Tag Archives: God

April 10

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Judges 6:23-31, I Samuel 2:22-5:12

Every once in a while God allows us to see that he has a sense of humor. I think the story of the Philistine god Dagon is funny.

I always loved playing with my sisters’ children and now am enjoying my great-nieces and nephews. How many block towers have I built, then pretended to look away so the little ones can knock them down and I act surprised by it? That’s the picture I have here. God, when everyone is asleep, nudges Dagon with his index finger and the idol tumbles down. The people are surprised by it and put Dagon back up again. But God’s not done with this game. The next night, down Dagon goes!

I know God wanted the Philistines to recognize that the God of Israel is the God of the entire world. We read they didn’t and things got worse for them. Had they accepted the truth of their fallen god and the power of God, we would be reading a different story.

I am reminded that, as the creator, God invented fun. It’s not wrong to laugh or find humor in the day-to-day. I challenge us all today to try and find an example of God’s holy humor. And remember, he wants us to enjoy our journey as we walk with him.

Father, I thank you for laughter. Help us to recognize that you created everything about us, including a sense of humor. But may we honor you in our fun, always remembering that you are holy. 

February 13

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Exodus 33:7-36:7

God describes Himself in this passage. As He passed in front of Moses He said:

The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sins of the father to the third and fourth generation. (34:5-7)

God wants us to know him. He’s not some big mystery in the sky. He’s real. And he is the same today as he was the day he walked so close to Moses he could put his hand over Moses’ eyes.

So what is it he wants us to know about himself? He wants us to know he is loving, faithful, compassionate and forgiving. But let’s not stop there. He also wants us to know, as loving and compassionate as he is, he cannot let sin go unpunished. God will never ignore sin or overlook disobedience. And the wages of sin is death.

However, that same Holy judge who demands holiness of us, lovingly offers cleansing from every sin we’ve ever committed. He is faithful to forgive us when we repent. The forgiveness is there for the asking because he is who he said he is.

God, I thank you that you want us to know you. Thank you for revealing yourself to Moses and to us. You are compassionate and gracious, loving and faithful. You are holy. And I thank you that you have provided everything we need for the forgiveness of our sins. Continue to reveal yourself to us as we walk with you today.