One of the most beautiful written collection of prayers and songs of all time are found in the Bible in the Book of Psalms. Many of these Psalms were written by David, the famous King of Israel. In these Psalms, we read of David’s heartfelt joys, sorrows, and questions.
Two of the questions that he recorded in one particular Psalm are immediately followed with a somewhat surprising answer. David begins Psalm 15 with these two questions: “Who may worship in your sanctuary, LORD? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill?” (Psalm 15:1 NLT).
Most readers would probably expect the answer to include a list of “religious accomplishments” like … spent hours in prayer, faithful in attendance at worship gatherings, or memorized hundreds of Bible verses. But the Psalmist instead answers with a list of examples of healthy interaction in interpersonal relationships. David writes,
“Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts. Those who refuse to gossip or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends. Those who despise flagrant sinners, and honor the faithful followers of the LORD, and keep their promises even when it hurts. Those who lend money without charging interest, and who cannot be bribed to lie about the innocent. Such people will stand firm forever.” (Psalm 15:2-5 NLT)
Once again we clearly see the way we treat others directly affects and reflects our relationship with a Holy God! David’s questions raise another question in my heart … Have my interactions with others this week represented someone who is regularly drawing near to a Holy God? How about you?
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Thursday, April 22, 2010
An Unsung Hero
When I seek to list the great heroes of faith in the Bible, who lived prior to Jesus walking the earth, the following individuals come to mind: Noah, Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, and David. And yet one of the most inspiring, unsung heroes in the Bible is a guy named Jonathan.
Jonathan was the son of Saul, the first King of Israel. Jonathan’s courage in battle and loyalty to the King (his father) are recorded in the book of the Bible entitled 1 Samuel. This book of the Bible describes in detail the military conquests of Saul and Jonathan and the growing influence of a shepherd boy named David, who would later become the second king of Israel. But in the midst of the unfolding drama of Saul’s faltering leadership and David’s rise in popularity, is an inspiring story of a genuine friendship that developed between David and Jonathan.
Jonathan, the heir apparent to the throne of Israel, is not concerned about his rights or his claim to power. Instead, Jonathan recognizes that the LORD has called David to leadership in Israel, and humbly responds by seeking to be a loyal friend to the future king. A lesser man would have succumbed to jealousy or rivalry, but instead Jonathan made it his goal to support and defend David even against the jealous attacks of his father, Saul.
The following Bible verses describe the heroic, noteworthy character of Jonathan: “So Jonathan made a solemn pact with David, saying, “May the LORD destroy all your enemies!” And Jonathan made David reaffirm his vow of friendship again, for Jonathan loved David as he loved himself.” (1 Samuel 20:16-17).
The above Biblical description of Jonathan’s friendship with David both humbles me and challenges me. This example of friendship reminds me of faithful friends in my life who have selflessly given themselves to support me in spite of my shortcomings. It also challenges me to extend love, friendship and support to others not expecting to receive anything in return.
Thank God for dependable friends! Is there a faithful friend in your life that you have possibly taken for granted? Why not let them know this week you appreciate them?
Jonathan was the son of Saul, the first King of Israel. Jonathan’s courage in battle and loyalty to the King (his father) are recorded in the book of the Bible entitled 1 Samuel. This book of the Bible describes in detail the military conquests of Saul and Jonathan and the growing influence of a shepherd boy named David, who would later become the second king of Israel. But in the midst of the unfolding drama of Saul’s faltering leadership and David’s rise in popularity, is an inspiring story of a genuine friendship that developed between David and Jonathan.
Jonathan, the heir apparent to the throne of Israel, is not concerned about his rights or his claim to power. Instead, Jonathan recognizes that the LORD has called David to leadership in Israel, and humbly responds by seeking to be a loyal friend to the future king. A lesser man would have succumbed to jealousy or rivalry, but instead Jonathan made it his goal to support and defend David even against the jealous attacks of his father, Saul.
The following Bible verses describe the heroic, noteworthy character of Jonathan: “So Jonathan made a solemn pact with David, saying, “May the LORD destroy all your enemies!” And Jonathan made David reaffirm his vow of friendship again, for Jonathan loved David as he loved himself.” (1 Samuel 20:16-17).
The above Biblical description of Jonathan’s friendship with David both humbles me and challenges me. This example of friendship reminds me of faithful friends in my life who have selflessly given themselves to support me in spite of my shortcomings. It also challenges me to extend love, friendship and support to others not expecting to receive anything in return.
Thank God for dependable friends! Is there a faithful friend in your life that you have possibly taken for granted? Why not let them know this week you appreciate them?
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Loyal Friendship
One of the great stories of love and friendship of all time is contained in the tiny book of the Bible, entitled, Ruth. The main character of the book is Ruth, a young woman who although not Jewish becomes (through an amazing twist) one of the most fascinating characters in Jewish History.
Ruth, a Moabite, married a Jewish man who died at a young age. Ruth’s mother-in-law was a widow herself and her name was Naomi. The book of Ruth describes Ruth and Naomi’s journey of faith from Moab to Bethlehem during a difficult time of famine and personal poverty. At a time of great hardship, Ruth remains loyal to her mother-in-law and declares her loyalty through the following statement: “Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Wherever you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD punish me severely if I allow anything but death to separate us!” (Ruth 1:16-17 NLT).
Although Ruth’s statement of commitment is often used in a wedding ceremony to describe marital faithfulness, the truth is that it was an expression of selfless love between friends. This expression of loyal friendship raises a number of challenging questions for the reader of the Bible:
How has a loyal friend in your past made a positive difference in your life?
Are you presently being a loyal friend to others?
Are you going through a difficult time in life that you need to reach out to a trusted friend for help and support?
Is there someone in your life that needs you to stick by his or her side for an extended time during a difficult challenge or challenges that he or she is facing?
I am convinced that the LORD blesses and works powerfully through people who are willing to extend selfless acts of friendship. In Ruth’s case, the LORD provided an opportunity for her to meet a relative of her deceased husband named Boaz, who provided financial support for Ruth and Naomi the remainder of their lives. By the way, Ruth and Boaz married and had a son named Obed, a grandson named Jesse, and a great-grandson named David. And yes that is the same David that became the greatest king of Israel’s history.
History was changed through a loyal friendship and I am convinced that the future can be changed by loyal friendship as well!
Ruth, a Moabite, married a Jewish man who died at a young age. Ruth’s mother-in-law was a widow herself and her name was Naomi. The book of Ruth describes Ruth and Naomi’s journey of faith from Moab to Bethlehem during a difficult time of famine and personal poverty. At a time of great hardship, Ruth remains loyal to her mother-in-law and declares her loyalty through the following statement: “Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Wherever you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD punish me severely if I allow anything but death to separate us!” (Ruth 1:16-17 NLT).
Although Ruth’s statement of commitment is often used in a wedding ceremony to describe marital faithfulness, the truth is that it was an expression of selfless love between friends. This expression of loyal friendship raises a number of challenging questions for the reader of the Bible:
How has a loyal friend in your past made a positive difference in your life?
Are you presently being a loyal friend to others?
Are you going through a difficult time in life that you need to reach out to a trusted friend for help and support?
Is there someone in your life that needs you to stick by his or her side for an extended time during a difficult challenge or challenges that he or she is facing?
I am convinced that the LORD blesses and works powerfully through people who are willing to extend selfless acts of friendship. In Ruth’s case, the LORD provided an opportunity for her to meet a relative of her deceased husband named Boaz, who provided financial support for Ruth and Naomi the remainder of their lives. By the way, Ruth and Boaz married and had a son named Obed, a grandson named Jesse, and a great-grandson named David. And yes that is the same David that became the greatest king of Israel’s history.
History was changed through a loyal friendship and I am convinced that the future can be changed by loyal friendship as well!
Friday, April 9, 2010
The Importance of Spiritual Leadership
A fascinating book in the Old Testament is the book entitled, Judges. It tells of a period of time in Israel’s history that they were lacking strong consistent leadership, which is extremely ironic sense the book highlights some very strong leaders like Deborah, Gideon, Jephthah, and Samson (he was at least physically strong).
Throughout the book, we see the people of God being drawn into ungodly practices and false beliefs that are influenced deeply by the surrounding countries. It appears that in the book, the Israelites continually forget the importance of worshipping God and following his teachings. Over and over again, it is only when the Israelites find themselves suffering difficult times, do they turn to the LORD and cry out for His help.
God’s faithfulness and grace is demonstrated through Him continually answering Israel’s prayer for deliverance by providing a “judge” to provide leadership and direction during difficult times. And then typically as result of the spiritual leadership provided through this judge, the people of God experience a time of peace and victory. Once this leader dies, the people quickly return to evil practices.
The book demonstrates numerous faith lessons. One lesson is that human beings can be very fickle and continually forget the importance of seeking God and obeying His teachings. The second lesson is that strong spiritual leadership makes a huge difference in the life of believers.
The last verse of the book could serve as a theme or summary verse of the entire book. It reads simply, “In those days Israel had no king; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes.” Judges 21:25 NLT
Throughout the book, we see the people of God being drawn into ungodly practices and false beliefs that are influenced deeply by the surrounding countries. It appears that in the book, the Israelites continually forget the importance of worshipping God and following his teachings. Over and over again, it is only when the Israelites find themselves suffering difficult times, do they turn to the LORD and cry out for His help.
God’s faithfulness and grace is demonstrated through Him continually answering Israel’s prayer for deliverance by providing a “judge” to provide leadership and direction during difficult times. And then typically as result of the spiritual leadership provided through this judge, the people of God experience a time of peace and victory. Once this leader dies, the people quickly return to evil practices.
The book demonstrates numerous faith lessons. One lesson is that human beings can be very fickle and continually forget the importance of seeking God and obeying His teachings. The second lesson is that strong spiritual leadership makes a huge difference in the life of believers.
The last verse of the book could serve as a theme or summary verse of the entire book. It reads simply, “In those days Israel had no king; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes.” Judges 21:25 NLT
Thursday, April 1, 2010
What is Maundy?
This is the week of the year that we hear terms thrown around like … Holy Week, Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and of course Easter Sunday. I hate to admit it, but prior to researching the word, “Maundy,” I did not know what that word meant. Do you?
As I have researched the word, I discovered that some theorize that the word originated in the English language from the "maundsor" baskets that were used by the King of England to distribute alms to the poor. It also appears that the English word for “maundy” is possibly connected with the Latin word “mendicare,” and the French word “mendier” which means “to beg.”
Traditionally, Maundy Thursday is observed by believers through remembering Jesus’ Last Supper and possibly even participating in a ceremonial washing of the soles of feet to remember Jesus act of love to his closest friends following their last meal together prior to the cross. The Bible records that when Jesus turned to Peter. Peter protested by saying, “No … you will never ever wash my feet.” Jesus response to Peter was “Unless I wash you, you won’t belong to me” (John 13:8 NLT).
Peter (like some of us) struggled with accepting the gift from another person. Possibly, Peter felt unworthy to accept this act of kindness or possibly it was difficult for Peter to see Jesus perform such a humbling act of service. And yet Jesus taught that being in a relationship with God includes humbly accepting His gifts in our lives.
Learning to receive Christ’s gifts of forgiveness, mercy, and grace requires the believer to accept the role of a beggar receiving gifts that are not deserved. Have you humbly accepted the gifts of grace that God wants to pour into your life? Or are you like Peter struggling to admit that you need Jesus to meet a need that you cannot meet for yourself?
If you have humbly received salvation in Christ, are you sharing this good news with others? It has been said that sharing good news with others (which is sometimes called evangelism) is simply “one beggar telling another beggar where there is help.” On this “Maundy Thursday” let’s share with others the good news that Jesus is still in the business of cleansing “the souls” of human beings!
As I have researched the word, I discovered that some theorize that the word originated in the English language from the "maundsor" baskets that were used by the King of England to distribute alms to the poor. It also appears that the English word for “maundy” is possibly connected with the Latin word “mendicare,” and the French word “mendier” which means “to beg.”
Traditionally, Maundy Thursday is observed by believers through remembering Jesus’ Last Supper and possibly even participating in a ceremonial washing of the soles of feet to remember Jesus act of love to his closest friends following their last meal together prior to the cross. The Bible records that when Jesus turned to Peter. Peter protested by saying, “No … you will never ever wash my feet.” Jesus response to Peter was “Unless I wash you, you won’t belong to me” (John 13:8 NLT).
Peter (like some of us) struggled with accepting the gift from another person. Possibly, Peter felt unworthy to accept this act of kindness or possibly it was difficult for Peter to see Jesus perform such a humbling act of service. And yet Jesus taught that being in a relationship with God includes humbly accepting His gifts in our lives.
Learning to receive Christ’s gifts of forgiveness, mercy, and grace requires the believer to accept the role of a beggar receiving gifts that are not deserved. Have you humbly accepted the gifts of grace that God wants to pour into your life? Or are you like Peter struggling to admit that you need Jesus to meet a need that you cannot meet for yourself?
If you have humbly received salvation in Christ, are you sharing this good news with others? It has been said that sharing good news with others (which is sometimes called evangelism) is simply “one beggar telling another beggar where there is help.” On this “Maundy Thursday” let’s share with others the good news that Jesus is still in the business of cleansing “the souls” of human beings!
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Anticipating Miracles
One of my favorite narratives in the entire Bible is the description of Joshua leading the people of Israel to cross the Jordan River so that they could occupy the promise land. God had been patiently preparing the Israelites for decades to enter the promise land and the stage was set for a miracle to be treasured for generations.
Joshua prepared the people with the following instructions, “Purify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do great wonders among you” (Joshua 3:5 NLT). In spite the Jordan River being at flood stage, Joshua instructed the Jewish Priests to lead the way in crossing the river by carrying the Ark of the Covenant and to take a true step of faith into the river. The people were promised, “As soon as their feet touch the water, the flow of water will be cut off upstream, and the river will stand up like a wall” (Joshua 3:13 NLT).
Once the Israelites crossed (on dry ground) to the other side of the Jordan River, Joshua led the people to recognize that they had truly experienced a miracle of God. Joshua praised God with the following statement, “The Lord did this so all people would know he has great power and so you would always respect the Lord your God” (Joshua 4:24 NCV)
Here are some questions for each of us to ask ourselves: Is God longing to work miracles in my life? Is the Lord first calling me to purify my heart of self reliance, lack of faith, impure motives, or other sins that are standing in the way of Him being honored in my life? Is God calling me to take a step of faith that I can’t see the outcome prior to taking the first step? Am I willing to anticipate God working miracles in my life and in the life of the church?
Could it be that the Lord God is longing to work miraculously in our lives and yet He is waiting for us to take a step into a flooded river?
Corresponding Bible Reading: Joshua 3:1-6:27
Joshua prepared the people with the following instructions, “Purify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do great wonders among you” (Joshua 3:5 NLT). In spite the Jordan River being at flood stage, Joshua instructed the Jewish Priests to lead the way in crossing the river by carrying the Ark of the Covenant and to take a true step of faith into the river. The people were promised, “As soon as their feet touch the water, the flow of water will be cut off upstream, and the river will stand up like a wall” (Joshua 3:13 NLT).
Once the Israelites crossed (on dry ground) to the other side of the Jordan River, Joshua led the people to recognize that they had truly experienced a miracle of God. Joshua praised God with the following statement, “The Lord did this so all people would know he has great power and so you would always respect the Lord your God” (Joshua 4:24 NCV)
Here are some questions for each of us to ask ourselves: Is God longing to work miracles in my life? Is the Lord first calling me to purify my heart of self reliance, lack of faith, impure motives, or other sins that are standing in the way of Him being honored in my life? Is God calling me to take a step of faith that I can’t see the outcome prior to taking the first step? Am I willing to anticipate God working miracles in my life and in the life of the church?
Could it be that the Lord God is longing to work miraculously in our lives and yet He is waiting for us to take a step into a flooded river?
Corresponding Bible Reading: Joshua 3:1-6:27
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Open Hands or Closed Hands?
As we read through the Bible we see God’s character and his expressed will for his people. One amazing quality of the Lord is his generosity. This generosity is repeatedly seen throughout Scripture with the ultimate example of God graciously sending his Son.
God in turn teaches His people to be generous to others. This emphasis on generosity did not begin with the Christian era, but was also emphasized in God’s instructions to the Israelites. The fifth book of the Old Testament entitled Deuteronomy, which literally means “second law” is a description of Moses retelling God’s law to the people of Israel before he passes the baton of leadership to the next generation.
Moses reminded the people of his day and the people of God in every generation to have a heart of generosity toward those who are poor. Moses said, “But if there are any poor Israelites in your towns when you arrive in the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hard-hearted or tightfisted toward them. Instead, be generous and lend them whatever they need.” Deuteronomy 15:7-8 NLT.
It is a temptation to be hard-hearted toward those who are facing difficulties, and criticize them for mistakes they have made in the past. The truth is we have all made bad choices and for some of us God has generously blessed us in spite of our mistakes. It is God’s will for people of faith to look at the poor and disadvantaged not with eyes of judgment but with eyes of mercy.
Along with a call to have a generous heart, Moses reminds us to unclench our fists and extend and open hand to those who are in need. Do you find yourself hard-hearted and tightfisted toward those in need around you? Or are you learning to be generous and open your hands and even at times your purse strings to help someone who is in need?
Corresponding Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 15:1-18:22
God in turn teaches His people to be generous to others. This emphasis on generosity did not begin with the Christian era, but was also emphasized in God’s instructions to the Israelites. The fifth book of the Old Testament entitled Deuteronomy, which literally means “second law” is a description of Moses retelling God’s law to the people of Israel before he passes the baton of leadership to the next generation.
Moses reminded the people of his day and the people of God in every generation to have a heart of generosity toward those who are poor. Moses said, “But if there are any poor Israelites in your towns when you arrive in the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hard-hearted or tightfisted toward them. Instead, be generous and lend them whatever they need.” Deuteronomy 15:7-8 NLT.
It is a temptation to be hard-hearted toward those who are facing difficulties, and criticize them for mistakes they have made in the past. The truth is we have all made bad choices and for some of us God has generously blessed us in spite of our mistakes. It is God’s will for people of faith to look at the poor and disadvantaged not with eyes of judgment but with eyes of mercy.
Along with a call to have a generous heart, Moses reminds us to unclench our fists and extend and open hand to those who are in need. Do you find yourself hard-hearted and tightfisted toward those in need around you? Or are you learning to be generous and open your hands and even at times your purse strings to help someone who is in need?
Corresponding Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 15:1-18:22
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Journaling
I have personally struggled with being consistent in the daily practice of journaling. Journaling is the spiritual discipline of recording in a notebook, diary, or computer file the faith lessons that a believer is learning in his (or her) personal relationship with God. In my daily Bible reading this morning, I was reminded of the importance of putting into practice this discipline in my walk with the Lord. In the Biblical narrative of the Israelites preparing to enter the long awaited Promise Land, it is recorded, “At the LORD's command Moses recorded the stages in their journey. This is their journey by stages …” Numbers 33:2 NIV
It appears that the Lord commanded Moses to record Israel’s progress stage by stage so that they (and we) could later look back on their journey and be reminded of God’s intervention in their lives. Through journaling and then later revisiting our journal entries, we are reminded of the Lord’s faithfulness to us in the past and it gives us hope and confidence for the future.
There are many benefits that come from journaling. One of the positive byproducts of journaling is that we can learn from past missteps and learn how to avoid them in the future. But probably the most important benefit is to be reminded of the Lord’s presence and power in our lives. An excellent article written by Kimberli J. Brackett on the blessings of journaling is found at the following web address …. www.heartlight.org/articles/200605/20060524_godthing.html.
Brackett wrote … “Journaling allows us to see the fingerprints of God all over our lives and the lives of the people he has so graciously given to us to love and to share in this journey. The power will start with writing your "God things" down, but it will grow even stronger when you go back and re-read the pages and remember. You will be amazed at how page after page of the evidence of God in your life will grow your faith! It's only as our faith grows that we can begin to bestow on our Father the honor and praise he so richly deserves. It's only as our faith grows that we can start to understand that "It's not an Odd thing; it's a God thing!"”
Let the journaling begin!
Corresponding Bible Reading: Numbers 32:1-33:56
It appears that the Lord commanded Moses to record Israel’s progress stage by stage so that they (and we) could later look back on their journey and be reminded of God’s intervention in their lives. Through journaling and then later revisiting our journal entries, we are reminded of the Lord’s faithfulness to us in the past and it gives us hope and confidence for the future.
There are many benefits that come from journaling. One of the positive byproducts of journaling is that we can learn from past missteps and learn how to avoid them in the future. But probably the most important benefit is to be reminded of the Lord’s presence and power in our lives. An excellent article written by Kimberli J. Brackett on the blessings of journaling is found at the following web address …. www.heartlight.org/articles/200605/20060524_godthing.html.
Brackett wrote … “Journaling allows us to see the fingerprints of God all over our lives and the lives of the people he has so graciously given to us to love and to share in this journey. The power will start with writing your "God things" down, but it will grow even stronger when you go back and re-read the pages and remember. You will be amazed at how page after page of the evidence of God in your life will grow your faith! It's only as our faith grows that we can begin to bestow on our Father the honor and praise he so richly deserves. It's only as our faith grows that we can start to understand that "It's not an Odd thing; it's a God thing!"”
Let the journaling begin!
Corresponding Bible Reading: Numbers 32:1-33:56
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Eyes of Faith or Eyes of Fear?
How do you face new challenges, new situations, and new opportunities? Are you quick to look for the opportunities and for the possibilities? Or are you quick to see the problems and the pitfalls? In many ways your response to the questions above, indicate if you are looking at life through the eyes of faith or the eyes of fear.
Approximately 1400 years before Christ, Moses led the Nation of Israel out of Egyptian Slavery and to the edge of the Promise Land. Prior to entering the Promise Land, the Lord instructed Moses to send a leader of every tribe across the Jordan River and to bring back a report to the rest of the people. Out of the twelve leaders who were sent to scout out the land, ten of the individuals came back reporting that although the land appeared extremely prosperous the risks involved in inhabiting the land were too great. These ten respected leaders gave a report through the eyes of fear.
Only two individuals (Joshua and Caleb) had eyes of faith to see beyond the challenges to see the tremendous opportunity. Joshua and Caleb told the people, "The land we traveled through and explored is a wonderful land! And if the Lord is pleased with us, he will bring us safely into that land and give it to us. It is a rich land flowing with milk and honey. Do not rebel against the Lord, and don't be afraid of the people of the land. They are only helpless prey to us! They have no protection, but the Lord is with us! Don't be afraid of them!" (Numbers 14:7-9 NLT).
I love how these two men of God (who were in the minority) viewed the challenges ahead with the eyes of faith to recognize that the Lord was with them and so there was nothing to fear! As you and I face challenges today and in the future, let's pray for eyes of faith that will enable us to walk confidently into the future!
Corresponding Bible Reading: Numbers 14:1-15:41
Approximately 1400 years before Christ, Moses led the Nation of Israel out of Egyptian Slavery and to the edge of the Promise Land. Prior to entering the Promise Land, the Lord instructed Moses to send a leader of every tribe across the Jordan River and to bring back a report to the rest of the people. Out of the twelve leaders who were sent to scout out the land, ten of the individuals came back reporting that although the land appeared extremely prosperous the risks involved in inhabiting the land were too great. These ten respected leaders gave a report through the eyes of fear.
Only two individuals (Joshua and Caleb) had eyes of faith to see beyond the challenges to see the tremendous opportunity. Joshua and Caleb told the people, "The land we traveled through and explored is a wonderful land! And if the Lord is pleased with us, he will bring us safely into that land and give it to us. It is a rich land flowing with milk and honey. Do not rebel against the Lord, and don't be afraid of the people of the land. They are only helpless prey to us! They have no protection, but the Lord is with us! Don't be afraid of them!" (Numbers 14:7-9 NLT).
I love how these two men of God (who were in the minority) viewed the challenges ahead with the eyes of faith to recognize that the Lord was with them and so there was nothing to fear! As you and I face challenges today and in the future, let's pray for eyes of faith that will enable us to walk confidently into the future!
Corresponding Bible Reading: Numbers 14:1-15:41
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Wiping the Slate Clean
One of the most fascinating commands in the Old Testament is the instruction for the Jewish people to observe the Year of Jubilee. Every 50th year the nation of Israel was to celebrate the Year of Jubilee as follows: “This fiftieth year is sacred--it is a time of freedom and of celebration when everyone will receive back their original property, and slaves will return home to their families. This is a year of complete celebration, so don't plant any seed or harvest what your fields or vineyards produce.” (Leviticus 25:11-12 CEV)
It was God’s ordained plan for the “slates” to be wiped clean every 50 years. All the Jewish people, who had sold their property or themselves into slavery as result of indebtedness, would be released of that debt during the year of Jubilee and restored to their original family status. Although it does not appear that the Jewish People observed this practice on a regular basis, we get a glimpse into the heart of God and His desire for people to experience freedom and celebration in their life!
Jesus arrived on the scene more than a thousand years after the introduction of the Year of Jubilee. And yet it is in Jesus Christ, that we can truly experience having our “slate wiped clean.” I am not suggesting that if you become a follower of Christ, that your credit card debt will all be automatically cancelled. And yet in responding to Christ’s invitation to a personal relationship, we find the promises of our sins being forgiven and our guilty consciences cleansed by his love and sacrifice. Now, I would call these promises a good reason to celebrate!
Corresponding Bible Reading: Leviticus 24:1-25:55
It was God’s ordained plan for the “slates” to be wiped clean every 50 years. All the Jewish people, who had sold their property or themselves into slavery as result of indebtedness, would be released of that debt during the year of Jubilee and restored to their original family status. Although it does not appear that the Jewish People observed this practice on a regular basis, we get a glimpse into the heart of God and His desire for people to experience freedom and celebration in their life!
Jesus arrived on the scene more than a thousand years after the introduction of the Year of Jubilee. And yet it is in Jesus Christ, that we can truly experience having our “slate wiped clean.” I am not suggesting that if you become a follower of Christ, that your credit card debt will all be automatically cancelled. And yet in responding to Christ’s invitation to a personal relationship, we find the promises of our sins being forgiven and our guilty consciences cleansed by his love and sacrifice. Now, I would call these promises a good reason to celebrate!
Corresponding Bible Reading: Leviticus 24:1-25:55
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Finding Inspiration in Unexpected Places
Is any body else out there tired of winter and snow? This is that time of the year, that it is easy to grow weary. During the month of February, we have seen more cloudy (and snowy) days than sunny ones (at least in Ohio). The novelty of listening to school cancelations/delays and being outside shoveling the driveway wore off some time ago. At least this year we have the Winter Olympics for a distraction from the cold days and the dreary gray skies. Can anybody say half-pipe?
For those of us who are reading through the Bible this calendar year, the month of February can be a challenging time period to persevere in our daily reading. The reading plan that I am following for this year, has a ten day stretch of daily Bible readings from the book of Leviticus. Leviticus is the third book of the Bible and can be the metaphorical equivalent of a snow drift that the Bible reader gets stuck. Following the fascinating history of the people of God in the book of Genesis (the story of Adam, Eve, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Jacob, and Joseph) and the inspiration of God’s deliverance of the Israelites from Egyptian Slavery in the book of Exodus; we can get easily get bogged down with the readings found in Leviticus.
Leviticus is the portion of the Bible that records the specific instructions that were given to Moses and his brother Aaron (who were from the Jewish tribe of Levi). Aaron and his descendants were to serve as the Jewish Priests and are sometimes called the Levitical Priests (thus the name of the book). The theme of the book is found in the following instructions from God to Moses and Aaron, “For I am the Lord your God. You must consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy. … For I, the Lord, am the one who brought you up from the land of Egypt, that I might be your God. Therefore, you must be holy because I am holy” (Leviticus 11:44-45 NLT).
Once the reader understands the theme of holiness in the book of Leviticus, then the detailed directions throughout the book make a lot more sense. It is obvious that the Lord wants believers to give careful attention to their worship of Him. A worship that leads the individual to draw near to a Holy God, and to be inspired to live an obedient life that is described as holy (or distinct).
Corresponding Bible Reading: Leviticus 11:1-13:46
For those of us who are reading through the Bible this calendar year, the month of February can be a challenging time period to persevere in our daily reading. The reading plan that I am following for this year, has a ten day stretch of daily Bible readings from the book of Leviticus. Leviticus is the third book of the Bible and can be the metaphorical equivalent of a snow drift that the Bible reader gets stuck. Following the fascinating history of the people of God in the book of Genesis (the story of Adam, Eve, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Jacob, and Joseph) and the inspiration of God’s deliverance of the Israelites from Egyptian Slavery in the book of Exodus; we can get easily get bogged down with the readings found in Leviticus.
Leviticus is the portion of the Bible that records the specific instructions that were given to Moses and his brother Aaron (who were from the Jewish tribe of Levi). Aaron and his descendants were to serve as the Jewish Priests and are sometimes called the Levitical Priests (thus the name of the book). The theme of the book is found in the following instructions from God to Moses and Aaron, “For I am the Lord your God. You must consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy. … For I, the Lord, am the one who brought you up from the land of Egypt, that I might be your God. Therefore, you must be holy because I am holy” (Leviticus 11:44-45 NLT).
Once the reader understands the theme of holiness in the book of Leviticus, then the detailed directions throughout the book make a lot more sense. It is obvious that the Lord wants believers to give careful attention to their worship of Him. A worship that leads the individual to draw near to a Holy God, and to be inspired to live an obedient life that is described as holy (or distinct).
Corresponding Bible Reading: Leviticus 11:1-13:46
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Determining the Lord's Will
One of the toughest questions posed is … “How do you determine God’s will for a particular area of your life?” Although the Bible gives some great direction for believers in the midst of life dilemmas, sometimes we face such tough questions and choices that it is difficult to discern the Lord’s will in a particular matter.
When the Lord gave Moses and the people of Israel His Law to govern them and lead them, He appears to have provided them with a path of Divine direction during difficult decisions. And His means of providing this guidance is fascinating. The High Priest (Aaron, Moses brother, was the original High Priest) was instructed to carry the Urim and Thummim in his priestly garments. These mysterious objects were described by the Lord as follows:
“Insert the Urim and Thummim into the sacred chestpiece so they will be carried over Aaron’s heart when he goes into the Lord’s presence. In this way, Aaron will always carry over his heart the objects used to determine the Lord’s will for his people whenever he goes in before the Lord.” (Exodus 20:30 NLT).
According to the Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, the Urim and Thummim “were two objects that served as sacred lots. That is they were used to determine God’s will or to receive a divine answer to a question.” Isn’t it amazing that the Lord worked through “dice like” objects to help guide His people three thousand years ago?
We don’t know what happened to the Urim and Thummim, nor am I recommending that you “roll the dice” or “flip a coin” in making a big decision in life. And yet this fascinating tidbit in Scripture demonstrates that the Lord does care about His people and that He is willing to intervene in our lives to give us direction and guidance.
If you are facing a big decision today or in the near future, then remember that the Lord cares for you and that if you seek His direction that He is willing to give it. Possibly He will guide us today … not through the “casting of lots,” but through one or all of the following: guidance found in His written word, the Bible; a clear specific answer given to a specific prayer; and/or the wise counsel of a trusted Christian friend.
Isn’t it good to know that God cares personally for you and me?
Corresponding Bible Reading: Exodus 28:1-29:46
When the Lord gave Moses and the people of Israel His Law to govern them and lead them, He appears to have provided them with a path of Divine direction during difficult decisions. And His means of providing this guidance is fascinating. The High Priest (Aaron, Moses brother, was the original High Priest) was instructed to carry the Urim and Thummim in his priestly garments. These mysterious objects were described by the Lord as follows:
“Insert the Urim and Thummim into the sacred chestpiece so they will be carried over Aaron’s heart when he goes into the Lord’s presence. In this way, Aaron will always carry over his heart the objects used to determine the Lord’s will for his people whenever he goes in before the Lord.” (Exodus 20:30 NLT).
According to the Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, the Urim and Thummim “were two objects that served as sacred lots. That is they were used to determine God’s will or to receive a divine answer to a question.” Isn’t it amazing that the Lord worked through “dice like” objects to help guide His people three thousand years ago?
We don’t know what happened to the Urim and Thummim, nor am I recommending that you “roll the dice” or “flip a coin” in making a big decision in life. And yet this fascinating tidbit in Scripture demonstrates that the Lord does care about His people and that He is willing to intervene in our lives to give us direction and guidance.
If you are facing a big decision today or in the near future, then remember that the Lord cares for you and that if you seek His direction that He is willing to give it. Possibly He will guide us today … not through the “casting of lots,” but through one or all of the following: guidance found in His written word, the Bible; a clear specific answer given to a specific prayer; and/or the wise counsel of a trusted Christian friend.
Isn’t it good to know that God cares personally for you and me?
Corresponding Bible Reading: Exodus 28:1-29:46
Monday, February 8, 2010
The Holiness of the LORD
Two months following their miraculous release from Egyptian captivity, the Israelites arrive at the foot of Mount Sinai. It is at this mountain that the Lord will reveal to Moses and the children of Israel, the Ten Commandments and the Law that will govern them for centuries. And yet prior to revealing His direction, the Lord first reveals His holiness.
Listen closely to the instruction from the Lord:
Then the Lord said to Moses, “I will come to you in a thick cloud, Moses, so the people themselves can hear me when I speak with you. Then they will always trust you.”
Moses told the Lord what the people had said. Then the Lord told Moses, “Go down and prepare the people for my arrival. Consecrate them today and tomorrow, and have them wash their clothing. Be sure they are ready on the third day, for on that day the Lord will come down on Mount Sinai as all the people watch. Mark off a boundary all around the mountain. Warn the people, ‘Be careful! Do not go up on the mountain or even touch its boundaries. Anyone who touches the mountain will certainly be put to death. No hand may touch the person or animal that crosses the boundary; instead, stone them or shoot them with arrows. They must be put to death.’ However, when the ram’s horn sounds a long blast, then the people may go up on the mountain.” (Exodus 19:9-13 NLT).
As I read these instructions this morning, I wrote in my study notes, “Wow!” I stand amazed at the holiness of the Lord. And His holiness brings two things to mind. The first is that I am extremely grateful that through Jesus Christ, sinners like me can approach the Lord God with confidence.
The second observation is that believers today should not take the privilege to draw near to God through Christ for granted, but to be humbled by the privilege and the holiness of the Lord God. Also, to be careful to not minimize or trivialize the holiness of God and to always remember that He is worthy of our awe and reverence!
Corresponding Bible Reading: Exodus 19:1-21:36
Listen closely to the instruction from the Lord:
Then the Lord said to Moses, “I will come to you in a thick cloud, Moses, so the people themselves can hear me when I speak with you. Then they will always trust you.”
Moses told the Lord what the people had said. Then the Lord told Moses, “Go down and prepare the people for my arrival. Consecrate them today and tomorrow, and have them wash their clothing. Be sure they are ready on the third day, for on that day the Lord will come down on Mount Sinai as all the people watch. Mark off a boundary all around the mountain. Warn the people, ‘Be careful! Do not go up on the mountain or even touch its boundaries. Anyone who touches the mountain will certainly be put to death. No hand may touch the person or animal that crosses the boundary; instead, stone them or shoot them with arrows. They must be put to death.’ However, when the ram’s horn sounds a long blast, then the people may go up on the mountain.” (Exodus 19:9-13 NLT).
As I read these instructions this morning, I wrote in my study notes, “Wow!” I stand amazed at the holiness of the Lord. And His holiness brings two things to mind. The first is that I am extremely grateful that through Jesus Christ, sinners like me can approach the Lord God with confidence.
The second observation is that believers today should not take the privilege to draw near to God through Christ for granted, but to be humbled by the privilege and the holiness of the Lord God. Also, to be careful to not minimize or trivialize the holiness of God and to always remember that He is worthy of our awe and reverence!
Corresponding Bible Reading: Exodus 19:1-21:36
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Daily Manna
One of the most fascinating aspects of the Exodus story is that the Lord provided daily manna for the children of Israel for 40 years. (By the way, manna is described in the Bible as “a flaky substance as fine as frost blanketed the ground” – the original “frosted flakes.”) This miraculous provision of food for Israel was a reminder to them and us that the Lord will not only provide for those who trust in Him, but that He is incredibly patient.
The newly freed nation of Israel arrived in the wilderness of Sin one month after leaving Egyptian slavery. Instead of trusting that the Lord who had delivered them would also provide for them, they complained about their condition and the spiritual leadership of Moses and Aaron. They complained, “If only the Lord had killed us back in Egypt … There we sat around pots filled with meat and ate all the bread we wanted. But now you have brought us into this wilderness to starve us all to death” (Exodus 16:3 NLT).
In spite of their complaining, the Lord demonstrated tremendous patience and compassion on His people and provided food for the Israelites for 40 years. He also instructed Moses to place some manna in a two-quart jar to serve as a reminder for future believers that the Lord will provide for His people often in spite of themselves!
Corresponding Bible Reading: Exodus 16:1-18:27
The newly freed nation of Israel arrived in the wilderness of Sin one month after leaving Egyptian slavery. Instead of trusting that the Lord who had delivered them would also provide for them, they complained about their condition and the spiritual leadership of Moses and Aaron. They complained, “If only the Lord had killed us back in Egypt … There we sat around pots filled with meat and ate all the bread we wanted. But now you have brought us into this wilderness to starve us all to death” (Exodus 16:3 NLT).
In spite of their complaining, the Lord demonstrated tremendous patience and compassion on His people and provided food for the Israelites for 40 years. He also instructed Moses to place some manna in a two-quart jar to serve as a reminder for future believers that the Lord will provide for His people often in spite of themselves!
Corresponding Bible Reading: Exodus 16:1-18:27
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