BY FAITH

Today's reading: Hebrews 11-13

"By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God's commands, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen." Hebrews 11:3 NLT

I heard an old, very old preacher once say...

If you can believe Genesis 1:1, In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth, then you have faith.

Because understanding the entire universe was formed by God's very word, holds together in His powerful hands, and is loved enough for Him to have sent Jesus--then we have faith.

Faith to trust in God's plan of salvation.

Faith to believe God is for you, never against you.

Faith to know God hears your prayers and will answer them in His time and way.

Faith to surrender your plans to God and have peace in all He has planned for you.

Faith to know heaven will be our home and eternity will be spent in His presence!

 

INTERNAL GRUMBLINGS

Today's reading: Acts 5-6

"But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent..." Acts 6:1 NLT

Put yourself in the era of the early church.

Against all odds--threats, persecution, shunning--the church grew by leaps and bounds.

People believed in the risen Lord. House churches busted at the seams. Jews and Gentiles worshiping together. The Gospel spread like wildfire.

The enemy, not Rome, couldn't contain it. Satan couldn't shut it down. The deceiver was not able to squelch the fire burning in the new believers.

So he stirred up discontent among them.

Inconveniences.

Comparisons.

Small issues of little value.

Little things that took their focus off of God and placed it on themselves, their needs and their wants.

Doesn't he do the same thing today?

Today, in a time when we can reach around the world with the Gospel, he causes internal grumbling, inside issues and personal beefs to stem the flow of God's saving grace.

Insider problems arise causing believers to stumble before ever leaving the church house.

Personal preferences cause offenses that slow down the spreading of the Good News.

And all the while, our enemy just smiles.

Church, let's put aside our petty grievances and link arms for the mission at hand--presenting Jesus to the ends of the earth!

 

JESUS

Today's reading: Micah

"But you, O Bethelehem Ephrathah, are only a small village in Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel will come from you, one whose origins are from the distant past. The people of Israel will be abandoned to their enemies until the time when the woman in labor gives birth to her son. Then at last his fellow countrymen will return from exile to their own land. And he will stand to lead his flock with the Lord's strength, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. Then his people will live there undisturbed, for he will be highly honored all around the world. And he will be the source of our peace." Micah 5:2-5 NLT

Micah, hundreds of years beforehand, spoke the name of Jesus--without speaking His name!

He prophesied a king.

He spoke of a deliverer.

He proclaimed restoration through His sacrifice.

He called him a shepherd.

He told of his authority to unite the world.

He stated he would be our peace.

All without speaking His name.

What does your life say about Jesus--even when you don't whisper His name?

DANGEROUS TRAP

Today's reading: Proverbs 29-30

"Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but to trust the Lord means safety." Proverbs 29:253 NLT

In a world where 'likes', followers, amassed contacts and 'thumbs ups' equate our value, worth and validity, we need to be aware how dangerous that kind of approval can be.

Trusting God means that we believe, fully and wholeheartedly, what His Word says.

When it says we are loved to the extent He would send His one and only Son--we can believe it!

When it says His forgiveness saves us to the uttermost--we can trust it to be true!

When it says He will repay evils done against us--we can know, for certain, that in time and in His way, it will be recompensed!

When it says eternity is the reward for those who believe in and trust Him--we can take that assurance to the bank!

But when we determine who we are, how valuable we are to society and how popular we are among other sinners--we set ourselves up to be caught in a dangerous trap.

One that is ever evolving. One that controls the controller. One that changes on a whim. One that lures with poisonous bait.

But to trust the Lord--that is our peace...our hope...our joy...our safety.

LYING TO MYSELF
Today's reading: Psalm 119

"Keep me from lying to myself; give me the privilege of knowing your law." Psalm 119:29 NLT

Scripture is the 'level' we hold all thoughts, deeds, words and tendencies up against in order to know right from wrong.

The more of the Bible we know, the more apt we are to recognize evil from godly.

Without God's Word, we are left to our own devices. Faulty devices, at best. Fickle devices that change with every circumstance, every emotion, every whim. Skewed devices that tend to leave us looking better than others.

But we have to get His Word into us. We have to spend time in it. We have to soak in it. We have to be changed by it.

 

SPIRITUAL COUNSEL
Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 16-20

"But Jehoshaphat asked, Isn't there a prophet of the Lord around, too? I would like to ask him the same question." 2 Chronicles 18:6 NLT

King Jehoshaphat, in the middle of political negotiations, asked for additional counsel.

Spiritual counsel.

He took into consideration what he knew.

He listened to what King Ahab shared.

He heard what the religious leaders of Samaria told him.

But he needed to hear from God, from God's people, from folks who esteemed God's Word and leadership.

What about you?

Where do you gather your 'intel'?

To whom do you go for advice?

Do you have a circle of godly, God-fearing, God-honoring, God-led, friends who will tell you what He has to say, not just what you want to hear?

 SOMETIMES IT IS ABOUT YOU

Today's reading: Numbers 33-36

"While they were camped near the Jordan River on the plains of Moab opposite Jericho, the Lord said to Moses, Give the following instructions to the people of Israel: When YOU cross the Jordan River into the land of Canaan, YOU must drive out all the people living there. YOU must destroy all their carved and molten images and demolish all their pagan shrines. Take possession of the land and settle in it, because I have given it to you to occupy. YOU must distribute the land among the clans by sacred lot and in proportion to their size...But if YOU fail to drive out the people who live in the land, those who remain will be like splinters in your eyes and thorns in your sides. They will harass you in the land where you live. And I will do to YOU what I had planned to do to them." Numbers 33:50-56 NLT

I cannot tell you the number of sermons, blog posts and devotions I have read about the Christian walk 'not being about you'.

While it's true. It's ALL about Christ and what He has done for us.

There is some measure of our faith walks that are entirely up to us.

Comparable to God's instructions to the Israelites as they entered the new land.

I added emphasis to the times God placed responsibility solely in to the hands of His people--and what would happen if they didn't do their part.

Are we doing our part in our faith walks?

Are we digging in, bowing down, seeking out, sharing, loving, forgiving?

Or do we sit on the pew, or at the computer screen, expecting the Lord to pour His blessings upon us while we wait? Are we assuming the pastor will do the dirty work, then we swoop in on Sundays to collect the benefits of his efforts? Are we believing a prayer entitles us to sit and soak instead of receive and invest?

Sometimes, in this walk towards heaven, it is about us--what we're doing, or, what we're not!

TRUE RELIGION

Today's reading: Hebrews 8-10

"But this is a new covenant I will make with the people of Israel on that day, says the Lord: I will put my laws in their minds so they will understand them, and I will write them on their hearts so they will obey them. I will be their God, and they will be my people." Hebrews 8:10 NLT

God talks about a new covenant in this passage of Scripture. A new way of doing things that doesn't 'replace' the old sacrificial system, but in fact, fulfills it. 

You see, when God sent Jesus to earth as our once and for all time sacrifice, it changed the way 'religion' was done.

It wasn't a matter of obeying a long list of rules.

It was not longer about having the most perfect sheep, bull or doves to provide the priest.

It wasn't about arriving at the Temple on a specific day for a specific prayer time on a specific festival date.

It was about relationship.

This new covenant came about through Jesus's sacrifice and its impact on our hearts and lives.

When we walk in a relationship with our Savior, His Word is on our mind, He gives us understanding and He changes the very beats of our hearts.

So as I read this passage of Scripture this morning, I'm going to ask you what I feel God is asking me...

Am I walking in the new covenant, or in the old way? Is it a relationship with Jesus, or a religion?

TELL THEM ABOUT JESUS

Today's reading: Acts 3-4

"Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, Leaders and elders of our nation, are we being questioned because we've done a good deed for a crippled man? Do you want to know how he was healed? Let me clearly state to you and to all the people of Israel that he was healed in the name and power of Jesus Christ from Nazareth, the man you crucified, but whom God raised from the dead." Acts 4:8-10 NLT

Peter could have hunkered down amidst the mock trial he was enduring.

He didn't.

He used the gift of a captive audience to tell the world about Jesus.

He addressed the bigger problem--not that a man was healed, but that there is a worldly rejection of the truth.

He knew there were some in the crowd who were quite interested in the 'science' behind all that was going on.

He knew that they knew him to be a follower of the Way.

So he used the 'pulpit' he was given and began to explain...

Let me tell you about my Jesus!

Do you take the opportunity to talk about your Savior when you can? Do you mention His name in conversation? Do you re-direct the spotlight off of you and onto your Lord? Do you answer the critics with the truth of Jesus's life, death and resurrection? Do you 'take the stand' and tell them what God has done for you?

Tell them about your Jesus!

TRY AGAIN

Today's reading: Jonah

"Then the Lord spoke to Jonah a second time: Get up and go to the great city of Nineveh, and deliver the message of judgement I have given you." Jonah 3:1-2 NLT

There on the beach...

After a long three days...

Covered in the vomit of a large fish...

We find Jonah being called by God--again.

To accomplish the original task.

To go to the aforementioned city.

To preach the words the words the Lord had given him.

Words that no doubt burned in Jonah's heart and mind.

God's calling on Jonah did not change in the transition from the Joppa seaport to the depths of the ocean to the sandy beach upon which Jonah now lay...

'Tell them about Me.'

No matter how many times we have disobeyed, messed up or attempted to run from the mission, our calling, as believers, remains the same...

'Tell them about Me.'

JUSTICE
Today's reading: Proverbs 28

"Evil people don't understand justice, but those who follow the Lord understand completely." Proverbs 28:5 NLT

What does it take to grasp the concept of justice?

It all starts with the judge.

For evil people, they know only human judges. Men and women who are, while educated in the laws of the land and attempt impartiality, human and imperfect.

But for the believer? We know the Judge. The One who knows all, sees all, cares for all, and is holy and blameless. The One who has established the dividing line between right and wrong and doles out discipline in an effort to draw offenders to Him for redemption. The Judge who performs his duties in all fairness because of His perfect nature.

Our belief in the justice system is directly related to our trust in the judge hearing the case.

Do you know the Judge? 

 HE HAS BECOME MY VICTORY

Today's reading: Psalm 117-118

"The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my victory." Psalm 118:14 NLT

On that Easter Sunday morning when I was 7, I came to know Jesus as my Savior and Redeemer.

Since that time, I have been blessed to have many other facets of the Lord shown to me as I lean on, grow in and learn about Him.

He has shown Himself to be a good friend. He has proven His ability in shepherding me in the right direction. He has provided hope, peace and joy as I turn to Him.

And while I have experienced these different levels of intimacy with Him, it's what He becomes each day that keeps me returning to His side.

This anonymous psalm writer knew this and expressed it as he explained that the Lord had become his victory.

An ongoing discovery. A never-ending revelation. A limitless exposure.

That's important to know because while His victory on the cross was once and done, and His victory over sin, death and the grave is accomplished, our victories on a daily basis lead us to finding Him to be what we need to defeat our enemy every single day.

Every. Single. Day.

AS LONG AS YOU

Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 11-15

"Then the Spirit of God came upon Azariah son of Oded, and he went out to meet King Asa as he was returning from battle. Listen to me, Asa! he shouted. Listen, all you people of Judah and Benjamin! The Lord will stay with you as long as you stay with him! Whenever you seek him, you will find him. But if you abandon him, he will abandon you." 2 Chronicles 16:1-2 NLT

How closely are you walking with the Lord?

Not is He following your lead...

Or, is He tagging belong behind you...

Or, is He following your plans...

Are you staying with Him? Are you seeking Him out each day, with every decision to be made, for every choice you face?

Or have you left Him behind to search out other gods?

Easier paths?

Your own purpose in life?

If you've wandered from His side, do not worry--He is right where you left Him. Waiting for you. Ready to take you back. Excited to forgive you and have you walk beside Him again!

 IN ADDITION TO

Today's reading: Numbers 29-32

"These special sacrifices are in addition to your regular monthly and daily burnt offerings, and they must be given with their prescribed grain offerings and drink offerings. These offerings are given to the Lord by fire and are very pleasing to him." Numbers 29:6 NLT

"...This is in addition to the sin offering of atonement..." Numbers 29:11 NLT

"...in addition to the regular daily burnt offering..." Numbers 29:16, 19. 22, 25, 28, 31, 34, 38 NLT

Ten times Moses specifies that special offerings are 'in addition to' regular gifts to the Lord as he writes about instructions for holy days.

While one might focus on the special-ness of these offerings, the foundation of those out-of-the-ordinary presentations would be the daily, routine gifts one presents to the Lord.

The day-in-day-out disciplines that show one's allegiance.

The habitual decisions to honor Him on a daily basis.

The routine offerings that are reminders of how deserving He is and how much one desires to obey Him.

The pattern of worship one displays regularly.

The practice of commandment following.

While the special sacrifices are given on holy occasions, in gatherings of believers, in seeking God for needful direction and favor--are our 'normal days' reflecting the same desire to give Him the honor He is due?

LIVING A MEDIOCRE LIFE

Today's reading: Hebrews 5-7

"...We are confident that you are meant for better things, things that come with salvation." Hebrews 6:9 NLT

I don't know how long it's been since someone has given you a pep talk, but that's what I want to do this morning.

I want to tell you that you are able--through Christ.

I want you to know you can do anything and everything God has called you to do--by His power.

I want you to be fully aware of your potential as a Christian, or 'little Christ', to impact the world--with the Gospel.

I want you to realize your calling as a child of the Most High King--because of the Lord's adoption.

I want you to know that ho-hum, blah and so-so are not what's intended for priests, soldiers, ministers of His grace--He has so much for you!

If you have accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior of your life, better things are set aside for you.

If you have received the gift of God's salvation from your sins, you are meant for more than living a mediocre life.

Pause and pray. Seek God. Allow Him to help you evaluate who you are, where you are and what you are doing for Him. 

ALL THE WHILE

Today's reading: Acts 1-2

"...all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their group those who were being saved." Acts 2:47 NLT

All the while, you might have noticed.

All the while, in this instance, refers to the miracles, wonders, prayer meetings, sharing, fellowship and worship going on in the new church.

Excitement for the Gospel.

Salvation for all who believed.

Hearts changed by the Lord.

Devotions redirected to God's service.

And all that happened within the church.

Then it spread.

People were drawn to what was going on.

The excitement among the church leaked out and people wanted what they had.

Church, are we doing the same thing today?

YOU SHOULDN'T HAVE

Today's reading: Obadiah

"You shouldn't have done this! You shouldn't have gloated when they exiled your relatives to distant lands. You shouldn't have rejoiced because they were suffering such misfortune. You shouldn't have crowed over them as they suffered these disasters. You shouldn't have plundered the land of Israel when they were suffering such calamity. You shouldn't have gloated over the destruction of your relatives, looting their home and making yourselves rich at their expense. You shouldn't have stood at the crossroads killing those who tried to escape. You shouldn't have captured the survivors, handing them over to their enemies in that terrible time of trouble." Obadiah 12-14 NLT

The nation of Edom was in big trouble!

They were distant relatives of the Israelites. They were neighbors to the south of God's land and God's people. They were proud, vain and self-assured people. And they mistreated the nation of Israel.

That didn't set well with the Lord.

You see, one doesn't mistreat His children.

Then or now.

Edom is not only thousands of miles away, and their poor choices happened decades ago. But can't we learn something from them?

Be aware of how you treat others today. Those within the family of God, but also those who are not--yet.

You see, we have all been made in the image of God. We have all been beautifully created by His hands. We all, they all, deserve to be treated as such.

RETURNING TO OUR VOMIT

Today's reading: Proverbs 26-27

"As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly." Proverbs 26:11 NLT

If you are one who learns the first time, never has to repeat a lesson or catches on quickly, you can probably disregard today's writing.

However, if you are still with me and are a fellow 'slow learner', one whose times of confession are seemingly on repeat or are still in training as to how to turn your back on sin--read on!

Why do we go back to what we know isn't right? Isn't good for us? Isn't godly?

Why do the things that do not serve us well so entice us?

Why is the recidivism rate, tendency to return to commit an offense, so high for even believers?

Maybe it's because of our sin nature. What's been DNA-ed into us by Adam and Eve.

Or maybe it's because of our stupidity, not ignorance--as ignorance is not knowing better.

Or maybe, just maybe, it's to show us all why we needed a Savior to come and rescue us from our sins. One who loved us away from the 'vomit' of life. One who has better for us when we choose to turn to Him.

IDOL MAKING

Today's reading: Psalm 114-116

"For our God is in the heavens, and he does as he wishes. Their idols are merely things of silver and gold. shaped by human hands. They cannot talk, though they have mouths, or see, though they have eyes! They cannot hear with their ears, or smell with their noses, or feel with their hands , or walk with their feet, or utter sounds with their throats! And those who make them are just like them, as are all who trust in them." Psalm 115:3-8 NLT

What idols have you made out of the blessings God has given you?

I'm not talking about little figurines you have whittled out of wood, or formed out of a tub of Play-Dough, or even casted out of a precious metal.

What idols have you made in your heart?

A title or position or degree?

A house or vehicle or boat?

An amount of money stockpiled in the bank?

Your accomplishments?

Your abilities?

Your children?

God has gifted us with so many blessings. We must be very careful that what He has provided does not become more important to us than Him. We must make very sure that our attention, our worship, our efforts and our energy show He is the God in our life, not the things He has given.

YOUR KINGDOM

Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 6-10

"The Lord your God is great indeed! He delights in you and has placed you on the throne to rule for him. Because God loves Israel so much and desires this kingdom to last forever, he has made you king so you can rule with justice and righteousness." 2 Chronicles 9:8 NLT

This quote comes from the queen of Sheba after she had been given the royal tour of Solomon's kingdom.

She was dazzled. She was astounded. Her breath was taken away. She was wowed by all Solomon had, who he was and she was well aware that God was the one who had given it.

What about you?

The 'kingdom' you govern, be it your home, your job, your many roles, do people see God's hand in it?

Are they constantly marveling at all God accomplishes through you?

Are they seeing, on a daily basis, Him flowing from you?

Do they know that all you have, every single blessing, you claim as being gifted to you by the Lord?

Do they hear Him honored and glorified in your speech?

How are you representing God in your 'kingdom'?