November 21, Reading 1 – 2 Chronicles 16, 17

Reading

Audio, Visual

SAA Notes

Asa falls away from his first love of the Lord. He puts his trust in the King of Assyria and not in his Lord God. Consider the words of the prophet Hanani to Asa in 16:7-10. The Lord does not heal Asa.

SJA Notes

* Mighty God, delivery us from our enemies, O LORD! We have fled to You for refuge. Teach us to do Your will, for You are our God!

“Yet even in his disease he did not seek the LORD, but sought help from physicians.”

This is a strong word for us today.

Asa, who was a king that had a heart wholly true to the Lord, went astray in his pride and self-reliance.

For us – there is nothing different in situation than with Asa. We can very easily slip into seeking the world’s help before coming to God. Seeking the help of human experts rather than first seeking God’s wisdom.

It is not that seeking is wrong, but what do we seek FIRST?

God is our king. He is the Great Physician. The Good Shepherd. The Prince of Peace.

It is HIM that we need to go to first, to rely on for direction across every aspect of life, to cast all and every one of our cares and anxieties on Him (for He cares for us).

Where once Asa relied on God, in this passage we see him relying on himself and others.

Jesus gives us such a clear command regarding this in Matthew 6,

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

* Faithful God,

Your love is steadfast, Your faithfulness without end.

Please mark us as a loving people, showing our love for You in how we love those around us.

Please mark us as a faithful people, showing our faithfulness in seeking You first, before all else.

More Jesus. Less us.

Amen.

November 21, Reading 2 – Ezekiel 37

Reading

Audio, Visual

SAA Notes

When we believe that the church has no future, God delights to show us that He has remembered His covenant, even if we think it is impossible for Him. He is the God of RESURRECTION! Also see the twin things that must happen – cleansing from sin and death, and the breath of new life – atonement and the Holy Spirit. John the Baptist said the same thing regarding Jesus in Matthew 3:11.

SJA Notes

* Lord God, please teach us Your word today.

“So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived and stood on their feet, an exceedingly great army.”

Here is a picture for the exiles, and for those few remaining in the land of Israel – and for us today – God will breathe new life into dry dead bones!

Paul tells us in Ephesians 2,

“And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked,”

We were dry bones, scattered upon the ground.

As God spoke in the previous passage, and as we see in today’s passage through the prophesying of His word – Dead hearts are made new, spirits are made alive – Dry bones having life breathed into them!

How good it is that God points us again to Jesus, who brings life to our dead bones,

“My servant David shall be king over them, and they shall all have one shepherd.”

One shepherd. The Good Shepherd!

* Father God,

Lord above, God of mercy and grace, giver of life to our dry bones,

Thank You!

Please help us to witness and speak truth, to prophesy to those around us Your word, Your truth – The truth of Jesus, the Good News!

Amen.

November 21, Reading 3 – John 15:1-16

Reading

Audio, Visual

SAA Notes

Israel is referred to as God’s vine in the Old Testament – eg Psalm 80:8-16, Jeremiah 2:21 and Ezekiel 17. Jesus is the true Israel of God. Israel the nation came from Israel the man. Just so, we come from this man the True Vine. This is a passage rich in teaching! Find something for your soul today!

SJA Notes

* Dear Lord God, You are King, we are Your people. Please write Your word upon our hearts today.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”

Jesus is the vine. The TRUE vine. There is no other.

This and the passage today is a clear word from Him, full of encouragement, exhortation and warning.

We must abide in Jesus. No ifs or buts.

We must seek to live in Him, He in us (and remember yesterday’s passage, the Holy Spirit gifted to us, abiding in us) – Striving to worship and honor God in every aspect of our lives, walking obediently under His will.

Because what else does it mean to abide in Christ?

To make Him our home, our heart, our rest and our comfort. Our steady calm, the peace that passes understanding; come waves or thunder, come travesty and turmoil.

To take comfort in His love when the weight of this world presses down. To rest in His love as it encompasses us, revives us, compels us. To reflect and be His love to those around us, bringing glory to God.

Jesus is the TRUE vine.

We are the branches. Abide in Him.

* Gracious God,

Thank You for Your love for us – Please help us abide in it.

Thank You for Jesus, the true vine – Help us to bear much fruit as we abide in Him.

Thank You for Your word, Your laws, Your commandments – They are so very good for us, thank You!

Amen.