Monthly Archives: September 2022

Names of Jesus – Fri – 22-09-30

Daily Spark

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I was proud of my stingray-style bicycle. My parents bought it used for my birthday. It had high handle bars and a leopard-print banana seat. It was my bike. I was the boss. I could decorate it, clip on carboard to rattle the spokes or practice popping wheelies. My ownership gave me authority over it.

Keep this in mind when you listen to Luke 6:1-5, ‘One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grainfields, and his disciples began to pick some heads of grain, rub them in their hands and eat the kernels. Some of the Pharisees asked, “Why are you doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?” Jesus answered them, “Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He entered the house of God, and taking the consecrated bread, he ate what is lawful only for priests to eat. And he also gave some to his companions.” Then Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”’ (NIV)

What does the title Lord of the Sabbath mean? It means Jesus is the boss of the Sabbath. He owns it. He created it. He know hows it should and should not be observed. He clearly felt his disciples had done nothing wrong. This title is not one we often use for Jesus. But it reminds us that he is Lord over all things, even the Sabbath.

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Names of Jesus – Thu – 22-09-29

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“I give you my word.” Have you ever heard that statement? People say it to reassure someone they will do as promised.  Or how about the phrase “can I have a word with you?” You know you’re in for more than one word. They want to talk to you about something. The term word is often used to summarize something greater. Two passages of the bible use it in this way.

John 1:1-4 says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men.”(NIV) John tells us in later verses that this Word is Jesus.

Revelation 19:11-13 also uses the term word in John’s prophetic vision of Jesus, “I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God.”

Jesus existed before creation. He was the agent of creation. He will be the agent of God’s judgement. He is the Word of God.

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Names of Jesus – Wed – 22-09-28

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As the days grow short and the autumn leaves fall, stores will begin decorating for Christmas. It seems to come earlier each year. But the real story of Christmas never gets old. A virgin gave birth to a son through the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus is in fact God’s son.

Listen to Mark 1:9-11, ‘At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”’ (NIV) This fact is central to Jesus’ identity. He claimed God as his Father.

Satan tempted Jesus to prove his identity in Matthew 4:3, ‘The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”’(NIV) Matthew 16:16 gives Peter’s great confession about the identity of Jesus, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (NIV)

In fact, all the apostles believed this. After Jesus walked on water, Matthew 14:33 says they all ‘worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”’ (NIV)

Romans 1:4 says Jesus “was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead.”

Believing Jesus is the Son of God leads to life in his name.

Names of Jesus – Tue – 22-09-27

Daily Spark,

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Do you get excited about bible prophecy? In Jesus’ day, people studied prophecy, hoping for relief from their personal and national problems. Jesus fulfilled many prophecies. One of his titles came from the prophecies of Daniel. The title is Son of Man. Listen to Daniel 7:13-14, “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.” (NIV)

The title Son of Man references Jesus’ human nature. But Daniel’s passage also mentions receiving sovereign power and worship, which are characteristics of God. Jesus himself claimed the title when healing a paralytic as well as another of God’s abilities, forgiving sins. Matthew 9:5-7 says, ‘“Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins. . . .” Then he said to the paralytic, “Get up, take your mat and go home.” And the man got up and went home.’ (NIV)

Remember, Jesus, the Son of Man, forgives sins. His is human and divine.

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Names of Jesus – Mon – 22-09-26

Daily Spark

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Have you ever had a cup of water poured over your head? Sometimes people do this as a prank at a picnic. The victim sputters and jumps up. Sometimes people do it to themselves when they are really hot. But I’ve never seen this done at a special and solemn ceremony. Pouring stuff on the head just seems undignified and messy. If I lived in Old Testament times, I’d need to adjust my thinking. Pouring olive oil on something or on the head of someone was called “anointing.” It formed the ceremony setting someone or something apart for a special role.

For instance, Moses anointed Aaron and his sons as the priests when the worship practices of ancient Israel were established. He also anointed the priestly garments, the altar, the tabernacle and other things. Kings were also anointed upon taking office. Samuel the prophet anointed Saul as king, as well as David after him. The men of Judah also anointed David as their king. So being the anointed one was a big deal.

That is what the title Christ means. It is the Greek form of the word Messiah. Both mean the “anointed or chosen one.” In Mark 8:20, Jesus said his disciples, ‘“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Christ.”’ (NIV)

“Christ” is not Jesus’ name, it is the most common title for Jesus. He is God’s chosen one, set apart for a special role.

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Names of Jesus – Sun – 22-09-25

Daily Spark,

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Names are important. When parents choose the name of their child, they consider different things. They may name the child after a relative or famous person. For example, I received the name of my father’s brother. Sometimes, parents just like the sound of a name, even inventing something new. But names also carry meaning. My name means “noble.” My oldest son’s name means “gift of God.” My wife’s name means “ray of sunshine” or “shining light.”

This week the podcast will look at a few of the names and titles of Jesus and their meaning. God told both Mary and Joseph to name her baby Jesus. In Luke 1:31, the angel said to Mary, “You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus.” Joseph also received an angelic message that explained why he had to use the name Jesus.  Matthew 1:20-21 says, ‘an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”’ (NIV)

The name Jesus means “God saves” and “savior.” It is the perfect name to describe Jesus’ mission here on earth.

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Wisdom – Sat – 22-09-24

Daily Spark

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When I was a teen, one of my favorite music artists was Jim Croce. He wrote a song called “You Don’t Mess Around With Jim.” I loved to sing it. The chorus contained these words, “You don’t tug on Superman’s cape. You don’t spit into the wind. You don’t pull the mask off that old lone ranger and you don’t mess around with Jim.”

The song told the story of a pool shark named Jim Walker. He was big and tough as a horse. Everyone thought he was the toughest man on New York’s 42nd street. But a man from Alabama named Slim arrived and beat him in a fight. After that, the chorus changed to say “you don’t mess around with Slim.”

Sometimes it seems the bad guys always win. They push and shove to get what they want. They proudly mock people who seek to follow Jesus. They strut through life like Jim Walker in the song. But they live in a precarious position. Not because the followers of Jesus are going to slice them up like Slim does in the song. No, they face the Lord’s curse. Listen to the wisdom of Proverbs 3:33-35, “The LORD’S curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous. He mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble. The wise inherit honor, but fools he holds up to shame.” (NIV)

May you be righteous and blessed by God.

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Wisdom – Fri – 22-09-23

Daily Spark

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In the last few years, violence has seeped into new areas of life. Violence used to only be associated with crime. Thugs mugged unsuspecting people or invaded their homes. Family members who committed domestic violence were arrested and prosecuted. Assault, rape and murder were seen as violent crimes. They still are. But violent crime has increased. In some cities, a day doesn’t pass without a drive-by-shooting and scores of other violent crimes. According to a CDC survey, 44% of teens experienced violence in the previous 12 months.*

But, things are worse than just a rise in crime. Now violence is accepted by many as a form of speech and protest. Multiple riots occurred across the U.S. in 2020. Destruction of property and assault on citizens and police occurred on numerous occasions. On many college campuses, political speakers are shouted down. On social media, hateful words are directed at people expressing unpopular views. Politicians use the rhetoric of violence to stir supporters to action. They also ignore violent acts that support their political cause.

Doesn’t it seem like the vicious and the violent are winning? Are you tempted to emulate their tactics? Don’t. Listen to Proverbs 3:31-32, “Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways, for the LORD detests a perverse man but takes the upright into his confidence.” (NIV)

*”Violence Impacts Teens’ Lives,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, February 2021, https://www.cdc.gov/injury/features/teen-violence-impact/index.html

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Wisdom – Thu – 22-09-22

Daily Spark

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Do you procrastinate? Now, don’t put off answering that question. We all procrastinate at something. I have a task on my to-do list that has lived there for months. It is sorting through the last box from our move two years ago. All the other boxes have been unpacked or set on shelves for storage. This box, which holds items from my desk at work, sits in the basement floor. For several weeks I have planned to deal with it. But something always comes up. Or I forget. Or I just don’t have the ambition. Do you have something you always put off doing?

Procrastination for some things is acceptable. For others, it can be dangerous. If you experience symptoms of a major health problem, you shouldn’t put off a visit to the doctor. If you have bills to pay, putting them off can eventually lead to bankruptcy. Then there’s doing good. Proverbs 3:27-28 warns us not to put off doing good. It reads, ‘Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor, “Come back later; I’ll give it tomorrow”– when you now have it with you.’ (NIV)

So, are you putting off doing some good for a neighbor, a co-worker, a store clerk or a restaurant wait staff? If you have the power to act, then act today.

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Wisdom – Wed – 22-09-21

Daily Spark

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Which market do you follow? There are several. Most are aware of the stock market. Each night the news reports on the overall gains and losses of the market, citing a major index like the Dow Jones Average, the S&P 500 or the NASDAQ. In addition, reports air about the gains or losses of local companies.  Many people also follow the currency exchange market. They may invest in Bitcoin, Ethereum or some other crypto currency. Farmers usually follow the commodities market. The price of corn, wheat, soybeans or animals directly affects their business decisions. All of us keep our ears open for movement in the crude oil prices. We hope it goes down so gasoline becomes less expensive.

Then there is gold and silver. These precious metals become havens for investors in difficult times. Did you know that the price of gold has raised 30% in the past five years? And that silver doubled in price between the March of 2020 and March of 2021? But there is something that has a greater return.

Proverbs 3:13-15 says, “Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.”

Don’t chase some market and forget the greatest return of all comes from investing ourselves in God’s wisdom.

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Wisdom – Tue – 22-09-20

Daily Spark

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People often search for ways to improve their lives. Some read books and magazines about various topics such as health and nutrition, home decorating or home improvement projects. For career success they consult experts on applying for jobs, networking and developing leadership skills. Many search the web, hoping to find answers in some blog, tweet or video post in order to get ahead in life. Some look for ways to make more money, purchase the best value for the money or save money.

How did people in ancient times find help to live a good life without YouTube and Instagram? Well, they consulted wisdom like the book of Proverbs. This week we are looking at different Proverbs to understand how to improve our lives. The Proverbs contain wisdom on relationships, business, personal habits, money management and more.

In fact, money is an important area to improve life. But many people miss one of the most important money secrets to a successful life. Proverbs 3:9-10 says, “Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” (NIV)

Did you hear it? Giving money to God in order to honor him is one secret to a good life. But this isn’t some formula in order to get ahead. It is prioritizing offerings to God as recognition of him and the blessings he gives. Be sure to honor God with your wealth.

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Visit Elmer Fuller’s author website at: https://www.elmerfuller.com/

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