Talk about fulfilling your vow to the Lord! Wow! Hannah gave her son! There is a great lesson in that to be searched out by all.
My attention was drawn to the curse on Eli. Not only did the sons of Eli do evil in the sight of God, but evidentially Eli got fat off the fat portions of the offerings taken illegally. He not only didn’t stop their sin (although he rebuked them), he partook in some of the fruits of their sin. The curse on him was crazy! It was far reaching – throughout the generations to come no male would grow old, but die in the prime of life. Worse than that was the fact that his family line would NOT minister before the Lord.
What we do in life, the way we live, the way we minister to the Lord and before the Lord has far reaching effects. What I do will affect not only my kids, but my children’s children and beyond! I have more power than I think, and my life choices are more important than I think. My life choices are in actuality hundreds of decisions that I make everyday which control my life path. Does that make sense? Everyday all of my small decisions determine my day and not one decision on a Sunday under the inspiration of the Spirit. (Although it is good to make decisions on Sunday). My descendants, I am convinced, will live under a great blessing because of the way I live, the way I treat sin, and the way I serve the Lord. This story gives me pause to realize how important my actions are and that what I do affects others. I have the choice either to adversely affect them or bring them a great blessing. I choose blessing – by the way I live.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Thursday, March 25, 2010
March 25
The last verse of the book of Judges speaks loud doesn’t it? “in those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit.” Today’s reading was about that wasn’t it? A town of men who acted like Sodomites. A tribe that refused to punish them. A country of people who made vows they shouldn’t have and then figured a sinful way around them. These were a people who did as they wanted.
“They had no king”, will not exactly. They had a king, in fact each of them had three kings – me, myself and I. God was supposed to be their king! God was supposed to rule them! He is the king of the earth and will extract nothing for His own good like an earthly king. Yet the Israelites, as we are about to read, wanted – no needed (so they thought) a king. (Because that is how everyone else does it).
Whenever I self rule I get into trouble. These days it isn’t sexual sins (like the Benjamites) and the more troubling outward sins, but nonetheless, it is trouble. It is the inner anxiety, the stress, the doubts that create a place for worry, lack of love and lack of joy. If I am honest, maybe a little paranoia creeps in as well. That thought that it is all not going to work out and people are against me. That all comes from self rule. God is teaching me that I can’t make it an hour without giving it to Him, without uttering words of praise, without directing my own soul, which is working hard for God, to His Lordship. It is my submission to my King that brings me life and keeps my foes defeated and keeps me living in the flow of His life.
“They had no king”, will not exactly. They had a king, in fact each of them had three kings – me, myself and I. God was supposed to be their king! God was supposed to rule them! He is the king of the earth and will extract nothing for His own good like an earthly king. Yet the Israelites, as we are about to read, wanted – no needed (so they thought) a king. (Because that is how everyone else does it).
Whenever I self rule I get into trouble. These days it isn’t sexual sins (like the Benjamites) and the more troubling outward sins, but nonetheless, it is trouble. It is the inner anxiety, the stress, the doubts that create a place for worry, lack of love and lack of joy. If I am honest, maybe a little paranoia creeps in as well. That thought that it is all not going to work out and people are against me. That all comes from self rule. God is teaching me that I can’t make it an hour without giving it to Him, without uttering words of praise, without directing my own soul, which is working hard for God, to His Lordship. It is my submission to my King that brings me life and keeps my foes defeated and keeps me living in the flow of His life.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
March 24
Wow! What a day huh? Today left me depressed. How sad. Here is what the Lord spoke to me.
A priest was looking for a place to live. A Levite, someone who was dedicated to ministering before the Lord was wandering and looking for a place to live, and I would say for a place to “go to church and minister”. He happened upon someone who needed him and the priest said yes! He used His gift in a place that had made a cast idol and had other idols and an ephod. Remember that an ephod was used by a priest in his priestly duties, especially when the priest was connecting with God. When the spies from Dan asked him to seek the Lord for them, he did and said that the Lord would give them the victory. So the Levite, looking for a place, finding it with a family who worshipped idols still was able to seek the Lord and give an answer to the Danites!
I have to be careful to not become a people pleaser, but to use my gifts and position in the Kingdom for the Lord’s given service and not anybody else’s. I must minister where God wants me to minister and also lead the people to Christ, even if they want to hang on to their idols that they are very invested in.
Usually I apply this to me, as I have done above, but I want to encourage you that just because you are not a “pastor”, doesn’t mean that this doesn’t apply to you. You are a priest in every sense of the word and can apply this to your life. Think about it.
By the way, this priest left the small family and went to the big tribe so he could perform his duties before more people. NOT because God sent him.
A priest was looking for a place to live. A Levite, someone who was dedicated to ministering before the Lord was wandering and looking for a place to live, and I would say for a place to “go to church and minister”. He happened upon someone who needed him and the priest said yes! He used His gift in a place that had made a cast idol and had other idols and an ephod. Remember that an ephod was used by a priest in his priestly duties, especially when the priest was connecting with God. When the spies from Dan asked him to seek the Lord for them, he did and said that the Lord would give them the victory. So the Levite, looking for a place, finding it with a family who worshipped idols still was able to seek the Lord and give an answer to the Danites!
I have to be careful to not become a people pleaser, but to use my gifts and position in the Kingdom for the Lord’s given service and not anybody else’s. I must minister where God wants me to minister and also lead the people to Christ, even if they want to hang on to their idols that they are very invested in.
Usually I apply this to me, as I have done above, but I want to encourage you that just because you are not a “pastor”, doesn’t mean that this doesn’t apply to you. You are a priest in every sense of the word and can apply this to your life. Think about it.
By the way, this priest left the small family and went to the big tribe so he could perform his duties before more people. NOT because God sent him.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
March 23
Lessons from today: Don’t sleep so soundly! How do you get tied up in your sleep without waking? Second lesson: “fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, I’m dull.”
Seriously, I asked the Lord to show me something new that I had never seen before and He did. I was reading a different translation than usual and I happened upon Judges 13:18 and it said, “Why do you ask for my name?” said the messenger of the Lord, It is a name that works miracles.” The usual translation is, “it is too wonderful for you to understand.” In researching the word, it does have the connotation of miracles within the character of the person who is being spoken of, which in this case is a wonderful person beyond our understanding.
God is someone who is beyond our understanding and WORKS MIRACLES! Think about the miracles that Samson worked! Killing the lion, killing so many Philistines single handedly, being about to break any ropes, calling on God and seeing water come out of a rock – need I go on? His life, by the power of God was miraculous. Somehow, there was a transfer of GOD’s miraculous power to Samson! It was as if this miraculous too wonderful for us to understand God was working through Samson again and again.
He does that for me too! His name is written on me! I am miraculous because He lives in me. Whatever Samson did, I can do and beyond that! What is too hard for me? Nothing! Why? Because He who lives in me is BEYOND understanding and His abilities cannot be counted!
Seriously, I asked the Lord to show me something new that I had never seen before and He did. I was reading a different translation than usual and I happened upon Judges 13:18 and it said, “Why do you ask for my name?” said the messenger of the Lord, It is a name that works miracles.” The usual translation is, “it is too wonderful for you to understand.” In researching the word, it does have the connotation of miracles within the character of the person who is being spoken of, which in this case is a wonderful person beyond our understanding.
God is someone who is beyond our understanding and WORKS MIRACLES! Think about the miracles that Samson worked! Killing the lion, killing so many Philistines single handedly, being about to break any ropes, calling on God and seeing water come out of a rock – need I go on? His life, by the power of God was miraculous. Somehow, there was a transfer of GOD’s miraculous power to Samson! It was as if this miraculous too wonderful for us to understand God was working through Samson again and again.
He does that for me too! His name is written on me! I am miraculous because He lives in me. Whatever Samson did, I can do and beyond that! What is too hard for me? Nothing! Why? Because He who lives in me is BEYOND understanding and His abilities cannot be counted!
Saturday, March 20, 2010
March 20
Honestly, I wish this were one of the days that I didn’t blog, but here it is, a story that saddens the heart. The thing that gets me the most is the compassion of God and how slow to anger He is. At the end of our reading today it says that God repaid the wickedness that Abimelech had done to his father… God waited 3 years before the judgment came. That sure seems like a long time. You can look at this 2 ways. You can complain about God taking so long or you can see the patient Father. God is slow to anger and I am personally glad about that! He has been so patient with me, and given me time to change. Although Abimelech would be dealt with because killing 70 innocents warrants judgment, so does my sin. God is compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.
Friday, March 19, 2010
March 19
I love this story! This time it only took 9 years to get tired of being oppressed. Hmmm…
God’s strength is perfected in our weakness. God just loves taking a guy like me, insecure, not fathered, not talented, not much of anything and turn him into a man who can bring him glory! What I was then and what I am now is so different! God has used me marvelously and I came from nothing and was planning to not amount to much. Gideon and I are buddies.
Gideon said, I come from the weakest tribe and the smallest clan… Basically he was saying; Hey God, you picked the wrong guy! God’s reply is the reply He gives me when I am down and feeling like He picked the wrong guy. “I picked the right guy to bring myself glory.” Then he tells Gideon to send the army home and just keep 300. God wanted to make sure that Israel knew who won this battle. It is interesting to note that Gideon didn’t squabble about it. This process (story) that we read in 10 minutes may have taken a year (or at least months). Gideon had learned that God was with him and that the answer to his first question – “how can I accomplish this?” – was still the same – “because I am with you.”
Via con Dios – go with God!
God’s strength is perfected in our weakness. God just loves taking a guy like me, insecure, not fathered, not talented, not much of anything and turn him into a man who can bring him glory! What I was then and what I am now is so different! God has used me marvelously and I came from nothing and was planning to not amount to much. Gideon and I are buddies.
Gideon said, I come from the weakest tribe and the smallest clan… Basically he was saying; Hey God, you picked the wrong guy! God’s reply is the reply He gives me when I am down and feeling like He picked the wrong guy. “I picked the right guy to bring myself glory.” Then he tells Gideon to send the army home and just keep 300. God wanted to make sure that Israel knew who won this battle. It is interesting to note that Gideon didn’t squabble about it. This process (story) that we read in 10 minutes may have taken a year (or at least months). Gideon had learned that God was with him and that the answer to his first question – “how can I accomplish this?” – was still the same – “because I am with you.”
Via con Dios – go with God!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
March 18
At first I wanted to write about honor because Deborah told Barak that because of his refusal to take the direction of the Lord, he would not have the honor of killing the opposing commander Sisera. Honor is a worthy subject, but deserves much more than I can write here. My question for all of us is this; where has the sense of honor gone and where is our desire to have it given to us because we have earned it? Not that we should desire a badge of honor from another, but how about our own sense of honorableness
The lesson that the Lord applied to my life is one of serving other gods – again! The Israelites served other gods and war came to the city gates, yet there were no warriors to fight! Why? Because when you serve other gods (anything besides God including material objects like a car or a purse), you become afraid. Turning your eyes off God leads to bondage, which always brings fear to your heart. Even those who are predators do what they do out of fear. The Lord is saying to me that one of the ways that I can tell if I have turned my eyes from Him is that I don’t fight when I am obligated to, or when I am being attacked and put in bondage. The enemy is sometimes subtle with bondage, trying to slip it in through the disguise of freedom, but if I am giving my all to my Lord and God, then I will see the enemy at my gate and take up my sword for battle.
Rereading this, I think I am on to something. People who are fearful are people who are in bondage. The bondage is a result of not trusting in God’s ability to do (whatever). We don’t trust when we turn to other gods (like our own strength) and forget the great ability and power of our God. It takes a steady “walk” with the Lord to be deeply convicted of His great love for you.
The lesson that the Lord applied to my life is one of serving other gods – again! The Israelites served other gods and war came to the city gates, yet there were no warriors to fight! Why? Because when you serve other gods (anything besides God including material objects like a car or a purse), you become afraid. Turning your eyes off God leads to bondage, which always brings fear to your heart. Even those who are predators do what they do out of fear. The Lord is saying to me that one of the ways that I can tell if I have turned my eyes from Him is that I don’t fight when I am obligated to, or when I am being attacked and put in bondage. The enemy is sometimes subtle with bondage, trying to slip it in through the disguise of freedom, but if I am giving my all to my Lord and God, then I will see the enemy at my gate and take up my sword for battle.
Rereading this, I think I am on to something. People who are fearful are people who are in bondage. The bondage is a result of not trusting in God’s ability to do (whatever). We don’t trust when we turn to other gods (like our own strength) and forget the great ability and power of our God. It takes a steady “walk” with the Lord to be deeply convicted of His great love for you.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
March 17
What a reading packed with lessons today! God is awesome!
First of all – teach the Lord to your kids and grandkids! The advantage that we have is that God’s mighty miracles happen all the time! Only believe and you will see them at your hand, and we can tell of God’s great exploits through US, so our children will know the Lord! In fact, take them with you to minister! My children will only forget if I cease to tell them and bring them with me to minister. Who else is going to teach them the fear of the Lord except one like me who has been sternly corrected and felt the sting of God’s discipline? (That is always done for my benefit).
Secondly, the Lord kept the enemies of the Israelites around to “prove” Israel. He knew that they needed “a reason” to turn to Him, and He used people like the Philistines to do it. Isn’t it interesting that it took 80 years of bondage? Well, maybe the bondage was comfortable for a time – hmm… sounds like us. Here is the lesson: God will NOT let me reign in complete authority if I remain rebellious and follow other gods, like the God of Terry! They worshipped other man-made gods, I (we) worship myself (ourselves). Worship comes from “worthscipe” and then “worthship” to “worship”. It is ascribing “worth” and in this case ascribing more worth to it (self – self desires – doing what you want, living in a way that you want), than to God. There is no competition, there is either God OR self, God OR money… When anything takes God’s place of prominence in the people who have a covenant with God, then God uses the enemies of God, (other people, additions, sexuality, poverty and other enemies) to subdue us. Why can’t we use our authority in Christ? Because the enemy has gained more authority than us! By our rebellion (ie. Getting drunk and partying) the spirits that are against us gain more authority than us in that area BECAUSE of our rebellion. Don’t you see that God uses this to bring us back to Him? He has done it dozens of times in my life. Not with drunkenness, but I have been broken before Him by whatever I have allowed into my life in order that I would submit that part of my life to Him. (ie. Heart arithmia caused by stress brought me to a submission of my schedule). Then, the freedom comes! My authority in Christ rises up and I defeat my enemies (in the strength of God) – Hallelujah!!!
Oh God keep me from giving myself over to anything but you – but if I do, please use my enemies to bring me back to your feet.
First of all – teach the Lord to your kids and grandkids! The advantage that we have is that God’s mighty miracles happen all the time! Only believe and you will see them at your hand, and we can tell of God’s great exploits through US, so our children will know the Lord! In fact, take them with you to minister! My children will only forget if I cease to tell them and bring them with me to minister. Who else is going to teach them the fear of the Lord except one like me who has been sternly corrected and felt the sting of God’s discipline? (That is always done for my benefit).
Secondly, the Lord kept the enemies of the Israelites around to “prove” Israel. He knew that they needed “a reason” to turn to Him, and He used people like the Philistines to do it. Isn’t it interesting that it took 80 years of bondage? Well, maybe the bondage was comfortable for a time – hmm… sounds like us. Here is the lesson: God will NOT let me reign in complete authority if I remain rebellious and follow other gods, like the God of Terry! They worshipped other man-made gods, I (we) worship myself (ourselves). Worship comes from “worthscipe” and then “worthship” to “worship”. It is ascribing “worth” and in this case ascribing more worth to it (self – self desires – doing what you want, living in a way that you want), than to God. There is no competition, there is either God OR self, God OR money… When anything takes God’s place of prominence in the people who have a covenant with God, then God uses the enemies of God, (other people, additions, sexuality, poverty and other enemies) to subdue us. Why can’t we use our authority in Christ? Because the enemy has gained more authority than us! By our rebellion (ie. Getting drunk and partying) the spirits that are against us gain more authority than us in that area BECAUSE of our rebellion. Don’t you see that God uses this to bring us back to Him? He has done it dozens of times in my life. Not with drunkenness, but I have been broken before Him by whatever I have allowed into my life in order that I would submit that part of my life to Him. (ie. Heart arithmia caused by stress brought me to a submission of my schedule). Then, the freedom comes! My authority in Christ rises up and I defeat my enemies (in the strength of God) – Hallelujah!!!
Oh God keep me from giving myself over to anything but you – but if I do, please use my enemies to bring me back to your feet.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
March 16
The Israelites conquerored a large part of the land that God had given them and then God gave them rest and peace in the land. Remember that God said that they couldn’t take over all of the land at once, it would be too much for them. So after some years of peace the first tribe to begin to conqueror the rest of their territory was Judah. Then we have the record of all of the other tribes including Judah who did NOT drive out all the inhabitants of the land that God had given them. That will turn out to be a big mistake – bigger than they know.
It strikes me that some of the tribes got big enough so they could have defeated, annihilated or driven out the Gentiles nations that remained in their territory, but they opted to make them slaves instead. After all, someone had to go fetch the water and wood – right? The only problem with that is that God told them to completely take over the land! He also told them why – if they didn’t, then the people and their gods would become a snare to them and lead them astray from following God. So after a certain time an angel of the Lord went to Israel and said, God is giving you what you want, He will NOT drive out the inhabitants of the land and they will be a snare to you.
I would think that after they repented and sacrificed that God would say, o.k., I’ll drive them out. But as we have learned before, God means what He says and sometimes you don’t get a second chance. This is one of those times. By the way, it doesn’t say that they repented, just sacrificed and wept.
The lesson for me is to do what God is telling me to do. Don’t get comfortable in the peace and rest He gives so as to ignore what He tells me to do. IT IS FOR MY GOOD that He tells me to drive out what is comfortable. What seems like a small compromise could, as it did to Israel, mean the death of many over years of war, which God never wanted to happen. We fight wars that we were never supposed to fight. Hummmm…
It strikes me that some of the tribes got big enough so they could have defeated, annihilated or driven out the Gentiles nations that remained in their territory, but they opted to make them slaves instead. After all, someone had to go fetch the water and wood – right? The only problem with that is that God told them to completely take over the land! He also told them why – if they didn’t, then the people and their gods would become a snare to them and lead them astray from following God. So after a certain time an angel of the Lord went to Israel and said, God is giving you what you want, He will NOT drive out the inhabitants of the land and they will be a snare to you.
I would think that after they repented and sacrificed that God would say, o.k., I’ll drive them out. But as we have learned before, God means what He says and sometimes you don’t get a second chance. This is one of those times. By the way, it doesn’t say that they repented, just sacrificed and wept.
The lesson for me is to do what God is telling me to do. Don’t get comfortable in the peace and rest He gives so as to ignore what He tells me to do. IT IS FOR MY GOOD that He tells me to drive out what is comfortable. What seems like a small compromise could, as it did to Israel, mean the death of many over years of war, which God never wanted to happen. We fight wars that we were never supposed to fight. Hummmm…
Saturday, March 13, 2010
March 13
Caleb followed God wholeheartedly. Not halfheartedly, not three-quarter heartedly, but wholeheartedly. Because of that dedication and sacrifice and uncomfortable moments, like when 10 other people who saw the same thing as him said the opposite of him and the whole community almost stoned him, God rewarded him. God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Caleb got something that he would hand down to his descendants forever. Land!
Did you notice that Caleb had to drive out some inhabitants? They were NOT all taken care of by the conquests of Joshua. He was 85 and said that he was a strong as he was 40 years ago. In other words, I can still slay my enemies. (By the way, it was the Anakites – giants that he had to kick out). I think there is a connection between all these facts. How do we stay strong – how do we stay willing to conquer new territories for the Lord – How do we receive a reward on this earth? Follow God wholeheartedly. This means that we follow Him for Him and not for what we can get from Him. That reminds me of a scripture from the mouth of Jesus.
Seek first the kingdom of God and His rightness (follow God), and all these things (territories, inheritance and material goods) will be given to you.
Did you notice that Caleb had to drive out some inhabitants? They were NOT all taken care of by the conquests of Joshua. He was 85 and said that he was a strong as he was 40 years ago. In other words, I can still slay my enemies. (By the way, it was the Anakites – giants that he had to kick out). I think there is a connection between all these facts. How do we stay strong – how do we stay willing to conquer new territories for the Lord – How do we receive a reward on this earth? Follow God wholeheartedly. This means that we follow Him for Him and not for what we can get from Him. That reminds me of a scripture from the mouth of Jesus.
Seek first the kingdom of God and His rightness (follow God), and all these things (territories, inheritance and material goods) will be given to you.
Friday, March 12, 2010
March 12
Not many fooled Joshua, but the Gibeonites did. You have got to hand it to them for being crafty. They saved their lives by their scheme, but what effect will it have on the Israelites? We will have to wait and see.
Unlike Joshua, we have the Holy Spirit resident inside of us. If we walk in the Spirit (with the Spirit – live through the Spirit) we wouldn’t get fooled or taken by the scheme of the enemy of our souls. There is this still small voice within us that will instruct us. There are times that I just don’t know what to do. I can’t hear the Spirit. That is when I, like Joshua, have to inquire of the Lord and get His direction. His direction is perfect! He knew it was the Gibeonites, and Joshua didn’t. I think God’s Spirit is silent sometimes just so we have to set time aside and inquire. So why don’t we inquire more?
I think it is pride and independence. First I think, I got it, I can do this. Maybe I don’t think I can do this without God, but that is the result of the thought, which births into action. The second thing is that we think can see the obvious “signs” to discern this or that. The bread was moldy – dahh… - it’s obvious isn’t it? My enemy wants to bring me down anyway possible, even if it is just living with something that I make my servant. Did you get that? God determined that we should live without it, and now we are making it our slave. Get rid of the slave!
Oh God, I have no wisdom apart from you, and cannot do it on my own. I cannot figure it out, nor can I judge without your guidance and your voice. I am lost without you, but with you I can do all things, discern every situation and defeat every enemy!
Unlike Joshua, we have the Holy Spirit resident inside of us. If we walk in the Spirit (with the Spirit – live through the Spirit) we wouldn’t get fooled or taken by the scheme of the enemy of our souls. There is this still small voice within us that will instruct us. There are times that I just don’t know what to do. I can’t hear the Spirit. That is when I, like Joshua, have to inquire of the Lord and get His direction. His direction is perfect! He knew it was the Gibeonites, and Joshua didn’t. I think God’s Spirit is silent sometimes just so we have to set time aside and inquire. So why don’t we inquire more?
I think it is pride and independence. First I think, I got it, I can do this. Maybe I don’t think I can do this without God, but that is the result of the thought, which births into action. The second thing is that we think can see the obvious “signs” to discern this or that. The bread was moldy – dahh… - it’s obvious isn’t it? My enemy wants to bring me down anyway possible, even if it is just living with something that I make my servant. Did you get that? God determined that we should live without it, and now we are making it our slave. Get rid of the slave!
Oh God, I have no wisdom apart from you, and cannot do it on my own. I cannot figure it out, nor can I judge without your guidance and your voice. I am lost without you, but with you I can do all things, discern every situation and defeat every enemy!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
March 11
The Israelites had great success at Jericho except for one thing, a man named Achan took things that he was commanded not to take. The command of the Lord was to NOT plunder, but to destroy, but Achan, because he wanted the items, decided to rebel against God. The rebellion went untold until 36 people died in a battle that the Israelites should have won easily. We know the fate of Achan, death. Do we realize that the fate of 36 men was death because Achan wanted some stuff? Our sin rarely only affects us alone.
The grander point for me – a leader – was what Joshua did at the defeat by Ai. He cried. He tore his robe and asked God why He did this to them. Did you get that? The first thing he did when something didn’t go as planned was to accuse God! Blame God? I think I have done that a few times. (It sure is easy to point out Joshua’s deficit though). What did the Lord do? Rebuked Joshua! God told him to get up and stop your sniveling! This wasn’t the Lord who had planned this rout of the Israelites, it was a rebellious Israelite who was RESPONSIBLE for the defeat!
I too often, even when inquiring of the Lord about what is going on, have this attitude like: hey God, this is your fault, why is this happening. Oh Lord, I am sorry for all of those times, may I know that you are faithful and will complete everything that you have said you would do. If there is a kink in the plans, it is on the human end and not on your end. May I humbly inquire of you what to do next and never accuse you for the rest of my days.
The grander point for me – a leader – was what Joshua did at the defeat by Ai. He cried. He tore his robe and asked God why He did this to them. Did you get that? The first thing he did when something didn’t go as planned was to accuse God! Blame God? I think I have done that a few times. (It sure is easy to point out Joshua’s deficit though). What did the Lord do? Rebuked Joshua! God told him to get up and stop your sniveling! This wasn’t the Lord who had planned this rout of the Israelites, it was a rebellious Israelite who was RESPONSIBLE for the defeat!
I too often, even when inquiring of the Lord about what is going on, have this attitude like: hey God, this is your fault, why is this happening. Oh Lord, I am sorry for all of those times, may I know that you are faithful and will complete everything that you have said you would do. If there is a kink in the plans, it is on the human end and not on your end. May I humbly inquire of you what to do next and never accuse you for the rest of my days.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
March 10
In yesterdays reading God told Joshua to be strong and courageous and don’t be afraid and in today’s reading he tells him 3 more times! Why? Because he needed it! Imagine having set before you all the Israelites who haven’t exactly been faithful and good followers some of the time. Now Moses is dead and you da’ man! God knows what we need doesn’t He? He is so encouraging to us as He was to Joshua.
There were a people who feared – the people of Jericho. The difference between the Israelites and the Jerichoites was glaring. The people of God are NOT supposed to be afraid, but strong and courageous. The people of the world are supposed to fear for any number of reasons. However, MY security, my surety, by confidence and lack of fear rests squarely in the fact that GOD IS WITH ME. Either you believe it or you don’t. If you don’t, you will be afraid, if you do, you won’t be afraid. Maybe you can cry out with me, “I do believe, help my unbelief”.
God help me to stand in that confidence – that you are with me – even when nobody else believes that you are.
There were a people who feared – the people of Jericho. The difference between the Israelites and the Jerichoites was glaring. The people of God are NOT supposed to be afraid, but strong and courageous. The people of the world are supposed to fear for any number of reasons. However, MY security, my surety, by confidence and lack of fear rests squarely in the fact that GOD IS WITH ME. Either you believe it or you don’t. If you don’t, you will be afraid, if you do, you won’t be afraid. Maybe you can cry out with me, “I do believe, help my unbelief”.
God help me to stand in that confidence – that you are with me – even when nobody else believes that you are.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
March 9
What a bummer not to enter the Promised Land. To see it and to do all the work to get the people to the point of entry and then not to enter – man… that would be a bummer, maybe even depressing. So right after Moses was reminded by God that he wasn’t going to enter it ------ he blessed all the people who were going to enter it!
Did you get that? I did. It is easy to want what others have, or if you have matured in Christ, you avoid being jealous and just take your lot in life. Moses goes beyond that and I want to be like Moses. He not only takes his lumps, but he BLESSES the people who were going to get the blessing!
I don’t want to be that kind of person who can’t be happy for others who are being favored or blessed when I am not receiving the same blessing. I want to bless people in their blessing when I am NOT flowing in that blessing. I imagine Moses thought about all the blessings that he HAD experienced, how God had provided for Him and exalted Him and blessed him beyond anything he could have ever asked for. I want to look at what I DO have and bless the Lord. Then I want to bless you – all who would read (hear and experience) my blessing.
Be blessed child – when you wake up, when you lay down, when you sow and when you reap. The favor of God be on you and your family, His confidence in your doings and in your prayers. You are the head and not the tail and have a greater destiny in store for you than you can see. So see it and follow the Lord in everything.
Did you get that? I did. It is easy to want what others have, or if you have matured in Christ, you avoid being jealous and just take your lot in life. Moses goes beyond that and I want to be like Moses. He not only takes his lumps, but he BLESSES the people who were going to get the blessing!
I don’t want to be that kind of person who can’t be happy for others who are being favored or blessed when I am not receiving the same blessing. I want to bless people in their blessing when I am NOT flowing in that blessing. I imagine Moses thought about all the blessings that he HAD experienced, how God had provided for Him and exalted Him and blessed him beyond anything he could have ever asked for. I want to look at what I DO have and bless the Lord. Then I want to bless you – all who would read (hear and experience) my blessing.
Be blessed child – when you wake up, when you lay down, when you sow and when you reap. The favor of God be on you and your family, His confidence in your doings and in your prayers. You are the head and not the tail and have a greater destiny in store for you than you can see. So see it and follow the Lord in everything.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
March 6
I can’t move on to today’s reading without commenting on something I just found. In looking for a verse from yesterday’s reading to journal, I found something so foundational, so revelatory, that I have to share it.
Leviticus 25:38 (NIV)
38 I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt to give you the land of Canaan and to be your God.
Do you see it? God brought US out of Egypt for 2 things:
1. To give us territory
2. To have relationship with Him
The point of the passage is that HE brought us out, not us but only Him, so obey everything He is tell us. The point you have to slow down to see is awesome! It is the why did He bring us out answer.
Our Egypt is our bondages, our living for ourselves apart from Him. It is the place we came from, the way we used to live and don’t anymore. Egypt is the place of just getting by, surviving and getting all we can for #1 – me. Even our giving was so that we could feel good about ourselves. God has brought us out of that and asked us, no, directed us to live like He tells us to live SO HE CAN GIVE US EVERYTHING HE HAS INTENDED TO GIVE US, including the most important thing, sweet fellowship with Him, our creator who loves us most! He wants us to have His love ruling in our hearts and He wants us to see that we are significant in His plan to take the gospel to the world by giving us territory to rule in. Wow! That is good stuff!
In today’s reading he goes on to list all the awesome things that will happen to us and how He will BE ABLE to bless us if we obey. He gives us the choice and gives us the consequence of those choices, but the choice remains ours. On the other hand, the consequences of our choices remain His. He chooses blessings, (that is why he saved us), but He can’t bless disobedient kids.
Leviticus 25:38 (NIV)
38 I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt to give you the land of Canaan and to be your God.
Do you see it? God brought US out of Egypt for 2 things:
1. To give us territory
2. To have relationship with Him
The point of the passage is that HE brought us out, not us but only Him, so obey everything He is tell us. The point you have to slow down to see is awesome! It is the why did He bring us out answer.
Our Egypt is our bondages, our living for ourselves apart from Him. It is the place we came from, the way we used to live and don’t anymore. Egypt is the place of just getting by, surviving and getting all we can for #1 – me. Even our giving was so that we could feel good about ourselves. God has brought us out of that and asked us, no, directed us to live like He tells us to live SO HE CAN GIVE US EVERYTHING HE HAS INTENDED TO GIVE US, including the most important thing, sweet fellowship with Him, our creator who loves us most! He wants us to have His love ruling in our hearts and He wants us to see that we are significant in His plan to take the gospel to the world by giving us territory to rule in. Wow! That is good stuff!
In today’s reading he goes on to list all the awesome things that will happen to us and how He will BE ABLE to bless us if we obey. He gives us the choice and gives us the consequence of those choices, but the choice remains ours. On the other hand, the consequences of our choices remain His. He chooses blessings, (that is why he saved us), but He can’t bless disobedient kids.
Friday, March 5, 2010
March 5
Although I would like to go over the part about the children honoring and obeying their parents, I’ll refrain.
What I saw was the command of the tender heart of God. After all of the sacrifices and laws and the penalties that we have been reading about, here is the heart of God for others plainly displayed. He speaks about your neighbor and his livestock that you should care about, the people who planted a vineyard or just got engaged and especially the widow and orphans and the poor. (Not to mention the aliens among us). What a beautiful picture of His endless care for the downtrodden and the unfortunate of this world.
We are not supposed to use everything (gather every fruit off the tree), that the Lord blesses us with. We are supposed to leave some for others to come and get. We are not supposed to USE EVERYTHING TILL IT DIES – we are admonished to share. That is the point that hit me – share, give and take care of others.
There is one more thing that I want to point out. The poor were to come and gather their own food. How wonderful is that! God provides a way for poor people, or widows or orphans to work for their food so they can have a sense of accomplishment. They know they are in hard times, but God is saying you can fen for yourselves under my covenant and care. Beautiful!
What I saw was the command of the tender heart of God. After all of the sacrifices and laws and the penalties that we have been reading about, here is the heart of God for others plainly displayed. He speaks about your neighbor and his livestock that you should care about, the people who planted a vineyard or just got engaged and especially the widow and orphans and the poor. (Not to mention the aliens among us). What a beautiful picture of His endless care for the downtrodden and the unfortunate of this world.
We are not supposed to use everything (gather every fruit off the tree), that the Lord blesses us with. We are supposed to leave some for others to come and get. We are not supposed to USE EVERYTHING TILL IT DIES – we are admonished to share. That is the point that hit me – share, give and take care of others.
There is one more thing that I want to point out. The poor were to come and gather their own food. How wonderful is that! God provides a way for poor people, or widows or orphans to work for their food so they can have a sense of accomplishment. They know they are in hard times, but God is saying you can fen for yourselves under my covenant and care. Beautiful!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
March 4
What we can eat! I love eating! Most of these commands make perfect sense for health reasons. But what am I to take from a section like this – stay away from the shell fish?
Lev. 20:25 says you must make a distinction between clean and unclean animals and between unclean and clean birds…
We have to make distinctions in life don’t we? We do it every day. God is calling me (us) to use His Word, and since we have the Holy Spirit living in us, use the Holy Spirit, to discern between the things we should do, eat, watch, listen to etc… We all have the tendency to do what we have always done in spite of a current revelation of God. I know I have lived life like I am not in control of it. Like decisions are already made for me by???? God is saying to me, that I am the one responsible to control what I eat (which in the broader life concept includes everything and not just eating). I have the duty and therefore the power to control whether or not I become “spiritually contaminated”. It is mine to discern, with the help of the Spirit.
Give me discernment Lord and then give me the courage to deny myself when I know what to do.
Lev. 20:25 says you must make a distinction between clean and unclean animals and between unclean and clean birds…
We have to make distinctions in life don’t we? We do it every day. God is calling me (us) to use His Word, and since we have the Holy Spirit living in us, use the Holy Spirit, to discern between the things we should do, eat, watch, listen to etc… We all have the tendency to do what we have always done in spite of a current revelation of God. I know I have lived life like I am not in control of it. Like decisions are already made for me by???? God is saying to me, that I am the one responsible to control what I eat (which in the broader life concept includes everything and not just eating). I have the duty and therefore the power to control whether or not I become “spiritually contaminated”. It is mine to discern, with the help of the Spirit.
Give me discernment Lord and then give me the courage to deny myself when I know what to do.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
March 3
Separation from uncleanness that was infectious was really important. The Lord really spoke to me about the infectious things that grow in me and how I need to separate myself from them. After I have been infected or contaminated, I have to come to Jesus and let Him give me an honest evaluation of the situation. Isn’t it great that His blood can cleanse us from all unrighteousness? Yet there remains on us the command to cleanse yourself. When infected, why not separate myself to Him who can cleanse me and lead me to cleanse myself. I have got to be more diligent in what I allow to come into me – for that is what makes us unclean right? Not what comes out, but what comes in. What thoughts do I allow in, what shows do I watch and what “news” do I suck in? Am I breathing mold or God’s breath?
Of course our passage today was about the exterior of the skin and clothing and houses, but God is concerned about our inside. Yet it is the outside that I allow in that gets to my inside and infects me with things like, negativity, jealousy, dis-trust and good ol’ stinkin’ thinkin’. The battle really is in the mind, but it does trickle down to the heart at times.
Purify me and cleanse me and keep me from infection Lord. May I be discerning, strong and diligent in what I let into my soul.
Of course our passage today was about the exterior of the skin and clothing and houses, but God is concerned about our inside. Yet it is the outside that I allow in that gets to my inside and infects me with things like, negativity, jealousy, dis-trust and good ol’ stinkin’ thinkin’. The battle really is in the mind, but it does trickle down to the heart at times.
Purify me and cleanse me and keep me from infection Lord. May I be discerning, strong and diligent in what I let into my soul.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
March 2
Whew! That was a day huh? Some very tough things are being spoken of and we have to remember that this was said to people in this time period and this culture and that it can serve us if we don’t get bogged down in the – why…? Or the what??? I don’t mean to say that it was out of line, it was just a hard line. Glad I am living now!
There is a powerful principle that God reminded me of in today’s reading. The land becomes defiled! Not only to we become defiled by sin, but the land can become defiled. It says that the land will vomit you out – that’s strong! The lesson for me is that if I let things happen on my land (house/property/church) then the land or area is affected. This is not a new teaching to me, but is a great reminder that we can’t sin without consequences, even on the area we live. I must not allow myself or others to violate my management area by sin. What I mean is that if I allow one of my boys (which I never would) to bring his girlfriend home and have sexual relations with her (which they never would), I would be opening the door for the devil to put a curse on my home. Likewise, if I have some kind of religious “charm” in my home, I open my home and everyone in my home to demonic influence. (Charms-idols-etc… can be demonically attached – meaning that a demon can have some influence where the idol is)
I don’t want any “outside” influence in my home. In fact, as today’s reading illustrates – GET RID OF THE IMPURITY FROM AMONG YOU! Show me what I need to get rid of Lord.
There is a powerful principle that God reminded me of in today’s reading. The land becomes defiled! Not only to we become defiled by sin, but the land can become defiled. It says that the land will vomit you out – that’s strong! The lesson for me is that if I let things happen on my land (house/property/church) then the land or area is affected. This is not a new teaching to me, but is a great reminder that we can’t sin without consequences, even on the area we live. I must not allow myself or others to violate my management area by sin. What I mean is that if I allow one of my boys (which I never would) to bring his girlfriend home and have sexual relations with her (which they never would), I would be opening the door for the devil to put a curse on my home. Likewise, if I have some kind of religious “charm” in my home, I open my home and everyone in my home to demonic influence. (Charms-idols-etc… can be demonically attached – meaning that a demon can have some influence where the idol is)
I don’t want any “outside” influence in my home. In fact, as today’s reading illustrates – GET RID OF THE IMPURITY FROM AMONG YOU! Show me what I need to get rid of Lord.
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