Today’s Reading: Judges 11; Judges 12; Psalm 50; 2 Corinthians 1
Scripture: Psalm 50:8-15, 23
8 “I do not rebuke you for your sacrifices or your burnt offerings, which are ever before me.
9 I have no need of a bull from your stall or of goats from your pens,
10 for every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills.
11 I know every bird in the mountains, and the creatures of the field are mine.
12 If I were hungry I would not tell you, for the world is mine, and all that is in it.
13 Do I eat the flesh of bulls or drink the blood of goats?
14 Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High,
15 and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me…
23 He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God.”
Observation: The Lord speaks to His people. These verses deal with how God thinks about sacrifices. First, He assures the Israelites that whatever correction of them He brings, it is not about their sacrifices. He tells them that He doesn’t really need farm animals for His food or drink. He is not hungry or thirsty. And yet He makes the point twice, in verses 14-15 and in verse 23 to instruct them that it is important for them to sacrifice. So what gives? Is this a contradiction? No, God is simply pointing out that the sacrifices do nothing for Him. Sacrifices are for us. Sacrifice involves us in taking the stuff of our lives and investing it in Him. When we do this, we activate His activity on our behalf. The promises are clear: if and when we sacrifice, He says, “I will deliver you,” and that we are preparing the way for “the salvation of God” in our lives.
Application: By making sacrifices to God, I am paving the way for His blessing on my life. Sacrifices are not bribes to get God to be nice to me. They are not protection money to keep God from smiting me. Sacrifice takes some of my stuff and transfer it into the spiritual realm. Thus it activates heaven’s intervention in my life. Plus, it demonstrates that I really believe what I say I believe. At least I believe it enough to put my money where my mouth is. This gets God’s attention in a way that mere words cannot. So give in a way that honors God and pave the way for Him to show Himself mighty in your circumstance.
Prayer: Thank You Lord that You give us the privilege of participating in the invisible realm with the stuff of this visible realm. You are the source of everything we have for even our very next breath is a gift from You. And even though it all comes from You, You give us the option of giving or not giving, and You release blessing to us when we give. Help us to give more and more that we may grow in faith and dependency upon You. Thank You for the beautiful way You draw us to Yourself. May we come willingly with nothing held back.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Saturday, April 01, 2006
Friday, March 31, 2006
Title: Horrible Harvest / Topic: Consequence
Today’s Reading: Judges 9; Judges 10; Psalm 49; 1 Corinthians 16
Scripture: Judges 9:18
"…but today you have revolted against my father's family, murdered his seventy sons on a single stone, and made Abimelech, the son of his slave girl, king…"
Observation: It’s sickening! The carnage of murder and hatred and horrible violence. Abimelech is a son of Gideon (aka Jerub-Baal) who conspires with Israel’s enemies to become king. To do so, he must kill his brothers, all 70 of them! It’s a well-financed terrorist conspiracy. He murders them all on a large stone at their father’s home. Why would Gideon’s son conspire with his family’s enemies? How could he have so much hate? There is a clue in this verse and it points out a important truth. We learn here that while Gideon is Abimelech’s father, his mother is not an Israelite. She was Gideon’s “slave girl.” So Gideon had a inappropriate relationship with this slave girl which resulted in a pregnancy and Abimelech is the result.
Application: Moral compromise always bring a horrible harvest. And while the compromise may bring an immediate benefit, the future cost is hidden but will far overshadow that benefit. If Gideon had known that his little indiscretion with the cute servant girl would result in the murder of his 70 sons, I think he could have controlled his urges. But he wasn’t thinking of the aftermath. His nerve endings were in control. For us the message is obvious: Stay away from moral compromise and avoid the negative consequences. So keep on God’s path of blessing and escape the ugly fallout of lust, greed, and pride which are the earmarks of self.
Prayer: Lord, sin always allures with its forbidden pleasures. But help me to clearly see the hideous fruit of destruction that accompanies it. From the fall of Adam, temptation has always been based on lies. Help us to see the lies for what they are, to understand the damage that sin brings, and to choose obedience. May we follow You fully, and joyfully.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Judges 9:18
"…but today you have revolted against my father's family, murdered his seventy sons on a single stone, and made Abimelech, the son of his slave girl, king…"
Observation: It’s sickening! The carnage of murder and hatred and horrible violence. Abimelech is a son of Gideon (aka Jerub-Baal) who conspires with Israel’s enemies to become king. To do so, he must kill his brothers, all 70 of them! It’s a well-financed terrorist conspiracy. He murders them all on a large stone at their father’s home. Why would Gideon’s son conspire with his family’s enemies? How could he have so much hate? There is a clue in this verse and it points out a important truth. We learn here that while Gideon is Abimelech’s father, his mother is not an Israelite. She was Gideon’s “slave girl.” So Gideon had a inappropriate relationship with this slave girl which resulted in a pregnancy and Abimelech is the result.
Application: Moral compromise always bring a horrible harvest. And while the compromise may bring an immediate benefit, the future cost is hidden but will far overshadow that benefit. If Gideon had known that his little indiscretion with the cute servant girl would result in the murder of his 70 sons, I think he could have controlled his urges. But he wasn’t thinking of the aftermath. His nerve endings were in control. For us the message is obvious: Stay away from moral compromise and avoid the negative consequences. So keep on God’s path of blessing and escape the ugly fallout of lust, greed, and pride which are the earmarks of self.
Prayer: Lord, sin always allures with its forbidden pleasures. But help me to clearly see the hideous fruit of destruction that accompanies it. From the fall of Adam, temptation has always been based on lies. Help us to see the lies for what they are, to understand the damage that sin brings, and to choose obedience. May we follow You fully, and joyfully.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Title: Thanks For Nothing / Topic: Ingratitude/Motivation
Today’s Reading: Judges 8; Psalm 42; 1 Corinthians 15
Scripture: Judges 8:1 & 1 Cor. 15:58
Judges 8: 1 Now the Ephraimites asked Gideon, "Why have you treated us like this? Why didn't you call us when you went to fight Midian?" And they criticized him sharply.
1 Cor. 15:58 Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
Observation: Isn’t it amazing! The first verse always gets me. These two verses, the first and last (like book ends) from today’s reading, strike an interesting point.
First of all, Gideon gets shameful treatment from his own countrymen. They don’t care that he just delivered them by winning a great victory against their oppressive enemies. They viciously criticize him. And note that at this point the battle isn’t even over yet! They are still in hot pursuit of the enemy. So these critics from Ephraim are not only harassing the hero, they are impeding the fight.
The final verse ties in nicely. Paul encourages all of us to look at our motivation for serving. Paul says that no matter what, there is a good purpose for working for the Lord.
Application: The simple fact is that if you do anything worth doing, there will be the complainers, the critics, and the whiners. Like Gideon, those who accomplish much for God and his people often find themselves personally assailed by those who should thank them. How discouraging that is! I think of Gideon. Here he just fought and won a great battle against overwhelming odds and his “friends” come out and tell him they don’t like how he did it! Thanks for nothing! How frustrating. How discouraging. They should be praising and thanking Gideon but all they do is tear him down. Unfortunately, this kind of experience is all too common. Good people that serve God often suffer because their own people don’t support them and find fault with them.
The primary message here is to pay attention to who it is you are serving and why you serve. If you’re doing it for the praise of men, you will be disappointed and disillusioned. So you have to keep God at the center of your heart and thinking. We serve to please God, not men. Even those who may directly benefit from what we do are not to be the primary motivation. We must serve to please God. If we keep pleasing the Lord as our primary motivation, the ingratitude of people, though it may discourage us, will not stop us. I remember a little saying:
“If you please God, it doesn’t matter who you displease. If you displease God, it doesn’t matter who you please.”
Prayer: Father, I want to please You and to keep You as the center and focus of all that I do. Help me not to allow the criticism of others shape or diminish my motivation and ministry. My hope is in You and You alone. And help me to express gratefulness and support to those who minister to me. Thank You for the call and privilege of serving You. May I do it faithfully, regardless of the opposition.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Judges 8:1 & 1 Cor. 15:58
Judges 8: 1 Now the Ephraimites asked Gideon, "Why have you treated us like this? Why didn't you call us when you went to fight Midian?" And they criticized him sharply.
1 Cor. 15:58 Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
Observation: Isn’t it amazing! The first verse always gets me. These two verses, the first and last (like book ends) from today’s reading, strike an interesting point.
First of all, Gideon gets shameful treatment from his own countrymen. They don’t care that he just delivered them by winning a great victory against their oppressive enemies. They viciously criticize him. And note that at this point the battle isn’t even over yet! They are still in hot pursuit of the enemy. So these critics from Ephraim are not only harassing the hero, they are impeding the fight.
The final verse ties in nicely. Paul encourages all of us to look at our motivation for serving. Paul says that no matter what, there is a good purpose for working for the Lord.
Application: The simple fact is that if you do anything worth doing, there will be the complainers, the critics, and the whiners. Like Gideon, those who accomplish much for God and his people often find themselves personally assailed by those who should thank them. How discouraging that is! I think of Gideon. Here he just fought and won a great battle against overwhelming odds and his “friends” come out and tell him they don’t like how he did it! Thanks for nothing! How frustrating. How discouraging. They should be praising and thanking Gideon but all they do is tear him down. Unfortunately, this kind of experience is all too common. Good people that serve God often suffer because their own people don’t support them and find fault with them.
The primary message here is to pay attention to who it is you are serving and why you serve. If you’re doing it for the praise of men, you will be disappointed and disillusioned. So you have to keep God at the center of your heart and thinking. We serve to please God, not men. Even those who may directly benefit from what we do are not to be the primary motivation. We must serve to please God. If we keep pleasing the Lord as our primary motivation, the ingratitude of people, though it may discourage us, will not stop us. I remember a little saying:
Prayer: Father, I want to please You and to keep You as the center and focus of all that I do. Help me not to allow the criticism of others shape or diminish my motivation and ministry. My hope is in You and You alone. And help me to express gratefulness and support to those who minister to me. Thank You for the call and privilege of serving You. May I do it faithfully, regardless of the opposition.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Title: Wimps, Weaklings, and Chickens / Topic: Who God Uses
Today’s Reading: Judges 6; Judges 7; Psalm 52; 1 Corinthians 14
Scripture: Judges 6 & 7 (excerpts)
Judges 6:12-13 When the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, he said, "The LORD is with you, mighty warrior." "But sir," Gideon replied, "if the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us?…
15 "But Lord , " Gideon asked, "how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family."…
17 Gideon replied, "If now I have found favor in your eyes, give me a sign that it is really you talking to me.…
23 But the LORD said to him, "Peace! Do not be afraid. You are not going to die."…
27 So Gideon took ten of his servants and did as the LORD told him. But because he was afraid of his family and the men of the town, he did it at night…
36 Gideon said to God, "If you will save Israel by my hand as you have promised…
39 Then Gideon said to God, "Do not be angry with me. Let me make just one more request. Allow me one more test…
Judges 7:10-11 “If you are afraid to attack, go down to the camp with your servant Purah and listen to what they are saying. Afterward, you will be encouraged to attack the camp."
Observation: I love the story of Gideon. It’s the story of God using a guy riddled with fear and misgivings. Gideon’s questions, objections, and doubts are repeatedly expressed even though he knows it is God’s angel who speaks to him. Again and again, Gideon raises doubts and objections. Here is a brief summary:
6:13 Gideon doubts God based on the present circumstances
6:15 “I can’t save Israel. I’m a punk from a wimpy family”
6:17 “Give me a sign that this is really God”
6:22-23 “I’m going to die because I saw an angel” (God says “not!”)
6:27 Gideon obeys, but fear causes him to hide what he is doing
6:36 “If this is true, make the fleece wet and the ground dry”
6:39 “If this is true, make the fleece dry and the ground wet!”
7:10-11 Gideon’s doubts are finally overcome by overhearing the enemies talk in fear about him
Application: God can handle our doubts and use us in spite of them. A brave person is not someone without fear, but a person who proceeds in spite of fear. I love the story of Gideon and I love to poke fun at Gideon but that’s only because I see so much of Gideon in me. And the fact that God does not zap Gideon but gently leads him and gives him what he needs to overcome his fears gives me hope! God’s greatness and loving character provides what is needed. I am greatly encouraged that God uses wimps, weaklings, and chickens. With God’s help, ordinary, fearful people can accomplish great victories.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, that you picked Gideon and not John Wayne. Thank You for putting this story in the Bible to encourage me to see that You if You can use Gideon, You can use me too! Thank you for the reminder that it is not my ability that counts but Your ability and my availability to You that makes all the difference. Lord, use me to impact my world. With You, I am strong and I can win great victories. So be it.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Judges 6 & 7 (excerpts)
Judges 6:12-13 When the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, he said, "The LORD is with you, mighty warrior." "But sir," Gideon replied, "if the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us?…
15 "But Lord , " Gideon asked, "how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family."…
17 Gideon replied, "If now I have found favor in your eyes, give me a sign that it is really you talking to me.…
23 But the LORD said to him, "Peace! Do not be afraid. You are not going to die."…
27 So Gideon took ten of his servants and did as the LORD told him. But because he was afraid of his family and the men of the town, he did it at night…
36 Gideon said to God, "If you will save Israel by my hand as you have promised…
39 Then Gideon said to God, "Do not be angry with me. Let me make just one more request. Allow me one more test…
Judges 7:10-11 “If you are afraid to attack, go down to the camp with your servant Purah and listen to what they are saying. Afterward, you will be encouraged to attack the camp."
Observation: I love the story of Gideon. It’s the story of God using a guy riddled with fear and misgivings. Gideon’s questions, objections, and doubts are repeatedly expressed even though he knows it is God’s angel who speaks to him. Again and again, Gideon raises doubts and objections. Here is a brief summary:
6:13 Gideon doubts God based on the present circumstances
6:15 “I can’t save Israel. I’m a punk from a wimpy family”
6:17 “Give me a sign that this is really God”
6:22-23 “I’m going to die because I saw an angel” (God says “not!”)
6:27 Gideon obeys, but fear causes him to hide what he is doing
6:36 “If this is true, make the fleece wet and the ground dry”
6:39 “If this is true, make the fleece dry and the ground wet!”
7:10-11 Gideon’s doubts are finally overcome by overhearing the enemies talk in fear about him
Application: God can handle our doubts and use us in spite of them. A brave person is not someone without fear, but a person who proceeds in spite of fear. I love the story of Gideon and I love to poke fun at Gideon but that’s only because I see so much of Gideon in me. And the fact that God does not zap Gideon but gently leads him and gives him what he needs to overcome his fears gives me hope! God’s greatness and loving character provides what is needed. I am greatly encouraged that God uses wimps, weaklings, and chickens. With God’s help, ordinary, fearful people can accomplish great victories.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, that you picked Gideon and not John Wayne. Thank You for putting this story in the Bible to encourage me to see that You if You can use Gideon, You can use me too! Thank you for the reminder that it is not my ability that counts but Your ability and my availability to You that makes all the difference. Lord, use me to impact my world. With You, I am strong and I can win great victories. So be it.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Title: Casual & Cursed / Topic: What God Values
Today’s Reading: Judges 4; Judges 5; Psalm 39; Psalm 41; 1 Corinthians 13
[Today's reading is great! Lots of rich lessons to be learned. I encourage you to read it all!]
Scripture: Judges 5:23-24
23 “'Curse Meroz,' said the angel of the LORD. 'Curse its people bitterly, because they did not come to help the LORD, to help the LORD against the mighty.'
24 “Most blessed of women be Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, most blessed of tent-dwelling women.”
Observation: Here’s an amazing contrast! Deborah, Israel’s Judge and prophetess, sings an anointed song, stirred and directed by the Spirit of God in response to the victory of Israel over the Canaanites under Jabin and Sisera. Most Israelites chose to stay home and not risk the fight. Only two tribes, Zebulun and Naphtali, joined the battle.
Here’s the contrast:
In verse 23 is a curse of Meroz, which is identified as a group that “did not come to help the Lord.” In other words, they didn’t want to get involved in the battle. Juxtaposed to that is great praise for Jael, the woman who lured Sisera into her tent and offered him comfort and concealment (but only as a ruse — she killed him brutally). So the uninvolved get cursed, the radical get praised.
Application: Think about what this says concerning what God despises and what He values. Jael was a radical woman who used deception and violence to kill the sworn enemy of God’s people. All the gory details are lyrics in this song of victory (verses 25, 26, 27)! God gives her great praise; he says, “Jael is most blessed!” On the other hand, the people of Meroz just wanted to live and let live. They thought that it would be quite a bother to get involved, and besides, “those super-spiritual people like Deborah the Prophetess are extreme. They take it too far! We can serve God in our own way.” God curses these people. So many Christians today don’t want to get too radical: “That spiritual warfare stuff just isn’t for me.” “I’m not comfortable with expressive worship; all that had raising and singing and loud voices is not my style!” I wonder what God thinks about Christians who stay uninvolved in spiritual battles.
For me the message is clear: God values those who take risks and push beyond their comfort zone and get radically involved in spiritual struggles. Those who stay in the grandstands may keep their clothes clean, but they make God sick and get no part in the victory celebration. Those who get on the field and into the battle please God and will receive great reward.
Prayer: Lord, it’s tempting to just let others be the radicals. It’s easy to stay home and uninvolved. But I know that You call Your people to take a stand and lay our lives down every day. You call us to “take up our cross”, to “offer our bodies as living sacrifices”, to “speak up for the poor and the oppressed”, to “serve the Lord wholeheartedly”. Father, draw Your people to deep, passionate dedication to You and to the advancing of Your Kingdom. May I be one who stands and fights and helps bring about great victories.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
[Today's reading is great! Lots of rich lessons to be learned. I encourage you to read it all!]
Scripture: Judges 5:23-24
23 “'Curse Meroz,' said the angel of the LORD. 'Curse its people bitterly, because they did not come to help the LORD, to help the LORD against the mighty.'
24 “Most blessed of women be Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, most blessed of tent-dwelling women.”
Observation: Here’s an amazing contrast! Deborah, Israel’s Judge and prophetess, sings an anointed song, stirred and directed by the Spirit of God in response to the victory of Israel over the Canaanites under Jabin and Sisera. Most Israelites chose to stay home and not risk the fight. Only two tribes, Zebulun and Naphtali, joined the battle.
Here’s the contrast:
In verse 23 is a curse of Meroz, which is identified as a group that “did not come to help the Lord.” In other words, they didn’t want to get involved in the battle. Juxtaposed to that is great praise for Jael, the woman who lured Sisera into her tent and offered him comfort and concealment (but only as a ruse — she killed him brutally). So the uninvolved get cursed, the radical get praised.
Application: Think about what this says concerning what God despises and what He values. Jael was a radical woman who used deception and violence to kill the sworn enemy of God’s people. All the gory details are lyrics in this song of victory (verses 25, 26, 27)! God gives her great praise; he says, “Jael is most blessed!” On the other hand, the people of Meroz just wanted to live and let live. They thought that it would be quite a bother to get involved, and besides, “those super-spiritual people like Deborah the Prophetess are extreme. They take it too far! We can serve God in our own way.” God curses these people. So many Christians today don’t want to get too radical: “That spiritual warfare stuff just isn’t for me.” “I’m not comfortable with expressive worship; all that had raising and singing and loud voices is not my style!” I wonder what God thinks about Christians who stay uninvolved in spiritual battles.
For me the message is clear: God values those who take risks and push beyond their comfort zone and get radically involved in spiritual struggles. Those who stay in the grandstands may keep their clothes clean, but they make God sick and get no part in the victory celebration. Those who get on the field and into the battle please God and will receive great reward.
Prayer: Lord, it’s tempting to just let others be the radicals. It’s easy to stay home and uninvolved. But I know that You call Your people to take a stand and lay our lives down every day. You call us to “take up our cross”, to “offer our bodies as living sacrifices”, to “speak up for the poor and the oppressed”, to “serve the Lord wholeheartedly”. Father, draw Your people to deep, passionate dedication to You and to the advancing of Your Kingdom. May I be one who stands and fights and helps bring about great victories.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Monday, March 27, 2006
Title: Open It! / Topic: Spiritual Gifts
Today’s Reading: Judges 1; Judges 2; Judges 3; 1 Corinthians 12
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.
Observation: God is good! He does not give gifts to just a select few. There is not “the gifted group” and “the left-outs.” No. God has warehouses filled to the rafters with gifts and He gives them to everyone. Here Paul writes to the Corinthians (who prided themselves in spiritual gifts) that “each one,” that is every single Christian, is given a “manifestation of the Spirit” or spiritual gift. And just as the giving of the gifts is universal in the church, the purpose is universal as well. They are given “for the common good.” That is, the gifts are to bring blessing to everyone.
Application: There are three main applications that I get out of this.
First, unleash the church. If everybody has received a gift, then why is so much being done by so few in the church? We have a lot of Christians uninvolved — not using their gifts. Too many Christians do not have any role ministering — they are spectator Christians. So unwrap your spiritual gifts and start using them.
Second, expect more. As we see more believers begin to function in the Spirit, we should see the effectiveness of the church grow exponentially. And we must ready ourselves to see our gifts and abilities multiplied as we step out with greater obedience and boldness. And as we see God move through us, our expectation and faith will grow and that will accelerate the whole process.
Third, get real. Understanding that the gifts are to benefit everyone will shape our approach to the gifts. I have seen the exercise of spiritual gifts become weird and exclusive. It should be practical and understandable. It needs to be “down to earth.” After all, this is the point: to bring the wonder of God down to earth so we can see Him and know Him better.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for giving gifts to all Your people. I pray that we will open them and use them. May we understand how it works and how You want to use us to bless Your church and the whole planet. Empower us to greater effectiveness and draw us close to You in the process.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.
Observation: God is good! He does not give gifts to just a select few. There is not “the gifted group” and “the left-outs.” No. God has warehouses filled to the rafters with gifts and He gives them to everyone. Here Paul writes to the Corinthians (who prided themselves in spiritual gifts) that “each one,” that is every single Christian, is given a “manifestation of the Spirit” or spiritual gift. And just as the giving of the gifts is universal in the church, the purpose is universal as well. They are given “for the common good.” That is, the gifts are to bring blessing to everyone.
Application: There are three main applications that I get out of this.
First, unleash the church. If everybody has received a gift, then why is so much being done by so few in the church? We have a lot of Christians uninvolved — not using their gifts. Too many Christians do not have any role ministering — they are spectator Christians. So unwrap your spiritual gifts and start using them.
Second, expect more. As we see more believers begin to function in the Spirit, we should see the effectiveness of the church grow exponentially. And we must ready ourselves to see our gifts and abilities multiplied as we step out with greater obedience and boldness. And as we see God move through us, our expectation and faith will grow and that will accelerate the whole process.
Third, get real. Understanding that the gifts are to benefit everyone will shape our approach to the gifts. I have seen the exercise of spiritual gifts become weird and exclusive. It should be practical and understandable. It needs to be “down to earth.” After all, this is the point: to bring the wonder of God down to earth so we can see Him and know Him better.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for giving gifts to all Your people. I pray that we will open them and use them. May we understand how it works and how You want to use us to bless Your church and the whole planet. Empower us to greater effectiveness and draw us close to You in the process.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Title: Careful To Love / Topic: Intention
Today’s Reading: Joshua 23; Joshua 24; Psalm 44; 1 Corinthians 11
Scripture: Joshua 23:1, 8, 11
1 After a long time had passed and the LORD had given Israel rest from all their enemies around them…
8 But you are to hold fast to the LORD your God, as you have until now…
11 So be very careful to love the LORD your God.
Observation: Joshua is ready to die. He is giving the Israelites his farewell and preparing them for what will come with warnings and instructions. The wars are over; the nation is at rest. For now. And Joshua gives them the essence of what will be their sure and ultimate protection. It’s not bigger armies. It’s not better armaments. It is to “hold fast to the Lord” and to “be very careful to love the Lord.” The means of protection from their enemies is love. But not the “warm and fuzzy” kind. No this is the intentional, passionate, purposeful kind. It’s up to them to make their closeness and love for God happen. This goes against what we think about love. We think that love is the product of personalities and chemistry in some unpredictable emotional reaction. But here, love is being commanded of them. They have to “hold fast” and “be very careful to love.” How are they to do that? How am I to do that?
Application: First I need to understand that love is not a chance happening but is a product of exercising the will on the heart. It is a function of decision leading to action which results in emotion. True love is not something you fall into and out of. It is something you work at and hold on to. So I must make a choice by an act of my will that I will stay close to God and I will love Him. I must choose to make Him my Lord and to be His servant. And then I must take action based on that decision. What kind of action? Action consistent with passion. Spending time with the Lord, talking to Him, reading His letters to me, writing back to Him, thinking about Him, singing songs about Him, telling other people about the One I love, staying faithful to Him, etc. It’s just like a good romantic marriage! I have stayed in love with my bride for 32 years because I made a choice, expressed a vow, and continue to take action that is consistent with that choice. Likewise, I made a decision of my will 45 years ago to love and serve Jesus and to receive His salvation and I have stayed true to that by continuing to take action consistent with that decision. But, as in my marriage, I cannot turn on the “cruise control.” No, I have to keep my intention strong. “Hold fast!” “Be careful!” These are warnings and urgings that demand ongoing deliberate attention. If I am to succeed, I have to continue to work for passion and love for my Lord.
Prayer: Lord, I want to keep the flames of love burning. It is easy to let them go out or nearly so. I want to keep my love for You alive and real. I know that if I don’t, my faith can become empty ritual. But I want my faith to be a true reflection of a deep and living love relationship between You and me. I know that You are passionate for me so the only question is whether I reciprocate. Lord, that is my desire. Help me to remember that love is a choice, not an emotion. And help me to take actions that will reflect the choice that I have made in the past and renew now to love You with all my heart and with all my mind and with all my soul and with all my strength.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Joshua 23:1, 8, 11
1 After a long time had passed and the LORD had given Israel rest from all their enemies around them…
8 But you are to hold fast to the LORD your God, as you have until now…
11 So be very careful to love the LORD your God.
Observation: Joshua is ready to die. He is giving the Israelites his farewell and preparing them for what will come with warnings and instructions. The wars are over; the nation is at rest. For now. And Joshua gives them the essence of what will be their sure and ultimate protection. It’s not bigger armies. It’s not better armaments. It is to “hold fast to the Lord” and to “be very careful to love the Lord.” The means of protection from their enemies is love. But not the “warm and fuzzy” kind. No this is the intentional, passionate, purposeful kind. It’s up to them to make their closeness and love for God happen. This goes against what we think about love. We think that love is the product of personalities and chemistry in some unpredictable emotional reaction. But here, love is being commanded of them. They have to “hold fast” and “be very careful to love.” How are they to do that? How am I to do that?
Application: First I need to understand that love is not a chance happening but is a product of exercising the will on the heart. It is a function of decision leading to action which results in emotion. True love is not something you fall into and out of. It is something you work at and hold on to. So I must make a choice by an act of my will that I will stay close to God and I will love Him. I must choose to make Him my Lord and to be His servant. And then I must take action based on that decision. What kind of action? Action consistent with passion. Spending time with the Lord, talking to Him, reading His letters to me, writing back to Him, thinking about Him, singing songs about Him, telling other people about the One I love, staying faithful to Him, etc. It’s just like a good romantic marriage! I have stayed in love with my bride for 32 years because I made a choice, expressed a vow, and continue to take action that is consistent with that choice. Likewise, I made a decision of my will 45 years ago to love and serve Jesus and to receive His salvation and I have stayed true to that by continuing to take action consistent with that decision. But, as in my marriage, I cannot turn on the “cruise control.” No, I have to keep my intention strong. “Hold fast!” “Be careful!” These are warnings and urgings that demand ongoing deliberate attention. If I am to succeed, I have to continue to work for passion and love for my Lord.
Prayer: Lord, I want to keep the flames of love burning. It is easy to let them go out or nearly so. I want to keep my love for You alive and real. I know that if I don’t, my faith can become empty ritual. But I want my faith to be a true reflection of a deep and living love relationship between You and me. I know that You are passionate for me so the only question is whether I reciprocate. Lord, that is my desire. Help me to remember that love is a choice, not an emotion. And help me to take actions that will reflect the choice that I have made in the past and renew now to love You with all my heart and with all my mind and with all my soul and with all my strength.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
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