Today’s Reading: Deuteronomy 28; Deuteronomy 29; Galatians 6
Scripture: Deuteronomy 28:20, 63; 29:19-21, 24, 28
28:20 The LORD will send on you curses, confusion and rebuke in everything you put your hand to, until you are destroyed and come to sudden ruin because of the evil you have done in forsaking him...
63 Just as it pleased the LORD to make you prosper and increase in number, so it will please him to ruin and destroy you. You will be uprooted from the land you are entering to possess.
29:19 When such a person hears the words of this oath, he invokes a blessing on himself and therefore thinks, "I will be safe, even though I persist in going my own way." This will bring disaster on the watered land as well as the dry. 20 The LORD will never be willing to forgive him; his wrath and zeal will burn against that man. All the curses written in this book will fall upon him, and the LORD will blot out his name from under heaven. 21 The LORD will single him out from all the tribes of Israel for disaster, according to all the curses of the covenant written in this Book of the Law...
24 All the nations will ask: "Why has the LORD done this to this land? Why this fierce, burning anger?"...
28 In furious anger and in great wrath the LORD uprooted them from their land and thrust them into another land, as it is now."
Observation: This depiction of God's anger directed toward those who turn away from him is horrific and frightening for those of us who take the word of God seriously. Note the italicized phrases above. God's anger is grim and the consequences for those who are objects of this anger are dire.
Application: I, like most Christians today, primarily focus on the "love side" of God. I don't really like these chapters because they detail a kind of harshness and severity that I do not normally associate with God. And yet it is a part of who God is: it is in the Bible. This causes me to pause and think that my view of God, as almost exclusively loving and kind and forgiving, isn't quite complete. There is this "dark side" of God: the punisher, the vengeful, the relentless pursuer.
To be honest, I wish God wasn't that way. But God is God and he is perfect and right in all his ways. The fact that these aspects of his nature cause me discomfort reveals flaws in me, not in God.
One thing is clear: don't mess with God. When I consider passages as above, I think that often, I must not approach my life with God with enough seriousness. As the Bible says, "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling."
Prayer: Lord, thank you for your mercy. I pray that my life would never cause you to relate to me through your wrath, but that I will dwell in the loving shadow of your wings always. Lord, have mercy upon me, a sinner.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Friday, March 14, 2008
Title: Keys To Victory / Topic: The Spiritual War
Today’s Reading: Deuteronomy 25; Deuteronomy 26; Deuteronomy 27; Galatians 5
#1 Scripture: Deuteronomy 25:17-18
17 Remember what the Amalekites did to you along the way when you came out of Egypt. 18 When you were weary and worn out, they met you on your journey and cut off all who were lagging behind; they had no fear of God.
#1 Observation: The Amalekites attacked the Israelites during their forty years of wandering. But it was not a frontal assault. They picked off "all who were lagging behind."
#1 Application: It is dangerous to become separate from the main body. If a believer gets behind, he is isolated and vulnerable to all manner of spiritual attack. Therefore, stay in the center of the life of the church body.
16 So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17 For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.
[#2a Observation: There is not only spiritual warfare that is external, there is a battle within and if we don't fight, we lose. We must be led by the Spirit to fight and win the internal war.]
19 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
[#2b Observation: This is quite a list! It is so obvious that these things are harmful to humans -- these things destroy people. And these things not only damage a person, they make a person damaging to others.]
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
[#2c Observation: The contrast between this list and the last is striking! What beautiful characteristics are listed here in contrast with the ugly and damaging practices of the previous list. I also notice several action words that are required. I must: 1) give myself to Jesus ("belong"), 2) crucify the sinful nature, 3) live by the Spirit, 4) keep in step with the Spirit (which also keeps us safe from lagging behind as I discussed above), 5) shun conceit, 6) avoid provocation and envy.]
#2 Application: To fight and win the spiritual war requires an active awareness of the spiritual battle within and without. It means self-awareness and self-denial, shunning activities that degrade, walking in harmony with the Spirit and in God's power. And it results in a good and Godly character.
Prayer: Lord, lead me in your ways. I want to have your power strong in me so that I can win the internal and external battles and be victorious in the spiritual war.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
#1 Scripture: Deuteronomy 25:17-18
17 Remember what the Amalekites did to you along the way when you came out of Egypt. 18 When you were weary and worn out, they met you on your journey and cut off all who were lagging behind; they had no fear of God.
#1 Observation: The Amalekites attacked the Israelites during their forty years of wandering. But it was not a frontal assault. They picked off "all who were lagging behind."
#1 Application: It is dangerous to become separate from the main body. If a believer gets behind, he is isolated and vulnerable to all manner of spiritual attack. Therefore, stay in the center of the life of the church body.
~
#2 Scripture: Galatians 5:16-2616 So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17 For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.
[#2a Observation: There is not only spiritual warfare that is external, there is a battle within and if we don't fight, we lose. We must be led by the Spirit to fight and win the internal war.]
19 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
[#2b Observation: This is quite a list! It is so obvious that these things are harmful to humans -- these things destroy people. And these things not only damage a person, they make a person damaging to others.]
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
[#2c Observation: The contrast between this list and the last is striking! What beautiful characteristics are listed here in contrast with the ugly and damaging practices of the previous list. I also notice several action words that are required. I must: 1) give myself to Jesus ("belong"), 2) crucify the sinful nature, 3) live by the Spirit, 4) keep in step with the Spirit (which also keeps us safe from lagging behind as I discussed above), 5) shun conceit, 6) avoid provocation and envy.]
#2 Application: To fight and win the spiritual war requires an active awareness of the spiritual battle within and without. It means self-awareness and self-denial, shunning activities that degrade, walking in harmony with the Spirit and in God's power. And it results in a good and Godly character.
Prayer: Lord, lead me in your ways. I want to have your power strong in me so that I can win the internal and external battles and be victorious in the spiritual war.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Title: The Sad Retreat / Topic: Spiritual Battle
Today’s Reading: Deuteronomy 22; Deuteronomy 23; Deuteronomy 24; Galatians 4
Scripture: Galatians 4:9 But now that you know God—or rather are known by God — how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?
Observation: The thought in this verse encapsulates the message of Paul's letter to the Galatians. These people had experienced salvation with all the blessings and benefits. But they had been won over by people who added a bunch of extra requirements to the Gospel, to the point where it wasn't the Gospel at all. Paul asks them why? Why would anyone who had experienced the blessing of knowing God want to walk away from that? Why would anyone who had been set free from bondages of various kinds leave the freedom and go back to the bondage? Paul asks, "Do you want to be slaves again?"
Application: "Survey says: apparently yes!" While I personally cannot understand it, many people do go back to the bondages that at one time had tormented them. Many people forsake the blessings and freedoms they had found in Christ and go back to the bondages and vexations of their lives before Christ. This shows the power of sin and the frustration of the inner struggle that people have. Apparently they would rather just give in to the sin than to contend with the fight against it.
Bottom line: Because the battle is stressful, we must be intentional to use God's power (rather than our own), and the support of others (rather than fighting solo), to keep ourselves from getting so discouraged that we face burn out and give up. With God's strength and the help and encouragement of others, we can stay strong and victorious.
Prayer: Lord, help me to lead others in the consistent pursuit of you and your will and ways. And help me to strengthen myself and others to fight and win the battle.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Galatians 4:9 But now that you know God—or rather are known by God — how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?
Observation: The thought in this verse encapsulates the message of Paul's letter to the Galatians. These people had experienced salvation with all the blessings and benefits. But they had been won over by people who added a bunch of extra requirements to the Gospel, to the point where it wasn't the Gospel at all. Paul asks them why? Why would anyone who had experienced the blessing of knowing God want to walk away from that? Why would anyone who had been set free from bondages of various kinds leave the freedom and go back to the bondage? Paul asks, "Do you want to be slaves again?"
Application: "Survey says: apparently yes!" While I personally cannot understand it, many people do go back to the bondages that at one time had tormented them. Many people forsake the blessings and freedoms they had found in Christ and go back to the bondages and vexations of their lives before Christ. This shows the power of sin and the frustration of the inner struggle that people have. Apparently they would rather just give in to the sin than to contend with the fight against it.
Bottom line: Because the battle is stressful, we must be intentional to use God's power (rather than our own), and the support of others (rather than fighting solo), to keep ourselves from getting so discouraged that we face burn out and give up. With God's strength and the help and encouragement of others, we can stay strong and victorious.
Prayer: Lord, help me to lead others in the consistent pursuit of you and your will and ways. And help me to strengthen myself and others to fight and win the battle.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Title: The Divine Mentor / Topic: Serving God
Today’s Reading: Deuteronomy 13; Deuteronomy 14; Deuteronomy 15; Galatians 1
Scripture: Galatians 1:10-17
10 Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.
11 I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel I preached is not something that man made up. 12 I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.
16 ...I did not consult any man, 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went immediately into Arabia and later returned to Damascus.
Observation: Paul makes quite a fuss about the fact that his ministry had it origins only with God. His was a gospel that came from God. He was not taught it by men, it was not shaped by consultations with others. It came directly "by revelation from Jesus Christ" was honed by God in solitary meditation in remote places. As a result, Paul feels beholden to no man -- he only strives to "win the approval... of God." This frees him from the tyranny of popularity, that is, being subject to the winds and whims of public approval.
Application: What freedom there is for Paul in having only one master. And what power in having a direct connection with God. So many people come to God through others and never get beyond that. Their faith is a second-hand faith that relies heavily upon those who brought the Gospel to them. But the true point of the Gospel is to bring people to the cross where they can get to know, in the deepest sense, God himself through Jesus Christ. Their connection is direct, their relationship is first-person, and this results in a strong, deep bond, not easily broken. The function of others is to reinforce and encourage this bond, but others do not provide the bond and others cannot destroy it. When I understand this, God himself becomes my mentor. We see this with Paul. And when we have it ourselves, what strength and security we have -- and what opportunities for growth into maturity. Those who are too dependent on others can too easily slip away from God.
Prayer: I want to know YOU, Lord, in the fullness of who you are. You are the only one who has the goods that I must have. Thank you for those who help and support and encourage me as I follow you. But I thank you that my relationship with you does not rely on them. I have an anchor: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, that holds my life fast upon the solid rock no matter what storm may come. Thank you for the direct bond that you have given me and help me to strengthen in all my days and in all my ways.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Galatians 1:10-17
10 Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.
11 I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel I preached is not something that man made up. 12 I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.
16 ...I did not consult any man, 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went immediately into Arabia and later returned to Damascus.
Observation: Paul makes quite a fuss about the fact that his ministry had it origins only with God. His was a gospel that came from God. He was not taught it by men, it was not shaped by consultations with others. It came directly "by revelation from Jesus Christ" was honed by God in solitary meditation in remote places. As a result, Paul feels beholden to no man -- he only strives to "win the approval... of God." This frees him from the tyranny of popularity, that is, being subject to the winds and whims of public approval.
Application: What freedom there is for Paul in having only one master. And what power in having a direct connection with God. So many people come to God through others and never get beyond that. Their faith is a second-hand faith that relies heavily upon those who brought the Gospel to them. But the true point of the Gospel is to bring people to the cross where they can get to know, in the deepest sense, God himself through Jesus Christ. Their connection is direct, their relationship is first-person, and this results in a strong, deep bond, not easily broken. The function of others is to reinforce and encourage this bond, but others do not provide the bond and others cannot destroy it. When I understand this, God himself becomes my mentor. We see this with Paul. And when we have it ourselves, what strength and security we have -- and what opportunities for growth into maturity. Those who are too dependent on others can too easily slip away from God.
Prayer: I want to know YOU, Lord, in the fullness of who you are. You are the only one who has the goods that I must have. Thank you for those who help and support and encourage me as I follow you. But I thank you that my relationship with you does not rely on them. I have an anchor: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, that holds my life fast upon the solid rock no matter what storm may come. Thank you for the direct bond that you have given me and help me to strengthen in all my days and in all my ways.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
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