May 2011 iJourney by Crossgates Baptist Church

INTRODUCTION Every person is on a spiritual journey. Our journeys are laced with challenges, changes, and choices every day. The way in which we each navigate our journey will have lasting effects throughout eternity. It is therefore imperative we see our journey from the right perspective and then proceed down the right path in order to fulfill the purposes for which we have been created. Your journey traces the story of your life. Every twist and turn, every hill and valley, and every person and place, converge to define the story of your life. Your life story, though unique, fits within a much more grand story – God’s Story. Since the beginning of time God has been unveiling His grand story for all creation. The Bible is God’s journey with man as He unveils His story. In Genesis, God tells us how His story begins. And in Revelation He tells us how it will end. His story is a love story, with Himself as the hero and people as the heroine in need of rescue. Within this love story your story fits and comes to life. iJourney has been developed to help you better visualize and navigate your story within God’s story. To assist you on your journey this year we are walking through the Bible chronologically. In doing this you will experience God’s story from beginning to end historically. For instance, the prophets Haggai and Zechariah were preaching during the time of Ezra and Nehemiah. Reading the prophets within their historical context will give you a better feel for their messages and a better understanding of their meaning. iJourney is designed, however, to help you do more than simply gain a better understanding of the Bible historically. iJourney is an opportunity for you to engage God personally. Jesus said that real life is knowing God intimately (Jn 17:3). Most Bible readers never move beyond reading the Bible for information. Through iJourney you will be challenged to move from reading for information to revelation. God is a talker. He is always speaking. The problem is not with his voice, but with our ears. To the seven churches in Revelation Jesus said the same words. He said, “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches” (Rv 2:7; 2:11; 2:17; 2:29; 3:6; 3:13; 3:22).

The Lord wants to guide you on your life journey. He wants you to discover your journey within His story. He wants to walk with you as you fulfill your purposes. Reading for revelation is hearing God’s voice and then following God’s path as He unveils His plans to you and through you. iJourney 2011 includes three weekly sections along with your daily reading plan. The first section is Cross Walk. In the same way cars are to yield at designated crosswalks when they see pedestrians, Cross Walk is written for you to slow down and see Jesus. In each weekly reading a Cross Walk has been written to help you see Jesus and His redemption throughout Scripture. The second section is Scenic View. When traveling the country you will see areas along the way marked Scenic View. These are places where you can pull over to view the beauty of an area. Each week a Scenic View has been written to help you discover the beauty of a particular reading. The final section is Journaling. Like any traveler, this section is for you to journal any thoughts, comments, or observations made along your journey. Blessings! David Jett Senior Pastor

CROSS WALK

SCENIC VIEW

Agony on the Cross – Psalm 22

Victory Over All My Enemies – Psalm 18

Psalm 22 is one of several Psalms known as Messianic – meaning they speak prophetically to an event or act the coming Messiah would accomplish. This Psalm describes the suffering of its writer, David, while pointing to and detailing the graphic nature of Jesus’ crucifixion. And yet this Psalm contains no confession of sin or prayer against the wicked. It is the poetic expression of a righteous man being put to death by the wicked.

How do we consistently live in victory? For the believer desiring to follow hard after God it seems as though obstacles and difficulties constantly arise. However, this should not catch us by surprise because we have an enemy who is continually scheming to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). In fact, Satan’s number one goal for the believer is to get us to give up. Following David’s victories over all his enemies, he wrote and sang this song of declaration proclaiming how he achieved his victories.

At approximately 3 PM, as Jesus suffered on the cross in the deep darkness, he quoted in Aramaic the Hebraic words of Psalm 22:1 (Matthew 27:46). Most thought He was crying out for Elijah, but He was crying out for the Father as He bore the weight of sin’s black curse. In the Psalms my God is equivalent to my Father. Verses 6-8 describe the contempt Jesus endured during His crucifixion. He was berated, belittled, and challenged by the religious leaders, the crowd, and even the two thieves He was crucified alongside (Matthew 27:39-44; Mark 15:28-32; Luke 23:35-37). The death sentence of crucifixion was the most painful means of execution the Romans could have chosen. It was an excruciating death resulting from exposure, rapid blood loss, dehydration, and suffocation. Designed to inflict extreme agony, the weight of the body would dislocate the shoulder joints, while cutting the breath off at the same time. The victim would have to push up with his feet, and in doing so, the nerve endings where he had been pierced would create unbearable pain. Verses 14-17 describe this.

Dependence upon the Lord – David knew his chances for victory were hopeless unless the Lord intervened. He trusted in the Lord’s help and rested in the Lord’s strength for victory. “The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and he saved me from my enemies” (Psalm 18:2-3). Discipline in the Lord – David learned to depend upon the Lord in his battles – to consistently walk with the Lord every day. “The Lord rewarded me for doing right; he restored me because of my innocence….I have followed all his regulations; I have never abandoned his decrees” (Psalm 18:20, 22). A daily discipline of walking with the Lord makes us ready in season and out of season. Determination through the Lord – The final ingredient to experiencing consistent victory is the determination to fight. Yes, we depend upon the Lord to defend and win, but we must swing the sword. “He trains my hands for battle; he strengthens my arm to draw a bronze bow” (Psalm 18:34). Too many believers have fallen prey to a passive spirit regarding the enemy. We must fight with all His strength in order to attain the victory.

Verse 18 even describes the activity of the Roman soldiers after they had completed their gruesome task. The victim’s possessions became the spoils of the soldiers—their payment for this horrid duty. They would gamble by throwing dice, with the winner taking all (Matthew 27:35). Approximately 960 years before this event, David prophetically described in detail the agony Jesus would suffer on the cross for the atonement of our sins.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS

May 1

May 2

May 3

May 4

q 2 Sm 22:1-51 q Ps 18

q 2 Sm 24:1-25 q 2 Sm 24:10-17 q 1 Chr 21:1-18 q 1 Chr 22:1-19

q 1 Chr 23:1-25:31 q 1 Chr 26:1-28:21

May 5

May 6

May 7

May 8

q 1 Chr 29:1-22 q 1 Kgs 1:1-53

q 1 Kgs 2:1-12 q 2 Sm 23:1-7 q 1Chr 29:26-30 q Ps 4-6, 8-9, 11 q Ps 8-9 q Ps 11

q Ps 12-17 q Ps 19-21

q Ps 22-26

CROSS WALK

SCENIC VIEW

The Lord’s Lovingkindness - Psalm 85

Reliance – Psalm 27

The people of Israel had come back into the land after having been held captive in Babylon. The cities were in poor condition, with no standing army or wall to protect them. They had longed for their homeland with romanticized expectation, which was soon replaced with a deep sadness. The psalmist acknowledges they have been forgiven and stand again in the Lord’s favor, no longer under His fury. Nevertheless, he begs God for His lovingkindness. How can a person who knows they are set free, accepted and restored find themselves begging for the Lord’s lovingkindness?

The Lord is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid? In our world today, there is much talk about self-esteem, self-reliance, and self-security. We have this overwhelming desire to be able to take care of ourselves and our families without relying on anything but our own ingenuity. There is only one problem with this mindset: we need the Lord! The things we find our earthly security in—our spouses, homes, cash-flow, or status—these things can and will let us down. However, the Lord will never let us down.

The reality is sometimes where we are does not seem to match who we are. Though they had been set free to return to Israel, the conditions in the “here and now” were less than desirable. The psalmist cries out, “I will hear what the Lord God will say, for He will speak peace to His people and to His godly ones, but do not let them fall back into folly.” Here is a proclamation of faith in God and a reminder not to cave in under a difficult situation. Resounding again, the psalmist burst forth with great assurance in the favor of God, “Certainly His salvation is near to those who fear Him that glory may dwell in our land.” Though the Lord’s favor may not be visible, it is certain to those who place their faith in Him. Then comes one of the most intimate phrases in the love letter of God’s Word, “Lovingkindness and truth have met.” The Hebrew word translated have met is one word. It is used 15 times in the Old Testament and each time it is used to show hostility or conflict between opposing forces or armies. Truth demands justice, and lovingkindness demands mercy and forgiveness. Yet they have met! “Righteousness and peace have kissed.” Only in Christ is this possible. Only in Him can justice and mercy collide, satisfying God’s demand for justice and His deep desire to forgive. They kissed at Calvary; they embraced upon the cross. (WS)

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS

“The one thing I ask of the Lord—the thing I seek most—is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in His Temple” (Ps 27:4). No matter what army, what foe, what battle raged around him, David found his security in the presence of God. Not just talking about God or going to church or listening to Christian music, but spending time in the presence of the Lord. Resting in the security and safety of the company of the Lord is not only what our heart needs but it is what He desires. The next time you find yourself stressing out about the things of this world, remember that God desires for you to be in his presence, resting in His sufficiency for you. In the moments of life make verse 8 your prayer: My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.”

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS

May 9

May 10

May 11

May 12

May 13

May 14

May 15

May 16

q Ps 27-32

q Ps 35-38

q Ps 39-41 q Ps 53 q Ps 55 q Ps 58

q Ps 61-62 q Ps 64-67

q Ps 68-70 q Ps 86 q Ps 101

q Ps 103 q Ps 108-110 q Ps 122 q Ps 124

q Ps 131 q Ps 133 q Ps 138-141 q Ps 143

q Ps 144-145 q Ps 88-89

JOURNALING

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JOURNALING

CROSS WALK

SCENIC VIEW

Will God Really Live On Earth? – 1 Kings 8:27

A Royal Request - 1 Kings 3:6-15; 4:29-34

“But will God really live on earth? Why, even the highest heavens cannot contain you. How much less this Temple I have built!”

Imagine for a moment what you would request if God made you this offer: “Ask what you wish Me to give you” (1 Kgs 3:5). What would it be—riches, fame, prestige, power, a new car, a better job? God made this extravagant offer to King Solomon privately in a dream after the king had worshiped the Lord publicly with a generous extravagance before all the people of Israel. Solomon had just ascended to the throne, and as a young man of only twenty years, he recognized and accurately admitted his inexperience as a leader.

As Solomon, the wisest man on earth at the time, was dedicating the Temple, he asked, “… will God really live on earth?” His answer was an obvious “no.” How can the God of the universe, the all-knowing, all-powerful, ever-present Creator confine Himself to a specific place on earth? The Israelites knew the Lord promised to dwell with them, but also knew He could never be contained in a man-made building. This Temple built by Solomon according to the specific instructions given to his father, King David, by the Lord, was a picture (1 Corinthians 10:11). While God in fact was with them, He was never going to be confined in a building (Acts 7:48). God’s plan was something far more unbelievable!

Solomon’s literal request was for “a hearing heart”—the ability to discern between good and evil—a heart tuned to the voice of God. Solomon’s royal request of the King of kings was for wisdom. Early in life, he had learned this great lesson from his father, David: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Prv 9:10).

At just the right time, God came to dwell in another Temple. God became a man named Jesus who came to tabernacle with us (John 1:14). He came to rescue us from sin by becoming sin (2 Corinthians 5:21), to redeem us from the curse by becoming cursed (Galatians 3:13), and to restore us to the Father by our adoption as sons and daughters (John 1:12).

In humility, the young king sought the kingdom of God first - and true to His word, God blessed him with an abundance of everything he needed (Mt 6:33). God was so pleased with the request that He gave Solomon a depth of wisdom no other human being has ever possessed (1 Kgs 3:12). And then out of His deep grace and love, God showered this monarch with unequaled riches and honor.

For centuries Solomon’s question was answered with an obvious “no.” But when Mary and Joseph lay the newborn infant Jesus in that manger in Bethlehem, heaven answered Solomon’s question with a resounding, “YES!” God continues to dwell on earth through His Spirit who dwells in every believer (2 Corinthians 6:16). Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them” (John 14:23).

Solomon recognized what most leaders are ignorant of today—lasting leadership is not about power, or prestige, or persona, but rather the ability to discern the direction of the Lord and the courage to walk in it. People follow those kind of leaders. Check your rearview mirror, and if you see no one following behind you, don’t kid yourself—you are not a leader. All of us have the potential to be leaders, but not all of us are actual leaders. If you lack wisdom ask God for it. It is one request He will never deny (Jas 1:5).

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS

May 17

May 18

May 19

May 20

May 21

May 22

May 23

May 24

q Ps 50 q Ps 73-74

q Ps 75-78

q Ps 79-82

q Ps 83 q 1 Chr 29:23-25 q 2 Chr 1:1-13 q 1 Kgs 2:13-3:15

q 1 Kgs 3:16-28 q 1 Kgs 5:1-18 q 2 Chr 2:1-3:14 q 1 Kgs 6:1-38

q 1 Kgs 7:1-51 q 2 Chr 3:15-4:22

q 1 Kgs 8:1-53 q 2 Chr 5:1-6:42

q 1 Kgs 8:54-9:14 q 2 Chr 7:1-22

CROSS WALK

SCENIC VIEW

Rest in His Work - Psalm 127

Honoring His Name – 1 Kings 9:3b

Psalm 127:1 says, “Unless the Lord builds the house; the work of the builders is wasted.” In our ‘hard work paves the way for success’ culture, this verse seems like a complete contradiction. Sadly, what plays out in our culture easily creeps into our relationship with God. Many of us continually struggle with the tendency to work our way into a right standing with God. It is an exhausting cycle that never allows for spiritual rest.

In 1 Kings 9:1-3, we find that Solomon has finally finished construction on the Temple. With the last details completed, the Lord appears to give Solomon His take on the temple. Verse 3 says, “…This place that you have built where my name will be honored forever. I will always watch over it, for it is dear to my heart.” The Lord was pleased with the temple and even more so with the purpose of the temple. He desired a place where the people of God and even foreigners could meet with Him.

Jesus knew there was no way for mankind to ever accomplish enough to build back what sin had destroyed. So He came and did what only He could do – He became the chief cornerstone for the kingdom of God. Since mankind could never scratch out a strong enough foundation to build a relationship with God on, Jesus came to become the foundation for anyone that would accept Him as Lord. Simply put, He is the foundation for our faith. He builds His kingdom on Himself and nothing else. The cross was essential in this kingdom construction. Through the cross the Lord stripped away the great divide between a holy God and sinful man so we could again know Him in a personal relationship. There is nothing we can add to that work - as He said Himself, “It is finished.” Three days after the cross, an open tomb gave us access back into a right relationship with God. Jesus laid out a foundation and the beginning of a kingdom that could not be destroyed and will have no end. Take time today to rest in the work of the Lord. Stop attempting to build something that will only topple in time. Remember the Lord is building His Kingdom and we are called to abide in His work.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS May 25

May 26

q 2 Chr 8:1-9:28 q 1 Kgs 4:1-34 q 1 Kgs 9:15-10:29 q Ps 72, 127 q 2 Chr 1:14-17 q Ps 127

While all those things were indeed close to the heart of God, His ultimate joy regarding the temple was that it was a place to bring honor to his name. It was a place that lifted up the banner to make declaration of the goodness, faithfulness and holiness of the Yahweh God. In the temple, they could actually talk to the God of the universe while experiencing His Presence. The temple was an earthly reminder that there is one name alone that deserved to exalted above all other names. Thankfully, as people of the New Covenant we don’t have to journey to one location on planet earth to honor His name. In 1 Corinthians 6, God reminds us as His children that our bodies are the temple of God. That means the God of the universe is taking residence in these broken bodies! We do not have to travel to meet with our God because He lives within us and is always near. This allows us as His people not only the blessing of intimacy with Him, but also the opportunity to bring honor to the one true God through the way we live our lives. Take a few moments today to look at your life and ask the question ‘How is my life being lived through this temporal temple bringing honor to the name of Jesus?’

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS

May 27

May 28

May 29

May 30

May 31

q Prv 1:1-4:27

q Prv 5:1-7:27

q Prv 8:1-10:32

q Prv 11:1-13:25

q Prv 14:1-16:33