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.
Thoughts on the Bible, Church, life and living it to its full potential in Jesus Christ!
Thursday, March 27, 2014
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
- You shall have no other gods before Me.
- You shall not make for yourself and idol to worship or serve.
- 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.
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.
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.
- Obeying God mostly, is not obeying at all. The command was kill everything and destroy the rest - anything short of that was disobedience.
- 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.
- 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?
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
You Be God's Physical Representation On Earth Today.
Day 63: Exodus 13, Psalms 63 and 1 Samuel 14
When God led the Israelites out of the land of Egypt He did not leave them alone to decide which path to take, but He led them personally in the form of a pillar of cloud extending to heaven during the day and a pillar of blazing fire at night.
This allowed the Israelites a unique benefit.
When God led the Israelites out of the land of Egypt He did not leave them alone to decide which path to take, but He led them personally in the form of a pillar of cloud extending to heaven during the day and a pillar of blazing fire at night.
This allowed the Israelites a unique benefit.
- They always knew which way God wanted them to go because they were following Him.
- Through the cloud and fire they were able to travel at any time God chose. The pillar of fire was bright enough to illuminate the land so that several million people could see to travel, even at night.
- Imagine if you were an enemy of the Israelites and you sent spies out to check on them and they saw this huge pillar of smoke and fire present with the Israelites all the time - a fire at night that was bright enough to be seen for many, many miles.
- When the Israelites would set up their tents there were holes in the top and they were arranged around the Tabernacle (once it was constructed) where the pillar of fire or cloud would rest when they were camped. That meant that every Israelite, during the day or night would be able to see the pillar and know if God were with them or was moving on.
This sounds pretty amazing doesn't it?! God's presence with you every day and night. Wouldn't it be great to have this pillar today? To lead you exactly where God wanted you to go that day, or to stay when He thought that was best. Everyone would know that God was with you because of the pillar of smoke or fire.
But that is not how God works today. Right before Jesus was taken to heaven, after the resurrection, He told His disciples that another counselor was coming from God. This counselor would not just be with them, as He was, but would be in them and work through them. This personal presence is far superior to following a cloud or a fire. In us we have the Holy Spirit - God's very Spirit to be our guide. Not to lead us as a child leads a dog on a walk, but to share with us the very mind of Christ that we might be the representation of God on the earth.
You and I, as believers, as walking pillars of cloud and fire. We are the presence of God in us, a visible, earthly expression of God's associating with humanity. When we move it should be as God moves. When we stay it should be because God has stayed. Jesus said that He came to do the will of His Father who sent Him - and the same should be true for us.
Don't wait for God to reveal Himself in some other physical form, you are the form of God on earth through the Holy Spirit's presence in your life. Tap into that presence that is promised. Seek His leading and guiding. Move in accordance to the Spirit's movements and you'll find yourself exactly where God wants you to be.
Jesus said that He did whatever He saw His Father doing. That should be our goal too. But in order for that to happen we must be watching our Father. Our eyes must be on His heart and what He would do and then the Holy Spirit will give us the ability to carry it out, whether it be little or big, it's nothing for God.
You be the representation of God on the earth so that when others see you they see Him and worship Him.
Monday, March 3, 2014
My Sin Has Been Passed Over.
Day 62: Exodus 12, Psalms 62 and 1 Samuel 13
The night before the Israelites fled Egypt God sent a plague that took he life of every first born male from the least family to the greatest and even from every flock and herd. Every home that did not have the blood of the Passover Lamb on the doorposts and the lintel (the sides of the front door and the above it).
That night thousands, perhaps 100's of thousands died because of Pharaoh's stubbornness. But the Israelites were spared because of the blood.
The perfect lamb that was to be slaughtered and eaten and whose blood was used for the door is called the Passover Lamb because it was through this blood-mark on the door that the "angel of death," would "pass over" the homes and spare the first born inside.
Now, 1400 years later Jesus became OUR Passover Lamb, a perfect male lamb who was sacrificed that and His blood spilt so that death might "pass over" those who symbolically are washed or covered by His blood. Jesus died, as the first-born of God in our place.
Consider also that in the Christian Church we offer communion every week. A time to symbolically associate with and remember the death of Jesus and we drink a small cup of grape juice that represents His blood. The blood that was shed for our salvation so that we would not face death as though who are NOT covered by His blood. Gives a little more meaning to this act of worship that we take time to remember each Sunday, doesn't it.
You and I deserve death because we have hardened our hearts against God from time to time just like Pharaoh. We have made promises we didn't keep and seen God work in our lives just to pass it off as a coincidence and forget about Him again. But the blood of Jesus covers our sins - not because we're perfect, but because we obeyed. Because we believed that by marking ourselves with the blood of Jesus through His death burial and resurrection and participation in that through baptism we would be saved.
And now we no longer fear death because the perfect Passover Lamb has been slain for us and we have been covered by His blood and death has lost it's sting.
Thank you Father for your perfect plan that wasn't caught up in what we do but in whose we are - blood children of Yours through the sacrifice of Jesus.
The night before the Israelites fled Egypt God sent a plague that took he life of every first born male from the least family to the greatest and even from every flock and herd. Every home that did not have the blood of the Passover Lamb on the doorposts and the lintel (the sides of the front door and the above it).
That night thousands, perhaps 100's of thousands died because of Pharaoh's stubbornness. But the Israelites were spared because of the blood.
The perfect lamb that was to be slaughtered and eaten and whose blood was used for the door is called the Passover Lamb because it was through this blood-mark on the door that the "angel of death," would "pass over" the homes and spare the first born inside.
Now, 1400 years later Jesus became OUR Passover Lamb, a perfect male lamb who was sacrificed that and His blood spilt so that death might "pass over" those who symbolically are washed or covered by His blood. Jesus died, as the first-born of God in our place.
Consider also that in the Christian Church we offer communion every week. A time to symbolically associate with and remember the death of Jesus and we drink a small cup of grape juice that represents His blood. The blood that was shed for our salvation so that we would not face death as though who are NOT covered by His blood. Gives a little more meaning to this act of worship that we take time to remember each Sunday, doesn't it.
You and I deserve death because we have hardened our hearts against God from time to time just like Pharaoh. We have made promises we didn't keep and seen God work in our lives just to pass it off as a coincidence and forget about Him again. But the blood of Jesus covers our sins - not because we're perfect, but because we obeyed. Because we believed that by marking ourselves with the blood of Jesus through His death burial and resurrection and participation in that through baptism we would be saved.
And now we no longer fear death because the perfect Passover Lamb has been slain for us and we have been covered by His blood and death has lost it's sting.
Thank you Father for your perfect plan that wasn't caught up in what we do but in whose we are - blood children of Yours through the sacrifice of Jesus.
Often Imitated, Never Duplicated
Day 58: Exodus 8, Psalms 58, 1 Samuel 9
We're in the first four plagues that God brought on Egypt through Moses and Aaron. And something interesting is taking place that is just too strange to pass over.
The first Plague was the staff turning into a snake, then the Nile turned to blood. In chapter eight its the frogs and the gnats.
But what is strange is the way it all played out with the Egyptian magicians. In the first plague the magicians were able to turn their staffs into snakes, but Moses staff/snake ate the snakes of the magicians. And it just gets more strange from there.
When the Nile is turned to blood so that the Egyptians could not drink it or bathe in it the Egyptian magicians turned a bunch more of the limited water of Egypt to blood (remember this is a desert environment).
Then the frogs came, millions of them hopping out of the waters of the Nile and covering the land. They didn't have homes like we do so there were frogs everywhere. Open the door and you'd step on frogs as you went to work. Frogs in your house, on your furniture in your bed on your body they could not get rid of them or keep them from getting into every nook and cranny in their homes. They were in their tubs and pots and pans, everywhere. Then the Egyptian magicians also made frogs appear.
But when God brought that gnats on the land the Egyptian magicians could not duplicate that plague and finally admitted that it was God who was bringing the plagues.
Here's the thing. The Egyptian magicians were able to imitate these plagues of God by the limited power of Satan. They could imitate the staff to snake but their snakes were eaten up. They could imitate water turning to blood and they could imitate the frogs.
But consider this, if you were an Egyptian magician trying to prove that these men were not from the all powerful God wouldn't you want to EASE the suffering of your people instead of increasing it? Wouldn't you turn some of the bloody water back to drinkable water? Wouldn't you want to somehow kill the frogs so the plague was not as bad? Instead these brilliant magicians actually make the situation WORSE!
If I were Pharaoh I would not be very happy with my magicians. Satan can imitate some of the power of God but he can not duplicate it.
Instead of being enamored with Satan's power I would suggest your look at what is really going on. Is God's power being imitated or duplicated - there is a huge difference. Satan's power is limited and that means those who would wield that power are limited also. Don't give Satan more power than he actually has. He can imitate but he can not duplicate. And he always makes matters worse instead of better!
We're in the first four plagues that God brought on Egypt through Moses and Aaron. And something interesting is taking place that is just too strange to pass over.
The first Plague was the staff turning into a snake, then the Nile turned to blood. In chapter eight its the frogs and the gnats.
But what is strange is the way it all played out with the Egyptian magicians. In the first plague the magicians were able to turn their staffs into snakes, but Moses staff/snake ate the snakes of the magicians. And it just gets more strange from there.
When the Nile is turned to blood so that the Egyptians could not drink it or bathe in it the Egyptian magicians turned a bunch more of the limited water of Egypt to blood (remember this is a desert environment).
Then the frogs came, millions of them hopping out of the waters of the Nile and covering the land. They didn't have homes like we do so there were frogs everywhere. Open the door and you'd step on frogs as you went to work. Frogs in your house, on your furniture in your bed on your body they could not get rid of them or keep them from getting into every nook and cranny in their homes. They were in their tubs and pots and pans, everywhere. Then the Egyptian magicians also made frogs appear.
But when God brought that gnats on the land the Egyptian magicians could not duplicate that plague and finally admitted that it was God who was bringing the plagues.
Here's the thing. The Egyptian magicians were able to imitate these plagues of God by the limited power of Satan. They could imitate the staff to snake but their snakes were eaten up. They could imitate water turning to blood and they could imitate the frogs.
But consider this, if you were an Egyptian magician trying to prove that these men were not from the all powerful God wouldn't you want to EASE the suffering of your people instead of increasing it? Wouldn't you turn some of the bloody water back to drinkable water? Wouldn't you want to somehow kill the frogs so the plague was not as bad? Instead these brilliant magicians actually make the situation WORSE!
If I were Pharaoh I would not be very happy with my magicians. Satan can imitate some of the power of God but he can not duplicate it.
Instead of being enamored with Satan's power I would suggest your look at what is really going on. Is God's power being imitated or duplicated - there is a huge difference. Satan's power is limited and that means those who would wield that power are limited also. Don't give Satan more power than he actually has. He can imitate but he can not duplicate. And he always makes matters worse instead of better!
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