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Tale ved Karl Johan Kjøde.
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We live in a very self-centered society these days. I read a study recently that stated that 1 in 5 millennials would quit their job to become famous. This is not the way of Jesus, however. Casting Crowns song "Only Jesus" reminds us that "Jesus is the only name to remember."
Join me in Psalm 115 as we join the Psalmist in comparing and contrasting God and idols (anything that sets itself up as a god in our lives).
On this episode I discuss:
Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Compare and contrast Make a list Journal your dialogue with God Rapid Bible Read Through with Keith Ferrin - KeithFerrin.com "In the beginning, God..." everything that was created was made by God and for His glory The tension for me to give God glory alone and build a platform where more people can be exposed to what God is saying through me How the theme of Psalm 115 matches our song this week - Psalm 115:1 Our "what have you done for me lately society" - Psalm 115:2 God rescued us just like He rescued the Israelites from Egypt - instead of from a land of slavery, from a life of slavery to sin - 2 Corinthians 5:21 Our great High Priest who completely saves and intercedes - Hebrews 7:24-27 Making a t-chart with the characteristics of God on one side and the characteristics of idols on the other Rather than trusting in idols that are lifeless and ineffective and becoming like them, we are called to trust in the Lord - Psalm 115:9-11 The house of Aaron (extra credit! learn more about Aaron beginning in Exodus) If you are a follower of Christ, you are described in the New Testament as a priest - 1 Peter 2:9-10 Our current circumstances do NOT define our God - Psalm 115:12-13 The final compare and contrast of the Psalm - Psalm 115:17-18 Additional Resources Lyrics and Chords - Essential Worship This Week's ChallengeRead Psalm 115 and make a list of God’s characteristics and a list of the characteristics of idols (and ultimately those who trust in them). Compare and contrast what you see in the two lists. Feel free to follow a side-path of reading about Aaron in Exodus (and beyond) to understand a little more about the “house of Aaron” mentioned in this Psalm. Consider the idols in our day and age. Could fame or legacy be an idol that has seeped into your life threatening to dethrone Christ as the King of Kings of your heart? Declare with our song this week and through prayer, "Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to Your name give glory."
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I often talk about Scripture changing the way you think. Well get ready, because Shane and Shane's song, Psalm 51 (Wisdom in the Secret Heart), leads us to a Psalm of David where it is obvious he has begun to think differently about his sin. I was crying out for God's cleansing alongside David after spending a week here.
Get ready to get uncomfortable...in a good way.
On this episode I discuss:
Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Don't just decide to jump into God's Word...really jump in Listen to audio version of Scripture - I use YouVersion Repetition Focus in on a smaller section of Scripture that is fairly self-contained Utilize a commentary - I used Charles Spurgeon and Wayne Grudem this week Meditate on Scripture Take advantage of small pockets of time Talk about what you're learning with a friend The story behind Psalm 51 - 2 Samuel 11-12 How the Psalm starts out with a cry for mercy - Psalm 51:1-2 How David cannot seem to escape the reality of his sin - Psalm 51:3 When we sin it is ALWAYS against God We have a sin nature we cannot escape...we were sinful from the beginning Psalm 51:4-6 Romans 5:18-19 Ephesians 2:3 God delights in truth in the inward being - Psalm 51:6 Asking God to teach us wisdom in the secret heart Enlighten the eyes of my heart - Ephesians 1:16-21 Teach me wisdom in the secret heart - Psalm 51:6 Give light to my eyes - Psalm 13:3 Once we are purified by God, we can be used by Him - Psalm 51:13-15 Additional ResourcesLyrics and chords - Worship Initiative by Shane & Shane
This Week's Challenge Spend some time in Psalm 51 this week. Use this song to help you meditate on it's truths. Perhaps pull out a commentary or other resource to deepen your knowledge and understanding. Share what you are learning with a friend. And if you're in a crazy season, determine in your heart that you will take the moments God gives you to ponder His Word...and then do it.Purchase your copy of A Seat at the Table today!
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Have you ever been asked to, "Walk a mile in someone else's shoes?" That's exactly the journey I took this week as I used Hannah Kerr's "Christmas Eve in Bethlehem" to lead me to the Christmas story once again.
This time through the Christmas story we'll seek to place ourselves inside the story and see how the story would/should go in our lives today.
On this episode I discuss:
Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Repetition Listen to an audio version of the text Remembering the people depicted in the Christmas story were REAL Jen Wilkin's C.I.A. Method - Comprehension, Interpretation, Application Tackling this week's question (that falls into the application step), "How would I respond?" The shepherds were real, Mary was real, Joseph was real...you get the idea How the "inn" may have been a family room and the manger may have been in the house - GotQuestions.org When Jesus comes at an inconvenient time, can we be bothered to make room? The warning to the Church at Laodicea that we should heed as well - Revelation 3:15-22 Exploring how the shepherds believed - Luke 2:15-17 Do I hear truth, go and see it for myself, and then share it with my friends? Taking note from the Magi who journeyed far and at great expense to worship Jesus - Matthew 2:1-12 Additional Resources Lyrics - Klove This Week's ChallengeRead or listen to the Christmas story once again in Matthew 1-2, Luke 1-2, and John 1. This time, remember that the people found in these accounts were REAL. Put yourself in their shoes. How would you respond? How DO you respond when God’s plans may lead you to give up your own comfort like the family members of Mary and Joseph? When God reveals something new to you do you hear, believe, see for yourself, and then share with others like the shepherds? Are you compelled to worship Jesus as a result of your study of Scripture like the Magi? Pray and ask God to reveal what He wants you to see in the Christmas story this year.
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Picture the best friend you've ever had. Friendship with Jesus is nothing like that. It's deeper, richer, more meaningful, and more life-giving than the best friendship you've ever had. The effects of being Christ's friend will make you a better person and more useful to the Kingdom of God than you could ever imagine. Matt Maher's song, "What a Friend," inspired me to explore what Scripture has to say about being friends with Jesus.
I learned something new this week. I can't wait to share it with you!
On this week's episode I discuss:
Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Read in context Use section headings to get your bearings Listen to an audio version of Scripture Use outside resources to learn new things Print out and mark up Scripture How our personal experiences sometimes fall short as a metaphor for our relationship with God Printing out Scripture double spaced with a wide right margin to give you permission to mark up the pages The condition that the word IF refers to in John 15:12-15 You don’t qualify as Christ's friend through obedience…His salvation produces a change in us Friendship with Christ is marked by great love Friendship with Christ is possible because He laid down His life Our obedience is an effect of the life-changing relationship we have with Christ We are informed friends Through this friendship we are welcomed into relationship with Father as well Additional Resources Chords and Lyrics - Essential Worship Look at the Book videos by John Piper - John 15:12-15 Part 2, John 15:12-15 Part 3 Story behind the song "What a Friend" by Matt Maher - kwsp.org article This Week's Challenge Read in context up to our focus section in John 15:12-15. Print out this section of Scripture double spaced with a wide right margin so that you can feel more confident in marking it up and adding your observations to it. Watch the Look at the Book videos and learn more about the precious gift of friendship with have with Christ.Purchase your copy of A Seat at the Table today!
