Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 3; 1 Samuel 4; 1 Samuel 5; Psalm 77; 2 Corinthians 8
Scripture: 1 Samuel 3:1 The boy Samuel ministered before the LORD under Eli. In those days the word of the LORD was rare; there were not many visions.
Observation: This last statement is made in a very matter-of-fact manner. But no reason is given for the rarity of the word of the Lord and visions. But the reading from yesterday clues us in. The sons of Eli were wicked in the function of their priestly office to the point where they caused people to despise the experience of the sacrifice. This caused a general turning away from seeking the Lord. When we see a nation that is turned away from seeking the Lord, is it any surprise that the Lord doesn't speak much to that nation?
Application: Sins and abuses by spiritual leaders can turn a people away from seeking the Lord which can result in a dearth of spiritual experience. When those who are supposed to lead any people fail to honor the Lord, they not only cause people to dishonor them, but they cause people to dishonor the Lord as well. There will be great judgment and punishment for such leaders.
I believe these assertions are true but that does not excuse the people from their responsibility to seek and honor the Lord. Leaders indeed bear a heavier responsibility but every person must also take responsibility for his own spiritual condition.
Prayer: Lord, help me to be a faithful leader and to draw every open and receptive person into a deep relationship with you. May the culture of our spiritual environment be rich and deep, with everyone seeking and finding you in a ever deepening way.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Friday, April 04, 2008
Title: What A Mess! / Topic: No Moral Code
Today’s Reading: Judges 19; Judges 20; Judges 21; 2 Corinthians 4
Scripture: Judges 21:25 In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit.
Observation: The story in today's reading from Judges 19-21 is probably my least favorite in the whole Bible (yes, there are things in the Bible I don't like). What is obvious is this: moral confusion reigns. The closing verse, Judges 21:25 (above) gives the underlying cause. The situation was without leadership and had degenerated into a "anything goes" situation. However, it is clear that though there was a great deal of moral confusion, some semblance of a sense of right and wrong prevailed. The men of Israel were outraged by the actions of those who brutalized the woman. And the ghastly demonstration by the Levite surely stunned them.
Application: But the problem is not that Israel needed a king to rule over the nation -- at least not a human one. They needed a King, that is, God, over their hearts. God had led them through Moses and had imparted a code of morality but the people had apparently long-forgotten it. Though Moses has explicitly warned them and instructed them to write it down and to rehearse it to one and another and to their children and grandchildren, it had fallen from their awareness. "Everyone did as he saw fit." There were no standards. This brings me back to this truth: it is vital that each person instill God's truth into their own heart. A leader, whether a king or an pastor or a parent, cannot keep others on the right path. We each need God as our mentor and, thankfully, that is easy to do. We only need to spend time in reading and study of his word. It is readily available to us and within its pages we find the keys to life as God intended it to be lived. So the only question is, "Will we make it happen?"
Prayer: Lord, you did not leave us without guidance, to guess or feel our way forward. You gave us a clear code of principles on which to live. Thank you. Help me to regularly study it, to imbed it into my awareness, and to follow it carefully. And help me to lead others in this right and righteous path.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Judges 21:25 In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit.
Observation: The story in today's reading from Judges 19-21 is probably my least favorite in the whole Bible (yes, there are things in the Bible I don't like). What is obvious is this: moral confusion reigns. The closing verse, Judges 21:25 (above) gives the underlying cause. The situation was without leadership and had degenerated into a "anything goes" situation. However, it is clear that though there was a great deal of moral confusion, some semblance of a sense of right and wrong prevailed. The men of Israel were outraged by the actions of those who brutalized the woman. And the ghastly demonstration by the Levite surely stunned them.
Application: But the problem is not that Israel needed a king to rule over the nation -- at least not a human one. They needed a King, that is, God, over their hearts. God had led them through Moses and had imparted a code of morality but the people had apparently long-forgotten it. Though Moses has explicitly warned them and instructed them to write it down and to rehearse it to one and another and to their children and grandchildren, it had fallen from their awareness. "Everyone did as he saw fit." There were no standards. This brings me back to this truth: it is vital that each person instill God's truth into their own heart. A leader, whether a king or an pastor or a parent, cannot keep others on the right path. We each need God as our mentor and, thankfully, that is easy to do. We only need to spend time in reading and study of his word. It is readily available to us and within its pages we find the keys to life as God intended it to be lived. So the only question is, "Will we make it happen?"
Prayer: Lord, you did not leave us without guidance, to guess or feel our way forward. You gave us a clear code of principles on which to live. Thank you. Help me to regularly study it, to imbed it into my awareness, and to follow it carefully. And help me to lead others in this right and righteous path.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Title: Wise Example Rejected / Topic: Singular Weakness
Today’s Reading: Judges 13; Judges 14; Judges 15; Judges 16; 2 Corinthians 2
Scripture: Judges 13:8-12, 14:6
Judges 13:8 Then Manoah prayed to the LORD : "O LORD, I beg you, let the man of God you sent to us come again to teach us how to bring up the boy who is to be born." 9 God heard Manoah, and the angel of God came again to the woman while she was out in the field; but her husband Manoah was not with her. 10 The woman hurried to tell her husband, "He's here! The man who appeared to me the other day!" 11 Manoah got up and followed his wife. When he came to the man, he said, "Are you the one who talked to my wife?" "I am," he said. 12 So Manoah asked him, "When your words are fulfilled, what is to be the rule for the boy's life and work?"
Judges 14:6 The Spirit of the LORD came upon him in power so that he tore the lion apart with his bare hands as he might have torn a young goat. But he told neither his father nor his mother what he had done.
Observation: I am so impressed with Manoah and his wife. Manoah has real faith and humility -- in verses 8 and 12 we see it clearly. His prayer to the Lord and his question of the angel reveal that he did not doubt the promise of God to his wife and his desire to seek and follow God's instruction regarding the fulfillment of this promise. Look at these expressions of faith (italicized) and humility (bold): "O LORD, I beg you, let the man of God you sent to us come again to teach us how to bring up the boy who is to be born."... "When your words are fulfilled, what is to be the rule for the boy's life and work?"
I am also impressed that even though Samson's parents have a true faith and humility, Samson did not pick it up. Though he has this amazing encounter with: 1) God (being filled with spiritual power and physical strength); 2) a lion (which attacked him); and 3) satan (who empowered the lion to kill him -- though Samson did not discern this), he doesn't mention it to his parents! This inclination not to open up to them -- to deal with his life privately and on his own -- persists throughout his life and is one of his downfalls. What might have happened, had he shared the lion encounter with them? Who knows? One thing is for certain -- had he shared his other private struggles with them, the horrible consequences of his life could have been avoided.
Application: For me the bottom line is that I must have people with whom I can share my private battles. This is something that I must intentionally make happen: finding others who know what I am going through and dealing with. I must have these comrades because this can help me from making truly disastrous choices in isolation.
Prayer: Lord, keep me connected to others that will speak your wisdom in my life. May never rely only on what I think and believe. And like Manoah, give me faith and humility that trusts in you without question and is open and teachable.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Judges 13:8-12, 14:6
Judges 13:8 Then Manoah prayed to the LORD : "O LORD, I beg you, let the man of God you sent to us come again to teach us how to bring up the boy who is to be born." 9 God heard Manoah, and the angel of God came again to the woman while she was out in the field; but her husband Manoah was not with her. 10 The woman hurried to tell her husband, "He's here! The man who appeared to me the other day!" 11 Manoah got up and followed his wife. When he came to the man, he said, "Are you the one who talked to my wife?" "I am," he said. 12 So Manoah asked him, "When your words are fulfilled, what is to be the rule for the boy's life and work?"
Judges 14:6 The Spirit of the LORD came upon him in power so that he tore the lion apart with his bare hands as he might have torn a young goat. But he told neither his father nor his mother what he had done.
Observation: I am so impressed with Manoah and his wife. Manoah has real faith and humility -- in verses 8 and 12 we see it clearly. His prayer to the Lord and his question of the angel reveal that he did not doubt the promise of God to his wife and his desire to seek and follow God's instruction regarding the fulfillment of this promise. Look at these expressions of faith (italicized) and humility (bold): "O LORD, I beg you, let the man of God you sent to us come again to teach us how to bring up the boy who is to be born."... "When your words are fulfilled, what is to be the rule for the boy's life and work?"
I am also impressed that even though Samson's parents have a true faith and humility, Samson did not pick it up. Though he has this amazing encounter with: 1) God (being filled with spiritual power and physical strength); 2) a lion (which attacked him); and 3) satan (who empowered the lion to kill him -- though Samson did not discern this), he doesn't mention it to his parents! This inclination not to open up to them -- to deal with his life privately and on his own -- persists throughout his life and is one of his downfalls. What might have happened, had he shared the lion encounter with them? Who knows? One thing is for certain -- had he shared his other private struggles with them, the horrible consequences of his life could have been avoided.
Application: For me the bottom line is that I must have people with whom I can share my private battles. This is something that I must intentionally make happen: finding others who know what I am going through and dealing with. I must have these comrades because this can help me from making truly disastrous choices in isolation.
Prayer: Lord, keep me connected to others that will speak your wisdom in my life. May never rely only on what I think and believe. And like Manoah, give me faith and humility that trusts in you without question and is open and teachable.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Title: The Leader's Thankless Lot / Topic: Leadership
Today’s Reading: Judges 11; Judges 12; Psalm 50; 2 Corinthians 1
Scripture: Judges 12:1-3
1 The men of Ephraim called out their forces, crossed over to Zaphon and said to Jephthah, "Why did you go to fight the Ammonites without calling us to go with you? We're going to burn down your house over your head."
2 Jephthah answered, "I and my people were engaged in a great struggle with the Ammonites, and although I called, you didn't save me out of their hands. 3 When I saw that you wouldn't help, I took my life in my hands and crossed over to fight the Ammonites, and the LORD gave me the victory over them. Now why have you come up today to fight me?"
Observation: Jephthah has been sought out to fight against Israel's enemies and he has won a great victory. Sadly, he made a rash vow which brought him great sorrow. (Read about this in the previous chapter.) Now, on top of that heartache he is threatened with death by his fellow Israelites from the tribe of Ephraim. Why? Because he didn't get their help in the battle. I can't quite figure out this logic: "Congratulations on defeating our enemies. We wanted to help you fight. But we didn't get to. So now we are going to kill you!" With friends like these who needs enemies.
Application: Leadership is tough. Those brave souls who stepped forward to lead Israel as judges had a difficult job. Not only did they have to fight against Israel's enemies, but, more often than not, they had to defend themselves from attacks by their own countrymen. And being a church leader today has similar situations. The key is to remember who it is that I am serving. I am serving the Lord. If I please him, that is all that matters. If I displease him, nothing matters.
Prayer: Lord, thank you that you have called me to your service. Give me strength, determination, and stamina to stay strong and stay sweet as I serve by leading your people. And I thank you for those faithful ones who stand by me in love and loyalty, no matter what. Give them a special blessing for their service.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Judges 12:1-3
1 The men of Ephraim called out their forces, crossed over to Zaphon and said to Jephthah, "Why did you go to fight the Ammonites without calling us to go with you? We're going to burn down your house over your head."
2 Jephthah answered, "I and my people were engaged in a great struggle with the Ammonites, and although I called, you didn't save me out of their hands. 3 When I saw that you wouldn't help, I took my life in my hands and crossed over to fight the Ammonites, and the LORD gave me the victory over them. Now why have you come up today to fight me?"
Observation: Jephthah has been sought out to fight against Israel's enemies and he has won a great victory. Sadly, he made a rash vow which brought him great sorrow. (Read about this in the previous chapter.) Now, on top of that heartache he is threatened with death by his fellow Israelites from the tribe of Ephraim. Why? Because he didn't get their help in the battle. I can't quite figure out this logic: "Congratulations on defeating our enemies. We wanted to help you fight. But we didn't get to. So now we are going to kill you!" With friends like these who needs enemies.
Application: Leadership is tough. Those brave souls who stepped forward to lead Israel as judges had a difficult job. Not only did they have to fight against Israel's enemies, but, more often than not, they had to defend themselves from attacks by their own countrymen. And being a church leader today has similar situations. The key is to remember who it is that I am serving. I am serving the Lord. If I please him, that is all that matters. If I displease him, nothing matters.
Prayer: Lord, thank you that you have called me to your service. Give me strength, determination, and stamina to stay strong and stay sweet as I serve by leading your people. And I thank you for those faithful ones who stand by me in love and loyalty, no matter what. Give them a special blessing for their service.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Title: Got Submission? / Topic: True Spiritual Authority
Today’s Reading: Judges 6; Judges 7; Psalm 52; 1 Corinthians 14
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 14:36-38
36 Did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached? 37 If anybody thinks he is a prophet or spiritually gifted, let him acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord's command. 38 If he ignores this, he himself will be ignored.
Observation: Paul is mocking those Corinthian believers who don't want to listen to Paul. They are just "too spiritual" and "too enlightened." They are way beyond Paul! Paul challenges them in verse 36: "Are you the originators of God's word? Did you get it before anybody else? Does it all stop with you? Is God restricted to you?" As far as these psuedo-spiritual, self righteous, and inflated spiritualists were concerned, it was all about them. But Paul puts the kibosh on that. In verse 37, he states an eternal principle: to have authority, one must be under authority. If a person does not recognize and respect the authority that God has ordained (i.e. the Bible, the Church and it's God-given leaders), then that person is not to be recognized or respected. That person is a phony -- do not listen to such a person.
Application: True spiritual authority is not independent. It does not stand alone.* It is connected to and submitted to authority -- the authority of the Word and the authority of the Church. Those who claim to have authority but refuse to submit to authority are to be ignored as false. It takes great faith to recognize that God will work through the flawed human leadership of the Church and even greater faith to submit to it when I think it is in error. But it takes no faith at all to fly solo, relying only on my own mind and interpretations.
Bottom line: Submit to God and demonstrate true faith by staying submitted to your leaders. This is where true spiritual authority is forged and honed.
Prayer: Lord, keep me submitted to the authorities you have placed in my life, that is your Word and my leaders and elders. May I be a man who functions in true submission and true spiritual authority.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
*In some cases in the Bible, prophets of God did have a solitary role, but their ministries were based on God's word and consistent with the traditions of their past.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 14:36-38
36 Did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached? 37 If anybody thinks he is a prophet or spiritually gifted, let him acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord's command. 38 If he ignores this, he himself will be ignored.
Observation: Paul is mocking those Corinthian believers who don't want to listen to Paul. They are just "too spiritual" and "too enlightened." They are way beyond Paul! Paul challenges them in verse 36: "Are you the originators of God's word? Did you get it before anybody else? Does it all stop with you? Is God restricted to you?" As far as these psuedo-spiritual, self righteous, and inflated spiritualists were concerned, it was all about them. But Paul puts the kibosh on that. In verse 37, he states an eternal principle: to have authority, one must be under authority. If a person does not recognize and respect the authority that God has ordained (i.e. the Bible, the Church and it's God-given leaders), then that person is not to be recognized or respected. That person is a phony -- do not listen to such a person.
Application: True spiritual authority is not independent. It does not stand alone.* It is connected to and submitted to authority -- the authority of the Word and the authority of the Church. Those who claim to have authority but refuse to submit to authority are to be ignored as false. It takes great faith to recognize that God will work through the flawed human leadership of the Church and even greater faith to submit to it when I think it is in error. But it takes no faith at all to fly solo, relying only on my own mind and interpretations.
Bottom line: Submit to God and demonstrate true faith by staying submitted to your leaders. This is where true spiritual authority is forged and honed.
Prayer: Lord, keep me submitted to the authorities you have placed in my life, that is your Word and my leaders and elders. May I be a man who functions in true submission and true spiritual authority.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
*In some cases in the Bible, prophets of God did have a solitary role, but their ministries were based on God's word and consistent with the traditions of their past.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Title: Love Suffers / Topic: Love
Today’s Reading: Judges 4; Judges 5; Psalm 39; Psalm 41; 1 Corinthians 13
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails...
Observation: Paul is schooling the Corinthians about true spirituality. They have been thinking that they were really awesome because of all their spiritual gifts, but Paul put them in their place. Here he describes love. Every time I read verse 4, I remember the King James Version rendering, "Love suffers long and is kind." Love suffers. That is the truth about true love. Love is willing to suffer. It is willing to take a blow and not strike back. I especially like the phrase in verse five, "it keeps no record of wrongs" -- isn't that great.
Application: Just think what the church would be like if Christians lived out the truth of love in this passage. Wow! It would be such a great testimony of Jesus -- something that isn't true much today.
Prayer: Lord, help me to be a man who truly loves. May I be willing to suffer long and stay sweet. Work your character into my life.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails...
Observation: Paul is schooling the Corinthians about true spirituality. They have been thinking that they were really awesome because of all their spiritual gifts, but Paul put them in their place. Here he describes love. Every time I read verse 4, I remember the King James Version rendering, "Love suffers long and is kind." Love suffers. That is the truth about true love. Love is willing to suffer. It is willing to take a blow and not strike back. I especially like the phrase in verse five, "it keeps no record of wrongs" -- isn't that great.
Application: Just think what the church would be like if Christians lived out the truth of love in this passage. Wow! It would be such a great testimony of Jesus -- something that isn't true much today.
Prayer: Lord, help me to be a man who truly loves. May I be willing to suffer long and stay sweet. Work your character into my life.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Title: Don't Assume / Topic: Humble Walk
Today’s Reading: Joshua 21; Joshua 22; Psalm 47; 1 Corinthians 10
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:1-12
1 For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers, that our forefathers were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea. 2 They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. 3 They all ate the same spiritual food 4 and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. 5 Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered over the desert.
6 Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did. 7 Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written: "The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in pagan revelry." 8 We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did—and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died. 9 We should not test the Lord, as some of them did—and were killed by snakes. 10 And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel.
11 These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come. 12 So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!
Observation: These verses give a great lesson about presumption. Here's a breakdown of the basic points:
Prayer: Lord, keep me humble. I want to avoid the pride and arrogance that can so easily trip me up. May I always remember that I must take up my cross daily, or as Paul said, "die daily," if I am to stay in right relationship with you. May I put no confidence in "the arm of flesh," that is, my own strength and abilities, but may I always walk by faith in you. Bring strength and victory to my life as I walk in your strength and victory.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:1-12
1 For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers, that our forefathers were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea. 2 They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. 3 They all ate the same spiritual food 4 and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. 5 Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered over the desert.
6 Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did. 7 Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written: "The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in pagan revelry." 8 We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did—and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died. 9 We should not test the Lord, as some of them did—and were killed by snakes. 10 And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel.
11 These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come. 12 So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!
Observation: These verses give a great lesson about presumption. Here's a breakdown of the basic points:
Verses 1-4 ...our forefathers were all:Application: Here's the message: Just because you are part of a group in which God is moving and have witnessed and participated in some amazing spiritual experiences, don't assume you are OK. Each of us has a personal responsibility to live principled lives with purity and honor. If we compromise and fall into sin, no spiritual experience can negate or neutralize the consequences of the sin and the judgment we deserve.
1) under the cloud
2) passed through the sea.
3) baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea.
4) ate the same spiritual food (manna)
5) and drank the same spiritual drink (water from the spiritual rock)
Verse 5: "Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered over the desert."
Verses 6-10 ...these are examples to keep us from:
1) setting our hearts on evil things
2) idolatry
3) sexual immorality
4) testing the Lord (i.e. doubtful and faithless questioning)
5) grumbling
Verses 11-12 "These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us ...so be careful!"
Prayer: Lord, keep me humble. I want to avoid the pride and arrogance that can so easily trip me up. May I always remember that I must take up my cross daily, or as Paul said, "die daily," if I am to stay in right relationship with you. May I put no confidence in "the arm of flesh," that is, my own strength and abilities, but may I always walk by faith in you. Bring strength and victory to my life as I walk in your strength and victory.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Title: The Enemy Next Door / Topic: Spiritual War
Today’s Reading: Joshua 12; Joshua 13; Joshua 14; 1 Corinthians 7
Scripture: Joshua 13:13 But the Israelites did not drive out the people of Geshur and Maacah, so they continue to live among the Israelites to this day.
Observation: Chapters 12 and 13 of Joshua are not the kind of Bible reading that I enjoy -- they are a labor more than a joy. Nevertheless, I found this verse interesting. Here is the account of two towns that the Israelites overlooked in their battles to conquer the land. Geshur and Maacah were left intact along with their people, and, as a result, "they continue to live among the Israelites to this day."
Application: As a believer, I am engaged in a spiritual war. And throughout my life, there are battles to be fought and won. If I neglect to deal with a particular stronghold or problem area in my life, that area will remain to be a place in my life in which the rule and reign of Christ does not apply. It remains unconquered territory which my enemy still possesses within my boundaries and from which he has easy access to other areas of my life. It becomes a platform from which attacks against me can be launched.
Bottom line: Don't neglect to deal with any problem in your life. It can be tempting to not deal with certain sins because they are hard to get out or because we secretly have a certain affinity for them. But any sin neglected or glossed over will become a sore spot later. Many people who have simply covered over sin, like painting over rotten wood, have had that sin bring ruin to them later. Be relentless with sin. Get rid of it now.
Prayer: Lord, I pray for myself and any who will read this that you will remove any blinders or denial that has concealed areas where the enemy is still present in our lives. And, Father, give us determination, courage, and strength to fight the battles necessary to dislodge our adversaries and remove them completely from our lives.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Joshua 13:13 But the Israelites did not drive out the people of Geshur and Maacah, so they continue to live among the Israelites to this day.
Observation: Chapters 12 and 13 of Joshua are not the kind of Bible reading that I enjoy -- they are a labor more than a joy. Nevertheless, I found this verse interesting. Here is the account of two towns that the Israelites overlooked in their battles to conquer the land. Geshur and Maacah were left intact along with their people, and, as a result, "they continue to live among the Israelites to this day."
Application: As a believer, I am engaged in a spiritual war. And throughout my life, there are battles to be fought and won. If I neglect to deal with a particular stronghold or problem area in my life, that area will remain to be a place in my life in which the rule and reign of Christ does not apply. It remains unconquered territory which my enemy still possesses within my boundaries and from which he has easy access to other areas of my life. It becomes a platform from which attacks against me can be launched.
Bottom line: Don't neglect to deal with any problem in your life. It can be tempting to not deal with certain sins because they are hard to get out or because we secretly have a certain affinity for them. But any sin neglected or glossed over will become a sore spot later. Many people who have simply covered over sin, like painting over rotten wood, have had that sin bring ruin to them later. Be relentless with sin. Get rid of it now.
Prayer: Lord, I pray for myself and any who will read this that you will remove any blinders or denial that has concealed areas where the enemy is still present in our lives. And, Father, give us determination, courage, and strength to fight the battles necessary to dislodge our adversaries and remove them completely from our lives.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Title: Don't Take It Outside / Topic: Life In The Family Of God
Today’s Reading: Joshua 9; Joshua 10; Joshua 11; 1 Corinthians 6
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 6:1-8
1 If any of you has a dispute with another, dare he take it before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the saints? 2 Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases? 3 Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life! 4 Therefore, if you have disputes about such matters, appoint as judges even men of little account in the church! 5 I say this to shame you. Is it possible that there is nobody among you wise enough to judge a dispute between believers? 6 But instead, one brother goes to law against another—and this in front of unbelievers!
7 The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated? 8 Instead, you yourselves cheat and do wrong, and you do this to your brothers.
Observation: Paul rebukes the Corinthians. But notice what he does and does not rebuke them for. He does not rebuke them for having disputes between believers in the church. Paul understands, and so should we, that disputes are a normal part of being in any family, and that's what the church is -- a family. So disagreements, arguments, fights, and disputes are a normal part of church life that we should expect and work out with God's grace and wisdom.
However, because the Corinthians are doing otherwise, Paul does rebuke them for not being able to settle their disputes within the church. He even goes so far as to say that it is better, as a Christian, to accept being a victim of another believer's cheating or other intentional wrong action against you than to take your dispute outside the church! In Corinth, they were even filing lawsuits against one another in court.
Application: Many in today's church, unfortunately, do much the same thing. They take their offenses and indignation and present their case to others, both within the church and outside, in the form of gossip and backbiting. They feel justified because they were wronged in some way. What is so sad is that this has the same negative impact on the testimony of the church as the actions that Paul spoke against. Outsiders and insiders are infected with the poison of conflict and soured on the church. People who were uninvolved with the conflict are drawn into it and the problem grows like an infection, damaging the church and many people in it. Many who need the message of hope the church brings turn away from the church because of being exposed to this kind of thing. It is so unfortunate and I know it makes our Lord sad. And it should make us sad. So many so-called Christians have never truly solved a dispute in the biblical way, or have never been willing to be wronged for the cause of unity for which Jesus prayed.
Bottom line: When you have a conflict within your church family, stay and solve it. If you can't get the result you want right away, accept it and stay put. Love the people you are in conflict with -- forgive them. Don't speak evil against them to anyone. Offer yourself to God as a sacrifice of love and forgiveness rather than harming the Body of Christ.
Prayer: Lord, forgive me for all ways in which I have contributed to conflicts with my brothers and sisters that have resulted in harm to your children and your Church. Help us to truly take to heart your heart's desire that we abide in unity and self-sacrifice, being willing to be offended rather than to take up our cause against a brother or sister. Lord, may your church rise up in unity and love. Bring us back to the basics of greatest commandments: loving you with all of our mind and soul and strength, and loving our neighbor as ourselves.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 6:1-8
1 If any of you has a dispute with another, dare he take it before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the saints? 2 Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases? 3 Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life! 4 Therefore, if you have disputes about such matters, appoint as judges even men of little account in the church! 5 I say this to shame you. Is it possible that there is nobody among you wise enough to judge a dispute between believers? 6 But instead, one brother goes to law against another—and this in front of unbelievers!
7 The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated? 8 Instead, you yourselves cheat and do wrong, and you do this to your brothers.
Observation: Paul rebukes the Corinthians. But notice what he does and does not rebuke them for. He does not rebuke them for having disputes between believers in the church. Paul understands, and so should we, that disputes are a normal part of being in any family, and that's what the church is -- a family. So disagreements, arguments, fights, and disputes are a normal part of church life that we should expect and work out with God's grace and wisdom.
However, because the Corinthians are doing otherwise, Paul does rebuke them for not being able to settle their disputes within the church. He even goes so far as to say that it is better, as a Christian, to accept being a victim of another believer's cheating or other intentional wrong action against you than to take your dispute outside the church! In Corinth, they were even filing lawsuits against one another in court.
Application: Many in today's church, unfortunately, do much the same thing. They take their offenses and indignation and present their case to others, both within the church and outside, in the form of gossip and backbiting. They feel justified because they were wronged in some way. What is so sad is that this has the same negative impact on the testimony of the church as the actions that Paul spoke against. Outsiders and insiders are infected with the poison of conflict and soured on the church. People who were uninvolved with the conflict are drawn into it and the problem grows like an infection, damaging the church and many people in it. Many who need the message of hope the church brings turn away from the church because of being exposed to this kind of thing. It is so unfortunate and I know it makes our Lord sad. And it should make us sad. So many so-called Christians have never truly solved a dispute in the biblical way, or have never been willing to be wronged for the cause of unity for which Jesus prayed.
Bottom line: When you have a conflict within your church family, stay and solve it. If you can't get the result you want right away, accept it and stay put. Love the people you are in conflict with -- forgive them. Don't speak evil against them to anyone. Offer yourself to God as a sacrifice of love and forgiveness rather than harming the Body of Christ.
Prayer: Lord, forgive me for all ways in which I have contributed to conflicts with my brothers and sisters that have resulted in harm to your children and your Church. Help us to truly take to heart your heart's desire that we abide in unity and self-sacrifice, being willing to be offended rather than to take up our cause against a brother or sister. Lord, may your church rise up in unity and love. Bring us back to the basics of greatest commandments: loving you with all of our mind and soul and strength, and loving our neighbor as ourselves.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Title: Stand Up! / Topic: Leadership
Today’s Reading: Joshua 7; Joshua 8; Psalm 69; 1 Corinthians 5
Scripture: Joshua 7:6-10
6 Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell facedown to the ground before the ark of the LORD, remaining there till evening... 10 The LORD said to Joshua, "Stand up! What are you doing down on your face?..."
Observation: Joshua is panicked about the defeat of the Israelites at Ai. He and the elders are mourning and lamenting before the Lord. The Lord rebukes him.
Application: There is a call on leadership that is demanding. The Lord says, "Stand up! What are you doing down on your face?..." It's a sharp rebuke. This is not a time for mourning or reflection, it is a time for action and judgment. Instead of complaining to and about God and the defeat they suffered, they needed to look at their own failings, for they brought this defeat upon themselves. It is tough, in the midst of defeat, to stand strongly as a leader, but it is what the Lord expects. As the saying goes, "if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen." If you want to act out of your pain and circumstance, then leadership is not for you.
Prayer: Lord, strengthen me that I may lead in times of defeat as well as victory. Make me a leader that is tough and strong.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Joshua 7:6-10
6 Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell facedown to the ground before the ark of the LORD, remaining there till evening... 10 The LORD said to Joshua, "Stand up! What are you doing down on your face?..."
Observation: Joshua is panicked about the defeat of the Israelites at Ai. He and the elders are mourning and lamenting before the Lord. The Lord rebukes him.
Application: There is a call on leadership that is demanding. The Lord says, "Stand up! What are you doing down on your face?..." It's a sharp rebuke. This is not a time for mourning or reflection, it is a time for action and judgment. Instead of complaining to and about God and the defeat they suffered, they needed to look at their own failings, for they brought this defeat upon themselves. It is tough, in the midst of defeat, to stand strongly as a leader, but it is what the Lord expects. As the saying goes, "if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen." If you want to act out of your pain and circumstance, then leadership is not for you.
Prayer: Lord, strengthen me that I may lead in times of defeat as well as victory. Make me a leader that is tough and strong.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Title: Follow The Ark / Topic: Divine Guidance
Today’s Reading: Joshua 3; Joshua 4; Joshua 5; Joshua 6; 1 Corinthians 4
Scripture: Joshua 3
3 ..."When you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests, who are Levites, carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it. 4 Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before..."
Observation: As the Israelites are preparing to enter the land, they are given instructions to follow the ark of the covenant.
Application: "You have never been this way before." This is the story of our lives. Every day is an unexplored experience that we walk through, never really knowing what will happen. And, like the Israelites, we have periods that are truly outside of our experience. And in all these, we need to stay close to the presence of the Lord, which the ark represents. Keep God in sight, "Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before."
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for your willingness to guide us. I want to follow your presence and never stray from the places that you lead. Keep watch over me and keep reminding me to keep my eyes on you.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Joshua 3
3 ..."When you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests, who are Levites, carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it. 4 Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before..."
Observation: As the Israelites are preparing to enter the land, they are given instructions to follow the ark of the covenant.
Application: "You have never been this way before." This is the story of our lives. Every day is an unexplored experience that we walk through, never really knowing what will happen. And, like the Israelites, we have periods that are truly outside of our experience. And in all these, we need to stay close to the presence of the Lord, which the ark represents. Keep God in sight, "Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before."
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for your willingness to guide us. I want to follow your presence and never stray from the places that you lead. Keep watch over me and keep reminding me to keep my eyes on you.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Title: It's A Relationship Thing / Topic: Walk With God
Today’s Reading: Joshua 1; Joshua 2; Psalm 37; 1 Corinthians 3
Scripture: Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you?...
Observation: The Lord is reminding Joshua that he must carefully follow his instructions, now that Moses is dead. It's about intentionality and diligence. This line caught my eye. Depending on where you put the emphasis, there are interesting nuances in the meaning:
#1 Have I not commanded you? -- Hey, it's me, your God who has taken care of you and who brought you out of Egypt. Because you know me and my love for you and my power, you should automatically follow my word. It's a relationship thing.
#2 Have I not commanded you? -- Let me make this clear, this isn't my suggestion, it's my command. So no playing around. My commands must be handled with great respect and care!
#3 Have I not commanded you? -- Joshua, it's not just Moses that I spoke to, this word is to you. Receive it personally as Moses did because I am giving the same weight of responsibility for carrying out these words to you as I did to Moses or anyone else.
Application: I like the first one best and it seems to me to make the greatest impact. God appeals to Joshua (and to you and me) on the basis of relationship. If you've walked with God and you know him, it should be of great importance to please him and follow him closely. God is my father and friend. I want to love him because I know he loves me and I have be greatly blessed by his love for me. It's a relationship thing.
Prayer: Dear Father, I am so glad that I know you and that you know me. I am so blessed to be your son. Help me to always relate to you in love and obedience and give me strength to resist temptations of the world and the devil and the evil impulses of my own sin nature. I want to walk with you as my Father and my friend. Thank you for being a Father and a friend to me.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you?...
Observation: The Lord is reminding Joshua that he must carefully follow his instructions, now that Moses is dead. It's about intentionality and diligence. This line caught my eye. Depending on where you put the emphasis, there are interesting nuances in the meaning:
#1 Have I not commanded you? -- Hey, it's me, your God who has taken care of you and who brought you out of Egypt. Because you know me and my love for you and my power, you should automatically follow my word. It's a relationship thing.
#2 Have I not commanded you? -- Let me make this clear, this isn't my suggestion, it's my command. So no playing around. My commands must be handled with great respect and care!
#3 Have I not commanded you? -- Joshua, it's not just Moses that I spoke to, this word is to you. Receive it personally as Moses did because I am giving the same weight of responsibility for carrying out these words to you as I did to Moses or anyone else.
Application: I like the first one best and it seems to me to make the greatest impact. God appeals to Joshua (and to you and me) on the basis of relationship. If you've walked with God and you know him, it should be of great importance to please him and follow him closely. God is my father and friend. I want to love him because I know he loves me and I have be greatly blessed by his love for me. It's a relationship thing.
Prayer: Dear Father, I am so glad that I know you and that you know me. I am so blessed to be your son. Help me to always relate to you in love and obedience and give me strength to resist temptations of the world and the devil and the evil impulses of my own sin nature. I want to walk with you as my Father and my friend. Thank you for being a Father and a friend to me.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Title: Lock It In / Topic: Deliberate Living
Today’s Reading: Deuteronomy 32, 33, 34; 1 Corinthians 2
Scripture: Deuteronomy 32:45-47
45 When Moses finished reciting all these words to all Israel, 46 he said to them, "Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law. 47 They are not just idle words for you—they are your life. By them you will live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess."
Observation: Moses does a lot of talking in these chapters. It makes sense because he is laying the groundwork for the transition from his leadership to that of Joshua. This statement, at the end of his "song" is so important. He tells them that the words he has spoken are of great importance and that they must take them with the utmost seriousness. Note the words and phrases:
"take to heart"
"solemnly declared"
"command your children"
"obey carefully"
"all the words"
"not just idle words"
"they are your life"
And the last summary statement, "By them you will live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess," implies what Moses states directly in other places: failure to follow them will bring disaster.
Application: I must take the word of God seriously, and not just the word of God, but also the words of Godly men and women, those elders that God has put in my life. I must be solemn and deliberate in making these words a priority in my life. I must take these words and lock them into my thinking. To fail to do so is to make them "just idle words" and thus endanger myself and those around me.
Prayer: Lord, help me to intentionally apply my heart and mind to the truths that you bring to me from your word and your servants. I want to live with the utmost care and diligence to give honor to you by closely following your word.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Deuteronomy 32:45-47
45 When Moses finished reciting all these words to all Israel, 46 he said to them, "Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law. 47 They are not just idle words for you—they are your life. By them you will live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess."
Observation: Moses does a lot of talking in these chapters. It makes sense because he is laying the groundwork for the transition from his leadership to that of Joshua. This statement, at the end of his "song" is so important. He tells them that the words he has spoken are of great importance and that they must take them with the utmost seriousness. Note the words and phrases:
"take to heart"
"solemnly declared"
"command your children"
"obey carefully"
"all the words"
"not just idle words"
"they are your life"
And the last summary statement, "By them you will live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess," implies what Moses states directly in other places: failure to follow them will bring disaster.
Application: I must take the word of God seriously, and not just the word of God, but also the words of Godly men and women, those elders that God has put in my life. I must be solemn and deliberate in making these words a priority in my life. I must take these words and lock them into my thinking. To fail to do so is to make them "just idle words" and thus endanger myself and those around me.
Prayer: Lord, help me to intentionally apply my heart and mind to the truths that you bring to me from your word and your servants. I want to live with the utmost care and diligence to give honor to you by closely following your word.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Title: Don't Mess With God / Topic: God's Wrath
Today’s Reading: Deuteronomy 28; Deuteronomy 29; Galatians 6
Scripture: Deuteronomy 28:20, 63; 29:19-21, 24, 28
28:20 The LORD will send on you curses, confusion and rebuke in everything you put your hand to, until you are destroyed and come to sudden ruin because of the evil you have done in forsaking him...
63 Just as it pleased the LORD to make you prosper and increase in number, so it will please him to ruin and destroy you. You will be uprooted from the land you are entering to possess.
29:19 When such a person hears the words of this oath, he invokes a blessing on himself and therefore thinks, "I will be safe, even though I persist in going my own way." This will bring disaster on the watered land as well as the dry. 20 The LORD will never be willing to forgive him; his wrath and zeal will burn against that man. All the curses written in this book will fall upon him, and the LORD will blot out his name from under heaven. 21 The LORD will single him out from all the tribes of Israel for disaster, according to all the curses of the covenant written in this Book of the Law...
24 All the nations will ask: "Why has the LORD done this to this land? Why this fierce, burning anger?"...
28 In furious anger and in great wrath the LORD uprooted them from their land and thrust them into another land, as it is now."
Observation: This depiction of God's anger directed toward those who turn away from him is horrific and frightening for those of us who take the word of God seriously. Note the italicized phrases above. God's anger is grim and the consequences for those who are objects of this anger are dire.
Application: I, like most Christians today, primarily focus on the "love side" of God. I don't really like these chapters because they detail a kind of harshness and severity that I do not normally associate with God. And yet it is a part of who God is: it is in the Bible. This causes me to pause and think that my view of God, as almost exclusively loving and kind and forgiving, isn't quite complete. There is this "dark side" of God: the punisher, the vengeful, the relentless pursuer.
To be honest, I wish God wasn't that way. But God is God and he is perfect and right in all his ways. The fact that these aspects of his nature cause me discomfort reveals flaws in me, not in God.
One thing is clear: don't mess with God. When I consider passages as above, I think that often, I must not approach my life with God with enough seriousness. As the Bible says, "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling."
Prayer: Lord, thank you for your mercy. I pray that my life would never cause you to relate to me through your wrath, but that I will dwell in the loving shadow of your wings always. Lord, have mercy upon me, a sinner.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Deuteronomy 28:20, 63; 29:19-21, 24, 28
28:20 The LORD will send on you curses, confusion and rebuke in everything you put your hand to, until you are destroyed and come to sudden ruin because of the evil you have done in forsaking him...
63 Just as it pleased the LORD to make you prosper and increase in number, so it will please him to ruin and destroy you. You will be uprooted from the land you are entering to possess.
29:19 When such a person hears the words of this oath, he invokes a blessing on himself and therefore thinks, "I will be safe, even though I persist in going my own way." This will bring disaster on the watered land as well as the dry. 20 The LORD will never be willing to forgive him; his wrath and zeal will burn against that man. All the curses written in this book will fall upon him, and the LORD will blot out his name from under heaven. 21 The LORD will single him out from all the tribes of Israel for disaster, according to all the curses of the covenant written in this Book of the Law...
24 All the nations will ask: "Why has the LORD done this to this land? Why this fierce, burning anger?"...
28 In furious anger and in great wrath the LORD uprooted them from their land and thrust them into another land, as it is now."
Observation: This depiction of God's anger directed toward those who turn away from him is horrific and frightening for those of us who take the word of God seriously. Note the italicized phrases above. God's anger is grim and the consequences for those who are objects of this anger are dire.
Application: I, like most Christians today, primarily focus on the "love side" of God. I don't really like these chapters because they detail a kind of harshness and severity that I do not normally associate with God. And yet it is a part of who God is: it is in the Bible. This causes me to pause and think that my view of God, as almost exclusively loving and kind and forgiving, isn't quite complete. There is this "dark side" of God: the punisher, the vengeful, the relentless pursuer.
To be honest, I wish God wasn't that way. But God is God and he is perfect and right in all his ways. The fact that these aspects of his nature cause me discomfort reveals flaws in me, not in God.
One thing is clear: don't mess with God. When I consider passages as above, I think that often, I must not approach my life with God with enough seriousness. As the Bible says, "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling."
Prayer: Lord, thank you for your mercy. I pray that my life would never cause you to relate to me through your wrath, but that I will dwell in the loving shadow of your wings always. Lord, have mercy upon me, a sinner.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Title: Keys To Victory / Topic: The Spiritual War
Today’s Reading: Deuteronomy 25; Deuteronomy 26; Deuteronomy 27; Galatians 5
#1 Scripture: Deuteronomy 25:17-18
17 Remember what the Amalekites did to you along the way when you came out of Egypt. 18 When you were weary and worn out, they met you on your journey and cut off all who were lagging behind; they had no fear of God.
#1 Observation: The Amalekites attacked the Israelites during their forty years of wandering. But it was not a frontal assault. They picked off "all who were lagging behind."
#1 Application: It is dangerous to become separate from the main body. If a believer gets behind, he is isolated and vulnerable to all manner of spiritual attack. Therefore, stay in the center of the life of the church body.
16 So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17 For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.
[#2a Observation: There is not only spiritual warfare that is external, there is a battle within and if we don't fight, we lose. We must be led by the Spirit to fight and win the internal war.]
19 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
[#2b Observation: This is quite a list! It is so obvious that these things are harmful to humans -- these things destroy people. And these things not only damage a person, they make a person damaging to others.]
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
[#2c Observation: The contrast between this list and the last is striking! What beautiful characteristics are listed here in contrast with the ugly and damaging practices of the previous list. I also notice several action words that are required. I must: 1) give myself to Jesus ("belong"), 2) crucify the sinful nature, 3) live by the Spirit, 4) keep in step with the Spirit (which also keeps us safe from lagging behind as I discussed above), 5) shun conceit, 6) avoid provocation and envy.]
#2 Application: To fight and win the spiritual war requires an active awareness of the spiritual battle within and without. It means self-awareness and self-denial, shunning activities that degrade, walking in harmony with the Spirit and in God's power. And it results in a good and Godly character.
Prayer: Lord, lead me in your ways. I want to have your power strong in me so that I can win the internal and external battles and be victorious in the spiritual war.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
#1 Scripture: Deuteronomy 25:17-18
17 Remember what the Amalekites did to you along the way when you came out of Egypt. 18 When you were weary and worn out, they met you on your journey and cut off all who were lagging behind; they had no fear of God.
#1 Observation: The Amalekites attacked the Israelites during their forty years of wandering. But it was not a frontal assault. They picked off "all who were lagging behind."
#1 Application: It is dangerous to become separate from the main body. If a believer gets behind, he is isolated and vulnerable to all manner of spiritual attack. Therefore, stay in the center of the life of the church body.
~
#2 Scripture: Galatians 5:16-2616 So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17 For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.
[#2a Observation: There is not only spiritual warfare that is external, there is a battle within and if we don't fight, we lose. We must be led by the Spirit to fight and win the internal war.]
19 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
[#2b Observation: This is quite a list! It is so obvious that these things are harmful to humans -- these things destroy people. And these things not only damage a person, they make a person damaging to others.]
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
[#2c Observation: The contrast between this list and the last is striking! What beautiful characteristics are listed here in contrast with the ugly and damaging practices of the previous list. I also notice several action words that are required. I must: 1) give myself to Jesus ("belong"), 2) crucify the sinful nature, 3) live by the Spirit, 4) keep in step with the Spirit (which also keeps us safe from lagging behind as I discussed above), 5) shun conceit, 6) avoid provocation and envy.]
#2 Application: To fight and win the spiritual war requires an active awareness of the spiritual battle within and without. It means self-awareness and self-denial, shunning activities that degrade, walking in harmony with the Spirit and in God's power. And it results in a good and Godly character.
Prayer: Lord, lead me in your ways. I want to have your power strong in me so that I can win the internal and external battles and be victorious in the spiritual war.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Title: The Sad Retreat / Topic: Spiritual Battle
Today’s Reading: Deuteronomy 22; Deuteronomy 23; Deuteronomy 24; Galatians 4
Scripture: Galatians 4:9 But now that you know God—or rather are known by God — how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?
Observation: The thought in this verse encapsulates the message of Paul's letter to the Galatians. These people had experienced salvation with all the blessings and benefits. But they had been won over by people who added a bunch of extra requirements to the Gospel, to the point where it wasn't the Gospel at all. Paul asks them why? Why would anyone who had experienced the blessing of knowing God want to walk away from that? Why would anyone who had been set free from bondages of various kinds leave the freedom and go back to the bondage? Paul asks, "Do you want to be slaves again?"
Application: "Survey says: apparently yes!" While I personally cannot understand it, many people do go back to the bondages that at one time had tormented them. Many people forsake the blessings and freedoms they had found in Christ and go back to the bondages and vexations of their lives before Christ. This shows the power of sin and the frustration of the inner struggle that people have. Apparently they would rather just give in to the sin than to contend with the fight against it.
Bottom line: Because the battle is stressful, we must be intentional to use God's power (rather than our own), and the support of others (rather than fighting solo), to keep ourselves from getting so discouraged that we face burn out and give up. With God's strength and the help and encouragement of others, we can stay strong and victorious.
Prayer: Lord, help me to lead others in the consistent pursuit of you and your will and ways. And help me to strengthen myself and others to fight and win the battle.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Galatians 4:9 But now that you know God—or rather are known by God — how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?
Observation: The thought in this verse encapsulates the message of Paul's letter to the Galatians. These people had experienced salvation with all the blessings and benefits. But they had been won over by people who added a bunch of extra requirements to the Gospel, to the point where it wasn't the Gospel at all. Paul asks them why? Why would anyone who had experienced the blessing of knowing God want to walk away from that? Why would anyone who had been set free from bondages of various kinds leave the freedom and go back to the bondage? Paul asks, "Do you want to be slaves again?"
Application: "Survey says: apparently yes!" While I personally cannot understand it, many people do go back to the bondages that at one time had tormented them. Many people forsake the blessings and freedoms they had found in Christ and go back to the bondages and vexations of their lives before Christ. This shows the power of sin and the frustration of the inner struggle that people have. Apparently they would rather just give in to the sin than to contend with the fight against it.
Bottom line: Because the battle is stressful, we must be intentional to use God's power (rather than our own), and the support of others (rather than fighting solo), to keep ourselves from getting so discouraged that we face burn out and give up. With God's strength and the help and encouragement of others, we can stay strong and victorious.
Prayer: Lord, help me to lead others in the consistent pursuit of you and your will and ways. And help me to strengthen myself and others to fight and win the battle.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Title: The Divine Mentor / Topic: Serving God
Today’s Reading: Deuteronomy 13; Deuteronomy 14; Deuteronomy 15; Galatians 1
Scripture: Galatians 1:10-17
10 Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.
11 I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel I preached is not something that man made up. 12 I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.
16 ...I did not consult any man, 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went immediately into Arabia and later returned to Damascus.
Observation: Paul makes quite a fuss about the fact that his ministry had it origins only with God. His was a gospel that came from God. He was not taught it by men, it was not shaped by consultations with others. It came directly "by revelation from Jesus Christ" was honed by God in solitary meditation in remote places. As a result, Paul feels beholden to no man -- he only strives to "win the approval... of God." This frees him from the tyranny of popularity, that is, being subject to the winds and whims of public approval.
Application: What freedom there is for Paul in having only one master. And what power in having a direct connection with God. So many people come to God through others and never get beyond that. Their faith is a second-hand faith that relies heavily upon those who brought the Gospel to them. But the true point of the Gospel is to bring people to the cross where they can get to know, in the deepest sense, God himself through Jesus Christ. Their connection is direct, their relationship is first-person, and this results in a strong, deep bond, not easily broken. The function of others is to reinforce and encourage this bond, but others do not provide the bond and others cannot destroy it. When I understand this, God himself becomes my mentor. We see this with Paul. And when we have it ourselves, what strength and security we have -- and what opportunities for growth into maturity. Those who are too dependent on others can too easily slip away from God.
Prayer: I want to know YOU, Lord, in the fullness of who you are. You are the only one who has the goods that I must have. Thank you for those who help and support and encourage me as I follow you. But I thank you that my relationship with you does not rely on them. I have an anchor: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, that holds my life fast upon the solid rock no matter what storm may come. Thank you for the direct bond that you have given me and help me to strengthen in all my days and in all my ways.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Galatians 1:10-17
10 Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.
11 I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel I preached is not something that man made up. 12 I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.
16 ...I did not consult any man, 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went immediately into Arabia and later returned to Damascus.
Observation: Paul makes quite a fuss about the fact that his ministry had it origins only with God. His was a gospel that came from God. He was not taught it by men, it was not shaped by consultations with others. It came directly "by revelation from Jesus Christ" was honed by God in solitary meditation in remote places. As a result, Paul feels beholden to no man -- he only strives to "win the approval... of God." This frees him from the tyranny of popularity, that is, being subject to the winds and whims of public approval.
Application: What freedom there is for Paul in having only one master. And what power in having a direct connection with God. So many people come to God through others and never get beyond that. Their faith is a second-hand faith that relies heavily upon those who brought the Gospel to them. But the true point of the Gospel is to bring people to the cross where they can get to know, in the deepest sense, God himself through Jesus Christ. Their connection is direct, their relationship is first-person, and this results in a strong, deep bond, not easily broken. The function of others is to reinforce and encourage this bond, but others do not provide the bond and others cannot destroy it. When I understand this, God himself becomes my mentor. We see this with Paul. And when we have it ourselves, what strength and security we have -- and what opportunities for growth into maturity. Those who are too dependent on others can too easily slip away from God.
Prayer: I want to know YOU, Lord, in the fullness of who you are. You are the only one who has the goods that I must have. Thank you for those who help and support and encourage me as I follow you. But I thank you that my relationship with you does not rely on them. I have an anchor: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, that holds my life fast upon the solid rock no matter what storm may come. Thank you for the direct bond that you have given me and help me to strengthen in all my days and in all my ways.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Friday, March 07, 2008
Title: God's Motivation Revealed / Topic: The Love Of God
Today’s Reading: Deuteronomy 5; Deuteronomy 6; Psalm 43; Mark 14
Scripture: Deuteronomy 5:29 Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always, so that it might go well with them and their children forever!
Observation: Moses, in his farewell address, recites the law to the people. Some of it sounds harsh, even petty. An example of this would be: "...for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me..." (Deuteronomy 5:9). (Even Oprah has said that these words, "God is a jealous God," caused her to reject some of the Baptist teaching and question the Christianity that she was raised with.) But if we read the whole thing in its context we see the reason that God is jealous for us: he wants us to do well and be blessed. Just as we who are parents are jealous over our children, wanting to keep them away from influences that we see as harmful to them, and doing everything we can to protect them from bad people. Likewise God is jealous for his children. We see the heart of a loving parent in the scripture that I selected, "Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always, so that it might go well with them and their children forever!" (Deuteronomy 5:29). This isn't about God on some sort of selfish, controlling, and possessive rant! No, it's about a loving Father whose heart is toward his children and intensely wants them to have the best lives possible.
Application: God loves us so much. When he tells us to do something, or to avoid something, it is for our own good. We need to remember this because there are many times when we don't understand the reason for the command or instruction. But if we will trust God and his motivation of love; and if we will obey, even in the absence of full comprehension of the reasons, we will experience his blessing.
Bottom line: Trust and obey.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for your wonderful, kind and loving nature. Help us to listen and do what you say in every situation.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Deuteronomy 5:29 Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always, so that it might go well with them and their children forever!
Observation: Moses, in his farewell address, recites the law to the people. Some of it sounds harsh, even petty. An example of this would be: "...for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me..." (Deuteronomy 5:9). (Even Oprah has said that these words, "God is a jealous God," caused her to reject some of the Baptist teaching and question the Christianity that she was raised with.) But if we read the whole thing in its context we see the reason that God is jealous for us: he wants us to do well and be blessed. Just as we who are parents are jealous over our children, wanting to keep them away from influences that we see as harmful to them, and doing everything we can to protect them from bad people. Likewise God is jealous for his children. We see the heart of a loving parent in the scripture that I selected, "Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always, so that it might go well with them and their children forever!" (Deuteronomy 5:29). This isn't about God on some sort of selfish, controlling, and possessive rant! No, it's about a loving Father whose heart is toward his children and intensely wants them to have the best lives possible.
Application: God loves us so much. When he tells us to do something, or to avoid something, it is for our own good. We need to remember this because there are many times when we don't understand the reason for the command or instruction. But if we will trust God and his motivation of love; and if we will obey, even in the absence of full comprehension of the reasons, we will experience his blessing.
Bottom line: Trust and obey.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for your wonderful, kind and loving nature. Help us to listen and do what you say in every situation.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Title: WE MUST BE VIGILANT / Topic: Intentionality
Today’s Reading: Deuteronomy 3; Deuteronomy 4; Psalm 36; Mark 13
Scripture: Deuteronomy 4, Mark 13 (various verses)
Deuteronomy 4
1 ...the decrees and laws I am about to teach you. Follow them so that you may live and may go in and take possession of the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, is giving you. 2 Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the LORD your God that I give you.
6 Observe them carefully...
9 Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live.
15 ...watch yourselves very carefully...
23 Be careful not to forget the covenant of the LORD your God that he made with you...
Mark 13
5 Jesus said to them: "Watch out that no one deceives you...
9 "You must be on your guard...
13 ...he who stands firm to the end will be saved.
23 So be on your guard...
Observation: Watch yourselves, be careful, be on your guard, observe them carefully... All of these verses and their surrounding contexts give this message over and over: WE MUST BE VIGILANT.
Application: This is something that we must not to leave to chance. We are to be thoughtful and deliberate and intentional, that is we must plan in advance and carry out the plan faithfully, about these matters. To fail to conduct ourselves with seriousness in these matters is to sentence ourselves to failure. We must exercise great care and thought if we are to finish well the path that we have started.
Prayer: Lord, help us to pay attention to following you closely. Help us not to take our eyes off the ball.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Deuteronomy 4, Mark 13 (various verses)
Deuteronomy 4
1 ...the decrees and laws I am about to teach you. Follow them so that you may live and may go in and take possession of the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, is giving you. 2 Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the LORD your God that I give you.
6 Observe them carefully...
9 Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live.
15 ...watch yourselves very carefully...
23 Be careful not to forget the covenant of the LORD your God that he made with you...
Mark 13
5 Jesus said to them: "Watch out that no one deceives you...
9 "You must be on your guard...
13 ...he who stands firm to the end will be saved.
23 So be on your guard...
Observation: Watch yourselves, be careful, be on your guard, observe them carefully... All of these verses and their surrounding contexts give this message over and over: WE MUST BE VIGILANT.
Application: This is something that we must not to leave to chance. We are to be thoughtful and deliberate and intentional, that is we must plan in advance and carry out the plan faithfully, about these matters. To fail to conduct ourselves with seriousness in these matters is to sentence ourselves to failure. We must exercise great care and thought if we are to finish well the path that we have started.
Prayer: Lord, help us to pay attention to following you closely. Help us not to take our eyes off the ball.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Title: Don't Use Your Head... Ask God! / Topic: Spiritual Guidance
Today’s Reading: Deuteronomy 1; Deuteronomy 2; Mark 12
Scripture: Deuteronomy 1:22-23
22 Then all of you came to me and said, "Let us send men ahead to spy out the land for us and bring back a report about the route we are to take and the towns we will come to."
23 The idea seemed good to me; so I selected twelve of you, one man from each tribe.
Observation: Moses is speaking to the Israelites, retelling the history of their sojourn in the wilderness. Here he tells the story of when they reached Canaan for the first time. What I noticed is that the people made a suggestion and Moses says, "the idea seemed good to me, so I selected twelve of you..." (Of course we know this turned out to be a terrible idea as it resulted in a negative report by ten of the spies and rebellion among the people.) But did you catch the fact that Moses didn't take the idea to the Lord? He didn't pray about it or ask for wisdom. He just decided to run with it because it "seemed" like a good idea. Yikes!
Application: This speaks of the imperative of seeking God's will, especially for those in spiritual leadership. Just making a decision by thinking it over, or using your common sense can bring truly disastrous results. Now, I'm all for using our God-given intelligence, but our brains are no substitute for God's guidance. As David writes:
Prayer: Lord, I want to walk always in your will and by your wisdom. Help me to remember to seek your will before I make key decisions. Do this and protect those whom I lead from any direction that is not from you.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Deuteronomy 1:22-23
22 Then all of you came to me and said, "Let us send men ahead to spy out the land for us and bring back a report about the route we are to take and the towns we will come to."
23 The idea seemed good to me; so I selected twelve of you, one man from each tribe.
Observation: Moses is speaking to the Israelites, retelling the history of their sojourn in the wilderness. Here he tells the story of when they reached Canaan for the first time. What I noticed is that the people made a suggestion and Moses says, "the idea seemed good to me, so I selected twelve of you..." (Of course we know this turned out to be a terrible idea as it resulted in a negative report by ten of the spies and rebellion among the people.) But did you catch the fact that Moses didn't take the idea to the Lord? He didn't pray about it or ask for wisdom. He just decided to run with it because it "seemed" like a good idea. Yikes!
Application: This speaks of the imperative of seeking God's will, especially for those in spiritual leadership. Just making a decision by thinking it over, or using your common sense can bring truly disastrous results. Now, I'm all for using our God-given intelligence, but our brains are no substitute for God's guidance. As David writes:
"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5-6 (King James Version)Bottom line: Pray and seek wisdom, always stop and seek the Lord's guidance, particularly in critical junctures, and especially if you are in a position of leadership of any kind.
Prayer: Lord, I want to walk always in your will and by your wisdom. Help me to remember to seek your will before I make key decisions. Do this and protect those whom I lead from any direction that is not from you.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Title: No Margin For Disobedience / Topic: Leadership
Today’s Reading: Numbers 19; Numbers 20; Psalm 28; Mark 5
Scripture: Numbers 20:7-12
7 The LORD said to Moses, 8 "Take the staff, and you and your brother Aaron gather the assembly together. Speak to that rock before their eyes and it will pour out its water..."
9 So Moses took the staff from the LORD's presence, just as he commanded him. 10 He and Aaron gathered the assembly together in front of the rock and Moses said to them, "Listen, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?" 11 Then Moses raised his arm and struck the rock twice with his staff. Water gushed out, and the community and their livestock drank.
12 But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, "Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them."
Observation: The Lord told Moses and Aaron explicitly what to do to address the ministry crisis that they were facing. There were three basic steps followed by the response from God which was the solution that they needed. Step one: "take the staff". Step two: "gather the assembly together." Step three: "speak to that rock before their eyes." And the promised result: "it will pour out its water." This is so simple and so straightforward. But for whatever reason, Moses deviated from the instruction. He completed steps one and two just fine, but when it came to step three, instead of speaking to the rock, he spoke to the people in a harsh way and then hit the rock two times with the staff. This is inexplicable to me.
Moses had seen the deaths of Nadab and Abihu who had been killed by the fire from God as a result of offering unauthorized fire before the Lord, i.e. freelancing in their ministry. And Moses had explained to Aaron the reason why. (Numbers 10:3)
Here Moses does his own freelancing by: 1) speaking to the people instead of speaking to the rock, 2) rebuking the people and implying that he and Aaron were the ones who had the ability to and were being coerced to bring forth water from the rock (robbing the credit and the glory that belonged to God), and 3) striking the rock twice with the staff (a kind of dramatic performance that turned this solemn miracle into something more like a magic show).
God's response is twofold. First, in spite of the lack of adherence to his explicit instructions, he does release the flow of water from the rock (enough water to supply a nations of millions!). Second, he gives a sentence of punishment on Moses and Aaron: they will not be allowed to enter into the land of promise. How sad.
Application: The lesson here is simple: if you are in spiritual leadership, stick to the play book that the Lord has given you. He is the Lord, he calls the plays, we carry them out. If we begin to think that we can freelance, doing whatever variations we choose rather than sticking exactly to the instruction of the Lord, we are endangering ourselves, our ministries, and those whom we lead. The Lord gives no margin for disobedience to those who take up the call to serve in Kingdom leadership. Stick to the play book. The alternative is nothing but bad.
Prayer: Lord, help me to have clear hearing and close obedience to you and your word. I want to hear what you say, to know your will and ways, and to follow you closely in my leadership. Help me to always stay submitted to you and to never forget that I work for you and belong to you. All that I am and all that I have are yours. May I ever live to please you.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Numbers 20:7-12
7 The LORD said to Moses, 8 "Take the staff, and you and your brother Aaron gather the assembly together. Speak to that rock before their eyes and it will pour out its water..."
9 So Moses took the staff from the LORD's presence, just as he commanded him. 10 He and Aaron gathered the assembly together in front of the rock and Moses said to them, "Listen, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?" 11 Then Moses raised his arm and struck the rock twice with his staff. Water gushed out, and the community and their livestock drank.
12 But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, "Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them."
Observation: The Lord told Moses and Aaron explicitly what to do to address the ministry crisis that they were facing. There were three basic steps followed by the response from God which was the solution that they needed. Step one: "take the staff". Step two: "gather the assembly together." Step three: "speak to that rock before their eyes." And the promised result: "it will pour out its water." This is so simple and so straightforward. But for whatever reason, Moses deviated from the instruction. He completed steps one and two just fine, but when it came to step three, instead of speaking to the rock, he spoke to the people in a harsh way and then hit the rock two times with the staff. This is inexplicable to me.
Moses had seen the deaths of Nadab and Abihu who had been killed by the fire from God as a result of offering unauthorized fire before the Lord, i.e. freelancing in their ministry. And Moses had explained to Aaron the reason why. (Numbers 10:3)
Here Moses does his own freelancing by: 1) speaking to the people instead of speaking to the rock, 2) rebuking the people and implying that he and Aaron were the ones who had the ability to and were being coerced to bring forth water from the rock (robbing the credit and the glory that belonged to God), and 3) striking the rock twice with the staff (a kind of dramatic performance that turned this solemn miracle into something more like a magic show).
God's response is twofold. First, in spite of the lack of adherence to his explicit instructions, he does release the flow of water from the rock (enough water to supply a nations of millions!). Second, he gives a sentence of punishment on Moses and Aaron: they will not be allowed to enter into the land of promise. How sad.
Application: The lesson here is simple: if you are in spiritual leadership, stick to the play book that the Lord has given you. He is the Lord, he calls the plays, we carry them out. If we begin to think that we can freelance, doing whatever variations we choose rather than sticking exactly to the instruction of the Lord, we are endangering ourselves, our ministries, and those whom we lead. The Lord gives no margin for disobedience to those who take up the call to serve in Kingdom leadership. Stick to the play book. The alternative is nothing but bad.
Prayer: Lord, help me to have clear hearing and close obedience to you and your word. I want to hear what you say, to know your will and ways, and to follow you closely in my leadership. Help me to always stay submitted to you and to never forget that I work for you and belong to you. All that I am and all that I have are yours. May I ever live to please you.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Title: The Nay Sayers / Topic: Critical People
Today’s Reading: Numbers 12; Numbers 13; Psalm 90; Mark 2
Scripture: Mark 2:7, 16, 18, 24
7 "Why does this fellow talk like that? He's blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?"
16 ..."Why does he eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'?"
18 ..."How is it that John's disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees are fasting, but yours are not?"
24 ..."Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?"
Observation: Apparently, there are many people following Jesus whose entire motivation is to find fault with whatever He does. Their picky criticisms stick out throughout the chapter. These complainers sound like ill-mannered brats.
Application: I guess that nay sayers have been around forever and will be around forever. Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever, but so are the Pharisees!
Prayer: Lord help me to not pay attention to the nay sayers but to do what is right -- what You are calling me to do. And Lord, if You could either shut them up or keep them away from me, I would really appreciate it!
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Mark 2:7, 16, 18, 24
7 "Why does this fellow talk like that? He's blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?"
16 ..."Why does he eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'?"
18 ..."How is it that John's disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees are fasting, but yours are not?"
24 ..."Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?"
Observation: Apparently, there are many people following Jesus whose entire motivation is to find fault with whatever He does. Their picky criticisms stick out throughout the chapter. These complainers sound like ill-mannered brats.
Application: I guess that nay sayers have been around forever and will be around forever. Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever, but so are the Pharisees!
Prayer: Lord help me to not pay attention to the nay sayers but to do what is right -- what You are calling me to do. And Lord, if You could either shut them up or keep them away from me, I would really appreciate it!
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Title: Serious Purification / Topic: Ministry Requirements
Today’s Reading: Numbers 8; Numbers 9; Acts 28
Scripture: Numbers 8:5-7
5 The LORD said to Moses: 6 "Take the Levites from among the other Israelites and make them ceremonially clean. 7 To purify them, do this: Sprinkle the water of cleansing on them; then have them shave their whole bodies and wash their clothes, and so purify themselves.
Observation: The Levites were given the responsibility of assisting the priests in the worship of God. There were 22,000 Levites (Numbers 3:39). Here, they are commissioned for their ministry. There are three parts of the purification ritual given in verse 7. First, "sprinkle the water of cleansing on them." Second, "have them shave their whole bodies." And third, "wash their clothes." It is this second part that caught my attention: "shave their whole bodies." This is a very demanding requirement. To ask 22,000 males to shave, not just their face or head, but their entire bodies is downright radical. I think of what it would take for me to do this and it is revolting! I certainly wouldn't want to do it. For one thing, I couldn't do it without help, because there are parts I can't even reach, much less shave. And another thing is that they didn't have any Remington electric or Gillette Fusion razors or anything like that. I'm not sure exactly what kind of blades they did use for shaving but I would bet that knicks and cuts were unavoidable and this makes a whole-body shave a pretty hazardous undertaking. The whole thing seems extreme and a bit bizarre.
Application: My point is that to serve the Lord involves our whole being and being surrendered to what God says to do, no matter how radical or even painful it might be. This also tells us that God takes personal purification very seriously and wants those who serve him to take it seriously. This is no casual undertaking. And it starts with surrendered hearts and covers every part of our lives.
Prayer: Lord, help us to be serious about serving you and dedicated to doing whatever it takes to be purified for your purposes in our lives. Keep us from any casual or relaxed approach to entering the service of Almighty God.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Numbers 8:5-7
5 The LORD said to Moses: 6 "Take the Levites from among the other Israelites and make them ceremonially clean. 7 To purify them, do this: Sprinkle the water of cleansing on them; then have them shave their whole bodies and wash their clothes, and so purify themselves.
Observation: The Levites were given the responsibility of assisting the priests in the worship of God. There were 22,000 Levites (Numbers 3:39). Here, they are commissioned for their ministry. There are three parts of the purification ritual given in verse 7. First, "sprinkle the water of cleansing on them." Second, "have them shave their whole bodies." And third, "wash their clothes." It is this second part that caught my attention: "shave their whole bodies." This is a very demanding requirement. To ask 22,000 males to shave, not just their face or head, but their entire bodies is downright radical. I think of what it would take for me to do this and it is revolting! I certainly wouldn't want to do it. For one thing, I couldn't do it without help, because there are parts I can't even reach, much less shave. And another thing is that they didn't have any Remington electric or Gillette Fusion razors or anything like that. I'm not sure exactly what kind of blades they did use for shaving but I would bet that knicks and cuts were unavoidable and this makes a whole-body shave a pretty hazardous undertaking. The whole thing seems extreme and a bit bizarre.
Application: My point is that to serve the Lord involves our whole being and being surrendered to what God says to do, no matter how radical or even painful it might be. This also tells us that God takes personal purification very seriously and wants those who serve him to take it seriously. This is no casual undertaking. And it starts with surrendered hearts and covers every part of our lives.
Prayer: Lord, help us to be serious about serving you and dedicated to doing whatever it takes to be purified for your purposes in our lives. Keep us from any casual or relaxed approach to entering the service of Almighty God.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Title: Deadly Deception / Topic: False Evidence
Today’s Reading: Numbers 7; Psalm 23; Acts 27
Author's Note: GREAT READING TODAY!
Scripture: Acts 27:13-14
13 When a gentle south wind began to blow, they thought they had obtained what they wanted; so they weighed anchor and sailed along the shore of Crete. 14 Before very long, a wind of hurricane force, called the "northeaster," swept down from the island...
Observation: Paul, under arrest, is being transported to Rome on a ship. Because the Lord spoke to Paul of impending danger, he warned them that they should not leave port. But "the majority decided" (vs. 12) to sail on, listening to the ship's pilot and the owner of the ship instead of Paul. The crew watched for favorable sailing conditions and verse 13 describes what they observed: "...a gentle south wind..." This lead them to believe that it was safe to sail, which they did. However, verse 14 tells us "before very long" something quite different showed up: "a wind of hurricane force, called the 'northeaster,' swept down from the island." From this moment on, their lives are in peril as the ship becomes engulfed in a monstrous storm.
Application: There are so many times when the circumstances, as observed by men, can direct in a certain way. This way seems reasonable and even wise based on the available information and even "experts" who are most knowledgeable. Observe who advised them to sail: the pilot and owner of the ship. And they swayed the majority. Even the weather seemed to affirm their opinion. And who was it that told them not to sail? It was a prisoner -- a guy in chains who had been a religious leader and was a former tentmaker. What could he possibly have to offer on the subject of ships and sailing? Maybe this prisoner was advising not to sail to delay his having to face justice, or perhaps to give himself an opportunity to escape. This is not a person that should be listened to. So everything lined up with choice that ended up being a total disaster.
Bottom line: This points out the need for spiritual discernment and knowledge from God. It is so easy to be deceived by false evidence and experts that seem right but ends up leading to catastrophe. We must hone our spiritual senses to hear from God. He can see what we never could, even with all our human abilities, expertise, and rationality. Only he can keep us from operating in deadly deception.
Prayer: Lord, help us to be attuned to your thoughts and ways. Give us the ability to look beyond our circumstances and our own perceptions and interpretive abilities to discern your best, especially when it runs counter to the winds of experts and the majority. May we follow you and abide in safety.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Author's Note: GREAT READING TODAY!
Scripture: Acts 27:13-14
13 When a gentle south wind began to blow, they thought they had obtained what they wanted; so they weighed anchor and sailed along the shore of Crete. 14 Before very long, a wind of hurricane force, called the "northeaster," swept down from the island...
Observation: Paul, under arrest, is being transported to Rome on a ship. Because the Lord spoke to Paul of impending danger, he warned them that they should not leave port. But "the majority decided" (vs. 12) to sail on, listening to the ship's pilot and the owner of the ship instead of Paul. The crew watched for favorable sailing conditions and verse 13 describes what they observed: "...a gentle south wind..." This lead them to believe that it was safe to sail, which they did. However, verse 14 tells us "before very long" something quite different showed up: "a wind of hurricane force, called the 'northeaster,' swept down from the island." From this moment on, their lives are in peril as the ship becomes engulfed in a monstrous storm.
Application: There are so many times when the circumstances, as observed by men, can direct in a certain way. This way seems reasonable and even wise based on the available information and even "experts" who are most knowledgeable. Observe who advised them to sail: the pilot and owner of the ship. And they swayed the majority. Even the weather seemed to affirm their opinion. And who was it that told them not to sail? It was a prisoner -- a guy in chains who had been a religious leader and was a former tentmaker. What could he possibly have to offer on the subject of ships and sailing? Maybe this prisoner was advising not to sail to delay his having to face justice, or perhaps to give himself an opportunity to escape. This is not a person that should be listened to. So everything lined up with choice that ended up being a total disaster.
Bottom line: This points out the need for spiritual discernment and knowledge from God. It is so easy to be deceived by false evidence and experts that seem right but ends up leading to catastrophe. We must hone our spiritual senses to hear from God. He can see what we never could, even with all our human abilities, expertise, and rationality. Only he can keep us from operating in deadly deception.
Prayer: Lord, help us to be attuned to your thoughts and ways. Give us the ability to look beyond our circumstances and our own perceptions and interpretive abilities to discern your best, especially when it runs counter to the winds of experts and the majority. May we follow you and abide in safety.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Title: The Message Of Hope / Topic: Our Call
Today’s Reading: Numbers 5; Numbers 6; Psalm 22; Acts 26
Scripture: Acts 26:17-18
17 "'I am sending you to them 18 to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.'"
Observation: Paul, giving his defense before King Agrippa, Bernice, and Festus, describes the call of Christ upon his life. These are the words that Jesus spoke to Paul in those first moments of his encounter with Paul. I notice a progression in these verses. First is the sending. God chooses people and sends them with his message and his power. Without those who are sent, who would bring the message? Next we see that there is the need to "open their eyes". This speaks of the removal of the blindness that prevents people from seeing God and if they cannot see, they cannot believe. Third we see the turning. This is the concept of repentance -- positive change of direction. They turn from darkness to light. So not only are these people blind, but they are also in darkness, which would render them helpless even if they were not blind. So it is a kind of double whammy of being cursed, completely disabled from any chance of finding our way without God's intervention. Also, I find it interesting to note that Paul himself was struck with blindness and had to have someone come and pray for him to have his sight restored. They also turn from the power of Satan to God. This is a freeing from destructive forces to constructive forces -- from the clutches of evil and death into the grip of goodness and life. In this turning we see the first actual direct encounter with God and his power. What a blessing to come into contact with God and his loving kindness after being set free from the deadly and destructive entrapments of sin and Satan. The upshot of all this is receiving of the forgiveness from our sins and being adopted into the family of God, being given a place along with all the others who have believed in him and received his goodness and his mercy.
Application: What a wonderful call this is. The exciting thing to me is that this call is not just for Paul. It is for every believer. We are privileged to be a part of those who proclaim in Jesus the goodness and mercy of God to the world.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for this superb and wonderful and amazing call that you have placed on our lives. To have the honor of sharing your goodness with the world around us who is in such desperate need of hope and light is a true gift. I pray that we will take this gift and share it with joy and effectiveness and that many will come to know your goodness and your salvation through our lives. May we shine with your brightness as we proclaim your light to the world.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Acts 26:17-18
17 "'I am sending you to them 18 to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.'"
Observation: Paul, giving his defense before King Agrippa, Bernice, and Festus, describes the call of Christ upon his life. These are the words that Jesus spoke to Paul in those first moments of his encounter with Paul. I notice a progression in these verses. First is the sending. God chooses people and sends them with his message and his power. Without those who are sent, who would bring the message? Next we see that there is the need to "open their eyes". This speaks of the removal of the blindness that prevents people from seeing God and if they cannot see, they cannot believe. Third we see the turning. This is the concept of repentance -- positive change of direction. They turn from darkness to light. So not only are these people blind, but they are also in darkness, which would render them helpless even if they were not blind. So it is a kind of double whammy of being cursed, completely disabled from any chance of finding our way without God's intervention. Also, I find it interesting to note that Paul himself was struck with blindness and had to have someone come and pray for him to have his sight restored. They also turn from the power of Satan to God. This is a freeing from destructive forces to constructive forces -- from the clutches of evil and death into the grip of goodness and life. In this turning we see the first actual direct encounter with God and his power. What a blessing to come into contact with God and his loving kindness after being set free from the deadly and destructive entrapments of sin and Satan. The upshot of all this is receiving of the forgiveness from our sins and being adopted into the family of God, being given a place along with all the others who have believed in him and received his goodness and his mercy.
Application: What a wonderful call this is. The exciting thing to me is that this call is not just for Paul. It is for every believer. We are privileged to be a part of those who proclaim in Jesus the goodness and mercy of God to the world.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for this superb and wonderful and amazing call that you have placed on our lives. To have the honor of sharing your goodness with the world around us who is in such desperate need of hope and light is a true gift. I pray that we will take this gift and share it with joy and effectiveness and that many will come to know your goodness and your salvation through our lives. May we shine with your brightness as we proclaim your light to the world.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Title: The Right Questions / Topic: Following Christ
Today’s Reading: Leviticus 25; Psalm 25; Psalm 26; Acts 22
Scripture: Acts 22:8-10
8 "'Who are you, Lord?' I asked.
"'I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting,' he replied. 9 My companions saw the light, but they did not understand the voice of him who was speaking to me.
10 "'What shall I do, Lord?' I asked.
Observation: Paul is unmistakingly and strikingly (literally) confronted by God. His questions demonstrate wisdom in the midst of his crisis. First, "Who are you, Lord?" Paul doesn't know who has stopped him in his tracks, but he does know one thing, it's "Lord." And once he receives the answer that this is Jesus, he asks the next logical question: "What shall I do, Lord?" If the "Lord" knocks me on my kiester, then I'd better find out what he want me to do next. There is no other response that makes sense.
Application: But in spite of this, there are many people who don't ask this second question. Having the knowledge that Jesus is Lord, they don't ask him what he wants them to do.
Bottom line: I want to be sure that this is a question that I keep asking the Lord. "What shall I do, Lord?" I never want to operate without seeking his personal guidance and direction for my life on a moment by moment basis. I only want to do what my Savior leads me to do.
Prayer: Lord help me to love thee more dearly, hear thee more clearly, and follow thee more nearly day by day.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Acts 22:8-10
8 "'Who are you, Lord?' I asked.
"'I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting,' he replied. 9 My companions saw the light, but they did not understand the voice of him who was speaking to me.
10 "'What shall I do, Lord?' I asked.
Observation: Paul is unmistakingly and strikingly (literally) confronted by God. His questions demonstrate wisdom in the midst of his crisis. First, "Who are you, Lord?" Paul doesn't know who has stopped him in his tracks, but he does know one thing, it's "Lord." And once he receives the answer that this is Jesus, he asks the next logical question: "What shall I do, Lord?" If the "Lord" knocks me on my kiester, then I'd better find out what he want me to do next. There is no other response that makes sense.
Application: But in spite of this, there are many people who don't ask this second question. Having the knowledge that Jesus is Lord, they don't ask him what he wants them to do.
Bottom line: I want to be sure that this is a question that I keep asking the Lord. "What shall I do, Lord?" I never want to operate without seeking his personal guidance and direction for my life on a moment by moment basis. I only want to do what my Savior leads me to do.
Prayer: Lord help me to love thee more dearly, hear thee more clearly, and follow thee more nearly day by day.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Title: Called To Belong / Topic: Holiness
Today’s Reading: Leviticus 20; Leviticus 21; Leviticus 22; Acts 20
Scripture: Leviticus 20:26 You are to be holy to me because I, the LORD, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be my own.
Observation: In all the requirements that God gives to the nation of Israel, he comes again and again to the statement which is the first part above: "Be holy because I am holy." This sentiment is repeated many times throughout these chapters. But the next phrase is what caught my eye. The Lord says that the Israelites have been set apart as the Lord's unique possession, they are his own.
Application: There is a preciousness to this that touches me. The Lord is appealing to his people saying, "I want you to me like me, holy. I have picked you, and only you, to belong to me." I hear his voice of love and his desire to share the goodness of who he is with his own special people in an exclusive and intimate relationship. "Holy" means "set apart" and the Lord is saying that he has picked his people to be "set apart" for a unique and privileged relationship -- a relationship with special access and blessings and benefits. But to participate in this exclusive relationship, his people have to set themselves apart from everyone else. God is calling his people to limit themselves in various areas of behavior -- to voluntarily separate themselves from the general population -- in order to maintain themselves as belonging to God.
Bottom line: God's call to his people to be holy is for the purpose of intimacy. God want people with whom he can be close. And for that to happen, those people must embrace him and his nature -- shunning the corrupting practices of the fallen culture in which they live -- and identify with God as the one they want to be like. They are holy -- set apart to God -- in the same way that God is holy -- setting himself apart for his own people. There is no higher calling.
Prayer: Lord, thank you that you desire a people to call your own with whom you desire to share your nature. Lord, help me to follow you closely and to be an influencer of all who call on your name.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Leviticus 20:26 You are to be holy to me because I, the LORD, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be my own.
Observation: In all the requirements that God gives to the nation of Israel, he comes again and again to the statement which is the first part above: "Be holy because I am holy." This sentiment is repeated many times throughout these chapters. But the next phrase is what caught my eye. The Lord says that the Israelites have been set apart as the Lord's unique possession, they are his own.
Application: There is a preciousness to this that touches me. The Lord is appealing to his people saying, "I want you to me like me, holy. I have picked you, and only you, to belong to me." I hear his voice of love and his desire to share the goodness of who he is with his own special people in an exclusive and intimate relationship. "Holy" means "set apart" and the Lord is saying that he has picked his people to be "set apart" for a unique and privileged relationship -- a relationship with special access and blessings and benefits. But to participate in this exclusive relationship, his people have to set themselves apart from everyone else. God is calling his people to limit themselves in various areas of behavior -- to voluntarily separate themselves from the general population -- in order to maintain themselves as belonging to God.
Bottom line: God's call to his people to be holy is for the purpose of intimacy. God want people with whom he can be close. And for that to happen, those people must embrace him and his nature -- shunning the corrupting practices of the fallen culture in which they live -- and identify with God as the one they want to be like. They are holy -- set apart to God -- in the same way that God is holy -- setting himself apart for his own people. There is no higher calling.
Prayer: Lord, thank you that you desire a people to call your own with whom you desire to share your nature. Lord, help me to follow you closely and to be an influencer of all who call on your name.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Title: "God" Needs Protection / Topic: False Gods
Today’s Reading: Leviticus 18; Leviticus 19; Psalm 13; Acts 19
Scripture: Acts 19:26-27
26 And you see and hear how this fellow Paul has convinced and led astray large numbers of people here in Ephesus and in practically the whole province of Asia. He says that man-made gods are no gods at all. 27 There is danger not only that our trade will lose its good name, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be discredited, and the goddess herself, who is worshiped throughout the province of Asia and the world, will be robbed of her divine majesty."
Observation: These are the words of Demetrius, a businessman who has been well-to-do by trading on silver statues of the goddess Artemis. And he sees the Christians as a threat to his pocketbook. Here he correctly sums up Paul's position: "man-made gods are no gods at all." Of course, Demetrius disagrees, ostensibly on the basis of faith, but certainly on economic grounds. His financial future depends on the goddess Artemis. But what gets me is the last phrase. He states the great danger that Artemis "will be robbed of her divine majesty."
Application: What kind of god can be robbed of his or her divine majesty? I would suggest that if some group's teaching can rob any god of divine majesty, that "god" wasn't really divine to begin with. If a god is truly God, then there is a certain power and security in that God by virtue of the true divinity of that God. If followers of any religion are continually feeling the need to stand up for their "god" because of what they perceive as attacks against their god, then they should reevaluate their beliefs. In the Bible we see attacks against the church because of the perceived threat against either the Jewish faith or the Roman pagan beliefs. In our world today, we see the Islamists' violent protests against statements or even cartoons that they see as damaging to their prophet. All of these instances fall into this same category. If your god is truly "God" and your religion is true, then your God will prevail and you don't have to fight or kill anybody. But if you feel that you must fight for your god, then you are saying that your god is too weak to protect himself and needs you to fight for him.
I am glad I serve a God that can take care of himself. He teaches us, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay," say the Lord Almighty.
Prayer: Thank you Lord for being the true, almighty God. I know that I cannot protect you, but that you can and surely do protect me. May I live in such a way that many people will learn of your ways through my life.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Acts 19:26-27
26 And you see and hear how this fellow Paul has convinced and led astray large numbers of people here in Ephesus and in practically the whole province of Asia. He says that man-made gods are no gods at all. 27 There is danger not only that our trade will lose its good name, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be discredited, and the goddess herself, who is worshiped throughout the province of Asia and the world, will be robbed of her divine majesty."
Observation: These are the words of Demetrius, a businessman who has been well-to-do by trading on silver statues of the goddess Artemis. And he sees the Christians as a threat to his pocketbook. Here he correctly sums up Paul's position: "man-made gods are no gods at all." Of course, Demetrius disagrees, ostensibly on the basis of faith, but certainly on economic grounds. His financial future depends on the goddess Artemis. But what gets me is the last phrase. He states the great danger that Artemis "will be robbed of her divine majesty."
Application: What kind of god can be robbed of his or her divine majesty? I would suggest that if some group's teaching can rob any god of divine majesty, that "god" wasn't really divine to begin with. If a god is truly God, then there is a certain power and security in that God by virtue of the true divinity of that God. If followers of any religion are continually feeling the need to stand up for their "god" because of what they perceive as attacks against their god, then they should reevaluate their beliefs. In the Bible we see attacks against the church because of the perceived threat against either the Jewish faith or the Roman pagan beliefs. In our world today, we see the Islamists' violent protests against statements or even cartoons that they see as damaging to their prophet. All of these instances fall into this same category. If your god is truly "God" and your religion is true, then your God will prevail and you don't have to fight or kill anybody. But if you feel that you must fight for your god, then you are saying that your god is too weak to protect himself and needs you to fight for him.
I am glad I serve a God that can take care of himself. He teaches us, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay," say the Lord Almighty.
Prayer: Thank you Lord for being the true, almighty God. I know that I cannot protect you, but that you can and surely do protect me. May I live in such a way that many people will learn of your ways through my life.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Title: The Fear Of The Lord / Topic: Awe And Reverence
Today’s Reading: Leviticus 15; Leviticus 16; Leviticus 17; Acts 18
Scripture: Leviticus 16:2 The LORD said to Moses: "Tell your brother Aaron not to come whenever he chooses into the Most Holy Place behind the curtain in front of the atonement cover on the ark, or else he will die...
Observation: God gives a warning to Aaron with this message: "You are not free to come into the Most Holy Place on your own timetable. You must only come when I tell you to come. If you violate this, you will die."
Application: This runs so contrary to the modern image of God. We think of God just waiting upon us eagerly for the moment we call and then, like a faithful dog, he will come running. But God says, "No. I will tell you when you can see me." Now of course this is the Old Covenant and God related to his people much differently then than now, but I want to suggest that we have created far too casual a concept of the God-man relationship. We have lost much of the necessary awe and the idea of "the fear of the Lord" is virtually gone from the Christian psyche. I think we need to get some of this back. In the words of Peter, "live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear." (1 Peter 1:17)
Prayer: Lord, help us to walk in your love without presumption. May we honor you in all we do and say and think and hold you in the highest awe and respect.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Leviticus 16:2 The LORD said to Moses: "Tell your brother Aaron not to come whenever he chooses into the Most Holy Place behind the curtain in front of the atonement cover on the ark, or else he will die...
Observation: God gives a warning to Aaron with this message: "You are not free to come into the Most Holy Place on your own timetable. You must only come when I tell you to come. If you violate this, you will die."
Application: This runs so contrary to the modern image of God. We think of God just waiting upon us eagerly for the moment we call and then, like a faithful dog, he will come running. But God says, "No. I will tell you when you can see me." Now of course this is the Old Covenant and God related to his people much differently then than now, but I want to suggest that we have created far too casual a concept of the God-man relationship. We have lost much of the necessary awe and the idea of "the fear of the Lord" is virtually gone from the Christian psyche. I think we need to get some of this back. In the words of Peter, "live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear." (1 Peter 1:17)
Prayer: Lord, help us to walk in your love without presumption. May we honor you in all we do and say and think and hold you in the highest awe and respect.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Title: The Rent-A-Mob / Topic: Trust
Today’s Reading: Leviticus 13; Leviticus 14; Acts 17
Scripture: Acts 17:5 But the Jews were jealous; so they rounded up some bad characters from the marketplace, formed a mob and started a riot in the city...
Observation: Here we have some people from the religious establishment who get jealous because of the success that the followers of Christ are experiencing. And, or course, they resort to violence. If these religious people think that they are truly of God, why don't they just pray or something less sinful. I guess they didn't think of that.
Application: It never ceases to amaze me that there is always a rent-a-mob available for the Christ haters. It was true when they were hating Jesus himself and it has been true ever since. If you are a follower of Christ, don't be surprised if someday there is a rent-a-mob after you. But don't worry, trust Jesus. He can handle the mob and he will take care of you.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, that you take care of your own. And I know that even when the good people suffer and the bad people prevail, the true result is yet to be known for you will make all things right one day. We count on your eternally-powerful justice. We count on you.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Acts 17:5 But the Jews were jealous; so they rounded up some bad characters from the marketplace, formed a mob and started a riot in the city...
Observation: Here we have some people from the religious establishment who get jealous because of the success that the followers of Christ are experiencing. And, or course, they resort to violence. If these religious people think that they are truly of God, why don't they just pray or something less sinful. I guess they didn't think of that.
Application: It never ceases to amaze me that there is always a rent-a-mob available for the Christ haters. It was true when they were hating Jesus himself and it has been true ever since. If you are a follower of Christ, don't be surprised if someday there is a rent-a-mob after you. But don't worry, trust Jesus. He can handle the mob and he will take care of you.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, that you take care of your own. And I know that even when the good people suffer and the bad people prevail, the true result is yet to be known for you will make all things right one day. We count on your eternally-powerful justice. We count on you.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
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