Tag Archives: obedience

Impossible

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Numbers 2&3 record God’s instructions to Moses about getting the Israelites organized and ready to get traveling to the  Promised Land. About a million people, including crying babies, rebellious teenagers, pregnant moms and feeble grandparents along with livestock, tents, and everything they owned were about to pack up and move.

There isn’t a fraction of that many people here on this tiny island where I live and I can’t imagine trying to organize everyone enough to get them all to travel across the bridge to the mainland, even in this day of internet, cellphones and SUV’s. It seems like an impossible task.

But Moses was faithful. He followed God’s instructions and the impossible was accomplished. The entire nation of Israel was divided by family, got in line, and prepared to take those first steps toward a destination they had never seen. 

Is there something God is asking of me? Do I blow it off because I think it’s impossible? Maybe he’s prompting me to talk to my neighbor about Jesus. Do I stay home because I’ve decided my neighbor is too far gone to even listen? Maybe God is nudging me to change careers, take responsibility at church, quit smoking, or some other task that seems beyond my capabilities. Do I come up with excuses like, “I can’t quit my job and make less money doing something else, I have a family to support”, or “I can’t teach a Sunday School class”, or “I’ve tried to quit smoking and I just can’t”, or… (add your excuses to the list).

As I read the Bible I see a God who delights in accomplishing the impossible. Not the least of which is the changing of lives through the blood of his Son, Jesus. The lesson here today is: If God is in it – there is no such thing as impossible.

Father, I pray your children will hear your voice. May we recognize the times when you are asking us to do things that seems impossible. Help us to understand that you are best seen during those times when you give us the ability to share the gospel, teach that class, or do some other task that in and of ourselves is impossible. May you find us faithful, Lord, and may we watch you accomplish the impossible in each of us today.

The Big Top

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My dad used to tell us about the time when he was a kid and the circus came to town. He and his brother Bill went to watch them set up. (knowing Dad he probably skipped school). He told us about dozens of men who unfolded and laid out a colorful piece of material, attached some poles to it, then lifted it into the air, creating the Big Top that would provide the stage for the performance that night. Dad said it was the most fantastic thing he had ever seen.

So it was with a great deal of excitement that he and Uncle Bill woke up early the next day to go watch the tear-down. I can imagine them running to the spot with anticipation. But when they got there, the circus was gone! They had come and gone in a day.

I thought about that today as I read in Numbers 9 that the people of Israel broke camp every time the cloud moved. You remember that God inhabited the cloud by day and the fire by night over the Tabernacle.  They could be in a spot for a year, a month, or a day. It didn’t matter. When God moved, they packed up and moved, too. 

I picture the setting up of the Tabernacle much like that circus tent. Did people come from the towns to watch like Dad and his brother did? Were they as awed at the efficiency of the men and beauty of the tent itself? Was God revealed to those people through Israel’s obedience?

Ok, God, I get it. When you move me to go talk to my neighbor about you, you don’t want to hear me whine about how inconvenient that is. If you ask me to pack up and move to another place where you can use me to reach lost souls, you don’t want me to complain about how hard it is to fill those boxes. It’s not like I have to tear down and re-assemble a big tent every time you ask. 

My prayer today is that I will be willing and eager to go wherever, do whatever God is asking me to do and that I obey without complaining. Whether it involves asking a coworker to lunch, taking soup to a sick friend, babysitting for a tired mommy who needs a break, teaching a Sunday School class, or sending a card in the mail, if God asks me to move I want to eagerly obey. And may people see Jesus because of my obedience.

 

My Sacred Medallion

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The New Testament tells us that one of the things Jesus did when he went to the cross is make us a kingdom of priests (or kingdom and priests). He is absolutely our High Priest, but we who know him have the privileges and responsibilities much like Aaron and his sons had in the Old Testament.

I don’t claim to understand all of what that entails. There is so much symbolism in the account we read in Exodus 39. But one thing is clear to me, Aaron and his sons took a great deal of care in following every detail before they went before the Lord. Including what they wore.

As I read about the robe, the ephod, the breastplate, and the rest of the required clothing, I was convicted when I read about the sacred medallion Aaron wore on his turban. It was engraved with the words: HOLY UNTO THE LORD. It was placed in such a way no one could miss it.

I wonder if my spiritual sacred medallion is as visible to the people around me. Does my lifestyle scream that I worship God, that I make choices based on his Word, that I am a sinner saved by grace? Do people see Jesus in me, Holy Unto the Lord?

I pray that the days of my keeping my faith between God and myself are behind me. I pray that I will stand out in every circumstance of life as someone who wears Christ’s name honorably and proudly. I pray that the choices I make today will point others to the Savior.

I pray the same for you. May we be a kingdom of priests, set apart, faithful to God, HOLY UNTO THE LORD.

December 21

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2 Timothy 2-4; Hebrews 1

I love baseball. I am a die-hard Cleveland Indians’ fan and am one of my nephew’s biggest fans whether he is on the mound, behind the plate, or covering second on his high school’s team. 

I played softball for a lot of years. But the older I got, the longer it took me to get from one base to the next. So I came up with a great idea. If the goal of every batter is to wind up at home plate, it makes more sense to hit the ball, then run to third. Why waste time and effort and take the chance of making an out while going to first, then second, then third in order to get home? I figured if I cut out the first two steps I’d have a better chance of scoring.

Well, that might seem logical to someone who doesn’t know the game. But the game has rules. And so does life. Paul tells Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:5 that an athlete doesn’t receive the victor’s crown unless he competes according to the rules. He is talking about the Gospel, about God’s Word. 

Here is the condensed version:

1.  You are I are sinners. There is no one righteous – not even one.

2.  The wages, or the result of sin is death, hell, eternal separation from God.

3.  You and I can never be good enough to erase the sins we’ve committed. We need a Savior.

4.  Jesus lived, died, rose again, and ascended into heaven so that anyone who accepts his grace can be saved from the sentence of hell.

5.  There is no other name by which we can be saved. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, the Life and no one can get to God except through him. Period.

You might be tempted to take another route. But, just like in baseball, if you hit the ball and go to third… you will be out. God has put it all out there, he wrote and rewrote the rules in every book of the Bible. There is no excuse. And like it or not, there is just no other way.

Heavenly Father, I thank you once again for your written Word, the Bible in which you have so lovingly spelled out the rules. May we recognize our helpless condition and turn to you. May we confess our sins, accept your grace, and live lives that honor you in every way. Forgive us if we are tempted to take short cuts. I pray you will find us, the soldiers in your army, the athletes on your team, pleasing our commander, our coach, our Savior and Lord by following your rules.

December 9

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Acts 21:1-23:11

Paul wasn’t one to take the easy way out. If God wanted him to go to Jerusalem he’d go to Jerusalem no matter how many people warned him of the danger awaiting him there. Thrown in prison, he still preached the Gospel. Beaten, insulted, lied about, and he refused to compromise. Paul knew the Truth. And nothing – not even the threat of death – would stop him from holding to that Truth and obeying God.

It’s easier to keep our faith to ourselves for fear of offending someone, looking like fools, rejection, even breaking the law. But as Christians we are commanded to get out there and preach the Gospel. I believe God would have us be as determined as Paul was to obey that command.

The last verse we read today is amazing. Listen to what is written in 23:11:

The following night the Lord stood near to Paul and said, “Take courage…”

The same God who stood with Paul stands with us today. I believe he is saying the same thing to us in 2013. “Take courage! Talk about me to your family and friends. Then be amazed at what happens next.”

Dear God, may your people be as determined as Paul was to share you with a lost world. May we obey you when you nudge us toward someone whose heart you are readying to accept you. Give us the boldness to share you, regardless of our fear. Thank you for standing with us as we obey you today.

November 16

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James 1:1-3:18

I’ve always been partial to the book of James. It is probably the one book of the Bible I have read the most. I think I first realized how rich its content when I coached a Bible quiz team from my church and we studied this book word by word. 

James starts with talking about godly wisdom and ends chapter three talking about the same thing. He invites all believers to ask God for wisdom and believe and not doubt that God will answer that prayer. 

So do you have godly wisdom? Here is James’ checklist. See if you see yourself here.

Wisdom considers it pure joy to face trials, knowing it works to mature the one who suffers. (1:2-4)

Wisdom is humble in whatever circumstance of life one is given. (1:9-11)

Wisdom perseveres under trials, knowing the end of this life is eternal life with God. (1:12)

Wisdom recognizes temptation is not from God. And wisdom doesn’t give temptation a second thought because the more you think about it the more likely that desire leads to sin. (1:13-15) Which is why I watch very little prime time TV that portrays sin as the new normal. I don’t want those subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) attacks on the truth of Scripture to have any place in my mind or heart. And I certainly would not watch those shows if I had young people in my home!

Wisdom understands that God is never changing. (1:16-18) The God of Abraham is the God of today and his demands for holiness has not changed in order to be politically correct. 

Wisdom is quick to listen and slow to anger. And it gets rid of all moral filth.  (1:19-21)

Wisdom listens to God’s Word and obeys. (1:22-25)

Wisdom keeps a tight reign on the tongue. (1:26, 3:1-12)

Wisdom looks after orphans and widows and keeps oneself from being polluted by the world. (1:27)

Wisdom does not show favoritism, but realizes the Gospel of Jesus is for everyone in all walks of life.  (2:1-13)

Wisdom demonstrates faith by how one lives, the good one does in Jesus’ name. (2:14-26)

Wisdom does not harbor bitter envy or selfish ambition. (3:16)

“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.” (3:17-18)

So how did you do? Can you say, after reading these chapters today  that you possess godly wisdom? Or are there some things you need to talk to your Lord about? Remember 1:5-6 says:

“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.”

Gracious God, thank you for your Word to us today. I pray that your children will seek your wisdom, believing you want us to be wise in light of Scripture. Open our minds and hearts and give us understanding of your Word. And may we accept your wisdom and live out your truths today. Make us wise. And use us to do your will for Jesus’ sake.

 

 

November 14

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Acts 7:54-9:31

The early followers of Christ lived in danger. Many were beaten and others were killed because they loved Jesus and identified with him through baptism. Thousands of believers fled Jerusalem to save themselves and their families and settled in other towns. And you know what happened? They started talking about Jesus to their new neighbors and thousands more were saved. The Church actually grew through its persecution!

Isn’t it true we can kind of get comfortable where we are? We go to a job we like, we get along with our co-workers, we’re used to our boss. We sit in the same seat every Sunday and greet the same people. We mow our lawns and wave to our neighbors as they mow their lawns. And our opportunities to share Christ get fewer and fewer.

What happens when the company you work for down-sizes and you find yourself looking for work? What happens when you are transferred to another city or feel the need to move closer to an ailing parent? 

We in America don’t know as yet what it is like to have to run for our lives because of our faith. But God does nudge us at times to get out of our comfort zones. Why? There are people who need to hear your testimony, to see Christ living in you so that they come to know him, too. When you are a Christian, everything that happens in your life happens for one reason only. And that is so that you can be a witness to people who need the Savior. 

Is God asking you to get out of your comfort zone? Probably. Go where he wants you to go. Do or say what it is he is asking of you. The Church still has room to grow.

Father, forgive us when we are comfortable. Give your people the courage to step out, to reach out, to be uncomfortable for a time so that someone can meet you. You are going to give us opportunities today. May you find us willing to do that hard thing for Jesus’ sake.

November 12

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Acts 3:1-5:16

I was a public school teacher for 37 years. And as can be expected, I saw a lot of changes in education and in parents and students during those years. Prayer was taken out of the schools long before I started teaching. But as the years went by administrations became more fearful of anything that represented religion. Some went as far as to tell teachers and students they couldn’t carry Bibles to class, they couldn’t give their testimonies during class. They went to unnecessary extremes that trample on the rights of Christians.

I was blessed to work in a district that didn’t go to those extremes. Our students stood every morning to recite the Pledge and have a moment of “silent prayer or meditation.” I prayed with students who came to me with concerns if I had their permission and often the permission of their parents. A group of us teachers stayed after school once a week to pray for our school. I used to say I’ll probably get fired before I retire. But I didn’t. And I am so thankful for having had worked in the school district I did.

When Peter and John were told to stop talking about Jesus and were threatened if they didn’t, Peter said, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

Whether you work in a public school or in some other vocation that has rules about what you can and cannot say, I would encourage you to do some research. It might surprise you when you find out you have rights, too. Let’s exercise those rights while we still have them.

Dear God, I pray for Christians in the work-place today. May they not only be productive employees, but may they represent you in all they do and say. I pray that as followers of Jesus they would know their Constitutional rights, to stand up for truth, to be willing to put themselves out there if you lead. I pray for employers, for decision makers. May they know you, first of all. And may they see something in their Christian workers that they don’t see in those who don’t know you. And, Lord, may all of us have a holy boldness. May we share you with confidence and love as you give us opportunity. Because, dear Jesus, when we know you we just cannot help speaking about you!

October 27

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Luke 19:1-10, 28-48; Mark 11:1-25; Matthew 21:1-22; John 12:12-19

Can you feel the excitement? Jesus is entering Jerusalem riding on the back of a donkey. People are running to meet him, waving palm branches and shouting, “Hosanna”. They had heard Jesus just raised Lazarus from the dead, they knew about the many miracles he had performed, and they knew they were on the threshold of something wonderful. The excitement was contagious.

In the next few days we will read how quickly the excitement died and how these same people wanted Jesus dead. But let’s consider this moment, the Triumphal Entry.

Just why were these people so excited to see Jesus? They made a “red carpet” out of their coats and waved palm branches like pompons at a football game. Their adoration was sincere. But they were adoring Jesus for the wrong reasons. We know they believed Jesus was there to conquer Rome, to recapture Jerusalem from their enemies. They believed Jesus was there to become their flesh and blood king. The might have been sincere, but they were wrong and their belief could not stand up to the realities of life. The emotion they felt at seeing Jesus didn’t reach deep into their souls.

My prayer is that each of us will take inventory. Why are we – why am I – following Jesus? Do we see him as someone who can get us ahead in our careers or guarantee a loving relationship with that perfect spouse? Do we follow him so that we don’t get cancer? Or so we can avoid hell? Do we go to church each Sunday to get our spiritual high for the week? Do we sing the praise songs in order to feel something? 

Here’s just what I think. Jesus deserves to be followed because he is God, his word is true, and he went to the cross so we could follow him. He doesn’t promise an easy life on this earth. In fact, he’s honest to say life on this earth can get pretty ugly. But he does promise to go with us, strengthen us, and to bless us along the way. He offers a clean slate to anyone who will accept it. Jesus wants us to know him, to know the Father, to be led by the Holy Spirit. And he wants to spend eternity with us. We just need to understand that that can only happen on his terms.

If you are following Jesus for what he can do for you, you are following him for the wrong reasons. Let’s follow Jesus because of WHO he is. Because he deserves it.

Dearest Jesus, it would have been pretty awesome to be a part of that parade the day you rode into Jerusalem. Thank you for inspiring the writers of the gospels to include this account in Scripture. God, I pray that you would speak to each of us. May we determine to follow you for the right reasons. May our faith be firmly established in you. And may we continue to follow you no matter what our circumstance of life.

October 19

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Luke 10:21-24, 38-11:13, 27-12:21; Matthew 11:25-30

Something Luke wrote made me laugh out loud this morning. He tells us Jesus was invited to dinner at the home of a Pharisee. It must have been quite a home because it seems there were many people attending this dinner. Jesus began eating without washing his hands first (a huge no-no according to the Law of Moses). Seeing that the Pharisee was appalled at his actions, Jesus began to point out the hypocrisy in the Pharisees. He called them foolish, and told them their good deeds were worthless because of their hearts’ condition. Not exactly the dinner conversation I am sure the Pharisee expected when he invited his friends to dine with Jesus that day.

While Jesus was saying, “Woe to you, Pharisees” for one thing and another, a teacher of the law leaned over and whispered to him. Probably with a wink he said something like, “Um, Jesus? When you say those things about the Pharisees, you’re kinda insulting us, too.”

So Jesus turned from the Pharisees and said to the faculty sitting there, “And you experts of the law, (now here’s where I laughed because the professor is no doubt expecting an apology and absolution) WOE TO YOU!!!” And Jesus goes on to list the grievances against the intellectuals at the dinner. Jesus is NOT making friends here!

Why do you serve God? Why do I? Is it so that people will pat us on the back? Are we active in the church, do we go the extra mile thinking it will cover up a sin we are holding on to? Do we pray those flowery prayers, sit on those boards or teach those Sunday School lessons while we harbor hate toward someone?

Jesus doesn’t want us to neglect the work of the church. He wants us to tithe, to teach those classes, to sit with a grieving friend or take soup to a struggling family. But he wants us doing those things for the right reasons.

It can’t be about us. It has to be about being God’s voice, his arms and feet. It has to be about allowing God to reveal himself through us to someone who needs him. If we do it hoping someone will notice and give us an atta-boy, we are just like the Pharisees and teachers of the law Jesus talked to that day.

And Jesus says, Woe to you! 

I’d much rather hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant” from the only one who really matters.

Father God, I pray that you will convict each of us when our motives begin to shift away from serving you to drawing attention to ourselves. May you find us willing to work hard quietly, unnoticeably, even anonymously so that you get all the glory. May we be your voice to encourage someone today, your arms to hold a hurting friend, your feet to go where someone needs you. And may we be obedient for Jesus sake.