Man simply can't solve his own problems - Mark 5-6

Man believes he can do anything. In most corners of the globe that would be a good thing. It certainly isn't all bad that we have confidence and creativity to solve our own problems. We love the feeling of accomplishment and the story of success. However, man simply can't solve his real problem. Man is full of sin and no matter what we contrive to fix that we are still sinners. The story of the women who had an "issue of blood" in Mark 5 gives us some insight into this struggle to solve problems. Let's first realize that her problem on the surface was "physical" in nature. And, let's also agree that doctors and those who treat physical issues are ordained by God and enabled by God to do great work. But, in 5:26 of this section we read that this particular women had often gone to physicians and couldn't find relief. She had even exhausted her finanical position trying to find healing. Looking at this from a spiritual mind we can see that "man's ability" stands in stark contrast to "God's power." The women only "touches" the garment of a passing Jesus and is completely healed. A "touch" compared to years and dollars of treatment. That is the comparison we need to see. Yes, God has given man great minds for medical research and discovery. However, God has and will do more with a touch than man could ever do with years of healing practices. Man can't solve his/her real problem. God's touch is necessary to find true healing and true relief from issues of life. God's strength is needed to accomplish anything. God's enablement is necessary for any good to happen. Let us simply "touch" Him in faith and allow Him to heal our struggles and solve our issues.

You are not responsible for how others respond - Jeremiah 1-6

In past years the devotional from this section had a focus on Jeremiah's mission as the messenger of God. In that focus the theme was: You can't choose your message when you are the messenger. When God chooses you to be the messenger of God you don't get to decide what to say. You are to deliver God's Word. But, not only did Jeremiah have to deliver "God's" message, he was not to worry about the response of those who heard the message. In 5:14 God tells the prophet he is also not to worry about the response of the people. In fact, God warns Jeremiah that the message to be delivered will be like flame to dried wood. We get so worried that people will be offended by the Word of the Gospel. We simply don't like people to be uncomfortable as we share the plan of salvation or the sovereignty of God, or some other great doctrine. What God is telling the prophet in this section is that he is not responsible for the way the people respond and he needs to know they will not like the message. We need to quit worring about how people respond to the message of forgiveness and love. We need to not worry if it offends them to hear that sin will be judged. We need to realize that the God of the universe has given us both the message and the stamina to not worry about the response. It is way too common that people are more worried about the response to the message of God than the crediability of the message of God. Let's realize that God's word is flame and man's sin is stubble. God intends for the Wisdom of God to be offensive to the wisdom of man (1 Corinthians 1). Let's not worry about how God works. Let's just do the work.

What exactly do you do to help society? Job 25-26

Once again one of Job's comfortors "comforts" him. Bildad confronts Job with the doctrine of God's omnipotence and holiness. These are always good doctrines to talk about, preach, and use for "comfort." But, something has gone incrediablly wrong in this "counseling" session. Everyone going into any type of counseling or executive coaching or "listening" occupation ought to have to read Job as a text book on how "not to do" counseling, executive coaching or listening jobs! Job, in the first few verses of chapter twenty-six asks the penatrating question that should be asked of everyone, no matter their job in life: Job 26:2 - "What a help you are to the weak! How you have saved the arm without strength!" Actually, if you note the Hebrew punctuation, this is not a question. This is actually a statement by Job. Plainly he is telling Bildad, YOU ARE NO HELP! If we really want to comfort someone who is in pain and suffering we have to get out of using "judgement" as a tool. Bildad, like his brothers, are in the process of trying to discover "why" something happened to Job, rather than "how" to help him. So, Job, "asks" the question as to what value do you bring to this situation. The same question should be asked or stated to each of us: Why value do we bring to the weak? In verse three Job adds, what "wisdom" do you offer to one who doesn't have wisdom? Our value to others is what we can bring to them in their "weakness" and how to strengthen them in their walk. Most people value their walk in this life with what they accumulate and how far up the ladder they go. When, in reality our measure is how we glorify God by being His hands and His feet to impact others for Christ. Ask yourself this question: What value did you bring yesterday to others?

Your hatred for sin displays your true heart! Psalm 36-38

Psalms 36:1-2 - Transgression speaks to the ungodly within his heart; There is no fear of God before his eyes. For it flatters him in his own eyes concerning the discovery of his iniquity and the hatred of it.

These two verses tell us much about what is in the heart of the non-believer in regard to their attitude toward sin. Read these two verses again and then read what Paul writes in Romans 7:14-26 about the believer's attitude toward sin. Sin within the heart of the non-believer causes little disruption in their emotions. With no fear of God before their eyes there is no fear of sin (and its consequences) within their heart. Sin actually flatters them. In 36:4 it goes on to say that the non-believer actually lays on his bed thinking of ways to sin ... obviously, not really knowing it is sin. Paul, as a representative of all believers, "hates" his sin. He hates that it works its evil ways within him. He sees sin as an enemy and his flesh as the battle field. Our attitude toward sin actually reveals what is in our hearts. We tend to hear of those who say they "believe" in God and, yet, they have no fear of sin or hatered for sin. Sin uses flattery to cover its wickedness. Sin makes the evil it brings sound good for awhile ... until we have it in our heart and we actually caught in its trap. If you find you are not sensitive to sin in your life than you may have a problem with belief in your heart.

Leadership has really messed things up ... Dad!!! 1 Samuel 11-15

It is usually not well advised to publically criticize leadership. It is even less advised if the leader who has messed up is your dad!! Jonathan, however, is not afraid to step up and say what needed to be said. In 14:29 of this section Jonathan states publically that his father has "troubled" the land. To set the scene, Saul and the Isralites are in a war with one of their enemies. To make sure the warriors properly fight, King Saul issues a command that no one is to stop and eat until the enemey is fully destroyed. However, his son Jonathan is not in the camp when the order is given and therefore knows of no foolish command. While pursuing the enemy Jonathan cares for his weakness by eating some honey and there causes alarm with the camp. Jonathan is not afraid to step up and admit that the command issued by the King (his father) is not only foolish but is "troublesome" to the nation. Some people would have just kept quiet. Others might have run. But, Jonathan is willing to take the punishment, yet the people came to his rescue. The problem is not found in "stating the leaders incompetence." Most people can do that. But, they seldom do so publically and are willing to take the risk. Leaders seldom solict such "voices" within the ranks and use fear and "curses" to make sure they are not criticized publically. Good, Godly leadership is willing to have others critize them and allow them to "voice" their concerns. It doesn't take bravery to complain about leadership. People do taht every day at lunch, at the water cooler and to their spouses when they get home each night. It takes bravery to do it the right way. To speak out and be willing to take the risk and "punishment" if necessary. Don't be a complainer about leadership when you see something they are doing to "trouble" the land. Be someone who goes to leadership to point out the issues and being solution to the land.

How do you feel when you are passed over for a promtion? Genesis 48-50

Israel (Jacob) is dieing. As the tradition goes in the people of Israel, he must give a blessing to his boys before he passes away. Reuben and Simeon are the oldest and expect to receive major blessings as such. However, before the "blessings" ever start Israel brings in Joesph's two boys (Ephraim and Manessah)and places them as potential candidates for blessing ... Israel grants them status equal to Reuben and Simeon. Later, in the blessing, Israel actually gives more of a "curse" to Reuben and Simeon and more blessing to Joseph, through Ephraim and Manessah. Imagine the pain they must have felt when their former "resume" became a hindrance to their future reward. They were literally "passed over" for the blessing and a better blessing was given to two sons; not really sons at all. This reminds me of the parable Jesus tells of the rich man who hires workers throughout the day and yet, at the end of the day, pays them all the same (Matthew 20). God is rich with blessing. He can give that blessing to whom He desires. None of us have earned or deserve a blessing from God. So, we must recognize that God can and does give blessing to all those He wants. In this story the brothers missed out on the blessing because of the evilness of their heart. It is amazing how people always think they deserve something despite their evil ways or bad choices. Yes, God fogives bad choices and mis-steps, but consequences of those areas still linger. You can't expect to make poor financial decisions all your life and have a pot load of cash waiting at the end. God doesn't bless like that. God will supply blessing. But, He does this for whom He chooses. He gives us His Word to follow. As we follow His Word blessings come because His Word enables us to make good choices and head in the right direction.

Unbelievers benefit from being "close" to believers - 1 Corinthians 7-8

Paul is giving us, in these two chapters, some of the best "practical" instruction for our day. Forget that this was written around 65 A.D. These two chapters contain great stuff for us today. In chapter seven we have great insight into the believer-unbeliever relationship. In 8:14 Paul tells a married couple (with one partner a believer and the other a non-believer) that the believing partner actually "sanctifies" the non-believer. Since the context in this passage is not about salvation I don't believe that Paul is teaching that a "saved" partner acts as a "saving agent" for the non-believer. I believe what Paul is telling us is similiar to the utensils used in the temple. These "instruments" were "sanctifed" by the priest by sprinkling them with holy water, or by the blood of the sacrifice. The priest garments, likewise, were declared holy when treated in such a fashion. What Paul is telling us is that a non-believer benefits by being in the same proximity to the believer. The believer, filled with the Holy Spirit, allows the non-believing partner to receieve the benefits of the blessings God bestows on the believer. That is the reason the believer should not seek to be set free from the unbeliever. If the unbeliever decides to stay in this mix marriage the believer ought not to try to be set free: They have a Biblical responsibilty to "sanctify" the non-believer. Take that opportunity to do what God has given you the priviledge of doing. Sanctify someone today.

People respond differently to God's Word - Mark 3-4

I'm not sure how it happens but when God's Word is preached (spoken ... sown) the souls of man can be coverted and regenerated. That is how God works. However, it is important to know that just because God's Word is spoken, preached or sown, that doesn't mean it always produces fruit worhty for God. This may be one of the hardest things for believers and non-believers to grasp. Not all men "hear" the "Word" as it is sown like seed into the listeners heart. God, the Master Sower, does not allow all see to produce. Some listen with physical ears but they don't hear with spiritual hearts. In Mark 4:12 we are told that some are not allowed to hear and bear fruit. The receive the Word and that is enough to condemn them but they don't hear it to the point that it converts them. If you begin with a premise that all men "deserve" the right to repent and "choose" God than this would seem awfully unfair. But, if you begin with the premise that all men are dead in sin and deserve eternal punishment it is an act of God's Grace for Him to speak the Word and cause that spoken Word to be heard in your spiritual heart. God is not "obligated" to save anyone. In this section of Mark we see His grace on full display. From the man with the withered hand, to the parable of the seed, to the calming the storm, God's grace is evident. If we believe we deserve things from God we lose sight of who God is and what He has done for us. If we believe we have nothing worthy to be saved and see God save us, it is then that we find something worthy in what He, by grace, does. God will cause the seed to produce fruit in the lives of those who hear. Praise God that you hear.

God finishes what He starts - Isaiah 62-66

The book of Isaiah is God's message about His great plan of salvation for His people and the peoples of the world. When God called Abram out from his own land he was but one man, a wife and a nephew. After hundreds of years and millions upon millions of failures by Abramham and his descendents, God could have just left them to not only die in the wilderness but to become non-existent. But, because God is faithful to His promises He saves to the end. I love this verse in the final chapter of this great book:

Isaiah 66:9 - “Shall I bring to the point of birth and not give delivery?” says the Lord. "Or shall I who gives delivery shut the womb?” says your God.

God finishes what He starts. God doesn't, like us, do half a job. Even though we fail to follow through on our commitments to Him and fail to serve Him faithfully, God is faithful to us and finishes what He started. Paul might have been reading this section and this verse when he wrote in Phillipians 1:6 that "he who began a good work in you will perform it to the day of Christ." Or, maybe Isaiah was reading King David when he wrote in Psalm 138:8, "The Lord will accomplish what concerns me; Your lovingkindness, O Lord, is everlasting; Do not forsake the works of Your hands." Earlier, Isaiah had written in 46:10, "...My purpose will be established , And I will accomplish all My good pleasure." God is the great Master finisher. He constantly is working His plan out to fruition. Rejoice that God doesn't bring the pregancy to eight months. He always brings forth the birth of His plans. He will finish what He began in our lives, in our children's lives and in the plans for this world.

Make God's Word your Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner - Job 23-24

Job is in the midst of his "great defense" before God ... if he can but find God (23:2-8). His thought process, as discussed in previous posts/years, is that if he can find God he will be able to convince God of his own "righteousness." We know, through Christ, is the only way we have righteousness and Job is learning this during this trial. But, in the midst of this debate and this hardship he has already learned one valuable lesson: God's Word is the only thing he needs and desires. In Job 23:12 we read, "I have not departed from the command of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food." How many modern day believers would say this? How many would profess that rather than eat steak they would choose to chew on Habakkuk? Would many of us confess that we would prefer Daniel over desert? Or, would any of us skip lunch for Lamentations? We need to put ourselves in Job's place and find a way to replace harship with worship through the Word. Job saw God's Word as the source of his freedom and strength. Today we spend so little time in God's Word that seldom get to its meat. Like the Hebrews, we are still on milk when we should be into the meat of the Word (Hebrews 5:11-14). When you pack your lunch today include His Word to chew on. When you plan your weekly meals, think about adding a few chapters of Matthew. Go out to dinner with friends over Isaiah. Make God's Word your necessary food.

When in pain and finding deliverance what other response is appropriate? Psalm 33-35

These three Psalms could be a highlight reel for God's promises of deliverance and protection. I highlight in red in my Bible all the verses I favor. I could highlight all three chapters. It is impossible to figure out what NOT to write about in a short devotional. The last verse of chapter thirty-five seems to sum it all up:

Psalms 35:28 - And my tongue shall declare Your righteousness and Your praise all day long.
>br />If you have ever been in the deep pain and affliction written about in chapter 33 or in the persecution of chapter 34 or the broken relationship(s) with someone you cared about and love in 34, then and only then can you actually appreciate 35:28. It is only have great hardship and great distress that we find such praise in God's deliverance. We can't rejoice in deliverance until we first find ourselves needing it and finding no other source to get it (33:16 & 17). God our Savior has ransomed me!! When you realize that and ONLY after you have realized that do you find the breath and perspective to shout His righteousness and praise all day long. Not just on Sunday morning, but every day. Take a moment to remember what we have been ransomed from ... the slavery of sin and despair ... and, shout for joy in front of all those you see. God has declared us perfect when we weren't; He has set us free when we weren't; He has healed our broken hearts when we were sick and destitute. Our only response is PRAISE!

God judges Unbelievers differently than Believers! 1 Samuel 6-10

The story of the Ark lost to the Philistines in a battle gives us great insight into God's Character and the unbeliever vs. the believer's life. When the Philistines realize that the Ark is the cause of their sickness and has cursed them they attempt to apease God with woeful sacrifice and to return the Ark. Here is where we see something interesting with God and how He works different with unblievers and believers. In 5:8 we read that the Lords of the Philistines lifed the Ark and put it on a cart. The cart, pulled by oxen, would take the Ark were ever God lead them (note their limited faith in God's sovereign guidance of dumb oxen!). God allows them to touch the Ark and place it on a cart. However, in 2 Samuel 6:3, when David finally attempts to bring the Ark home, Uzzah, a believing Jew, is killed for touching the Ark. He in is passion to protect the Ark is killed for touching it, the Philistines in their ignorant form of worship are spared after touching it ... at least spared for awhile. One might find conflict in this comparison. However, what we see is the fulfillment of the principle Christ talked about in the Gospels: To whom much is given, much is required (Luke 12:48). God demands more and judges those differently who have "revelation." When we were dead to sin (didn't realize the affect it had on us) we were alive to self and things of this type didn't affect us (Romans 7:9). The non-believing world can ignore God's people, God's worhip, God's word and seem at ease. But, God is in the midst of those He gives revelation to. They are required to obey God. That is why the writer of Hebrews tells us that it is a fearful thing to fall into the hand of the Living God (Hebrews 10:31). The writer their might have had the story of Uzzah in mind. When we believe in God we have a different standard to live by. The fruit of that is a great thing. But, the disobedience is as equally good. The Philisitines will soon be dead in the story, judgement will come. However, for us, victory is secure. But, the walk should be cautious and obedient.

Closer only comes when you first accept God's hand in the problem - Genesis 44-47

We all struggle with conflict and difficulty over bad circumstances or unfair situations. When someone hurts us we want to lunge out. When someone does something that causes harm to us we want to hurt them at the least, but never forgive them. However, Joseph, in the situation with his brothers, shows us something we all should come to understnad. Reunions and closer can only happen if you first come to the realization that God was in control all the time.   Joseph had to come to the conclusion that God's hand was in this before his heart could express forgiveness with his brothers. All those years in prison and servanthood Joseph must have meditated on the thought, "What is God doing in my life?" He came to the conclusion, accordning to 45:5-8, that God was in this and he need no longer resist or be bitter. It is only when we can do this that we can find freedom and restoration. But, his brothers also had to come to a new place.  Judah, in representing the brothers, had to show their repentive and changed spirit. It was only when both sides made the change that we see this marvelous reunion. The closer and feelings of peace will come when both sides of the conflict come to the realization that God is at work and both are willing to submit in humility to God and each other. Recognize that God is at work in your life today.

We can socialize with unsaved drunks, but not believing drunks? 1 Corinthians 5-6

Paul is pretty clear about most of his doctrine. He doesn't hide what he believes and wants us to teach others. In most of his books he lays out his doctrine so that everyone can grasp it, with a few exceptions in each book. Peter told us that Paul has some "hard things" to understand. I would agree but I think he has "harder things" he writes to "practice" (Read Romans 12 if you don't believe me!). But, in this chapter he gives us some hard, hard truth to grasp and to practice. In 5:11 Paul writes: But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so- called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler —not even to eat with such a one. Paul had just told the church at Corinth that he was NOT telling them they couldn't associate with the unsaved world who did these things, but to stay away from someone who calls himself or herself a brother and does these things. The context of chapter five is that there was a young man in the church, who claimed to be a believer, who was sleeping with his step-mother. Apparently all the church knew about it (5:1-10). Paul tells them they shouldn't avoid contact with the unsaved world ... that would necessitate them "coming out of the world" (the implication being that would be impossible). Paul does, however, want them to use their "social" contact as a form of discipline for the "saved brother/sister" who is practicing open sin. This type of "discipline" is neither practiced, preached or accepted by the church today. Imagine a pastor standing in his pulpit today and "telling" the members not to "associate" with the saved brother/sister who everyone knows is living in open sin! Even with the authority of God's Word most would not do it or fail to believe it or even revolt against it. The truth Paul writes is very, very easy to understand. I can affiliate with unsaved men/women who practice sinful deeds. I am NOT to affiliate with believers who do the exact same thing. Truth is truth ... but it doesn't mean it is easy to do!

Our Prayers, not our Performance, Moves God's Compassion - Mark 1-2

Man is obsessed with stirring the heart of God. Now, those who are "atheist" or "agnostic" would obviously say they are not interested in God either because he doesn't exist or they can't know that He exists. But, I would maintain the truth of my original statement. Mankind has been obsessed throughout the ages to "please the Gods" and to search for His blessing. Are their individuals so contrary to the history of mankind who personally don't believe in God or that we can know God? Of course, but that is not the norm. Man has a history of a "quest for God." The journey to find God's favor is so intense religions are born out of it and wars are fought over it. All religions, except Christianity, teach that it is our "best performance" that moves God's hand of blessing toward us. Yet, in the gospel of Mark we read that the way we get God's "compassion" and blessing is entirely from within the heart of God not the behavior of man. In Mark 1:40-45 we read the story of the leeper who falls on his face and cries out to a passing Jesus, "If you are willing you can make me clean." His prostrate action simply demonstrates the condition of his heart. He realized that Jesus and Jesus alone was his salvation from this horrible health issue. He recognized the power and person of Christ. He recognized the character of Christ. That recognition of his own condition and the power of Christ in the prayer was seen by Christ, yes. But, the next line doesn't read, "And seeing the man's 'behavior' Christ was moved with compassion." The phrase "moved with compassion" demonstrates that Christ was moved by His internal emotions. He wasn't "moved by prayer" (although the prayer showed the man's heart), Christ was moved by His compassion for the lost. God is not willing that any should perish because He is a God of compassion. He so loved the world is not because the world deserves it but because His internal being is composed of Love in Action. We can not "perform" our way to God's mercy and grace. We can simply find His benefits in the overwhelming compassion of His being. Our prayers alert Him that we know that. His compassion in action alerts us to who He is; not what we have done to deserve it.

He dresses us up like a wedding party - Isaiah 56-61

Many who read this blog know my baby girl is going to get married this fall. Yeterday, on her Facebook post, she showed the world her wedding band and that of the choosen man. The day before she sent us a picture of her in her dress. "Beautiful" was the only word to describe it ... or, perhaps, "glorious." So, when I read through these six "glorious" chapters and came to then end, you might see what the Spirit of God brought my eyes to this verse:

Isaiah 61:10 - I will rejoice greatly in the Lord, My soul will exult in my God; For He has clothed me with garments of salvation, He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness, As a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

God, through the work of the Son and the ministry of the Spirit, has clothed us with righteousness and honor. Like a future bride showing off her rings, He has left us on this earth to show off what He has done for us and in us. We are are the bride of Christ and He has furnished with the dress to show off the honor of being married to the King of Kings. Because of this honor we can "rejoice greatly" and we can "exult in my God." Just like my baby girl couldn't wait to show off the ring "he" bought her, neiter should we wait to show off what "He" bought us by dying on the cross for us. He purchased for us righteousness, honor and blessing. Let's rejoice and show it off. The wedding day can be at any moment.

"Prosperity Gospel" has deep and long roots - Job 22

Job is the oldest of all the books in the Bible. It was written and composed before other books and covers some of the earliest views of man. There is much to learn from reading Job that goes beyond the main theme of the book. But, in chapter 22 we have, once again, Eliphaz (Who's name means: God is fine gold) is telling Job that if he were righteous none of this would be happening to him. Eliphaz states in 22:21 the following: Yield now and be at peace with Him; Thereby good will come to you. That verse, taken as is, is at the heart of modern day "prosperity gospel." Most who preach prosperity gospel would echol Eliphaz and use him as their chef spokeman. They too believe that if we simply come to God "good" things will come to you. They too, like Eliphaz define good things as resources, treasure and material goods (at least that is what he implies in the rest of the chapter). Eliphaz doesn't know why God is allowing this suffering to come to Job but it is not because Job lacked a heart for God. Eliphaz, like most believers today, thinks that if you love God, God is obligated to free your life from pain and suffering. Yet, Paul repeatedly in his writings tells us that God does allow bad things to happen to "good" people. When we preach a gospel that says only good will happen when we come to Christ we do injustice to the true gospel. Suffering is part of livning in a world full of sin ... and it is not always our sin. Sin makes things break just because sin is death. Suffering happens to those who walk with Christ. Paul was given a "thorn in his side" to make sure he constantly was humble before God. And, sometimes suffering happens because we do sin and God needs to chasten us (Hebrews 10). Let us make sure we are not like Eliphaz; believing that if we come to God He is now obligated to keep us from all harm. God is only promising to caring us through the storm, not keep us from it.

God is the only one who can convert sorrow to joy - Psalms 30-32

The theme of these three Pslams is, "I am wasting away in difficulty due to my own sin and the oppression of my enemies (who at one time were my friends) and now I cry out to God and He delievred me not so I can be free to do what I want but so that I can jump for joy and sing out praises to God." Yes, that is a long theme, but a good theme. David was in a tight place when he wrote these Pslams. Sometimes because of others; mostly because of his sin. But, he found freedom and saw God convert his circumstances to great joy. The last verse of the section tells us why God changed his difficulty into delight:

Psalms 32:11 - Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous ones; And shout for joy, all you who are upright in heart.

The reason God changes all of our sorrow into joy is so that we might praise Him. Our cheif end of all that we do is to worship and rejoice in Him. The difficulties of life are a result of a rebellious and contrary nature of all of the earth's forces, including the nature that dwells within us. When He rescues us and shows us "favor" (30:5, 7) we are not only expected to praise Him for that we now able to praise Him for that. So, let's rejoice - we have a reason and now have the capacity. "Be glad ... rejoice ... shout for joy!"

Is your Pastor a Hypocrite? 1 Samuel 1-5

Every year I write I devotional on this section I committ to find some good story to write about depite all the negative stories. However, once again I start to read and I come across something that just needs to be pointed out: Eli the priest was a BIG hypocrite. In the frist chapter we begin to read the story about this dear women, Hannah. She only wants a baby. Her womb is closed and she cries out the God of Creation to allow her to give birth. This is a great story of commitment and spiritual battle. Yet, in the midst of her prayer, Eli, the priest is observing her in the "sanctuary" praying to God. Because her lips are moving but no sound is coming out, Eli automatically assumes she must be drunk. Think about that! She is the temple ... she is probably prostrate ... she probably has her head bowed ... and, Eli, the priest (a trained member of the clergy) simply "assumes" she must be drunk? Why is that so? Why would he? It is only later that we find out why Eli lacked spiritual senstivitiy to see her anguish and prayerful attitude. In his own boys he only saw drunkeness and wanton behavior (2:12ff). In his own life he practiced gluttony and lacked self-control (4:18). Eli was a hypocrite. Now, let's not toss the baby out with the bathwater. Eli still had a connection with God and for God. He still blessed Hannah, despite his lack of spiritaul integrity. God can use hypocrites. Look at Peter (Matthew 27). Look at Paul (Romans 7). Look at Judas (Matthew 26). God majors on minor players. Yet, we need to know that Eli was limited in his spiritual sensitivity to others because he was limited in his spiritual walk. He thought Hannah was drunk because he was used to seeing the lack of self control in his own life and that of his children. We all need to be careful that we don't make inconsistent conclusions becasue we struggle in our own lives. Eli needed to hear Christ words about the splinter in his own eye (Matthew 7). Don't look at others through your own glasses but rather through God's eyes. At least beaware of the way your own life clouds your view.

God causes pain to unbelievers so that believers might be victorius - Gen. 40-43

Sometimes it is not all about you ... but, then sometimes it is. God is very much at work in the lives of those who trust in Him. That "work" can very much include unbelievers. In 40:1-4 we have a great example of how God, in His sovereign grace, does work in Joseph's life by changing the course for two unbelievers. The first sovereign act God performs to assist Joesph is to cause the cupbearer and the baker for Pharoah to offend the King. We are not told what it was but apparently it was enough to get the Pharoah's attention. The second act of God's sovereign action is when God uses Pharoah's anger. It reads that Pharoah was "furious" with the two of them. God sometimes uses sin to accomplish His purposes. That fury causes Pharoah to put the two in prison and, again, God's sovereign work puts the two in the exact same prison of Joseph. He then puts them under Joseph's care and causes them to have a dream that only Joseph can interpret. In each of these steps God is causing something to happen in the lives of unbelievers for the purpose of helping Joseph in his circumstances. The unbelieving world is appreciative that God sends the rain on the "just and the unjust." But, they also have to realize that God also uses the unbelieving world to accomplish His ends when dealing with believers. We should rejoice and marvel of what God is doing in our lives at the expense of the unbeliever around us. God is working in their midst for the purpose of working in ours. Rejoice that God is dealing with you ... but don't be surprised that He might do so using your unbelieving neighbor.

God saves AND causes growth - 1 Corinthians 3-4

What makes a baby grow? Every day after birth the baby is growing more and more. Parents do nothing but feed the baby. Soon, crawling then walking. Soon, jumping and running. Soon, goooing and then talking. Soon, staring then thinking. Babies grow to be people. God has cared for that process through creation. So, what happens to a "baby Christian?" God births the believer, then what? According to our passage today, the same process begins to take place. Baby Christians are supposed to grow and they grow by taking in food (God's Word) and then God does something to make them grow (1 Cor. 3:6,7). God causes the growth. First crawling in the flesh then walking in the Spirit. First speaking with the tongue of flesh than with the tongue of the Spirit. God is in the process of growing every believer. The believer's responsibility it to take in the food of God's Word. God then uses that food with the Spirit's work to produce a mature adult believer. That is the process. There is no other. We don't skip any processes, either. We don't get to rush to believer "adult-hood" because we are special. God birthed us through the gospel and He is growing us through the Word. Every minute in God's Word is another moment God can use to grow us. Our growing is directly proportionate to the time we spend in God's Word. How much have you been growing?

Would you allow your enemy to hug and kiss you? Matthew 26-28

To what extent would you go to show favor or "friendship" to someone who either already did betray you or you know was about to betray you? Would you sit by them? Would you talk to them? Would you be friendly to them? Would you allow them to "hug" you or "kiss" you? In Matthew 26:24-25 Jesus told His disciples someone would betray him. Judas, who had already gone to the Scribes and Pharisees to initiate his plot and make his bargin, speaks up and says, "Surely it is not I, Rabbi." Judas used his deceptive voice and his pretend pitch to disguise the bargin he had prearranged with those who wised to kill Jesus. Jesus responds with something to the affect that says, "If you say so." I don't know if our Lord used sarcasm but if there was ever a place to use it here is where it would have fit in spades. Despite this interaction Judas makes his plan and he tells those who are hiring him to betray Jesus that "whomever I kiss is the man." What would possess him to think he would be "allowed" to kiss Jesus, knowing full well that Jesus already knew he was the man who would? Judas was either incrediably bold or he banked on one truth we would all agree with: Jesus was a Man of Love because He was the God of Love. Judas knew that Jesus loved him, despite His flaws and his deceptive heart. Jesus allowed him to kiss him. He even called Judas "friend." He was more than gracious to His "enemy", Jesus was approachable and loving. Are we eve close to this type of behavior to our enemies? Many don't even let those they "think" may be out to get them get that close. Yet, Jesus, fully knowing who was going to betray him was willing to let the man kiss him and called him friend. In Romans 12 we are told to "Love our enemeis". Here is an example of what that looks like in real time and space.

NO MORE CONDEMNATION!!! Isaiah 51-55

Reading Isaiah 51-55 is like reading Romans 8. The two sections might as well be printed next to each other in the Cannon of Scripture. Romans 8:1 tells us there is "no more condemnation for them who are in Christ Jesus." I wonder if Paul was reading Isaiah 51-55 just prior to writing those words. I especailly noted Isaiah 51:22 and 54:7, 8, 10 & 17. God tells the prophet (and Paul completes the theme) that His anger will be removed by the messiah and it will "never" return to those He saves. God poured out His wrath but will no longer pour it out onto those who believe in Him once it is poured out on the Messiah (Isaiah 53). The Messiah will take the sins of the people and endure the wrath of God. From that point forward we have no more wrath and it will "never" be poured out upon us. God's salvation is designed to end the wrath. When we sin the punishement for that sin was already meted out. We no longer have to worry about it or think about it. Read Isaiah 54 and Romans 8! The wrath is DONE! Rejoice that we are free from the punishment of sin. We might have to endure the presence of it in our lives. We may have to endure the temporary victory of it over our lives. But, we no longer have to worry one bit about the punishment of it. That is the comfort talked about in Isaiah 51-55. Rejoice in that comfort.

Don't torment me - Comfort me!! Job 20-21

Zophar means well! In fact all of Job's friends mean to comfort him and support him in his pain (and, he is in pain ... 21:6). However, from Job's perspective his friends are more terrors than comforters (21:34). Job goes to the extreme to tell his friends they are not only "NOT" comforting him, they are full of lies and falshood. Here is where the one needing comfort needs to realize the limits of his comforters. Just as his friends want Job to be "just" and "righteous" in his actions (and therefore avoid this pain ... that must be on him due to sin), so too Job wants his friends to be "righteous" and "true" in their response to him. He wants them to cut him slack but he doesn't cut them any slack. He can be who he is but they must not be wrong in their comfort of him. Since the spirit of God has given us a look in the background of what God is doing, we can see that BOTH Job and his friends are wrong. Never-the-less, the onus of responsibility has to be on Job's friends to provide encouraging counsel and not condemning words. There certainly is a time for condemnation. However, there is a time to comfort those in affliction. We should expect Job's perspective to be off balance. After all, he is in stress. That is not an excuse to be doctrinally off base, but it does happen and certainly explains why he might be. But, Job's friends are coming across as condemning to Job rather than the comfort they set out to provide (16:2). Even if we have to deliver "truth" to those in pain and suffering, we ought not to come across as tormentors to them, adding to their pain. They may reject us but they shouldn't be able to see condemnation in us. Paul tells us to speak truth but to do so with the governer of love (Eph. 4:15). So, if you get a chance today to comfort someone, do so with genuine confort, speak the truth but don't add to their torment.

Faith overcomes my despair - Psalm 27-29

When in the midst of despair we seldom see the future. We are typically "looking" at the waves around us (see Peter) and not the Savior in front of us. We are typically looking at the army behind and the Red Sea in front and don't see the God of Creation in the cloud above us. Faith is the eye transplant for the believer. Faith takes the eyes of the flesh and focuses them on the spiritual. In this section of reading it is the movement from the eyes of flesh to the eyes of faith that enables the Psalmist to write these great words. In just one verse we see this concept summarized:

Psalms 27:13 - I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord In the land of the living.

Notice the connection between the words "believed" and "see". Belief allows you to see things differently. You no longer see the situation through the eyes of the flesh you see what God wants you to see through the eyes of faith. Faith focuses the eyes on God's character! His promises that He NEVER breaks! His power that He NEVER loses! His purpose that HE never detours from! Faith changes our outlook to see the "goodness" of the Lord in the land of the living! Where is the focus of your eyes?

Reputations should be built on past acts of grace - Ruth

When Ruth came to the field of Boaz she did so because they needed food. Ruth had lost her husband and Ruth had lost her husband, Naomi's son. Ruth could have sat around and acted bitter (like Naomi) and waited to die or for a handout. But, instead, she went to work, if only to find a little barley left from those who were gleaning. Boaz sees her and in 2:11 tells her she can glean all she wants in his field. He does this because he had "heard" of all the good that Ruth had done for Naomi. Ruth had a reputation for hard work, charitable acts of kindness and a great commitment to follow hard after God. When character is within the heart a repuation is established in the eyes of others. Naomi wanted to be called Mara, which means "bitter." Her reputation was that "bad things" happened to her. That is what she was known for and wanted to be known for. Ruth, on the other hand, had a passion for life despite her circumstances and was willing to re-frame them and not assume that the past was a constraint on the future. Ruth was able to overcome circumstances because she understood the character and person of God and His bigger purpose for her and Boaz. They eventually become the grandparents of David; Christ would come from this line. God can use past circumstances for His honor and glory.

God sends people into our lives to direct us - Genesis 36-39

Joseph is sent off by his father to find his brothers. Brothers we know that don't like him and are jealous of their father's love for him and his many dreams that show them bowing down to him. We don't know Joseph's mindset at this point. A typical 17 year old today would probably be well aware when others don't like them. But, Joseph, being the obedient son, sets off to find those who hate him (type of Christ?). As Joseph wanders in the direction of his brothers a man is sent by God to give him detailed direction. It seems like an odd story in 37:15. However, it is a great example of God's intervention in Joseph's life. We will see many times that God intervenes in Joseph's life. This particular intervention leads Joseph to his brothers and eventual mistreatment. Joseph could have been angry at this guy, whoever he is. God promises direction but not necessarily direction to the perfect "resting place." God uses this man to direct Joseph. That is what we learn. God always sends others to direct us. I doubt that Joseph even knew who that person was or recognized God's providence. I doubt if we do. Never-the-less, God brings people in our lives ever day. Are we sensitive that the brief conversation we have with others is something meaningful in God's plan?

Bench players seldom get recognized - 1 Corinthians 1-2

The book of 1 Corinthians was writte to the Church at Corinth to correct some problems in Christian doctrine, believer's practice and church divisional strife. Yet, you can read one sentence in without noticing some structure in Paul's writings that not only tells us something about God and His love for all believers but also Christian practice and unity. In the first verse of the first chapter we read that Paul, an apostle of Christ, is writing the letter. Of course, it is actually the Holy Spirit writing the letter through the mind and hand of Paul. The Spirit takes a moment to mention a man named Sosthenes. He apparently is in Paul's company and is signed on as a "co-writer" of the book. We don't typiclally don't notice a man like Sosthenes. I would expect in a game of Bible Trivia most wouldn't be able to place his name properly in Bible lore. In fact, if you read this passage prior to reading this devotional, you might have to go back to actually notice his name. Sosthenes is mentioned in Acts 18:17. In Paul's first trip to Corinth he is run out of town. Sosthenes is beaten as an example. But, we read in the passage that the ruler of the day didn't even notice him. He is mentioned twice in God's Word and, in simply reading of the Bible, missed completely. To us, players who sit on the bench, typically don't get noticed. We don't see the practice player, (the one putting their time in doing the same things as the star). We only see the star. In our story here, the Star (is Paul ... well, Christ, really). Sosthenes is just a mention. But, he is mentioned by the Spirit because God notices all believers, not just the Stars. God knew Sosthenes was beaten and took notice. God takes notice of the "weaker" parts. In fact, in 1 Corithians 12:22 Paul will talk about the "weaker" parts of the body being just as important as the more noticable parts. With Paul's writings often his "method" is his "message." Paul is about to call the Corinthian church out for their division and their looking for the more "lofty" gifts. In his opening line he makes his message complete: Whether star or servant we are all messengers for Christ and to Christ. If you are a Sosthenes in your church and missed by others you are noticed by God.

Man is so, so proud of his "buildings" - Matthew 23-25

In Genesis 10 we see the story of mankind building a tower that would go up to God. It was the biggest building ever made by man. They were so proud. God, seeing their pride, dispersed their efforts by simply changing their tongue (they could not communicated so their team effort was destroyed ... lack of communication will always destroy a good team effort). But, God may have stopped their efforts but it didn't sway they feeling in man's heart to his own great accomplishments and the pride he finds in his building things. Through the ages man has puffed his chest at what he has made. In 24:1 we read that when Jesus finishes speaking in the temple and pointing out the pride of the religious leaders, the disciples stop him to point out the "temple buildings" (24:1). They were so proud. As if to tell the God of the universe they had accomplished some great thing they point out the quaint display of mankinds efforts: The climax of his talent to that day. Jesus must have laughed under His breath. He simply stated, that, soon, all this would be destroyed. That, of course, sends the disciples into panic mode to ask "when?", "how?", and "why?" questions. Today man is so proud of his iPhones, Air-Jets, Clothes patterns, TV shows; his own creativity and his own power. But, God still laughs. Compared to a beautiful butterfly or simply snow flake, man's creation is futile. The iPhone is soon replaced by the iPhone 4; Jets crash; Clothes are tossed to a second-hand store, and so on. We ought to be proud of God's plan and His creation. We need to humbly enjoy what we make and admire the talent God gave us to His glory. That thing you admire today will be destroyed tomorrow if it is not from God's creation.

Just how many "Gods" are there? Isaiah 45-50

How many are there of you? How many teams are referred to as the Los Angles Lakers? Just how many states are called Florida? Stop and think from a logical, reasoning sort of way how many we have of things we think and believe are significant. We tend to have one. That probably doesn't make total logic sesnse but you get where this is going: How many real "Gods" do we have. Does it make sense that many could fulfill the role of "God?" "God" must be "all powerful." That means, by definition, there can only be one! You can have two all powerful Gods. The phrase "all powerful" means you don't share power with anyone or anything. And, if God wasn't "all powerful" than why would you want to worship a "paritial powerful God? Christianity makes a very dogmatic and unbashful claim: Our God is number one! He is the "ONLY" true "God!" We don't make that claim on some half-wit logic, however. We make that claim on the claims of God, Himself, as recorded in God's Word. In God's Word, almost 20 times, God makes the claim, or someone does for Him, that He is the "only true God." In this section of Isaiah, alone, we have ten of those times. God makes the claim, Himself, "I alone am God, there is no other." Either by logic or by claim, there is but one God. You can make up other names for God and make other claims for mulitple Gods but there is no revelation or claim as strong as God's Word that He alone is a God. He alone deserves our praise. There IS NO OTHER! That offends people, from what we hear. But, it makes absolutely no sense that there even could be multiple Gods. There is one God and He takes the claim of being the only true God. He deserves our worship. All of it.

The darkness of the light of the unbeliever - Job 18-19

Unbelievers walk in light that God provides in His mercy but that light is full of darkness. In Job 18:5 Bildad, in his "comfort" of Job begins to compare Job's plight with that of the wicked. In the comparison he uses false reasoning to conclude that Job must somehow be wicked. His argument is that since the wicked suffer and their "light" will soon be snuffed out (see further Proverbs 13:9; 20:20; 24:20) and Job's "light" is currently being snuffed out, Job must be wicked. Why is it we are always comparing ourselves with those of unbelief? Asaph, when he saw the prosperity of the wicked was envious (Psalm 73). Why does Bidad compare Job (a believing man ... see Job 1) to the care of the wicked? The wicked, even in light, live in darkness. In Isaiah we read that Christ will come to open the eyes of the unbeliever to get them from darkness to light (Isaiah 42:7). John tells us that if we "hate" others we actually live in darkness (1 John 2:11). It is possible to live in light and walk in darkness. That is the plight of the world. They boast about their life and what the "see" but God has blinded their eyes so they can't see. Let us realize that the unbelievers life has temporial light and not eternal. Bildad is wrong in his reasoning. Job, even in the spot he is in, sees spiritual things the wicked could ever see (see 19:23-27). Job says his "eyes" will see and behold his redeemer. The wicked's lamp (he eyes) are blind to the redeemer. We need to quit comparing our plight to that of the unbeliver. Even in our darkness we see light while in their light there is only darkness.