365 Days with God - Day 165: A Beautiful Plea

I'm giving myself a challenge. Read the Bible each day for a whole year, following the ESV Study Guide 1-year plan. Each day, I will post whatever God has revealed to me in His Word, and how it is changing me. A friend of mine once said that nothing has changed her life as much as reading the bible each day - and I'm excited for how this will change me. Join me on an adventure into the heart of God - and day by day, we can learn more about who He is and what that means to us!

- Andy Catts

Day 164, June 16, 2014

Readings: Proverbs 9, Deuteronomy 15:19-23, Hosea 14, Philemon 1:8-22

After preaching on Isaiah this weekend, the thing that has stuck out to me the most throughout is God's heart, God's passion for his people - for us! We are not meaningless entertainment to him. We are not a mistake. We are not something or someone that he only listens to when we're righteous, pious and perfect.

No, God continues to love us, to pursue us, and to seek our best. Sometimes that involves discipline. Sometimes that is an embrace. But always it is in love. Always it is for our good. Always it is to draw us closer to Him. See how he calls out to the Israelites as they have turned away from them, begging for them to come home.

I have a hard time imagining the God of the Universe begging humans for anything, but he does. Not because he is weak, but because he loves. Not because we have power over him, but because he feels powerful emotions at our rejection of Him. He longs for us to know Him and His never-ending love.

Return, O Israel, to the LORD your God,
for you have stumbled because of your iniquity.
Take with you words and return to the LORD;
say to him, "Take away all iniquity;
accept what is good,
and we will pay with bulls
the vows of our lips.
Assyria shall not save us;
we will not ride on horses;
and we will say no more, 'Our God,'
to the work of our hands.
In you the orphan finds mercy."

I will heal their apostasy;
I will love them freely,
for my anger has turned from them.
I will be like the dew to Israel;
he shall blossom like the lily;
he shall take root like the trees of Lebanon;
his shoots shall spread out;
his beauty shall be like the olive,
and his fragrance like Lebanon. 
They shall return and dwell beneath my shadow;
they shall flourish like the grain;
they shall blossom like the vine;
their fame shall be like the wine of Lebanon.  (Hosea 14:1-7)

365 Days with God - Day 164: For Us and For Them

I'm giving myself a challenge. Read the Bible each day for a whole year, following the ESV Study Guide 1-year plan. Each day, I will post whatever God has revealed to me in His Word, and how it is changing me. A friend of mine once said that nothing has changed her life as much as reading the bible each day - and I'm excited for how this will change me. Join me on an adventure into the heart of God - and day by day, we can learn more about who He is and what that means to us!

- Andy Catts

Day 164, June 16, 2014

Readings: Proverbs 8, Deuteronomy 15:1-18, Hosea 11:12, Hosea 12, Hosea 13:1-16, Philemon 1:4-7

Note: I'm back! I will post the link to the sermon on Isaiah when it is available. Daily progression resumes now!

I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers, because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints, and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ. For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you. (Philemon 1:4-7)

This kept saying more to me when I read it. I know that in the past, I have often glossed over these thank-yous in the beginnings of some of Paul's letters. But this one stuck out to me, and so I dug deeper and pulled up the Amplified version of verse 6, which theoretically expounds upon all the meaning contained within. Check it out:

[And I pray] that the participation in and sharing of your faith may produce and promote full recognition and appreciation and understanding and precise knowledge of every good [thing] that is ours in [our identification with] Christ Jesus [and unto His glory]. (Philemon 1:6, Amplified)

Paul is praying that his friends not only share the gospel of Christ, but that it is shared in such a way that the community recognizes the glory of God through their evangelism. And that they, in turn, are blessed by sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. It's not just a chore, a task, a piece of the grand list of requirements. No, Paul is praying that it becomes their passion. And that this passion bleeds over into the people around them, who see more than just religion.

Is that what your efforts at evangelism are like? I know mine aren't. This isn't meant to be a condemnation but an encouragement towards what it could be! We are carrying the best news on Earth, the saving grace of Jesus Christ for all who believe. How could it be a chore? How could it be a burden? How could it not bless the people around us?

I want to start praying that this is the heart God gives me towards evangelism.

365 Days with God - Day 163: God's Passion

I'm giving myself a challenge. Read the Bible each day for a whole year, following the ESV Study Guide 1-year plan. Each day, I will post whatever God has revealed to me in His Word, and how it is changing me. A friend of mine once said that nothing has changed her life as much as reading the bible each day - and I'm excited for how this will change me. Join me on an adventure into the heart of God - and day by day, we can learn more about who He is and what that means to us!

- Andy Catts

Day 163, June 1, 2014

Readings: Proverbs 7, Deuteronomy 14, Hosea 11:1-11, Philemon 1:1-3

First off, I'm taking a break after today.

But not because I need a break from God's word. I've been given the privilege of speaking on Isaiah on June 15th, and I will be taking these next two weeks to prepare. I'll be in Isaiah daily, preparing for this message, and so I will put my regular reading on hold. Check back after June 15th, when I'll continue! On to my last thoughts before the break:

What is the constant message of God throughout the prophets? God's passion and love for His people. He never gives up on them, never casts them aside. God laments over our pain. He laments over our rebellion. God is not unemotional about us. He cares deeply for us, even in the middle of our worst rejection of Him. And He will do anything to get us back.

How can I give you up, O Ephraim?
How can I hand you over, O Israel?
How can I make you like Admah?
How can I treat you like Zeboiim?
My heart recoils within me;
my compassion grows warm and tender.
I will not execute my burning anger;
I will not again destroy Ephraim;
for I am God and not a man,
the Holy One in your midst,
and I will not come in wrath.

They shall go after the LORD;
he will roar like a lion;
when he roars,
his children shall come trembling from the west;
they shall come trembling like birds from Egypt,
and like doves from the land of Assyria,
and I will return them to their homes, declares the LORD. (Hosea 11:8-11)

365 Days with God - Day 162: What Guides Us?

I'm giving myself a challenge. Read the Bible each day for a whole year, following the ESV Study Guide 1-year plan. Each day, I will post whatever God has revealed to me in His Word, and how it is changing me. A friend of mine once said that nothing has changed her life as much as reading the bible each day - and I'm excited for how this will change me. Join me on an adventure into the heart of God - and day by day, we can learn more about who He is and what that means to us!

- Andy Catts

Day 162, May 31, 2014

Readings: Proverbs 6:20-35, Deuteronomy 13, Hosea 10, Titus 3:12-15

 My son, keep your father's commandment,
and forsake not your mother's teaching.
Bind them on your heart always;
tie them around your neck.
When you walk, they will lead you;
when you lie down, they will watch over you;
and when you awake, they will talk with you.
For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light,
and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life. (Proverbs 6:20-23)


Whether you have a good father or a bad father here on earth, we all have a Heavenly Father who has given us His Word as a lesson of wisdom for us. God's word is our light and our guide, that we can be secure in everything we do! He didn't leave us alone, wondering what is good and right. He has provided every guidance we need.

But how are we to treat His Word in our lives? Bound on our heart always, tied around our neck. It is to be with us always, leading us always. It's not an addition to our lives, it's a constant presence. Is God's word a constant presence in your life? Is it leading your steps? Is it a light to your feet?

365 Days with God - Day 161: Foolish Controversies

I'm giving myself a challenge. Read the Bible each day for a whole year, following the ESV Study Guide 1-year plan. Each day, I will post whatever God has revealed to me in His Word, and how it is changing me. A friend of mine once said that nothing has changed her life as much as reading the bible each day - and I'm excited for how this will change me. Join me on an adventure into the heart of God - and day by day, we can learn more about who He is and what that means to us!

- Andy Catts

Day 160, May 30, 2014

Readings: Proverbs 6:1-19, Deuteronomy 12, Hosea 9, Titus 3:8-11

The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. (Titus 3:8-9)

Ever wondered why there are so many denominations? So many different perspectives on believing in the same God? God calls us to be devoted to good works, works that are excellent and profitable for people. Is that what we're doing as a church? Or are we splitting on other issues? Are we arguing about things that have no benefit?

Are we as passionate about broken, hurting people as we are about various doctrinal issues? Who do people see us as? Do they see us as a group of people who are dedicated to serving others, or as a group of people who are bickering about things that don't really matter? What group would you want to be a part of?

365 Days with God - Day 160: The God of the Old Testament

I'm giving myself a challenge. Read the Bible each day for a whole year, following the ESV Study Guide 1-year plan. Each day, I will post whatever God has revealed to me in His Word, and how it is changing me. A friend of mine once said that nothing has changed her life as much as reading the bible each day - and I'm excited for how this will change me. Join me on an adventure into the heart of God - and day by day, we can learn more about who He is and what that means to us!

- Andy Catts

Day 160, May 29, 2014

Readings: Proverbs 5, Deuteronomy 10:12-22, Deuteronomy 11:1-32, Hosea 8, Titus 3:1-8

Have you heard rumors of that God of the Old Testament? The one who seems so judgmental? So unforgiving? Have you gone and looked to see who God really is? Or did you just take what you were told, or bits and pieces of knowledge from stories and apply it without looking at the greater context? The Old Testament tells us exactly who God is - and how we should respond.

"And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments and statutes of the LORD, which I am commanding you today for your good? Behold, to the LORD your God belong heaven and the heaven of heavens, the earth with all that is in it. Yet the LORD set his heart in love on your fathers and chose their offspring after them, you above all peoples, as you are this day.
Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no longer stubborn. For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who is not partial and takes no bribe. He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner, giving him food and clothing. Love the sojourner, therefore, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt. You shall fear the LORD your God. You shall serve him and hold fast to him, and by his name you shall swear. He is your praise. He is your God, who has done for you these great and terrifying things that your eyes have seen. Your fathers went down to Egypt seventy persons, and now the LORD your God has made you as numerous as the stars of heaven. (Deuteronomy 10:12-22)

365 Days with God - Day 159: Who Should We Be?

I'm giving myself a challenge. Read the Bible each day for a whole year, following the ESV Study Guide 1-year plan. Each day, I will post whatever God has revealed to me in His Word, and how it is changing me. A friend of mine once said that nothing has changed her life as much as reading the bible each day - and I'm excited for how this will change me. Join me on an adventure into the heart of God - and day by day, we can learn more about who He is and what that means to us!

- Andy Catts

Day 159, May 28, 2014

Readings: Proverbs 4, Deuteronomy 9:6-29, Deuteronomy 10:1-11, Hosea 6, Hosea 7, Titus 2

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. (Titus 2:11-14)

What are we in training for?  What part of this verse says anything such as "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing good jobs, college education and a good retirement?" I don't see anything like that in there. What I do see is that we are to become more like Christ, forsaking the pursuit of worldly passions. God didn't redeem us so that we could live the lives that we want, enhanced by Him. He wants us to put aside our prior existence, and become more like Him.

How is God calling you to live a more Christlike existence? What worldly passions are you still clinging to?