Blogger’s Note: Posting the second journal entry, below for this morning’s entry; but these two entries were those for my last two days of entries, posted late due to internet connection difficulties during travels to a Christian men’s retreat during the past two days.
Passage of the Day: Reference of Today’s Chronological Bible Study: Psalm 56 … To study these chapters, go to this link -
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Passage of the Day: Reference of Today’s Chronological Bible Study: Psalm 120 … To study these chapters, go to this link -
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Passage of the Day: Reference of Today’s Chronological Bible Study: Psalm 140 … To study these chapters, go to this link -
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Passage of the Day: Reference of Today’s Chronological Bible Study: Psalm 141 … To study these chapters, go to this link -
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Passage of the Day: Reference of Today’s Chronological Bible Study: Psalm 142 … To study these chapters, go to this link -
Highlight Passage: [NLT] … Psalms 56: 3-4, 6 ... But when I am afraid, … I put my trust in you. 4 O God, I praise your word. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? … What can mere mortals do to me?
8 You keep track of all my sorrows. …You have collected all my tears in your bottle. …You have recorded each one in your book.
My Journal for Today: Five more Psalms for this morning’s chronological read and for my devotional, which will have to be posted online in retrospect again today, though I’m in a delightful state of mind this morning writing here after having had such a beautiful and joyful day yesterday with 27 Christian brothers, catching rainbow trout on the Little Red River in Arkansas, where our churchmen traveled for a weekend retreat.
And so it’s admittedly a little hard for me to break my own personal, and very joyful, context this morning to read David [and maybe Hezekiah] writing these Psalms under the oppression he [or they] experienced as they were being pursued by relentless and worldly forces who wanted to rout and even kill these men of God so trying to be Godly men.
And in today’s reading of Psalms, especially the highlighted passage from Psalm 56, verses 3-4 and 8 above, we read of God’s reality for true believers, for disciples of the Living God, … we who may feel the oppression of the world but know that even the taking of our lives cannot break our forever relationship with our God. David knew that; … and he openly an unabashedly expressed his trust and confidence in God in these Psalms.
The question becomes for us, … do we really believe this when the world seems to be crashing down around us? Perhaps some of us are experiencing horrible financial burdens. Perhaps others are being attacked in some personal or very emotional battles in life. Others may be under the oppression of ill health, maybe even the big “C” – terminal cancer. Those who know the truth of Romans 8: 28 and yet we may be under the pursuit of some of such circumstances of doom/despair and are being tested of the heart. Does God really work in ALL things for the good of those of us who love God and are His called ones? Hard to have such faith as David was singing about in such dire circumstances, isn’t it?
But that’s our life lesson today; and we really need to latch on to it and hold dear to the promises of God just as David was able to do. Our life is dear, especially as it’s lived out to love, obey, and serve God in the context of family and our callings on earth; … BUT … no matter what we may encounter in this life, we can – AND MUST – know, beyond all doubt, this life is merely staging and preparation for our eternal and heavenly bound relationship with our God.
Hold on to that, dear one, as this journey through life may try to pummel you. Remember with me, together with me as you read this, that our Lord never leaves us, … always loving us, … and forever carrying us under His loving arms into that glory that awaits.
My Prayer Today: … As I sit here watching the sun rise in a beautiful and so comfortable spot, Lord, … help me to see this little glimpse of glory as a very small glimpse of what You have waiting for me with You in eternity. Amen
Showing posts with label Blessing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Blessing. Show all posts
Sunday, April 15, 2012
April 14, 2012 … Go to God in Trouble
Blogger’s Note: Posted a day late today because of wifi connection problems while traveling. Will likely be late again tomorrow for the same reason; but here is my offering from yesterday from the Little Red River in Arkansas.
Passage of the Day: Reference of Today’s Chronological Bible Study: Psalm 7 … To study these chapters, go to this link -
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Passage of the Day: Reference of Today’s Chronological Bible Study: Psalm 27 … To study these chapters, go to this link -
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Passage of the Day: Reference of Today’s Chronological Bible Study: Psalm 31 … To study these chapters, go to this link -
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Passage of the Day: Reference of Today’s Chronological Bible Study: Psalm 34 … To study these chapters, go to this link -
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Passage of the Day: Reference of Today’s Chronological Bible Study: Psalm 52 … To study these chapters, go to this link -
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My Journal for Today: This morning I’m sitting on a dock at a fishing resort on the Little Red River in Arkansas, out for the weekend with a bunch of Christian men, some of whom have brought their sons to get away, fish for rainbow or brown trout (or maybe some catfish or bass) out on the river today, getting away from some of the troubles and concerns of the world; and just being out with God in His creation. Sometimes we just feel we need to get away from all those pressures out there in the world or in our own hearts which tear away at our souls, don’t we?
If you read through the Psalms which our chronological read has me meditating on today, if one studies the context of why David wrote all these poetic songs, you realize that the young king-to-be was deeply embroiled in escaping the existing King, … Saul, and David was trying to do all he could to buck up under the pressures of Saul trying to kill him and use His kingly influence to discredit David; but the only place David could really go for refuge was to and with His Lord, Yahweh; … and as one reads these Psalms, we see that’s exactly where any/all of us should go when we’re down-trodden or discouraged or in despair.
Of all these five psalms, I was asked to read today, you’ll note that I emboldened the link to Psalm 34, which I’d ask any who’re reading/meditating along with me here to take some time upon which to meditate more deeply; and here is what my Parsons DVD commentary says about Psalm 34, which I think very nicely summarizes what insights David had gleaned form God and was sharing in this wonderfully encouraging Psalm.
• Parsons Commentary on Psalm 34: God promises great blessings to his people, but many of these blessings require our active participation. He will set us free from our fears (34:4, 6), guard and rescue us (34:7), show us goodness (34:8), supply our needs (34:9), listen when we call to him (34:15), and redeem us (34:22), but we must do our part. We can appropriate his blessings when we seek him (34:4, 10); cry out to him (34:6, 17); trust him (34:8); fear him (34:7); reverence him (34:9); refrain from lying (34:13); turn from evil, do good and seek peace (34:14); are brokenhearted (34:18); and serve him (34:22).
You will, as did I, have to go back and see the reference points made on this commentary; but when you do, you’ll discover the application points for any of us who’ve every sought after God’s enlightenment, enablement, and/or empowerment when we felt down-and-out or broken down by life’s pressures, stresses, or circumstances. Can I get an “Amen!” of identification?
Some of us are deeply embroiled in temptations, troubles, or trials; and we just don’t know where to turn. Some are burdened by past emotional wounds and have let our feelings bind us up in self-directed, comfort-zone pursuits, trying to find ways to cope with our fears, feelings, and fragile emotions. Can I maybe now get an “Amen!” of identification?
My friend, and dear Christian brother or sister, as God directs us through David and his historical trials, written into these psalms, our Lord is ALWAYS where to go to seek protection and empowerment. Right now I’m thinking of another passage which another Prophet, Isaiah, wrote, directly quoting God, to help Israel [or any believer] to be lifted from any fears they (or we) might have. It is Isaiah 41: 10, which says in the NLT, Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.
And when I’m down an out, that’s one verse, along with a few others, which I draw up from my cache of memory verses to do exactly what David was pursuing when he wrote the five Psalms to which I’ve linked any reader here today. Other New Testament verses which help me in tough times are Phil. 4: 13, the verse which brought me to God and shows me where I get my strength; in 1st Cor. 10: 13, God is telling me that He’ll never put me into any situation which I cannot handle with His help; in 2nd Cor. 12: 9, God encourages me, telling me that it will be HIS strength to lift me up when I am weak; and in all of Romans 8, but especially verse 31, God shows me that nothing in this word can overtake me as long as I rely on my God, in Christ, to be with me.
My friend, you’re probably dealing with something this very day which may seem overwhelming. Well, go through the five songs from David above and be lifted up, redirected, and empowered to deal with life’s challenges and seemingly overwhelming pressures. God is with us, my dear one, and He will lift us up.
My Prayer Today: … Lord, you are my protector, my guide, my EVERYTHING!!! Amen
Passage of the Day: Reference of Today’s Chronological Bible Study: Psalm 7 … To study these chapters, go to this link -
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Passage of the Day: Reference of Today’s Chronological Bible Study: Psalm 27 … To study these chapters, go to this link -
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Passage of the Day: Reference of Today’s Chronological Bible Study: Psalm 31 … To study these chapters, go to this link -
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Passage of the Day: Reference of Today’s Chronological Bible Study: Psalm 34 … To study these chapters, go to this link -
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Passage of the Day: Reference of Today’s Chronological Bible Study: Psalm 52 … To study these chapters, go to this link -
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My Journal for Today: This morning I’m sitting on a dock at a fishing resort on the Little Red River in Arkansas, out for the weekend with a bunch of Christian men, some of whom have brought their sons to get away, fish for rainbow or brown trout (or maybe some catfish or bass) out on the river today, getting away from some of the troubles and concerns of the world; and just being out with God in His creation. Sometimes we just feel we need to get away from all those pressures out there in the world or in our own hearts which tear away at our souls, don’t we?
If you read through the Psalms which our chronological read has me meditating on today, if one studies the context of why David wrote all these poetic songs, you realize that the young king-to-be was deeply embroiled in escaping the existing King, … Saul, and David was trying to do all he could to buck up under the pressures of Saul trying to kill him and use His kingly influence to discredit David; but the only place David could really go for refuge was to and with His Lord, Yahweh; … and as one reads these Psalms, we see that’s exactly where any/all of us should go when we’re down-trodden or discouraged or in despair.
Of all these five psalms, I was asked to read today, you’ll note that I emboldened the link to Psalm 34, which I’d ask any who’re reading/meditating along with me here to take some time upon which to meditate more deeply; and here is what my Parsons DVD commentary says about Psalm 34, which I think very nicely summarizes what insights David had gleaned form God and was sharing in this wonderfully encouraging Psalm.
• Parsons Commentary on Psalm 34: God promises great blessings to his people, but many of these blessings require our active participation. He will set us free from our fears (34:4, 6), guard and rescue us (34:7), show us goodness (34:8), supply our needs (34:9), listen when we call to him (34:15), and redeem us (34:22), but we must do our part. We can appropriate his blessings when we seek him (34:4, 10); cry out to him (34:6, 17); trust him (34:8); fear him (34:7); reverence him (34:9); refrain from lying (34:13); turn from evil, do good and seek peace (34:14); are brokenhearted (34:18); and serve him (34:22).
You will, as did I, have to go back and see the reference points made on this commentary; but when you do, you’ll discover the application points for any of us who’ve every sought after God’s enlightenment, enablement, and/or empowerment when we felt down-and-out or broken down by life’s pressures, stresses, or circumstances. Can I get an “Amen!” of identification?
Some of us are deeply embroiled in temptations, troubles, or trials; and we just don’t know where to turn. Some are burdened by past emotional wounds and have let our feelings bind us up in self-directed, comfort-zone pursuits, trying to find ways to cope with our fears, feelings, and fragile emotions. Can I maybe now get an “Amen!” of identification?
My friend, and dear Christian brother or sister, as God directs us through David and his historical trials, written into these psalms, our Lord is ALWAYS where to go to seek protection and empowerment. Right now I’m thinking of another passage which another Prophet, Isaiah, wrote, directly quoting God, to help Israel [or any believer] to be lifted from any fears they (or we) might have. It is Isaiah 41: 10, which says in the NLT, Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.
And when I’m down an out, that’s one verse, along with a few others, which I draw up from my cache of memory verses to do exactly what David was pursuing when he wrote the five Psalms to which I’ve linked any reader here today. Other New Testament verses which help me in tough times are Phil. 4: 13, the verse which brought me to God and shows me where I get my strength; in 1st Cor. 10: 13, God is telling me that He’ll never put me into any situation which I cannot handle with His help; in 2nd Cor. 12: 9, God encourages me, telling me that it will be HIS strength to lift me up when I am weak; and in all of Romans 8, but especially verse 31, God shows me that nothing in this word can overtake me as long as I rely on my God, in Christ, to be with me.
My friend, you’re probably dealing with something this very day which may seem overwhelming. Well, go through the five songs from David above and be lifted up, redirected, and empowered to deal with life’s challenges and seemingly overwhelming pressures. God is with us, my dear one, and He will lift us up.
My Prayer Today: … Lord, you are my protector, my guide, my EVERYTHING!!! Amen
Saturday, February 25, 2012
February 25, 2012 … The Blessing
Passage of the Day: Reference of Today’s Chronological Bible Study: Numbers, Chapters 5-6 … To study these chapters, go to this link -
Numbers 6: 22-27: … [God’s Benediction and Blessing>… 22 The LORD said to Moses, 23 “Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites.’ “Say to them:
24 ‘ … The LORD bless you and keep you;
25 the LORD make His face shine on you and be gracious to you;
26 the LORD turn His face toward you and give you peace.
27 ‘ So they will put My name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.’ ”
My Journal for Today: Today, in my Bible reading plan, I was led to study/meditate through Chapters 5-6 of Numbers; and at the end of Chapter 6, the above copied passage jumped off the page into my heart. Yes, this is a very recognized passage from scripture which you may have heard in your past as THE BENEDICTION (or spoken blessing) which Pastors or Priests often use to close Sunday services, weddings, funerals, and other special gatherings of God’s people.
I can remember this blessing being spoken by the Pastor to my wife and myself and the friends present at our wedding just before the Pastor introduced us as “Mr. and Mrs. Bill Berry;” and we kissed to seal the vows we had made before God in that special ceremony. And the horrible irony of that was … that, though the traditional words from the Bible felt nice at the time, they really didn’t hold any heartfelt meaning – at least for yours truly; because Christ was not in either of us at the time we got married in a Christian church. And if you know my testimony, my subsequent infidelity of the vows we had taken that day became a pattern in my life for over a decade before, in brokenness, I confessed my sabotage of the marriage vows which we had taken, got my mind/heart right before God, and experienced our marriage being healed and restored into the commitment of righteousness demanded and expected by God in a marriage. So, now our marriage vows have been renewed and we can read those words of benediction above and be assured that our marriage has been blessed in the way that God’s priesthood was to pronounce this blessing over God’s anointed ones, … His chosen children, the Israelites.
And when you meditate on the blessing above, you should realize that this blessing was to be pronounced over the Israelites who were willing (and able) to carry out the commitment of those who had taken the vows of a “Nazarite.” If you go back and read Numbers 6: 1-21, you will see what the Nazarite commitment was all about. It was a service vow to God which was taken by those who were very serious about their relationship with Yahweh. And when they made this commitment, and kept the tenants of the vow they made to God, the Lord blessed them in the way you read in the benediction blessing documented above in our highlight segment for today.
And please note that this well documented and familiar blessing from God – spoken over those who are fully committed to serve God – has three components in the benediction.
FIRST there is the blessing of PROTECTION: “The LORD bless you and keep you.” God promises His protection over those who are fully surrendered and also totally committed to following Him. But notice that this blessing is only given to those who live out their lives, keeping their vow to do what Christ commanded of His disciples in Luke 9: 23 and what Paul later exhorted believers to do in Romans 12: 1-2. And it is those who can take that kind of vow of commitment to follow God and to serve Him who can expect the umbrella blessing of God’s blessing of protection. But … does that mean that the totally surrendered Christian will never have any troubles. No, … it simply, but powerfully, means that God’s committed believers/children will always have God’s blessing of protection – even to provide them with eternal life should we lose our physical lives serving our Lord.
SECONDLY, God’s blessing is one of PROVIDENCE: “The LORD make His face shine on you and be gracious to you.” And here we read that God will provide all the obedient and committed believer needs no matter what difficult circumstances are encounters by the faithful followers of our LORD. That’s what we read in Christ’s new covenant promises written by the Lord’s Apostles, … by Paul in 1st Cor. 10: 13 as well as by Peter in 2nd Peter 1: 1-3. In a nutshell, God blesses His obedient servants with everything we need to take on the vow of commitment which is required of all who claim the name “Christian” in this world.
And FINALLY, God’s blessing is one of providing the believer with His PEACE: “The LORD turn His face toward you and give you peace.” And when I read this, I can’t help but think. “Hey, Lord, if You promise Your peace to me, why is my world so wracked with peace-LESS-ness or turmoil?” But then I remember that God doesn’t mean in His blessing and promise that I won’t have turmoil or troubles in my life. No, His promise is to give me the grace of His fruit of peace in the midst of life’s challenges. And in that regard I think about the promises of both an OT and a NT passage. And I charge you to go back and study these: Isaiah 26: 3 and Phil. 4: 6-7 where God promises (i.e., blesses) His committed believers with HIS inexplicable PEACE, which is His Spirit-given fruit (see Gal. 5: 22), bolsters us with His enabling grace to deal with the troubles of life (see also 2nd Cor. 12: 9).
And so, if I’m willing to be a “Nazarite” believer and make a vow of surrender and service to my Lord, … being obedient to that vow by my living sacrifice, … knowing that my God’s grace is always sufficient, no matter the trials of life, … God will pronounce His blessing and His benediction over me and my life … FOREVER. And that benediction, as spoken by God to the Nazarite-Israielites, also covers me through my faith in the blood-covering sacrifice of THE NAZARENE, … my Lord and Savior, Jesus.
My Prayer Today: … Lord, thank You for Your blessing. May I live to show it’s power in my life and be a beacon of benediction and blessing to others. Amen
Numbers 6: 22-27: … [God’s Benediction and Blessing>… 22 The LORD said to Moses, 23 “Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites.’ “Say to them:
24 ‘ … The LORD bless you and keep you;
25 the LORD make His face shine on you and be gracious to you;
26 the LORD turn His face toward you and give you peace.
27 ‘ So they will put My name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.’ ”
My Journal for Today: Today, in my Bible reading plan, I was led to study/meditate through Chapters 5-6 of Numbers; and at the end of Chapter 6, the above copied passage jumped off the page into my heart. Yes, this is a very recognized passage from scripture which you may have heard in your past as THE BENEDICTION (or spoken blessing) which Pastors or Priests often use to close Sunday services, weddings, funerals, and other special gatherings of God’s people.
I can remember this blessing being spoken by the Pastor to my wife and myself and the friends present at our wedding just before the Pastor introduced us as “Mr. and Mrs. Bill Berry;” and we kissed to seal the vows we had made before God in that special ceremony. And the horrible irony of that was … that, though the traditional words from the Bible felt nice at the time, they really didn’t hold any heartfelt meaning – at least for yours truly; because Christ was not in either of us at the time we got married in a Christian church. And if you know my testimony, my subsequent infidelity of the vows we had taken that day became a pattern in my life for over a decade before, in brokenness, I confessed my sabotage of the marriage vows which we had taken, got my mind/heart right before God, and experienced our marriage being healed and restored into the commitment of righteousness demanded and expected by God in a marriage. So, now our marriage vows have been renewed and we can read those words of benediction above and be assured that our marriage has been blessed in the way that God’s priesthood was to pronounce this blessing over God’s anointed ones, … His chosen children, the Israelites.
And when you meditate on the blessing above, you should realize that this blessing was to be pronounced over the Israelites who were willing (and able) to carry out the commitment of those who had taken the vows of a “Nazarite.” If you go back and read Numbers 6: 1-21, you will see what the Nazarite commitment was all about. It was a service vow to God which was taken by those who were very serious about their relationship with Yahweh. And when they made this commitment, and kept the tenants of the vow they made to God, the Lord blessed them in the way you read in the benediction blessing documented above in our highlight segment for today.
And please note that this well documented and familiar blessing from God – spoken over those who are fully committed to serve God – has three components in the benediction.
FIRST there is the blessing of PROTECTION: “The LORD bless you and keep you.” God promises His protection over those who are fully surrendered and also totally committed to following Him. But notice that this blessing is only given to those who live out their lives, keeping their vow to do what Christ commanded of His disciples in Luke 9: 23 and what Paul later exhorted believers to do in Romans 12: 1-2. And it is those who can take that kind of vow of commitment to follow God and to serve Him who can expect the umbrella blessing of God’s blessing of protection. But … does that mean that the totally surrendered Christian will never have any troubles. No, … it simply, but powerfully, means that God’s committed believers/children will always have God’s blessing of protection – even to provide them with eternal life should we lose our physical lives serving our Lord.
SECONDLY, God’s blessing is one of PROVIDENCE: “The LORD make His face shine on you and be gracious to you.” And here we read that God will provide all the obedient and committed believer needs no matter what difficult circumstances are encounters by the faithful followers of our LORD. That’s what we read in Christ’s new covenant promises written by the Lord’s Apostles, … by Paul in 1st Cor. 10: 13 as well as by Peter in 2nd Peter 1: 1-3. In a nutshell, God blesses His obedient servants with everything we need to take on the vow of commitment which is required of all who claim the name “Christian” in this world.
And FINALLY, God’s blessing is one of providing the believer with His PEACE: “The LORD turn His face toward you and give you peace.” And when I read this, I can’t help but think. “Hey, Lord, if You promise Your peace to me, why is my world so wracked with peace-LESS-ness or turmoil?” But then I remember that God doesn’t mean in His blessing and promise that I won’t have turmoil or troubles in my life. No, His promise is to give me the grace of His fruit of peace in the midst of life’s challenges. And in that regard I think about the promises of both an OT and a NT passage. And I charge you to go back and study these: Isaiah 26: 3 and Phil. 4: 6-7 where God promises (i.e., blesses) His committed believers with HIS inexplicable PEACE, which is His Spirit-given fruit (see Gal. 5: 22), bolsters us with His enabling grace to deal with the troubles of life (see also 2nd Cor. 12: 9).
And so, if I’m willing to be a “Nazarite” believer and make a vow of surrender and service to my Lord, … being obedient to that vow by my living sacrifice, … knowing that my God’s grace is always sufficient, no matter the trials of life, … God will pronounce His blessing and His benediction over me and my life … FOREVER. And that benediction, as spoken by God to the Nazarite-Israielites, also covers me through my faith in the blood-covering sacrifice of THE NAZARENE, … my Lord and Savior, Jesus.
My Prayer Today: … Lord, thank You for Your blessing. May I live to show it’s power in my life and be a beacon of benediction and blessing to others. Amen
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
February 22, 2012 … God Smiles on Obedience
Passage of the Day: Reference of Today’s Chronological Bible Study: Leviticus, Chapters 26-27 … To study these chapters, go to this link -
Leviticus 26: 3-5 : … [Obedience and Blessing] … 3 “‘If you follow My decrees and are careful to obey My commands, 4 I will send you rain in its season, and the ground will yield its crops and the trees their fruit. 5 Your threshing will continue until grape harvest and the grape harvest will continue until planting, and you will eat all the food you want and live in safety in your land.
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Leviticus 26: 14-17 : … [Disobedience and Cursing] … 14 “‘But if you will not listen to Me and carry out all these commands, 15 and if you reject My decrees and abhor My laws and fail to carry out all My commands and so violate My covenant, 16 then I will do this to you: I will bring on you sudden terror, wasting diseases and fever that will destroy your sight and sap your strength. You will plant seed in vain, because your enemies will eat it. 17 I will set my face against you so that you will be defeated by your enemies; those who hate you will rule over you, and you will flee even when no one is pursuing you.
My Journal for Today: Reading and meditating onward in Leviticus, today in Chapters 26-27, we read about God’s promises to His people concerning their obedience OR their disobedience. And in Verse 13 of Leviticus 26, God openly reminds His children of how HE, their God and keeper, had delivered them. His word: ... 13 I am the LORD your God, Who brought you out of Egypt so that you would no longer be slaves to the Egyptians; I broke the bars of your yoke and enabled you to walk with heads held high.
Certainly God’s chosen people, the Israelites, could not deny God’s deliverance, … nor His promises. So, if you were followers of Moses and Aaron in those days, which plan (reviewing the choices copied for you above) would you choose. >>> DUH!!! >>> No brainer, right?! … But if you’ve read the rest of the Old Testament, you know what happened. God’s people … over … and over … and over … and over again were disobedient.
But are those of us who’ve been grafted into God’s family, … His chosen people via the New Covenant and our belief in the hope and promises of the Lamb of God, any different than these Old Covenant believers? Unfortunately, I think not!
Personally, given the choices above – God’s promised outcomes for obedience and disobedience - I’m choosing the first one. But then I look at who I am and my track record for obedience in faith; and I see – IN ME – the truth of Paul’s declaration as a New Covenant Prophet (see Romans 3: 23 that “… for all have fallen short of the glory of God.” I, like all of us, do fall short; but then I’m shored up by the rest of Romans 3: 22-24, which states, 22 This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
Note that I, as an occasional disobedient sinner, because I have faith in the redeeming grace of my Lord and Savior, Jesus, The Messiah, am covered by His blood and New Covenant. But does this give me license to sin in the face of His grace. Hardly!! … And that was also covered by the Apostle Paul to the same Roman believers. Go back and read and meditate on all of Romans 6 [linked here for your study]; and you will see that it is only when we follow Jesus’ command to His disciples in Luke 9: 23 (and I hope you know that one by heart), that we will find our true purpose and experience all of God’s reward for our obedience.
So, I’m going to pray here that I recognize that God only smiles on our obedience. Yes, He will forgive our disobedience; but personally I’d rather keep Him smiling and receive the benefits of obedience to His commands and promises.
How about you?
My Prayer Today: … LORD, help me to be an obedient follower and disciple so that I my feel You smiling on me in this life and into the next. Amen
Leviticus 26: 3-5 : … [Obedience and Blessing] … 3 “‘If you follow My decrees and are careful to obey My commands, 4 I will send you rain in its season, and the ground will yield its crops and the trees their fruit. 5 Your threshing will continue until grape harvest and the grape harvest will continue until planting, and you will eat all the food you want and live in safety in your land.
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Leviticus 26: 14-17 : … [Disobedience and Cursing] … 14 “‘But if you will not listen to Me and carry out all these commands, 15 and if you reject My decrees and abhor My laws and fail to carry out all My commands and so violate My covenant, 16 then I will do this to you: I will bring on you sudden terror, wasting diseases and fever that will destroy your sight and sap your strength. You will plant seed in vain, because your enemies will eat it. 17 I will set my face against you so that you will be defeated by your enemies; those who hate you will rule over you, and you will flee even when no one is pursuing you.
My Journal for Today: Reading and meditating onward in Leviticus, today in Chapters 26-27, we read about God’s promises to His people concerning their obedience OR their disobedience. And in Verse 13 of Leviticus 26, God openly reminds His children of how HE, their God and keeper, had delivered them. His word: ... 13 I am the LORD your God, Who brought you out of Egypt so that you would no longer be slaves to the Egyptians; I broke the bars of your yoke and enabled you to walk with heads held high.
Certainly God’s chosen people, the Israelites, could not deny God’s deliverance, … nor His promises. So, if you were followers of Moses and Aaron in those days, which plan (reviewing the choices copied for you above) would you choose. >>> DUH!!! >>> No brainer, right?! … But if you’ve read the rest of the Old Testament, you know what happened. God’s people … over … and over … and over … and over again were disobedient.
But are those of us who’ve been grafted into God’s family, … His chosen people via the New Covenant and our belief in the hope and promises of the Lamb of God, any different than these Old Covenant believers? Unfortunately, I think not!
Personally, given the choices above – God’s promised outcomes for obedience and disobedience - I’m choosing the first one. But then I look at who I am and my track record for obedience in faith; and I see – IN ME – the truth of Paul’s declaration as a New Covenant Prophet (see Romans 3: 23 that “… for all have fallen short of the glory of God.” I, like all of us, do fall short; but then I’m shored up by the rest of Romans 3: 22-24, which states, 22 This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
Note that I, as an occasional disobedient sinner, because I have faith in the redeeming grace of my Lord and Savior, Jesus, The Messiah, am covered by His blood and New Covenant. But does this give me license to sin in the face of His grace. Hardly!! … And that was also covered by the Apostle Paul to the same Roman believers. Go back and read and meditate on all of Romans 6 [linked here for your study]; and you will see that it is only when we follow Jesus’ command to His disciples in Luke 9: 23 (and I hope you know that one by heart), that we will find our true purpose and experience all of God’s reward for our obedience.
So, I’m going to pray here that I recognize that God only smiles on our obedience. Yes, He will forgive our disobedience; but personally I’d rather keep Him smiling and receive the benefits of obedience to His commands and promises.
How about you?
My Prayer Today: … LORD, help me to be an obedient follower and disciple so that I my feel You smiling on me in this life and into the next. Amen
Friday, December 25, 2009
2009 – Day 358.Dec 25 – Be Involved … Get Involved
BLOGGER'S NOTE: To all who find this under their devotional tree for this morning >>> MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
Passage for Study: 1st Samuel 3: 19 - 21 … 1st Samuel 3 linked for study and context …
My Journal for Today: Today from the message of the story about Eli, the High Priest and his passivity as a father, we read of Samuel’s intervention in his youth, as he was called to be a Prophet of God. And even as a young lad, being groomed spiritually by Eli, Samuel could see the familial dysfunction in Eli’s sons; and even though it was difficult to relay God’s message to Eli, we read in 1st Samuel 3 that Samuel was finally prompted by Eli to relay the horrible message that God’s blessing on Eli’s sons and his family had been lifted forever.
Swindoll, from the study we’ve being making into Samuel and Eli the last few days, is trying to wake up Christian parents or church leaders to the reality that family leadership is the priority mission or ministry field for anyone who has been blessed to become a parent. Eli is an example of a father who may have been successful in his career as a church leader (i.e., priest); but because he failed as a dad, God’s judgment fell on his entire family. Today, father absenteeism has risen to become a social plague in our culture; and our families, … in fact our nation, is now paying the piper for passive, inactive dads, … just as Eli was an exemplar.
We have rampant fatherlessness in the land, especially in certain ethnic segments of society; and the crime, gang violence, and broken homes in our country loudly trumpet this condition. As the family deteriorates, so God’s judgment will come down – as Samuel prophesied – against a people, especially fathers, who will not obey God’s teaching and guidance from His Bible about marriages, families, and our personal lives. We cannot expect God’s blessing if we disobey our Lord with regard to His God-established institutions; and the first one He established for mankind was the family.
Yes, Eli prioritized his role as an Overseer in God’s “church,” another important God-ordained institution; but when he ignored his role as a husband and especially as a father, he openly disobeyed God; and anytime we do that, we must expect that God’s wrath of abandonment may result. We cannot expect God’s closeness, protection, and blessing if we openly disobey His principles, His guidance, and His commandments. God’s blessing is always preceded by our obedience; and when we disobey, somehow, somewhere, sometime God’s love through His chastisement can be expected. [See Heb. 12: 5-6]
And what Swindoll is pleading for, primarily from fathers or parents, in today’s devotional entry is for us (and I am certainly one of those daddies) to be vigilant for the signs of dysfunction in our homes. And many times the signs are there with kids acting out in some way; but the natural tendency so often is to deny what we see, rationalizing the signs. We just say, “M child is just going through a phase.” If we don’t intervene, especially in these days of gangs, drugs, and a hypersexualized world, the results for our kids will become what we’re seeing in this world: teen pregnancy, STDs, gang violence, and much, much more.
As God’s timing would have it, this very morning my computer scheduler led me to read a poem that I cued to be read at the end of each month. I cannot remember where I got this poem, called My Liberty, authored by Ginger Devoto; but I have it to read monthly because it carries such a powerful message and a prayer, which just happens [don’t you just love God’s timing!] to be compatible with this morning’s devotional. So, in lieu of – or in accord with – my prayer for the day, I’m going to copy this powerful poem to close my devotional entry for this day.
My Prayer for Today: This poem, My Liberty, is my prayer … Amen
My Liberty … by Ginger Devoto
The Watchman of the vineyard is watching over me,
He is the Anointed One; … He has come to set me free,
To take away the shadows that hover over me,
To remove the many cobwebs that I can clearly see.
When I least expect it, Satan walks upon the scene,
His demons follow closely, and they are sorely mean,
For the enemy is waiting to find an open door,
And enter in at every turn, with arrows all the more.
Lord, guard me with Your love and guide me with Your hand,
May my heart be confident to bow at your command.
I will lean upon your Word that will strongly hold me up,
Remembering that in Your love, for me You drank Your cup.
When there is a stronghold, battering my mind,
Help me to destroy it, in doing this I find,
Fortresses and prisons are demolished in Your might.
Arrayed in Your armor, I fight the worthy fight.
Lord, you are my safeguard, You keep me free from the foe,
And as I walk with You, Your peace I’m blessed to know.
You are my ready Warrior, to protect on every side,
Your love will circle round me. … In Your Word I will abide.
Passage for Study: 1st Samuel 3: 19 - 21 … 1st Samuel 3 linked for study and context …
My Journal for Today: Today from the message of the story about Eli, the High Priest and his passivity as a father, we read of Samuel’s intervention in his youth, as he was called to be a Prophet of God. And even as a young lad, being groomed spiritually by Eli, Samuel could see the familial dysfunction in Eli’s sons; and even though it was difficult to relay God’s message to Eli, we read in 1st Samuel 3 that Samuel was finally prompted by Eli to relay the horrible message that God’s blessing on Eli’s sons and his family had been lifted forever.
Swindoll, from the study we’ve being making into Samuel and Eli the last few days, is trying to wake up Christian parents or church leaders to the reality that family leadership is the priority mission or ministry field for anyone who has been blessed to become a parent. Eli is an example of a father who may have been successful in his career as a church leader (i.e., priest); but because he failed as a dad, God’s judgment fell on his entire family. Today, father absenteeism has risen to become a social plague in our culture; and our families, … in fact our nation, is now paying the piper for passive, inactive dads, … just as Eli was an exemplar.
We have rampant fatherlessness in the land, especially in certain ethnic segments of society; and the crime, gang violence, and broken homes in our country loudly trumpet this condition. As the family deteriorates, so God’s judgment will come down – as Samuel prophesied – against a people, especially fathers, who will not obey God’s teaching and guidance from His Bible about marriages, families, and our personal lives. We cannot expect God’s blessing if we disobey our Lord with regard to His God-established institutions; and the first one He established for mankind was the family.
Yes, Eli prioritized his role as an Overseer in God’s “church,” another important God-ordained institution; but when he ignored his role as a husband and especially as a father, he openly disobeyed God; and anytime we do that, we must expect that God’s wrath of abandonment may result. We cannot expect God’s closeness, protection, and blessing if we openly disobey His principles, His guidance, and His commandments. God’s blessing is always preceded by our obedience; and when we disobey, somehow, somewhere, sometime God’s love through His chastisement can be expected. [See Heb. 12: 5-6]
And what Swindoll is pleading for, primarily from fathers or parents, in today’s devotional entry is for us (and I am certainly one of those daddies) to be vigilant for the signs of dysfunction in our homes. And many times the signs are there with kids acting out in some way; but the natural tendency so often is to deny what we see, rationalizing the signs. We just say, “M child is just going through a phase.” If we don’t intervene, especially in these days of gangs, drugs, and a hypersexualized world, the results for our kids will become what we’re seeing in this world: teen pregnancy, STDs, gang violence, and much, much more.
As God’s timing would have it, this very morning my computer scheduler led me to read a poem that I cued to be read at the end of each month. I cannot remember where I got this poem, called My Liberty, authored by Ginger Devoto; but I have it to read monthly because it carries such a powerful message and a prayer, which just happens [don’t you just love God’s timing!] to be compatible with this morning’s devotional. So, in lieu of – or in accord with – my prayer for the day, I’m going to copy this powerful poem to close my devotional entry for this day.
My Prayer for Today: This poem, My Liberty, is my prayer … Amen
My Liberty … by Ginger Devoto
The Watchman of the vineyard is watching over me,
He is the Anointed One; … He has come to set me free,
To take away the shadows that hover over me,
To remove the many cobwebs that I can clearly see.
When I least expect it, Satan walks upon the scene,
His demons follow closely, and they are sorely mean,
For the enemy is waiting to find an open door,
And enter in at every turn, with arrows all the more.
Lord, guard me with Your love and guide me with Your hand,
May my heart be confident to bow at your command.
I will lean upon your Word that will strongly hold me up,
Remembering that in Your love, for me You drank Your cup.
When there is a stronghold, battering my mind,
Help me to destroy it, in doing this I find,
Fortresses and prisons are demolished in Your might.
Arrayed in Your armor, I fight the worthy fight.
Lord, you are my safeguard, You keep me free from the foe,
And as I walk with You, Your peace I’m blessed to know.
You are my ready Warrior, to protect on every side,
Your love will circle round me. … In Your Word I will abide.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
2009 – Day 83.Mar. 25 – Baby Steps
2009 – Day 83.Mar. 24 – Baby Steps
Passage of the Day: Exodus 15: 22 – 27 … 22 So Moses brought Israel from the Red Sea; then they went out into the Wilderness of Shur. And they went three days in the wilderness and found no water. 23 Now when they came to Marah, they could not drink the waters of Marah, for they were bitter. Therefore the name of it was called Marah. 24 And the people complained against Moses, saying, “What shall we drink?” 25 So he cried out to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a tree. When he cast it into the waters, the waters were made sweet. There He made a statute and an ordinance for them, and there He tested them, 26 and said, “If you diligently heed the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the LORD who heals you.” 27 Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve wells of water and seventy palm trees; so they camped there by the waters.
My Journal for Today: A very good point is made by Chuck Swindoll in his devotional for today from Great Days with the Great Lives. And he uses this passage from Exodus 15 to show his readers, as God is showing us through His word in today’s passage, that often God uses tough travels in the wilderness to test and grow His children.
Swindoll points out that the God Who parted the Red Sea could have taken His people quickly and easily to the land of milk and honey in Canaan; but after crossing the Sea, God led them first to a place with poisonous water, which he made sweet to show the people that God provides and they needed to be dependent on His provision. And after this lesson was taught, God gave them the promise of good health and welfare in the desert. But the test and lesson of provision had to come first.
If you’ve been reading along with me, some time ago I quoted our dear, now departed, friend, Loretta Fields, who used to say often, “First obedience; … then the blessing.” And it’s true; … we don’t learn to be obedient and humble by going through life the easy way. No, as Swindoll writes, “… our spiritual roots only grow deep when the winds around us are strong.” And if I poled all who read here, I’d bet that most, if not all, of you would recall that you grew strongest when you were put through some test of fire.
In Scripture we often read of God using a word picture of His using life circumstances to burn away the dross from the silver to make it purer or stronger (see examples in Prov. 25: 4 or Is. 1: 25). And in today’s passage we have another Old Testament picture of God testing His children, as He does us, to shape us into the image of His Son and our Savior, Jesus Christ. But our nature would desire the easy route and to avoid the heat, wouldn’t it? Who wants testing? “Just give us the good stuff, Lord!” That would be our sin nature talking.
But our God is actually merciful to lead us through the fire to find His bountiful blessings. We usually think of God’s “blessing” or His “grace” as being the warm-fuzzies of life. But the truth reveals that it is God’s GRACE which takes us through the fires of life to burn and purge the dross from our nature. Without the fires we would remain impure and weak. Yes, … a prayer like, “Lord, make me humble” or “God, help me to be patient” is often answered by life lessons, … tough situations, which shape our character so that we can become humble and patient, which are pre-conditions for God’s warm and fuzzy blessings.
So, as we wander through the wilderness of our lives, often feeling the heat of the desert, may we come to realize that this is God’s “blessing” of purification in our lives? He’s getting us ready for the greatest blessing of all, eternal life with our Lord in heaven; so, let’s all take one baby step after another in the desert so that we may be ready for what He has for us ahead in this life … and more importantly, … the next.
My Prayer for Today: Lord, I may hesitate; … but I do pray for humility …so that You may bless me in Your way and in Your time. Amen
Passage of the Day: Exodus 15: 22 – 27 … 22 So Moses brought Israel from the Red Sea; then they went out into the Wilderness of Shur. And they went three days in the wilderness and found no water. 23 Now when they came to Marah, they could not drink the waters of Marah, for they were bitter. Therefore the name of it was called Marah. 24 And the people complained against Moses, saying, “What shall we drink?” 25 So he cried out to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a tree. When he cast it into the waters, the waters were made sweet. There He made a statute and an ordinance for them, and there He tested them, 26 and said, “If you diligently heed the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the LORD who heals you.” 27 Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve wells of water and seventy palm trees; so they camped there by the waters.
My Journal for Today: A very good point is made by Chuck Swindoll in his devotional for today from Great Days with the Great Lives. And he uses this passage from Exodus 15 to show his readers, as God is showing us through His word in today’s passage, that often God uses tough travels in the wilderness to test and grow His children.
Swindoll points out that the God Who parted the Red Sea could have taken His people quickly and easily to the land of milk and honey in Canaan; but after crossing the Sea, God led them first to a place with poisonous water, which he made sweet to show the people that God provides and they needed to be dependent on His provision. And after this lesson was taught, God gave them the promise of good health and welfare in the desert. But the test and lesson of provision had to come first.
If you’ve been reading along with me, some time ago I quoted our dear, now departed, friend, Loretta Fields, who used to say often, “First obedience; … then the blessing.” And it’s true; … we don’t learn to be obedient and humble by going through life the easy way. No, as Swindoll writes, “… our spiritual roots only grow deep when the winds around us are strong.” And if I poled all who read here, I’d bet that most, if not all, of you would recall that you grew strongest when you were put through some test of fire.
In Scripture we often read of God using a word picture of His using life circumstances to burn away the dross from the silver to make it purer or stronger (see examples in Prov. 25: 4 or Is. 1: 25). And in today’s passage we have another Old Testament picture of God testing His children, as He does us, to shape us into the image of His Son and our Savior, Jesus Christ. But our nature would desire the easy route and to avoid the heat, wouldn’t it? Who wants testing? “Just give us the good stuff, Lord!” That would be our sin nature talking.
But our God is actually merciful to lead us through the fire to find His bountiful blessings. We usually think of God’s “blessing” or His “grace” as being the warm-fuzzies of life. But the truth reveals that it is God’s GRACE which takes us through the fires of life to burn and purge the dross from our nature. Without the fires we would remain impure and weak. Yes, … a prayer like, “Lord, make me humble” or “God, help me to be patient” is often answered by life lessons, … tough situations, which shape our character so that we can become humble and patient, which are pre-conditions for God’s warm and fuzzy blessings.
So, as we wander through the wilderness of our lives, often feeling the heat of the desert, may we come to realize that this is God’s “blessing” of purification in our lives? He’s getting us ready for the greatest blessing of all, eternal life with our Lord in heaven; so, let’s all take one baby step after another in the desert so that we may be ready for what He has for us ahead in this life … and more importantly, … the next.
My Prayer for Today: Lord, I may hesitate; … but I do pray for humility …so that You may bless me in Your way and in Your time. Amen
Friday, March 20, 2009
2009 – Day 78.Mar. 20 – Historical Obedience
2009 – Day 78.Mar. 20 – Historical Obedience
Passage of the Day: Exodus 12: 1 - 28 … Link to passage for study …
My Journal for Today: In today’s passage we read about the establishment of Passover. God instituted, through Moses, a feast of remembrance which was given to God’s people to highlight their need to be obedient – or die! And the people heard Moses, and as we read in verse 28 of Exodus 12, they obeyed. Pharaoh didn’t; and we know what happened. God’s people made history by escaping slavery; and Pharaoh became history with the demise of his mighty nation.
The lesson is clear. When you know God’s will, (again the Nike slogan), “Just do it!” But do we? No, in many ways we’re like Pharaoh and Egypt; or we’re like God’s people, who went on to become wanderers in the desert of disobedience. Here today, we Christians have the great advantage of having God’s compendium of truth in the Bible, which lays out for us – quite clearly as Moses did for God’s people – the truth and the way. And we even have the words and life of THE WAY and THE TRUTH in the person and recorded life of Jesus, THE CHRIST. However, we often either deny it or simple disobey it. And is it any wonder that we encounter our God rather than live a life encompassed by His blessing?
In this one instance of HISTORICAL OBEDIENCE [i.e., today’s passage], the Hebrews heard the word of God, and they obeyed. And we see that they were blessed by deliverance from their slavery. But we also know – also from history – that these same people, over and over again, had to be subjected to God’s hatred of disobedience and ungodliness; and they paid the price for disobedience over and over and over again. All one has to do is read the Book of Judges and you’ll see how repetitive disobedience incurs God’s wrath of separation, whereas man’s obedience of God’s will results in God’s blessing of His presence and His providence.
I think about this truth and I read Romans 1: 18 – 32 [link provided]; and it’s a bit scary. It’s like I’m reading a picture of the disobedience of God’s truth which we see in this world today; and I’m greatly concerned for the lives of our grand children, who may, along with the disobedient ones in today’s culture experience the wrath of God Who lifts His protective blessing over this nation (and others), allowing the horror of Satan to be visited upon the world. May God have mercy upon us?!
But I have hope in Christ; and I know that God will never forsake HIS CHILDREN. It is true that the rain falls on the obedient as well as the disobedient. But the rain of eternal death, which will befall the wicked, will never fall on the obedient and faithful in Christ. So, my mission in life is the same as that as my Lord’s, which was prophesied in Isaiah 61: 1-2 as well as voiced by our Savior in Luke 4: 18-19; and that is to do all I can to impart God’s truth to my family and this world, allowing any or all who believe and receive the truth to escape the prison of sin and to live eternally with our God.
My Prayer for Today: Help me, Lord, to know Your truth, to live by it, and to share it with all I can in my life. Amen
Passage of the Day: Exodus 12: 1 - 28 … Link to passage for study …
My Journal for Today: In today’s passage we read about the establishment of Passover. God instituted, through Moses, a feast of remembrance which was given to God’s people to highlight their need to be obedient – or die! And the people heard Moses, and as we read in verse 28 of Exodus 12, they obeyed. Pharaoh didn’t; and we know what happened. God’s people made history by escaping slavery; and Pharaoh became history with the demise of his mighty nation.
The lesson is clear. When you know God’s will, (again the Nike slogan), “Just do it!” But do we? No, in many ways we’re like Pharaoh and Egypt; or we’re like God’s people, who went on to become wanderers in the desert of disobedience. Here today, we Christians have the great advantage of having God’s compendium of truth in the Bible, which lays out for us – quite clearly as Moses did for God’s people – the truth and the way. And we even have the words and life of THE WAY and THE TRUTH in the person and recorded life of Jesus, THE CHRIST. However, we often either deny it or simple disobey it. And is it any wonder that we encounter our God rather than live a life encompassed by His blessing?
In this one instance of HISTORICAL OBEDIENCE [i.e., today’s passage], the Hebrews heard the word of God, and they obeyed. And we see that they were blessed by deliverance from their slavery. But we also know – also from history – that these same people, over and over again, had to be subjected to God’s hatred of disobedience and ungodliness; and they paid the price for disobedience over and over and over again. All one has to do is read the Book of Judges and you’ll see how repetitive disobedience incurs God’s wrath of separation, whereas man’s obedience of God’s will results in God’s blessing of His presence and His providence.
I think about this truth and I read Romans 1: 18 – 32 [link provided]; and it’s a bit scary. It’s like I’m reading a picture of the disobedience of God’s truth which we see in this world today; and I’m greatly concerned for the lives of our grand children, who may, along with the disobedient ones in today’s culture experience the wrath of God Who lifts His protective blessing over this nation (and others), allowing the horror of Satan to be visited upon the world. May God have mercy upon us?!
But I have hope in Christ; and I know that God will never forsake HIS CHILDREN. It is true that the rain falls on the obedient as well as the disobedient. But the rain of eternal death, which will befall the wicked, will never fall on the obedient and faithful in Christ. So, my mission in life is the same as that as my Lord’s, which was prophesied in Isaiah 61: 1-2 as well as voiced by our Savior in Luke 4: 18-19; and that is to do all I can to impart God’s truth to my family and this world, allowing any or all who believe and receive the truth to escape the prison of sin and to live eternally with our God.
My Prayer for Today: Help me, Lord, to know Your truth, to live by it, and to share it with all I can in my life. Amen
Thursday, March 19, 2009
2009 – Day 77.Mar. 19 – The Essential Ingredient
2009 – Day 77.Mar. 19 – The Essential Ingredient
Passage of the Day: Exodus 11: 1 - 10 … Link to the passage …
My Journal for Today: Earlier this month we were reading how Moses had gotten to a very low place, being rejected by Pharaoh, ridiculed by the Egyptians, and even hated by the Hebrew leaders. But though Moses had doubts about himself as God’s leader, he stuck in there and was obedient to God’s plan. And as Swindoll points out in today’s devotional entry, and reading ahead in Exodus 11 – 12, that is the main point – the essential ingredient – of success in God’s eyes … OBEDIENCE. God plans it. He wills it. We, who follow Him, do it.
At this point my memory harkens back to an old advertisement slogan from the Nike company: “Just do it!” And the slogan was referring to the effort and discipline it takes to be great in the sports world. One may have the talent of a Michael Jordan in basketball or a Tiger Woods in golf; but those two become the leaders in their field of endeavor do so because of obedience to the truth that it takes practice and discipline to be the best. Moses, as we read in today’s passage, even became esteemed to the Egyptians, … not because he did things his own way. No, it was because he stuck with God’s plan and purpose.
We receive power when we are witnesses for and with God, doing life “HIS WAY,” not our own. Swindoll quotes Proverbs 16: 7 which states that even our enemies will admire us when we do life in the center of God’s will. And that’s what had come about with Moses; but Pharaoh hated him with extreme jealousy. And those who were unwilling to do things God’s way were about to pay a horrible price. God’s plan was unfolding, even in the details of the people asking for gold and silver, which would one day be used for God’s Tabernacle in worship. And I’m sure that some of God’s people were disobedient and ignored what Moses asked them to do. But in God’s time they would not have the favor of God as would those who were obedient.
Many times in my devotionals over the years I’ve quoted a dear, departed friend of ours who had a saying that many of us called "1st Loretta 1: 1." Loretta used to say, “First obedience, … then the blessing.” And that’s what today’s devotional is all about, challenging me (and you) to ask, “Just how obedient am I in living out life in God’s way?” Other question could be asked more specifically, such as, “Am I tithing as God’s word commands (see Malachi 3: 8 - 12 and 2nd Cor. 9: 6, 7)?” Or, you might realize that we can’t ignore giving our best, using the time God gives to us for His glory by getting in and staying in God’s word (see Joshua 1: 8 and Ephesians 5: 15-16)?
In the time of Moses, all who followed Moses obediently were blessed. All who were disobedient to God’s plan, spoken through Moses and Aaron, incurred God’s horrible wrath. And, as I’ve said many times before, “We either choose to humble ourselves before our God, or He will humble us in His sight.” We choose Whom we’ll follow. God chooses the outcome.
My Prayer for Today: I choose to follow You, Lord. Amen
Passage of the Day: Exodus 11: 1 - 10 … Link to the passage …
My Journal for Today: Earlier this month we were reading how Moses had gotten to a very low place, being rejected by Pharaoh, ridiculed by the Egyptians, and even hated by the Hebrew leaders. But though Moses had doubts about himself as God’s leader, he stuck in there and was obedient to God’s plan. And as Swindoll points out in today’s devotional entry, and reading ahead in Exodus 11 – 12, that is the main point – the essential ingredient – of success in God’s eyes … OBEDIENCE. God plans it. He wills it. We, who follow Him, do it.
At this point my memory harkens back to an old advertisement slogan from the Nike company: “Just do it!” And the slogan was referring to the effort and discipline it takes to be great in the sports world. One may have the talent of a Michael Jordan in basketball or a Tiger Woods in golf; but those two become the leaders in their field of endeavor do so because of obedience to the truth that it takes practice and discipline to be the best. Moses, as we read in today’s passage, even became esteemed to the Egyptians, … not because he did things his own way. No, it was because he stuck with God’s plan and purpose.
We receive power when we are witnesses for and with God, doing life “HIS WAY,” not our own. Swindoll quotes Proverbs 16: 7 which states that even our enemies will admire us when we do life in the center of God’s will. And that’s what had come about with Moses; but Pharaoh hated him with extreme jealousy. And those who were unwilling to do things God’s way were about to pay a horrible price. God’s plan was unfolding, even in the details of the people asking for gold and silver, which would one day be used for God’s Tabernacle in worship. And I’m sure that some of God’s people were disobedient and ignored what Moses asked them to do. But in God’s time they would not have the favor of God as would those who were obedient.
Many times in my devotionals over the years I’ve quoted a dear, departed friend of ours who had a saying that many of us called "1st Loretta 1: 1." Loretta used to say, “First obedience, … then the blessing.” And that’s what today’s devotional is all about, challenging me (and you) to ask, “Just how obedient am I in living out life in God’s way?” Other question could be asked more specifically, such as, “Am I tithing as God’s word commands (see Malachi 3: 8 - 12 and 2nd Cor. 9: 6, 7)?” Or, you might realize that we can’t ignore giving our best, using the time God gives to us for His glory by getting in and staying in God’s word (see Joshua 1: 8 and Ephesians 5: 15-16)?
In the time of Moses, all who followed Moses obediently were blessed. All who were disobedient to God’s plan, spoken through Moses and Aaron, incurred God’s horrible wrath. And, as I’ve said many times before, “We either choose to humble ourselves before our God, or He will humble us in His sight.” We choose Whom we’ll follow. God chooses the outcome.
My Prayer for Today: I choose to follow You, Lord. Amen
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
2009 - Day 40.Feb.10 - Impact of Family Blessing
For those reading here ... My time is all changed, being over in Israel for these next 11 or so days. It's now a little after 5am on 2/11 over here; but I'll post as if it's 2/10 since it's evening in the USA. I'm sorry for any confusion from you who're faithfully following this blog ...
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2009 – Day 40.Feb.10 –
Passage of the Day: Genesis 48: 5; 10 – 11; 14 - 26 … Genesis 48 available at this link ...
My Journal for Today: This is a touching and significant scene, which is lost, to a great degree, on today’s western culture. In today’s passages, we read of the final days of the Patriarch of Joseph’s family; and in this scenario old Jacob calls the two sons of Joseph to his side. And then a most significant thing happens.
Old Israel gives his blessing to these two young men, who, because of Joseph’s age couldn’t have been all that old. Most interpretations of this section of Genesis would be translated to indicate that Jacob actually “adopts” the two, Ephraim and Manasseh, a custom of the day for a grandfather to give power to his deathbed blessing. And in these final days, Jacob gives his personal family blessing on the sons of Joseph; and this is a family passage which unfortunately is being lost in our culture. And I personally believe that many of our social ills, the violence in our society, our crowded prisons, and evils of such things as the sex industry and the proliferation of gangs can be traced to the void created when fathers do not pass along the family “blessing” to their children.
Our fatherless families in our world may be the one significant variable which leads to all the ills mentioned above and more. In today’s scripture passage, we see the powerful blessing of a grandfather which added to an already strong relationship which was obvious between Joseph and his boys. And if you follow the lives of these two boys through their future, you would see that this blessing has lasting and powerful impact on the boys.
Though I’m in my 60s as I write this, I’ve discovered that it’s never too late to give your blessing to your kids, especially your sons or grandsons. Yes, we need to verbally, and with the close touch of hugs, tell our sons or grandsons (or the girls as well), “I love you; and I bless you; and I’ll always be there for you.” I’ll almost guarantee you that if you dismiss this powerful principle, thinking that this can’t be all that important, you are gambling with the future of your progeny by ignoring this biblically illustrated family truth.
Go ahead, … just ignore your kids; … don’t give them the blessing of your time and your hugs; … and sit back and watch to see how their lives unfold. And if they turn out to find gangs of kids to run with, or to seek out aberrant sex, or to replace those lost hugs with drugs or alcohol, … don’t blame me; and certainly you can’t blame God’s word. Because the truths are right there in the family manual of all time.
You’ve been forewarned by me … and by God in his word.
My Prayer for Today: Lord, I thank you for bringing this into my life before it was too late; and now I’m blessed to pass along those hugs and blessings to my grandchildren. Amen
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2009 – Day 40.Feb.10 –
Passage of the Day: Genesis 48: 5; 10 – 11; 14 - 26 … Genesis 48 available at this link ...
My Journal for Today: This is a touching and significant scene, which is lost, to a great degree, on today’s western culture. In today’s passages, we read of the final days of the Patriarch of Joseph’s family; and in this scenario old Jacob calls the two sons of Joseph to his side. And then a most significant thing happens.
Old Israel gives his blessing to these two young men, who, because of Joseph’s age couldn’t have been all that old. Most interpretations of this section of Genesis would be translated to indicate that Jacob actually “adopts” the two, Ephraim and Manasseh, a custom of the day for a grandfather to give power to his deathbed blessing. And in these final days, Jacob gives his personal family blessing on the sons of Joseph; and this is a family passage which unfortunately is being lost in our culture. And I personally believe that many of our social ills, the violence in our society, our crowded prisons, and evils of such things as the sex industry and the proliferation of gangs can be traced to the void created when fathers do not pass along the family “blessing” to their children.
Our fatherless families in our world may be the one significant variable which leads to all the ills mentioned above and more. In today’s scripture passage, we see the powerful blessing of a grandfather which added to an already strong relationship which was obvious between Joseph and his boys. And if you follow the lives of these two boys through their future, you would see that this blessing has lasting and powerful impact on the boys.
Though I’m in my 60s as I write this, I’ve discovered that it’s never too late to give your blessing to your kids, especially your sons or grandsons. Yes, we need to verbally, and with the close touch of hugs, tell our sons or grandsons (or the girls as well), “I love you; and I bless you; and I’ll always be there for you.” I’ll almost guarantee you that if you dismiss this powerful principle, thinking that this can’t be all that important, you are gambling with the future of your progeny by ignoring this biblically illustrated family truth.
Go ahead, … just ignore your kids; … don’t give them the blessing of your time and your hugs; … and sit back and watch to see how their lives unfold. And if they turn out to find gangs of kids to run with, or to seek out aberrant sex, or to replace those lost hugs with drugs or alcohol, … don’t blame me; and certainly you can’t blame God’s word. Because the truths are right there in the family manual of all time.
You’ve been forewarned by me … and by God in his word.
My Prayer for Today: Lord, I thank you for bringing this into my life before it was too late; and now I’m blessed to pass along those hugs and blessings to my grandchildren. Amen
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