Today's Reading: 1 Samuel 3; 1 Samuel 4; 1 Samuel 5; Psalm 77; 2 Corinthians 8
Scripture: 1 Samuel 3:3-10
3 …Samuel was lying down in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was. 4 Then the LORD called Samuel. Samuel answered, "Here I am." 5 And he ran to Eli and said, "Here I am; you called me." But Eli said, "I did not call; go back and lie down." So he went and lay down.
6 Again the LORD called, "Samuel!" And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, "Here I am; you called me." "My son," Eli said, "I did not call; go back and lie down."
7 Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD : The word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him.
8 The LORD called Samuel a third time, and Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, "Here I am; you called me." Then Eli realized that the LORD was calling the boy. 9 So Eli told Samuel, "Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, 'Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.' " So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
10 The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, "Samuel! Samuel!" Then Samuel said, "Speak, for your servant is listening."
Observation: Samuel is a faithful young man with a pure heart and a desire to serve the Lord. But though he had a good heart, he did not have a personal relationship with God. All that he had learned about God was through Eli. His was a second-hand experience with God. He knew about God but he did not know God. Now the Lord want to change that and He speaks directly to Samuel for the first time. But Samuel does not recognize God's voice. Verse 7 is the key: "Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD : The word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him." Apparently he doesn't even know that God can speak directly to him. Because of this, he mistakes God's voice for the voice of Eli. It takes three tries, but Eli finally gets a clue and tells Samuel that this is the voice of God and instructs him how to respond.
Application: We have a job to do. There are people all around us that God wants to speak to. And likely He has already been speaking to them. But they don't know it's Him. These people can be in our family, among our friends, or just those we meet by "chance." But they have been hearing from God and don't know it. And we may not have picked up on it. I think that God is communicating with far more people than we can imagine. But just as Samuel needed Eli to give him the understanding of Who it was speaking to him and how to respond, they need you and me to help them gain a context so they can get the message. And it is imperative that they get the message because that is the prerequisite to their personal connection and ongoing relationship with God.
Prayer: Lord, help us to pay attention to those around us to give them thoughts that direct their attention to You and Your words. May we be more alert than Eli to recognize the times you are speaking to those around us and help them to hear and respond to You. Thank You for Your graciousness in reaching out to every person who needs Your voice.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen
Saturday, April 08, 2006
Friday, April 07, 2006
Title: Save Our Children / Topic: Parenting
Today's Reading: 1 Samuel 1; 1 Samuel 2; Psalm 66; 2 Corinthians 7
Scripture: 1 Samuel 2:12 Eli's sons were wicked men; they had no regard for the LORD.
Observation: It's tragic. The sons of Eli, the high priest, are described as "wicked men" meaning "they had no regard for the LORD." (The eventual result of their attitudes and actions was their youthful deaths.) How is it that the sons of the high priest have come to the point of such dark and ugly hearts toward God? I expect that Eli was a reasonably good father and maintained a consistent faith before his sons. He faithfully carried out his office year after year. He made sure his boys were at the festivals and solemn assemblies. Where did it all go so wrong?
Application: I don't have a good answer for Eli's tragedy. But I do know that this story underscores certain truths. First, that we have a huge responsibility for our kids. Second, that there is an enemy with evil designs toward them. And from these emanates a third truth: we need to be very alert and intentional about how we communicate God to our children. We need to work each day to speak God into their lives.
And it can't be just talk. Our lives must speak to them of God's importance in who we are.
But it also cannot be unspoken. Words are required: lots of words, frequent words, serious words, fun words, words of encouragement, words of correction, words of praise, words of honesty, words of hope, words of confession. The combining of Godly words, actions, and most of all love, are what we need to give to our children as much as we can. Don't leave it to chance. Make it happen today.
Prayer: Lord, help us to lead our children to You. We want to see our children in authentic relationship with You as they grow. Give us wisdom, determination, and wisdom to do the job that needs to be done to provide them with the best possible opportunity to make You the center of their lives. And place Your protection around each one to keep the enemy of their souls from having access. We thank You for our children and ask You to help us to do everything possible so we can see them serving You with all of their hearts.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen
Scripture: 1 Samuel 2:12 Eli's sons were wicked men; they had no regard for the LORD.
Observation: It's tragic. The sons of Eli, the high priest, are described as "wicked men" meaning "they had no regard for the LORD." (The eventual result of their attitudes and actions was their youthful deaths.) How is it that the sons of the high priest have come to the point of such dark and ugly hearts toward God? I expect that Eli was a reasonably good father and maintained a consistent faith before his sons. He faithfully carried out his office year after year. He made sure his boys were at the festivals and solemn assemblies. Where did it all go so wrong?
Application: I don't have a good answer for Eli's tragedy. But I do know that this story underscores certain truths. First, that we have a huge responsibility for our kids. Second, that there is an enemy with evil designs toward them. And from these emanates a third truth: we need to be very alert and intentional about how we communicate God to our children. We need to work each day to speak God into their lives.
And it can't be just talk. Our lives must speak to them of God's importance in who we are.
But it also cannot be unspoken. Words are required: lots of words, frequent words, serious words, fun words, words of encouragement, words of correction, words of praise, words of honesty, words of hope, words of confession. The combining of Godly words, actions, and most of all love, are what we need to give to our children as much as we can. Don't leave it to chance. Make it happen today.
Prayer: Lord, help us to lead our children to You. We want to see our children in authentic relationship with You as they grow. Give us wisdom, determination, and wisdom to do the job that needs to be done to provide them with the best possible opportunity to make You the center of their lives. And place Your protection around each one to keep the enemy of their souls from having access. We thank You for our children and ask You to help us to do everything possible so we can see them serving You with all of their hearts.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Title: The Redeemer / Topic: Passion
Today's Reading: Ruth 3; Ruth 4; Psalm 64; Psalm 65; 2 Corinthians 6
Scripture: Ruth 3:18 Then Naomi said, "Wait, my daughter, until you find out what happens. For the man will not rest until the matter is settled today."
Observation: This romance story should thrill every follower of God. I say that because I see a great parallel between Boaz, the kinsman-redeemer of Ruth, and Jesus Christ, my redeemer. In Israel, there had developed this system of redemption for a widow. She could go to her a certain person within her clan who had the right to redeem her. She was to lay down at his feet and ask him to cover her with the corner of his mantel (his blanket or cloak). This was symbolic of her need to be cared for due to the fact that as a widow, she was exposed in many ways. If this relative, known as the kinsman-redeemer, covered her, she would come under his covering of care and become his wife. In this verse, Naomi tells Ruth that Boaz "will not rest until the matter is settled today." Boaz was drawn to Ruth. He was eager and determined to do everything he could to secure Ruth as his wife.
Application: I have a kinsman-redeemer named Jesus Christ and He, like Boaz, is passionately determined to take me as His own. How amazing it must have felt for Ruth, a foreigner, to think that this wealthy and respected man would really desire her as his wife. And it amazes and blesses me to know that Jesus, the Son of God, desires to have an intimate, personal love relationship with me. He does not rest until He secures His right to take me. To accomplish this cost Him greatly: His death on the cross was what was required to secure His position as my Redeemer. But He did not hesitate in the least. The passion of the Christ is the story of the Greatest Lover in the history of the world and His pursuit of those He loved by giving His own life to save them. I can forget how much Jesus loves me and the passion with which He pursued me. The story of Ruth reminds me.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for loving me so much. Thank You, Father, that Your Son so loved me that He gave His life to redeem me from myself, my brokenness, and from the fate of the self-directed life. Thank You for redemption and may I walk in the ever-present awareness and appreciation of Your passion for me. May it awaken my passion for You and arouse my desire to daily live in that passion and to bring others to a real and living relationship with the great Redeemer.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen
Scripture: Ruth 3:18 Then Naomi said, "Wait, my daughter, until you find out what happens. For the man will not rest until the matter is settled today."
Observation: This romance story should thrill every follower of God. I say that because I see a great parallel between Boaz, the kinsman-redeemer of Ruth, and Jesus Christ, my redeemer. In Israel, there had developed this system of redemption for a widow. She could go to her a certain person within her clan who had the right to redeem her. She was to lay down at his feet and ask him to cover her with the corner of his mantel (his blanket or cloak). This was symbolic of her need to be cared for due to the fact that as a widow, she was exposed in many ways. If this relative, known as the kinsman-redeemer, covered her, she would come under his covering of care and become his wife. In this verse, Naomi tells Ruth that Boaz "will not rest until the matter is settled today." Boaz was drawn to Ruth. He was eager and determined to do everything he could to secure Ruth as his wife.
Application: I have a kinsman-redeemer named Jesus Christ and He, like Boaz, is passionately determined to take me as His own. How amazing it must have felt for Ruth, a foreigner, to think that this wealthy and respected man would really desire her as his wife. And it amazes and blesses me to know that Jesus, the Son of God, desires to have an intimate, personal love relationship with me. He does not rest until He secures His right to take me. To accomplish this cost Him greatly: His death on the cross was what was required to secure His position as my Redeemer. But He did not hesitate in the least. The passion of the Christ is the story of the Greatest Lover in the history of the world and His pursuit of those He loved by giving His own life to save them. I can forget how much Jesus loves me and the passion with which He pursued me. The story of Ruth reminds me.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for loving me so much. Thank You, Father, that Your Son so loved me that He gave His life to redeem me from myself, my brokenness, and from the fate of the self-directed life. Thank You for redemption and may I walk in the ever-present awareness and appreciation of Your passion for me. May it awaken my passion for You and arouse my desire to daily live in that passion and to bring others to a real and living relationship with the great Redeemer.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Title: Peace & Agreement / Topic: Reconciliation
Today's Reading: Ruth 1; Ruth 2; Psalm 53; Psalm 61; 2 Corinthians 5
[I love the beautiful story of Ruth. What relief after the brutal stories of Judges!]
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
…the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them…
Observation: Thank God. He provides a way that our sins are not counted against us. And through this way, called “the ministry of reconciliation” we are brought to a place where we are no longer in conflict with God. I think of reconciliation as the process of finding peace and agreement. Just like reconciling your checkbook brings your checkbook into agreement with the bank’s records. Through the ministry of reconciliation, my life is brought into agreement and peace with God’s way of doing things. And this is a gift of God. And what a great gift! Without it, there would be no end of striving and struggling. No end of stressing to try to figure out what is wrong, trying to compensate for my dysfunction and brokenness. But because of God’s generous and compassionate gift, I can live in peace with Him.
Application: Of course, a gift has two ends: it is given and received. God has given it, but we must receive it for it to make any difference. So the first application to my life is I must receive it! The second application is that I can live with the awareness of it or I can go on as a person who is still in conflict and disagreement with God. That is, I have to put it into my daily thought and awareness for it to do any good. How do I do that? Start my day by thanking God for this gift. Remind myself throughout the day that I live by this gift. Every day lived in a clear awareness of my happy harmony with God is a great day!
Prayer: Lord, thank You for the gift of reconciliation. May I live in and walk in that gift every moment of every day. And my I be one who You use to help others to receive this wonderful gift from You.This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
Title: A Common Enemy / Topic: Compassion
Today's Reading: Judges 19; Judges 20; Judges 21; 2 Corinthians 4
[Today's reading in Judges contains the worst of all the terrible stories in the Book of Judges. It does, however, reinforce the point I made in yesterday's journal. When people have no limits, moral confusion and the worst kind of evil can grow. Today, however, I am journaling from our New Testament reading.]
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
Observation: We have an enemy. And it is not the people that don't accept or approve our religion. No, these people aren't bad, they are blind. And it is our enemy who has blinded them. We should not be surprised when people who don't see the light because they have been blinded act out in unsupportive or negative ways toward the things we stand for.
Application: So we have to look at those people differently. Unbelievers are not against us. They have someone against them. And it's not God -- it is satan. And because satan is against them, we need to be for them. For them with our hearts. For them with determination to portray Christ well to them. For them to give them every reason to welcome God into their lives by our interactions with them. If I will reach out positively and compassionately to those who push me away, I may be able to help dispel the darkness and help them to be open to the Lord. I need to remember that I have many things in common with these people. We have the same enemy (the devil), we have the same problem (sin), we have the same need (for transformation), we have the same One who died to bring that to us (Jesus).
Prayer: Lord, help me to look with Your love and compassion upon those who don't know You yet May I seek opportunities to bring Your light to all those around me who haven't seen the light of Your love. Help me to be a beacon of light, love, and warmth, even to those who do not seem so open to it. May You bring people to Your enlightement through me.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen
Monday, April 03, 2006
Title: Free & Wrong / Topic: Moral Confusion
Today's Reading: Judges 17; Judges 18; Psalm 89; 2 Corinthians 3
Scripture: Judges 17:5-6 Now this man Micah had a shrine, and he made an ephod and some idols and installed one of his sons as his priest. In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit.
Observation: How bizarre! The book of Judges is full of weird stories. And the story of Micah is certainly one of them. This young man has stolen money from his mother, and when he finally confesses, she acts like he should get the Nobel Prize for honesty! She decides that her son deserves a special reward for being such a wonderful son so she has an idol made for him!?! Well, since he has a idol, he figures he needs a shrine, an ephod, and a priest! Makes perfect sense, right? So he sets all this up in his house. (This is so strange.) The big problem with all of this is that the Israelites were forbidden to worship idols in the first place. So the whole thing shows that they had departed from what God had told them. And in verse 6 we read a key to the whole situation. "In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit." In other words, it was a totally free society. Anybody could do anything. Sounds like a great environment, doesn't it? No rules, nobody to tell you what to do... Hmmm...
As you read through this story and the others in Judges, you can see what this kind of rule-free society produces. And it's not good. In fact, it gets pretty sick in a short time.
Application: We all need boundaries and limits to be healthy. Without them, our human brokenness is able to manifest in all sorts of disfunctional and destructive activity. The human condition is such that people need proper and appropriate laws and guidelines to keep from hurting each other. King David wrote, "I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You." David understood that without the word of God, he would fall into words, actions, and attitudes that hurt himself and others. The story of Micah demonstrates the confusion and danger that results from every person just following their conscience, which is what "everyone did as he saw fit" means.
Personal application: I need leadership and limits to stay on a path of wellness and growth. If every person just does his own thing, our church, or community, our lives would be in confusion. We must submit to God and to other human authority if we are to experience healthy and productive living. It is not easy to live in submission to God-given authority, but it is an absolute requirement if I am to follow the Lord and live for Him. And our society is in trouble if "freedom" begins to mean "lawlessness" or "morally free".
Prayer: Lord, help us to embrace the limits that You put on our lives. May we live in the understanding that You provide a place for us to thrive and when we move outside of Your provision, we move into places and situations that threaten our well-being in every way. May we, first of all, settle the issue that You are in charge, and then follow You fully, including fully following those whom You have placed in authority in our lives. It's not enough to do what we think is right, may we do what You tell us is right. May we follow You.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.
Scripture: Judges 17:5-6 Now this man Micah had a shrine, and he made an ephod and some idols and installed one of his sons as his priest. In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit.
Observation: How bizarre! The book of Judges is full of weird stories. And the story of Micah is certainly one of them. This young man has stolen money from his mother, and when he finally confesses, she acts like he should get the Nobel Prize for honesty! She decides that her son deserves a special reward for being such a wonderful son so she has an idol made for him!?! Well, since he has a idol, he figures he needs a shrine, an ephod, and a priest! Makes perfect sense, right? So he sets all this up in his house. (This is so strange.) The big problem with all of this is that the Israelites were forbidden to worship idols in the first place. So the whole thing shows that they had departed from what God had told them. And in verse 6 we read a key to the whole situation. "In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit." In other words, it was a totally free society. Anybody could do anything. Sounds like a great environment, doesn't it? No rules, nobody to tell you what to do... Hmmm...
As you read through this story and the others in Judges, you can see what this kind of rule-free society produces. And it's not good. In fact, it gets pretty sick in a short time.
Application: We all need boundaries and limits to be healthy. Without them, our human brokenness is able to manifest in all sorts of disfunctional and destructive activity. The human condition is such that people need proper and appropriate laws and guidelines to keep from hurting each other. King David wrote, "I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You." David understood that without the word of God, he would fall into words, actions, and attitudes that hurt himself and others. The story of Micah demonstrates the confusion and danger that results from every person just following their conscience, which is what "everyone did as he saw fit" means.
Personal application: I need leadership and limits to stay on a path of wellness and growth. If every person just does his own thing, our church, or community, our lives would be in confusion. We must submit to God and to other human authority if we are to experience healthy and productive living. It is not easy to live in submission to God-given authority, but it is an absolute requirement if I am to follow the Lord and live for Him. And our society is in trouble if "freedom" begins to mean "lawlessness" or "morally free".
Prayer: Lord, help us to embrace the limits that You put on our lives. May we live in the understanding that You provide a place for us to thrive and when we move outside of Your provision, we move into places and situations that threaten our well-being in every way. May we, first of all, settle the issue that You are in charge, and then follow You fully, including fully following those whom You have placed in authority in our lives. It's not enough to do what we think is right, may we do what You tell us is right. May we follow You.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.
Sunday, April 02, 2006
Title: The Smelly Parade / Topic: Testimony
Today’s Reading: Judges 13; Judges 14; Judges 15; Judges 16; 2 Corinthians 2
[The story of Samson in Judges is a study of a man with very human failings. He had two prevailing problems: lust and temper. His life story is a tragedy brought about by these problems and the fact that he let them control him. But today I am journaling from 2 Corinthians.]
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 2:14-16
But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life…
Observation: Paul is joyfully reacting to finding Titus in Macedonia. But the truth he shares is universal. Here is the idea: God is leading a kind of victory parade and we are a part of it. Like the Rose Parade, there is a definite fragrance that is apparent to everyone. But while everyone smells it, not everybody likes it. Some, the ones “being saved,” think it is wonderful, while others, “those who are perishing,” think it stinks!
Application: As we are lead by God, our lives are to project a noticeable something that people cannot miss. It either draws them to Jesus or causes them to be repelled and push away. But our lives should never be neutral. We are not to blend in with the cultural stream. Your life and my life ought to cause other people to choose a side. Not because of some quirk or strange behavior but by the pervasive beauty of the Spirit of God lived out in our everyday lives. We are to be divinely different. Not everyone will like us, but our lives should make it difficult for people to be indifferent not just to us, but to our Lord.
Prayer: Lord, deepen our passion and dedication to You so that we stand out from the crowd. May we so dramatically reflect Your character that others cannot help but notice a difference in our lives. And may that difference draw people to that moment of decision with You. Give us souls, Lord. Make our lives a victory parade that no one can ignore.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
[The story of Samson in Judges is a study of a man with very human failings. He had two prevailing problems: lust and temper. His life story is a tragedy brought about by these problems and the fact that he let them control him. But today I am journaling from 2 Corinthians.]
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 2:14-16
But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life…
Observation: Paul is joyfully reacting to finding Titus in Macedonia. But the truth he shares is universal. Here is the idea: God is leading a kind of victory parade and we are a part of it. Like the Rose Parade, there is a definite fragrance that is apparent to everyone. But while everyone smells it, not everybody likes it. Some, the ones “being saved,” think it is wonderful, while others, “those who are perishing,” think it stinks!
Application: As we are lead by God, our lives are to project a noticeable something that people cannot miss. It either draws them to Jesus or causes them to be repelled and push away. But our lives should never be neutral. We are not to blend in with the cultural stream. Your life and my life ought to cause other people to choose a side. Not because of some quirk or strange behavior but by the pervasive beauty of the Spirit of God lived out in our everyday lives. We are to be divinely different. Not everyone will like us, but our lives should make it difficult for people to be indifferent not just to us, but to our Lord.
Prayer: Lord, deepen our passion and dedication to You so that we stand out from the crowd. May we so dramatically reflect Your character that others cannot help but notice a difference in our lives. And may that difference draw people to that moment of decision with You. Give us souls, Lord. Make our lives a victory parade that no one can ignore.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Saturday, April 01, 2006
Title: Pave The Way / Topic: Sacrifice
Today’s Reading: Judges 11; Judges 12; Psalm 50; 2 Corinthians 1
Scripture: Psalm 50:8-15, 23
8 “I do not rebuke you for your sacrifices or your burnt offerings, which are ever before me.
9 I have no need of a bull from your stall or of goats from your pens,
10 for every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills.
11 I know every bird in the mountains, and the creatures of the field are mine.
12 If I were hungry I would not tell you, for the world is mine, and all that is in it.
13 Do I eat the flesh of bulls or drink the blood of goats?
14 Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High,
15 and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me…
23 He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God.”
Observation: The Lord speaks to His people. These verses deal with how God thinks about sacrifices. First, He assures the Israelites that whatever correction of them He brings, it is not about their sacrifices. He tells them that He doesn’t really need farm animals for His food or drink. He is not hungry or thirsty. And yet He makes the point twice, in verses 14-15 and in verse 23 to instruct them that it is important for them to sacrifice. So what gives? Is this a contradiction? No, God is simply pointing out that the sacrifices do nothing for Him. Sacrifices are for us. Sacrifice involves us in taking the stuff of our lives and investing it in Him. When we do this, we activate His activity on our behalf. The promises are clear: if and when we sacrifice, He says, “I will deliver you,” and that we are preparing the way for “the salvation of God” in our lives.
Application: By making sacrifices to God, I am paving the way for His blessing on my life. Sacrifices are not bribes to get God to be nice to me. They are not protection money to keep God from smiting me. Sacrifice takes some of my stuff and transfer it into the spiritual realm. Thus it activates heaven’s intervention in my life. Plus, it demonstrates that I really believe what I say I believe. At least I believe it enough to put my money where my mouth is. This gets God’s attention in a way that mere words cannot. So give in a way that honors God and pave the way for Him to show Himself mighty in your circumstance.
Prayer: Thank You Lord that You give us the privilege of participating in the invisible realm with the stuff of this visible realm. You are the source of everything we have for even our very next breath is a gift from You. And even though it all comes from You, You give us the option of giving or not giving, and You release blessing to us when we give. Help us to give more and more that we may grow in faith and dependency upon You. Thank You for the beautiful way You draw us to Yourself. May we come willingly with nothing held back.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Psalm 50:8-15, 23
8 “I do not rebuke you for your sacrifices or your burnt offerings, which are ever before me.
9 I have no need of a bull from your stall or of goats from your pens,
10 for every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills.
11 I know every bird in the mountains, and the creatures of the field are mine.
12 If I were hungry I would not tell you, for the world is mine, and all that is in it.
13 Do I eat the flesh of bulls or drink the blood of goats?
14 Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High,
15 and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me…
23 He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God.”
Observation: The Lord speaks to His people. These verses deal with how God thinks about sacrifices. First, He assures the Israelites that whatever correction of them He brings, it is not about their sacrifices. He tells them that He doesn’t really need farm animals for His food or drink. He is not hungry or thirsty. And yet He makes the point twice, in verses 14-15 and in verse 23 to instruct them that it is important for them to sacrifice. So what gives? Is this a contradiction? No, God is simply pointing out that the sacrifices do nothing for Him. Sacrifices are for us. Sacrifice involves us in taking the stuff of our lives and investing it in Him. When we do this, we activate His activity on our behalf. The promises are clear: if and when we sacrifice, He says, “I will deliver you,” and that we are preparing the way for “the salvation of God” in our lives.
Application: By making sacrifices to God, I am paving the way for His blessing on my life. Sacrifices are not bribes to get God to be nice to me. They are not protection money to keep God from smiting me. Sacrifice takes some of my stuff and transfer it into the spiritual realm. Thus it activates heaven’s intervention in my life. Plus, it demonstrates that I really believe what I say I believe. At least I believe it enough to put my money where my mouth is. This gets God’s attention in a way that mere words cannot. So give in a way that honors God and pave the way for Him to show Himself mighty in your circumstance.
Prayer: Thank You Lord that You give us the privilege of participating in the invisible realm with the stuff of this visible realm. You are the source of everything we have for even our very next breath is a gift from You. And even though it all comes from You, You give us the option of giving or not giving, and You release blessing to us when we give. Help us to give more and more that we may grow in faith and dependency upon You. Thank You for the beautiful way You draw us to Yourself. May we come willingly with nothing held back.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Friday, March 31, 2006
Title: Horrible Harvest / Topic: Consequence
Today’s Reading: Judges 9; Judges 10; Psalm 49; 1 Corinthians 16
Scripture: Judges 9:18
"…but today you have revolted against my father's family, murdered his seventy sons on a single stone, and made Abimelech, the son of his slave girl, king…"
Observation: It’s sickening! The carnage of murder and hatred and horrible violence. Abimelech is a son of Gideon (aka Jerub-Baal) who conspires with Israel’s enemies to become king. To do so, he must kill his brothers, all 70 of them! It’s a well-financed terrorist conspiracy. He murders them all on a large stone at their father’s home. Why would Gideon’s son conspire with his family’s enemies? How could he have so much hate? There is a clue in this verse and it points out a important truth. We learn here that while Gideon is Abimelech’s father, his mother is not an Israelite. She was Gideon’s “slave girl.” So Gideon had a inappropriate relationship with this slave girl which resulted in a pregnancy and Abimelech is the result.
Application: Moral compromise always bring a horrible harvest. And while the compromise may bring an immediate benefit, the future cost is hidden but will far overshadow that benefit. If Gideon had known that his little indiscretion with the cute servant girl would result in the murder of his 70 sons, I think he could have controlled his urges. But he wasn’t thinking of the aftermath. His nerve endings were in control. For us the message is obvious: Stay away from moral compromise and avoid the negative consequences. So keep on God’s path of blessing and escape the ugly fallout of lust, greed, and pride which are the earmarks of self.
Prayer: Lord, sin always allures with its forbidden pleasures. But help me to clearly see the hideous fruit of destruction that accompanies it. From the fall of Adam, temptation has always been based on lies. Help us to see the lies for what they are, to understand the damage that sin brings, and to choose obedience. May we follow You fully, and joyfully.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Judges 9:18
"…but today you have revolted against my father's family, murdered his seventy sons on a single stone, and made Abimelech, the son of his slave girl, king…"
Observation: It’s sickening! The carnage of murder and hatred and horrible violence. Abimelech is a son of Gideon (aka Jerub-Baal) who conspires with Israel’s enemies to become king. To do so, he must kill his brothers, all 70 of them! It’s a well-financed terrorist conspiracy. He murders them all on a large stone at their father’s home. Why would Gideon’s son conspire with his family’s enemies? How could he have so much hate? There is a clue in this verse and it points out a important truth. We learn here that while Gideon is Abimelech’s father, his mother is not an Israelite. She was Gideon’s “slave girl.” So Gideon had a inappropriate relationship with this slave girl which resulted in a pregnancy and Abimelech is the result.
Application: Moral compromise always bring a horrible harvest. And while the compromise may bring an immediate benefit, the future cost is hidden but will far overshadow that benefit. If Gideon had known that his little indiscretion with the cute servant girl would result in the murder of his 70 sons, I think he could have controlled his urges. But he wasn’t thinking of the aftermath. His nerve endings were in control. For us the message is obvious: Stay away from moral compromise and avoid the negative consequences. So keep on God’s path of blessing and escape the ugly fallout of lust, greed, and pride which are the earmarks of self.
Prayer: Lord, sin always allures with its forbidden pleasures. But help me to clearly see the hideous fruit of destruction that accompanies it. From the fall of Adam, temptation has always been based on lies. Help us to see the lies for what they are, to understand the damage that sin brings, and to choose obedience. May we follow You fully, and joyfully.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Title: Thanks For Nothing / Topic: Ingratitude/Motivation
Today’s Reading: Judges 8; Psalm 42; 1 Corinthians 15
Scripture: Judges 8:1 & 1 Cor. 15:58
Judges 8: 1 Now the Ephraimites asked Gideon, "Why have you treated us like this? Why didn't you call us when you went to fight Midian?" And they criticized him sharply.
1 Cor. 15:58 Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
Observation: Isn’t it amazing! The first verse always gets me. These two verses, the first and last (like book ends) from today’s reading, strike an interesting point.
First of all, Gideon gets shameful treatment from his own countrymen. They don’t care that he just delivered them by winning a great victory against their oppressive enemies. They viciously criticize him. And note that at this point the battle isn’t even over yet! They are still in hot pursuit of the enemy. So these critics from Ephraim are not only harassing the hero, they are impeding the fight.
The final verse ties in nicely. Paul encourages all of us to look at our motivation for serving. Paul says that no matter what, there is a good purpose for working for the Lord.
Application: The simple fact is that if you do anything worth doing, there will be the complainers, the critics, and the whiners. Like Gideon, those who accomplish much for God and his people often find themselves personally assailed by those who should thank them. How discouraging that is! I think of Gideon. Here he just fought and won a great battle against overwhelming odds and his “friends” come out and tell him they don’t like how he did it! Thanks for nothing! How frustrating. How discouraging. They should be praising and thanking Gideon but all they do is tear him down. Unfortunately, this kind of experience is all too common. Good people that serve God often suffer because their own people don’t support them and find fault with them.
The primary message here is to pay attention to who it is you are serving and why you serve. If you’re doing it for the praise of men, you will be disappointed and disillusioned. So you have to keep God at the center of your heart and thinking. We serve to please God, not men. Even those who may directly benefit from what we do are not to be the primary motivation. We must serve to please God. If we keep pleasing the Lord as our primary motivation, the ingratitude of people, though it may discourage us, will not stop us. I remember a little saying:
“If you please God, it doesn’t matter who you displease. If you displease God, it doesn’t matter who you please.”
Prayer: Father, I want to please You and to keep You as the center and focus of all that I do. Help me not to allow the criticism of others shape or diminish my motivation and ministry. My hope is in You and You alone. And help me to express gratefulness and support to those who minister to me. Thank You for the call and privilege of serving You. May I do it faithfully, regardless of the opposition.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Judges 8:1 & 1 Cor. 15:58
Judges 8: 1 Now the Ephraimites asked Gideon, "Why have you treated us like this? Why didn't you call us when you went to fight Midian?" And they criticized him sharply.
1 Cor. 15:58 Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
Observation: Isn’t it amazing! The first verse always gets me. These two verses, the first and last (like book ends) from today’s reading, strike an interesting point.
First of all, Gideon gets shameful treatment from his own countrymen. They don’t care that he just delivered them by winning a great victory against their oppressive enemies. They viciously criticize him. And note that at this point the battle isn’t even over yet! They are still in hot pursuit of the enemy. So these critics from Ephraim are not only harassing the hero, they are impeding the fight.
The final verse ties in nicely. Paul encourages all of us to look at our motivation for serving. Paul says that no matter what, there is a good purpose for working for the Lord.
Application: The simple fact is that if you do anything worth doing, there will be the complainers, the critics, and the whiners. Like Gideon, those who accomplish much for God and his people often find themselves personally assailed by those who should thank them. How discouraging that is! I think of Gideon. Here he just fought and won a great battle against overwhelming odds and his “friends” come out and tell him they don’t like how he did it! Thanks for nothing! How frustrating. How discouraging. They should be praising and thanking Gideon but all they do is tear him down. Unfortunately, this kind of experience is all too common. Good people that serve God often suffer because their own people don’t support them and find fault with them.
The primary message here is to pay attention to who it is you are serving and why you serve. If you’re doing it for the praise of men, you will be disappointed and disillusioned. So you have to keep God at the center of your heart and thinking. We serve to please God, not men. Even those who may directly benefit from what we do are not to be the primary motivation. We must serve to please God. If we keep pleasing the Lord as our primary motivation, the ingratitude of people, though it may discourage us, will not stop us. I remember a little saying:
Prayer: Father, I want to please You and to keep You as the center and focus of all that I do. Help me not to allow the criticism of others shape or diminish my motivation and ministry. My hope is in You and You alone. And help me to express gratefulness and support to those who minister to me. Thank You for the call and privilege of serving You. May I do it faithfully, regardless of the opposition.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Title: Wimps, Weaklings, and Chickens / Topic: Who God Uses
Today’s Reading: Judges 6; Judges 7; Psalm 52; 1 Corinthians 14
Scripture: Judges 6 & 7 (excerpts)
Judges 6:12-13 When the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, he said, "The LORD is with you, mighty warrior." "But sir," Gideon replied, "if the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us?…
15 "But Lord , " Gideon asked, "how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family."…
17 Gideon replied, "If now I have found favor in your eyes, give me a sign that it is really you talking to me.…
23 But the LORD said to him, "Peace! Do not be afraid. You are not going to die."…
27 So Gideon took ten of his servants and did as the LORD told him. But because he was afraid of his family and the men of the town, he did it at night…
36 Gideon said to God, "If you will save Israel by my hand as you have promised…
39 Then Gideon said to God, "Do not be angry with me. Let me make just one more request. Allow me one more test…
Judges 7:10-11 “If you are afraid to attack, go down to the camp with your servant Purah and listen to what they are saying. Afterward, you will be encouraged to attack the camp."
Observation: I love the story of Gideon. It’s the story of God using a guy riddled with fear and misgivings. Gideon’s questions, objections, and doubts are repeatedly expressed even though he knows it is God’s angel who speaks to him. Again and again, Gideon raises doubts and objections. Here is a brief summary:
6:13 Gideon doubts God based on the present circumstances
6:15 “I can’t save Israel. I’m a punk from a wimpy family”
6:17 “Give me a sign that this is really God”
6:22-23 “I’m going to die because I saw an angel” (God says “not!”)
6:27 Gideon obeys, but fear causes him to hide what he is doing
6:36 “If this is true, make the fleece wet and the ground dry”
6:39 “If this is true, make the fleece dry and the ground wet!”
7:10-11 Gideon’s doubts are finally overcome by overhearing the enemies talk in fear about him
Application: God can handle our doubts and use us in spite of them. A brave person is not someone without fear, but a person who proceeds in spite of fear. I love the story of Gideon and I love to poke fun at Gideon but that’s only because I see so much of Gideon in me. And the fact that God does not zap Gideon but gently leads him and gives him what he needs to overcome his fears gives me hope! God’s greatness and loving character provides what is needed. I am greatly encouraged that God uses wimps, weaklings, and chickens. With God’s help, ordinary, fearful people can accomplish great victories.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, that you picked Gideon and not John Wayne. Thank You for putting this story in the Bible to encourage me to see that You if You can use Gideon, You can use me too! Thank you for the reminder that it is not my ability that counts but Your ability and my availability to You that makes all the difference. Lord, use me to impact my world. With You, I am strong and I can win great victories. So be it.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Judges 6 & 7 (excerpts)
Judges 6:12-13 When the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, he said, "The LORD is with you, mighty warrior." "But sir," Gideon replied, "if the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us?…
15 "But Lord , " Gideon asked, "how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family."…
17 Gideon replied, "If now I have found favor in your eyes, give me a sign that it is really you talking to me.…
23 But the LORD said to him, "Peace! Do not be afraid. You are not going to die."…
27 So Gideon took ten of his servants and did as the LORD told him. But because he was afraid of his family and the men of the town, he did it at night…
36 Gideon said to God, "If you will save Israel by my hand as you have promised…
39 Then Gideon said to God, "Do not be angry with me. Let me make just one more request. Allow me one more test…
Judges 7:10-11 “If you are afraid to attack, go down to the camp with your servant Purah and listen to what they are saying. Afterward, you will be encouraged to attack the camp."
Observation: I love the story of Gideon. It’s the story of God using a guy riddled with fear and misgivings. Gideon’s questions, objections, and doubts are repeatedly expressed even though he knows it is God’s angel who speaks to him. Again and again, Gideon raises doubts and objections. Here is a brief summary:
6:13 Gideon doubts God based on the present circumstances
6:15 “I can’t save Israel. I’m a punk from a wimpy family”
6:17 “Give me a sign that this is really God”
6:22-23 “I’m going to die because I saw an angel” (God says “not!”)
6:27 Gideon obeys, but fear causes him to hide what he is doing
6:36 “If this is true, make the fleece wet and the ground dry”
6:39 “If this is true, make the fleece dry and the ground wet!”
7:10-11 Gideon’s doubts are finally overcome by overhearing the enemies talk in fear about him
Application: God can handle our doubts and use us in spite of them. A brave person is not someone without fear, but a person who proceeds in spite of fear. I love the story of Gideon and I love to poke fun at Gideon but that’s only because I see so much of Gideon in me. And the fact that God does not zap Gideon but gently leads him and gives him what he needs to overcome his fears gives me hope! God’s greatness and loving character provides what is needed. I am greatly encouraged that God uses wimps, weaklings, and chickens. With God’s help, ordinary, fearful people can accomplish great victories.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, that you picked Gideon and not John Wayne. Thank You for putting this story in the Bible to encourage me to see that You if You can use Gideon, You can use me too! Thank you for the reminder that it is not my ability that counts but Your ability and my availability to You that makes all the difference. Lord, use me to impact my world. With You, I am strong and I can win great victories. So be it.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Title: Casual & Cursed / Topic: What God Values
Today’s Reading: Judges 4; Judges 5; Psalm 39; Psalm 41; 1 Corinthians 13
[Today's reading is great! Lots of rich lessons to be learned. I encourage you to read it all!]
Scripture: Judges 5:23-24
23 “'Curse Meroz,' said the angel of the LORD. 'Curse its people bitterly, because they did not come to help the LORD, to help the LORD against the mighty.'
24 “Most blessed of women be Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, most blessed of tent-dwelling women.”
Observation: Here’s an amazing contrast! Deborah, Israel’s Judge and prophetess, sings an anointed song, stirred and directed by the Spirit of God in response to the victory of Israel over the Canaanites under Jabin and Sisera. Most Israelites chose to stay home and not risk the fight. Only two tribes, Zebulun and Naphtali, joined the battle.
Here’s the contrast:
In verse 23 is a curse of Meroz, which is identified as a group that “did not come to help the Lord.” In other words, they didn’t want to get involved in the battle. Juxtaposed to that is great praise for Jael, the woman who lured Sisera into her tent and offered him comfort and concealment (but only as a ruse — she killed him brutally). So the uninvolved get cursed, the radical get praised.
Application: Think about what this says concerning what God despises and what He values. Jael was a radical woman who used deception and violence to kill the sworn enemy of God’s people. All the gory details are lyrics in this song of victory (verses 25, 26, 27)! God gives her great praise; he says, “Jael is most blessed!” On the other hand, the people of Meroz just wanted to live and let live. They thought that it would be quite a bother to get involved, and besides, “those super-spiritual people like Deborah the Prophetess are extreme. They take it too far! We can serve God in our own way.” God curses these people. So many Christians today don’t want to get too radical: “That spiritual warfare stuff just isn’t for me.” “I’m not comfortable with expressive worship; all that had raising and singing and loud voices is not my style!” I wonder what God thinks about Christians who stay uninvolved in spiritual battles.
For me the message is clear: God values those who take risks and push beyond their comfort zone and get radically involved in spiritual struggles. Those who stay in the grandstands may keep their clothes clean, but they make God sick and get no part in the victory celebration. Those who get on the field and into the battle please God and will receive great reward.
Prayer: Lord, it’s tempting to just let others be the radicals. It’s easy to stay home and uninvolved. But I know that You call Your people to take a stand and lay our lives down every day. You call us to “take up our cross”, to “offer our bodies as living sacrifices”, to “speak up for the poor and the oppressed”, to “serve the Lord wholeheartedly”. Father, draw Your people to deep, passionate dedication to You and to the advancing of Your Kingdom. May I be one who stands and fights and helps bring about great victories.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
[Today's reading is great! Lots of rich lessons to be learned. I encourage you to read it all!]
Scripture: Judges 5:23-24
23 “'Curse Meroz,' said the angel of the LORD. 'Curse its people bitterly, because they did not come to help the LORD, to help the LORD against the mighty.'
24 “Most blessed of women be Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, most blessed of tent-dwelling women.”
Observation: Here’s an amazing contrast! Deborah, Israel’s Judge and prophetess, sings an anointed song, stirred and directed by the Spirit of God in response to the victory of Israel over the Canaanites under Jabin and Sisera. Most Israelites chose to stay home and not risk the fight. Only two tribes, Zebulun and Naphtali, joined the battle.
Here’s the contrast:
In verse 23 is a curse of Meroz, which is identified as a group that “did not come to help the Lord.” In other words, they didn’t want to get involved in the battle. Juxtaposed to that is great praise for Jael, the woman who lured Sisera into her tent and offered him comfort and concealment (but only as a ruse — she killed him brutally). So the uninvolved get cursed, the radical get praised.
Application: Think about what this says concerning what God despises and what He values. Jael was a radical woman who used deception and violence to kill the sworn enemy of God’s people. All the gory details are lyrics in this song of victory (verses 25, 26, 27)! God gives her great praise; he says, “Jael is most blessed!” On the other hand, the people of Meroz just wanted to live and let live. They thought that it would be quite a bother to get involved, and besides, “those super-spiritual people like Deborah the Prophetess are extreme. They take it too far! We can serve God in our own way.” God curses these people. So many Christians today don’t want to get too radical: “That spiritual warfare stuff just isn’t for me.” “I’m not comfortable with expressive worship; all that had raising and singing and loud voices is not my style!” I wonder what God thinks about Christians who stay uninvolved in spiritual battles.
For me the message is clear: God values those who take risks and push beyond their comfort zone and get radically involved in spiritual struggles. Those who stay in the grandstands may keep their clothes clean, but they make God sick and get no part in the victory celebration. Those who get on the field and into the battle please God and will receive great reward.
Prayer: Lord, it’s tempting to just let others be the radicals. It’s easy to stay home and uninvolved. But I know that You call Your people to take a stand and lay our lives down every day. You call us to “take up our cross”, to “offer our bodies as living sacrifices”, to “speak up for the poor and the oppressed”, to “serve the Lord wholeheartedly”. Father, draw Your people to deep, passionate dedication to You and to the advancing of Your Kingdom. May I be one who stands and fights and helps bring about great victories.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Monday, March 27, 2006
Title: Open It! / Topic: Spiritual Gifts
Today’s Reading: Judges 1; Judges 2; Judges 3; 1 Corinthians 12
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.
Observation: God is good! He does not give gifts to just a select few. There is not “the gifted group” and “the left-outs.” No. God has warehouses filled to the rafters with gifts and He gives them to everyone. Here Paul writes to the Corinthians (who prided themselves in spiritual gifts) that “each one,” that is every single Christian, is given a “manifestation of the Spirit” or spiritual gift. And just as the giving of the gifts is universal in the church, the purpose is universal as well. They are given “for the common good.” That is, the gifts are to bring blessing to everyone.
Application: There are three main applications that I get out of this.
First, unleash the church. If everybody has received a gift, then why is so much being done by so few in the church? We have a lot of Christians uninvolved — not using their gifts. Too many Christians do not have any role ministering — they are spectator Christians. So unwrap your spiritual gifts and start using them.
Second, expect more. As we see more believers begin to function in the Spirit, we should see the effectiveness of the church grow exponentially. And we must ready ourselves to see our gifts and abilities multiplied as we step out with greater obedience and boldness. And as we see God move through us, our expectation and faith will grow and that will accelerate the whole process.
Third, get real. Understanding that the gifts are to benefit everyone will shape our approach to the gifts. I have seen the exercise of spiritual gifts become weird and exclusive. It should be practical and understandable. It needs to be “down to earth.” After all, this is the point: to bring the wonder of God down to earth so we can see Him and know Him better.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for giving gifts to all Your people. I pray that we will open them and use them. May we understand how it works and how You want to use us to bless Your church and the whole planet. Empower us to greater effectiveness and draw us close to You in the process.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.
Observation: God is good! He does not give gifts to just a select few. There is not “the gifted group” and “the left-outs.” No. God has warehouses filled to the rafters with gifts and He gives them to everyone. Here Paul writes to the Corinthians (who prided themselves in spiritual gifts) that “each one,” that is every single Christian, is given a “manifestation of the Spirit” or spiritual gift. And just as the giving of the gifts is universal in the church, the purpose is universal as well. They are given “for the common good.” That is, the gifts are to bring blessing to everyone.
Application: There are three main applications that I get out of this.
First, unleash the church. If everybody has received a gift, then why is so much being done by so few in the church? We have a lot of Christians uninvolved — not using their gifts. Too many Christians do not have any role ministering — they are spectator Christians. So unwrap your spiritual gifts and start using them.
Second, expect more. As we see more believers begin to function in the Spirit, we should see the effectiveness of the church grow exponentially. And we must ready ourselves to see our gifts and abilities multiplied as we step out with greater obedience and boldness. And as we see God move through us, our expectation and faith will grow and that will accelerate the whole process.
Third, get real. Understanding that the gifts are to benefit everyone will shape our approach to the gifts. I have seen the exercise of spiritual gifts become weird and exclusive. It should be practical and understandable. It needs to be “down to earth.” After all, this is the point: to bring the wonder of God down to earth so we can see Him and know Him better.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for giving gifts to all Your people. I pray that we will open them and use them. May we understand how it works and how You want to use us to bless Your church and the whole planet. Empower us to greater effectiveness and draw us close to You in the process.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Title: Careful To Love / Topic: Intention
Today’s Reading: Joshua 23; Joshua 24; Psalm 44; 1 Corinthians 11
Scripture: Joshua 23:1, 8, 11
1 After a long time had passed and the LORD had given Israel rest from all their enemies around them…
8 But you are to hold fast to the LORD your God, as you have until now…
11 So be very careful to love the LORD your God.
Observation: Joshua is ready to die. He is giving the Israelites his farewell and preparing them for what will come with warnings and instructions. The wars are over; the nation is at rest. For now. And Joshua gives them the essence of what will be their sure and ultimate protection. It’s not bigger armies. It’s not better armaments. It is to “hold fast to the Lord” and to “be very careful to love the Lord.” The means of protection from their enemies is love. But not the “warm and fuzzy” kind. No this is the intentional, passionate, purposeful kind. It’s up to them to make their closeness and love for God happen. This goes against what we think about love. We think that love is the product of personalities and chemistry in some unpredictable emotional reaction. But here, love is being commanded of them. They have to “hold fast” and “be very careful to love.” How are they to do that? How am I to do that?
Application: First I need to understand that love is not a chance happening but is a product of exercising the will on the heart. It is a function of decision leading to action which results in emotion. True love is not something you fall into and out of. It is something you work at and hold on to. So I must make a choice by an act of my will that I will stay close to God and I will love Him. I must choose to make Him my Lord and to be His servant. And then I must take action based on that decision. What kind of action? Action consistent with passion. Spending time with the Lord, talking to Him, reading His letters to me, writing back to Him, thinking about Him, singing songs about Him, telling other people about the One I love, staying faithful to Him, etc. It’s just like a good romantic marriage! I have stayed in love with my bride for 32 years because I made a choice, expressed a vow, and continue to take action that is consistent with that choice. Likewise, I made a decision of my will 45 years ago to love and serve Jesus and to receive His salvation and I have stayed true to that by continuing to take action consistent with that decision. But, as in my marriage, I cannot turn on the “cruise control.” No, I have to keep my intention strong. “Hold fast!” “Be careful!” These are warnings and urgings that demand ongoing deliberate attention. If I am to succeed, I have to continue to work for passion and love for my Lord.
Prayer: Lord, I want to keep the flames of love burning. It is easy to let them go out or nearly so. I want to keep my love for You alive and real. I know that if I don’t, my faith can become empty ritual. But I want my faith to be a true reflection of a deep and living love relationship between You and me. I know that You are passionate for me so the only question is whether I reciprocate. Lord, that is my desire. Help me to remember that love is a choice, not an emotion. And help me to take actions that will reflect the choice that I have made in the past and renew now to love You with all my heart and with all my mind and with all my soul and with all my strength.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Joshua 23:1, 8, 11
1 After a long time had passed and the LORD had given Israel rest from all their enemies around them…
8 But you are to hold fast to the LORD your God, as you have until now…
11 So be very careful to love the LORD your God.
Observation: Joshua is ready to die. He is giving the Israelites his farewell and preparing them for what will come with warnings and instructions. The wars are over; the nation is at rest. For now. And Joshua gives them the essence of what will be their sure and ultimate protection. It’s not bigger armies. It’s not better armaments. It is to “hold fast to the Lord” and to “be very careful to love the Lord.” The means of protection from their enemies is love. But not the “warm and fuzzy” kind. No this is the intentional, passionate, purposeful kind. It’s up to them to make their closeness and love for God happen. This goes against what we think about love. We think that love is the product of personalities and chemistry in some unpredictable emotional reaction. But here, love is being commanded of them. They have to “hold fast” and “be very careful to love.” How are they to do that? How am I to do that?
Application: First I need to understand that love is not a chance happening but is a product of exercising the will on the heart. It is a function of decision leading to action which results in emotion. True love is not something you fall into and out of. It is something you work at and hold on to. So I must make a choice by an act of my will that I will stay close to God and I will love Him. I must choose to make Him my Lord and to be His servant. And then I must take action based on that decision. What kind of action? Action consistent with passion. Spending time with the Lord, talking to Him, reading His letters to me, writing back to Him, thinking about Him, singing songs about Him, telling other people about the One I love, staying faithful to Him, etc. It’s just like a good romantic marriage! I have stayed in love with my bride for 32 years because I made a choice, expressed a vow, and continue to take action that is consistent with that choice. Likewise, I made a decision of my will 45 years ago to love and serve Jesus and to receive His salvation and I have stayed true to that by continuing to take action consistent with that decision. But, as in my marriage, I cannot turn on the “cruise control.” No, I have to keep my intention strong. “Hold fast!” “Be careful!” These are warnings and urgings that demand ongoing deliberate attention. If I am to succeed, I have to continue to work for passion and love for my Lord.
Prayer: Lord, I want to keep the flames of love burning. It is easy to let them go out or nearly so. I want to keep my love for You alive and real. I know that if I don’t, my faith can become empty ritual. But I want my faith to be a true reflection of a deep and living love relationship between You and me. I know that You are passionate for me so the only question is whether I reciprocate. Lord, that is my desire. Help me to remember that love is a choice, not an emotion. And help me to take actions that will reflect the choice that I have made in the past and renew now to love You with all my heart and with all my mind and with all my soul and with all my strength.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Saturday, March 25, 2006
Title: Dead In The Desert / Topic: The Heart
Today’s Reading: Joshua 21; Joshua 22; Psalm 47; 1 Corinthians 10
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:1-6
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.
Observation: The story of the Israelites in the wilderness always amazes me! Here are people who have been freed from slavery at the hand of the most powerful empire on earth. They have been delivered by God having walked through the middle of the Red Sea and have witnessed the army of Egypt destroyed as the seas came crashing in on them. They have the pillar of cloud by night and the pillar of fire by day. They have seen God’s presence on Mount Sinai as fire, smoke, and lightning. They have eaten manna that God provided six days a week (with a break on the sabbath). And yet, most of them were insufferable: complaining, grumbling, rebelling again and again and again. Here, Paul writes to the Corinthians and makes this same point. The Israelites were full participants in the spiritual miracle provision of God. They were baptized (vs. 2) and participated in a type of “communion” by eating the bread and drinking the cup. The drink they received was like the cup of communion in that it even flowed from Christ Himself as Paul says He was the rock from which God supplied their water (vs. 4). (By the way, this is the definition of the word “fountainhead”: a stream that flows from out of a rock.) But the truly sobering fact is that even though they had fully participated in all these spiritual wonders and provisions by God, they were not right with God. And most of them, because they didn’t please God, ended up dead in the desert.
Application: Paul is calling us to serious thinking — for you and me to consider carefully our walk before God. Don’t be casual about it. If these people who had experienced all those wonders and blessings could end up apart from God, we better not take God’s blessing for granted! Notice the conclusion that Paul delivers: “Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did.” (vs. 6). So there it is. Don’t set your heart on evil things. As I think about what they did and the warning of danger that Paul gives, the most evil thing that one can set his heart on is self — prideful self. Those who ended up dead were selfish, prideful, and rebellious grumblers and complainers who always found fault with everything. They were instant in their criticisms and complaints and very vocal about it all. They found others who, like them, saw the flaw in every situation and they banded together to resist the leaders. But it all was rooted in pride and self-centeredness. So I must work to not set my heart on me and my own interests. I must set my heart on God and His Kingdom. There is an acrostic that I remember from Sunday School as a kid. It spelled JOY and it was Jesus - Others - You. Put Jesus first. Then think of others. And put yourself last. That makes sense to me. And it works not only to bring joy to me, but also to God Who will look upon such a life with a smile and great blessing.
Prayer: Father, I want my life to be pleasing to You. I want to follow You and Your ways and turn away from self-centeredness and self-determination. My pride is strong and ugly. I renounce it now and ask You to help me to crucify my sinful nature and to walk in the power of Your Spirit. May my life be an example of Your blessing. Thank You for the lessons of those who lived apart from You and may I pay attention to them. I am not my own — I belong to You and I thank You for paying the price to redeem me. May I always live for You.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:1-6
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.
Observation: The story of the Israelites in the wilderness always amazes me! Here are people who have been freed from slavery at the hand of the most powerful empire on earth. They have been delivered by God having walked through the middle of the Red Sea and have witnessed the army of Egypt destroyed as the seas came crashing in on them. They have the pillar of cloud by night and the pillar of fire by day. They have seen God’s presence on Mount Sinai as fire, smoke, and lightning. They have eaten manna that God provided six days a week (with a break on the sabbath). And yet, most of them were insufferable: complaining, grumbling, rebelling again and again and again. Here, Paul writes to the Corinthians and makes this same point. The Israelites were full participants in the spiritual miracle provision of God. They were baptized (vs. 2) and participated in a type of “communion” by eating the bread and drinking the cup. The drink they received was like the cup of communion in that it even flowed from Christ Himself as Paul says He was the rock from which God supplied their water (vs. 4). (By the way, this is the definition of the word “fountainhead”: a stream that flows from out of a rock.) But the truly sobering fact is that even though they had fully participated in all these spiritual wonders and provisions by God, they were not right with God. And most of them, because they didn’t please God, ended up dead in the desert.
Application: Paul is calling us to serious thinking — for you and me to consider carefully our walk before God. Don’t be casual about it. If these people who had experienced all those wonders and blessings could end up apart from God, we better not take God’s blessing for granted! Notice the conclusion that Paul delivers: “Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did.” (vs. 6). So there it is. Don’t set your heart on evil things. As I think about what they did and the warning of danger that Paul gives, the most evil thing that one can set his heart on is self — prideful self. Those who ended up dead were selfish, prideful, and rebellious grumblers and complainers who always found fault with everything. They were instant in their criticisms and complaints and very vocal about it all. They found others who, like them, saw the flaw in every situation and they banded together to resist the leaders. But it all was rooted in pride and self-centeredness. So I must work to not set my heart on me and my own interests. I must set my heart on God and His Kingdom. There is an acrostic that I remember from Sunday School as a kid. It spelled JOY and it was Jesus - Others - You. Put Jesus first. Then think of others. And put yourself last. That makes sense to me. And it works not only to bring joy to me, but also to God Who will look upon such a life with a smile and great blessing.
Prayer: Father, I want my life to be pleasing to You. I want to follow You and Your ways and turn away from self-centeredness and self-determination. My pride is strong and ugly. I renounce it now and ask You to help me to crucify my sinful nature and to walk in the power of Your Spirit. May my life be an example of Your blessing. Thank You for the lessons of those who lived apart from You and may I pay attention to them. I am not my own — I belong to You and I thank You for paying the price to redeem me. May I always live for You.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Friday, March 24, 2006
Title: The Athlete / Topic: Spiritual Life
Today’s Reading: Joshua 18; Joshua 19; Joshua 20; 1 Corinthians 9
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:26-27
Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
Observation: Sounds like a fight is going on! Notice the action words: run, running, fight, beating. Here is a picture of some intense action. Paul speaks of the Christian life as an athletic event. So things we relate to athletic activity, we can apply to the Christian life: training, discipline, hard work, preparation, injury and healing, weight training, cardio workouts, competition, etc. In this passage, Paul emphasizes goal setting and purposeful training. He is not “like a man running aimlessly.” In other words, he has a goal he is pursuing. And he’s not “like a man beating the air,” so he’s not shadow boxing. No, he has a real opponent. So he tells us of his dedicated and difficult training regimen: “I beat my body.” He is hard on himself. And the purpose is so that his body serves his goal rather than his goal being subject to his body. “I beat my body and make it my slave” is how he puts it. The last part of this passage is startling because in it he indicates that he does not consider himself guaranteed into the winners’ circle. And I don’t think he’s worried about not winning first place. He says “disqualified for the prize.” I take that to mean that he's concerned he may be disallowed from the reward ceremony which is heaven! And it shocks me that Paul would think that. But, apparently, this possibility is a big part of what motivated Paul to stay in shape spiritually and to not give up his training.
Application: We have much to learn from Paul. Do I think of my Christian life as an athletic event? Or is it a leisurely stroll? Do I have a spiritual goal like an athlete who works hard toward weight or time targets? Or do I just go with the flow? Do my activities all work toward one purposeful direction in my life? Or am I often scattered and distracted? Am I disciplined toward a destiny? Or am I satisfied with “whatever”? Does my motivation contain a fearful consequence of failure? Or am I just naively ambling about? I have much to learn from Paul. I need work on: goal setting, my attitude, my work ethic, my focus, my thought process, my training, my motivation, my lack of intensity, my passion.
Prayer: Lord, I have been lax. Thank You for Paul and for his challenging lifestyle. I want to emulate his dedication and relentless pursuit of You and Your kingdom. Help me to implement the disciplines and endure the rigors of training and preparation that I may be the most effective competitor. May I never forget that the stakes are high and that eternity hangs in the balance. I am Yours. Make me the best I can be.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:26-27
Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
Observation: Sounds like a fight is going on! Notice the action words: run, running, fight, beating. Here is a picture of some intense action. Paul speaks of the Christian life as an athletic event. So things we relate to athletic activity, we can apply to the Christian life: training, discipline, hard work, preparation, injury and healing, weight training, cardio workouts, competition, etc. In this passage, Paul emphasizes goal setting and purposeful training. He is not “like a man running aimlessly.” In other words, he has a goal he is pursuing. And he’s not “like a man beating the air,” so he’s not shadow boxing. No, he has a real opponent. So he tells us of his dedicated and difficult training regimen: “I beat my body.” He is hard on himself. And the purpose is so that his body serves his goal rather than his goal being subject to his body. “I beat my body and make it my slave” is how he puts it. The last part of this passage is startling because in it he indicates that he does not consider himself guaranteed into the winners’ circle. And I don’t think he’s worried about not winning first place. He says “disqualified for the prize.” I take that to mean that he's concerned he may be disallowed from the reward ceremony which is heaven! And it shocks me that Paul would think that. But, apparently, this possibility is a big part of what motivated Paul to stay in shape spiritually and to not give up his training.
Application: We have much to learn from Paul. Do I think of my Christian life as an athletic event? Or is it a leisurely stroll? Do I have a spiritual goal like an athlete who works hard toward weight or time targets? Or do I just go with the flow? Do my activities all work toward one purposeful direction in my life? Or am I often scattered and distracted? Am I disciplined toward a destiny? Or am I satisfied with “whatever”? Does my motivation contain a fearful consequence of failure? Or am I just naively ambling about? I have much to learn from Paul. I need work on: goal setting, my attitude, my work ethic, my focus, my thought process, my training, my motivation, my lack of intensity, my passion.
Prayer: Lord, I have been lax. Thank You for Paul and for his challenging lifestyle. I want to emulate his dedication and relentless pursuit of You and Your kingdom. Help me to implement the disciplines and endure the rigors of training and preparation that I may be the most effective competitor. May I never forget that the stakes are high and that eternity hangs in the balance. I am Yours. Make me the best I can be.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Title: “Yet For Us” / Topic: The Christian Distinctive
Today’s Reading: Joshua 15; Joshua 16; Joshua 17; 1 Corinthians 8
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 8:6 yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.
Observation: We as Christians are called to live differently. Here, Paul makes a statement that is easy to breeze past as he makes his main point. Let's stop and pay attention. The first phrase “yet for us” is the preamble which draws our attention to the fact that there is to be a contrast between us and those who possess many “gods and lords” (vs.5). Paul states that in distinction to those who have many, we have “one God” and “one Lord.” What caught my eye were the differences between the words Paul used to describe the Father and Jesus Christ:
one God - vs - one Lord
the Father - vs - Jesus Christ
from whom all things came - vs - through whom all things came
for whom we live - vs - through whom we live
What are we to take from this?
Application: “Yet for us…” We are to live with focus. Let me list the points and comment on them phrase by phrase:
1) “one God” [not a multitude of gods to distract],
2) “the Father” [a paternal and loving relationship],
3) “from whom all things came” [the Source of all being],
4) “for whom we live” [this follows as a natural conclusion to 1, 2, and 3 above. It only makes sense to live for this one loving and exclusive Source.],
5) “one Lord” [the one to serve and submit to as my Leader],
6) “Jesus Christ” [the Savior, the Name above all names, the only Name by which anyone can be saved],
7) “through whom all things came” [He was the vehicle of creation. "Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made." John 1:3],
8) “through whom we live” [While we live for the Father, we live through Jesus Christ. It is He who took our sin, guilt, and shame, and Who imparts to us His righteousness and standing as the Heir to the Father by the new covenant. “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20]
I must reckon myself holy (that is, set apart) from the rest of the world with a single focus based on Whose I am — I belong to the one true God: Father, Creator, Source, Reason for living, and the one true Lord: Jesus, Savior, Word of God, and Power for life. My life must be distinctive and that distinctiveness should be obvious to all who observe.
Prayer: Lord, help me to keep my focus sharp. I confess that I can be easily distracted by the many voices and messages clamoring for my attention. But I ask You to be my one exclusive Source and Focus. I need Your help and reminders to stay on the bulls eye. I want to and I will walk in Your strength to please You — and to become all You want me to be.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 8:6 yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.
Observation: We as Christians are called to live differently. Here, Paul makes a statement that is easy to breeze past as he makes his main point. Let's stop and pay attention. The first phrase “yet for us” is the preamble which draws our attention to the fact that there is to be a contrast between us and those who possess many “gods and lords” (vs.5). Paul states that in distinction to those who have many, we have “one God” and “one Lord.” What caught my eye were the differences between the words Paul used to describe the Father and Jesus Christ:
the Father - vs - Jesus Christ
from whom all things came - vs - through whom all things came
for whom we live - vs - through whom we live
What are we to take from this?
Application: “Yet for us…” We are to live with focus. Let me list the points and comment on them phrase by phrase:
1) “one God” [not a multitude of gods to distract],
2) “the Father” [a paternal and loving relationship],
3) “from whom all things came” [the Source of all being],
4) “for whom we live” [this follows as a natural conclusion to 1, 2, and 3 above. It only makes sense to live for this one loving and exclusive Source.],
5) “one Lord” [the one to serve and submit to as my Leader],
6) “Jesus Christ” [the Savior, the Name above all names, the only Name by which anyone can be saved],
7) “through whom all things came” [He was the vehicle of creation. "Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made." John 1:3],
8) “through whom we live” [While we live for the Father, we live through Jesus Christ. It is He who took our sin, guilt, and shame, and Who imparts to us His righteousness and standing as the Heir to the Father by the new covenant. “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20]
I must reckon myself holy (that is, set apart) from the rest of the world with a single focus based on Whose I am — I belong to the one true God: Father, Creator, Source, Reason for living, and the one true Lord: Jesus, Savior, Word of God, and Power for life. My life must be distinctive and that distinctiveness should be obvious to all who observe.
Prayer: Lord, help me to keep my focus sharp. I confess that I can be easily distracted by the many voices and messages clamoring for my attention. But I ask You to be my one exclusive Source and Focus. I need Your help and reminders to stay on the bulls eye. I want to and I will walk in Your strength to please You — and to become all You want me to be.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Title: The Best Inheritance / Topic: Materialism
Today’s Reading: Joshua 12; Joshua 13; Joshua 14; 1 Corinthians 7
Scripture: Joshua 13:14, 33; Joshua 14:6-14
14 But to the tribe of Levi he gave no inheritance, since the offerings made by fire to the LORD, the God of Israel, are their inheritance, as he promised them…
33 But to the tribe of Levi, Moses had given no inheritance; the LORD, the God of Israel, is their inheritance, as he promised them.
Observation: [Today’s reading is tough! Sometimes the reading is rich and filled with great truths. Today is the other end of the spectrum with some awfully dry passages.] However, something did catch my attention. It was what the Levites got. While all the other tribes receive allotments of land, they get none. Their inheritance is listed in verse 14 as the “the offerings made by fire to the LORD”. In other words, they don’t get land, they get meat! This verse makes it seem like they get cheated to me. But there is another mention of the Levite’s inheritance in verse 33: “…the LORD, the God of Israel, is their inheritance”! Now there’s a great inheritance! That’s a lot better than land. Isn’t it? I pose that question because we do focus on material possessions and property. Even as Christians, we are materialistic people.
Application: Would I be happy to receive no land but only the Lord as my inheritance? I would hope so. But I have to check my heart. I love the Lord and I have followed Him for forty-five years, but I also love the stuff of this life: my house, tools, money, toys, etc. And the truth is that Jesus does call us to be willing to give it all up and follow Him. That is, after all, what being crucified means. “If anyone would be my disciple he must take up his cross daily and follow me.” So I have to be on guard to keep my heart attached to the Lord and cut the attachments to the stuff. We need to think about what things we can do to strengthen the connection to the Lord and weaken the connection to the stuff. The spiritual connection is strengthened by spiritual activity (prayer, scripture reading, fasting, sacrificial giving, serving, sharing). The material connection is weakened by shunning material activity (indulgence, selfishness, hoarding, prideful displays, preening, strutting, scheming). I need to consider the things I give myself to so that I may “lay up treasures in heaven, which are not decayed by moth or rust and where thieves do not break in and steal.” What is my treasure? What is my inheritance? What do I demonstrate to others in these matters? What do my kids think is true of me in this area?
Prayer: Lord, I want to value You above all other things. And I want to live in such a way as others clearly see You as the primary objective of my life. Help me to not be attached to the stuff of this world. I want to use the material things You give me here to advance Your Kingdom and not my own. I thank You that You have given Yourself to Your people as a lasting inheritance. I love You because You have first loved me. I give myself to You because You gave Yourself first to me. May I always live like a man who belongs to God.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Joshua 13:14, 33; Joshua 14:6-14
14 But to the tribe of Levi he gave no inheritance, since the offerings made by fire to the LORD, the God of Israel, are their inheritance, as he promised them…
33 But to the tribe of Levi, Moses had given no inheritance; the LORD, the God of Israel, is their inheritance, as he promised them.
Observation: [Today’s reading is tough! Sometimes the reading is rich and filled with great truths. Today is the other end of the spectrum with some awfully dry passages.] However, something did catch my attention. It was what the Levites got. While all the other tribes receive allotments of land, they get none. Their inheritance is listed in verse 14 as the “the offerings made by fire to the LORD”. In other words, they don’t get land, they get meat! This verse makes it seem like they get cheated to me. But there is another mention of the Levite’s inheritance in verse 33: “…the LORD, the God of Israel, is their inheritance”! Now there’s a great inheritance! That’s a lot better than land. Isn’t it? I pose that question because we do focus on material possessions and property. Even as Christians, we are materialistic people.
Application: Would I be happy to receive no land but only the Lord as my inheritance? I would hope so. But I have to check my heart. I love the Lord and I have followed Him for forty-five years, but I also love the stuff of this life: my house, tools, money, toys, etc. And the truth is that Jesus does call us to be willing to give it all up and follow Him. That is, after all, what being crucified means. “If anyone would be my disciple he must take up his cross daily and follow me.” So I have to be on guard to keep my heart attached to the Lord and cut the attachments to the stuff. We need to think about what things we can do to strengthen the connection to the Lord and weaken the connection to the stuff. The spiritual connection is strengthened by spiritual activity (prayer, scripture reading, fasting, sacrificial giving, serving, sharing). The material connection is weakened by shunning material activity (indulgence, selfishness, hoarding, prideful displays, preening, strutting, scheming). I need to consider the things I give myself to so that I may “lay up treasures in heaven, which are not decayed by moth or rust and where thieves do not break in and steal.” What is my treasure? What is my inheritance? What do I demonstrate to others in these matters? What do my kids think is true of me in this area?
Prayer: Lord, I want to value You above all other things. And I want to live in such a way as others clearly see You as the primary objective of my life. Help me to not be attached to the stuff of this world. I want to use the material things You give me here to advance Your Kingdom and not my own. I thank You that You have given Yourself to Your people as a lasting inheritance. I love You because You have first loved me. I give myself to You because You gave Yourself first to me. May I always live like a man who belongs to God.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Title: Brutal But Beautiful / Topic: Discipleship
Today’s Reading: Joshua 9; Joshua 10; Joshua 11; 1 Corinthians 6
Scripture: Joshua 10:22-26
Joshua said, "Open the mouth of the cave and bring those five kings out to me." So they brought the five kings out of the cave — the kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish and Eglon. When they had brought these kings to Joshua, he summoned all the men of Israel and said to the army commanders who had come with him, "Come here and put your feet on the necks of these kings." So they came forward and placed their feet on their necks. Joshua said to them, "Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous. This is what the LORD will do to all the enemies you are going to fight." Then Joshua struck and killed the kings and hung them on five trees, and they were left hanging on the trees until evening.
Observation: This is a brutal scene — but there is a beautiful principle demonstrated here. Joshua and the Israeli army are in the process of wiping out a force of five combined armies and have captured in a cave the kings of the five cities that joined together against Israel. Right here we see Joshua in the role of not just the leader or commander, but we see Joshua as the discipler and teacher. It was not long ago that Moses was the great leader and Joshua was his assistant and student. And it was Joshua who needed to be told “do not be afraid, do not be discouraged.” Well, Joshua got the message. He learned the lesson. And more than just the personal lesson of walking and trusting in God’s strength, he learned the modeled lesson of discipleship. He was trained not only to lead, but to train leaders. And here we see the proof. Rather than just having the five kings put to death, he has them sealed in a cave until the battle is over and then brought out to teach his leaders. He brings his leaders and has each of them stand with his boot on the neck of one of the enemy kings and in that intense setting, he schools them. This is a moment that they will need to remember. There will be a time when they are facing an enemy that will make them shake in their boots and they will be able to recall the time that those very boots were on the necks of five kings that had attacked them. This image will be burned into their memories and will serve to remind them of God’s help in the past so they will trust in His help for their future trials.
Application: We need to follow this pattern. We need to receive lessons from those who are going before us and give lessons to those who are coming after us. This means that there needs to be ongoing relationship in our lives. Moses took Joshua along with him in many situations (up to Mount Sinai, fighting the Amalekites, etc.) so Joshua saw firsthand what was involved and he learned by sharing those experiences. Joshua, of course, had his commanders along in the battle, but he also made sure that they were brought to him for the judgment on these attacking kings. We need to take those whom God has called us to train and include them in the stuff of life. Let them see what it means to be a man of God (or woman of God), a servant leader, etc. I think of all the times my own sons were with me when I would rescue someone whose car had quit in the middle of the road. As we are together pushing the car to the side of the road, I would tell them, “I always think of what I would want someone else to do if your mom was stuck.” They learned by example. This type of training requires intentionality and commitment because often it is easier to do it yourself. But in the long run, we will be far ahead if we use our lives as the training grounds for those we are leading.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for all the help You have given to me over many years — Your faithfulness is so great. And thank You for calling me to the privilege of leadership. Help me to consistently remember to use the opportunities You bring to me in training those who are the next generation of leaders. And may all of those who lead, be teachers and trainers, as well as leaders.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Joshua 10:22-26
Joshua said, "Open the mouth of the cave and bring those five kings out to me." So they brought the five kings out of the cave — the kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish and Eglon. When they had brought these kings to Joshua, he summoned all the men of Israel and said to the army commanders who had come with him, "Come here and put your feet on the necks of these kings." So they came forward and placed their feet on their necks. Joshua said to them, "Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous. This is what the LORD will do to all the enemies you are going to fight." Then Joshua struck and killed the kings and hung them on five trees, and they were left hanging on the trees until evening.
Observation: This is a brutal scene — but there is a beautiful principle demonstrated here. Joshua and the Israeli army are in the process of wiping out a force of five combined armies and have captured in a cave the kings of the five cities that joined together against Israel. Right here we see Joshua in the role of not just the leader or commander, but we see Joshua as the discipler and teacher. It was not long ago that Moses was the great leader and Joshua was his assistant and student. And it was Joshua who needed to be told “do not be afraid, do not be discouraged.” Well, Joshua got the message. He learned the lesson. And more than just the personal lesson of walking and trusting in God’s strength, he learned the modeled lesson of discipleship. He was trained not only to lead, but to train leaders. And here we see the proof. Rather than just having the five kings put to death, he has them sealed in a cave until the battle is over and then brought out to teach his leaders. He brings his leaders and has each of them stand with his boot on the neck of one of the enemy kings and in that intense setting, he schools them. This is a moment that they will need to remember. There will be a time when they are facing an enemy that will make them shake in their boots and they will be able to recall the time that those very boots were on the necks of five kings that had attacked them. This image will be burned into their memories and will serve to remind them of God’s help in the past so they will trust in His help for their future trials.
Application: We need to follow this pattern. We need to receive lessons from those who are going before us and give lessons to those who are coming after us. This means that there needs to be ongoing relationship in our lives. Moses took Joshua along with him in many situations (up to Mount Sinai, fighting the Amalekites, etc.) so Joshua saw firsthand what was involved and he learned by sharing those experiences. Joshua, of course, had his commanders along in the battle, but he also made sure that they were brought to him for the judgment on these attacking kings. We need to take those whom God has called us to train and include them in the stuff of life. Let them see what it means to be a man of God (or woman of God), a servant leader, etc. I think of all the times my own sons were with me when I would rescue someone whose car had quit in the middle of the road. As we are together pushing the car to the side of the road, I would tell them, “I always think of what I would want someone else to do if your mom was stuck.” They learned by example. This type of training requires intentionality and commitment because often it is easier to do it yourself. But in the long run, we will be far ahead if we use our lives as the training grounds for those we are leading.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for all the help You have given to me over many years — Your faithfulness is so great. And thank You for calling me to the privilege of leadership. Help me to consistently remember to use the opportunities You bring to me in training those who are the next generation of leaders. And may all of those who lead, be teachers and trainers, as well as leaders.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Monday, March 20, 2006
Title: The Tragic Link / Topic: Community Responsibility
Today’s Reading: Joshua 7; Joshua 8; Psalm 69; 1 Corinthians 5
Scripture: Joshua 7:1, Psalm 69, 1 Corinthians 5:6-7
Joshua 7:1 But the Israelites acted unfaithfully in regard to the devoted things; Achan son of Carmi, the son of Zimri, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of them. So the LORD's anger burned against Israel.
Psalm 69:5 You know my folly, O God; my guilt is not hidden from you.
1 Corinthians 5:6-7 …Don't you know that a little yeast works through the whole batch of dough? Get rid of the old yeast that you may be a new batch without yeast…
Observation: It’s quite striking: one person acting alone, Achan, makes a bad choice and God says “the Israelites acted unfaithfully…” and we are told “the LORD's anger burned against Israel.” This plainly illustrates the responsibility every person has to the larger community to which he is connected. The result for Israel was that some in the fighting force were killed in battle because Achan took some of the booty for himself. There is no such thing as a “private sin”. I may think that what I do when no one is watching will have no effect on anyone but me, but that is not true. God knows everything. Even sin which may be concealed to others (see Psalm 69:5 above) is clearly still sin. And Paul explains that sin, like yeast, cannot be contained or isolated.
Application: So the conclusion is inescapable: What I do absolutely affects those to whom I am connected. There is an invisible spiritual link between me and the greater community around me. I cannot escape it. And this link brings a responsibility. I can introduce invisible pollution into my community through any sinful action, whether public or private. My actions and attitudes have an impact far beyond my own personal consequences. So I must keep in mind, those around me who will be affected by my life. In Achan’s case, his sin resulted not only in the deaths of the soldiers in the battle of Ai, but his whole family was killed as well. What a sad and tragic result from a single, impulsive, “hidden” sinful choice. Had Achan been aware of the horrible scope and depth what would happen, no doubt he would have resisted his greedy urge. Well, I want to get that message into my head and heart so that I may make good and Godly choices and thus bring no harm, but only blessing to those I am connected to.
Prayer: Lord, help me to live uprightly for the sake of Your love for me. But I ask You, Heavenly Father, that You would also help me to keep in mind all those who would be hurt by my sin so that I will have extra motivation to walk in purity. I want to live to bless You and to bring Your blessing to others. May I always live out the character of Jesus Christ in my life.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Joshua 7:1, Psalm 69, 1 Corinthians 5:6-7
Joshua 7:1 But the Israelites acted unfaithfully in regard to the devoted things; Achan son of Carmi, the son of Zimri, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of them. So the LORD's anger burned against Israel.
Psalm 69:5 You know my folly, O God; my guilt is not hidden from you.
1 Corinthians 5:6-7 …Don't you know that a little yeast works through the whole batch of dough? Get rid of the old yeast that you may be a new batch without yeast…
Observation: It’s quite striking: one person acting alone, Achan, makes a bad choice and God says “the Israelites acted unfaithfully…” and we are told “the LORD's anger burned against Israel.” This plainly illustrates the responsibility every person has to the larger community to which he is connected. The result for Israel was that some in the fighting force were killed in battle because Achan took some of the booty for himself. There is no such thing as a “private sin”. I may think that what I do when no one is watching will have no effect on anyone but me, but that is not true. God knows everything. Even sin which may be concealed to others (see Psalm 69:5 above) is clearly still sin. And Paul explains that sin, like yeast, cannot be contained or isolated.
Application: So the conclusion is inescapable: What I do absolutely affects those to whom I am connected. There is an invisible spiritual link between me and the greater community around me. I cannot escape it. And this link brings a responsibility. I can introduce invisible pollution into my community through any sinful action, whether public or private. My actions and attitudes have an impact far beyond my own personal consequences. So I must keep in mind, those around me who will be affected by my life. In Achan’s case, his sin resulted not only in the deaths of the soldiers in the battle of Ai, but his whole family was killed as well. What a sad and tragic result from a single, impulsive, “hidden” sinful choice. Had Achan been aware of the horrible scope and depth what would happen, no doubt he would have resisted his greedy urge. Well, I want to get that message into my head and heart so that I may make good and Godly choices and thus bring no harm, but only blessing to those I am connected to.
Prayer: Lord, help me to live uprightly for the sake of Your love for me. But I ask You, Heavenly Father, that You would also help me to keep in mind all those who would be hurt by my sin so that I will have extra motivation to walk in purity. I want to live to bless You and to bring Your blessing to others. May I always live out the character of Jesus Christ in my life.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Title: Flawed Conscience / Topic: Wise Living
Today’s Reading: Joshua 3; Joshua 4; Joshua 5; Joshua 6; 1 Corinthians 4
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 4:4-5
4 My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. 5 Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.
Observation: The truth that Paul expresses here is so important. The human conscience, as important as it is, is flawed. I can be totally convinced of my innocence and be totally wrong. My conscience is not infallible — it can and does lie to me. So the fact that I am OK with my life doesn’t mean much. God’s opinion is the only one that really matters. Time will tell — lots of folks can look good in cameos and short vignettes but you really can’t tell what’s actually going on in their lives over the long haul. There will be a time when truth will be revealed. The Lord will come and shine His amazing truth detecting light on our lives and what’s really been going on in our hearts will be seen. I think that it could be a real surprise or even a shock because we lie to ourselves a lot.
Application: Keep clear on who and what you are. Sin is a fundamental element of our human condition and is one that we can never fully rid ourselves of in this life. Because of that, I must be careful not to fully trust my perceptions. I need to account for the possibility of self-deception that could, if I allowed it, justify some marginal living. Step back and let God be God — seek His approval, and (to make it truly practical) get some others who share your values to speak into your life which can help you get a true and reliable evaluation of how you are doing.
Prayer: Lord, help me to never forget my fallibility. I want to live a truly righteous life and I know that I can not do that without Your light shining on me. Bring me into truth and thank You for those who help me by speaking Your truth into my life.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 4:4-5
4 My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. 5 Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.
Observation: The truth that Paul expresses here is so important. The human conscience, as important as it is, is flawed. I can be totally convinced of my innocence and be totally wrong. My conscience is not infallible — it can and does lie to me. So the fact that I am OK with my life doesn’t mean much. God’s opinion is the only one that really matters. Time will tell — lots of folks can look good in cameos and short vignettes but you really can’t tell what’s actually going on in their lives over the long haul. There will be a time when truth will be revealed. The Lord will come and shine His amazing truth detecting light on our lives and what’s really been going on in our hearts will be seen. I think that it could be a real surprise or even a shock because we lie to ourselves a lot.
Application: Keep clear on who and what you are. Sin is a fundamental element of our human condition and is one that we can never fully rid ourselves of in this life. Because of that, I must be careful not to fully trust my perceptions. I need to account for the possibility of self-deception that could, if I allowed it, justify some marginal living. Step back and let God be God — seek His approval, and (to make it truly practical) get some others who share your values to speak into your life which can help you get a true and reliable evaluation of how you are doing.
Prayer: Lord, help me to never forget my fallibility. I want to live a truly righteous life and I know that I can not do that without Your light shining on me. Bring me into truth and thank You for those who help me by speaking Your truth into my life.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Saturday, March 18, 2006
Title: Be Encouraged! / Topic: Leading With God
Today’s Reading: Joshua 1, 2; Psalm 37; 1 Corinthians 3
How great is today’s scripture reading! These selections have some rich truths. Make sure you complete all the reading today!
Note: I am doing today’s journaling a little differently. I am taking the first nine verses of Joshua chapter one and interrupting the text to share the impressions I received from the Lord.
Scripture/Observation/Application: Joshua 1:1-9
After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, …
[Every one of us will die. My earthly life is not forever. I need to remember this so that I will pay attention to doing things that will make a difference. Also, look at what Moses went through. He had his ups and downs, his victories and defeats. But God did fantastic things through Moses. The world was different because of his life. “Will the world be different because I was here?” I want to make a difference in my world.]
the LORD said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses' aide: …
[Now that Moses is gone, the Lord turns to Joshua. (How would you like to follow that act?) God is always preparing the next generation. No one, not even Moses, is indispensable. I need to realize that I am not indispensable. And I want to be involved with God in raising up the ones who will replace me when I am gone. Find someone who will stick with you no matter what and cultivate that person.]
"Moses my servant is dead. …
[Now it is up to Joshua. God knows the score and He lets Joshua know that He knows. I also like the way the Lord describes Moses “my servant.” May the Lord say that of me.]
Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them — to the Israelites.…
[Here’s where the rubber meets the road. There is a time when you’ve got to step out and actually do what it is that you’ve been preparing to do.]
I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates — all the Hittite country — to the Great Sea on the west. No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life.…
[God renews the promises He made to Moses — He repeats them to Joshua. “Lord, may I receive the promises You gave to those who have gone before me.” Also here I see that God knows in advance the best boundaries for my life.]
As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.
[Oh, how these words must have been comfort and encouragement to Joshua. He saw how God was with Moses. It was remarkable over and over again and Joshua knew that he could count on God coming through for Moses. Now God tells him that He will do the same for him. How great of a word is this?]
"Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. Be strong and very courageous.…
[Notice that God repeats Himself here. I think that Joshua needed the emphasis. So I can identify with Joshua. I often lack strength and courage. Here God tells Joshua, “You’re going to succeed in doing it! Be encouraged!” Awesome!]
Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.…
[“Be careful to obey!” I need to pay close attention to doing what God has told me to do. Sloppiness, a lack of discipline, distraction, and procrastination are so prevalent and must be overcome. But I have to take intentional action to overcome these tendencies. “Be careful!”]
Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it.…
[Of course, here is a key element in doing what I just wrote about. Stay in the Bible — live in it, and let it live in me. I’ve got to do more than just read it. I have to speak it, I have to meditate on it. That involves, reading, memorizing, and giving times of quiet solitude thinking on the word. This one key is perhaps the cardinal truth that will make the greatest difference.]
Then you will be prosperous and successful.…
[Here again is God clearly stating His personal guarantee of success. I really like the word prosperous. That speaks to me of a level of fruitfulness way beyond subsistence. God wants me to succeed spectacularly. He wants me to walk in abundance and not in scarcity. I have actually shunned richness because of a mistaken idea of the virtue of poverty. God doesn’t want us to trust in prosperity but He does want to give us prosperous and successful lives.]
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
[God says, “Hey, this is The Almighty commanding you to walk in a prosperous and successful life so take courage and just do it.” If God is the one doing the directing, then we can go forward with confidence. You have no reason for hesitation, don’t get stuck on fear or a lack of courage (that’s what “discouraged” means). Oh, how I desire to know the ever-detectable presence of God!]
Prayer: Lord, Amen. So be it in my life. May I hear these words You spoke to Your servant Joshua, and may I let them seep into my soul and may I live accordingly.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
How great is today’s scripture reading! These selections have some rich truths. Make sure you complete all the reading today!
Note: I am doing today’s journaling a little differently. I am taking the first nine verses of Joshua chapter one and interrupting the text to share the impressions I received from the Lord.
Scripture/Observation/Application: Joshua 1:1-9
After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, …
[Every one of us will die. My earthly life is not forever. I need to remember this so that I will pay attention to doing things that will make a difference. Also, look at what Moses went through. He had his ups and downs, his victories and defeats. But God did fantastic things through Moses. The world was different because of his life. “Will the world be different because I was here?” I want to make a difference in my world.]
the LORD said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses' aide: …
[Now that Moses is gone, the Lord turns to Joshua. (How would you like to follow that act?) God is always preparing the next generation. No one, not even Moses, is indispensable. I need to realize that I am not indispensable. And I want to be involved with God in raising up the ones who will replace me when I am gone. Find someone who will stick with you no matter what and cultivate that person.]
"Moses my servant is dead. …
[Now it is up to Joshua. God knows the score and He lets Joshua know that He knows. I also like the way the Lord describes Moses “my servant.” May the Lord say that of me.]
Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them — to the Israelites.…
[Here’s where the rubber meets the road. There is a time when you’ve got to step out and actually do what it is that you’ve been preparing to do.]
I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates — all the Hittite country — to the Great Sea on the west. No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life.…
[God renews the promises He made to Moses — He repeats them to Joshua. “Lord, may I receive the promises You gave to those who have gone before me.” Also here I see that God knows in advance the best boundaries for my life.]
As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.
[Oh, how these words must have been comfort and encouragement to Joshua. He saw how God was with Moses. It was remarkable over and over again and Joshua knew that he could count on God coming through for Moses. Now God tells him that He will do the same for him. How great of a word is this?]
"Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. Be strong and very courageous.…
[Notice that God repeats Himself here. I think that Joshua needed the emphasis. So I can identify with Joshua. I often lack strength and courage. Here God tells Joshua, “You’re going to succeed in doing it! Be encouraged!” Awesome!]
Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.…
[“Be careful to obey!” I need to pay close attention to doing what God has told me to do. Sloppiness, a lack of discipline, distraction, and procrastination are so prevalent and must be overcome. But I have to take intentional action to overcome these tendencies. “Be careful!”]
Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it.…
[Of course, here is a key element in doing what I just wrote about. Stay in the Bible — live in it, and let it live in me. I’ve got to do more than just read it. I have to speak it, I have to meditate on it. That involves, reading, memorizing, and giving times of quiet solitude thinking on the word. This one key is perhaps the cardinal truth that will make the greatest difference.]
Then you will be prosperous and successful.…
[Here again is God clearly stating His personal guarantee of success. I really like the word prosperous. That speaks to me of a level of fruitfulness way beyond subsistence. God wants me to succeed spectacularly. He wants me to walk in abundance and not in scarcity. I have actually shunned richness because of a mistaken idea of the virtue of poverty. God doesn’t want us to trust in prosperity but He does want to give us prosperous and successful lives.]
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
[God says, “Hey, this is The Almighty commanding you to walk in a prosperous and successful life so take courage and just do it.” If God is the one doing the directing, then we can go forward with confidence. You have no reason for hesitation, don’t get stuck on fear or a lack of courage (that’s what “discouraged” means). Oh, how I desire to know the ever-detectable presence of God!]
Prayer: Lord, Amen. So be it in my life. May I hear these words You spoke to Your servant Joshua, and may I let them seep into my soul and may I live accordingly.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Friday, March 17, 2006
Title: Truly Believe / Topic: Passion
Today’s Reading: Deuteronomy 32, 33, 34; 1 Corinthians 2
Scripture: Deuteronomy 32:46-47
“…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. They are not just idle words for you — they are your life…”
Observation: These words of Moses to Joshua and the nation of Israel are powerful! Here, Moses is nearing the end of his life and he is giving the people one last message. He is very aware of the fact that he will be taken from these people whom he has led for forty years. So he does his best to communicate clearly to them all the truths that will help them to succeed. (In fact most of the book of Deuteronomy is Moses’ words of training and preparation for Joshua and the people.) But look at these words, coming near the end. Notice the passion in each phrase: “take to heart”, “all the words”, “solemnly declared”, “command your children”, “obey carefully”, “they are not just idle words for you”, “they are your life”. They must take seriously absolutely every word Moses is saying. Will they? Probably not, and certainly not if they are not urged to. Why?
Application: The answer is that people rarely listen all that well. We all hear a lot of words but how often to we listen as Moses was telling his hearers to listen? I would suggest that it is not often at all. But as I read Moses powerful and passionate plea to his people, I feel it resonating within me as well. Do I take to heart all the truths that have been delivered to me? Do I obey carefully everything I say I believe? Or isn’t it true of me (and most Christians I know) that I do treat much of what I have been taught as “idle words”? I believe that I need very much to hear the words of Moses that the truths that I have been taught “are my life”, that is, my survival depends on truly living according to them. It is far too easy to live comfortably in a comfortable world without challenging or being challenged in any significant way. Jesus said that if I am to follow Him I must deny myself and take up my cross daily. I’m not sure everything that this implies, but I’m pretty sure I’m not even close to fulfilling what it means. What I hear Moses saying to me rings true to a theme that the Lord has been putting on my heart: “take it to the next level”. I see so many people of other religions or even of non-christian cults who take their faith much more seriously than most so-called Christians, including myself. This broken world needs an on-fire church filled with passionate believers who truly believe what they say they believe and whose lives demonstrate that belief undeniably.
Prayer: Lord, help me to take it to the next level. I ask you to help me to put aside the temptations of ease and indulgence and deny the weakness of my undisciplined and procrastinating human nature. Deep down I truly know that Your words really are my life and that they are not idle words in any way. Rekindle a passion within me so that I will forcefully and consistently act in obedience to Your will and ways. Strengthen me in my inner man so that I may be more and more of what You have purposed for my life and that I may lead others to Your purpose for their lives.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Deuteronomy 32:46-47
“…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. They are not just idle words for you — they are your life…”
Observation: These words of Moses to Joshua and the nation of Israel are powerful! Here, Moses is nearing the end of his life and he is giving the people one last message. He is very aware of the fact that he will be taken from these people whom he has led for forty years. So he does his best to communicate clearly to them all the truths that will help them to succeed. (In fact most of the book of Deuteronomy is Moses’ words of training and preparation for Joshua and the people.) But look at these words, coming near the end. Notice the passion in each phrase: “take to heart”, “all the words”, “solemnly declared”, “command your children”, “obey carefully”, “they are not just idle words for you”, “they are your life”. They must take seriously absolutely every word Moses is saying. Will they? Probably not, and certainly not if they are not urged to. Why?
Application: The answer is that people rarely listen all that well. We all hear a lot of words but how often to we listen as Moses was telling his hearers to listen? I would suggest that it is not often at all. But as I read Moses powerful and passionate plea to his people, I feel it resonating within me as well. Do I take to heart all the truths that have been delivered to me? Do I obey carefully everything I say I believe? Or isn’t it true of me (and most Christians I know) that I do treat much of what I have been taught as “idle words”? I believe that I need very much to hear the words of Moses that the truths that I have been taught “are my life”, that is, my survival depends on truly living according to them. It is far too easy to live comfortably in a comfortable world without challenging or being challenged in any significant way. Jesus said that if I am to follow Him I must deny myself and take up my cross daily. I’m not sure everything that this implies, but I’m pretty sure I’m not even close to fulfilling what it means. What I hear Moses saying to me rings true to a theme that the Lord has been putting on my heart: “take it to the next level”. I see so many people of other religions or even of non-christian cults who take their faith much more seriously than most so-called Christians, including myself. This broken world needs an on-fire church filled with passionate believers who truly believe what they say they believe and whose lives demonstrate that belief undeniably.
Prayer: Lord, help me to take it to the next level. I ask you to help me to put aside the temptations of ease and indulgence and deny the weakness of my undisciplined and procrastinating human nature. Deep down I truly know that Your words really are my life and that they are not idle words in any way. Rekindle a passion within me so that I will forcefully and consistently act in obedience to Your will and ways. Strengthen me in my inner man so that I may be more and more of what You have purposed for my life and that I may lead others to Your purpose for their lives.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Taking The Plunge
Today I begin something that I have felt that I should do for some time, but have been afraid to do. Maybe afraid is not exactly the right word but I have been reluctant to make the kind of commitment that a daily blog involves. But today I am finally doing it. My goal is to daily post my written journal from my daily devotional reading. I invite you to read my post and to respond or post your own reading. I have been following a Bible reading plan devised by Pastor Wayne Cordiero of New Hope Christian Fellowship in Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii. The daily Bible reading can be accessed online by clicking on the "Today's Bible Reading" link. Each day I take a portion from the Bible reading, make an observation, write an application, and offer a prayer. I invite you to read and comment as you would like and even post your own devotional thoughts. Join with me and let's use this blog as a tool to stimulate discipline and dedication to daily time in God's word and prayer.
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