Today's Passage: Judges 17-18
The key to this passage of scripture is found in 18:1: "In those days Israel had no king." They had no one to tell them what was right and what was wrong. They didn't have the discipline or the fortitude to do the right thing by themselves. Given over to their selfish desires, they did things like steal from their mothers, build their own household Gods, hire priests to serve their houses, and destroy peaceful and unsuspecting people. It seems that this passage, like those around it, reflect Israel in a state of chaos...following their own desires without regard for the consequences.
I don't know about you, but when I give into my own desires, bad things happen. When I live like there's no king...no consequences, no leadership...life turns into a state of chaos. I need the King to give my life purpose and meaning, to keep me in check when I begin to wander off the path of righteousness. I need Jesus in my life so that I will be more like him and less like my selfish self!
The Israelites would soon get an earthy king...and that works for a while, but leads back to this life of chaos. It would take a heavenly king in Jesus Christ to show the world how to live. Thank you, Jesus, for bringing perfect peace where there once whas chaos!
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Today's Passage: Judges 15-16
Who says the Bible is not exciting? I love movies and my goodness, if done well I think the story of Samson and Delilah could be a box office hit. This passage has love, fighting, betrayal, and a great ending. I think this is probably one of the most popular stories in the Bible. In fact, I would say that this story has transcended Christian culture and is of pop culture knowledge.
This story always confuses me a little. Each time that Samson “lies” to her she gets upset and gets him to tell the “real” weakness. After the first time did he not catch that something was up? If not then, was the second time not enough? I think this story confirms that women have fooled men since the Old Testament times. We just have a weakness I guess.
Seriously though, for me the take away in this story is that we must be careful of the relationships we enter into. I want to be clear that I am speaking of all relationships: friendships, dating, marriage, and business. It is clear from this story that Samson’s choice for a relationship was not a wise decision. I am not saying that you should not have relationships with people that are shady. Someone eventually has to have a relationship with them for them to come to know God, what I am saying is be careful on how close those relationships are. I am convinced and will swear by the fact that I believe you will become like the people you surround yourself with. Samson surrounded himself with shady people and because of it he fell from God’s grace. For us we can only be around shady for so long before we let it creep into our lives. My prayer for us today is that God will put people in our lives that will provide healthy close relationships, and that God will put people in our lives that we can share the love of Christ with, but not be pulled down by.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Today's Passage: Luke 6
This chapter is FULL of familiar teachings and wisdom, but I want to focus on just three verses. These verses probably jumped out at me because I've been thinking about their subject for a few weeks now--my words. Here are the verses for quick reference:
43"No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. 44Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. 45The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.
Words can be difficult to control, growing more so with weariness, stress, anxiety, etc., BUT according to the Scripture our words give the world around us a glimpse into our hearts. Unfortunately my heart often comes across differently than I intend because of my words. I do not always guard against complaining, negativity, and gossip...and yet that is NOT how I want my heart to be viewed. I am challenged and encouraged to not only be aware of what comes out of my mouth, but to be sure my heart is right. After all, a good tree will not bear bad fruit...
This chapter is FULL of familiar teachings and wisdom, but I want to focus on just three verses. These verses probably jumped out at me because I've been thinking about their subject for a few weeks now--my words. Here are the verses for quick reference:
43"No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. 44Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. 45The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.
Words can be difficult to control, growing more so with weariness, stress, anxiety, etc., BUT according to the Scripture our words give the world around us a glimpse into our hearts. Unfortunately my heart often comes across differently than I intend because of my words. I do not always guard against complaining, negativity, and gossip...and yet that is NOT how I want my heart to be viewed. I am challenged and encouraged to not only be aware of what comes out of my mouth, but to be sure my heart is right. After all, a good tree will not bear bad fruit...
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Today's Passage: Judges 13-14
There is no doubt that God calls certain people to certain tasks. The Bible is loaded with stories of men and women whom God calls to do something special and specific for Him. We can also see this in our world today. Some people are called to be great businessmen, others are called to be pastors or teachers, still others are called to be soldiers and serve their country. Judges 13-14 shows us another example of God picking a specific person to follow Him in a unique way.
Although it is a great privilege when people are called by God to do great things for Him, it is also a great responsibility. Samson's parents are met with the responsibility during the pregnancy. There were special rules that Samson should follow. In essence, Samson was to live a different lifestyle than most of those around him. Like many of us, this different lifestyle became a burden, and he was often tempted to look and act like those around him.
Aside from specific calling, we all know that we are called to love and follow God. This great privilege of knowing and following following God comes with a great responsibility. We, like Samson, will be tempted to forgo this responsibility in order to look and act like those around us. To borrow an illustration from Kid's Camp this summer, "We are ducks living in a world of penguins. We see mostly penguins around us. We want to act like the penguins, even though we are actually ducks. However, we must stay with our true identity and live like ducks!" I pray that we all have the courage to live as followers of Jesus, instead of followers of the world.
There is no doubt that God calls certain people to certain tasks. The Bible is loaded with stories of men and women whom God calls to do something special and specific for Him. We can also see this in our world today. Some people are called to be great businessmen, others are called to be pastors or teachers, still others are called to be soldiers and serve their country. Judges 13-14 shows us another example of God picking a specific person to follow Him in a unique way.
Although it is a great privilege when people are called by God to do great things for Him, it is also a great responsibility. Samson's parents are met with the responsibility during the pregnancy. There were special rules that Samson should follow. In essence, Samson was to live a different lifestyle than most of those around him. Like many of us, this different lifestyle became a burden, and he was often tempted to look and act like those around him.
Aside from specific calling, we all know that we are called to love and follow God. This great privilege of knowing and following following God comes with a great responsibility. We, like Samson, will be tempted to forgo this responsibility in order to look and act like those around us. To borrow an illustration from Kid's Camp this summer, "We are ducks living in a world of penguins. We see mostly penguins around us. We want to act like the penguins, even though we are actually ducks. However, we must stay with our true identity and live like ducks!" I pray that we all have the courage to live as followers of Jesus, instead of followers of the world.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
Today's Scripture: Judges 11-12
The story of Jephthah has always challenged me and the level of faith that I have in God. I think all of us want to be as dependable and have as much confidence as Jephthah, but if we are honest we don't want the sacrifice.
In chapter 11 of Hebrews the writer does an amazing job at describing what faith truly is through the examples of many Old Testament leaders, including Jephthah. Few of us are bold enough to compare ourselves to any of the people mentioned in Hebrews 11. However, this list was not compiled in order to be a list of titans of faith, but instead to reveal to us that we can obtain a higher level of faithfulness to God. Stories from the Old Testament like this one about Jephthah are presented to us to challenge what we think about ourselves. Too often we can find ourselves going through the motions of being a " good christian" and forget what God has really called us to: Trusting in Him.
Nothing glorifies God more than someone acting with complete confidence in His power. Can you imagine what God could do with 100 people that completely trusted Him with everything? I can begin to, and it brings a smile to my face and a desire to be a part of it. Will you join me?
The story of Jephthah has always challenged me and the level of faith that I have in God. I think all of us want to be as dependable and have as much confidence as Jephthah, but if we are honest we don't want the sacrifice.
In chapter 11 of Hebrews the writer does an amazing job at describing what faith truly is through the examples of many Old Testament leaders, including Jephthah. Few of us are bold enough to compare ourselves to any of the people mentioned in Hebrews 11. However, this list was not compiled in order to be a list of titans of faith, but instead to reveal to us that we can obtain a higher level of faithfulness to God. Stories from the Old Testament like this one about Jephthah are presented to us to challenge what we think about ourselves. Too often we can find ourselves going through the motions of being a " good christian" and forget what God has really called us to: Trusting in Him.
Nothing glorifies God more than someone acting with complete confidence in His power. Can you imagine what God could do with 100 people that completely trusted Him with everything? I can begin to, and it brings a smile to my face and a desire to be a part of it. Will you join me?
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Today's Passage: Judges 9-10
These chapters are a chunk of historical events involving some folks you may or may not have heard of. Chapter nine is a story of deception and overthrow. Abimelech deceives Schechem, he kills his family, and they make him king. Heavy consequences fall to Abimelech and Schechem. Chapter ten is another segment in the story of the Israelites. They again choose to worship other gods and suffer the consequences.
Consequence seems to be the theme, so what do we do with these chapters?
Chapter 9
I think we can all easily see that we are faced with the choice of who we put are trust in. The people of Schechem did not have integrity or a moral resolve when confronted by Abimelech, so they were swayed. So, what leaders are we trusting in? Who are we putting in leadership positions over us?
Chapter 10
We can also see that we, just like the Israelites, have many other things that we worship besides God. When the stresses of life overwhelm us and we turn to shop, to drink, to look where we shouldn't look, to turn inward to self pity and depression, we bow down to a variety of gods. If we're really honest, I think we find it doesn't even take the stresses of life to get us to bow down to these idols. Sometimes we just want to wander! In verse 6 of chapter ten we read, "Then the sons of Israel again did evil in the sight of the Lord." In the previous five verses it doesn't say anything about life being particularly hard on the Israelites, they just wandered! And when the consequences came and they cried out to God, He said, "Go and cry out to the gods which you have chosen; let them deliver you in the time of your distress."(Judges 10:14) In times when we don't feel like God is hearing us or answering us, I wander if He's saying the same thing to us.
Of course, He does not leave us there, just like He did not leave the Israelites there. The Psalms are full of verses that testify His lovingkindness lasts forever. I John 1 tells us that when we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. I think He sometimes lets us stew awhile in our own mess (rebellion, stubborness, self-help) until we realize that HE is really IT--THE ANSWER--THE HELP-- THE SUPPORT --THE LIFE ---THE ONE AND ONLY GOD!!
May God bless the reading of His word!
These chapters are a chunk of historical events involving some folks you may or may not have heard of. Chapter nine is a story of deception and overthrow. Abimelech deceives Schechem, he kills his family, and they make him king. Heavy consequences fall to Abimelech and Schechem. Chapter ten is another segment in the story of the Israelites. They again choose to worship other gods and suffer the consequences.
Consequence seems to be the theme, so what do we do with these chapters?
Chapter 9
I think we can all easily see that we are faced with the choice of who we put are trust in. The people of Schechem did not have integrity or a moral resolve when confronted by Abimelech, so they were swayed. So, what leaders are we trusting in? Who are we putting in leadership positions over us?
Chapter 10
We can also see that we, just like the Israelites, have many other things that we worship besides God. When the stresses of life overwhelm us and we turn to shop, to drink, to look where we shouldn't look, to turn inward to self pity and depression, we bow down to a variety of gods. If we're really honest, I think we find it doesn't even take the stresses of life to get us to bow down to these idols. Sometimes we just want to wander! In verse 6 of chapter ten we read, "Then the sons of Israel again did evil in the sight of the Lord." In the previous five verses it doesn't say anything about life being particularly hard on the Israelites, they just wandered! And when the consequences came and they cried out to God, He said, "Go and cry out to the gods which you have chosen; let them deliver you in the time of your distress."(Judges 10:14) In times when we don't feel like God is hearing us or answering us, I wander if He's saying the same thing to us.
Of course, He does not leave us there, just like He did not leave the Israelites there. The Psalms are full of verses that testify His lovingkindness lasts forever. I John 1 tells us that when we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. I think He sometimes lets us stew awhile in our own mess (rebellion, stubborness, self-help) until we realize that HE is really IT--THE ANSWER--THE HELP-- THE SUPPORT --THE LIFE ---THE ONE AND ONLY GOD!!
May God bless the reading of His word!
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Today's Passage: Luke 5
It's always difficult to comment on a passage like today's because it is so rich and full of content/meat! After being at VBS this week, we can see just how a passage can reach such a large audience. More than just this passage; but the Bible altogether. God's Word is always sufficient and applicable for everyone, everyday. This is why it is also to referred to as the Living Word.
Today we read about the calling out of the 12 disciples to begin their ministry with Christ while He was on earth. We all can attest to our unwillingness to change or give up things. I think for some of us, this kind of change or giving up things is surreal. The reason being is because we are not accustomed to giving up things, let alone everything! However, we read here that these men who were to be Christ's disciples gave up/dropped everything in order to follow Him. I particularly noticed Peter's response. Here we begin to see Peter's personality come out. He is the responds to the Lord's fishing instincts with an appropriate response. Now that he has recognized the Lord's holiness, he is able to serve with the proper heart attitude.
Next, we read about Christ's ministry to the sick and poor. I love when I read about Christ's healing miracles. At nearly every place in Scripture when Christ heals someone, it is immediately that they are healed 100%! Christ's power is immeasurable!
Finally, I wanted to comment on one last thing in this passage. Christ is able to answer some unasked questions. Christ did not come to serve those who the Pharisees thought God should serve. Rather, Christ came for those who need Him. The Pharisees were always seeking some way to trip up or catch Christ ignoring or disobeying the Jewish laws. Instead, Christ came to fulfill the law! Christ's method of teaching the Pharisees is refreshing to say the least. Sometimes He is subtle, while other times, He comes right to the point! Christ came for sinners to repentance! (v. 32)
So, are you ready to follow Christ!? What do you need to give up in your life so that you can follow Christ? Remember Peter's adjustment was his recognition of God's holiness.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Friday, July 24, 2009
Today's Passage: Judges 7-8
The picture above is the spring of Harod. This is exact spot where the story of Judges 7 takes place. We went here early in our trip to Israel, and it was one of the first places we went that we could pinpoint the exact location...it was amazing to be able to put this passage into such a real context.
If you look out to the north from here, not too far way is the hill of Moreh. When scripture tells us the army of Midian was camped there, they were certainly within eyesight of Gideon and his men. They would have been a constant reminder of just how difficult...even impossible...this battle was going to be. They were severely outnumbered and reminded of it every minute.
To me, it makes this story even more incredible. Each time Gideon tells men to leave, he's doing it with one eye on the enemy at hand. He had to continue to trust God in the face of such grave danger...the odds were overwhelming and getting worse with every step of faith!
But as we see time and time again, large steps of faith turn into large victories for the Lord and those who are faithful. Gideon was rewarded with the chance to hear the fear of the enemy (of course rolling barley bread means certain destruction!) and to be faithful to a plan involving trumpets, jars and lamps. The battle is certainly overwhelming...overwhelmingly on the side of God!
Maybe today you are staring the enemy in the face and the battle seems too much. Maybe you think there is no way to come out of this struggle unscathed. Will you drink from the spring of Living Water and be nourished to trust God with all you have? Will you step out in faith and experience something only God can do?
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Today's Passage: Judges 5-6
I do not know about you, but I caught myself questioning Gideon a little bit in this passage. God called him and said he was a mighty warrior and he has the nerve to question God. Who would do such a thing? Then I heard a voice ask the question: “really?” YOU are going to question him. So I quickly recanted my questioning.
I think Gideon is a great example for us. I think more often than not we probably answer God much like Gideon did. God you want me to build a what? Do you know what would happen to me? For us, it is probably mo? For some of us in the past it may have been, you want me to move where?
Just like He did for Gideon, God is faithful to reassure us alongre on the lines of: You want me to ask who to church? Or you want me to give up what the way. When Gideon built the altar, he was very afraid, but God protected him. Then Gideon asked for the damp and the dry rugs, and God provided that assurance as well. In the case of Gideon and for us as well, I think taking one step is what God wants of us at first. Gideon took the step of building the altar and God gave him a little reassurance. When God asks us to do something and then reassures us that we are the person for the job, we better do it.
I know that I struggle with this. In fact I am more like Gideon than I care to admit. I have asked God, just like Gideon for signs. I would love to break myself of that. My prayer for us today is that when God tells us to go, stop, or say yes, we do not ask questions, we simply say ok. God is big, and He is big enough to use ordinary people like Gideon, you, and me for extraordinary things.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Today's Passage: Judges 3-4
This passage is enough to make you crazy, but it's also very encouraging. It tells the exciting stories of battles and overthrowing kings, but the reason behind it all is almost annoying. The Israelites, God's chosen people, continue to turn away from Him. Even after He has done miraculous things for them time after time, they still become distracted by what the rest of the world has to offer. Then God gives them over to their own devices and they end up in a world of trouble. Then...and here's the encouraging part...they cry out to God for help and HE HELPS THEM! Reading through the Old Testament, this seems to be the cycle that the Israelites continuously go through. And while it absolutely astounds me that they can turn away from God after seeing Him do so many things, how true is this cycle in our lives as well?
Two nights ago at VBS our Bible story was about Jesus walking on water and calling out to Peter to join Him. Peter steps out of the boat, walks on the water for a bit, then gets distracted and starts to sink. As soon as he calls out to Jesus for help, though, Jesus lifts him back up. Peter had become distracted by the storm going on around him. This passage has challenged me to consider what the "storm" going on around me might be. What is it that I allow to compete for my focus from Jesus? What do I allow to distract me from Him? What "storm" could be calmed with a simple, "Help me, Jesus?"
This passage is enough to make you crazy, but it's also very encouraging. It tells the exciting stories of battles and overthrowing kings, but the reason behind it all is almost annoying. The Israelites, God's chosen people, continue to turn away from Him. Even after He has done miraculous things for them time after time, they still become distracted by what the rest of the world has to offer. Then God gives them over to their own devices and they end up in a world of trouble. Then...and here's the encouraging part...they cry out to God for help and HE HELPS THEM! Reading through the Old Testament, this seems to be the cycle that the Israelites continuously go through. And while it absolutely astounds me that they can turn away from God after seeing Him do so many things, how true is this cycle in our lives as well?
Two nights ago at VBS our Bible story was about Jesus walking on water and calling out to Peter to join Him. Peter steps out of the boat, walks on the water for a bit, then gets distracted and starts to sink. As soon as he calls out to Jesus for help, though, Jesus lifts him back up. Peter had become distracted by the storm going on around him. This passage has challenged me to consider what the "storm" going on around me might be. What is it that I allow to compete for my focus from Jesus? What do I allow to distract me from Him? What "storm" could be calmed with a simple, "Help me, Jesus?"
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Today's Passage: Luke 4
One a my favorite memories from my high school days is the Friday pep rally. We would gather the entire school together to hear cheers, see the football team, and listen to a brief and motivating speech by the coach. There were many traditions that took place on the Friday afternoons in preparation for the game. One of which is the passing of the 'spirit stick.' It was simply a striped baton which was given to the wildest and loudest grade. It was a coveted trophy that simply gave a class significant bragging rights.
The goal of the whole rally was to have the most spirit so that we could attain the 'spirit stick.' I believe that too many people today believe the Spirit which is spoken of in Scripture is harnessed and controlled by the same emotional fervor as the aforementioned high school pep rally. Meaning, those who talk the loudest, raise their hands in praise, have the best answer in Bible study, and leading ministries are the ones that have the Spirit. While it is certainly true that these people have and are following the Spirit, the same can also be said about the quiet and reserve Christians as well.
In Luke 4 Jesus himself is led by the Spirit to do several things. He is led to place where He can be tempted, and also led to Galilee where He teaches and amazes people in the synagogues. The Spirit did not lead him because He was the most excited person about God. No, the Spirit leads everyone. However, the Spirit does lead people in different ways and directions. The real difference in Jesus and most people (insofar as Luke 4 is concerned) is that Jesus listened and followed the Spirit whereas most do not.
One a my favorite memories from my high school days is the Friday pep rally. We would gather the entire school together to hear cheers, see the football team, and listen to a brief and motivating speech by the coach. There were many traditions that took place on the Friday afternoons in preparation for the game. One of which is the passing of the 'spirit stick.' It was simply a striped baton which was given to the wildest and loudest grade. It was a coveted trophy that simply gave a class significant bragging rights.
The goal of the whole rally was to have the most spirit so that we could attain the 'spirit stick.' I believe that too many people today believe the Spirit which is spoken of in Scripture is harnessed and controlled by the same emotional fervor as the aforementioned high school pep rally. Meaning, those who talk the loudest, raise their hands in praise, have the best answer in Bible study, and leading ministries are the ones that have the Spirit. While it is certainly true that these people have and are following the Spirit, the same can also be said about the quiet and reserve Christians as well.
In Luke 4 Jesus himself is led by the Spirit to do several things. He is led to place where He can be tempted, and also led to Galilee where He teaches and amazes people in the synagogues. The Spirit did not lead him because He was the most excited person about God. No, the Spirit leads everyone. However, the Spirit does lead people in different ways and directions. The real difference in Jesus and most people (insofar as Luke 4 is concerned) is that Jesus listened and followed the Spirit whereas most do not.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Monday, July 20, 2009
Today's Passage: Judges 1-2
I am so excited to be able to introduce the book of Judges to our continuing study of God's Word Every Day. It's crazy but to me it feels like just yesterday that we were starting Genesis.
A couple important things to know about the book of Judges are: 1) It is a continuation of the story of Israel and explains the events following God's people settling in Canaan. 2) It focuses on the second generation of the promised land and their disobedience to God. 3) It covers seven cycles of God raising up leaders (Judges) followed by the unfortunate return to sin by Israel.
The second chapter of Judges is a very important chapter since it explains the events that lead to Israel's disobedience. The story explained in Judges has been retold many different ways in thousands of books and movies. You have likely seen or read one of these stories that depict a humble father who works hard to gain success only to hand it down to a son who doesn't respect the work it took to obtain that success. This is the story of Judges.
We see this same story play out in our own lives also. If I'm honest I seldom slow down to think about all of the work someone else has done for me to enjoy... or abuse the privileges I have. The sillier part is we know that we don't take enough time to reflect. As a culture we try to make up for it by assigning holidays to the things that deserve our gratitude. Hopefully through our study of Judges we will all grow to see what God truly desires from us.
Not an appreciation that is displayed only on special occasions, but an everyday lifestyle of appreciation for what God our father has done for us. Let us not be the ungrateful generation but the one that truly shows God our thankfulness by the way that we live.
I am so excited to be able to introduce the book of Judges to our continuing study of God's Word Every Day. It's crazy but to me it feels like just yesterday that we were starting Genesis.
A couple important things to know about the book of Judges are: 1) It is a continuation of the story of Israel and explains the events following God's people settling in Canaan. 2) It focuses on the second generation of the promised land and their disobedience to God. 3) It covers seven cycles of God raising up leaders (Judges) followed by the unfortunate return to sin by Israel.
The second chapter of Judges is a very important chapter since it explains the events that lead to Israel's disobedience. The story explained in Judges has been retold many different ways in thousands of books and movies. You have likely seen or read one of these stories that depict a humble father who works hard to gain success only to hand it down to a son who doesn't respect the work it took to obtain that success. This is the story of Judges.
We see this same story play out in our own lives also. If I'm honest I seldom slow down to think about all of the work someone else has done for me to enjoy... or abuse the privileges I have. The sillier part is we know that we don't take enough time to reflect. As a culture we try to make up for it by assigning holidays to the things that deserve our gratitude. Hopefully through our study of Judges we will all grow to see what God truly desires from us.
Not an appreciation that is displayed only on special occasions, but an everyday lifestyle of appreciation for what God our father has done for us. Let us not be the ungrateful generation but the one that truly shows God our thankfulness by the way that we live.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Sunday July 19, 2009
Today's Passage: Luke 3
This chapter is full of great stuff: Old Testament prophecies fulfilled, John the Baptist's uncompromising preaching, and Christ's example to us.
Too early for Christmas?
It is so powerful to see John quote Isaiah and fulfill this prophecy from the Old Testament. It always makes me think of Christmas and one of my favorite classical works, Handel's Messiah. The entirety of this work is scripture put in song: Old Testament prophecy side by side with New Testament fulfillment of that prophecy. Two of my favorite movements are the tenor solos, "Comfort Ye" and "Every Valley," both are scripture from right here in Luke 3 (and Isaiah 40).
Have you been baptized?
Baptism is NOT required for salvation, but it is a public testimony that you have chosen to follow Jesus Christ. He commanded us to do it, but more effectively, He showed us how. He modeled what it meant to obey God the Father.
What is our role?
John the Baptist was born to preach and prepare the way for Christ. He answered the call and was faithful to it. A song sung in many churches says, "We are the voice in the desert crying, 'Prepare ye the way of the Lord,'." We must be living the example of what it is to know Jesus as Lord. We must also be preaching with our lives and words that Jesus is coming again just like John preached and ushered in His earthly ministry.
This chapter is full of great stuff: Old Testament prophecies fulfilled, John the Baptist's uncompromising preaching, and Christ's example to us.
Too early for Christmas?
It is so powerful to see John quote Isaiah and fulfill this prophecy from the Old Testament. It always makes me think of Christmas and one of my favorite classical works, Handel's Messiah. The entirety of this work is scripture put in song: Old Testament prophecy side by side with New Testament fulfillment of that prophecy. Two of my favorite movements are the tenor solos, "Comfort Ye" and "Every Valley," both are scripture from right here in Luke 3 (and Isaiah 40).
Have you been baptized?
Baptism is NOT required for salvation, but it is a public testimony that you have chosen to follow Jesus Christ. He commanded us to do it, but more effectively, He showed us how. He modeled what it meant to obey God the Father.
What is our role?
John the Baptist was born to preach and prepare the way for Christ. He answered the call and was faithful to it. A song sung in many churches says, "We are the voice in the desert crying, 'Prepare ye the way of the Lord,'." We must be living the example of what it is to know Jesus as Lord. We must also be preaching with our lives and words that Jesus is coming again just like John preached and ushered in His earthly ministry.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Today's Passage: Joshua 23-24
You've probably heard it said that it is always best to go out strong! In today's chapters, we read about the revival or renewal of the covenant between the Israelites and God. Joshua, who was the leader who took up after Moses, and was told on several occasions, "to be strong and very courageous," is not passing the work on to others. It is always good to read when the Israelites are obeying, remembering and keeping their promises with the Lord! Joshua was able to end his life knowing that he was a faithful servant to his people as well as to their God.
I couldn't help but think of those spiritual awakening/revival times in my life when the Lord had gotten my attention in a very unequivocal manner. (I hope that you have experienced one or more of these times in your Christian life.) It would seem that the Israelites were experiencing something similar to this at Shechem. Here they are, being admonished once again to fear the LORD and not to turn left or right from His commands. They are told to serve the Lord. They re-affirm their trust and allegiance to the LORD and not to any other God. And most of us are familiar with verse 24:15, where Joshua is very blunt with the people. They are to CHOSE this day whom they will serve.
A few verses later, we read that the people chose the Lord. And so Joshua sets up a reminder for them, the stone. He also emphasizes they they have chosen (vs 22) to serve the Lord, so they must be faithful!
We all need to have a Shechem experience in our Christian walk time after time. In this manner, we are no different than the Israelites. We lose sight and need to re-focus and re-prioritize. This is why so many times Scripture tells the Israelites to keep close to the Lord's commandments. Our Lord is a jealous God and He wants our attention!
So who will you serve? Today? Tomorrow? At the end, how will you go out?
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Friday, July 17, 2009
Today's Passage: Joshua 21-22
Buried in this list of names and places are two strong stories of faithfulness. Chapter 21 mentions all the places the tribes settled in the promised land, and if you are not careful, you'll miss a remarkable statement in verses 43-45. This is the official end of the wandering that started back with Moses and Pharoah...a journey of plagues, crossing the Red Sea, wandering in the desert for 40 years, and conquering through Joshua. This marks the point at which the Israelites are finally home...they took possession of the land and had peace on every side of them. And verse 45 sums up the journey this way: "Not one of all the Lord's good promises to the house of Israel failed; every one was fulfilled."
No matter what happened, God was faithful to his promise. Every wrong turn, every step of disobedience, every fear-filled decision....ultimately, God was faithful to the promise of this beautiful land, even when the people struggled to get there. He remained faithful to the people, and to those who remained faithful to Him, He blessed them with a home to call their own. The journey could have been so much easier for the Israelites if they had just stayed faithful to God!
You may not remember the circumstances that lead to Chapter 22, but as a refresher, the Reubenites and a few others wanted to settle just outside the promised land across the Jordan River. Moses granted their request on the condition that the men of the tribes help conquer the promised land. This is the fulfillment of that promise...the tribes had been faithful, so they were granted the request in full. When they went back to this land, they built an altar...the Israelites were afraid they had turned against God, but on the contrary, they built an altar to remind themselves that they should always trust and be faithful to the Lord. Their faith was strong enough to fight, strong enough to live, and strong enough to remember...and God blessed them!
If we have a faith that is strong enough to fight the kingdom of this world...strong enough to live a life that is not in our eternal home...strong enough to remember that the Lord is God...God is going to do some amazing things right before our eyes. Let us remain faithful to the One who is ever faithful to us!
Buried in this list of names and places are two strong stories of faithfulness. Chapter 21 mentions all the places the tribes settled in the promised land, and if you are not careful, you'll miss a remarkable statement in verses 43-45. This is the official end of the wandering that started back with Moses and Pharoah...a journey of plagues, crossing the Red Sea, wandering in the desert for 40 years, and conquering through Joshua. This marks the point at which the Israelites are finally home...they took possession of the land and had peace on every side of them. And verse 45 sums up the journey this way: "Not one of all the Lord's good promises to the house of Israel failed; every one was fulfilled."
No matter what happened, God was faithful to his promise. Every wrong turn, every step of disobedience, every fear-filled decision....ultimately, God was faithful to the promise of this beautiful land, even when the people struggled to get there. He remained faithful to the people, and to those who remained faithful to Him, He blessed them with a home to call their own. The journey could have been so much easier for the Israelites if they had just stayed faithful to God!
You may not remember the circumstances that lead to Chapter 22, but as a refresher, the Reubenites and a few others wanted to settle just outside the promised land across the Jordan River. Moses granted their request on the condition that the men of the tribes help conquer the promised land. This is the fulfillment of that promise...the tribes had been faithful, so they were granted the request in full. When they went back to this land, they built an altar...the Israelites were afraid they had turned against God, but on the contrary, they built an altar to remind themselves that they should always trust and be faithful to the Lord. Their faith was strong enough to fight, strong enough to live, and strong enough to remember...and God blessed them!
If we have a faith that is strong enough to fight the kingdom of this world...strong enough to live a life that is not in our eternal home...strong enough to remember that the Lord is God...God is going to do some amazing things right before our eyes. Let us remain faithful to the One who is ever faithful to us!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Today's Passage: Joshua 19-20
As I have said before, I love the book of Joshua. Joshua to me is one of the best examples of how to be a leader in the Bible. Chapter 19 spells out where the lands were given. In the end there is Joshua, the leader of the people. Joshua patiently waits until everyone is taken care of. When they are all taken care of, he then speaks up and takes his land. How backwards would that be in today’s society?
We live in a society that tells the leader to get his first and that everyone else will get theirs’. Joshua shares a great lesson for us. Joshua is never worried about if he is going to be taken care of, he simply makes sure that everyone else is taken care of and then he too is taken care of. I think today we have to take a Joshua attitude.
Imagine if we for a week took a Joshua mentality. What if for a week, you let the person behind you go in front of you in the line at the grocery store? You let the other person leave work early? You held the door for a few extra people? Graciously let that person jump in front of you on 377? It is a foreign idea in our society, but for one week, what if we took Joshua’s mentality and put others in front of ourselves. My prayer for us today is that God will present opportunities for us to have Joshua moments.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Today's Passage: Luke 2
It seems odd and yet a little refreshing to be reading this story on a day the temperature reached 105 degrees. Usually this passage is reserved for the cooler weeks leading up to Christmas. The portion I would like to focus on, however, is found in verses 41-52...The Boy Jesus at the Temple.
Last week on the mission trip to Oklahoma, I was around three young people (ages 11, 14, and 15) who had already surrendered their lives to mission work. None of them have missionary parents and none of them had much experience at all with missions. And yet each one of them feels a clear calling on their lives--a mission--at such an early age. Jesus also knew the purpose for which He was placed in the world at an early age.
Jesus attends the Passover Feast with his family in Jerusalem. On the way home his parents realize that He is nowhere to be found! As they are feverishly looking for Him, He is hanging out at the temple conversing with the teachers. Although his parents don't seem to understand what He is doing, Jesus knows that He is preparing for the work laid out for Him. The passage concludes with our theme verse for kids' Sunday Bible study: "And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men." Luke 2:52
If you have kids, consider what you are doing to help them be Christ-like by growing in wisdom and in favor with God and men. Help them to realize that God has a plan for their lives and that they can already be "on mission" by reading their Bibles, praying, coming to church, and telling friends about Jesus. Help them to build a spiritual foundation that will last a lifetime.
It seems odd and yet a little refreshing to be reading this story on a day the temperature reached 105 degrees. Usually this passage is reserved for the cooler weeks leading up to Christmas. The portion I would like to focus on, however, is found in verses 41-52...The Boy Jesus at the Temple.
Last week on the mission trip to Oklahoma, I was around three young people (ages 11, 14, and 15) who had already surrendered their lives to mission work. None of them have missionary parents and none of them had much experience at all with missions. And yet each one of them feels a clear calling on their lives--a mission--at such an early age. Jesus also knew the purpose for which He was placed in the world at an early age.
Jesus attends the Passover Feast with his family in Jerusalem. On the way home his parents realize that He is nowhere to be found! As they are feverishly looking for Him, He is hanging out at the temple conversing with the teachers. Although his parents don't seem to understand what He is doing, Jesus knows that He is preparing for the work laid out for Him. The passage concludes with our theme verse for kids' Sunday Bible study: "And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men." Luke 2:52
If you have kids, consider what you are doing to help them be Christ-like by growing in wisdom and in favor with God and men. Help them to realize that God has a plan for their lives and that they can already be "on mission" by reading their Bibles, praying, coming to church, and telling friends about Jesus. Help them to build a spiritual foundation that will last a lifetime.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Today's Passage: Joshua 17-18
Have you ever known that God has just blessed you in some way? I certainly have. God has been so kind to my family over the years through relationships, finances, and many other aspects of life. I often pray for God to move in a great way regarding specific life circumstances in which I find myself. God, in His time, answers my prayer and blesses me in a great way. Sometimes though, if I'm honest, the blessing looks a little different than how I pictured it in my head.
The Israelites find themselves in a similar situation. They, particularly Joshua, have asked God to grant victory through battle so they may inhabit the land. God gives the Israelites victory, yet the people still were not inhabiting the land. Joshua bluntly asks the people, "How long will you wait before you begin to take possession of the land that the Lord, the God of your fathers, has given you?" (Joshua 18:3). God had done the work, but the people were awkwardly hesitating to accept God's blessing. Ironic isn't it? I think we do this pretty often in our daily lives. We shouldn't be surprised when God blesses us, and when He does we should lovingly accept His blessing. I pray that we don't become blind to the blessings God gives us.
Have you ever known that God has just blessed you in some way? I certainly have. God has been so kind to my family over the years through relationships, finances, and many other aspects of life. I often pray for God to move in a great way regarding specific life circumstances in which I find myself. God, in His time, answers my prayer and blesses me in a great way. Sometimes though, if I'm honest, the blessing looks a little different than how I pictured it in my head.
The Israelites find themselves in a similar situation. They, particularly Joshua, have asked God to grant victory through battle so they may inhabit the land. God gives the Israelites victory, yet the people still were not inhabiting the land. Joshua bluntly asks the people, "How long will you wait before you begin to take possession of the land that the Lord, the God of your fathers, has given you?" (Joshua 18:3). God had done the work, but the people were awkwardly hesitating to accept God's blessing. Ironic isn't it? I think we do this pretty often in our daily lives. We shouldn't be surprised when God blesses us, and when He does we should lovingly accept His blessing. I pray that we don't become blind to the blessings God gives us.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Monday, July 13, 2009
Today's Passage: Joshua 15-16
These two chapters are a written map, for lack of a better term. They describe how part of the promised land west of the Jordan River was divided among God's people. The ideal way to study this passage would be with a map of Canaan so that we could trace the boundaries that Joshua is describing. However, while reading all of the very detailed boundaries in this passage I was reminded of a great piece of information about the composition of the Bible.
I am sure that many of you know people who think that the Bible is not completely true. Others of you may know people who think the stories in the Bible are just as mythical as Zeus and Hercules. I recently learned some interesting facts about the Bible while reading the book The 10 Most Common Objections to Christianity by Alex Mcfarland. One of the things that jumped out to me was that if you take the Bible and compare it to both ancient historical text and ancient mythical text you will find that it is written almost exactly like a historical text and nothing like a mythical one. The important fact to take in to account here is that it wasn't until the last 500 years or so that real places and people in history were frequently used in fictitious or mythical stories. Before that all fictional stories were made up almost completely from scratch. So for someone to claim that the Bible is fiction they must agree that its writers were centuries before their time.
So next time you are reading a passage that is a list of someone's descendants or the boundaries of someone's land, remember that those details are just one more proof in the authenticity of the scriptures.
These two chapters are a written map, for lack of a better term. They describe how part of the promised land west of the Jordan River was divided among God's people. The ideal way to study this passage would be with a map of Canaan so that we could trace the boundaries that Joshua is describing. However, while reading all of the very detailed boundaries in this passage I was reminded of a great piece of information about the composition of the Bible.
I am sure that many of you know people who think that the Bible is not completely true. Others of you may know people who think the stories in the Bible are just as mythical as Zeus and Hercules. I recently learned some interesting facts about the Bible while reading the book The 10 Most Common Objections to Christianity by Alex Mcfarland. One of the things that jumped out to me was that if you take the Bible and compare it to both ancient historical text and ancient mythical text you will find that it is written almost exactly like a historical text and nothing like a mythical one. The important fact to take in to account here is that it wasn't until the last 500 years or so that real places and people in history were frequently used in fictitious or mythical stories. Before that all fictional stories were made up almost completely from scratch. So for someone to claim that the Bible is fiction they must agree that its writers were centuries before their time.
So next time you are reading a passage that is a list of someone's descendants or the boundaries of someone's land, remember that those details are just one more proof in the authenticity of the scriptures.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Today's passage: Joshua 13-14
The first chapter consists of the land of Canaan being split up between the tribes. The Levites were excluded because the Lord was their inheritance (13:14, 13:33). They were set apart to minister unto the Lord night and day. This also included managing and caring for the things of the tabernacle. The background on the role of the Levis can be referenced in Numbers 1 and 3.
In chapter 14, Caleb makes a request, which was actually a promise given to him by the Lord through Moses forty years earlier. This chapter shows the joy and fulfillment of being faithful to God, who is always faithful. In his obedience to spy out the land earlier, he did not shrink back in fear. He also came back with a "Let's go get it" attitude. Most of the other spies came back with reports that terrified the people and discouraged them from going in and taking the land that God promised them. It is because of his courageous obedience to the promise that enables him to come to Joshua and request the land that was promised him when Moses was alive.
Do we live our lives in this same courageous obedience? Do we exercise our faith in the promises of God? I highly recommend Oswald Chambers' My Utmost for His Highest reading for July 8. He poignantly discusses the exercise of our will to believe God, submit to God, and obey God. It kinda reminds me of Caleb--
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Today's Passage: Luke 1
So now we can all rest assured that the game of charades is Biblical! No, I'm kidding...But what this miracle turned out to be certainly served God's purposes. As I was reading that particular section of this chapter, I was thinking of how it must have been for Zechariah. This man was a priest who honored God. But, when Gabriel the angel appeared to him, he was afraid and his response was in disbelief (hence his period of being mute.) The interesting part (at least I thought) was that Zechariah had been praying for this. Then when God answered his prayer, he's in shock and disbelief.
How often do we pray and petition God for things and then when he answers us, we respond in disbelief and give credit elsewhere! I know I have done this in the past. I encourage you to think for a moment about how God has and is answering your prayers, so that you and I might respond appropriately!
The second thing I wanted to point out in today's passage of Scripture is the foretelling of both John the Baptist and Jesus. Many of us might be familiar with Luke 2, especially during Christmas time, as we reflect on the birth of Christ. Here in chapter 1 though, we are also able to see the somewhat paradoxical nature of happenings. John the Baptist, the one who would later be a great preacher/teacher for Jesus, had similar, yet different births. For example, the angel appearing, the fear, the somewhat questioning of happenings (except Mary readily believed). I bring this up, because in my mind it serves to further validate and give evidence to the Virgin birth of Christ.
So now we can all rest assured that the game of charades is Biblical! No, I'm kidding...But what this miracle turned out to be certainly served God's purposes. As I was reading that particular section of this chapter, I was thinking of how it must have been for Zechariah. This man was a priest who honored God. But, when Gabriel the angel appeared to him, he was afraid and his response was in disbelief (hence his period of being mute.) The interesting part (at least I thought) was that Zechariah had been praying for this. Then when God answered his prayer, he's in shock and disbelief.
How often do we pray and petition God for things and then when he answers us, we respond in disbelief and give credit elsewhere! I know I have done this in the past. I encourage you to think for a moment about how God has and is answering your prayers, so that you and I might respond appropriately!
The second thing I wanted to point out in today's passage of Scripture is the foretelling of both John the Baptist and Jesus. Many of us might be familiar with Luke 2, especially during Christmas time, as we reflect on the birth of Christ. Here in chapter 1 though, we are also able to see the somewhat paradoxical nature of happenings. John the Baptist, the one who would later be a great preacher/teacher for Jesus, had similar, yet different births. For example, the angel appearing, the fear, the somewhat questioning of happenings (except Mary readily believed). I bring this up, because in my mind it serves to further validate and give evidence to the Virgin birth of Christ.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Friday, July 10, 2009
Today's Passage: Joshua 11-12
This is one of those classic Old Testament passages that can make your eyes glaze over as you read it...Joshua fought so-and-so king and won. Then he fought so-and-so and won. And then he did it again. And again. We don't recognize the names or the places, but we know that Joshua was faithful to do it just like God said and he was victorious time after time.
Did you ever stop to think why these names and places aren't too prominent anymore? They stood up to God's man (and therefore, God) and they were wiped out. They chose to fight against the will and plan of the Almighty...how did it work out for them? The Old Testament is full of stories where people try to show that they are stronger than God, but every one of them ends like this.
That is, every one in which God's man does what God says. When God says "go and do it this way", and God's man goes but does it his own way, watch out! The story of Saul is a perfect example of someone who was called and blessed by God until he steps out and chooses to ignore God's instructions. God quickly takes His hand away and Saul's entire household pays the price.
Are we stepping out in boldness when God says "go"? Are we trusting that no one can stop our Almighty God? Are we being careful to do it God's way and not our own? If so, you can expect a list of victories in your own life!
This is one of those classic Old Testament passages that can make your eyes glaze over as you read it...Joshua fought so-and-so king and won. Then he fought so-and-so and won. And then he did it again. And again. We don't recognize the names or the places, but we know that Joshua was faithful to do it just like God said and he was victorious time after time.
Did you ever stop to think why these names and places aren't too prominent anymore? They stood up to God's man (and therefore, God) and they were wiped out. They chose to fight against the will and plan of the Almighty...how did it work out for them? The Old Testament is full of stories where people try to show that they are stronger than God, but every one of them ends like this.
That is, every one in which God's man does what God says. When God says "go and do it this way", and God's man goes but does it his own way, watch out! The story of Saul is a perfect example of someone who was called and blessed by God until he steps out and chooses to ignore God's instructions. God quickly takes His hand away and Saul's entire household pays the price.
Are we stepping out in boldness when God says "go"? Are we trusting that no one can stop our Almighty God? Are we being careful to do it God's way and not our own? If so, you can expect a list of victories in your own life!
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Today's Passage: Joshua 9-10
Joshua is probably my favorite book in the Bible. I think he is such a fascinating Old Testament figure. When I look at Joshua and see how great a leader he was I am amazed. He had to follow one of the greatest leaders of all time. Can you imagine stepping into the role of leader after Moses? So when we get to a passage like this in chapter nine, I take comfort.
Joshua leads these people fearlessly. Chapter nine shows us two things that are very important. First, that even the greatest leaders make mistakes and second that not consulting God can lead you down a road that you do not want to go.
When I look at Joshua’s life and all of the things that God accomplished with him at the helm I am amazed. He was in leadership during an awesome time in Israelite history. Even he made mistakes though. When we strive for greatness and we want to be a leader that God can use and that people will follow sometimes we make ourselves believe that perfection is the only way. Joshua gives us an out in chapter nine. Even he makes a mistake by making this treaty. However, he shows his amazing leadership when he sticks to his word and when his people who are following him do not harm the Gibeonites.
The second take away for me relates to Joshua’s blunder, as well. When we take God out of the picture and do not consult with him, we may be in trouble. God still protected the people and still has plans for them, but I think it is very important that in the scripture it is mentioned that they did not inquire of the Lord. God takes care of them and there are not any major repercussions, but scripture did not add in that piece of information for nothing. We must inquire of the Lord and seek Him and His wisdom on decisions. My prayer for us today is that when we are facing decisions and weighing through our options that we would inquire of God and see what He has for us on the subject.
Joshua is probably my favorite book in the Bible. I think he is such a fascinating Old Testament figure. When I look at Joshua and see how great a leader he was I am amazed. He had to follow one of the greatest leaders of all time. Can you imagine stepping into the role of leader after Moses? So when we get to a passage like this in chapter nine, I take comfort.
Joshua leads these people fearlessly. Chapter nine shows us two things that are very important. First, that even the greatest leaders make mistakes and second that not consulting God can lead you down a road that you do not want to go.
When I look at Joshua’s life and all of the things that God accomplished with him at the helm I am amazed. He was in leadership during an awesome time in Israelite history. Even he made mistakes though. When we strive for greatness and we want to be a leader that God can use and that people will follow sometimes we make ourselves believe that perfection is the only way. Joshua gives us an out in chapter nine. Even he makes a mistake by making this treaty. However, he shows his amazing leadership when he sticks to his word and when his people who are following him do not harm the Gibeonites.
The second take away for me relates to Joshua’s blunder, as well. When we take God out of the picture and do not consult with him, we may be in trouble. God still protected the people and still has plans for them, but I think it is very important that in the scripture it is mentioned that they did not inquire of the Lord. God takes care of them and there are not any major repercussions, but scripture did not add in that piece of information for nothing. We must inquire of the Lord and seek Him and His wisdom on decisions. My prayer for us today is that when we are facing decisions and weighing through our options that we would inquire of God and see what He has for us on the subject.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Today's Passage: Joshua 7-8
The other day someone was telling me about a time in her life, several years ago, that she had become a lesser version of herself. A good friend of hers called her out for her grumpiness, meanness, and just all-around bad behavior as a friend. As she told me about it, it was evident that she was hugely grateful to that friend for having the tough conversation in order to save their friendship...and more, help her become a greater version of herself. As I listened to the story, I wondered if I would have had the courage to confront a friend. I'd like to think I would, but I also know my tendency to dance around the issue, say what I think people want to hear...and avoid confrontation at all cost.
The way that Achan and his sin were dealt with seems extreme and a little harsh, but I'm afraid that too many Christians have slipped over to the other extreme: apathy. Real love is not afraid to address sin in the life of a friend because real love wants the absolute best for a friend. Real love wants to make the other person better, encourage him, spur him on, and sharpen him. And sharpening is a painful process...often for both parties involved. I have been challenged by today's passage to start showing REAL LOVE to the people around me. This will bring great freedom to relationships! If I'm consistently showing REAL LOVE to them, my friend won't have to wonder about my sincerity when I initiate a tough conversation...and I won't have to wonder when that tough conversation is initiated by a friend.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Tuesday July 7, 2009
Today's Passage: Joshua 5-6
Alright, so there are a few stories in the Bible that are difficult to believe. I often think, "Did that really happen?" This section of Joshua is definitely a story that is hard to swallow. However, there is no evidence to prove otherwise and the Biblical data is quite sufficient in proving the capabilities of our God.
Upon reflection, the reality is I don't doubt the actual stories that are contained in Scripture, but I sometimes doubt God himself! My attitude may be one that does not believe that God is truly powerful. It is stories like the conquest of Jericho that highlight the Christian faith. This is the difficult yet powerful part of the lives of Christ, faith! We believe in that which we cannot see, and we are called to live out this faith as well. The Biblical record contains story upon story of the amazing nature of God and how he demonstrates his power in our natural world. I walk away from Joshua 5-6 realizing my finiteness and the infinite power of our God. What a great and true story!
Alright, so there are a few stories in the Bible that are difficult to believe. I often think, "Did that really happen?" This section of Joshua is definitely a story that is hard to swallow. However, there is no evidence to prove otherwise and the Biblical data is quite sufficient in proving the capabilities of our God.
Upon reflection, the reality is I don't doubt the actual stories that are contained in Scripture, but I sometimes doubt God himself! My attitude may be one that does not believe that God is truly powerful. It is stories like the conquest of Jericho that highlight the Christian faith. This is the difficult yet powerful part of the lives of Christ, faith! We believe in that which we cannot see, and we are called to live out this faith as well. The Biblical record contains story upon story of the amazing nature of God and how he demonstrates his power in our natural world. I walk away from Joshua 5-6 realizing my finiteness and the infinite power of our God. What a great and true story!
Monday, July 6, 2009
Monday, July 6, 2009
Today's Passage: Mark 16
"Who will roll the stone away?" That was the biggest question the women had as they approached the tomb. They weren't concerned about the words Jesus had taught them, that He would overcome death. They weren't thinking about His promise that He would rise again. They were focused on a big, immovable stone. I've seen a copy of what they thought this stone would look like, and let me tell you, they weren't going to move it. It would take several strong men just to budge it...in fact, they made a track in the stone for it to roll, because they knew that once the stone was in place, it would take a huge effort to move it in front of the door to the tomb. They didn't design them to move again, for there was no need.
They were focused on a human problem, but Jesus dealt with an eternal one. They were worried about a big stone, but that stone was merely a symbol of what Jesus did to sin, death and hell! It's funny that once they got there, the stone was forgotten because they realized that Jesus was all He said He was and more!
What stone are you focused on today...is it an earthly problem that seems so big that no one can solve it? Jesus is working on so much more in your life. Can you look past the stone to see what eternal thing He's got for you today? He may be working on something that could make you forget that stone was ever a problem to begin with!
"Who will roll the stone away?" That was the biggest question the women had as they approached the tomb. They weren't concerned about the words Jesus had taught them, that He would overcome death. They weren't thinking about His promise that He would rise again. They were focused on a big, immovable stone. I've seen a copy of what they thought this stone would look like, and let me tell you, they weren't going to move it. It would take several strong men just to budge it...in fact, they made a track in the stone for it to roll, because they knew that once the stone was in place, it would take a huge effort to move it in front of the door to the tomb. They didn't design them to move again, for there was no need.
They were focused on a human problem, but Jesus dealt with an eternal one. They were worried about a big stone, but that stone was merely a symbol of what Jesus did to sin, death and hell! It's funny that once they got there, the stone was forgotten because they realized that Jesus was all He said He was and more!
What stone are you focused on today...is it an earthly problem that seems so big that no one can solve it? Jesus is working on so much more in your life. Can you look past the stone to see what eternal thing He's got for you today? He may be working on something that could make you forget that stone was ever a problem to begin with!
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Sunday July 5, 2009
Joshua 3-4
Wow! Here it is! The long awaited promise by God to His people---THE PROMISED LAND! If you are familiar with the stories to come, then you understand that this was not the finish line. It was just the beginning.
Philippians 1:6 says, "...He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." Just because they had reached the promised land did not mean that God was finished with them.
Have you ever longed for something-- a new job, a new home, a new relationship? We may have even longed for a spiritual peak--an ultimate experience with God. These all turn out to be our "finish lines." We often desire for God to be done with us-- as if we've arrived--this always presents a crossroads. When we realize we can't stay where we are, we must either press on ahead further into the promise, or turn back into selfishness, doing things our way, our comfort zone. What is strange is that we have forgotten that our last comfort zone at one time was the unknown promised land!
All of what we're reading and blogging about is not about the Israelites, or what we can apply from them to our lives. It is about God. His plan. His testimonies. His glory. "...That all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the Lord is mighty, so that you may fear the Lord your God forever (4:24).
Thank you, Jesus, for the POWER of Your word!
Joshua 3-4
Wow! Here it is! The long awaited promise by God to His people---THE PROMISED LAND! If you are familiar with the stories to come, then you understand that this was not the finish line. It was just the beginning.
Philippians 1:6 says, "...He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." Just because they had reached the promised land did not mean that God was finished with them.
Have you ever longed for something-- a new job, a new home, a new relationship? We may have even longed for a spiritual peak--an ultimate experience with God. These all turn out to be our "finish lines." We often desire for God to be done with us-- as if we've arrived--this always presents a crossroads. When we realize we can't stay where we are, we must either press on ahead further into the promise, or turn back into selfishness, doing things our way, our comfort zone. What is strange is that we have forgotten that our last comfort zone at one time was the unknown promised land!
All of what we're reading and blogging about is not about the Israelites, or what we can apply from them to our lives. It is about God. His plan. His testimonies. His glory. "...That all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the Lord is mighty, so that you may fear the Lord your God forever (4:24).
Thank you, Jesus, for the POWER of Your word!
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Today's Passage: Joshua 1-2
The passage begins with the placement of Joshua as the new leader of the Israelite people. Moses had been leading the Israelites on their journey since the exodus out of Egypt. Although Joshua had been watching and assisting a great leader, God was now placing him at the forefront to assume his new role. This was a pretty big responsibility for Joshua to handle. God comforts Him regarding his new role by admonishing him that He has and will always be there with Him. There are many times throughout this book where the phrase, “be strong and very courageous” is said to encourage Joshua in what he needs to do. It hit me though, that the reason Joshua is able to be strong and courageous is because of his close adherence to God’s commandments, and thus, close connection to God’s Word. Joshua 1:8 is a commonly memorized verse, and if you’ve never put this verse in your “tool bag,” this would be a great opportunity for that to happen.
The second chapter tells the story of the prostitute Rahab. These two chapters connect on a similar level in regards to being strong and courageous. Her faith in the matter of trusting God to provide her a way of helping His people out was incredible! I tried to visualize how this was all taking place, and when I did that, I was able to see just how she was able to take an opportunity and be courageous in it. Rahab was probably going about her normal life when this occurrence happened and afterwards, I imagine it changed her life.
How many times are we faced with opportunities to serve God in some capacity and all it takes is for us to step out on faith, or better said, to be strong and very courageous? Then we can see just how the Lord can use us, even when we might think that there is nothing we can do! So my challenge for you today, on the fourth of July, is to be very strong and courageous by seizing the opportunities the Lord gives you!
The passage begins with the placement of Joshua as the new leader of the Israelite people. Moses had been leading the Israelites on their journey since the exodus out of Egypt. Although Joshua had been watching and assisting a great leader, God was now placing him at the forefront to assume his new role. This was a pretty big responsibility for Joshua to handle. God comforts Him regarding his new role by admonishing him that He has and will always be there with Him. There are many times throughout this book where the phrase, “be strong and very courageous” is said to encourage Joshua in what he needs to do. It hit me though, that the reason Joshua is able to be strong and courageous is because of his close adherence to God’s commandments, and thus, close connection to God’s Word. Joshua 1:8 is a commonly memorized verse, and if you’ve never put this verse in your “tool bag,” this would be a great opportunity for that to happen.
The second chapter tells the story of the prostitute Rahab. These two chapters connect on a similar level in regards to being strong and courageous. Her faith in the matter of trusting God to provide her a way of helping His people out was incredible! I tried to visualize how this was all taking place, and when I did that, I was able to see just how she was able to take an opportunity and be courageous in it. Rahab was probably going about her normal life when this occurrence happened and afterwards, I imagine it changed her life.
How many times are we faced with opportunities to serve God in some capacity and all it takes is for us to step out on faith, or better said, to be strong and very courageous? Then we can see just how the Lord can use us, even when we might think that there is nothing we can do! So my challenge for you today, on the fourth of July, is to be very strong and courageous by seizing the opportunities the Lord gives you!
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Friday, July 3, 2009
Today's Passage: Deuteronomy 32-34
These three chapters bring us to the end of the story of Moses. In them we have the last words of Moses about God and the Israelites and his final acts on earth. I was amazed when I read through Moses' feelings about God and the people he was leading...surely the road was very difficult, wandering through the desert for all this time (not to mention the struggle with Pharoah). Furthermore, we've seen over the past few weeks that the people were very stubborn and hard to lead. But Moses' last words are blessings over the people and praise for the God who led him to this point. Moses was certainly a great leader, but often overlooked is that Moses was a man with a great heart. Throughout the journey, his passion to follow God and his passion to lead the people remained firm.
Unfortunately for Moses, he would never set foot in the promised land. Because of his earlier disobedience when striking the rock (did you catch the phrase God used..."you did not uphold my holiness in front of the people'), the closest he would get would be Mount Nebo, just across the Jordan River from the promised land. When we traveled in Israel this spring, we were able to see Mt. Nebo from our spot on the Israeli side of the Jordan....Moses was so close, but one act kept him from truly tasting all that God had promised.
How is your passion for God today? How is your passion for His people, especially those you are called to serve? Is there anything going on in your life that could keep you from tasting the full goodness that God has for you?
These three chapters bring us to the end of the story of Moses. In them we have the last words of Moses about God and the Israelites and his final acts on earth. I was amazed when I read through Moses' feelings about God and the people he was leading...surely the road was very difficult, wandering through the desert for all this time (not to mention the struggle with Pharoah). Furthermore, we've seen over the past few weeks that the people were very stubborn and hard to lead. But Moses' last words are blessings over the people and praise for the God who led him to this point. Moses was certainly a great leader, but often overlooked is that Moses was a man with a great heart. Throughout the journey, his passion to follow God and his passion to lead the people remained firm.
Unfortunately for Moses, he would never set foot in the promised land. Because of his earlier disobedience when striking the rock (did you catch the phrase God used..."you did not uphold my holiness in front of the people'), the closest he would get would be Mount Nebo, just across the Jordan River from the promised land. When we traveled in Israel this spring, we were able to see Mt. Nebo from our spot on the Israeli side of the Jordan....Moses was so close, but one act kept him from truly tasting all that God had promised.
How is your passion for God today? How is your passion for His people, especially those you are called to serve? Is there anything going on in your life that could keep you from tasting the full goodness that God has for you?
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Today's Passage: Mark 15
I am always amazed when God shows me something new from a chapter that I feel like I have read a hundred times. I think most of us could probably give a summary of the events of Mark 15 without much thought or even study, but today God showed me something that I would not have included before. It was a great reminder that the Bible is never done with us and we should never be done with it, no matter how many times we have read it.
As I read the crucifixion story I saw a God of patience. Jesus could have very easily shown all of his accusers His power. He could have very easily used his divine power to once and for all show the world that He truly was divine, but in that moment He showed restraint and patience. The Bible is filled with stories of God promising people things and then requiring patience. Abraham was promised to be the father of many nations and He had to wait, David was exalted as the next King, but he too had to wait, the entire Israelite nation was promised a land of milk and honey, and they too waited, and Joseph suffered patiently and rose to lead His family through the famine. The Bible is full of waiting. Jesus was born different and the Bible is not clear on when exactly He knew he was God, but he waited thirty years to begin his ministry.
Patience for us is probably one of the most difficult things to understand and deal with. We want things now. It would have been easy for Jesus to take his own timing, but He waited until His time had come. In the same way Christ waited for His earthly ministry to begin, He showed true patience in following God’s plan for the end of His earthly ministry. I don’t know that we will ever truly be able to be content and completely patient on God’s plan, but lately He has given me comfort in waiting. Today’s chapter was exactly what I needed to see. Christ once again became the perfect example for me in a way that I had never seen before.
Today my prayer for us is that we will be patient like those heroes of the faith that have gone before us and that when we struggle with patience, that God will give us a comfort and an ease in our waiting.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Today's Passage: Deuteronomy 31
Why do we do it? Why do we cling to God during the rough times of life when we're desperate to know the next step and then forget Him or even turn away from Him during the smooth times? It happened time and time again with the Israelites in the desert and it happens time and time again with us today. Upon reading verse 20, it seems ridiculous that God's people would do this:
20 When I have brought them into the land flowing with milk and honey, the land I promised on oath to their forefathers, and when they eat their fill and thrive, they will turn to other gods and worship them, rejecting me and breaking my covenant.
It seems that as soon as they become satisfied, they decide to reject God and to worship other gods. Who could do that?! Unfortunately we tend to do the same thing. Once I am through a tough time or a difficult decision, I may neglect daily seeking Him. Once this happens, I am more prone to let other things become more important than my time with Him...such as the general busy-ness of life. Things creep in as idols if we are not constantly guarding against them. While it is important to cling to Him during the hard times, let us not forget to cling during the smooth times as well!
Why do we do it? Why do we cling to God during the rough times of life when we're desperate to know the next step and then forget Him or even turn away from Him during the smooth times? It happened time and time again with the Israelites in the desert and it happens time and time again with us today. Upon reading verse 20, it seems ridiculous that God's people would do this:
20 When I have brought them into the land flowing with milk and honey, the land I promised on oath to their forefathers, and when they eat their fill and thrive, they will turn to other gods and worship them, rejecting me and breaking my covenant.
It seems that as soon as they become satisfied, they decide to reject God and to worship other gods. Who could do that?! Unfortunately we tend to do the same thing. Once I am through a tough time or a difficult decision, I may neglect daily seeking Him. Once this happens, I am more prone to let other things become more important than my time with Him...such as the general busy-ness of life. Things creep in as idols if we are not constantly guarding against them. While it is important to cling to Him during the hard times, let us not forget to cling during the smooth times as well!
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