August 1st - 10thAugust 11th - 19thAugust 20th - 26thAugust 27th - September 1st
August 1st - 10th
August 11th - 19th
August 20th - 26th
August 27th - September 1st
August 1st - 10th (Hebrews 2:9)
In many religions throughout the world, an individual must attain godhood or nirvana in order to approach their god or gods. They endlessly devote themselves to the work of becoming holy and mighty in order that they may communicate and teach the supposed truths obtained from their transcendental revelations. Throughout the period of the Roman Empire many of the caesars were able to maintain a direct communication link with the many polytheistic gods of ancient Greece and Rome, i.e. Zeus, Jupiter, and Neptune. As such, they often became deified and were worshipped as gods themselves.
Fortunately, we ourselves don't have to tap into some mystical, unattainable, seance or meditation to get to God, instead, He came to us. Contrary to the many other gods of the world, our God, the one true God, became "lower than the angels" and even tasted and "suffered death". Jesus had to step down the ladder of the heavenly hierarchy, become one of us, suffer the crucifixion, and ultimately taste death. There was nothing that was required of us, apart from believing (Romans 10:9), in order that we may obtain salvation and to share in the inheritance given to us by the Father. What a loving, just, and compassionate God we serve.
Gregory B. Dill
(Ephesians 5:17)
Many times we go about our lives without first beseeching the Lord's will. Based upon our own limited understanding and perceptions, we often blindly initiate goals and objectives or attempt to resolve issues and problems that might arise throughout our lives without seeking the Lord's guidance beforehand. As such, many dreams have been dashed and many relationships broken because the Lord's will was not sought after first. In this verse, Paul, under the inspiration of the Spirit, tells us to not be as fools but instead "understand what the Lord's will is." Our primary and sole purpose in life is to glorify God. In so doing we must daily seek and understand the Lord's will for us. Once His will is complete, naturally He will be glorified.
Have you sought the Lord's will in your life today? Before you said, "I will", have you asked God, "should I?"
Gregory B. Dill (Hebrews 12:3)
At work, it's quite easy to get frustrated at times with the feeling that everyone seems to be on your back. Unfortunately, the home can sometimes feel like there is no escape as well. You might even feel opposed or frustrated at church when others don't support your cause or your ministry.
However, the writer of the book of Hebrews tells us to "consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men". We must always first take into consideration what Jesus himself went through before our frustrations take rise. The very man who came to give life to the world instead suffered the scorn of men, the sting of the whip, and the pain of the cross.
So, the next time you feel "down in the dumps" due to some form of oppostion or another, just take a moment and consider Him.
Gregory B. Dill
August 27th - September 1st (Ecclesiastes 5:2)
When we pray to God either at church or alone, we are all so quick to pray long, arduous, prayers with eloquent words and speech. Quite often, we resort to our lengthy list of requests and thank you's and present them before the Lord. These are all good and healthy practices to adopt, for the word of God says to "let your requests be known unto God" (Philippians 4:6). Additionally, the book of Ephesians tells us to, "pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests." (Ephesians 6:18)
However, Solomon, the writer of Ecclesiastes tells us to, "not be quick with your mouth... let your words be few." How often would the Lord rather have us be silent and just enjoy being within his presence? No words, no requests, no prayers, just pure silence and meditation. The Psalmist quotes the Lord, "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10). Sometimes silence can be more fruitful than words. The quietness of the moment can be richer and more fulfilling than the actual prayer itself. Next time you come before God, try minimizing the words and instead enjoy the silence of being in the presence of the Father.
Gregory B. Dill
"But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone."
August 11th - 19th"Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is."
August 20th - 26th"Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."
"Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few."
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