Cleansed and Ready - Himalayan Heights – August 1 Readings: Isaiah 6:6-8 – Send Me

Isaiah 6: A Vision of God

All Scripture is God-breathed and useful, but there are some Scriptures that we can consider the Himalayan mountaintops of the Bible. In the next few months, we will be looking at a series of great texts that inspire and move us - the "Himalayan Heights" of God's Word.

Today's Reading:  Isaiah 6:6-8

Isaiah had a magnificent vision of God in which God called him to a task. Over the next 4 days, we will examine his vision, his call, and some surprising aspects of what God did in Isaish and through him.

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a high and lofty throne, and the hem of his robe filled the temple. 2 Seraphim[a] were standing above him; they each had six wings: with two they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. 3 And one called to another:

Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Armies;
his glory fills the whole earth.

4 The foundations of the doorways shook at the sound of their voices, and the temple was filled with smoke.

5 Then I said:

Woe is me for I am ruined
because I am a man of unclean lips
and live among a people of unclean lips,
and because my eyes have seen the King,
the Lord of Armies.

6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me, and in his hand was a glowing coal that he had taken from the altar with tongs. 7 He touched my mouth with it and said:

Now that this has touched your lips,

your iniquity is removed
and your sin is atoned for.

8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord asking:

Who will I send?
Who will go for us?

I said:

Here I am. Send me.

9 And he replied:

Go! Say to these people:
Keep listening, but do not understand;
keep looking, but do not perceive.
10 Make the minds[c] of these people dull;
deafen their ears and blind their eyes;
otherwise they might see with their eyes
and hear with their ears,
understand with their minds,
turn back, and be healed.

11 Then I said, “Until when, Lord?” And he replied:

Until cities lie in ruins without inhabitants,
houses are without people,
the land is ruined and desolate,
12 and the Lord drives the people far away,
leaving great emptiness in the land.
13 Though a tenth will remain in the land,
it will be burned again.
Like the terebinth or the oak
that leaves a stump when felled,
the holy seed is the stump.

Through the Bible Readings: Job 13-14, Acts 24, Psalm 89:28–34, Proverbs19:7–9 

If you wish to read through the Bible in a year, follow these readings. 

Devotional:  Cleansed and Ready

Close your eyes for a brief visualization experiment. Imagine that you've got the barbecue going strong. You take a pair of tongs, reach down and pick up a hot coal from the grill. You take it and touch your lips with the coal. In my visualization, that hurts. A lot.  I don't like chapped lips. A hot coal? No thanks. 

Yet that is exactly the picture that God used to describe Isaiah's cleansing process. The angel touched his lips with a coal from the altar to cleanse him. The process of repentance and confession is a painful thing.  It is humbling and difficult. However, it is the key to being usable by God. Until we come to a point of sorrow for our sins, and turn to God in repentance, we will not be ready to be used by God in His mighty power. 

When God calls us, when he cleanses us, it is because he intends to use us. Isaiah saw God and was horrified at his own sin. He called out to God and God cleansed him. All of this led to verse 8 where God sought a volunteer and the prophet said, "Send me."

We are speaking of more than just activity and churchwork. We often judge people and their devotion to Christ by how much work they do in the church. We win people to Christ, then tell them to get busy for God.  Do something.  Activity is spirituality. 

No. But when we are full of God we will be active in the service of the Savior.  Henry Blackaby said that God always gives "God-sized" assignments.  When Moses encountered God at the burning bush, he soon found himself on the road to Egypt.  David came to know God on the hillside, then was suddenly anointed king of Israel.  Saul got saved; Paul got called.   God doesn't save us to spiritual idleness.

God called Isaiah,  then he cleansed Isaiah, and finally he assigned him a task. God's work IN us is preparation for God's work THROUGH  us. 

Think and Pray:

As painful as it is,  are you repenting and seeking God's cleansing power?

Are you serving kingdom purposes? Is your life counting for Christ?

Facing Sin - Himalayan Heights – July 31 Readings: Isaiah 6:4-5 – Woe Is Me

Isaiah 6: A Vision of God

All Scripture is God-breathed and useful, but there are some Scriptures that we can consider the Himalayan mountaintops of the Bible. In the next few months, we will be looking at a series of great texts that inspire and move us - the "Himalayan Heights" of God's Word.

Today's Reading:  Isaiah 6:4-5

Isaiah had a magnificent vision of God in which God called him to a task. Over the next 4 days, we will examine his vision, his call, and some surprising aspects of what God did in Isaish and through him.

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a high and lofty throne, and the hem of his robe filled the temple. 2 Seraphim[a] were standing above him; they each had six wings: with two they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. 3 And one called to another:

Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Armies;
his glory fills the whole earth.

4 The foundations of the doorways shook at the sound of their voices, and the temple was filled with smoke.

5 Then I said:

Woe is me for I am ruined
because I am a man of unclean lips
and live among a people of unclean lips,
and because my eyes have seen the King,
the Lord of Armies.

6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me, and in his hand was a glowing coal that he had taken from the altar with tongs. 7 He touched my mouth with it and said:

Now that this has touched your lips,

your iniquity is removed
and your sin is atoned for.

8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord asking:

Who will I send?
Who will go for us?

I said:

Here I am. Send me.

9 And he replied:

Go! Say to these people:
Keep listening, but do not understand;
keep looking, but do not perceive.
10 Make the minds[c] of these people dull;
deafen their ears and blind their eyes;
otherwise they might see with their eyes
and hear with their ears,
understand with their minds,
turn back, and be healed.

11 Then I said, “Until when, Lord?” And he replied:

Until cities lie in ruins without inhabitants,
houses are without people,
the land is ruined and desolate,
12 and the Lord drives the people far away,
leaving great emptiness in the land.
13 Though a tenth will remain in the land,
it will be burned again.
Like the terebinth or the oak
that leaves a stump when felled,
the holy seed is the stump.

Through the Bible Readings: Job 11-12, Acts 23:12–35, Psalm 89:21–27, Proverbs 19:5–6

 

If you wish to read through the Bible in a year, follow these readings. 

Devotional:  Facing Sin  

I spent part of my junior year of high school working at a fancy steak restaurant in Orlando. The food was fantastic and so was the ambiance - low lights gave the feel of dining by candlelight. Unfortunately, ambiance alone wasn't the reason for keeping the lights low. The place was not always sparkling clean and the low lights kept the focus on the food instead of the filth.

What is the first thing that happens when we gain a vision of God, when we see God as he really is? As the light of God's glory shines on our lives, we begin to see the filth that is present. 

When I was a kid, we didn't have Nike or all the expensive footwear that kids have today. We have white canvas sneakers. You'd get a new pair of white shoes and wear them proudly for a few months. Then, one day, a shoelace would break and mom would buy a couple of new ones. That is when you realized the problem. Compared to the bright whiteness of new shoelaces, you suddenly realize how dingy and dirty your white canvas sneakers have become.

Isaiah's vision of God was the bright new shoelace that suddenly showed him how dirty and dingy his own soul had become. We can look at the world around us and think, "I'm not so bad compared to those guys," But God doesn't grade on a curve. Our standard is his perfect righteousness, the life of Christ, and we all fall short. When we see God as he is, when we gain this "true vision of God" we suddenly see ourselves as we are. The glory of God shines on the dark and secret places of our heart.

"Woe is me," cried Isaiah. This is a painful process. We would rather justify our sin or rationalize it than admit it for what it is. When we come into the glorious presence of God, we have only one option - to deal with the reality of our own unholiness and admit before God, "Woe is me."

Our flesh fights against the idea of repentance and it fights hard, but it is when we admit our sin and repent of it that we are cleansed and become useful to God.

Father, help me to see my sin as you see it and be done with rationalization and self-justification. 

Think and Pray:

How do you handle your sin - do you keep the lights low so you can't see it and can rationalize, deny, and justify it?
Or, do you deal with it in repentance and find God's power. 

Seeing God - Himalayan Heights – July 30 Readings: Isaiah 6:1-3 – Holy, Holy, Holy

Isaiah 6: A Vision of God

All Scripture is God-breathed and useful, but there are some Scriptures that we can consider the Himalayan mountaintops of the Bible. In the next few months, we will be looking at a series of great texts that inspire and move us - the "Himalayan Heights" of God's Word.

Today's Reading:  Isaiah 6:1-3

Isaiah had a magnificent vision of God in which God called him to a task. Over the next 4 days, we will examine his vision, his call, and some surprising aspects of what God did in Isaish and through him.

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a high and lofty throne, and the hem of his robe filled the temple. 2 Seraphim[a] were standing above him; they each had six wings: with two they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. 3 And one called to another:

Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Armies;
his glory fills the whole earth.

4 The foundations of the doorways shook at the sound of their voices, and the temple was filled with smoke.

5 Then I said:

Woe is me for I am ruined
because I am a man of unclean lips
and live among a people of unclean lips,
and because my eyes have seen the King,
the Lord of Armies.

6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me, and in his hand was a glowing coal that he had taken from the altar with tongs. 7 He touched my mouth with it and said:

Now that this has touched your lips,

your iniquity is removed
and your sin is atoned for.

8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord asking:

Who will I send?
Who will go for us?

I said:

Here I am. Send me.

9 And he replied:

Go! Say to these people:
Keep listening, but do not understand;
keep looking, but do not perceive.
10 Make the minds[c] of these people dull;
deafen their ears and blind their eyes;
otherwise they might see with their eyes
and hear with their ears,
understand with their minds,
turn back, and be healed.

11 Then I said, “Until when, Lord?” And he replied:

Until cities lie in ruins without inhabitants,
houses are without people,
the land is ruined and desolate,
12 and the Lord drives the people far away,
leaving great emptiness in the land.
13 Though a tenth will remain in the land,
it will be burned again.
Like the terebinth or the oak
that leaves a stump when felled,
the holy seed is the stump.

Through the Bible Readings: Job 9-10, Acts 22:22–23:11, Psalm 89:14–20, Proverbs19:3–4

 

If you wish to read through the Bible in a year, follow these readings. 

Devotional:  Seeing God

Isaiah saw the Lord, "high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple."  He saw the seraphim, "burning ones" swirling around the throne and crying out "Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty.  The whole earth is full of His glory."  He felt the doorposts and thresholds shake and saw the temple fill with smoke from the glory of God. Isaiah had a vision of the real God, in all His holiness, majesty, and splendor.  He saw a God so holy that the angels had to say it three times.  "Holy, Holy, Holy."

The purpose of this vision was specific. God had a job for Isaiah to do and he was revealing himself to prepare Isaiah to be ready for the job. As we examine this great passage over the next 4 days, we will see 4 steps in the call of God.

A Vision of God

Isaiah, Ezekiel, Paul - they had visions of God that were literal, visions that changed them to the depths of their souls. While God can do as he pleases, that does not seem to be his normal course of business these days. The kinds of visions reported in the Bible do not seem to happen much at all today. That does not mean that we cannot have a vision of God.

As we study God's word, as we meditate on him, his character, his ways, on his goodness to us, we can gain a new sense of who God is and how he works in our lives. That changes everything. Why are people today so lackadaisical about serving God, so carnal in their lives? It is because they have such a low view of God that they care little about the things of God.

There are three key things to note about what Isaiah saw in his vision of heaven's throne.

1. Heaven's throne is occupied.

God was seated on the throne. He is not fighting to gain his place or running for office. He is seated. His is in control.

2. Heaven's throne is glorious.

God's throne is high and exalted and angelic creatures swirl around it shouting "Holy, holy, holy." God is awesome and glorious.

3. Heaven's throne is powerful.

When we do things God's way, he works in us and through us in powerful ways. When we exalt him and glorify him, it changes us and we become useful in his kingdom's work.

Father, grant me a vision of your glory, that I may be changed, that I may be useful.

Think and Pray:

Do you have a powerful vision of God, or is he weak and faraway in your mind? 

Shining Jesus - Himalayan Heights – July 29 Readings: Matthew 5:14-16 – Light of the World

Matthew 5:1-12  The Beatitudes

All Scripture is God-breathed and useful, but there are some Scriptures that we can consider the Himalayan mountaintops of the Bible. In the next few months, we will be looking at a series of great texts that inspire and move us - the "Himalayan Heights" of God's Word.

Today's Reading:  Matthew 5:14-16

Jesus' most famous sermon took place on a mountain near the Sea of Galilee. There is enough meat packed into the three brief chapters of Matthew 5-7 to sustain years of Bible Study. After the Beatitudes, Jesus described the purpose of his disciples' work in this world, a work we now know of as the church. They were to be salt and light. We will take two days to reflect on these concepts individually.

13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty? It’s no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.

14 “You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

Through the Bible Readings: Job 7-8, Acts 21:37–22:21, Psalm 89:7–13, Proverbs19:1-2

 

If you wish to read through the Bible in a year, follow these readings. 

Devotional:  Shining Jesus    

Jesus told his disciples, "You are the light of the world." We are all familiar with the verse, paired with the identification of the disciples as the salt of the earth. As Jesus' disciples were to hinder the decay caused by sin in this world, they were also to confront the darkness of sin with the light from above.

There is a slightly confusing aspect to this. In John 8:12, Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” He claimed that HE was the light of the world in John 8, but he also, in Matthew 5, says that the disciples are the light of the world. Which is it?

Of course, you know the solution. John 9:5 spells it out. "As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” When Jesus walked on earth, he was God's light, shining truth and illuminating the way of God. He alone was the shining brilliance of God's glory in the world of sin and darkness. He was God's sun, shining brightly, but then he left the world and returned to heaven.

When he ascended, the brilliance of God's glorious sun was gone, but the light was not gone. The light of Jesus Christ still shines, in his disciples. He is the sun, but we are God's moons, reflecting the brilliance of Christ in a dark world.

There are two truths here we must remember. First, the statement, in the Greek, is emphatic. YOU are the light of the world. Now that Jesus is gone, the light of Christ is going to shine through us if it is going to shine at all. There is no Temple today where the Glory dwells - he dwells in you! If this lost, sin-sick world is going to see Jesus, it will see him in us.

Because of this, it is unthinkable that we would hide the light of Christ or let sin, unholiness, or the love of the things of this world hide the light of Christ. We are God's plan A and he does not have a plan B. We are to let our lights shine so that people would see our good works and glorify the Father in heaven.

The problem is this world is not the sin and darkness that we complain about. The problem is that the salt isn't salty and the light is hidden. Sin is doing its job, it is the church of Jesus Christ and the redeemed of the Lord who are letting down!

Father, may I shine brightly with the love of Christ. May nothing hinder the light of the glory of Christ in me from shining brightly through me!

Think and Pray:

Is the light of Jesus Christ shining brightly through you?
What in your life might be hiding the light of Christ? 

Hindering Sin - Himalayan Heights – July 28 Readings: Matthew 5:13 – Salt of the Earth

Matthew 5:1-12  The Beatitudes

All Scripture is God-breathed and useful, but there are some Scriptures that we can consider the Himalayan mountaintops of the Bible. In the next few months, we will be looking at a series of great texts that inspire and move us - the "Himalayan Heights" of God's Word.

Today's Reading:  Matthew 5:13

Jesus' most famous sermon took place on a mountain near the Sea of Galilee. There is enough meat packed into the three brief chapters of Matthew 5-7 to sustain years of Bible Study. After the Beatitudes, Jesus described the purpose of his disciples' work in this world, a work we now know of as the church. They were to be salt and light. We will take two days to reflect on these concepts individually.

13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty? It’s no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.

14 “You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

Through the Bible Readings: Job 5-6, Acts 21:17–36, Psalm 89:1–6, Proverbs18:21–24

 

If you wish to read through the Bible in a year, follow these readings. 

Devotional:  Hindering Sin   

I was once a leader of a gang, back in my shameful past. Actually, it was a group of young preacher boys who held strong on the truth of God's word in a liberal Baptist college. One accusation made against us, at times, was that we were, "so heavenly minded you are of no earthly good."  Believing the Bible and honoring it as God's Holy sword made us useless here n earth, evidently.

There is a more common problem among Christians today. Many are "so earthly minded they are of no heavenly good." We are so wrapped up in the world and the things of the world that we have little time or interest in what God is doing. In the Sermon on the Mount, after he finished the Beatitudes, Jesus turned his focus to our purpose in this world. We are to be salt and light. Of course, this is pointed corporately to the church, but we will examine what it means individually for each of us. The church is only what the church is meant to be when we are what we are meant to be.

Jesus tells us that we are the salt of the earth. There are so many possible meanings of that phrase. Salt adds flavor and preserves food from decay. It cleanses and purifies and as we Iowans know, it melts what is frozen. It provides buoyancy to water. On the negative side, it could destroy fields, a common tactic in ancient warfare, and it was commonly used in sacrifices. Salt was even used in some cultures as a form of payment, as a type of money. With all of these possible uses, what was Jesus speaking of when he said that we are the "salt of the earth."

It is likely that Jesus referred to the primary role of salt in the ancient world, preservation from decay. We live in a world of death and decay, when things go bad. Salt preserves food and keeps the natural process of putrefaction from progressing.

Have you ever had a Virginia ham? They are salt-cured - you have to soak them in water to leech the salt out of them before they are edible. I do not know how long a Virginia ham would last before it went bad, but I am guessing that my great-grandchildren might be old. Salt prevents decay.

That is our job in this world. As the people of God, we are to hinder the spread of evil, of sin, of putrefying wickedness. This is often seen as a call to social action, and that is a component of being salt in this world, but only one component. The church is God's agent hindering sin's decay in the world. We must be spread out in this world and by living out the righteousness of Christ we can hinder the wickedness of sin

Father, help me to walk in obedience and righteousness, that I might be salt in this evil world. The decay of sin is all around. Help me to be your agent in hindering that decay. 

Think and Pray:

What influence are you having on this world, on others in it?
Are you "going along" with the world, or are you influencing the world for Christ? 

For Righteousness' Sake - Himalayan Heights – July 27 Readings: Matthew 5:10-12 Persecuted

Matthew 5:1-12  The Beatitudes

All Scripture is God-breathed and useful, but there are some Scriptures that we can consider the Himalayan mountaintops of the Bible. In the next few months, we will be looking at a series of great texts that inspire and move us - the "Himalayan Heights" of God's Word.

Today's Reading:  Matthew 5:10-12

Jesus' most famous sermon took place on a mountain near the Sea of Galilee. There is enough meat packed into the three brief chapters of Matthew 5-7 to sustain years of Bible Study. The passage begins with the Beatitudes, expressions of blessing. The principles here run counter to everything people instinctively believe in this world. We want to be rich but Jesus invoked blessings on the poor in Spirit - and on and on it goes.

Again, this week, read the entire passage daily, then give special focus to the highlighted passage.

When he saw the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 Then he began to teach them, saying:

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,

for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.

4 Blessed are those who mourn,

for they will be comforted.

5 Blessed are the humble,

for they will inherit the earth.

6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

for they will be filled.

7 Blessed are the merciful,

for they will be shown mercy.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart,

for they will see God.

9 Blessed are the peacemakers,

for they will be called sons of God.

10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,

for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.

11 “You are blessed when they insult you and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of me. 12 Be glad and rejoice, because your reward is great in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Through the Bible Readings: Job 3-4, Acts 21:1–16, Psalm 88:11–18, Proverbs18:19–20

If you wish to read through the Bible in a year, follow these readings. 

Devotional: For Righteousness' Sake     

The Romans managed a sprawling empire which was not easy to control. They allowed their vassal territories a high level of freedom. Jews could be Jews and other cultures could live as they pleased. There was a high degree of religious freedom in the empire. The Romans did not care who you worshiped or how you lived...mostly.

There was one exception to that. If you were going to enjoy the peace and prosperity of the Roman Empire, if you were going to live free in it, you had to do one simple thing. Periodically you had to appear at an official shrine and swear your loyalty to Caesar, publicly declaring, "Caesar is Lord." No one believed the Caesar was really a god, but the oath was important. They had to know that you were loyal to Rome. If you were willing to declare that loyalty you would be able to worship freely and live by your convictions.

This presented a problem for the early Christians. They had run afoul of Judaism because they did not kowtow to the human traditions the rabbis had developed. Once the faith spread out into the Roman world, they came face to face with the purity of their commitment to Christ. The common greeting of Christians, their core conviction, was "Jesus is Lord." Jesus died for our sins, rose from the dead and is Lord of all.

Because of their loyalty to Christ, it was unthinkable that they would also say that Caesar is Lord. The temptation might have been to cross their fingers and saw the words, even though they didn't mean them, but they loved Jesus to much to compromise their faith. They would not dishonor Christ. They tried to be obedient and good citizens, but because of this oath, they were often persecuted, viewed as traitors. They had their property confiscated, lost their jobs, were mistreated and imprisoned, and some were even martyred - All because they would not say the words Caesar is Lord.

It has always been the lot of the church of Jesus Christ to suffer. Sometimes, we suffer for our own sins. Sometimes, suffering is general - we live in a fallen world. But sometimes we suffer because of our stands for Jesus Christ, we suffer for righteousness sake. When that happens, we know that we are part of God's kingdom, and should rejoice because of the heavenly reward that awaits us.

Such suffering ought not surprise us. The Scriptures promise this to us when we walk in the ways of Christ.

• For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have. Philippians 1:29–30
• If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. John 15:18–19
• In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
• Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 2 Timothy 3:12

Our duty is to rejoice in our suffering, looking forward to the rewards that will be ours in Christ. We should pray for our persecutors and seek to be a redemptive agent in their lives. And we must run our race to the finish, enduring to the very end.

Father, help me to stand up against whatever comes. May my suffering be for righteousness' sake, not for my own sin and fleshly behavior. 

Think and Pray:

Is there suffering in your life?
What is the root of it? Is is a consequence of your own sin, your foolish choices?
Or are you suffering for righteousness sake?
What is your response to suffering? 

At Peace in a World at War - Himalayan Heights – July 26 Readings: Matthew 5:9 – Peacemakers

Matthew 5:1-12  The Beatitudes

All Scripture is God-breathed and useful, but there are some Scriptures that we can consider the Himalayan mountaintops of the Bible. In the next few months, we will be looking at a series of great texts that inspire and move us - the "Himalayan Heights" of God's Word.

Today's Reading:  Matthew 5:9

Jesus' most famous sermon took place on a mountain near the Sea of Galilee. There is enough meat packed into the three brief chapters of Matthew 5-7 to sustain years of Bible Study. The passage begins with the Beatitudes, expressions of blessing. The principles here run counter to everything people instinctively believe in this world. We want to be rich but Jesus invoked blessings on the poor in Spirit - and on and on it goes.

Again, this week, read the entire passage daily, then give special focus to the highlighted passage.

When he saw the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 Then he began to teach them, saying:

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,

for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.

4 Blessed are those who mourn,

for they will be comforted.

5 Blessed are the humble,

for they will inherit the earth.

6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

for they will be filled.

7 Blessed are the merciful,

for they will be shown mercy.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart,

for they will see God.

9 Blessed are the peacemakers,

for they will be called sons of God.

10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,

for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.

11 “You are blessed when they insult you and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of me. 12 Be glad and rejoice, because your reward is great in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Through the Bible Readings: Job 1-2, Acts 20, Psalm 88:4–10, Proverbs 18:16–18

If you wish to read through the Bible in a year, follow these readings. 

Devotional: At Peace in a World at War    

We live in a world of "wars and rumors of wars" where terrorism terrorizes, political unrest reigns, where there are battles between rich and poor, between races, between husbands and wives, parents and children - almost every segment of society is plagued by division and strife. Even churches, meant to reflect the unity of Christ are often marked more by worldly strife and schism.

In a world like this, Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers." He offered a special blessing to those who became agents of his peace in this world, not servants of the enemy's divisive intent. Those who make peace show themselves to be the true children of God. Obviously, we do not earn heaven by our works, even by making peace, but we demonstrate to the world who we belong to when we serve Christ's purpose instead of contributing to division and quarreling and strife.

Isn't it odd that Christians seem to believe they demonstrate their faith today by being contrary, by refusing to social distance or wear masks, but being belligerent on social media, by political name-calling and derogation? Somehow, a bellicose spirit has replaced peacemaking in our minds as the marker of true faith. Jesus said that those who served peace, who did not foment strife, were acting in line with his nature.

God created a world at peace, but that vanished when humanity rebelled against God's will. Detached from God, we lack peace of mind and peace of soul, which leads us to strive for supremacy in our relationships. That inner striving causes broken relationships and broken people and with enough of that, you have a culture, a society, a nation, and a world such as we have.

What is the solution? Human beings will never make peace their own way. True peace begins when we make peace with God in our hearts. When I submit my life to Jesus Christ, I have inner peace, what the Hebrews called shalom, a sense of God's presence and blessing.

When I am at peace with God, my heart is at peace, I have the resources to go out in this world and be a peacemaker. I do not have to fight every battle, respond to every insult, win every war. I can love my enemies, return good for evil, forgive those who hurt me, and live as Christ lived because I have that inner peace that comes from him!

Ephesians 1:14 says, "He is our peace." Peace is not something that comes from the world, but from Jesus, who dwells within us and works inside us. When we are right with him, at peace with him, when he rules our hearts as Prince of Peace, we can become advocates of peace, workers of peace in a world of war, of strife, and of division. 

Father, help me to stay close to your Son, the Prince of Peace, so that my heart might be at peace every day, so that I may live at peace with others and be an agent of YOUR peace in this world. 

Think and Pray:

Are you at peace with God, living under his blessing as you walk in obedience to Christ?
Are you an agent of peace or does conflict swirl around you?
Look at your relationships - are they marked by conflict? What might that say about whether you are a peacemaker or not? 

Unalloyed Hearts - Himalayan Heights – July 25 Readings: Matthew 5:8 – Pure

Matthew 5:1-12  The Beatitudes

All Scripture is God-breathed and useful, but there are some Scriptures that we can consider the Himalayan mountaintops of the Bible. In the next few months, we will be looking at a series of great texts that inspire and move us - the "Himalayan Heights" of God's Word.

Today's Reading:  Matthew 5:8

Jesus' most famous sermon took place on a mountain near the Sea of Galilee. There is enough meat packed into the three brief chapters of Matthew 5-7 to sustain years of Bible Study. The passage begins with the Beatitudes, expressions of blessing. The principles here run counter to everything people instinctively believe in this world. We want to be rich but Jesus invoked blessings on the poor in Spirit - and on and on it goes.

Again, this week, read the entire passage daily, then give special focus to the highlighted passage.

When he saw the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 Then he began to teach them, saying:

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,

for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.

4 Blessed are those who mourn,

for they will be comforted.

5 Blessed are the humble,

for they will inherit the earth.

6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

for they will be filled.

7 Blessed are the merciful,

for they will be shown mercy.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart,

for they will see God.

9 Blessed are the peacemakers,

for they will be called sons of God.

10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,

for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.

11 “You are blessed when they insult you and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of me. 12 Be glad and rejoice, because your reward is great in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Through the Bible Readings: Esther 9-10, Acts 19:21–41, Psalm 88:1–3, Proverbs18:14–15

If you wish to read through the Bible in a year, follow these readings. 

Devotional:  Unalloyed Hearts 

Have you ever handled pure gold? I wear a gold ring, but it isn't pure. It is alloyed with other metals. As I understand it, pure gold, 24-carat gold is soft, easily shaped. The alloys are added to gold to harden it, to make it keep its shape. My wedding band wouldn't be useful without the alloys, without those things that harden it.

My heart, on the other hand, needs the kind of purity that leaves it soft, malleable, easily shaped by the Father. For that to happen, I must see to it that I do not allow the world and its alloys to harden my heart. I am to have a pure devotion for Christ, an undivided heart.

I have often said that the hardest word in the Bible is "all." In Deuteronomy 6, we are given what Jesus called the greatest commandment, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength." That one word, all, makes that verse infinitely difficult. I can tell you that I love God with my heart, with my soul and my strength. I do. But all? Is my heart completely and totally devoted to him or are there alloys in this world that harden my heart and leave me with a devotion less than God expects?

The purity that Christ demands of us if we wish to experience God's presence, if we wish to "see God," is a whole-hearted passion. It is the first-love that Jesus spoke to the Ephesian church about, Jesus told his disciples to seek first the kingdom and all the other things they needed would fall into place. Jesus simply wants to be the highest passion of our hearts, the reason we live.

Too often, we treat our relationship with Christ as a hobby, something to do in our free time. That is not enough for Jesus. He demands that our devotion to him be pure, unalloyed with other loves, with the things of this world.

Father, help me to have a pure and abiding passion for you and for your kingdom. 

Think and Pray:

Is your devotion to Christ pure?
What "alloys" hinder the purity of your devotion to Christ and harden your heart? 

Mercy that Moves - Himalayan Heights – July 24 Readings: Matthew 5:7 – Merciful

Matthew 5:1-12  The Beatitudes

All Scripture is God-breathed and useful, but there are some Scriptures that we can consider the Himalayan mountaintops of the Bible. In the next few months, we will be looking at a series of great texts that inspire and move us - the "Himalayan Heights" of God's Word.

Today's Reading:  Matthew 5:7

Jesus' most famous sermon took place on a mountain near the Sea of Galilee. There is enough meat packed into the three brief chapters of Matthew 5-7 to sustain years of Bible Study. The passage begins with the Beatitudes, expressions of blessing. The principles here run counter to everything people instinctively believe in this world. We want to be rich but Jesus invoked blessings on the poor in Spirit - and on and on it goes.

Again, this week, read the entire passage daily, then give special focus to the highlighted passage.

When he saw the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 Then he began to teach them, saying:

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,

for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.

4 Blessed are those who mourn,

for they will be comforted.

5 Blessed are the humble,

for they will inherit the earth.

6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

for they will be filled.

7 Blessed are the merciful,

for they will be shown mercy.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart,

for they will see God.

9 Blessed are the peacemakers,

for they will be called sons of God.

10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,

for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.

11 “You are blessed when they insult you and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of me. 12 Be glad and rejoice, because your reward is great in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Through the Bible Readings: Esther 7-8, Acts 19:1–20, Psalm 87, Proverbs 18:11–13

If you wish to read through the Bible in a year, follow these readings. 

Devotional: Mercy that Moves     

It is easy to misunderstand what being merciful means, at least in the kingdom of God - the Father seems to put a twist on everything, doesn't he. Mercy is not tolerating evil or accepting sin as normal and okay. It goes beyond that.

The first four Beatitudes had a clear progression. Those who recognize their spiritual poverty will mourn over their sin. This creates a humble spirit that causes us to be meek before God and before others. When we have repented of our sins and are humble before God, our hearts will fill with a hunger and thirst for the things of God, the righteousness of Christ.

The fifth through eighth Beatitudes build on these. The fifth beautitude, about being merciful, is a product of the first. When you are poor in spirit, you are merciful to others. When you mourn over sin, you become pure in heart. When you are meek, you become a peacemaker, instead of sowing strife. When you hunger and thirst after righteousness, you sometimes are persecuted because of righteousness.

Isn't it amazing how the Holy Spirit weaves these truths together?

Mercy, in God's word, is the act of sympathizing with people while also seeking to help them find real solutions for their sin. It is not simply pity, or empathy - those are important traits. Sometimes people see those of us who believe in Jesus as harsh and judgmental. Jesus saw the crowds and had compassion on them, even though their troubles were the result of their own sin. We must be moved by the suffering of sinners.

However, we cannot stop at sympathy and think we have fulfilled a biblical command. We must also show people how Christ can guide them to deal with their sin, how he can fix what is causing their pain. This often involves a commitment of time and love, but we must add actions to our pity.

Such merciful actions were not a part of many religions. Some believe in karma - if people are suffering they are getting what they deserve. In Acts, we see religious leaders dropping a few coins in the alms cup, but not lifting a finger to actually help those in need. We are called to an active mercy, a mercy that makes a difference in people's lives, a mercy that mimics Jesus! He saw people in need and felt compassion, and he ministered to them!

Father, may I have the kind of mercy that Jesus showed, a mercy that moves!

Think and Pray:

Are you ever like the religious leaders in Acts - giving a few coins in the alms cup so that you don't have to get your hands dirty?
What is the difference between mercy that does nothing and the kind of mercy that Jesus showed? 

A Pain in the Neck - Himalayan Heights – July 23 Readings: Matthew 5:6 – Desiring Righteousness

Matthew 5:1-12  The Beatitudes

All Scripture is God-breathed and useful, but there are some Scriptures that we can consider the Himalayan mountaintops of the Bible. In the next few months, we will be looking at a series of great texts that inspire and move us - the "Himalayan Heights" of God's Word.

Today's Reading:  Matthew 5:6

Jesus' most famous sermon took place on a mountain near the Sea of Galilee. There is enough meat packed into the three brief chapters of Matthew 5-7 to sustain years of Bible Study. The passage begins with the Beatitudes, expressions of blessing. The principles here run counter to everything people instinctively believe in this world. We want to be rich but Jesus invoked blessings on the poor in Spirit - and on and on it goes.

Again, this week, read the entire passage daily, then give special focus to the highlighted passage.

When he saw the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 Then he began to teach them, saying:

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,

for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.

4 Blessed are those who mourn,

for they will be comforted.

5 Blessed are the humble,

for they will inherit the earth.

6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

for they will be filled.

7 Blessed are the merciful,

for they will be shown mercy.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart,

for they will see God.

9 Blessed are the peacemakers,

for they will be called sons of God.

10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,

for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.

11 “You are blessed when they insult you and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of me. 12 Be glad and rejoice, because your reward is great in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Through the Bible Readings: Esther 5-6, Acts 18:18–28, Psalm 86:9–17, Proverbs18:9–10

If you wish to read through the Bible in a year, follow these readings. 

Devotional: A Pain in the Neck    

I have a great big pain in my neck. This is no figurative "thorn in my flesh" like Paul talked about in 2 Corinthians, this is a literal stiffness where my right shoulder blade joins my neck that causes a lot of pain, causes my fingers to go numb at times, leaves me with a lot of discomfort. I suspect it goes back to a serious fall I took when I was four. Things aren't lined up correctly and because of that, there's pain and there are problems.

This world has a giant pain as well. It, too, took a fall. When Adam and Eve embraced sin and rebellion against their Creator, the world fell into sin and things have not been right since then. Every one of us is born with what the Bible calls "the flesh" - a natural tendency to sin and choose what is wrong. Do you have to teach your children to do the wrong things, or train them to do right? When you offer your children a plate of vegetables or a plate of donuts, which will they likely choose? (I'd ask which YOU would choose, but that might be meddling.)

Things in this world do not work as God intended them to work. He created a beautiful paradise to bless the people he loved, but sin corrupted and perverted that world, bringing a curse upon it. God's world has been shattered by the effects of sin which we see all around us, but the Father continues to pursue us, seeking us in love and seeking to restore the glory he intended.

Jesus Christ came to earth and lived a completely righteous life, saying no to Satan and to sin, and saying yes to God in everything. He died for our sins, to pay for our unrighteousness, then rose from the dead to offer new life to all of us who believe in him.

In that new life, we are called to seek God's righteousness. Once, that was impossible, because we were enslaved to sin, but now, because the Holy Spirit dwells in those of us who have been redeemed in Christ, we can have now walk in obedience to him. He has justified us and he begins to conform us to Christ.

The fourth Beatitude describes the attitude the redeemed of Christ need to display. We need to hunger and thirst not for the things of this world, not for the sin that made us spiritually poor, not for the wickedness which we mourned over, but we need to hunger and thirst for God's righteousness. Our desire must be to be like him, to be like Christ.

Correcting all that is wrong with this world begins with walking in righteousness in my life. When I hunger and thirst for righteousness, it is the first step!

Father, create in me a hunger and thirst for the righteousness of Christ in me. Give me a distaste for the world and all the things of this world so that I might walk in holiness and be conformed to Christ. May this be my passion, my desire, to be like Christ. 

Think and Pray:

Do you have a deep and abiding passion not just to "be a good Christian" but to reflect every day the righteousness of Christ - to be like Jesus? 

Controlled Strength - Himalayan Heights – July 22 Readings: Matthew 5:5 – Meek

Matthew 5:1-12  The Beatitudes

All Scripture is God-breathed and useful, but there are some Scriptures that we can consider the Himalayan mountaintops of the Bible. In the next few months, we will be looking at a series of great texts that inspire and move us - the "Himalayan Heights" of God's Word.

Today's Reading:  Matthew 5:5

Jesus' most famous sermon took place on a mountain near the Sea of Galilee. There is enough meat packed into the three brief chapters of Matthew 5-7 to sustain years of Bible Study. The passage begins with the Beatitudes, expressions of blessing. The principles here run counter to everything people instinctively believe in this world. We want to be rich but Jesus invoked blessings on the poor in Spirit - and on and on it goes.

Again, this week, read the entire passage daily, then give special focus to the highlighted passage.

When he saw the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 Then he began to teach them, saying:

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,

for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.

4 Blessed are those who mourn,

for they will be comforted.

5 Blessed are the humble,

for they will inherit the earth.

6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

for they will be filled.

7 Blessed are the merciful,

for they will be shown mercy.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart,

for they will see God.

9 Blessed are the peacemakers,

for they will be called sons of God.

10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,

for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.

11 “You are blessed when they insult you and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of me. 12 Be glad and rejoice, because your reward is great in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Through the Bible Readings: Esther 3-4, Acts 18:1–17, Psalm 86:1–8, Proverbs18:6–8

If you wish to read through the Bible in a year, follow these readings. 

Devotional: Controlled Strength     

Language can be a huge huge hurdle in understanding the Bible. There simply is not an English word that translates the Greek word "prautes" - rendered as humble, gentle, or often, meek. Translators have gone away from the familiar "meek" because it has connotations we do not want. The biblical word does not carry the idea of a wimpy weakling.

Numbers 3 tells the story of Miriam and Aaron criticizing Moses for marrying a Cushite woman, very possibly a racial issue. They challenged his place as God’s spokesman and asked if he was the only person through whom God spoke. His response was not vindictive or angry, but he let the Lord defend him. Verse 3 says, “Moses was a very humble (meek) man, more so than anyone on the face of the earth.” Our “gentle Jesus, meek and mild” who walked on this earth, having humbled himself and left heavenly glory, in Matthew 11:29 invites the weary to find rest in him, promising that his yoke is light. He says, “I am lowly (meek) and humble in heart.” What an odd thing for the King of kings and Lord of lords to say. He was no weak-kneed wimp. He confronted the money-changers, rebuked the religious leaders, and marched purposefully toward the cross. He endured the shame of the Cross without demonstrating cowardice of any kind. He was no weakling!

If these two strong, courageous men were meek, it must mean something different than we've come to think. Meekness is the quality that resists vengeance, angry, hurtful treatment of others. When you talk about me, my flesh drives me to respond. When you injure me, my soul cries out to return wound for wound. When you humiliate me, my pride wants to return wound for wound. But the Spirit calls us to humility and meekness.

Consider Jesus on the Cross. People beat him and mocked him. They drove nails in his hands and feet and hung him to suffer in agony on Calvary’s hill. At every point during his suffering, he had the power to call angels to deliver him and destroy his accusers. “He could have called 10,000 angels…” HE COULD HAVE. He had the power to blast every tormenter, every liar, every inflictor of pain to eternal hell-fire and torment. What did he do? He submitted to the Father’s plan, endured the pain, and acted in the best interests even of those who hurt him. That is what meekness is.

Scripture reveals three specifics about meekness. 

• Meekness is power under control. The word is used to describe animals who have been tamed. They are still powerful, but under control. The meek have strength, but it is under God's authority and direction. 
• Meekness is a determination not to injure others. The physicians oath says, "First, do no harm." That is a believer's commitment as well. Even when a rebuke is necessary, it is done with kindness, for the good of the other. In Galatians 6, Paul told the church to restore sinners gently (with meekness). 
• Meekness is a rejection of aggression, bullying, pushing others around. It is the opposite of violence, whether verbal, emotional, or physical. Walking in the Spirit, we do use others, abuse others, bully others, or treat them badly.

This Beatitude continues the process. The blessed man or woman recognizes their need for Christ, their spiritual poverty, mourns over sin, and reacts in humility and meekness to the sins of others. When we recognize our own sin, we can react with God's grace toward the sin of others.

Father, tame me and make me meek and humble, that I might serve you with power. 

Think and Pray:

Do you "fight fire with fire?" Treat people as they treat you?
Can you be described accurately as meek? No one is naturally meek - it is a fruit of the Spirit. 

Blessed Negativity - Himalayan Heights – July 21 Readings: Matthew 5:4 – Sorrowful Sinners

Matthew 5:1-12  The Beatitudes

All Scripture is God-breathed and useful, but there are some Scriptures that we can consider the Himalayan mountaintops of the Bible. In the next few months, we will be looking at a series of great texts that inspire and move us - the "Himalayan Heights" of God's Word.

Today's Reading:  Matthew 5:4

Jesus' most famous sermon took place on a mountain near the Sea of Galilee. There is enough meat packed into the three brief chapters of Matthew 5-7 to sustain years of Bible Study. The passage begins with the Beatitudes, expressions of blessing. The principles here run counter to everything people instinctively believe in this world. We want to be rich but Jesus invoked blessings on the poor in Spirit - and on and on it goes.

Again, this week, read the entire passage daily, then give special focus to the highlighted passage.

When he saw the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 Then he began to teach them, saying:

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,

for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.

4 Blessed are those who mourn,

for they will be comforted.

5 Blessed are the humble,

for they will inherit the earth.

6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

for they will be filled.

7 Blessed are the merciful,

for they will be shown mercy.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart,

for they will see God.

9 Blessed are the peacemakers,

for they will be called sons of God.

10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,

for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.

11 “You are blessed when they insult you and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of me. 12 Be glad and rejoice, because your reward is great in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Through the Bible Readings: Esther 1-2, Acts 17, Psalm 85:9–13, Proverbs18:4–5

If you wish to read through the Bible in a year, follow these readings. 

Devotional:  Blessed Negativity  

David was oblivious to his own sin. Something had happened to this man who had walked with God and worshiped God until one day chose to take a woman who was not his wife. To cover that sin, he arranged the death of the woman's husband. He was now an adulterous murderer. 

That did not stop him from being self-righteous. The prophet Nathan told him a story about a man who had many sheep but stole one from his neighbor, then killed the neighbor when he complained, David was incensed. Who would do such a thing? I will find him and make him pay. His righteous indignation overflowed. 

I imagine Nathan staring him down, pointing a finger in his face, and saying, "David, YOU are the man.” It all came crashing down on him. Gone was the pretense, the self-righteousness. The Spirit of God came on him like a ton of bricks.

That is when David grieved over his sin. He mourned. Psalm 51 records the sincerity of that mourning. 

In Matthew 5:4, God promised that those who mourn would be comforted. Of course, God is the balm for the wounds of life. He lifts us up when we fall, he dries our tears, and he helps us through life's hardships. Jesus, here, is talking about something different. He is talking about grieving over sin. There is a clear progression in the Beatitudes. The first spoke of being poor in Spirit - recognizing our sin and spiritual weakness. The second speaks of grieving and mourning over sin, and receiving the comfort of God over that sin. 

Those who realize their spiritual poverty mourn their sin. We do everything we can to ignore our sin. We rationalize it – it wasn’t that bad. We justify it. We compare it with others – I’m not as bad as they are. We ignore it. But none of that brings a blessing. None of that opens the door to the gracious favor of God. That comes when we face our sin and see it as God sees it, when we recognize it for the horror that it is and we repent of it.

The odd irony of this is that denying, justifying, and discounting sin prevents us from experiencing the blessing of God's forgiveness and the freedom that brings. In a desire to help and encourage people we are cursing them, leaving them in the grip of sin and preventing them from experiencing the power of God. We are only saved when we come to the place of grief and repentance over our guilt before God. Jesus died to save sinners and if you do not face that sin, grieve over it and mourn your condition, there is no salvation. But it doesn’t stop there. As we walk through the Christian life we must also face our failings, our sinfulness. When we do, we learn to depend on God, not on ourselves for the righteousness we need, the power we need, the holiness we need.

Unless we stare our sinful selves in the face and mourn over the sin that drags us down and draws us away from intimacy with God, we will not grow, we will not experience God's blessing, and we will not be comforted by his forgiveness. 

Father, show me clearly the dark places of my heart and let me see my sin as you see it, so that you bring your comfort and blessing into my life. 

Think and Pray:

Do you deny your sin, rationalize it, justify it?
Or do you admit your sin and grieve over it fully?