Tag Archives: choices

July 11

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Psalms 87, 125; Isaiah 1:1-4:6

“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” (Isaiah 1:18)

This beautiful verse has been an encouragement to me more than once over the years. But I didn’t realize until today that the verse actually begins with, “Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord”.

Let’s think about this, God says. The first 17 verses of this chapter talk about God’s frustrations – his loathing – for religion. He’s sick of their sacrifices and hates their religious festivals. They follow God’s instructions for these things to the letter but their hearts are full of sin.

They put on a good show. But God is not fooled.

Verses 19&20 remind us that if we are willing (which involves a conscious choice) and obedient (which involves more than just going to church), then we will be blessed. It goes on to remind us that if we resist (which also involves a choice) and rebel (which comes from the heart), we will suffer the consequences.

So yes, God promises to forgive sin and wipe the slate clean with Jesus’ blood.

IF

Once again God makes it plain that he’s got conditions. Good people, religious people will go to hell unless they accept Jesus as their Savior. There is no other way to the Father.

Let’s be reasonable about our beliefs. Let’s make a conscious, informed choice to follow God today, to repent of sin and accept forgiveness through his Son. God hates it when we just go through the motions.

Dear God, I pray that your children will come to you in Spirit and Truth, that we will choose Jesus and accept his work on the cross in a purposeful, meaningful way. Help us not to follow you blindly, but reasonably and honestly. May our actions reflect our heart’s relationship with you. Bless us and make us a blessing to someone who needs you today.

June 18

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I Kings 22:36-40; 2 Kings 1:1; 2 Chronicles 19:1-11, 20:1-30; Psalms 46, 47, 48

Judah was in trouble. Word reached King Jehoshaphat that a vast army was coming to destroy them. The king knew he and his army were no match for the enemy.

Have you ever felt like that? Like the circumstances of life are such that you feel you can’t face them and win? Have you ever looked ahead and thought, it’s too much?

We can all learn from Jehoshaphat’s example. The first thing he did was to proclaim a fast. Not a quick-start to a diet fast, but a down on your knees, heartfelt, honest time of prayer instead of eating. A time of seeking God, earnestly pouring themselves out before God.

Then the people gathered together. Listen to some of what Jehoshaphat prayed that day:

For we have no power to face this vast army (insert whatever it is you are facing) that is attacking us. We don’t know what to do, BUT OUR EYES ARE ON YOU. (2 Chronicles 20:12)

The third thing they did was to set out for battle. Have faith in The Lord, Jehoshaphat says. Then he told them to praise God. Before the battle, during the battle. Praise God.

Verse 22 says, “As they began to sing and praise, The Lord set ambushes against the (enemy)”.

So here’s what I think is an example of how to face life’s troubles. 1) Seek God, fast if you can, 2) Pray. Admit your helplessness and lay it all at God’s feet, 3) Get up and get going. 4) Praise God before, during, and after. Praise God.

Be sure to read Psalm 46 today. Especially if you feel you are in a situation with no hope. I’m telling you there is hope. God is our refuge and strength in all circumstances. Seek him. Trust him. Praise him.

Father in heaven, thank you once again for your Word that speaks to hearts today. Some of us are going through things in this life that are overwhelming and we just don’t know what to do. May we keep our eyes on you. May we seek you, trust you, and praise you in all things. Remind us that you are our strength, our refuge. Be exalted, Lord.

April 27

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I Chronicles 12:23-40, Psalms 2, 78

I thought it was interesting to see how some of the warriors were described. ‘Zadok, a brave young warrior’. ‘Issacher understood the times’. ‘The men of Zebulun were experienced soldiers’. ‘Men of Daniel ready for battle’. ‘Men of Ephraim were famous in their own clan’. (that one makes me smile)

So God is asking me how I think I would be described. How would I want to be described?

‘Connie the lazy one.’ No, I don’t like that. ‘Connie the gossip’. Doesn’t work for me, either. ‘Connie the teacher, the school counselor’. I loved my career in public education. But I don’t think that defines me, either.

I think I’d like to be described as ‘ Connie, the woman who loves the Lord’. Or ‘Connie, God’s servant’. Or ‘Connie the caring one.’ How about ‘Connie, one who looks like Jesus’.

What is it I want people to see in me? What defines me?

I know when I stand before the Lord he will describe me as ‘Connie, the one who is righteous and holy because she accepted mine.’

But until then I have some thinking to do. Maybe I have some changing to do. Because the reality is people are describing me whether I want them to or not. I need to consider carefully what they are saying.

God, thank you for your word to us today. Help us to consider how we are representing ourselves… how we are representing you. May we be rightly described as Godly people. It will glorify you if we are.

April 23

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Psalms 31,56,40, I Samuel 27:1-12,28:1-2,29:1-11, I Chronicles12:1-7

David lied. While given safety in the land of the Philistines he attacked their towns, then lied to Achish – the very one who had granted him safety. I’m troubled by that so I went to Matthew Henry whose commentary I trust.

Henry points out that at the beginning of I Samuel 27 David is in a bad mood. Mr. Henry calls it melancholy. And from this dark place David allows himself to drown in self-pity.

Saul’s gonna kill me, he says. I might as well go live with the enemy.

David lives with the Philistines for more than a year. During that time he lies to Achish, then volunteers to fight against Israel as part of Achish’s force. Just one bad choice after another.

We all get in bad moods once in a while. We all experience times of depression. It’s at those low moments when Satan jumps in with both feet. And it’s at those times when we are the most vulnerable. 

I am reminded that even as Christians we are not promised smooth sailing. Bad things happen. Emotions are a roller coaster at best. There are times when it’s hard to find the joy.

But God is telling me today to hold on. Not to myself. Not even to a doctrine. But hold on to him. Trust him when I don’t see any way out. Praise him when my heart is breaking. Recognize that he is able to see me through and underneath are the everlasting arms. 

And I am reminded that I probably shouldn’t make major decisions when I am feeling low. David made some pretty bad choices when he was depressed. What’s to say I won’t do the same.

Getting through those low moments may be a matter of saying God, I’m hurting. I don’t know what to do and don’t have the energy to try. Lift me up because I am drowning. Thank you for loving me, staying with me, and wanting what is best for me. 

If we don’t give our down times to him, don’t be surprised if we sink deeper. That’s where Satan wants us to live. My prayer is that we won’t let our enemy get what he wants.

Lord, I pray for hurting people. I pray that each one will look to you and trust you with today. I pray for victory over Satan’s attempt to destroy what we have with you. I pray for a measure of joy for all of us no matter what we are facing. Thank you for your promise to never leave or forsake us. Make yourself known to us. We are counting on you today.

April 11

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I Samuel 6:1-7:17, 8:1-9:27

The nation of Israel had it all. They had the God of Creation as their King. God chose them, to set them apart from all the other nations to bless them, to show himself to the world.

But Israel wanted to look like the other nations. Their neighbors had kings, why couldn’t they? Samuel warned them about the awful things that would happen as a result of having a flesh and blood king. They still wanted a king. And that made God sad.

Here’s where I think prayer gets complicated. God wants us to come to him with our desires. Prayer is an important part of the Christian walk. But if our desires are not in line with Scripture, with God’s desires, we need to be careful.

God won’t make us love him or worship him. If we choose to go the way of the world he will let us. But it’ll make him sad if we do.

We Christians have it all. The God of Creation wants to be our King. And as our King he will shower us with blessings beyond what we can ask or think.

My question is… how important is it that I look like non-believers? Do I need to look like the world to feel accepted? If I do, am I prepared to accept the consequences?

Holy God, I bow before you this morning as my King. May I recognize the privilege I have of serving you, being blessed by you, and representing you to the world. Guard my thoughts and the temptation to want to “fit in” with those who are lost. I want no other King.

March 23

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Psalms 90, Deuteronomy 31:30-32:52

Moses calls God the Rock. The Rock whose works are perfect (32:4), the Rock his Savior (32:15), the Rock is the Lord according to verse 30 and is greater than any other rock on whom people build their lives “as even our enemies concede”. (32:31)

Jesus told the parable of the wise and foolish men. The foolish man built his house on the sand (which is millions of tiny rocks by the way). But when a storm came the house collapsed. The wise man’s house, built on the Rock, could endure the worst storms because it’s foundation was strong.

We are all building our lives one day, once choice at a time. Some people try to build their’s on the love of a husband, wife, or children. Some on a career. Some on intellect or education. Some on having fun or even having a healthy body. Some may even try to build their lives on several different things. But remember… sand is still sand whether it’s one grain or millions.

There is only one wise choice… and that is to build our lives on the Rock, to have that right relationship with God, to be in His Word, to pray, to live according to His rules.

Storms will come. Life can be pretty difficult. Bad things happen. Am I building my life on the Rock?

Anything or anyone else will eventually fail.

Dear God, Moses recognized that You are the Rock. May we do the same. And may we make the choices today needed to build our lives on the sure foundation. May we walk with You today.

March 22

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Deuteronomy 29-31

So if God knew the Jews would take the Promised Land, enjoy God’s blessings, then get comfortable and turn to other gods… why bother? I could ask the same thing about us. Because, isn’t it true that the more we are blessed, the better our life is going, the easier it is to pull away from God without even realizing it? Oh, when hardships come we are quick to pray. But we, like the nation of Israel, can neglect our relationship with God when one sin enters our hearts, then another and another.

So why doesn’t God just call it quits? Israel’s choices… and mine… serve to show the world who God is. And God is busy working in the hearts of unbelievers to come to Him. God doesn’t call it quits because people are still being saved.

Deuteronomy 30:19&20 spoke to me this morning. God has set before us life and death, blessings and curses. He asks us to choose life. He wants us to love Him and obey Him so He can bless us.

When Joshua was appointed leader of Israel God said this to him, “Be strong and courageous for… I myself will be with you.”

God, thank you for your promise to go with us and bless us. Forgive us when we get too comfortable and take you for granted. May we choose to obey you today. May we choose life.

March 20

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Deuteronomy 23-26

Sometimes when I read the Bible certain things jump out at me. Other times not so much. This morning was one of those “not so much” times. I would love to know if God pointed out something to you as you read today.

In these chapters of Deuteronomy Moses continues to talk to Israel about the Promised Land, about how God wants them to treat each other, about where they have been.

I am reminded that this is Moses’ last address to the people before he dies. He tells them how important it is that they not sin, that they treat each other fairly, that they do the work that needs to be done. The nation of Israel was to look and act differently from every other nation on earth. And God would bless them.

As I meditate on God’s Word today God is saying the same thing to me. He wants me to stand out from the crowd as well.

Dear God, You are asking me to be the person in my neighborhood with a reputation for being honest, kind, moral, caring and trustworthy. May I stand out from the crowd as someone who loves You, obeys You and is blessed by You. And may they recognize my Savior as they observe me today.

March 10

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Numbers 30,31

The Midianites had to be destroyed. They were the means of turning Israel away from the Lord. God’s command was to kill them all. But when the soldiers came back from the battle they came with the Midianite women and children as well as their livestock and possessions.

Moses was not happy. He told the soldiers they had to finish the job. Midianite women and children had to die.

God is asking me today to identify those things that are means of turning me away from Him. And once those things are evident, I must rid myself of them completely. Nothing is to stand between me and my relationship with God. Even if it appears to be just a little thing.

The lesson for me here in Numbers today is that not everything that can turn me away looks like an angry soldier with swords drawn. It may look like something totally innocent.

I challenge all of us to examine our lives and defeat the enemy that would keep us from a right relationship with God.

I am very glad that we are not called to kill people like they were in Old Testament times. We don’t have a flesh and blood enemy in God’s spiritual kingdom. However, the principles are the same for us. We cannot allow sin to have any place in our lives.

The internet is a great thing when used properly. But if I waste hours every day playing games or visiting ungodly sites, I need to walk away from it. And if I can’t walk away from it, maybe I need to cancel my service.

If gambling or alcohol or a career or an unhealthy relationship is coming between me and the Savior, I need to end it. If anger or jealousy or self-pity is robbing me of an affective testimony, I need to confess it and allow God to change it.

There just isn’t a way to almost serve God or to almost get right with Him. God wants us to defeat our enemies completely and rid ourselves of anything that would turn us away from Him.

Father, reveal those things in our lives that put us in danger of allowing the enemy to take up residence in our lives. Help us identify things that are the means of turning us away from You. Then defeat those enemies in our lives. Help us to live lives pleasing to you, lives able to be used by you to reveal you to a lost world, and lives that can be blessed and be a blessing today.

March 7

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Numbers 22-24

There is so much about this story I love. I can just picture Balaam and his donkey traveling along. All Balaam sees is his donkey being stubborn so he beats the animal. Eventually, after the third beating, the donkey turns around and says something like… Stop! What have I ever done to you!

Now here’s what I love. Balaam answers the donkey as though it was the most natural thing in the world. That makes me smile.

But there’s more to the story. God had put a road block in front of Balaam. For whatever reason, Balaam didn’t see it. In fact, he went to drastic measures to stay on the road he had chosen. Once Balaam was able to see the angel and hear from God what he was supposed to do, he was able to go on his way.

We all have a road to travel. Sometimes we get a little off the mark and at those times God might put a road block before us. Road blocks can look like failed job opportunities or just that uneasy feeling that comes from drifting. It could be a word from a friend or an illness.

I don’t know what your road blocks look like but I pray you won’t overlook them. They are there for a reason. And paying attention to the road blocks can make our journey so much better.

Father, thank you for caring about our journey. May we be sensitive to the times you place road blocks before us and may we understand that they are there for our good.