Scripture Nugget 6.21.2017

Scripture Nugget 6.21.2017

Scripture Read Psalms 72-74

Nugget Psalm 73:21-28

“When my soul was embittered, when I was pricked in the heart, I was stupid and ignorant; I was like a brute beast toward you. Nevertheless I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me with honor. Whom have I heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire other than you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Indeed, those who are far from you will perish; you put an end to those who are false to you. But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, to tell of all your works.”

Devotional Thought: Nearness to God, being in God’s presence, ultimately brings blessings. God is with us always, God invites and welcomes us into His presence. His love created us and desires us be close. To be with God, we are to be as God; Holy, as He is Holy. He will make us Holy, righteous and blameless. Yet, we wander away and are surprised by the lack of blessing. As a seminary professor of mine like to say, “separated you get picked off.” I pray that I/you/we may always be able to say, “But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge.”

This is the last of my daily nuggets to share with Vanna UMC Family. My appointment ends today, tomorrow David Bryan becomes your pastor. Love God, love him. Cindy and I have been blessed to serve this historic congregation, in this season. We pray life, God's abundant life anoint and guide you. God bless and keep you, now and always! In His grip, Ed

Scripture Nugget 6.20.2017

Scripture Nugget 6.20.2017

Scripture Read 1 Kings 14-18

Nugget 1 Kings 18:21

“Elijah then came near to all the people, and said, ‘How long will you go limping with two different opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.’ The people did not answer him a word.”

Devotional Thought: A choice is required, we cannot follow two masters. Choices have consequences. I say again, choices have consequences! Choosing to follow God requires change, transformation – transformation into the image of Christ, a work done by God. Choosing Baal – who knows? Baal is not real and therefore powerless. Worship Baal all you want, nothing will happen, you will get exhausted and frustrated, Baal isn’t real and cannot love you. God loves you, worship God, love God, be changed by God. Be holy as God is holy. Holiness is defined by God. “Loop-holiness” is my attempt at re-defining God’s holiness and is living life limping along with two opinions. Take a stand, make a choice. Choose God!

Scripyure Nugget 6.19.2017

6.19.2017

Scripture Read Leviticus 4-6

Nugget Leviticus 5: 7 & 11

“But if you cannot afford a sheep, you shall bring to the LORD, as your penalty for the sin that you have committed, two turtledoves or two pigeons, one for a sin offering and one for a burnt offering. ... But if you cannot afford two turtledoves or two pigeons, you shall bring as your offering for the sin that you have committed one-tenth of an ephah of choice flour for a sin offering; you shall not put oil on it or lay frankincense on it, for it is a sin offering.”

Devotional Thought: Praise God that it is not up to our financial status to be forgiven of sins! Poor persons have access to God’s grace and mercy as do all of us. Through Christ we are all forgiven. What are we, the forgiven, doing to bring others to the realization that all sin debt is paid, all my approach the throne of God boldly? Do we allow economically depressed persons access to the throne? Are our sanctuaries and chapels really open to all and welcoming? Are we inviters, do we go out as disciples to make disciples? Have we silently established a financial status expectation on who may or may not worship with us? God forgive us!

Scripture Nuggets 6.18.2017

Scripture Nuggets 6.18&19.2017

6.18.2017

Scripture Read Ephesians 1-3

Nugget Ephesians 3:14-21

“For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name. I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”

Devotional Thought: What do I/you /we pray for? Are we bold enough to ask that our faith be strong enough for Christ to dwell within us; that we be able to grasp the enormity of God’s love, and be filled with the fullness of God? Do you think we could live with all God’s love, wisdom, holiness, power, and glory? Do we really believe we are going on to perfection in this lifetime? Brings new meaning to: “Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine”, doesn’t it?

Scripture Nugget 6-17-2017

6.17.2017

Scripture Read Luke 11-12

Nugget Luke 12:1-3

“Meanwhile, when the crowd gathered by the thousands, so they trampled on one another, he began to speak first to his disciples, ‘Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees, that is, their hypocrisy. Nothing is covered up that will not be uncovered, and nothing secret that will not become known. Therefore whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be proclaimed from the housetops.’”

Devotional Thought: In the crowds we find a range of persons. Spectators there to be part of the crowd, the “cool” thing, trying to get a glimpse of and be a part of the latest and greatest thing, they want to be identified as being part of the p[popular movement, being cool, yet without commitment or transformation. Then disciples, those there to learn from Jesus, who follow closely and desire to change, to grow with Jesus under his teaching. They listen for understanding. “Jesus is not interested in people who merely hang around without ever changing. Such people will eventually be exposed.” (Wesley Study Bible, pg 1260) The question we must answer daily is, Am I a disciple or just part of the crowd? To answer this question, assess whether or not we change as we draw close to Jesus. All are welcome - to come as you are; the thing is we can’t stay in the presence of Jesus and remain as we came. Salvation is ongoing, growing into Christ likeness requires change. Disciples of Jesus Christ are transformed, are being transformed and will continue that transformation until they are perfected in and by Christ. Am I, are you a Disciple or just a member of the crowd?   

Scripture Nugget 6-16-2017

Scripture Nuggets 6.16-17.2017

6.16.2017

Scripture Read Ezekiel 1-6

Nugget Ezekiel 2:4-8

“The descendants are impudent and stubborn. I am sending you to them, and you shall say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God.’ Whether they hear or refuse to hear (for they are a rebellious house), they shall know that there has been a prophet among them. And you, O mortal, do not be afraid of them, and do not be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns surround you and you live among scorpions; do not be afraid of their words, and do not be dismayed at their looks, for they are a rebellious house. You shall speak my words to them, whether they hear or refuse to hear; for they are a rebellious house. But you, mortal, hear what I say to you; do not be rebellious like that rebellious house; open your mouth and eat what I give you.”

Devotional Thought: When God sends a prophet to speak to me, to you – do we listen, do we hear, do we change or do we rebel? God loves each of us so much he sends prophets to teach, to warn, to lead us to be the persons/people God desires us to be. Do I, do you receive the message or stand firm in the present. Rebellion or submission. Die to self or rebel against God? “Whatever, whatever, I do what I want” is not a proper response.......

6.17.2017

Scripture Read Luke 11-12

Nugget Luke 12:1-3

“Meanwhile, when the crowd gathered by the thousands, so they trampled on one another, he began to speak first to his disciples, ‘Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees, that is, their hypocrisy. Nothing is covered up that will not be uncovered, and nothing secret that will not become known. Therefore whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be proclaimed from the housetops.’”

Devotional Thought: In the crowds we find a range of persons. Spectators there to be part of the crowd, the “cool” thing, trying to get a glimpse of and be a part of the latest and greatest thing, they want to be identified as being part of the p[popular movement, being cool, yet without commitment or transformation. Then disciples, those there to learn from Jesus, who follow closely and desire to change, to grow with Jesus under his teaching. They listen for understanding. “Jesus is not interested in people who merely hang around without ever changing. Such people will eventually be exposed.” (Wesley Study Bible, pg 1260) The question we must answer daily is, Am I a disciple or just part of the crowd? To answer this question, assess whether or not we change as we draw close to Jesus. All are welcome - to come as you are; the thing is we can’t stay in the presence of Jesus and remain as we came. Salvation is ongoing, growing into Christ likeness requires change. Disciples of Jesus Christ are transformed, are being transformed and will continue that transformation until they are perfected in and by Christ. Am I, are you a Disciple or just a member of the crowd?   

Scripture Nugget 6.15.2017

Scripture Nugget 6.15.2017

Scripture Read Proverbs 4

Nugget Proverbs 4: 7-8, 11-13,18, 20-23, 26-27

“The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever else you get, get insight. Prize her highly, and she will exalt you; she will honor you if you embrace her. ... I have taught you the way of wisdom; I have led you in the paths of uprightness. When you walk, your step will not be hampered; and if you run, you will not stumble. Keep hold of instruction; do not let go, guard her, for she is your life. ... But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day. ... My child, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them escape from your sight; keep them within your heart. For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh. Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. ... Keep straight the path of your feet, and all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.”

Devotional Thought: Wisdom flows out of the Word of God, get some! Oh God that I/you/we would be aware enough to recognize when wisdom is being offered and to receive wisdom – gain insight. Why wouldn’t we want this? When we prize wisdom, wisdom then exalts, honors and embraces. Wisdom leads us to and on the paths of holiness, smooth and brightly lit; we may run with confidence, with assurance for the way of wisdom is sure. Let our hearts hold fast the Word of God, that we may keep God’s commandments and live! (v4)

Scripture Nugget 6.14.2017

Scripture Nugget 6.14.2017

Scripture Read Psalms 69-71

Nugget Psalm 69:1-3, 13-15

“Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in deep mire, where there is no foothold; I have come into deep waters, and the flood sweeps over me. I am weary with my crying, my throat is parched. My eyes grow dim with waiting for my God. ... But as for me, my prayer is to you, O LORD. At an acceptable time, O God, in the abundance of your steadfast love, answer me. With your faithful help, rescue me from sinking in the mire; let me be delivered from my enemies and from the deep waters. Do not let the flood sweep over me, or the deep swallow me up, or the Pit close its mouth over me.”

Devotional Thought: When overwhelmingly overwhelmed who do I/you/we call to? Imagine being stuck in the bottom of a smooth sided well; water up to your mouth, dirty polluted water; you can’t get a foothold to push your mouth out of the water except for brief moments at a time. Your tired, thirsty yet drowning. Who do you call? The Psalmist calls faithfully to God, “But as for me, my prayer is to you, O LORD. At an acceptable time, O God, in the abundance of your steadfast love, answer me; rescue me, deliver me, do not let the flood sweep over me, the deep swallow me or the Pit close over me.” Over-the-Horizon faith expressed while experiencing an overwhelming situation – that’s faith!

Scripture Nugget 6.13.2017

Scripture Nugget 6.13.2017

Scripture Read 1 Kings 10-13

Nugget 1 Kings 11:1-10

“King Solomon loved many foreign women along with the daughter of Pharaoh: Moabite, Ammonite, Edomite, Sidonian, and Hittite women, from the nations concerning which the LORD had said to the Israelites, ‘You shall not enter into marriage with them, neither shall they with you; for they will surely incline your heart to follow their gods’; Solomon clung to these in love. Among his wives were seven hundred princesses and three hundred concubines; and his wives turned away his heart. For when Solomon was old, his wives turned away his heart after other gods; and his heart was not true to the LORD his God, as was the heart of his father David. For Solomon followed Astarte the goddess of the Sidonians, and Milcom the abominations of the Ammonites. So Solomon did what was evil in the sight of the LORD, and did not completely follow the LORD, as his father David had done. Then Solomon built a high place for Chemosh the abomination of Moab, and for Molech the abomination of the Ammonites, on the mountain east of Jerusalem. He did the same for all his foreign wives, who offered incense and sacrificed to their gods. Then the LORD was angry with Solomon, because his heart had turned away from the LORD, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice, and had commanded him concerning this matter, that he should not follow other gods; but he did not observe what the LORD commanded.”

Devotional Thought: God is very clear in His command and the reason: ‘You shall not enter into marriage with them, neither shall they with you; for they will surely incline your heart to follow their gods’. Let’s not judge Solomon but our selves. What are the things God tells us not to do so we will not incline our hearts to other gods. What are the gods in my/your/our lives that draw our attention away from God? What is the sin that separates from God? It is no surprise God gets mad at Solomon, it should not be a surprise that God can also get angry with us. Who do you hang out with? Who and what do they ask you to worship? Anything, anyone other than God is the wrong answer? Don’t let friends, family, news, or social media influence who you worship and how you live. Holiness is defined by God, not outside influencers.

Scripture Nugget 6.12.2017

Scripture Nugget 6.12.2017

Scripture Read Leviticus 1-3

Nugget Leviticus 1:1-4, 10, 13b-d -14, 17b-d, 2:1, 13, 3:1,5, 16b-17

“The LORD summoned Moses and spoke to him from the tent of meeting, saying: When any of you bring a offering of livestock to the LORD, you shall bring your offering from the herd or from the flock. If the offering is a burnt offering from the herd, you shall offer a make without blemish; you shall bring it to the entrance of the tent of meeting, for acceptance in your behalf before the LORD. You shall lay your hand on the head of the burnt offering, and it shall be acceptable in your behalf as atonement for you. ...If your gift for a burnt offering is from the flock, from the sheep or goats, your offering shall be a male without blemish. ... Then the priest shall offer the whole and turn it into smoke on the altar; it is a burnt offering, an offering by fire of pleasing odor to the LORD. If your offering to the LORD is a burnt offering of birds, you shall choose your offering from turtledoves or pigeons. ... Then the priest shall turn it into smoke on the altar, on the wood that is on the fire; it is a burnt offering, an offering by fire pleasing odor to the LORD. ...When anyone presents a grain offering to the LORD, the offering shall be of choice flour; the worshiper shall pour oil on it, and put frankincense on it, ... If the offering is a sacrifice of well-being, if you offer an animal of the heard, whether male or female, you shall offer one without blemish before the LORD. ... Then Aaron’s sons shall turn these into smoke on the altar, with the burnt offering that is on the wood on the fire, as an offering by fire of pleasing odor to the LORD. All fat is the LORD’s. It shall be a perpetual statute throughout your generations, in all your settlements: you must not eat any fat or any blood.”

Devotional Thought: Offerings to God are not to be given lightly. They are prized possessions, the best of the herd, the best from the field; they cost us something and we are involved in the process. It gets messy when one sacrifices your best bull. In this day and age where we can wirelessly give, no mess involved, we should stop and think, is this my first, my best, does it matter? Am I giving the entirety of my offering or are their strings attached? “By practicing sacrificial giving, we discover the truth that we are created to be givers. Sacrificial giving fits who God intends us to be. If we want to be fully human, we will make sacrificial giving an integral part of our lives.” (Wesley Study Bible, pg 122)