20:23 "He said to them, 'My cup you shall drink; but to sit on My right and on My left, this is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by My Father.' "
Ok, so I was thinking about this verse, started breaking it down and I think I found something pretty cool. Bear with me.
So Jesus asks the Zebedees if they are "able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?" Matthew 26:39 shows this same language, and I think any commentary would agree "drink this cup" is a euphemism for "experience this suffering". Agreed? Good.
My first thought was that Jesus was saying that to sit at His right and left, the Zebedee boys would need to drink His cup, or suffer. I was confused, however when Jesus said that the seating arrangement was decided by His Father, not by Christ Himself. So what gives?
In verse 23, Jesus apparently answers two questions:
Answer 1 - "My cup you shall drink"
Answer 2 - "but to sit on My right and on My left, this is not Mine to give"
Wait a minute, there was only one question, right? Verse 21 shows the mother asking "Command that in Your kingdom these two sons of mine may sit one on Your right and one on Your left". Where's the second question? Jesus is answering the very assumption that they would even be in His kingdom! This is cool because Jesus takes that a lot more seriously than the Zebedee's concern of the seating in heaven. I will attempt a paraphrase here: Jesus basically said "Well, whoever is sitting to the right or left of Me isn't My call. But let's talk about you even coming to my Kingdom in the first place. If you think you're going to join Me, you better be ready to pay the price."
I found this very exciting because it makes it so much more applicable to me! I'm not going to Christ to request VIP seating, but I do want to be with Him in glory! And to that request, Jesus is telling me, "are you ready to suffer?" I better be ready to answer.
I love the Bible. No matter how much I think I've "figured out" a passage or verse, something new jumps out. Living and active, indeed.
P.S. Ryan or anyone, feel free to pick apart my logic.
Lord, help me to be ready to suffer for you. Help me to be willing to join You not only in Your glory and Your resurrection, but also in Your sufferings and trials.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Exodus 22,23,24
23:4 "If you meet your enemy's ox or his donkey wandering away, you shall surely return it to him"
When I read over this the first time, I didn't think much of it. But when I went over it again I realized I missed the word "enemy". I was just thinking "neighbor". It seems weird that the Pharisees were able to mess this up and come up with love your neighbor and hate your enemy.
This and the next verse go beyond the seemingly obvious notion of not harming your enemy, but actually going out of your way to help them. If you consider that your enemy is someone who in some way is opposed to your progress, success, pride, or the like, to help your enemy is almost like working against yourself. That's why it's so hard! To help your enemy is to put your own interest in last place... now where have I heard that idea before?
Lord, help me to consider the needs of others as more important than my own, even if I don't like them. And after I'm done helping them, help me to stop not liking them.
When I read over this the first time, I didn't think much of it. But when I went over it again I realized I missed the word "enemy". I was just thinking "neighbor". It seems weird that the Pharisees were able to mess this up and come up with love your neighbor and hate your enemy.
This and the next verse go beyond the seemingly obvious notion of not harming your enemy, but actually going out of your way to help them. If you consider that your enemy is someone who in some way is opposed to your progress, success, pride, or the like, to help your enemy is almost like working against yourself. That's why it's so hard! To help your enemy is to put your own interest in last place... now where have I heard that idea before?
Lord, help me to consider the needs of others as more important than my own, even if I don't like them. And after I'm done helping them, help me to stop not liking them.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Matthew 20:1-16
20:15 "Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with what is my own? Or is your eye envious because I am generous?"
What came to mind when you read the story of the laborers in the vineyard? You know what I thought of? Mormons. Yeah, those tricky Mormons. Mormons always vex me partially because I know they're so wrong, but they act so right. Sometimes better than some Christians I know. But I had a revealing conversation with one that shows just how the Mormon faith fits them in with the rest of the sinful world.
I used to work with a devout Mormon and during one of our spirited conversations, the doctrine of who will get to heaven came up. He asked me "do you believe that if a serial rapist and murderer got saved just before being executed, he would go to heaven?" I answered "if he truly repented of his sins, called on God for forgiveness, accepted Christ as his savior and devoted his life (as short as it may be) to his new Lord... then yes!" His response was something along the lines of "I cannot fathom being a part of a religion that believes that."
It is a difficult pill to swallow! That God would allow such "scum" into His presence! But what am I? I'm the same scum! (now please don't go calling the cops, I haven't raped or murdered anyone) All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. The wages of sin is death. We know these verses, but have hard time putting ourselves in the same boat as those who commit the "really bad" sins. Why is that?
Pride.
Even in the gutters of a sin-soaked world, we create a class system. And we carry that prideful sense of echelons of sin into our Christian lives, and it burns us to think that us "good" folk will have to share residence in glory with the "bad" folk. When in sin, we all look dirty to God. But here's the amazing part... when redeemed, we all look clean to God!! We are justified in His sight and scrubbed clean not by our own efforts, but by the blood of Christ. And since the cleansing power is dependant on God's immeasurable love, no sin is too big. Thank God for that!
So to my Mormon friends, I understand why you don't understand how Jesus can tell the condemned criminal "truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise". You don't understand because your faith is built on your own efforts, not the Lord's. Feel free to ask me if you want to know how your sins can be washed away by the only love that can wash away anything.
As for me, I could do well to remember those that are unsaved are not just "scum", but are lost souls and if drawn to the Lord, could likely share a room with me in glory. Maybe I should start talking to them now...
Lord, help me to remember where I came from. Thank you for saving me and help me to not take pride in my own salvation or the good works you have prepared for me.
What came to mind when you read the story of the laborers in the vineyard? You know what I thought of? Mormons. Yeah, those tricky Mormons. Mormons always vex me partially because I know they're so wrong, but they act so right. Sometimes better than some Christians I know. But I had a revealing conversation with one that shows just how the Mormon faith fits them in with the rest of the sinful world.
I used to work with a devout Mormon and during one of our spirited conversations, the doctrine of who will get to heaven came up. He asked me "do you believe that if a serial rapist and murderer got saved just before being executed, he would go to heaven?" I answered "if he truly repented of his sins, called on God for forgiveness, accepted Christ as his savior and devoted his life (as short as it may be) to his new Lord... then yes!" His response was something along the lines of "I cannot fathom being a part of a religion that believes that."
It is a difficult pill to swallow! That God would allow such "scum" into His presence! But what am I? I'm the same scum! (now please don't go calling the cops, I haven't raped or murdered anyone) All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. The wages of sin is death. We know these verses, but have hard time putting ourselves in the same boat as those who commit the "really bad" sins. Why is that?
Pride.
Even in the gutters of a sin-soaked world, we create a class system. And we carry that prideful sense of echelons of sin into our Christian lives, and it burns us to think that us "good" folk will have to share residence in glory with the "bad" folk. When in sin, we all look dirty to God. But here's the amazing part... when redeemed, we all look clean to God!! We are justified in His sight and scrubbed clean not by our own efforts, but by the blood of Christ. And since the cleansing power is dependant on God's immeasurable love, no sin is too big. Thank God for that!
So to my Mormon friends, I understand why you don't understand how Jesus can tell the condemned criminal "truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise". You don't understand because your faith is built on your own efforts, not the Lord's. Feel free to ask me if you want to know how your sins can be washed away by the only love that can wash away anything.
As for me, I could do well to remember those that are unsaved are not just "scum", but are lost souls and if drawn to the Lord, could likely share a room with me in glory. Maybe I should start talking to them now...
Lord, help me to remember where I came from. Thank you for saving me and help me to not take pride in my own salvation or the good works you have prepared for me.
Exodus 19,20,21
21:22,23 "If men struggle with each other and strike a woman with child so that she gives birth prematurely, yet there is no injury, he shall surely be fined as the woman's husband may demand of him, and he shall pay as the judges decide. But if there is any further injury, then you shall appoint as a penalty life for life"
I'm not Hebrew scholar, but when I read this passage, it seems to very clearly place the value of an unborn's life at the same level as everyone else's. I don' t know that I remember someone using these verses in the abortion discussion, but it really stood out to me. Notice that it refers to a "woman with child"... Not a "woman in her third trimester", or "a woman in the process of giving birth", but a woman with child. When does a woman become "with child"? I suppose some would debater semantics, but it seems obvious that "with child" is a synonym for pregnant. And I'm pretty sure a woman is physiologically pregnant when a sperm breaks through the egg wall.
Whatever. I probably don't need to waste breath belaboring this point, I really believe that anyone who has spent even a couple of minutes thinking about this knows that life begins at conception. Furthermore, I believe they know that ending life is murder. All are born with a sin nature and are responsible for their sin. If murder is a sin (which is in today's reading as well), those that perpetuate, encourage, commit, and condone abortion are sinning and thus responsible for it.
Proving through scripture and science that unborn babies are alive shouldn't be given up on, but they're not going to get it until they have the Holy Spirit in them to tell them otherwise. Sinners will sin, it's just really sad and infuriating when it results in the death of innocents. Ryan gave a rousing sermon on this recently; I'll see if it's on our church's site and post a link to it in the comments if so.
Lord, help me to stand up in whatever capacity You give me for the lives of children. If it only be in water cooler talk, still give me boldness. Please watch over the little ones and help bring an end to the rampant murder that plagues my country.
I'm not Hebrew scholar, but when I read this passage, it seems to very clearly place the value of an unborn's life at the same level as everyone else's. I don' t know that I remember someone using these verses in the abortion discussion, but it really stood out to me. Notice that it refers to a "woman with child"... Not a "woman in her third trimester", or "a woman in the process of giving birth", but a woman with child. When does a woman become "with child"? I suppose some would debater semantics, but it seems obvious that "with child" is a synonym for pregnant. And I'm pretty sure a woman is physiologically pregnant when a sperm breaks through the egg wall.
Whatever. I probably don't need to waste breath belaboring this point, I really believe that anyone who has spent even a couple of minutes thinking about this knows that life begins at conception. Furthermore, I believe they know that ending life is murder. All are born with a sin nature and are responsible for their sin. If murder is a sin (which is in today's reading as well), those that perpetuate, encourage, commit, and condone abortion are sinning and thus responsible for it.
Proving through scripture and science that unborn babies are alive shouldn't be given up on, but they're not going to get it until they have the Holy Spirit in them to tell them otherwise. Sinners will sin, it's just really sad and infuriating when it results in the death of innocents. Ryan gave a rousing sermon on this recently; I'll see if it's on our church's site and post a link to it in the comments if so.
Lord, help me to stand up in whatever capacity You give me for the lives of children. If it only be in water cooler talk, still give me boldness. Please watch over the little ones and help bring an end to the rampant murder that plagues my country.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Exodus 16,17,18
18:18 "You will surely wear out, both yourself and these people who are with you, for the task is too heavy for you; you cannot do it alone."
Moses is advised to delegate. It's interesting that the advice does not just warn against Moses getting burnt out, but the Israelites as well.
Sometimes we (I) feel the need to do some hard task by ourselves. If we are able to complete it, we get big pats on the back and lots of attention. If the thing falls apart, we "martyr" ourselves, get big loads of pity and lots of attention. We would rather choose the path of more work and risk of failure over asking for help and admitting we can't do it on our own. It sounds like pride is the central issue.
I think I went through one of these deals last night. My wife and eldest son both got a nasty flu at the same time. Because of this, I had to watch the kids by myself (one of whom was sick) as well as be ready to help my wife at any given moment. On top of this, we had already told some friends of ours that we would make dinner for them since the mommy is pregnant and on limited bedrest (i.e. not having a lot of fun). I took it upon myself to do it all. Chaos ensued. At the end of the evening, the local news was knocking at the door to investigate a reported war zone that had taken over my living room and kitchen.
Well, the dinner got made, everyone survived, stomachs were emptied repeatedly, and Dave is the hero. That was the point, right? I'll be honest, I probably could have called our friends and asked if they would mind ordering pizza for themselves and they wouldn't have been the least bit disappointed, but I was determined to prove I could do it. In the end, everything was ok, but when you read this passage, you see what I was putting at risk:
"You will surely wear out, both yourself and these people who are with you"
I need to keep my pride in check even (and especially) when I'm trying to serve others. And I need to get better at asking for help. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to get back to my own personal Sarajevo.
Lord, help me to have the maturity to recognize times when I need help and to ask for it. Help me to bury my pride
Moses is advised to delegate. It's interesting that the advice does not just warn against Moses getting burnt out, but the Israelites as well.
Sometimes we (I) feel the need to do some hard task by ourselves. If we are able to complete it, we get big pats on the back and lots of attention. If the thing falls apart, we "martyr" ourselves, get big loads of pity and lots of attention. We would rather choose the path of more work and risk of failure over asking for help and admitting we can't do it on our own. It sounds like pride is the central issue.
I think I went through one of these deals last night. My wife and eldest son both got a nasty flu at the same time. Because of this, I had to watch the kids by myself (one of whom was sick) as well as be ready to help my wife at any given moment. On top of this, we had already told some friends of ours that we would make dinner for them since the mommy is pregnant and on limited bedrest (i.e. not having a lot of fun). I took it upon myself to do it all. Chaos ensued. At the end of the evening, the local news was knocking at the door to investigate a reported war zone that had taken over my living room and kitchen.
Well, the dinner got made, everyone survived, stomachs were emptied repeatedly, and Dave is the hero. That was the point, right? I'll be honest, I probably could have called our friends and asked if they would mind ordering pizza for themselves and they wouldn't have been the least bit disappointed, but I was determined to prove I could do it. In the end, everything was ok, but when you read this passage, you see what I was putting at risk:
"You will surely wear out, both yourself and these people who are with you"
I need to keep my pride in check even (and especially) when I'm trying to serve others. And I need to get better at asking for help. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to get back to my own personal Sarajevo.
Lord, help me to have the maturity to recognize times when I need help and to ask for it. Help me to bury my pride
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Exodus 9,10,11,12
12:13 "The blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you live; and when I see the blood I will pass over you, and no plague will befall you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt."
God promises to offer an escape from the impending doom through the death of an innocent.
My mind started wandering over all the foreshadows of Christ in the Bible. For the ancient Jew, examples of God's love and grace portrayed in ways that seemed to mean more than just their immediate context. Examples that, to the modern day believer scream "JESUS IS COMING!" Christ's ministry is the exclamation point of the Bible. All the attributes of God are visible in the Old Testament, but Jesus makes them visceral, tangible, understandable.
If one were to read the Bible for the first time beginning to end twice, imagine the difference in reading this passage the second time. God could easily have just said "stay in your houses, and I will protect all the sons of Israel", but in this image, we see Christ proclaimed as the salvation from impending doom, being the intercessor between us and God's wrath. How wise is our God!
Is Christ the theme of my life? Does everything I do scream "JESUS CAME!"? Not really. Sometimes it does, but other times it's whispering, or it's just plain saying something else.
Lord, help me to make Christ the theme of my life. Help me to proclaim Christ in everything I do. Let Your message come out load, clear, and unadulterated.
God promises to offer an escape from the impending doom through the death of an innocent.
My mind started wandering over all the foreshadows of Christ in the Bible. For the ancient Jew, examples of God's love and grace portrayed in ways that seemed to mean more than just their immediate context. Examples that, to the modern day believer scream "JESUS IS COMING!" Christ's ministry is the exclamation point of the Bible. All the attributes of God are visible in the Old Testament, but Jesus makes them visceral, tangible, understandable.
If one were to read the Bible for the first time beginning to end twice, imagine the difference in reading this passage the second time. God could easily have just said "stay in your houses, and I will protect all the sons of Israel", but in this image, we see Christ proclaimed as the salvation from impending doom, being the intercessor between us and God's wrath. How wise is our God!
Is Christ the theme of my life? Does everything I do scream "JESUS CAME!"? Not really. Sometimes it does, but other times it's whispering, or it's just plain saying something else.
Lord, help me to make Christ the theme of my life. Help me to proclaim Christ in everything I do. Let Your message come out load, clear, and unadulterated.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Matthew 17
17:27 "However, so that we do not offend them, go to the sea and throw in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for you and Me."
Personal liberty takes a backseat to the testimony of God's plan of salvation. Jesus clearly explained that He and His disciples were not required (in God's eyes) to pay the temple tax, but out of concern for the observing unbelievers, Jesus found a way to pay for His whole group of disciples.
I thought this was an interesting comparison to the recent reading in chapter 15 where the disciples were concerned with offending the Pharisees (v. 12). In the example from chapter 15, Jesus was more concerned with preaching the truth to unbelievers than with the potential for them being offended. In this example, Jesus is more concerned with the unbelievers being offended than His right to not pay the tax. Why the difference? It's all about salvation.
In the first example, Jesus cared more about people's eternal souls than their emotions and needed to preach truth to save them. In the second example, Jesus knew that exerting His rights might create an obstacle to an unbeliever and hinder their path to salvation. Jesus always put the gospel as priority over everything, including Himself.
How quickly will I shed my "rights" for the sake of the proclamation of the gospel? One of my favorite pastimes is fantasy football. Fantasy football has had a stigma of being a gambling enterprise and I have met some people who didn't know you can play it for free and with no betting pool involved. Now, if I met a person who, for some reason, was convinced that I was gamblin' pagan because I played fantasy football, and there was absolutely no way of convincing him otherwise, what would I do? Do I keep beating my head against a wall trying to convince him he's ignorant and wrong? Or do I at some point consider that in order to reach out to that person with the gospel, I might need to quit my cherished game? I REALLY hope that never happens, because I really enjoy the game, but I need to make sure that my attitude towards such earthly things are tempered and that my highest admiration and aspiration are for the things above.
Lord, help me to make Your priorities my priorities. Help me to put the furtherance of the gospel ahead of all else and that whatever I do is for Your glory.
Personal liberty takes a backseat to the testimony of God's plan of salvation. Jesus clearly explained that He and His disciples were not required (in God's eyes) to pay the temple tax, but out of concern for the observing unbelievers, Jesus found a way to pay for His whole group of disciples.
I thought this was an interesting comparison to the recent reading in chapter 15 where the disciples were concerned with offending the Pharisees (v. 12). In the example from chapter 15, Jesus was more concerned with preaching the truth to unbelievers than with the potential for them being offended. In this example, Jesus is more concerned with the unbelievers being offended than His right to not pay the tax. Why the difference? It's all about salvation.
In the first example, Jesus cared more about people's eternal souls than their emotions and needed to preach truth to save them. In the second example, Jesus knew that exerting His rights might create an obstacle to an unbeliever and hinder their path to salvation. Jesus always put the gospel as priority over everything, including Himself.
How quickly will I shed my "rights" for the sake of the proclamation of the gospel? One of my favorite pastimes is fantasy football. Fantasy football has had a stigma of being a gambling enterprise and I have met some people who didn't know you can play it for free and with no betting pool involved. Now, if I met a person who, for some reason, was convinced that I was gamblin' pagan because I played fantasy football, and there was absolutely no way of convincing him otherwise, what would I do? Do I keep beating my head against a wall trying to convince him he's ignorant and wrong? Or do I at some point consider that in order to reach out to that person with the gospel, I might need to quit my cherished game? I REALLY hope that never happens, because I really enjoy the game, but I need to make sure that my attitude towards such earthly things are tempered and that my highest admiration and aspiration are for the things above.
Lord, help me to make Your priorities my priorities. Help me to put the furtherance of the gospel ahead of all else and that whatever I do is for Your glory.
Exodus 7,8
7:5 "The Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I stretch out My hand on Egypt and bring out the sons of Israel from their midst."
God will make His name known among men by working out His great power.
This reminds me of the idea that every creature will, at one point in time give God full acknowledgement of His sovereignty. The question is under what terms. You can submit to His holy will and He will reveal Himself to You through the ministry of His son and communion with Him in heaven. Or you can rebel against Him and He will reveal Himself in His wrath in the day of judgement. Either way, you're going to find yourself saying "great is the Lord!"
I can take this lesson to heart by making sure that I am seeking God to reveal Himself to me through my service to Him and not through Him needing to discipline me. In either case God will be glorified, but there is a greater reward for me in service.
Lord, reveal Yourself to me. I want to know You through submission to Your will. And when You have to discipline me, help me to learn more about You in those encounters as well.
God will make His name known among men by working out His great power.
This reminds me of the idea that every creature will, at one point in time give God full acknowledgement of His sovereignty. The question is under what terms. You can submit to His holy will and He will reveal Himself to You through the ministry of His son and communion with Him in heaven. Or you can rebel against Him and He will reveal Himself in His wrath in the day of judgement. Either way, you're going to find yourself saying "great is the Lord!"
I can take this lesson to heart by making sure that I am seeking God to reveal Himself to me through my service to Him and not through Him needing to discipline me. In either case God will be glorified, but there is a greater reward for me in service.
Lord, reveal Yourself to me. I want to know You through submission to Your will. And when You have to discipline me, help me to learn more about You in those encounters as well.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Matthew 16
16:16, 17 "Simon Peter answered, 'You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.' And Jesus said to him, 'Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.' "
Peter's confession comes as a relief as Jesus has been trying to explain to these disciples the magnitude of what was going on. But more interesting is the source of Peter's confession. Peter didn't figure this out because he was a really smart guy, it was revealed to him by God the Father.
I find this encouraging from the standpoint of us who believe in Christ having never met Him face to face. I've heard people say something like "well, it would be so much easier to have faith if I were living in Jesus' time". Really? Because it didn't come easy to a lot of people who had followed Christ almost His entire time here on earth. And what is shown in this passage is that it didn't matter anyway. Peter didn't believe Jesus was the Christ because he was looking Jesus in the face, Peter believe because God revealed it to him! That is so exciting because while we don't have Jesus in the flesh to "strengthen" our faith, we do have the same God the Father revealing the same truth in His word! So no more excuses! Peter didn't have any advantage over us, because he was a regular ol' sinner just like us, and had the same revelation that we had resulting in a drawing near to the savior. He just got to hear the words that we read today; which is fine with me... I'm a visual learner anyway.
Lord, thank You for revealing Yourself in Your Son. You are a wise and gracious God. Help me to never lose appreciation for the gift of Jesus Christ.
Peter's confession comes as a relief as Jesus has been trying to explain to these disciples the magnitude of what was going on. But more interesting is the source of Peter's confession. Peter didn't figure this out because he was a really smart guy, it was revealed to him by God the Father.
I find this encouraging from the standpoint of us who believe in Christ having never met Him face to face. I've heard people say something like "well, it would be so much easier to have faith if I were living in Jesus' time". Really? Because it didn't come easy to a lot of people who had followed Christ almost His entire time here on earth. And what is shown in this passage is that it didn't matter anyway. Peter didn't believe Jesus was the Christ because he was looking Jesus in the face, Peter believe because God revealed it to him! That is so exciting because while we don't have Jesus in the flesh to "strengthen" our faith, we do have the same God the Father revealing the same truth in His word! So no more excuses! Peter didn't have any advantage over us, because he was a regular ol' sinner just like us, and had the same revelation that we had resulting in a drawing near to the savior. He just got to hear the words that we read today; which is fine with me... I'm a visual learner anyway.
Lord, thank You for revealing Yourself in Your Son. You are a wise and gracious God. Help me to never lose appreciation for the gift of Jesus Christ.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Exodus 4,5,6
4:13 "But Moses said, 'O Lord, please send someone else to do it.' "
The smokescreen is lifted. Prior to this statement, Moses volleyed every excuse he could think of to God to get him out of the task at hand. After God has countered every excuse, Moses gets to his real heart condition. He just plain doesn't want to go.
Do I ever make up reasons to not do God's will? "I'm busy... it's not my strength... I'm doing enough already... I've already tried it and failed..." In retrospect, it's very obvious that caroling this last year was God's will (http://outofthemiryclay.wordpress.com/2007/12/18/joy-to-the-neighborhood/). It was good for those who went and good for our neighbors. Most importantly, God's name was glorified all around. But I almost didn't do it. I was physically able, I had the time off from work, my (awesome) mom made up the caroling books. Here was the problem: I initiated this now yearly tradition of caroling and am very excited about it. Last year, when there wasn't enough of a turnout to allow us to go out, I was a bit... offended. I hope that doesn't bother people to read, but this is my personal journal, so I have to be honest.
So when this last Christmas came around, I considered all the positives that I mentioned above including a neighborhood that we hadn't been to yet, but what dominated my thoughts was "I don't want to." I was still offended that no one thought this was as important as I did and I almost didn't organize the caroling in spite.
Thankfully, Ryan convinced me to go ahead, we had plenty of folks and it was a great time. At the time that I changed my mind, I knew I was wrong, but I hadn't really reflected on the sinful attitude of bitterness I was harboring. Looks like I have something to talk to God about.
Lord, please forgive me for putting my sinful attitudes before Your will. Help me to submit myself fully to Your desires. Help me to not take pride in things that are ultimately worked out through Your power and will.
The smokescreen is lifted. Prior to this statement, Moses volleyed every excuse he could think of to God to get him out of the task at hand. After God has countered every excuse, Moses gets to his real heart condition. He just plain doesn't want to go.
Do I ever make up reasons to not do God's will? "I'm busy... it's not my strength... I'm doing enough already... I've already tried it and failed..." In retrospect, it's very obvious that caroling this last year was God's will (http://outofthemiryclay.wordpress.com/2007/12/18/joy-to-the-neighborhood/). It was good for those who went and good for our neighbors. Most importantly, God's name was glorified all around. But I almost didn't do it. I was physically able, I had the time off from work, my (awesome) mom made up the caroling books. Here was the problem: I initiated this now yearly tradition of caroling and am very excited about it. Last year, when there wasn't enough of a turnout to allow us to go out, I was a bit... offended. I hope that doesn't bother people to read, but this is my personal journal, so I have to be honest.
So when this last Christmas came around, I considered all the positives that I mentioned above including a neighborhood that we hadn't been to yet, but what dominated my thoughts was "I don't want to." I was still offended that no one thought this was as important as I did and I almost didn't organize the caroling in spite.
Thankfully, Ryan convinced me to go ahead, we had plenty of folks and it was a great time. At the time that I changed my mind, I knew I was wrong, but I hadn't really reflected on the sinful attitude of bitterness I was harboring. Looks like I have something to talk to God about.
Lord, please forgive me for putting my sinful attitudes before Your will. Help me to submit myself fully to Your desires. Help me to not take pride in things that are ultimately worked out through Your power and will.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Matthew 15:21-39
15:33 "The disciples said to Him, 'Where would we get so many loaves in this desolate place to satisfy such a large crowd?' "
As quickly as Jesus states His plan, the disciples put their earthly limitations at the forefront. Despite seeing Jesus do many miraculous things (including feeding more people than those before them on this day!), they doubted.
God reveals His will, we start listing obstacles. If we know what God is capable of through biblical and ecclesiastical history and through our own christian walk, why do we doubt His power sometimes? My church has a long term goal of upgrading our facilities. Whether this be by building a new structure or buying a new building, it will be a monumental task. When I even begin to think about those options, I just think "that would cost way more money than we could scrounge up!" How dumb is that? If it turns out to be God's will that we get a new building, God could make it suddenly appear next Sunday morning! Do I really think that a contractor could give us a bill that would stagger God?
My goal should be to seek out God's will. And when He is gracious enough to show it, I should act and act with conviction. There will be obstacles, but God loves them. God loves to show guys like me just how He can overcome anything the world throws at His plans. Instead of being worried about how it will all work out, I should be excited to see how God is going to glorify His name next.
Lord, help me not to doubt Your eternal power. You can do all things and I want to be a part of it. Help me to get excited about Your will and do whatever You ask to accomplish it.
As quickly as Jesus states His plan, the disciples put their earthly limitations at the forefront. Despite seeing Jesus do many miraculous things (including feeding more people than those before them on this day!), they doubted.
God reveals His will, we start listing obstacles. If we know what God is capable of through biblical and ecclesiastical history and through our own christian walk, why do we doubt His power sometimes? My church has a long term goal of upgrading our facilities. Whether this be by building a new structure or buying a new building, it will be a monumental task. When I even begin to think about those options, I just think "that would cost way more money than we could scrounge up!" How dumb is that? If it turns out to be God's will that we get a new building, God could make it suddenly appear next Sunday morning! Do I really think that a contractor could give us a bill that would stagger God?
My goal should be to seek out God's will. And when He is gracious enough to show it, I should act and act with conviction. There will be obstacles, but God loves them. God loves to show guys like me just how He can overcome anything the world throws at His plans. Instead of being worried about how it will all work out, I should be excited to see how God is going to glorify His name next.
Lord, help me not to doubt Your eternal power. You can do all things and I want to be a part of it. Help me to get excited about Your will and do whatever You ask to accomplish it.
Exodus 1,2,3
3:11,14a "But Moses said to God, 'Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?' "
"God said to Moses, 'I AM WHO I AM' "
The verses I picked out bracket the beginning and the end of Moses replying to God speaking through the burning bush. When first charged with returning to Egypt, Moses' focus was on himself - "who am I?". At the end of the discussion God reveals immeasurable truth in a small package that directs the focus back to Himself - "I AM WHO I AM".
I recently was studying the attributes of God. It's funny how focusing more on God can make you feel so weak, yet so safe at the same time. Moses was right to acknowledge his own deficiencies, but he was wrong to despair over them. Our strength is in the Lord, and the effectiveness of our ministries depend on how much we submit them to His control. God can do anything and we have the privilege of being a part of His plan. We just have to remember who's plan it is and who's power is being wielded.
Lord, Help me to focus less on myself and more on You. Help me to be less worried about my problems and more worried about Your name's glory.
Matthew 15:1-20
15:12 "Then the disciples came and said to Him, 'Do You know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this statement?' "
This verse cracked me up! I find this especially amusing in light of those who distort Jesus to be some kind of hippie preaching "make love, not war!" Jesus preached truth. Truth in love, of course, but always the truth. And if the truth offends, then so be it.
Now, I will be the first to admit that I personally can get carried away with this idea of preaching truth no matter what and step on some toes unnecessarily, but it is important to see Jesus' priority here. In matters of fundamental doctrine, preaching truth is what matters most. What was Jesus confronting in this scene? Faulty understanding of sin propagated by false teaching! The Pharisees were indoctrinating their congregations with the idea that outward obedience constituted righteousness. This false teaching was creating in them a stumbling block because it completely ignored and covered up the reality of sin harbored in their hearts!
Jesus could have done the considerate thing. He could have ordered up a "how to eat bread" debate and convention, implemented some focus groups to see what the people thought, and hired some public relations professionals to figure out how to roll out suggestions for improving the current traditions. All the while, though, people would be dying not understanding that they are sinful and need a savior. In light of that fact, does that second option really sound considerate?
Jesus was considerate. He was concerned about people's sin! People have to know that they are sinful before they can understand they need a savior! That is what is most important, and faced with offending someone or lovingly telling them the truth, I hope I choose the truth. Many times, I do opt to dance around the harsh truth or continually "wait for a better opportunity." I need to tell the truth.
*"Tell the Truth" is a great book, by the way, by Will Metzger*
Lord, help me to tell the truth. Help me to tell the truth in love, and always with a goal to glorify Your name and make Your plan of salvation known to all. Help me to be more bold in this matter.
This verse cracked me up! I find this especially amusing in light of those who distort Jesus to be some kind of hippie preaching "make love, not war!" Jesus preached truth. Truth in love, of course, but always the truth. And if the truth offends, then so be it.
Now, I will be the first to admit that I personally can get carried away with this idea of preaching truth no matter what and step on some toes unnecessarily, but it is important to see Jesus' priority here. In matters of fundamental doctrine, preaching truth is what matters most. What was Jesus confronting in this scene? Faulty understanding of sin propagated by false teaching! The Pharisees were indoctrinating their congregations with the idea that outward obedience constituted righteousness. This false teaching was creating in them a stumbling block because it completely ignored and covered up the reality of sin harbored in their hearts!
Jesus could have done the considerate thing. He could have ordered up a "how to eat bread" debate and convention, implemented some focus groups to see what the people thought, and hired some public relations professionals to figure out how to roll out suggestions for improving the current traditions. All the while, though, people would be dying not understanding that they are sinful and need a savior. In light of that fact, does that second option really sound considerate?
Jesus was considerate. He was concerned about people's sin! People have to know that they are sinful before they can understand they need a savior! That is what is most important, and faced with offending someone or lovingly telling them the truth, I hope I choose the truth. Many times, I do opt to dance around the harsh truth or continually "wait for a better opportunity." I need to tell the truth.
*"Tell the Truth" is a great book, by the way, by Will Metzger*
Lord, help me to tell the truth. Help me to tell the truth in love, and always with a goal to glorify Your name and make Your plan of salvation known to all. Help me to be more bold in this matter.
Genesis 49,50
49:33 "When Jacob finished charging his sons, he drew his feet into the bed and breathed his last, and was gathered to his people."
The new testament more fully develops the truths of the afterlife, but there was an understanding these concepts in the old testament. The same verbiage was used of Abraham when he died (Gen. 25:8). This doesn't mean simply being buried in a family plot, because the narrative doesn't skip a beat into chapter 50 where Joseph plans the trip to bury Jacob in Canaan.
I immediately thought of Philippians 3:20
"For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ"
The greatest joy in heaven, to be sure, will be the amazing communion with our Savior. Communion with the rest of the universal body of Christ, however, will also be very sweet. When I read this passage, I was thinking about when I die, being "gathered to my people." Who are "my people"? My friends at work? Business contacts? Fantasy football buddies? No, my people are the church. It boggles my mind to think that I have an unbreakable bond with believers as far away as Africa, but it will be so amazing to visit with them in glory; no language barriers, no cultural awkwardness, just me, my Lord, and my people. How awesome will that be!
Lord, help me to never forget who "my people" are. Thank You for Your body, the church. Help me to minister to the church and seek Your help through the church. May Your name be glorified in all these things.
The new testament more fully develops the truths of the afterlife, but there was an understanding these concepts in the old testament. The same verbiage was used of Abraham when he died (Gen. 25:8). This doesn't mean simply being buried in a family plot, because the narrative doesn't skip a beat into chapter 50 where Joseph plans the trip to bury Jacob in Canaan.
I immediately thought of Philippians 3:20
"For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ"
The greatest joy in heaven, to be sure, will be the amazing communion with our Savior. Communion with the rest of the universal body of Christ, however, will also be very sweet. When I read this passage, I was thinking about when I die, being "gathered to my people." Who are "my people"? My friends at work? Business contacts? Fantasy football buddies? No, my people are the church. It boggles my mind to think that I have an unbreakable bond with believers as far away as Africa, but it will be so amazing to visit with them in glory; no language barriers, no cultural awkwardness, just me, my Lord, and my people. How awesome will that be!
Lord, help me to never forget who "my people" are. Thank You for Your body, the church. Help me to minister to the church and seek Your help through the church. May Your name be glorified in all these things.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Matthew 14:22-36
14:31 "Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him and said to him, 'You of little faith, why did you doubt?' "
A couple of observations: God can and will do amazing things. God can and will ask us to participate in these amazing things. The moment we begin remove our trust in God's power, we will begin to fail. God will be fast to pull us back up.
I think a lot of Christians are scared of jumping into a new ministry. When ministry needs arise, I have developed an attitude of "say yes first, ask questions later" (thanks in part to Al Kessler). This is akin to Peter walking out on the water. Now lest you begin to mock me for comparing myself to Peter, consider that I will compare myself to Peter in respect to his actions throughout this story. I have put trust elsewhere than where it belongs and began to sink.
Case in point, I teach a Sunday school class to two and three year old kids. I jumped in without thinking about whether I was the best suited person for the job, and gave it a shot. I have no qualms about this as the need was there, I was available, and God can do anything with anyone. I have, however, on occasion put my trust in my own ability to recite Bible stories and not prepared sufficiently prior to a class. And while the kids might not notice (there is a lot of lee-way with two and three year olds), I notice a difference in how I feel in my responsibility towards God to be a part of the these children's training. It feels empty and haphazard. While I have been learning that my strengths probably lie in teaching older individuals, I have learned much this year about teaching in general, and God has been quick to pick me back up.
Lord, help me to be quick to jump into Your ministry. Help me to fix my trust on You continually. Help me back up when I fail. Help me minister to Your body and for Your glory.
A couple of observations: God can and will do amazing things. God can and will ask us to participate in these amazing things. The moment we begin remove our trust in God's power, we will begin to fail. God will be fast to pull us back up.
I think a lot of Christians are scared of jumping into a new ministry. When ministry needs arise, I have developed an attitude of "say yes first, ask questions later" (thanks in part to Al Kessler). This is akin to Peter walking out on the water. Now lest you begin to mock me for comparing myself to Peter, consider that I will compare myself to Peter in respect to his actions throughout this story. I have put trust elsewhere than where it belongs and began to sink.
Case in point, I teach a Sunday school class to two and three year old kids. I jumped in without thinking about whether I was the best suited person for the job, and gave it a shot. I have no qualms about this as the need was there, I was available, and God can do anything with anyone. I have, however, on occasion put my trust in my own ability to recite Bible stories and not prepared sufficiently prior to a class. And while the kids might not notice (there is a lot of lee-way with two and three year olds), I notice a difference in how I feel in my responsibility towards God to be a part of the these children's training. It feels empty and haphazard. While I have been learning that my strengths probably lie in teaching older individuals, I have learned much this year about teaching in general, and God has been quick to pick me back up.
Lord, help me to be quick to jump into Your ministry. Help me to fix my trust on You continually. Help me back up when I fail. Help me minister to Your body and for Your glory.
Genesis 46,47,48
46:34 "You shall say, 'Your servants have been keepers of livestock from our youth even until now, both we and our fathers,' that you may live in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd is loathsome to the Egyptians."
I always love how God uses some seemingly unimportant detail to work His wonderful plans. By orchestrating Israel to become a nation in the midst of Egypt, He assured political protection as well as genealogical integrity. Just by nature of the the Egyptian culture, there would be little chance of intermarriage since the occupation of Jacob's line was in itself loathsome to the Egyptians.
It reminds me of the Twila Paris song, "God is in Control". He really is! I would do well to remember that when I pray for help on some issue in my life, I'm praying to the same God who created the heavens and the earth, delivered Israel countless times, and died for the sins of the world. I should never doubt Him. I should never be worried because that same God I described loves me with an immeasurable love, so I know I'm taken care of.
Lord, help me to never doubt Your power and love. Help me to rest assured that You are in control of all things and that You will accomplish Your will no matter what happens.
I always love how God uses some seemingly unimportant detail to work His wonderful plans. By orchestrating Israel to become a nation in the midst of Egypt, He assured political protection as well as genealogical integrity. Just by nature of the the Egyptian culture, there would be little chance of intermarriage since the occupation of Jacob's line was in itself loathsome to the Egyptians.
It reminds me of the Twila Paris song, "God is in Control". He really is! I would do well to remember that when I pray for help on some issue in my life, I'm praying to the same God who created the heavens and the earth, delivered Israel countless times, and died for the sins of the world. I should never doubt Him. I should never be worried because that same God I described loves me with an immeasurable love, so I know I'm taken care of.
Lord, help me to never doubt Your power and love. Help me to rest assured that You are in control of all things and that You will accomplish Your will no matter what happens.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Matthew 14:1-21
14:13 "Now when Jesus heard about John, He withdrew from there in a boat to a secluded place by Himself; and when the people heard of this, they followed Him on foot from the cities."
Jesus hears about John's tragic beheading and takes some "alone time". After this comes the famous feeding of the 5,000.
After reading this, I immediately thought of Hebrews 4:15:
"For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin."
Don't follow? Well, I was thinking what would Dave do if he were in Jesus' position right then? I've got a big following that loves me. John the baptist has just been killed. John had a big following of people who loved him. Herod was afraid of killing John for fear of a mob retaliating. In my mind... this is the time to rise up against the man! Just a couple fiery speeches and I can get an army to topple this Herod guy and implement some real changes! And that's not even taking into account that Jesus (unlike Dave) has the same power that turned the Sodomites into crispy critters at His disposal.
But Jesus retires to meditate on the situation, then goes out and feeds hungry people. He never says a word about John, knowing it might incite rather than unite. People always point to the temptations in the wilderness, but Jesus faced temptations every step of the way... and never faltered. Jesus could have carried out what I described above, but where would it have gotten His children? Even if successful, does the Bible show a good track record of long-term human governments? No! They just keeping messing up again and again! Jesus continued in His ministry to bring His children real freedom. Freedom from sin, freedom to commune with God. I'm so glad Jesus resisted temptation and kept pointing to the cross.
Lord, You are perfect. Help me to grow more like You and to keep my focus on the things above. Help me to resist temptation to make change through strife, and to seek to make change through Your gospel.
Jesus hears about John's tragic beheading and takes some "alone time". After this comes the famous feeding of the 5,000.
After reading this, I immediately thought of Hebrews 4:15:
"For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin."
Don't follow? Well, I was thinking what would Dave do if he were in Jesus' position right then? I've got a big following that loves me. John the baptist has just been killed. John had a big following of people who loved him. Herod was afraid of killing John for fear of a mob retaliating. In my mind... this is the time to rise up against the man! Just a couple fiery speeches and I can get an army to topple this Herod guy and implement some real changes! And that's not even taking into account that Jesus (unlike Dave) has the same power that turned the Sodomites into crispy critters at His disposal.
But Jesus retires to meditate on the situation, then goes out and feeds hungry people. He never says a word about John, knowing it might incite rather than unite. People always point to the temptations in the wilderness, but Jesus faced temptations every step of the way... and never faltered. Jesus could have carried out what I described above, but where would it have gotten His children? Even if successful, does the Bible show a good track record of long-term human governments? No! They just keeping messing up again and again! Jesus continued in His ministry to bring His children real freedom. Freedom from sin, freedom to commune with God. I'm so glad Jesus resisted temptation and kept pointing to the cross.
Lord, You are perfect. Help me to grow more like You and to keep my focus on the things above. Help me to resist temptation to make change through strife, and to seek to make change through Your gospel.
Genesis 44-45
45:7 "God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant in the earth, and to keep you alive by a great deliverance."
God shows His wisdom and power in using the brother's evil plan to work His plan of deliverance and sustain His promise to Abraham. Without the friend in high places (Joseph), Jacob's family might well have died in the famine. But God, as always, remained in control and patiently continued with His blueprint of grace.
So I was thinking, if God can use evil plans to His glory and good, He most certainly can use stupid plans. This is significant to me as I can normally think of more stupid things that I do than overtly evil things (although those are in no short order, either). And while some of these plans don't have long-term ramifications (like trying to carry a huge dresser from my backyard to the front by myself), some do. My kids come to mind. Now, I've been to the classes at church, entreated wise people for guidance, sought God's wisdom, and prayed a lot for my kids, but I know me and me is stupid. I mess up sometimes. And what gets me down is the feeling that I'm not just messing up one of my responsibilities, but I'm messing up my kids. I love my kids and I want the best for them... unfortunately, I'm not the best.
But....
God is! And just like in Joseph's day, God can and will overcome. I'm still trying to learn this one, but God has a plan for my sons, and I'm just blessed to have a part in it. It doesn't go the other way around! I will continue to do my best, but I need to continually follow Hannah's model and offer my kids to God's will. I hope the best for them, only God can deliver just that.
Lord, help me to submit to Your will. Your will is the only perfect will. Help me to surrender my family to Your perfect will. Help me to show my sons that I am just their earthly steward and that their true father is so much greater than I.
God shows His wisdom and power in using the brother's evil plan to work His plan of deliverance and sustain His promise to Abraham. Without the friend in high places (Joseph), Jacob's family might well have died in the famine. But God, as always, remained in control and patiently continued with His blueprint of grace.
So I was thinking, if God can use evil plans to His glory and good, He most certainly can use stupid plans. This is significant to me as I can normally think of more stupid things that I do than overtly evil things (although those are in no short order, either). And while some of these plans don't have long-term ramifications (like trying to carry a huge dresser from my backyard to the front by myself), some do. My kids come to mind. Now, I've been to the classes at church, entreated wise people for guidance, sought God's wisdom, and prayed a lot for my kids, but I know me and me is stupid. I mess up sometimes. And what gets me down is the feeling that I'm not just messing up one of my responsibilities, but I'm messing up my kids. I love my kids and I want the best for them... unfortunately, I'm not the best.
But....
God is! And just like in Joseph's day, God can and will overcome. I'm still trying to learn this one, but God has a plan for my sons, and I'm just blessed to have a part in it. It doesn't go the other way around! I will continue to do my best, but I need to continually follow Hannah's model and offer my kids to God's will. I hope the best for them, only God can deliver just that.
Lord, help me to submit to Your will. Your will is the only perfect will. Help me to surrender my family to Your perfect will. Help me to show my sons that I am just their earthly steward and that their true father is so much greater than I.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Matthew 13:33-58
13:37,38 "And He said, 'The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man, and the field is the world; and as for the good seed, these are the sons of the kingdom; and the tares are the sons of the evil one;' "
What caught my attention here is that God sows the seeds, not us. It's not that we are the soil (as in the previous parable) and the seed is the gospel. In this parable we actually are the seeds. This is clear teaching of predestination.
As such, we cannot take any pride in our salvation. It is of the Lord, by the Lord, and for the Lord. But sometimes we get haughty and look down our noses at the "heathens". How dare we? We once were in that same state, and God in His wisdom and mercy, plucked us from doom. We have nothing to brag about except the name of Jesus. We can brag about how great Jesus is all day long. Too bad we spend way more time bragging about ourselves!
Lord, help me to see that I am owed no praise for the salvation I have. All the glory is due to You. Thank You for Your love shown towards me, and help me to reflect that love to the world around me.
What caught my attention here is that God sows the seeds, not us. It's not that we are the soil (as in the previous parable) and the seed is the gospel. In this parable we actually are the seeds. This is clear teaching of predestination.
As such, we cannot take any pride in our salvation. It is of the Lord, by the Lord, and for the Lord. But sometimes we get haughty and look down our noses at the "heathens". How dare we? We once were in that same state, and God in His wisdom and mercy, plucked us from doom. We have nothing to brag about except the name of Jesus. We can brag about how great Jesus is all day long. Too bad we spend way more time bragging about ourselves!
Lord, help me to see that I am owed no praise for the salvation I have. All the glory is due to You. Thank You for Your love shown towards me, and help me to reflect that love to the world around me.
Genesis 42-43
42:21 "Then they said to one another, 'Truly we are guilty concerning our brother, because we saw the distress of his soul when he pleaded with us, yet we would not listen; therefore this distress has come upon us.' "
What hit me about this was that when things went bad on the trip to Egypt, the first thing that popped in the brother's head was what they did to Joseph. I have to believe this means that it was already on the forefront of their minds for it to have so easily come up as the reason for their trouble. And I went back and did some math, and Joseph would have been 17 or 18 when they sold him off and lied to their father, and he would have been 37 or 38 when they made this comment. That's 20 years! That's long time to be walking around with something weighing on your soul so much that when trouble hits, it's the first thing that you think of!
If you consider the fact that Jacob still believed at this time that Joseph was dead, that means that none of the brothers ever confessed to their father. If they didn't confess to their father, it's very likely that they never confessed to God and repented. I see, in that moment that they despaired over retribution for their sin, a lesson about seeking forgiveness. How terrible it must have been to bear that sin for 20 years! There's also a lesson in just plain not sinning to begin with. Even if God forgave them, that doesn't mean God wouldn't punish them on earth for it.
When we sin, we should immediately run to God and ask forgiveness. Sin creates a rift between man and God... even in the lives of believers. The longer you hold onto that sin, the longer you'll be apart from an intimate relationship with your true Father.
Lord, help me to avoid sin. But when I do sin, draw me to my knees in forgiveness so that I may draw near to You again. Restore unto me the joy of my salvation, and renew a clean spirit within me.
What hit me about this was that when things went bad on the trip to Egypt, the first thing that popped in the brother's head was what they did to Joseph. I have to believe this means that it was already on the forefront of their minds for it to have so easily come up as the reason for their trouble. And I went back and did some math, and Joseph would have been 17 or 18 when they sold him off and lied to their father, and he would have been 37 or 38 when they made this comment. That's 20 years! That's long time to be walking around with something weighing on your soul so much that when trouble hits, it's the first thing that you think of!
If you consider the fact that Jacob still believed at this time that Joseph was dead, that means that none of the brothers ever confessed to their father. If they didn't confess to their father, it's very likely that they never confessed to God and repented. I see, in that moment that they despaired over retribution for their sin, a lesson about seeking forgiveness. How terrible it must have been to bear that sin for 20 years! There's also a lesson in just plain not sinning to begin with. Even if God forgave them, that doesn't mean God wouldn't punish them on earth for it.
When we sin, we should immediately run to God and ask forgiveness. Sin creates a rift between man and God... even in the lives of believers. The longer you hold onto that sin, the longer you'll be apart from an intimate relationship with your true Father.
Lord, help me to avoid sin. But when I do sin, draw me to my knees in forgiveness so that I may draw near to You again. Restore unto me the joy of my salvation, and renew a clean spirit within me.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Matthew 13:1-32
13:11 "Jesus answered them, 'To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been granted.' "
*Note to Ryan or anyone else reading this: Please let me know if I'm off base on this one.
How exciting! Imagine you're one of these poor fisherman who has come along for this wild ride known as Jesus' earthly ministry. The incarnate Son of God is speaking to His creation, takes you aside (that's amazing enough!) and tells you that it has been granted to you, Joe Schmoe, to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven!!! That would be kind of cool if my Pastor Frank came up to me and said that, but when Jesus tells you that, it's earth-shattering! Now, I know I've read this verse before, but I'll tell you, it has never smacked me in the face like it did this time. The Son of God! The mysteries of heaven! Delivered to me!
The reason for my opening note for feedback is because it could be the case that the passage I'm so excited over was originally spoken to different men and could have been just intended for them. But (for right now) I'm convinced that we all today can take part in that amazing statement, because we get to read what Jesus told them in verses 18-23! Other references also help me to think that this verse relates to me such as Rom 11:25, 1 Cor 15:51, and especially Eph 1:9 and Col 1:26.
So why aren't I always this excited about the Word? I will say reading and journaling has gotten me more excited. While in the middle of writing this, I had to go share this with my wife! I just can't get over the image of God parting the clouds and saying "Hey! Dave! It has been granted to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven!" Praise God for His generosity and grace!
Lord, You are awesome! Thank You for giving us Your Word! Thank You for seeing fit to show us the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven! Help me to sustain this excitement and to love Your Word as the only true nourishment in my life.
*Note to Ryan or anyone else reading this: Please let me know if I'm off base on this one.
How exciting! Imagine you're one of these poor fisherman who has come along for this wild ride known as Jesus' earthly ministry. The incarnate Son of God is speaking to His creation, takes you aside (that's amazing enough!) and tells you that it has been granted to you, Joe Schmoe, to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven!!! That would be kind of cool if my Pastor Frank came up to me and said that, but when Jesus tells you that, it's earth-shattering! Now, I know I've read this verse before, but I'll tell you, it has never smacked me in the face like it did this time. The Son of God! The mysteries of heaven! Delivered to me!
The reason for my opening note for feedback is because it could be the case that the passage I'm so excited over was originally spoken to different men and could have been just intended for them. But (for right now) I'm convinced that we all today can take part in that amazing statement, because we get to read what Jesus told them in verses 18-23! Other references also help me to think that this verse relates to me such as Rom 11:25, 1 Cor 15:51, and especially Eph 1:9 and Col 1:26.
So why aren't I always this excited about the Word? I will say reading and journaling has gotten me more excited. While in the middle of writing this, I had to go share this with my wife! I just can't get over the image of God parting the clouds and saying "Hey! Dave! It has been granted to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven!" Praise God for His generosity and grace!
Lord, You are awesome! Thank You for giving us Your Word! Thank You for seeing fit to show us the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven! Help me to sustain this excitement and to love Your Word as the only true nourishment in my life.
Genesis 41
41:16 " 'I cannot do it,' Joseph replied to Pharaoh, 'but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.' "
Joseph gives credit where credit is due. Joseph understands his talent for interpreting dreams is from God and accredits it accordingly. Joseph's explanation of where this gift comes from is revealed in Pharaoh's reaction when he says "Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you". The condition for Joseph's wisdom is the Spirit of God.
When people ask for our help, or if we are praised for our talents, do we direct the glory to God? I'm trying to think of the last time someone said I did a good job on something...
give me a second...
Got it! I'm working on some materials for my mom for the 2008 IFCA Convention, and she frequently tells me that I'm doing a great job! Now, did I say something like, "thanks Mom, but I wouldn't be anything without God!" Well, no I didn't. I'll try to work on that.
Lord, help me to look for ways to glorify You. Help me to not bask in my own glory. Help me to use every moment as an opportunity to turn people's heads in Your direction.
Joseph gives credit where credit is due. Joseph understands his talent for interpreting dreams is from God and accredits it accordingly. Joseph's explanation of where this gift comes from is revealed in Pharaoh's reaction when he says "Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you". The condition for Joseph's wisdom is the Spirit of God.
When people ask for our help, or if we are praised for our talents, do we direct the glory to God? I'm trying to think of the last time someone said I did a good job on something...
give me a second...
Got it! I'm working on some materials for my mom for the 2008 IFCA Convention, and she frequently tells me that I'm doing a great job! Now, did I say something like, "thanks Mom, but I wouldn't be anything without God!" Well, no I didn't. I'll try to work on that.
Lord, help me to look for ways to glorify You. Help me to not bask in my own glory. Help me to use every moment as an opportunity to turn people's heads in Your direction.
Matthew 12:22-50
12:33 "Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad, for the tree is known by its fruit."
This verse reminds me of 1 John speaking of the seed of God abiding in us (3:9). And in the next verse, 1 John 3:10, we see that the comparison is between the children of God and the children of the devil. "The tree is known by its fruit" could be paraphrased "one's master is known by his actions". For the unbeliever, sinning is as natural as breathing. Conversely, doing righteousness should be just as natural for the believer.
We've heard the cliche many times about how we shouldn't be "fruit inspectors". Well, we should, but we should only inspect our own fruit. Do we, being children of God, having His seed of righteousness in us, try to graft in a little fruit of worldliness into our lives? We'll buy that album, watch that movie, tell that joke, entertain some gossip... and like that banana that's been sitting on the counter for a couple months, it leaves a bad taste in everyone's mouth. Now if anyone else is reading this, can you admit when you do those things, don't you feel uncomfortable? It really should hit you like a brick and drive you to your knees before God, but most times we let it go. But even then, don't you feel a little... off? I know I do. That's trying to put rotten fruit on a healthy tree. It's just wrong, people. And I know I need to take the next step more often when I feel that uncomfortable "wrongness" and seek repentance and drive whatever it is out of my life.
Lord, help me to be a healthy tree with no bad fruit on it. Help me to continue in growing towards total disgust of all things unrighteous. Help me to show your mercy and grace to all those around me.
This verse reminds me of 1 John speaking of the seed of God abiding in us (3:9). And in the next verse, 1 John 3:10, we see that the comparison is between the children of God and the children of the devil. "The tree is known by its fruit" could be paraphrased "one's master is known by his actions". For the unbeliever, sinning is as natural as breathing. Conversely, doing righteousness should be just as natural for the believer.
We've heard the cliche many times about how we shouldn't be "fruit inspectors". Well, we should, but we should only inspect our own fruit. Do we, being children of God, having His seed of righteousness in us, try to graft in a little fruit of worldliness into our lives? We'll buy that album, watch that movie, tell that joke, entertain some gossip... and like that banana that's been sitting on the counter for a couple months, it leaves a bad taste in everyone's mouth. Now if anyone else is reading this, can you admit when you do those things, don't you feel uncomfortable? It really should hit you like a brick and drive you to your knees before God, but most times we let it go. But even then, don't you feel a little... off? I know I do. That's trying to put rotten fruit on a healthy tree. It's just wrong, people. And I know I need to take the next step more often when I feel that uncomfortable "wrongness" and seek repentance and drive whatever it is out of my life.
Lord, help me to be a healthy tree with no bad fruit on it. Help me to continue in growing towards total disgust of all things unrighteous. Help me to show your mercy and grace to all those around me.
Genesis 38,39,40
39:9 "No one is greater in this house than I am. My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?"
What struck me about this passage was the insertion of the Judah/Tamar drama in the middle of the Joseph story. It struck me that the story of Judah and his daughter-in-law deals with sexual impropriety which is the same crux of the next chapter in Joseph's saga. It seemed pretty clear to me (knowing the outcome of Joseph's story) that the author is making a clear juxtaposition of the outcome of disobeying or obeying God's moral law. Judah was publicly humiliated, Joseph would eventually be publicly honored.
Joseph had the right attitude when confronted with sin. While he acknowledged that it would be a sin against Potiphar, he says "how then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?" Now I certainly don't want to sin against Michelle, but I should understand that if I sin against her, I'm primarily sinning against God. The God who sent His Son to die for those same sins! I know this is nothing new, but the lesson I'm taking from this passage is that I need to learn to hate sin like God hates sin. If I can do that, I know I will sin much less.
Lord, help me to understand who is hurt when I sin. Help me to hate sin the way you do. Help me to abhor what is evil and cling to what is good.
What struck me about this passage was the insertion of the Judah/Tamar drama in the middle of the Joseph story. It struck me that the story of Judah and his daughter-in-law deals with sexual impropriety which is the same crux of the next chapter in Joseph's saga. It seemed pretty clear to me (knowing the outcome of Joseph's story) that the author is making a clear juxtaposition of the outcome of disobeying or obeying God's moral law. Judah was publicly humiliated, Joseph would eventually be publicly honored.
Joseph had the right attitude when confronted with sin. While he acknowledged that it would be a sin against Potiphar, he says "how then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?" Now I certainly don't want to sin against Michelle, but I should understand that if I sin against her, I'm primarily sinning against God. The God who sent His Son to die for those same sins! I know this is nothing new, but the lesson I'm taking from this passage is that I need to learn to hate sin like God hates sin. If I can do that, I know I will sin much less.
Lord, help me to understand who is hurt when I sin. Help me to hate sin the way you do. Help me to abhor what is evil and cling to what is good.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Matthew 12:1-21
12:11-12 "He said to them, 'If any of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will you not take hold of it and lift it out? How much more valuable is a man than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.' "
Jesus is rebuking the Pharisees whose ministry and traditions created such a feeling of piety that they couldn't see the good works that God intended them to perform in His name. This is the second time Christ reminded them of God's intention for our hearts in the verse "I desire mercy, no sacrifice". Knee-jerk obedience means nothing if the heart is not involved.
I was trying to think of a current day example of how I might commit this same sin. Do I ever become so wrapped up in ministry that I don't see the good works God has prepared for me in eternity past? When I took over (was volunteered to take over) the Christmas choir, I had been involved in it for quite some time. I had a feeling that there was an air of professionalism that, while useful to spur on the quality of the program, it was discouraging brothers and sisters who wanted to worship God in song, but didn't feel like they were good enough. It's taken me a while to get the hang of choir director (and I'm still not anywhere near perfect), but each year, I try to convey that we need people willing to serve, not professional singers. Understanding that some people will never come forward just because of the professional stigma surrounding the idea of a choir, I started the caroling program to hopefully give an outlet to those who felt they weren't "good enough" for the choir. In either case, how well we sing is not the real issue. We glorify God in sacrificing our time and talents to His will.
Lord, help me to keep seeking Your will, even when I think I'm already in it. Help me to not supplant Your will with my own. Help me to serve where you want me to serve.
Genesis 36,37
37:7,8 " 'We were binding sheaves of grain out in the field when suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright, while your sheaves gathered around mine and bowed down to it.' His brothers said to him, 'Do you intend to reign over us? Will you actually rule us?' And they hated him all the more because of his dream and what he had said."
This passage reminded me of I Corinthians 13. I'll paraphrase a bit here: If Joseph relates a dream from God, but does not have love, he has become a clanging cymbal. If his brothers hear him relate this truth, but do not have love, they become a hateful mob. Joseph had a remarkable gift to both have prophetic dreams and to correctly interpret dreams, but his brothers couldn't see past their own pride. It isn't as obvious, but it would seem Joseph was more excited to flaunt his gifts than to share the blessings of his gifts with his brothers.
Where is my love? Do I have love for those around me at the forefront when interacting with them? If I correct a brother, is it in love? If I'm receiving correction, do I take it in love? Or am I more concerned with how the interaction affects me? Does my own pride keep me from the blessing God has prepared in love-filled interactions?
Lord, help me to keep love infused in all my interactions with my fellow man. Help subside my pride and keep the interests of others as more important than my own. Help me to love others as You love me.
Matthew 11
11:27 "All things have been handed over to Me by My Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father; nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wills to reveal Him."
The source of all wisdom and truth is immeasurably deep. But how wretched are humans that we cannot have any of it? Our sin separates us from the wisdom and truth that sets us free, blesses us, causes us to walk in the way that is in our truest best interest. How sad. BUT... Jesus is the tap to the Father's vat of wisdom and truth. How wonderful is that! He has revealed God, made visible the invisible. How often do we take that for granted?!
I'm a pretty smart guy, or so I think. I've been in Bible studies, Sunday school classes, had very deep, spiritual discussions with deep, spiritual people. I even own a Greek New Testament! But I don't let that get to my head, right? I wish I didn't. More often than not, I find I have to work to keep myself from trying to think of the perfect sentence to spit out that will impress someone within earshot. That's why, after reading this passage, I'm going to write this verse down in a couple places in my Bible study tools, and underline "to whom the Son wills". What makes me think that I'm so special? I'll tell you that I've met enough smart people to have realized I'm not that smart. Humility is not my strong suit, but I'm confident that it's on God's mind and that He's going to keep working on me and complete the work He started until I'm complete.
Lord, help me to remember that You are the source of all good things and that You distribute all good things. Help me to have humility in my search to know You more. Help me not to lord over others the blessings You have granted me. Help me to use those blessings to bless others.
The source of all wisdom and truth is immeasurably deep. But how wretched are humans that we cannot have any of it? Our sin separates us from the wisdom and truth that sets us free, blesses us, causes us to walk in the way that is in our truest best interest. How sad. BUT... Jesus is the tap to the Father's vat of wisdom and truth. How wonderful is that! He has revealed God, made visible the invisible. How often do we take that for granted?!
I'm a pretty smart guy, or so I think. I've been in Bible studies, Sunday school classes, had very deep, spiritual discussions with deep, spiritual people. I even own a Greek New Testament! But I don't let that get to my head, right? I wish I didn't. More often than not, I find I have to work to keep myself from trying to think of the perfect sentence to spit out that will impress someone within earshot. That's why, after reading this passage, I'm going to write this verse down in a couple places in my Bible study tools, and underline "to whom the Son wills". What makes me think that I'm so special? I'll tell you that I've met enough smart people to have realized I'm not that smart. Humility is not my strong suit, but I'm confident that it's on God's mind and that He's going to keep working on me and complete the work He started until I'm complete.
Lord, help me to remember that You are the source of all good things and that You distribute all good things. Help me to have humility in my search to know You more. Help me not to lord over others the blessings You have granted me. Help me to use those blessings to bless others.
Genesis 33,34,35
34:15 "Only on this condition will we consent to you: if you will become like us, in that every male of you be circumcised"
Holy means to be "set apart." God chose Abraham, then Isaac, then Jacob to be "set apart" for His glory's sake. As a symbol of this assigned holiness, God instituted circumcision as an outward reminder of the inward holiness God desired. It is evident by the New Testament how important this practice was to the Jewish people. And here we have the very fathers of the tribes of Israel using God's institution to trick, harm, and slaughter people. Now these weren't innocent lambs that they killed, but as Gen 49:5-7 tells us, it was over the top and uncalled for.
Do I take lightly or misrepresent God's institutions? I was trying to think as to how I might do this. God instituted the church body as his tool on earth to further His name and blessings. I think that sometimes if I'm talking to someone that doesn't attend church regularly (or at all), I might focus too much on just "going to church". I know that the church is more than the building; that it is the blessed coming together of brothers and sisters in Christ all ministering to each other's needs and worshipping God! But it's a lot easier to guilt someone into coming by just saying "you know, you really need to go to church".
If you know a couple that is living together outside of marriage, do you take the time to explain to them the beauty of God's plan of a once-and-for-all union with a purpose to glorify His name? Or do you flippantly joke "you know, you really ought to get married"? If we aren't careful, our flesh can and will pervert the very institutions that God put in place to bless us with and use them against each other. It would do us (and me) well to remember just who invented things like the church body, marriage, baptism, and communion, and what their real purposes are. To glorify God.
Lord, help me to not hurt and deceive others. Especially help me to bring honor to the institutions You have put in place and not use them in way that bring shame to Your name.
Holy means to be "set apart." God chose Abraham, then Isaac, then Jacob to be "set apart" for His glory's sake. As a symbol of this assigned holiness, God instituted circumcision as an outward reminder of the inward holiness God desired. It is evident by the New Testament how important this practice was to the Jewish people. And here we have the very fathers of the tribes of Israel using God's institution to trick, harm, and slaughter people. Now these weren't innocent lambs that they killed, but as Gen 49:5-7 tells us, it was over the top and uncalled for.
Do I take lightly or misrepresent God's institutions? I was trying to think as to how I might do this. God instituted the church body as his tool on earth to further His name and blessings. I think that sometimes if I'm talking to someone that doesn't attend church regularly (or at all), I might focus too much on just "going to church". I know that the church is more than the building; that it is the blessed coming together of brothers and sisters in Christ all ministering to each other's needs and worshipping God! But it's a lot easier to guilt someone into coming by just saying "you know, you really need to go to church".
If you know a couple that is living together outside of marriage, do you take the time to explain to them the beauty of God's plan of a once-and-for-all union with a purpose to glorify His name? Or do you flippantly joke "you know, you really ought to get married"? If we aren't careful, our flesh can and will pervert the very institutions that God put in place to bless us with and use them against each other. It would do us (and me) well to remember just who invented things like the church body, marriage, baptism, and communion, and what their real purposes are. To glorify God.
Lord, help me to not hurt and deceive others. Especially help me to bring honor to the institutions You have put in place and not use them in way that bring shame to Your name.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
In case anyone is wondering
The logistics of when and where I can access this site have changed dramatically, thus derailing my routine of posting. I am still doing the daily reading (for those of you holding me accountable), but the journaling has suffered. I am going to figure out a new routine for myself as soon as possible and start getting them up again poste haste. For those of you I've spoken to as to why I am having trouble using the site, please continue to pray for the "change in circumstances" I so desperately desire. Many thanks.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Genesis 27,28
27:19 "Jacob said to his father, 'I am Esau your firstborn; I have done as you told me. Get up, please, sit and eat of my game, that you may bless me.' "
Wow. I had a hard time finding something encouraging in this passage. Isaac shows preference for Esau, Rebekah for Jacob. Both parents and children seem to be working against each other. This blessing seems to be pretty important, yet Isaac makes Esau wait until he can catch his father some food, Rebekah eavesdrops and plots deception, Jacob carries it out and falsifies the Lord's support to back his story, and Esau vows to kill his brother when things don't go his way. Who's the hero here?!? Who do I look up to?!?
In every culture, history is viewed as an important part of life. "If we don't learn from history, we are doomed to repeat it." And an integral part of history are the heroes. Students of history like heroes because it gives the learner a character to help summarize an era or event and, more importantly, gives them values and strengths to emulate. Greece has their Alexander, India has Gandhi, Native Americans have Chief Sitting Bull, America has George Washington, France has Napoleon. Yet a careful study of all these people will find them to have a common trait - they are all human. Being human, they all were far from perfect. We must be careful who we put on a pedestal, because if we truly want to emulate them, we find ourselves falling into the same sins that our heroes struggled with.
Who do I put on my pedestal? I greatly respect my grandfather. I named my first son after him solely because I hoped it would give my child reason to learn about him. And if my son becomes half the man my grandfather is, I will count it a blessing. But should my grandfather by my hero? I will not detract from the great life of ministry and devotion that my grandfather has lived, but he is still just a man. I know he's not perfect. If I put my entire focus on Christ, I will find no fault. Christ and Christ alone should be the hero we worship and seek to emulate.
While this passage was a bit discouraging, reflecting on it brought to mind the joy of knowing Christ and that he never pulled stunts like Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob, or Esau. He lived a perfect life so we can have a perfect model. And as for my grandpa, if I need help, I will always consider him one of my best sources for wisdom and encouragement, but he still falls second place to the Word of God. My grandfather has earned this kind of respect in me and most everyone else he knows because... he has made Christ his hero. And I hope that I, my wife, and my two sons follow in that example.
Lord, help me not to put my trust in earthly heroes. Help me to look to you for all guidance. Let me make you the hero of my life.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Matthew 9:1-17
9:13 "But go and learn what this means: 'I desire compassion, and not sacrifice,' for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners"
A famous scene of Jesus reaching out the the rejected dregs of society. Now, there are those who would be quick to point to this as an example of the modern-day idea of "tolerance". The key here, though is that Jesus says He came to call sinners. That isn't to say that the Pharisees questioning Him were righteous; they were far from it! But they were not at all aware of their need for a savior. Matthew dropped what he was doing and followed Jesus because he reacted internally to Jesus' call. But the Pharisees couldn't see past the outside works of themselves and everyone around them to see the inward need of salvation.
Do I ever pick and choose who I will talk to about the Lord? Last time I checked, God is the one who chooses the elect, so I better be careful that I'm not elevating myself to that position. God alone knows who He will draw to Himself, so my responsibility is to see all people in the same light. Everyone around me needs the Lord, and they are to be reached out to.
Lord, help me to see people as You see them, fallen sinners who need Your Son. Help me not to discriminate who I witness to, but to spread Your gospel to anyone who will listen.
A famous scene of Jesus reaching out the the rejected dregs of society. Now, there are those who would be quick to point to this as an example of the modern-day idea of "tolerance". The key here, though is that Jesus says He came to call sinners. That isn't to say that the Pharisees questioning Him were righteous; they were far from it! But they were not at all aware of their need for a savior. Matthew dropped what he was doing and followed Jesus because he reacted internally to Jesus' call. But the Pharisees couldn't see past the outside works of themselves and everyone around them to see the inward need of salvation.
Do I ever pick and choose who I will talk to about the Lord? Last time I checked, God is the one who chooses the elect, so I better be careful that I'm not elevating myself to that position. God alone knows who He will draw to Himself, so my responsibility is to see all people in the same light. Everyone around me needs the Lord, and they are to be reached out to.
Lord, help me to see people as You see them, fallen sinners who need Your Son. Help me not to discriminate who I witness to, but to spread Your gospel to anyone who will listen.
Genesis 25,26
26:10 "Then Abimelech said, 'What is this you have done to us? One of the men might well have slept with your wife, and you would have brought guilt upon us.' "
I read this and was amazed that the son had walked in the exact same sin as his father. And in the land of the same man, Abimelech! My first thought went back to God's promise to Abraham - 22:18 "and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me." That is an amazing thing to think about, that the entire world will be blessed and say "blessed be this seed of Abraham!"
But then I think of poor Abimelech. Twice in his life, he had been deceived by this family line. Abraham lied about Sarah, and now Isaac lied about Rebekah. In fear for their own hides, these chosen men of God lied, and made their wives lie as well (how's that for washing them through the Word to present them spotless?). What do you suppose was Abimelech's impression of Abraham and his seed? "Like father, like son", he probably said. He did not feel blessed by this family line, rather he probably felt quite annoyed.
Jesus said "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." (Mat. 5:16) God has plans for us to be conduits of His blessing. We can proclaim His name and be a part of His great work of salvation; and while all the glory is to God, how many times have you heard someone say: "I am so grateful God brought this person into my life..."
Am I being a conduit of blessing to those around me, or am I pursuing my own ends and thus bring shame to God's name? Abraham and Isaac weren't very good witnesses to Abimelech... am I being a good enough witness to those I know?
I had a pretty good idea once, but unfortunately, I don't use it enough. I put up a diagram on my cubicle wall that says "Which side are you on today?" On one side are the "Deeds of the Flesh" and on the other are the "Fruit of the Spirit" (drawn from Galatians 5:19-23). I can tell you right now that yesterday my conversation was filled with more enmities, strife, disputes, and dissensions, when there should have been more love, joy, peace, patience, and self-control. It was a pretty rough day, but God's holiness doesn't come with a list of exceptions. Let's make sure we're blessing those around us with God's love and goodness.
Lord, help me to be a blessing to those You've put into my life. Help me to guard my speech and my actions to make sure that when others see me, they see a picture of Christ that glorifies Your name.
I read this and was amazed that the son had walked in the exact same sin as his father. And in the land of the same man, Abimelech! My first thought went back to God's promise to Abraham - 22:18 "and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me." That is an amazing thing to think about, that the entire world will be blessed and say "blessed be this seed of Abraham!"
But then I think of poor Abimelech. Twice in his life, he had been deceived by this family line. Abraham lied about Sarah, and now Isaac lied about Rebekah. In fear for their own hides, these chosen men of God lied, and made their wives lie as well (how's that for washing them through the Word to present them spotless?). What do you suppose was Abimelech's impression of Abraham and his seed? "Like father, like son", he probably said. He did not feel blessed by this family line, rather he probably felt quite annoyed.
Jesus said "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." (Mat. 5:16) God has plans for us to be conduits of His blessing. We can proclaim His name and be a part of His great work of salvation; and while all the glory is to God, how many times have you heard someone say: "I am so grateful God brought this person into my life..."
Am I being a conduit of blessing to those around me, or am I pursuing my own ends and thus bring shame to God's name? Abraham and Isaac weren't very good witnesses to Abimelech... am I being a good enough witness to those I know?
I had a pretty good idea once, but unfortunately, I don't use it enough. I put up a diagram on my cubicle wall that says "Which side are you on today?" On one side are the "Deeds of the Flesh" and on the other are the "Fruit of the Spirit" (drawn from Galatians 5:19-23). I can tell you right now that yesterday my conversation was filled with more enmities, strife, disputes, and dissensions, when there should have been more love, joy, peace, patience, and self-control. It was a pretty rough day, but God's holiness doesn't come with a list of exceptions. Let's make sure we're blessing those around us with God's love and goodness.
Lord, help me to be a blessing to those You've put into my life. Help me to guard my speech and my actions to make sure that when others see me, they see a picture of Christ that glorifies Your name.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Matthew 8
8:34 "Then the whole town went out to meet Jesus. And when they saw Him, they pleaded with Him to leave their region."
Jesus is in the middle of working His wonders on earth, healing anyone who would come near Him, and a city asks Him to leave. This seems puzzling, but Luke gives us more insight; he says they asked Him to leave "because they were overcome with fear". Does fear ever get in the way of letting Jesus do His cleansing work in our lives? What might they have been afraid of?
Afraid of loss of things important to us
It's probably most likely they were disturbed by the loss of currency in the form of a herd of pigs. I don't know what a herd of pigs adjusted for inflation costs, but it's probably not cheap. When Jesus takes priority, our material possessions can suffer for it. God knows that money, things, or friends can never bridge the gap of the real need in our lives.
Afraid of disruption of the status quo
The people might have been content with the fact that some demon possessed men were causing trouble in the outskirts and didn't welcome all this attention. Many times, letting Jesus take control of your life will result in major disruptions to our comfortable way of life.
Afraid of conviction
Jesus was healing people and preaching repentance. It is possible that the people were not ready to feel convicted of their sins. It's amazing how sin can cause so much pain and loss in our lives, but we'll still cling to it. We hold on to it claiming "privilege" and scoff at anyone that will make us feel guilty about it.
Are any of these fears keeping me from letting Jesus work in the village of my heart? Am I "pleading him to leave the region". This might happen if I push conviction to the side by taking part in a conversation that doesn't glorify the Lord or putting my personal wants ahead of my family's needs. I need to recognize the great work Jesus is trying to do in my life and LET HIM IN!
Lord, help me to let you do Your sanctifying work in my life. Break my pride and my will so that I will not have any cause to ask You to "leave the room". Guard me from engaging in things that I know would make You ashamed. Never leave me.
Genesis 23,24
24:67 "...and he married Rebekah. So she became his wife, and he loved her..."
Throughout this story we see God orchestrating and controlling events to assure Isaac is given the right companion in marriage. I was touched not only by Abraham's concern that his son have the right wife, but especially the servant who cared to fulfill his master's wish and sought earnestly for God's guidance to and provision of that wife. If only everyone took this care in choosing a mate, giving control of the situation to God. I know our civil courts would be a lot less active for one thing...
So this reminds me of how I came to be joined to my wife, Michelle. Unfortunately, I wasn't as fervent to seek God's guidance on this matter, and so God had to wait until I would stop bumbling around to do His work. In my last year of high school, I pursued and was rejected by the fairer sex for what was probably a record amount of times in a one year span. After much heartbreak, I resolved to stop concerning myself with finding a girlfriend. It was at this point when I removed my faulty decision making skills from the situation that God was able to bring in Michelle.
After getting over my confusion over a girl actually being interested in me, we became an item and the heartbreaks never came back. I now consider what life had been if God had allowed me to continue in the shallow relationships I strived for and I shudder. I reflect on the beautiful family I have and my heart jumps for joy. Michelle matches me perfectly and I love everything that is her and rejoice in the growth I have seen in her and that she has spurred in me. God is so good!
Lord, thank You for Michelle. Help me to never take her for granted and to persevere in serving You by taking care of her. Thank You for Your eternal wisdom.
Throughout this story we see God orchestrating and controlling events to assure Isaac is given the right companion in marriage. I was touched not only by Abraham's concern that his son have the right wife, but especially the servant who cared to fulfill his master's wish and sought earnestly for God's guidance to and provision of that wife. If only everyone took this care in choosing a mate, giving control of the situation to God. I know our civil courts would be a lot less active for one thing...
So this reminds me of how I came to be joined to my wife, Michelle. Unfortunately, I wasn't as fervent to seek God's guidance on this matter, and so God had to wait until I would stop bumbling around to do His work. In my last year of high school, I pursued and was rejected by the fairer sex for what was probably a record amount of times in a one year span. After much heartbreak, I resolved to stop concerning myself with finding a girlfriend. It was at this point when I removed my faulty decision making skills from the situation that God was able to bring in Michelle.
After getting over my confusion over a girl actually being interested in me, we became an item and the heartbreaks never came back. I now consider what life had been if God had allowed me to continue in the shallow relationships I strived for and I shudder. I reflect on the beautiful family I have and my heart jumps for joy. Michelle matches me perfectly and I love everything that is her and rejoice in the growth I have seen in her and that she has spurred in me. God is so good!
Lord, thank You for Michelle. Help me to never take her for granted and to persevere in serving You by taking care of her. Thank You for Your eternal wisdom.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Matthew 7
7:12,28,29 "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the law and the Prophets... When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at His teaching, because He taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law"
What struck me here is the wonder of Christ as the Word of God, explaining God and His Word. Can you imagine if your pastor made some short comment and followed it up with "this sums up the whole Bible", I'm sure snickers would ensue. Who can sum up the Word of God? It is a vast, immeasurable well of wisdom and truth! But Jesus was able to do this! And not only was He able to explain and summarize the Word of God, but He did so with authority! That is significant in distinguishing Him from just being a great teacher, but being the source of wisdom and truth itself.
I wonder after reflecting on this, where do I go for wisdom? There are a lot of voices vying for my attention; friends, family, talk show hosts, bloggers, etc... And there is wisdom to be found among these sources, but you have to work to discern and weed out the nuggets of truth. Why not first go to the source of all wisdom and all truth? Glory be to God that He showed grace in sending His Son to explain the unfathomable and reveal the invisible! I know I understand the Word in this way, but I think sometimes I take it for granted. This journaling exercise has shown me how the Word is living and active, and certainly sharper than any two-edged sword.
Lord, help me to run to Your Word for all comfort, joy, wisdom, and direction. Thank You for sending Your Son to explain Yourself to us. Help me to never forget that great gift and to share it with others.
Response to Rob's comment on Genesis 22
I was going to respond in the comment section, but it got kind of long...
I found the entry online:
http://www.rbc.org/utmost/index.php?month=01&day=08&year=08
I'm not sure is this is the whole thing, but from what I read, I'm not sure I agree with him. Now, far be it from me to argue with THE Oswald Chambers, but I'll just go to the Word and we'll see what it says.
Gen 22:2 says God told Abraham to "Sacrifice [Isaac] there as a burnt offering". That sounds like God was pretty clear about what He wanted Abraham to do. Furthermore, Abraham is commended for His obedience and faithfulness in verse 16-18.
As far as Chambers' quote of "It is of no value to God to give Him your life for death", I don't know if that is completely biblically valid. I offer the following references for consideration:
John 15:13
Psalm 116:15
John 21:19
Philippians 1:20,21
It seems to me that death itself is perversion of God's creation that was introduced with sin, but in God's wisdom, he can use the death of a person to His own glory. Furthermore, while the continuation of life is to be pursued, it should not overshadow the pursuit of holiness. In other words, if you have to choose between cursing God or dying, the martyr's way is the right way.
Genesis 20,21,22
22:8 "Abraham answered, 'God Himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.' And the two of them went on together."
Within the context of when Abraham said this, it's quite sad. Abraham knows the "lamb" to be provided is his own son. Knowing the end of the story, it's kind of neat because we know about the ram in the thicket. But... knowing the REAL end of the story, it's amazing! Imagine when you first understood your depraved state. You may ask yourself in that instant "when and how is God going to exact His judgment for my sins?" The answer is "don't worry, God Himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering!"
Do I realize often enough that I was a victim of my own demise, rescued to safety? I wonder how long survivors of tragic events (floods, eathquakes, etc...) remember their rescue and dwell on it? Does it affect their lives every day and inspire them to live life to their fullest? I would assume that these type of survivors appreciate their rescue more than the typical christian. Yet they were only saved from the destruction of their finite earthly bodies while we have been rescued from eternal punishment and pain! Not to mention our salvation from the control of sin in this life! I'm going to try to reflect on that today and consider where I could be right now to then rejoice in where I am.
Lord, help me to never forget Your provided the Lamb in place of me. Help me to remember that my salvation was Your sacrifice, not mine. Help this truth to have its effect on me in my attitude and in sharing Your truth with others.
Within the context of when Abraham said this, it's quite sad. Abraham knows the "lamb" to be provided is his own son. Knowing the end of the story, it's kind of neat because we know about the ram in the thicket. But... knowing the REAL end of the story, it's amazing! Imagine when you first understood your depraved state. You may ask yourself in that instant "when and how is God going to exact His judgment for my sins?" The answer is "don't worry, God Himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering!"
Do I realize often enough that I was a victim of my own demise, rescued to safety? I wonder how long survivors of tragic events (floods, eathquakes, etc...) remember their rescue and dwell on it? Does it affect their lives every day and inspire them to live life to their fullest? I would assume that these type of survivors appreciate their rescue more than the typical christian. Yet they were only saved from the destruction of their finite earthly bodies while we have been rescued from eternal punishment and pain! Not to mention our salvation from the control of sin in this life! I'm going to try to reflect on that today and consider where I could be right now to then rejoice in where I am.
Lord, help me to never forget Your provided the Lamb in place of me. Help me to remember that my salvation was Your sacrifice, not mine. Help this truth to have its effect on me in my attitude and in sharing Your truth with others.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Matthew 6
6:3 "But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing"
Does God need our money? Why do we give financially to ministries? Is God feeling the crunch of the winter time energy bills and needs our help to make ends meet? I really think sometimes people's attitudes on giving derives from some twisted idea that God needs our money. He doesn't need anything from us! So why are we supposed to give? It's all part of God's wisdom and grace. Giving results in blessings for all those involved. God could literally rain provisions from heaven if He felt like it (He's done it before!), but He has seen fit to pass blessing on to us by allowing us to give of our possessions (which came from Him anyway). By giving we show God the order of priority funds take in comparison to Him, and we get to see Him working in the lives of others. He doesn't need to do that, but how awesome is it that he does. But... as is the case... we mess it up. We get some idea that we are really going out of our way to help God out. We're pretty hot stuff because we're doing God's work. That's stupid! God doesn't need anything from us! So Jesus then has to correct this errant view by saying that we should not tell anyone what we are giving. When we keep giving to ourselves, then we will better understand why God instituted the whole concept of sacrifices in the first place.
When I was in high school, before I got my act together in the area of giving, I used to give sporadically and say to myself "Ok, that should cover the last couple of weeks/months that I didn't give anything." How messed up is that attitude! I was essentially boasting to myself that I had "payed my part". God didn't need me to "pay my part", He wanted me to have an attitude of submission, dependency on Him, and a desire to obey Him. Through great teaching at my church, my wife and I have grown in our understanding and obedience concerning this truth and have reaped many blessings through it. There's always room for growth, however, and I know that there have been times when the giving seems somewhat "automatic". I need to guard against mindlessly going through the motions. God doesn't want my money, He wants my heart.
Lord, help me to reap the blessings of giving to You by guarding my heart from pride and laziness. How wonderful are You in providing your children with opportunity to be a part of Your wonderful plans. You are amazing.
Genesis 18,19
19:15,16a "When morning dawned, the angels urged Lot, saying, 'Up, take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away in the punishment of the city.' But he hesitated."
God is merciful. He assured Abram He would spare the lives of a multitude of unrepentant, vile sinners for the sake of 10 righteous ones, but even that couldn't be found in Sodom and Gomorrah. Despite that, there was one righteous man, and God's mercy compelled Him to send a rescue party to save Lot and his family. Yet Lot hesitates. We can only speculate what was tying him to the wicked city. Let's brainstorm:
It could have been:
-His possessions
-Friends (obviously not believers)
-Good business
-A reluctance to leave the familiar
When God comes to rescue us from temptation or sin, do any of these reasons make us hesitate? Or do we "abhor what is evil [and] cling to what is good"?
If you are a believer, you have the Holy Spirit dwelling in you. If you are a human, you sin. And if both of these are true for you, the Holy Spirit will convict you, warn you, and send flashing lights and sirens in the back of your mind when you come close to sin. I know I've come face to face with an opportunity to sin and I know I should, like Monty Python, "run away! run away!". Yet, I hesitate. Then I stumble. Then I feel like trash. Then I come crawling back to God in a pathetic heap. I am thankful God keeps taking me back, but WHY DO I HESITATE? I think I need to change my view of sin from a sad venture into doing wrong things to a view of total detestation. God loves righteousness and hates sin, so I need to view these things the same way. If I can get to that point of absolutely abhorring and hating sin, I'll be less likely to hesitate.
Lord, help me to recognize when You are leading me to safety and help me not to hesitate. Help me to hate sin and love Your holy ways.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Matthew 5:27-48
5:44 "But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you"
One of many more examples of internalizing the moral law of God. It's one thing to refrain from slapping your enemy in the chops, but it's a whole other deal to love them and pray for them. This relates back to my last entry in Matthew - we are to love others because God loves them as his prized creation. All men are made in the image of God. Who might our enemies be? I'm not in the armed services, so my enemies don't stand out as easily. Pastor preached on this over a year ago, and it still comes to mind very vividly. I couldn't think of an enemy until I remembered a coworker who had blown up at me for no rational reason. It hit me then that I was harboring bitterness for this woman and she was my enemy. Anyone we are holding bitterness, animosity, or disdain towards can be considered our enemy, so keep that in mind when you're praying.
As for application to myself, I continue to deal with the "love your enemy" part, but the thought that hit me tonight when I read this was the "pray for those who persecute you" part. I thought "who persecutes me?" Well, there's the guy at work who beat me during the year in fantasy football. He relentlessly persecuted me about that (until I exacted revenge in our league's Superbowl!), so I guess I should pray for him. Wait a second, was Jesus talking about people harassing us for things as silly as fantasy sports? Let's check out 5:11 - "Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me" So then I get to thinking, when was the last time that someone persecuted me because of my belief in Jesus? It's been a while....... well, I must just be blessed to live in a sphere of people who tolerate my beliefs. Lucky me!
2 Tim. 3:12 - "Indeed all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted."
Well that doesn't make me feel warm and fuzzy. So apparently the fact that no one has hassled me regarding my faith recently is a bad thing? Jesus doesn't say "if you happen to be persecuted, bless the persecutors", He assumes we will be persecuted. It sounds to me like I need to make a little more noise about what I believe in... let's go make some enemies!
...In a manner of speaking.
Lord, help me to regard those that deride me not as my enemies, but as your enemies that you long to reconcile. And help me to always reflect Your nature so that when I am persecuted, it is only for Your name's sake, and ultimately Your glory.
One of many more examples of internalizing the moral law of God. It's one thing to refrain from slapping your enemy in the chops, but it's a whole other deal to love them and pray for them. This relates back to my last entry in Matthew - we are to love others because God loves them as his prized creation. All men are made in the image of God. Who might our enemies be? I'm not in the armed services, so my enemies don't stand out as easily. Pastor preached on this over a year ago, and it still comes to mind very vividly. I couldn't think of an enemy until I remembered a coworker who had blown up at me for no rational reason. It hit me then that I was harboring bitterness for this woman and she was my enemy. Anyone we are holding bitterness, animosity, or disdain towards can be considered our enemy, so keep that in mind when you're praying.
As for application to myself, I continue to deal with the "love your enemy" part, but the thought that hit me tonight when I read this was the "pray for those who persecute you" part. I thought "who persecutes me?" Well, there's the guy at work who beat me during the year in fantasy football. He relentlessly persecuted me about that (until I exacted revenge in our league's Superbowl!), so I guess I should pray for him. Wait a second, was Jesus talking about people harassing us for things as silly as fantasy sports? Let's check out 5:11 - "Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me" So then I get to thinking, when was the last time that someone persecuted me because of my belief in Jesus? It's been a while....... well, I must just be blessed to live in a sphere of people who tolerate my beliefs. Lucky me!
2 Tim. 3:12 - "Indeed all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted."
Well that doesn't make me feel warm and fuzzy. So apparently the fact that no one has hassled me regarding my faith recently is a bad thing? Jesus doesn't say "if you happen to be persecuted, bless the persecutors", He assumes we will be persecuted. It sounds to me like I need to make a little more noise about what I believe in... let's go make some enemies!
...In a manner of speaking.
Lord, help me to regard those that deride me not as my enemies, but as your enemies that you long to reconcile. And help me to always reflect Your nature so that when I am persecuted, it is only for Your name's sake, and ultimately Your glory.
Genesis 15,16,17
16:2 "So Sarai said to Abram, 'Now behold, the Lord has prevented me from bearing children. Please go in to my maid; perhaps I will obtain children through her.' And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai."
So the moral is... don't listen to your wife. Just kidding.
Abram had a real problem; all his inheritance, his namesake, everthing crucial to his culture was headed into the hands of someone else's kid who happened to have been born in his home. Abram's merciful, gracious God loved him, however, and promised him a son by his wife. God even went to great lengths (for Abram's sake) to prove that He was serious and would follow through with His promise. The years tick by, though, and Abram and Sarai figure the only way they'll get a son is through adultery. God had this great plan to answer His children's prayer and show His omnipotence and wisdom, and they jump the gun. How sad is that? Moses and the rock, Saul and the sacrifice, Peter in the garden... why do we think we know better than the Creator?
The birth of Isaac was about 14 years away when Abram and Sarai gave up on God's promise. 14 years is a long time when you're already 85, but shouldn't we know God is the one who created the heavens and the earth in six days? He can act in an instant, but He'll act on His schedule. I have told many people that I enjoy reflecting on the early years of my marriage because they were very tight financially and it made it easier to lean on God because there was nowhere else to go! I have also reflected that when the paychecks got bigger, there was a challenge there to continue to rely on God now that he was meeting our needs through a steady job. I wanted to think that whenever the hard times came again that I would welcome them as the opportunity for God to again show His grace in spectacular ways. I'm not as excited as I thought I would be. Abram and Sarai gave up and paid the consequences through complicated and painful relationships, strife, and remorse. And all those consequences affect the seed of Abraham to this day! I don't want to give up and do something stupid. It's going to take divine support and a full dose of humility... can I swallow that pill?
Lord, help me to rely on You and You alone for everything. Help me to not give up on Your plan and to not pursue my own solutions. I know You are faithful from Your Word and what You have done in my life in the past, help me to lean on those (in that order) for my assurance.
So the moral is... don't listen to your wife. Just kidding.
Abram had a real problem; all his inheritance, his namesake, everthing crucial to his culture was headed into the hands of someone else's kid who happened to have been born in his home. Abram's merciful, gracious God loved him, however, and promised him a son by his wife. God even went to great lengths (for Abram's sake) to prove that He was serious and would follow through with His promise. The years tick by, though, and Abram and Sarai figure the only way they'll get a son is through adultery. God had this great plan to answer His children's prayer and show His omnipotence and wisdom, and they jump the gun. How sad is that? Moses and the rock, Saul and the sacrifice, Peter in the garden... why do we think we know better than the Creator?
The birth of Isaac was about 14 years away when Abram and Sarai gave up on God's promise. 14 years is a long time when you're already 85, but shouldn't we know God is the one who created the heavens and the earth in six days? He can act in an instant, but He'll act on His schedule. I have told many people that I enjoy reflecting on the early years of my marriage because they were very tight financially and it made it easier to lean on God because there was nowhere else to go! I have also reflected that when the paychecks got bigger, there was a challenge there to continue to rely on God now that he was meeting our needs through a steady job. I wanted to think that whenever the hard times came again that I would welcome them as the opportunity for God to again show His grace in spectacular ways. I'm not as excited as I thought I would be. Abram and Sarai gave up and paid the consequences through complicated and painful relationships, strife, and remorse. And all those consequences affect the seed of Abraham to this day! I don't want to give up and do something stupid. It's going to take divine support and a full dose of humility... can I swallow that pill?
Lord, help me to rely on You and You alone for everything. Help me to not give up on Your plan and to not pursue my own solutions. I know You are faithful from Your Word and what You have done in my life in the past, help me to lean on those (in that order) for my assurance.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Matthew 5:1-26
5:22 "But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca' is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell."
Jesus begins his examples of how the people have been observing God's laws externally while the idea all along has been that we would follow them internally. He begins with the concept of murder. God loves all mankind; aside from the fact that He has told us this, it is evident in His actions towards all man (He is long-suffering towards evil people, He sent His Son to die for us, etc...). For one to murder another is to view that person with such contempt as to destroy them in the most extreme way that we are able. To have that contempt for a loved, precious creation of God is what is the problem here. So Jesus gets to the point when He says that it doesn't matter if you don't actually follow the hatred through to it's end, but that very contempt offends God because you are hating His possession.
So how far are we willing to obey here? Are we willing to change our vernacular? Can I expunge the words "dummy", "idiot", "dolt", and any other word that shows contempt for fellow man from my vocabulary? That's going to be tough, because those slip off my tongue quite easily. And let's say I was even able to carry out that tall order, can I refrain from even thinking those things? That seems pretty insurmountable, but the Word gives us help, as always. Colossians 3 shows us that we can't just focus on the things to "put off" (in this case, ill will towards others), but we need to "put on." If I can change my view of all men as the much-loved possessions of my heavenly Father, it will be harder for me to hate them. I need to learn to view others as God views them.
Lord, help to have Your eyes. Help me to learn the love You have for mankind. Help not to focus on how other are wronging me, but how I can help them come closer to You and glorify Your name.
Genesis 12,13,14
12:13 "Say you are my sister so that I will be treated well for your sake and my life will be spared because of you."
It's always a little encouraging to see the human weaknesses in the lives of the great pillars of faith. It helps to remind us that the only perfect person to walk the earth was Jesus. Abram put his own livelihood over the holiness expected of him as a follower of the Most-High God.
How do I view my role towards my wife and what is most important between us. Does she exist to react to my needs and wants, or is she a gift and responsibility from God. How often to I concern myself with her own spiritual growth and care. Am I working to wash her with the word to present her to Christ radiant?
Lord, help me to view Michelle as a gift and blessing in my life, not an object to use at my wish. Help me to be always in tune to her walk with You so as to help her as You will.
Friday, January 4, 2008
Matthew 4
4:3,6,9 "...command these stones become bread... throw yourself down... fall down and worship me"
These are the "propositions" Satan gives Jesus while they are in the desert in this famous scene. I've read this many times, but today it another came to mind as I read it: Heb 4:15 "For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin." I had never considered the temptations put before Jesus might be similar ones put before me. The first deals with focusing on earthly needs and wants above all else and Jesus' reply points us back to God "Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God." The second deals with reversing the role of God and man to the point that we might expect God to bow to our every whim. Jesus reminds us who is in charge: "you shall not put the Lord your God to the test." Lastly, we may be presented with the opportunity to turn our back on God for the sake of personal advancement. Maybe a little cheating will score a better grade on the exam. Maybe a little gossip and slander will clear the way for a promotion. Maybe a little relaxing of our moral code will win us those cool friends. Jesus again points the attention where it should be: "you shall worship the Lord your God and serve Him only."
Have I recently focuses on earthly things rather than heavenly things? This plan has helped me to see how last year my daily Bible reading was minuscule compared to everything else I did. Have I prayed to God with an attitude of delivering projects to be completed in a timely manner, or with an attitude of humble petition? I'll go on a limb and say I think I'm alright in this area. Have I compromised God's law for material growth or human approval? I can think of a few times recently that I have failed on that one.
Lord, help me to follow the example of your perfect Son and rebut temptation with your Holy Word. I know it will protect and sustain me, but I know I don't consume enough of it. Thank you for this exercise Pastor has presented us with and help me to be faithful in it so I can walk in your will and good pleasure.
These are the "propositions" Satan gives Jesus while they are in the desert in this famous scene. I've read this many times, but today it another came to mind as I read it: Heb 4:15 "For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin." I had never considered the temptations put before Jesus might be similar ones put before me. The first deals with focusing on earthly needs and wants above all else and Jesus' reply points us back to God "Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God." The second deals with reversing the role of God and man to the point that we might expect God to bow to our every whim. Jesus reminds us who is in charge: "you shall not put the Lord your God to the test." Lastly, we may be presented with the opportunity to turn our back on God for the sake of personal advancement. Maybe a little cheating will score a better grade on the exam. Maybe a little gossip and slander will clear the way for a promotion. Maybe a little relaxing of our moral code will win us those cool friends. Jesus again points the attention where it should be: "you shall worship the Lord your God and serve Him only."
Have I recently focuses on earthly things rather than heavenly things? This plan has helped me to see how last year my daily Bible reading was minuscule compared to everything else I did. Have I prayed to God with an attitude of delivering projects to be completed in a timely manner, or with an attitude of humble petition? I'll go on a limb and say I think I'm alright in this area. Have I compromised God's law for material growth or human approval? I can think of a few times recently that I have failed on that one.
Lord, help me to follow the example of your perfect Son and rebut temptation with your Holy Word. I know it will protect and sustain me, but I know I don't consume enough of it. Thank you for this exercise Pastor has presented us with and help me to be faithful in it so I can walk in your will and good pleasure.
Genesis 9,10,11
11:4 "They said, 'Come, let us build for ourselves a city, and a tower whose top will reach into heaven, and let us make for ourselves a name, otherwise we will be scattered abroad over the face of the whole earth.' "
I wonder how history would have been different if the residents of soon-to-be Babel had said "Come, let us build for the Lord a city, and a tower whose top will reach into heaven, and let us make for the Lord a name." It might have been a precursor to Jerusalem, a place where the world could look to learn about and worship God. Instead it was to become the first World's Fair of human achievement, a celebration of man's greatness.
Do I ever say "Come, let us make for Dave a name"? Do I take greater pleasure in the things that praise God's name or my own? I have a friend with his own blog who posted about our recent evangelistic caroling event (http://outofthemiryclay.wordpress.com/2007/12/18/joy-to-the-neighborhood/). Was I happier to read "Kudos to Dave for organizing caroling with a purpose" or "I took great delight in being able to sing loudly and in public about the greatness of my Savior". I don't know if I like the answer.
I don't know if God likes the answer.
Lord, help me to humble myself and glorify you. Help me to look for opportunities to proclaim your name. Help me to not dwell on opportunities to proclaim my own.
I wonder how history would have been different if the residents of soon-to-be Babel had said "Come, let us build for the Lord a city, and a tower whose top will reach into heaven, and let us make for the Lord a name." It might have been a precursor to Jerusalem, a place where the world could look to learn about and worship God. Instead it was to become the first World's Fair of human achievement, a celebration of man's greatness.
Do I ever say "Come, let us make for Dave a name"? Do I take greater pleasure in the things that praise God's name or my own? I have a friend with his own blog who posted about our recent evangelistic caroling event (http://outofthemiryclay.wordpress.com/2007/12/18/joy-to-the-neighborhood/). Was I happier to read "Kudos to Dave for organizing caroling with a purpose" or "I took great delight in being able to sing loudly and in public about the greatness of my Savior". I don't know if I like the answer.
I don't know if God likes the answer.
Lord, help me to humble myself and glorify you. Help me to look for opportunities to proclaim your name. Help me to not dwell on opportunities to proclaim my own.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Matthew 3
3:9 "And do not think you can say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham."
John here chastises the Pharisees and Sadducees for putting their faith in genealogy, tradition, works or anything other than the saving grace of God. In Ephesians, Paul list things that people could put their faith in besides God and calls them "a loss" and "rubbish." It makes you wonder if you are ever putting your faith in something undeserving. Have I ever thought I'm a better christian than brother A because I've just completed a rigorous Bible study? Have I ever thought I'm a better christian than sister B because I've conquered a particular sin she is still struggling with?
With my family history, I can (and have) run into the trap of leaning on the "faith of my fathers." I can be thankful for the solid saints in my family, but I can never think that their spiritual maturity (which is the work of God in their lives) automatically translates to myself. I have to constantly watch for any level of pride and humble myself before the God whose chose me, not the other way around.
Lord, help me to remember I am nothing without You, and that nothing I do or anyone I'm related to can save me from the hell I deserve. Help me to run to you and you alone for my salvation.
Genesis 6,7,8
8:20-21a "Then Noah built an altar to the Lord and, taking some of all the clean animals and clean birds, he sacrificed burnt offerings on it. The Lord smelled the pleasing aroma..."
This sent me back to chapter 4 and the account of Abel's offering. I have also been studying the attributes of God which leaves you with a sense of the awesomeness of God and all those qualities that make Him so great. Then here and in chapter 4, we find that this great God has transcended and given opportunity to His lowly, sinful creation to please Him. That's a pretty amazing thing considering everything that we can (and will) do to displease Him.
This is the answer to feeling of despair and misery when I dwell on my own sin and weakness. While it is appropriate to recognize those things, I can rise from the pit knowing God wants to lift me up for His glory and gives me opportunities to do just that. I take pleasure in the ministries I have and I know they please God, but I also know that they are gifts from God. Just like God provided the birds for Abraham's offering, He will provide my sacrifice.
Lord, help me to remember you want me to glorify you and will help me to do so. Help me to remember that the offerings I give you came from you in the first place and are not to be boasted about.
This sent me back to chapter 4 and the account of Abel's offering. I have also been studying the attributes of God which leaves you with a sense of the awesomeness of God and all those qualities that make Him so great. Then here and in chapter 4, we find that this great God has transcended and given opportunity to His lowly, sinful creation to please Him. That's a pretty amazing thing considering everything that we can (and will) do to displease Him.
This is the answer to feeling of despair and misery when I dwell on my own sin and weakness. While it is appropriate to recognize those things, I can rise from the pit knowing God wants to lift me up for His glory and gives me opportunities to do just that. I take pleasure in the ministries I have and I know they please God, but I also know that they are gifts from God. Just like God provided the birds for Abraham's offering, He will provide my sacrifice.
Lord, help me to remember you want me to glorify you and will help me to do so. Help me to remember that the offerings I give you came from you in the first place and are not to be boasted about.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Matthew 2
2:16 "When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi."
There's a movie that just came out called "The Golden Compass." It's based on the first of a trilogy of books written by an atheist whose stated goal is to "kill God." The film is heavily marketed towards children and very subversive. If you dwell on it, it's kind of scary, and one can fall into the thinking that a person has come who is going to turn people away from God and wage an effective battle on Christianity. But as we can see, people have been waging battle on God for a long, long time. And as is seen here, Herod was trying the same thing, but in a much more aggressive and brutal manner than any atheist novelist. And God prevails every time.
I need to understand the sovereignty of God transcends to all things including atheist novelists, gifted debaters who challenge me on the gospel, and anyone who hates Christ. When I witness, I shouldn't do so in fear or concern for how well I can present it. God is in control and can even use my mangled sentences for His glory.
Lord, help me to trust in you, the everlasting God who cannot be thwarted. Help me to be comforted in the knowledge that my best is nothing compared to you, but you can still use me.
There's a movie that just came out called "The Golden Compass." It's based on the first of a trilogy of books written by an atheist whose stated goal is to "kill God." The film is heavily marketed towards children and very subversive. If you dwell on it, it's kind of scary, and one can fall into the thinking that a person has come who is going to turn people away from God and wage an effective battle on Christianity. But as we can see, people have been waging battle on God for a long, long time. And as is seen here, Herod was trying the same thing, but in a much more aggressive and brutal manner than any atheist novelist. And God prevails every time.
I need to understand the sovereignty of God transcends to all things including atheist novelists, gifted debaters who challenge me on the gospel, and anyone who hates Christ. When I witness, I shouldn't do so in fear or concern for how well I can present it. God is in control and can even use my mangled sentences for His glory.
Lord, help me to trust in you, the everlasting God who cannot be thwarted. Help me to be comforted in the knowledge that my best is nothing compared to you, but you can still use me.
Genesis 3,4,5
4:23-24 "Lamech said to his wives, 'Adah and Zillah, listen to me; wives of Lamech, hear my words. I have killed a man for wounding me, a young man for injuring me. If Cain is avenged seven times, then Lamech seventy-seven times.' "
How often do we try to hijack the blessings of God? When Jesus says "seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well," He is speaking of the questions "what shall we eat?", "what shall we drink?", and "what shall we wear?" But I know I've had the attitude before that I assumed God was going to get me a new job or new car because I really thought I needed it. Then I get confused or upset if it doesn't happen (or doesn't happen on my schedule).
Lamech hijacked and distorted God's blessing based on the movings of his own will, not God's. Later he complains about God's curse on the ground. I know I could do to complain less, and wait on God more.
Lord, help me to wait for you to move events according to your will, and help me to accept your will as the best possible plan for me. You know best.
How often do we try to hijack the blessings of God? When Jesus says "seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well," He is speaking of the questions "what shall we eat?", "what shall we drink?", and "what shall we wear?" But I know I've had the attitude before that I assumed God was going to get me a new job or new car because I really thought I needed it. Then I get confused or upset if it doesn't happen (or doesn't happen on my schedule).
Lamech hijacked and distorted God's blessing based on the movings of his own will, not God's. Later he complains about God's curse on the ground. I know I could do to complain less, and wait on God more.
Lord, help me to wait for you to move events according to your will, and help me to accept your will as the best possible plan for me. You know best.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Matthew 1
My thoughts on this passage must be qualified with where I'm at in the Sunday School class I'm teaching (2 and 3 year olds). We just went over the account of Abraham being promised a son, Isaac being born, and Abraham's sacrificial test. I just read Matthew 1 and imagined if I could go back in time and show it to Abraham just after Isaac was born. I imagine he would fall to the floor and weep.
Not only did God keep His promise to give Abraham a son, he kept His promise to make his descendants as numerous as the stars. Most importantly, though, He kept His promise to "bless all the nations" through Abraham's seed. God's Son, Jesus Christ, the Savior, was born out of Abraham's line!! Can you imagine being given that news! How abundantly gracious is our God! I'm happy for Abraham; I'm sure that whenever in time he figured out the details of God's plan, he was probably flabbergasted. And that's my God... wow.
Lord, help me to remember you do not forget your children. The next time I think I'm on my own, remind me that you've been running the show for quite some time and you'll keep running it well after I'm gone. Help me to delight in your mercies.
Not only did God keep His promise to give Abraham a son, he kept His promise to make his descendants as numerous as the stars. Most importantly, though, He kept His promise to "bless all the nations" through Abraham's seed. God's Son, Jesus Christ, the Savior, was born out of Abraham's line!! Can you imagine being given that news! How abundantly gracious is our God! I'm happy for Abraham; I'm sure that whenever in time he figured out the details of God's plan, he was probably flabbergasted. And that's my God... wow.
Lord, help me to remember you do not forget your children. The next time I think I'm on my own, remind me that you've been running the show for quite some time and you'll keep running it well after I'm gone. Help me to delight in your mercies.
Genesis 1,2
So today I was bored and said "Hey! I'll start a blog!" I filled out some forms, my blog was born, and I looked at it and said "it's ok."
And long ago, God counselled with Himself and said "Hey! Today I'll make a vast, intricate ecosystem that I'll sustain for thousands of years to come. And I'll make a being in my own image that I'll one day sacrifice myself for." He made it happen, looked at it and said "it's very good."
Boy, do I feel puny.
Lord, help me to remember who's in charge and that I don't own anything here, I'm just renting. Help me to recognize your hand in sustaining and providing everything around me. Help me to fulfill my purpose to glorify you.
And long ago, God counselled with Himself and said "Hey! Today I'll make a vast, intricate ecosystem that I'll sustain for thousands of years to come. And I'll make a being in my own image that I'll one day sacrifice myself for." He made it happen, looked at it and said "it's very good."
Boy, do I feel puny.
Lord, help me to remember who's in charge and that I don't own anything here, I'm just renting. Help me to recognize your hand in sustaining and providing everything around me. Help me to fulfill my purpose to glorify you.
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