Quiet times 1.9.12
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This document provides the daily readings and reflections for a weeklong "Quiet Times" from January 9-13, 2012 with the theme of "Living Beyond the Comfort Zone". Each day focuses on a Bible passage and includes a question for reflection. The overall message is that true spiritual growth requires moving beyond superficial rituals and comforts to develop a heart of compassion and obedience to God through faith in Christ's salvation.
Quiet times 1.9.12
- 1. This week's Quiet Times: January 9-13, 2012 Living Beyond the Comfort Zone MONDAY This week’s Quiet Times will touch again on an attitude necessary for maturity and growth. Read the incidence in Matthew 12:1-8. What did the Pharisees accuse Jesus’ disciples of? Here’s some background on the matter: People were not supposed to do work on the Sabbath. It was intended for men to rest from their work and turn their minds to the Lord and what He provides. (Exodus 20:10; Deut. 23:25) Some, however, got carried away by their hearts and turned God’s grace into something they had to earn by following the law. What two instances did Jesus call their attention to? Background for David’s situation: Twelve cakes, made of fine flour, were placed in the Holy Place in the Tabernacle each day on the table that stood opposite the lampstand. The old bread was eaten by the priests. It was this bread that David requested of Ahimelech, the priest, for himself and his men. The priests who worked on the Sabbath were not blamed for breaking the Law for they had to take care of the Temple, which is the second example Jesus uses. Now look at verses 6 & 7 of Matthew 12. Jesus is calling the Pharisees to something higher. What is it? Write 1 Samuel 15:22 on an index card and memorize it. TUESDAY In Micah 6:6-8 the prophet arrives at the nature and purpose of sacrifice. What is it that truly pleases God? Actions without heart? A heart without actions? “Teaching people to obey the Bible’s rules in order to find deliverance and peace is exactly backward to the biblical method. The Gospel message begins with the declaration of what God has done to set us free. Then, as we respond, God matures us into worship, understanding of the will of God, and fruitful obedience.” Dr. Rubel Shelly Today’s memory verse, Psalm 51:16-17, shows us David’s mindset. He knew what it took to please God. A trusting, obedient heart. A moldable heart that understands compassion. Sacrificing can become a meaningless ritual. Compassion is a daily exercise of obedience to God’s will. Write that verse on an index card and memorize it. Has your weekly contribution become a ritual by which you measure your righteousness or justification?
- 2. WEDNESDAY It is possible that you can become comfortable with your life before God, comfortable with your actions, attitude and productivity. As we learned last week, however, all such comfort that could come from this is deceitful. The devil wants you to believe that you are OK with yourself all the time. Instead of measuring your status before God by what you are doing or not doing, be assured of your position by what God has already done for you------> Salvation! Read carefully Hebrews 10:5- 18. To what is Jesus referring to in verses 5 and 6? How does Jesus respond to His own question? How does this response fulfill the requirements of the Law and please God at the same time? Explain Paul’s interpretation of Jesus’ statement at the end of verse 9. What is the result of a willing and obedient heart (verse 10)? Now let’s look closely at the rest, especially verses 16-18. How is it that God’s Laws are transferred from the tablets of stone into our minds and hearts? Notice that this second covenant brings us into a deeper, more personal relationship with God. It is still very much a covenant of faith and trust, only now we have been delivered from sin and its consequence--eternal damnation--instead of being delivered from our earthly struggles. The earthly struggles remain to strengthen our faith; to help us lean on the everlasting arms (2 Cor. 12:7-10)! Write Isaiah 66:2 on an index card and memorize it. THURSDAY Here we are. Back in Romans 12:1-2. Notice! In view of this, what does Paul urge you to offer your bodies as living sacrifices? Why is it so important to keep that view? Does it make sense to be sacrificial without having been delivered? Deliverance by the grace of God is what gives us the bearing to offer up ourselves as living sacrifices--> removing ourselves from the comfort zone of laziness and ignorance. Deliverance precedes obedience as a reminder of the holy life that we are called to live. “Be holy as I am Holy” declares the Lord. Our comfort in Christ needs to come from the fruitfulness of our actions done in faith. Write Jeremiah 7:22-23 on an index card and memorize it. FRIDAY Read Philipians 2:1-4. Notice the challenge! If you truly can see what you have been saved from, then you will be moved to act out of compassion, not just to be considered righteous! You will not be selfish, or vain, or concerned about your material wealth or possessions, because you will realize that they are God’s anyway! Notice Paul’s attitude about his worldly gain; materially or socially, in Phillipians 3:7-11. In verses 7 and 8 Paul describes his view on worldly gain. The result? Peace of mind through the knowledge of righteousness gained by faith, the desire to know the sufferings of Christ, and the hope of the resurrection. Instead of being focused on the comforts of the world, you will be focused on the comfort in Heaven and willing to suffer to secure your salvation in Christ. Isn’t suffering necessary to have a contrite and broken heart? Write Proverbs 21:3 on an index card and memorize it.