Scheduled Reading:
Job 12:1-14:22; Psalm 104:31-105:1; Proverbs 21:25-26; Romans 15:1-21
Selected Passage:
Job 12
What you know, I also know;
I am not inferior to you.
If only you would be altogether silent!
For you, that would be wisdom.
"Keep silent and let me speak;
then let come to me what may.
Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him;
Job had a way with words. He could put a man in his place, even when Job's place was sitting in the dirt covered in boils. Often times when I am asked for counsel I feel like I should be quite in order to be wise. Often it is better to remain quiet and appear to be a fool, than to open my mouth and remove all doubt! There can be wisdom in silence. Let others speak, express their feelings or thoughts, you will be surprised how much you will learn. I was taught that very thing just yesterday as I counseled a young couple.
Job was also a very brave man - to speak so boldly about his innocence and his hope for chance to plead his case before almighty God. Later in the book we will see where Job has second thoughts about this desire to plead his case before God. But kudos to Job - he got it right. "Though He slay me, yet I will hope in Him!" The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord!
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Follow the Gold Bricked Road!
Selected Passage:
Esther 1:1-3:15; Psalm 103:1-6; Proverbs 21:5-6; Romans 8:1-25
Selected Passage: Psalm 103
The Psalm and New Testament passage compliment each other again today.
First the Psalm...
The Lord is praised here for his compassion, mercy, and forgiveness. He redeems our lives from the pit. Such a gift is unforgettable and not deserved. It is grace. It is a gift for no other reason, other than for the love of our almighty creator. The gift results in praise to the Giver of All Good Things.
Next Romans 8....
The writer stresses that our present sufferings could never compare to the future glory to be revealed in us. He would almost seem advocating a trade-off here... pay now, play later. It would almost seem that way. Except, as we have bee reading and learning a lot lately, God is not about sharing His glory with us. The glory to which Paul refers here is not OUR glory at all. It is the glory due to God alone. And how do we glorify God? Well, for starters, we glorify God with our words of praise and adoration (Psalm 103). The sufferings we endure cannot compare to the magnitude of the future glory because it will be GOD'S glory that is revealed in US! Wow! What a privilege to be a conduit of matchless glory to the Creator of the universe!
Suddenly my problems become golden bricks with which I will spend a lifetime of paving a road - a highway - upon which praises to God will travel.
Esther 1:1-3:15; Psalm 103:1-6; Proverbs 21:5-6; Romans 8:1-25
Selected Passage: Psalm 103
The Psalm and New Testament passage compliment each other again today.
First the Psalm...
The Lord is praised here for his compassion, mercy, and forgiveness. He redeems our lives from the pit. Such a gift is unforgettable and not deserved. It is grace. It is a gift for no other reason, other than for the love of our almighty creator. The gift results in praise to the Giver of All Good Things.
Next Romans 8....
The writer stresses that our present sufferings could never compare to the future glory to be revealed in us. He would almost seem advocating a trade-off here... pay now, play later. It would almost seem that way. Except, as we have bee reading and learning a lot lately, God is not about sharing His glory with us. The glory to which Paul refers here is not OUR glory at all. It is the glory due to God alone. And how do we glorify God? Well, for starters, we glorify God with our words of praise and adoration (Psalm 103). The sufferings we endure cannot compare to the magnitude of the future glory because it will be GOD'S glory that is revealed in US! Wow! What a privilege to be a conduit of matchless glory to the Creator of the universe!
Suddenly my problems become golden bricks with which I will spend a lifetime of paving a road - a highway - upon which praises to God will travel.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
The Shortest Man Mentioned in the Bible
Scheduled Reading:
Nehemiah 12:27-13:31; Psalm 102:22-28; Proverbs 21:2-4; Romans 7:1-25
Selected Passage: Nehemiah 13
We close out the book in the Old Testament written by the shortest man named in the Bible. Very few people realize that the author of this book of the Bible holds that distinction. My father-in-law, Larson Edge is the man who pointed that out to me. In fact, his very name tells the tale: Nehemiah - or transliterated: "Knee-High-Miah".
My father-in-law is a good man with a sense of humor I have grown to appreciate. This is one of his favorite jokes. I have resisted the urge to share it here for many days now. And alas, here we are at the end of the the book, and I can resist no longer. I hope you can forgive me.
I looks like I am living out our Romans passage right before your eyes (with a wink). The evil I know I shouldn't be doing, this I do anyway! All kidding aside, I appreciate the Romans passage. It is comforting to me to hear Paul - author of most of the New Testament - confess his struggle with the evil desires at war within himself.
but with the comfort comes a curse - I am tempted to relax my guard, knowing that this is a plight all Christians face... "don't beat yourself up too hard, Tom" I can hear myself think. If I'm not careful, I will justify my actions or attitudes and slip right off into carnality. No, this passage is meant to warn not comfort. Jesus may have paid the penalty for my sin, but I am still a sorry sinner. To the degree I allow sin to reign in my mortal body, to that same degree I divert the power of God in my life.
Nehemiah 12:27-13:31; Psalm 102:22-28; Proverbs 21:2-4; Romans 7:1-25
Selected Passage: Nehemiah 13
We close out the book in the Old Testament written by the shortest man named in the Bible. Very few people realize that the author of this book of the Bible holds that distinction. My father-in-law, Larson Edge is the man who pointed that out to me. In fact, his very name tells the tale: Nehemiah - or transliterated: "Knee-High-Miah".
My father-in-law is a good man with a sense of humor I have grown to appreciate. This is one of his favorite jokes. I have resisted the urge to share it here for many days now. And alas, here we are at the end of the the book, and I can resist no longer. I hope you can forgive me.
I looks like I am living out our Romans passage right before your eyes (with a wink). The evil I know I shouldn't be doing, this I do anyway! All kidding aside, I appreciate the Romans passage. It is comforting to me to hear Paul - author of most of the New Testament - confess his struggle with the evil desires at war within himself.
but with the comfort comes a curse - I am tempted to relax my guard, knowing that this is a plight all Christians face... "don't beat yourself up too hard, Tom" I can hear myself think. If I'm not careful, I will justify my actions or attitudes and slip right off into carnality. No, this passage is meant to warn not comfort. Jesus may have paid the penalty for my sin, but I am still a sorry sinner. To the degree I allow sin to reign in my mortal body, to that same degree I divert the power of God in my life.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Human Trafficking
Scheduled Reading:
Nehemiah 11:1-12:26; Psalm 102:16-21; Proverbs 20:30-21:1; Romans 6:1-23
Selected Passage: Romans 6:19
It is interesting to note that in the post for Thursday, August 19, 2010 "The Road to Hope" a comment was made in reference to slavery - how the slaves had hope in the Glory of God through their simple faith. The writer was inspired by the simplicity and child-likeness of their faith in the face of such cruelty and hardship.
Today we are reading about being slaves to Righteousness versus being slaves to sin. EVERYONE is slaves to one master or the other. We are slaves to sin by default and must be purchased away from our master the devil by the blood of Jesus Christ. While the African slave business did not allow for the slave to choose his master, our spiritual slavery is our decision. Each person on the planet must individually choose at some point in his or her life who will be his master.
Romans 6:20 asked what benefit did we gain from sin being our master. The answer: death. Woo hoo! What a deal! Free from righteousness - for the small price of my eternal soul. Hmmm. What else ya got?
The great expectation was clearly stated in the verse before. And the author relates it to the familiar life enslaved to sin - it grew in its wickedness. As one was acclimated to a degree of wickedness, he or she became more tolerant of the next level down. This pattern continued until the eventual destruction of the body and eternal captivity of the soul.
Conversely, once we sign up to be slaves of righteousness, instead of slaves to sin resulting in death, the same pattern of development is expected! Except this time, the expectation is for ever-increasing righteousness - leading to eternal life - and attracting other slaves to sin to that abundant life. This is STRONG evidence that it is EXPECTED for Christians to GROW in Christ.
Would that the church grew in Righteousness at the rate (or greater) the world grew in wickedness!
Nehemiah 11:1-12:26; Psalm 102:16-21; Proverbs 20:30-21:1; Romans 6:1-23
Selected Passage: Romans 6:19
It is interesting to note that in the post for Thursday, August 19, 2010 "The Road to Hope" a comment was made in reference to slavery - how the slaves had hope in the Glory of God through their simple faith. The writer was inspired by the simplicity and child-likeness of their faith in the face of such cruelty and hardship.
Today we are reading about being slaves to Righteousness versus being slaves to sin. EVERYONE is slaves to one master or the other. We are slaves to sin by default and must be purchased away from our master the devil by the blood of Jesus Christ. While the African slave business did not allow for the slave to choose his master, our spiritual slavery is our decision. Each person on the planet must individually choose at some point in his or her life who will be his master.
Romans 6:20 asked what benefit did we gain from sin being our master. The answer: death. Woo hoo! What a deal! Free from righteousness - for the small price of my eternal soul. Hmmm. What else ya got?
The great expectation was clearly stated in the verse before. And the author relates it to the familiar life enslaved to sin - it grew in its wickedness. As one was acclimated to a degree of wickedness, he or she became more tolerant of the next level down. This pattern continued until the eventual destruction of the body and eternal captivity of the soul.
Conversely, once we sign up to be slaves of righteousness, instead of slaves to sin resulting in death, the same pattern of development is expected! Except this time, the expectation is for ever-increasing righteousness - leading to eternal life - and attracting other slaves to sin to that abundant life. This is STRONG evidence that it is EXPECTED for Christians to GROW in Christ.
Would that the church grew in Righteousness at the rate (or greater) the world grew in wickedness!
Friday, August 20, 2010
Aging Splendedly
Scheduled Reading:
Nehemiah 9:38-10:39; Psalm 102:9-15; Proverbs 20:27-29; Romans 5:6-21
Selected Passage:
Proverbs 20:29
Oh to be young again! Well, young coupled with the wisdom gained from years of experience! However, I've heard countless people say they'd never want to go back to the teenage years. I couldn't agree more! The proverb says that the glory of the young is their strength. Hollywood knows that quite well. In fact, our entertainment and advertising is full off images containing young men and women proudly displaying their... strength. Yet, so many of those strong, young bodies are engaging in such foolish behavior that it will soon sap them of their strength and age them beyond their years. Eventually, they too will comprehend the saying "Too soon old, too late wise."
But the splendor of the old is in their crowns of gray. Unlike fleeting youthful strength and stamina, wisdom grows exponentially with age. I remember well the influences of my teenage years and young adulthood. My own dad among them. He taught me many lessons by word and example, many of which I reference in messages I teach or preach. He taught me well the principle of running toward those with whom I may have conflict instead of away - so that we may be reconciled. Often his advice seemed right to my young mind, but somehow irrelevant. Oh, but now... now it is so much more fully understood, appreciated, and oft repeated to my own young son and daughter.
Who was for you that invested in your young life by taking the time to speak wisdom into your heart? What was it they said or did that stuck with you. Did it make sense at the time?
I'll comment on my own post in a moment about one such memory for myself. I'd love it if you'd follow suit!
Nehemiah 9:38-10:39; Psalm 102:9-15; Proverbs 20:27-29; Romans 5:6-21
Selected Passage:
Proverbs 20:29
Oh to be young again! Well, young coupled with the wisdom gained from years of experience! However, I've heard countless people say they'd never want to go back to the teenage years. I couldn't agree more! The proverb says that the glory of the young is their strength. Hollywood knows that quite well. In fact, our entertainment and advertising is full off images containing young men and women proudly displaying their... strength. Yet, so many of those strong, young bodies are engaging in such foolish behavior that it will soon sap them of their strength and age them beyond their years. Eventually, they too will comprehend the saying "Too soon old, too late wise."
But the splendor of the old is in their crowns of gray. Unlike fleeting youthful strength and stamina, wisdom grows exponentially with age. I remember well the influences of my teenage years and young adulthood. My own dad among them. He taught me many lessons by word and example, many of which I reference in messages I teach or preach. He taught me well the principle of running toward those with whom I may have conflict instead of away - so that we may be reconciled. Often his advice seemed right to my young mind, but somehow irrelevant. Oh, but now... now it is so much more fully understood, appreciated, and oft repeated to my own young son and daughter.
Who was for you that invested in your young life by taking the time to speak wisdom into your heart? What was it they said or did that stuck with you. Did it make sense at the time?
I'll comment on my own post in a moment about one such memory for myself. I'd love it if you'd follow suit!
Thursday, August 19, 2010
The Road to Hope
Scheduled Reading
Nehemiah 7:73-9:37; Psalm 102:3-8; Proverbs 20:25-26; Romans 4:9-5:5
Selected Passage: Romans 5:2b
"and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God."
Romans 5 is an often referenced passage. It is a favorite to refer to when one is contemplating the problem of suffering. Suffering is said, in this passage, to encourage us to persevere. If we persevere, then we grow in our character. As we grow in our character, we learn to hope. It can be read as a heart-warming passage, if we don't read it too closely.
Upon a more careful look, we might see that the passage is really more about our hope than it is our suffering. In fact suffering is simply a vehicle in which we arrive at hope.
And in what is our hope? The glory of God. So, we rejoice in our hope in the glory of God and we also rejoice in our sufferings because they usher us into our hope in the glory of God.
Why do you think the Glory of God can be described as our hope?
That is difficult to answer. However, if we understand that if God WILL be glorified and we benefit by being a part of that which glorifies Him, then we are on the cusp of beginning to understand. We are on the road to hope. Happy trails!
Nehemiah 7:73-9:37; Psalm 102:3-8; Proverbs 20:25-26; Romans 4:9-5:5
Selected Passage: Romans 5:2b
"and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God."
Romans 5 is an often referenced passage. It is a favorite to refer to when one is contemplating the problem of suffering. Suffering is said, in this passage, to encourage us to persevere. If we persevere, then we grow in our character. As we grow in our character, we learn to hope. It can be read as a heart-warming passage, if we don't read it too closely.
Upon a more careful look, we might see that the passage is really more about our hope than it is our suffering. In fact suffering is simply a vehicle in which we arrive at hope.
And in what is our hope? The glory of God. So, we rejoice in our hope in the glory of God and we also rejoice in our sufferings because they usher us into our hope in the glory of God.
Why do you think the Glory of God can be described as our hope?
That is difficult to answer. However, if we understand that if God WILL be glorified and we benefit by being a part of that which glorifies Him, then we are on the cusp of beginning to understand. We are on the road to hope. Happy trails!
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Good Credit
Scheduled Reading:
Nehemiah 6:15-7:72; Psalm 101:4-102:2; Proverbs 20:22-24; Romans 3:19-4:8
Selected Passage: Romans 4:3
A good credit rating is important these days. Not only does it help you get a good interest rate on a loan, it can also help you land a job. A poor credit report can prevent you from being hired. All you have to do to reduce your credit score, is be late a few times in paying your obligations. It is easy to louse up, and very difficult to restore.
Here Paul says that Abraham had credit with God just based on the fact that he BELIEVED what God said. I like those credit terms. And what did that credit in God's eyes gain for Abraham? Righteousness. What a deal. Believe what God says - believe enough to ACT on it- and He will accredit you with righteousness.
Believing and not doing is the same as NOT believing. The results are the same. So, when we say we believe God in a matter, then we ought to follow through with action. Abraham did - he left home, he put his son of the promise on the alter.
What is it that you say you believe God will do? Have you acted on that belief? What are you waiting for?
Nehemiah 6:15-7:72; Psalm 101:4-102:2; Proverbs 20:22-24; Romans 3:19-4:8
Selected Passage: Romans 4:3
A good credit rating is important these days. Not only does it help you get a good interest rate on a loan, it can also help you land a job. A poor credit report can prevent you from being hired. All you have to do to reduce your credit score, is be late a few times in paying your obligations. It is easy to louse up, and very difficult to restore.
Here Paul says that Abraham had credit with God just based on the fact that he BELIEVED what God said. I like those credit terms. And what did that credit in God's eyes gain for Abraham? Righteousness. What a deal. Believe what God says - believe enough to ACT on it- and He will accredit you with righteousness.
Believing and not doing is the same as NOT believing. The results are the same. So, when we say we believe God in a matter, then we ought to follow through with action. Abraham did - he left home, he put his son of the promise on the alter.
What is it that you say you believe God will do? Have you acted on that belief? What are you waiting for?
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Indulge
Scheduled Reading:
Nehemiah 4:1-6:14; Psalm 100:3-101:3; Proverbs 20:20-21; Romans 2:17-3:18
Selected Passage:
Psalm 101:3
I will not set any vile thing before my eyes,
I hate the deeds of faithless men
I will not let their deeds stick to me.
They say that the eyes are windows to the soul. I think that in today's culture, the eyes may be a portal into the soul of man. So many VILE things bombard us each day - via the television in our homes, the bil-boards on the roads, the way others dress around us, and the internet - oh the internet.
Some of the visuals we receive are thrust upon us and we can do precious little to thwart it. Other instances of filth set before our eyes, are of our own doing. We put ourselves in the path. Oh, we may shake our heads in disgust and question "why do they have to add THAT to the film?" or "Why do they play THOSE commercials during FAMILY time?" But the truth is, we pay for the services and they simply deliver what we ask for. Set no vile thing before my eyes.
Is it possible, too, that we allow the faithless men (and women) producing this entertainment influence us and our children as well? Is that what the psalmist meant by "cling"? Now don't get me wrong on this point. I am not a separatist. I believe that Jesus saved us from the penalty of sin, to live in the world to influence others toward His gift. That means we do live here and interact with the lost here. It does mean doing business with the lost, going to school with the lost, eating meals with the lost, all in an effort to influence toward the Kingdom of God. It does not mean blindly accepting and indulging ourselves in the ways of the lost.
Nehemiah 4:1-6:14; Psalm 100:3-101:3; Proverbs 20:20-21; Romans 2:17-3:18
Selected Passage:
Psalm 101:3
I will not set any vile thing before my eyes,
I hate the deeds of faithless men
I will not let their deeds stick to me.
They say that the eyes are windows to the soul. I think that in today's culture, the eyes may be a portal into the soul of man. So many VILE things bombard us each day - via the television in our homes, the bil-boards on the roads, the way others dress around us, and the internet - oh the internet.
Some of the visuals we receive are thrust upon us and we can do precious little to thwart it. Other instances of filth set before our eyes, are of our own doing. We put ourselves in the path. Oh, we may shake our heads in disgust and question "why do they have to add THAT to the film?" or "Why do they play THOSE commercials during FAMILY time?" But the truth is, we pay for the services and they simply deliver what we ask for. Set no vile thing before my eyes.
Is it possible, too, that we allow the faithless men (and women) producing this entertainment influence us and our children as well? Is that what the psalmist meant by "cling"? Now don't get me wrong on this point. I am not a separatist. I believe that Jesus saved us from the penalty of sin, to live in the world to influence others toward His gift. That means we do live here and interact with the lost here. It does mean doing business with the lost, going to school with the lost, eating meals with the lost, all in an effort to influence toward the Kingdom of God. It does not mean blindly accepting and indulging ourselves in the ways of the lost.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Gravel Goulash
Monday, August 16, 2010
Nehemiah 2:1-3:32; Psalm 99:5-100:2; Proverbs 20:17-19; Romans 2:1-16
Selected Passage: Proverbs 20:17
A mouth full of gravel. Gross! I can't even stand to have a grain of sand in my mouth, let alone a mouth full of gravel! None of us would intentionally chow down on such a diet.
How is it then, that we fall for the bait and switch? We know full well what the end is for our ill-gotten gains. But the tempter is quite adept at marketing his bogus and empty promises. And we are quite adept at convincing ourselves it will be OK this time. But it never is.
God promises that there is no new temptation for us. It is all tried and true. And with that promise God also provides a way of escape so that we may endure. We don't have to fall for the bait and switch.
So next time you are faced with a tempting deli sandwich with a side forbidden fruit, look for that promised escape route before you end up with a mouth full of rocks!
Nehemiah 2:1-3:32; Psalm 99:5-100:2; Proverbs 20:17-19; Romans 2:1-16
Selected Passage: Proverbs 20:17
A mouth full of gravel. Gross! I can't even stand to have a grain of sand in my mouth, let alone a mouth full of gravel! None of us would intentionally chow down on such a diet.
How is it then, that we fall for the bait and switch? We know full well what the end is for our ill-gotten gains. But the tempter is quite adept at marketing his bogus and empty promises. And we are quite adept at convincing ourselves it will be OK this time. But it never is.
God promises that there is no new temptation for us. It is all tried and true. And with that promise God also provides a way of escape so that we may endure. We don't have to fall for the bait and switch.
So next time you are faced with a tempting deli sandwich with a side forbidden fruit, look for that promised escape route before you end up with a mouth full of rocks!
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Not Ashamed - and Rightly So!
Scheduled Reading (Click here)
for Sunday, August 15, 2010
Ezra 10:1-Nehemiah 1:11; Psalm 98:8-99:4; Proverbs 20:15-16; Romans 1:16-32
Selected Passage:
Romans 1:16 -
I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes
Yesterday we explored how we are not ashamed of our sin, but we should be. Today Paul exclaims that he is not ashamed of the Gospel. Today I have the privilege of preaching at our church about Sharing Boldly. Sharing our story of what Christ has done for us is certainly a story worth sharing and most definitely one for which I am not ashamed. I believe we would be shouting it from the rooftops if we truly understood both the price paid for our salvation and the sheer horror of that from which we have been rescued.
We are fairly familiar with graphic descriptions of the crucifixion. Many have seen Mel Gibson's - The Passion of the Chirst. I can never get over the horror of what Jesus went through for me. I hope I never do. And sure, we know that hell awaits those who do not believe. Jesus described it as a place of weeping and gnashing of teeth. But what is it realy? We can never truly understand. But the worst part of it.... more than the heat and suffering... the worst part of it, I believe, is the fact that we will be separated from the Creator - for ever.
This was a thought too horrible for God to even finish speaking in Genesis 3:22-24. Read it in the link provided. See for yourself. Please, really do it. Now. He doesn't finish the sentence in verse 23. Other versions dress it up a bit and try to make it a complete statement. Not so in the Hebrew. The thought is too horrible to speak - that man should live forever separated from the God Who loves him.
So, no. I am not ashamed of the Good News! It is the greatest love story ever told. I'll tell to anyone who is willing to listen - and then some!
for Sunday, August 15, 2010
Ezra 10:1-Nehemiah 1:11; Psalm 98:8-99:4; Proverbs 20:15-16; Romans 1:16-32
Selected Passage:
Romans 1:16 -
I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes
Yesterday we explored how we are not ashamed of our sin, but we should be. Today Paul exclaims that he is not ashamed of the Gospel. Today I have the privilege of preaching at our church about Sharing Boldly. Sharing our story of what Christ has done for us is certainly a story worth sharing and most definitely one for which I am not ashamed. I believe we would be shouting it from the rooftops if we truly understood both the price paid for our salvation and the sheer horror of that from which we have been rescued.
We are fairly familiar with graphic descriptions of the crucifixion. Many have seen Mel Gibson's - The Passion of the Chirst. I can never get over the horror of what Jesus went through for me. I hope I never do. And sure, we know that hell awaits those who do not believe. Jesus described it as a place of weeping and gnashing of teeth. But what is it realy? We can never truly understand. But the worst part of it.... more than the heat and suffering... the worst part of it, I believe, is the fact that we will be separated from the Creator - for ever.
This was a thought too horrible for God to even finish speaking in Genesis 3:22-24. Read it in the link provided. See for yourself. Please, really do it. Now. He doesn't finish the sentence in verse 23. Other versions dress it up a bit and try to make it a complete statement. Not so in the Hebrew. The thought is too horrible to speak - that man should live forever separated from the God Who loves him.
So, no. I am not ashamed of the Good News! It is the greatest love story ever told. I'll tell to anyone who is willing to listen - and then some!
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Shamefully Unashamed
Scheduled Reading (Click here)
for Saturday, August 14, 2010
Ezra 8:1-9:15; Psalm 98:1-7; Proverbs 20:12-14; Acts 28:23-Romans 1:15
Selected Passage: Ezra 9
"...and the leaders and officials have led the way in this unfaithfulness. When I heard this, I tore my tunic and cloak, pulled hair from my head and beard and sat down appalled" And he stay that way until the evening sacrifice.
We all know that we all sin. It is no secret. It is not something that we are proud of - or at least we should not be proud of it. There are those numbered among Christians that are actually proud of their debauchery. They justify themselves by thinking themselves as "progressive" or "liberal". The rest of us still have some shame and sense of right and wrong. But are we appalled by our sin?
I hear a lot about God's grace and love. I even teach about it a lot. And I believe every word of it. God does love us; and it is by His grace that we are saved. There is NOTHING we can do to earn His love or His GIFT of salvation. Period. But I believe we major on His love and grace to the exclusion of His righteousness and His holiness. Not only HIS holiness, but also His command to US to be holy - because HE is Holy. (1 Peter 1:13-16) Go ahead, click that link and read it for yourself. I'll wait.
See? Not only is God holy, he expects us to be holy like Him.
When was the last time you were "appalled" by your sin? It is not the same as embarrassed or ashamed. That is fairly common. But to be appalled, and to stay that way publicly for an extended period of time, well that rarely happens. How can we expect a real movement of God in our lives, community, church, or country until we learn to be truly appalled by our sin?
My prayer: God help us comprehend the depth of our depravity AND the magnitude of your grace then make us holy.
for Saturday, August 14, 2010
Ezra 8:1-9:15; Psalm 98:1-7; Proverbs 20:12-14; Acts 28:23-Romans 1:15
Selected Passage: Ezra 9
"...and the leaders and officials have led the way in this unfaithfulness. When I heard this, I tore my tunic and cloak, pulled hair from my head and beard and sat down appalled" And he stay that way until the evening sacrifice.
We all know that we all sin. It is no secret. It is not something that we are proud of - or at least we should not be proud of it. There are those numbered among Christians that are actually proud of their debauchery. They justify themselves by thinking themselves as "progressive" or "liberal". The rest of us still have some shame and sense of right and wrong. But are we appalled by our sin?
I hear a lot about God's grace and love. I even teach about it a lot. And I believe every word of it. God does love us; and it is by His grace that we are saved. There is NOTHING we can do to earn His love or His GIFT of salvation. Period. But I believe we major on His love and grace to the exclusion of His righteousness and His holiness. Not only HIS holiness, but also His command to US to be holy - because HE is Holy. (1 Peter 1:13-16) Go ahead, click that link and read it for yourself. I'll wait.
See? Not only is God holy, he expects us to be holy like Him.
When was the last time you were "appalled" by your sin? It is not the same as embarrassed or ashamed. That is fairly common. But to be appalled, and to stay that way publicly for an extended period of time, well that rarely happens. How can we expect a real movement of God in our lives, community, church, or country until we learn to be truly appalled by our sin?
My prayer: God help us comprehend the depth of our depravity AND the magnitude of your grace then make us holy.
Friday, August 13, 2010
American Idols
Scheduled Reading for (Click here)
Friday, August 13, 2010
Ezra 6:1-7:28; Psalm 97:7-12; Proverbs 20:10-11; Acts 28:1-22
Selected Passage: Psalm 97
Aren't you glad that idolatry is a thing of the past. Well, American Idol not-withstanding... Today, we are better educated and much too civilized for such non-sense. The thought of enlightened people such as ourselves bowing down to a statue or figurine made of our own hands is laughable, strange, foreign, and incomprehensible.
I am left wondering what is the big appeal of an idol anyway? Most were made of gold or wood. Their worshipers called out to them and sacrificed to them in an effort to gain their favor in hopes of good fortune, success, wealth, and health. Why would they think that such things can be provided from an inanimate object that someone made with their own two hands? Curious. Very curious, indeed.
Indeed, today, in our enlightened and diverse society, we realize that we can rely on our own ingenuity and creativity to solve our own problems. We are proud of our ability to earn our way to good fortune, success & wealth. Advances in our medical care have allowed us to enjoy a good quality of life unrivaled to any other time in history. Our children lack for nothing their hearts desire. We have the power to earn an income to achieve whatever standard of living we desire for ourselves and our children.
And just to be safe, we have inscribed on our money "In God We Trust" just in case we are tempted to make money our god. We can be proud of our achievements. Who needs a god when we can be so self-reliant.
Oh... wait... we do. Except He is the One True God. Almighty God. Who IS and WAS and IS TO COME.
Our pride and self-reliance; our children and our careers; our status symbols and our livelihoods can all become our gods - those things we turn to to ensure our good fortune, success, wealth, and health. When we rely on those things that we can see, touch, feel, interact with or manipulate to ensure acquisition of the things we seek, we become foolish idolaters. Very foolish indeed.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Ezra 6:1-7:28; Psalm 97:7-12; Proverbs 20:10-11; Acts 28:1-22
Selected Passage: Psalm 97
Aren't you glad that idolatry is a thing of the past. Well, American Idol not-withstanding... Today, we are better educated and much too civilized for such non-sense. The thought of enlightened people such as ourselves bowing down to a statue or figurine made of our own hands is laughable, strange, foreign, and incomprehensible.
I am left wondering what is the big appeal of an idol anyway? Most were made of gold or wood. Their worshipers called out to them and sacrificed to them in an effort to gain their favor in hopes of good fortune, success, wealth, and health. Why would they think that such things can be provided from an inanimate object that someone made with their own two hands? Curious. Very curious, indeed.
Indeed, today, in our enlightened and diverse society, we realize that we can rely on our own ingenuity and creativity to solve our own problems. We are proud of our ability to earn our way to good fortune, success & wealth. Advances in our medical care have allowed us to enjoy a good quality of life unrivaled to any other time in history. Our children lack for nothing their hearts desire. We have the power to earn an income to achieve whatever standard of living we desire for ourselves and our children.
And just to be safe, we have inscribed on our money "In God We Trust" just in case we are tempted to make money our god. We can be proud of our achievements. Who needs a god when we can be so self-reliant.
Oh... wait... we do. Except He is the One True God. Almighty God. Who IS and WAS and IS TO COME.
Our pride and self-reliance; our children and our careers; our status symbols and our livelihoods can all become our gods - those things we turn to to ensure our good fortune, success, wealth, and health. When we rely on those things that we can see, touch, feel, interact with or manipulate to ensure acquisition of the things we seek, we become foolish idolaters. Very foolish indeed.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Opposed
Scheduled Reading: (Click here)
Ezra 3 - 5
Ezra is a story of grit determination. The men and women of the time were determined to rebuild the temple of the Lord for His glory. They were faced with serious opposition against the good work to which they were called. Their neighbors were jealous of the progress they were making. They even went so far as to take names and tattle to the king. Eventually the Israelites were forced to pause their progress.
Even though they were delayed in their work toward completing the task God had given them, they never lost sight of what it was that God had called them to do. They got back to it just as soon as they saw an opportunity. Of course, the tattle-tells (or is it tattle-tales or even tattle-tails?) were right their to discourage them.
Doesn't it seem that anytime we want to do a good work for the Glory of God we are faced with all sorts of discouragement? I have a good friend of mine named David who is experiencing some of that. His discouragement comes more from a lack of enthusiastic cooperation among other ministers and not so much from deliberate sabotage of his efforts. But the discouragement is just as real and could be just as effective, if he let it.
No matter what discouragement you are facing today, let me encourage you with this, if the Devil didn't care if you did it or not, he wouldn't try to discourage you from it. Armed with that perspective, get out your water pistol and charge the gates of Hell!
- Ezra 3:1-5:17
- Psalm 96:13-97:6
- Proverbs 20:7-9
- Acts 27:21-44
Ezra 3 - 5
Ezra is a story of grit determination. The men and women of the time were determined to rebuild the temple of the Lord for His glory. They were faced with serious opposition against the good work to which they were called. Their neighbors were jealous of the progress they were making. They even went so far as to take names and tattle to the king. Eventually the Israelites were forced to pause their progress.
Even though they were delayed in their work toward completing the task God had given them, they never lost sight of what it was that God had called them to do. They got back to it just as soon as they saw an opportunity. Of course, the tattle-tells (or is it tattle-tales or even tattle-tails?) were right their to discourage them.
Doesn't it seem that anytime we want to do a good work for the Glory of God we are faced with all sorts of discouragement? I have a good friend of mine named David who is experiencing some of that. His discouragement comes more from a lack of enthusiastic cooperation among other ministers and not so much from deliberate sabotage of his efforts. But the discouragement is just as real and could be just as effective, if he let it.
No matter what discouragement you are facing today, let me encourage you with this, if the Devil didn't care if you did it or not, he wouldn't try to discourage you from it. Armed with that perspective, get out your water pistol and charge the gates of Hell!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Lost At Sea
Image via Wikipedia- Ezra 1:1-2:70
- Psalm 96:7-12
- Proverbs 20:5-6
- Acts 27:1-20
The sea is unforgiving and indiscriminate. All of Mother Nature is, for that matter. Elsewhere Scripture says that it rains on the just and the unjust alike. Disease strikes wealthy, poor, Christian, heathen, good, evil, and all skin colors. Life isn't fair and nature doesn't care.
Things happen. Some say everything happens for a reason. Others say the laws of nature are set in motion and God does not interfere. They say God is the watch maker; He created all that we see, set the laws of nature and physics in motion (wound the watch) and walked away.
Personally, I don't buy either extreme view. I don't believe that EVERYTHING happens for a reason any more than I believe that God set it all up and walked away. I am perfectly comfortable with God setting up some things to happen as a course of nature and physics, while in other instances, God may manipulate events or circumstances to work out His will for His Glory. He is God. He can do that. We are not God. We have no say in the matter. I'm OK with that.
All that to say this, Paul experienced the hardship of being lost at sea in a fierce storm. He went without food or water for many days. If he somehow survived the storm, he faced the high likelihood of death at the hands of the crew. I don't know if God caused the storm. It matters little to me. I do know that God called Paul. Paul obeyed. God empowered Paul to do His will. God used Paul to reach a lot of people with the Gospel and his influence is still felt today.
Regardless of the cause of the difficulties in our lives, we can never be certain of the origins; but we can be certain that God will be glorified. We get to choose to willingly let our situation be used for God's glory and our good, or we can choose to let our situation be used for our destruction and Gods' glory. That's the choice we all face in all our situations.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Scheduled Reading: (click here to read)
Before Sunday School this past Sunday morning I was met in the hallway by a lady in our church named Henrietta. She's a sweet lady with her share of medical concerns, but always with a "praise the Lord" in her heart, if not on her lips. I asked her how she was doing, and she responded with a testimony of the Lord's faithfulness to her. He even repaired her washing machine! She said, she loaded it with clothes and turned it on and nothing happened. She prayed for God to fix the contraption and walked away. She said about five minutes later she heard the thing come on and start washing her load of clothes! She could hardly contain her excitement in telling me all about it. She "declared His marvelous deeds among all peoples."
What has God done in, around, or through you lately? share it with those around you. share it with me in a comment here. Can't think of anything? Consider how might that say more about you than it does God. Ouch. i know. But I respect you too much to let that go unaddressed. Check out yesterday's blog to see what you might need to do about that.
- 2 Chronicles 35:1-36:23
- Psalm 95:11-96:6
- Proverbs 20:2-4
- Acts 26:12-32
Before Sunday School this past Sunday morning I was met in the hallway by a lady in our church named Henrietta. She's a sweet lady with her share of medical concerns, but always with a "praise the Lord" in her heart, if not on her lips. I asked her how she was doing, and she responded with a testimony of the Lord's faithfulness to her. He even repaired her washing machine! She said, she loaded it with clothes and turned it on and nothing happened. She prayed for God to fix the contraption and walked away. She said about five minutes later she heard the thing come on and start washing her load of clothes! She could hardly contain her excitement in telling me all about it. She "declared His marvelous deeds among all peoples."
What has God done in, around, or through you lately? share it with those around you. share it with me in a comment here. Can't think of anything? Consider how might that say more about you than it does God. Ouch. i know. But I respect you too much to let that go unaddressed. Check out yesterday's blog to see what you might need to do about that.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Impatient Me
Scheduled Reading:
2 Chronicles 33:1-34:33
Psalm 95:5-10
Proverbs 19:29-20:1
Acts 25:13-26:11
Selected Passage: 2 Chronicles 34 & Acts 25
Both of these passages have a related theme: Godly men doing the right thing, despite the difficulty of doing so. Josiah doing the right thing since he was 8 years old - fearing and respecting the Lord, at 16 years old he began to seek God to know Him. By the time Josiah was 20 years old, he began to act on what he knew about God from spending that time with Him. Some time later in his twenties, he discovered the Book of the Law and began enacting painful reform for the kingdom based on what he learned about God's expectations from His people.
In Acts, Paul defends himself from the hostile Jewish religious leaders to the Roman authorities. He speaks the truth, without compromise or apology - regardless of the consequences.
Do we have the courage to do what it takes to do the right things? Do we have the patience required to even hear from God's word to know what those right things are? So many times we impatiently go about doing what we can about what we see; when actually all we need to be be about is seeking God on the matter - in His Word and in prayer. But that takes patience and faith. Two qualities I fear are in short supply in our instant gratification society these days.
2 Chronicles 33:1-34:33
Psalm 95:5-10
Proverbs 19:29-20:1
Acts 25:13-26:11
Selected Passage: 2 Chronicles 34 & Acts 25
Both of these passages have a related theme: Godly men doing the right thing, despite the difficulty of doing so. Josiah doing the right thing since he was 8 years old - fearing and respecting the Lord, at 16 years old he began to seek God to know Him. By the time Josiah was 20 years old, he began to act on what he knew about God from spending that time with Him. Some time later in his twenties, he discovered the Book of the Law and began enacting painful reform for the kingdom based on what he learned about God's expectations from His people.
In Acts, Paul defends himself from the hostile Jewish religious leaders to the Roman authorities. He speaks the truth, without compromise or apology - regardless of the consequences.
Do we have the courage to do what it takes to do the right things? Do we have the patience required to even hear from God's word to know what those right things are? So many times we impatiently go about doing what we can about what we see; when actually all we need to be be about is seeking God on the matter - in His Word and in prayer. But that takes patience and faith. Two qualities I fear are in short supply in our instant gratification society these days.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Do the Difficult
Scheduled Reading: (click here to read)
2 Chronicles 29:3
Do the Difficult
Dave Ransey is known for saying "Normal is broke, be weird." He advises his listeners and readers to do the hard work required to get out of debt as quickly as they can and stay that way. He does an excellent job of guiding people step by step out of the pit of debt, no matter how deep. An avid follower of Dave's baby steps myself, I have experienced both the difficult disciplines required to get out of debt and the remarkable freedom being debt free can provide. I highly recommend everyone participate in his practical and effective strategy. "It will change your family tree."
What does that have to do with what we read today? Everything. Young King Hezekiah hit the ground running when he began his reign. He followed the Lord God with all his heart and knew what had to be done. It would not be popular. It would not be easy. It would be largely not-understood. But he did what he knew must be done. He did the difficult. He cleaned out the temple of the Lord.
Years of neglect from prior administrations left the temple in disarray and full of "unclean things". The people learned bad habits and most had no idea what they ought to live. As a result young King Hezekiah had his work cut out for him.
How about you? Have there been areas in your life where you have allowed years of neglect to accumulate "unclean things"? You are the administration. You are the only one to blame. You are the only one who can fix it. Abiding in God's Word will be foundational to all that you will accomplish as you determine in your heart do do the hard things required to set things right.
I'd love to hear from you in the comments or by private email (remove the first word in the email address link. It is there to prevent automated garbage) what you believe God is laying on your heart to clean out of His temple. r
- 2 Chronicles 29:1-31:1;
- Psalm 94:15-20;
- Proverbs 19:24-25;
- Acts 24:1-21
2 Chronicles 29:3
Do the Difficult
Dave Ransey is known for saying "Normal is broke, be weird." He advises his listeners and readers to do the hard work required to get out of debt as quickly as they can and stay that way. He does an excellent job of guiding people step by step out of the pit of debt, no matter how deep. An avid follower of Dave's baby steps myself, I have experienced both the difficult disciplines required to get out of debt and the remarkable freedom being debt free can provide. I highly recommend everyone participate in his practical and effective strategy. "It will change your family tree."
What does that have to do with what we read today? Everything. Young King Hezekiah hit the ground running when he began his reign. He followed the Lord God with all his heart and knew what had to be done. It would not be popular. It would not be easy. It would be largely not-understood. But he did what he knew must be done. He did the difficult. He cleaned out the temple of the Lord.
Years of neglect from prior administrations left the temple in disarray and full of "unclean things". The people learned bad habits and most had no idea what they ought to live. As a result young King Hezekiah had his work cut out for him.
How about you? Have there been areas in your life where you have allowed years of neglect to accumulate "unclean things"? You are the administration. You are the only one to blame. You are the only one who can fix it. Abiding in God's Word will be foundational to all that you will accomplish as you determine in your heart do do the hard things required to set things right.
I'd love to hear from you in the comments or by private email (remove the first word in the email address link. It is there to prevent automated garbage) what you believe God is laying on your heart to clean out of His temple. r
Friday, August 6, 2010
Knows It All
Scheduled Reading:
Who are we to think we can hide a thing from God Almighty? That seems to be the point of the Psalm. What? Do we think that God doesn't see what we do in secret? He created the gift of vision! Of course He sees everything. Do we think that God does not hear our words uttered in private? If so, we would be oh so very wrong. Our thoughts? Yep. He understands them loud and clear.
Now, and be perfectly clear on this... it should NOT be perceived as a treat to us the God knows us so intimately. Although our gut tends to race to that "uh oh" feeling, it should actually be rejoicing in the fact that God knows are hearts, words, and deeds done in secret. That is a good thing. At least it is if we are doing our very best to conform to the image of Christ! We should be doing good things for people in secret and not for show. We should be uttering a quite prayer for ourselves and others, without ceasing. We should have pure thoughts, motives and intentions behind our actions and words.
And if we do, then our hearts can leap for joy, knowing our God knows. Our God knows.
- 2 Chronicles 26:1-28:27
- Psalm 94:8-14
- Proverbs 19:21-23
- Acts 23:12-35
Who are we to think we can hide a thing from God Almighty? That seems to be the point of the Psalm. What? Do we think that God doesn't see what we do in secret? He created the gift of vision! Of course He sees everything. Do we think that God does not hear our words uttered in private? If so, we would be oh so very wrong. Our thoughts? Yep. He understands them loud and clear.
Now, and be perfectly clear on this... it should NOT be perceived as a treat to us the God knows us so intimately. Although our gut tends to race to that "uh oh" feeling, it should actually be rejoicing in the fact that God knows are hearts, words, and deeds done in secret. That is a good thing. At least it is if we are doing our very best to conform to the image of Christ! We should be doing good things for people in secret and not for show. We should be uttering a quite prayer for ourselves and others, without ceasing. We should have pure thoughts, motives and intentions behind our actions and words.
And if we do, then our hearts can leap for joy, knowing our God knows. Our God knows.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Help Wanted
Scheduled Reading:
I don't believe for a minute the above Psalm applies only to people with hot tempers! Personal experience in my own foolishness and in the behavior of others around me has proven this proverb quite true.
So many times we think we do others a kindness when we rescue them from their troubles brought on by their own neglect or foolish behavior. Misguided benevolence on our part actually sentences a poor soul to a lifetime of folly.
Consider the shoe being on the other foot for a moment. How about when we commit the foolishness. Do we not believe that the mercy and grace extended to us by those around us when we fail, is a help? I wonder at times how my life would be different today had someone left me to wallow in my mistakes just a bit longer. On this side of things, it is a bit easier to see how yesterday's kindnesses have grown into today's accomplices.
In the big mix of it all, however, it is difficult to tell when we are enabling or when we are really helping. Our hind sight is 20/20 vision. However the Holy Spirit sees all things perfectly well now. So we must rely on His direction when we help others - or want to cry out for help ourselves.
- 2 Chronicles 24 - 25
- Psalm 94:2-7
- Proverbs 19:19-20
- Acts 22:22-23:11
I don't believe for a minute the above Psalm applies only to people with hot tempers! Personal experience in my own foolishness and in the behavior of others around me has proven this proverb quite true.
So many times we think we do others a kindness when we rescue them from their troubles brought on by their own neglect or foolish behavior. Misguided benevolence on our part actually sentences a poor soul to a lifetime of folly.
Consider the shoe being on the other foot for a moment. How about when we commit the foolishness. Do we not believe that the mercy and grace extended to us by those around us when we fail, is a help? I wonder at times how my life would be different today had someone left me to wallow in my mistakes just a bit longer. On this side of things, it is a bit easier to see how yesterday's kindnesses have grown into today's accomplices.
In the big mix of it all, however, it is difficult to tell when we are enabling or when we are really helping. Our hind sight is 20/20 vision. However the Holy Spirit sees all things perfectly well now. So we must rely on His direction when we help others - or want to cry out for help ourselves.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Garrage Sale - Free Stuff!
Image via Wikipedia- 2 Chronicles 21 - 23
- Psalm 92:15- 93:5
- Proverbs 19:16-18
- Acts 22:1-21
Garrage Sale - Free Stuff!
Our church is having a garage sale this weekend. Well, it is not really a garage SALE, because we are not actually selling anything. Our members are bringing things to the church to give away to our neighborhood. So, I guess it would more aptly be named a "Garage Give-Away"; but that just sounds strange. Even then I haven't quite described the project accurately.
On Friday, our members will be bringing in their offerings. On Saturday our pastor, Dr. David Holder, will prayerfully dedicate all the donated items to the Lord. Then, we will set everything out on our church lawn and try to give it all away to whoever comes. Our youth will be cooking up and giving away free hot dogs! So, really our members are giving the items to the Lord and HE is distributing them as He sees fit.
I believe this is a great way to express the concept of giving to others and lending to the Lord. The church is never more like Christ than when she gives of her best with no expectations of anything in return. The great thing about it is, we don't have to wait for some church or organization to come up with the idea. We can do this every day with people we know or come across.
Let me challenge you one step further. While giving away things we don't want or need so that other people can benefit from them, is a good gesture, that is not what true Christian charity is. To give as Jesus gave, is to give, not out of our surplus, but sacrificially. We should give out of a heart of love even from possessions we would miss if we gave them away.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Scheduled Reading: (Click here)
s] 
Show IPA
- 2 Chronicles 18:28 - 20
- Psalm 92:9-14
- Proverbs 19:14-15
- Acts 21:27-40
12The righteous will flourish like a palm tree,
they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon;
13 planted in the house of the LORD,
they will flourish in the courts of our God.
right·eous
[rahy-chuhs] Show IPA –adjective
1. characterized by uprightness or morality: a righteous observance of the law.
2. morally right or justifiable: righteous indignation.
3. acting in an upright, moral way; virtuous: a righteous and godly person.
4. Slang . absolutely genuine or wonderful: some righteous playing by a jazz great.
–noun
5. the righteous, ( used with a plural verb ) righteous persons collectively.
) righteous persons collectively.Seldom will a righteous (godly, virtuous) person see the full reward for his efforts here on the earth. It is, rather, much more likely he will reap punishment, discouragement, and disadvantages for his moral and ethical decisions. But the Psalms make it very clear here that such deeds do not go ignored by our Heavenly Father. The Psalmist says that the righteous will flourish in the courts of our God.
Be careful here, though. We shouldn't temper our behavior with righteousness in order to have some special standing or inside track with God. Such motives are easily discerned by the Reader of all Hearts. Right behavior from impure motives is a good start for training children into proper behavior and attitudes. But as we grow as adults and into maturing believers, we should jettison the training wheels of impure motives. Rather, we would be wise to simply do what is righteous simply because it is the only way to glorify and honor the Father with our lives.
The more we are about glorifying God with our lives the more we become like Jesus.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Ranging Eyes and Wandering Hearts
Scheduled Reading (Click here to read)
For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.
Just yesterday we were reading about Asa and how he did what he could to prepare himself while relying on the Lord to win the battle. Now today, we read that Asa was an over-achiever. He quit relying on the Lord, and began to rely on others around him. There is a big difference between being prudent and being expedient. Yesterday, Asa was being prudent, responsible, wise. Today, Asa appears to be faithless, calculating, and shrewd.
I believe his success came with a curse. He allowed pride to take root. He began to believe that he could manipulate his circumstances apart from God. We must all be careful with success when it follows obedience to God, lest we be tempted to take credit for ourselves. Always be careful to intentionally and gratefully acknowledge and glorify God for the work He has accomplished around you.
Look at this way... God is up to something amazing, and He invites you to have a front row seat to watch Him work right in front of you.
- 2 Chronicles 16 - 18:27
- Psalm 92:2-8
- Proverbs 18:11-13
- Acts 21:1-26
For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.
Just yesterday we were reading about Asa and how he did what he could to prepare himself while relying on the Lord to win the battle. Now today, we read that Asa was an over-achiever. He quit relying on the Lord, and began to rely on others around him. There is a big difference between being prudent and being expedient. Yesterday, Asa was being prudent, responsible, wise. Today, Asa appears to be faithless, calculating, and shrewd.
I believe his success came with a curse. He allowed pride to take root. He began to believe that he could manipulate his circumstances apart from God. We must all be careful with success when it follows obedience to God, lest we be tempted to take credit for ourselves. Always be careful to intentionally and gratefully acknowledge and glorify God for the work He has accomplished around you.
Look at this way... God is up to something amazing, and He invites you to have a front row seat to watch Him work right in front of you.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Millions Against Thousands
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Scheduled Reading: (Click here to read the passages; Click back in your browser to return to the devotional)
It's 580,000 if you do the math. Over 1/2 of 1,000,000 "brave fighting men" with shields, spears, and arrows. That is no small number. Yet Asa pled his case to the Lord - we are weak and powerless and will be defeated if you are not with us. In the NIV the verse is a bit vague as to the size of his opponents. The literal Hebrew is a tad more specific than "vast": thousands of thousands which more than likely is to be understood as "millions"... with chariots.
Have you ever felt overwhelmed like that? Doubtful that you have been under a military siege of millions of soldiers, but your troubles are significant in their own right. Perhaps you have bills you are not quite sure from where the funds will come to pay them. Perhaps it is a doctor's report that has you against a wall. It very well could be a relationship going south. It could be all of the above.
Asa did what he could to be prepared for contingencies. Yet even though he was prepared on his end, he understood that his success depended on the presence of the Lord and His glory. The same holds for us in our battles. We are responsible for our part, to be sure. At the same time we are to rely on the Lord for the victories with which we seek to glorify Him.
Scheduled Reading: (Click here to read the passages; Click back in your browser to return to the devotional)
- 2 Chronicles 13 - 15
- Psalm 91:12-92:1
- Proverbs 19:9-10
- Acts 20:17-38
It's 580,000 if you do the math. Over 1/2 of 1,000,000 "brave fighting men" with shields, spears, and arrows. That is no small number. Yet Asa pled his case to the Lord - we are weak and powerless and will be defeated if you are not with us. In the NIV the verse is a bit vague as to the size of his opponents. The literal Hebrew is a tad more specific than "vast": thousands of thousands which more than likely is to be understood as "millions"... with chariots.
Have you ever felt overwhelmed like that? Doubtful that you have been under a military siege of millions of soldiers, but your troubles are significant in their own right. Perhaps you have bills you are not quite sure from where the funds will come to pay them. Perhaps it is a doctor's report that has you against a wall. It very well could be a relationship going south. It could be all of the above.
Asa did what he could to be prepared for contingencies. Yet even though he was prepared on his end, he understood that his success depended on the presence of the Lord and His glory. The same holds for us in our battles. We are responsible for our part, to be sure. At the same time we are to rely on the Lord for the victories with which we seek to glorify Him.
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