Be careful who's counsel you listen to - Genesis 16-18

We don't always listen to the right people. However, sometimes even the people closes to us are the wrong people to listen to. In Genesis 16 we have the story of Sarah suggesting to Abraham the idea of him taking Sarah's handmaid to "fulfill" God's promise of a baby. Her lack of faith and Abraham's willingness to listen to her leads to a HUGE issue that still last today. The war between the Arab nation and the Jewish nation today is only one of the fallout's of Abraham's decision to follow the wrong advice. It is hard to not listen to bad advice in our lives today. Much less when it comes from those who say they love us. However, we are warned in Psalm 1 to not follow the advice of those who give ungodly counsel. Ungodly counsel is anything contrary to God's Word. In Genesis 15 we see that God had once again reiterated that He would supply an heir to Abraham and that heir would be from Sarah. Yet, despite God's explicit command he listens to his wife. Like Adam, someone close offers a suggestion and Abraham disobeys God's Word. We are to be careful to follow God's Word, despite who offers the advice. The best advice we can give our spouses is the advice of God's Word. Perhaps we should begin our speeches to our life partners with, "What does God's Word say?" We can be so easily led astray by those close to us. We should be closer to God's Word less we allow that advice to lead us astray.

Created again to bear fruit - Romans 7-8

The last time we read Romans (last week) we talked about "imputation." Imputation happened with Adam's sin was put on our account because we were "in" Adam. We now produce sin as a result of that imputation. Adam was not created to produce sin. But, he was given a choice and he choose sin - now we all produce, or "bear" sin in our lives because we were "in" Adam. However, believers were "in" Christ. And, Christ "Imputed" to us His righteousness. So, even though in Adam we bear sin, because we were "in" Christ we can now bear righteous acts of fruit (Romans 7:4). We have been "created" ("in" Christ) to bear fruit. The sign of our belief is not the testimony of our lips. The sign of our belief in Christ it the testimony of His work in our lives bearing fruit - fruit we can't and won't bear on our own (Romans 8:1-8). The flesh can't bear fruit. It is only when we, by faith in Christ, allow Him to bear fruit that we have the marks of Christianity. We were created to be fruit bearers for Christ. That is what Adam was supposed to do. But, we are created in Christ Jesus to bear fruit for the Savior AND by the Savior. It is the Spirit working in our lives that bears fruit for Him and before others (Romans 8:26ff). We are to allow the spirit to do the work through the work already done by the Son. That will produce fruit in our lives naturally, not because of some effort on our own. Fruit bearing comes from the work of Christ just like our salvation comes from the work of Christ. That is the point of Paul's argument. Quit trying to save yourself - you can't. Quit trying to produce fruit BY YOURSELF - YOU CAN'T.

Teaching and Healing - Matthew 8-10

Matthew was a tax collector. He not only wrote this Gospel he was, himself, a key player in the story. In 9:9-13 we read the story of Jesus coming to Matthew's house. The visit caused the Pharisees of the day to recoil and object. They didn't understand why a Teacher who claimed to be special would hang out with such low people like "tax collectors." Although we have the same feelings today for the "IRS" we probably don't understand the distain people had for tax collectors in that day. These low base fellows would not only collect tax but money for themselves in a large abuse of power. In this section Matthew gives us example after example of those Jesus healed. Most of this section is on that topic: Jesus power to heal. But, this small set of verses on Jesus coming to Matthew's house was the highlight of Matthew's life. This objection by the Pharisees really tells the story of what Christ was really about. He did come to heal, but He was not simply about healing the body. He was about healing the relationship between God and man. Matthew was an outcast who many would say didn't deserve grace and mercy. Jesus reaches out to Matthew. Matthew was "healed" by Jesus - not in a physical sense. But, Matthew was healed in regard to his personal relationship with God. The psychological impact of that on his life must have been powerful. Today we have people who don't think they deserve love and life. They are outcasts in our society or they are cast out in our circles. Jesus is in the same business today. He takes the outcast and those who struggle with identity and makes life for them. We seldom see the psychological changes that Christ can make but they are as powerful as a healed sight or lame walk. God reaches out and loves those who are unlovely. It is what Grace does.

Bare it all for God - Isaiah 18-22

I suppose chapter twenty of Isaiah is everyone's fear for following God. Every believer would like to follow God but they fear what that might "cost" them or might "take" them or might "subject" them to. I remember growing up and hearing stories of missionaries who went off to some far away land and left all behind and then were killed by the people of that land. Of course, the people were lead to the Lord in the process but never-the-less the missionary died. I struggled with how that was possible for God. I probably only heard one of those accounts but that was enough. Here in Isaiah 20 we the account of the prophet Isaiah taking up his cross to follow God. In this chapter God tells him to stripe down naked and walk around town. Yes, that is what God tells him to do. Modesty is not the point here with God's instruction. Isaiah is to take off his clothes, show his buttocks and allow the Israelites who escaped to Egypt to observe him. And, Isaiah is not to "streak" through the city hoping to give people a "glimpse" of him. He is to do this for three years!! This raises the bar for all "object" lessons. The purpose of the object lesson is to warned those who disobeyed God and sought "help" from the Egyptians that they would still be lead into captivity via the Assyrians. They would be lead away from Egypt and they would be "exposed" for the unbelievers they were (20:4). Isaiah was an obedient prophet. God uses an unusual method. I'm not sure what God would have you and me do today to be His instrument or voice. But, whatever it is, I doubt if we would be asked to do the same as Isaiah. But, would we be willing to do what God asked, if He asked?

Just repent and get right with God - Job 8-10

Now that Job's friend Eliphaz's argument of "just stand stronger in the face of suffering" had been dealt with along comes Bildad. Bildad (which means "confusing love") comes along and rather than tell Job to stand strong, he tells him to repent. His argument is that God only punishes those who do evil, so Job must have done something evil(8:3). He even believes Job's sons must have sinned and that is why they were killed (8:4). He wants Job to repent and then God will care for him and protect him against evil. Bildad's argument is that people who are "right" before God don't suffer like this. Job doesn't disagree (9:1). He too believes if you are right before God you won't suffer. But, he turns the tables on his friend and simply asks, "How can a man be right before God?" (9:1b). Yes, he says to Bildad, if we are right before God than God would have no reason to afflict us or allow affliction to find us. However, no one is "right" before God (9:4ff). We often think of pain and suffering falling on those who "deserve" it and we fail to realize that all men "deserve" any pain and suffering they receive in this life. If we truly received what we deserved all men would perish and die. No man can stand before God. That is Job's argument. He knows he did little to deserve his pain but the little he did do was indeed enough for him to have such affliction. We ought never think that we don't deserve pain and suffering, or that someone else does. Were it not for the grace of God in our lives we would all suffer much. When we don't suffer it is due only to grace.

Focus on the right thing - Psalm 9-11

When we see so much injustice in the world and see so many times that the unbeliever seems to be living in peace, believers struggle. We wonder, "Where is God?" Doesn't He see the wickedness of men? When one man shots and kills the innocent, where is God? When evil leaders oppress their subjects, where is God? When we read headline after headline portraying the wickedness of mankind, where is God? King David, in each of these three Psalms has similar questions. He wants to know why God seems to close His eyes to wickedness (10:1)? He wants to know why God allows the unbeliever to prosper (10:5). In each of the Psalms David struggles with the justice he knows about God on the one hand and yet the prosperity and peace of the wicked on the other. We all go through these type of thoughts at some time or another in our lives. When we are not grounded in the character and steadfastness of God we might be tempted to live our lives without considering God. But David knows of God's character (11:4). He knows God will care for all those who believe in Him in the end (11:7). Faith is the bridge that allows us to live above the swamp of evil and the dirty pit of self-rule. Faith in God's steadfast and unmovable character. These verses are not here to give us some special insight into how we are to deal with the prosperity and arrogance of the wicked. They are here to focus our eyes on the right thing - the character of God. We ought not to focus on the wicked and their arrogant activities but on the steadfast character of God (9:7; 10:14; 11:6). When you find yourself envying the wicked or questioning the value of following God, read these three Psalms and set you sights on God's Character.

How do you handle complainers? - Joshua 16-20

They are in every organization! They are lurking in most successful businesses! They stalk in every non-profit enterprise! They hang around in every church! They are called, "complainers." People who seem to make it there sole purpose to voice their displeasure with whatever is happening - especially when they don't get their way. We have more colorful ways and words to describe them but they are probably not appropriate on this blog. Complaining may be the oldest profession known to man. Eve actually complained about the food she could or could not eat in the garden. Complaining has been around so long we take it for granted that someone just has to fill in and do it. If we can finally dispose of a complainer someone just steps in to fill their spot. Joshua, too, had complainers. Remember, he and Caleb forty-plus years earlier went on a spy adventure and came back with ten complainers. Joshua heard all the complaining the Israelites did toward God but to Moses during the wilderness wanderings. He must have had his fill of it. But here in Joshua 17, once again, we see the tribe of Joseph complaining about the territory they were to possess. They thought the "hill" country and the "Canaanite" were too tough to conquer so they complained to the leader asking him to make it easier on them. I love how Joshua deals with them: He simply tells them they are big boys and can go get what they want. No political correctness on Joshua's part. No baby-them-so-they-feel-good-about-themselves for this leader. Joshua, in essence, tells them to "grow up and take what they want." No one is going to deliver it to them. We need more spiritual leaders who are like this. We need to tell people to quit complaining and be the warriors God intended them to be. People who complain in church should not be appeased and coddled. They should be told to grow up and start tackling the very problems with solutions they are complaining about. Joshua was a great leader - he knew how to handle the complainers in life.

Take them or leave them - Genesis 12-15

For those who don't know, my wife and I live on a boat. Well, for most of the year we live on our 32' Carver, Aft-Cabin Motor-Yacht. At least that is what the tag on the helm calls Knotta-Shore-Thing, our home on the lake. We rent a condo in the winter but our floating fiberglass is our home most of the year. We actually sold our dirt dwelling house (that's what we call you land lover's homes) and moved onto the boat about seven years ago. When we did so we went from about 1,800 square feet of living space to about 400. Our Salon ("living room" for you nautically challenged) is about the size of most bathrooms. When we made the final move we had to "toss overboard" most of our possessions. There just isn't room for King size beds and Lazy-boy chairs on 400 square foot boat. We had to either give it away, sell it or leave it behind. We made a choice to "dis-possess" ourselves for a life style we enjoyed. In many ways that is what God demands from those who follow Him. Do you remember the disciples who "left" their nets and boats in the water to follow Christ (Matthew 4:22)? Or, do you remember Christ's words to deny self and all to follow Him (Matthew 16:24)? Abraham was asked to leave his home behind to follow God. He did, however, take most of his possessions (Genesis 12:5). Abraham didn't leave everything behind. And, along his journey he actually gained more possessions (12:16). It seems that in the case of the disciples leaving it all behind was required but in Abraham's case he was abel to take the Lazy Boy (might have been hard to carry across the wilderness, however). We each have a different situation but in all of them we must not be so attached to the possessions that we fail to hold on to the One who calls us. Later in our reading we will see that Lot didn't want to leave things behind (Genesis It is okay for us to possess things but we should never allow the things to possess us.

Imputation; The Key to Good News - Romans 5-6

If you have never read, studied or meditated on the doctrine of imputation you are missing one of the riches and most treasured truths of the Gospel. Google "imputation" and you will have to scroll deep into the list to find a meaning as applied to faith. But, that is the focus of what we have here in Romans 5:12-21. I don't promote or push our on-line sermons from Faith Harbor much but our sermon archive from last Sunday's message on this passage will give you some insight for the value and beauty of imputation (not sure when it will be posted to the web, however). This passage is the most difficult to read in the English, much less the Greek. We tend to read these sections of Paul's writings and agree with Peter that Paul writes things hard to understand (2 Peter 3:15, 16). We tend to look at these subjects in the Bible as "too hard" and therefore move on to the milk of the Word, rather than chew on the meat. However, imputation is key to the Christian belief. Imputation means that Adam's sin was given to us as a work of his disobedience. He (Adam) represented us and passed on his failure to all men and therefore all men are slaves to sin and suffer death due to his failure. Not fair you say? You are correct. It isn't. That is the point of the passage. Because, the second Adam (Christ) has imputed His righteousness to us for the "work" He did in His life and death on the cross. That isn't fair, either. Paul is showing that one man caused death (via imputation) and the other caused life (via imputation). If you don't like the one (Adam's sin imputed to you) you have to also discredit the other (Christ's righteousness imputed to you). We don't want to discredit the later so we must embrace the former. Imputation is the key to the Good News.

Different thinking produces different living - Matthew 5-7

This section of the Gospel of Matthew is typically referred to as the "Sermon on the Mount." I memorized it once and used to present it to groups in a first person narrative drama type presentation. It takes about twenty-minutes to quote it and maybe thirty to add correct pauses and presentation candy. It is by far one of the greatest "speeches" or "sermons" every spoken, if not the best. It sums all of the Law (first five books of the Bible) into a single-sit-down message (5:1). It isn't surprising that the God of the universe was able to use the art of speaking words to convey His message succinctly and graphically. In college I studied some of the greatest speeches by Kennedy, Churchill and King. But none of them can hold a candle to Christ's Sermon on the Mount. Despite the beauty of the style, however, is the reason Christ uses this approach. The God of the Universe, who created us, knows that in order to change the behavior of the body you have to change the thinking in the mind and the spirit of the heart. The local religious leaders at this time had twisted the Law to their own means. Christ uses the spoken word to change the thinking of the mind. Reading His words is the approach God has given us to change our ways. The Spirit uses the Words of God to change the hearts of the people of God. If you want different behavior you have to change your thinking. If you want to change your thinking you have to read and meditate on the Words of the God who created the mind.

God's discipline through unusual means - Isaiah 12-17

How exactly does God discipline and wheeled out His punishment on mankind? If you read these chapters of Isaiah you were given a glimpse into the methodology of God's work in regard to discipline and corrective behavior. You could sum up God's approach by saying that for those who misuse God's creation God uses His creation to correct their behavior. As you read through these verses that are Isaiah's prophecy against the countries of Babylon, Moab and the northern tribe of Israel (Damascus) you can see that God often uses the little things of creation to punish mankind. He stops the summer fruit from being produced (17:9); He uses one army against another (13:5, 17); He stops music from playing or a want to play music (14:11); He turns the water into swamps (14:23); and, fields, vines and food will be withered up (16:8). God has a plan to use the very creation they abused against those who oppose Him (14:27). No one can prevent that plan. He did the same against Egypt when Moses brought the plagues of God against them for their arrogance. When God wants to correct us and move us in a different direction He simply has to use the little parts of creation to get His work done. He can have a snow flake fall in Atlanta and stop air planes in L.A. God uses creation to correct and discipline. We ought to rejoice at His ability to accomplish His purposes through the vehicle of His creation.

Should we cry when we are in pain? Job 6-7

The first seven verses of Job six is so full of wonderful nuggets for believers ... especially those who have ever been in pain and suffering. There is a false belief out among practicing believers that we should be like pillars of steel in the midst of adversity. Some would complain that our complaints over pain and suffering are acts of disbelief and amount to a declaration of war on God. Eliphaz had just leveled a similar complaint toward Job in chapters four and five. He espoused that Job should take his suffering "like a man" for it would be well deserved if from God. Now Job responds and his response is not tempered. He takes on his "friend" (who had misjudged the entire struggle Job was in) and begins in chapter six by asking that some "just" scale be created that would weigh the pain he felt on one side and the calamity he experienced on the other side. Those observing, according to Job's reasoning, would see that his pain is great and his complaint toward that pain is justified. Job wants his "friends" to see that it is natural to "bray" or natural to "low" when your needs are not meet (6:5). He counts his complaining as natural as putting salt on tasteless food that no one would eat without seasoning first (6:6-7). Job's point in all this is that when pain comes so too does complaining and a sense of expression. Job felt as though these calamities were like arrows from God piercing his very heart (6:4). When Jesus was in the garden and on the cross He expressed the pain to his humanity in clear and descriptive terms (John 12:27; Matt. 26:28, 27:46). With these arrows (actually shot by the bow of Satan) God had pierced the pain of his soul. That calls for expression. Don't be like an Eliphaz and criticize those in affliction for their compliant or verbal expressions. Point them simply in faith to God who saves and the source of their healing balm. Remember, only faith quenches the fiery darts of the wicked one (Ephesians 6:16) not undo criticism from a misguided friend.

Emotions change - Psalm 6-8

Like a roller coaster our emotions change. One day we can be high on energy from some trivial success and the next so low the bugs trip over us. We are a fickle bunch. It is hard to live with emotional people who's ebb and flow makes you think you on an amusement park ride but without the laughter. We need to learn how to handle and manage these emotions rather than be controlled by them. David writes his psalms for this very reason. David is real. His emotion's are worn on his shirt sleeve. He shares them openly with us. In these three psalms (6-8) you can feel the pain he is in due to the false acquisitions of his pathetic enemies. Yet, in each psalm David allows his emotions to come into check by the lovingkindness, strength and character of God. In Psalm 8 in particular David focuses on the majestic nature of God to throttle the fuel of his emotions. David's Psalms teach us that our emotions can and should be shaped and tempered by thoughts of and meditation on, God's character. When we muse over our own emotional tank we get the first parts of Psalms 6 and 7. But, when we focus on the character of God we experience the latter parts of those Psalms and dwell in Psalm 8. When emotions grip us (and they do to all of us) we need to turn our eyes and thoughts onto the majestic nature of God. We need to temper our emotions with: O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth! (Psalm 8:9). When you emotional tank is overflowing or completely empty, exchange its contents with the character of God.

The Old Man still has it - Joshua 11-15

I am inspired by people who do wonderful things for God. I am truly inspired when someone does wonderful things for God over time. A consistent warrior for God is a wonder to behold. In our reading today, Caleb is that warrior. You can't help but both chuckle and rejoice at Caleb's statement in Joshua 14:11-12. He comes to Joshua and reminds him that the two of them were two of the twelve spies who spied out the land 45 years prior. He reminds Joshua that they came back with a great report and Moses had promised that Caleb would get a portion of the land for that positive step of faith in his youth. He must have dreamed about this for the past 45 years as his friends and family died for their disobedience during the wilderness wanderings. But now it was time! He was ready to claim his prize. He stood for God and had waited for his reward. I think if I was Caleb I would have selected a peaceful little piece of ground near a running stream that had a great view. Something I could "retire" into with little or no effort. After all, I would have earned it that past 45 years. But, that is not what warriors for God do. In 14:12 he asked Joshua for permission to attack the "hill" country where the giants from the people of the Anakim live (Goliath would come from this group). In 15:14 we read he drove out three giants. Caleb doesn't slow down in his old age. He stays true to his character and looks to finish strong. His faith in God has strengthened through the years and he is anxious to have God lead him once more into battle. Caleb should be an inspiration for us in our "retirement-is-my-only-goal" society. Caleb isn't looking for retirement, he is looking for another battle to claim for God. And, he claims it and inspires his daughter in the process (15:19). We will never be an inspiration to the generation behind us if we can't aspire to be like the generation that proceeded us.

Hope - Genesis 8-11

It is easy to wish for something. Wishing and dreaming in our society could be a national pastime. We like to wish for things to happen; for things to come to past; for for things to come to us. But wishing is only that - a wish. Wishing, by definition, has very little substance to it. Hoping, in the Believer's life, on the other hand, is full of substance. An earmark of Biblical Christianity is the aspect of "hope.". We are encouraged to hope in what Christ has said and is doing for us (John 14:1-4). We are even encouraged to hope in our sorrow, differently than the unbelieving world (1 Thessalonians 4:13). In our story in this section we see Noah in the ark, surrounded by animals and family members. He sends out a dove, through a lone window, and the dove returns from it's second flight with an olive branch in his mouth. After over 150 days in the ark I would sense that Noad and his entrouage are anxious to get off their sea legs. When the dove returns there must have been a great sense of excitement to see that leaf. The leaf offered hope. Noah already had the hope of returning to dry land based upon God's word. But the leaf added to their hope. God provides hope to us based upon His Word. However, during our life circumstances He heightens our hope through the little circumstances of life. God directed that little dove to the exact spot on earth to get that exact leaf to encourage and embolden the hope Noad had. He does the same thing each day for us as we trust in His Word. His Word gives us hope and His interventions in our life each day via the Spirit's work fuels that hope. Hope in God.

Your View of Mankind - Romans 3-4

Because my day job asks me to work with conflicts that arise between team members within organizations, someone might think I have a rather twisted view of people. And, truth be told I do see people mostly at their worse (at least they are acting out their worse when I am called to work with them). What is your overall view of mankind? As I write this iJourney a man in Arizona has taken the lives of six people for no reason other than a twisted mind. One of the six was a nine year old girl and three of the six were in their seventies. To say that this man has an evil nature doesn't come close to describing the wickedness of sin in a life. The Apostle Paul was not afraid to paint a true picture of mankind when he penned Romans 3. For those who believe that man has a good nature (or even neutral nature) and can choose God when he so pleases and can do good toward God as an act of his will, they need to re-read Romans 3 (and Romans 8:6-8). Mankind has an evil nature and the only cure for that nature is the righteousness provided to him from the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. I know it is insulting to know that every person whoever walked the face of this earth (including me and you) is evil, but that is the truth. Left to our own devices we would never choose Christ (Romans 8:7-8). It is ONLY through Christ finished work on the cross that we would be saved and His sovereign act on our behalf that we can be righteous. Praise God today for His saving grace on mankind.

"Different" Messengers - Same Messege - Matthew 3-4

Ever see a street preacher? Our image of the corner herald can be mixed. We might applaud the message but be abhored by the method. If you read the story of John the Baptist in Matthew 3 you might envision that same street preacher image. Clothed in camel's hair clothing and eating locust certainly puts him out on the fringe of public speakers. As a public speaker John's dress and diet doesn't sound like something I would emulate. However, later we meet the actual Subject of John's message and discover He, Jesus, has the exact same message: Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand (3:2 & 4:17). Both spoke the same message but had a different look about them. In our society we get so caught up in the medium (delivery) that we reject or deminish the message. We sometime strive so hard to entice others with a fancy delivery that we forget the simplicity of the message. People today want their ears tickled. They want flashy, high tech, and bright lights kinds of delivery and the message or contents are often overlooked or smothered by the packaging. John the Baptist, in appearance would not attract a lot of today's people groups to his services. But his substance was the same as his Saviors. Don't get so caught up in having a popular delivery method. However, make sure the message is the same and as simply as our Savior's: Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.

A wrath and hope sandwich - Isaiah 7-11

If you read this section of Isaiah you may have been confused as to what the prophet is saying specifically to the Israelites and generally to us. Isaiah is now predicting what is going to happen to the nation of Israel in the north, Judah in the south, as well as how God is going to use the wicked nation of Assyria to punish them both. This section is very much about the wrath of God expressed on a people who rejected Him and disobeyed Him. But, you can't read this section without seeing also the theme of great hope that is offered in the midst of that wrath. Despite the wrath on most, God will provide a Savior for the remnant He saves through that wrath (10:20). The themes here are many but the over-reaching emphasis is the Savior that's provided through the storm. Where God expresses His wrath He also demonstrates His mercy through the Savior. Praise Him for His salvation. The whole intent of God's wrath is to put in in stark contrast to His abundant mercy. This truth is made completely clear in Romans 11 when God stresses that He actually created some vessels so He could pour wrath out on them only to create some vessels He could show mercy. God's wrath honors His holiness but it also exemplifies His righteousness and mercy to us.

I wish I had never been born - Job 3-5

Depression - a term that evokes debate and confusion. For those who have, at one time or another, been depressed, it is a fearful term that galvanizes the heart. To those who have never experienced it, depression is often viewed as a foreign object and, at times, an excuse employed by others to get attention. Job, after experiencing the tragedies of loss, death of a vision and abandonment curses the day he was born. You can't help but read Job 3 and hear the words ... "I wish I had never been born. (3:11)" Job, after these sufferings, falls into a pool of depression. Like David in Psalm 40-43, Job expresses his despair in terms known only to those who have equally suffered such loss and pain. The worst part of his ordeal is yet to come. His friends have lined the side of his bed of suffering to offer hollow "advice." Eliphaz is up first and immediately begins to criticize Job by telling him that "he knows" that innocent people don't suffer like this. Eliphaz, who's name means, "God is fine gold," doesn't live up to his title. He immediately compounds Job's suffering by contributing his suffering and depression to Job's personal sin. The last thing a man who is depressed needs to hear is the judgmental attitudes of his friends. Job is genuinely depressed and in a very bad spot in life. When someone wishes they had never been born we ought to avoid further condemnation. Later in this book (much later) we will see that the solution for Job's depression is a good dose of the beauty and character of God (Job 38-39). If you have ever had depression or know someone who does, condemnation is not the solution. Teaching them about the magnificence of God is the best antidote.

People Talk - Psalms 3-5

Perhaps one of the most difficult things to deal with in life is how to handle when others are talking ill about you behind your back. If you have done something wrong or foolish it may be expected, but it is even then, never-the-less tough. But, when you have done nothing wrong and you are being talked about or it is being interpreted improperly, it can be unbearable. King David experienced both these type of situations. He was talked about for the public sin he committed but also for things he didn't commit or do. In Psalm 3-5 we read in each Psalm of someone speaking out against him and defaming him (3:2; 4:6; & 5:9). The answer in each Psalm to those who slander and send arrows with their tongues, is absolute faith and trust in God. David runs to God to be his defense. He doesn't defend or combat, he trusts in the sovereignty of God. He exalts in God's ability to defend His people. David knows that the character of God always trumps the deceitful tongue and nature of man.

Our choice to sin affects others - Joshua 6-10

When we choose to disobey God we don't simply make a selfish choice, even though we certainly do make a choice that is selfishly motivated. When we choose to disobey God we make a choice for oursevleves and those around us. In Joshua 7 we read the story about Achan and his choice to steal gold and bury it under his tent floor when God expilcity told them not to take any treasures. Achan makes a choice to steal and 36 people died (7:5). Achan makes a selfish choice to disobey God and his family suffers (7:26-26). When a father sins, his children suffer. When a mother disobeys, children suffer. When children sin, families suffer. We man sins, mankind suffers. We don't sin in a vacuum. We don't sin on an island. God sees our sin and may forgive our sin but the fallout from sin is not always contained. As we go through our day today let's remember that our actions are connected to others.

Master Sin? Genesis 4-7

If you had a bugler at the window of your home what would you do? If he was crouching low and ready to pounce on you and your family what would be your strategy? I assume we would turn to some weapon we have stored in some location. Your hope would be that you would be quick enough or strong enough or trained enough to use the weapon against this wicked intruder. Chances are you may not. You might hope to call the authorities. They might save you. In Genesis 4:6-7 we have this very situation. Cain, the son of Adam and brother of Abel, became envious over how God was treating Abel vs. him. That jealousy consumed him. God warns him that "sin" was crouching at the door and ready to pounce on him. God warns Cain that he must "master" or "rule" sin in his life. The problem is he can't. This story is to show Cain his complete inadequacy in dealing with sin in his life. He had already failed. Yet, rather than call the True Authority to help him he relies on his own hidden weapons. To defeat sin, to rule over it, we are to trust in the Lord of all who defeated sin for us (Colossians 2:15). We can't beat sin. It will always defeat our weak flesh. It is only through faith in the risen Christ that we can defeat sin.

Persistence in Prayer - Romans 1-2

Perhaps the hardest thing for me to do is ask God more than once for something. For some reason I feel guilty or that I am demonstrating a lack of faith or I believe that I must have done something wrong and God would have answered my prayer if He wanted to or worse I am not good enough for Him to answer. Thankfully we can read God's Word and be encouraged and corrected in this poor thought pattern. Paul, in Romans 1:10-15 gives us some insight into his own personal prayer closet. He tells the church at Rome that he "often" prayed to God asking for God's will to allow him to travel to them for the purpose of imparting some spiritual blessing. He says, however, he was "often" hindered in traveling to Rome (v. 13). We do not always know what is going on with our prayers to God. In Daniel 10 we read that Daniel's prayers were hindered when the angel delivering God's answer was hindered by Satan. I doubt if Satan worries too much about my prayer life, but we need to be encouraged in our prayer time to ask God persistently for what He lays on our hearts. We should be asking Him to keep the burden of a particular prayer alive if "He so wants" it in our hearts. If He keeps it in our hearts we should keep it on our lips. Don't let poor thought patterns hinder your prayers. Even the great Apostle Paul had to be persistent.

Abusing and Misquoting God - Matthew 1-2

Have you ever had someone misquote you and try to use your own words, falsely against you? This past week I had someone confront me about an email I sent their boss claiming that in the email I made a statement that said they were not a loyal staff member (of course in telling me this they admitted they read someone's confidential emails). Later we discovered that they had mis-read the email and had egg on their face as a result. People often get misquoted or their words are often used for ill gotten motives. Think about how people misuse God's Word. People read it for wrong motives; misquote it for ill gain; and twist it for personal profit. Although unbelievers deny the entire truth of God's Word they still can use it and abuse it. Not always, however, for Godly purposes. In Matthew 2:4-7 we see that King Herod called wise men and scribes to discover where the Messiah was to be born (according to the Scripture). Herod used the Scriptures to find Jesus and then slew countless baby boys in Bethlehem in hopes of killing Jesus. Unbelievers can and do quote and follow Scripture for their own means. The Devil himself quoted Scripture to Jesus in the great temptation. We should not be surprised at how unbelievers use the Word. We should, however, make sure we don't fall into the same traps using the Word to our own advantage. We need to be careful to study God's Word and use it within the context of what God intended. The Scripture is Truth but it is Truth subject to the twisted and perverse interpretation and use of man. Honor His Word and use it to know Him not promote, defend, or satisfy self. Don't use God's Word to hurt God's plans.

We all need mercy - Isaiah 1-6

Have you ever made a great big mistake at your work and needed someone to forgive you and give you a second chance? Back in my truck driving days I hauled gasoline on the night shift. I once dropped 4,000 gallons of premium gas into the regular tank. You do the math. The station was set to lose money. I really needed my boss to cut me some slack. He did! And, when you experience mercy from someone you drink from a delightful cup. Isaiah tells the nation of Israel that great truth in 1:9. He states: Unless God intervenes we would all be like Sodom and Gomorrah. Paul quotes 1:9 in Romans 9:29 to apply it to today's believers. The fact is, that absent God's mercy and grace we would all be destroyed and lost. For those who believe we have some value or worth of our own, this verse shows the ultimate necessity of God's grace and mercy in our lives. When we sin and fail before a righteous God we can rejoice that He extends mercy and grace to our lives through His Son. Unless God intervenes we would all be destroyed. Praise to Him for His acts of mercy!!!

More than a bad day - Job 1-2

Have you ever had a really bad day? Our reading today from Job 1-2 constitutes the ultimate description of a "bad day." Perhaps when we get home tonight and we are tempted to describe our day as less than favorable, we can put things in perspective with the story of Job. In one day he lost his crops, his buildings and his children. On a second day, immediately following that disaster, he lost his health. Satan was allowed to inflict onto Job all the evil he could muster. But, how did he do it? When God allows Satan to move Satan often uses the available resources at his disposal. What is available to him? Apparently evil men can be enticed by him to do his bidding and make the life of a believer painful. In chapter 1 of this text the Sabeans and the Chaldeans were both used to execute the evil Satan wanted to inflict unto Job. Satan also was given control over the wind to destroy Job’s family. In chapter 2 of the text, Satan was even given some control over the cells in Job’s body. We sometimes think of evil and disaster and disease as simply the sin of this world. But, in truth they are often used by Satan to exact suffering onto God’s people, allowing God to both purify us and to prove us to this world. Have you ever thought that maybe those who are a thorn in our side are simply Satan using men to test and prove us for God? A bad day is more than a bad day ... it is an example of how Satan is using the evilness of this world to discourage us and get us to curse God. If only we could evaluate our day in the light of Job's attitude ... "naked I came into the world and naked I shall return."

Taking Advice from others- Pslam 1 & 2

As a writer I like books. I am a sucker for the latest leadership or personality book. However, most of today's books ought to come with a label warning like a pack of cigerettes: WARNING, CONTENTS MAY BE DANGEROUS TO YOUR HEALTH. Today's Psalm is that warning label. Psalm 1:2 should be on every book we read, radio station we hear, web site we search, or media we engage in. The unbeieving world is full of advice for us. However, when we listen and take the advice of the unsaved world we remove ourselves from the place of producing fruit for God in proper season. The truth in Psalm 1 that is that God has a formula for success for our lives.. He has given us His Word (Referred to as the “law” in chapter one) and if we meditate on it we will produce fruit. But, if we take the “counsel” of the ungodly and begin to stand around with them and eventually sit with them we will lose the ability to produce fruit in season for God – fruit that constitutes success. Like the laws of science the laws of God are firm and make no exception. Listening to the counsel of the ungodly is the first step in a wrong formula for life. We must be warned of that counsel and rather delight in the law of the Lord. Be careful what we inhale from the world's philosophy.

Repeating the mistakes of the past - Joshua 1-5

Don’t repeat the same mistakes as those who have gone before you. In Joshua 2:1 we see that Joshua sent out two spies “secretly” to spy out the land, particularly the town of Jericho. His predecessor, Moses, sent out spies (Joshua was one of them) to spy out the land right after they left Egypt. He learns both the positive and the negative from Moses’ leadership. Sending spies to look over the situation is a good thing. Gathering data before you go to war is a Solomonic proverb (Proverbs 20:18). However, Moses sent them out publicly and when they returned they gave a public account. But, Joshua was right there to see that the public account turned the hearts of the people against going into the land and the whole nation was punished as a result. Joshua sends out his spies but does so secretly. He doesn’t throw the baby out with the bath water in that he still uses spies to accomplish a good purpose. But, if they come back with a bad report he is not going to allow the report to turn the hearts of the people. Nehemiah does the same thing in his surveying of the walls of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 2:11-12). there are numerous lessons in this text. One lesson is we ought to learn from the past and not repeat the same mistakes. Read about good leaders and the great things they have done ... we just have to make sure we learn from their mistakes and not repeat them. Another lesson is to search a thing out in private before you inform everyone of the plan. The hearts of the people, or the family, or the staff or the group ought to be cared for while you develop the necessary plan of attack. Sometimes knowing the mountain is really big can discourage the climbers before you can show them the equipment and support they will have to climb it. Spy out the size of the mountain in secret.

Husbands teach your wives - Genesis 1-3

In the day and age we live in you have to be very careful how you address the relationship between husbands and wives. Women's rights groups and politically correct thinking have conditioned us to think certain ways in regard to men and women. But, God's Word has some specific teaching and examples in this area. One example is found in Gensis two and implies that husbands should teach and instruct their wives. In 2:15, 16 we have the instruction of God to Adam to not eat the fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. However, in 2:17 we have the beginning of the account of Eve’s creation. Since v. 16 states that God instructed the “man” about the tree and not to eat its fruit and since the account of the creation of Eve comes after that instruction to Adam, we should assume that Eve was told about the tree of the knowledge of good and evil by Adam, not because she had firsthand instuction from God. The implication here is that men are responsible to teach their wives about God’s Word. In 1 Corinthians 14:34-36 women are actually instructed to learn from their husbands. Men have an awesome responsibility to teach their families about God and His ways.

Something to "Chew" on!!

I don't know how many times I have woke in the morning and grabbed a cup of coffee and sat down to read my Bible. Typically, today, I get up and go to the office, close the door and that becomes my quiet time. On days I have to drive off to a client I try to leave an hour early, stop at a Starbucks along the way and read along side my favorite cup of latte. My prayer time on those days becomes my favorite time, as you can pray a lot while in the car for two or three hours. I don't know if there is a right or wrong way to read your Bible and talk with God. I do think the great reformers would spend hours in a quiet room reading and praying to God. I do think Paul himself walked and talked with God as he traveled from place to place for God. I don't believe the Scriptures teach us how to "do devotions," they just tell us what elements should be involved. Tomorrow we begin our journey on reading through the Bible. I don't think "you have to read the whole Bible" every year to be spiritual. Some will want to read a Psalm or a Proverb every day. Some will want to read one book for the entire year and dig into it (there are 66 books ... you could read one every year and have them done by the time you are "old"). I do think the Scriptures are clear that we are to meditate day and night on the Word (chew on it all day and night) (Psalm 1:3 & Joshua 1:9). So, whatever we read and whenever we read, we ought to spend time thinking about it during the day. My daily "journaling" is my way of reflecting during the day on what I read during my morning time alone with God. Each devotional I write on this iJourney is my personal "chewing" for the day. I like chewing. For the past years it has become my favorite thing to do from morning till night.

Tomorrow we begin our reading in Genesis 1-2. If you would like a copy of the reading program I am going to use, please email me at davidtraining@aol.com or visit our church web site at www.faithharborministries.org

Reading through the Bible

Beginning on Monday, January 3, 2011, the iJourney takes it's first step. Using a Read-through-the-Bible program that takes us through seven sections of the Bible (The Law; History; Psalms; Poetry; Prophecy; Gospel; and Epistles) we will both old and new stories, principles and precepts. Join our iJourney by commenting and adding your thoughts to our combined journey. If you can't read the entire passage for the day, simply read what you can. Don't focus as much on quanity as a quality time talking to God and listening to His Word. Enjoy your own personal iJourney.