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?