More to the Story, Chapter 7
FACE YOUR BATTLES WITH STRENGTH AND COURAGE
When someone keeps telling you to “be strong and courageous,” you might suspect you are up against something big. And the Israelites were.
About to enter the land that had been promised them 600 years before, they had a giant-sized task awaiting them. Literally. Forty years earlier ten spies had come back and told the Israelites that the inhabitants of the land were so big they felt like they were the size of a grasshopper in comparison. Fear took them captive without a battle and sent them off as a group to wander around in a wilderness where they took their chances against wild animals rather than face their giants.
They wandered so long that those who had grasshopper-sized faith died out. Forty years later their children were ready to take the land. They were physically no taller than their parents had been. The enemies in the land were no smaller than before. But the Israelites’ faith muscles had grown.
There were two spies who had reported the land was theirs for the taking. One of them, Joshua, is now the Israelites’ leader. He was courageous. And God wanted to keep him that way. So God tells him three times in the first nine verses of the first chapter of Joshua: “Be strong and courageous.” He also remind him “the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
My guess is you have a few giants in your life too. Some uphill battles that appear insurmountable. A task demanding more than you think you have to give. One too many things on your “to do” list than you have the time or energy to do. Unemployment is staring you down. Depression has a grip on you. Bills have raided your bank account and left it empty. An illness hovers in your life like a threatening storm. You’d rather just run and wander.
Instead, be strong and courageous. You have a Joshua that will lead the way. The New Testament equivalent of the name “Joshua” is “Jesus.” And he has promised to be with you always (Matthew 28:20).
Jesus knows how to lead you through battles. He had a few of his own while he was on this earth. Enemies attacking him with accusations Mark 3:22). No home and no bed (Luke 9:58). Crowds and expectations pressing in on him Luke 8:45). The religious establishment eventually insuring he was sentenced to a brutal death. (Mark 15:14).
Yet he took on the most barbaric giant there is, death, and lived to tell about it. He can help you do the same. You need only be strong and courageous in your faith.
Prayer
“Lord today I will face my fears directly . . . with courage and strength . . . with your help. Amen”
To follow Pastor Jeff on Twitter use "jefflampl"
Monday, October 31, 2011
Friday, October 28, 2011
More to the Story, Chapter 6
A GREAT LEGACY IS NOT A PERFECT LEGACY
“Moses went up to Mount Nebo and the Lord said . . "This is the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob when I said, ‘I will give it to your descendants.’ I have now allowed you to see it with your own eyes, but you will not enter the land.”
So Moses, the servant of the LORD, died there in the land of Moab. . . Moses was 120years old when he died, yet his eyesight was clear, and he was as strong as ever. The people of Israel mourned for Moses on the plains of Moab for thirty days, until the customary period of mourning was over.
Now Joshua son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him. So the people of Israel obeyed him, doing just as the LORD had commanded Moses” Deuteronomy 34:1-2 (NLT)
Last week the Martin Luther King memorial was erected in our nation’s capital. The nation is a better place because of the legacy he has left. The same can be said of Lincoln and Jefferson, Washington and so many others who have been memorialized.
Like Moses these men were men, not gods. None was perfect. Nor is the legacy of any of them perfect. There is negative as well as positive fallout from the lives of the best of us.
Yet , there is one legacy that stands above all others. When one life leaves behind another life which follows God, that is a life which has been well lived. What is the verse for which Joshua is so famous? “As for me and my house, we will follow the Lord” (Joshua 24:15)
Prayer
“Lord, help me to see, imagine, plan for, want, hope for, make myself available to someone that you want me to influence for you. Lord, I want the Moses Legacy, one person who will have come to know you because of this brief life you have given me. Amen”
To follow Pastor Jeff on Twitter use "jefflampl"
A GREAT LEGACY IS NOT A PERFECT LEGACY
“Moses went up to Mount Nebo and the Lord said . . "This is the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob when I said, ‘I will give it to your descendants.’ I have now allowed you to see it with your own eyes, but you will not enter the land.”
So Moses, the servant of the LORD, died there in the land of Moab. . . Moses was 120years old when he died, yet his eyesight was clear, and he was as strong as ever. The people of Israel mourned for Moses on the plains of Moab for thirty days, until the customary period of mourning was over.
Now Joshua son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him. So the people of Israel obeyed him, doing just as the LORD had commanded Moses” Deuteronomy 34:1-2 (NLT)
Last week the Martin Luther King memorial was erected in our nation’s capital. The nation is a better place because of the legacy he has left. The same can be said of Lincoln and Jefferson, Washington and so many others who have been memorialized.
Like Moses these men were men, not gods. None was perfect. Nor is the legacy of any of them perfect. There is negative as well as positive fallout from the lives of the best of us.
Yet , there is one legacy that stands above all others. When one life leaves behind another life which follows God, that is a life which has been well lived. What is the verse for which Joshua is so famous? “As for me and my house, we will follow the Lord” (Joshua 24:15)
Prayer
“Lord, help me to see, imagine, plan for, want, hope for, make myself available to someone that you want me to influence for you. Lord, I want the Moses Legacy, one person who will have come to know you because of this brief life you have given me. Amen”
To follow Pastor Jeff on Twitter use "jefflampl"
Thursday, October 27, 2011
More to the Story, Chapter 6
BUT I CAN'T
"Caleb . . . stood before Moses. “Let’s take the land,” he said. “We can conquer it!” But the others said . . “We can’t. . .the inhabitants are too strong . . . We even saw giants there, all the people we saw were huge. Next to them we felt like grasshoppers in their sight ” Numbers 13:30-33
Sometimes it is impossible to see how something good can arise from the facts before you. Israel had come to the edge of the Promised Land. God told them to enter, do battle and win. But the facts on the ground told them it was impossible. Caleb and Joshua said, “we can”. The other 10 spies said “we can’t.”
Outvoted, the Hebrew nation wandered in the Sinai for 40 years. An entire generation died without experiencing God’s promise. Why? They didn’t trust God and therefore they didn’t obey God.
And it cost their entire families. Because the parents didn’t trust God the children lost out.
Prayer
“Lord, I now realize that my choices about following or not following you affect more people than just me. Help me today to obey you, follow you, respond to your gentle nudges, regardless of the inadequacy I feel. I know now that others are relying on my response to you. Amen”
To follow Pastor Jeff on Twitter use "jefflampl"
BUT I CAN'T
"Caleb . . . stood before Moses. “Let’s take the land,” he said. “We can conquer it!” But the others said . . “We can’t. . .the inhabitants are too strong . . . We even saw giants there, all the people we saw were huge. Next to them we felt like grasshoppers in their sight ” Numbers 13:30-33
Sometimes it is impossible to see how something good can arise from the facts before you. Israel had come to the edge of the Promised Land. God told them to enter, do battle and win. But the facts on the ground told them it was impossible. Caleb and Joshua said, “we can”. The other 10 spies said “we can’t.”
Outvoted, the Hebrew nation wandered in the Sinai for 40 years. An entire generation died without experiencing God’s promise. Why? They didn’t trust God and therefore they didn’t obey God.
And it cost their entire families. Because the parents didn’t trust God the children lost out.
Prayer
“Lord, I now realize that my choices about following or not following you affect more people than just me. Help me today to obey you, follow you, respond to your gentle nudges, regardless of the inadequacy I feel. I know now that others are relying on my response to you. Amen”
To follow Pastor Jeff on Twitter use "jefflampl"
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
More to the Story, Chapter 6
WANDERING
“The Israelites stood around their tents complaining. Moses heard them and was upset that they had made the LORD angry. He prayed:
“I am your servant, LORD, so why are you doing this to me? What have I done to deserve this? You've made me responsible for all these people, but they're not my children. You told me to nurse them along and to carry them to the land you promised their ancestors. They keep whining for meat, but where can I get meat for them? This job is too much for me. How can I take care of all these people by myself? If this is the way you're going to treat me, just kill me now and end my miserable life!" Numbers 11:10-15(CEV)
What are the differences and similarities between the people Moses is leading, Moses himself as expressed in his prayer and the cowboys at this link?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pk7yqlTMvp8
What is your attitude?
Prayer
"Lord, today, regardless of my challenges, I will be grateful that you have entrusted me with responsibility and I will exercise it with gratitude, energy and purpose. In Christ’s Name. Amen”
To follow Pastor Jeff on Twitter use "jefflampl"
WANDERING
“The Israelites stood around their tents complaining. Moses heard them and was upset that they had made the LORD angry. He prayed:
“I am your servant, LORD, so why are you doing this to me? What have I done to deserve this? You've made me responsible for all these people, but they're not my children. You told me to nurse them along and to carry them to the land you promised their ancestors. They keep whining for meat, but where can I get meat for them? This job is too much for me. How can I take care of all these people by myself? If this is the way you're going to treat me, just kill me now and end my miserable life!" Numbers 11:10-15(CEV)
What are the differences and similarities between the people Moses is leading, Moses himself as expressed in his prayer and the cowboys at this link?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pk7yqlTMvp8
What is your attitude?
Prayer
"Lord, today, regardless of my challenges, I will be grateful that you have entrusted me with responsibility and I will exercise it with gratitude, energy and purpose. In Christ’s Name. Amen”
To follow Pastor Jeff on Twitter use "jefflampl"
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
More to the Story, Chapter 6
WHEN TO GO, WHEN TO STAY
"Whenever the cloud moved from the tent, the people would break camp and follow; then they would set up camp and stay there, until it moved again. when it moved, they moved." Exodus 40:35-37
Some say that timing is everything.
But how do you know when the right time for anything is? God made it simple, visible and easy for the Israelites. If the cloud leaves, you leave. If the cloud stays, you stay. God gave them a GPS. When the cloud stopped it would “say”, “You have reached your “short term” destination."
God has given you a GPS. It is the Holy Spirit in residence within you. This GPS, He, The Holy Spirit, has one ultimate destination and many, many short term destinations for you.
The way to know its leading is by discerning the short term destination within its long term destination. In the long run God’s GPS is directing you toward His Kingdom. That trajectory always feels right. Other trajectories leave you with a sense of emptiness, disillusionment, disappointment, lack of fulfillment and transitory-ness.
When I go home, regardless of the day’s job, if I pay attention, I can know which trajectory my short term destinations that day were on.
Prayer
“Lord, today help me stop when I sense the “cloud” has stopped and to go when I sense the “cloud” is going. I want to follow you, not me. Amen”
To follow Pastor Jeff on Twitter use "jefflampl"
WHEN TO GO, WHEN TO STAY
"Whenever the cloud moved from the tent, the people would break camp and follow; then they would set up camp and stay there, until it moved again. when it moved, they moved." Exodus 40:35-37
Some say that timing is everything.
But how do you know when the right time for anything is? God made it simple, visible and easy for the Israelites. If the cloud leaves, you leave. If the cloud stays, you stay. God gave them a GPS. When the cloud stopped it would “say”, “You have reached your “short term” destination."
God has given you a GPS. It is the Holy Spirit in residence within you. This GPS, He, The Holy Spirit, has one ultimate destination and many, many short term destinations for you.
The way to know its leading is by discerning the short term destination within its long term destination. In the long run God’s GPS is directing you toward His Kingdom. That trajectory always feels right. Other trajectories leave you with a sense of emptiness, disillusionment, disappointment, lack of fulfillment and transitory-ness.
When I go home, regardless of the day’s job, if I pay attention, I can know which trajectory my short term destinations that day were on.
Prayer
“Lord, today help me stop when I sense the “cloud” has stopped and to go when I sense the “cloud” is going. I want to follow you, not me. Amen”
To follow Pastor Jeff on Twitter use "jefflampl"
Monday, October 24, 2011
More to the Story, Chapter 6
DECISIONS YOU MAKE AFFECT THOSE TRAVELING WITH YOU
Every parent has been there. The trip ahead is long. The travel schedule is tight. You hit the road with a full tank, confident the plan you have crafted beats anything AAA could muster. But twenty minutes down the highway you hear a small, squeaky voice from the backseat. The artillery begins to bombard you. The questions.
Some you expected. Are we there yet? How much longer? Can we get something to eat?
The next barrage is unexpected. Who was the first person to decide to squeeze those things on a cow and drink whatever came out? Why does our dog get mad at us when we blow in his face but when we take him on a car ride he sticks his head out of the window?
Every parent has been there. Questions from the backseat. You come to expect them. Every journey to a destination includes them. The same is true for the journey of faith.
Just like kids on a trip we get tired of the journey. We want to know when we can stop. We get tired of serving. We get tired of waiting. We get tired of the people we’re traveling with.
And we grumble. The Israelites did. They complained about the food, about the place they were traveling, and about their ‘driver’ Moses.
Grumbling does not set well with God. In fact, our grumbling can lead to our wandering. When offered the chance to leave Kadesh and enter the Promised Land, the Israelites listened to the fear-filled report from ten spies instead of the faith-full report of Joshua and Caleb.
Kadesh means “Spring of Decision” and it was time for one. They were in the right place to make the right decision. But the majority made the wrong one. The people wished they had died in the desert. So God told them they would get their wish. They would wander until the unbelieving generation died out.
And they did. They wandered in the Wilderness for forty years. And their children were impacted by their decisions. The decisions you make affect those around you, just like the decisions the Israelites made at Kadesh. You can decide to grumble or be thankful. You can decide to turn away from God or turn toward God. You can decide to wander without purpose through life or follow God’s vision for your life.
Just don’t forget that those in the backseat will be affected by your decisions.
To follow Pastor Jeff on Twitter use "jefflampl"
DECISIONS YOU MAKE AFFECT THOSE TRAVELING WITH YOU
Every parent has been there. The trip ahead is long. The travel schedule is tight. You hit the road with a full tank, confident the plan you have crafted beats anything AAA could muster. But twenty minutes down the highway you hear a small, squeaky voice from the backseat. The artillery begins to bombard you. The questions.
Some you expected. Are we there yet? How much longer? Can we get something to eat?
The next barrage is unexpected. Who was the first person to decide to squeeze those things on a cow and drink whatever came out? Why does our dog get mad at us when we blow in his face but when we take him on a car ride he sticks his head out of the window?
Every parent has been there. Questions from the backseat. You come to expect them. Every journey to a destination includes them. The same is true for the journey of faith.
Just like kids on a trip we get tired of the journey. We want to know when we can stop. We get tired of serving. We get tired of waiting. We get tired of the people we’re traveling with.
And we grumble. The Israelites did. They complained about the food, about the place they were traveling, and about their ‘driver’ Moses.
Grumbling does not set well with God. In fact, our grumbling can lead to our wandering. When offered the chance to leave Kadesh and enter the Promised Land, the Israelites listened to the fear-filled report from ten spies instead of the faith-full report of Joshua and Caleb.
Kadesh means “Spring of Decision” and it was time for one. They were in the right place to make the right decision. But the majority made the wrong one. The people wished they had died in the desert. So God told them they would get their wish. They would wander until the unbelieving generation died out.
And they did. They wandered in the Wilderness for forty years. And their children were impacted by their decisions. The decisions you make affect those around you, just like the decisions the Israelites made at Kadesh. You can decide to grumble or be thankful. You can decide to turn away from God or turn toward God. You can decide to wander without purpose through life or follow God’s vision for your life.
Just don’t forget that those in the backseat will be affected by your decisions.
To follow Pastor Jeff on Twitter use "jefflampl"
Friday, October 21, 2011
THE STORY, Chapter 5
Exodus 19-20; 24-25; 32-34; 40
New Commands and a New Covenant
The Temple - A Place for God to Dwell
“the glory of the LORD filled the Tabernacle. Moses could no longer enter the Tabernacle because the cloud had settled down over it, and the glory of the LORD filled the Tabernacle." Exodus 40:34-35(NLT)
Reflection
In Genesis 2 God dwelt on earth among people in Eden. Thereafter , however, human beings, having chosen to separate themselves from submission to God’s love and provision, became untethered to their Master. I was once taught that “as the glory of a kite is to be tethered to the one flying it, so the glory of a human is to be tethered to his or her Master. It is the tethering that causes us ‘to fly’”.
In Exodus God told Moses to build a locale, a tabernacle (a special tent), in which His presence would dwell. It was placed in the center of the immense Hebrew community. It was a visible reminder of the necessity of their being “tethered” to God. As long as it was God among them who led, they would flourish.
In the New Testament, the locale of God, the place of his residence, is each believer. The body of of believer in Jesus Christ is the temple of the Holy Spirit.
In what ways are you conscious of being “tethered” to the leading of the Holy Spirit? Do you respond to the Spirit’s tugs and pulls?
Prayer
“Lord, this day I will be attentive to your "tugs and pulls". Rather than busily pursuing my tasks, I will slow down a bit, listen more, sense your leading and as I do, Lord, help me to follow your lead at each moment, not mine. In the name of Jesus, Amen."
Exodus 19-20; 24-25; 32-34; 40
New Commands and a New Covenant
The Temple - A Place for God to Dwell
“the glory of the LORD filled the Tabernacle. Moses could no longer enter the Tabernacle because the cloud had settled down over it, and the glory of the LORD filled the Tabernacle." Exodus 40:34-35(NLT)
Reflection
In Genesis 2 God dwelt on earth among people in Eden. Thereafter , however, human beings, having chosen to separate themselves from submission to God’s love and provision, became untethered to their Master. I was once taught that “as the glory of a kite is to be tethered to the one flying it, so the glory of a human is to be tethered to his or her Master. It is the tethering that causes us ‘to fly’”.
In Exodus God told Moses to build a locale, a tabernacle (a special tent), in which His presence would dwell. It was placed in the center of the immense Hebrew community. It was a visible reminder of the necessity of their being “tethered” to God. As long as it was God among them who led, they would flourish.
In the New Testament, the locale of God, the place of his residence, is each believer. The body of of believer in Jesus Christ is the temple of the Holy Spirit.
In what ways are you conscious of being “tethered” to the leading of the Holy Spirit? Do you respond to the Spirit’s tugs and pulls?
Prayer
“Lord, this day I will be attentive to your "tugs and pulls". Rather than busily pursuing my tasks, I will slow down a bit, listen more, sense your leading and as I do, Lord, help me to follow your lead at each moment, not mine. In the name of Jesus, Amen."
Thursday, October 20, 2011
THE STORY, Chapter 5
Exodus 19-20; 24-25; 32-34; 40
New Commands and a New Covenant
Adultery on the Honeymoon
“When the people saw how long it was taking Moses to come back down the mountain, they gathered around Aaron. 'Come on,' they said, 'make us some gods who can lead us. We don’t know what happened to this fellow Moses, who brought us here from the land of Egypt.'All the people took the gold rings from their ears . . .melted it down, and molded it into the shape of a calf. When the people saw it, they exclaimed, 'O Israel, these are the gods who brought you out of the land of Egypt!' ”Exodus 32:1-4(NLT)
Reflection
Imagine getting married and while on your Honeymoon you find your spouse in bed with one of the Hotel employees. How would you feel? Would it hurt? Would it make you angry? Jealous? Feel betrayed? Would it be grounds for divorce?
Immediately after the (“wedding”) covenant “ceremony” at Sinai, the people broke the first commandment, the most fundamental of all of them. They went after another lover.
God’s anger “burned” against his people. Perhaps this way of reading the events of Exodus 20 and 32 help us to understand the intensity of God’s love. It is a fiercely committed love which expects reciprocation.
Prayer
“Lord, one of my favorite hymns is 'Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing' in which we sing the line 'prone to wander, Lord I feel it, prone to leave the one I love.' I confess, Lord, that that's me. Forgive me Lord, and give me strength to stay true to you daily. Amen"
Exodus 19-20; 24-25; 32-34; 40
New Commands and a New Covenant
Adultery on the Honeymoon
“When the people saw how long it was taking Moses to come back down the mountain, they gathered around Aaron. 'Come on,' they said, 'make us some gods who can lead us. We don’t know what happened to this fellow Moses, who brought us here from the land of Egypt.'All the people took the gold rings from their ears . . .melted it down, and molded it into the shape of a calf. When the people saw it, they exclaimed, 'O Israel, these are the gods who brought you out of the land of Egypt!' ”Exodus 32:1-4(NLT)
Reflection
Imagine getting married and while on your Honeymoon you find your spouse in bed with one of the Hotel employees. How would you feel? Would it hurt? Would it make you angry? Jealous? Feel betrayed? Would it be grounds for divorce?
Immediately after the (“wedding”) covenant “ceremony” at Sinai, the people broke the first commandment, the most fundamental of all of them. They went after another lover.
God’s anger “burned” against his people. Perhaps this way of reading the events of Exodus 20 and 32 help us to understand the intensity of God’s love. It is a fiercely committed love which expects reciprocation.
Prayer
“Lord, one of my favorite hymns is 'Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing' in which we sing the line 'prone to wander, Lord I feel it, prone to leave the one I love.' I confess, Lord, that that's me. Forgive me Lord, and give me strength to stay true to you daily. Amen"
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
THE STORY, Chapter 5
Exodus 19-20; 24-25; 32-34; 40
New Commands and a New Covenant
The Next 6 Commandments Teach Us How to Love Others
5. "Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land
the LORD your God is giving you." Exodus 20:12
6. "You must not murder." Exodus 20:13
7. "You must not commit adultery." Exodus 20:14
8. "You must not steal" Exodus 20:15
9. "You must not testify falsely against your neighbor." Exodus 20:16
10."You must not covet your neighbor's house. You must not covet your neighbor's wife, male or female servant, ox or donkey, or anything else that belongs to your neighbor." Exodus 20:17
Reflection
Each of these commandments is huge. #5 is daily training which prepares us to obey the first commandment. Jesus gives us the depth of numbers 6 and 7 in Matthew 5:20-30. All six are practical ways to love and honor others. When asked, Jesus summarized all the commands of the Bible with these words: “‘You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37-40
Prayer
“Lord, please open the eyes of my heart so that I can see your boundless love for me, a love that penetrates my heart such that it gives me the capacity that only you can give so that I can love you back. And Lord help me love others today as well. In Christ's name. Amen"
Exodus 19-20; 24-25; 32-34; 40
New Commands and a New Covenant
The Next 6 Commandments Teach Us How to Love Others
5. "Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land
the LORD your God is giving you." Exodus 20:12
6. "You must not murder." Exodus 20:13
7. "You must not commit adultery." Exodus 20:14
8. "You must not steal" Exodus 20:15
9. "You must not testify falsely against your neighbor." Exodus 20:16
10."You must not covet your neighbor's house. You must not covet your neighbor's wife, male or female servant, ox or donkey, or anything else that belongs to your neighbor." Exodus 20:17
Reflection
Each of these commandments is huge. #5 is daily training which prepares us to obey the first commandment. Jesus gives us the depth of numbers 6 and 7 in Matthew 5:20-30. All six are practical ways to love and honor others. When asked, Jesus summarized all the commands of the Bible with these words: “‘You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37-40
Prayer
“Lord, please open the eyes of my heart so that I can see your boundless love for me, a love that penetrates my heart such that it gives me the capacity that only you can give so that I can love you back. And Lord help me love others today as well. In Christ's name. Amen"
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
THE STORY, Chapter 5
Exodus 19-20; 24-25; 32-34; 40
New Commands and a New Covenant
The First Four Commandments Teach Us How to Love God
1. “You must not have any other god but me." Exodus 20:3
2. “You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea." Exodus 20:4
3. “You must not misuse the name of the LORD your God. The LORD will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name." Exodus 20:7
4. “Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.” Exodus 20:8
Reflection
The first 4 commandments can be summed by Jesus’ statement “the most important commandment is to love God with all your heart, mind and strength” (Matt. 22)
In the Bible the words love, believe, trust, obey are different ways to view the same thing. If you think you have one of them without the others, then you don’t have the one. They’re a package deal. Loving God means never to use God or Jesus or Christ in a profane way, nor to swear by him, nor talk of Him in any way that diminishes His Holiness.
The most important of the four is the first. What other gods do you rely on for your “salvation?”. Identify them, apologize to God and reassert to him the first lines of the Lord’s Prayer. Then ask his help in living it.
Prayer
“Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven . . . . Amen”
THE STORY, Chapter 5
Exodus 19-20; 24-25; 32-34; 40
New Commands and a New Covenant
The First Four Commandments Teach Us How to Love God
1. “You must not have any other god but me." Exodus 20:3
2. “You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea." Exodus 20:4
3. “You must not misuse the name of the LORD your God. The LORD will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name." Exodus 20:7
4. “Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.” Exodus 20:8
Reflection
The first 4 commandments can be summed by Jesus’ statement “the most important commandment is to love God with all your heart, mind and strength” (Matt. 22)
In the Bible the words love, believe, trust, obey are different ways to view the same thing. If you think you have one of them without the others, then you don’t have the one. They’re a package deal. Loving God means never to use God or Jesus or Christ in a profane way, nor to swear by him, nor talk of Him in any way that diminishes His Holiness.
The most important of the four is the first. What other gods do you rely on for your “salvation?”. Identify them, apologize to God and reassert to him the first lines of the Lord’s Prayer. Then ask his help in living it.
Prayer
“Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven . . . . Amen”
Monday, October 17, 2011
THE STORY, Chapter 5
Exodus 19-20; 24-25; 32-34, 40
New Commands and a New Covenant
God's Covenant with Believers
"You have seen what I did to the Egyptians. You know how I carried you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself. Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth." Exodus 19:4-5(NLT)
Reflection
Before issuing the 10 commandments in Exodus 20, God set the conditions of his Covenant with His people. His part was to rescue them and their part was to obey. It was like a wedding ceremony. God committed Himself to the Hebrews and the Hebrews were to reciprocate.
Can you see how obedience is more like keeping one's wedding vows than obeying the law? It's not about law, crime and punishment, rather it's about faithfulness to the one who loves you and is committed to you.
It's like seeking to honor your spouse. Do you do it because you have to or because you want to?
Prayer
“Lord, thank you for your love and forgiveness and grace and faithfulness even when I keep my end of the vows so poorly. Thank you for loving me. Help me love you back. Amen"
Exodus 19-20; 24-25; 32-34, 40
New Commands and a New Covenant
God's Covenant with Believers
"You have seen what I did to the Egyptians. You know how I carried you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself. Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth." Exodus 19:4-5(NLT)
Reflection
Before issuing the 10 commandments in Exodus 20, God set the conditions of his Covenant with His people. His part was to rescue them and their part was to obey. It was like a wedding ceremony. God committed Himself to the Hebrews and the Hebrews were to reciprocate.
Can you see how obedience is more like keeping one's wedding vows than obeying the law? It's not about law, crime and punishment, rather it's about faithfulness to the one who loves you and is committed to you.
It's like seeking to honor your spouse. Do you do it because you have to or because you want to?
Prayer
“Lord, thank you for your love and forgiveness and grace and faithfulness even when I keep my end of the vows so poorly. Thank you for loving me. Help me love you back. Amen"
Friday, October 14, 2011
THE STORY, Chapter 4
Exodus 1-7, 10-14
Deliverance
These Ten Commandments (the first four are vertical -- they honor God -- the next six concern love of others) give us the fundamental structure of how to live well. They are not a bunch of joy killing don'ts, rather they represent the protection of a loving Father for his children. They also imply provision. God provides what we need when we restrict our appetites in favor of God's provision. Protection and Provision of our gracious God and Father.
2 "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.
3 "You shall have no other gods before me.
4 "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me,
6 but showing love to a thousand [generations] of those who love me and keep my commandments.
7 "You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.
8 "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates. 11 For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.
12 "Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.
13 "You shall not murder.
14 "You shall not commit adultery.
15 "You shall not steal.
16 "You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. 17 "You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor." Exodus 20:2-17 (NIV)
Prayer
“Lord, I accept the 10 commandments as a pathway, not to sinlessness, but to life. They protect me from evil and they lead me to life within the confines of life as you built it to be experienced. Amen."
Exodus 1-7, 10-14
Deliverance
These Ten Commandments (the first four are vertical -- they honor God -- the next six concern love of others) give us the fundamental structure of how to live well. They are not a bunch of joy killing don'ts, rather they represent the protection of a loving Father for his children. They also imply provision. God provides what we need when we restrict our appetites in favor of God's provision. Protection and Provision of our gracious God and Father.
2 "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.
3 "You shall have no other gods before me.
4 "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me,
6 but showing love to a thousand [generations] of those who love me and keep my commandments.
7 "You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.
8 "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates. 11 For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.
12 "Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.
13 "You shall not murder.
14 "You shall not commit adultery.
15 "You shall not steal.
16 "You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. 17 "You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor." Exodus 20:2-17 (NIV)
Prayer
“Lord, I accept the 10 commandments as a pathway, not to sinlessness, but to life. They protect me from evil and they lead me to life within the confines of life as you built it to be experienced. Amen."
Thursday, October 13, 2011
THE STORY, Chapter 4
Exodus 1-7, 10-14
Deliverance
You are a Minister of Jesus Christ
"I carried you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself. Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation." Exodus 19:4-6(NIV)
"You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy." 1 Peter 2:9-10(NIV)
You are a Minister of Jesus Christ
God promised to make every man, woman and child of Israel a priest, a minister, a connector of God and people. But that promise was contingent on their obedience. They did not obey and therefore did not live out the promise.
However, in the New Testament all those who trust in Jesus are declared the very same “kingdom of Priests” which God had proclaimed for the Israelites at Sinai. How? Through the obedience of Jesus.
This is not optional. If you are a follower of Jesus and are therefore “saved” your are automatically enrolled with God as a minister of Jesus Christ. Christians serve. There is no such thing as a Christian who is not on active duty in God’s “Salvation army”. Remember God’s job description of all in Abraham’s family tree (including all who are adopted into that family tree through Jesus)? That job description, life purpose was and is “Blessed to be a blessing”.
Prayer
“Lord, lead me this day to someone whom you want me to bless and serve. Thank you, Lord. Amen."
Exodus 1-7, 10-14
Deliverance
You are a Minister of Jesus Christ
"I carried you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself. Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation." Exodus 19:4-6(NIV)
"You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy." 1 Peter 2:9-10(NIV)
You are a Minister of Jesus Christ
God promised to make every man, woman and child of Israel a priest, a minister, a connector of God and people. But that promise was contingent on their obedience. They did not obey and therefore did not live out the promise.
However, in the New Testament all those who trust in Jesus are declared the very same “kingdom of Priests” which God had proclaimed for the Israelites at Sinai. How? Through the obedience of Jesus.
This is not optional. If you are a follower of Jesus and are therefore “saved” your are automatically enrolled with God as a minister of Jesus Christ. Christians serve. There is no such thing as a Christian who is not on active duty in God’s “Salvation army”. Remember God’s job description of all in Abraham’s family tree (including all who are adopted into that family tree through Jesus)? That job description, life purpose was and is “Blessed to be a blessing”.
Prayer
“Lord, lead me this day to someone whom you want me to bless and serve. Thank you, Lord. Amen."
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
THE STORY, Chapter 3
Exodus 1-7, 10-14
Deliverance
The Passover
"On that same night I will pass through Egypt and strike down every firstborn -- both men and animals -- and I will bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt. I am the LORD. The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are; and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt." Exodus 12:12-13(NIV)
"Christ our Passover has been sacrificed for us." I Corinthians 5:7
The Only Way to Heaven is . . . .
Jesus’ death on the cross, the sacrifice of His life as a substitute for our death, the blood of Jesus “over the doorpost of my soul”.
Yahweh brought 10 plagues on Egypt convincing Pharaoh to allow Moses to lead the Israelites out of slavery. The 10th plague was the death of the firstborn of all families except for those families who had put the blood of an innocent, first born, perfect, sacrificial lamb on the doorframe their house. The Angel of death “passed over” those houses and they were thereby saved. In the New Testament Jesus is the “lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.”
There is no other way to be freed from your sin. There is no other provision of God to enable your entrance into heaven. Without Jesus we die in our sin. When I meet God face to face one day and if he were to ask me “why should I let you into heaven” I have only one answer. “because of what Your Son Jesus did for me on the cross 2,000 years ago, (as foreshadowed by Passover)
Prayer
“Lord, I recognize that your death on the cross 2,000 years ago opened the gates of heaven to every person who ever lived. I also recognized that only those who trust, receive, follow, believe and enter your love are those who actually enter heaven. Lord, I choose to be among the latter by following you today. Amen."
Exodus 1-7, 10-14
Deliverance
The Passover
"On that same night I will pass through Egypt and strike down every firstborn -- both men and animals -- and I will bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt. I am the LORD. The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are; and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt." Exodus 12:12-13(NIV)
"Christ our Passover has been sacrificed for us." I Corinthians 5:7
The Only Way to Heaven is . . . .
Jesus’ death on the cross, the sacrifice of His life as a substitute for our death, the blood of Jesus “over the doorpost of my soul”.
Yahweh brought 10 plagues on Egypt convincing Pharaoh to allow Moses to lead the Israelites out of slavery. The 10th plague was the death of the firstborn of all families except for those families who had put the blood of an innocent, first born, perfect, sacrificial lamb on the doorframe their house. The Angel of death “passed over” those houses and they were thereby saved. In the New Testament Jesus is the “lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.”
There is no other way to be freed from your sin. There is no other provision of God to enable your entrance into heaven. Without Jesus we die in our sin. When I meet God face to face one day and if he were to ask me “why should I let you into heaven” I have only one answer. “because of what Your Son Jesus did for me on the cross 2,000 years ago, (as foreshadowed by Passover)
Prayer
“Lord, I recognize that your death on the cross 2,000 years ago opened the gates of heaven to every person who ever lived. I also recognized that only those who trust, receive, follow, believe and enter your love are those who actually enter heaven. Lord, I choose to be among the latter by following you today. Amen."
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
THE STORY, Chapter 4
Exodus 1-7, 10-14
Deliverance
God's Anger
Moses said, "Lord, please send someone else." . . . .Then the LORD's anger burned against Moses. Exodus 4:13-14
Reflection
When God called Moses at the burning bush, he was reluctant to do what God asked. He made excuses and tried to get out of the call to lead his people out of Egypt. Rather than gentle encouragement we learn that Yahweh "burned with anger."
God cares about hurting, oppressed, and disadvantaged people and he calls on believers to intervene on their behalf. If we say no, our "no" is not a small deal to God. God doesn't just ask, He expects us to be "our brother's keeper."
To what call of God on your life have you said no? Will you repent and say yes?
Prayer
“Lord, forgive me for resisting your call on me to (fill in the blank) ________________________________. Show me my next step in following you and with your help I will take it. In Christ's name. Amen."
Exodus 1-7, 10-14
Deliverance
God's Anger
Moses said, "Lord, please send someone else." . . . .Then the LORD's anger burned against Moses. Exodus 4:13-14
Reflection
When God called Moses at the burning bush, he was reluctant to do what God asked. He made excuses and tried to get out of the call to lead his people out of Egypt. Rather than gentle encouragement we learn that Yahweh "burned with anger."
God cares about hurting, oppressed, and disadvantaged people and he calls on believers to intervene on their behalf. If we say no, our "no" is not a small deal to God. God doesn't just ask, He expects us to be "our brother's keeper."
To what call of God on your life have you said no? Will you repent and say yes?
Prayer
“Lord, forgive me for resisting your call on me to (fill in the blank) ________________________________. Show me my next step in following you and with your help I will take it. In Christ's name. Amen."
Monday, October 10, 2011
THE STORY, Chapter 4
Exodus 1-7, 10-14
Deliverance
YHWH
“I AM WHO I AM . . . .say to the Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to you.' . . .this is my name forever, the name by which I am to be remembered from generation to generation." Exodus 3:14-15(NIV)
Reflection
Elohim is the Hebrew word for the creator God in Genesis 1. YHWH (Hebrew has no vowels) is rendered “the Lord” in the Bible beginning in Genesis 2 and now God reveals himself to Moses also as YHWH. We pronounce this name Yaweh as a guess. This is the aspect of God who is personal, who intervenes, who is active in history and in your life. Jehovah is another way to say YHWH. When a Hebrew would read the Bible the name YHWH was too holy to pronounce, therefore they would say “adonai” (the secular term for ‘lord’). The name Jehovah comes from misapplying the vowels of adonai to YHWH.
With this history in mind we learn that the Names of God were intended to be revered and honored as indeed they were.
May I suggest that none of us ever use the Lord’s name in vain, speaking the name of God or Jesus or Christ only in the most reverent and respectful of ways?
Prayer
“Lord, I will not only honor your name today with my lips, I will seek to live, speak and act so that others may sense that my life is one which is about honoring God. For this, Lord, I ask your help. Amen."
Exodus 1-7, 10-14
Deliverance
YHWH
“I AM WHO I AM . . . .say to the Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to you.' . . .this is my name forever, the name by which I am to be remembered from generation to generation." Exodus 3:14-15(NIV)
Reflection
Elohim is the Hebrew word for the creator God in Genesis 1. YHWH (Hebrew has no vowels) is rendered “the Lord” in the Bible beginning in Genesis 2 and now God reveals himself to Moses also as YHWH. We pronounce this name Yaweh as a guess. This is the aspect of God who is personal, who intervenes, who is active in history and in your life. Jehovah is another way to say YHWH. When a Hebrew would read the Bible the name YHWH was too holy to pronounce, therefore they would say “adonai” (the secular term for ‘lord’). The name Jehovah comes from misapplying the vowels of adonai to YHWH.
With this history in mind we learn that the Names of God were intended to be revered and honored as indeed they were.
May I suggest that none of us ever use the Lord’s name in vain, speaking the name of God or Jesus or Christ only in the most reverent and respectful of ways?
Prayer
“Lord, I will not only honor your name today with my lips, I will seek to live, speak and act so that others may sense that my life is one which is about honoring God. For this, Lord, I ask your help. Amen."
Friday, October 7, 2011
THE STORY, Chapter 3
Genesis 37, 39, 41-48, 50
Never Forget this Passage
"Even though you planned evil against me, God planned good to come out of it. This was to keep many people alive, as he is doing now." Genesis 50:20
What It Means
Jospeh's brothers intended to banish him from their world. First they were going to kill him, but then his brother Reuben intervened. They sold him into slavery and that ended it. Their brother was out of their lives. Decades later a drought drove his brothers to Egypt looking for food. Joseph, now second only to Pharaoh in Egypt, is able to speak the above words to his brothers. God had used his brothers' evil intent toward Joseph to save their very lives. Incredible.
God is doing this at every moment in all places on planet earth. Without this kind of constant intervening, turning evil plans on their head and using them for good, humanity would destroy itself.
And thank God for those who, like Joseph, consciously and intentionally arrange their lives around God's plans for and through them. Is that you?
Prayer
"Lord, please help me to view all misdeeds done to me by others as raw material for you to use to bring about good. And Lord, as I choose to believe this, help me to be among the Josephs of the world whom you use to heal the world. Amen"
Genesis 37, 39, 41-48, 50
Never Forget this Passage
"Even though you planned evil against me, God planned good to come out of it. This was to keep many people alive, as he is doing now." Genesis 50:20
What It Means
Jospeh's brothers intended to banish him from their world. First they were going to kill him, but then his brother Reuben intervened. They sold him into slavery and that ended it. Their brother was out of their lives. Decades later a drought drove his brothers to Egypt looking for food. Joseph, now second only to Pharaoh in Egypt, is able to speak the above words to his brothers. God had used his brothers' evil intent toward Joseph to save their very lives. Incredible.
God is doing this at every moment in all places on planet earth. Without this kind of constant intervening, turning evil plans on their head and using them for good, humanity would destroy itself.
And thank God for those who, like Joseph, consciously and intentionally arrange their lives around God's plans for and through them. Is that you?
Prayer
"Lord, please help me to view all misdeeds done to me by others as raw material for you to use to bring about good. And Lord, as I choose to believe this, help me to be among the Josephs of the world whom you use to heal the world. Amen"
Thursday, October 6, 2011
THE STORY, Chapter 3
Genesis 37, 39, 41-48, 50
Jesus in Genesis
“You are a lion's cub, O Judah . . . The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, until he comes to whom it belongs and the obedience of the nations is his." Genesis 49:8-10(NIV)
Jesus is Right Now Ruling Earth
The Lion is the “king of beasts” (This passage is the reason that the Jesus figure in the Chronicles of Narnia is a lion). Furthermore, a scepter is the property of Kings. The big picture of the Bible is that God in Jesus Christ created the universe and He is currently ruling over it. The above passage is one of many Old Testament references to this big picture. Jesus is a descendent of Abraham through his grandson, Judah, the brother of Joseph and one of Jacob’s 12 sons. This passage predicts the coming of one man to whom all nations will one day declare their obedience. That one man is Jesus. Notice the following New Testament verse.
“Therefore God exalted him (Jesus) to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus
every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:9-11(NIV)
Prayer
“Lord, may this big picture of You as, in and with Jesus Christ currently ruling all things and holding all things together inspire me to exercise a more relaxed kind of trust, the kind that knows and believes deeply, despite my failures, that you are at every moment making all things new (Revelation 21:5) Amen."
Genesis 37, 39, 41-48, 50
Jesus in Genesis
“You are a lion's cub, O Judah . . . The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, until he comes to whom it belongs and the obedience of the nations is his." Genesis 49:8-10(NIV)
Jesus is Right Now Ruling Earth
The Lion is the “king of beasts” (This passage is the reason that the Jesus figure in the Chronicles of Narnia is a lion). Furthermore, a scepter is the property of Kings. The big picture of the Bible is that God in Jesus Christ created the universe and He is currently ruling over it. The above passage is one of many Old Testament references to this big picture. Jesus is a descendent of Abraham through his grandson, Judah, the brother of Joseph and one of Jacob’s 12 sons. This passage predicts the coming of one man to whom all nations will one day declare their obedience. That one man is Jesus. Notice the following New Testament verse.
“Therefore God exalted him (Jesus) to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus
every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:9-11(NIV)
Prayer
“Lord, may this big picture of You as, in and with Jesus Christ currently ruling all things and holding all things together inspire me to exercise a more relaxed kind of trust, the kind that knows and believes deeply, despite my failures, that you are at every moment making all things new (Revelation 21:5) Amen."
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
THE STORY, Chapter 3
Genesis 37, 39, 41-48, 50
What Would You Do?
“Joseph was a strikingly handsome man. As time went on, his master's wife became infatuated with Joseph and one day said, 'Sleep with me.' He wouldn't do it." Genesis 39:6-8
How God Turns Pride into Character
After revealing his dream to his brothers, they physically overwhelmed him, sold him as a slave to Ishmaelites (remember Isaac’s older brother to whom Arabs and Muslims trace their descent?), who in turn sold him to Pharaoh as a slave. He rose in and out of imprisonment he rose in prominence until the wife of royalty tried to seduce him. He refused and was once again imprisoned when she claimed he attempted rape.
Sometimes life turns pride to humility. But humility alone isn’t enough. A defeated humility gains nothing. A “poor me, whatever you want, Lord, I can do nothing” humility cannot bless others. It turns a person into a taker instead of a giver. But when God turns the strength of pride into the strength to do the right and hard and humiliating thing in the face of temptation, then that’s a humility that God can use. That’s character. It is that God developed, God shaped character that God used to save all of Israel.
God takes you just as you are and then shapes you so that the best percolates to the top and the worst falls away. It’s not an easy process and usually not a happy one, but it’s a good one, one, looking back on which, each of us will be empowered to say, “thank you, Lord. Thank you for the life you have given me and have used”
Prayer
“Lord, please use me to bless others. Whatever the cost, whatever the pain, shape me, use me, make my life one that will have been a blessing in this brief life I live . . . . whenever, wherever, however. Amen."
Genesis 37, 39, 41-48, 50
What Would You Do?
“Joseph was a strikingly handsome man. As time went on, his master's wife became infatuated with Joseph and one day said, 'Sleep with me.' He wouldn't do it." Genesis 39:6-8
How God Turns Pride into Character
After revealing his dream to his brothers, they physically overwhelmed him, sold him as a slave to Ishmaelites (remember Isaac’s older brother to whom Arabs and Muslims trace their descent?), who in turn sold him to Pharaoh as a slave. He rose in and out of imprisonment he rose in prominence until the wife of royalty tried to seduce him. He refused and was once again imprisoned when she claimed he attempted rape.
Sometimes life turns pride to humility. But humility alone isn’t enough. A defeated humility gains nothing. A “poor me, whatever you want, Lord, I can do nothing” humility cannot bless others. It turns a person into a taker instead of a giver. But when God turns the strength of pride into the strength to do the right and hard and humiliating thing in the face of temptation, then that’s a humility that God can use. That’s character. It is that God developed, God shaped character that God used to save all of Israel.
God takes you just as you are and then shapes you so that the best percolates to the top and the worst falls away. It’s not an easy process and usually not a happy one, but it’s a good one, one, looking back on which, each of us will be empowered to say, “thank you, Lord. Thank you for the life you have given me and have used”
Prayer
“Lord, please use me to bless others. Whatever the cost, whatever the pain, shape me, use me, make my life one that will have been a blessing in this brief life I live . . . . whenever, wherever, however. Amen."
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
THE STORY, Chapter 3
Genesis 37, 39, 41-48, 50
Joseph's Really, Really Bad Idea
“Joseph . . told . . his brothers, 'Listen to this dream I had. We were all out in the field gathering bundles of wheat. All of a sudden my bundle stood straight up and your bundles circled around it and bowed down to mine.'
8 His brothers said, 'So! You're going to rule us? You're going to boss us around?' And they hated him more than ever because of his dreams and the way he talked” Genesis 37:5-8
Pastor's Reflections
Some Dreams are best kept to yourself. As a general rule older brothers don’t like to be told that they will bow down to their younger brother.
Joseph’s youthful pride and immaturity got him in trouble. That’s what usually gets me in trouble too. God used a dream to inform and encourage Joseph. God was preparing Joseph for a difficult life which would culminate in God using him to save his brothers. But in his pride Joseph could only hear self elevation. His dream wasn’t about him. It was about God.
Prayer
“Lord, help me to remember, 'It’s not about me'. 'It’s about You'. Forgive me for thinking and acting as if others exist to make my life better. You have blessed me to be a blessing. To that end I ask your help. Amen”
Genesis 37, 39, 41-48, 50
Joseph's Really, Really Bad Idea
“Joseph . . told . . his brothers, 'Listen to this dream I had. We were all out in the field gathering bundles of wheat. All of a sudden my bundle stood straight up and your bundles circled around it and bowed down to mine.'
8 His brothers said, 'So! You're going to rule us? You're going to boss us around?' And they hated him more than ever because of his dreams and the way he talked” Genesis 37:5-8
Pastor's Reflections
Some Dreams are best kept to yourself. As a general rule older brothers don’t like to be told that they will bow down to their younger brother.
Joseph’s youthful pride and immaturity got him in trouble. That’s what usually gets me in trouble too. God used a dream to inform and encourage Joseph. God was preparing Joseph for a difficult life which would culminate in God using him to save his brothers. But in his pride Joseph could only hear self elevation. His dream wasn’t about him. It was about God.
Prayer
“Lord, help me to remember, 'It’s not about me'. 'It’s about You'. Forgive me for thinking and acting as if others exist to make my life better. You have blessed me to be a blessing. To that end I ask your help. Amen”
Monday, October 3, 2011
Reading for Sunday, October 9
THE STORY, Chapter 3 Genesis 37, 39, 41-48, 50
God is Building a Nation
Through which He will Heal the World
He Begins with Abraham, his son Isaac and Isaac's son, Jacob.
Now God continues His plan through Joseph.
“Jacob loved Joseph more than he did any of his other sons, because Joseph was born after Jacob was very old. Jacob had given Joseph a fancy coat to show that he was his favorite son, and so Joseph's brothers hated him and would not be friendly to him." Genesis 37:3-4(CEV)
Pastor's Comments
Beginning with Abraham God enters the mess and sin of humanity. He chose to do so through a pagan man named Abraham. What’s interesting to me as the story unfolds is that we don’t see the kinds of godly role models that I would have expected from the Bible. Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, and Ishmael are a “soap opera”. Jacob, Esau, Rebekka and Isaac are a story of deceit. And now the story of Joseph begins with favoritism, unwise parenting, jealousy and hate.
Does it encourage you that the heroes of the Bible are not “better people” than you are? It is intended to. God enters the mess of your life and brings good out of it if you submit to him. This does not mean that you will become suddenly “good”. No. But it does mean that you belong to God and that he can now shape you and the events of your life instead of the other way around.
Prayer
“Lord, I want to be like the kite that soars all the higher and most acrobatically when most tightly tethered to its Master. Forgive me for trying to soar apart from being tethered to you. I'm tired of crashing. Amen"
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