Today's Reading: 1 Samuel 28; 1 Samuel 29; Psalm 109; Matthew 11
Scripture: 1 Samuel 28:8-19 (excerpts)
8 So Saul disguised himself, putting on other clothes, and at night he and two men went to the woman. "Consult a spirit for me," he said, "and bring up for me the one I name."... 11 Then the woman asked, "Whom shall I bring up for you?" "Bring up Samuel," he said. 12 When the woman saw Samuel, she cried out at the top of her voice and said to Saul, "Why have you deceived me? You are Saul!" 13 The king said to her, "Don't be afraid. What do you see?" The woman said, "I see a spirit coming up out of the ground." 14 "What does he look like?" he asked. "An old man wearing a robe is coming up," she said. Then Saul knew it was Samuel, and he bowed down and prostrated himself with his face to the ground.
15 Samuel said to Saul, "Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?" "I am in great distress," Saul said. "The Philistines are fighting against me, and God has turned away from me. He no longer answers me, either by prophets or by dreams. So I have called on you to tell me what to do." 16 Samuel said, "Why do you consult me, now that the LORD has turned away from you and become your enemy? 17 The LORD has done what he predicted through me. The LORD has torn the kingdom out of your hands and given it to one of your neighbors — to David. 18 Because you did not obey the LORD or carry out his fierce wrath against the Amalekites, the LORD has done this to you today. 19 The LORD will hand over both Israel and you to the Philistines, and tomorrow you and your sons will be with me. The LORD will also hand over the army of Israel to the Philistines."
Observation: What a bizarre story. But what this story reminds me of is how little we really know about the afterlife. Here is the ghost of Samuel, being called up by a spiritist and speaking to King Saul. Samuel's ghost rebukes Saul and prophecies his death and the death of his sons as well as the defeat of the army of Israel. And everything came to pass as Samuel said. (Some teachers have said that this is not really Samuel's ghost but I see nothing in the text to indicate that.) The point is that we just have a lack of knowledge in the area of the spirit-world of the dead. I have disbelieved any talk of ghosts or hauntings, but I have heard from Christian missionaries and others of encounters with lingering spirits from areas where horrible killings had been committed, and these reports have made me reevaluate my position. I'm not saying that I swallow every ghost story, but I think that in light of this story in today's reading, we should realize that there is activity among the spirits of the dead that we know virtually nothing about.
Application: Serve Jesus. Believe in Him. Trust in God's word. And keep your mind and heart open to what is going on in our world today. The world is tuning in to matters of the spirit world and the Bible has the answers people are looking for. We need to prepare ourselves to give and answer to the questions people will ask. And we need to stay humble and admit that while God knows everything, "we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror" (1 Corinthians 13:12).
Prayer: Lord, we have so much to learn. Teach us and open us up to Your truth. Help us to apply the truth we have and show us more. I thank You that our lives are in Your hands and as we trust in You, we can be assured of a home in heaven with You. Lead us on the path to our eternal home.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.
Monday, April 24, 2006
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Title: Jesus Is No Beggar / Topic: The Call
Today's Reading: 1 Samuel 27; Psalm 141; 1 Chronicles 9; Matthew 10
Scripture: Matthew 10:37-39
37 "Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; 38 and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."
Observation: These are powerful words. So often we present the opportunity to receive Christ to people as if Jesus is begging for supporters. Here Jesus is clearly not begging. He is setting a high standard that is challenging and He is telling His followers, "Listen, if you can't put me first then you don't deserve me!" Sounds kind of harsh and demanding, don't you think? Jesus did not mess around with soft-soaping the call to follow Him. Following Jesus meant death. Death to self and even, very likely, physical death.
Application: We need to rethink the low-threshold approach to evangelism that most of us use. It's as if we have been saying, "Please accept Jesus -- He's waiting on your approval to have the privilege to serve you." Am I overstating it? I don't think so. And we need to do something to change it. We must start by evaluating our own level of commitment to Jesus -- solidify that so it measures up to the demands of scripture, then call and challenge others to this highest and most noble of destinies: to be a servant of the Living God.
Prayer: Lord, may we live to please You. Forgive us for the lax way that we have given the call. Help us to get it right, with a high calling but with the winsome grace that You offer to draw even the wounded. We want to love You more than anyone or anything else. And we want to lead others in the same. With Your help we will succeed.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.
Scripture: Matthew 10:37-39
37 "Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; 38 and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."
Observation: These are powerful words. So often we present the opportunity to receive Christ to people as if Jesus is begging for supporters. Here Jesus is clearly not begging. He is setting a high standard that is challenging and He is telling His followers, "Listen, if you can't put me first then you don't deserve me!" Sounds kind of harsh and demanding, don't you think? Jesus did not mess around with soft-soaping the call to follow Him. Following Jesus meant death. Death to self and even, very likely, physical death.
Application: We need to rethink the low-threshold approach to evangelism that most of us use. It's as if we have been saying, "Please accept Jesus -- He's waiting on your approval to have the privilege to serve you." Am I overstating it? I don't think so. And we need to do something to change it. We must start by evaluating our own level of commitment to Jesus -- solidify that so it measures up to the demands of scripture, then call and challenge others to this highest and most noble of destinies: to be a servant of the Living God.
Prayer: Lord, may we live to please You. Forgive us for the lax way that we have given the call. Help us to get it right, with a high calling but with the winsome grace that You offer to draw even the wounded. We want to love You more than anyone or anything else. And we want to lead others in the same. With Your help we will succeed.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.
Saturday, April 22, 2006
Title: A Boy Named Fool / Topic: The Power of Names
Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 25; 1 Samuel 26; Psalm 63; Matthew 9
Scripture: 1 Samuel 25:25 May my lord pay no attention to that wicked man Nabal. He is just like his name — his name is Fool, and folly goes with him...
Observation: It doesn't sound very nice. A woman is describing her husband and she says, "He is just like his name - his name is Fool!" But Abagail said that to save the life of her husband who indeed was a fool. Apparently his name, Nabal, means "fool". Now I don't know why a parent would name a child "Fool." Maybe it was a joke. Or maybe they were mad or in a bad mood. But names have power. And God gave people the power to name things. Adam was given the power to name the animals. Parents are given the right to name their children. Unfortunately, some people don't do their children any favors with the names they give them. (Last June famous comic/magician Penn Jillette, of Penn and Teller fame, and his wife Emily gave their firstborn child the name Moxie CrimeFighter Jillette. That's right: first name, Moxie; middle name, CrimeFighter; last name, Jillette. "Thanks a lot, mom and dad!")
Application: What we call people matters. Not just the names, but the descriptive words as well. If a child is told, "you're stupid" or "you're ugly" or "you were an accident," those hurtful words will have a negative effect on that child. When we jokingly call someone a loser or a fool, we are speaking something negative into their life which can bring about negative results. Bottom line: be careful about the words you use regarding others. Be positive and loving. Be encouraging. If you can't say something good, then think a little harder because I know that there's almost always a way to say something good. Let's look for that and say it and use our words to bless and encourage one another.
Prayer: Lord, may I be used of You to make a positive impact on those you bring into my life. May I offer words of life, hope, and encouragement, to all I meet. Make me a plus in the lives of those around me.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 25:25 May my lord pay no attention to that wicked man Nabal. He is just like his name — his name is Fool, and folly goes with him...
Observation: It doesn't sound very nice. A woman is describing her husband and she says, "He is just like his name - his name is Fool!" But Abagail said that to save the life of her husband who indeed was a fool. Apparently his name, Nabal, means "fool". Now I don't know why a parent would name a child "Fool." Maybe it was a joke. Or maybe they were mad or in a bad mood. But names have power. And God gave people the power to name things. Adam was given the power to name the animals. Parents are given the right to name their children. Unfortunately, some people don't do their children any favors with the names they give them. (Last June famous comic/magician Penn Jillette, of Penn and Teller fame, and his wife Emily gave their firstborn child the name Moxie CrimeFighter Jillette. That's right: first name, Moxie; middle name, CrimeFighter; last name, Jillette. "Thanks a lot, mom and dad!")
Application: What we call people matters. Not just the names, but the descriptive words as well. If a child is told, "you're stupid" or "you're ugly" or "you were an accident," those hurtful words will have a negative effect on that child. When we jokingly call someone a loser or a fool, we are speaking something negative into their life which can bring about negative results. Bottom line: be careful about the words you use regarding others. Be positive and loving. Be encouraging. If you can't say something good, then think a little harder because I know that there's almost always a way to say something good. Let's look for that and say it and use our words to bless and encourage one another.
Prayer: Lord, may I be used of You to make a positive impact on those you bring into my life. May I offer words of life, hope, and encouragement, to all I meet. Make me a plus in the lives of those around me.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Friday, April 21, 2006
Title: Repect For The Un-Respectable / Topic: Authority
Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 24; Psalm 57; Psalm 58; 1 Chronicles 8; Matthew 8
Scripture: 1 Samuel 24:3-7
3 He came to the sheep pens along the way; a cave was there, and Saul went in to relieve himself. David and his men were far back in the cave. 4 The men said, "This is the day the LORD spoke of when he said to you, 'I will give your enemy into your hands for you to deal with as you wish.' " Then David crept up unnoticed and cut off a corner of Saul's robe.
5 Afterward, David was conscience-stricken for having cut off a corner of his robe. 6 He said to his men, "The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD's anointed, or lift my hand against him; for he is the anointed of the LORD." 7 With these words David rebuked his men and did not allow them to attack Saul. And Saul left the cave and went his way.
Observation: David does an amazing thing here. He shows us how to live out the truth of respect for and submission to authority even when the person in the position of authority is in the wrong. If ever a person had cause to disrespect authority and to reject it, David did. Saul had accused him of disloyalty for no cause whatever and was hunting David down to kill him. But here David shows incredible depth of character. As Saul goes into a cave to "relieve himself" (i.e. go potty) David is there and could kill Saul easily. (And it would be acceptable in the laws of combat because Saul is out on a mission hunting down David to kill him.) David's men urge him to kill Saul. But David only sneaks up and cuts off a corner from Saul's robe. Even this minor infraction causes David pangs of guilt! David's statement in verse 6 is deep. Saul is "the Lord's anointed" even though his actions are reprehensible. David knows that it is God's business to deal with Saul and he lets his men know that even though Saul is trying to kill him, he will not kill Saul.
Application: This is a tough lesson, but it is gets down to the nitty gritty in our hearts. When people attack us, what should we do? Do we take matters into our own hands or do we trust something else? The natural human inclination is to retaliate. But David demonstrates God's character by "turning the other cheek". He lives out the truth that Jesus teaches about loving your enemies: "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' do that. (Luke 6:32-33)
And there is an added dimension here: authority. Saul is the king, even though he is abusing his authority. And David shows how to appeal to authority rather than rebelling against it. When a person in a position of authority (such a parent, pastor, teacher, or judge) mistreats us, we need to consider carefully how to respond. David clearly shows us that the person's misuse of his authority does not justify retaliation in kind. God is over that person's authority and we must submit to God and appeal to Him in finding the right and respectful approach in dealing with the offense against us.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for the lesson we see here. Give us wisdom to respond as You would have us do when treated inappropriately by a person in authority. Help us to respectfully appeal to You and to others in authority to rectify the problem. And forgive us for the times that we have taken matters into our own hands and come against those who You have placed in authority in our lives. And give us hearts like of David that we may honor You through all the difficulties of life.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 24:3-7
3 He came to the sheep pens along the way; a cave was there, and Saul went in to relieve himself. David and his men were far back in the cave. 4 The men said, "This is the day the LORD spoke of when he said to you, 'I will give your enemy into your hands for you to deal with as you wish.' " Then David crept up unnoticed and cut off a corner of Saul's robe.
5 Afterward, David was conscience-stricken for having cut off a corner of his robe. 6 He said to his men, "The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD's anointed, or lift my hand against him; for he is the anointed of the LORD." 7 With these words David rebuked his men and did not allow them to attack Saul. And Saul left the cave and went his way.
Observation: David does an amazing thing here. He shows us how to live out the truth of respect for and submission to authority even when the person in the position of authority is in the wrong. If ever a person had cause to disrespect authority and to reject it, David did. Saul had accused him of disloyalty for no cause whatever and was hunting David down to kill him. But here David shows incredible depth of character. As Saul goes into a cave to "relieve himself" (i.e. go potty) David is there and could kill Saul easily. (And it would be acceptable in the laws of combat because Saul is out on a mission hunting down David to kill him.) David's men urge him to kill Saul. But David only sneaks up and cuts off a corner from Saul's robe. Even this minor infraction causes David pangs of guilt! David's statement in verse 6 is deep. Saul is "the Lord's anointed" even though his actions are reprehensible. David knows that it is God's business to deal with Saul and he lets his men know that even though Saul is trying to kill him, he will not kill Saul.
Application: This is a tough lesson, but it is gets down to the nitty gritty in our hearts. When people attack us, what should we do? Do we take matters into our own hands or do we trust something else? The natural human inclination is to retaliate. But David demonstrates God's character by "turning the other cheek". He lives out the truth that Jesus teaches about loving your enemies: "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' do that. (Luke 6:32-33)
And there is an added dimension here: authority. Saul is the king, even though he is abusing his authority. And David shows how to appeal to authority rather than rebelling against it. When a person in a position of authority (such a parent, pastor, teacher, or judge) mistreats us, we need to consider carefully how to respond. David clearly shows us that the person's misuse of his authority does not justify retaliation in kind. God is over that person's authority and we must submit to God and appeal to Him in finding the right and respectful approach in dealing with the offense against us.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for the lesson we see here. Give us wisdom to respond as You would have us do when treated inappropriately by a person in authority. Help us to respectfully appeal to You and to others in authority to rectify the problem. And forgive us for the times that we have taken matters into our own hands and come against those who You have placed in authority in our lives. And give us hearts like of David that we may honor You through all the difficulties of life.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Title: How To Judge / Topic: Judging
Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 23; Psalm 31; Psalm 54; Matthew 7
Scripture: Matthew 7:1-6
1 "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
3 "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.
6 "Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces."
Observation and Application: It is quite common today to hear people quote the first part of verse 1: "You know the Bible says, 'don't judge!'" But that is only a part of what Jesus said here. In fact, while Jesus starts out by saying, "Do not judge," He ends us telling us that we should judge, we need to judge -- but in the right way! Let me list the points:
1) Hold yourself to the same standards that you expect of others. The old saying, "do as I say, not as I do" doesn't cut it. This message is in verses 2, 3, 4, and 5.
2) Deal with your own stuff first. Most people can see the little things in others while they ignore big problems of their own. And the illustration Jesus uses here is hilarious. One guy has a tiny speck of sawdust in his eye and this other guy is trying to pull it out but he has a big honkin' log hanging out of his eye. Yeah! It's quite a picture. This is in verses 3,4, and 5.
3) Help the other guy. Jesus clearly says that once we have worked out our own issues, we need to deal with our friend. But not as a condemning prosecutor. No, we need to help as a brother. Judgment is observation with value applied. I want my brothers and sisters to observe me and apply our shared values to what they observe. Where I am inconsistent, I want to know it so I can fix it.
4) Don't bother with people who don't want to change. Jesus calls these people dogs and pigs. This is a little brutal but it's true. I have met quite a few of this type of person. All my attempts to help such people have done no good and have caused me a lot of grief. Jesus was right. You have to have discretion and discernment in whom you bless with your value observations. In other words, even when you are judging rightly with helpful motives, be careful.
Prayer: Lord, make us better in the way we help others. May we have eyes to see our own issues, and hearts to fix our brokenness. Give us keys to make breakthroughs in our tough areas. And give us wisdom and skill in helping others to receive as we judge rightly. Help us all to be more like You every day.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Matthew 7:1-6
1 "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
3 "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.
6 "Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces."
Observation and Application: It is quite common today to hear people quote the first part of verse 1: "You know the Bible says, 'don't judge!'" But that is only a part of what Jesus said here. In fact, while Jesus starts out by saying, "Do not judge," He ends us telling us that we should judge, we need to judge -- but in the right way! Let me list the points:
1) Hold yourself to the same standards that you expect of others. The old saying, "do as I say, not as I do" doesn't cut it. This message is in verses 2, 3, 4, and 5.
2) Deal with your own stuff first. Most people can see the little things in others while they ignore big problems of their own. And the illustration Jesus uses here is hilarious. One guy has a tiny speck of sawdust in his eye and this other guy is trying to pull it out but he has a big honkin' log hanging out of his eye. Yeah! It's quite a picture. This is in verses 3,4, and 5.
3) Help the other guy. Jesus clearly says that once we have worked out our own issues, we need to deal with our friend. But not as a condemning prosecutor. No, we need to help as a brother. Judgment is observation with value applied. I want my brothers and sisters to observe me and apply our shared values to what they observe. Where I am inconsistent, I want to know it so I can fix it.
4) Don't bother with people who don't want to change. Jesus calls these people dogs and pigs. This is a little brutal but it's true. I have met quite a few of this type of person. All my attempts to help such people have done no good and have caused me a lot of grief. Jesus was right. You have to have discretion and discernment in whom you bless with your value observations. In other words, even when you are judging rightly with helpful motives, be careful.
Prayer: Lord, make us better in the way we help others. May we have eyes to see our own issues, and hearts to fix our brokenness. Give us keys to make breakthroughs in our tough areas. And give us wisdom and skill in helping others to receive as we judge rightly. Help us all to be more like You every day.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Title: I'll Take Mine To Go / Topic: Eternal Rewards
Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 22; Psalm 17; Psalm 35; Matthew 6
Scripture: Psalm 17:14 O LORD, by your hand save me from such men, from men of this world whose reward is in this life.
Observation: David understood that true fulfillment is not to be found in this life. We can experience a degree of blessing (and certainly our relationship with the Lord can be truly great) but all of what we experience here pales in comparison to the fullness to be received in the hereafter. The people who believe that their reward is here live for today, striving for fame and fortune, power and pleasure. And to them, the ends justify the means.
Application: But for us, the goal is our eternal reward to be received from God. Therefore, we aren't surprised if everything isn't peaches and cream here. When opposition or hardship confront us, we expect them and we look past the immediate to the ultimate. We hang in there because there is a greater reward coming. Understanding this truth is essential to glad endurance of the testings and trials of this life and for loving and forgiving those who misuse and mistreat us. We have something so much greater to look forward to. Be joyful.
Prayer: Thank You, Lord that You have created a system that those who love You and follow You can be assured that the greatest things are yet to come. You are paying attention to what is going on and You will bring the consequences of every person's life - rewards and punishments - to them. Lord, help me to lay up for myself treasures in heaven - and help me to use the treasures You give me here to bless others and further Your good purposes for this planet.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Psalm 17:14 O LORD, by your hand save me from such men, from men of this world whose reward is in this life.
Observation: David understood that true fulfillment is not to be found in this life. We can experience a degree of blessing (and certainly our relationship with the Lord can be truly great) but all of what we experience here pales in comparison to the fullness to be received in the hereafter. The people who believe that their reward is here live for today, striving for fame and fortune, power and pleasure. And to them, the ends justify the means.
Application: But for us, the goal is our eternal reward to be received from God. Therefore, we aren't surprised if everything isn't peaches and cream here. When opposition or hardship confront us, we expect them and we look past the immediate to the ultimate. We hang in there because there is a greater reward coming. Understanding this truth is essential to glad endurance of the testings and trials of this life and for loving and forgiving those who misuse and mistreat us. We have something so much greater to look forward to. Be joyful.
Prayer: Thank You, Lord that You have created a system that those who love You and follow You can be assured that the greatest things are yet to come. You are paying attention to what is going on and You will bring the consequences of every person's life - rewards and punishments - to them. Lord, help me to lay up for myself treasures in heaven - and help me to use the treasures You give me here to bless others and further Your good purposes for this planet.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Title: Perfection Required / Topic: Divine Qualification
Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 20; 1 Samuel 21; Psalm 34; Matthew 5
Scripture: Matthew 5:17, 20-22
17 "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them...
20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.
21 "You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' 22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment... ...anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell."
Observation: Law vs. Grace. There have been debates over this subject as long as there has been church. Jesus says that He didn't come to get rid of the law but to fulfill it. And verse 20 is a doosie. If I can't outperform a Pharisee, I can't make it in the kingdom of God! Then Jesus goes even further -- He expands the meaning of the law beyond action (murder) into attitudes (hate) and words ("fool"), making it even more impossible for me to get it done. What am I to do?
Application: I think that Jesus is making a point that it is impossible for humans to get to heaven on the basis of good behavior. He says that our actions have to be absolutely perfect, plus our thoughts need to be completely pure and positive, plus our words must always bless! If this level of perfection is the standard for heaven, I'm doomed! And that is exactly the point that Jesus is making. I am totally dependent on Jesus for my divine qualification. Outside of Him, there is no basis for me to stand before God. The sooner I understand that, the more I can make use of what Jesus has to offer. He fulfilled the law and the prophets completely. I can't improve on it. I try to walk in obedience to the law as Jesus explained it, but I fail, and my failings illustrate my need of Jesus. What am I to do? Call on Jesus. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and cleanse us of all unrighteousness." He carries me into the place of right standing before God. I just have to get to Him, as I trust in and submit to Him, He will take me the rest of the way.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for Jesus. Thank You for the provision of a way to come before You without shame and without fear. I trust in Jesus as my Savior and Lord and I ask You to help me to trust and obey Him in all things. Thank You for establishing righteous standard to create a perfect heaven. And thank You for creating a way through Jesus by which I can come there. May I walk in a way that pleases You.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Matthew 5:17, 20-22
17 "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them...
20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.
21 "You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' 22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment... ...anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell."
Observation: Law vs. Grace. There have been debates over this subject as long as there has been church. Jesus says that He didn't come to get rid of the law but to fulfill it. And verse 20 is a doosie. If I can't outperform a Pharisee, I can't make it in the kingdom of God! Then Jesus goes even further -- He expands the meaning of the law beyond action (murder) into attitudes (hate) and words ("fool"), making it even more impossible for me to get it done. What am I to do?
Application: I think that Jesus is making a point that it is impossible for humans to get to heaven on the basis of good behavior. He says that our actions have to be absolutely perfect, plus our thoughts need to be completely pure and positive, plus our words must always bless! If this level of perfection is the standard for heaven, I'm doomed! And that is exactly the point that Jesus is making. I am totally dependent on Jesus for my divine qualification. Outside of Him, there is no basis for me to stand before God. The sooner I understand that, the more I can make use of what Jesus has to offer. He fulfilled the law and the prophets completely. I can't improve on it. I try to walk in obedience to the law as Jesus explained it, but I fail, and my failings illustrate my need of Jesus. What am I to do? Call on Jesus. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and cleanse us of all unrighteousness." He carries me into the place of right standing before God. I just have to get to Him, as I trust in and submit to Him, He will take me the rest of the way.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for Jesus. Thank You for the provision of a way to come before You without shame and without fear. I trust in Jesus as my Savior and Lord and I ask You to help me to trust and obey Him in all things. Thank You for establishing righteous standard to create a perfect heaven. And thank You for creating a way through Jesus by which I can come there. May I walk in a way that pleases You.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Monday, April 17, 2006
Title: The God Moment / Topic: Opportunity
Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 19; 1 Chronicles 7; Psalm 59; Matthew 4
Scripture: Matthew 4:18, 21
18 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen...
21 Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets...
Observation: Jesus is just walking along the seashore not far from where He lives. He sees some fishermen. The first two are brothers named Peter and Andrew. Another fishing crew is up ahead. Two more brothers, James and John, are working with their father. Just some guys fishing, right?
Application: Of course we know these fishermen. Peter, James, and John became the inner circle of Jesus’ disciples and Andrew also was a disciple. But in the story in today’s reading, they were just some guys on the seashore who Jesus happened to see. However, Jesus was in tune with His Father and this was a God moment. He called to these four men. He could have just said, “hello, how’s the fishing today?” but instead Jesus said, “follow me” and the rest is history. How many people will I meet today that need to hear something from God? Could I be the one to speak a message from God to them? Could I be like Jesus and say just the thing that calls them to a completely new life? What most people would see as just a stroll along the beach, Jesus understood to be an opportunity for a divine appointment.
Prayer: Lord, open me up to see the divine appointments You bring across my path. I don’t want to miss hearing from You and bringing Your message to those I meet along the way. Give me the vision to see and the words to say. I ask You to use me in drawing men and women, boys and girls to You. Help me not to miss those who may be like Peter, Andrew, James, and John -- just ordinary people who You call to an extraordinary destiny. Use me, Lord.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Matthew 4:18, 21
18 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen...
21 Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets...
Observation: Jesus is just walking along the seashore not far from where He lives. He sees some fishermen. The first two are brothers named Peter and Andrew. Another fishing crew is up ahead. Two more brothers, James and John, are working with their father. Just some guys fishing, right?
Application: Of course we know these fishermen. Peter, James, and John became the inner circle of Jesus’ disciples and Andrew also was a disciple. But in the story in today’s reading, they were just some guys on the seashore who Jesus happened to see. However, Jesus was in tune with His Father and this was a God moment. He called to these four men. He could have just said, “hello, how’s the fishing today?” but instead Jesus said, “follow me” and the rest is history. How many people will I meet today that need to hear something from God? Could I be the one to speak a message from God to them? Could I be like Jesus and say just the thing that calls them to a completely new life? What most people would see as just a stroll along the beach, Jesus understood to be an opportunity for a divine appointment.
Prayer: Lord, open me up to see the divine appointments You bring across my path. I don’t want to miss hearing from You and bringing Your message to those I meet along the way. Give me the vision to see and the words to say. I ask You to use me in drawing men and women, boys and girls to You. Help me not to miss those who may be like Peter, Andrew, James, and John -- just ordinary people who You call to an extraordinary destiny. Use me, Lord.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Title: Dotting Every "i" / Topic: Diligence
Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 18; 1 Chronicles 6; Psalm 11; Matthew 3
[Today is Easter -- Resurrection Day. This is the one specific day that we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. But as Christians, we should live every day in the power of the resurrection. It is newness of life that should characterize every person who claims Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.]
Scripture: Matthew 3:13-15
Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Then John consented.
Observation: Jesus could have said, "John, you're right. Being perfect and all, I guess I don't really need baptism after all." But He didn't say that. He said, "let's do things right in every way." He didn't cut any corners. Did Jesus do that because He needed it? No, He did it for us.
Application: So any time you're tempted to say, "I don't really need to go to Bible Study", or "I can skip prayer today", or "I'm sure the meeting is for weaker Christians", think again. If Jesus didn't cut corners, then neither should we. He was perfect and sinless, yet He was concerned about meeting all the requirements, about dotting every "i" and crossing every "t". We too should strive to do everything we can to grow -- not only the right things, but doing them well and with good motives. If I carefully follow everything God says to do, in a way that others perceive my diligence, I will be giving the best possible example for others and providing the best opportunity for myself as well.
Prayer: Lord, thank You that Jesus lived His life in the way He did. On this Resurrection Day I ask that You will help Your people to walk in Jesus' resurrection power and that we would follow His example of excellence. May we closely follow our risen and victorious Champion.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
[Today is Easter -- Resurrection Day. This is the one specific day that we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. But as Christians, we should live every day in the power of the resurrection. It is newness of life that should characterize every person who claims Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.]
Scripture: Matthew 3:13-15
Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Then John consented.
Observation: Jesus could have said, "John, you're right. Being perfect and all, I guess I don't really need baptism after all." But He didn't say that. He said, "let's do things right in every way." He didn't cut any corners. Did Jesus do that because He needed it? No, He did it for us.
Application: So any time you're tempted to say, "I don't really need to go to Bible Study", or "I can skip prayer today", or "I'm sure the meeting is for weaker Christians", think again. If Jesus didn't cut corners, then neither should we. He was perfect and sinless, yet He was concerned about meeting all the requirements, about dotting every "i" and crossing every "t". We too should strive to do everything we can to grow -- not only the right things, but doing them well and with good motives. If I carefully follow everything God says to do, in a way that others perceive my diligence, I will be giving the best possible example for others and providing the best opportunity for myself as well.
Prayer: Lord, thank You that Jesus lived His life in the way He did. On this Resurrection Day I ask that You will help Your people to walk in Jesus' resurrection power and that we would follow His example of excellence. May we closely follow our risen and victorious Champion.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Saturday, April 15, 2006
Title: Who’s Your Daddy / Topic: Training
Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 17; Psalm 9; Matthew 2
Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:55-58
55 As Saul watched David going out to meet the Philistine, he said to Abner, commander of the army, "Abner, whose son is that young man?"
Abner replied, "As surely as you live, O king, I don't know."
56 The king said, "Find out whose son this young man is."
57 As soon as David returned from killing the Philistine, Abner took him and brought him before Saul, with David still holding the Philistine's head.
58 "Whose son are you, young man?" Saul asked him.
David said, "I am the son of your servant Jesse of Bethlehem."
Observation: Whose son are you? That is the question that Saul wanted to know about David. Why? Because he wanted to know who David was. And in those days, they believed that if you knew the father, you understood the son.
I don’t think they were far off. The apple doesn’t far from the tree. But today, TV raises more children than fathers do. But if a person is truly raised and trained by someone, whether it’s a father or mentor or grandparent or coach, understanding the person would be greatly enhanced by knowing the trainer.
Application: We all have had significant people in our lives who have shaped and influenced us. You can’t choose your parents but even those who had an abusive upbringing have the opportunity to find someone to admire and follow. You and I have the power to decide just who it is we will put in that place in our lives. We choose our teachers. Who is it that you admire? Who is it that you have given the right to lead you and speak into your life? Some people think that they don’t have to have a person in that role. But that’s not true. If you have no person in that role then you are the person in that role. You are leading yourself and following yourself. I think this is not a good idea. So choose and choose well. Follow a person whose life demonstrates high character and healthy relationships. Learn to function and grow under the authority of a person who will place an indelible stamp of excellence and integrity on your life.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for the excellent models You have given me. Lord, I ask that You would help all of us to find good people to lead us in Your ways. Thank You for faithful men and women who have blazed the trail before us. May we live in such a way as to bring honor to You and to our fathers in the faith.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:55-58
55 As Saul watched David going out to meet the Philistine, he said to Abner, commander of the army, "Abner, whose son is that young man?"
Abner replied, "As surely as you live, O king, I don't know."
56 The king said, "Find out whose son this young man is."
57 As soon as David returned from killing the Philistine, Abner took him and brought him before Saul, with David still holding the Philistine's head.
58 "Whose son are you, young man?" Saul asked him.
David said, "I am the son of your servant Jesse of Bethlehem."
Observation: Whose son are you? That is the question that Saul wanted to know about David. Why? Because he wanted to know who David was. And in those days, they believed that if you knew the father, you understood the son.
I don’t think they were far off. The apple doesn’t far from the tree. But today, TV raises more children than fathers do. But if a person is truly raised and trained by someone, whether it’s a father or mentor or grandparent or coach, understanding the person would be greatly enhanced by knowing the trainer.
Application: We all have had significant people in our lives who have shaped and influenced us. You can’t choose your parents but even those who had an abusive upbringing have the opportunity to find someone to admire and follow. You and I have the power to decide just who it is we will put in that place in our lives. We choose our teachers. Who is it that you admire? Who is it that you have given the right to lead you and speak into your life? Some people think that they don’t have to have a person in that role. But that’s not true. If you have no person in that role then you are the person in that role. You are leading yourself and following yourself. I think this is not a good idea. So choose and choose well. Follow a person whose life demonstrates high character and healthy relationships. Learn to function and grow under the authority of a person who will place an indelible stamp of excellence and integrity on your life.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for the excellent models You have given me. Lord, I ask that You would help all of us to find good people to lead us in Your ways. Thank You for faithful men and women who have blazed the trail before us. May we live in such a way as to bring honor to You and to our fathers in the faith.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Friday, April 14, 2006
Title: Tall, Dark & Wrong / Topic: Discernment
Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 15; 1 Samuel 16; 1 Chronicles 5; Matthew 1
Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:6-7
6 When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, "Surely the LORD's anointed stands here before the LORD."
7 But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
Observation: Samuel jumps to a conclusion based on Eliab's appearance. He assumes that because Eliab is tall, dark, and handsome, he must the God's choice to succeed Saul as king. But God stops him and corrects him. And in doing so, the Lord tells us some very important things about Himself. Namely, that He has a different way of looking at things. God looks from the inside out. And He is training Samuel to grow in the ability to look at things that same way.
Application: God wants each of us to have His perspective on things -- especially the way we look at people. Studies have shown that more attractive children get better treatment from their teachers than less attractive kids. It's human nature to favor good looking people. We tend to think that people who look good are good. But God says no. Looks can be deceiving. There is a level of spiritual discernment that is available to His children to detect the inner condition of a person. I know that many times I have met people who looked fine on the outside but something didn't seem right. God was letting me know that I needed to pay attention to their inner condition so that I might be wise in my dealings with them. And the converse can also be true. People who look a little rough around the edges can be good as gold on the inside. Ask God to give you His heart and wisdom for people.
Prayer: Lord, thank You that You function on a deeper level. You look at the heart. Help us to grow in our ability to see others as You see them and, more importantly, to love others as You do. Give greater discernment to Your people so we will not be taken in by the pretenders and we will not reject those "fixer-uppers" You bring our way.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:6-7
6 When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, "Surely the LORD's anointed stands here before the LORD."
7 But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
Observation: Samuel jumps to a conclusion based on Eliab's appearance. He assumes that because Eliab is tall, dark, and handsome, he must the God's choice to succeed Saul as king. But God stops him and corrects him. And in doing so, the Lord tells us some very important things about Himself. Namely, that He has a different way of looking at things. God looks from the inside out. And He is training Samuel to grow in the ability to look at things that same way.
Application: God wants each of us to have His perspective on things -- especially the way we look at people. Studies have shown that more attractive children get better treatment from their teachers than less attractive kids. It's human nature to favor good looking people. We tend to think that people who look good are good. But God says no. Looks can be deceiving. There is a level of spiritual discernment that is available to His children to detect the inner condition of a person. I know that many times I have met people who looked fine on the outside but something didn't seem right. God was letting me know that I needed to pay attention to their inner condition so that I might be wise in my dealings with them. And the converse can also be true. People who look a little rough around the edges can be good as gold on the inside. Ask God to give you His heart and wisdom for people.
Prayer: Lord, thank You that You function on a deeper level. You look at the heart. Help us to grow in our ability to see others as You see them and, more importantly, to love others as You do. Give greater discernment to Your people so we will not be taken in by the pretenders and we will not reject those "fixer-uppers" You bring our way.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Title: Faith & Action / Topic: Conviction
Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 14; 1 Chronicles 4; 2 Corinthians 13
Scripture: 1 Samuel 14:6 Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, "Come, let's go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised fellows. Perhaps the LORD will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few."
Observation: I just love Jonathan. He is a goodhearted and brave young man who has a firm grip on faith. His statement here that “Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether my many or by few” shows such a great understanding of how God works on a practical level. I mean, Jonathan is not just talking theory here. He is contemplating an attack by himself and his armor bearer on an enemy outpost at the top of a cliff. In other words, he is willing to lay his life on the line based on his belief in God. That is conviction.
Application: It is easy to talk about God and to spout off statements of belief. “God is in control.” “I’m in God’s hands.” “With God’s help, anything is possible.” But it’s actually acting on my beliefs that really counts. The truth is, we only really believe the stuff we do. If we’re not willing to act on a belief, we should reevaluate whether we really believe it or not. I suggest that we should make sure it is consistent with God word and God’s ways, and then if it is, follow it with conviction.
Prayer: Lord, I want to be a man of action like Jonathan was. I want to stand up to my enemy and take him on in Your strength. Help me to lay hold of You and move boldly forward with strength, courage and conviction. May I walk in faith, not listening to fear.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 14:6 Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, "Come, let's go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised fellows. Perhaps the LORD will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few."
Observation: I just love Jonathan. He is a goodhearted and brave young man who has a firm grip on faith. His statement here that “Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether my many or by few” shows such a great understanding of how God works on a practical level. I mean, Jonathan is not just talking theory here. He is contemplating an attack by himself and his armor bearer on an enemy outpost at the top of a cliff. In other words, he is willing to lay his life on the line based on his belief in God. That is conviction.
Application: It is easy to talk about God and to spout off statements of belief. “God is in control.” “I’m in God’s hands.” “With God’s help, anything is possible.” But it’s actually acting on my beliefs that really counts. The truth is, we only really believe the stuff we do. If we’re not willing to act on a belief, we should reevaluate whether we really believe it or not. I suggest that we should make sure it is consistent with God word and God’s ways, and then if it is, follow it with conviction.
Prayer: Lord, I want to be a man of action like Jonathan was. I want to stand up to my enemy and take him on in Your strength. Help me to lay hold of You and move boldly forward with strength, courage and conviction. May I walk in faith, not listening to fear.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Title: Excuses For Sin / Topic: Rationalizing
Today's Reading: 1 Samuel 13; 1 Chronicles 2; 1 Chronicles 3; 2 Corinthians 12
[1 Chronicles chapters 2 & 3 are pretty boring. There may be a few interesting details, but by and large, it's tough reading. Just get through it.]
Scripture: 1 Samuel 13:7-13
7 ...Saul remained at Gilgal, and all the troops with him were quaking with fear. 8 He waited seven days, the time set by Samuel; but Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and Saul's men began to scatter. 9 So he said, "Bring me the burnt offering and the fellowship offerings." And Saul offered up the burnt offering. 10 Just as he finished making the offering, Samuel arrived, and Saul went out to greet him. 11 "What have you done?" asked Samuel. Saul replied, "When I saw that the men were scattering, and that you did not come at the set time, and that the Philistines were assembling at Micmash, 12 I thought, 'Now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not sought the LORD's favor.' So I felt compelled to offer the burnt offering." 13 "You acted foolishly," Samuel said. "You have not kept the command the LORD your God gave you..."
Observation: This is a tough situation for Saul. He is badly outnumbered and forced to wait for Samuel who is late in coming. Of course, waiting around with nothing to do with an overwhelming adversary in your face is not good for morale! So Saul's undisciplined and unarmed troops start to melt away. (Actually, they did have rakes, shovels, hoes, pitchforks, and axes to fight with! Not good!) Like I said, this is a tough situation. So Saul impulsively decides to do something (since doing nothing isn't panning out so well) and he offers a burnt offering (which is not an item on the King of Israel Job Description). In fact, this is clearly a job only for the priest. Samuel shows up as soon as Saul finishes the offering. Saul tries to rationalize his actions and even blames Samuel (see verse 11) and insists he "felt compelled to offer the burnt offering." The result is his rejection as king. It's sad.
Application: Rationalizing: it's something most of us are pretty good at. But when we rationalize, we are trying to create reasons to make something that's not quite right sound like it's OK. Most of the time, rationalizing is a form of verbal gymnastics to justify sin. That's what it was for Saul. Saul did not stop and pray. He didn't ask God for wisdom. He didn't try to rally the troops with a stirring speech. He needed something exciting that would get the troops' attention. So he used a sacrifice to God as a tactic, or gimmick to mitigate his military losses. And that is not acceptable for a leader. God is not something that we can use for our ends, even if those ends are good. God can use me but I must never think that I can use Him. If I ever slip into thinking that, I am in danger. Saul neutralized his future and ultimately lost his kingdom and his life because of it.
Prayer: Lord, help me to pay attention to what You tell me to do and to do it carefully and diligently. May I not deviate from Your instruction into my own designs and schemes. I want to be a man after Your heart, that is pursuing You and Your ways with everything that is in me. Strengthen me for this pursuit.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.
[1 Chronicles chapters 2 & 3 are pretty boring. There may be a few interesting details, but by and large, it's tough reading. Just get through it.]
Scripture: 1 Samuel 13:7-13
7 ...Saul remained at Gilgal, and all the troops with him were quaking with fear. 8 He waited seven days, the time set by Samuel; but Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and Saul's men began to scatter. 9 So he said, "Bring me the burnt offering and the fellowship offerings." And Saul offered up the burnt offering. 10 Just as he finished making the offering, Samuel arrived, and Saul went out to greet him. 11 "What have you done?" asked Samuel. Saul replied, "When I saw that the men were scattering, and that you did not come at the set time, and that the Philistines were assembling at Micmash, 12 I thought, 'Now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not sought the LORD's favor.' So I felt compelled to offer the burnt offering." 13 "You acted foolishly," Samuel said. "You have not kept the command the LORD your God gave you..."
Observation: This is a tough situation for Saul. He is badly outnumbered and forced to wait for Samuel who is late in coming. Of course, waiting around with nothing to do with an overwhelming adversary in your face is not good for morale! So Saul's undisciplined and unarmed troops start to melt away. (Actually, they did have rakes, shovels, hoes, pitchforks, and axes to fight with! Not good!) Like I said, this is a tough situation. So Saul impulsively decides to do something (since doing nothing isn't panning out so well) and he offers a burnt offering (which is not an item on the King of Israel Job Description). In fact, this is clearly a job only for the priest. Samuel shows up as soon as Saul finishes the offering. Saul tries to rationalize his actions and even blames Samuel (see verse 11) and insists he "felt compelled to offer the burnt offering." The result is his rejection as king. It's sad.
Application: Rationalizing: it's something most of us are pretty good at. But when we rationalize, we are trying to create reasons to make something that's not quite right sound like it's OK. Most of the time, rationalizing is a form of verbal gymnastics to justify sin. That's what it was for Saul. Saul did not stop and pray. He didn't ask God for wisdom. He didn't try to rally the troops with a stirring speech. He needed something exciting that would get the troops' attention. So he used a sacrifice to God as a tactic, or gimmick to mitigate his military losses. And that is not acceptable for a leader. God is not something that we can use for our ends, even if those ends are good. God can use me but I must never think that I can use Him. If I ever slip into thinking that, I am in danger. Saul neutralized his future and ultimately lost his kingdom and his life because of it.
Prayer: Lord, help me to pay attention to what You tell me to do and to do it carefully and diligently. May I not deviate from Your instruction into my own designs and schemes. I want to be a man after Your heart, that is pursuing You and Your ways with everything that is in me. Strengthen me for this pursuit.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Title: The Things We Trust / Topic: Focus
Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 11; 1 Samuel 12; 1 Chronicles 1; 2 Corinthians 11
Scripture: 1 Samuel 12:21 "Do not turn away after useless idols. They can do you no good, nor can they rescue you, because they are useless."
Observation: These words of Samuel bring me back. Other than God, there is nothing that can do me any good. I can seek after many things: money, stuff, toys, pleasures, experiences, friends. And none of these is bad in and of itself. But they are not going to carry me through the tough times of life. They are not going to rescue me. Only God can do that. Turning away from God is something that is easy to do. Something or someone catches our eye and our attention is drawn to seek after that. We lose our concentration and the things of the Lord get left behind. But the truth of the matter is that anything that draws my attention from God becomes a useless idol to me. And as simplistic as it sounds, it can’t do me any good because it’s useless.
Application: Trust in the Lord. Keep your focus sharp and your purpose clear. Don’t lose your concentration -- only God is worthy of your worship. Only God is worthy of your life’s pursuit. There is no shortage of stuff clamoring for your attention. But there is a still, small Voice that is the only one really worth listening to.
Prayer: Lord, help me to hear Your voice through the noisy clutter. I want to set aside time for You each day and allow my heart to settle into that place that centers and grounds my soul on the greater purpose for my life. I want to be rich in You and so connected to You that I clearly hear Your voice, know Your will, and feel Your heartbeat.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 12:21 "Do not turn away after useless idols. They can do you no good, nor can they rescue you, because they are useless."
Observation: These words of Samuel bring me back. Other than God, there is nothing that can do me any good. I can seek after many things: money, stuff, toys, pleasures, experiences, friends. And none of these is bad in and of itself. But they are not going to carry me through the tough times of life. They are not going to rescue me. Only God can do that. Turning away from God is something that is easy to do. Something or someone catches our eye and our attention is drawn to seek after that. We lose our concentration and the things of the Lord get left behind. But the truth of the matter is that anything that draws my attention from God becomes a useless idol to me. And as simplistic as it sounds, it can’t do me any good because it’s useless.
Application: Trust in the Lord. Keep your focus sharp and your purpose clear. Don’t lose your concentration -- only God is worthy of your worship. Only God is worthy of your life’s pursuit. There is no shortage of stuff clamoring for your attention. But there is a still, small Voice that is the only one really worth listening to.
Prayer: Lord, help me to hear Your voice through the noisy clutter. I want to set aside time for You each day and allow my heart to settle into that place that centers and grounds my soul on the greater purpose for my life. I want to be rich in You and so connected to You that I clearly hear Your voice, know Your will, and feel Your heartbeat.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Monday, April 10, 2006
Title: Fake Humility / Topic: Leadership
Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 8; 1 Samuel 9; 1 Samuel 10; 2 Corinthians 10
Scripture: 1 Samuel 9:21 Saul answered, "But am I not a Benjamite, from the smallest tribe of Israel, and is not my clan the least of all the clans of the tribe of Benjamin? Why do you say such a thing to me?"
Observation: When we first meet Saul, we are told he is the son of a respected "man of standing" and that there is no equal to him because he is "a head taller" than everybody else. Apparently that is the only real distinction that stands out (literally!) about Saul. But what really caught my attention is his response to Samuel here. Samuel has just told Saul that he is the choice for the new king. And look at Saul's response above. Re-read it now. Look carefully. It seems like humility at first glance. But there is nothing in there about how he personally is not up to the task. Read it again. It's all just a show if you ask me. It's the obligatory, "gee whiz, I can't believe you want li'l ole me to be king!?!" And, apparently, nobody picked up on it (and I wouldn't have either except that I'm looking for bad stuff in Saul since I know that he turns out so bad).
Application: True personal humility is a prerequisite for successful spiritual leadership. If a person starts by thinking that they would make a pretty good leader, they have a long way to go. People who feel ready aren't. But people who have had some tough experience and who have gotten in touch enough with themselves to know the bad stuff inside themselves are likely to say, "I don't think that I am ready to be a leader." That's a person that God can use because they don't fully trust in themselves and would likely turn to God. Saul did trust in himself as the story will show. He did what he thought best rather than waiting and obeying and trusting. I wonder, do I trust too much in myself? Do you?
Prayer: Lord, I am amazed that You have called me to lead. But sometimes I can get caught up in it all and just go on autopilot. I can forget to ask You what You want me to do. Help me, Lord, to be Your servant and to do Your will. And keep me aware of my complete inadequacy to do anything of eternal value without Your help. May I always walk humbly with You guiding and empowering me.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 9:21 Saul answered, "But am I not a Benjamite, from the smallest tribe of Israel, and is not my clan the least of all the clans of the tribe of Benjamin? Why do you say such a thing to me?"
Observation: When we first meet Saul, we are told he is the son of a respected "man of standing" and that there is no equal to him because he is "a head taller" than everybody else. Apparently that is the only real distinction that stands out (literally!) about Saul. But what really caught my attention is his response to Samuel here. Samuel has just told Saul that he is the choice for the new king. And look at Saul's response above. Re-read it now. Look carefully. It seems like humility at first glance. But there is nothing in there about how he personally is not up to the task. Read it again. It's all just a show if you ask me. It's the obligatory, "gee whiz, I can't believe you want li'l ole me to be king!?!" And, apparently, nobody picked up on it (and I wouldn't have either except that I'm looking for bad stuff in Saul since I know that he turns out so bad).
Application: True personal humility is a prerequisite for successful spiritual leadership. If a person starts by thinking that they would make a pretty good leader, they have a long way to go. People who feel ready aren't. But people who have had some tough experience and who have gotten in touch enough with themselves to know the bad stuff inside themselves are likely to say, "I don't think that I am ready to be a leader." That's a person that God can use because they don't fully trust in themselves and would likely turn to God. Saul did trust in himself as the story will show. He did what he thought best rather than waiting and obeying and trusting. I wonder, do I trust too much in myself? Do you?
Prayer: Lord, I am amazed that You have called me to lead. But sometimes I can get caught up in it all and just go on autopilot. I can forget to ask You what You want me to do. Help me, Lord, to be Your servant and to do Your will. And keep me aware of my complete inadequacy to do anything of eternal value without Your help. May I always walk humbly with You guiding and empowering me.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Sunday, April 09, 2006
Title: The Right Kind Of Fear / Topic: Respecting God
Today's Reading: 1 Samuel 6; 1 Samuel 7; Psalm 72; 2 Corinthians 9
Scripture: 1 Samuel 6:19-21
…God struck down some of the men of Beth Shemesh, putting seventy of them to death because they had looked unto the ark of the LORD. The people mourned because of the heavy blow the LORD had dealt them, and the men of Beth Shemesh asked, "Who can stand in the presence of the LORD, this holy God? To whom will the ark go up from here?" Then they sent messengers to the people of Kiriath Jearim, saying, "The Philistines have returned the ark of the LORD. Come down and take it up to your place."
Observation: As a child I never understood the phrase "the fear of the Lord." To me, "fear" was a bad thing. So how could "the fear of the Lord" be anything other than bad? Well, this story demonstrates the truth that the right kind of "the fear of the Lord" is a very important thing and the lack of it is deadly. Here, the men of Beth Shemesh have received the ark of the Lord back from the Philistines with rejoicing and even the offering of sacrifices. But they do something that reveals that something is missing inside of them. They lift the cover and peek into the ark. Seventy of them are dead as a result. Why did they die? Because they lacked "the fear of the Lord." They thought that the ark could be treated as a toy or a trinket. (Just like a person who doesn't fear the power of electricity could be killed by opening a transformer box and looking inside.) They forgot about God's awesome power. But the reaction of the rest of the people is what really gets me. They are now fearful of God -- but not in the right way. Rather than repenting of their careless attitude toward God, they just get spooked and want to get rid of Him. "Send the ark away!" is their answer. It would be like a person who sees someone get electrocuted deciding that they want nothing to do with electricity so they have all the wiring removed from their house.
Application: We need a healthy fear of God. He holds the power of life and death in His mighty hands. He is not our buddy or pal or the man upstairs. He is God Almighty and is not to be trifled with. (I think that sometimes our emphasis on having a personal relationship with God can foster a too-casual idea about relating to God.) Now it also seems that too many people walk in fear -- afraid of God. This is also not right. Absense of fear is wrong and the wrong kind of fear is also wrong. We can have a high degree of reverence and respect for God, and a love and appreciation for Him based on an understanding of His character of love. This is not unlike how a highly qualified electrician thinks about electricity. He knows it can kill if not handled with respect, but he is trained on all the good it can do when its potential is properly released. Let's work to get that balance into our lives and to help others to get it as well.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your awesome power which created the universe and holds it together. And I thank You for Your amazing love that reaches out to sinful human beings with mercy and forgiveness. Thank You for calling people to a love relationship with You. And help us, Lord, to hold You in high regard and reverence. May we have the fear of the Lord in our lives as You would have us to. Thank You for Your patience with us as we learn to walk in Your ways.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen
Scripture: 1 Samuel 6:19-21
…God struck down some of the men of Beth Shemesh, putting seventy of them to death because they had looked unto the ark of the LORD. The people mourned because of the heavy blow the LORD had dealt them, and the men of Beth Shemesh asked, "Who can stand in the presence of the LORD, this holy God? To whom will the ark go up from here?" Then they sent messengers to the people of Kiriath Jearim, saying, "The Philistines have returned the ark of the LORD. Come down and take it up to your place."
Observation: As a child I never understood the phrase "the fear of the Lord." To me, "fear" was a bad thing. So how could "the fear of the Lord" be anything other than bad? Well, this story demonstrates the truth that the right kind of "the fear of the Lord" is a very important thing and the lack of it is deadly. Here, the men of Beth Shemesh have received the ark of the Lord back from the Philistines with rejoicing and even the offering of sacrifices. But they do something that reveals that something is missing inside of them. They lift the cover and peek into the ark. Seventy of them are dead as a result. Why did they die? Because they lacked "the fear of the Lord." They thought that the ark could be treated as a toy or a trinket. (Just like a person who doesn't fear the power of electricity could be killed by opening a transformer box and looking inside.) They forgot about God's awesome power. But the reaction of the rest of the people is what really gets me. They are now fearful of God -- but not in the right way. Rather than repenting of their careless attitude toward God, they just get spooked and want to get rid of Him. "Send the ark away!" is their answer. It would be like a person who sees someone get electrocuted deciding that they want nothing to do with electricity so they have all the wiring removed from their house.
Application: We need a healthy fear of God. He holds the power of life and death in His mighty hands. He is not our buddy or pal or the man upstairs. He is God Almighty and is not to be trifled with. (I think that sometimes our emphasis on having a personal relationship with God can foster a too-casual idea about relating to God.) Now it also seems that too many people walk in fear -- afraid of God. This is also not right. Absense of fear is wrong and the wrong kind of fear is also wrong. We can have a high degree of reverence and respect for God, and a love and appreciation for Him based on an understanding of His character of love. This is not unlike how a highly qualified electrician thinks about electricity. He knows it can kill if not handled with respect, but he is trained on all the good it can do when its potential is properly released. Let's work to get that balance into our lives and to help others to get it as well.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your awesome power which created the universe and holds it together. And I thank You for Your amazing love that reaches out to sinful human beings with mercy and forgiveness. Thank You for calling people to a love relationship with You. And help us, Lord, to hold You in high regard and reverence. May we have the fear of the Lord in our lives as You would have us to. Thank You for Your patience with us as we learn to walk in Your ways.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen
Saturday, April 08, 2006
Title: May I Connect You? / Topic: Helping Others
Today's Reading: 1 Samuel 3; 1 Samuel 4; 1 Samuel 5; Psalm 77; 2 Corinthians 8
Scripture: 1 Samuel 3:3-10
3 …Samuel was lying down in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was. 4 Then the LORD called Samuel. Samuel answered, "Here I am." 5 And he ran to Eli and said, "Here I am; you called me." But Eli said, "I did not call; go back and lie down." So he went and lay down.
6 Again the LORD called, "Samuel!" And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, "Here I am; you called me." "My son," Eli said, "I did not call; go back and lie down."
7 Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD : The word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him.
8 The LORD called Samuel a third time, and Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, "Here I am; you called me." Then Eli realized that the LORD was calling the boy. 9 So Eli told Samuel, "Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, 'Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.' " So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
10 The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, "Samuel! Samuel!" Then Samuel said, "Speak, for your servant is listening."
Observation: Samuel is a faithful young man with a pure heart and a desire to serve the Lord. But though he had a good heart, he did not have a personal relationship with God. All that he had learned about God was through Eli. His was a second-hand experience with God. He knew about God but he did not know God. Now the Lord want to change that and He speaks directly to Samuel for the first time. But Samuel does not recognize God's voice. Verse 7 is the key: "Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD : The word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him." Apparently he doesn't even know that God can speak directly to him. Because of this, he mistakes God's voice for the voice of Eli. It takes three tries, but Eli finally gets a clue and tells Samuel that this is the voice of God and instructs him how to respond.
Application: We have a job to do. There are people all around us that God wants to speak to. And likely He has already been speaking to them. But they don't know it's Him. These people can be in our family, among our friends, or just those we meet by "chance." But they have been hearing from God and don't know it. And we may not have picked up on it. I think that God is communicating with far more people than we can imagine. But just as Samuel needed Eli to give him the understanding of Who it was speaking to him and how to respond, they need you and me to help them gain a context so they can get the message. And it is imperative that they get the message because that is the prerequisite to their personal connection and ongoing relationship with God.
Prayer: Lord, help us to pay attention to those around us to give them thoughts that direct their attention to You and Your words. May we be more alert than Eli to recognize the times you are speaking to those around us and help them to hear and respond to You. Thank You for Your graciousness in reaching out to every person who needs Your voice.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen
Scripture: 1 Samuel 3:3-10
3 …Samuel was lying down in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was. 4 Then the LORD called Samuel. Samuel answered, "Here I am." 5 And he ran to Eli and said, "Here I am; you called me." But Eli said, "I did not call; go back and lie down." So he went and lay down.
6 Again the LORD called, "Samuel!" And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, "Here I am; you called me." "My son," Eli said, "I did not call; go back and lie down."
7 Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD : The word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him.
8 The LORD called Samuel a third time, and Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, "Here I am; you called me." Then Eli realized that the LORD was calling the boy. 9 So Eli told Samuel, "Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, 'Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.' " So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
10 The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, "Samuel! Samuel!" Then Samuel said, "Speak, for your servant is listening."
Observation: Samuel is a faithful young man with a pure heart and a desire to serve the Lord. But though he had a good heart, he did not have a personal relationship with God. All that he had learned about God was through Eli. His was a second-hand experience with God. He knew about God but he did not know God. Now the Lord want to change that and He speaks directly to Samuel for the first time. But Samuel does not recognize God's voice. Verse 7 is the key: "Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD : The word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him." Apparently he doesn't even know that God can speak directly to him. Because of this, he mistakes God's voice for the voice of Eli. It takes three tries, but Eli finally gets a clue and tells Samuel that this is the voice of God and instructs him how to respond.
Application: We have a job to do. There are people all around us that God wants to speak to. And likely He has already been speaking to them. But they don't know it's Him. These people can be in our family, among our friends, or just those we meet by "chance." But they have been hearing from God and don't know it. And we may not have picked up on it. I think that God is communicating with far more people than we can imagine. But just as Samuel needed Eli to give him the understanding of Who it was speaking to him and how to respond, they need you and me to help them gain a context so they can get the message. And it is imperative that they get the message because that is the prerequisite to their personal connection and ongoing relationship with God.
Prayer: Lord, help us to pay attention to those around us to give them thoughts that direct their attention to You and Your words. May we be more alert than Eli to recognize the times you are speaking to those around us and help them to hear and respond to You. Thank You for Your graciousness in reaching out to every person who needs Your voice.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen
Friday, April 07, 2006
Title: Save Our Children / Topic: Parenting
Today's Reading: 1 Samuel 1; 1 Samuel 2; Psalm 66; 2 Corinthians 7
Scripture: 1 Samuel 2:12 Eli's sons were wicked men; they had no regard for the LORD.
Observation: It's tragic. The sons of Eli, the high priest, are described as "wicked men" meaning "they had no regard for the LORD." (The eventual result of their attitudes and actions was their youthful deaths.) How is it that the sons of the high priest have come to the point of such dark and ugly hearts toward God? I expect that Eli was a reasonably good father and maintained a consistent faith before his sons. He faithfully carried out his office year after year. He made sure his boys were at the festivals and solemn assemblies. Where did it all go so wrong?
Application: I don't have a good answer for Eli's tragedy. But I do know that this story underscores certain truths. First, that we have a huge responsibility for our kids. Second, that there is an enemy with evil designs toward them. And from these emanates a third truth: we need to be very alert and intentional about how we communicate God to our children. We need to work each day to speak God into their lives.
And it can't be just talk. Our lives must speak to them of God's importance in who we are.
But it also cannot be unspoken. Words are required: lots of words, frequent words, serious words, fun words, words of encouragement, words of correction, words of praise, words of honesty, words of hope, words of confession. The combining of Godly words, actions, and most of all love, are what we need to give to our children as much as we can. Don't leave it to chance. Make it happen today.
Prayer: Lord, help us to lead our children to You. We want to see our children in authentic relationship with You as they grow. Give us wisdom, determination, and wisdom to do the job that needs to be done to provide them with the best possible opportunity to make You the center of their lives. And place Your protection around each one to keep the enemy of their souls from having access. We thank You for our children and ask You to help us to do everything possible so we can see them serving You with all of their hearts.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen
Scripture: 1 Samuel 2:12 Eli's sons were wicked men; they had no regard for the LORD.
Observation: It's tragic. The sons of Eli, the high priest, are described as "wicked men" meaning "they had no regard for the LORD." (The eventual result of their attitudes and actions was their youthful deaths.) How is it that the sons of the high priest have come to the point of such dark and ugly hearts toward God? I expect that Eli was a reasonably good father and maintained a consistent faith before his sons. He faithfully carried out his office year after year. He made sure his boys were at the festivals and solemn assemblies. Where did it all go so wrong?
Application: I don't have a good answer for Eli's tragedy. But I do know that this story underscores certain truths. First, that we have a huge responsibility for our kids. Second, that there is an enemy with evil designs toward them. And from these emanates a third truth: we need to be very alert and intentional about how we communicate God to our children. We need to work each day to speak God into their lives.
And it can't be just talk. Our lives must speak to them of God's importance in who we are.
But it also cannot be unspoken. Words are required: lots of words, frequent words, serious words, fun words, words of encouragement, words of correction, words of praise, words of honesty, words of hope, words of confession. The combining of Godly words, actions, and most of all love, are what we need to give to our children as much as we can. Don't leave it to chance. Make it happen today.
Prayer: Lord, help us to lead our children to You. We want to see our children in authentic relationship with You as they grow. Give us wisdom, determination, and wisdom to do the job that needs to be done to provide them with the best possible opportunity to make You the center of their lives. And place Your protection around each one to keep the enemy of their souls from having access. We thank You for our children and ask You to help us to do everything possible so we can see them serving You with all of their hearts.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Title: The Redeemer / Topic: Passion
Today's Reading: Ruth 3; Ruth 4; Psalm 64; Psalm 65; 2 Corinthians 6
Scripture: Ruth 3:18 Then Naomi said, "Wait, my daughter, until you find out what happens. For the man will not rest until the matter is settled today."
Observation: This romance story should thrill every follower of God. I say that because I see a great parallel between Boaz, the kinsman-redeemer of Ruth, and Jesus Christ, my redeemer. In Israel, there had developed this system of redemption for a widow. She could go to her a certain person within her clan who had the right to redeem her. She was to lay down at his feet and ask him to cover her with the corner of his mantel (his blanket or cloak). This was symbolic of her need to be cared for due to the fact that as a widow, she was exposed in many ways. If this relative, known as the kinsman-redeemer, covered her, she would come under his covering of care and become his wife. In this verse, Naomi tells Ruth that Boaz "will not rest until the matter is settled today." Boaz was drawn to Ruth. He was eager and determined to do everything he could to secure Ruth as his wife.
Application: I have a kinsman-redeemer named Jesus Christ and He, like Boaz, is passionately determined to take me as His own. How amazing it must have felt for Ruth, a foreigner, to think that this wealthy and respected man would really desire her as his wife. And it amazes and blesses me to know that Jesus, the Son of God, desires to have an intimate, personal love relationship with me. He does not rest until He secures His right to take me. To accomplish this cost Him greatly: His death on the cross was what was required to secure His position as my Redeemer. But He did not hesitate in the least. The passion of the Christ is the story of the Greatest Lover in the history of the world and His pursuit of those He loved by giving His own life to save them. I can forget how much Jesus loves me and the passion with which He pursued me. The story of Ruth reminds me.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for loving me so much. Thank You, Father, that Your Son so loved me that He gave His life to redeem me from myself, my brokenness, and from the fate of the self-directed life. Thank You for redemption and may I walk in the ever-present awareness and appreciation of Your passion for me. May it awaken my passion for You and arouse my desire to daily live in that passion and to bring others to a real and living relationship with the great Redeemer.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen
Scripture: Ruth 3:18 Then Naomi said, "Wait, my daughter, until you find out what happens. For the man will not rest until the matter is settled today."
Observation: This romance story should thrill every follower of God. I say that because I see a great parallel between Boaz, the kinsman-redeemer of Ruth, and Jesus Christ, my redeemer. In Israel, there had developed this system of redemption for a widow. She could go to her a certain person within her clan who had the right to redeem her. She was to lay down at his feet and ask him to cover her with the corner of his mantel (his blanket or cloak). This was symbolic of her need to be cared for due to the fact that as a widow, she was exposed in many ways. If this relative, known as the kinsman-redeemer, covered her, she would come under his covering of care and become his wife. In this verse, Naomi tells Ruth that Boaz "will not rest until the matter is settled today." Boaz was drawn to Ruth. He was eager and determined to do everything he could to secure Ruth as his wife.
Application: I have a kinsman-redeemer named Jesus Christ and He, like Boaz, is passionately determined to take me as His own. How amazing it must have felt for Ruth, a foreigner, to think that this wealthy and respected man would really desire her as his wife. And it amazes and blesses me to know that Jesus, the Son of God, desires to have an intimate, personal love relationship with me. He does not rest until He secures His right to take me. To accomplish this cost Him greatly: His death on the cross was what was required to secure His position as my Redeemer. But He did not hesitate in the least. The passion of the Christ is the story of the Greatest Lover in the history of the world and His pursuit of those He loved by giving His own life to save them. I can forget how much Jesus loves me and the passion with which He pursued me. The story of Ruth reminds me.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for loving me so much. Thank You, Father, that Your Son so loved me that He gave His life to redeem me from myself, my brokenness, and from the fate of the self-directed life. Thank You for redemption and may I walk in the ever-present awareness and appreciation of Your passion for me. May it awaken my passion for You and arouse my desire to daily live in that passion and to bring others to a real and living relationship with the great Redeemer.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Title: Peace & Agreement / Topic: Reconciliation
Today's Reading: Ruth 1; Ruth 2; Psalm 53; Psalm 61; 2 Corinthians 5
[I love the beautiful story of Ruth. What relief after the brutal stories of Judges!]
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
…the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them…
Observation: Thank God. He provides a way that our sins are not counted against us. And through this way, called “the ministry of reconciliation” we are brought to a place where we are no longer in conflict with God. I think of reconciliation as the process of finding peace and agreement. Just like reconciling your checkbook brings your checkbook into agreement with the bank’s records. Through the ministry of reconciliation, my life is brought into agreement and peace with God’s way of doing things. And this is a gift of God. And what a great gift! Without it, there would be no end of striving and struggling. No end of stressing to try to figure out what is wrong, trying to compensate for my dysfunction and brokenness. But because of God’s generous and compassionate gift, I can live in peace with Him.
Application: Of course, a gift has two ends: it is given and received. God has given it, but we must receive it for it to make any difference. So the first application to my life is I must receive it! The second application is that I can live with the awareness of it or I can go on as a person who is still in conflict and disagreement with God. That is, I have to put it into my daily thought and awareness for it to do any good. How do I do that? Start my day by thanking God for this gift. Remind myself throughout the day that I live by this gift. Every day lived in a clear awareness of my happy harmony with God is a great day!
Prayer: Lord, thank You for the gift of reconciliation. May I live in and walk in that gift every moment of every day. And my I be one who You use to help others to receive this wonderful gift from You.This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
Title: A Common Enemy / Topic: Compassion
Today's Reading: Judges 19; Judges 20; Judges 21; 2 Corinthians 4
[Today's reading in Judges contains the worst of all the terrible stories in the Book of Judges. It does, however, reinforce the point I made in yesterday's journal. When people have no limits, moral confusion and the worst kind of evil can grow. Today, however, I am journaling from our New Testament reading.]
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
Observation: We have an enemy. And it is not the people that don't accept or approve our religion. No, these people aren't bad, they are blind. And it is our enemy who has blinded them. We should not be surprised when people who don't see the light because they have been blinded act out in unsupportive or negative ways toward the things we stand for.
Application: So we have to look at those people differently. Unbelievers are not against us. They have someone against them. And it's not God -- it is satan. And because satan is against them, we need to be for them. For them with our hearts. For them with determination to portray Christ well to them. For them to give them every reason to welcome God into their lives by our interactions with them. If I will reach out positively and compassionately to those who push me away, I may be able to help dispel the darkness and help them to be open to the Lord. I need to remember that I have many things in common with these people. We have the same enemy (the devil), we have the same problem (sin), we have the same need (for transformation), we have the same One who died to bring that to us (Jesus).
Prayer: Lord, help me to look with Your love and compassion upon those who don't know You yet May I seek opportunities to bring Your light to all those around me who haven't seen the light of Your love. Help me to be a beacon of light, love, and warmth, even to those who do not seem so open to it. May You bring people to Your enlightement through me.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen
Monday, April 03, 2006
Title: Free & Wrong / Topic: Moral Confusion
Today's Reading: Judges 17; Judges 18; Psalm 89; 2 Corinthians 3
Scripture: Judges 17:5-6 Now this man Micah had a shrine, and he made an ephod and some idols and installed one of his sons as his priest. In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit.
Observation: How bizarre! The book of Judges is full of weird stories. And the story of Micah is certainly one of them. This young man has stolen money from his mother, and when he finally confesses, she acts like he should get the Nobel Prize for honesty! She decides that her son deserves a special reward for being such a wonderful son so she has an idol made for him!?! Well, since he has a idol, he figures he needs a shrine, an ephod, and a priest! Makes perfect sense, right? So he sets all this up in his house. (This is so strange.) The big problem with all of this is that the Israelites were forbidden to worship idols in the first place. So the whole thing shows that they had departed from what God had told them. And in verse 6 we read a key to the whole situation. "In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit." In other words, it was a totally free society. Anybody could do anything. Sounds like a great environment, doesn't it? No rules, nobody to tell you what to do... Hmmm...
As you read through this story and the others in Judges, you can see what this kind of rule-free society produces. And it's not good. In fact, it gets pretty sick in a short time.
Application: We all need boundaries and limits to be healthy. Without them, our human brokenness is able to manifest in all sorts of disfunctional and destructive activity. The human condition is such that people need proper and appropriate laws and guidelines to keep from hurting each other. King David wrote, "I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You." David understood that without the word of God, he would fall into words, actions, and attitudes that hurt himself and others. The story of Micah demonstrates the confusion and danger that results from every person just following their conscience, which is what "everyone did as he saw fit" means.
Personal application: I need leadership and limits to stay on a path of wellness and growth. If every person just does his own thing, our church, or community, our lives would be in confusion. We must submit to God and to other human authority if we are to experience healthy and productive living. It is not easy to live in submission to God-given authority, but it is an absolute requirement if I am to follow the Lord and live for Him. And our society is in trouble if "freedom" begins to mean "lawlessness" or "morally free".
Prayer: Lord, help us to embrace the limits that You put on our lives. May we live in the understanding that You provide a place for us to thrive and when we move outside of Your provision, we move into places and situations that threaten our well-being in every way. May we, first of all, settle the issue that You are in charge, and then follow You fully, including fully following those whom You have placed in authority in our lives. It's not enough to do what we think is right, may we do what You tell us is right. May we follow You.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.
Scripture: Judges 17:5-6 Now this man Micah had a shrine, and he made an ephod and some idols and installed one of his sons as his priest. In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit.
Observation: How bizarre! The book of Judges is full of weird stories. And the story of Micah is certainly one of them. This young man has stolen money from his mother, and when he finally confesses, she acts like he should get the Nobel Prize for honesty! She decides that her son deserves a special reward for being such a wonderful son so she has an idol made for him!?! Well, since he has a idol, he figures he needs a shrine, an ephod, and a priest! Makes perfect sense, right? So he sets all this up in his house. (This is so strange.) The big problem with all of this is that the Israelites were forbidden to worship idols in the first place. So the whole thing shows that they had departed from what God had told them. And in verse 6 we read a key to the whole situation. "In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit." In other words, it was a totally free society. Anybody could do anything. Sounds like a great environment, doesn't it? No rules, nobody to tell you what to do... Hmmm...
As you read through this story and the others in Judges, you can see what this kind of rule-free society produces. And it's not good. In fact, it gets pretty sick in a short time.
Application: We all need boundaries and limits to be healthy. Without them, our human brokenness is able to manifest in all sorts of disfunctional and destructive activity. The human condition is such that people need proper and appropriate laws and guidelines to keep from hurting each other. King David wrote, "I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You." David understood that without the word of God, he would fall into words, actions, and attitudes that hurt himself and others. The story of Micah demonstrates the confusion and danger that results from every person just following their conscience, which is what "everyone did as he saw fit" means.
Personal application: I need leadership and limits to stay on a path of wellness and growth. If every person just does his own thing, our church, or community, our lives would be in confusion. We must submit to God and to other human authority if we are to experience healthy and productive living. It is not easy to live in submission to God-given authority, but it is an absolute requirement if I am to follow the Lord and live for Him. And our society is in trouble if "freedom" begins to mean "lawlessness" or "morally free".
Prayer: Lord, help us to embrace the limits that You put on our lives. May we live in the understanding that You provide a place for us to thrive and when we move outside of Your provision, we move into places and situations that threaten our well-being in every way. May we, first of all, settle the issue that You are in charge, and then follow You fully, including fully following those whom You have placed in authority in our lives. It's not enough to do what we think is right, may we do what You tell us is right. May we follow You.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.
Sunday, April 02, 2006
Title: The Smelly Parade / Topic: Testimony
Today’s Reading: Judges 13; Judges 14; Judges 15; Judges 16; 2 Corinthians 2
[The story of Samson in Judges is a study of a man with very human failings. He had two prevailing problems: lust and temper. His life story is a tragedy brought about by these problems and the fact that he let them control him. But today I am journaling from 2 Corinthians.]
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 2:14-16
But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life…
Observation: Paul is joyfully reacting to finding Titus in Macedonia. But the truth he shares is universal. Here is the idea: God is leading a kind of victory parade and we are a part of it. Like the Rose Parade, there is a definite fragrance that is apparent to everyone. But while everyone smells it, not everybody likes it. Some, the ones “being saved,” think it is wonderful, while others, “those who are perishing,” think it stinks!
Application: As we are lead by God, our lives are to project a noticeable something that people cannot miss. It either draws them to Jesus or causes them to be repelled and push away. But our lives should never be neutral. We are not to blend in with the cultural stream. Your life and my life ought to cause other people to choose a side. Not because of some quirk or strange behavior but by the pervasive beauty of the Spirit of God lived out in our everyday lives. We are to be divinely different. Not everyone will like us, but our lives should make it difficult for people to be indifferent not just to us, but to our Lord.
Prayer: Lord, deepen our passion and dedication to You so that we stand out from the crowd. May we so dramatically reflect Your character that others cannot help but notice a difference in our lives. And may that difference draw people to that moment of decision with You. Give us souls, Lord. Make our lives a victory parade that no one can ignore.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
[The story of Samson in Judges is a study of a man with very human failings. He had two prevailing problems: lust and temper. His life story is a tragedy brought about by these problems and the fact that he let them control him. But today I am journaling from 2 Corinthians.]
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 2:14-16
But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life…
Observation: Paul is joyfully reacting to finding Titus in Macedonia. But the truth he shares is universal. Here is the idea: God is leading a kind of victory parade and we are a part of it. Like the Rose Parade, there is a definite fragrance that is apparent to everyone. But while everyone smells it, not everybody likes it. Some, the ones “being saved,” think it is wonderful, while others, “those who are perishing,” think it stinks!
Application: As we are lead by God, our lives are to project a noticeable something that people cannot miss. It either draws them to Jesus or causes them to be repelled and push away. But our lives should never be neutral. We are not to blend in with the cultural stream. Your life and my life ought to cause other people to choose a side. Not because of some quirk or strange behavior but by the pervasive beauty of the Spirit of God lived out in our everyday lives. We are to be divinely different. Not everyone will like us, but our lives should make it difficult for people to be indifferent not just to us, but to our Lord.
Prayer: Lord, deepen our passion and dedication to You so that we stand out from the crowd. May we so dramatically reflect Your character that others cannot help but notice a difference in our lives. And may that difference draw people to that moment of decision with You. Give us souls, Lord. Make our lives a victory parade that no one can ignore.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Saturday, April 01, 2006
Title: Pave The Way / Topic: Sacrifice
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.
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.
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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