ANTKB

SCRIPTURE
"If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world and everything in it is mine." (Psalm 50:12)

OBSERVATION
The audacity of God. Why won't he tell us? He should. However, we are on a need to know basis (ANTKB) with God. If and when we need to know, he will tells us. The problem is we think we always need to know. Humorously, he tells us in Psalm 50, that even if he were hungry he would not tell us. Why? Because he owns everything. He has no needs.

Now, just because he does not have any needs does not mean he has no desire for us. He wants us to bring offerings, pay vows, and call on him in the day of trouble (vv. 14-15). As humans in response to our Creator, we are to live lives of trust and faith. Waiting until we know (all the i's dotted and t's crossed) leads to inaction. Faith is trust in motion.

APPLICATION
What does God mean, he won't tell me? I think he should let me in on whatever he is doing. However, that does not build my faith it just builds my ego. I'm in on something from God, that someone else is not. I need to submit and surrender. The Psalmist writes, to "order my conduct" (v. 23) to see salvation. That is the heart of worship (vows, offerings, calling on him) which defines my ongoing walk with God. Taking the next step even if I don't know where, how, or when. God calls me to walk my faith and not by sight. I know enough of God that I don't need to know everything.

PRAYER
Lord, I can trust you, even I'm not in the know. That's the beauty of who you are. You perfectly keep the tension between full disclosure and the mystery of the unknown.

Smelly Christians

SCRIPTURE
"But thanks be to God, who always puts us on display in Christ, and spreads through us in every place the scent of knowing Him." (2 Corinthians 2:14)

OBSERVATION
There is a scent in knowing Christ...a spiritual pheromone. Paul says this fragrance smells different to different people. To those being saved it is the fragrance of Christ. To some the scent of death, leading to death. And still to to others a scent of life, leading to life.It's the same scent but perceived in different ways. (This also happens when we walk by the perfume counter at Macy's. Some fragrances make us glad and some make us gag.) It all depends on the olfactory senses of the smeller.

Knowing God, walking in a relationship with him, should make such a difference in our lives that it is perceivable by others, much like cologne. Christians are to be smelly. Paul says we are on display and God spreads the scent through us. The reason we wear cologne/perfume is for the benefit of others. Most people don't pick up on their own odor but it is readily apparent to others.

There is a difference between a spiritual scent and a spiritual stink. The scent is the aroma of knowing Christ. This is the scent we are to emit. The stink comes from an un-Christlike life. The rottenness of saying we know Christ but not really knowing him...walking daily in relationship with him. The hypocrisy and ingenuousness of our walk betray what we say.

APPLICATION
After spending time at the YMCA, I'm not afraid to admit I stink. However, to other people at the Y, those who are also sweating, the smell isn't so bad, or even noticeable. But when I go home, a few noses are crinkled in my honor. As a follower of Jesus, my life gives off an aroma. The challenge from Paul is to ask, "How do I smell?" Is my life emitting the scent of knowing him? Does my life give off something that is noticeable and different because of my relationship with Christ? If it is, I can't help how others perceive it. Some are glad. Some gag. If following Christ was easy or popular, everyone would be doing it. For people with different worldviews, the smell will be picked up differently. That is beyond the scope of my control and concern. However, my job is to be sure I'm emitting the proper scent not the stink. The stink of sin, hypocrisy, or an inauthentic faith are not appealing to anyone. It is ultimately God who spreads the scent.

PRAYER
Lord, I want the smell of knowing you, in order to make a difference in the world.

Sober Up

SCRIPTURE
"Be alert, stand firm in the faith, be brave and strong. Your every action must be done with love." (1 Corinthians 16:14)

OBSERVATION
In Paul's usual style, he was closing his letter to the Corinthians with an assortment of exhortations. In this verse he gives practical principles to strengthen the Corinthian's walk with the Lord.

• "Be alert"--in 15:34 he encouraged them to be "right-minded." Literally it means sober up righteously. We are to live our faith alert and ready for action. This means being aware of our surroundings, our enemy, and the pitfalls and traps that can easily trip us up.
  
• "Stand firm"--the posture of a follower of Jesus is to stand. Not to flee or cower but to trust God and hold to our convictions.
  
• "Be brave and strong"--fear has a way of working against us and causing us to give up ground. Over and over God reminds us we don't have to fear.
  
• "Do every action with love"--love is making the well-being of another person as important as our own. It is the "others first" mentality where our actions do not hinder, hurt, or harm another person. Only as we are secure in our faith can we reach out in love to others.

APPLICATION
This is certainly a challenge to live up to. My faith is to be what sustains me. God gives me strength and power to be brave in the face of fear. Jesus is my ultimate example of what means to do everything in love. I don not have to live in a defensive posture but I can make a difference in the world by living strong in the Lord. It's easy to become overwhelmed by the world around me. Perhaps that is why Paul has to exhort me to do these things. They are from my natural self. But God has given me supernatural strength so that I am able to reach out to others with love. This only happens when I'm grounded in a good place...alert, firm, brave, and strong. I am to sober up righteously.

PRAYER
Lord, you've given me everything I need for a life of godliness. With you I have nothing to fear. Help my every action to be done with love.

Get 'Em God

SCRIPTURE
"Oppose my opponents, Lord; fight those who fight me." (Psalm 35:1)

OBSERVATION
Life is filled with people who feel like we are at odds with. So we view them as opponents, as people who are out to get us. David, in this Psalm, was literally talking about people who were out to kill him. His prayer in 35:1, could be paraphrased, "Get 'em God. You take care of them." And pretty much that is what he was doing. However, he gives a great insight in verses 13-15, about how we are to treat such people. "

Yet when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth; I humbled myself with fasting and my prayer was genuine. I went about grieving as if for my friend or brother; I was bowed down with grief, like one mourning a mother."

David was able to pray for his enemies as if they were a friend or brother. Sounds a lot like Jesus' instructions to bless those who curse us and pray for our enemies. That is upside-down kingdom living at its best (and hardest). David prayed because it honored God and it was the right thing to do. It did not change their hearts, but it changed his. In fact, in the very next verse (v.15) when he stumbled they gathered in glee. A great way to show him appreciation for his concern. They did not show him the compassion that he offered to them through his prayers.

APPLICATION
I have to admit I could get used to the "Get 'em God" prayers. Using God as a spiritual hit man. However, those prayers do nothing for my character or help me grow to be more like Jesus, who went a step beyond praying for his enemies, he forgave them. My duty as a follower of Jesus is to offer genuine, heartfelt, prayers for the difficult people in my life. The truth is, at some point, everyone in my life is difficult to me, and I am difficult to them. Following Jesus, means living life in an upside-down kingdom. Instead of praying, "Get 'em God," I pray, "Bless them God." In those moments, the compassion of Jesus is made real in my life even if they don't respond in kind. God does not give a whit about my comfort but he certainly wants to develop my character.

PRAYER
Lord, I'm one of your difficult children at times. Help me to give to others the genuine heart of compassion that Jesus showed to me.

Guiding Light

SCRIPTURE
The lamp that guides the wicked--haughty eyes and an arrogant heart--is sin. (Proverbs 21:4)

OBSERVATION
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said the eye is the lamp of the body (Mt. 6:22). If the eye is good, the body is full of light. If the eye is bad, the body is full of darkness. Then he said, "If the light is darkness how deep is the darkness?" He was not talking about the 186,000 miles per second kind of light. That light cannot be darkness because darkness is the absence of light and in Jesus teaching he was talking about the presence of a kind of light that was in reality darkness...whew. Light then is a metaphor for the knowledge we receive that guides our lives. The information we allow into our brains (we see or read with our eyes). Here, the writer of Proverbs uses lamp as a form of light. He further illustrates this lamp that guides the wicked in the wrong direction as haughty eyes and an arrogant heart. The lamp of prideful living.

APPLICATION
I have to carefully choose my guiding light, those influences that lead my life and establish my path. Pride says I will go my way, but submission says I will go God's way. How do I know which way that is? Psalm 119:105 reminds me that God's word is a light unto my path and a lamp unto my feet. I'm always using a lamp of one form or another to find my way through life (advice from friends, books, media, popular culture, etc.). I need to choose God's word to make sure I end up where God wants me. It is more than enlightenment, it is about obedience. I can know God's word but I must submit to God's word and allow it to shape my life. What prevents me from doing that? The very things the writer of Proverbs mentions...haughty eyes and an arrogant heart, pride - which is sin, because it stifles my life of listening to God and doing what he wants.

PRAYER
Lord, may your word be a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.

No Plan B

SCRIPTURE
But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no plans to satisfy the fleshly desires (Romans 13:14). [See additional context: Romans 13:11-14]

OBSERVATION
Paul had just reminded the Romans to wake up from their spiritual sleep. Jesus' return is closer today than the day they first believed so they should be ready by living in the light and not in the darkness. We are to be living holy and God fearing lives. We are faced with a decision: to put on Jesus, live and walk like him, or live and walk in the flesh, our natural selves that do what is contrary to God's holiness. Paul lists a few in verse 13, carousing, drunkenness, sexual impurity, promiscuity, quarreling and jealousy.

Consider it this way:
Plan A: Clothed with Decency or Plan C: Clothed with Deeds of Darkness.
However, in between is Plan B: the plans to satisfy the fleshly desires. We often don't throw off Christ and give into the flesh on the spur of the moment. It is more often than not a premeditated action. Plan B is where we start to scheme and calculate the best ways, times, and places to satisfy the flesh. Without a Plan B it is much hard to go to Plan C.

APPLICATION
I've got to stick with Plan A, remaining clothed with Christ. Pan B is where I start to debate and decide what to wear, decency or darkness? Paul reminded me to make no plans. For most things in life it is good to have a plan. Directions are a good idea when traveling. A recipe is good for baking. Assembly instructions are good for the bazillion pieces in the box. However, when it comes to walking in the light, plans for the flesh are no good. If I don't think about where I could go, I probably will not end up there. It requires me to be active, remaining awake, alert,and conscious about where I am. Ironically, passivity, or spiritual sleepiness, is a sure way to start making plans. In doing nothing I can end up doing the wrong thing.

PRAYER
Lord, I want to live with the clothing of Christ. To walk in the daylight with him as my armor against the deeds of the dark.

God is Just

SCRIPTURE
The leaders of Israel and the king humbled themselves and said, "The Lord is just." (2 Chronicles 12:6)

OBSERVATION
The Bible gives the background to this scene in chapter 12 of 2 Chronicles. Rehoboam, the king, and all Israel abandoned the law of the Lord. Because of their unfaithfulness, Shishak king of Egypt attacked Jerusalem. Shemaiah, the prophet, went to the people and told them the Lord had abandoned them because they had abandoned him. They responded by humbling themselves and in their humility declared, "the Lord is just". The Lord relented and delivered the people.

The people recognized God's justice in disciplining them through Shishak, king of Egypt. In other words, they knew they deserved it. The turning point came when they humbled themselves. God's justice is more clearly seen through humility. Specifically, when we've warranted his discipline through our disobedience. When we are prideful we tend to think we know more than God. When we think we know more than God, his discipline does not appear just.

Humility means to "arrange under." When we humble ourselves before God we arrange ourselves under him. We are the creature, he is the creator. Looking through the eyes of pride we see his discipline as unfair.Pride arranges God under us. We question his motives and goodness. We don't deserve it. Why is this happening? I'm a good person. Pride or humility will shape how we see God's activity in our lives.

APPLICATION
In those moments when I'm tempted to label God as unfair or unjust, I need to take a step back and ask what the condition of my heart is at that moment. I can arrange God under me, by pride, and critique his activity as unjust. It is in those times when I evaluating the events from a superior postion. But when I humble myself, arrange myself under God, I can trust him and see his justice. Even in the difficult things of life. Humility doesn't mean the event makes sense, but it does mean I place my life in the hands of a good, gracious, and just God.

PRAYER
Lord, I have often not seen your justice because of my pride. I've placed myself in a position where I am evaluation and judging your activity. When I live in humbleness, I also live in trust.

Great Pains

SCRIPTURE
David said, "My son Solomon is young and inexperienced, and the house to be built for the Lord should be of great magnificence and fame and splendor in the sight of all the nations." Therefore, David made extensive preparations before his death. (1 Chronicles 22:5)

OBSERVATION
It was in David's heart to build the temple. However, because of all the blood he shed during his reign, he was not the one to build it. That honor would go to his son Solomon. Once he understood that, he didn't sit back and relax, waiting for the day Solomon would begin construction. He did just the opposite. He made extensive preparations.

He organized the laborers and the supplies. The Bible says he took "great pains" to provide for the temple. As a father, he made sure his son would succeed. It's important to note the nature of this success was spiritual. He was working on the temple, the place under the Old Covenant where God would dwell. David was not wanting Solomon to build a great empire for himself but to build something of eternal significance.

APPLICATION
I'm inspired by David's pains. As a father, I am to make sure my son succeeds. I am to equip Josiah with the means and tools necessary so he can continue a godly legacy. My job is to prepare him the best way that I can not to just live without me but to live beyond me. I am to make sure he succeeds spiritually, continuing to to a great work in the kingdom. In the end it doesn't matter if he's the brightest in his class, excels in sports, or amasses a fortune in his lifetime. What matters is that he does something for God. I can play a part in his future by preparing him in the present.

PRAYER
Lord, you've challenged me to leave a godly legacy for Josiah. To take the "great pains" necessary so he can succeed in his work for you.

Those Who Seek

SCRIPTURE
"Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you." (Psalm 9:10)

OBSERVATION
We have to know God to trust him. Knowing his name is knowing his character. Who he is and how he acts. What he will do and what he won't do. Once we know him, we can trust him. Until we know him we are just speculators. We make our best guess as to who he is. If the guess is right, we love him because he confirmed our theory. If the guess is wrong, we are not disappointed with ourselves we are disappointed with him because he did not meet our expectations. The problem is never God. In order to know him we must seek him. Embark on a journey of discovering who he is and what his word say about him. We have the promise that when we seek him he will not forsake us, or turn us away but he will reveal more and more of himself to us.

APPLICATION
I am to seek God in order to know God in order to trust him. If I don't really know him, I'm not trusting him, I'm trusting my perception of him. Like a mirage in the desert, the perception appears to be real but it is only illusory. I need to seek God the moment I get out of bed in the morning. To look for his activity and working in my life. To read what his revealed in his word. The more I know him the more I trust him because I am building my faith on who he really is.

PRAYER
Lord, I love the promise that you will not forsake me when I seek you. You don't play hide seek with me but you want me to know who you are in order to trust who you are.

Face to the Wall

SCRIPTURE
"Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord. 'Remember, O Lord, how I have walked before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion and have done what is good in your eyes.' And Hezekiah wept bitterly." (2 Kings 20:2)

OBSERVATION
Hezekiah had just received news, through Isaiah, that he was going to die. He turned his face to the wall to dismiss Isaiah and enter into a solitary time with God. We can picture him lying on his bed, perhaps in the fetal position, looking at the wall to block out everyone else in the room. Isaiah came back and told him God heard his prayer and saw his tears. Prayer goes from our lips to God's ears and the tears that flow from our eyes are seen by God's eyes.

APPLICATION
Huh, a man crying in the Bible. Who would've thought? (Ok. Jesus did too and that's good enough fro me). Hezekiah wasn't afraid to pour his heart out to God and neither should I. In fact, Isaiah did not come back to rebuke him but encourage him...God truly did hear and see. When I need to, God allows me the pleasure of turning to the wall (blocking out everything else in life) and praying to him. If I ever feel that I can't face another problem, I can face the wall, and meet God there. I don't have to travel to Jerusalem to find the wailing wall, it can be found anyplace I turn to pour out my heart to God.

PRAYER
Father, thanks for meeting me at the wall. Hezekiah reminds me again, that you are the God who hears, sees, and cares.

I'm in Deep Water

SCRIPTURE
"The words of a man's mouth are deep waters, but the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook." (Proverbs 18;4)

OBSERVATION
Are deep waters good or bad? Since the rest of the verse makes a contrast, we can assume they are not good. Why? Jesus said the mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart. It is in the deep recesses of a person where deceit and the choice morsels of gossip dwell. Evil thoughts, false testimony, slander...words that wound are found here. The heart is the source of these deep waters.

In contrast, wisdom bubbles. It is a fountain of life. From the heart that is pure, the fountain of wisdom refreshes others. Not in an overpowering, forceful gush, but in a refreshing bubbling brook. A bubbling brook is calm and peaceful. Not the torrent of a raging river.

APPLICATION
More often than I want, I can find myself in deep water. Speaking things that are not helpful to others (unfortunately it is my family who gets splashed with the worst of words). However, the words I speak are to be pure and right so they reflect what is truly in my heart. Instead of babbling I need to bubble. When I've attained wisdom (the practical knowledge of who God is and what he desires for my life) it is to naturally bubble to the surface, refreshing others. Words are powerful things. I don't want to wallow in the well but flow like a fountain.

PRAYER
Lord, may the words of my mouth reflect a heart that reflects you.

Kill the Cow

SCRIPTURE
"So Elisha left him and went back. He took his yoke of oxen and slaughtered them. He burned the plowing equipment to cook the meat and gave it to the people. Then he set out to follow Elijah and become his servant." (1 Kings 19:20)

OBSERVATION
Elijah was to anoint Elisha to succeed him as a prophet. He found Elisha in the field with twelve yoke of oxen, driving the twelfth pair. Before Elisha followed Elijah he want back and said good-bye to his family. Then he slaughtered the oxen, chopped up the plow, and set out to follow Elijah.

Elisha's commitment to follow Elijah as prophet (follow God's call on his life) meant he jumped in wholeheartedly. He was not going back. He sold out his old life to be sold out to Elijah and his new calling. What if the new gig didn't work? It didn't' matter. By faith he got rid of it all and set out, trusting God for his future. God calls us to total abandonment and surrender to his purpose and mission.

APPLICATION
I've got to kill the cow. That old thing I hang on to just in case. Just in case this following Jesus thing doesn't work, I may need a fall back position. But there is no fall back position. It's either all Jesus or nothing else. What oxen do I have that I need to slaughter? What is the plowing equipment that I need to burn? Elisha illustrated Jesus teaching that "no one who puts his hand on the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom." I need to look ahead. Trust God for my future. He calls me to a life of total surrender. That means letting go of all else until I'm just holding him. He is enough.

PRAYER
Lord, I need to release my grip on the things that hold me so I can hold on to you.

Mr. Smarty Pants

SCRIPTURE
"As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God, as his father David had been." (1 Kings 11:4)

OBSERVATION
God told Solomon he could ask for anything when he became king. Solomon asked for wisdom so God gave him a "wise and discerning heart" unlike anyone who has ever lived. His wisdom came with a warning, "don't intermarry with foreign women because they will turn your heart away from God." Well Solomon did not intermarry with a foreign woman...he married several hundred wives and had three hundred concubines. The longer he lived with them (as he grew old) his heart turned after other gods. His defenses were worn down.

Perhaps Solomon's strength was also his downfall. The guy who knows everything and can be told nothing. "Many wives...yeah, yeah, yeah. I know." Maybe he thought his wisdom was wiser than God's warning. After all, people traveled great distances to listen to him. His ego may not have been kept in check and he may have become too big for his breeches...a regular smarty pants, a know it all that led to a downfall.

APPLICATION
I cannot outsmart God. He always knows better and I am to obey. I need to walk humbly before him and not be puffed up with knowledge. Yes, I am to learn God's word and know what God's will is for my life. However, as much as I know, or think I know, there is much I still don't know. I need to maintain a teachable spirit. God, still knows best no matter what I know. My edumacation cannot become my god, you are my God.

PRAYER
Lord, you are infinitely wise, much more than me. Teach me your ways so I can walk in your truth.

I'm a Waiter

SCRIPTURE
"As the time drew near for God to fulfill his promise to Abraham, the number of our people in Egypt had greatly increased." (Acts 7:17)

OBSERVATION
Stephen was defending his belief in Jesus before the religious ruling council. In that speech he gave a brief history lesson of God's people. God appeared to Abraham and told him to go to the land he would show him. However, Abraham himself did not actually receive the land as his inheritance, not even enough ground to set his foot on. God would fulfill his promise by raising up Moses as the one who would lead the people into the Promised Land. As the time drew near...nearly 400 years after God's promise to Abraham.

God waited for the right time. He could do today what he could do tomorrow because he is God. But he won't do today what he will tomorrow because he is God. He could have fulfilled his promise to Abraham in an instant. Abraham and Sarah could've packed up the kiddos and camels and moved into their new home. God's promise was not for him but for his descendents. So after nearly 400 years God finally fulfilled his promise (Israelites leave Egypt, wander in wilderness for 40 years no less, and enter the land). That's 10 generations. We tend to think God should get on with it, in our lifetime. But in his plan our lifetime means nothing because while we mark our lives by time he does not.

APPLICATION
As the time drew near...time was ticking away and God was waiting. After many people had lived and died his promise was finally fulfilled. I realized I may only get to see a sliver of God's activity in my lifetime. I think just because God can do it, he should do it, and do it right now. God is not in a hurry, he is not late, he is not early, he is always right on time. There is one thing I've noticed about God's people, they are waiters. Truly in both senses of the word. They are to serve others, but they are also to pass the time, hang around while God is working out his plan. As the time draws near, I've discovered my new calling is that of a waiter.

PRAYER
Lord, I don't understand your timing because you are beyond time. But I can trust your character as I watch the clock.

Jesus Should Have

SCRIPTURE
"Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when he heard that Lazarus was sick he stayed where he was two more days." (John 11:5-6)

OBSERVATION
So, when Jesus heard Lazarus was sick he should have...

• Left right away.
• Healed him from afar, like the Centurion's son.
• Given his disciples authority to go heal him in his place.
• Done something else, besides stay where he was two more days.
  

It seems like human nature to second guess God. Question his motives and wonder why he doesn't do what we think he should do. John specifically mentioned Jesus' love for Martha and Mary and Lazarus so this was not some unknown family. His delay of two days was not out of lack of concern or care but must have been born out of that love. On the surface it may look like he did not care, this simply was not true.

APPLICATION
When it comes to Jesus I can make a great Monday morning quarterback, a back seat driver, or a disgruntled employee. In other words, I know his job better than he does. But whatever reason Jesus had to delay it comes down to an issue of faith. Am I going to trust that he operates out of his love, even when he seems to delay? I can certainly fill him in on all that he should be doing. But he is God and I am not.

PRAYER
Jesus, I trust in your timing. I thank you for the "what you have done's" in my life and I trust you for the "what you will do's."

Open Acknowledgement

SCRIPTURE
"Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue for they loved human glory more than the glory of God." (John 12:42-43)

OBSERVATION
Jesus was teaching at the Passover festival. He performed many signs, yet some of the people who witnessed them still would not believe. There were others, however, including the leaders, who did believe. But they kept their faith a secret because they were afraid of the spiritual cops (the Pharisees) who would kick them out of the synagogue. John tells us why: they loved human glory more than the glory of God. They wanted human applause, approval and adulation more than God's. Their position in the country club was far more important than openly acknowledging their faith. They did acknowledge it, they knew they believed and if pressed they may cave in and admit it. They were not going to rock the boat by doing anything "radical"...like having people find out they followed Jesus.

APPLICATION
Ouch. I can be the same way. Given a particular setting, I can keep my faith a secret. Not that I'm afraid to be kicked out of a particular group but in those moments I desire their approval more than God's. There is always someone around who will look with disapproval on my relationship with Christ. I need to seek God's approval, because in the end that is what ultimately counts.

PRAYER
Father, I desire to live for your glory to seek your praise rather than the praise of people.

Every Day at the Golden Corral

SCRIPTURE
"All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast." (Proverbs 15:15)

OBSERVATION
The writer of Proverbs seems to paint a black and white scenario. There are people who are oppressed and people who are cheerful. Are there such extremes in life? Perhaps he is trying to show us that the perspective we take on life influences how we live that life. Jesus came to free us. He came to "proclaim freedom for the prisoners." If anyone is oppressed it is people in prison (not necessarily a physical prison but a prison of slavery, fear, self-doubt, and sin). Jesus throws open the cell doors and sets us free.

In Christ, we are no longer oppressed by the law of sin, the sinful nature, or the enemy. Greater is he that is in us than the one that is in the world. If we have been set free we have a different outlook on life. We experience the joy of the Lord, i.e. "a cheerful heart." When we view life from the perspective of freedom (instead of oppression) we do have a continual feast. We see the joy in creation, we see the value in relationships, and we understand that this world is not our final home. It's like everyday is a visit to the Golden Corral. God has blessed us because his intent toward his creation is good.

APPLICATION
When I watch the news it is always bad. It continually shows people who are stressed, depressed, and oppressed. But as I was watching this morning I had this thought: "These are the exceptions rather than the rule." The reason it is newsworthy is because it is not happening to everyone. It's easier to report the few that it actually happens to rather than the many it doesn't (all of the good news would make for a very long newscast). Not every teacher is having sex with her students, not every world leader is a dictator, not every bank is failing, and on and on it goes. Jesus has set me free. As a former "harassed and helpless sheep", he is my shepherd. Whom shall I fear? No one. Life is a continual feast because I'm standing in the place of freedom. Over generalization (everything is bad, all of the time, all day long) is oppression. Yes, every once-in-a-while I get a taste of something awful, but that doesn't negate the great stuff in the rest of the meal. Today I choose to take another trip to the buffet.

PRAYER
Lord, sometimes the things of this life can weigh me down. Not that there aren't those situations but when I focus solely on them I forget the bounty you have laid before me today. Help me to see you in the continual feast of this life.

Knowing by Obeying

SCRIPTURE
"If anyone chooses to do God's will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own." (John 7:17)

OBSERVATION
Jesus journeyed to Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles. He went secretly because people were watching for him. Halfway through the Feast he got up and began to teach in the temple. People were amazed at his teaching asking, "Where did he get such learning?"

There were two kinds of people watching for him. Those who wanted to trap him in his words and use his words against him to take his life. They thought he was demon-possessed and was speaking nonsense. And, those who believed his teaching. They were the ones who grew to know more of who he was and his heavenly Father.

Jesus makes an interesting point. The only way to know whether his teaching came from God or he was speaking on his own was to do God's will. Obeying God's will brings brings Jesus' teaching into focus because they are one and the same. It's tempting to stand on the outside and criticize Jesus' teaching (judging by appearances). But we will never truly know if his teaching is from God unless we do it.

APPLICATION
Easier said than done. When I grumble and complain about a particular teaching of Jesus, I can be like the people who were trying to trap him in his own words. Well, he didn't mean what he said. Or, he doesn't understand my situation. But the only way I'm going to truly know his teaching is to obey. To jump in, do what he asks, follow what he commands, and stop what he prohibits. Then I will be amazed and ask "Where did he get such learning?" His learning is for my living.

PRAYER
Lord, the only way I find out and discover if Jesus' teaching comes from you is to do your will. You have confirmed time and time again that it is true. He did speak your words both when I obeyed and received the blessing and when I've disobeyed and have received the consequences.

Diurnal Discipleship

SCRIPTURE
"All those who do evil hate the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. Those who live by the truth come into the light so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God." (John 3:20-21)

OBSERVATION
Jesus is the light that has come into the world (3:19). Light is the penetrating, exposing, life-giving nature of God. It sees the human heart and all that is contained therein. Here, Jesus describes two kinds of people, those who do evil and those who live by the truth. He then describes the two responses. One is fear. Those who do evil don't want to be exposed. The other is truthful living. They come into the light because they have nothing to hide.

Why would someone be afraid of the light? Verse 19 gives the answer. "People loved darkness instead of the light because their deeds were evil." It's about the deeds. There is something seductive and mysterious about darkness. We think no one, including God sees or knows what we do. But there is also no life in the dark. Jesus does not want nocturnal believers...people who say they follow, but because of their evil deeds cling to the darkness out of fear. In order to thrive, a plant needs exposure to the sun. So do we.

APPLICATION
I've got two choices in life...evil deeds or truthful living. I much prefer the second. There is no hiding or fear of exposure. When I struggle with evil, the worst thing I can do is hide out, clinging to the darkness. It will be a slow spiritual death. A wilting of my soul. I've got to overcome that fear with faith. Letting the light of Christ shine into the darkest parts of my heart. What I will find, and have found, is that there is freedom and life. I'm to be a diurnal disciple. A follower of Jesus who lives in the light, belonging to the day, overcoming the fear of exposure by authentic confession and repentance. Once in the light, my spiritual life will blossom.

PRAYER
Lord, I thank you that you are the Father of whom I do not need to be afraid to come into your presence. You are faithful to forgive as I confess. When I find myself tempted to hide out in the dark, I need your Spirit to help me walk into the light and find freedom from the fear through the exposure to your Son.

God for an Ephod

SCRIPTURE
"Gideon made the gold into an Ephod, which he placed in Ophrah, his home town. All Israel prostituted themselves by worshipping it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and his family." (Judges 8:27)

OBSERVATION
Gideon fought and subdued the Midianites. Being the great warrior that he was, the Israelites wanted him to rule over them. He declined stating, "The Lord will rule over you." However, he did request that each person give him a gold earring from the plunder. In all, he collected about 43 pounds of gold which he made into an ephod (a garment worn by the priests).

The ephod could have been a great reminder of the Israelites' deliverance from the Midianites. Or, of God's faithfulness to keep his promises and fight the battle. Even a reminder that God can use people like Gideon. The Israelites chose otherwise...they worshipped it.

Gideon made a religious object which later turned around to bite him (it became a snare). The ephod in itself is a good thing. The people's response, not so good. They broke faith with God, and the first commandment, by worshipping a created thing rather than the Creator.

APPLICATION
Even a good thing can become a snare. If I obtain my security, worth, or meaning from anything, or anyone, other than God, that good thing has become an idol. I don't know that it intentionally happens, but after a while the tangible thing in front of me can become a source of comfort and security. If the Israelites can worship a shirt, I can certainly find a lot of other things to trust. Whether it's finances, family, ministry, or material goods, these things, good in themselves, cannot become a snare, replacing God as the foundation of my life. I have to be careful not to trade God for an ephod.

PRAYER
Father, I've found security, worth, and meaning in good things at times. I want my life to center on you and not on someone or something else, no matter how good. You are the one who is good. You are God.

My End of the Deal

SCRIPTURE
"Be very careful to keep the commandments and the law that Moses gave you." (Joshua 22:5)

OBSERVATION
Three tribes (Reuben, Gad, and the 1/2 tribe of Manasseh) wanted to acquire territory on the east side of the Jordan river instead of crossing with the rest of the tribes. They would be allowed on the condition that they would help their brothers conquer the land. The other tribes were settled and here in Joshua, the three tribes were returning to their side of the Jordan to take possession of their territories. Joshua instructs them to live in a way that will maintain God's blessing and keep them walking close to God. He tells them...

• Love the Lord your God
• Walk in his ways
• Obey his commands
• Hold fast to him
• Serve with with all your heart and soul
  

God had given his people rest in their new land. The Bible says he fulfilled all his promises. He delivered on his word. Now, he wants a people who will be loyal, keeping their promises, to him. He does not ask us to be or do something that does not come from his own character. He is a promise maker and Joshua reminds the people not to be promise breakers.

APPLICATION
I've entered into this relationship with God. It is a two way street. Keeping my end of the deal means being faithful to God. He has fulfilled his promises to me in Christ. "For no matter how many promises God has made, they are 'Yes' in Christ." (2 Co. 1:20) I owe him my life and he wants me to reflect his character by keeping my promise of faithfulness to him. I am to, love, walk, obey, hold and serve. These are not just one time actions but are to be hallmarks of my walk with him.

PRAYER
Lord, you have fulfilled your promises in Christ. I want to fulfill my promises to you.

Blessing Through Listening

SCRIPTURE
"If my people would only listen to me, if Israel would only follow my ways." (Psalm 81:13)

OBSERVATION
Doesn't that seem like the plea of every parent? If my kids would just listen. However, coming from God it is not a cry of anger but of frustration or disappointment. He says, "if only." There is a longing from God to do far more in our lives than even we want for ourselves. In not listening, we are blocking God's blessing.

He listed several ways he would bless the Israelites (and quickly).

• He would subdue their enemies.
• Turn his hand against their foes.
• Feed them with the finest wheat.
• Satisfy them with honey from the rock.
  

The reason these things were not happening was because they would not listen and follow his ways. God desires far more for us than we desire for ourselves. We want the benefits of the blessing without having to listen or follow.

APPLICATION
How much of God's work in my life have I missed out on because I would not listen and follow? Too many times to count I'm afraid. How quickly the Lord would've worked. Instead, by going my own way the blessing came later, slower, or not at all. I need to see my life from God's perspective. He tries in many ways to get my attention. If only I would listen and follow.

PRAYER
Lord, I desire honey from the rock. The impossible blessing made possible by listening.

Hamster Wheel Living

SCRIPTURE
"In spite of all this, they kept on sinning; in spite of his wonders, they did not believe. So he ended their days in futility and their years in terror. Whenever God slew them, they would seek him; they eagerly turned to him again. They remembered that God was their Rock, that God Most High was their Redeemer. But then they would flatter him with their mouths, lying to him with their tongues; their hearts were not loyal to him, they were not faithful to his covenant. Yet he was merciful; he forgave their iniquities and did not destroy them. Time after time he restrained his anger and did not stir up his full wrath. He remembered that they were but flesh, a passing breeze that does not return." (Psalm 78:32-36)

OBSERVATION
Whenever we read "in spite of this" we need to pay attention. The Psalmist was describing a cycle of life which keeps repeating itself (much like living in a hamster wheel).

• God would bless the people.
• In spite of this they did not believe and kept on sinning.
• God disciplined them (he slew them).
• They were sorry and would seek him again.
• Now closer to God, they would flatter him and lie to him because their hearts were not faithful.
• He did not destroy them but restrained his anger.
• Even in the face of his grace they did not return, in spite of this...and the cycle repeated itself.
  

APPLICATION
The problem with living a hamster wheel life is that there is a lot of motion but no forward progress. God wants more than lip service,he wants our hearts. Going through the motions (flattering mouths, lying tongues) is a vicious cycle. In those times when we experience God's grace he wants all of us (heart included) to be faithful.

Life on the wheel is tiring. Running and running and running and running...without ever going anywhere. God wants my heart not just lip service. That is a life lived on the Rock. There is security, stability, and strength. God disciplines me to seek him but this cycle will not last forever. Not because of who God is but because of who I am (I am flesh, a passing breeze). I need to seek God with my heart, with all that I am. Living on this relentless wheel makes it seem like something is happening but in the end it's still just a rat race.

PRAYER
Lord, I seek you with my whole heart. In the face of your grace, I stand on the Rock.

Giving God My Leftovers

SCRIPTURE
"No man should appear before the Lord empty-handed. Each man is to bring a gift in proportion to the way God blessed you." (Deut. 16:16)

OBSERVATION
There were appointed times for the people to appear before the Lord and when they did they were not to show up empty-handed. They were to bring an offering. I'm sure some of them felt like they couldn't give, and the economy of a nation who has wandered for forty years couldn't have been the most stable. The Israelites probably gave the same excuses we give.

God's command was fairly simple to figure out. The gift was to be proportional to the way God blessed them. They all did not have to bring the same amount which proved to be a very equitable method of giving. Those who received more gave more and those who received less gave less. Everyone sacrifice equally. But they were not to give out of their leftovers. The giving was in proportion to the blessing of God. It was based on total income not net income.

APPLICATION
It's not God's fault how I spend my money. He blesses me and wants me to give in proportion to that blessing. Period. He doesn't want me to give from my leftovers. This is the money left after I've paid the rent, cable bill, cell phone, Internet, food, clothes, and for overpriced coffees. He did not ask me to incur the expenses that I do. I chose to do those things. Those things are not bad. In fact I enjoy them. But they cannot interfere with my giving. My giving should not be influenced by my standard of living or cash flow. My giving needs to reflect God's goodness in my life. It is to be in proportion to his blessing which means I can be far more generous.

PRAYER
Lord, you have blessed me. I'm always able to give because you always bless.

Break Camp

SCRIPTURE
"The Lord your God said to us at Horeb, 'You have stayed long enough at this mountain. Break camp and advance into the hill country of the Amorites." (Deuteronomy 1:6)

OBSERVATION
It was at Horeb where the angel of the Lord first appeared to Moses in a burning bush and commissioned him to lead his people out of slavery. Sometime later, it was where Moses struck the rock and God provided water for the people to drink. It was a place where God had demonstrated his power.

Here, in Deuteronomy, the people are camped at Horeb. A journey which so far should have taken 11 days, took 40 years, because of the people's disobedience. God told them to break up camp and move. The Israelites destination, after being freed from Egypt, was the Promised Land. They were not to camp in the wilderness.

God does not want us to get comfortable. Don't think so? To advance into the hill country of the Amorites meant they had to go through "all the vast and dreadful desert." Maybe that's why he had to tell them to break camp. They knew what lie ahead. He had to nudge them into the dreadful place so they could reach their destination.

APPLICATION
I tend to forget I am a sojourner in this life and want to be a builder. Get comfortable, settle down and stay awhile. But he won't let me. It is too easy to get comfortable with my stage in my spiritual journey. To excuse my lack of growth. It would be nice to kick back and rest awhile but his message is "break camp and move on." Until I reach the ultimate promised land of heaven I am on a journey. Whenever I want to drive in a stake God says break camp. I've got far more planned for you than you can imagine. You'll only find it as you journey on.

PRAYER
Lord, what a great reminder to not get too comfortable. As Paul writes, to press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

What a Pane

SCRIPTURE
"The Lord replied, "I have forgiven them, as you asked. Nevertheless, as surely as I live and as surely as the glory of the Lord fills the whole earth, not one of the men who saw my glory...not one of them will ever see the land I promised to their forefathers.'" (Numbers 14:20,23)

OBSERVATION
Once again the people were complaining and wanted to go back to Egypt. This time it was after the spies Moses sent out to scope out the promised land came back. They reported that it would be difficult to conquer the land because the people were giants. What do the Israelites do? Grumble and complain. God was about to wipe them out but Moses interceded for them. Here's the interesting thing: God said he would forgive them but they would still not see the land. Whoa, back up the manna truck. God forgave them for their actions but they would still suffer the consequences.

APPLICATION
I'm not so sure I like this. Ok, I definitely don't. I mean I'm all for the forgiveness part and in my mind that means all of the guilt and consequences vanish too. Choices always have costs. Yes, God can forgive but he doesn't magically erase the memory or the results of my poor choices. If the ball goes through the neighbor's window I want his forgiveness but I also want the glass to magically reassemble itself in the window so there is no reminder of my action. But it doesn't (what a pane). But maybe that's the point. If I forget, if there are no consequences, no repercussions on my life personally, what will prevent me from doing it again? What will cause me to stop and think about my next decision? What will remind me of how much my sin costs? God, in his infinite wisdom, knows what's best for me. That includes living with consequences. Instead of them holding me back I can learn from the experience and lean on God's grace and mercy. Consequences smash the idols of perfectionism and performance that makes me think God will love me more.

PRAYER
Lord, I don't always like the consequences. I would have you remove them at all costs. But in the midst of facing results of choices I've made I'm reminded of your forgiveness and mercy.

High Calling of Holiness

SCRIPTURE
"You are to be holy to me because I, the Lord, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be my own." (Leviticus 20:26)

OBSERVATION
Our holiness is based on God's holiness. We are to exhibit his characteristics in our lives. We can observe a couple of things about holiness from this verse.

1. We are holy to him. It's with a view or direction towards him. He is the source of our motivation to be holy.
2. God is holy. He does not ask us to do or become something he is not.
   He has set us apart from the nations. Holiness itself means to be set apart, distinct from the world around us. There needs to be a qualitative difference in our lives.
3. We are his possession. We belong to him. God has loved us enough to call us to be his people. We belong to him. We are not our own. Paul reminds us we were bought with a price.
4. We are his own. God wants us in a relationship with him. How do we related to a holy God? By growing in holiness ourselves.
   

APPLICATION
My motivation for holiness is God himself. I'm only done growing in holiness when I am like him (so far, no good). Life is challenging and the temptations are many. Therefore, my whole life should be on a growth curve, learning to be set apart from the world while living in the world. I'm God's. I was bought with a price. My desire for holiness is also grounded in Christ. His work on the cross and what he has done should motivate me to be holy as he is holy.

PRAYER
Lord, help me to grow in holiness.

I'm Disturbed

SCRIPTURE
"Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God." (Psalm 42:11)

OBSERVATION
In this Psalm, the writer details various hardships in his life: mourning, being oppressed by the enemy, bones suffering mortal agony, and his foes taunting him. Enough apples to upset the proverbial cart. He had plenty of reasons to be downcast. And it seems that he was.

In a personal moment he talks to himself. Why, soul, are you downcast? Why am I disturbed? Well, there are plenty of reasons. But in the Psalmists' style he surveys the situation and comes to a strong conclusion. He could have hope in God. He could praise God. He could hope because God is trustworthy and will keep his promises. God will do exactly what he said. We can praise because God is good and holy in spite of our circumstances.

APPLICATION
It's easy to be disturbed and downcast. Especially with all of the doom and gloom that comes with every economic report or newscast. But it's good to be reminded by God's word that I don't have to be. When I ask, "Why so downcast?" or "Why so disturbed?" the answer can be, "I don't have to be...at least for long." When I'm downcast my gaze is cast down. I'm looking at myself and my problems. Praising God lifts my gaze and I see the panoramic view of his power and might. I see him for who he truly is and I will yet praise him. I'm disturbed that I get disturbed. God's still in control

PRAYER
Lord, in you I hope. In you I trust. In you I praise.

Alone on Land

SCRIPTURE
"When evening came, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land." (Mark 6:47)

OBSERVATION
Jesus had a busy day of ministry. So many people were coming to him, and his disciples, they did not even have a chance to eat. They moved to another location. People saw them leaving and ran on foot from all the towns to get there ahead of them. Jesus arrived and began teaching. It was getting late and the people had not yet eaten, so he fed them (5,000 men).

Whew. What a day. Traveling, feeding, teaching. But then Jesus does something vital to his relationship with his Father. He sent the disciples, by boat, on ahead to Bethsaida while he remained on land. He dismissed the crowd and went up on the mountainside to pray. Throughout Mark 6, he took charge of his schedule. He ministered when he needed to but also withdrew when he need to. He was busy but not hurried. Earlier in the day, he invited his disciples to, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." (6:31)

APPLICATION
If Jesus found it important to withdraw in prayer how much more should I?. I can be very hurried but hurriedness does not allow for great communication with God. I need to find time, "alone on land", dismiss the crowds, and pray. Jesus invites me to come with him by myself to a quiet place.

PRAYER
Lord, help me find the quiet places where I can spend time with you.

God Rubs Off

SCRIPTURE
"When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the Testimony in his hands, he was not aware his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord." (Exodus 34:29)

OBSERVATION
God rubs off. This is the second time Moses spent time with God on Mount Sinai (40 days and nights). He had to climb the mountain again because he broke the first set of Ten Commandments after he saw the people worshipping the golden calf. The first set was written with the finger of God. This time Moses had to write them. The Bible says, "He wrote down the words God gave him." His face became radiant because he had spoken with God. He was not aware that his face was radiant it just happened because he spent time in God's presence. He didn't do it for a show. When we spend time communicating with God we can't help but be changed. His glory will rub off on us and we will start to reflect more of who he is. His word will change us.

APPLICATION
My time with God pays off. I become more like him and reflect more of him in my life. There are times when I don't feel like it. I'm too busy or don't want to take the time. I don't know if Moses wanted to climb the mountain again either but he did. When I spend time with God he changes me. This needs to happen frequently, daily. Like Moses the glory eventually fades. It's not meant to last forever because a relationship with God is not a one time event. I can't get a supercharged dose to last the rest of my life. I must continually renew that contact with God so that he can continue his work of transformation in my life.

PRAYER
Lord, I thank you that you allow me to come into your presence so that I can be changed and reflect a little more of who you are.

Drinks Included

SCRIPTURE
"He [Jesus] went a second time and prayed, 'My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.'" (Matthew 26:42)

OBSERVATION
Jesus prayed three times in the garden of Gethsemane. This was the place where he was arrested and led away to be tried and crucified. The first time he prayed to his Father to take the cup (a metaphor for suffering and anguish) away from him. In this passage he prays a second time. Matthew writes he prayed the same thing a third time. Each time he prayed, he resigned himself to his Father's will. "May your will be done."

However, there is a difference between his first and second prayer. In this prayer he adds, "unless I drink it." This is huge. The cup would be taken away but only after he drank it. The way he found relief from the suffering was by going through the suffering and coming out on the other side. It's the way of Jesus. To go through the suffering, drinking the cup, is to have it taken away. God has much more to accomplish in the lives of those who are obedient to him than making sure life is pain free and comfortable.

APPLICATION
I'm all for the first prayer, "Take it away." Avoid pain at any cost. Don't let me touch the cup, smell or savor its contents. The second prayer is a whole different story. "Lord take this suffering from my life, but only after I go through it." It goes against the natural (you might say it's supernatural). To be like Jesus means to submit to God's will. All of it. Even the parts that I don't like or are very uncomfortable. God is more concerned about the growth of my character than that I have a cushy life. So, I reluctantly pray, "Your will be done." But I confidently pray, "Your will be done" because I can always trust in God's goodness and faithfulness to me.

PRAYER
Lord, if I truly believe your will is perfect that means drinks are included.

Living With the Frogs

SCRIPTURE
Moses said to Pharaoh, "I leave to you the honor of setting the time for me to pray for you and your officials and your people that you and your houses may be rid of the frogs, except for those that remain in the Nile." "Tomorrow," Pharaoh said. (Exodus 8:9-10)

OBSERVATION
The land was teeming with frogs. This was second plague God brought on the Egyptians because Pharaoh refused to let the Israelites go. The frogs covered the land. They were found in beds, in ovens, and in kneading troughs. Moses went to Pharaoh and said, "You can decide when you want me to pray to get rid of the frogs." Pharaoh's response, "Tomorrow."

Incredible. He could get rid of the frogs in that moment, yet he waits until tomorrow. He's just a hard guy to figure out. Why did he say "tomorrow?" There could be a lot of reasons, the same reasons we would use. Pride comes to mind. His magicians could do the same frog tricks, so he wasn't going to give Moses the satisfaction of yielding to his God. Maybe he got comfortable. Live with a problem long enough and you get used to it. The croaking can almost become a symphony. Maybe he wanted to avoid the hard work of facing the clean up. The frogs did not hop away, they died and were piled into stinking, reeking, heaps. Sometimes its easier to accommodate a problem than have it croak and smell up the place.

APPLICATION
In a way, I get "tomorrow." Sometimes I don't want to deal the the situation today. It's easier to live with the frogs in my life than take them to God and have him clean them up. It's too hard, too smelly, or for a variety of other excuses I could give. After awhile, the frogs can become pets, a fixture in my life. But they are not what God intends for my life. He wants me to be rid of the plagues, the consequences of disobeying him (that's in essence what the frogs were, a response to Pharaoh's hard heart). That is the problem, I become too attached to the frogs and don't want them dead. But that's what God offers today, exodus, deliverance. Dealing with the problem only smells for awhile. Eventually it turns to fertilizer that causes great spiritual growth. I should not wait for tomorrow but need to hop to it today.

PRAYER
Lord, it's easy to live with the frogs. Help me see the great deliverance that only you can offer.

What's in Your Hand?

SCRIPTURE
Moses answered, "What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, 'The Lord did not appear to you'?" Then the Lord said to him, "What is that in your hand?" (Exodus 4:1-2)

OBSERVATION
Why, it's a staff. God had called Moses to lead the people out of Egypt. Moses was not confident that he could do the job so he started to offer excuses. "I can't speak." "I'm not eloquent." In this passage, his initial objection to the Lord's call was, "What if they don't believe me?" God's response, "What's that in your hand?"

It's an ordinary staff. God told him to throw it on the ground. He did. It turned into a snake. See Moses run. He reached out his hand, picked it up by the tail and it turned back into a staff. God did some amazing things with that stick.

It's as if God heard Moses' objection, looked around and said, "Oh, you've got a stick in your hand. That'll work. I'll turn it into a snake so at least you will believe what I'm capable of." Perhaps, Moses wasn't so concerned about other's lack of belief as he was his own. It was an ordinary staff, yet it became extraordinary because God used it. Although God does some pretty cool stuff (i.e. the burning bush), he used an ordinary staff to show Moses who he really was.

APPLICATION
If I doubt God. If my faith is lacking. If I question what he can do. God asks me, "What is that in your hand?" (ok, sometimes it is the remote). I want to see the burning bush or the sea parted before me. But most often it is the common, ordinary stuff of my life that God uses to reveal himself. When he does, it strengthens my faith so I in turn can show him to the world.

God can show me who he is if I just look around. It's as if he says to me, "See that ordinary sunset. I made that just by speaking it into existence." "See your sometimes ornery son who you love anyway. I love you like that." "You're not the world's greatest, but if you'll let go and let me, I'll show you who I really am."

So the things in my hand, my ordinary gifts, resources, and abilities become more than I could ever imagine when I walk in obedience to God, let go, and give it to him ("throw it on the ground").

PRAYER
I Am. It's all about you and your power displayed in my life. You take my ordinary offerings and make them extraordinary.

Breaking the Rules

SCRIPTURE
Then some of the Pharisees and teachers of the law came to Jesus from Jerusalem and asked, "Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They don't wash their hands before they eat!" Jesus replied, "And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?" (Matthew 15:1-3)

OBSERVATION
There are always watchdogs, people who watch for others to break the rules and then dog them about it. Here, the Pharisees and teachers of the law thought they caught the disciples breaking the rule about washing before eating. However, Jesus turned the tables on them by pointing out they were in fact breaking God's command. They were breaking Commandment 5, to honor their father and mother, by devoting money to God so they would not have to use it to support their parents.

The Pharisees probably thought they were defending God's laws when they were merely defending their traditions. Jesus' did not teach that we do not have to obey. He was drawing attention to what we choose to obey: tradition or God's commands. The two are not necessarily the same. We can uphold traditions and break God's command or we can uphold God's commands and break tradition. Jesus would have us do the latter. God's commands always trump tradition.

APPLICATION
I remember the rule, "Don't go swimming for 1/2 hour after you eat." Recently, I've learned that rule has been debunked as a myth. But it illustrates the point Jesus was trying to make. I can base my life on rules that are not necessarily true. More importantly, I can base my life on rules that God did not instigate. Therefore, I need to be careful not to equate my own set of rules (which is a form of legalism) with God's commands. I've got to keep God's commands first and foremost. I can learn a lot about what not to do from the Pharisees, but their tendencies can creep very easily into my life. God is concerned that I know his commands and sift out the laws and tradition of men. They are not bad, they're just not binding.

PRAYER
God, help me to keep the commands you've revealed in your word. There is great freedom when I let go of traditions and live by your truth.

No Place to Land

SCRIPTURE
Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head." (Matthew 8:20)

OBSERVATION
Jesus' answer was in response to a statement by a teacher of the law, "I will follow you wherever you go." (Matthew 8:19) The teacher was looking for a destination, a place to arrive. Jesus said he had no place to land, "no place to lay his head." He was not saying he did not have a place to sleep, a time to be refreshed, but that he had no permanent place to call home. He was on a mission. That mission did not include stopping to settle down.

When we follow Jesus there is no arriving, at least on this earth. He moves and takes us where we need to be. That's what following him means. We are followers not sitters. Much like the cloud that guided the Israelites in the wilderness, following Jesus means we go where he leads. Viewing spiritual growth as a process (moving on to maturity but never arriving) prevents us from getting comfortable wherever we are. Where we are is not where we are to permanently land.

APPLICATION
I want to end up somewhere. It's much more rewarding to check off the "to-do" lists than have items that are open and in process, to be able to finish a task and move on. It would be nice if spiritual growth was like that. I'm as loving as I need to be. Check. I'm as patient as I need to be. Check. I'm as self-controlled as I need to be. Check. Following Jesus means there's always room to grow and go. Where he leads I need to follow and that doesn't happen by thinking I've arrived somewhere. Since, he has no place to lay his head, I guess that means we're moving on.

PRAYER
Lord, I thank you that you're not finished with me. I want to get comfortable but you call me to follow. You lead the way.

Get Up and Go

SCRIPTURE
After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, "Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child's life are dead." (Matthew 2:19-20)

OBSERVATION
Joseph found himself to be the adoptive father of God's son. Through the miraculous event of the incarnation, God ended up living at his house. It required a lot of moving. In order to protect Jesus from Herod he had to escape the region. He was told to go to Egypt. The instructions to go and to return began with the same command: Get up.

In order to obey God, he couldn't remain where he was. He needed to go. When children come into a family the whole dynamic changes. There are new demands on time and sacrifices to be made. The same is true with Jesus. Joseph's whole life was reoriented by God. His plans were no longer his own. His personal comfort and security took the back seat to the larger plan of God working in his life.

APPLICATION
Jesus can't be just a nice, quaint addition to my life. He reorients my whole life and yes, he will make demands on my life. Most often it is, "get up." It's easy to get comfortable, just rest a little while. If I'm not careful a little while can easily turn into a long while, and a long while can be the place I end up which is not the place I need to be. In order for God to change me I need to get up and go. Don't stay where I am but keep moving ahead. I wish it were more comfortable. But there's really no joy, growth, or maturity in being a La-Z-Boy Christian.

PRAYER
God you continually challenge me to get up and go. I love it that you go with me. You've called me to this great adventure of following Jesus. Stir me up when I get comfortable so that I continually grow to be more like Jesus.