Today’s Reading: 2 Chronicles 6; 2 Chronicles 7; Psalm 135; Romans 4
Scripture: Romans 4:18-22
18 Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, "So shall your offspring be." 19 Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah's womb was also dead. 20 Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21 being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. 22 This is why "it was credited to him as righteousness."
Observation: I love this section about faith. Paul gives us so many insights here. Verse 19 is awesome! Abraham had strong faith, yet did not deny the facts. But he didn't let the facts weaken his faith because he was "fully persuaded that God had the power to do what he had promised."
Application: Faith is not psyching myself up through some kind of mantra. It is being fully persuaded that God has the power to do what he says he will do. And then faith is trusting God for the results. Abraham moved forward with his life -- he didn't get stuck wishing and hoping and praying for a son. And in due season, God brought these things to reality. Faith is trusting God to be God, both in the ability to do anything and everything, and in the directing of events and the bringing about of his will. This kind of faith lets me rest in the Lord and trust in him and not feel the need to make it happen myself. That is God's job.
Prayer: Lord, I thank you that you do your job well. Help me to not waver in my faith regardless of the circumstances. I am convinced that you are able to do all that you have promised. Show me how to cooperated with your will so that I can receive your maximum blessing and greatest fruitfulness.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Monday, May 19, 2008
Title: Paul's "Prayer Request" / Topic: Challenge
Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 4; 1 Kings 5; 2 Chronicles 2; Psalm 101; 2 Thessalonians 3
Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5
1 Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. 2 And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not everyone has faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. 4 We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. 5 May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance.
Observation: I just love this prayer of Paul's -- actually it is a prayer request. (At least it starts out that way.) In verse one, Paul asks for prayer for effective and fruitful ministry. In verse two, Paul requests prayer for protection from human opposition, which is always something that must be contended with in any true Godly ministry. Then in verses three through five, Paul shifts into encouragement and affirmation sprinkled with a little "positive pressure," giving the Thessalonian Christians a gentle but firm reminder that what Paul has said is what God wants for them. Some would call claiming to speak for God presumption or arrogance. I call it being confident in your call and ministry.
Application: And desiring to be confident and effective in my own call and ministry, aspiring to the example of Paul, I would make the same request of you, my dear reader, to "pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored... and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men..." And I would also offer the same positively-pressured encouragement that "we have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance." May the Lord help me and you and all those who name the name of Jesus to conduct ourselves in these ways.
Prayer: Father, I so desire to see believers grow in obedience and fervor for you, laying aside the distractions of this world, which is passing away. Strengthen us in your Spirit and in your word that we would walk in a way that lifts Jesus up and draws others to him.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5
1 Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. 2 And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not everyone has faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. 4 We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. 5 May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance.
Observation: I just love this prayer of Paul's -- actually it is a prayer request. (At least it starts out that way.) In verse one, Paul asks for prayer for effective and fruitful ministry. In verse two, Paul requests prayer for protection from human opposition, which is always something that must be contended with in any true Godly ministry. Then in verses three through five, Paul shifts into encouragement and affirmation sprinkled with a little "positive pressure," giving the Thessalonian Christians a gentle but firm reminder that what Paul has said is what God wants for them. Some would call claiming to speak for God presumption or arrogance. I call it being confident in your call and ministry.
Application: And desiring to be confident and effective in my own call and ministry, aspiring to the example of Paul, I would make the same request of you, my dear reader, to "pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored... and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men..." And I would also offer the same positively-pressured encouragement that "we have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance." May the Lord help me and you and all those who name the name of Jesus to conduct ourselves in these ways.
Prayer: Father, I so desire to see believers grow in obedience and fervor for you, laying aside the distractions of this world, which is passing away. Strengthen us in your Spirit and in your word that we would walk in a way that lifts Jesus up and draws others to him.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Title: Two Vital Things / Topic: Spiritual Survival
Today’s Reading: 1 Chronicles 22; 1 Chronicles 23; 1 Chronicles 24; 1 Thessalonians 3
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13
12 May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. 13 May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.
Observation: Paul has been speaking to the Thessalonians about their spiritual condition. He has shared his concerns regarding the fact that they were going through tough times and he worried about their spiritual survival. He sent Timothy to find out if they were going to make it and was greatly relieved when Timothy brought back good news about their faith. This is Paul's wish and prayer for them, that their love for each other increase, and that their hearts would be strengthened, so that they will continue to the point of holiness as long as it takes.
Application: I so relate to Paul. I think that these two things are keys to spiritual survival: 1) love for the church family and, 2) strong and firm hearts. In fact, it is the lack of these two factors that is contributing mightily to weakness in the church and in Christians in general.
So often, people don't have deep love for the church family, that is, they don't have deep affection and concern for their brothers and sisters, because they don't get truly bonded and connected to others in the church. Church has become something that you shop for (when you get around to it) and pick out (when you finally find a good one) and attend (when it's convenient) and leave (when the pastor or somebody else says or does something that you don't like). Church is like an article of clothing. You get it because you think it's a good deal and you wear it because you like it and you discard it because it got worn out. But few are the people who truly fall in love with each other and bond with a lasting bond. This lack of deep love makes it very easy to jump ship with the flimsiest of reasons: "I wasn't being fed" or "The pastor offended me" or "Nobody called me when I got sick." Thus the church, rather than being a coordinated body exerting force for good, is a disjointed blob, with a few dedicated individuals carrying the load and the majority just along for the ride. Deep love within the church family is the antidote for this. And it provides for so much of the life and vitality of the church. Without it, the church is an organization -- parts connected by titles and tasks. With it, the church is an organism -- alive and functional.
And strong hearts -- hearts that are firm in the Lord and growing in the Lord's love and purposes -- are essential if people are to be spiritually sound. All too often we just assume that church people are firm in the Lord. I've found out that some of these church people aren't even saved! So strong hearts are essential. How does one strengthen his heart in the Lord? I think it is by exercising our hearts in spiritual things. That means regular practice of spiritual disciplines, such as prayer, Bible reading, fellowship, accountability, Bible study, meditation, fasting, sacrifice, tithing and other giving, expressive worship, submission to elders, etc. These are things that are not main characteristic in the lives of many American Christians. And without them, it is not possible to have a strong heart. Is it any wonder that the American Christian church is so ineffective?
Prayer: Lord, help me to be a man whose life is characterized by these two things that Paul emphasized. I want to have deep love for your people and others as well as a strong heart. And Lord, I want to be a leader who assists others in growing in these vital qualities. Lord, strengthen your church.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13
12 May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. 13 May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.
Observation: Paul has been speaking to the Thessalonians about their spiritual condition. He has shared his concerns regarding the fact that they were going through tough times and he worried about their spiritual survival. He sent Timothy to find out if they were going to make it and was greatly relieved when Timothy brought back good news about their faith. This is Paul's wish and prayer for them, that their love for each other increase, and that their hearts would be strengthened, so that they will continue to the point of holiness as long as it takes.
Application: I so relate to Paul. I think that these two things are keys to spiritual survival: 1) love for the church family and, 2) strong and firm hearts. In fact, it is the lack of these two factors that is contributing mightily to weakness in the church and in Christians in general.
So often, people don't have deep love for the church family, that is, they don't have deep affection and concern for their brothers and sisters, because they don't get truly bonded and connected to others in the church. Church has become something that you shop for (when you get around to it) and pick out (when you finally find a good one) and attend (when it's convenient) and leave (when the pastor or somebody else says or does something that you don't like). Church is like an article of clothing. You get it because you think it's a good deal and you wear it because you like it and you discard it because it got worn out. But few are the people who truly fall in love with each other and bond with a lasting bond. This lack of deep love makes it very easy to jump ship with the flimsiest of reasons: "I wasn't being fed" or "The pastor offended me" or "Nobody called me when I got sick." Thus the church, rather than being a coordinated body exerting force for good, is a disjointed blob, with a few dedicated individuals carrying the load and the majority just along for the ride. Deep love within the church family is the antidote for this. And it provides for so much of the life and vitality of the church. Without it, the church is an organization -- parts connected by titles and tasks. With it, the church is an organism -- alive and functional.
And strong hearts -- hearts that are firm in the Lord and growing in the Lord's love and purposes -- are essential if people are to be spiritually sound. All too often we just assume that church people are firm in the Lord. I've found out that some of these church people aren't even saved! So strong hearts are essential. How does one strengthen his heart in the Lord? I think it is by exercising our hearts in spiritual things. That means regular practice of spiritual disciplines, such as prayer, Bible reading, fellowship, accountability, Bible study, meditation, fasting, sacrifice, tithing and other giving, expressive worship, submission to elders, etc. These are things that are not main characteristic in the lives of many American Christians. And without them, it is not possible to have a strong heart. Is it any wonder that the American Christian church is so ineffective?
Prayer: Lord, help me to be a man whose life is characterized by these two things that Paul emphasized. I want to have deep love for your people and others as well as a strong heart. And Lord, I want to be a leader who assists others in growing in these vital qualities. Lord, strengthen your church.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Title: A Truly Bad Story? / Topic: Me vs. God (God wins!)
Today’s Reading: 2 Samuel 21; 2 Samuel 22; 2 Samuel 23; 1 Thessalonians 1
Scripture: 2 Samuel 21:1-14
1 During the reign of David, there was a famine for three successive years; so David sought the face of the LORD. The LORD said, "It is on account of Saul and his blood-stained house; it is because he put the Gibeonites to death." ...
3 David asked the Gibeonites, "What shall I do for you? How shall I make amends so that you will bless the LORD's inheritance?" ...
5 They answered the king... 6 "let seven of [Saul's] male descendants be given to us to be killed and exposed before the LORD at Gibeah of Saul..." So the king said, "I will give them to you." ...
9 He handed them over to the Gibeonites, who killed and exposed them on a hill before the LORD. All seven of them fell together; they were put to death during the first days of the harvest...
14 ...After that, God answered prayer in behalf of the land.
Observation: I must admit something. I truly hate this story. (Can I say that?) Here is my take on it: Seven innocent people are killed to neutralize the bad karma brought about by the actions of one of their relatives and, because of this mass killing, God says, "Well done. Now I'll answer your prayers." The whole thing is horrible. I don't get it at all.
Application: The application is simple. God is God and I am not. The fact that I don't get it doesn't make the story bad or God bad. It just means that I am missing something in my understanding. It must be that there are underlying issues and truths that are beyond me. But because I have made myself subject to the scriptures (and not the other way around), I simply have to put my confusion on the shelf and wait for further illumination from God. Someday I will understand why this happened and how it fits into God's good nature. Until then, I must wait and not let my own sense of right and wrong invalidate God. As the scripture says, "Let God be true and every man be a liar." I must remain in submission to God and his word, even when my mind doesn't understand every detail. To do otherwise is to elevate my mind above God and his word.
Prayer: Lord, open my understanding so that I can understand you better. Thank you for teaching me to exercise my will over my emotions and to keep myself moving forward based on faith and not on feelings. Keep me moving forward, Lord.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 21:1-14
1 During the reign of David, there was a famine for three successive years; so David sought the face of the LORD. The LORD said, "It is on account of Saul and his blood-stained house; it is because he put the Gibeonites to death." ...
3 David asked the Gibeonites, "What shall I do for you? How shall I make amends so that you will bless the LORD's inheritance?" ...
5 They answered the king... 6 "let seven of [Saul's] male descendants be given to us to be killed and exposed before the LORD at Gibeah of Saul..." So the king said, "I will give them to you." ...
9 He handed them over to the Gibeonites, who killed and exposed them on a hill before the LORD. All seven of them fell together; they were put to death during the first days of the harvest...
14 ...After that, God answered prayer in behalf of the land.
Observation: I must admit something. I truly hate this story. (Can I say that?) Here is my take on it: Seven innocent people are killed to neutralize the bad karma brought about by the actions of one of their relatives and, because of this mass killing, God says, "Well done. Now I'll answer your prayers." The whole thing is horrible. I don't get it at all.
Application: The application is simple. God is God and I am not. The fact that I don't get it doesn't make the story bad or God bad. It just means that I am missing something in my understanding. It must be that there are underlying issues and truths that are beyond me. But because I have made myself subject to the scriptures (and not the other way around), I simply have to put my confusion on the shelf and wait for further illumination from God. Someday I will understand why this happened and how it fits into God's good nature. Until then, I must wait and not let my own sense of right and wrong invalidate God. As the scripture says, "Let God be true and every man be a liar." I must remain in submission to God and his word, even when my mind doesn't understand every detail. To do otherwise is to elevate my mind above God and his word.
Prayer: Lord, open my understanding so that I can understand you better. Thank you for teaching me to exercise my will over my emotions and to keep myself moving forward based on faith and not on feelings. Keep me moving forward, Lord.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Title: Deadly Curiosity / Topic: Temptation
Today’s Reading: 2 Samuel 11; 2 Samuel 12; Psalm 51; Matthew 23
Scripture: 2 Samuel 11:2-3
2 One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful, 3 and David sent someone to find out about her...
Observation: David didn't go to fight with his army -- he stayed home -- kind of a vacation from war. And one night he couldn't sleep. (Of course if you've just been laying around the palace all day, why would you be tired?) So he gets up and takes a little stroll around the balconies of the palace roof. From his high perch, he can look down on the whole city. And he sees a beautiful naked woman taking a bath. His desires are stirred. He should have gotten off the roof at that moment and taken a cold shower (by the way he had many wives that were available to meet his sexual needs). But he is curious. Actually he is lustful, but he acts curious and takes one small step to satisfy his curiosity. And this step leads to other steps and David ends up committing serious sins against God and horrible trespasses against others.
Application: One step at a time, we can get ourselves into some real bad situations. I once knew a woman who had an affair with someone who she first connected with by dialing a wrong number! Think about all the steps that lead from a wrong number to an affair. And think about the steps that lead David from a first glance to adultery, conspiracy, and murder. Don't indulge your curiosity -- to look, to hear, to know, to experience -- steer clear of sin.
Prayer: Lord, what a sad chapter in the life of David! Help your people to learn the lessons of this tragedy and maintain purity and holiness in their lives. Help me to be pure in thought, word, and deed.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 11:2-3
2 One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful, 3 and David sent someone to find out about her...
Observation: David didn't go to fight with his army -- he stayed home -- kind of a vacation from war. And one night he couldn't sleep. (Of course if you've just been laying around the palace all day, why would you be tired?) So he gets up and takes a little stroll around the balconies of the palace roof. From his high perch, he can look down on the whole city. And he sees a beautiful naked woman taking a bath. His desires are stirred. He should have gotten off the roof at that moment and taken a cold shower (by the way he had many wives that were available to meet his sexual needs). But he is curious. Actually he is lustful, but he acts curious and takes one small step to satisfy his curiosity. And this step leads to other steps and David ends up committing serious sins against God and horrible trespasses against others.
Application: One step at a time, we can get ourselves into some real bad situations. I once knew a woman who had an affair with someone who she first connected with by dialing a wrong number! Think about all the steps that lead from a wrong number to an affair. And think about the steps that lead David from a first glance to adultery, conspiracy, and murder. Don't indulge your curiosity -- to look, to hear, to know, to experience -- steer clear of sin.
Prayer: Lord, what a sad chapter in the life of David! Help your people to learn the lessons of this tragedy and maintain purity and holiness in their lives. Help me to be pure in thought, word, and deed.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Title: Forgiveness Required / Topic: Giving God His Due
Today’s Reading: 1 Chronicles 14; 1 Chronicles 15; Psalm 132; Matthew 18
Scripture: Matthew 18:34-35
34 In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.
35 "This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart."
Observation: This is a harsh passage. Jesus asserts that God will take the role of a torturer for those who do not forgive their brothers. God as torturer? Yikes! (This is a good example of the importance of interpreting a passage in its context.) The man in the parable had just had his multi-million dollar debt wiped out by the king. Then he went out and imprisoned a man who owed him only few bucks, even though the man begged for mercy. You see, the problem here is that the first man, since his large debt had been eliminated, had been given the means to write off this small debt by the king. But he took the king's gift and refused to share it. In fact, he caused others to find fault with both him and the king for his naked and monstrous hypocrisy.
Application: God gives us the grace to forgive others when they wrong us. If we do not forgive others when they wrong us, then we are resisting and refusing God's grace. An unforgiving heart is evidence of a heart devoid of God. But God doesn't just wipe us out. No, he tortures us! Now this may sound mean, but God is trying to get us to make the changes that will result in our ultimate salvation. In the story, the man refused and resisted God's grace, so God allowed him to suffer "until he should pay back all he owed." What does that mean to us? I think it means that since God has forgiven us, if we do not walk in forgivness toward others, God allows and even directs suffering in our lives. Once we settle our debt to God, that is accepting his grace to truly walk in the same forgiveness we have received, then this suffering will cease. (There will always be a certain amount of suffering in this life. But the suffering that is a result of God's judgment will cease once we have repented and reaped the harvest of our misdeeds.)
Bottom line: God is expecting that we will follow through with the grace he gives us. He does not give his grace simply for our ease or comfort. His grace is given to produce Godly character. He expects us to be the Christ-ians that we profess to be.
Prayer: Lord, thank you that you give us everything we need to live this amazing kind of life. And thank you for not giving up on us when we fall short. Help me to pay attention to your corrections in my life so that I can get and stay right with you in every aspect of my life.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Matthew 18:34-35
34 In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.
35 "This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart."
Observation: This is a harsh passage. Jesus asserts that God will take the role of a torturer for those who do not forgive their brothers. God as torturer? Yikes! (This is a good example of the importance of interpreting a passage in its context.) The man in the parable had just had his multi-million dollar debt wiped out by the king. Then he went out and imprisoned a man who owed him only few bucks, even though the man begged for mercy. You see, the problem here is that the first man, since his large debt had been eliminated, had been given the means to write off this small debt by the king. But he took the king's gift and refused to share it. In fact, he caused others to find fault with both him and the king for his naked and monstrous hypocrisy.
Application: God gives us the grace to forgive others when they wrong us. If we do not forgive others when they wrong us, then we are resisting and refusing God's grace. An unforgiving heart is evidence of a heart devoid of God. But God doesn't just wipe us out. No, he tortures us! Now this may sound mean, but God is trying to get us to make the changes that will result in our ultimate salvation. In the story, the man refused and resisted God's grace, so God allowed him to suffer "until he should pay back all he owed." What does that mean to us? I think it means that since God has forgiven us, if we do not walk in forgivness toward others, God allows and even directs suffering in our lives. Once we settle our debt to God, that is accepting his grace to truly walk in the same forgiveness we have received, then this suffering will cease. (There will always be a certain amount of suffering in this life. But the suffering that is a result of God's judgment will cease once we have repented and reaped the harvest of our misdeeds.)
Bottom line: God is expecting that we will follow through with the grace he gives us. He does not give his grace simply for our ease or comfort. His grace is given to produce Godly character. He expects us to be the Christ-ians that we profess to be.
Prayer: Lord, thank you that you give us everything we need to live this amazing kind of life. And thank you for not giving up on us when we fall short. Help me to pay attention to your corrections in my life so that I can get and stay right with you in every aspect of my life.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Title: Burning Deception / Topic: Rebellion
Today’s Reading: 2 Samuel 6; 1 Chronicles 13; Psalm 68; Matthew 17
Scripture: Psalm 68:6
God sets the lonely in families,
he leads forth the prisoners with singing;
but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.
Observation: This last clause got me. "...the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land." What a brutal way to live. Rebellious people think that by asserting their "right" to self-determination ("Nobody is going to tell me what to do."), they are truly free and unencumbered by the burden of demands from others. And the ultimate freedom, according to "the rebellious," is freedom from God -- from his expectations, judgments, and demands. The fullest expression of this freedom is to deny even the existence of God -- if not with words, with the way they live: they live as if God is dead. Thus, they are, according to their value system, truly free.
And now, the rest of the story: The reality of the rebellious is quite different from this. And this phrase from Psalm 68:6 shows God's perspective on their "freedom": "the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land." This is an oppressive place with no relief. This picturesque description drives home the reality. Have you ever been in a place where the sun was so hot and no shade was to be found? I remember a time in a small fishing boat on a lake. When we first put out, the sun was just below the horizon and the air was cool. But a few hours later, the sun had risen and the air was stifling. The reflection of the glare off the water made the rays of the sun so oppressive. We had to row to get off the lake and it seemed like hours. This experience is etched on my memory as one of the most unpleasant environments I have ever been in. And the Psalmist tells us that it is this kind of place, "a sun-scorched land", where the rebellious person lives. It's really a tragic place, and way, to live.
Application: The only answer is to live a crucified life. Our flesh, or self nature, cries out for respect, protection, attention. Its demands are incessant: "take care of me, don't let anybody step on me, don't let me be put down, etc." And the biggest lie that your flesh will tell you is this: "I (the flesh) am you." But this isn't true. Your flesh (sin nature) is not you. It is a part of you, but you (the essence of who you are) is much more than the flesh. In fact, the flesh is like a cancer on who you are. It is a part of you, but it is deadly and is, in fact, killing you. The only way to be free is to kill it first. We must cut the flesh out of our lives. But it is fast growing and you can never get it all. So we must go through a daily intentional process of execution. Jesus said, "if anyone would be my disciple he must take up his cross [instrument of execution] daily and follow me." This is the only way to be truly free.
The second biggest lie that our flesh offers is that its demands are easy in comparison with other masters. But the flesh is not an easy master. No, the flesh is the cruelest master of all. It is never satisfied, never gives peace, never ceases its demands. And it won't quit until it kills you -- like a parasite destroys its host.
In contrast, we can have Jehovah God as the master of our lives. Yes he is demanding, but he himself actually grants us the means to fulfill the demands he places on us. And he gives comfort, and peace, and encouragement all along the way.
Bottom line: Serve the Lord, kill the flesh. This is the only road to a truly happy life and the greatest freedom that human can know.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for your loving ways. May I be one who always embraces you and shuns the selfish demands that originate in my fallen nature. Please continue to cultivate your life in me and assist me to live in full cooperation with this process in my life.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Psalm 68:6
God sets the lonely in families,
he leads forth the prisoners with singing;
but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.
Observation: This last clause got me. "...the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land." What a brutal way to live. Rebellious people think that by asserting their "right" to self-determination ("Nobody is going to tell me what to do."), they are truly free and unencumbered by the burden of demands from others. And the ultimate freedom, according to "the rebellious," is freedom from God -- from his expectations, judgments, and demands. The fullest expression of this freedom is to deny even the existence of God -- if not with words, with the way they live: they live as if God is dead. Thus, they are, according to their value system, truly free.
And now, the rest of the story: The reality of the rebellious is quite different from this. And this phrase from Psalm 68:6 shows God's perspective on their "freedom": "the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land." This is an oppressive place with no relief. This picturesque description drives home the reality. Have you ever been in a place where the sun was so hot and no shade was to be found? I remember a time in a small fishing boat on a lake. When we first put out, the sun was just below the horizon and the air was cool. But a few hours later, the sun had risen and the air was stifling. The reflection of the glare off the water made the rays of the sun so oppressive. We had to row to get off the lake and it seemed like hours. This experience is etched on my memory as one of the most unpleasant environments I have ever been in. And the Psalmist tells us that it is this kind of place, "a sun-scorched land", where the rebellious person lives. It's really a tragic place, and way, to live.
Application: The only answer is to live a crucified life. Our flesh, or self nature, cries out for respect, protection, attention. Its demands are incessant: "take care of me, don't let anybody step on me, don't let me be put down, etc." And the biggest lie that your flesh will tell you is this: "I (the flesh) am you." But this isn't true. Your flesh (sin nature) is not you. It is a part of you, but you (the essence of who you are) is much more than the flesh. In fact, the flesh is like a cancer on who you are. It is a part of you, but it is deadly and is, in fact, killing you. The only way to be free is to kill it first. We must cut the flesh out of our lives. But it is fast growing and you can never get it all. So we must go through a daily intentional process of execution. Jesus said, "if anyone would be my disciple he must take up his cross [instrument of execution] daily and follow me." This is the only way to be truly free.
The second biggest lie that our flesh offers is that its demands are easy in comparison with other masters. But the flesh is not an easy master. No, the flesh is the cruelest master of all. It is never satisfied, never gives peace, never ceases its demands. And it won't quit until it kills you -- like a parasite destroys its host.
In contrast, we can have Jehovah God as the master of our lives. Yes he is demanding, but he himself actually grants us the means to fulfill the demands he places on us. And he gives comfort, and peace, and encouragement all along the way.
Bottom line: Serve the Lord, kill the flesh. This is the only road to a truly happy life and the greatest freedom that human can know.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for your loving ways. May I be one who always embraces you and shuns the selfish demands that originate in my fallen nature. Please continue to cultivate your life in me and assist me to live in full cooperation with this process in my life.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Title: Soil Analysis / Topic: Personal Evaluation
Today’s Reading: 2 Samuel 1; Psalm 140; Matthew 13
Scripture: Matthew 13:3-9
3 Then he told them many things in parables, saying: "A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. 9 He who has ears, let him hear."
Observation: This whole chapter of Matthew is marvelous! So many rich truths as Jesus teaches in parables. This parable, commonly known as the Parable of the Sower, is actually the Parable of the Soils. And when I read it, I usually think of the different people I have met over the years and how they did or did not respond to the gospel. I apply this parable to the "them." But this morning, as I read, I began to think of the soil of my own life. How receptive am I to the seed of truth that God plants in my life?
Application: That is the main point of this parable. Not to look at others and try to figure out who is what kind of soil. But to examine myself -- to do personal soil analysis to see how the seed that God is planting in my heart is doing. Is it bringing forth fruit? Or is the seed just sitting there dormant? Or has the seed been removed by forgetfulness, or inaction, or other distractions? I want to be fruitful for the Lord. I want his truth to penetrate deep into my heart and to spring forth in new life and bring forth fruit. So I must do some personal evaluation. When I read the word, I must ask myself, "How do I put this into practice?" When I hear a teaching, I must evaluate my heart: "Am I doing this or do I need to change something to begin to do this?"
Prayer: Lord, help me to be a man who is good soil for your truth -- with abundant fruitfulness evident in my life. I want to be a good place for you to plant your richest seeds of wonderful truth.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Matthew 13:3-9
3 Then he told them many things in parables, saying: "A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. 9 He who has ears, let him hear."
Observation: This whole chapter of Matthew is marvelous! So many rich truths as Jesus teaches in parables. This parable, commonly known as the Parable of the Sower, is actually the Parable of the Soils. And when I read it, I usually think of the different people I have met over the years and how they did or did not respond to the gospel. I apply this parable to the "them." But this morning, as I read, I began to think of the soil of my own life. How receptive am I to the seed of truth that God plants in my life?
Application: That is the main point of this parable. Not to look at others and try to figure out who is what kind of soil. But to examine myself -- to do personal soil analysis to see how the seed that God is planting in my heart is doing. Is it bringing forth fruit? Or is the seed just sitting there dormant? Or has the seed been removed by forgetfulness, or inaction, or other distractions? I want to be fruitful for the Lord. I want his truth to penetrate deep into my heart and to spring forth in new life and bring forth fruit. So I must do some personal evaluation. When I read the word, I must ask myself, "How do I put this into practice?" When I hear a teaching, I must evaluate my heart: "Am I doing this or do I need to change something to begin to do this?"
Prayer: Lord, help me to be a man who is good soil for your truth -- with abundant fruitfulness evident in my life. I want to be a good place for you to plant your richest seeds of wonderful truth.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Title: Nowhere Else To Turn / Topic: God's Help
Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 30; 1 Samuel 31; 1 Chronicles 10; Matthew 12
Scripture: 1 Samuel 30:3-6
3 When David and his men came to Ziklag, they found it destroyed by fire and their wives and sons and daughters taken captive... 6 David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the LORD his God.
Observation: What a tough situation. David and his men return home to discover their town destroyed and their families taken. What heartache! And on top of this, David's men turn against him and talk of stoning him! When he needs someone to stand with him, there is no one there. That is why the last phrase in verse six is so significant: "But David found strength in the LORD his God." When there is nowhere else to turn, David turns to God. And he finds great strength there. Because he is does this, he is able to keep his composure and his wits about him and inquire of the Lord. When he gets a favorable response through the priest, he rallies his men to recover those that were taken.
Application: In the final analysis, God is the only one we can trust in. He is always there, always trustworthy, always up to the challenge, NO MATTER WHAT! Every other thing or person that we place our trust in will fail us at one time or another, but God will never fail us. He will always be there.
Prayer: Lord, I trust in you. Thank you for being there even in the darkest hour. When I am at my weakest, you show yourself strong. You are more than adequate for anything that life can bring. Thank you for your love and your power and for your availability and accessibility to me. May I always abide in your strength and your presence.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 30:3-6
3 When David and his men came to Ziklag, they found it destroyed by fire and their wives and sons and daughters taken captive... 6 David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the LORD his God.
Observation: What a tough situation. David and his men return home to discover their town destroyed and their families taken. What heartache! And on top of this, David's men turn against him and talk of stoning him! When he needs someone to stand with him, there is no one there. That is why the last phrase in verse six is so significant: "But David found strength in the LORD his God." When there is nowhere else to turn, David turns to God. And he finds great strength there. Because he is does this, he is able to keep his composure and his wits about him and inquire of the Lord. When he gets a favorable response through the priest, he rallies his men to recover those that were taken.
Application: In the final analysis, God is the only one we can trust in. He is always there, always trustworthy, always up to the challenge, NO MATTER WHAT! Every other thing or person that we place our trust in will fail us at one time or another, but God will never fail us. He will always be there.
Prayer: Lord, I trust in you. Thank you for being there even in the darkest hour. When I am at my weakest, you show yourself strong. You are more than adequate for anything that life can bring. Thank you for your love and your power and for your availability and accessibility to me. May I always abide in your strength and your presence.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Title: Desperate For Answers / Topic: Spiritual Gifts
Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 28; 1 Samuel 29; Psalm 109; Matthew 11
Scripture: 1 Samuel 28:5-7
5 When Saul saw the Philistine army, he was afraid; terror filled his heart. 6 He inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets. 7 Saul then said to his attendants, "Find me a woman who is a medium, so I may go and inquire of her."
Observation: This is such a sad and tragic scene. Saul had turned away from the Lord and the Lord had turned away from Saul. And now, Israel was under attack. Saul was terrified because he knew that God was not with him. He sought for answers from the Lord but got nothing. There was no response: "the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets." So Saul turns to another source to know anything about the spiritual realm: a medium.
Application: This makes me wonder about people who are fearful in their lives and who are seeking some kind of answers about what is happening to them. Sometimes these people actually come to church looking for those answers. And I wonder if they might come up empty as Saul did. Sadly, I think that this might happen to them, particularly since so many of our church people are not conversant in the spiritual gifts such as word of knowledge or word of wisdom, and so forth. And when these seekers come up empty at church, getting nothing from "dreams or Urim of prophets" (or pastors, teachers, and Christians), they might turn to alternate sources, like the occult. I think that it is more important than we know for us to be hearing from God. People are searching for answers. Will they find those answers from Jesus, from his Body?
Prayer: Lord, make me a source for people to find the information and answers they are seeking. Help me to be empowered in the spiritual gifts that I may be the vital link that answers the burning questions that people are asking.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 28:5-7
5 When Saul saw the Philistine army, he was afraid; terror filled his heart. 6 He inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets. 7 Saul then said to his attendants, "Find me a woman who is a medium, so I may go and inquire of her."
Observation: This is such a sad and tragic scene. Saul had turned away from the Lord and the Lord had turned away from Saul. And now, Israel was under attack. Saul was terrified because he knew that God was not with him. He sought for answers from the Lord but got nothing. There was no response: "the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets." So Saul turns to another source to know anything about the spiritual realm: a medium.
Application: This makes me wonder about people who are fearful in their lives and who are seeking some kind of answers about what is happening to them. Sometimes these people actually come to church looking for those answers. And I wonder if they might come up empty as Saul did. Sadly, I think that this might happen to them, particularly since so many of our church people are not conversant in the spiritual gifts such as word of knowledge or word of wisdom, and so forth. And when these seekers come up empty at church, getting nothing from "dreams or Urim of prophets" (or pastors, teachers, and Christians), they might turn to alternate sources, like the occult. I think that it is more important than we know for us to be hearing from God. People are searching for answers. Will they find those answers from Jesus, from his Body?
Prayer: Lord, make me a source for people to find the information and answers they are seeking. Help me to be empowered in the spiritual gifts that I may be the vital link that answers the burning questions that people are asking.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Title: What Is God Seeking? / Topic: Worshippers
Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 27; Psalm 141; 1 Chronicles 9; Matthew 10
Scripture: Psalm 141:2 May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.
Observation: David is a worshipper. He prays to the Lord and worships as a regular and vital part of his life. David asks the Lord that his prayer would rise to God like the offering of incense in the Tabernacle and as he raises his hands in worship, that the Lord would receive it as the sacrifice offered each evening.
Application: This Psalm reminds me that our simple acts of worship have great significance to God. Last evening in our Bible study we discussed the encounter of Jesus with the Samaritan woman (aka the woman at the well). He tells her that the Lord is seeking worshipers who worship in spirit and truth. This means that our worship is sincere and comes from sincere hearts. So the Lord is looking around for those whose worship of him comes from the core of our being. David is such a person. And I want to be such a person as well. How about you? Join me in daily offering prayers as incense and lifting our hands as sacrifice to the Lord. When I do it with joy and from the heart, the Lord looks upon me and finds a worshipper that he is seeking.
Prayer: Oh Lord, gracious Father! I love you and thank you that you are looking for me -- and that you found me! May the worship and praises that I lift to you be as sweet and beautiful sacrifices that please you. May my worship be acceptable to you and may it be contagious to others who are seeking you.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Psalm 141:2 May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.
Observation: David is a worshipper. He prays to the Lord and worships as a regular and vital part of his life. David asks the Lord that his prayer would rise to God like the offering of incense in the Tabernacle and as he raises his hands in worship, that the Lord would receive it as the sacrifice offered each evening.
Application: This Psalm reminds me that our simple acts of worship have great significance to God. Last evening in our Bible study we discussed the encounter of Jesus with the Samaritan woman (aka the woman at the well). He tells her that the Lord is seeking worshipers who worship in spirit and truth. This means that our worship is sincere and comes from sincere hearts. So the Lord is looking around for those whose worship of him comes from the core of our being. David is such a person. And I want to be such a person as well. How about you? Join me in daily offering prayers as incense and lifting our hands as sacrifice to the Lord. When I do it with joy and from the heart, the Lord looks upon me and finds a worshipper that he is seeking.
Prayer: Oh Lord, gracious Father! I love you and thank you that you are looking for me -- and that you found me! May the worship and praises that I lift to you be as sweet and beautiful sacrifices that please you. May my worship be acceptable to you and may it be contagious to others who are seeking you.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Title: Shepherds Needed / Topic: Nurturing Leadership
Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 25; 1 Samuel 26; Psalm 63; Matthew 9
Scripture: Matthew 9:36-38
36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."
Observation: Jesus sees the people and they need help. Specifically he sees them like sheep who need a shepherd. These needy people need caring and nurturing leadership. Jesus says that workers are needed to meet the need. These workers are shepherds who will help the people.
Application: What an honor it is to be a worker for the Lord. And the calling of those who would lead is work -- it is not a white-collar job. It is a get-your-hands-dirty calling. The shepherd is to help the sheep who are harassed and helpless. (Now many of these sheep resist the help that the shepherd would bring, but that is another topic for another day.) The other thing that is needed is prayer to God to supply more workers -- we need more shepherds, more caring and nurturing leaders to help bring the fullness of God into people's lives.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the calling to be your worker, your shepherd. You are my shepherd. May I follow you well and may I receive from you all the care and nurture that you have for me. And help me to be a good shepherd to those you have called me to lead.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Matthew 9:36-38
36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."
Observation: Jesus sees the people and they need help. Specifically he sees them like sheep who need a shepherd. These needy people need caring and nurturing leadership. Jesus says that workers are needed to meet the need. These workers are shepherds who will help the people.
Application: What an honor it is to be a worker for the Lord. And the calling of those who would lead is work -- it is not a white-collar job. It is a get-your-hands-dirty calling. The shepherd is to help the sheep who are harassed and helpless. (Now many of these sheep resist the help that the shepherd would bring, but that is another topic for another day.) The other thing that is needed is prayer to God to supply more workers -- we need more shepherds, more caring and nurturing leaders to help bring the fullness of God into people's lives.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the calling to be your worker, your shepherd. You are my shepherd. May I follow you well and may I receive from you all the care and nurture that you have for me. And help me to be a good shepherd to those you have called me to lead.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Title: The Key To Effective Prayer / Topic: Forgiveness
Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 22; Psalm 17; Psalm 35; Matthew 6
Scripture: Matthew 6:14-15
14 For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Observation: This is in a section where Jesus is teaching about prayer and this is an obvious key to prayer. If we want our prayers to have any effect, we must walk in forgiveness. If I harbor unforgiveness, I effectively cut myself off from God.
Application: Stay sweet. Only by forgiving others am I able to keep my relationship with God wide open. Unforgiveness becomes a choke point that progressively reduces the flow of life between me and God. And unforgiveness which is nurtured can actually jeopardize my standing as a forgiven person before the Lord.
Prayer: Lord, may I never withhold forgiveness, no matter what the offense against me. Help me to operate in your Spirit and power of forgiveness.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Matthew 6:14-15
14 For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Observation: This is in a section where Jesus is teaching about prayer and this is an obvious key to prayer. If we want our prayers to have any effect, we must walk in forgiveness. If I harbor unforgiveness, I effectively cut myself off from God.
Application: Stay sweet. Only by forgiving others am I able to keep my relationship with God wide open. Unforgiveness becomes a choke point that progressively reduces the flow of life between me and God. And unforgiveness which is nurtured can actually jeopardize my standing as a forgiven person before the Lord.
Prayer: Lord, may I never withhold forgiveness, no matter what the offense against me. Help me to operate in your Spirit and power of forgiveness.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Title: How To Do The Impossible / Topic: I Need God!
Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 20; 1 Samuel 21; Psalm 34; Matthew 5
Scripture: Matthew 5:43-48
43 "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven... 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Observation: Jesus says to you and me, "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." Wow! It's impossible. That is, it is impossible for me without the assistance of God. Without God's help, I may be able to restrain the hate I express toward my enemies, but to actually love them requires the help of God. In fact, I believe that loving one's enemies is a true proof of salvation. It could be reworded as follows: "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, for this proves that you are the sons of your Father in heaven... In this way, you can demonstrate how to be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect."
Application: God commands the impossible so that I can never be tempted to try it on my own. When I really understand the expectations that my Father has of me, it drives me to my knees -- to seek his empowerment. It is in the realization that I am absolutely incompetent to fulfill God's requirements in that my own "strength" falls so far short that it truly is weakness, that I seek his enablement and receive strengthening in my inner man to become that unstoppable servant of God that actually can do God's work.
Prayer: Lord, thank you that you do not need my help. But I sure need your help! Empower and enable and fill me with all of you, dear Lord. I want to walk in your strength and not in the mirage of my own resource.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Matthew 5:43-48
43 "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven... 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Observation: Jesus says to you and me, "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." Wow! It's impossible. That is, it is impossible for me without the assistance of God. Without God's help, I may be able to restrain the hate I express toward my enemies, but to actually love them requires the help of God. In fact, I believe that loving one's enemies is a true proof of salvation. It could be reworded as follows: "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, for this proves that you are the sons of your Father in heaven... In this way, you can demonstrate how to be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect."
Application: God commands the impossible so that I can never be tempted to try it on my own. When I really understand the expectations that my Father has of me, it drives me to my knees -- to seek his empowerment. It is in the realization that I am absolutely incompetent to fulfill God's requirements in that my own "strength" falls so far short that it truly is weakness, that I seek his enablement and receive strengthening in my inner man to become that unstoppable servant of God that actually can do God's work.
Prayer: Lord, thank you that you do not need my help. But I sure need your help! Empower and enable and fill me with all of you, dear Lord. I want to walk in your strength and not in the mirage of my own resource.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Title: The Spirit-Filled Leader / Topic: Intensity
Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 11; 1 Samuel 12; 1 Chronicles 1; 2 Corinthians 11
Scripture: 1 Samuel 11:6-7
6 When Saul heard their words, the Spirit of God came upon him in power, and he burned with anger. 7 He took a pair of oxen, cut them into pieces, and sent the pieces by messengers throughout Israel, proclaiming, "This is what will be done to the oxen of anyone who does not follow Saul and Samuel."
Observation: The people of Jabesh Gilead are under siege and they only way that can avoid destruction is to allow their enemies to gouge out the right eye of each man as the price for peace. They send word to their countrymen for help and the people weep when they hear the terrible news. Except for Saul. He doesn't weep. He gets mad -- really mad. "...He burned with anger." And this is the right and righteous response. It is the truly spiritual response. How do we know? Because the verse tells us that "the Spirit of God came upon him and he burned with anger."
Application: Some people want leaders who are all touchy-feely and super sensitive. But Saul was right on with an intensity of anger and a strong and demonstrative response that called the nation to action in the strongest of terms. He cuts up a pair of oxen and sends the pieces to the tribes with a threat. This doesn't seem like the actions of a spiritual leader.
Bottom line: A leader has the right to respond strongly. People may not like it -- but I think God does.
Prayer: Lord, help me to lead with intensity and sensitivity to you. May I be a man of action.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 11:6-7
6 When Saul heard their words, the Spirit of God came upon him in power, and he burned with anger. 7 He took a pair of oxen, cut them into pieces, and sent the pieces by messengers throughout Israel, proclaiming, "This is what will be done to the oxen of anyone who does not follow Saul and Samuel."
Observation: The people of Jabesh Gilead are under siege and they only way that can avoid destruction is to allow their enemies to gouge out the right eye of each man as the price for peace. They send word to their countrymen for help and the people weep when they hear the terrible news. Except for Saul. He doesn't weep. He gets mad -- really mad. "...He burned with anger." And this is the right and righteous response. It is the truly spiritual response. How do we know? Because the verse tells us that "the Spirit of God came upon him and he burned with anger."
Application: Some people want leaders who are all touchy-feely and super sensitive. But Saul was right on with an intensity of anger and a strong and demonstrative response that called the nation to action in the strongest of terms. He cuts up a pair of oxen and sends the pieces to the tribes with a threat. This doesn't seem like the actions of a spiritual leader.
Bottom line: A leader has the right to respond strongly. People may not like it -- but I think God does.
Prayer: Lord, help me to lead with intensity and sensitivity to you. May I be a man of action.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Title: Two Kinds Of Men / Topic: Character & Response
Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 8; 1 Samuel 9; 1 Samuel 10; 2 Corinthians 10
Scripture: 1 Samuel 10:26-27; 2 Corinthians 10:7-8, 12
1 Samuel 10:26 Saul also went to his home in Gibeah, accompanied by valiant men whose hearts God had touched. 27 But some troublemakers said, "How can this fellow save us?" They despised him and brought him no gifts. But Saul kept silent.
2 Corinthians 10:7 You are looking only on the surface of things. If anyone is confident that he belongs to Christ, he should consider again that we belong to Christ just as much as he. 8 For even if I boast somewhat freely about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than pulling you down, I will not be ashamed of it... 12 We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise...
Observation: In both of these passages we see leadership that causes a response. In the passage from 1 Samuel, Saul has just been anointed king and there are two kinds of men described. The first is "valiant men whose hearts God had touched" and the second, "troublemakers" -- and, based on their character (valiant men or troublemakers), they have different responses. The valiant men get a touch from God and follow Saul, willing to relocate to do so. The troublemakers critically and cynically question Saul's authority and, with others (implied by the text), despise him and refuse to acknowledge and honor Saul as king.
In the passage from 2 Corinthians, Paul is the leader to whom there are different responses. There are those who willingly follow Paul (implied by the context), and those who criticize and question his authority, having challenged his right to exert authority over the Corinthian church. These critical people rely on comparisons, using their own opinions as a standard of judgment, comparing Paul and themselves to each other. They have found things in Paul that they believe to be deficient and thus they reject his authority. Apparently, they do not like the fact that Paul presumes to act as if he has a role in their maturation process by speaking to them with rebukes, corrections, and direction. They don't want Paul telling them what to do or how to live, and they feel as though he is tearing them down. Paul asserts that indeed he does have a legitimate role in directing their lives, but it is to build them up, not to tear them down -- to help anyone who is willing. But because they have a critical spirit, they don't get it. Paul tells them that they are "only looking on the surface of things." And he refuses to join into their foolish comparisons.
Application: Each of us sets his own path in responding to authority. Some people reject authority because of flaws in the people exercising authority. But all human authority that God establishes is flawed, and God expects us to follow it just the same. We are to submit to authority in the same way we submit to God himself. And the way we respond to authority, with submission or rejection, willing cooperation or critical challenge, is a reflection of the character of our lives: the valiant person follows (not blindly but willingly and fully engaged) and the troublemaker criticizes and rejects (and gets others to join in their group).
Prayer: Lord, I want to be a valiant man, not seeking my own way but willingly and happily responding to the human authority you have placed in my life. May I submit to authority in such a way that you are pleased with me and that those over me may be aware of my love and support for them.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 10:26-27; 2 Corinthians 10:7-8, 12
1 Samuel 10:26 Saul also went to his home in Gibeah, accompanied by valiant men whose hearts God had touched. 27 But some troublemakers said, "How can this fellow save us?" They despised him and brought him no gifts. But Saul kept silent.
2 Corinthians 10:7 You are looking only on the surface of things. If anyone is confident that he belongs to Christ, he should consider again that we belong to Christ just as much as he. 8 For even if I boast somewhat freely about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than pulling you down, I will not be ashamed of it... 12 We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise...
Observation: In both of these passages we see leadership that causes a response. In the passage from 1 Samuel, Saul has just been anointed king and there are two kinds of men described. The first is "valiant men whose hearts God had touched" and the second, "troublemakers" -- and, based on their character (valiant men or troublemakers), they have different responses. The valiant men get a touch from God and follow Saul, willing to relocate to do so. The troublemakers critically and cynically question Saul's authority and, with others (implied by the text), despise him and refuse to acknowledge and honor Saul as king.
In the passage from 2 Corinthians, Paul is the leader to whom there are different responses. There are those who willingly follow Paul (implied by the context), and those who criticize and question his authority, having challenged his right to exert authority over the Corinthian church. These critical people rely on comparisons, using their own opinions as a standard of judgment, comparing Paul and themselves to each other. They have found things in Paul that they believe to be deficient and thus they reject his authority. Apparently, they do not like the fact that Paul presumes to act as if he has a role in their maturation process by speaking to them with rebukes, corrections, and direction. They don't want Paul telling them what to do or how to live, and they feel as though he is tearing them down. Paul asserts that indeed he does have a legitimate role in directing their lives, but it is to build them up, not to tear them down -- to help anyone who is willing. But because they have a critical spirit, they don't get it. Paul tells them that they are "only looking on the surface of things." And he refuses to join into their foolish comparisons.
Application: Each of us sets his own path in responding to authority. Some people reject authority because of flaws in the people exercising authority. But all human authority that God establishes is flawed, and God expects us to follow it just the same. We are to submit to authority in the same way we submit to God himself. And the way we respond to authority, with submission or rejection, willing cooperation or critical challenge, is a reflection of the character of our lives: the valiant person follows (not blindly but willingly and fully engaged) and the troublemaker criticizes and rejects (and gets others to join in their group).
Prayer: Lord, I want to be a valiant man, not seeking my own way but willingly and happily responding to the human authority you have placed in my life. May I submit to authority in such a way that you are pleased with me and that those over me may be aware of my love and support for them.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Title: You Can't Outgive God / Topic: Giving And Receiving
Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 6; 1 Samuel 7; Psalm 72; 2 Corinthians 9
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9
8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work... 10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
Observation: In this last section of 2 Corinthians chapter 9, Paul deals with the offering that he is to collect from the Corinthian church. He makes the point that they had promised to give significantly and they need to deliver on that promise! One point that Paul makes is found in the above verses: as we give, God gives to us -- and in more ways than one!
Application: When we give in obedience to God, he gives back to us in so many ways. We receive grace to do good works (verse 8), additional seed for future harvests and an enlargement of the righteousness in our lives (verse 10), comprehensive richness which redounds to greater generosity and causes people to thank God (verse 11).
Bottom Line: Giving to God is a wonderful deal! We receive so much that whatever we give, God gives us more in return. The old saying is true: You can't outgive God.
Prayer: Father, I thank you for your giving nature. You are such a loving Lord and you express your loving through giving. I have been richly blessed because you have delighted to bless me by giving to me. Help me to be a conduit of your grace and generosity in my own practice of giving. I want to cause people to know you and your truly amazing grace.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9
8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work... 10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
Observation: In this last section of 2 Corinthians chapter 9, Paul deals with the offering that he is to collect from the Corinthian church. He makes the point that they had promised to give significantly and they need to deliver on that promise! One point that Paul makes is found in the above verses: as we give, God gives to us -- and in more ways than one!
Application: When we give in obedience to God, he gives back to us in so many ways. We receive grace to do good works (verse 8), additional seed for future harvests and an enlargement of the righteousness in our lives (verse 10), comprehensive richness which redounds to greater generosity and causes people to thank God (verse 11).
Bottom Line: Giving to God is a wonderful deal! We receive so much that whatever we give, God gives us more in return. The old saying is true: You can't outgive God.
Prayer: Father, I thank you for your giving nature. You are such a loving Lord and you express your loving through giving. I have been richly blessed because you have delighted to bless me by giving to me. Help me to be a conduit of your grace and generosity in my own practice of giving. I want to cause people to know you and your truly amazing grace.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Title: Faithless Leaders -- Faithless People / Topic: Spiritual Leadership
Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 3; 1 Samuel 4; 1 Samuel 5; Psalm 77; 2 Corinthians 8
Scripture: 1 Samuel 3:1 The boy Samuel ministered before the LORD under Eli. In those days the word of the LORD was rare; there were not many visions.
Observation: This last statement is made in a very matter-of-fact manner. But no reason is given for the rarity of the word of the Lord and visions. But the reading from yesterday clues us in. The sons of Eli were wicked in the function of their priestly office to the point where they caused people to despise the experience of the sacrifice. This caused a general turning away from seeking the Lord. When we see a nation that is turned away from seeking the Lord, is it any surprise that the Lord doesn't speak much to that nation?
Application: Sins and abuses by spiritual leaders can turn a people away from seeking the Lord which can result in a dearth of spiritual experience. When those who are supposed to lead any people fail to honor the Lord, they not only cause people to dishonor them, but they cause people to dishonor the Lord as well. There will be great judgment and punishment for such leaders.
I believe these assertions are true but that does not excuse the people from their responsibility to seek and honor the Lord. Leaders indeed bear a heavier responsibility but every person must also take responsibility for his own spiritual condition.
Prayer: Lord, help me to be a faithful leader and to draw every open and receptive person into a deep relationship with you. May the culture of our spiritual environment be rich and deep, with everyone seeking and finding you in a ever deepening way.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 3:1 The boy Samuel ministered before the LORD under Eli. In those days the word of the LORD was rare; there were not many visions.
Observation: This last statement is made in a very matter-of-fact manner. But no reason is given for the rarity of the word of the Lord and visions. But the reading from yesterday clues us in. The sons of Eli were wicked in the function of their priestly office to the point where they caused people to despise the experience of the sacrifice. This caused a general turning away from seeking the Lord. When we see a nation that is turned away from seeking the Lord, is it any surprise that the Lord doesn't speak much to that nation?
Application: Sins and abuses by spiritual leaders can turn a people away from seeking the Lord which can result in a dearth of spiritual experience. When those who are supposed to lead any people fail to honor the Lord, they not only cause people to dishonor them, but they cause people to dishonor the Lord as well. There will be great judgment and punishment for such leaders.
I believe these assertions are true but that does not excuse the people from their responsibility to seek and honor the Lord. Leaders indeed bear a heavier responsibility but every person must also take responsibility for his own spiritual condition.
Prayer: Lord, help me to be a faithful leader and to draw every open and receptive person into a deep relationship with you. May the culture of our spiritual environment be rich and deep, with everyone seeking and finding you in a ever deepening way.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Friday, April 04, 2008
Title: What A Mess! / Topic: No Moral Code
Today’s Reading: Judges 19; Judges 20; Judges 21; 2 Corinthians 4
Scripture: Judges 21:25 In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit.
Observation: The story in today's reading from Judges 19-21 is probably my least favorite in the whole Bible (yes, there are things in the Bible I don't like). What is obvious is this: moral confusion reigns. The closing verse, Judges 21:25 (above) gives the underlying cause. The situation was without leadership and had degenerated into a "anything goes" situation. However, it is clear that though there was a great deal of moral confusion, some semblance of a sense of right and wrong prevailed. The men of Israel were outraged by the actions of those who brutalized the woman. And the ghastly demonstration by the Levite surely stunned them.
Application: But the problem is not that Israel needed a king to rule over the nation -- at least not a human one. They needed a King, that is, God, over their hearts. God had led them through Moses and had imparted a code of morality but the people had apparently long-forgotten it. Though Moses has explicitly warned them and instructed them to write it down and to rehearse it to one and another and to their children and grandchildren, it had fallen from their awareness. "Everyone did as he saw fit." There were no standards. This brings me back to this truth: it is vital that each person instill God's truth into their own heart. A leader, whether a king or an pastor or a parent, cannot keep others on the right path. We each need God as our mentor and, thankfully, that is easy to do. We only need to spend time in reading and study of his word. It is readily available to us and within its pages we find the keys to life as God intended it to be lived. So the only question is, "Will we make it happen?"
Prayer: Lord, you did not leave us without guidance, to guess or feel our way forward. You gave us a clear code of principles on which to live. Thank you. Help me to regularly study it, to imbed it into my awareness, and to follow it carefully. And help me to lead others in this right and righteous path.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Judges 21:25 In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit.
Observation: The story in today's reading from Judges 19-21 is probably my least favorite in the whole Bible (yes, there are things in the Bible I don't like). What is obvious is this: moral confusion reigns. The closing verse, Judges 21:25 (above) gives the underlying cause. The situation was without leadership and had degenerated into a "anything goes" situation. However, it is clear that though there was a great deal of moral confusion, some semblance of a sense of right and wrong prevailed. The men of Israel were outraged by the actions of those who brutalized the woman. And the ghastly demonstration by the Levite surely stunned them.
Application: But the problem is not that Israel needed a king to rule over the nation -- at least not a human one. They needed a King, that is, God, over their hearts. God had led them through Moses and had imparted a code of morality but the people had apparently long-forgotten it. Though Moses has explicitly warned them and instructed them to write it down and to rehearse it to one and another and to their children and grandchildren, it had fallen from their awareness. "Everyone did as he saw fit." There were no standards. This brings me back to this truth: it is vital that each person instill God's truth into their own heart. A leader, whether a king or an pastor or a parent, cannot keep others on the right path. We each need God as our mentor and, thankfully, that is easy to do. We only need to spend time in reading and study of his word. It is readily available to us and within its pages we find the keys to life as God intended it to be lived. So the only question is, "Will we make it happen?"
Prayer: Lord, you did not leave us without guidance, to guess or feel our way forward. You gave us a clear code of principles on which to live. Thank you. Help me to regularly study it, to imbed it into my awareness, and to follow it carefully. And help me to lead others in this right and righteous path.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Title: Wise Example Rejected / Topic: Singular Weakness
Today’s Reading: Judges 13; Judges 14; Judges 15; Judges 16; 2 Corinthians 2
Scripture: Judges 13:8-12, 14:6
Judges 13:8 Then Manoah prayed to the LORD : "O LORD, I beg you, let the man of God you sent to us come again to teach us how to bring up the boy who is to be born." 9 God heard Manoah, and the angel of God came again to the woman while she was out in the field; but her husband Manoah was not with her. 10 The woman hurried to tell her husband, "He's here! The man who appeared to me the other day!" 11 Manoah got up and followed his wife. When he came to the man, he said, "Are you the one who talked to my wife?" "I am," he said. 12 So Manoah asked him, "When your words are fulfilled, what is to be the rule for the boy's life and work?"
Judges 14:6 The Spirit of the LORD came upon him in power so that he tore the lion apart with his bare hands as he might have torn a young goat. But he told neither his father nor his mother what he had done.
Observation: I am so impressed with Manoah and his wife. Manoah has real faith and humility -- in verses 8 and 12 we see it clearly. His prayer to the Lord and his question of the angel reveal that he did not doubt the promise of God to his wife and his desire to seek and follow God's instruction regarding the fulfillment of this promise. Look at these expressions of faith (italicized) and humility (bold): "O LORD, I beg you, let the man of God you sent to us come again to teach us how to bring up the boy who is to be born."... "When your words are fulfilled, what is to be the rule for the boy's life and work?"
I am also impressed that even though Samson's parents have a true faith and humility, Samson did not pick it up. Though he has this amazing encounter with: 1) God (being filled with spiritual power and physical strength); 2) a lion (which attacked him); and 3) satan (who empowered the lion to kill him -- though Samson did not discern this), he doesn't mention it to his parents! This inclination not to open up to them -- to deal with his life privately and on his own -- persists throughout his life and is one of his downfalls. What might have happened, had he shared the lion encounter with them? Who knows? One thing is for certain -- had he shared his other private struggles with them, the horrible consequences of his life could have been avoided.
Application: For me the bottom line is that I must have people with whom I can share my private battles. This is something that I must intentionally make happen: finding others who know what I am going through and dealing with. I must have these comrades because this can help me from making truly disastrous choices in isolation.
Prayer: Lord, keep me connected to others that will speak your wisdom in my life. May never rely only on what I think and believe. And like Manoah, give me faith and humility that trusts in you without question and is open and teachable.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Judges 13:8-12, 14:6
Judges 13:8 Then Manoah prayed to the LORD : "O LORD, I beg you, let the man of God you sent to us come again to teach us how to bring up the boy who is to be born." 9 God heard Manoah, and the angel of God came again to the woman while she was out in the field; but her husband Manoah was not with her. 10 The woman hurried to tell her husband, "He's here! The man who appeared to me the other day!" 11 Manoah got up and followed his wife. When he came to the man, he said, "Are you the one who talked to my wife?" "I am," he said. 12 So Manoah asked him, "When your words are fulfilled, what is to be the rule for the boy's life and work?"
Judges 14:6 The Spirit of the LORD came upon him in power so that he tore the lion apart with his bare hands as he might have torn a young goat. But he told neither his father nor his mother what he had done.
Observation: I am so impressed with Manoah and his wife. Manoah has real faith and humility -- in verses 8 and 12 we see it clearly. His prayer to the Lord and his question of the angel reveal that he did not doubt the promise of God to his wife and his desire to seek and follow God's instruction regarding the fulfillment of this promise. Look at these expressions of faith (italicized) and humility (bold): "O LORD, I beg you, let the man of God you sent to us come again to teach us how to bring up the boy who is to be born."... "When your words are fulfilled, what is to be the rule for the boy's life and work?"
I am also impressed that even though Samson's parents have a true faith and humility, Samson did not pick it up. Though he has this amazing encounter with: 1) God (being filled with spiritual power and physical strength); 2) a lion (which attacked him); and 3) satan (who empowered the lion to kill him -- though Samson did not discern this), he doesn't mention it to his parents! This inclination not to open up to them -- to deal with his life privately and on his own -- persists throughout his life and is one of his downfalls. What might have happened, had he shared the lion encounter with them? Who knows? One thing is for certain -- had he shared his other private struggles with them, the horrible consequences of his life could have been avoided.
Application: For me the bottom line is that I must have people with whom I can share my private battles. This is something that I must intentionally make happen: finding others who know what I am going through and dealing with. I must have these comrades because this can help me from making truly disastrous choices in isolation.
Prayer: Lord, keep me connected to others that will speak your wisdom in my life. May never rely only on what I think and believe. And like Manoah, give me faith and humility that trusts in you without question and is open and teachable.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Title: The Leader's Thankless Lot / Topic: Leadership
Today’s Reading: Judges 11; Judges 12; Psalm 50; 2 Corinthians 1
Scripture: Judges 12:1-3
1 The men of Ephraim called out their forces, crossed over to Zaphon and said to Jephthah, "Why did you go to fight the Ammonites without calling us to go with you? We're going to burn down your house over your head."
2 Jephthah answered, "I and my people were engaged in a great struggle with the Ammonites, and although I called, you didn't save me out of their hands. 3 When I saw that you wouldn't help, I took my life in my hands and crossed over to fight the Ammonites, and the LORD gave me the victory over them. Now why have you come up today to fight me?"
Observation: Jephthah has been sought out to fight against Israel's enemies and he has won a great victory. Sadly, he made a rash vow which brought him great sorrow. (Read about this in the previous chapter.) Now, on top of that heartache he is threatened with death by his fellow Israelites from the tribe of Ephraim. Why? Because he didn't get their help in the battle. I can't quite figure out this logic: "Congratulations on defeating our enemies. We wanted to help you fight. But we didn't get to. So now we are going to kill you!" With friends like these who needs enemies.
Application: Leadership is tough. Those brave souls who stepped forward to lead Israel as judges had a difficult job. Not only did they have to fight against Israel's enemies, but, more often than not, they had to defend themselves from attacks by their own countrymen. And being a church leader today has similar situations. The key is to remember who it is that I am serving. I am serving the Lord. If I please him, that is all that matters. If I displease him, nothing matters.
Prayer: Lord, thank you that you have called me to your service. Give me strength, determination, and stamina to stay strong and stay sweet as I serve by leading your people. And I thank you for those faithful ones who stand by me in love and loyalty, no matter what. Give them a special blessing for their service.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Judges 12:1-3
1 The men of Ephraim called out their forces, crossed over to Zaphon and said to Jephthah, "Why did you go to fight the Ammonites without calling us to go with you? We're going to burn down your house over your head."
2 Jephthah answered, "I and my people were engaged in a great struggle with the Ammonites, and although I called, you didn't save me out of their hands. 3 When I saw that you wouldn't help, I took my life in my hands and crossed over to fight the Ammonites, and the LORD gave me the victory over them. Now why have you come up today to fight me?"
Observation: Jephthah has been sought out to fight against Israel's enemies and he has won a great victory. Sadly, he made a rash vow which brought him great sorrow. (Read about this in the previous chapter.) Now, on top of that heartache he is threatened with death by his fellow Israelites from the tribe of Ephraim. Why? Because he didn't get their help in the battle. I can't quite figure out this logic: "Congratulations on defeating our enemies. We wanted to help you fight. But we didn't get to. So now we are going to kill you!" With friends like these who needs enemies.
Application: Leadership is tough. Those brave souls who stepped forward to lead Israel as judges had a difficult job. Not only did they have to fight against Israel's enemies, but, more often than not, they had to defend themselves from attacks by their own countrymen. And being a church leader today has similar situations. The key is to remember who it is that I am serving. I am serving the Lord. If I please him, that is all that matters. If I displease him, nothing matters.
Prayer: Lord, thank you that you have called me to your service. Give me strength, determination, and stamina to stay strong and stay sweet as I serve by leading your people. And I thank you for those faithful ones who stand by me in love and loyalty, no matter what. Give them a special blessing for their service.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Title: Got Submission? / Topic: True Spiritual Authority
Today’s Reading: Judges 6; Judges 7; Psalm 52; 1 Corinthians 14
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 14:36-38
36 Did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached? 37 If anybody thinks he is a prophet or spiritually gifted, let him acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord's command. 38 If he ignores this, he himself will be ignored.
Observation: Paul is mocking those Corinthian believers who don't want to listen to Paul. They are just "too spiritual" and "too enlightened." They are way beyond Paul! Paul challenges them in verse 36: "Are you the originators of God's word? Did you get it before anybody else? Does it all stop with you? Is God restricted to you?" As far as these psuedo-spiritual, self righteous, and inflated spiritualists were concerned, it was all about them. But Paul puts the kibosh on that. In verse 37, he states an eternal principle: to have authority, one must be under authority. If a person does not recognize and respect the authority that God has ordained (i.e. the Bible, the Church and it's God-given leaders), then that person is not to be recognized or respected. That person is a phony -- do not listen to such a person.
Application: True spiritual authority is not independent. It does not stand alone.* It is connected to and submitted to authority -- the authority of the Word and the authority of the Church. Those who claim to have authority but refuse to submit to authority are to be ignored as false. It takes great faith to recognize that God will work through the flawed human leadership of the Church and even greater faith to submit to it when I think it is in error. But it takes no faith at all to fly solo, relying only on my own mind and interpretations.
Bottom line: Submit to God and demonstrate true faith by staying submitted to your leaders. This is where true spiritual authority is forged and honed.
Prayer: Lord, keep me submitted to the authorities you have placed in my life, that is your Word and my leaders and elders. May I be a man who functions in true submission and true spiritual authority.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
*In some cases in the Bible, prophets of God did have a solitary role, but their ministries were based on God's word and consistent with the traditions of their past.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 14:36-38
36 Did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached? 37 If anybody thinks he is a prophet or spiritually gifted, let him acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord's command. 38 If he ignores this, he himself will be ignored.
Observation: Paul is mocking those Corinthian believers who don't want to listen to Paul. They are just "too spiritual" and "too enlightened." They are way beyond Paul! Paul challenges them in verse 36: "Are you the originators of God's word? Did you get it before anybody else? Does it all stop with you? Is God restricted to you?" As far as these psuedo-spiritual, self righteous, and inflated spiritualists were concerned, it was all about them. But Paul puts the kibosh on that. In verse 37, he states an eternal principle: to have authority, one must be under authority. If a person does not recognize and respect the authority that God has ordained (i.e. the Bible, the Church and it's God-given leaders), then that person is not to be recognized or respected. That person is a phony -- do not listen to such a person.
Application: True spiritual authority is not independent. It does not stand alone.* It is connected to and submitted to authority -- the authority of the Word and the authority of the Church. Those who claim to have authority but refuse to submit to authority are to be ignored as false. It takes great faith to recognize that God will work through the flawed human leadership of the Church and even greater faith to submit to it when I think it is in error. But it takes no faith at all to fly solo, relying only on my own mind and interpretations.
Bottom line: Submit to God and demonstrate true faith by staying submitted to your leaders. This is where true spiritual authority is forged and honed.
Prayer: Lord, keep me submitted to the authorities you have placed in my life, that is your Word and my leaders and elders. May I be a man who functions in true submission and true spiritual authority.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
*In some cases in the Bible, prophets of God did have a solitary role, but their ministries were based on God's word and consistent with the traditions of their past.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Title: Love Suffers / Topic: Love
Today’s Reading: Judges 4; Judges 5; Psalm 39; Psalm 41; 1 Corinthians 13
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails...
Observation: Paul is schooling the Corinthians about true spirituality. They have been thinking that they were really awesome because of all their spiritual gifts, but Paul put them in their place. Here he describes love. Every time I read verse 4, I remember the King James Version rendering, "Love suffers long and is kind." Love suffers. That is the truth about true love. Love is willing to suffer. It is willing to take a blow and not strike back. I especially like the phrase in verse five, "it keeps no record of wrongs" -- isn't that great.
Application: Just think what the church would be like if Christians lived out the truth of love in this passage. Wow! It would be such a great testimony of Jesus -- something that isn't true much today.
Prayer: Lord, help me to be a man who truly loves. May I be willing to suffer long and stay sweet. Work your character into my life.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails...
Observation: Paul is schooling the Corinthians about true spirituality. They have been thinking that they were really awesome because of all their spiritual gifts, but Paul put them in their place. Here he describes love. Every time I read verse 4, I remember the King James Version rendering, "Love suffers long and is kind." Love suffers. That is the truth about true love. Love is willing to suffer. It is willing to take a blow and not strike back. I especially like the phrase in verse five, "it keeps no record of wrongs" -- isn't that great.
Application: Just think what the church would be like if Christians lived out the truth of love in this passage. Wow! It would be such a great testimony of Jesus -- something that isn't true much today.
Prayer: Lord, help me to be a man who truly loves. May I be willing to suffer long and stay sweet. Work your character into my life.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Title: Don't Assume / Topic: Humble Walk
Today’s Reading: Joshua 21; Joshua 22; Psalm 47; 1 Corinthians 10
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:1-12
1 For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers, that our forefathers were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea. 2 They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. 3 They all ate the same spiritual food 4 and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. 5 Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered over the desert.
6 Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did. 7 Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written: "The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in pagan revelry." 8 We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did—and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died. 9 We should not test the Lord, as some of them did—and were killed by snakes. 10 And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel.
11 These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come. 12 So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!
Observation: These verses give a great lesson about presumption. Here's a breakdown of the basic points:
Prayer: Lord, keep me humble. I want to avoid the pride and arrogance that can so easily trip me up. May I always remember that I must take up my cross daily, or as Paul said, "die daily," if I am to stay in right relationship with you. May I put no confidence in "the arm of flesh," that is, my own strength and abilities, but may I always walk by faith in you. Bring strength and victory to my life as I walk in your strength and victory.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:1-12
1 For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers, that our forefathers were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea. 2 They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. 3 They all ate the same spiritual food 4 and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. 5 Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered over the desert.
6 Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did. 7 Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written: "The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in pagan revelry." 8 We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did—and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died. 9 We should not test the Lord, as some of them did—and were killed by snakes. 10 And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel.
11 These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come. 12 So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!
Observation: These verses give a great lesson about presumption. Here's a breakdown of the basic points:
Verses 1-4 ...our forefathers were all:Application: Here's the message: Just because you are part of a group in which God is moving and have witnessed and participated in some amazing spiritual experiences, don't assume you are OK. Each of us has a personal responsibility to live principled lives with purity and honor. If we compromise and fall into sin, no spiritual experience can negate or neutralize the consequences of the sin and the judgment we deserve.
1) under the cloud
2) passed through the sea.
3) baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea.
4) ate the same spiritual food (manna)
5) and drank the same spiritual drink (water from the spiritual rock)
Verse 5: "Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered over the desert."
Verses 6-10 ...these are examples to keep us from:
1) setting our hearts on evil things
2) idolatry
3) sexual immorality
4) testing the Lord (i.e. doubtful and faithless questioning)
5) grumbling
Verses 11-12 "These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us ...so be careful!"
Prayer: Lord, keep me humble. I want to avoid the pride and arrogance that can so easily trip me up. May I always remember that I must take up my cross daily, or as Paul said, "die daily," if I am to stay in right relationship with you. May I put no confidence in "the arm of flesh," that is, my own strength and abilities, but may I always walk by faith in you. Bring strength and victory to my life as I walk in your strength and victory.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Title: The Enemy Next Door / Topic: Spiritual War
Today’s Reading: Joshua 12; Joshua 13; Joshua 14; 1 Corinthians 7
Scripture: Joshua 13:13 But the Israelites did not drive out the people of Geshur and Maacah, so they continue to live among the Israelites to this day.
Observation: Chapters 12 and 13 of Joshua are not the kind of Bible reading that I enjoy -- they are a labor more than a joy. Nevertheless, I found this verse interesting. Here is the account of two towns that the Israelites overlooked in their battles to conquer the land. Geshur and Maacah were left intact along with their people, and, as a result, "they continue to live among the Israelites to this day."
Application: As a believer, I am engaged in a spiritual war. And throughout my life, there are battles to be fought and won. If I neglect to deal with a particular stronghold or problem area in my life, that area will remain to be a place in my life in which the rule and reign of Christ does not apply. It remains unconquered territory which my enemy still possesses within my boundaries and from which he has easy access to other areas of my life. It becomes a platform from which attacks against me can be launched.
Bottom line: Don't neglect to deal with any problem in your life. It can be tempting to not deal with certain sins because they are hard to get out or because we secretly have a certain affinity for them. But any sin neglected or glossed over will become a sore spot later. Many people who have simply covered over sin, like painting over rotten wood, have had that sin bring ruin to them later. Be relentless with sin. Get rid of it now.
Prayer: Lord, I pray for myself and any who will read this that you will remove any blinders or denial that has concealed areas where the enemy is still present in our lives. And, Father, give us determination, courage, and strength to fight the battles necessary to dislodge our adversaries and remove them completely from our lives.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Joshua 13:13 But the Israelites did not drive out the people of Geshur and Maacah, so they continue to live among the Israelites to this day.
Observation: Chapters 12 and 13 of Joshua are not the kind of Bible reading that I enjoy -- they are a labor more than a joy. Nevertheless, I found this verse interesting. Here is the account of two towns that the Israelites overlooked in their battles to conquer the land. Geshur and Maacah were left intact along with their people, and, as a result, "they continue to live among the Israelites to this day."
Application: As a believer, I am engaged in a spiritual war. And throughout my life, there are battles to be fought and won. If I neglect to deal with a particular stronghold or problem area in my life, that area will remain to be a place in my life in which the rule and reign of Christ does not apply. It remains unconquered territory which my enemy still possesses within my boundaries and from which he has easy access to other areas of my life. It becomes a platform from which attacks against me can be launched.
Bottom line: Don't neglect to deal with any problem in your life. It can be tempting to not deal with certain sins because they are hard to get out or because we secretly have a certain affinity for them. But any sin neglected or glossed over will become a sore spot later. Many people who have simply covered over sin, like painting over rotten wood, have had that sin bring ruin to them later. Be relentless with sin. Get rid of it now.
Prayer: Lord, I pray for myself and any who will read this that you will remove any blinders or denial that has concealed areas where the enemy is still present in our lives. And, Father, give us determination, courage, and strength to fight the battles necessary to dislodge our adversaries and remove them completely from our lives.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Title: Don't Take It Outside / Topic: Life In The Family Of God
Today’s Reading: Joshua 9; Joshua 10; Joshua 11; 1 Corinthians 6
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 6:1-8
1 If any of you has a dispute with another, dare he take it before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the saints? 2 Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases? 3 Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life! 4 Therefore, if you have disputes about such matters, appoint as judges even men of little account in the church! 5 I say this to shame you. Is it possible that there is nobody among you wise enough to judge a dispute between believers? 6 But instead, one brother goes to law against another—and this in front of unbelievers!
7 The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated? 8 Instead, you yourselves cheat and do wrong, and you do this to your brothers.
Observation: Paul rebukes the Corinthians. But notice what he does and does not rebuke them for. He does not rebuke them for having disputes between believers in the church. Paul understands, and so should we, that disputes are a normal part of being in any family, and that's what the church is -- a family. So disagreements, arguments, fights, and disputes are a normal part of church life that we should expect and work out with God's grace and wisdom.
However, because the Corinthians are doing otherwise, Paul does rebuke them for not being able to settle their disputes within the church. He even goes so far as to say that it is better, as a Christian, to accept being a victim of another believer's cheating or other intentional wrong action against you than to take your dispute outside the church! In Corinth, they were even filing lawsuits against one another in court.
Application: Many in today's church, unfortunately, do much the same thing. They take their offenses and indignation and present their case to others, both within the church and outside, in the form of gossip and backbiting. They feel justified because they were wronged in some way. What is so sad is that this has the same negative impact on the testimony of the church as the actions that Paul spoke against. Outsiders and insiders are infected with the poison of conflict and soured on the church. People who were uninvolved with the conflict are drawn into it and the problem grows like an infection, damaging the church and many people in it. Many who need the message of hope the church brings turn away from the church because of being exposed to this kind of thing. It is so unfortunate and I know it makes our Lord sad. And it should make us sad. So many so-called Christians have never truly solved a dispute in the biblical way, or have never been willing to be wronged for the cause of unity for which Jesus prayed.
Bottom line: When you have a conflict within your church family, stay and solve it. If you can't get the result you want right away, accept it and stay put. Love the people you are in conflict with -- forgive them. Don't speak evil against them to anyone. Offer yourself to God as a sacrifice of love and forgiveness rather than harming the Body of Christ.
Prayer: Lord, forgive me for all ways in which I have contributed to conflicts with my brothers and sisters that have resulted in harm to your children and your Church. Help us to truly take to heart your heart's desire that we abide in unity and self-sacrifice, being willing to be offended rather than to take up our cause against a brother or sister. Lord, may your church rise up in unity and love. Bring us back to the basics of greatest commandments: loving you with all of our mind and soul and strength, and loving our neighbor as ourselves.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 6:1-8
1 If any of you has a dispute with another, dare he take it before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the saints? 2 Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases? 3 Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life! 4 Therefore, if you have disputes about such matters, appoint as judges even men of little account in the church! 5 I say this to shame you. Is it possible that there is nobody among you wise enough to judge a dispute between believers? 6 But instead, one brother goes to law against another—and this in front of unbelievers!
7 The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated? 8 Instead, you yourselves cheat and do wrong, and you do this to your brothers.
Observation: Paul rebukes the Corinthians. But notice what he does and does not rebuke them for. He does not rebuke them for having disputes between believers in the church. Paul understands, and so should we, that disputes are a normal part of being in any family, and that's what the church is -- a family. So disagreements, arguments, fights, and disputes are a normal part of church life that we should expect and work out with God's grace and wisdom.
However, because the Corinthians are doing otherwise, Paul does rebuke them for not being able to settle their disputes within the church. He even goes so far as to say that it is better, as a Christian, to accept being a victim of another believer's cheating or other intentional wrong action against you than to take your dispute outside the church! In Corinth, they were even filing lawsuits against one another in court.
Application: Many in today's church, unfortunately, do much the same thing. They take their offenses and indignation and present their case to others, both within the church and outside, in the form of gossip and backbiting. They feel justified because they were wronged in some way. What is so sad is that this has the same negative impact on the testimony of the church as the actions that Paul spoke against. Outsiders and insiders are infected with the poison of conflict and soured on the church. People who were uninvolved with the conflict are drawn into it and the problem grows like an infection, damaging the church and many people in it. Many who need the message of hope the church brings turn away from the church because of being exposed to this kind of thing. It is so unfortunate and I know it makes our Lord sad. And it should make us sad. So many so-called Christians have never truly solved a dispute in the biblical way, or have never been willing to be wronged for the cause of unity for which Jesus prayed.
Bottom line: When you have a conflict within your church family, stay and solve it. If you can't get the result you want right away, accept it and stay put. Love the people you are in conflict with -- forgive them. Don't speak evil against them to anyone. Offer yourself to God as a sacrifice of love and forgiveness rather than harming the Body of Christ.
Prayer: Lord, forgive me for all ways in which I have contributed to conflicts with my brothers and sisters that have resulted in harm to your children and your Church. Help us to truly take to heart your heart's desire that we abide in unity and self-sacrifice, being willing to be offended rather than to take up our cause against a brother or sister. Lord, may your church rise up in unity and love. Bring us back to the basics of greatest commandments: loving you with all of our mind and soul and strength, and loving our neighbor as ourselves.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Title: Stand Up! / Topic: Leadership
Today’s Reading: Joshua 7; Joshua 8; Psalm 69; 1 Corinthians 5
Scripture: Joshua 7:6-10
6 Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell facedown to the ground before the ark of the LORD, remaining there till evening... 10 The LORD said to Joshua, "Stand up! What are you doing down on your face?..."
Observation: Joshua is panicked about the defeat of the Israelites at Ai. He and the elders are mourning and lamenting before the Lord. The Lord rebukes him.
Application: There is a call on leadership that is demanding. The Lord says, "Stand up! What are you doing down on your face?..." It's a sharp rebuke. This is not a time for mourning or reflection, it is a time for action and judgment. Instead of complaining to and about God and the defeat they suffered, they needed to look at their own failings, for they brought this defeat upon themselves. It is tough, in the midst of defeat, to stand strongly as a leader, but it is what the Lord expects. As the saying goes, "if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen." If you want to act out of your pain and circumstance, then leadership is not for you.
Prayer: Lord, strengthen me that I may lead in times of defeat as well as victory. Make me a leader that is tough and strong.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Joshua 7:6-10
6 Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell facedown to the ground before the ark of the LORD, remaining there till evening... 10 The LORD said to Joshua, "Stand up! What are you doing down on your face?..."
Observation: Joshua is panicked about the defeat of the Israelites at Ai. He and the elders are mourning and lamenting before the Lord. The Lord rebukes him.
Application: There is a call on leadership that is demanding. The Lord says, "Stand up! What are you doing down on your face?..." It's a sharp rebuke. This is not a time for mourning or reflection, it is a time for action and judgment. Instead of complaining to and about God and the defeat they suffered, they needed to look at their own failings, for they brought this defeat upon themselves. It is tough, in the midst of defeat, to stand strongly as a leader, but it is what the Lord expects. As the saying goes, "if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen." If you want to act out of your pain and circumstance, then leadership is not for you.
Prayer: Lord, strengthen me that I may lead in times of defeat as well as victory. Make me a leader that is tough and strong.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Title: Follow The Ark / Topic: Divine Guidance
Today’s Reading: Joshua 3; Joshua 4; Joshua 5; Joshua 6; 1 Corinthians 4
Scripture: Joshua 3
3 ..."When you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests, who are Levites, carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it. 4 Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before..."
Observation: As the Israelites are preparing to enter the land, they are given instructions to follow the ark of the covenant.
Application: "You have never been this way before." This is the story of our lives. Every day is an unexplored experience that we walk through, never really knowing what will happen. And, like the Israelites, we have periods that are truly outside of our experience. And in all these, we need to stay close to the presence of the Lord, which the ark represents. Keep God in sight, "Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before."
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for your willingness to guide us. I want to follow your presence and never stray from the places that you lead. Keep watch over me and keep reminding me to keep my eyes on you.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Joshua 3
3 ..."When you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests, who are Levites, carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it. 4 Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before..."
Observation: As the Israelites are preparing to enter the land, they are given instructions to follow the ark of the covenant.
Application: "You have never been this way before." This is the story of our lives. Every day is an unexplored experience that we walk through, never really knowing what will happen. And, like the Israelites, we have periods that are truly outside of our experience. And in all these, we need to stay close to the presence of the Lord, which the ark represents. Keep God in sight, "Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before."
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for your willingness to guide us. I want to follow your presence and never stray from the places that you lead. Keep watch over me and keep reminding me to keep my eyes on you.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Title: It's A Relationship Thing / Topic: Walk With God
Today’s Reading: Joshua 1; Joshua 2; Psalm 37; 1 Corinthians 3
Scripture: Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you?...
Observation: The Lord is reminding Joshua that he must carefully follow his instructions, now that Moses is dead. It's about intentionality and diligence. This line caught my eye. Depending on where you put the emphasis, there are interesting nuances in the meaning:
#1 Have I not commanded you? -- Hey, it's me, your God who has taken care of you and who brought you out of Egypt. Because you know me and my love for you and my power, you should automatically follow my word. It's a relationship thing.
#2 Have I not commanded you? -- Let me make this clear, this isn't my suggestion, it's my command. So no playing around. My commands must be handled with great respect and care!
#3 Have I not commanded you? -- Joshua, it's not just Moses that I spoke to, this word is to you. Receive it personally as Moses did because I am giving the same weight of responsibility for carrying out these words to you as I did to Moses or anyone else.
Application: I like the first one best and it seems to me to make the greatest impact. God appeals to Joshua (and to you and me) on the basis of relationship. If you've walked with God and you know him, it should be of great importance to please him and follow him closely. God is my father and friend. I want to love him because I know he loves me and I have be greatly blessed by his love for me. It's a relationship thing.
Prayer: Dear Father, I am so glad that I know you and that you know me. I am so blessed to be your son. Help me to always relate to you in love and obedience and give me strength to resist temptations of the world and the devil and the evil impulses of my own sin nature. I want to walk with you as my Father and my friend. Thank you for being a Father and a friend to me.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you?...
Observation: The Lord is reminding Joshua that he must carefully follow his instructions, now that Moses is dead. It's about intentionality and diligence. This line caught my eye. Depending on where you put the emphasis, there are interesting nuances in the meaning:
#1 Have I not commanded you? -- Hey, it's me, your God who has taken care of you and who brought you out of Egypt. Because you know me and my love for you and my power, you should automatically follow my word. It's a relationship thing.
#2 Have I not commanded you? -- Let me make this clear, this isn't my suggestion, it's my command. So no playing around. My commands must be handled with great respect and care!
#3 Have I not commanded you? -- Joshua, it's not just Moses that I spoke to, this word is to you. Receive it personally as Moses did because I am giving the same weight of responsibility for carrying out these words to you as I did to Moses or anyone else.
Application: I like the first one best and it seems to me to make the greatest impact. God appeals to Joshua (and to you and me) on the basis of relationship. If you've walked with God and you know him, it should be of great importance to please him and follow him closely. God is my father and friend. I want to love him because I know he loves me and I have be greatly blessed by his love for me. It's a relationship thing.
Prayer: Dear Father, I am so glad that I know you and that you know me. I am so blessed to be your son. Help me to always relate to you in love and obedience and give me strength to resist temptations of the world and the devil and the evil impulses of my own sin nature. I want to walk with you as my Father and my friend. Thank you for being a Father and a friend to me.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Title: Lock It In / Topic: Deliberate Living
Today’s Reading: Deuteronomy 32, 33, 34; 1 Corinthians 2
Scripture: Deuteronomy 32:45-47
45 When Moses finished reciting all these words to all Israel, 46 he said to them, "Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law. 47 They are not just idle words for you—they are your life. By them you will live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess."
Observation: Moses does a lot of talking in these chapters. It makes sense because he is laying the groundwork for the transition from his leadership to that of Joshua. This statement, at the end of his "song" is so important. He tells them that the words he has spoken are of great importance and that they must take them with the utmost seriousness. Note the words and phrases:
"take to heart"
"solemnly declared"
"command your children"
"obey carefully"
"all the words"
"not just idle words"
"they are your life"
And the last summary statement, "By them you will live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess," implies what Moses states directly in other places: failure to follow them will bring disaster.
Application: I must take the word of God seriously, and not just the word of God, but also the words of Godly men and women, those elders that God has put in my life. I must be solemn and deliberate in making these words a priority in my life. I must take these words and lock them into my thinking. To fail to do so is to make them "just idle words" and thus endanger myself and those around me.
Prayer: Lord, help me to intentionally apply my heart and mind to the truths that you bring to me from your word and your servants. I want to live with the utmost care and diligence to give honor to you by closely following your word.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Deuteronomy 32:45-47
45 When Moses finished reciting all these words to all Israel, 46 he said to them, "Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law. 47 They are not just idle words for you—they are your life. By them you will live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess."
Observation: Moses does a lot of talking in these chapters. It makes sense because he is laying the groundwork for the transition from his leadership to that of Joshua. This statement, at the end of his "song" is so important. He tells them that the words he has spoken are of great importance and that they must take them with the utmost seriousness. Note the words and phrases:
"take to heart"
"solemnly declared"
"command your children"
"obey carefully"
"all the words"
"not just idle words"
"they are your life"
And the last summary statement, "By them you will live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess," implies what Moses states directly in other places: failure to follow them will bring disaster.
Application: I must take the word of God seriously, and not just the word of God, but also the words of Godly men and women, those elders that God has put in my life. I must be solemn and deliberate in making these words a priority in my life. I must take these words and lock them into my thinking. To fail to do so is to make them "just idle words" and thus endanger myself and those around me.
Prayer: Lord, help me to intentionally apply my heart and mind to the truths that you bring to me from your word and your servants. I want to live with the utmost care and diligence to give honor to you by closely following your word.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
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