Tag Archives: worship

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.

April 2

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Judges 18:1-31, 3:7-4:24

Where did Micah get the idea it was ok to worship God and still have household gods and idols in his home? He even hired himself his own live-in priest. He must have been feeling pretty holy.

Another question I have is why did the Danites think Micah had a good thing going? They convinced Micah’s priest to go with them and stole Micah’s idols. When they moved into their new city they set up the idols and hired priests. But 18:30 says… until the time of captivity of the land.

Yes, eventually God will allow another nation to defeat the Israelites. This is the beginning of decades of the Jews obeying God, drifting away from God, disobeying God, suffering because of it, then repenting. And every time they repent we’ll see that God is going to come to their rescue.

It’s no different with us. As I look at my own life I remember times much like what I described with Israel. And yes, God is faithful to forgive every time I go to him. But if I shake my head at Israel and ask, why didn’t they learn… I have to ask the same about myself.

God is very plain to say that we cannot have him and household gods and idols, too. We can’t serve two masters. He is a jealous God who demands all of our worship. Period.

When walking with the Lord, living in the Promised Land is so wonderful. Why would I settle for anything less… especially knowing there are consequences for disobedience.

Father, help me to recognize any household gods or idols that are creeping up in my life. May I be quick to eliminate anything that would come between me and you. Help me put into perspective relationships, entertainment, commitment, or anything else that would compete with my focus on you. And may I walk with you today as you deserve.

February 12

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Exodus 30-33:6

This is one of those passages I read and just shake my head. What were they thinking? God had shown Himself to the Israelites through the plagues in Egypt, the crossing of the Red Sea, manna and quail, water from a rock, a pillar of fire and a cloud to guide and protect them. And, not least of all, they heard His voice on the mountain. Could He get any more real?

So why, after Moses had been gone for only 40 days, did they decide God was in a golden calf that they watched Aaron make out of their jewelry?

I don’t know what they were thinking but the Bible said they were out of control. No wonder God was angry enough to destroy them all.

But Moses rallied those who still had faith in God and all the Levites answered the call. Moses gave them each a sword and instructed them to go through the camp and kill everyone who had rejected God. 3,000 people died because they chose the idol over the one true God.

I’m glad God doesn’t want us to go about killing unbelievers. But do we see that, once again, God is demonstrating how serious he is about disobedience. When he says don’t worship anything but Me… He means it.

Lord, help us to examine ourselves and recognize those things, or positions, or people, or dreams that have crept to the front of the line. I want to be someone who worships You and You alone. I pray that we all will put aside everything that even hints at becoming more important than You. May you find us faithful today.

February 8

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Exodus 19-21

In the next few chapters God is going to lay down the law. What a sight it must have been when God descended on that mountain. Trumpets blaring, fire, smoke. No wonder the Israelites were afraid… as they should. They were standing before a Holy God.

I wonder if we haven’t lost that awe. Do we understand that God is Holy, Holy, Holy? So often we portray him as a benevolent buddy, a giver of gifts, a doting father. His humanness in the form of Jesus certainly has made Him more approachable than the God the Israelites saw on the mountain. But let’s not forget that He is first of all Holy.

The laws He gave Moses prove His holy standard for living. Who can say they have never broken at least one of them? Not me. Do we have a healthy fear of Him when we disobey?

Forgive my soap-box and I know there are saints who disagree with me but I think we are becoming way to casual in our worship of a Holy God. As we read these laws God spelled out for the Israelites, let’s do so before His Holiness.

Dear Father, Thank you that Jesus called us His brothers. And for inviting us to come boldly to your throne with what is on our hearts. Thank you for being a Father, a brother, a friend. You are a personal, intimate God and I am so glad you live in my heart. But help me not to forget that You are Holy and demand holiness in me. Help me not become so familiar with You that I forget Your standard of living. I bow before you today and, with the angels cry… Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God Almighty.