Mennonite at War

Matthew 10:37-38

2011-03-31T12:10:00.002-05:00

Anyone who loves his father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me.

The price of following is pretty steep. The call is to put Jesus, and Jesus alone above all else in our lives. And if you don't, you just aren't worthy of Him. He was speaking these words to the twelve before he sent them out, a little pep talk if you will. The irony is eleven of them scattered like roaches when He was arrested and the twelfth one betrayed Him. Those men followed Him for years. They heard Him speak, saw Him heal, felt the very power of God in His words, His actions. But yet, they couldn't even resist running and abandoning Him.

Nobody is worthy of Him. How is there even hope for me of those who spent years in His very company failed Him? He knows my weaknesses, He understands my struggles, He knows I am so unable to do all He requires and asks, so unable to be worthy of Him on my own. That's the thing that really shows us something special to us about Jesus. His unfathomable love, mercy and grace. In my weaknesses, His strength is shown. In my struggles, He secures victory for me. In my worthlessness to be worthy of Him, He writes my name in the book of life.

Matthew 9:9-10

2011-03-29T12:26:00.002-05:00

As Jesus went on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector's booth. “Follow me,” He told him, and Matthew got up and followed Him. While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and “sinners” came and ate with Him and His disciples.

Another selection about following. Matthew just got up and followed. No excuses, no arguments. But another thing that got my attention is what happened later. Not only did Matthew just get up and follow. But then Matthew included his circle of influence in that choice. Jesus came to Matthew's house and ate with other tax collectors and "sinners" Matthew knew. Matthew became the instrument, the avenue through which his circle of friends and co-workers were introduced to Jesus in a more personal and intimate way. Matthew's following became a bridge to reaching more lost. Not a wall that separated him from further "corrupting" influences. Is the way I follow building bridges that introduce Jesus to my circle of influence? Or have I too often erected barriers that insulate me from them and their meeting Jesus?

Matthew 8:21-22

2011-03-28T12:46:00.003-05:00

Another disciple said to Him, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.”

But Jesus told him, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead.”

These verses aren't about burying somebody at all. They are about following Jesus. Not when it works into my schedule. Not when it runs parallel to my plan. Not when it doesn't interfere with what I want to do. The following is on His terms, His schedule, His plan, His agenda.

Funny, the past several days I've been thinking a lot more about heaven, growing in my longing to be there and freed from the filth and tug of the sin of this world. When I was young, (not that I'm very old now), I had many thoughts along the lines of hoping Jesus doesn't come back until after several life envents for me, getting married, owning my own house, travel to certain places. having children, seeing my children become mature adults, having grandchildren, a leasurily, early retirement. A whole list of things on my agenda. Or sometimes there are other "If..., then I'll follow." deals we want to make. If I get a raise, then I'll tithe. When the kids' sports season is over, then I'll have time for devotions.

What's been my excuse when Jesus asks me to follow Him? What's yours? Is there any such thing as a "valid excuse" to not follow Jesus? I don't think so. I have to constantly be on my guard. So when He says follow, I don't say, "Lord, first let me..." To follow Jesus means there are no "first let me..." things that encumber my obedience. There just needs to be a simple yes. I haven't mastered following yet. But that is what I pray and strive for.

Genesis 22:10

2011-03-25T13:14:00.002-05:00

Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son.

One day as a test God told Abraham to sacrifice his son, Isaac. So early the next morning Abraham got up and prepared for this endevor, cut all the wood he would need, packed up the donkey, took the all the supplies for those on the trip, traveled for three days to get to the place this was to happen, build the alter, arranged the wood, bound Isaac, placed his son on the alter, then took the knife in his hand. Nowhere in this story is there ever any hint of second thoughts by Abraham, no arguing with God, no pleading for God to change His mind. Strange, the contrast of this silence when told to scarifice his own promised son when a few chapters back this same man is dickering with God about the destruction of Sodom if there were but 50, 45, 40, 30, 20, or 10 righteous men found there.

There's no doubt I've been more influenced by the world than I care to admit, seeing many things in shades of gray rather than in bold black and white. If it were me I'd probably be thinking wasn't cutting enough wood proof enough for God of my obedience? Or how about loading everything up and setting off on the journey? Surely traveling for three days proves my willingness, right? But with obedience there are no half-hearted measures. It's either full bore right to the very end or it isn't obedience at all. Where am I stopping short in my obedience rather than going all the way, even to the point of raising the knife?

But this story is also about God's faithfulness and "faith-worthy-ness" when we do obey. Even as Abraham and Isaac were trekking up the mountain with no idea how this would turn out, Abraham told Isaac, "The Lord will provide." when asked where was the sacrifical lamb. Abraham wasn't looking for a way out of obeying God. He just had faith in God. Do I have faith enough to just say God will provide, period, no ifs ands or buts?

Matthew 6:4, 6, 18

2011-03-24T07:42:00.004-05:00

...so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you...

But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you...

...so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

The first thing I notice is a triad of triads here. The first is three areas of relationship: Giving is my relationship to others. Praying is my relationship to God. Fasting is relationship to myself, own body and desires. Another triad could be my mind (having a generous attitude of giving), my body (fasting, bringing my physical comfort into proper perspective), and my soul (praying to keep strong and healthy spiritually).

A third triad points to three areas that could be indicators of where my loyalty lies and the kingdom for which I am really living? Do I lift up with open hands in generosity all the material blessings I have or do I hold on to them tightly? Do I spend my time in fellowship and communication to grow my relationship with my Heavenly Father or fritter away my time in meaningless pursuits with no eternal value? Do I deny myself, take up my cross and follow, making my life truly a living sacrifice or am I so self-centered I am not even willing to endure a little suffering or discomfort for the One who paid it all for me? Tough questions I need to always be asking in order to keep me focused.

The next thing I noticed is all three of these things, giving, praying and fasting, are to be done in secret. They aren't for show. They aren't to draw praise and attention to one's self from others. (A tangential question: So should I only give cash in the offering so nobody will know what I'm giving?) These are deeply personal and private spiritual exercises between me and my Father. Keeping these practices private and unknown to others helps to sift through the motives for doing them. I am to do them with the pure motive of obeying and pleasing my Father and to strengthen my faith.

A strong, vibrant open and growing relationship with God through obedience in these and other areas is its own reward. Is that the reward according to these verses I will receive for these practices? Or will there be rewards in addition to this? I continue to strive for and desire that my heart will be such that knowing God more fully will be the only reward I care about. Because in reality, nothing else even matters.

Matthew 5:1-12

2011-03-23T07:33:00.005-05:00

Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him,and he began to teach them saying:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

I just hate it when there's no clearly defined objective or expectation or goal, especially at work. Jesus is spelling out just what His disciples need to be like, the kind of attitudes they need to advance through the ranks, what is required for them to "bonus" in the incentive program. the performance expectations that will be discussed at their annual reviews. But this soooo anti-"the way the real world operates" list is going a bit overboard, don't you think? Real go-getters show no mercy. The meek never get ahead and just get lost in the shuffle. Peacemakers just get used as pawns by those who really want to trounce their enemy. Right?

The trouble is, what I tend to think of as the "real" world, really isn't. Sure it is the way of this fallen world I live in. But Jesus came to restore the world, not co opt it's ways for use in setting up just another alternative way of life. The Jesus Way is a complete contrast to the worldly way. And I, as His follower am to live in this world as mere ambassadors from His kingdom to it, not a full citizen of it. My standard of conduct and attitude isn't what will these people think and am I succeeding by the world's measurement. It needs to be what does my King think and am I representing Him well. If there is no drastic and marked difference, if I'm not poor in spirit, pure in heart, meek, peacemaking, merciful and hungry for righteousness, not only am I deprived of blessing but I also may deprive those I come in contact with of seeing the only hope for this world, Jesus.

Genesis 13:17

2011-03-22T08:04:00.003-05:00

Go, walk through the length and breadth of the land, for I am giving it to you.

God had just told Abram to look all around. north, south east and west. God promised all the land he could see would be his and that of his offspring. Then God tells Abram to check it out, walk through it from end to end and side to side. Take it all in and see the magnitude of what God had in store for him.

I can't say that God has audibly spoken a huge promise like this one to me about what may be ahead for my life. But what this verse says to me right now is that I need to look around at all the promises He has already kept, at all the blessings He has poured into my life. It is always a good thing to walk through the length and breadth of all God has done in my life. Hasn't He always been faithful even in my darkest hours? Isn't the thread of His workings woven throughout the fabric of my life? The answer is obviously a resounding yes. By walking through the "land" He has already given to me I see the magnitude of His greatness and the extent to which He will go to show His love for me. My response should be just like Abram's. Go, pitch a tent, build an alter.

So Abram moved his tents and went to live near the great trees of Mamre at Hebron, where he built an altar to the Lord.

Genesis 12:16-17

2011-03-21T12:02:00.006-05:00

He (Pharaoh) treated Abram well for her sake, and Abram acquired sheep and cattle, male and female donkeys, menservants and maidservants, and camels. But the Lord inflicted serious diseases on Pharaoh and his household because of Abram's wife Sarai.

Let me get this straight. Abram, through who all the peoples on the earth will be blessed lies to Pharaoh and tells him Sarai is his sister. Pharaoh, thinking she is free for the taking because of Abram's deceit, takes Sarai as his wife. Abram greatly benefits from this lie and Pharaoh has diseases inflicting on him and his household because of all this. Pharaoh obviously treated Abram well, blessing him and not cursing him, so why wasn't he blessed and became diseased instead? Did God get this one wrong? Is the wrong party here being punished?

What's the lesson here? That God condones deception as a means of blessing those He has chosen? That actions taken when relying upon words spoken by a person of God's choosing are not to be trusted? That lies aren't any big deal to God, or at least weren't yet because the 10 Commandment hadn't been given yet?

This is one of those stories that really doesn't make complete sense to me. Abram hatches this plot to protect himself and sort of protect Sarai. If he really believed God's promise and trusted Him, shouldn't Abram have been severely dealt with for his lack of faith and for taking matters into his own hands by means of deception? Is what I've had drilled into me through my Christian upbringing been wrong? That holding firm to my faith through the tough times, making the right choices may bring about suffering for a season but will build my faith in the long term? That God's grace is not a license to sin? That God may quickly remove His hand of blessing when I transgress because He is a just and holy God who does not reward sin?

As a parent I often seem to make decisions that seem inconsistent or unfair to my children. I'll come down heavy handedly on one kid and seemingly ignore the same infraction by another. A child will seem to get a more severe punishment by reacting to a wrong by another child while the initial instigator of the incident appears to get off with no discipline. When filtered through their experience, level of maturity and understanding, many of my parenting decisions don't seem to make much sense. But one thing they do know is I love them very much and want what is best for them.

Granted, I am extremely imperfect and flawed. But God is not. He is perfect in every way. And His ways are far exceeding anything I can comprehend or understand. But, without a doubt, I know He loves me and desires my best. I can question things when they don't make sense. But the bottom line is He is God and knows what He is doing even when I don't.

Genesis 4:7

2011-03-19T08:23:00.002-05:00

If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.

Cain was angry because his offering, unlike his brother's, was not looked upon with favor by the Lord. Was this because Cain's offering was comprised of fruits of the soil rather than of animals? I don't think so. In the translation I read of this chapter, verses three and four say that Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil, where Abel brought fat portions and some of the firstborn of his flock.

Though unstated in this passage, I have to believe that both Cain and Abel were taught what is acceptable as an offering to God. Cain had to know the high standard required otherwise this would probably be an instructional verse as to what is right rather than one about doing what is right.

When I bring an offering, whether monetery or otherwise, when I give of my time, talent or resources, are they acceptable and looked upon with favor? Or am I caving to the sin crouching at my door? My attitude and posture when it comes to my various offerings are a clear indication of who, or what, rules over me.

Genesis 3:22-23

2011-03-18T12:26:00.004-05:00

Then the Lord God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of Us, to know good and evil. And now, lest he put out his hand and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever”-- therefore the Lord God sent him out of the garden of Eden to till the ground from which he was taken.

Adam and Eve had access, even permission, to eat from the tree of life before they disobeyed and ate from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. A few questions rattling around in my brain: If they never ate from either tree, would they have lived forever? Or only if they ate from the tree of life? Is the curse of death a direct result of the sin of eating from the tree of knowledge of good and evil or indirect since they were banished from the garden and therefore no longer had access to the tree of life? Is this "man has become like one of Us, to know good and evil" really a statement about knowledge or perhaps something else?

I'm kind of thinking perhaps when man chooses to determine for himself what is good or evil rather than yielding in obedience to the Creator, God, he is setting himself up as his own god. It is in this way that he becomes like the "one of Us" to which God refers. It's clearly visible in our society today how "individualized" good and evil have become. Each person has their own standard of what is right and fair and good for themself. And they often judge others by yet another standard the serves only to elevate themself.

I need to ever be on my guard for that mindset that gets me thinking I can determine what is good or evil for me based on a current situation or my own interests. My anchor for truth, my source for discernment, my reference point for good and evil always must be God and his Word and His Spirit and not something completely inside myself. I have put out my hand and taken from the tree of life. That tree is a rugged cross and it's fruit is the the battered body and poured out blood of Jesus.

John 6

2010-02-18T08:00:00.003-06:00

Then Jesus lifted up His eyes, and seeing a great multitude coming toward Him, He said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?” But this He said to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do.

Philip answered Him, “Two hundred denarii (eight months' wages) worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may have a little.” John 6:5-7

Knowing what He was going to do anyway, Jesus asked Philip a question to "test" him. Hmmmmm. More questions than answers here. Why even ask? Didn't Jesus also know what Philip's answer would be as well? Do you think Philip passed or failed the test? If Philip's faith, as it seems to me here, was so lacking in regards to what Jesus could do in this "impossible" situation, is my lack of faith in the impossible situations I encounter also something that will not hinder Jesus from doing miracles? Was the miracle done in spite of Philip's lack of faith or in order that Philip's faith (as well as others') would become more solid? Does faith even factor into the equation of miracles? How often does Jesus "test" me? Every day? Is every choice a test?

Another thought I extracted as I read this. What if the people were reversed here and Philip was asking Jesus how to deal with this crisis? After all, wasn't Jesus the leader of this band? Often when in a tough situation, it seems to be my natural bent (any probably that of many others) to "ask" Jesus what I should do while already knowing what I am planning on doing. Gee that's got to frustrate Him. It should also throw up a huge red flag inside myself that tells me if I already know what I'm going to do before I even talk it over with Jesus, then I need to examine who is really on the throne in my life because there clearly is more I need to yield to His control.

John 5

2010-02-15T12:36:00.005-06:00

"For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgement to the Son...

"Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgement, but has passed from death into life...

..."As I hear, I judge; and My judgement is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me." John 5:22, 24, 30

In order for there to be such a thing as judgement, there must be a standard, something to be measured against. The ultimate standard is to do God's will. "Do not eat from this tree." The first standard, law, command that, once broken, lead humaniity down the path of choosing our own will over that of God. Then came the Law. But the Law couldn't save us. It could only serve to show us in a more tangible way how we do not measure up to the standard God has for us. The Law was co-opted by the religious leaders and turned into merely a bunch of external rules to be kept unto itself to prove by their unrighteous judgement a man's "holiness" rather than as an instrument for discerning what is God's will for how we should live our lives. Was God's will really that a person not carry any furniture or that nobody be healed on a Sabbath? Did walking further than the laws perscribed, as interpreted by the religious leaders, accurately reflect how inclined towards God a man's heart was?

Jesus, fully God, fully man. His judgement is righteous because as God, He knows what the Father's will is and as man, He lived it out perfectly. Who better to be a judge, knowing both the standard of God and the temptations of sin that pull at the flesh. But He didn't just live out the perfect life and turn around and say to us, "See, it can be done so now you do it." He offered up His perfect, sinless life for mine full of disgusting, twisted, evil, currupt, sinful, rebelious, darkness. My sin on Him as he hangs on the cross and while His righteousness covers me. All any of us need to do is hear His words and believe. He's really getting a raw deal if you ask me. Look at Him on the Cross. Stare. Don't avert your eyes. Take a good, long look.....

So, so unworthy of His mercy and love. So very deserving of His judgement and condemnation. I am completely unable to fully grasp it. In my pitiful state I find it impossible to accept... nearly.

1 Kings 17-19; Colossians 2

2009-06-16T12:06:00.002-05:00

Colossians 2: 20

Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules?

I'm pretty sure this speaks to the man-made rules the religious leaders imposed. It's so very easy to keep up apperances by doing and saying all the right things or by not doing the wrong things. But these rules are completely meaningless. They only benefit those who wish to judge righteousness based on the external. It's all pride based and self promotion.

It's not that God gives us a moving, elusive target and that there are no rules. But unlike the "basic principles of this world" by which men judge, God looks upon the heart. Is how I live my life an outflow of loving and serving God and loving and serving others? Am I immitating the culture around me or Christ?

Ecclesiates 10-12; Psalm 94, Ephesians 5

2009-06-09T16:06:00.002-05:00

Ephesians 5:15-17

Be very careful, then how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.

Eccleiastes 21:13-14

Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgement, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.

SO simple to read, so hard to live.

Ecclesiastes 7-9; Ephesians 4

2009-06-08T15:51:00.002-05:00

Ecclesiastes 7:1-2

A good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of death better than the day of birth. It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of every man; the living should take this to heart.

Obviously I don't remember the day of my birth. But having seen my four children born, I know the joyfulness felt on those days. Somehow I don't sense that the day of my death or of anyone close to me will seem like a better day. Except....

As a believer in Jesus, death is the not the end of me. It becomes the day when my hope in Christ is realized. Any possessions, any fortune, any fame and power I had are meaningless. The kind of car I drove, the number of weeds in my lawn, my social status don't matter. At death, which we all will face, every one of us faces either an eternity in the presence of God or apart from God based on what we did with Jesus between those bookends of birth and death.

With complete confidence I can say my day of death will be much better than my day of birth. By far it will be better than any day in between either. I really wonder how many people I know who are unable to say the same.

Proverbs 30-31; Psalm 33; Ephesians 1

2009-06-05T12:05:00.002-05:00

Psalm 33:18-19

But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him,
on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,
to deliver them from death
and keep them alive in famine.

This entire Psalm is a great one to read in these times of economic uncertainty and cultural decay. The bottom line is God is in control. Kings and nations and every person can make their own plan or think they are able to control circumstances. But God spoke and the universe was created. He is right and true and faithful in all He does. And if our trust is in Him rather than ourselves nothing else matters.

Provrebs 28-29; Psalm 60; Romans 16

2009-06-04T15:02:00.002-05:00

Romans 16:21-22

Timothy, my fellow worker, sends his greetings to you, as do Lucius, Jason and Sosipater, my relatives,

I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter, greet you in the Lord.

Hmmmm. Just how did Mr. Tertius happen to insert his own little greeting in this letter? Did Paul invite him to add a few words? Was he just caught up in the moment and wanted to throw in his own hello? Was it just Tertius feeling a great connection to other believers through what Paul had previously dictated so that he felt compelled to greet them in the Lord along with Paul? I've never been aware of my hearing a sermon where the pastor included comments his secretary typed in the middle of his notes. This is just a curious thing to me.

But, since it's in there, I've got to believe it is as inspired as the rest of Scripture. Is is to show us that even though Paul was the "face" of the ministry, there were many behind the scenes helping to make things happen? Was it just to be an example of Paul being gracious to those helping him, a reward for Tertuis' hard work of transcription? Is it to serve as a simple example of the interconnectedness of the global body? I'm not sure I'll ever need to know the real meaning for this. Maybe it's just to show that sometimes when a person is prompted to speak encouragement they need to forget about convention and just go for it.

Proverbs 25-27, Romans 15

2009-06-03T09:23:00.002-05:00

Romans 15:14-15a

I myself am convinced, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, complete in knowledge and competent to instruct one another. I have written you quite boldly on some points, as if to remind you of them again.

Proverbs 27

Better is open rebuke than hidden love.

Proverbs 27

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another

Good old Paul with a pat on the back and a slap up side the head at the same time for the Christians in Rome. Not too different than, say, the pastor of my church. We collectively, and I myself have lots of knowledge and competence. But I am always in need of some bold, in-my-face "reminding" of just what I should be doing and how I should be living. How loving would it really be for somebody to stay silent and not rebuke a brother when they veer off the right path?

Unfortunately is seems in our culture that rebuke, trying to "sharpen" somebody else or words of correction are taken as an insult. We throw up walls of defense around us, the individual. We pay lip service to the concept of "body" but don't really understand how to reconcile that with the American concepts of individualism and pioneer spirit that have evolved.

I know we cannot be certain of the motives of others. But just imagine this. What if each of us resolved to always assume a brother or sister really had our best interest as well as the best interest of the body of Christ in mind when they approached us to address a concern about something they have seen in our life. If we both agree that the goal is to follow Christ and obey God's Word how could I not desire you to examine my life.

This also frees us from the fear wrought by the shackles of ego and pride. At the foot of the cross there are no secret things of which Christ died to cleanse me. If the only One who knows all my failings yet still loved and forgave me, then what do I have to fear from men who want to see me live in the fullness of all that life in Christ offers. We are also complete equals, not me measuring your life by my own or you measuring mine by yours. We look at the template in the Bible and try to conform to that. Sure there will be points where we disagree about what some things mean and how that is lived out. But if we are all looking at Christ we stand shoulder to shoulder in unity instead of eyeball to eyeball in conflict.

A Blogging Intermission

2009-04-04T19:13:00.002-05:00

Sorry, but I've decided to suspend blogging my journal for an indefinite period. I'm hoping to return to it in some form after a brief break. As Pastor says, read you Bible every day, love everybody and try not to sin.

Judges 13-16; 2 Corinthians 2

2009-04-02T11:26:00.002-05:00

Judges 13:8-9a

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." God heard Manoah, and the angel of God came again to the woman while she was out in the field.

I don't know if Manoah really wanted instructions or he just needed some confirmation regarding what his wife told him. God isn't trying to make His will a big mystery. When He calls us to do something He is more than willing to give us everything we need for the job. Perhaps when I'm wondering if I've really "heard from God" about something, I need to be bold enough to ask the Lord for more clear instructions like Manoah did. God doesn't want me to be confused. Maybe when I don't seem to have clarity it's because I I haven't bothered to ask for it.

Judges 11-12; Psalm 50; 2 Corinthians 1

2009-04-01T22:12:00.002-05:00

2 Corinthians 1:12

Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God. We have done so not according to worldly wisdom but according to God's grace.

What do I boast about? Am I "boastful" when I act in a way that conforms to "God's grace, as Paul does? Or do I try to immitate the world and try to look like I'm following their wisdom so they won't think I'm foolish? Never forget, God's ways often seem foolish to the world. I need to be sure I'm living by God's standard and not worrying what other's who don't have Christ think about that.

Judges 9-10; Psalm 49; 1 Corinthians 16

2009-03-31T12:02:00.002-05:00

1 Corinthians 16:8-9

But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.

When there are many who oppose me, why don't I see it as a great door opened to me like Paul does here? In these times the tendency seems to be that having opposition is taken as a sign that God has closed a door. Somehow we have become programmed to think that way. Jesus even told us that in this world we will have troubles. He says we are blessed when we are persecuted and insulted for His name's sake. We are to consider it joy when we go through various trials because of what the testing of our faith produces. We seem to have exchanged The Comforter for living comfortably. I pray that I will be able to clearly see the diference between an opportunity for effective work in the midst of opposition and a closed door.

Judges 8; Psalm 42; 1 Corinthians 15

2009-03-30T13:02:00.002-05:00

1 Corinthians 15:2 & 58

By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.

Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

It is one thing to say I believe something. But if I do not live according to what I profess I believe, what is the point? My words are idle chatter and my stated belief is meaningless. Trusting in Jesus is really an all or nothing proposition. It cannot be a part way thing where I pick and choose the things I want or only act according to my belief when I see it is to my benefit. Once I've made the committment and taken a stand there should be nothing that can move me from it. The words ALWAYS and FULLY here really mean that. Often being extreme is not comfortable or popular. But when it is for the sake of Christ, it is never in vain.

Judges 6-7; Psalm 52; 1 Corinthians 14

2009-03-29T21:23:00.002-05:00

Judges 6:2

The LORD said to Gideon, "You have too many men for Me to deliver Midian into their hands. In order that Israel may not boast against Me that her own strength has saved her,..."

Gideon started with thirty-two thousand men to deliver God's people from Midian. But God wanted to make sure they all know their deliverance wasn't due to their own strength, but because of God. So through a couple of little tests the number of Gideon's men was reduced to only three hundred.

I always am fighting the between trying to really trust God or wanting to do things my way. How smart was it for Gideon to send away 31,700 troops and only use 300 men to defeat the Medianites? From a human perspective, not very. But that's only the case if you don't really trust God and believe He knows what He's doing. If I really believe God is in control then the most foolish thing to do is to use my own strength and understanding to resolve a crisis rather than to follow His leading.

Judges 4-5; Psalm 39 & 41; 1 Corinthians 13

2009-03-28T22:56:00.002-05:00

Psalm 39:4-5

Show me, O LORD, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life.

You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before You. Each man's life is but a breath.

Life is so short. It seems like only yesterday my oldest child was born and now she's already in high school. And there is no way over a quarter century has passed since I was in high scholl myself, is there? There are fewer years until I retire than there have been since I graduated from college. The days, the months, the years just keep clicking by. Have I already lived over half of my life yet? Yes, life is indeed fleeting and but a breath.

I really wonder how people cope with the shortness of life here on earth who don't have Christ and the hope of eternity. Wouldn't you expect them to treasure every moment even more if they think this life is all there is? I need to see those people around me and share with them the hope I do have.

Judges 1-3; 1 Corinthians 12

2009-03-27T12:13:00.002-05:00

1 Corinthians 12:31a

But eagerly desire the greater gifts.

Because in proceeding verses it lists some of the gifts and says "first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers..." it was easy to assume that this meant the first on the list was the greatest gift and so on. But as I really look at the whole chapter I'm thinking that may not be the meaning of "greater" gifts. What if desiring the greater gifts simply means functioning to the fullest within the body of Christ in whatever role He has placed you and with which ever gift(s) He's blessed you. Desire to be what God desires you to be rather than seeking to become a part of the body you find more glamorous or honorable. God gives to each one of us as He determines because He knows what is needed to carry out His will and His work. When I place my own desire of being or doing something else above the role God has made just for me, I handicap the body. Does that mean I shouldn't ask for other gifts or want to be used in a different way? Of course not. But my focus always needs to remain on following God's design and desires for me.

Joshua 23-24; Psalm 44; 1 Conithians 11

2009-03-26T16:12:00.002-05:00

Joshua 23:9-11

The LORD has driven out before you great and powerful nations; to this day no one has been able to withstand you. One of you routs a thousand, because the LORD your God fights for you, just as He promised. So be very careful to love the LORD your God.

Again, Joshua recounts the story of God and His people before he dies. The people know all God has done for them and that He is on their side*. But they do have a responsibility to love and obey Him or His favor may be taken away.

It's not that there is a magic formula if I do "x" God will do "y" for me. It is more a matter of me having blessings when I am on God's side*. It's His nature to want to lavish His love on me when I follow Him. Not that I won't have problems or that everything in life will be smooth sailing. But when I stand in Him, I am never standing alone. He will fight for me. If He desires, He can drive the great and powerful out the land He wishes me to occupy. Hmmm. Be careful to love God and enjoy His blessings or turn away and be destined for disaster.

But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD. Joshua 24:15b

Joshua 21-22; Psalm 47; 1 Corinthians 10

2009-03-25T12:17:00.002-05:00

Joshua 22:10-12

When they came to Geliloth near the Jordan in the land of Canaan, the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh built an imposing altar there by the Jordan. And when the Israelites heard that they had built the altar on the border of Canaan at Geliloth near the Jordan on the Israelite side, the whole assembly of Israel gathered at Shiloh to go to war against them.

Fortunately this misunderstanding was cleared up when the Israelites send a contingent to confront them on this. After talking with the tribes of Reuben, Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh, they learned that the alter was to serve as a reminder and witness to future generations that the Lord is God. It wasn't to slight God or replace what God had established. Whew, war averted. Good thing they didn't shoot first and ask questions later.

Do I tend to gear myself up for "war" based on something I've heard about another person before I know the real circumstances? Do I accuse based on my perceptions of how something looks rather than seek to know the heart and intent of a brother or sister? Yes, I do have a responsibility to correct error and hold others accountable so they do not turn away from being faithful. But I need to respectfully seek them out in gentleness and engage in a dialogue that will help us understand each other and get on the same page of wanting to live in a way that honors God.

Joshua 18-20; 1 Cointhians 9

2009-03-24T12:15:00.002-05:00

Joshua 19:9

The inheritance of the Simeonites was taken from the share of Judah, because Judah's portion was more than they needed. So the Simeonites received their inheritance within the territory of Judah.

Judah already had their inheritance defined. Then Simeon, one of the seven tribes who had not yet received theirs takes(or is given) some of Judah's land as their own. All kind of questions about fairness or legality popped into my mind when I read this. Judah's portion had already been declared. Wasn't the previous declaration of the boundaries already binding? Did they feel wronged by having some of their land taken back and given to another tribe? This says Judah had more than they needed. So is does verse mean it's okay to take from somebody if they already have more than they need? (Gee, doesn't this relevant in our current political debates over taxes and the battle between the right and the left?)

I am so very blessed. Compared to the rest of the world, I live in luxury and abundance far in excess of what it takes to meet my daily needs. Do I work hard for what I have? Yes. In some ways that makes me feel like I deserve it because I have earned it. Do I want any of it taken away from me and given to another? Not by force and given to just anybody. But the bottom line is that God is the source and owner of it all. My inheritance isn't land or money or material abundance. And I don't even deserve the eternal inheritance He gives me. If I am depending on Him to supply my daily needs, He has promised to do that. Perhaps everything else in excess of that is just resting with me under my stewardship until another tribe is ready to receive their portion. And holding it with an open hand allows the true Owner to easily do as He wills with it all.

Joshua 15-17; 1 Corinthians 8

2009-03-23T12:12:00.002-05:00

1 Cornithians 8:9 & 13

Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak... Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall.

I'm kind of having a hard time noodling this one through in some ways. I understand my love and concern for my brothers and sisters in Christ trumps my freedom to do things that are not in and of themslves sinful. My questions have more to do with how much of my brother falling into sin on account of my actions is my responsibility and how much is his?

Just yesterday my pastor made a comment about the "culture of our church" being one where we seem have certain expectations about dress or expression durring worship. If I am "too demonstative" durring worship and that causes another to become negative or resent it, if it causes them to start backbiting or sinning in another way, does that mean I cease to raise my hands? We're all fallen and no matter how hard we try, there will always be somebody who is offended or doesn't agree with how another person is living.

Growing up there was a whole laundry list of things we didn't do; dancing, going to movies, playing with cards, bowling, drinking, listening to rock n' roll, playing on Sunday, rollerskating, wearing jeans to church. All these and more were rules implemented, at least in part, under the umbrella of not causing our weaker brothers to stumble. But I fear we have done a disservice to the freedom we all have in Christ. It seems rather than set the bar high and expect more maturity from our brothers and sisters, we've stiffeled the ability of so many to be led by the Spirit in the excercise of our freedom.

I don't demand my "right" to live in freedom at the expense of wounding the conscience of my brothers and sisters. If they have a weakness that I don't, how dare flaunt that and thereby sin against Christ. But I must never cease praying that we can all mature together so we can experience the abundant life and freedom Christ came to grant us.

Technical Difficulties - Please Stand By

2009-03-12T14:19:00.003-05:00

It's not really due technical difficulties per se. I will be unable to blog my journaling for about a week since I'll be away from my computer. I'll still be reading everyday and will tranfer my handwritten journal for those days to my blog at a later date.

Deuteronomy 19-21; Galatians 3

2009-03-12T00:46:00.002-05:00

Galatians 3:1-7

You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard? Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort? Have you suffered so much for nothing—if it really was for nothing? Does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you because you observe the law, or because you believe what you heard? Consider Abraham: "He believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness." Understand, then, that those who believe are children of Abraham.

The law can not save us because nobody has ever been able to or will ever be able to keep it, except Jesus. But we are such do-it-yourselfers. And we like to be able to look at others to score ourselves against. I know I'm more of a concrete/objective kind of person. Give me a sport with a clear way to keep score over those with subjective scoring like figure skating or gymnastics. The Jewish believers weren't any different. They watched people to see if they kept the law to know how "good" they were. But that wasn't what the law was for. The gentile believers didn't have the external signs of following of the law. They just believed.

I can sort of understand how the Jews felt. It's sometimes hard for people who have been "churchified" their whole lives to accept new believers because they don't always conform to the "culture" of those who have "been good" all along. Faith is internal and not as easy to measure when you're wanting to size yourself up compared to another. But it's not our place to measure anyway. All who believe are children of Abraham and heirs of the promise. Our actions are not the way we attain newness of life. They are our response to what is within as a result of our faith in Christ Jesus.

Deuteronomy 16-18; Psalm 38; Galatians 2

2009-03-11T07:46:00.002-05:00

Deuteronomy 17:18-20

When he takes the throne of his kingdom, he is to write for himself on a scroll a copy of this law, taken from that of the priests, who are Levites. It is to be with him, and he is to read it all the days of his life so that he may learn to revere the LORD his God and follow carefully all the words of this law and these decrees and not consider himself better than his brothers and turn from the law to the right or to the left. Then he and his descendants will reign a long time over his kingdom in Israel.

God knew His people would want a king. But it had to be the king God chooses for them. This king would be different from other kings. Besides not acquiring many horses or accumulating large amounts of silver and gold, there is this requirement. I'm guessing here, but I'd say the position of king for Israel was supposed to be more like an executive director or facilitator of God's will and not "royalty" as we think of them. The king had to hand write a copy of the law. One thing this would do for sure is make it so he couldn't say he didn't know what the laws were. This also would help him recognize all God has done for His people and help him always remember. I need to make sure I always remember, too.

Deuteronomy 13-15; Galatians 1

2009-03-10T23:09:00.002-05:00

Galatians 1:10

Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.

Paul leaves no wiggle room. Either I'm living to please God or to please somebody else. Do I serve God or men? Living to please others might seem like the easier thing at times. But there is that old saying that you can't please everybody. So maybe it really is easier to live trying to please God. He is unchanging and it is very clear what He expects. I think I'm going to try to be a bit less casual when I make choices or do thing and try to think first W.W.P.G. What would please God?

Deuteronomy 10-12; Mark 16

2009-03-09T16:01:00.001-05:00

Mark 16:9

Now when He rose early on he first day of the week, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had cast seven demons.

As I read this and thought about it I began to wonder. Why did Jesus appear to Mary Magdalene first? I mean, why not to His disciples or to His mother, Mary? Is there any significance to Mary Magdalene being the first to see the risen Jesus? Or was she just at the right place at the right time? Dispite the lack of hard Biblical confirmation, tradition says it was Mary Magdalene who anointed Jesus' feet with perfume. If it was the same Mary, was being the first to see Jesus some kind of reward for her love and devotion? If the other's had know Mary would recieve this kind of honor, would their attitude have been different at the time she poured the perfume on Jesus' feet? Would they have humbled themselves and done that?

I know doing things, even good things, just for a reward shouldn't be the motivating thing. But if I am living a life devoted to Jesus and loving Him through my actions there may be some wonderful side-benefits beyond my expectations. And even if there aren't, He has already given me so much more than I deserve. A life of love and devotion is still not enough to offer Him.

Deuteronomy 7-9; Mark 15

2009-03-08T22:40:00.000-05:00

With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last. The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.

The sacrifice of Jesus gives us all direct access to Holy God. This awful, cruel death becomes a beautiful thing because it tore the curtain that served as a barrier between God's dwelling on earth and men. I hope I never take the privilege of access to God lightly. The more I spend time with Him in prayer and through His Word, the less worthy of Jesus' sacrifice I feel. The more I ponder just what Jesus went through to restore a broken relationship with me, the more motivated I am to try to live in a way that shows my gratitude for what He has done. Just like we sang again today. "Take my life and let it be all for You and for Your glory. Take my life and let it be Yours. Glory to God forever." I have been unable to get that song out of my head. It has become almost like a daily prayer for me. He breathed His last and gave me something I could not gain on my own. My hope is that until my last breath my life will be completely give to Him.

Deuteronomy 5-6; Psalm 43; Mark 14

2009-03-07T20:33:00.002-06:00

Deuteronomy 6:6-12

Write these commandments that I've given you today on your hearts. Get them inside of you and then get them inside your children. Talk about them wherever you are, sitting at home or walking in the street; talk about them from the time you get up in the morning to when you fall into bed at night. Tie them on your hands and foreheads as a reminder; inscribe them on the doorposts of your homes and on your city gates.

When God, your God, ushers you into the land he promised through your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to give you, you're going to walk into large, bustling cities you didn't build, well-furnished houses you didn't buy, come upon wells you didn't dig, vineyards and olive orchards you didn't plant. When you take it all in and settle down, pleased and content, make sure you don't forget how you got there—God brought you out of slavery in Egypt.

Moses keeps telling the stories of God's deliverance and provision for Israel over and over. He repeats the commandments and requirements for feasts and sacrifices. He constantly reminds them of who God is and all that He has done for them. It is so very important to always remember. I need to continue to keep these "God stories" alive and weave them into my life, when I speak to my children, when I reflect on God's word, as I live my everyday life.

When things are great and the economy is good, it's easy to forget where all the blessings came from. But He is the source of it all. Even when times are tough, I am still more blessed than I deserve. My remembering and repeating these stories keep my focus on the one and only thing that matters.

Deuteronomy 3-4; Psalm 36; Mark 13

2009-03-06T13:38:00.002-06:00

Deuteronomy 3:21-22

And I commanded Joshua at that time, saying, "Your eyes have seen all that the LORD your God has done to these two kings; so will the LORD do to all the kingdoms through which you pass. You must not fear them, for the LORD your God Himself fights for you."

God Himself fights for me. Just think about that. No obstacle, no trial, no foe can stand against Him. And it is for me, imperfect, flawed, sinful me, that He fights. He loves and cares so much for me and desires that I would be successful in following Him and His will. He will blaze the trail I am to follow and take care of ALL the things that stand in my way. I have already seen God do amazing things. I just need focus on taking the land God has promised for me and not fear. God Himself fights for me.

Deuteronomy 1-2; Mark 12

2009-03-06T07:40:00.002-06:00

Mark 12:32-34a

So the scribe said to Him, “Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth, for there is one God, and there is no other but He. And to love Him with all the heart, with all the understanding, with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is more than all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.”
Now when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, He said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.”

This scribe knew his scripture. He had all the "Sunday school" answers down. But he wasn't quite there because Jesus said he was "not far from the kingdom of God." Playing "Christain" and knowing all the right ways to act and answers to give isn't all that hard. But if those truths don't penetrate my heart and make me live differently from the inside out, then I'm still outside the kingdom. I always need to be on my guard that I am not just saying the right thngs or giving the right answers. I need to be living what I say I believe. No exceptions.

Numbers 34-36; Mark 11

2009-03-04T16:48:00.003-06:00

Mark 11:22-25

"Have faith in God," Jesus answered. "I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."

Faith in God. It it a black and white, you do or your don't have it kind of thing? Isn't weak faith really the same thing as no faith at all? Or are there levels or layers of faith for different things? Saving faith, healing faith, the faith to move mountains. Can you have one without the other?

Obviously if I've put my faith in Jesus to save me, I believe He is God incarnate and can do all things. So, why are all the mountains still here? And how does this "believe that you have received" as if it's done before it's even asked thingy work? I guess people from the "Show Me State" aren't too good at the faith stuff either. Boy I still have a lot to learn about faith.

Numbers 32-33; Mark 10

2009-03-03T11:46:00.002-06:00

Mark 10:26-31

The disciples were even more amazed, and said to each other, "Who then can be saved?"

Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God."

Peter said to him, "We have left everything to follow you!"

"I tell you the truth," Jesus replied, "no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—and with them, persecutions) and in the age to come, eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first."

Who can be saved is a valid question. But Jesus didn't answer who can be saved. He answered who does the saving. I cannot save myself. No matter how good I try to be, no matter how generous or self sacrificing a life I live, it will never even get me close to salvation. It is impossible for me.

My leaving everything and following Jesus is not a way to gain or earn my salvation. It is not a way to make Him feel like I am more worthy of the salvation He offers. But it is the only reasonable thing I can do, offer all of my self to Him, in gratitude for His doing the impossible for me.

Numbers 30-31; Mark 9

2009-03-02T16:03:00.002-06:00

Mark 9:43-47

If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out. And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell

Satan would like nothing better than to keep me cozy in this world and comfortable with with a little sin. But Jesus shows just how serious sin, any sin, is by these radical words. To what do I aspire, keeping my body intact even if if it means going to hell or living in such a way that I will eliminate anything in my life that causes me to sin? There is no fence sitting. There is no compromise when it comes to holiness and purity. The choice is clear and plain. There is no middle ground. Live as if this world matters most and spend eternity in torment. Or completely turn myself over to God and let Him use what He will and cut off that which hinders me from pursuit of His kindgom.

Numbers 28-29; Mark 8

2009-03-01T20:24:00.001-06:00

Mark 8:34-38

Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels."

Those of us who have been "churchified" over the years have heard this passage many times. But have we really wanted to understand what Jesus is saying? What does it really look like when it is lived out? What does my denying David and taking up my cross look like? How does David lose his life for the gospel? There is no way to sort of lose your life. I cannot half-way deny myself. To come and follow Jesus is to set my feet on a singular path from which I cannot stray or wander. Because to follow my own path and set my own course is a denial of my following Jesus. Lord, give me the strength to carry my cross and the courage to lose my life in following Your will.

Numbers 24-27; 1 Corinthians 13

2009-02-28T08:15:00.002-06:00

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Society banters about the word love, but clearly does not not use this definition. There's nothing here about making one feel good, sexuality or causing one's heart to skip a beat. This love looks like it wouldn't come easy. It would be hard work. And I don't see that there's any "being out" of love here.

Jesus told us the world would know His followers by their love for one another. I can only imagine how every church would be transformed if we really were to show this kind of love to our brothers and sisters. It's revolutionary. We would really become "communities" of believers, our lives interconnected, not just groups that gather once a week or so if we modeled this kind of love.

Numbers 21-23; Mark 6-7

2009-02-27T12:26:00.002-06:00

Numbers 23:21a

He has not observed iniquity in Jacob, nor has He seen wickedness in Israel.

I've been seeing a lot of wickedness in Israel as I've been reading through the Bible. Just in chapter 21 the people were speaking out agains God. Is this thing that God told Balaam to speak a mistake? I may be over simplifying it. But to me it means when God says He forgives and accepts our repentance, He really does. Does He know we are going to fail again? Of course. But the sacrifice for sin cleans the slate. And Jesus, the final and only perfect sacrifice, has taken my sin and given me His righteousness. It's a righteousness not of my own doing that God sees when He looks at me.

Numbers 19-20; Psalm 28; Mark 5

2009-02-26T07:41:00.002-06:00

Mark 5:35-36

While He was still speaking, some came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?”

As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not be afraid; only believe.”

I really needed this reminder today, that God is the God of the impossible. When I look at circumstances or situations that I think are hopeless it becomes so easy to decide there's no sense in bothering the Teacher any further. But then Jesus is right there, knowing my weakness and lack of faith, telling me not to worry but to believe.

And believing in God for something that seems impossible might bring ridicule from others, just as the mourners at Jairus' house ridiculed Jesus right before he raised Jairus' daughter back to life. I need to recognize that trusting God for the unseen, "impossible" things goes against the humanistic, "logical" system of this fallen world. But I know I can trust and have faith in the Creator of the universe, the Lover of my soul, even for those things that my natural eyes tell me are beyond hope.

Numbers 17-18; Psalm 29; Mark 4

2009-02-25T11:53:00.002-06:00

He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.

He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?"

They were terrified and asked each other, "Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!"

The twelve had left everything to follow Jesus. They knew there was a "God thing" going on. But they still hadn't fully understood who Jesus was. Or did they? They had seen miracle after miracle. They saw His compassion toward the hurting and broken. They heard His teaching and saw how His understand of the Law was far beyond the religious leaders'. Perhaps their terrified feelings were because they did relaize who this was that calmed the wind and the waves with His words.

It is a terrifying thing to realize one is in God's presence. To approach God in an unclean state or without going about it through the proper ceremony meant instant death. But these twelve had been invited into Jesus presence. He chose and called them. It's always a balancing act between having fear and being in awe of Holy God and having faith because He came and invited me to follow in spite of my failure and uncleanness.

Numbers 14-16; Mark 3

2009-02-24T10:37:00.002-06:00

Numbers 14:8-9

If the LORD is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. Only do not rebel against the LORD. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will swallow them up. Their protection is gone, but the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them.

Joshua and Caleb got it. They had seen all God had done for His people and knew if their trust was in Him they had nothing to fear from the people who occupied the land the Lord promised them. They also knew to rebel against God and not fear Him would bring destruction. How could the others who had been on this same journey and seen the same miracles and provision of God with Joshua and Caleb not have known this? What upset the rest of the folks so much about the words that Joshua and Caleb spoke that the people wanted to stone them?

Some people it seems just don't like truth. They don't like to be confronted with things that don't match how they perceive something or that may cause them to alter how they have been living. I'm certain I have many blind spots where I am that way. But I've found as I age and mature I am much more able to receive words that force me to examine how I live in light of truth.

Joshua and Caleb were the only ones from that generation who got to enter the promised land. But they still had to endure forty more years of wandering because of the rebellion of the others. They were so close to realizing God promise and had it snatched away. But still they trusted. And God kept His word to them. Not only must I trust God even when it seems I'm having to wander longer. But I need to realize that if I choose to rebel, others may have to endure more time wandering because of me. We're all in this together as His people. If the Lord delights in us, He will bring us into the land.

Number 12-13; Psalm 90; Mark 2

2009-02-23T10:10:00.003-06:00

Psalm 90:12-17

Teach us to number our days aright,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Relent, O LORD! How long will it be?
Have compassion on your servants.

Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,
that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.

Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,
for as many years as we have seen trouble.

May your deeds be shown to your servants,
your splendor to their children.

May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us;
establish the work of our hands for us—
yes, establish the work of our hands.

Just the other day my kids askd the difference between being smart and being wise. I said something like being smart is knowing a lot of things. But wisom is being able to properly apply that knowledge. I'm pretty smart regarding all this God stuff. But I desire to gain the heart of wisdom the psalmist writes about.

Just like everybody else, I struggle with wanting to always do the right things, but feeling the pull of my sinful nature working against that. And when the flesh wins those battles, I can only look to God's mercy and love to help me face the consequences I so rightly deserve. Even in the midst of those aflictions I have brought upon my self by my disobedience, God is at work to teach and refine me. He will not give up on me. His favor is shown to me not only in times of ease and comfort. But perhaps even more so in those times of loving discilpine. And when I submit to His discilpine and yield to His leading, He will establish the work of my hands. Because in that state of surrender to Him, my hands are doing His work, no my own.

"Take my life and let it be all for You and for Your glory.
Take my life and let it be Yours.

Glory to God. Glory to God.
Glory to God, forever!"

by: Steve Fee, Vicky Beeching

Numbers 10-11; Psalm 27; Mark 1

2009-02-22T07:45:00.002-06:00

Psalm 27:8, 14

When You said, "Seek My face," my heart said to You, "Your face, Lord, I will seek."

Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!

I have never been more committed to seeking God than I am right now. My desire for Him and His word seems to continue to grow. I am so eager to please Him and wanting to do what He wills. I'm ready for my marching orders. I really wasn't expecting that waiting would be it.

Numbers 8-9; Acts 28

2009-02-21T06:11:00.002-06:00

Numbers 22-23

Whether it was two days, a month, or a year that the cloud remained above the tabernacle, the children of Israel would remain encamped and not journey; but when it was taken up, they would journey. At the command of the Lord they remained encamped, and at the command of the Lord they journeyed; they kept the charge of the Lord, at the command of the Lord by the hand of Moses.

Boy that sure would make it easy. See the cloud above the tabernacle and stay. Don't see the cloud, then follow it to where the Lord wants you. Excuse me while I do a little cloud gazing. Oh, does anybody out there happen to know Moses' cell number? I hear he's kind of a "spiritual meteorologist" who has the inside line on how to properly interpret the clouds.

Numbers 7; Psalm 23; Acts 27

2009-02-20T07:09:00.002-06:00

Number 7:1, 10-11

Now it came to pass, when Moses had finished setting up the tabernacle, that he anointed it and consecrated it and all its furnishings, and the altar and all its utensils; so he anointed them and consecrated them.

Now the leaders offered the dedication offering for the altar when it was anointed; so the leaders offered their offering before the alter. For the Lord said to Moses, "They shall offer their offering, one leader each day, for the dedication of the altar."

Every day for twelve days a leader of one of the tribes would bring the offering for their tribe. Each tribe brought the same thing, a silver platter and bowl full of flour and oil as a grain offering, a gold pan full of incense, a young bull, a ram, and a male lamb as a burnt offering, a kid goat as a sin offering, and two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five more lambs as peace offerings. Through seventy-two verses it repeats the same words with the exception of which day it was and who brought it on behalf of which tribe. Why repeat this over and over again? Plus, the first verse already says the altar was anointed and consecrated. So what really was the dedication offering for the altar about?

Without the altar, the place where the price is paid for transgression, there is no way to approach the Holy God. It is central to maintaining the relationship between God and His people. If there is no altar, there are no sacrifices and there is no access to God. Each tribe, through their leader's offering, was saying they knew they needed the altar and were dedicating themselves to following God's prescribed method of keeping right in His sight.

Israel was dedicating themselves to what would be happening at the altar. But in 2009 A.D. I need to make sure I am dedicated to what has already happened on the altar of the cross of Calvary; The sacrifice I could not make to pay my price for transgressing the law I could not keep. My offering of dedication for the altar isn't grain or gold, bulls or goats. It can be nothing less than my all.

Numbers 5-6; Psalm 22; Acts 26

2009-02-19T07:38:00.002-06:00

Psalm 22:22

I will declare Your name to my brethren;
In the midst of the assembly I will praise You.

I really love my church. But I've been out of town the last two weekends. And although I can still listen to the sermons when they get put up on the web site, it's not the same as being there. And the online audio doesn't include the singing either. So I am VERY excited about this coming Sunday. Not only will I be able to worship with my church family. It's my week to sing!

What a privilege to help lead in worship. I will be a part of making this verse a reality. We will be declaring His name to our brethren. We will be praising God in the midst of the assembly. How goose-pimply awesome is that?! Did I mention how excited I am about being in church this Sunday?

Numbers 3-4; Acts 25

2009-02-18T12:22:00.002-06:00

Acts 25:27

For it seems to me unreasonable to send a prisoner and not to specify the charges against him.

Why didn't it seem unreasonable to hold Paul as a prisoner in the first place if there were no specific charges against him? Perhaps Festus didn't feel the need to justify holding Paul until Paul appealed to a higher authority, Caesar. Once Paul did that, it forced Festus to have some accountability, a justification for Paul's imprisonment.

It's very easy for me to rationalize to myself the decissions I make. But if I involve others, if I become accountable, if I allow brothers and sisters to reason through the process with me, it makes it far less likely that I will be able to hide my own self-serving motives. I need to do a far better job of being open and transparent.

Number 1-2; Acts 24

2009-02-17T12:26:00.002-06:00

Acts 24:24-27

Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was a Jewess. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. As Paul discoursed on righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, "That's enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you." At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him. When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison.

I'm sure Paul was well aware over these two years of talking with Felix he could secure his freedom with a bribe. But instead he stayed imprisoned for over two years and used these frequent talks to witness to Felix. Though Felix had fear as Paul spoke of the judgement to come, he pushed those fears aside and placed either money from Paul or approval from the Jews as a higher priority over getting right with God. I dare say Paul had much more peace and freedom as a prisoner than Felix did as a "powerful" governor.

Do I use my "imprisonments" as opportunities to do something God may want me to do in those situations? Or do I seek my own comfort and look for the easy way to "bribe" myself out of the situation? Am I keeping my priorities in line? What's at the top of my list? Power? Money? Comfort? Obedience? Righteousness?

Leviticus 26-27; Acts 23

2009-02-16T12:20:00.002-06:00

Leviticus 26:3+, 14-15+, 40a & 42a

If you walk in My statutes and keep My commandments, and perform them, I will...

But if you do not obey Me, and do not observe all these commandments, and if you despise My statutes, or if your soul abhors My judgments, so that you do not perform all My commandments, but break My covenant, I will...

But if they confess their iniquity...then I will remember My covenant.

God spells out some of the many blessings He will pour out on His people if they obey Him. By contrast, He also spells out some of the consequences for disobedience. The interesting thing I think is that there are progressions of consequences. Interspersed are these little phrases of "if after this you still don't obey, then..." kind of comments. The consequences seem as much about waking the people up as they are punishment for disobedience. God will patiently give them opportunities to respond and come back to Him. If the people continue to reject God, they have made the choice to walk away from the blessings He desires for them. God has not changed. But their lack of turning back to Him is saying that they want the removal of those blessings, despite the dire consequences. Israel knew Whom they rejected. They had seen miracle after miracle.

How many opportunities does one get? It says if we confess our iniquity, He will remember the covenant. I don't believe anybody is beyond God's reach. But is there a point before death where one's choice to reject God, live in disobedience and harden their heart toward Him is honored? Would God force an eternity spent with Him in heaven upon somebody when it is clear by the way that they lived here on earth that that was the furthest thing from what they wanted? Call it "fire insurance salvation" if you will, a "confession of faith" years ago that has little or no relevance to their life now. Somebody I know seems to be riding this dangerous fence. Other than continuing to pray for them and remind them of what is right and true I'm out of options. It saddend me greatly.

Leviticus 25; Psalm 25-26; Acts 22

2009-02-15T05:43:00.001-06:00

Leviticus 25:35-38

If any of your people become poor and unable to support themselves, you must help them, just as you are supposed to help foreigners who live among you. Don't take advantage of them by charging any kind of interest or selling them food for profit. Instead, honor Me by letting them stay where they now live. Remember--I am the LORD your God! I rescued you from Egypt and gave you the land of Canaan, so that I would be your God.

Caring for people in need, the poor among us, is an act of honoring God. This says "you MUST help them." It doesn't talk about making sure their poverty wasn't a result of their own carelessness or having some kind of measurement to prioritize the level of how much somebody deserves help. Just do it. I know there has to be some Godly wisdom in how we do this. Need is everywhere. But still, don't you think we should put more effort into being generous and trusting God with the outcome rather than spending so much time evaluating every little detail resulting in needs we could have been met aren't being taken care of?

And to make the point, God reminds them of what He has done for them, derserving of it or not. He rescued them and gave them the land. Remember from the other day, everything is the Lords anyway. When I give to meet a need I'm giving His money or stuff anyway. What an opportunity to be His instrument for helping others. Man I wish I had more money to give away.

Leviticus 23-24; Psalm 24; Acts 21

2009-02-14T00:01:00.001-06:00

Palm 24:1

The earth is the Lord's and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein.

I'm really working on having the attitude that nothing really is mine. It's all God's and I'm merely a caretaker. But it goes even deeper than just the things I have. I'm not even my own. I belong to Him. It is so easy to start thinking I'm smart and able to take control of a situation or do things in my own limited wisdom and strength that will gaurentee a certain outcome. But the reality is I don't really control anything except my will.

At first glance in many ways that seems terrifying, not to have any control. I know people who feel like they have no control in their lives and they seem almost paralyzed by fear. Every choice, every bit of bad news is just an opportunity to have something more to worry about. But my guess is they really haven't yielded to accepting that God is in control.

Yielding to God and giving up trying to control brings so much peace. This may sound paradoxical, but in these past few months I have never felt more freedom as I strive to be a slave to Christ. I don't have fear of failure because He will equip me to follow His will. I don't worry about stumbling because I know He is there to pick me up and love me no matter what. And I don't have to be afraid of not being perfect because His love letter to us, The Bible, is full of how He's used flawed people throughout history to bring glory to Him and accomplish His plan.

Leviticus 20-22; Acts 20

2009-02-13T07:25:00.001-06:00

Acts 20:32-35

And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. I have coveted no one's silver or gold or clothes. You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my own needs and to the men who were with me. In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive."

Paul would have made a terrible televangelist, don't you think? He talks about working with his own hands to meet his and other people's needs. He didn't covet or desire gold, silver or fine clothes. And shouldn't he have used that "more blessed to give..." quote from Jesus the way some modern preachers do? Isn't that supposed to guilt people into giving to the ministry of the preacher? How could Paul have ever gotten a TV program with such a backwards approach?

I have nothing against a ministry telling people they have a financial need. There are so many good ones out there that are having quite an impact and could do even more with additional resources. And I really respect individuals when they humbly express needs they may have. Maybe it's because I do enjoy giving. Knowing about needs creates an opportunity for me to give. And it's one way of being the body to one another. But at times it is frustrating, wishing I had so much more available to give.

Of course Paul's goal wasn't personal comfort, or fame and fortune. And monetery giving wasn't really the point. He wanted to proclaim Christ and serve The Lord with his life. And he led by example, worked hard, and cared for the needs of others. He embodied the blessedness that came from giving rather than receiving. Earlier in this chapter he even talks about serving with humility, many tears and trials, and holding nothing back. You can't get much more giving than that. Use what you have, everything that you have, to build up the body as well as increase the number of those who share in His inheritance for us.

Leviticus 18-19; Psalm 13; Acts 19

2009-02-12T12:36:00.002-06:00

Acts 19:24-27

A silversmith named Demetrius, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought in no little business for the craftsmen. He called them together, along with the workmen in related trades, and said: "Men, you know we receive a good income from this business. And you see and hear how this fellow Paul has convinced and led astray large numbers of people here in Ephesus and in practically the whole province of Asia. He says that man-made gods are no gods at all. There is danger not only that our trade will lose its good name, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be discredited, and the goddess herself, who is worshiped throughout the province of Asia and the world, will be robbed of her divine majesty."

Was Demetrius' god really Artemis? I don't think so. It was the money he was making, the business that was being threatened by Paul preaching the good news of Jesus. Surely Demetrius must have known what Paul and the others of The Way were teaching. Did he really evaluate it and decided worshipping the gods he created with his own hands made more sense? Was he just so in love with the money he was making that he was unable to choose Christ over his profits? And then Demetrius says Paul was the one leading the people astray.

Today is no different. It really is a messed up, upside down world we live in. Turning people to truth, holding firm to faith in Christ and proclaiming the truth that He is The Only Way is seen as closed mindedness. Trying to live up to Biblical values and thinking there ought to be certain moral standards means you are just out of touch with the real world. And selling out principles to make a quick buck or save on your taxes is seen as being resourceful rather than wrong.

How do I respond when I hear truth that, if I act properly towards, will force real change in my life or cause me to lose something I've come to value? Is my first response to bend my knee and obey? Or do I rationalize why I shouldn't change and rally others to see it my way?

Leviticus 15-17; Acts 18

2009-02-11T12:17:00.002-06:00

Acts 18:24-28

Now a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus. This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord, though he knew only the baptism of John. So he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. And when he desired to cross to Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him; and when he arrived, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace; for he vigorously refuted the Jews publicly, showing from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ.

What prompted Apollos to come to Ephesus? Did God speak to him? I wonder if three is an untold story behind this. Had he heard that Paul had been there and he wanted to meet him? By the time Apollos got to Ephesus, Paul was already gone. But Aquila and Priscilla had been left there, perhaps for the very purpose of being able to further explain "the way of God" to Apollos. He had already been "accurately" teaching the things of God. And being "mighty in the scriptures" and eloquent, he was boldly proclaiming what he knew. A&P heard him in the synagogue and explained even further the things of God. Apollos became a very valuable instrument for spreading the gospel of Jesus, especially among the Jews because his knowledge allowed him to use the Old Testament scriptures to clearly show that Jesus is the Christ. (Though I don't usually do much commentary reading with my daily journal, I did find it interesting today in looking this up, that some have thought Apollos may have been the writer of the book of Hebrews.)

What a high compliment it would be to be called, "mighty in the Scriptures" like Apollos. He knew what he knew. And not only did he have the knowledge, he was bold and accurate in teaching it to others. "Mighty" is a bit beyond my own understanding and knowledge. But am I fervent and bold in proclaiming what I do know and possess? Even Apollos needed to learn more. But that didn't keep him from teaching that which he did know. I've got to beat back the voice inside that tells me since I don't have all the answers I shouldn't ever offer any.

Leviticus 13-14; Acts 17

2009-02-10T11:43:00.002-06:00

Acts 17:16-17

Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him when he saw that the city was given over to idols. Therefore he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and with the Gentile worshipers, and in the marketplace daily with those who happened to be there.

What am I doing when I see that my city is given over to idols? Paul's spirit was provoked within him. He was prompted to action. He "reasoned" in the synagogue and daily in the marketplace. It wasn't like he just spewed forth his preaching in an irrational manner. He could clearly communicate what he believed and why in a logical and methodical way.

Also, it doesn't seem like he had a plan as far as to whom he was talking. He didn't seem to say to himself, "Oh, I've got to make sure I knock on this person's door or get the ear of that merchant." It was whom ever "happened to be there." In God's providence, I'm sure no one just "happened to be there" by random chance. The people I come across daily as I go about my business, the ones that just "happen to be there" are the ones I need to have my eyes open for. God has made my life intersect with theirs. I need to be provoked as well as ready and able to reason with them.

Leviticus 10-12; Acts 16

2009-02-09T12:07:00.001-06:00

Leviticus 10:1-2

Then Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it, put incense on it, and offered profane fire before the LORD, which He had not commanded them. So fire went out from the LORD and devoured them, and they died before the LORD.

I wonder what these two sons of Aaron were thinking or trying to do? I get that The Lord didn't command them to do whatever it was they did. Though as I've read all these "regulations" and commands for all the priestly duties, I'm not sure I would really have a clue what one is or is not supposed to do, or how to do things properly. After all, this is all new stuff to them. Doesn't this seem like a bit of an over reaction to devour these guys with fire and kill them? I've got to assume, by the use of the word profane, that they were knowingly taking the sacred things and showing some kind of disregard or contempt for them in a purposed misuse. Though there are many instances in the Bible where this kind of profanity of the holy happens and there was no instant death.

Do I get too casual with God? How have I become comfortable to the point that I treat "holy" things with profanity rather than with reverence?

Leviticus 7-9; Acts 15

2009-02-08T05:10:00.002-06:00

Acts 15:8-11

God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. He made no distinction between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith. Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear? No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are

The Gentile converts weren't following all the rules, like circumcision. So the Jews weren't willing to really accept them. But Peter, "What God had cleansed, no longer consider unholy", sheet dream Peter, knew God was the God of all who would follow Him. Peter who knew firsthand the forgiveness of Jesus when he denied Him. He understood God grace was nothing to be earned through just doing the right things. It was a matter of faith in what Christ has done.

The older I get, the less black and white I see certain things. I'm not talking about the big issues that are clearly against what the Bible teaches. But secondary things, man made rules, and personal preferences just seem so much less important. I need to keep reminding myself that if God can grant grace to me in so many areas, one of the best ways for me to reflect Him is to be just as graceful towards others with whom I may not agree on some matters. I have been released from trying to bear the weight of the law. Who am I to impose my own laws on my brothers and sisters.

Leviticus 4-6; Acts 14

2009-02-07T00:19:00.001-06:00

Leviticus 4:27-28

If a member of the community sins unintentionally and does what is forbidden in any of the Lord's commands, he is guilty. When he is made aware of the sin he committed, he must bring his offering for the sin he committed, a female goat without defect.

With the exception of the specific animal being offered, sentences like these appear in this passage for the priest, the entire community and a leader as well. Sin is a very serious matter, even if committed unintentionally. These offerings, this attonement cost something. Not just the value of the offering itself. But it cost some pride in having to make such a public statement of going to the Tent of Meeting with your offering.

These verses also show that they were a connected community. There was accountability and an intent to keep pure and not let sins just slip by. They were responsible for one another. That kind of community almost seems anti-American because ours is a culture of individualism and it's impolite to get into other people's business.

I'm pretty good at being a lone ranger and keeping the things going on in my life to myself. But that doesn't really seem to be the design for God's people. I'll have to work on becoming more open and transparent.

Leviticus 1-3; Acts 13

2009-02-06T00:02:00.000-06:00

Acts 13:46

Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said, "It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles."

A week before this, Paul had done a brief recap of the history of Israel in the synagogue. In doing so, he also showed how Jesus fulfilled the prophets writings concerning the coming Savior. When Paul and Barnabas left the synagogue, the Gentiles outside begged that Paul would preach these words again to them next Sabbath. So, next week almost the entire city shows up. The crowd Paul drew angered the Jews. That is when the above verse happens.

Jesus, the Promised One, didn't reject His people, the chosen people through which the whole world would be blessed. They rejected Him. The one thing they had longed for, prayed for, begged for all these centuries had happened. The Deliverer had come and they rejected Him. After studying the scriptures how could the learned, religious Jews have missed it? And in this rejecting, it wasn't Jesus who said they were unworthy. He would welcome any who follow Him. They chose not to accept and declared themselves unworthy of the everlasting life. In the event that the chosen people can not fulfill their obligations, the first runners up will take over. That would be the Gentiles.

Seriously though, do I ever get that attitude that I'm entitled to God favor over those who are perhaps weren't raised in a Christian home or haven't been Christians for very long? Do I get more concerned about having things fit my plans rather than making sure I'm following His plan? Am I rejecting things I don't want to hear, thereby deeming myself unworthy of God's blessings and unusable?

Exodus 39-40; Psalm 15; Acts 12

2009-02-05T00:08:00.001-06:00

Exodus 40:35

And Moses was not able to enter the tabernacle of meeting, because the cloud rested above it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.

I'm certain this isn't what it means when it says the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. But reading this just made this thought enter my mind so bear with me. Moses was not able to enter the tabernacle because God's presence filled it.

As a Christian, God's dwelling, the place where His Spirit resides, is in me. If He fills me, I cannot enter because there is not room. I must be emptied of myself, my own desires, my own pride, my selfishness. For how can God fill me if I haven't made room for Him?

Exodus 37-38; Psalm 19; Acts 11

2009-02-04T07:25:00.002-06:00

Psalm 19:12-14

Who can understand his errors?
Cleanse me from secret faults.
Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins;
Let them not have dominion over me.
Then I shall be blameless,
And I shall be innocent of great transgression.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.

This Psalm starts by talking about the glory of the Lord. Then it leads into how pure and perfect God's law and commands are, how His judgements are righteous and true. Finally it ends with these verses.

There are sins, these "secret faults", that I commit of which I may not even be aware. Or they are those heat of the moment reactions that just burst forth from my sinful human nature. I need to remember to confess and be cleansed from those. The other sins are "presumptive" ones. I willfully and deliberately commit them. I have either presumed that God will forgive me anyway. Or maybe, since the prayer here asks that this type of sin doesn't have dominion, this sin is a habit that I am too attached to or feel too weak to break so I presume God would understand my weakness in that area.

But in the end the Psalm makes it clear that God is my rock, unfaltering, unshakable, solid and firm, as well as my Redeemer, the One who will free me from the hold these sins have on me. But I need to keep my outward actions, the words of my mouth, and my inner focus and attitude, the meditations of my heart, completely devoted to this awesome, glorious God.

Exodus 35-36; Acts 10

2009-02-03T10:13:00.003-06:00

Exodus 36:2-7

Then Moses called Bezalel and Aholiab, and every gifted artisan in whose heart the LORD had put wisdom, everyone whose heart was stirred, to come and do the work. And they received from Moses all the offering which the children of Israel had brought for the work of the service of making the sanctuary. So they continued bringing to him freewill offerings every morning. Then all the craftsmen who were doing all the work of the sanctuary came, each from the work he was doing, and they spoke to Moses, saying, “The people bring much more than enough for the service of the work which the LORD commanded us to do.”

So Moses gave a commandment, and they caused it to be proclaimed throughout the camp, saying, “Let neither man nor woman do any more work for the offering of the sanctuary.” And the people were restrained from bringing, for the material they had was sufficient for all the work to be done—indeed too much.

These verses tucked in the middle of all the (sort of boring) details for building the tabernacle and holy garments hold a really special place in my heart. I discovered them a couple or so years ago when my church was going through a very rough period. There were issues dealing with our pastor, some had distrust of our leadership, we hadn't come close to our budgeted giving and I'm sure there were a hundred other negative things going on of which I wasn't even aware. But when I read these verses, especially verses 6 & 7, back then, I started praying them for my church.

All Moses did was say God wants us to take an offering so we can do this thing God has called us to. If you are willing, pitch in. The passage I read doesn't even say everybody brought an offering. It merely says those whose hearts were stirred, leaving me to believe there were some hearts unstirred. And the offerings came and they came and they came, every morning. Hearts were so willing that Moses had to issue an order not to bring any more. "People were restrained from bringing." I love that! They didn't have to be compelled or guilted into giving. Their giving had to be held back.

Now my church has just recently kicked off a capital fund program and is going to be building a sanctuary. We have a great pastor who is proclaiming The Word in boldness. Our church body is much more healthy and less fractured. The total of giving to and through our church last year was a huge, mind-blowing amount. Praise God hearts are being stirred and that He is ever faithful.

But I still pray these verses. I want the hearts of my church family to continue to be stirred. Sure I pray that more than enough funding will come in to pay for the building. But my prayer is not just so they will give of material goods. My prayer continues to be that my heart, as well as theirs, will be stirred in ways that prompt the continual offering of ourslves for use in building His kingdom. In that giving there can never be too much and no restraint will ever be needed.

Exodus 33-34; Psalm 16; Acts 9

2009-02-02T12:41:00.001-06:00

Exodus 33:12-13

One day Moses said to the Lord, “You have been telling me, ‘Take these people up to the Promised Land.’ But you haven’t told me whom you will send with me. You have told me, ‘I know you by name, and I look favorably on you.’ If it is true that you look favorably on me, let me know your ways so I may understand you more fully and continue to enjoy your favor. And remember that this nation is your very own people.”

Keep in mind that these verses come after I just read that The Lord spoke to Moses in the tabernacle face to face a a man speaks to his friend. Moses clearly trust God and wants to obey and follow His instructions. But I get the sense that Moses is a bit frustrated here. It seems as if he's having an internal battle, wanting to whole-heartedly trust God but also feeling like he needs God to give him a little more info to help shore up his trust or his faith. Is Moses really quoting God to God to try and "force" God into something?

Boy, I know I've prayed that kind of prayer. I am doing, have done or am about to do what I thnink God wants me to. But I don't quite see how it's really going to work. I tell the Lord I know He has a plan and wants what is best for me. But I just need a little more understanding or insight into His plan to keep me from faultering. I tell Him His Word says this or that just like when my kids go, "Dad you said..."

Moses interprets God's looking favorably on him as letting Moses know God's ways, God's plan. But God knew what Moses was really needing was just assurance that God would go with him. It's always easier for my kids to do something "scary" when I'm right there holding their hand, too, even if they don't always know everything that's going on.

Exodus 30-32; Acts 8

2009-02-01T06:03:00.002-06:00

Exodus 31:2-3 & 6

See I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. And have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship,...And I, indeed I, have appointed with him Aholiab the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan; and I have put wisdom in the hearts of all the gifted artisans, that they may make all that I have commanded you.

God didn't just say, "Here's what you must build for me." He empowered them. He gave them His Spirit and the widom and knowledge needed to carry out the plan. Yes, these men were artisans to begin with. But God took their talents and abilities to another level, for use in fulfilling His purpose. He wanted the finished product to be more than a bunch of individuals creating their interpretation of what He had instructed Moses to make and build. They were united in their understand, by God's Spirit, of what needed to be done and would go about it God's way.

It also says God called Bazalel BY NAME. Wow. What an awesome experience to be called to something for God by name. Just how did that call come to Bazalel? Was it audible? Was Bazalel just going about his life or was he seeking the will of God about something? Or was God saying this to Moses so then Moses would say, "God told me..." Interesting that I've been doing a bit of wondering myself lately about what being called looks like. Just earlier today I was thinking about writing to somebody and asking what their experience of being called was like.

Exodus 28-29; Acts 7

2009-01-31T13:17:00.002-06:00

Acts 7:57-58a

At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him.

Stephen had just been brought before the Sanhedrin to defend charges of his blasphemy against Moses and God. He recounted the history they knew so well from Abraham forward. He spoke with the power of the Holy Spirit about their rejection of Jesus as well as their fathers' rejection of Moses and the other prophets. He called them out on not following God. So what did they do? The covered their ears, got angry and killed Stephen.

When God speaks to me through His word and others what is my response? When I am shown that I am not living properly or when I've taken what I know and twist it to fit my own agenda do I respond in anger like the Sanhedrin? I like to think I'm not covering my ears. But I've always got to check myself so I am open to being corrected.

Exodus 25-27; Acts 6

2009-01-30T13:40:00.002-06:00

Exodus 25:8

And let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them.

Before the fall, Adam walked in the garden with God. But the barrier of sin made that kind of fellowship between Holy God and sinful man no longer possible. But God still sought to dwell among His people. And they painstakingly followed the details for how to construct and furnish this dwelling right down to the kind of thread to be used.

On this side of the cross God's dwelling is within His people. We are reconnected to Him on a personal level once again and can experience a taste of the relationship where He walks with us. But He is no less holy than He was in this Exodus passage I read. And I'm sure today His dwelling place needs to be pure and constructed to His exacting standards just as it was required for Israel.

Edoxus 23-24; Psalm 14; Acts 5

2009-01-29T12:16:00.002-06:00

Acts 5:1-11

But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”

Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things. And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him.

Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. And Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?”

She said, “Yes, for so much.”

Then Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” Then immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her by her husband. So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.

Sin, yes even a "little" lie, demands a very high price. Especially when one tries to pull a fast one on God. And this didn't happen in the Old Testament. The Holy Spirit had come and they were supposed to be "living under grace" right? What would my church look like if something like this happened? Just a thought.

How do I balance my fear and awe of The Holy God with the Abba Father who has adpoted me into His family? I don't want to be disrespectfully caviler or casual. Yet, like a little kid, I want to feel the freedom and security of figuratively crawling up on my daddy's lap crying for Him to help clean me up after I've been out playing in the mud.

I know there have been times when I've tried to run from or hide things from God. And like many, I've made committment to God and failed to keep them. Why didn't I face the same fate as Ananias and Sapphira? I deserve to be struck down just as much as they were. I so want to be able to say, "Lord, I am all Yours." Little by little I think I'm getting closer. But I keep finding more of me that I've held back.

Exodus 21-22; Psalm 12; Acts 4

2009-01-28T12:20:00.002-06:00

Acts 4:13

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.

Training and education aren't bad things in and of themselves. But Peter and John's boldness wasn't a result of relying on their own resume. They had been with Jesus. God was able to use them because they were available and obedient. Am I bold enough to step out of my comfort zone? Am I limiting my usefulness to God when I remain where I know I can rely on my natural abilities and experience? I've tried several different areas of involvement and know many things I'm terrible at. I have so many weaknesses and shortcomings and failures. How do I deal with those? Do I ignore them or treat them as indications that those areas of ministry aren't for me? It's not that I'm worried about embarrassment or even failure for myself. I just don't want to fail God. Oh how I want to be filled with the Holy Spirit and have the boldness of Peter and John. I want people to marvel at how God can use anybody for any task He calls them to. And I want there to be no doubt that the only way it is possible is because I have spent time with Jesus.

Exodus 17-20; Acts 3

2009-01-27T13:02:00.001-06:00

Exodus 19:5-6a

Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.

All the earth is God's. He can do what He wishes with all of it. But the one thing He won't do is force me to obey. I have to wilingly offer that myself. And when I become a person who obeys, who strived to keep the covenant I share with Him, I am a special treasure. I was special before, a unique creation He loved enough that He was willing to send Jesus to the cross on my behalf. But when I accept Jesus and and live in this covenant, I become complete and enter the circle of relationship with God for which we were all created. I am also enlisted into His priesthood and a representative of His holy nation. I become His hands, His feet, His mouthpiece.

Exodus 14-16; Acts 2

2009-01-26T21:52:00.002-06:00

Exodus 14:12-15

"Is this not the word that we told you in Egypt, saying, ‘Let us alone that we may serve the Egyptians’? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than that we should die in the wilderness.”

And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The LORD will fight for you, and you shall keep silent.”

And the LORD said to Moses, “Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward.

Here they were, trapped between the Egyptian army and the sea. Very limited in their options. The people had no confidence in God. Staying where they had been as slaves to the Egyptians was the easier way than following God. Moses knew God would deliver them. I don't know what he really expected to happen. But from him saying, "The LORD will fight for you," I get the impression that Moses figured God would just eliminate the army as the people stood there.

Yet God says, "go forward." Forward was into the sea. That's just crazy talk, isn't it? Then I keep reminding myself that I trust in the God of the impossible. But my trust in Him needs to be more than mere agreement that He can do the impossible if He chooses. I need to act on what I say I believe. When He says "Go forward." then I go. Sea or no sea. Israel did see the salvation of the Lord, just not in the way anybody would have imagined. But they didn't experience the salvation until they went forward through that impossible path.

Exodus 12-13; Psalm 21: Acts 1

2009-01-25T21:31:00.002-06:00

Psalm 21:6-7

Surely You have granted him eternal blessings and made him glad with the joy of Your presence. For the king trusts in the Lord; through the unfailing love of the Most High he will not be shaken.

I recently encountered a dear friend with whom I hadn't had any contact in a couple of decades. These past years, as well as their current circumstances are less than ideal, divorce, single parenthood, bankruptcy, recent loss of a parent. Yet this person said their faith has remained strong. It's one thing to say you have faith and joy when everything is going smoothly. But what about when it's not? How does this person still have any joy or trust in God's goodness?

They have learned the secret that really isn't a secret at all. It's written right there. God's love is unfailing and if my trust is in Him, nothing will shake me. The troubles, the trials I endure here on earth can't keep me from being glad because there are eternal blessing that can't be taken away no matter how bad circumstances are in this life. And I am never alone when I go through tough times. His presence is there, always.

Exodus 9-11; Luke 24

2009-01-24T06:07:00.001-06:00

Luke 24:45-47

And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures. Then He said, "Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

I think I'm fairly smart and know a lot. But sometimes that gets in my way. I'm not saying I want to be dumb. But knowledge and understanding are two very different things. Too often I read scripture or hear sermons and I turn them into knowledge; facts, people, settings and the like. I make these new bits of knowledge conform to what I already "know" about things. It makes God out to be much smaller because all the facts I have fit nicely into my knowledge box.

I find it much harder to ask God for understanding. And He wants me to understand. He sent His Spirit to live within so I can understand. But not so I'll feel better about myself and give myself a pat on the back. The purpose of my understanding is so I can glorify Him by spreading His message. Following God isn't about winning a Bible trivia game. It's about gaining understanding and wisdom about who He is, what He wants from my life, and how can I glorify Him.

Exodus 6-8; Luke 23

2009-01-23T08:09:00.003-06:00

Luke 23:8-11

Now when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceedingly glad; for he had desired for a long time to see Him, because he had heard many things about Him, and he hoped to see some miracle done by Him. Then he questioned Him with many words, but He answered him nothing. And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused Him. Then Herod, with his men of war, treated Him with contempt and mocked Him, arrayed Him in a gorgeous robe, and sent Him back to Pilate.

Herod started off glad to see Jesus but ends up showing contempt and mocking Jesus. Just like many who sought to see Jesus, Herod had heard of the miracles. Was there anything wrong with hoping to see one? Wouldn't we all like to see a miracle? Is that a bad thing? I wonder what were the questions Herod asked. And why didn't Jesus even open His mouth to say something that might change Herod's heart? Herod must not have seen Jesus as a threat to his own power or position or even as somebody who could help enhance his influence. Otherwise he would have had some fear and second thoughts about treating Jesus the way he did.

Herod is like a lot of people. Jesus is right there in front of them. Sure He might be an interesting charachter. But if it seems He can't do anything for them, what good is He? They are listening to all the other voices around who want nothing more than to get rid of Jesus. And Jesus isn't going to force Himself on them. So rather than really looking at Jesus, they push Him away, they decide not to decide anything about Jesus. I choose Jesus.

Exodus 3-5; Luke 22

2009-01-22T07:53:00.002-06:00

Luke 22:31

And the Lord said, "Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethern."

I never noticed these verses before. They come right before Jesus tells Simon Peter that he would deny Him three times. Jesus didn't say He would not allow Satan to "sift" Simon. Also, Jesus' prayer wasn't that Peter wouldn't fail, but that his faith wouldn't fail. Finally, Jesus said, "WHEN you have returned" not if, giving hope for restoration in spite of Peter's not standing firm.

I see sifting as a final refinement. It's the last chance of catching something in the flour that shouldn't go into the dough. Perhaps this "sifting" process Peter went through in his denials of Jesus were to teach him humility or that relying on his own strength rather than his faith was doomed to failure.

So often I seem to pray that I will be spared going though trials or temptations. Jesus' concern isn't the going through them, but rather that in the midst of them my faith will not fail. Even if I don't stand firm, I know God is faithful in His forgiveness is right there. My faith is in Him, not in my own ability.

And when I return, even if there's personal failure, after being sifted, I am still useful. God's abundant grace and mercy at work in my life can be an encouragement to strengthen others. If I run and hide and let my feelings of being unworthy keep me from service to Him, I've just shifted the focus from His atoning work on the cross to my own attempts at saving myself.

Be sifted and refined. Keep my eyes on Christ and my faith firmly in Him. Let Him working in me strengthen the body.

Exodus 1-2; Psalm 88; Luke 21

2009-01-21T11:49:00.002-06:00

Luke 21:12-15

But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and rules for My name's sake. But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony. Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will answer; for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist.

Boy, this sure goes against every instinct I have. I always go over and over in my mind what I want to say in certain situations. Isn't that what we're taught, especially high pressure ones like if I were ever being persecuted and brought in front of the authorities. Such an opportunity to be a witness that I wouldn't want to blow it. But Jesus says don't even think about what to say. He'll provide the words and wisdom needed.

I suppose the real solution to being able to trust Jesus in a situation like that is to train myself to live every day relying on Him for the words and wisdom, making it just how I live my life. Oops, I mean how I let Him live His life through me. Then when a crisis situation happens what will naturally flow out will be the person of faith He's transforming me into. somebody whose automatic response is, "Lord, use me and give me what I need so You can be glorified."

Genesis 49-50; Psalm 8; Luke 20

2009-01-20T13:00:00.002-06:00

Genesis 50:20

But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.

Joseph endured quite a bit as a result of his brothers' hatred. He was sold into slavery, taken to a far away land, seaperated from his father, unjustly imprissoned. Honestly, I would probably have a hard time keeping myself from plotting my revenge and feeling sorry for myself. But we don't read about Joseph being bitter or sulking about the situation. As a result of staying faithful to God he was blessed with authority, power, wealth and a family.

There are many evil things. And Joseph didn't say what he went through was good. But he saw the bigger picture, the result of saving many people through his period of suffering. There wasn't room for a grudge against his brothers. In spite of events around me or the circumstances in which I find myself, I need to always consider that God has a plan at work. If I turn my focus away from me and toward what God will accomplish through my faithfulness I truely become His instrument.

Genesis 47-48; Psalm 10; Luke 19

2009-01-20T07:17:00.002-06:00

Luke 19:41 & 44b

Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it,..."because you did not know the time of your visitation."

All this time Israel was looking for their Messiah. Especially in Jerusalem where the Temnple was, God's dwelling place, I'm sure daily prayers were being offered asking God to send Him. Yet those entrusted to the knowledge of the Scriptures, those who should have been among the most vigialant, expectant, and able to recogonize Him, the Pharaisees, refused to see Him.

It breaks my heart when I see my children make a poor choice that will cause them some hurt or difficulty. How much more was Jesus' heart broken when His chosen people did not recoginize the time of His visitation as the salvation they had been longing to receive over the centuries. How could Jesus not weep knowing the consequences their rejection of Him would yield.

I must ever be vigilant to hear God's voice, feel His promptings and recogonize His leading so I will not miss His visitations or cause Him to weep.

Genesis 44-46; Luke 18

2009-01-19T07:04:00.002-06:00

Luke 18:39

Then those who went before warned him that he should be quite; but he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me."

This blind man had a great need. And with Jesus coming by, he had a once in a lifetime chance to have his sight restored. Long ago he probably learned he couldn't be too proud to beg or worry about being embarassed. So when Jesus was near he shouted for him. And when those around the blind man told him to be quite, probably wanting to not be embarassed themselves, the blind begger shouted even more.

Jesus stopped. And the blind man was healed and followed Jesus.

If the blind man had listened to those who told him to keep quite, would Jesus have even stopped to heal him? Do I do anything that pressures others into not shouting for Jesus' help? that makes it embarassing for them to continue to shout out for Jesus in their time of need? Or do I persist myself in crying out even when others tell me not to or try to discourage me? Do I let my pride (couched in deference to others) keep me from creating the opportunity for Jesus to stop and do a miracle in my life?

Time and time again we've seen where Jesus rewards those who persist in their persuit of Him. He stops, takes time with them and meets their needs in miraculus ways.

Genesis 42-43; Psalm 5; Luke 17

2009-01-17T22:15:00.003-06:00

Luke 17:10

So you too, when you do all the things which are commanded you say, "We are unworthy slaves; we have done only that which we ought to have done."

One of the things I can't stand is when an athlete does something, like scores a touchdown, and then does some kind of showy strut because of the thing he just did. Isn't that what he's paid the huge salary to do? He did his job by scoring or making a big play. Why is that such a big deal?

As a believer in Jesus my life is no longer my own. I have been bought with a price and now my life is His to control and command. I deserve no acolades for doing what I ought as one of Christ's followers. In fact, there is so much I should do that I don't. If anything I deserve harsh treatment because of my many failures. But He is gracious and rich in mercy. I have an eternal hope which I don't deserve bought at a price I could never pay. I am an unworthy slave.

Genesis 39-41; Luke 16

2009-01-17T09:06:00.002-06:00

Luke 16:10-12

He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much. Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? And if you have not been faithful in what is another man’s, who will give you what is your own?

How I handle anything is a reflection of who I really am. Whether it's money or posessions or even the attitude I have. Joseph after being sold into slavery, being elevated to the one running Potiphar's affairs, and then being thrown into prison, ( where, by the way he also became a person of great responsibility), was always faithful. Even when nobody else was around and he could have "gotten away with" something. And it seemed he didn't really even have a stake in or recieve a bonus for how well his masters did. But he knew he wasn't really serving these men. He was being faithful to God.

I try to be frugal and a good steward of what I have. I try to be faithful even when nobody is watching. It's hard fighting the feelings of stress when it seems the amounts on the bills are higher than the amount on the paychecks. But I know no matter what the balance in my bank account, the true riches I have been given will never run out. I have such an abundance in them that the more of them I share the more I receive.

Genesis 37-38; Psalm 7; Luke 15

2009-01-15T12:49:00.003-06:00

Luke 15:25-32

Now his older son was in the field. And as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. So he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. And he said to him, "Your brother has come, and because he has received him safe and sound, your father has killed the fatted calf."

But he was angry and would not go in. Therefore his father came out and pleaded with him. So he answered and said to his father, "Lo, these many years I have been serving you; I never transgressed your commandment at any time; and yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might make merry with my friends. But as soon as this son of yours came, who has devoured your livelihood with harlots, you killed the fatted calf for him."

And he said to him, "Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours. It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.”

I had always seemed to identify more with the non-prodigal son. Having been saved at an early age I didn’t really go through a rebellious period or have a radical transformation that brought me crawling home to my Father. I can remember kids in my youth group being celebrated for coming to Christ after years of being wild. But what about me? I had never left or lived in that kind of sinfulness. Where was the party for me?

The non-prodigal is angry and thinks it’s unfair to have a party for the returning brother. What I came to understand was, like this son, I was a prodigal in my heart. Though my body was never in a far off land. My insides were off squandering the riches of my Father’s estate.

But I’m home now, heart and all. I can avail myself of the riches my Father willingly shares with me. I celebrate with gratefulness the fact that I was spared the regrets and the pain an era of rebellion would have yielded. And I stand at the ready to rejoice with my Father when one of His who was lost is found and home safely.

Genesis 34-36; Luke 14

2009-01-14T12:54:00.002-06:00

Luke 14:26 & 33

If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple....

So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.

Really? Forsake all I have? Hate my own life and every other person important to me? What happened to the simple prayer of "Jesus I'm a sinner. Forgive me and come into my heart." that is so universaly touted as all one has to do? I think I've said this before. Becoming a Christian and being a Christian are two very different things. Step one is so simple. But from there on out it's hard work and a constant strugle between the old self and Christ who lives in me.

There is a cost to be counted when one says they want to follow Jesus. His life in exchange for mine. If I take the salvation and righteousness He offers then I offer my own life to Him. All of it. Every nook, every cranny, nothing is mine for I am completely His.

The alternative, if I say that is too high a price, is to reject the life He offers and keep my own. But then I am stuck trying to earn my own salvation and trying to have my own righteousnes be acceptable to Him. It's the fatal choice so many make because they have been decieved into thinking it's too costly. Giving one's life to Christ is seen by many to be too restrictive. But, especially lately, I've found it to be very freeing.

Genesis 31-33; Luke 13

2009-01-13T12:45:00.002-06:00

Luke 13:6-9

He also spoke this parable: “A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. Then he said to the keeper of his vineyard, ‘Look, for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none. Cut it down; why does it use up the ground?’ But he answered and said to him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down.’”

I am the fig tree, So many barren years, deserving of being cut down. The master comes each time hoping to see fruit and leaves disappointed by another growing season with nothing to show for it. I wonder just how close the saw blade came to my trunk, how many chances I've been given that I don't deserve. But by God's mercy I have been spared and offered yet another year to blossom. In His grace He has dug around me, removed weeds that hinder growth and maturity, and fertilized the soil. Praise God for His patience with me. It's time for a bountiful crop.

Genesis 29-30; Luke 12

2009-01-12T12:34:00.002-06:00

Luke 12:51

Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division.

Huh? Is this the Jesus we've been taught about in Sunday school? Where's the gentle, compassionate Jesus? Where's the teacher that says allow the children to come to me? Where's The Prince of Peace? He sounds like a rebel, a radical.

But following Jesus is radical. To claim the name of Christ you must join the army of rebellion against this world and the one who currently rules over it. Jesus will divide the sheep from the goats. He'll divide those branches which bear fruit from those that are fruitless and needing to be cut off and cast in the fire. He'll divide those who place their faith in Him and store up heavenly treasure from those who seek after the riches that the world offers and find their comfort in their stuff.

And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you. Luke 12:29-31

I'm not sure how to really flesh that out, what living like that looks like in Wichita in 2009. But if I set my face toward Him, if I seek God and His kingdom first, I will lack for nothing that I need.

Genesis 27-28; Psalm 4; Luke 11

2009-01-11T21:17:00.002-06:00

Psalm 4:8

I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.

So often I rely on stuff or myself to make me feel safe and secure. I check the doors of my house each night to make sure they are locked before I go to bed. I look over my 401K statement every so often to see how my retirement savings are doing. I listen to the news to see how the economy is so I'll know if my job is secure. Yet none of that is what provides ultimate peace and safety. Yet you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. It's such a tough thing to reprogram into my mind and the way I live.

Genesis 25-26; Psalm 6, Luke 10

2009-01-10T21:06:00.002-06:00

Luke 10:20

However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.

It is so easy to get wrapped up in what is going on around us or what God is doing through us. But here Jesus draws the focus of those He sent out to what really matters. Sure God can do great and seemingly impossible things. But what really is important, the thing that is worth celebrating isn't all that stuff. It is that God loved me so much that He sent Jesus here to die so I can be with Him forever. It's great that I am healthy and smart and all that. But praise God that I am His! That's what really counts. Always keep things in the eternal perspective.

Genesis 23-24; Luke9

2009-01-09T12:33:00.002-06:00

Luke 9:23-26

Then He said to them all, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory and in His Father's and of the holy angels."

What does denying myself, taking up my cross daily and losing my life for His sake look like for me in 2009? I've been struggling with trying to figure that out for months before I even read that today. I don't live an extravagant lifestyle. I'm fairly frugal, but I wouldn't say I am denied anything I really, really want. How do I balance good stewardship like putting some money away for retirement and trusting that God will provide in my old age so why not give all my excess away? Is hoping my 401K does well mean I'm trying to gain the whole world? Is recreational reading, watching TV or doing anything purposeless just for fun sinful and showing a lack of denying myself?

I don't necessarily think losing my life means dying. But rather having Christ live through me, my actions and my words. Seeing my life as not mine to control anymore but as one yielded to His purposes and not my own. But again I come back to what does that look like in everyday living. Vocational change? Changes in areas of how and where I serve? Changes in how I am in relationships? I'm sure these are things I shall continue to ponder and seek devine guidance on for some time to come.

Genesis 20-22; Luke 8

2009-01-08T13:44:00.000-06:00

Genesis 20:2-7

Now Abraham said of Sarah his wife, “She is my sister.” And Abimelech king of Gerar sent and took Sarah.
But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, “Indeed you are a dead man because of the woman whom you have taken, for she is a man’s wife.” But Abimelech had not come near her; and he said, “Lord, will You slay a righteous nation also? Did he not say to me, ‘She is my sister’? And she, even she herself said, ‘He is my brother.’ In the integrity of my heart and innocence of my hands I have done this.”
And God said to him in a dream, “Yes, I know that you did this in the integrity of your heart. For I also withheld you from sinning against Me; therefore I did not let you touch her. Now therefore, restore the man’s wife; for he is a prophet, and he will pray for you and you shall live. But if you do not restore her, know that you shall surely die, you and all who are yours.”

A couple of things hit me in these verses. First, if God had not spoken to Abimelech, Abraham's half-truth would have cost him his life and the lives of all who were his. A single sin, no matter how "small", (in God's eyes, no sin is small), can have devistating consequences to other people even if they are trying to live with integrity. Abimelech was merely acting properly in light of what Abraham and Sarah had said. He had no intent of doing anything wrong. But had God not interviened, Abimelech would have paid dearly for Abraham's omission of the truth.

Also, God withheld Abimelech from sinning. It's often said that ignorance of the law is no excuse. Abilelech was completely ignorant of the fact that Sarah was the wife of another man. The way things looked to him, he was violating nothing. But God cannot stand to see His law violated, even if it is done in ignorance. So God, knowing Abimelech was trying to act with integrity, didn't even let Abimelech touch Sarah. Once Abimelech knew the truth of the matter he had a choice to make. He could either restore Sarah to Abraham or continue on a path that would lead to his distruction.

This wasn't the first instance of Abraham showing his fear of men was greater than his fear of God. Yet God kept His promise to bless Abraham. It kind of puzzles me that God would have such severe consequences in store for an "innocent mistake" yet greatly bless the person who sinned to start that wrath ball rolling. Just gotta chalk it up to God is soviergn.

I need to ever aware that even what may seem like a small sin can bring terrible consequences to innocent people around me. Also, I need to make sure I act with integrity in all my dealings and pray that even if acting in innocnce and ignorance, God will not allow me to sin. I guess I understand a litle better the closing of Jude:

Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to God our Savior, Who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever.
Amen.

Genesis 18-19; Psalm 3; Luke 7

2009-01-07T00:24:00.002-06:00

Luke 7:37-38

And behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at the table in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster flask of fragrant oil, and stood at His feet behind Him weeping; and she began to wash His feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head.

It was probably the norm for this woman to be scorned by the Pharisees, to be looked down upon as an inferior. I'm sure when she'd see them on the street she would turn and walk the other way to avoid their judgmental looks. But Jesus. She knew He was somebody unlike any of them. She was drawn to Him even though it meant the humiliation of going into the house of one who had contempt for her.

There she was, behind Jesus, weeping. Not just a tear here or there. Weeping. Tears flowing in such an amount that she could wash Jesus' feet with them. She wasn't there to discuss theological issues. Her motivation wasn't to impress Jesus. But Jesus, He made an impression on her. He touched her heart to such an extent that she tuned everything out except for serving Jesus. And this was even before Jesus uttered the words to her, "Your sins are forgiven."

She didn't have all the schooling or training in the scriptures that the Pharisees did. But she recognized who Jesus was. How do I see Jesus? I get so locked up in trying to figure out all the theology of things and how I think it all works. Perhaps I need to just be in Jesus presence, weep at His feet and love Him in every way I can because of who He is and how undeserving I am of the forgiveness He offers.

Genesis 15-17; Luke 6

2009-01-06T08:04:00.002-06:00

Genesis 15:6

And he (Abram) believed in the Lord, and He (the Lord) accounted it to him (Abram) for righteousness.

Abram, later renamed Abraham, didn't ask for a sign. He didn't require God's signature on a receipt. He just believed in the Lord and His promise. And this doesn't say Abram believed AND sacrificed before God accounted it to him as righteousness. Abram believed and God considered him righteous based on his faith.

I'm not going down the whole faith/works path here. I do believe one's works, how they live, reflect the faith or lack there of. But this simple verse says the belief resulted in the acounting of righteousness towards Abram. Oh, and after this Abram did make a few blunders trying to help God out in keeping His promise so it's not like Abram was perfect. It seems sometimes our actions, our works aren't the best way to show our faith. We need to trust God's timing for fulfilling His promises even when we completely believe He'll keep His word.

I need to learn how to wait better. You know how sometimes when you are driving across town and there seems to be some very slow traffic ahead. Sometimes you'll take an exit and drive fifteen minutes out of your way to avoid waiting in crawling traffic for five minutes just because you want to keep moving, to feel like you are at least getting somewhere. I really believe God has something in store for my future. It's very tempting to take an exit and try to find my own way to that destination when I feel like I'm just crawling along in traffic.

Genesis 12-14; Luke 5

2009-01-05T01:14:00.000-06:00

Luke 5:4-5

When Jesus had finished speaking, He said to Simon, "Put out into deep water and let down the nets for a catch."

Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because You say so, I will let down the nets."

At this point, Simon Peter hadn't even started to follow Jesus. He just let Jesus use his boat from which He spoke to the crowd. I wonder what Jesus was saying that made Simon respond, "Master,... because You say so..." Especially when he had spent a hard night working with no results.

I'm usually too proud, too smart, too self-confident to do something just because somebody says so. Don't "they" say insanity is doing the same thing over again and expecting different results? Simon and company probably cast their nets a number of times in the night and hauled up nothing. Yet, Jesus says cast them again so he does. They caught more than they could handle. And then they left everything and followed Jesus.

This time I'm spending cracking open my Bible each day is the pushing the boat out and listening to Jesus teach from it. Oh that I would have ears that will hear what Jesus is teaching and a heart that is tender enough so when it's time for my nets to be cast that I will respond, "because You say so, I will..." without question. I need to stop my tendency of "leaning on my own understanding" and just trust God and obey.

Genesis 9-11; Luke 4

2009-01-04T06:46:00.002-06:00

Luke 4:13

Now when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from Him until an opportune time.

Jesus faced the devil's temptations and won. Though defeated, the devil didn't give up. He just waited for an opportune time. This is why I must always be on my guard. I can't just win one battle and then think that's it. For our adversary hasn't stopped doing his evil deeds. He's just waiting for an opportune time. He is the lion searching for one whom he can devour. I must be vigilant and not even give him an opportunity, a foothold that would let his temptations pull me away.

Genesis 6-8; Luke 3

2009-01-03T01:26:00.002-06:00

Genesis 6:5 & 8

Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.

Noah wasn't sinless. He faced the same battles I face today of fighting not only the corrupt culture of depravity around him, but also the inner battle of wanting to live justly but having a wicked, evil sin nature. The passage doesn't say what specific things Noah did to have God grant him grace. Only that he was righteous before God.

But even though God gave grace to Noah, there was still work to be done. Noah had to obey and follow God's instructions. Despite how odd it seemed to build the ark, Noah still obeyed. He literally worked out his salvation from the flood by building the ark. If Noah just thanked God for His grace but took no action, he would have perished in the flood along with the rest of humanity.

It's not enough to just accept God's gift of grace. There is work on my part that goes with that. It may be very hard work or something that will draw ridicule from those around me. But if I am walking justly, if I am striving to find favor in God's eyes by how I live, He will deliver me from the flood.