don't have to have Science or God. Science actually provides a lot of supporting evidence for God, so you can have both.
I personally believe in the days as literal 24 hour time periods.
Once God creates the earth, plants, and animals, He gets to the pinnacle of His creative genius when He creates people.
Think about this: God didn't need to create people. It's not like He was lonely. God is God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. He had always existed in community. He didn't need to create people, He created us because He wanted to. He created us in love, and for love. The purpose of your life is to have a relationship with your creator.
And think about this: God only created people in His image. You were made in the image of God! That means there is something amazing about you. You may have marred the image of God in your through bad decisions you've made through the years, but you still bear the image of God. And you can have the image of God restored in your life, through God working in you.

This first chapter sets up the rest of the story of the Bible, and all of human history. We learn that there is a God, and we are not Him. There is someone who is the point of it all, and we are not it. God is the sovereign Creator, and He deserves our focused worship. And yet despite the fact that God is huge and self-sustaining, He wanted us here and cares for us, and He invites us into relationship. That is the point of our existence.

So question: How could your 2012 be changed by this knowledge? How could you best live out your 2012 in accordance with who God is and who you are, and with your true purpose?

New Year's Reading Plan

2012-01-03T20:45:00.001-08:00

Last year as I wrote the Verve Bible Reading Plan daily posts for Verve. If you followed with me we read through the entire New Testament of the Bible as well as Psalms and Proverbs!

This year Verve is doing the reading pan again but another Verver is writing the posts during the week. I'll still be writing the weekend posts which will go through the Old Testament books of Genesis, Job and Ecclesiastes. I'll only be posting the posts I write on the weekends on my blog this year. If you want to go through the daily reading with Verve (and I suggest you do) then visit www.vervecatalysts.org

31 December - Psalm 149 and 150

2011-12-31T00:01:00.000-08:00

Today is the last day in the year 2011, so you know what that means? It’s the final day in the 2011 Verve Bible Reading Plan. If you’ve started with us from the beginning then you’ve read through the entire New Testament, Psalms and Proverbs. That’s awesome! The staff at Verve is very proud of you for taking personal responsibility for your relationship with Jesus. Many people think they only connect with God when they come to church but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. The Bible teaches us that we should learn to “feed” ourselves, meaning we have to grow our own relationship with Jesus and not just rely on other people to do it for us. And by reading the Bible every day this year you’re well on your way of doing that. And for that we couldn’t be more proud of you. But enough of that, let’s see what our last day together this year holds for us. We’re reading Psalms 149 and 150.

Psalm 149 was a song of praise to God from the people of the nation Israel. It talks about dancing and making music to God. You can almost see them jumping on their beds singing about God like little kids do when they get excited for Christmas morning. Jesus once said if we want to really connect with God we have to come to him like a child. So perhaps this picture of excitedly jumping on our beds praising God is a lot closer to what God wants from us than we would expect.
The writer of Psalm 150 ends the book of Proverbs with reminding us to always praise God. It says let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Elsewhere in the Bible we’re told if humans refuse to praise God then the rocks will sing to him. Because God is so worthy of praise his creation (obviously including rocks) can’t help but praise him.

These two final chapters are the perfect ending to the book of Psalms and really to the end of our first year of the Verve Bible Reading Plan. We’re reminded of what humankind was created for; to have relationship with God. We can very quickly lose focus of our purpose in life and some people still don’t know what their purpose is. We’re created by a loving God to be in a love relationship with him. Sounds weird and maybe a little mushy but it’s true. God isn’t about rules or religion. He’s about relationship. One big part of our side of that relationship is praising God. Not because he’s some egotistical jerk but because he deserves it more than anyone else. Take some time today and praise God. You don’t have to sing or make music but you can if you want; and if you want to go really crazy then jump up and down on your bed and praise him. How cool would it be if today people all over Las Vegas and the world are jumping on their bed and telling God how much they love him?!? Go crazy! And remember . . .

Love God, Love People and Turn the World Upside Down!

30 December - Revelation 22

2011-12-30T00:01:00.000-08:00

Today we’re concluding the book of Revelation with the final chapter, 22. Below you’ll find a few thoughts on it:

In this chapter we read about a river of life coming from the throne of God. “Life” is exactly what God offers all of us. God isn’t interested in mindless rule following. He wants to give us life. When he was on the earth Jesus even said he came to give us life to the full.
Then John makes a statement; “no longer will there be any curse.” He’s talking about the “curse” of sin. When we are living with God in his perfect heaven then the curse of sin that we’ve all struggled with in this life will be over. Imagine that, we’ll live in perfect peace.
We’re also told that Jesus is returning and so we should be diligent in following him so that we can be ready.
At the end of this chapter the Spirit of God invites everyone who is “thirsty” for God to come to him. He says God wants us to take the free gift of the living water God offers us.

The book of Revelation is probably the most confusing book in the Bible but it has some great stuff in it too. In this last chapter we’re reminded of how God wants to give real life to all of us. Often we settle for a life that is fake; like it’s made up of smoke and mirrors illusion. And we all know it. We know when we’re settling for an imitation. God offers us real life. Have you accepted God’s free gift of life through following Jesus? And if you have then are you living out this life to the full? Ask God to show you where you’re settling for imitation and where you can start living a full life.

29 December - Revelation 21

2011-12-29T00:01:00.000-08:00

Today we’re reading Revelation 21 together. This chapter has some awesome stuff for us. Let’s take a look:

This chapter talks about what God’s plan has been all along; for us to live with him in a perfect place. God does away with the old earth and heaven and creates a brand new one. Then he invites those who follow Jesus to live there with him.
In this place there is no more pain or tears for God wipes all of them away. There’s not a sun because God is light and we’ll all live surrounded by his light. There’s no building for worship because we’ll be in the presence of God all the time.
The actual city is made with all the precious metals and stones people have sought for in this world.

We’ve read a lot of stuff that we don’t really understand in the book of Revelation but you have to admit this is a pretty exciting chapter. Just the thought of living in a perfect world with God is too much for us to fully understand. Take some time and think through it and thank God for this future reality.

28 December - Revelation 20

2011-12-28T00:01:00.000-08:00

We’re reading Revelation chapter 20 today. This chapter has some tough stuff in it but here are some thoughts:

The start of this chapter tells about Satan being “bound” for 1,000 years while Jesus reigns on earth. We’re not sure why Satan is confined and then let out again later. The best guess is that it’s another example of God allowing opportunity for us to exercise our freewill. God created human beings with the freedom to choose him or not. So the very act of making a choice may in fact be the most spiritual thing we do. Perhaps this binding and releasing Satan again is another example of this because after Satan is released he lures more people away from following Jesus and starts anther war against God. This revolt is ended quickly and then Satan is thrown into eternal torment forever.
Then we read about how we will stand before God and be judged according to what we’ve done. The people who aren’t “found” in the “book of life” are eternally separated from God in the same place Satan was thrown.

This judgment stuff sounds rather harsh but we have to look at the facts. First, God is holy and so we can’t have any blemishes and be in his presence. Of course we all have made mistakes and that’s why we can only enter into God’s presence by following Jesus and trusting him to pay for our mistakes. However, some people chose not to follow Jesus (that whole freewill thing in effect) and since they made that decision God honors their choice to not be with him. However, that choice is one that has eternal ramifications. The people who choose to follow Jesus in this life spend eternity with him and the people who choose not to follow Jesus spend eternity separated from God. At first it seems unjust but when we look at the facts then we see God is honoring our own choices. Let’s be very clear though; the Bible frequently says that it’s God’s desire that everyone be in a relationship with him and spend eternity with him but God will honor our choice to not be in a relationship with him even if it breaks his heart. The application for us today is a simply question: What decision have you made? Have you decided to follow God or to reject him? If you’re following him do your actions reflect your decision?

27 December - Revelation 19

2011-12-27T00:01:00.000-08:00

We’re reading Revelation 19 today in the Verve Bible Reading Plan. This chapter has some intense images, here are a few thoughts:

The first image is everyone in heaven praising God for his judgment on evil (recorded in the previous chapter). They aren’t praising God because the enjoy seeing people suffer. They’re praising God because his judgment is the start of the end for all evil in the world. Which means that God is about to completely restore all creation to it’s perfect state that he had in mind from the beginning.
The second image talks about a wedding feast. Often the Bible describes the relationship between Jesus and the church (which is everyone on earth who follows Jesus) as a marriage. The Bible says that when all followers of Jesus are reunited with him then there will be a great “wedding supper” to celebrate.
The third image involves a rider on a white horse. This rider is Jesus when he comes back to earth to defeat Satan and the armies of the world who are assembled to fight against God.
Did you notice how Jesus was described? His eyes are on fire, his robe dipped in blood, a sword coming out of his mouth and what appears to be a tattoo of his name on his thigh. Not really how most people picture Jesus is it?

Does this chapter stir any response in you as you read it? Are you drawn in to God as you read about this marriage supper we will sit down to with him one day? Hopefully, this makes us desire to serve him more diligently everyday. Does the description of Jesus inspire awe or kind of scare you? This is a great reminder that we don’t serve some tamed “god” that we can control. Our God is a wild and powerful God that answers only to himself. Often in the Bible God acts in a way that we wouldn’t expect but that’s ok. We can’t fully understand God and we shouldn’t be able to. He’s God and we’re not. But God alone is worthy of our praise. Take a moment today and thank God for the future marriage feast we’ll enjoy with him. And thank him for his power and authority described at the end of this chapter. Today we still struggle with evil in the world but one day God will put an end to evil, thank him for that too.

26 December - Revelation 18

2011-12-26T00:01:00.000-08:00

Today we’re back in the book of Revelation, chapter 18. Below you’ll find a couple thoughts on this passage:

This chapter tells of the destruction of the “Great City of Babylon.” Remember we’re not sure if this is a city from history or one in the future. It’s possible that John is using the ancient city of Babylon as a symbol of humankind’s rebellion against God at the end of time.
Whichever the case, it’s clear why God destroyed the city. This city (whether past or present) is responsible for leading the whole world away from God and for killing God’s people. This chapter tells of how people became rich from the prosperity of the city but it was a wicked city. And because of this evil God was forced to destroy it.

It’s easy for us to become focused on the pleasures of this world and lose focus on God. This is exactly what the people of the city in this chapter did. They were more concerned with profiting from the activities in this city, even if they were evil, then they were with pleasing God. Surely, we’re not at that level today but we can still learn from it. Has some aspiration in this life pulled your focus away from God? Maybe success, a relationship, your kids or money? These things aren’t necessarily bad but putting them before God is wrong. Maybe for you it’s not any of these but perhaps some sort of vice has enslaved you; porn, alcohol, sexual conquest or drugs? If we’re turning to these things rather than God to help us cope with life then we’re turning to the wrong things. God wants to help you live a better life than you ever dreamed of. But God won’t settle for second place in your life. Ask God to show you what your putting in front of him. Whatever it is, ask God to help you get your priorities in order with him at the top.

25 December - Luke 1 and 2

2011-12-25T00:01:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas! We’re reading Luke chapters 1 and 2 today. Let’s take a look at the birth of Jesus.

It’s cool to read the account of the birth of Jesus again during this time of the year. Look for something new that you didn’t catch last time we read this together.
We read that at the start of Jesus coming to earth it was unique. God chose to come down in human form and be born of a virgin. Which is odd because that’s not possible right? Well, that’s the point, with God nothing is impossible.
This may leave you with this question: “So, why did God come to earth?” Why take on the form of a human anyway? We answered this question during the Christmas Eve service. Jesus came to earth and lived like us to show us his love. Through Jesus there was a new way made to have a close relationship with God.

God is love and we are made for love and for a relationship with God. This is why Jesus was born. God wanted to get as close to us as possible to show us his love for us. Take some time today to think about that. God left heaven and lived like us because he wanted to show us how to be loved by him and love him in return. God got in our “tank” to show us love. Take a moment to thank him for this. Love is what Christmas is all about because God is love.

24 December - Psalms 147 and 148

2011-12-24T00:01:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas Eve! Today we’re reading Psalms 147 and 148. Here are some thoughts:

In Psalm 147 the writer is praising God for his greatness. God is so great that he even named the stars as he made them. Think about that. How crazy is that? And how many names? . ? . The writer also let’s us in on a “secret” about what God values. God doesn’t take pleasure in our strengths, instead he values people who put their hope in his love. How cool is that?
Psalm 148 is a great psalm that encourages us all to praise God. It encourages people and nature alike to sing of God’s praises.

Both of these Psalms encourage us to praise God. When was the last time you took time just to praise God? Take a moment today and thank and praise God for everything he does.

23 December - Revelation 17

2011-12-23T00:01:00.000-08:00

Today we’re reading Revelation, chapter 17. Here is a quick thought on it:

This chapter is very confusing because there is a lot of symbolism and we can’t be sure if it’s talking entirely about the past or the future.
The image of this scene is very disturbing. The main thought about the woman is that she represents a city that John knew.
The “woman” was considered an abomination because she “prostituted” herself to other gods and was influential in killing people who followed Jesus.
Again, we think this is talking about a past city but perhaps with implications of a great future city as well.

The main thing we can take away from today is to not give ourselves away to things other than God. There are many things we can allow ourselves to worship other than a different God; like success, money, sex, relationships, etc. Is there something in your life right now that you’re putting before God? If so, ask God to help you get your priorities in order.

22 December - Revelation 16

2011-12-22T00:01:00.000-08:00

We’re reading Revelation 16 today. Let’s take a look at what we can apply to our lives in this passage.

In this chapter the culmination of God’s wrath is described. It’s not God’s wrath against all human beings. It’s his judgment against sin and judgment on people who reject him. Notice that after the “bowls” are poured out, John informs us that the people still did not repent from rejecting God. They harden their hearts to having a relationship with God. Clearly God is releasing these judgments to get people to realize they’re wrong and turn back to him. The reason God is doing this is because he knows soon time will run out and they won’t be able to make a decision. Even in God’s judgment he’s being merciful.
Did you also notice that the judgments that inflict pain in individuals only affected people who worship the idol of the beast? God protects those who follow him.
Lastly, we read about the kings of the world amassing an army to fight against God. We’ll read more about this in the chapters to come. It sounds absurd that humans would think we could fight against God but it shows the depth of their arrogance. And if we’re honest we do this is smalls ways ourselves.

The main thing we can apply to our lives today is to stay close to God. It’s kind of the same thing we’ve been talking about. The whole book of Revelation should drive us to a closer relationship with God. It should make us want so much to not be like the people who reject God that we desire him that much more. Has reading Revelation deepened your commitment to God? We should also note that God looks after those who follow him. Often we can become so focused on what we’re dealing with that we think God isn’t helping but he’s always there for you. What are you dealing with right now? Trust God is involved for your benefit even if you can’t see it. What are you fighting God about in your life right now? Ask God to help you trust him more and release that area to him.

21 December - Revelation 15

2011-12-21T00:01:00.000-08:00

We’re reading Revelation 15 today in the Verve Bible Reading Plan. Let’s see what we have today.

In this passage John refers to “the song of Moses.” The song of Moses was recorded in Exodus 15:2 and in the song they sang of God’s strength and his salvation. The people who were singing this were the people who followed God during the “tribulation” years. These people weren’t able to buy food, many were imprisoned or killed because they refused to worship the false god. Now they’re in the presence of God and singing to him. Of course they would sing of God’s strength and salvation.
Then John starts telling us about the seven final judgments from God on the evil in the world. God wants to restore all of creation to the perfect state he planned for it to be and to do this he must release his wrath and start new.

The one thing we should remember is how the people who endured the persecution for following God were rewarded in heaven. We would do well to remember that for several reasons. First, we will probably never face that level of suffering for following Jesus and so we should be thankful for the peace we enjoy. Second, in light of our blessing of being able to follow Jesus freely we should be more devoted to Jesus not less. Many Christians take their faith for granted. Are you thankful for your faith? Take time to thank God for the privilege of following him.

20 December - Revelation 14

2011-12-20T00:01:00.000-08:00

We’re reading Revelation 14 today. Here are a coupe quick thoughts:

This chapter, like most in Revelation, is full of strange imagery that we don’t fully understand. We do know for sure who the “144,000” people are praising. It’s Jesus. We know that because often in the Bible he is referred to as “the Lamb.”
The end of this chapter has images that could mean different things but one thing is for sure, those who reject God will incur his wrath. God is very patient and wants every person to experience his grace. However, because he is holy and cannot be around sin he must eventually judge those who have chosen not to follow him.

One thing we can apply to our lives is how the 144,000 were prized by God because they kept themselves pure and devoted to him. He even gave them a secret song that they could sing to him and no one else knew it. How cool is that? How do you think God feels about your level of commitment to him right now? If you were to get a report card from God what letter grade would you get? That’s a tough question to answer because we want to grade ourselves higher but take a moment and think about it and be honest.

19 December - Revelation 13

2011-12-19T00:01:00.000-08:00

Today we’re back in the book of Revelation, chapter 13.

This chapter reads like a crazy sci-fi movie. We don’t really know what this beast is or if it’s even an animal or a symbol of a person who will live. It’s obvious that whatever the “beast” is that it hates God and the people who follow God. He sets out on a mission to destroy God’s people.
Then we read about another “beast” who makes an image of the first one and somehow has power to make the idol come alive. Again, a great scary scene for a sci-fi movie. Then everyone on earth is ordered to worship this idol and they even mark themselves to show their allegiance to it.
This chapter is rather difficult to understand or even apply really. One thing we can see in this vision of the future is that the people who follow God are able to discern that the beast and idol aren’t from God. Everyone who didn’t follow God just worshipped the beast. The Bible talks often about how God guides his people and gives them understanding to know if something is true or false. So by following God these people knew not to follow the lies everyone else followed.

Revelation is a crazy book and it would have been nice for it not to have been written with so much symbolism. But for whatever reason God chose to give us the picture of what the end will look like with confusing pictures. But we can still get application for our lives out of it. This chapter we were reminded about how God wants to guide us in our decisions. Are you having a difficult time knowing if something is true or false? If so then ask God to help you see the lies and know what’s true. We should never be afraid to find out the truth. God is all about truth. So he wants to help us know the truth too.

18 December - Psalms 145 and 146

2011-12-18T00:01:00.000-08:00

We’re reading Psalms 145 and 146 today in the Verve Bible Reading Plan. Below you’ll find something to think about concerning each psalm.

David wrote Psalm 145. In this psalm David sounds like a love sick teenager as he goes on and on about how amazing God is. First, David writes directly to God and lavishes compliment after compliment; even saying generations to come will think about how great he is. Then he writes to the reader and tells them again about how great God is.
In Psalm 146 the unknown author praises God and tells their audience not to put their trust in people who cannot save them.

In Psalm 145 you can hear the deep love David had for God. The degree which David praised God is almost uncomfortable but it’s how deep our love for God should be as well. People often get all “mushy” with the person their in a relationship with but then keep God at a comfortable distance. We should flip that around and love God all “mushy” like that too. If you were to write how much you really love God would it sound like David’s writings or would it seem more distant and cold? If we’re honest, we like to keep God at a distance because then our lives are not impacted by him. God’s love will impact your life. God’s love will change you. How has your life been transformed as a result of experiencing God’s love? Thank him for that today.

17 December - Proverbs 30

2011-12-17T00:01:00.000-08:00

Today we’re reading the Proverbs again, chapter 30. Below are a few thoughts from it:

This chapter in Proverbs are quotes from a person named Agur. Not much is known of him but he had some wise sayings.
He starts out by saying that he’s not a wise person and no one can fully know or understand God. This is the beginning of being wise; knowing the source of wisdom is God.
Then Agur had two things he asked from God; to keep him from lying and to only give him enough money for his needs. He didn’t want to be rich because then he feared he might forget his need of God. He also didn’t want to be poor so he would be tempted to steal from others. This perspective of money showed great humility and wisdom.
Agur also has these series of sayings that are interesting and show the depth of his self discovery. Agur was a person who looked for wisdom and understanding in how everything worked and was connected.

The main thing to remember from today isn’t Agur’s clever wisdom comparisons. Instead, we would do well to remember that the only source for true wisdom is God. We can search for knowledge and wisdom everywhere else but we’ll never be satisfied until we turn to the originator and keeper of all wisdom. Do you have a serious decision to make soon? Ask God to help you strive for his wisdom in your decisions.