Do you complain? Want to know why? Exodus 17-20

When we fear about "provisions" we are really fearing or fretting about "God's presence" among us.  We are actually fearing He doesn't see our affliction or possible struggle.  We are actually worrying over His care of us and doubting His ability or interest in our affairs.  In this section we see that the Israelites grumbled "against" Moses over something to drink.  Leadership is often asked to provide the basic essentials for the ones they lead.  However, this was not the real issue facing the nation.   It wasn't the lack of water they were actually grumbling about, but whether God would take care of them.   They had so little faith and were immediately drawn to the flesh.   We are the same way.  We start to fear what our flesh doesn't have and we forget to walk in faith toward God.   Our flesh is so powerful in our life (especially when we first become believers).  It is only after we exercise ourselves in the practice of walking in faith that we can cease from our grumbling and complaining.  Moses actually named the place they were at "quarrel" and "strife" because that is what they did without faith.   When we have the absence of faith we have the presence of fight.   Don't allow your flesh to move you into the land of faithlessness.   Allow the crisis at hand to move you to faithfulness.  

Who keeps trying to change me? 2 Corinthians 1-3

We are being transformed!

Transformation is a wonderful thing under one condition: You can trust the person trying to transform you. For instance, when one spouse wants to "transform" (change) another spouse they can both enter into rough waters.   Both have to agree to it and they have to have extreme faith in the ability of one to transform the other.   When an employer wants to transform his/her staff, there can be a push-pull relationship develop as resistance to change.   When a government wants to transform its populist by laws and required programs, because the government thinks transformation is necessary for long term positive results, there can be tremendous upheaval. However, in the Christians life, transformation is perfect and worthy.   The reason for this is because we can trust the Person who is doing the transforming.  God is the perfect sculptor.  We have no reason to fear when He takes something off or puts something in.  Through the ministry of the Spirit He is transforming us from one degree of glory to the next (3:17-18).   God has the perfect pattern (Himself) and has changed the "clay" so that He can transform us.  Our resistance to transformation is only because or old nature wants to be the same.  The only reason for the pain of God's transformation is that flesh resistance.  Through faith we accept Christ's work in our lives through the ministry of the Holy Spirit.   That changes us.  That is a great transformation.   

The answer to the question is, "Be Ready" - Mark 13-14

The disciples asked a very important question for them and for us in chapter 13 of Mark.   After hearing from Christ that the temple would be destroyed they wanted to know "when" that would happen and "what" would be the sign they should look for.   Christ, in true form, answers them, but not exactly how they wanted.  The plans of God may always be known (we only have to read and study God's Word to know "what" will be happening.  However, the "when" of their question and our concerns is never quite as plain.   In Mark 13:35 we read Christ's response to their and our "when" question:  Be ready!! Be on alert!!    Using the example of a robber who breaks into a house when we are unaware, Christ tells us His return and the destruction, judgment, and redemption plan completion date is "unknown" - "non-published." We are simply to be ready for His return.   We are not to sit, goof off and relax until a certain date.   We are to watch and wait and prepare ourselves for an any minute return.   I like how the old preacher used to say when I was growing up: "We are plan as though He is never coming and live like He will be here today."    Let's "Be Ready" and leave the "when" to God!

Here's what the politician as to say to get my vote! Jeremiah 22-26

Jeremiah 22:3 is the perfect campaign speech for any politician who wants my vote.   If our political leaders would follow this simply formula the country would be bless by God, as stated in 22:4-5.   Instead of rhetoric about budgets and scandals, wouldn't it be great if a leader said they were running on the platform to do Justice and practice Righteousness.   Would the masses vote for that platform?   Probably note.   What if the local politician said he/she was going to run on the ideas of "delivering the poor from those who oppress them" and meant it rather than using it as a way to garner votes?   Would the masses vote for him/her?   What if the political junkie said the were running on the idea of caring for the orphan and widow and wanted to make sure innocent blood was protected and cared for and they would punish, with vengeance, those who shed innocent blood (Romans 13:1-5)?   Would the masses vote for them?  Now, you might say, "NO!" the masses wouldn't vote for that kind of political platform.   However, that is not the point.   The masses wouldn't have to vote for that type of leadership and, yet, that type of leadership would still win.   God would and has, voted for that type of leadership.   And, when God votes, "Yes" - you win!! God promises in 22:4 blessings on the leadership that leads with this mercy, justice and righteousness.   It is time for leadership to take God at His word.  We have so many "religious" and "christian" leaders who want to win the world's way - with the world's arguments and the world's marketing plan.  God tells us what good leaders look like and what He will do when they lead.  Enough said!

"I feel you brother!" Really? How could you? Job 32-24

True empathy is a powerful tool when dealing with those in pain.  Perhaps the greatest problem we have when talking to or counseling those going through a major problem is that we don't understand their pain and suffering.  When a child is being violated by his/her parents, it is hard to associate with their fears when we have never had those fears.  When someone is facing life-threatening health issues we don't know what we don't know.   We can't put ourselves in their shoes.   Elihu wanted to console Job and confront him at the same time.   He hadn't sat for days with boils on his body.  He hadn't lost his children and all his possessions.  Yet, in 33:6 we see that he did find a way to relate to Job - he provided some empathy where he could.   He confesses they are both born of clay and that gives him some insight into Job's life.   On human terms empathy does open doors and does allow us to relate to others.  1 Corinthians 1 is a great example of the power of empathy.   Paul tells the church at Corinth that the same comfort they felt from God can be used to comfort others who are gong through the same, or similar, problems.  This is what makes Christianity so powerful as compared to other "faiths".   In Hebrews 10 we read that we have a High Priest who knows our infirmities.  We have a Savior who has experienced both our same temptation and has tasted more suffering, pain and rejection than any one person could.  So, when we come to Him for "counsel" or "wisdom" He knows us and truly feels our pain.  In our consoling of others we need not say "we know how you feel."   But, we should say, "We know someone who knows how you feel."  Christ is the ultimate empathizer.  

God makes even dirt Holy - Psalm 48-50

When God makes himself known in a place or in a person those around that place or person take notice.   It should be noted that the 48th Psalm is about Zion, Holy Jerusalem.   Yes, it is about the praise of a place.  Yet, it is more than that.  It is about God "revealing" himself in a place and therefore making the place "holy."    Jerusalem to the Israelites became the "place of God."  It was made of dirt, bricks, mortar, sand, gold, jewels, etc.  It was like any other place but it became important not because of how it was constructed or where it was located but because of God's dwelling in the temple and declaring the city "holy."   It should also be noted that God doesn't need a brick, mortar, jewels or fancy architecture.   When Moses was out in the desert tending to his sheep God made the place holy and it was simply a "burning" bush.   But, God told Moses to take off his shoes because he was standing on holy dirt.   The dirt was dirt.  Any other day it was dirt.   But, when God shows up even dirt is holy.   When God shows up in a city, and "Makes Himself Known" (48:3), even the sidewalks become royalty and pure and HOLY.   And the same is true in our lives today.  When God shows up their is Holiness.  When God works in our lives he turns dirt to Holiness.  Peter tells us we are a holy nation, a peculiar people (1 Peter 1:15, 16, 2:9).   God turns our dirt into something special for Him.   Let Him do His work.  Honor Him with praise and adoration as Psalm 48 does.   God makes everything beautiful and holy.   Because He is God.  

Choose to be loyal over "principle" not party people - 1 Samuel 1-4

Sometimes, in the midst of a organizational, community or countries issue, the leadership has to demonstrate, overtly, their concern and interest in the issue. David was genuinely insulted that Joab had killed Abner. Abner had killed Joab's brother (although his brother was pursuing Abner and tried to kill him) and Joab was exacting revenge. However, David didn't want his kingdom to be built on the revenge factor. David wanted to show mercy and grace. He had done so to Saul in his life and he wanted to continue that with those who served Saul. Later David would show mercy to Saul's remaining heir, Jonathon's son. But, Joab had shamed the kingdom of David and David went to extreme lengths to show his love and loyalty for Abner and Saul's kingdom and his disdain for Joab. As a leader you have to sometimes stand up for what is right not simply stand up for your "party". If this would have been today's political climate talking heads would be telling us how Joab "had" to kill Abner. They would say it was his only choice. They would stand up for their party. But, in David's day it was about standing for what is right: Mercy and grace. If you are going to be a leader in your home, community or business you will someday have to choose to be loyal to people or to principle. Like David, choose principle.

Do you tremble or compalin after seeing God do some great thing? Exodus 13-16

Everyone has a different response to seeing a miracle of God.   We read that the nations who saw what God did to Pharaoh by drowning him and his army in the Red Sea "trembled" at what they saw (see 15:16).   However a few moments later, despite seeing the power of God, the nation of Israel "grumbled" because they had no water.  The grumbled because they had no food.  After seeing the power of God through the plagues on the Egyptians the unbelieving nations trembled.  But, the "believing" Israelites grumbled.   Not hard to see a lesson for us here.   How do we respond when we see the power of God demonstrated.   The disciples, after seeing Jesus feed 5,000 and 4,000 with a small resource meal and yet, baskets of left-overs, argued about what they would eat when alone with Jesus (see Mark 8).  The Galatians were soon to allow the false teachers to get them to return to "law keeping" instead of faith in Christ for their sanctification (see Galatians 3).   Our nature is to return to our flesh after we have experienced God's marvelous power in our lives.  In fact, it may be that after we have seen God's amazing power we are most vulnerable to flesh like issues; to complaining and sinning.   When faced with the emotion of sin in our face we need to take into a mental account of what God has done for us.  We need to make sure we don't succumb to the temptation of the flesh and give into grumpy behavior.   Let's have faith in God.  Even the wicked tremble when they see God do great things.  We ought to do more than complain for more.    

Opportunity is Knocking - 1 Corinthians 15-16

Opportunity is knocking!!  That statement is a nice catch phrase we use for all kinds of inspiration. Business would use the phrase to further their bottom line.   Athletes may ponder these words as challenge mounts to secure the championship and/or prize. A student may see these three little words as hope for the future.   Paul, and, hopefully all believers, saw it in the context of what God has planned for the spread of the gospel.   Paul life was hectic to say the leasts.   He gives us a glimpse of the pace and pressures of his life in 2 Corinthians 11.   Not something most of us would think was a "effective door open to me," or, opportunity knocking.   Paul is not saying he has been presented with a cruise ship filled with other believers to visit the promise land and the islands of the deep. Paul is not envisioning a crystal cathedral or the court yard of the Vatican. When Paul says a door is open to him he means he sees a chance to speak the Gospel (15:1). The "opportunity" comes with it all the hazards of the ministry.   In just a moment he will tell the Corinthians to not "labor in vain" (15:58) because he knows how much of a struggle the "door of opportunity" can present. In this section he is telling these believers that he can't come to them because a "great" door has opened that he might preach the gospel.  But, big doors often have bigger problems.  Paul knows this and embraces this.   He is ready to move forward. He is ready to take the opportunity that God presents.  That is because Paul knows that with the big opportunity there may be bigger problems but there is also a very, very big God pulling the strings.   He is ready to walk through the door. I wish I was!!!

Why is everyone else wrong and Christians are right? Mark 11-12

Why do so many people make mistakes when they get into a discussion about the after life and about life in general?   Can so many people be wrong and only a small margin of the population be right?   Are not the masses right?  The majority thinks they are always right.   The majority holds the power so what they think tends to rule our society.   However, in this section of Mark we see the "majority" of religious leaders reject Christ, the Son of God.  They want to lead the rest of the population into their own way of thinking and reject the minority voice of Jesus, who would later say in an exclusive statement, "I am the way, the truth and the life, no man comes to the Father but through me."   So, why is the majority wrong?  Why are so many philosophers, psychologist, politicians and prophets wrong?  Notice what Christ says in Mark 12:24 -  Jesus said to them, “Is this not the reason you are mistaken, that you do not understand the Scriptures or the power of God?  Jesus tells us the problem.   When people fail to understand Scripture and doubt the power of God they fail to grasp God's wisdom and the plans for mankind and creation.   It is as simple as that and as complex as that, at the same time.   When mankind talks (via the venue of politics, philosophy, medicine, the humanities) they will be vastly mistaken unless they consider and believe two things:  1) the Word of God and 2) the Power of God.   Without an understanding of God's Word and without a belief in God's Power we have a crash course into the abyss.  You can't answer man's problems without knowing the Word of God and without believing the Power of God.   It is that simple.  

I'm just a lump of clay and that gives me joy - Jeremiah 17-21

2012 - What could be harder to accept on a "human" level than the words in these verses: Jeremiah 18:4-6 But the vessel that he was making of clay was spoiled in the hand of the potter; so he remade it into another vessel, as it pleased the potter to make. Then the word of the Lord came to me saying, "Can I not, O house of Israel, deal with you as this potter does?” declares the Lord. “Behold, like the clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel.  Think about the implications and practical aspects of God's Word.   God has made us.   We are NOT our own.  We have NO rights.  We do not have CONTROL over our bodies, plans, futures, jobs, decisions.   To most non-believers that is totally offensive.   They, as well as  many believers, believe we have a FREE WILL which allows us to exercise our own choices and plot our own direction.  And, we don have a FREE WILL: However, that FREE WILL will always choose contrary to God and contrary to His purpose, unless God does something in our lives through His Word and through His Spirit.   In this passage of Scripture, however, we see that God has the RIGTH and the CONTROL to make us what HE wants.   He is the potter we are just clay.   That may be offensive to you but that doesn't diminish the truth.   I rejoice in God's sovereign control as it gives me great assurance that whatever is happening is happening for my good.  I do not need to fear things because I know the POTTER is simply working the CLAY to make the CLAY fit for the POTTER'S use.   He may choose to break me or re-shape me, but in the end whatever He does it will be good.  There should be great joy in that thought, not selfish feelings of loss of power.   

Get your focus on ... Your heart follows your eyes - Job 31

In previous devotionals on this chapter there was a large focus on the overall theme.   Job is venting or demonstrating to his friends his "self-discribed" righteousness.  Let's not quibble with him.   Let's let him have his "moment in the sun."  We know he is not righteous by God's standards, yet, in 1:8 God told us and Satan that Job was perfect.   So, before I critize the man I will believe His God.  And, although not our focus in this blog, maybe that statement should be a theme for us.  If God declared our brother and sister in Christ righteous, let's not stand back and try to point out all the little things that "make it look not so."   But, in 31:7 we have an interesting statement by Job.  He makes the point that "if" (again, justifying his action that he has never done this "if") his "heart" has followed his "eyes" than that would be sin.  I can't imagine ever tying to convince anyone, much less my friends, that my heart has "never" not followed my eyes.  That problem, to me, is my BIGGEST problem.   When engaged in my fight against the sin of gluttony this is, perhaps, the biggest downfall.  If my eyes don't see it I won't eat it.  But, if my eyes see it, I eat it ... all of it.  We should realize that the power of the eye to bring us down.   In 31:1 Job begins this praise of himself claiming he has made a covenant with his "eyes" not to look on a maid ... a women.   In Mattew 5:29 Christ tells us if our eye offends us, we should pluck it out.  Seems radical, until you realize the connection between our eyes and our heart.   In Genesis 3 it says of Eve, "when she saw the fruit ..."!!  When David "saw" Bathsheeba on the porch taking a bath he feel into lust.   When Peter saw the waves of the water he began to sink.   On the other hand when Isaiah saw the glory of God in Isaiah 6 he fell down and worshiped.  As did Moses with the burning bush and Ezekiel with the spinning wheel.  Don't mistake, our heart always follows our eyes.   So, get your focus on!!!

Who's Name do we make known? Psalm 45-47

We have some names in our history that we seem to remember, or are taught, in every generation.   Depending upon your upbringing we have several directions to go here.  Secular names pop up to our mind all the time.   Past presidents or victors of battles, or even inventors and mathematicians can come to mind.  There names are synonymous with success.  We could think of poor names - people who are synonymous with failure, betrayal and wrong-doing.   We don't want to remember this later group but we do.   However, in 45:17 the Psalmist writes that there is a name that will be remembered from generation to generation.  That name is to be regarded above all names.   It is to be glorified above all.  In every generation, Christ is spoken.   And, it will be there for the future and on into eternity.   Even though man has tried to stomp the life out of the Name, it endures ... it flourishes!   Christ is the Name above all Names.   We ought to make sure, like the Psalmist in 45:17, that we perpetuate that Name.  We ought not be perpetuating our own name.  We seem to want to be held in high esteem of others.  We want others to know us.  We want to see our name in the paper (for good things) and we want others to talk about us.  But, the Name we should be promoting is the Name of Christ, the Messiah, the King!   Let's spend the day fulfilling 45:17 ... making His Name known from generation to generation.  

Mature leadership distributes the spoils - 1 Samuel 26-31

David knows the wisdom of "distributing" the spoils of war.  Other leaders may not have provided the spoils to the 200 who did not fight in the war.   That would be the prevailing thought in our economic and labor conscious society.  Seldom do leaders give credit or "spoils" to those on the fringe, much less those who don't even partake in the work product.   In our society today leaders have large packages of benefits and when the company does well they are rewarded well.   However, the individual doing the work is locked into his or her benefit package and seldom gets to enjoy the spoils of war.  In business and politics it is a "I'lll scratch your back if you scratch mine" mentality.  In this section David not only distributes the spoils of war to the 200 who were fatigued and didn't fight, but also to the cities of Judah who didn't even go to the fight.   Now, some of the spoils were originally stolen from these cities, but apparently no one from those cities decided to even pursue what was theres.   But, David knew the benefit of distribution of the spoils.  This wasn't about filling his coffers.  This was about building relationships and leadership.   This was about making sure others we included.   This was about the community not the captain.  You can always tell the level of maturity in a leader by how well he or she can distribute praise for success to others.   Those leaders who have to take credit or get to take credit for the accomplishment of others need to know what they are "stealing" from the warrior, or laborer, or partner who could benefit from the praise and spoils of war.    

Are you distinctly different? Exodus 9-12

God makes a distinction between the Egyptian and the Israelite. Although this distinction in our section today is by nationality and not actual faith, it does teach us that God makes a distinction between those who He considers "His" and those who are not.   God makes the distinction!!   God does send the rain on the just and on the unjust (Matthew 5:45), however, He has made us His special people and expects us to have a distinction between us and the wicked.  The problem is that we blur those lines. Because of our life style we tend to look like the world and are not separate.  In our story today of the plagues any Israelite that had co-mingled with the Egyptians would have to suffer the plagues of the Egyptians. If you were an Israelite you would live in the land of Goshen and be safe. Today we so inter-mingle with the lost that we seldom are seen as different.  We want to look like the lost and possess stuff like the lost and fit in with the lost.  We have lost our peculiar life (1 Peter 2:9). By our life we ought to have a distinction in the way we live and the way God blesses us as compared to the unsaved world.   

Not every "Body" is the same - 1 Corinthians 12-14

When we look at the body we notice the extreme differences.  Some frames are large, some small, some tall, other short.   That is, of course, the human body.  Different from each other but basically the same.   In these three chapters of Paul's letter to the Corinthians Paul is about to make the same comparison.   In 12:2-4 he tells us that there are a variety of ministries that have been provided with a variety of different gifts and those various ministries all produce a variety of effects.   We are to rejoice in the "differences" of the Body of Christ (the Church) and rejoice in the fact that each Body is put together the way Christ wants.   We are in such an "arms" race with other churches!!   Back in the Sunday School Days of the 60s and 70s every church had to have a bus to bring the kids into Sunday School.   When we went to "contemporary" worship every church had to have two different services.   We market ourselves after the more publicized and "successful" churches (success being defined as those that grow bigger).  Yet, Paul tells the Corinthians that they are to realize their differences.  Their differences are to be celebrated.   Christ designs each ministry to be different.   We are not to be conformed to one shape or look or form.   God gives a variety of "gifts" so that makes the outcomes different.   God gives a variety of type of "ministries" so that makes the outcome different.   Let's rejoice in the fact that we are different but result in the same body.  Let's rejoice that other ministries are successful in the way Christ intends.  He produces the effect.   Let's not evaluate the results as successful or not successful other than what Paul outlines here.   A successful church, according to this section, is one that is practicing love with the gifts it was given for the purpose of edifying the members of the body to the glory of Christ.   Any other measurement of success would miss what Paul is teaching us.  

Prayer - more than a weekly event - Mark 9, 10

2012 - Do you pray for your children?  Everyone would be concerned if their son, like the one here in Mark 9, was possessed by a demon.   The demon, from childhood we are told, would toss the boy into both flame and lake to destroy the youngster.  What parent wouldn't burst forth with prayer or supplication to have the boy healed and saved?   The father brought the boy to Jesus but finding only the disciples he asked for help.  Ammeters in prayer and matters of faith, the disciples could not cast the demon out.  We are not told what they tried to do.  We can only imagine the waves of the hands and the pitch of the voice as they called down upon God's favor.   We can only imagine the laughs in the crowd and the down-cast father when nothing happened.  Maybe the demon, through a young boys voice, laughed them to scorn.    After Christ solves the problem through the power given to Him from His Father, the disciples want to know "how to do it" themselves.  They are looking for, "The Miracle Book for Dummies" version.   Christ uses this as teaching moment to show them that miracles and prayer have a direct correlation.     The advent of power in our lives comes from the avenue of prayer.   We dismiss prayer as a "Sunday Worship Activity" when in reality it is the source we have to express our faith to God (9:27).   Faith is expressed in prayer.   If we want God to do great work in our children's lives we have to be willing to take our children to God in prayer.   But, let's remember, Jesus is talking to the disciples here and not to the father.  The father only had to believe.  The disciples, ministers of God and for Christ, needed to be in prayer.   To assist others those wanting to be used by God need to be in prayer to find the power and strength to accomplish God's purpose and Christ's mission.  Prayer is the central tool of all those who want to serve Christ.  Don't diminish it to a weekly event.  It needs to be an hourly function.  

Believers are God's Billboard - Jeremiah 12-16

God had a purpose for the nation of Israel when He redeemed them out of Egypt.   When we understand that one aspect of Israel's redemption was to show us God's concern for all believers and His purpose for all believers, we have to take note.   In 13:11 we read that God tells Israel through Jeremiah's prophecy that they were redeemed for the purpose of making God known to those around them. God chooses to use people has His billboards.   We don't always see our personal salvation in this context but that is what Peter tells us when he writes that we are a "peculiar people" a "holy nation" (1 Peter 2:9).   We tend to think of "our" salvation in the context of "our" benefits.   We tend to think of a ticket out of hell and peace on this earth as a direct impact of our salvation.  But, in reality, in the forefront of God's plan is that we would be a nation of people that draw other's attention to God.  We need to think more of our salvation on how it is used by God to accomplish glory for Him.   We are His billboard.  What do other's read?  

Smile at others when they disagree with you; don't let them steal your joy! Job 29-30

To say Job is in a unique spot would be saying like saying the sun is just a typical light.   Job is in quite a fix.  There probably aren't two chapters in the book like 29 and 30 that contrast so accurately where Job was and where he is now.  Nothing test the joy we experience in life (chapter 29) like the pain of life (chapter 30).  Job feels as though he is being mocked by his friends in chapter 30 (30:1). He must feel that way because of the pain he is in.  He didn't always worry about the opinions of others.   Read the following description of his life prior to the pain and see what he says: Job 29:24 - “I smiled on them when they did not believe, And the light of my face they did not cast down." When confronted by others who disbelieved him, Job made it a practice to keep his joy.  He "smiled" and his face kept its shine.  His countenance did not change simply because others didn't believe him.  However, now, in the midst of pain and suffering, the pain in his heart has affected the joy on his face.   Because he is troubled by "why" this is happening to him, Job has lost his joy.  Chapter 30 bears out the suffering and confusion in his life.   When things were going good for him Job didn't worry about the opinions of others.   We need to remember this lesson.  Even in the midst of trouble we should remember the same God is over the good and the bad.   God is the source of Job's strength and that source doesn't diminish in the midst of pain and suffering.  Our face ought to be full of joy because we know the God who is in control, not because we "feel" in control.   This is a very HARD lesson to learn and practice.  

Does your heart pant for God? Pslam 42-44

Psalm 42:1 - "As the deer pants for the water brooks, So my soul pants for You, O God."  Not everyone can say those words.   Unbelievers can't utter such a statement.  Their hearts do not "pant" for God.   The word "pant" is accompanied by the picture of a deer in the woods.  The deer is "longing" for water.  A deer naturally longs for food and water.   The Psalmist is telling us that those who believe in God should have a thirst for God.  Since unbelievers don't know God they can't thirst for Him.   It is only after we have been redeemed and reconciled to God that we can long for Him.   In fact, our longing for Him ought to be a tell-tale sign of our redemption.  We ought to have a deep desire for Him.  If we don't something is wrong with thirst-buds.   We might be drinking from another well and satisfying the flesh.  We may have lost our thirst due to some sin in our life.  In these three Psalms we see God using bad circumstances to drive us back to Him ... to restore our thirst for Him.  There is nothing that gets the thirst-buds going like a salty life.  God, sometimes, uses difficult circumstances to wet our appetite for Him; our thirst for Him.  That is what these three Psalms are about.  Does your heart pant for God?  Maybe your life circumstances are being used to drive your palette for God!

Would you pick a big sword or a little slingshot? 1 Smauel 21-25

David is on the run. In this section Saul will hunt him like an animal through valleies and caves. David will hide amount priest, pastures and rocks. David is running for his life. In chapter 17 David was the victor. He killed Goliath with a little sling and a small stone. Well, actually, he knocked Goliath unconscious with the slingshot and killed him with Goliath's own sword. When offered Saul's sword to go into battle David refused, having never "tested" them. He trusted His sling because he trusted his God. Now, however, things were different. Saul was pursuing him like a hound dog. David was afraid for his life. When alone in the temple he asks the priest for a sword, any sword. The priest offers Goliath's sword to David and he is delighted. In fact in 21:9 he says, "... there is none like it. Give it to me!" Here we have a great example of fear and of faith. When David had faith in his God he needed no sword. When he had fear in his heart he replaced his sling with a sword. Here we see that David puts his trust in a a material form of defense.  Did he really think that the sword would save him?  He used a sling at one time to kill Goliath and now needed a sword to fight Saul. Really? What matters is not the weapon in our hand but the Faith in our heart. When we are weak we trust in the strength of God. When we are strong we trust in the strength of our pride. Let's make sure we do not attempt to conquer with today's "swords" but with the sling God put in our hand because He ultimately wants to use the faith in our hearts.

Does the world think you "stink"? - Exodus 6-8

The nation of Israel was very frustrated with Moses and Aaron. Prior to their arrival to "deliver" the nation life was tough but predictable. They had to endure slavery but they were given the resources to do the job. When Moses started messing with Pharoah's head, he turned on the people and not only held them to slavery he also took away their resources. How did the leaders of Israel respond? Rather than rejoice that God had sent someone to stand up to Pharoah they complained. Their compliant was that Moses and Aaron made them "odious" to Pharoah. The leaders didn't like that Pharoah no longer treated them with "respect." This logic demonstrates how far we can get into bondage to sin and others. Israel was being set free from slavery. But, they didn't want to be set free. They didn't want the "world" to look upon them as "different." They wanted to be accepted by the world even if that acceptance was in the shape of slavery. God is trying to set us free and to make us after His image. We, accordning to Peter, are becoming a "peculiar (holy) nation" (1 Peter 2:9). If we are to be holy we are to be odious to the world. In fact, the world ought to be odious to us. The leaders of Israel wanted to "fit in" any way possible. They didn't mind being slaves as long as they were slaves that the world likes. We are trying so hard to fit in we are forgetting God redeemed us to get out.

Sometimes people are just "contentious" - 1 Corinthians 11

It is amazing what gets some people worked up. In our modern day church the style of music and/or worship cause different reactions. In some churches if you show up in jeans you could be ridiculed. In others if you show up in a suit you would be "out of place." We have such a variety of complex ways to value or undervalue behavior. The church in Corinth was not unlike our churches today. Their cause for "divisions" was well known. Paul addresses them by calling out some of the areas they "disagreed" over. In chapter eleven Paul address the "wearing of hats" by men and women. Think about this: In an epistle of the New Testament the greatest theologian known to man is discussing whether a women or a man should wear a hat in worship! There are plenty of principles to work through in this difficulty, however. Like all conflicts in life, Paul sees this as a chance to teach truth (we should see the value for teaching in all conflicts in the same manner). Paul uses the Godhead argument and the role of men and women explanation to work through the hat/no-hat conflict. However, after all the great truth taught and digested, Paul ends his argument at verse sixteen with this statement: But if one is inclined to be contentious, we have no other practice, nor have the churches of God. Paul, after unfolding doctrinal truth like a surgeon, comes to one simple and plain conclusion: Some people will simply be inclined to be contentious! Paul, lets the church see the truth to be learned in the discussion but then must, like us all, realize, some people, because of sin, will simply want to be contentious. Simply put, Paul says, "Here is my answer. If you don't like it the church in general has no other teaching. If you are going to be contentious over this issue you are going to be contentious!" Let's make sure we all understand that in conflict there is truth to be heard and taught. But, when truth is taught it doesn't mean that contention will end. Some people are just contentious.

Really? The measure of your righteousness is if you wash you hands before you eat? Mark 7-8

The Pharisess would never last today in our world ... or, would they? Do they? Mark opens chapter seven with the alarming interests of the Pharisees with the fact that Jesus' disciples did not "wash their hands" before they ate. This was contrary to the "tradition of the elders." In this passage Mark records five times the word "tradition" (7:3,5,8,9,13). The Pharisees, according to Christ's teaching against them, had replaced their way of thinking (traditions of the elders) with what God actually intended. Imagine, today, someone telling us that God measures how righteous you are by "if you wash your hands before you eat." Imagine, today, someone telling us that God measures righteousness by attending church. Imgaine, today, someone telling us that God measures righteousness by a set of prayers, confessions, baptisms, clothes you wear, what you listen to, the direction you face when you pray, the time of day when you pray, the amount you give to the church, the amount of time you spend doing something for the church? Imagine? How do men, with their traditions, do this to others? God gives us a very simply way to live: Love God with all our heart and love others as ourselves. We can only do that through Christ's empowerment but do you see how simply that is compared to all these man-made-traditions. God wants us to practice justice and mercy to others. Man wants us to practice psycnological behaviors to measure ourselves among ourselves. God is not intrested in our traditions. He is interested in our love for Him.

Is your church your modern day rabbit foot? Jeremiah 7-11

People have a wierd view of "going to church." People seem to think that "going to church" is some way to "clean things up" and put you right before God. The church building has become our modern day "rabbits foot." People seem to think if they attend church on Sunday that is the cosmic balance for life in the gutter the week before. We are no different than our predessors. Israel thought if they ran into the temple that they would be cleasned from sin and have a right standing before God. In 7:8-10 God condemns those who think that they can live the way they want and then run to some religious event at the local religious assembly and be suddenly right before God. Only God can make us right before God (which is the rest of Jeremiah's prophecy). We can't do our own thing on Monday through Saturday and then expect to stand before God, "right," because we are standing in a particular "holy" place. We need to know that God sent His son to do the work inside of us and change us from the inside-out. He does not want us to try to change ourselves from outside-in. Allow God to do the work on the inside and we won't do the nasty list of sinful deeds listed in 7:9. God is in the process of changing us - not because we attend a worship service but because His Son caused us to be righteous in the heart.

Who really owns your stuff? Job 27-28

Job 27:17 - He (the man who desires and acquires riches) may prepare it, but the just will wear it and the innocent will divide the silver.

The unbeliever may "prepare" his riches but the just (righteous) will "wear" it.   It is amazing how many believers in God and Christ's redemption get caught up in envy of the unbelievers world.   We desire their treasures, their talent and their time.   We want their investments and their retirment plans. We twist God's Word to allow our minds to believe God wants us to pursue the "things of this world."  Yet, Job, who has lost everything, tells us plainly in chapter 27 that the rich and the worldly will lose it all ... and, they will lose it all to the "Just" (those who fear God and are declared righteous through Christ's blood).   So, we envy and desire to have what God will eventually just give us in the end.   We push God out of the way in pursuit of riches and God wants to just give us the riches if we but pursue Him (Psalm 23:6).  Let's make sure we realize that God wants to give us what we desire but we must first desire Him and then "all these things will be added onto you!" 

When things are tough who do you call? Psalm 39-41

The nation of Israel had a very bad habit. The prophets tell us that when things got tough in lives of the nation (often due to their own sin) they would turn to surrounding countries or internal resources, rather than the Lord their God.

Psalms 40:4 - How blessed is the man who has made the Lord his trust, And has not turned to the proud, nor to those who lapse into falsehood.

As you can see, David had warned them and given them great admonishment about turning to God for their help. When we turn to others, proud in their ways, to rescue us we do two evils. The first is that we will not find a cabable rescue. Only God can deliver us and resuce us completely from trouble. But, we also offend God by not going to Him in the first place. Jeremiah and Ezekial did much in their prophesies to warn against this. God tells us through David's poetry that God will bless us if we come to Him in trouble. We typically seek friends, finances and/or our internal strength. Instead we need to realize we have no strength and it is then, and only then, that we can find relief and rescue. Don't lean on others or yourself. Lean on the righteous Lord and His abundant grace.

God "introduces" us to others in strange ways - 1 Samuel 16-20

Most of us meet others in this world casually and we are vastly unaware that God is directing each step we make. Those who doubt the sovereignty of God would strongly disagree with this. However, time and time again God's Word shows us that God is using strange means to connect us with those He wants us to be connected with. Take alook again at 1 Samuel 16:12-23. After Samuel annoints David as the next king of Israel the Spirit of the Lord comes upon David but departs from Saul. Instead of the Spirit of God on Saul, God directs "an evil spirit" to terrorize Saul. God actually uses an evil spirit to accomplish His tasks. God then directs some "man" in Saul's royal court, familiar with David's ability to play the harp, to convince Saul to "hire" David as the musician that would play and calm the evil spirit God sent. To add one more level of God's power to this story, Saul is said to "love" David and makes him his armor bearer. What a strange way to get David familiar with the royal court. God directs each character on this stage of life to make sure His will and work is accomplished. It is no doubt that during this early stage Jonathan and David struck up their friendship, in the innocence of their youth. God is in extreme control of our lives. And, yes, He even uses "evil spirits" to accomplish His tasks. We can rest that no matter what is happening in our lives it is directed by God for some master plan. The people you meet today may be in God's plan for tomorrow. No matter how you meet them.

Helping was in his blood until it came to helping God - Exodus 1-4

The story of Moses is such a well of truth for us to dip into. We can see by nature, that Moses is a helper; a man of extreme justice and desire for fair and equitably treatment. His first venture into the world of "peacemaking" is when he sees an Egyptian attacking one of his fellow Hebrews. We don't know why but apparently the intervention is to the point of a struggle resulting in the death of the Egyptian soldier. You might think that Moses would take some time to evaluate his conduct and think of a new strategy for his life. However, the passage says that the very next day he sees his own Hebrew brothers fighting and attempts to intervene again (2:13). Knowing the Pharoah had discovered his firt "intervention" Moses heads to the wilderenss and comes to Midian. Once there, having had a few days to reflect on his pattern of "sticking his nose into the business of others," Moses, again, intervenes. This time it is for the female sheep hearders. One of which he eventually marries. Now, with three examples of "intervention" on his resume Moses is approached by God to "intervene" for God by leading His people out of Egypt. Moses seems content on using his intervention qualities to his chief end. However, when asked by God to use his "natural" qualities for God, Moses objects. Isn't this true with most of us. We all have gifts, skills and talents that God has given us. Natural ways in which we nagivate through this world. However, when asked by God to use those same gifts or skills for Him we are too busy and too occupied with our own things. God gives us gifts and natural bents for life. When He wants to use them to accomplish His purposes we suddenly claim inadequacy. Let's allow God the use of His gifts He has loaned to us.

Would you still work if they didn't pay you? - 1 Corinthians 9-10

Paul's writings in chapter nine of this book aren't ususally addressed much by preachers, pastors and those serving the church in "full time ministry." They can't preach on this section ... it would appear self-serving. Can you imagine a pastor mounting the pulpit and telling the church body he was going to preach on the pay rate for the pastoral position? That is what chapter nine is all about. Paul is addressing the fact that he "could have" taken "material: things from the church at Corinth, if he wanted to. He would be allowed by the principles of the scripture to do so (He points to the fact that the priest of the temple eat the offering of the temple). He would be allowed by the principles of life (the ox eats while he treads the grain; the farmer eats from the field he plows, etc). But, with all these priviledges and points, Paul does not take anything from the church in regard to material needs. But, that does not diminish Paul's work ethic or mission in life. He is called to be a servant of the gospel so he preaches the gospel. In today's modern "full-time-Christian-ministry-mindset" we don't see too many who are full time gospel preachers, much less those who do it without pay. Paul becomes a servant to all men that he might win them to Christ. He is not concerned about "making a living" he is concerned about "making the dead living again." In 9:18 we see that Paul didn't care about his "right" (He had the right to collect material needs from the body). He was concerned about presenting the gospel. He knew his reward was in the hands of the God he served, not the people of the God he served. He was a slave to God for the gospel. That was the only reason he needed. Would we work without pay to fulfill the mission God gave us?