Like a Child. Matthew 18:1-6

I love the way Jesus responds to his disciples questions. They're asking who is the greatest thinking that it must be one of them. Jesus takes the opportunity to expose an essential element of Christianity - humility. He says if you want to be considered great you have to be like a child.

It's important to recognize what quality Jesus wants them to take on in reference to being like a child. He's not saying they have to be innocent like a child. He's saying they have to be humble like a child. A child in the ancient world had no more rights than a slave. They were low class citizens. They didn't know much, they could do much and they certainly weren't entitled to anything. Jesus calls for this type of attitude about oneself in order to follow him.

Matthew 18:1-6
1At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"

2He called a little child and had him stand among them. 3And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

5"And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. 6But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.

Questions
1. Why do you think there is such a stern warning about leading children astray?
2. Is there an area in your life you're prideful about?
3. What will stick with you about this passage?

Keep On. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

Today is the final day of our church's forty day emphasis on prayer. As this emphasis draws to a close, it's important that we don't bring to a close our prayer as well. If anything this should spur us on to pray even more. We should recognize the complete dependency we have on God to accomplish anything great with our lives. Prayer is a sign that the follower of Christ understands his humble position before the Lord. Prayer says, "I can't do it, but I know one who can."

1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
16Be joyful always; 17pray without ceasing; 18give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

19Do not put out the Spirit's fire; 20do not treat prophecies with contempt. 21Test everything. Hold on to the good. 22Avoid every kind of evil.

23May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify (purify/set apart) you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.

Questions
1. What have you learned about or by prayer in the last forty days?
2. What's the most encouraging part of this passage?
3. Which of these challenges do you find most difficult?

Wasted Days. 2 Peter 1:1-9

Have you ever wasted a whole day? It's a pretty lousy feeling to approach the end of a day and think, "I didn't accomplish anything today. I wasted the whole twenty four hours." As followers of Christ this is even more frustrating because we know what we've been called to do. Rest assured Jesus doesn't waste time. He isn't lazy, so if we find ourselves in a state of nonproductivity we may find that we're not actively following Jesus. When we find ourselves in this state, the answer isn't to run out and do something. The answer is to pick your cross back up and follow him. He will lead us into areas of productivity and effectiveness.

2 Peter 1:1-9
1Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours: 2Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

3His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

5For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 8For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.

Questions
1. Why do you think "hard work" isn't on the list of things that will keep us from being ineffective?
2. How is it that we're able to "participate in the divine nature?"
3. What things can keep you from being effective and productive?

Standards. Matthew 5:1-11

This is a verse that would benefit everyone to have stored up in his/her heart. Jesus teaches us here that a godly standard of success looks a lot different than a worldly standard. He takes the worldly view and turns it on its head - flips it upside down. Christianity is no different today. If your standard of what it means to be a successful person doesn't include an element of what Jesus teaches below, it's time to reevaluate. Let us all take care to not ascribe to the world's standard. Instead, may we always pursue Jesus, even if it means mockery, discomfort, pain or even persecution.

Matthew 5:1-11
1Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2and he began to teach them saying:
3"Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called sons of God.
10Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Questions
1. Do you think most Christians have a Christlike standard of success?
2. How does our culture's view of success differ from Jesus'?
3. What will stick with you from this passage?

Restoration. Psalm 23

Welcome back to the blog. We read this at home last night and it was such an encouragement to me I wanted to send it out for all of you. I pray your soul finds its needed rest in this passage. Sometimes weariness overtakes us little by little until we finally just accept it as a way of life. We come to believe, that's just the way it is. Here the promise is restoration to the weary or burdened soul even in the tough times. Grace and peace.

Psalm 23
A psalm of David.
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,

3 he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.

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.

5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.

6 Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

Questions
1. How does restoration of the soul draw us closer to God?
2. ...to others?
3. What has God used in your life to comfort you?

A Baby Break

Unfortunately "Not by Bread Alone" will be taking a short break due to a brand new addition to our family. Our baby boy, Deacon Matthew, was born at 7:45pm Thursday, March 15th. He's beautiful. He and Morgan are both doing very well.

The regular posts should resume next week. Thanks, and have a great week.

Does It Speak Today? 1 Thess. 5:12-18

I think I enjoy the letters in the New Testament so much because one can easily read it like it's written to him/her. In a sense it is. This letter may have initially been written to the Thessalonians in the first century, but it is still very much alive and applicable to your life. God knew we would be reading these letters some 2000 years later. He knew that the message would be a message for us as well, so it persevered. We also are to work hard, avoid evil, pray continually, etc. I pray you would allow this letter speak to you today; that you would read it like it was written directly to you. Grace and peace be with you all.

1 Thessalonians 5:12-28
12Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.
16Be joyful always; 17pray continually; 18give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

19Do not put out the Spirit's fire; 20do not treat prophecies with contempt. 21Test everything. Hold on to the good. 22Avoid every kind of evil.

23May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.

25Brothers, pray for us. 26Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss. 27I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers.

28The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

Questions
1. How do you feel about this long list of things to do or not do?
2. Are there any that seem more difficult that others?
3. What part of this passage will stick with you today?

Want to read more? Click here fore the rest of the chapter.

How Much Do You Own? Psalm 24

The first line of this passage reminds us that the world is the Lord's. The whole thing - it all belongs to him. It's easy to start taking ownership of things God puts in our lives, then we get stressed out about how to deal with all our stuff.

This truth, that the world is the Lord's, is freeing information. It means we don't have to worry about getting enough or where it's going to come from. Trust the Lord...it all belongs to him. He will provide for your every need. I promise.

Psalm 24
1 The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it,
the world, and all who live in it;
2 for he founded it upon the seas
and established it upon the waters.
3 Who may ascend the hill of the LORD?
Who may stand in his holy place?
4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not lift up his soul to an idol
or swear by what is false.
5 He will receive blessing from the LORD
and vindication from God his Savior.
6 Such is the generation of those who seek him,
who seek your face, O God of Jacob.
Selah
7 Lift up your heads, O you gates;
be lifted up, you ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.
8 Who is this King of glory?
The LORD strong and mighty,
the LORD mighty in battle.
9 Lift up your heads, O you gates;
lift them up, you ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.
10 Who is he, this King of glory?
The LORD Almighty—
he is the King of glory.
Selah

Questions
1. How does believing everything belongs to God change your approach to life?
2. Based on this passage, what are the conditions for approaching God?
3. What will stick with you about this passage?

Anyone Have a Light? Exodus 3:1-10

God still hears the cries of His children today. There are people crying out right now, begging for someone to redeem them. Could it be that you are their Moses? God sends us out every day to be a blessing to people, to take the redeeming message of the gospel to the lost and dying - to the enslaved. As you read about Moses today, pray that God would make you sensitive to whom you are called to minister. We can be a light to a dark world, a world that needs a redeemer.

Exodus 3:1-10
1 Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the desert and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. 2 There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. 3 So Moses thought, "I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up."
4 When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, "Moses! Moses!"
And Moses said, "Here I am."

5 "Do not come any closer," God said. "Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground." 6 Then he said, "I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob." At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God.

7 The LORD said, "I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. 8 So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey—the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites. 9 And now the cry of the Israelites has reached me, and I have seen the way the Egyptians are oppressing them. 10 So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt."

Questions
1. Have you ever felt like God called you to do something specific?
2. How do you think you can be a light in your world?
3. How do you think you would respond if you were Moses?

Want to read more? Click here for the rest of the chapter.

The Grace of God. Ephesians 2:1-10

What an immeasurably great thing the grace of God is! There is no value that can be put on it. It's the reason we live and breathe and have our life now hidden in Christ's. It is because of this grace that we are no longer "objects of wrath". In other words, no longer will God's justice be poured out on us. Instead we were showered with his grace and mercy. I pray this passage would seep into your minds and hearts today that we might see the depth of the love of Christ.

Ephesians 2:1-10
1As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature[a] and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. 4But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved! 6And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9not by works, so that no one can boast. 10For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Questions
1. Do you see any line that is repeated in this passage?
2. In regards to pride, why is it important to recognize God's grace in our lives?
3. What will stick with you today from this passage?

Want to read more? Click here for the rest of the chapter.

A Personal Favorite - Philippians 2:1-11

This is a verse well worth knowing and living. You will see it occasionally on this blog because it is a reminder of who Christ is and who we are to be in Him. It does a great job of quickly outlining what it means to live a life of unity with believers then breaks into a beautiful hymn, that was probably sung in the early church, about Christ. It is both challenging and encouraging, humbling and uplifting. It really needs no introduction. Enjoy.

Philippians 2:1-11
1If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
5Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
6Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
7but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
9Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

Questions
1. What's the hardest thing to do in this passage?
2. What's the hardest thing to understand in this passage?
3. What will you take with you today?

Want to read more? Click here for the rest of the chapter.

Watch Your Step. Proverbs 4:18-27

I have a small permanent knot on my head from the amount of times I fell when I was a kid. I used to run with my hands in my pockets so my head always broke my fall. My parents would tell me, "don't run with your hands in your pockets." I eventually learned my lesson and now run with hands unencumbered.

The advice below is from a loving father who is telling his child, don't run like the wicked. Keep your feet on a firm path. Wickedness leads to failure and pain. Stay away from it. Instead hold onto the teachings you know to be true and your path will be straight.

Proverbs 4:18-27
18 The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn,
shining ever brighter till the full light of day.

19 But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness;
they do not know what makes them stumble.

20 My child, pay attention to what I say;
listen closely to my words.

21 Do not let them out of your sight,
keep them within your heart;

22 for they are life to those who find them
and health to a man's whole body.

23 Above all else, guard your heart,
for it is the wellspring of life.

24 Put away perversity from your mouth;
keep corrupt talk far from your lips.

25 Let your eyes look straight ahead,
fix your gaze directly before you.

26 Make level paths for your feet
and take only ways that are firm.

27 Do not swerve to the right or the left;
keep your foot from evil.

Questions
1. What do you think is the biggest lesson from this passage?
2. What does he mean by "the heart...is the wellspring of life?"
3. What do you think we have to know to walk in the light?

Want to read more? Click here for the rest of the chapter.

Is Your God Alive? Acts 17:22-32

A lot has changed in 2000 years, but similarities still abound. Spirituality is still very popular today, as it was when Paul preached this sermon in Greece 2000 years ago. Also, just like in Greece, Christianity still has those who mock it.

It's relatively acceptable to believe in a higher power, but if you start talking about God dying and then resurrecting from the dead, you may very well get laughed out of the room. To this day the resurrection still has it's scoffers. However our belief in Christ's resurrection is what gives us hope for our own resurrection - a resurrection to a new heaven and earth; to a body not tainted by sin, death and disease.

Acts 17:22-32
22Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: "Men of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. 23For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you.

24"The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. 25And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else. 26From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. 27God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. 28'For in him we live and move and have our being.' As some of your own poets have said, 'We are his offspring.'

29"Therefore since we are God's offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by man's design and skill. 30In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. 31For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead." 32When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some of them sneered, but others said, "We want to hear you again on this subject."

Questions
1. How do you respond to attacks on your faith?
2. Why do you think the resurrection is so essential to Christianity?
3. What part of this passage made the biggest impact on you?

Want to read more? Click here for the rest of the chapter.

Make Your Proclamation. Psalm 136:1-9

In ancient times, when shepherds still herded the sheep, this was a common form of bringing praise to God. The shepherds would gather together and individually they would lift a praise to God. Then the whole group of shepherds would make a common proclamation like, "His love endures forever." Give thanks to the Lord today, for He is good and His love endures forever.

Psalm 136:1-9
1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good.
His love endures forever.

2 Give thanks to the God of gods.
His love endures forever.

3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords:
His love endures forever.

4 to him who alone does great wonders,
His love endures forever.

5 who by his understanding made the heavens,
His love endures forever.

6 who spread out the earth upon the waters,
His love endures forever.

7 who made the great lights—
His love endures forever.

8 the sun to govern the day,
His love endures forever.

9 the moon and stars to govern the night;
His love endures forever.

Questions
1. What has God done for you that your thankful for?
2. How do you express your thankfulness for God?
3. If you could add your verse what would it be?

Want to read more? Click here for the rest of the chapter.

Fight the Fight! 1 Timothy 6:11-16

If you don't realize you're in a battle it makes it real easy for the opposing side. As Christians we must wake up and see that we're fighting a fight; the fight of the faith. This fight is not against flesh and blood, but against evil. How are we supposed to fight this spiritual battle? Part of the answer to that question is in this passage. The first step is to act. Christianity is anything but boring. If you find yourself bored in your Christian life, let me challenge you to get into the fight.

1 Timothy 6:11-16
11But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 12Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you 14to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15which God will bring about in his own time—God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen.

Questions
1. What do you think it means to "fight the good fight of the faith?"
2. How can you be more effective in the battle?
3. What do you think keeps people from getting in on the action?
4. What will you take with you from this passage today?

Want to read more? Click here for the rest of the chapter.

God's Good When I'm Dumb. Psalm 73:22-28

What reassurance it is that God has called us his own and will never leave us even when we're "senseless and ignorant". I don't know if you can look back at times in your life when you fit that category, but I know I sure can. If not for the grace of God I'm quite confident I would be a complete mess.

There truly is nothing greater than following the Lord and it's the only life that provides enduring fulfillment. I'm so thankful God lets us to draw near to him even when we mess up!

Psalm 73:22-28
22 I was senseless and ignorant;
I was a brute beast before you.

23 Yet I am always with you;
you hold me by my right hand.

24 You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me into glory.

25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.

26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.
27 Those who are far from you will perish;
you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.

28 But as for me, it is good to be near God.
I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge;
I will tell of all your deeds.

Questions
1. What was your favorite part of this passage?
2. What typically competes with God for your attention?
3. What's the difference between living for God and for a religion?
4. What will stick with you about this passage?

Want to read more? Click here for the rest of the chapter.