Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Unplowed Ground

Day 295:  Hosea 10, Psalm 145 & Jeremiah 46

In the last few weeks I've been reminded of the Parable of the Sower from Matthew 13.  In that story Jesus tells us that a farmer went out to sow seed in his field.  Some of the seed fell on the path that he walked through his field and the birds came and ate it.  Some seed fell on rocky soil where it sprouted quickly because there was only thin layer of soil so there was no where but up for the plant to grow.  However, it soon wilted because of the lack of soil.  Some seed feel on soil that had lots of weeds which grew up faster than the plant and soaked up the sun, water and nutrients so the plant starved.  But there was a lot of seed that fell on the good soil, plowed, fertilized, weeded and free of rock soil.  The seeds there grew and produced a great harvest.

Jesus goes on in that chapter to explain that the farmer is God, the seed is His Word and the soil represents the conditions of the heart onto which the seed falls.  However, satan is also involved because he is blamed for snatching the seed away that falls on the path (the birds eat it).  The rocks and weeds are spiritual and physical distractions that minimize growth and end up producing nothing.

I've preached that story many times.  I've approached it from the standpoint of the churches role in spreading seed.  I've talked about the church and christians doing the early work of preparing the soil so that a larger portion is considered "good" so that the return is greater.  I've shared how all the soil may look alike from the top but a few inches under is where you find the rocks and roots so you need to dig a little in order to get things cleared.  And recently we've looked at satan's roll in stealing seed and "planting" rocks and weeds in an attempt to stifle and stop an individuals growth.

But today I was reading in Hosea 10 and I read something that made me look at this Matthew 13 passage from a different perspective again.  In verse 12 of Hosea 10 Hosea is speaking to the people from God and he says, "Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground;  for it is time to seek the Lord, until he comes and showers his righteousness on you."

Something that my father once told me came to my mind, "God blesses you in the areas of your life where you are faithful to Him."  If you are faithful with your stewardship of God's resources He will bless you in the area of finances.  If you are faithful in your prayers, your job, your relationships, with your children toward God, He will bless you according to the areas in your life you are faithful to Him.  So I can be faithful to God in one area of my life even if I am unfaithful in another (this is not a goal or a loophole it is a reality for many Christians).  God is able to bless me where I am faithful to Him and discipline me where I am not.

Then I read Hosea give two commands to the people, sow righteousness in order to reap unfailing love.  Which just means, trust God in every aspect of your life - Abraham obeyed God and it was credited to him as righteousness.  It wasn't that Abraham did everything right, quite the contrary if you read his story, but Abraham believed God when He spoke.  Believed Him when He said, I'll make you into a great nation... In your old age your wife will conceive and give birth to a son... Leave your home and go to the land I will show you... We sow righteousness by believing what God has said and then acting on that belief in our lives.  Here's an example.  I trust what God has to say about my finances when I return to Him 10% of what He gives.   I then live that out by actually giving that tithe faithfully, freely and happily.  I am trusting God and acting on His Word which means I am sowing righteousness in the area of my finances and I should expect to reap unfailing love.

But the second command is that we break up the unplowed ground and this is what got me thinking.  In my life I can have areas where I have good soil, hard packed soil, rocky soil and weeds.  Where I may be faithful in one spiritual area of my life I may be unfaithful in another.  While I may trust God financially I may not trust Him relationally.  I may trust Him in service and sacrifice but forget what He's said about sexual immorality.

It's not enough for me to sow righteousness where the soil of my life is fertile and prepared to receive that seed, I have to be actively clearing the unplowed ground, enlarging the field of turned soil.  Removing the rocks, pulling the weeds up by the root and aerating the packed soil.  Hosea's encouragement is to get busy doing this, seeking the Lord's help in revealing those areas of bad soil, until He comes and showers righteousness on you.  That's sounds pretty amazing to me!

So I want to work to seek out those areas of my life where the soil has been abandoned or even packed down firm and begin to till those areas up.  I will pray for God's help in revealing those areas that I'm not aware of (though there are plenty of areas I am already aware of).  I will use removed the rocks and the weeds according to His Word - so I know what a rock is and weed is and don't pull up anything good!  And I will use His Word to fertilize that soil so that when the seed is sown it has every possible chance of sprouting AND producing fruit.

Here's to playing the dirt and reaping a great crop!

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Put It To The Test

Day 232:  Ecclesiastes 3 & Nehemiah 6

This last Sunday I shared in the message how important it is for us as believers to know God's Word. For the message the point was that we needed to see how relevant it was to our lives so that we could help others see that it is relevant to their lives as well.  But there is another reason we need to know what God says.  I'll use an experience Nehemiah had to explain.

Nehemiah had come back to Jerusalem from Babylon (the heart of the Persian Empire - same Persia represented in the movie 300) and had begun to rebuild the wall around his beloved City.  While work continued the surrounding people groups tried desperately to slow and ultimately stop the work claiming all kinds of reasons and threatening all kinds of destruction if it did not.

At one point Nehemiah was asked to visit a man named Shemaiah who was very concerned for Nehemiah's safety.  He claimed (probably honestly) that some men were going to try and kill Nehemiah that very night.  As they talked about what that might mean if something happened to Nehemiah they began to discuss some possible ways to keep Nehemiah safe.  At some point, Shemaiah suggested that Nehemiah barricade himself in the Temple so as to avoid this attempt on his life.

My guess would be that up to that moment Nehemiah was tracking pretty well with his friend.  An attack on his life was serious and could bring the work on the city wall to a complete stop.  And the fear that this would bring might keep the people from ever restarting the work.  I'm sure Nehemiah was concerned not only for his life but for the work God had moved in him to complete.

That is, until, Shemaiah suggested he go find sanctuary in the Temple.

Nehemiah new the Word of God.  That instruction made it clear that ONLY the Priests were allowed to enter the Temple.  Only those who were the descendants of the first Priest, Aaron.  Because Nehemiah new the Word of God, when his friends suggested that he break that Word and sin against God Nehemiah was able to correctly determine the real intent of Shemaiah's concern.

Turns out, Nehemiah's enemy had paid off Shemaiah to try and get Nehemiah to break God's law so that they would have something against him with which to tarnish his reputation before the people and with a character assassination bring the work on the wall to a halt.

Self preservation is a pretty powerful motivator but it does not take precedent over God's Word.  Nehemiah knew that God would protect him if he continued to follow Him.  However, if Nehemiah had taken Shemaiah's advice He would have been in violation of God's Law and under guilt and punishment himself.  Because Nehemiah knew God's Word he was able to correctly determine what was going on and then stand in faith instead of falling in fear.

When we take God's Word as truth He can protect us from making the wrong decisions.

John says, Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.  How do we test the spirits?  How do we test the advice we get from others?  How do we know when it's God speaking through them or not?  We must know God's Word.  It is our defense against making the wrong decisions.  When we test our ideas and the advice we get from others against what God says we have a clear direction - even though we may not understand it, we may not want to do it, God's way is always the right way.

Take some time today to read God's Word so you can make the right decisions and avoid sin.

Thursday, August 14, 2014

You Must Be "This Tall" To Ride

Day 226:  Job 39 & Ezra 10

Do you remember these signs?  I never really had a problem with these I think I was born at 5'3" so I almost always met the height requirement.  But once in a while I didn't and boy was that difficult.  Especially when others were tall enough.

But this desire to measure up isn't just an issue for roller coasters or the house of horrors it's something each of us struggle with nearly every day.

My neighbor has a nicer car than me.
My wife makes more money than I do.
My friend has a bigger house, a bigger TV, a louder surround sound system...

For me, I struggle to measure up when I look at other preachers.  They are always better communicators, better closers, have bigger churches, better salary package and seem to be better at dealing with sin than me.

Measuring up when we compare ourselves to others in what we consider similar situations never ends well and we almost always feel more inadequate and less competent.

I heard someone say the other day that part of the problem lies in the fact that we are comparing our "normal" selves with others "best" and so we never get a fair shake.  A woman who just woke up and flips through pages of a magazine is comparing herself with the made-up, dressed-up and touched-up woman in the pictures.  When we compare we almost always lose.

I'll be that's how the Ostrich feels.

I think I said yesterday that this section of the book of Job is my favorite because God is now speaking and what He says is just fabulous - as long as He's saying it to Job and his "friends" anyway!  Today, God tells Job to look at the Ostrich.  When an ostrich flaps it's wings it is a pretty impressive sight.  The ostrich is powerful and intimidating.  It stands in majesty as it flaps it's wings as though it could any moment begin to overcome gravity and rise to the heavens.  The ostrich is a majestic and power animal... but it's wings are useless.  And even though the ostrich is much bigger and more powerful than the stork, when a stork flaps it's wings and soars into the sky all attention is off the ostrich.  Poor ostrich.

And the ostrich isn't even able to say, "at least I'm a good mother!"  An ostrich lays her eggs on the ground, exposed, to be warmed by the sun.  While she goes off flapping her powerful wings someone finds breakfast just lying on the ground!

By this point the ostrich is feeling pretty low.  All this size and strength and she can't fly and is a terrible mother.  She's too short.  She doesn't measure up.  She sticks her head in the sand so no one can see her...

It's a sad day for the ostrich.  But what if the ostrich challenged the stork to a foot race?  When the ostrich begins to run there is virtually none faster.  Though she can't fly she sets the bar in land speed!  While she may not be a good mom, if her kids do survive they have an excellent example of how to, as Ricky Bobby would say, "go fast."

So while the ostrich can't fly and isn't a good parental roll model there is something she can teach us about comparing ourselves to others.  Don't.  There will be plenty of times when you don't feel like you measure up, but when you find that thing you are good at and you work to improve it you can be unstoppable.  You may not be good at everything.  You may not be as talented in certain areas as others. But God has given you something that you can do.

1 Corinthians 12:5-11
There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them.
There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.
There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good... [and] All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.

It the ostrich spends all it's time trying to be a stork it will be very disappointed and consider it's life worth little.  But when and ostrich runs, when it does what it was created to do, nothing can compare.

If you're on ostrich - be an ostrich.

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

What To Do In A Storm

Day 225:  Job 38 & Ezra 9

There are a lot of storm references in the Bible.

  • Imagine the storms during creation
  • The storms that brought about the flood of Noah's day
  • It was a storm that destroyed the home of Job's son, killing all of his children
  • Elijah witnessed incredible storms while in the mountains waiting to hear God's voice
  • The disciples thought they would die during several storm on the Sea of Galilee - once while Jesus was sleeping in the boat and again when they saw Jesus walking on the water
  • There was a pretty big storm when Jesus died while on the cross and 
  • There will be a pretty fantastic storm when the sky gets ripped open when Jesus returns to establish His eternal Kingdom.
There were lots of natural storms in the bible but perhaps no one experienced a greater personal storm than Job.   Over the last 37 chapter in Job we've heard about how Job's difficulties began and we've heard reasons, ideas and opinions about "why" from Job's friends.  

But now it gets to my favorite part of the story of Job's life, when God begins to answer.  And I love the first verse here:  "Then the Lord spoke to Job out of the storm."

Once again we see God connected to a storm.  And I'm not sure whether it was a natural storm (there is no indication that it was storming from the text) or if it was more like, the Lord spoke to Job in the midst of his storm... either way the storm is happening.

I have lived in the mid-West for 24 years now and we get some pretty good storms.  Thunderstorms and hail and tornadoes and even straight-line winds.  Storms are pretty impressive and I have often taken to standing on the porch to watch the sky as the storms begin to form.  I've even had occasion to see a few funnels begin to form and stretch down to the earth.  And I even got to see the aftermath of the Joplin Missouri tornado when our church took supplies to the struggling area.

Storms represent well the chaos of life.  The driving winds and soaking rain.  The damaging and fire-starting lightning and even the darkness.  In light of comedian and actor Robin Williams suicide we're all keenly aware of the darkness that often accompanies storms.  When the storm is raging we're not sure we're going to survive and when it is over we often wonder if we'll ever recover.  

That's why it's interesting to me that God chooses to speak "out of the storm."  And I wonder if there is something God wants us to catch in this.  God speaks out of the storm.  When our world is falling apart and we don't know if we'll survive - at our darkest hour and in the most dreaded of moments God speaks out of the storm.  I think there is a reason for this.  I think God wants us to understand that there is no power in heaven or on earth that is big enough, strong enough or devastating enough to scare God away from desiring to be right there with us.  Romans 8:35 says, "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?"  

Storms don't only represent the chaos of life they represent the power of God over the storm as seen when Jesus calms the storms with the words, "peace. be still."  The power of God in the storm as Elijah witness the rocks split and the mountains heave.  And the power of God through the storm as we see in Job.  

In the midst of your storm - whatever it is and no matter how black, wet or powerful it is God is speaking out of that storm something that you need to hear.  Listen.  I wonder if the outcome of the events of that led to Robin Williams death would be different if he had heard God out of the storm... 

Today, in whatever storm you face at home, at work or just inside yourself God is speaking out of your storm and into your life, listen.

Friday, July 25, 2014

Stay On Yo' Side

Day 206:  Job 19 & 2 Chronicles 26

My daughter used to watch this youtube "celebrity" named GloZell.  She is crazy.  (I would put the youtube link on here but I'm pretty sure my mom would click on it and I'd get an email about how disturbing the video was - so, if you're clever enough I'll let you find it if you choose and avoid the email.)  GloZell had an episode where she was driving and all the sudden scream (in her car with the windows up) "Stay on yo' side!" to an oncoming vehicle.  I have to admit that it was pretty funny and for weeks after my daughter showed Andi and I this episode whenever we felt someone was getting too close on the road, in the house, car or on the couch we'd yell out, "Stay on yo' side!"

In today's reading a man named Uzziah has succeeded his father as king of Judah and, unlike his father followed God in all he did.  At least for awhile.  The text says that when he was "greatly helped (by God) until he became powerful."  And then later, "his pride led to his downfall."

King Uzziah loved the soil and had vast gardens and lots of herds and flocks and had his servants dig many cisterns to water the earth and the animals.  But he was also an inventor.  He invented some clever defense systems which would allow archers to shoot from the walls and towers and even large stones to be hurled off them.  

But king Uzziah got so impressed with himself that he thought he was capable of doing everything.  He got so good at being the leader of God's people he thought he could be their spiritual leader as well.  So, despite God's law that only a priest (tribe of Levi) could enter the Temple to make sacrifices, Uzziah took oil and marched into the Temple of God to burn incense on the alter.

God had gifted and blessed Uzziah to lead His people as king, but NOT as priest.  When Uzziah tried to operate outside of his wheel-house things went downhill quick.  This happens in the church and in our lives quite often.  Preachers and leaders who are successful in the areas God has gifted them can wrongly assume that they are gifted in all areas.  People who serve in one capacity and do well can then begin to direct others.  For leaders, it is difficult at times to stay focused on what we're to do and not wander across the line into someone else's territory.

So here's the rule, Stay On Yo' Side.  If God has gifted you to lead a small group lead that group well and stay on yo side.  If your gifting is generosity give well but stay on yo side.  If it's preaching find others to lead where you are not gifted so you can stay on yo side.

We honor God when we serve in the way He has gifted but when we begin to horn in on other's role or take more responsibility than He has given we begin to get into trouble.  So here's the rule for every person in ministry or leadership - stay on yo side and God will bless you.  Stay humble and God will bless you.  Stay focused on your task and God will bless you.

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Who You Listen To Directly Affects What You Do...

Day 204:  Job 17 & 2 Chronicles 24

Joash became king of Judah when he was just seven years old.  When he was made king he was presented with the crown and a copy of the law of God (first five books of the Old Testament) by the priest of God, Jehoiada.  Whenever someone new was crowned king they were given a copy of the law which they were then to make their own hand written copy of.  I assume Joash did this.  I think it's even why, at such a young age, he determined to rebuild the Temple of God.

But in verse 17 of 2 Chronicles, shortly after the priest Jehoiada dies, some officials from Judah came to "pay homage" to Joash and he "listened to them..."  Soon after he abandoned the worship of God at the Temple and began to worship other gods.

When Jehoiada was alive Joash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord.  But once he was dead Joash almost immediately began to turn his back on God.  And when some smooth talkers came along they were easily able to influence Joash.

Who we listen to directly affects what we do.  There are some who desire your benefit and blessing and are willing to speak difficult things into your life with the hope that you will learn and grow.  There are others who will flatter you and say things that are nice to hear but their goal is not your benefit but their own.

When you are able to listen to those whose words may be a little harsh but whose desire is your ultimate benefit you will grow in character and leadership.  When you listen to those who just make you feel good about yourself you'll quickly find yourself seeking their approval... and you'll soon reject God's.

Who are you listening to today?

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Does God Want Me Happy? Musings on a Message

Hello!  Yes, I fell in a hole and have just recently crawled out...

Last week at Real Life Church we started a two week series called, Does God Want Me Happy?  We kicked off the series looking at what generally makes us happy.  Think about the last time you were happy - why were you happy?  Was it because your family was together?  Did you get a good present for your birthday (btw, my wife hit it out of the park this year with an AppleTV for your's truly)?  Chances are that the last time you felt happy you were doing something you wanted to do.  You were with the people you like and wanted to be with.  And you were doing whatever it was with whomever it was when you wanted to be doing it.  Break that down.  You.  You.  You.  That's why the point of last weeks message was that happiness the way we quantify it is most often associated with selfishness.  

That's a sucker-punch to your happy face isn't it.

But unless we take an honest look at what makes us happy we can't honestly answer the question, does God WANT me happy.  And, by the way, selfishness is something that Jesus spoke against over and over.

So this week I thought I'd take a look at what makes God happy.  And I assumed that the best place to start was with Jesus.  If we knew what made Jesus happy then we could trust that those things that made Him happy would also make God happy.  And if we knew what made God happy we could be assured that when we did those types of things He would indeed WANT us happy.

But there is a problem.  Have you ever considered the passages of the Bible that express Jesus' happiness?  First, you won't find that word associated with Jesus.  Happy and Jesus just don't go together, right?  I mean, take a look at every picture hanging up in pretty much every church over 25 years old and you will immediately notice that Jesus always had His poker-face on.  It's like no matter what was going on in His life Jesus had permanently pursed lips.  Is it possible that for that entire three years He walked the earth teaching people what God was really like that He never laughed.  Never cracked a joke.  Never had a moment when He wasn't thinking about that cross and mentally checking off each day.

Is it possible that God doesn't want us happy?  If we subscribe to a Savior who was so intently focused on His sacrifice that He was never able to enjoy His life then how could we do any less than Jesus?  Christians who's desire is to be like Jesus must also avoid any levity.  Isn't that the logical conclusion?

No matter what we're told in the Bible, since we're told in many places to rejoice, be filled with joy and to be happy (Ecclesiastes 7:14 When times are good: be happy...), if Jesus were somber and we're supposed to be like Him then we must also assume a flat affect - unless we are clearing a temple.

Most Christians believe that Jesus wept, was saddened and was always faced with a vivid picture of His own impending suffering.

But, even though the Bible doesn't spell it out, I think Jesus laughed.  But I don't think He laughed AT anyone (which takes about 75% of my laughter) and I don't think He laughed when one of his friends slipped and fell - no matter how ridiculous they looked.  I don't think He joked about misfortune or even when someone got what was coming to them.  I think He laughed in the presence of children.  I think he laughed when Peter and his friends pulled that massive catch up fish up and He watched them frantically scream and holler for help to bring in the load that probably represented an entire years catch in one haul.  I think he laughed a few of the times He was saying, "O you of little faith..." He would have had to!  He had just done something incredibly miraculous in the face of His doubting disciples - He must have laughed because He knew all the crazy thoughts that were going through His disciples heads!

I think Jesus laughed when He spent time with His Father.  I think He may have even laughed as the disciples were heading out to the mount of Olives the night He was betrayed.  He looked over his shoulder and His gaze stopped young John Mark in his steps - wondering if Jesus would give him away and he'd be chased back to town.  Instead I think Jesus smiled and chuckled to himself knowing that in a short time John Mark would be hysterically running through the grove in his birthday suit praying none of his friends saw him!

Could we say that Jesus was happy?  I don't know.  I think He had moments of happiness.  But I do not believe that He chased happiness.  I think His happiness was found in the God of Heaven and doing His will.  I think Jesus was happy when God was happy and what makes God happy are simple things like when a gazelle gets the best of a crocodile.  Or when someone who was so vocal about there not being a God finally comes to the conclusion that He is real and exists and loves them.

Honestly, I want to picture Jesus as happy.  Not in spite of what He was to suffer but in tandem with it.  Not happiness at the expense of every other emotion, but happiness along with times of sadness and loss and pain.  It's those "negative" emotions that help us to more intensely experience those moments of happiness.

Holy Spirit, help me to be happy in the things that make God happy.  Help me not to find pleasure in the failures and misfortunes of others or laugh at other's expense (this is a big one for me!).  But to laugh and enjoy my life because of all that you've given me.  Great kids who love you and a beautiful wife who loves you and me incredibly... Teach me what true happiness is.

Thursday, May 22, 2014

Remodeling The House Of God

Day 142:  Numbers 25, Psalm 142 & 2 Kings 16

I enjoy remodeling.  I like putting a new twist on an existing room and updating the look and at times the layout.  In our last home I removed walls, took out a non-functioning brick fireplace, exposed the hardwood floors and added new cabinets, pantry and new countertops to the kitchen as well as taking the floor back to it's original hard wood.  That kind of work in my house is enjoyable and brings an increase in the look at value of a home.

In 2 Kings 16 I read about king Ahaz who began to remodel the Lord's Temple and I thought about the remodels the church has gone through over the years.

When I was a kid in church we sat in hard backed pews.  We sang 4,5 or 6 verses of the hymns that had been chosen.  I remember older people getting upset if the song leader only had us sing the first, third and fourth verses.  Back then you wore your best to church on Sunday.  You didn't talk about your failings or sins as a preacher.  For my parents, they were expected to be the model of a perfect couple and family.  The dutiful wife, the well-behaved kids.  My dad always preached from behind the large wooden pulpit.  Though he would walk out from behind on occasion he was expected to use it.

Today we sit in padded chairs.  We sing praise songs that deal with how we feel about God or expresses one of His character traits but doesn't deal with theology much.  Preachers are expected to be transparent about their lives, we let people bring drinks and food in the "auditorium."

My thought today is, what is okay to remodel in our worship and what's off limits?

Ahaz removed the sea (a small pool mounted on the backs of 12 bronze oxen in which the priests would wash before beginning their Temple rotation) and it's base and instead put it on a stone pedestal.  He also removed the alter from the Temple and placed it next to an alter he had constructed to match one that he saw in Damascus.  And he made some other changes to the Temple to suit his fancy... er, pagan idolatry.

In the Old Testament and Temple worship the items in the Temple proper were put in a specific layout to represent spiritual truths.  The alter first, then the sea then the Temple with the table of show-bread, the lamp stand and the alter of incense  and behind the curtain the Ark of the Covenant.  Everything had a purpose and reason for being there.  When Ahaz remodeled the Temple he was changing the way God had ordered worship to take place.

What is okay to remodel in worship today?

The way we sing?  What we sing?  The clothes we wear?  The seats sit in?  Food and dink or no?

Worship is about recognizing God's place in our lives and submitting ourselves to Jesus.  Worship is not what I get out of it, but what I put into it.  I don't go to worship to get filled, I go to worship to remember who fills me.  I don't worship because of where I am or who I'm with I worship because He's everywhere and He's God with us - the hope of glory.  So remodel my songs, my seat, the order of worship or the way in which I worship but don't mess with who I am worshiping.

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

We're Not The Only Ones

Day 141:  Numbers 24, Psalm 141 & 2 Kings 15

As a preacher I've met a lot of people who knew of God but didn't really know God.  Just like Apollos in the book of Acts whom Priscilla and Aquila taught the way of God more fully too; some still deal with a mix of God and other stuff in their worship of Him.  In Exodus and Deuteronomy we learn that the Lord your God is a jealous God.  That being said, He does honor those who are trying to seek Him, even if they don't fully understand Him or how to go about finding Him.

Balaam in the book of Numbers is a man like this.  Balak, the king of Moab, had heard of Balaam because, "those you bless are blessed and those you curse are cursed."  Balaam's reputation preceded him, but this was a land and a people who were polytheists - they worshiped more than one God.  That means that Balak didn't know which god Balaam was speaking to, only that he was successful in his blessings and curses.  And that is what Balak was really after anyway.

But where did Balaam come from?  He pops on the scene in Numbers 22 but he is not an Israelite.  He is asked to curse Israel and that was really his first peek at this "people of God."  But He was a God follower.  God did speak to him and send angels to deliver messages to him and perform miracles in his life.  However, Balaam had an incomplete understanding of God.  Let's look at some of the things he did.

  • He pressed God to let him go with Balak's men to bring a curse on Israel
  • He beat his donkey, who was trying to save his life and then continued on the same journey despite the fact that the angel of God was there to kill him.
  • He prepared alters to God with a man, Balak, who did not believe in the One True God.
  • Twice he tried to determine God's will through the seeking of omens, nearly divination (which God expressly forbid) in order to determine the will of God - which he already in part knew.
But he did some things right as well.
  • He prepared sacrifices for God (7 of them each time) in a very similar way as that prescribed by God to Moses (which was going on about the same time as Balaam was trying to curse them).
  • He spoke only what God told him even though it made Balak furious.
Balaam did some things right and some things wrong, but he got this right, he followed God the best he could and said only what God told him.  Here's the thing I find most amazing about this story.  Balaam had no part in Israel and as far as we know never met Moses or spoke with any Israelite.  He disappears after this encounter with Balak and only sees Israel from afar.  Imagine if Balaam, a God follower, would have had the opportunity to speak with Moses and hear about all that God had done through him and for Israel in leaving Egypt and after.  Balaam would have been blown away!  Perhaps he could have gone with Moses into the tent of meeting and met God, speaking to Him as Moses did - face-to-face.  All that Balaam would have learned about God - the 10 commands, the law, the method of worship and how to approach God.  But he never got that chance.  He saw God in the flame and the cloud but did not recognize Him.  

Balaam has become for me a sad story.  A story of what could have been.  He was so close and yet so far away.  

Don't let your way of worship or your personal interaction with God be so rigid that you fail to see God in all His people.  Israel was God's chosen people but they were not His ONLY people.  When we get to thinking that our way is the only way, at the exclusion of every other way, we miss God.  

Now, I'm not talking about those who would worship in a way or live in a way that is contrary to the Scriptures - God is not inconsistent, He won't tell one person something is okay an another it is not - I'm saying that you and I are not the only ones who hear from God nor are we ever His only people.  Though some may not know Him like we do, that does not mean they don't know Him.  Seek God in every situation, every person, every opportunity and you'll be much more likely not to miss Him.

You're not the only one.

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Always Pushing

Day 140:  Numbers 23, Psalm 140 & 2 Kings 14

When I was growing up none of us kids were allowed to go to any dances except our senior prom.  I suppose my parents believed (and not entirely without reason) that bad things have a tendency to happen when young people are that close to one another in a dark environment without strong adult supervision.  But I don't want to speak about the spiritual evils of dancing, you can watch the movie.

What I want to talk about is how we all have a tendency to push.

For some reason my parents allowed me to go to prom my junior year.  Perhaps it was my cunning argument that the girl I was "dating" at the time was a senior and this was my only opportunity to go to prom with her.  Perhaps it was my sisters prodding that got them to trust me more than my older brother (for good reason! ha!).  I don't know what it was and I didn't really care because I was going to prom my junior year.

That summer my family moved to another town and I attended every school dance my senior year.

For the last couple days I've been reading the story of Balaam and Balak in the book of Numbers.  Balaam was a prophet of God and Balak was the king of the Moab.  Balak had summoned Balaam to curse the Israelites as they wandered in the desert.  Balak had heard and seen the destruction and power of God that was present with the Israelites and was worried for his own kingdom.  He wanted Balaam to curse Israel because, as he said, "those you bless are blessed and those you curse are cursed."

Balaam did go with Balak but said that he would only speak what God told him to speak.

Let me break it down.  Balaam went with Balak even though God, at first, said not to.  Why did he go?  Because he went back to God a second time and asked if he could.  Even though Balaam should have said no himself, he went back and inquired of God.  He pushed.  So the second time God said he could go, but only because He knew that it was what Balaam really wanted to do anyway.

While Balaam was on his way with Balak's men an angel with a flaming sword stood in his path to kill him, but even this did not deter Balaam.  After beating his donkey and then having a conversation with him (the donkey... read about it in chapter 22) he saw the angel but still wanted to go.  It even took three attempts by Balak to get Balaam to curse Israel (which God wouldn't do) before he gave up.

Here's the moral.  We're always pushing God.  It's like, if at first God doesn't give you what you want, ask, ask again.  God's desire is not to hem us in to His will but to guide us to Himself.  Like Balaam we may speak only what God wants but we continue to push Him until He "gives in" as if that were possible.  And like Balak when we don't get what we want we move to a different spot and try again. Perhaps God will do what I want Him to if I stand over here instead of over there...  

We're always pushing God.  We claim to be followers of Him but then often stop to ask, "are you sure that's the right way to go?"  We are total back seat drivers with God.  We treat Him more like a genie in a Bible than the all powerful God of the universe.

God, help me to follow You today.  Not to question.  Not to seek my own agenda.  But to follow.

Monday, May 12, 2014

The Voice Of Truth May Not Be The Voice Of Blessing

Day 133:  Numbers 16, Psalm 133 & 2 Kings 7

In 2 Kings 7 there is a siege on the city of Samaria and it has gotten so bad that families are killing their youngest children just to stay alive.  There is money, but there is no food and the situation is dire.  Soon the city will fall.

But Elisha the prophet of God makes a statement to one of the kings men who watches the gate of the city.  He tells the man that tomorrow a "seah of fine flour shall be sold for a shekel and two seahs of barley for a shekel at the gate of Samaria."  What's important here is not what exactly a seah and a shekel are, but that there will be such an abundance of food that these two coveted items will sell for pennies.

In the middle of a siege that appears to have no end in sight it's difficult to believe that anything could ever change.  Especially when there is no possible way for it to happen.  The Syrians had everything they needed to continue their siege for the foreseeable future - Samaria was going to crumble.  It was so dire that the man Elisha was speaking with replied like this, "if the Lord himself should make windows in heaven, could this thing be true?"  In the middle of the siege he was so convinced that there was no way out he could not fathom a way, even if God himself opened the doors of heaven.  What he basically said was, "Elisha, you're full of it.  There is no way for this to happen even IF God got involved."

Elisha's response was somewhat cryptic, "you shall see it with your own eyes, but you shall not eat of it."

I wonder if Elisha knew every detail of a prophecy when it was revealed to him?  Or maybe God just gave him that one sentence and that was it.  I wonder if Elisha even knew exactly what his prophecy meant.  It was the voice of God.  It was the voice of Truth.  But I don't know if either of them knew exactly what it meant.

Turns out, Elisha's prophecy comes true - but while it's a blessing for the people of Samaria and they are saved, it is not a blessing for the man who was in charge of the gate for the king.  God had moved during the night and and made the Syrian army hear the sound of a great army advancing on them.  They were so scared that they fled with only the clothes on their backs.  They left tents, food, horses, donkeys, clothes, weapons, everything.

Once it was discovered and word got out the starving people of Samaria rushed out of the city gate to plunder the empty Syrian camp and in the process trampled the gate keeper.  He heard the news - the city was saved and there was plenty of food to fill their bellies but he never tasted a morsel.

The voice of God is heard by people, but my question is, how do we distinguish the voice of truth from that of blessing or curse?  From prophecy that will benefit and prophecy that will destroy?  They may both be truth but one is certainly more desired than the other!

I know people who claim to have heard the voice of God, the truth about something in their future, so they move forward expecting it to happen.  We would call that faith.  But it appears that they force the prophecy to come true by means that God would not approve of.  They may see the prophecy fulfilled in their lives but it doesn't turn out as they had planned.  In the end it ends in pain and heartbreak instead of joy.

I guess as I think through this story in 2 Kings 7 I come to these conclusion about God's voice and what He chooses to reveal to us.

  • God's Truth is not always blessing, even if it appears as such because it's what we want to hear.
  • God may reveal parts of the story but rarely reveals the whole thing.  It is possible to misinterpret the outcome of the prophecy based on a single detail you may be privy to.
  • God is never wrong.  If it doesn't work out just like we thought it's because we misinterpreted, not because He made a mistake.
  • You may have heard His voice but missed His point.
  • Prophecy may be for our benefit but it is ALWAYS for God's glory.
God reveals enough so that when it comes true He is recognized as God.  But He seldom gives us every detail because first, every details isn't important or necessary to Him receiving glory and second, He is constantly trying to expand our measure for faith.

So keep this in mind the next time you hear God's voice and begin to move toward what you think is His plan... He will always accomplish His will through His means.  Let me explain it this way.  If you know you have a test coming up and have a vision that you receive an "A" on the test, but then you cheat to fulfill that prophecy you are NOT bringing glory to God or honoring His Word.  You may have received a vision of Truth - you got an "A" but there will be consequences you didn't see because you tried to bring it about by your own hand.

When you receive a vision let God be God.  He will always bring about what He intends and He will always do so in accordance with His Word and His character.  If you have to sin to bring about your vision, it may not have been from God and I would be worried about the final outcome.  



Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Is It Easier To Listen To Or Speak Truth?

Day 126:  Number 9, Psalm 126 & 1 Kings 22

In today's reading in 1 Kings Ahab the king of Israel want to go to war with Syria and take back the city of Ramoth-gilead along with the help of Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah.  But before Jehoshaphat will go to war with Ahab he wants to hear from the Lord - not a bad idea.  So Ahab calls all these prophets who encourage him to go to war and say that God will give Ramoth-gilead into his hands.  That's good news, right?!  Well, Jehoshaphat wasn't convinced so another prophet was called, Micaiah.  Micaiah was warned to give the king a favorable word, like the other prophets had done but Micaiah would only speak what he heard from the Lord.  Here's what he told the king, "if you go up to Ramoth-gilead you will die and the people of Israel will be scattered."

It's not easy to hear things that we don't want to hear.  Nobody likes to be told they are in the wrong or that something they want to do is not wise or what God would want for them.  But is it easier to listen to the truth or to speak it?

I was once in a situation where I felt compelled to do whatever I could to keep an individual from making, what I believed, was a terrible mistake.  It was not easy.  This individual had their heart set on something that I could see would end poorly for them and everyone involved.  So I tried to speak the truth into their situation, but they wouldn't listen.  They heard what I said and I think they could even see that what I was saying was probably the truth, but they so wanted what they they wanted and had a few others telling them what they wanted to hear so my advice was disregarded.

It's not easy to speak the truth to those you love, especially when you know they do not want to hear it.  And I'm not in any way comparing myself to the prophet Micaiah, I'm only comparing situations.

It is much easier to tell those you love what they want to hear, but I don't think that is the loving thing to do.  While it might make them feel better in the short-term who will they come to when it all comes crashing down?  You'll either be the bad guy up front or the bad guy on the back end of the devastation.

As a pastor, I want to tell the truth even if it is painful.  I don't want to say "I told you so" as someone is picking up the pieces of their lives, I want to be able to help them avoid breaking in the first place.

So here's my encouragement.  I think that we would all be a lot better off if we stopped telling our friends and family members just what we thought they wanted to hear and start telling them the truth as we see it.  You could be wrong - I could be wrong - but I'd much rather warn and be proven wrong than encourage and have my fear realized.

As a pastor I'm either going to be the bad guy on the front end or the back, I choose the front end just in case it helps someone avoid trouble down the road.

The next time someone tells you something difficult don't blow it off, give yourself time to process and consider, they may just be the voice of God helping you to avoid devastation.

Thursday, April 3, 2014

He's Got A Plan, Not Just A Paddle

Day 94:  Leviticus 4, Psalm 94 & 2 Samuel 14

I'm just gonna jump in today because I'm in love with this concept!

In 2 Samuel as we looked yesterday Amnon had raped Tamar and for that his brother Absolom killed him - well deserved.  But because they were both sons of King David Absolom was allowed to live although in exile.  However, King David knew of Amnon's sin and so, though he was angry with Absolom for exacting the punishment, he knew it was just.

Anyway, after some time Joab, King David's right hand man could sense that David desired to have Absolom restored to him but couldn't bring himself to ask for it.  So Joab devised a plan and with the help of a wise woman from Tekoa, he carried it out to perfection.

I won't go into all that had happened, you can read 2 Samuel 14 if you'd like all the details, however, in the speech by the woman from Tekoa she says one thing that I just really loved.  In her story to the king she makes this statement, "God does not take away life, but plans ways so that the banished one will not be cast out from Him." I love that!

Now, I will be honest with you because if you're a skeptic reading this you're gonna call me on it anyway.  God has taken away life.  We've read a whole host of times that He has done that already this year and we're not even a 1/3 of the way through the Old Testament.  However, that is NOT God's first choice.  And when it does come time for that punishment it is either justified by the sin or there have been ways He's tried to bring about a change in the person(s) but it hasn't worked.

I would assert that God's first desire is not to take away life but to find a way to bring those who have been cast out back into relationship with Him.  That is, after all, the point of Jesus and the cross!  We were all banished because of our sin, but because God did not desire to take away our lives He sent His Son to the cross in our place that we would no longer be banished because of sin but instead restored.

And if you happen to be reading this and stand condemned because of your sin you need to know that God's desire is not to take away your life, but He has been consistently planning ways to end your banishment so that you will not be cast out, but brought into relationship!

Every experience you have in life has one goal from God's perspective, they are His plans to end your banishment.  You may not recognize the blessings or discipline or punishment as a plan, but I guarantee you that is exactly what they are.  He has a plan for you to be in relationship with Him so that when His Son returns you will not ultimately be cast out, but brought in.

So that fight you got into.  That arrest.  Your argument with your spouse or child or boss.  That car wreck or DUI or overdoes... those were all part of His plan to put you in a place where you could hear His voice and would respond to His call.  He is not seeking your death but your life.  And not a life separated from Himself, banished, but a life of relationship and involvement.

Do you feel like your on the outside looking in?  Does it feel like God is out to get you?  A little change in perspective will help you see that He IS out to get you - to get you from the sin you're caught in.  To get you from the darkness and bring you into the light.  To get you from the grip of satan, fear, death and depression and bring you into love, life and the hand of Jesus.

God is planning right now, the "good" and the "bad" together, for the purpose of restoring you to Himself as He's desired all along.  To end your banishment and rescue you from being cast out. You don't have to be an spiritual orphan any more.  Your time in Satan's foster care system can end.  You can be a child of God.

He's got a plan.  Trust it.

A Lesson In Sin From A Story Of Credit

Day 93:  Leviticus 3, Psalm 93 & 2 Samuel 13

Several times in my life I have just had to have something and couldn't wait.  You've been there, right?  Perhaps it was a new video game, the latest apple device or technology.  When you just have to have to have something you'll do anything to justify it's expense.  Often, that new gadget, piece of furniture or clothing item or jewelry, gets put on a credit card because we just have to have it right now.  And many times, while we're still paying the credit card company for that item we just couldn't live without something new and improved catches our eye.  Then what we have doesn't seem so great anymore.

I wonder if this could be sin for me?  The Bible say that I am to be content and also that I shouldn't be in debt.  But I show a lack of contentment and a disregard for God by actively purchasing things on credit that I know I can't afford right now.  In the end, that item that I just had to get becomes something that I hate because I end up paying for something long after it's newness and technology becomes outdated.

In the 2 Samuel passage for today you will read the story of Amnon and Tamar.  Amnon, one of King David's sons, was in love with Tamar.  He was so in love with her that it made him ill.  One of his friends, one of those "friends" that probably often got him in trouble and was a bad influence, helped him devise a plan to be alone with Tamar.  The plan went like this:

  • Pretend to be sick to gain the sympathy of your father the King
  • Tell the King you would feel better if Tamar came to your home and made you some food
  • Tamar will come because she also has sympathy for you and wants to see you well.
  • When the time is right send all your attendants away so you and Tamar are alone
  • Do whatever you please.
And that is exactly what happened.  Amnon lied to his father David.  Deceived Tamar.  Plotted to be alone with her and then raped her.  

Tamar tried to get Amnon to stop and even told him that if he just asked his father, David, he would give Tamar to him as his wife.  But Amnon didn't want to wait that long.

Amnon had four opportunities to get out of the sin he had planned to commit.  Once the plan was in place he could have simply not followed through with it.  He could have recognized his friends poor advice and left it alone.  Even after lying to the King he had the opportunity to simply eat the food Tamar had prepared and send her away without committing sin.  He could have chosen not to send away all his attendants so that he would not have been alone with her and therefore had not opportunity to violate her.  And once he had her alone he could have taken her good advice and asked his father for her hand so that he would not have committed sin.

But he refused all four opportunities.  He carried out his evil plot and his sin was established.  But once he had taken what he wanted the text says that he actually, "hated her more than he had loved her" and had her sent away.  Which she again tried to talk him out of saying that this sin would be worst than the first.  But he would not listen.

Sin is like this, it builds on itself a little at a time until it is complete.  And with every step closer to the sin it becomes harder to walk away from.  In the end we are paying for something that we no longer want.  Discipline from God is best avoided on the front end.

The Bible says that you will not be tempted beyond what you can bear.  But when you are tempted to sin God will always provide a way to stand up under it so you do not sin.  Amnon had multiple chances to stand up and avoid his sin, but with every step he took he became more mired in his own lust and depravity.  

Stop listening to those who would give you poor advice or actually provide you with ways to sin.  When God presents you with an out, take it.  Even to the moment you are ready to sin God is still offering you the chance to stop, you only go too far when you've actually committed the sin, stop it before it gets there.  But better yet, never plot evil and you will be much better off.

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Kaboom It!

Day 86:  Exodus 36, Psalms 86 & 2 Samuel 6

My daughter and I enjoy watching the sitcom, Parks & Rec.  In one episode a non-profit playground construction group comes to town to build a playground in a day.  Leslie, the assistant parks dept. director is ecstatic.  She loves to get things done and doesn't like to be bogged down in slow moving government red tape.  During the episode hundreds of people show up in Pawnee, Indiana to build this playground and, while Leslie doesn't think it can be accomplished, she falls in love with the Kaboom attitude and it's ability to rally people and complete the task in one day.

Not many worthwhile things can be accomplished in a day but that doesn't mean the kaboom spirit isn't alive.  Whenever we take on a project that requires many people, dedication and determination to see it through we're kabooming (Yes, I just transformed that word into an even cooler one!).

And that is exactly what happened in Exodus 36 from today's reading.  The people of Israel were told in chapter 35 to bring personal items together to be used in the construction of the Tabernacle, God's home among the people.  So they did.  Each of them brought or gave whatever they had, skill, gold, material, wisdom, whatever they had and were moved by God to bring, they brought and donated it to the work.

In chapter 36 the construction actually begins and something incredible happens.  The people keep bringing offerings.  We read that everyday people would get up, be moved to give something else and take it to Moses to be used in the Tabernacle.  Eventually they bring too much and Moses has to issue an edict that no more offerings be given to the construction of the Tabernacle because there is "more than enough to complete the work."  Kaboom!

This is so incredible.  When God moves in the hearts of His people and His people are obedient to that movement those with a little bring a little and are happy.  Those with a lot bring a lot and are happy.  And the work is able to be funded and continue.  In fact, if everyone was so inclined to give freely, as the Israelites were here, there would be plenty of resources to accomplish so much for the Kingdom!

And once again we see that it isn't about what one person can do, but what many can do when they come together for the same purpose and with the same passion - Kaboom!  God is able to work with a group of people like that.  And His work can go on unhindered because there would be plenty with which to accomplish the goals and desires He places within our hearts to do for Him.

When we each give from what we have, whether little or much, great things happen.  Not because of what is brought, but because of the spirit with which it's brought - unity comes from sharing the same goal.  The goal of Real Life is Guide, Grow and Go like Jesus - so that every person possible might find real life in Jesus.

Kaboom.

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

It's About What You Can Give, Not What You Can't

Day 85:  Exodus 35, Psalms 85 & 2 Samuel 5

I've got four kids. Three boys one girl.  Twenty down to fourteen.  My oldest son wouldn't touch a ball until he was 18.  He was a distance runner, read a lot and could build some amazing things with Legos.  My daughter was the jock, soccer, volleyball, basketball, dance, cheer and a hurdler in track.  My last two boys are completely different, one with Autism and one with OCD.

What my wife and I learned pretty quick is that we couldn't treat all of our kids the same.  What inspired one didn't work with the others.  Discipline had to be different too, all it took with one was a stern word, our daughter pushed the envelope every time (after the water works).  And what we expected from each child had to be different too.

That is the way it is with God.  He knows us each individually and doesn't treat us all the same.  Well, yes, He treats us all the same when it comes to having a relationship with Him through Jesus.  Everybody is required to believe, repent, confess and be baptized.  But from there, He treats us differently.

He doesn't require the same thing from each of us, because He knows we each have special gifts and abilities and talents - He game them to us!

Here's what Exodus 35 tells us about how God seeks from us what we each are able to give.
...everyone who was willing and whose heart moved them came and brought an offering to the Lord for the work on the tent of meeting, for all its service, and for the sacred garments.  All who were willing, men and women alike, came and brought gold jewelry of all kinds: brooches, earrings, rings and ornaments. They all presented their gold as a wave offering to the Lord.  Everyone who had blue, purple or scarlet yarn or fine linen, or goat hair, ram skins dyed red or the other durable leather brought them.  Those presenting an offering of silver or bronze brought it as an offering to the Lord, and everyone who had acacia wood for any part of the work brought it.  Every skilled woman spun with her hands and brought what she had spun—blue, purple or scarlet yarn or fine linen.  And all the women who were willing and had the skill spun the goat hair.  The leaders brought onyx stones and other gems to be mounted on the ephod and breastpiece.  They also brought spices and olive oil for the light and for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense.  All the Israelite men and women who were willing brought to the Lord freewill offerings for all the work the Lord through Moses had commanded them to do.
Did you catch that?  Each person brought to God what they had.  It wasn't about what they didn't have, what someone else had or what they couldn't give, each one gave what they were able.  Those who were skilled used their skill to make what was needed.  Those who had access to the items that were needed gave them.  The wealthy brought the things that only they had, precious stones, spices and oils.  They each gave from what they had, freely.

There was no worry that they didn't bring what someone else did, they gave what they could.  Each one gave as they could.  This is why the tithe works, it's the same sacrifice from everyone, but not the same amount.  This concept brings us all together within the community of the church.  As each one gives from their income, talents, abilities, surplus, possessions, all the needs of the church are met.  No one has to give everything because everyone gives something.

What do you have to give?  How does God want you to give?  He doesn't care about what you don't have access to, but what you are able to give.  Stop worrying about what others may be able to give, if someone gives more or less.  Everyone gives... different.  And God isn't going to hold you accountable for what you don't have or what someone else has.  He treats us each just the way He knows we need.

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

God Has Great Balance

Day 84:  Exodus 34, Psalm 84 & 2 Samuel 4

There are a lot of people who say a lot of things about God.  Some say good things, some say bad things.  But what does God say about Himself?  How does God characterize Himself to man?

Moses was the only person that God revealed Himself to.  Moses and God used to chat face to face like two friends.  That's pretty amazing in itself.  But one time, when God revealed Himself to Moses He actually gave a statement about who He is.  And it's pretty incredible!

Exodus 34 records it, here it is.

The Lord, the Lord God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting the inquiry of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations.

So, when God describes Himself the first adjectives He uses are, compassionate, gracious, patient, loving and forgiving.  He says that He forgives, iniquity, transgression and sin, which covers intentional (premeditated) sin, rebellious sin (like a child rebels against his parent) and ignorant sin (stuff you did but didn't realize you were sinning).  I'm super thankful for this!  He's big enough to forgive even when I choose to do wrong!

However, lest we think God is ONLY love without justice which is a false proposition He balances His love WITH justice.  Justice alone is futile if not balanced by love.

Look, if you committed a crime you would want love and not justice, right?  You would want to be forgiven and allowed another chance.  But what if your crime hurt someone else?  Where is the love for them?  You may have robbed them only once and it was your first time and you need a second chance, but perhaps they had been robbed multiple times - where is the love for them?  Love without justice is a false proposition, we all claim we want it for us, but it is, at it's core, selfish and does not bring growth or improvement only license to continue.

But you can't just have justice either.  If that were the case you would be jailed, or worse, for one mistake.  So justice alone is futile because it doesn't allow for growth, improvement or redemption.

God is both loving and just.  Here is a key point, God does not punish for no reason.  He is not an angry God, He is a loving God.  So He punishes the GUILTY, not the innocent.

You know parents that are all about love and not discipline and their children run crazy and it irritates you that they don't have better control.  But you also know parents who are all justice and no love and those kids turn out just as bad!  A parent who shirks their responsibility to their children dooms them to repeat the same mistakes and the parents are at fault, not God.  If you speed and get caught it's not the fault of the police officer who caught you, it's your fault for breaking the rule.

It is not God's desire to see people suffer, but they suffer because of their guilt or the guilt of those who are in charge.  If God simply saved the day who would seek to do the right thing?  God's going to rescue us anyway so... drink up!

The truth is that God put love first when He spoke of Himself because that is the side that He would like to spend most of His time in.  But BECAUSE  He loves He knows He must also discipline so that we learn.  Can you understand this?  Discipline is actually LOVE when it comes from God because His goal is always your improvement, never your demise.  God disciplines the guilty for growth, not for fun.  God loves the guilty also because that is who He is.

Be glad that your God is not too soft, or too hard, but just right in His balance of love and justice.

Monday, March 24, 2014

A Chat With God...

Day 83:  Exodus 33, Psalm 83 & 2 Samuel 3

As a man speaks to his friend, face to face, that is how God spoke to Moses.

Tonight a friend of mine came over to the house.  We hadn't seen each other in about a week so he sat down and we talked.  I think he started with some commotion at his house, a couple stories from work, something about a few stops at some antique places and his checkbook.  Then he says, well, that's my last few weeks, what about you?  So I told him about my week and we laughed and got sidetracked and remembered some funny stuff that happened and confessed some things that we, "probably shouldn't have done..."  Then it was time to go and he left.

Exodus 33 explains what would happen when Moses talked to God and you know what, it sounds a lot like my conversation with my friend, with a few significant differences.

Moses set up a tent well outside the camp area of the Israelites (which probably totaled well over a million tents) where people could go and talk with God.  Jim and Mark and Bob would head out to the tent and no one really paid any attention to it, but when Moses headed out to the tent word spread quickly through the entire camp and every man would stand at the entrance to his own tent and watch as Moses made his way to the Tent of Meeting, that's what they called it.  Once Moses got there (with his understudy Joshua) the pillar of cloud would move from the Tabernacle and would ascend at the entrance to the tent of meeting.  When that happened the men would once again stand but this time the would worship God, perhaps in prayer, while the pillar was at the tent.

Can you imagine that.  As a pastor I pray every week in front of the church and many times during the week for the church, individuals and situations and seeking help in planning and creativity, etc., and I know that there are others in the church who pray for me, some on a daily basis.  But never has anyone stood with such anticipation of what was about to happen in my conversation with God.  Never have there been those who worshiped while I conversed with God Almighty.  What reverence was held for Moses and God as they would meet at the tent.

And while the people were worshiping God the text says that God was "speaking to Moses face to face as a man speaks to his friend."  Wow.  Moses had a relationship with God that was more like a friendship, like catching up with a buddy you haven't seen in a week.  The people worshiped while Moses had a chat with God.

Sometimes we tell people that we will pray for them like it is the most insignificant thing we could possibly do.  It's like, I really don't want to do any more than I have to or be inconvenienced in any way so... "I'll pray for you!"  While Moses talks with God resembled two friends, the people understand that what was going on in that tent was serious business.  The fate of the entire nation of Israel swung in the balance.  In fact, it in this very chapter that Moses begs God not to leave the Israelites alone as they continue their journey (God was really angry with them for the whole golden-calf incident and idolatry).  Moses saved the skin of the Israelites on more than one occasion as he talked with God in the tent of meeting.

I need to remember this when I sit down to pray.  I am talking with the God of the universe and while the topic and the outcome and the implications of that time are universally important, God is my friend who I can be real with, talk and laugh with and beg and scream at and irritate and love.  But while where in that moment, cosmic things are happening.  Angels are being brought to the ready.  Plans are being laid and courses charted in the spiritual realms that I may never see but are none-the-less real.  Hearts are being changed, bodies healed, relationships restored and termites secured.  And all that happens when I have a chat with God.

Have you had your chat today?  I'll worship while you pray because big things are going to happen.

Thursday, March 20, 2014

In Times Of Trouble, Where Does Your Strength Come From?

Day 79:  Exodus 29, Psalm 79 & 1 Samuel 30

Have you ever felt like you were being attacked but hadn't done anything wrong?  Perhaps your friends turned on you.  Your family was upset with you.  Your coworkers blamed something on you.  Have you ever done the right thing - or maybe just didn't do a wrong thing - and you still got harassed for it?  That was the situation for David in 1 Samuel 30 from today's reading.

David and his followers were living in Ziklag of the Philistines and he had gathered his fighting men to go to war with Israel along side the Philistines (though I believe he would have betrayed the Philistines and fought with Israel instead of against) but the Philistines would not let them fight along side and sent them all back to Ziklag.

When they arrived they discovered that the Amalekites had come while they were all away and had raided parts of Judah and Philistia and burned Ziklag to the ground taking all of the women and children and spoil.

As you can imagine the fighting men with David were completely distraught when they returned home to find it destroyed and everything they loved and owned gone.  While they were mourning they began to grumble against David as though it was his fault that the Amalekites had attacked.  In fact, they began to discuss stoning David to death they were so upset.

What would you do in a situation like that?  I think I know what I would have done.  I would have gotten up and reminded everyone who was in charge and that it wasn't my fault and then began to determine what to do next.  I would have put the blame where it really rested - on the Amalekites and not me.

But that is not what David does.  Verse 6 says, "David strengthened himself in the Lord his God."

David didn't point the blame somewhere else.  He didn't start making plans for revenge.  He didn't get mad that his men were plotting against him.  He sought strength from the Lord.  I'm not sure how he did that.  Perhaps he prayed.  Penned some Psalms.  Read from the Torah (Genesis-Duoteronomy).  However he did it the take-away is that he went to God for strength first.

After that he called the priest and inquired of the Lord as to whether they should pursue the Amalekites, which they did.  He then showed kindness to a slave that had been left for dead by his Amalekite master.  The slave then led David and his men right to their camp, which they promptly destroyed and took back all the spoil that the Amalekites had taken and then some; everything was returned.

I find that when I am struggling I often try to make a plan or seek counsel from others, but the lesson of David here is that we should first find strength in the Lord our God.  Once we have found the strength to continue we can inquire of Him what steps to take next and then walk in His ways.  But we should seek to spend time with Him first.

There is a popular Christian song out now and one of the lines is, "remind me who I am..."  I think that is what David sought from God when he strengthened himself in the Lord.  Remind me Lord who I am to you:  the King of Israel whom You anointed, a loved son, a man of strength and honor in You.

The next time you feel oppressed or attacked follow the example of David, a man after God's own heart, and strengthen yourself in the Lord your God before moving forward with any plan.  Seek first His kingdom and righteousness (not your own) and He will direct your paths, just like He did with David.

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

When We Test God Instead of Trust God

Day 78:  Exodus 28, Psalm 78 & 1 Samuel 29

I had to stop and seek forgiveness from God today in my reading.  I realized that I have been as guilty as the people of Israel who saw God work miracles yet questioned whether God was able to continue to provide.  I have done the same.  Instead of pressing on believing God will provide what is needed when it's needed, I have gripped and complained.  I have wondered in my heart if God would provide and even if He could.  I have tested God by trying to force Him to perform for me when I thought I needed it.

In the Psalm passage from today's reading Asaph is considering the way the Israelites have lived before God.  The same nation that saw God perform the plagues in Egypt - plagues which affected the people of Egypt, but not the people of Goshen, like an invisible fence stretching to heaven God made a distinction between the two peoples.  So when He brought darkness during the brightest day there was a wall, dark in Egypt, light in Goshen.  The frogs, gnats, locusts covered the land of Egypt but a medieval forcefield surrounded Goshen.  A miracle in the midst of a miracle.

Then, when the Israelites were leaving Egypt God parted the waters, destroyed their adversaries in the bottom of the Gulf of Achaba, turned bitter water sweet, split rocks and made rivers of water gush forth to water all the people and their flocks and herds - millions upon millions of people and animals drank and were satisfied with the water from a rock.  Granted, it was a huge rock.  Still impressive.

But then the people began to grumble.  Here's how Asaph records their questioning after all that God had already done, "Can God prepare a table in the wilderness?  ...He struck the rock so that waters gushed out, and streams of were overflowing; Can He give bread also?"  As they grumbled and tested God they actually recalled the incredible miracles He'd already performed!

And to my shame I've done the same.  Maybe you have too.  Have you seen God provide for you and then in a different situation questioned whether He could do the same?  Well, God I saw how you got me out of that last jam, can You do it again?  It's almost like were double-dog-daring Him to act again on our behalf.

And it's not that He doesn't want to, but I think what He wants is a little recognition and trust.  God, I have seen you work, seen you save and deliver, so in this situation I'm going to trust that you will do the same again.  Do you see the difference?  In the first situation we're egging Him to do something as though we're testing His strength and ability.  In the second we're believing that He can do something to save or deliver and assuming that He will and then TRUSTING that His time is the best time.

That is what He wants.  Our trust.  He wants us to walk each day knowing that He is with us and is watching out for us and then walking in His ways knowing He will provide what is necessary when it's necessary.

Today, no matter what comes at you, trust that God is right there with you in the middle of your chaos and that He has already made a plan to deliver you.  Then walk in His ways in confidence and trust that you will see Him show up in a powerful way.

I'm reminded of a passage of Scripture that would make a good prayer for today, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.  Seek His will in all you do and He will show you which path to take"  (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

If He Hears Me... Why Don't I Hear Him?

Day 77:  Exodus 27, Psalm 77 & 1 Samuel 28

Have you ever chosen NOT to listen to one of your children?  Maybe you don't have kids, don't mean to leave you out, so I'll change it up.  Is there someone in your life that continues to make terrible choices even though they ask for you input and you give them sound advice?  You may spend hours helping them process a problem or decision and then they go out and do the exact opposite of what you had determined would be the best course of action.  Pretty soon, you just stop helping them figure it out because it just seems like a waste of time.

Asaph in Psalm 77 begins his prayer with this line, "My voice rises to God..."  I like that.  God hears our prayers.  Process that for a moment.  The voice that spoke light, the sun, moon, planets and stars into existence pauses to listen to your voice when you speak to Him.  That's amazing.

In 1 Samuel 28 though we read about Saul who says, "...The Philistines are waging war against me and God has departed from me and no longer answers me, either through prophets or by dreams; therefore I have called you..."  Saul had gone to a medium to conjure up the Spirit of Samuel (by the way, in this case it was actually who it was supposed to be, Samuel, because God wanted to make sure Saul got the message.  I believe mediums conjure up evil spirits, not the actual person they are supposed to be talking to.  And since Satan knows information about us he is able to make a pretty convincing show, but evil is evil no matter how realistic or pretty it looks).

God had stopped answering Saul, but had not stopped listening to him.  Samuels appearance and response proves that God heard him, but was not responding.  And the reason He wasn't responding is the same reason we stop giving advice to friends who don't take it.

Saul had determined that his way was the best way and he had chosen to disregard God's direction and plan for his life and live by his own rules.  Since God does not "possess" anyone, like Satan does,  Saul was free to go his own way, but God was not going to honor his disobedience.

Are you having a hard time hearing from God?
Have you decided to ask God's opinion and then disregard it and do your own thing?
Know this, God always hears your voice, but He doesn't always respond to it, especially if we've been frivolous with His precepts and directives.

Perhaps it's time to do what Saul couldn't, confess your stubbornness and repent - that means change your behavior.  And see if God doesn't get real loud in your life real fast.

Friday, March 14, 2014

My Next Tattoo

Day 73:  Exodus 23, Psalm 73 & 1 Samuel 24

On my right shoulder I have a tattoo of a cross and thorn crown with Galatians 2:20 - I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live but Christ lives in me.  It was my first tattoo in the dining room of a man I got to baptize and a sober free-lance tattoo artist. By the way, this is not a recommendation!

I want a tattoo to mean something.  I want it to be personal.  I want it to relate to something I've been through or aspire to.  I don't always die to myself so that I can live for Christ, but I think about it every time I see my right shoulder or catch a glimpse of the bottom of the cross from underneath my short sleeve.

I'm not here to argue the spiritual ramification or theological implications of tattoos.  If you don't have one, good for you.  I do.  You won't go to hell for my tattoos so I'm pretty sure you're okay.  And since I don't believe I'll go to hell for having them, I'm pretty sure I'm okay too.

I was reading Psalm 73 and it is a prayer that really resonated with me.  Asaph, a prophet of God is telling God about how he had almost fallen into the trap of being envious of sinners.  As he looked around and saw all those who were not following God but had money, full bellies and it appeared did not have a care in the world, he was crushed by his own position.  As he looked in the mirror he saw himself, follower of God who always sought to do good, poor, hungry and worried all the time about these people who didn't seem to care that they were going to hell.

He began to get frustrated with God and almost chucked it all out the window.  But then he came to his senses.  He realized that in the end these people who were living it up now were going to come to a bitter and eternal end.  They may have been fat physically but they were spiritually anorexic.

Asaph then begins to call out to God to help him stand strong in the truth and not be swayed by what he saw with his eyes.  He prayed that he would not fall under the spell of Satan and give up what He knew was of real worth and lasting hope.

In verse 26 he says, "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."  I love that.  God, I am weak.  I may fall and sin and I may think that I don't have the strength to do what I should, but then I remember that YOU God, are my strength - it's not my heart that leads and guides but it's You IN my heart that causes me to walk in your ways.  And no matter Satan has to offer through this world You will always be my portion, You are all I need.

I think the inside of my right forearm is the perfect place for that nugget of truth that I have struggled with before and will be for me a constant reminder that God is greater and Him in me is all the strength I need.

Thursday, March 13, 2014

Do Not Delay

Day 72:  Exodus 22, Psalm 72 & 1 Samuel 23

Have you ever bought into the trap of "delayed payment"?  You know, PAY NOTHING NOW!  No interest till next year!  Every time you see a credit card commercial on television remind yourself that that multi-million dollar commercial was paid for because you wanted something now instead of later.  Makes you feel good, huh.

It's always more difficult to pay for something you already have.  And many times, if I'm saving money for something I want, something else comes up and I end up pulling from my stash to cover it.  Thus delaying the purchase I intended to make.

Perhaps that is the whole reason behind verse 29 of Exodus 22 which says, "do not delay the offering from your harvest or vintage."

When we delay giving to God what He has asked for we almost always find someplace else for it to go.  The car breaks down.  Kids to the doctor.  Need to call a repair man.  There's the money I was going to give to God...

But it's not even just a money issue.  Anything we commit to God and then delay is a problem waiting to happen.  Soon, we'll convince ourselves that God doesn't need it or want it - which is true about everything we offer Him - so why do we need to give it?  God wants our trust and our heart, following through with the things we have committed to God causes us to trust Him.

When you make a commitment to God, do not delay the offering and you'll see that He is present with you and waiting to support you when you give what you have intended.

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Who Do You Go To When You're In Trouble?

Day 71:  Exodus 21, Psalm 71, 1 Samuel 22


When I was a kid I recall getting in trouble and being disciplined by my parents.  Usually that was not pleasant at all.  I even had moments of pretty intense opposition with my parents.  I recall one time getting into an argument with my father over my sisters dog.  I don't remember every detail but I do remember looking down at one point and realizing my father, like me, was making fists.  Intense.

But you know what. Whenever I had a problem my same parents who disciplined me and who I at times disagreed strongly with, were the first ones I ran to.

I think David knew this very well himself.  Here's how he put it in verse 20, "You who have shown me many troubles and distresses will revive me again and will bring me up from the depths of the earth."

David understood that, like parents, God has an obligation to discipline His children.  But that is only a part of His role.  And the purpose of that discipline is to lead us closer to Him.  Because He is the only one who can revive us and bring us up from the depths of the earth.

My parents were able to discipline me AND rescue me at times because they loved me.  But their love for me pales in comparison to the love God has for me.

God loves you so much that He died for you, do you really think He doesn't have your best interests at heart?  He wants you to know Him and lead you to the best life possible and sometimes that happens through His discipline.  Besides, to who else can you and I go?  The only hope we have in this life is Jesus.  Who else is there?  David knew that.  No matter how bad things get there is always hope in Jesus and there is never hope in anything else or anyone else.  In trouble?  Go to the only one who can not only fix your problem, but fix the cause of your problem.

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Top Three: God

Day 70:  Exodus 20, Psalm 70 & 1 Samuel 21

There are times when it is acceptable to state, for the record, your accomplishments.  I recently heard a woman address a congressional sub-committee and she started out with her name and a list of the organizations she is involved in.  She owns a company with her husband and also runs a non-profit and political action group and she shared that in an attempt to lay a foundation for why the members of this congressional subcommittee should listen to her.

When God started out with the 10 Commands in Exodus 20 He did the same thing.

"I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery."

Pretty impressive.  Mine goes something like, "I am your husband, who rescued you from all those other losers..."  It doesn't get me near as much attention and respect as I think it should.  What God doesn't mention is how He did the rescuing, plagues, parting of the sea, destruction of Egypt's entire army, manna, quail, waters turned sweet and water from a rock, just to name a few.  I think they probably remembered that part.

Now that God established who it was that was talking and why they should listen He goes on.

  1. You shall have no other gods before Me.
  2. You shall not make for yourself and idol to worship or serve.
  3. You shall not take the Name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not leave him unpunished who takes His Name in vain.
Boom.  

I think God can say the same thing to me and you too.  I am the Lord, who brought you out of the land of sin, shame and guilt, out of the house of punishment, wrath and death.

So how do we do with the first three commands?

Honestly, we do put other things before God.  
  • Our kids or spouse
  • Our "toys" 
  • Our hobbies
  • Our wants (we call them needs usually)
  • Our warm bed on cold Sunday mornings
  • Our finances - by how we use them
  •                                                        
Number two we don't really have a problem with, I don't know too many christians who are out in their garages casing idols or carving them.

But number three is a problem.

I know what you're saying, "OMG, are you serious?!" Yes.  Yes I am. 

What do you think using the Name of the Lord in vain means? It means using his Name in a manner that is beneath Him as the Holy creator, God.  So if you are not speaking to Him or about Him in a manner worthy OF Him you are breaking the third command. 

His Name is Holy. And anyone who uses His Name in a manner unworthy of Him will NOT go unpunished BY Him. 

So the next time you say God's Name in anger or frivolity remember number 3 and DON'T! 

Thursday, March 6, 2014

You Don't Need A Super Hero, You've Got A Savior

Day 64:  Exodus 15, Psalm 64 and 1 Samuel 16

In the newest Superman movie Superman's biological parents believe that he will be a savior to the people of earth and lead them through his strength to be better, kinder and achieve a higher level of humanity because of Superman's inspiration.  It's a great sentiment, but we soon find out that while Superman has the ability to inspire people to be more helpful, he is powerless to change their fundamental behavior.  He can inspire people but he cannot change them.

Jesus is a hero unlike any before or after.  He doesn't just swoop in and save the day He saves the people.

In Exodus 15 Moses has composed a "song" about the salvation that the people have just witnessed at the hands of God through the crossing of the Gulf of Aqaba.  And there is a line of the song that really struck me.

"In Your lovingkindness You have led the people, whom You have redeemed; in Your strength You have guided them to Your holy habitation,"  verse 13.

God doesn't just save a people from a moment in time when they are facing death, like Superman and others.  He redeems them - pays the price for their freedom - and then leads them in ways to avoid the situations that got them in trouble in the first place.  Because of His love He not only saves, He leads and guides them to exactly the place He has prepared for them.

You have been redeemed, which means bought, purchased, saved to a purpose.  But God doesn't just leave you there, He also leads you (because of His great love for you) to exactly the place He desires you to be.  It is by His strength that you arrive there, right where He wanted.  He can even use your mistakes to bring you to the place He has prepared for you.

Other super heroes save the day.  God has saved you and then leads you and provides the strength for you to avoid what others fall prey to.  You don't need a super hero, you have a Savior.

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Partial or Substitutionary Obedience Doesn't Qualify

Day 64:  Exodus 14, Psalms 64 and 1 Samuel 15

Have you ever been in one of those situation where a child disobeys but does something nice?  I've got four children so this has happened more than once in my household.  I give one of my children an instruction, something like, clean your room while we're gone tonight.  When I return they are so excited to show me what they did, washed/dried/put away all the dishes or did their laundry and their siblings or cleaned the living room, etc., everything - anything - but what they were told to do.

I feel guilty for punishing them.  But only for a short time.  And they always look at me the same, with that completely lost look on their face.  But, I did way more than just clean my room, doesn't matter, you were told to clean your room.  I appreciate their extra work, but doing something you want in order to get out of doing something you don't want to do doesn't work.

King Saul found himself in this same situation and honestly I think we Christians do this way more than we'd like to admit.

Here's what happened to Saul.  The Prophet Samuel told Saul that God wanted him to utterly destroy the Amalekites (this was pay back for something they had done to Israel many years before and God had made a promise to wipe them out because of it) and all their animals.  Saul was to kill everything and burn the rest - no plunder from the city could be taken.  But when Samuel arrived after the victory over Amalek he found that Saul and the soldiers had done what God commanded... almost.  They killed everything that was worthless or despised but the best animals and even gold, etc., they kept in order to sacrifice it to God as an offering.

There's a couple problems with this.

  1. Obeying God mostly, is not obeying at all.  The command was kill everything and destroy the rest - anything short of that was disobedience.
  2. The sacrifice God wanted was the destruction of Amalek and everything in the city.  When Saul took the best and left the rest He gave to God the worst as a sacrifice and kept the best for himself.
  3. Giving God something He doesn't want and didn't ask for does not make disobeying Him, and keeping from Him what He did ask for, okay.
I think that many Christians today obey God partly and think they're doing enough, or like Saul, fooling themselves into thinking that they have obeyed when they have only obeyed partially.  Perhaps they have believed and confessed and repented but refuse to be immersed - even though the Bible commands that we be baptized just as it does that we confess, repent and believe.  Partial obedience is not obedience. 

Another thing I notice Christians are really good at, like Saul, is giving God what we don't want any longer and expecting Him to happy with our leftovers.  People from every church and denomination will give to the church their old vacuums and furniture and broken down, used up, whatever and then go purchase for themselves brand new items.  Just like Saul left for God in Amalek all the disposed and worthless and took the best for themselves.  (Yes, I know they were "sacrificing them to God" but that is not what God asked for the "sacrifice" was what was left in Amalek and burned.)  I wonder if God were actually present in the flesh in our churches if we would give Him our broken down and worthless stuff and buy the new for ourselves or if it would be the other way around.

Finally we try to manipulate God by substituting what we want to give Him for what He asks for.  Perhaps the best example of this is in the area of finances.  We substitute other gifts, sacrifices or inconveniences for what He asked for, a small portion of what He has given us as a token of understanding that it came from Him in the first place.  I knew a person in a church I pastored who refused to give financially but volunteered their time to keep the churches books and counted those hours spent in that service as their tithe.  But that is not what God asked for.  He didn't say 10% of whatever you want to give me.  He said, 10% of your increase or income.  

How have you been at obeying God completely?  Do you give Him only you're willing to give?  Or do you give what He asks for?  Do you "sacrifice" your worst and worthless to Him or do you give Him your best?  Does He get the leftovers or does He get first dibs?