Feb 1 — Revelation 18:1-24

SCRIPTURE: Revelation 18:1-24

OBSERVATION:
Fallen, fallen is Babylon the Great (18:1-3) Babylon, which was at one time a powerful empire, is used here symbolically of all powerful, oppressive and decadent empires. Every age has its Babylon. Rome was such an empire at the time this was written, but there have been many other examples through history. Any powerful ruler/government that hordes the wealth, oppresses the poor and weak, and revels in immoral and decadent lifestyles fits the title “Babylon”. Even the Church at times has fit this description! Soime would say that the Western world is a Babylon. The point of these words are that such powers will fall, violently!
Come out of her, my people (18:4-8) This is a warning to all those who live by God’s values and standards, who are committed to living selfless, gracious, generous and moral lives in the world. Watch out, do not be sucked in by the empires promises of wealth, pleasure, success… for it will all come tumbling down one day. Look at how many people are being sucked in by the promise of success, happiness, pleasure, immorality. The empire consumes the bodies and souls of men (13). The voice from heaven continues to call out, come out!
In one hour (18:9-19) This recurring refrain (10,17,19) shows how quickly and unexpectly this fall will come. The citizens of this empire (represented by kings, merchants, sailors) will see its downfall, and all of them will weep in horror, “Woe, woe, O great city!”
Rejoice (18:20) This may seem harsh, to rejoice at someone else’s suffering. But put this in the context of a people under seige. The citizens of France could finally rejoice when the cruel Nazis were driven out. They celebrated in the streets! The people rejoicing in this passage are the humble, the oppressed, the weak, the one’s loyal to God.
A large millstone (18:21-24) In other words, its going to be a big splash, everyone will see it!

APPLICATION:
Do I sense the power of the “empire” I live in? Am I being sucked into the American (or Canadian) way, the way of pleasure, success, power, decadence, luxury, excessive wealth, frivolity and immorality? Am I one of the merchants doing business with the empire, or am I one of the “saints and apostles and prophets” who stand against this immorality and cruelty, even at great cost to myself? This world doesn’t need more self-absorbed, pleasure-seeking people, its filled with them. What it needs is more God and neighbour serving people, generous, compassionate, gracious, humble. Many of the worlds poor and needy look at us as the oppressors, the modern day Babylon. Is there any indication in my life that I am not?

PRAYER:
Lord, thank You again for the warning. Help me to see where I am living in compromise to the empire. Show me my heart, and help me to become a generous, compassionate, humble servant of You. Amen.

Bible Readings (February)

FEBRUARY
1. Revelation 18:1-24 
2. Revelation 19:1-10 
3. Revelation 19:11-21 
4. Revelation 20:1-15 
5. Revelation 21:1-8 
6. Revelation 21:9-27 
7. Revelation 22:1-11 
8. Revelation 22:12-21 
9. Joshua 9:1-15 
10. Joshua 9:16-27 
11. Joshua 10:1-15 
12. Joshua 10:16-28 
13. Joshua 10:29-43 
14. Joshua 11:1-15 
15. Joshua 11:16-23 
16. Joshua 12:1-24 
17. Joshua 13:1-14 
18. Joshua 13:15-33 
19. Colossians 1:1-14 
20. Colossians 1:15-23 
21. Colossians 1:24-2:5 
22. Colossians 2:6-23 
23. Colossians 3:1-17 
24. Colossians 3:18-4:1 
25. Colossians 4:2-18 
26. Haggai 1:1-15 
27. Haggai 2:1-9 
28. Haggai 2:10-19 
29. Haggai 1:20-23

Jan 31 — Matthew 7:24-29

SCRIPTURE: Matthew7:24-29

OBSERVATION:
Puts them into practice (vv.24) It is not enough to SAY that we believe Jesus is the way, we must live what He says, imitate what He does. His emphasis on humility, honesty, sincerity, generosity, patience, kindness, etc. is not just nice words to listen to, it is the ONLY way to experience life as God intended it to be.
House on the rock (vv.24-27) In this simple parable, Jesus teaches that if you want a solid, enduring life, then make His teaching the foundation of your life. Not just when things are easy, but especially when the storms of life hit. When we go through tough times, when we are poorly treated or abused, when we are struggling, it is especially then that we need to follow the way of Jesus. Its the only way to survive the storms.
Fell with a great crash (v.27) Isn’t this what usually happens when the storms hit? We even use the word “crash” to describe when we go through mental, emotional or spiritual breakdowns. Our natural instinct during storms is either FIGHT or FLIGHT, neither of which will work. Jesus teaches and models standing firm with solid character, remaining true to the deeper virtues of justice, mercy, kindness, generosity, grace, etc. Those who follow the way of Jesus will remain standing in the end.
He taught as one who had authority (vv.28-29) People can usually tell the difference between a good public speaker and a wise person. The words of a person who lives wisely carry weight, people will listen and learn from them. Many teachers are just words, and people can tell the difference.

APPLICATION:
As I go through my own personal storm, my first instinct is also FIGHT or FLIGHT. But deep down I know that its pointless. Fighting my challengers will not help me win, but only make me like them. Running away will not help me win either. What would Jesus do? Speak the truth in love, show mercy, be humble, trust in God. The way of Jesus IS the best way to live, the only way to overcome the darkness. Its not the easy way, but its the best way, the narrow way that leads to life (7:13-15).

PRAYER:
Lord, thank You for reminding me again of what really matters. Thank You for humbling and helping me. It is not easy, but I am slowly learning its the best way! Amen.

Jan 30 — Matthew 7:13-23

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 7:13-23

OBSERVATION:
Narrow the road that leads to life (vv.13-14) This seems to be Jesus’ way of saying “no pain, no gain”. The path to life and meaning and success takes work, self-denial, perseverance. As with building deep relationships, or with losing weight, or with quitting smoking, we cannot expect an easy time. The way of Jesus, which is the way that God designed the world, goes contrary to what comes naturally. We are by nature self-centered, lazy. Given then choice between an easy or a difficult path, we will usually opt for the easy. But, says Jesus, easy is deadly.
By their fruit you will recognize them (vv.15-20) Jesus is always highlighting the importance of the heart (inwardly, v.15), for the stuff that we think, do, or say (or fail to think, do or say) shows what we are on the inside. Don’t evaluate people by their performance (wolves can act like sheep), but by the fruit (i.e. the deeds that really matter, justice, patience, kindness, compassion, generosity). We can pray, go to church, put money in the collection plate, memorize Bible verses, etc., but if we are not gracious and loving, we show what really lives in our hearts.
Not everyone who says to me ‘Lord, Lord’ (v.21-23) It is easier to be religious (to put on a good show) than it is to be inwardly like Jesus. Jesus makes it clear that the most religious people are often not the most sincere or rigtheous people. If their hearts are committed to God and His way, it will show in their character, in their actions. According to Jesus many people on judgment day will be surprised to find out that despite all their religious activity, they never really knew Jesus.

APPLICATION:
Am I drifting through life, or fighting against the current of selfishness and pride? Am I focusing on religious externals, or sincerely seeking to be like Jesus in my heart. God knows whether I am real or not. Jesus is not interested in changing our masks, He wants to change our hearts. What does the “fruit” of my life say about me, about my heart? What would other people say was the fruit of my life? Can people recognize me as a sheep, or am I more like a ferocious wolf?

PRAYER:
Lord, You know my heart better than me. As far as I can tell, I do want to sincerely and seriously follow You. I do not want to be a ferocious wolf. Show me where I am missing the point, show me where I am just pretending. Help me to be real! Amen.

Jan 29 — Matthew 7:7-12

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 7:7-12

OBSERVATION:
He who seeks finds (vv.7-8) According to Jesus, with God the thing that matters most is sincere desire. Those who ask and seek will receive and find. God’s answer is not always easy or quick, but it is certain. This is not a guarantee that we will get what we WANT, but that we will get what we really, truly NEED.
How much more will your Father in heaven (vv.9-11) Jesus shows us that even though we are self-centered (evil), we still have the decency to give our children what they ask of us. How much more with God, Who is perfect. God is not a self-centered, malevolent, cruel being. God views us as much-loved children, and wants to help us and give us His best.
Do to others (v.12) A well known summary of God’s heart. This is what God is like, He treats us as He wishes us to treat Him and others – with respect, with humility, with generosity, with love, with justice. All of God’s laws are getting at this, that we would treat God and others appropriately. His laws are not His way of limiting us, but rather His way of protecting and blessing ourselves and others. Its for our own good.

APPLICATION:
This is the world according to God (also called the kingdom of God). A world where people are blessed, protected, and committed to loving and serving God and each other. It is a world of justice, truth, humility, compassion, kindness, generosity, etc. This is the world we are all looking for, whether we admit it or realize it or not! Do I live right now with an awareness that God is for me, not against me? Am I just using God (or religion) for my self-interest, or do I really want God’s kind of world? The answer to this question is whether I treat others as I myself want to be treated. How do I treat those who fail me, who hurt me, who take advantage of me, who falsely accuse me? This is important, because I am guilty of having done all these things myself. How do I hope that God will treat me?

PRAYER:
Lord, thank You for reminding me that I need mercy as much as the next person. Help me to stop being religious, and to genuinely desire to live the kind of love and life that reflects Your world. Amen.

Jan 28 — Matthew 7:1-6

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 7:1-6

OBSERVATION:
One of Jesus’ most well-known sayings, though often not understood. This does not mean we should not judge things to be true or false, good or bad, healthy or unhealthy, holy or unholy. It does mean that we should not play the Judge over others, and spend more time focusing on our own character flaws and weaknesses. Our naturally tendency is to see other’s problems while being blind to our own. This passage does not deny that other people have problems, its just that to us, our concerns are always the greater concern. My problems are always a “plank” to me, while others’ problems are a “speck” to me. But that means that my problems are a “speck” to others. First deal with your own problems, not with the problems of others. If you do, you will be more gracious with others who also have problems and need God’s help, like you.

If being judgmental is not good (vv.1-5), neither is being non-discerning (v.6). Not throwing pearls to swine probably suggests not ignoring the flaws and faults of others either. There is such a thing as wisdom and folly, and our focus should be primarily on doing what is right and good, not just on judging others. We can learn from the flaws and faults of others, but we should not focus on them.

APPLICATION:
Personal heart-transformation (to be more like Jesus) is my greatest concern. Sure there are people out there who are more greedy, more foolish, more self-centered than me, but Jesus is challenging me to deal with my baggage. As I do I may discover that my issues are bigger than I realized. If I were honest, what would the heart-concerns that I would identify as my issues? Do I dare name them? Do I minimize them, justify them, excuse them? As long as I do not open my heart to this kind of intense moral inventory, I remain blind to my flaws and faults, and closed to what the Lord could do in me.

PRAYER:
Lord, open my heart to see my sins, my flaws, my faults. Help me to be honest, to all a spade a spade. And help me to to be serious and sincere about letting You change and renew my heart, to be more like You. Amen.

Jan 27 — Matthew 6:19-34

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 6:19-34

OBSERVATION:
Here it comes again. Jesus challenges the self-centered, comfort and pleasure loving nature of the heart. Who are we serving, what are we living for, where do we put our confidence? Those who surrender themselves to worldly pleasures, treasures or concerns will only end up more burdened and depressed than when they started. Worry and concern will overwhelm them. Contrary to this Jesus invites us into a life of surrender to God, His purpose and His care, with an eye on the ultimate kingdom that He will establish where we will be forever free from worry and concern. But it doesn’t come easy. It goes against what we naturally cling to (treasures on earth, which do not last). It demands a trust in an invisible God, when our visible needs seem so much more important (food, clothing, daily needs, struggles). We cannot even imagine not worrying, its what we do most of the time. Give up my needs and wants and invest in the invisible kingdom of an invisible God, with the promise of invisible rewards? Sounds stupid! And yet it comes down to this choice: will I serve temporal or eternal concerns (‘Money’ or God)?

APPLICATION:
Those who subscribe to a health and wealth gospel show that they have not heard Jesus. Jesus is not preaching a process for being rich and successful, He is preaching a lifestyle of devotion to God and contentment, not matter what we have. Its not “do this and God will bless you” but “do this, that’s all the blessing you need or want”. You are secure and significant with God, no matter how things go in this world. Whatever happens is just another opportunity to seek and serve God and His Kingdom. The application for me is a deep searching of my own heart and life to see whether it reflects this surrender to and security in the Lord. Not just when things are going well, but how much faith do I have when things are not going well. Do I reveal a quiet, hopeful confidence in God when I am not healthy or wealthy or successful, or when I am persecuted.

PRAYER:
Lord, help me to think this through very carefully. Do I really trust You right now, when I am in this period of uncertainty and confusion? Do I have a fair-weather faith? Do I really, honestly believe that no matter what happens, it is a part of the unfolding of Your good purpose and plan for me, for the world? Amen.

Jan 26 — Matthew 6:1-18

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 6:1-18

OBSERVATION:
Jesus is addressing the motivation of the heart. Are we religious (doing good deeds, praying, attending church, giving, etc.) for the “applause” of others, do we put on a show to make a good impression, are we looking for peoples’ admiration or appreciation? For it to be real, it needs to be directed towards God, for Him, for His pleasure, for His honour. The default status of sinful human nature is self-centeredness, and many people transpose their religion onto that template, producing self-centered religion. Contrary to this, Jesus models and teaches surrender to God and to His kingdom. God is our Father, He rules in the highest place, His honour is the most important concern, His kingdom (the world as He intended it to be) and His will are top priority. To that end we ask for God to help us. We ask for our daily needs (not wants), for forgiveness, strength and protection… SO THAT we may honour His Name, seek His kingdom and follow His will.

APPLICATION:
How self-centered is my heart still? Have I fully surrendered to God and to His glory and purpose? Am I willing to sacrifice myself, my dreams, my comfort, my possessions, for His sake, for His purpose? If not, then am I truly in this for Him? The original disciples had to give up everything to follow Jesus, have I? Being religious is easier than being devoted to God and His kingdom. How many of us prefer to be religious (i.e., what basic beliefs, moral conditions and religious practices do I have to observe to be considered “IN”) than to be completely sold out for Jesus? Even for me, being a minister is still easier than being a fully devoted disciple. Its safe! But is it what the Lord asks of me?

PRAYER:
Lord, sometimes these kinds of questions really unsettle me, causing me to question everything about what I believe and how I live. I have more questions than answers, and at times I just want to quit the whole thing. Help me through this, to honestly answer the questions, but also to follow through with the answers. Amen.

Jan 25 — Matthew 5:38-48

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 5:38-48

OBSERVATION:
If I want to be like Jesus, Who is like God, then I need to determine to show this kind of love. To be more interested in showing grace than demanding justice. To be quick to serve, to forgive, and to help out my enemy. This is the way God’s new world works, the way of the kingdom of Jesus. The world is full of people who will help those they like, or who do something in return. But the way of Jesus, the way of the Christ-follower, is to love the unlovable, forgive the unforgiveable, show mercy to the unmerciful, show justice to the unjust. Go the extra mile, says Jesus. This may seem tough, but this is the full (complete, perfect) life that we were created for, that we are saved for. Those who do not strive for this (myself included) reveal that we do no yet understand God’s amazing grace shown to us, and that we do not understand the meaning of salvation (see 2 Peter 1:5-9).

APPLICATION:
How badly do I want to be like this? How prepared am I to absorb a slight, to ignore an injustice, to forgive an abuser? How open am I to the fact that I am no better or more deserving of mercy than these “bad” people, and that if God gave me what I deserved, I would not be forgiven either. It is only as we apreciate HOW GREAT the love and mercy of God is for us, that we are able to turn around and show it to others. We love because God first loved us; but if we do not love, that shows that we have not truly experienced the love of God. Harsh words, but this is what John makes plain (1 John 4:7-21).

PRAYER:
Lord, I am not able to overcome my feelings and hurts by myself. I still battle within myself to protect myself by attacking my enemies. Forgive me and help me to have a changed heart, to have Your heart towards other sinners, who like me NEED mercy, grace and love. Amen.

Jan 24 — Matthew 5:27-37

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 5:27-37

OBSERVATION:
Keeping one’s word is essential in the world as God designed it. Broken promises undermine the stability and welfare of society. Jesus’ kingdom ethic is clear on the need for maintaining fidelity within marriage. Stay true to your promise, says Jesus. The only exception is when the other partner severs the relationship by infidelity. Jesus is not condemning the “innocent” party as an adulterer, but impressing on the one initiating the divorce that they are MAKING their partner a vow-breaker. Jesus is not calling the “innocent” partner sexually immoral simply because they are being divorced. But by necessity they cannot keep their vows (because the partner has left them), and so in this sense they become adulterers. Elsewhere Paul indicates that if a spouse insists on leaving, the other partner is not bound (1 Corinthians 7:15).

Jesus also points out that it is not just public, acted-out sin that is a breaking of the marriage vow, but even lustful looking. Root this out as sin, says Jesus, it is serious. Like anger, it puts you at risk of ending up in the garbage heap, burned (hell is literally Gehenna, a garbage dump that was always burning, outside of Jerusalem).

APPLICATION:
Jesus is not dangling eternal damnation over people to scare them from sinning, but warning them of the natural consequences of breaking vows and entertaining lust in the heart. You will get burned. The wisdom of Proverbs echoes this warning (Proverbs 6:27-29). Do I think that little compromises (a peak here, a look there) will not harm me, or my relationship with my wife? Do I take sin this serious, willing to cut it off, root it out, NO MATTER WHAT?

PRAYER:
Lord, I confess that I do not take my sin this seriously. I act as if I can get away with it. Even though I do not always reason this out, my actions can reveal that I do not take sin seriously. Help me to be more serious! Amen.