Matthew 6 [The Message]

In this chapter, Peterson interprets much of Christ’s teaching as aimed at keeping us out of superficial performance. He rather emphasizes doing acts of Christian service to be seen by God alone. Then, God gets the credit and not us.

The Psalmist stated this theme when he declared, “Not unto us, O Lord. Not unto us but unto THY NAME receive glory.” [Ps. 115:1]

For nearly 27 years I was a worship leader. God branded this principle into my heart … seek to glorify God rather than self. For one thing, we should all be seeking the rewards that will come in heaven RATHER than those doled out here on earth.

Matthew 5 [MSG]

I am enjoying listening to key passages in The Message paraphrase by Eugene Peterson. He was a Presbyterian pastor with Pentecostal roots who wrote 30 books, the most popular being the Bible paraphrase. He put a contemporary, plain English spin on God’s Word that stirs a deeper understanding and application of it to our daily lives.

Today’s assignment: Read or listen to Matthew 5 in The Message. Tomorrow we do chapter 6.

Philippians 4 [MSG]

Since we are taking a little detour from a through-the-Bible approach, here is another
“chestnut” passage worth examining. Philippians chapter four includes some key passages critical to the New Testament believer’s MO (modus operandi).

• Pray about everything – this is how you take Christ with you wherever you go. (v.7)
• Don’t fret or worry – pray instead. (v.6)
• Think healthily – here is a catalogue of what should be in your mind. (v.8)
• Be content – this s a key to continual happiness. (v.11,12)
• Live in Christ’s sufficiency – actually, Jesus is ALL YOU NEED. (v.13)
• Be generous – always be quick to try to meet the needs of others. (v.16-18)
• Recognize God as your Source – you will NEVER LACK. (v.19)

Colossians 3

What does it mean to be Heavenly minded? In Eugene Peterson’s paraphrase of the Holy Bible, it’s described this way; Pursue things over which Christ presides, Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that’s where the action is. See things from his perspective.

In this chapter of practical instruction from the Apostle Paul, we find one of the Bible’s most concise descriptions of what the Christian life should look like. It is worth reading on a semi-regular basis. It is a good passage from which to extract solid teaching for children. In fact, some of scriptures most essential family-minded values are mentioned in this chapter.

Consider reading it in various translations and paraphrases to get a better handle on it.

Psalm 138

When I was a young man, I was encouraged by David’s life and writings. Everyday, I would sing through five Psalms and read one Proverb. The last verse of Psalm 138 became my motto when I was going through the Refiner’s Fire.

The Lord will work out his plans for my life— for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever. Don’t abandon me, for you made me (with Your hands). [NLT & NLV]

My mentor, Moses Vegh, used to say, “The only thing worse than falling into God’s fearful hands was to fall OUT of them.”

I recommend that you memorize this verse if you are in the fire. It can provide the assurance you may need to keep committed to the process.

2 Peter 3:9

Time is a tool that God uses not only to grow flowers etc. but to show His mercy in allowing people to come to repentance and find their eternal home with Him. We are much less merciful and want to see our vengeance exacted WHEN an infraction happens. It’s a good thing we are not God.

J.B Philllips paraphrased it this was:

But you should never lose sight of this fact, dear friends, that time is not the same with the Lord as it is with us—to him a day may be a thousand years, and a thousand years only a day. It is not that he is dilatory about keeping his own promise as some men seem to think; the fact is that he is very patient towards you. He has no wish that any man should be destroyed. He wishes that all men should come to repent. Yet it remains true that the day of the Lord will come as suddenly and unexpectedly as a thief. In that day the heavens will disappear in a terrific tearing blast, the very elements will disintegrate in heat and the earth and all that is in it will be burnt up to nothing.

Proverbs 22:11, 12

Today, let’s consider this Proverb because it has a key verse all pro-lifers should know.

Rescue those being led away to death;
    hold back those staggering toward slaughter.
If you say, “But we knew nothing about this,”
    does not he who weighs the heart perceive it?
Does not he who guards your life know it?
    Will he not repay everyone according to what they have done?

This verse taken from the NIV started a movement in the U.S., Operation Rescue. It challenged me to DO SOMETHING about the travesty of abortion. In 1988, I participated in a peaceful demonstration at a Columbus, Ohio abortion clinic, was arrested, and was tried by a jury of my peers. I was convicted for a misdemeanor. I also have great compassion for women who had an abortion but deeply regretted it after realizing how precious life is.

This verse implies that God watches over and guards the life of the unborn We should be so glad that our SCOTUS had the courage to change the Roe v. Wade ruling. It’s a big step in the right direction.

MARZI FOR GEORGIA – do a google search on this woman’s political aspiration. Her testimony is impressive.

Jeremiah 52

Sadly, Jerusalem was burned by Babylon’s army … all the important buildings etc. Can you imagine how you would feel to watch your capitol city go up in smoke?

There’s a message here; don’t put so much importance on buildings. The IMPORTANT buildings are the lives of those you love.

For our homes and other nice buildings we are grateful. We are to be good stewards and occupy the earth until the Lord comes. We go too far when we begin worshipping the structures we inhabit.

In the 70s, the members of Hope Temple in Findlay Ohio constructed a beautiful sanctuary that seated 2000. The choir loft alone could hold 250. I was the main painter in that building, also applying stain and varnish to thousands of square feet of beautiful wood. I worked hard. It was a labor of love that i would do again in a heartbeat. (I’m too old now) That marvelous sheep-shed burned to the ground in an hour. It taught us all a lesson. God’s true building is the people who attend the church.

Let’s keep people from burning through EVANGELISM!

Jeremiah 51

In scripture, Babylon can be defined as a sinful state of apostasy from God and rebellion against His good will. Insert the word “confusion” in the book of Revelation when you see Babylon. Historically, the term has been applied to any worldly system that opposes God.

Yes, God used Babylon to buffet Jerusalem for their rebellion. Nevertheless, any such culture or government that so openly defies God and His people is destined to be judged by Him.

It’s very sad to see and hear the hate spew out of those who want to keep murdering defenseless, unborn children in the womb. I applaud the Supreme Court for it’s courage in ruling in favor of unborn children. I shudder at the growing unrest of an element of our citizenry who militantly resist God’s influence in our country and its government.

Christ will ultimately triumph and Babylon will fall.

Jeremiah 50

This great chapter describes the rejoicing of Jews returning to worship in Jerusalem, possibly in the Millennium. It also describes the downfall of Babylon, the nation God used to chastise Israel.

Although God allowed Babylon to oppress the Jews, He still exacted punishment upon them. No one escapes when they violate God’s laws and principles. God may allow something, but He doesn’t necessarily condone it.

God may not always pay on Fridays, but He ALWAYS pays The ONLY safe place in the universe is in the arms of Christ, cleansed by His sin-shattering blood.