BibleTrekToday.com

Year: 2023

  • Repentance with godly grief

    Scripture reading for August 31st: 2nd Corinthians 7, Psalm 24, Proverbs 19

    2nd Corinthians 7: 8-11 “For even if I made you grieve with my letter, I do not regret it–though I did regret it, for I see that that letter grieved you, though only for a little while. As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us. For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. For see what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what punishment! At every point you have proved yourselves innocent in the matter.”

    Paul had urged them earlier in his letter to forgive the brother who had been in gross immorality. (2nd Corinthians 2:1-9) He explained to them the working of ‘godly grief’ that leads to true repentance and a change of direction. Some people only experience ‘worldly grief’, which is being sorry that your wrong choice of action was found out. This kind of grief produces death, whereas, godly grief produces repentance and true salvation. Its fruit is eagerness to do what is right, willingness to discipline those who are in sin, and upholding the integrity of God’s Word. Since we are all sinners, we all need godly sorrow to produce the necessary repentance. God will give the repentant clean hands and a pure heart. A man of understanding will gain knowledge through reproof.

    Psalm 24:3-5 “Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully. He will receive blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation.”

    Prayer: Father God, thank You for sending those who will reprove me in love when I have done wrong. Thank You for giving me ‘godly sorrow’ over my sins, bringing true repentance and life. As an elder in Your Church, help me to correct others with grace and tears, following the example of Jesus Christ and His apostles. Give our nation’s people this gift of godly sorrow over sins and true repentance leading to life.

    Psalm 19:25 “Strike a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; reprove a man of understanding, and he will gain knowledge. ”

  • The faithful will endure!

    Scripture reading for August 30th: 2nd Corinthians 6, Psalm 23, Proverbs 18

    2nd Corinthians 6:1-7 “Working together with Him, then we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For He says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger, by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love; by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; . .”

    Paul emphasized to the Corinthians that it was Jesus Christ Who brought God’s amazing grace and would enable them to endure. Paul worked with Jesus to appeal to them to stay true to grace. They had been saved but were being tempted to turn away. Now was the favorable time to stay true, and ‘today’ was the day of salvation. Paul used his life and that of his fellow-workers as examples of God’s keeping power, no matter what the trial or obstacle. By following the Holy Spirit and trusting in God’s Word and power, they stood firm and overcame. Walking the path of faith is a ‘today’ activity! Depending on Jesus never fails!

    Psalm 23:4 “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”

    Prayer: Father God, thank You for the Friend that sticks closer than a brother, Jesus Christ and the indwelling Holy Spirit Who empowers me day by day. Give me wisdom and encouragement to help those who are faltering in their faith by pointing them to You, our Great Shepherd. Thank You for Your genuine love and mercy, and power to keep me from receiving Your grace in vain.

    Proverbs 18:24 “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

  • Good courage before Christ!

    Scripture reading for August 29th: 2nd Corinthians 5, Psalm 22, Proverbs 17

    2nd Corinthians 5:6-10 “So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and be at home with the Lord. So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.”

    Paul taught the believers that judgment was coming for all believers at the judgment seat of Christ where each person individually would receive reward or suffer loss, depending on how they used their allotted time on earth and were obedient to live by faith in God’s Word. Paul encouraged them that they could be of good courage at all times if they lived a life of faith, following the Lord faithfully. They could have courage in this life as well as confidence in the life to come and before Christ at His judgment seat. It is only by faith that we can please God. Faith brings confidence and assurance in the unseen realities and promises of God.

    Psalm 22:27-28 “All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations shall worship before You. For kingship belongs to the Lord, and He rules over the nations.”

    Prayer: Father God, Your Word and Your justice through Your Son Jesus Christ give me great courage and confidence. Thank You for leading me into a life of faith. Thank You for calling me out of this self-centered world system to live in freedom serving You in obedience, worship and good works. Help me to remind others of their need to live by faith and the confidence all can have who rely on Jesus Christ.

    Proverbs 17:15 “He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous are both alike an abomination to the Lord.”

  • The eternal weight of glory!

    Scripture reading for August 28th: 2nd Corinthians 4, Psalm 21, Proverbs 16

    2nd Corinthians 4: 13-15 “Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, “I believed, and so I spoke,” we also believe, and so we also speak, knowing that He Who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into His presence. For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. for this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”

    Paul was good at casting vision of the things that are unseen. Faith is the substance of what is unseen! As we hear and believe God’s amazing Word, focusing on eternal truth and eternal love and power, we are renewed inside in our soul and spirit. Even if our bodies are wasting away because of aging or disease, this inner renewal and refreshing is available by the Holy Spirit. Paul shared his certainty of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead and believers certainty of being brought into God’s glorious presence. This would not be a momentary experience, but an eternal one! These gracious words from God’s Word are to be our focus in this life. All else, including our mortal bodies, are passing away! But we will joyfully live forever in this promised eternal glory of God’s presence!

    Psalm 21:4-6 “He asked life of You; You gave it to him, length of days forever and ever. His glory is great through Your salvation; splendor and majesty You bestow on him. For Your make Him most blessed forever; You make him glad with the joy of Your presence.”

    Prayer: Father God, with the psalmist, we have asked you for forgiveness of our sins and the gift of eternal life. Your salvation is grand and glorious! Your have bestowed upon us an eternal weight of glory that is beyond our understanding except for the Holy Spirit Who helps us and prepares us. Fill me with the sweetness and health that comes from focusing on these unseen realities of eternal glory!

    Proverbs 16:24 “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.”

  • Transformation by the Holy Spirit!

    Scripture reading for August 25th: 2nd Corinthians 3, Psalm 20, Proverbs 15

    2nd Corinthians 3:16-18 “But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord Who is the Spirit.”

    Paul used Moses and the Law as an example for the believers. The Law was written on tablets of stone and was received by Moses to give to the people. Moses wore a veil over his face when he left God’s presence, because the glow of God’s presence and glory was fading from him. This veil remains over all who try and keep the law. But in Christ God has given man something better! The Holy Spirit comes to indwell us and write God’s law on hearts of human flesh. He pours in God’s agape love and we begin to love God unselfishly and to love others, thus fulfilling God’s law. God Himself is Love! This brings freedom from the condemnation of broken law and transformation by the Spirit indwelling us into the likeness of God’s Son! The need for a veil is over! The glory is now increasing day by day! Amen!

    Psalm 20:4-5 “May we shout for joy over your salvation, and in the Name of our God set up our banners! May the Lord fulfill all your petitions! Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven with the saving might of His right hand.”

    Prayer: Father God, I shout for joy over Your gift of the Holy Spirit living in me! From Your Word, I understand that I am being transformed into Your image day by day, with ever-increasing glory! My cheerful heart has a continual feast! I love You with all my heart, soul, mind and strength and my neighbor as myself! Open doors that I may share this glory transformation with all in my community!

    Proverbs 15:15 “All the days of the afflicted are evil, but the cheerful of heart has a continual feast.”

  • The fragrance of the knowledge of Jesus

    Scripture reading for August 24th: 2nd Corinthians 2, Psalm 19, Proverbs 14

    2nd Corinthians 2:14-17 “But thanks be to God, Who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of Him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God’s Word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ.”

    Paul told the believers that Christ would always lead them in triumphal procession. Jesus Christ, our King, would display His Bride as beautiful and reflecting the joy of His love and grace like a pleasant perfume. Those who were humble and repentant would see them and receive their fragrance as the perfume of Life. Those hard-hearted and sin-centered would find their aroma one of death! Their old life would be exposed and conviction would fall. But God sends out His people and makes them triumphant and equips them for their task. Through them, the knowledge of Christ is spread like a beautiful aroma in every place they go or reside!

    Psalm 19:14 “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”

    Prayer: Father God, even as the Psalmist prayed: “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord!” You are my Rock and Redeemer, my King and Lord. As Your Bride, may my life always bear the fragrance of the knowledge of Jesus Christ in every place to each person. Thank You for commissioning and equipping me for this task through the Holy Spirit’s indwelling.

    Proverbs 14:33-34 “Wisdom rests in the heart of a man of understanding, but it makes itself known even in the midst of fools. Righteousness exalts a notion, but sin is a reproach to any people.”

  • Learning to rely on God

    Scripture reading for August 23rd: 2nd Corinthians 1, Psalm 18, Proverbs 13

    2nd Corinthians 1: 8-11 “For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God Who raises the dead. He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us. On Him we have set our hope that He will deliver us again. You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.”

    As believers, we don’t get a pass on suffering or persecution. Paul and his ministry team went through a trial where they despaired of life itself. They felt under the sentence of death and that there was no escape. However, God strengthened them and delivered them from the deadly peril. It was Paul’s faith in God that caused him to declare that God would do it again as well. But Paul encouraged the believers to pray for them and bring help as many agreed together. This would bring thanksgiving from those helped through the prayers. Prayer is an amazing help and comfort to those in despairing trials. God is faithful to hear and answer us and those praying for us and with us. To Him be all glory in heaven and on earth!

    Psalm 18:4-6 “The cords of death encompassed me; the torrents of destruction assailed me; the cords of Sheol entangled me; the snares of death confronted me. In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God I cried for help. From His temple He heard my voice, and my cry to Him reached His ears.”

    Prayer: Father God, thank You for the testimony of these who have gone before me and have suffered in great despair. Your promise of hearing our prayers and delivering us brings comfort and faith. I pray for those in my life that I know are going through despairing trials and what looks hopeless. Use me to pray for them and to encourage them that You are faithful. Thank You for Your amazing faithfulness to us!

    Proverbs 13:21 “Disaster pursues sinners, but the righteous are rewarded with good.”

  • Integrity in giving!

    Scripture reading for August 22nd: 1st Corinthians 16, Psalm 17, Proverbs 12

    1st Corinthians 16: 1-4 “Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come. And when I arrive, I will send those whom you accredit by letter to carry your gift to Jerusalem. If it seems advisable that I should go also, they will accompany me.”

    God is a God of order and peace. A lack of integrity in handling of offerings can be a source of division and strife among believers. In his closing remarks to this church family, Paul gives instructions for an offering taken for hurting believers in Jerusalem. First, each person is to willingly, as God prospers them, set aside weekly an offering to be given when Paul arrives. Paul did not want to pressure them to give or coerce them in any way. God loves cheerful givers! Second, the church should select trustworthy individuals to send with the offering to insure it gets to the place and people intended. Paul would only go himself it it seemed advisable. The utmost integrity and accountability was to be given to God’s offerings in accordance with established practices laid out by church leaders. Amen!

    Psalm 17:4-5 “With regard to the works of man, by the Word of Your lips I have avoided the ways of the violent. My steps have held fast to Your paths; my feet have not slipped.”

    Prayer: Father God, thank You that You are a just God Who cares about truth and integrity in Your people. How we handle money is a test of our faithfulness and character. Help us to follow Your simple instructions and to be accountable with all offerings. Bless those who give with joy and freedom and those who act in integrity in using all finances to Your intended benefit. Keep our feet from slipping.

    Proverbs 12:20-21 “Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but those who plan peace have joy. No ill befalls the righteous, but the wicked are filled with trouble.”

  • The last enemy under Christ’s feet!

    Scripture reading for August 21st: 1st Corinthians 15, Psalm 16, Proverbs 11

    1st Corinthians 15: 20-26 “But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at His coming those who belong to Christ. Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. For He must reign until He has put His enemies under His feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death.”

    Some in the Corinthian church struggled to comprehend how Christ was raised from the dead. They were thinking naturally that when a person is dead, then that’s the end of them. But Christ Jesus has been raised from the dead and is alive. Adam’s sin brought death to all men because death is the penalty for sin. But Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection now brings eternal life to those who believe on Him. Christ was the Firstborn from the dead but He won’t be the last! When He comes again, we shall all be raised to life eternal in a glorified body, like His glorious body! God did not abandon Jesus and He certainly won’t abandon to death those trusting in His Son. Jesus is the only path to eternal life and resurrection! Amen!

    Psalm 16:9-11 “Therefore my heart is glad, and my flesh also dwells secure. For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

    Prayer: Father God, my heart is full of joy at the understanding that I will live forever in Your presence! I believe Jesus Christ was raised from the dead and at His coming I will be raised. Use me to declare these truths to a world skeptical of the resurrection and lost in sin’s darkness. Deliver those with the fear of death by revealing that You have defeated our last enemy!

    Proverbs 11:6-7 “The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the treacherous are taken captive by their lust. When the wicked dies, his hope will perish, and the expectation of wealth perishes too.”

  • God will not confuse His people!

    Scripture reading for August 18th: 1st Corinthians 14, Psalm 15, Proverbs 10

    1st Corinthians 14:26-33 “What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up. If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret. But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God. Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said. If a revelation is made to another sitting there, let the first be silent. For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be encouraged, and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets. For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.”

    God’s people are commanded to gather together for worship, prayer, and teaching of the Word. God speaks to His people through gift-people and through spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit to edify, exhort and comfort God’s people. Each person has a gift or manifestation of the Spirit that may be shared, but never to cause confusion. God is a God of peace and order. He gave instructions about the use of gifts. Two or three at most should speak in tongues publicly, but only if there is one who can interpret. Tongues are a sign for unbelievers. Prophesy can be given by two or three, each in turn and care taken that all would understand and be encouraged and built up. Each person is responsible to follow God’s instructions in a humble and submissive spirit of love for God and those present.

    Psalm 15:1-3 “O Lord, who shall sojourn in Your tent? Who shall dwell on Your holy hill? Who who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart; who does not slander with his tongue and does no evil to his neighbor, nor takes up reproach against a friend; . .”

    Prayer: Father God, thank You that You are a God of order and peace, not of confusion. Help me as a pastor and overseer to instruct Your people in these simple instructions. Help me to always invite the Holy Spirit to move through Your people in the gifts and to bring clarification and understanding so all may be edified. Build up Your church that they might do mighty exploits for You and share Your wisdom.

    Proverbs 10:13-14 “On the lips of him who has understanding, wisdom is found, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks sense. The wise lay up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool brings ruin near.”