More to The Story - Chapter 11 - David
FACING YOUR GIANTS WHEN YOU FEEL SMALL
Imagine the scene: a scrawny sixteen year old shepherd boy takes out a 9’9” tall giant with one rock and a sling. You may not have a gigantic giant taunting you to come out and fight. But you are probably facing a few giants of your own. Giants like the stack of past-due bills glaring at you. Like the divorce papers waiting on your signature. Or the depression that looms over you like the Hulk. It could be low self-esteem or insecurity or child abuse in your past. But you have your giants. And so do I. And we would do well to learn from David.
He could face his “giant” because he had spent time in the quiet with God. When he arrived at the place of the standoff between the Israelites and the Philistines, he talked about God. He told Saul that “TheLORD who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine”
(I Samuel 17:37). He did not hesitate to confront Goliath, saying he came “in the name of the Lord of host, the God of the armies of Israel.”
David was God-focused instead of giant-focused. He mentions Goliath two times and God nine times.He knew the giant was there and recognized his presence. But his thoughts were twice as much on God.
That focus led him to confront his giant rather than run away. For forty days Goliath continued to challenge Israel’s army. And for forty days everyone hoped he would just go away. But giants don’t typically go away until we face them. So David stepped into the gap and slung one well-aimed stone at him.
It helps to have someone in your corner that believes in you. David had his Jonathan. You need yours.You need at least one person who believes in you and that also believes in God. Someone who can encourage your faith — give you courage — when you most need it.
And you will need it. Because after you slay one giant, there will be more. You may wonder why Davidpicked up five stones from the river bed. Was he afraid he might miss? Not likely. He was skilled in his use of the sling.
Samuel 21:18-22 hints that Goliath may have had four brothers. David was ready. He could take onone giant. You might say knew how to get ahead of his giant. And then he was ready for more.
And you can too. Follow the shepherd from Bethlehem
You can follow Pastor Jeff on Twitter @jefflampl
Monday, November 28, 2011
Friday, November 25, 2011
More to The Story - Chapter 10 - 1 Samuel
HOW DOES GOD JUDGE?
“The LORD said to Samuel, 'Don't judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him.' the LORD doesn't see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart. " I Samuel 16:7(NLT)
REFLECTION
God doesn’t see things the way you and I see them. Each us succumbs to superficial judgments. We must be diligent to repent when we do and seek to avoid them whenever possible. God judges the heart. Far, far too many times I have said or thought things like, “if his heart were right, he wouldn’t act like that”. Well, how do I know? How do I know what kind of life he’s had, perhaps including tragedy, abuse, abandonment, with no one to love him. Maybe he, in all his apparent shortcomings has come light years further toward God in Christ than I, with all my advantages in life, have.
PRAYER
“Lord, please help me to see others with your eyes. Help me to be less impressed with outward things, especially when superficial, and more impressed with others’ heart toward you. Amen”
You can follow Pastor Jeff on Twitter @jefflampl
HOW DOES GOD JUDGE?
“The LORD said to Samuel, 'Don't judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him.' the LORD doesn't see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart. " I Samuel 16:7(NLT)
REFLECTION
God doesn’t see things the way you and I see them. Each us succumbs to superficial judgments. We must be diligent to repent when we do and seek to avoid them whenever possible. God judges the heart. Far, far too many times I have said or thought things like, “if his heart were right, he wouldn’t act like that”. Well, how do I know? How do I know what kind of life he’s had, perhaps including tragedy, abuse, abandonment, with no one to love him. Maybe he, in all his apparent shortcomings has come light years further toward God in Christ than I, with all my advantages in life, have.
PRAYER
“Lord, please help me to see others with your eyes. Help me to be less impressed with outward things, especially when superficial, and more impressed with others’ heart toward you. Amen”
You can follow Pastor Jeff on Twitter @jefflampl
Thursday, November 24, 2011
More to The Story - Chapter 10 - 1 Samuel
HOW NOT TO VOTE FOR A PRESIDENT
“Saul was the most handsome man in Israel — head and shoulders taller than anyone else in the land.He went out looking for his father’s donkeys”
I Samuel 9:2,3)
“Everyone asked the LORD, 'Where is our new King?' And the LORD replied, 'He is hiding among the baggage.' " (I Samuel 10:22-23)
REFLECTION
If you’re a republican, who will you vote for in the PA primary? If you use 1 Samuel 9 as your guide, you will choose the tallest, best looking male who is looking for his donkeys and is hiding among the baggage during new conferences.
Israel did accept these qualifications and the Lord did allow them to do so as in , ‘okay, if this is what you insist on, this is what you get.’
Beware of the “is ought” fallacy. Just because something is described in the Bible doesn’t mean we should do it. Choosing Saul was a misadventure we must avoid. We need God, not shallow, superficial, quick fix “heroes”.
So what it is that God IS looking for? Check tomorrow’s email.
PRAYER
“Lord, as the PA primaries approach, please provide us with insight about which candidates will best represent your will for America. Help me to discern and cast my ballot wisely. In Jesus’ name. Amen”
You can follow Pastor Jeff on Twitter @jefflampl
HOW NOT TO VOTE FOR A PRESIDENT
“Saul was the most handsome man in Israel — head and shoulders taller than anyone else in the land.He went out looking for his father’s donkeys”
I Samuel 9:2,3)
“Everyone asked the LORD, 'Where is our new King?' And the LORD replied, 'He is hiding among the baggage.' " (I Samuel 10:22-23)
REFLECTION
If you’re a republican, who will you vote for in the PA primary? If you use 1 Samuel 9 as your guide, you will choose the tallest, best looking male who is looking for his donkeys and is hiding among the baggage during new conferences.
Israel did accept these qualifications and the Lord did allow them to do so as in , ‘okay, if this is what you insist on, this is what you get.’
Beware of the “is ought” fallacy. Just because something is described in the Bible doesn’t mean we should do it. Choosing Saul was a misadventure we must avoid. We need God, not shallow, superficial, quick fix “heroes”.
So what it is that God IS looking for? Check tomorrow’s email.
PRAYER
“Lord, as the PA primaries approach, please provide us with insight about which candidates will best represent your will for America. Help me to discern and cast my ballot wisely. In Jesus’ name. Amen”
You can follow Pastor Jeff on Twitter @jefflampl
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
More to The Story - Chapter 10 - 1 Samuel
THREE THINGS YOU WANT FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR CHILDREN
“Now the young man Samuel was ministering to the LORD under Eli. And the word of the LORD was rare in those days; there was no frequent vision.
At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his own place. The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was.
Then the LORD called Samuel, and he said, "Here I am!" and ran to Eli and said, "Here I am, for you called me." But he said, "I did not call; lie down again." So he went and lay down.
And the LORD called again, "Samuel!" and Samuel arose and went to Eli and said, "Here I am, for you called me. "But he said, "I did not call, my son; lie down again." Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, and the word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him.
And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli and said, "Here I am, for you called me." Then Eli perceived that the LORD was calling the young man. Therefore Eli said to Samuel, "Go, lie down, and if he calls you, you shall say, 'Speak, LORD, for your servant hears.'" So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
And the LORD came and stood, calling as at other times, "Samuel! Samuel!" And Samuel said, "Speak, for your servant hears." (I Samuel 3:1-10)
Prayer
“Lord, these three things I pray; that my home may be an environment conducive to hearing your voice; that our home be an environment which creates a desire to obey you; that our home be an environment in which your presence elicits actual trust in and obedience of You. Amen" Comment
You can follow Pastor Jeff on Twitter @jefflampl
THREE THINGS YOU WANT FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR CHILDREN
“Now the young man Samuel was ministering to the LORD under Eli. And the word of the LORD was rare in those days; there was no frequent vision.
At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his own place. The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was.
Then the LORD called Samuel, and he said, "Here I am!" and ran to Eli and said, "Here I am, for you called me." But he said, "I did not call; lie down again." So he went and lay down.
And the LORD called again, "Samuel!" and Samuel arose and went to Eli and said, "Here I am, for you called me. "But he said, "I did not call, my son; lie down again." Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, and the word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him.
And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli and said, "Here I am, for you called me." Then Eli perceived that the LORD was calling the young man. Therefore Eli said to Samuel, "Go, lie down, and if he calls you, you shall say, 'Speak, LORD, for your servant hears.'" So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
And the LORD came and stood, calling as at other times, "Samuel! Samuel!" And Samuel said, "Speak, for your servant hears." (I Samuel 3:1-10)
Prayer
“Lord, these three things I pray; that my home may be an environment conducive to hearing your voice; that our home be an environment which creates a desire to obey you; that our home be an environment in which your presence elicits actual trust in and obedience of You. Amen" Comment
You can follow Pastor Jeff on Twitter @jefflampl
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
More to The Story - Chapter 10 - 1 Samuel
THE SONG OF HANNA
Following is the song of Hannah at the news that Samuel was to be born. It is so Messianic that Mary incorporated this song into her song at the conception and birth of Jesus. I encourage you to read it slowly and think carefully about everything 1Samuel 2.
Hannah prayed:
"I'm bursting with GOD-news! I'm walking on air.
I'm laughing at my rivals. I'm dancing my salvation.
2-5 Nothing and no one is holy like GOD,
no rock mountain like our God.
Don't dare talk pretentiously—
not a word of boasting, ever!
For GOD knows what's going on.
He takes the measure of everything that happens.
The weapons of the strong are smashed to pieces,
while the weak are infused with fresh strength.
The well-fed are out begging in the streets for crusts,
while the hungry are getting second helpings.
The barren woman has a houseful of children,
while the mother of many is bereft.
6-10 GOD brings death and GOD brings life,
brings down to the grave and raises up.
GOD brings poverty and GOD brings wealth;
he lowers, he also lifts up.
He puts poor people on their feet again;
he rekindles burned-out lives with fresh hope,
Restoring dignity and respect to their lives—
a place in the sun!
For the very structures of earth are GOD 's;
he has laid out his operations on a firm foundation.
He protectively cares for his faithful friends, step by step,
but leaves the wicked to stumble in the dark.
No one makes it in this life by sheer muscle!
GOD 's enemies will be blasted out of the sky,
crashed in a heap and burned.
GOD will set things right all over the earth,
he'll give strength to his king,
he'll set his anointed on top of the world!”
This, however, is only the beginning of their story. As you will discover, the harvest is beginning when life is at its lowest.
You can follow Pastor Jeff on Twitter @jefflampl
THE SONG OF HANNA
Following is the song of Hannah at the news that Samuel was to be born. It is so Messianic that Mary incorporated this song into her song at the conception and birth of Jesus. I encourage you to read it slowly and think carefully about everything 1Samuel 2.
Hannah prayed:
"I'm bursting with GOD-news! I'm walking on air.
I'm laughing at my rivals. I'm dancing my salvation.
2-5 Nothing and no one is holy like GOD,
no rock mountain like our God.
Don't dare talk pretentiously—
not a word of boasting, ever!
For GOD knows what's going on.
He takes the measure of everything that happens.
The weapons of the strong are smashed to pieces,
while the weak are infused with fresh strength.
The well-fed are out begging in the streets for crusts,
while the hungry are getting second helpings.
The barren woman has a houseful of children,
while the mother of many is bereft.
6-10 GOD brings death and GOD brings life,
brings down to the grave and raises up.
GOD brings poverty and GOD brings wealth;
he lowers, he also lifts up.
He puts poor people on their feet again;
he rekindles burned-out lives with fresh hope,
Restoring dignity and respect to their lives—
a place in the sun!
For the very structures of earth are GOD 's;
he has laid out his operations on a firm foundation.
He protectively cares for his faithful friends, step by step,
but leaves the wicked to stumble in the dark.
No one makes it in this life by sheer muscle!
GOD 's enemies will be blasted out of the sky,
crashed in a heap and burned.
GOD will set things right all over the earth,
he'll give strength to his king,
he'll set his anointed on top of the world!”
This, however, is only the beginning of their story. As you will discover, the harvest is beginning when life is at its lowest.
You can follow Pastor Jeff on Twitter @jefflampl
Monday, November 21, 2011
More to The Story - Chapter 10 - Samuel and Saul
Giving an Undistorted View of God
Ever since Peter Stuyvesant visited the Palace of Versailles the world has had a distorted view of itself. Peter was the governor of New Amsterdam—later to be renamed New York City—beginning in 1647. He was visiting France to discuss colonial land agreements. While at Versailles he was awed by the Hall of Mirrors.
Peter was determined to bring a similarly amazing showcase to his city. In 1651 he founded the Peter Stuyvesant’s House of Mirrors. He charged one Dutch gulden for admission.
This house of mirrors eventually morphed into what we know as a Fun House of Mirrors seen at many carnivals. For a few tickets the fun begins by walking into a maze of mirrors, both convex and concave. We amuse ourselves by looking at distorted images of our figure.
Today you don’t even have to go to the carnival for this experience. A laptop with a webcam and a silly photo feature will allow you to take a picture of yourself that you can manipulate to look odd. It’s all fun. But sometimes distorted pictures can cause trouble. It did in Israel during the time of the prophet Samuel. One of the major distortions was found at the Tabernacle, that portable place of praise for God’s people.
It was parked at Shiloh and was meant to be a clear picture of God’s holiness and grace. A system of sacrifices had been established that foreshadowed the coming sacrifice of the Messiah. Yet anything but holiness was found there.
Eli the priest had two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, who dishonored God in their treatment of the sacrifices and also engaged in immoral sexual activity with women at the Tabernacle (I Samuel 2:16, 22) Because the picture of God they were giving was distorted, these two were killed in battle against the Philistines. When news of their death reached Eli, he fell over in his chair, broke his neck, and also died.
Just like Eli and his sons we are representatives of God. We represent Jesus to others. You may have heard it said that you may be the only Bible those around you will ever ‘read.’ The question is, “Are you giving a clear or distorted picture of the One True God?”
Prayer
“Lord, I have learned from reading The Story that no human being can ever give a perfectly clear picture of God. Yet I have also learned that, “man looks at the outward appearance, but You look at the heart” (I Samuel 16:7). Lord, help me to monitor my attitudes and words this day. Amen”
You can follow Pastor Jeff on Twitter @jefflampl
Giving an Undistorted View of God
Ever since Peter Stuyvesant visited the Palace of Versailles the world has had a distorted view of itself. Peter was the governor of New Amsterdam—later to be renamed New York City—beginning in 1647. He was visiting France to discuss colonial land agreements. While at Versailles he was awed by the Hall of Mirrors.
Peter was determined to bring a similarly amazing showcase to his city. In 1651 he founded the Peter Stuyvesant’s House of Mirrors. He charged one Dutch gulden for admission.
This house of mirrors eventually morphed into what we know as a Fun House of Mirrors seen at many carnivals. For a few tickets the fun begins by walking into a maze of mirrors, both convex and concave. We amuse ourselves by looking at distorted images of our figure.
Today you don’t even have to go to the carnival for this experience. A laptop with a webcam and a silly photo feature will allow you to take a picture of yourself that you can manipulate to look odd. It’s all fun. But sometimes distorted pictures can cause trouble. It did in Israel during the time of the prophet Samuel. One of the major distortions was found at the Tabernacle, that portable place of praise for God’s people.
It was parked at Shiloh and was meant to be a clear picture of God’s holiness and grace. A system of sacrifices had been established that foreshadowed the coming sacrifice of the Messiah. Yet anything but holiness was found there.
Eli the priest had two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, who dishonored God in their treatment of the sacrifices and also engaged in immoral sexual activity with women at the Tabernacle (I Samuel 2:16, 22) Because the picture of God they were giving was distorted, these two were killed in battle against the Philistines. When news of their death reached Eli, he fell over in his chair, broke his neck, and also died.
Just like Eli and his sons we are representatives of God. We represent Jesus to others. You may have heard it said that you may be the only Bible those around you will ever ‘read.’ The question is, “Are you giving a clear or distorted picture of the One True God?”
Prayer
“Lord, I have learned from reading The Story that no human being can ever give a perfectly clear picture of God. Yet I have also learned that, “man looks at the outward appearance, but You look at the heart” (I Samuel 16:7). Lord, help me to monitor my attitudes and words this day. Amen”
You can follow Pastor Jeff on Twitter @jefflampl
Friday, November 18, 2011
More to The Story - Chapter 9 - Ruth
WHY ARE RAHAB AND RUTH IN THE STORY?
"Naomi (told Ruth), "Wait, my daughter, until you find out what happens. For the man will not rest until the matter is settled today." Ruth 3:18(NIV)
“So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. . . . and she gave birth to a son. The women living there said, 'Naomi has a (grand)son.' And they named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David. This, then, is the family line of Perez:
Perez was the father of Hezron,
Hezron the father of Ram, Ram the father of Amminadab,
Amminadab the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon,
Salmon the father of Boaz, Boaz the father of Obed,
Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of David." Ruth 4:13-22
“Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of King David. David was the father,. . . of Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ." Matthew 1:6-16
REFLECTION
Naomi told Ruth to wait. She did and true to her hope, Boaz did not fail her. Boaz and Ruth married. They became parents and Naomi and a grandmother. God used this mixed family with a faithful foreigner to continue the family line into which Jesus was born.
Did you notice Rahab of Jericho in Matthew’s genealogy? What a mix. Israelites, foreigners, sinners and saints. Maybe God actually does use little people like us in ways that are beyond our comprehension.
Prayer
“Lord, thank you for Ruth’s story, which is actually, once again, Your story, the story of You, the One who redeems the unredeemable . . . . . people like me . . . .and of all things, you use me in the process of redeeming others. You are beyond amazing. Amen.”
You can follow Pastor Jeff on Twitter @jefflampl
WHY ARE RAHAB AND RUTH IN THE STORY?
"Naomi (told Ruth), "Wait, my daughter, until you find out what happens. For the man will not rest until the matter is settled today." Ruth 3:18(NIV)
“So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. . . . and she gave birth to a son. The women living there said, 'Naomi has a (grand)son.' And they named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David. This, then, is the family line of Perez:
Perez was the father of Hezron,
Hezron the father of Ram, Ram the father of Amminadab,
Amminadab the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon,
Salmon the father of Boaz, Boaz the father of Obed,
Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of David." Ruth 4:13-22
“Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of King David. David was the father,. . . of Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ." Matthew 1:6-16
REFLECTION
Naomi told Ruth to wait. She did and true to her hope, Boaz did not fail her. Boaz and Ruth married. They became parents and Naomi and a grandmother. God used this mixed family with a faithful foreigner to continue the family line into which Jesus was born.
Did you notice Rahab of Jericho in Matthew’s genealogy? What a mix. Israelites, foreigners, sinners and saints. Maybe God actually does use little people like us in ways that are beyond our comprehension.
Prayer
“Lord, thank you for Ruth’s story, which is actually, once again, Your story, the story of You, the One who redeems the unredeemable . . . . . people like me . . . .and of all things, you use me in the process of redeeming others. You are beyond amazing. Amen.”
You can follow Pastor Jeff on Twitter @jefflampl
Thursday, November 17, 2011
More to The Story - Chapter 9 - Ruth
BOAZ THE "KINSMAN REDEEMER"
"The LORD bless him!" Naomi said to her daughter-in-law. "He (Boaz) has not stopped showing his kindness to the living and the dead." She added, "That man is our close relative; he is one of our kinsman-redeemers." Ruth 2:20(NIV)
REFLECTION
In a tribal culture like Israel, family members were expected to take care of relatives. The next of kin, a male, played an especially important role in Israel, that of “kinsman-redeemer”. He could be called upon to fulfill three specific duties:
1. To redeem property and or relatives. In Israel all property was a family possession, an inheritance that dated back to the time of Joshua. If land or a relative was sold to pay off debt, it was the kinsman-redeemer’s job to pay off the debt, thereby redeeming the land or relative (Lev. 25:24-30, 47-55, Jer. 32:6-15)2.
2. To provide an heir through marriage. If a man died without an heir, it was the surviving brother’s duty to marry the widow and provide an heir to carry on his inheritance. (Deut. 25:5-10)3.
3. To avenge the unlawful death of a family member.
Boaz sought to fulfill this role for Ruth, not because he had to (another man was first in line) but out of love, because he wanted to. He felt it a privilege to marry Ruth.
Since the time of Jesus, Christians have seen Jesus foreshadowed in the Kinsman-Redeemer, Boaz. Can you see the parallels?
Prayer
“Lord, thank you for “buying me back” from the world of shattered dreams, false starts and bad endings. As wonderful a man as Boaz was, as much as he gave to Ruth and Naomi, his generosity pales in comparison to Yours. Lord I am grateful to You. Thank You. Amen”
You can follow Pastor Jeff on Twitter @jefflampl
BOAZ THE "KINSMAN REDEEMER"
"The LORD bless him!" Naomi said to her daughter-in-law. "He (Boaz) has not stopped showing his kindness to the living and the dead." She added, "That man is our close relative; he is one of our kinsman-redeemers." Ruth 2:20(NIV)
REFLECTION
In a tribal culture like Israel, family members were expected to take care of relatives. The next of kin, a male, played an especially important role in Israel, that of “kinsman-redeemer”. He could be called upon to fulfill three specific duties:
1. To redeem property and or relatives. In Israel all property was a family possession, an inheritance that dated back to the time of Joshua. If land or a relative was sold to pay off debt, it was the kinsman-redeemer’s job to pay off the debt, thereby redeeming the land or relative (Lev. 25:24-30, 47-55, Jer. 32:6-15)2.
2. To provide an heir through marriage. If a man died without an heir, it was the surviving brother’s duty to marry the widow and provide an heir to carry on his inheritance. (Deut. 25:5-10)3.
3. To avenge the unlawful death of a family member.
Boaz sought to fulfill this role for Ruth, not because he had to (another man was first in line) but out of love, because he wanted to. He felt it a privilege to marry Ruth.
Since the time of Jesus, Christians have seen Jesus foreshadowed in the Kinsman-Redeemer, Boaz. Can you see the parallels?
Prayer
“Lord, thank you for “buying me back” from the world of shattered dreams, false starts and bad endings. As wonderful a man as Boaz was, as much as he gave to Ruth and Naomi, his generosity pales in comparison to Yours. Lord I am grateful to You. Thank You. Amen”
You can follow Pastor Jeff on Twitter @jefflampl
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
More to The Story - Chapter 9 - Ruth
"AS IT TURNED OUT"
"So, (at the insistence of Naomi, Ruth) went out and began to glean in the fields behind the harvesters. As it turned out, she found herself working in a field belonging to Boaz, who was from the clan of Elimelech." (Naomi’s clan) Ruth 2:3
REFLECTION
Coincidences are far underrated. “It’s just a coincidence” we say.
Naomi and Ruth returned to Israel and they needed food. Because Jewish law provided for foreigners to be able glean left over crops, Ruth went out to the field to gather some grain. It just so happened that the field belonged to Boaz, a male relative of Naomi.
We have seen that Naomi’s and Ruth’s shattered dream of family had introduced Ruth to the God of Israel and had brought them into a deep and unparalleled friendship. Now hope was beginning to introduce itself as well.
Often the greatest gifts of God can only be seen, perhaps even only received in the midst of pain.
Prayer
“Lord, throughout scripture you reveal to us that help comes from very different directions. Thank you Lord, that you are working on my behalf even when I am most blinded to it. Amen”
You can follow Pastor Jeff on Twitter @jefflampl
"AS IT TURNED OUT"
"So, (at the insistence of Naomi, Ruth) went out and began to glean in the fields behind the harvesters. As it turned out, she found herself working in a field belonging to Boaz, who was from the clan of Elimelech." (Naomi’s clan) Ruth 2:3
REFLECTION
Coincidences are far underrated. “It’s just a coincidence” we say.
Naomi and Ruth returned to Israel and they needed food. Because Jewish law provided for foreigners to be able glean left over crops, Ruth went out to the field to gather some grain. It just so happened that the field belonged to Boaz, a male relative of Naomi.
We have seen that Naomi’s and Ruth’s shattered dream of family had introduced Ruth to the God of Israel and had brought them into a deep and unparalleled friendship. Now hope was beginning to introduce itself as well.
Often the greatest gifts of God can only be seen, perhaps even only received in the midst of pain.
Prayer
“Lord, throughout scripture you reveal to us that help comes from very different directions. Thank you Lord, that you are working on my behalf even when I am most blinded to it. Amen”
You can follow Pastor Jeff on Twitter @jefflampl
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
More to the Story - Chapter 9 - Ruth
WHEN DREAMS ARE SHATTERED
"Ruth insisted to her mother-in-law, Naomi, 'Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me.' " Ruth 1:16-17
"Don't call me Naomi," she told them. "Call me Mara, because the Almighty has made my life very bitter. I went away full, but the LORD has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi? The LORD has afflicted me; the Almighty has brought misfortune upon me." Ruth 1:20-12
REFLECTION
During a famine during the reign of Gideon Naomi and her husband left Israel and settled in Moab, enemy territory. There they had two sons who married and life was good. However, Naomi’s husband and two sons died and she returned to Israel with one of her daughters-in-law, Ruth.
Notice in the passages above how each handles their pain.
This, however, is only the beginning of their story. As you will discover, the harvest is beginning when life is at its lowest.
How would you describe your reactions when you were in the midst of a shattered dream?
Prayer
“Lord, Jesus told us clearly that ‘the rain falls on the just and the unjust and the sun shines on the evil and the good.’ Help me to be incredibly grateful for the good moments you give and to be persistently hopeful in the bad. In the name of Jesus, our Redeemer. Amen”
You can follow Pastor Jeff on Twitter @jefflampl
WHEN DREAMS ARE SHATTERED
"Ruth insisted to her mother-in-law, Naomi, 'Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me.' " Ruth 1:16-17
"Don't call me Naomi," she told them. "Call me Mara, because the Almighty has made my life very bitter. I went away full, but the LORD has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi? The LORD has afflicted me; the Almighty has brought misfortune upon me." Ruth 1:20-12
REFLECTION
During a famine during the reign of Gideon Naomi and her husband left Israel and settled in Moab, enemy territory. There they had two sons who married and life was good. However, Naomi’s husband and two sons died and she returned to Israel with one of her daughters-in-law, Ruth.
Notice in the passages above how each handles their pain.
This, however, is only the beginning of their story. As you will discover, the harvest is beginning when life is at its lowest.
How would you describe your reactions when you were in the midst of a shattered dream?
Prayer
“Lord, Jesus told us clearly that ‘the rain falls on the just and the unjust and the sun shines on the evil and the good.’ Help me to be incredibly grateful for the good moments you give and to be persistently hopeful in the bad. In the name of Jesus, our Redeemer. Amen”
You can follow Pastor Jeff on Twitter @jefflampl
Monday, November 14, 2011
More to The Story - Chapter 9 - Ruth
YOU DON'T HAVE TO WAIT TO BE ACCEPTED
Anyone with college-aged kids knows the inundating routine that is college applications. Visit campuses. Choose a few schools to focus on. Make applications. Fill out forms. Write essays.
For anyone who hasn’t “been there, done that,” the filing of the application and financial aid forms is nothing compared to the waiting. It’s like the first time you look at your girlfriend or boyfriend and say, ‘I love you.” You’ve made the first move. And then you wait. You wait to see if they respond in turn.
For the college applicant, the end of the waiting is signaled with a letter in the mailbox – hopefully saying “You have been accepted.”
We all have a desire to be accepted, don’t we? In fact, that desire made it into Maslow’s well-known hierarchy of needs. He theorized that acceptance is basic to our nature and to our psychological health.
Ruth had the same need as we do. She was a Moabite living in Bethlehem who we meet in The Story. She ended up there with her mother-in-law Naomi when her husband died. And she found herself picking up the leftovers after the harvest in a field owned by Boaz.
Boaz discovered she was an outsider—a Moabite—the same people who would oppress his nation for eighteen years. You’d expect fireworks when they met. Instead, Boaz tells Ruth, “May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.”
His acceptance of Ruth goes a step further. Ruth finds him asleep on the threshing floor and lies down at his feet. When he awakens, Ruth asks him to “spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a family guardian.” The word for “garment” is the same Hebrew word for “wings” in the blessing Boaz had pronounced over Ruth. God’s acceptance came to Ruth through Boaz.
Your acceptance did too. You see, Boaz and Ruth had a son named Obed, the father of Jesse, the father of David. In Matthew’s genealogy the lineage of Jesus is traced through David. Boaz is there too along with his mother Rahab (Matt. 1:5). Yes, that Rahab. The prostitute that lived in Canaan and sheltered the two spies Joshua sent into the land.
YOU DON'T HAVE TO WAIT TO BE ACCEPTED
Anyone with college-aged kids knows the inundating routine that is college applications. Visit campuses. Choose a few schools to focus on. Make applications. Fill out forms. Write essays.
For anyone who hasn’t “been there, done that,” the filing of the application and financial aid forms is nothing compared to the waiting. It’s like the first time you look at your girlfriend or boyfriend and say, ‘I love you.” You’ve made the first move. And then you wait. You wait to see if they respond in turn.
For the college applicant, the end of the waiting is signaled with a letter in the mailbox – hopefully saying “You have been accepted.”
We all have a desire to be accepted, don’t we? In fact, that desire made it into Maslow’s well-known hierarchy of needs. He theorized that acceptance is basic to our nature and to our psychological health.
Ruth had the same need as we do. She was a Moabite living in Bethlehem who we meet in The Story. She ended up there with her mother-in-law Naomi when her husband died. And she found herself picking up the leftovers after the harvest in a field owned by Boaz.
Boaz discovered she was an outsider—a Moabite—the same people who would oppress his nation for eighteen years. You’d expect fireworks when they met. Instead, Boaz tells Ruth, “May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.”
His acceptance of Ruth goes a step further. Ruth finds him asleep on the threshing floor and lies down at his feet. When he awakens, Ruth asks him to “spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a family guardian.” The word for “garment” is the same Hebrew word for “wings” in the blessing Boaz had pronounced over Ruth. God’s acceptance came to Ruth through Boaz.
Your acceptance did too. You see, Boaz and Ruth had a son named Obed, the father of Jesse, the father of David. In Matthew’s genealogy the lineage of Jesus is traced through David. Boaz is there too along with his mother Rahab (Matt. 1:5). Yes, that Rahab. The prostitute that lived in Canaan and sheltered the two spies Joshua sent into the land.
Friday, November 11, 2011
More to The Story - Chapter 8 - Judges
GIDEON
“Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD, and for seven years he gave them into the hands of the Midianites” Judges 6:1(NIV)
“One time when the People of Israel had cried out to GOD because of Midian, GOD sent them a prophet with this message: "GOD, the God of Israel, says, I delivered you from Egypt, I freed you from a life of slavery; I rescued you from Egypt's brutality and then from every oppressor; I pushed them out of your way and gave you their land. And I said to you, 'I am GOD, your God. Don't for a minute be afraid of the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living.' But you didn't listen to me."
"Then an Angel of the Lord Appeared to Gideon who was hiding in a wine press. “the Lord is with you mighty warrior!” Judges 6:7-12
REFLECTION
While Gideon is hiding in a wine press from the Midianite raiders, the angel appeared to him and called him a “mighty warrior”.
Yet Gideon is far from being a mighty warrior for the Lord. He and his family worship Baal. He has paralyzing fears, even on the eve of his battle. In the face of God’s clear direction, he sputters, demands repeated signs, uses delaying tactics and worships at night to avoid detection. And finally, after success against his enemy, he leads his people back into idol worship. And THIS is a hero of the Bible?
It seems to me that the bigger lesson is that God works with what he’s got, including you and me. Do you sometimes wonder if your sin is too great for God to forgive and use you?
Prayer
“Lord, thank you for the reminder that you see in me what I can become, not what I am. Lord, I give myself to you as raw material for you to use for your purposes, knowing I am no better, and probably a lot less to work with than Gideon.”
GIDEON
“Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD, and for seven years he gave them into the hands of the Midianites” Judges 6:1(NIV)
“One time when the People of Israel had cried out to GOD because of Midian, GOD sent them a prophet with this message: "GOD, the God of Israel, says, I delivered you from Egypt, I freed you from a life of slavery; I rescued you from Egypt's brutality and then from every oppressor; I pushed them out of your way and gave you their land. And I said to you, 'I am GOD, your God. Don't for a minute be afraid of the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living.' But you didn't listen to me."
"Then an Angel of the Lord Appeared to Gideon who was hiding in a wine press. “the Lord is with you mighty warrior!” Judges 6:7-12
REFLECTION
While Gideon is hiding in a wine press from the Midianite raiders, the angel appeared to him and called him a “mighty warrior”.
Yet Gideon is far from being a mighty warrior for the Lord. He and his family worship Baal. He has paralyzing fears, even on the eve of his battle. In the face of God’s clear direction, he sputters, demands repeated signs, uses delaying tactics and worships at night to avoid detection. And finally, after success against his enemy, he leads his people back into idol worship. And THIS is a hero of the Bible?
It seems to me that the bigger lesson is that God works with what he’s got, including you and me. Do you sometimes wonder if your sin is too great for God to forgive and use you?
Prayer
“Lord, thank you for the reminder that you see in me what I can become, not what I am. Lord, I give myself to you as raw material for you to use for your purposes, knowing I am no better, and probably a lot less to work with than Gideon.”
Thursday, November 10, 2011
More to The Story - Chapter 8 - Judges
DO YOU FIND THIS PATTERN FAMILIAR?
"After that whole generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation grew up, who knew neither the LORD nor what he had done for Israel. Then the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD and served the Baals." Judges 2:10-11
"In his anger against Israel the LORD handed them over to raiders who plundered them. He sold them to their enemies all around, whom they were no longer able to resist." Judges 2:14
"Then the LORD raised up judges, who saved them out of the hands of these raiders." Judges 2:16
Prayer
“Lord, the cycle of Judges makes me think of the cycles of my own life. I experience spiritual renewal and then fade. However, I thank you so much for your Word, the Church, and godly friends and family who come into my life, just at the right time to put me back on track with you.” Amen”
DO YOU FIND THIS PATTERN FAMILIAR?
"After that whole generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation grew up, who knew neither the LORD nor what he had done for Israel. Then the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD and served the Baals." Judges 2:10-11
"In his anger against Israel the LORD handed them over to raiders who plundered them. He sold them to their enemies all around, whom they were no longer able to resist." Judges 2:14
"Then the LORD raised up judges, who saved them out of the hands of these raiders." Judges 2:16
Prayer
“Lord, the cycle of Judges makes me think of the cycles of my own life. I experience spiritual renewal and then fade. However, I thank you so much for your Word, the Church, and godly friends and family who come into my life, just at the right time to put me back on track with you.” Amen”
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
More to The Story - Chapter 8 - Judges
A GOD OF LOVE BRINGING JUDGMENT ON THOUSANDS? Part 2
"Behold then the kindness and severity of God" Romans 11:22
Reflection
The following is a second quote (see yesterday’s reflection for more) from the writings of Yale theologian Miroslav Volf. I hope it helps your thinking about God as it did me.
“My thesis is that the practice of non violence requires a belief in divine vengeance. My thesis will be unpopular with many in the West. But imagine speaking to people (as I have) whose cities and villages have been first plundered, then burned, and leveled to the ground, whose daughters and sisters have been raped, whose fathers and brothers have had their throats slit. Your point to them ---- we should not retaliate??? Why not? I say – the only means of prohibiting violence by us is to insist that violence is only legitimate when comes from God . . .Violence thrives today, secretly nourished by the belief that God refuses to take the sword . . it takes the quiet of a suburb for the birth of the thesis that human nonviolence is a result of a God who refuses to judge." (Italics mine)“
In a scorched land -- soaked in the blood of the innocent, this idea will invariably die, like other pleasant captivities of the liberal mind . . . if God were NOT angry at injustice and deception and did NOT make a final end of violence, that God would not be worthy of our worship”. (See his book “Exlusion and Embrace”)
This next quote comes from theologian H Richard Niebuhr in 1934 as his critique of the liberal, social gospel of his day;
“A God without wrath brought men without sin into a Kingdom without judgment through the ministrations of a Christ without a Cross.”
Prayer
“Lord, once again I am reminded of the cross. You experienced the worst of human violence, exposing its horror. I deserve this, not you. Forgive me Lord. Amen”
A GOD OF LOVE BRINGING JUDGMENT ON THOUSANDS? Part 2
"Behold then the kindness and severity of God" Romans 11:22
Reflection
The following is a second quote (see yesterday’s reflection for more) from the writings of Yale theologian Miroslav Volf. I hope it helps your thinking about God as it did me.
“My thesis is that the practice of non violence requires a belief in divine vengeance. My thesis will be unpopular with many in the West. But imagine speaking to people (as I have) whose cities and villages have been first plundered, then burned, and leveled to the ground, whose daughters and sisters have been raped, whose fathers and brothers have had their throats slit. Your point to them ---- we should not retaliate??? Why not? I say – the only means of prohibiting violence by us is to insist that violence is only legitimate when comes from God . . .Violence thrives today, secretly nourished by the belief that God refuses to take the sword . . it takes the quiet of a suburb for the birth of the thesis that human nonviolence is a result of a God who refuses to judge." (Italics mine)“
In a scorched land -- soaked in the blood of the innocent, this idea will invariably die, like other pleasant captivities of the liberal mind . . . if God were NOT angry at injustice and deception and did NOT make a final end of violence, that God would not be worthy of our worship”. (See his book “Exlusion and Embrace”)
This next quote comes from theologian H Richard Niebuhr in 1934 as his critique of the liberal, social gospel of his day;
“A God without wrath brought men without sin into a Kingdom without judgment through the ministrations of a Christ without a Cross.”
Prayer
“Lord, once again I am reminded of the cross. You experienced the worst of human violence, exposing its horror. I deserve this, not you. Forgive me Lord. Amen”
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
More to The Story - Chapter 8 - Judges
HOW CAN A GOD WHO IS LOVE ORDER THE DESTRUCTION OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE?
After the death of Joshua, the Israelites asked the LORD, "Who will be the first to go up and fight for us against the Canaanites?" JUDGES 1:1(NIV)
Reflection
The following is quoted from the writing of Yale theologian Miroslav Volf. I hope it helps your thinking about God as it did me.
“I used to think that wrath was unworthy of God. Isn’t God love? Shouldn’t divine love be beyond wrath. God is love, and God loves every person and very creature. That’s exactly why God is wrathful against some of them. My last resistance to the idea of God’s wrath was a casualty of the war in the in the former Yugoslavia, the region from which I come. According to some estimates 200,000 people were killed and over 3,000,000 were displaced. My village and cities were destroyed, my people shelled day in and day out, some of them brutalized beyond imagination, and I could not imagine God not being angry. Or think of Rwanda in the last decade of the past century, where 800,000 people were hacked to death in one hundred days! How did God react to the carnage? Doting on the perpetrators in a grandfatherly fashion by refusing to condemn the bloodbath but instead affirming the perpetrators’ basic goodness? Wasn’t God fiercely angry with them? Though I used to complain about the indecency of the idea of God’s wrath, I came to think that I would have to rebel against a God who wasn’t wrathful at the sight of the world of evil. God isn’t wrathful in spite of being love. God is wrathful because God is love."
Prayer
“Lord, thank you for the reminder that anger and love are not necessarily opposites, rather two aspects of the same passion to see others experience the best life possible. Help me Lord to recognize that Your love is not beyond wrath. Amen”
HOW CAN A GOD WHO IS LOVE ORDER THE DESTRUCTION OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE?
After the death of Joshua, the Israelites asked the LORD, "Who will be the first to go up and fight for us against the Canaanites?" JUDGES 1:1(NIV)
Reflection
The following is quoted from the writing of Yale theologian Miroslav Volf. I hope it helps your thinking about God as it did me.
“I used to think that wrath was unworthy of God. Isn’t God love? Shouldn’t divine love be beyond wrath. God is love, and God loves every person and very creature. That’s exactly why God is wrathful against some of them. My last resistance to the idea of God’s wrath was a casualty of the war in the in the former Yugoslavia, the region from which I come. According to some estimates 200,000 people were killed and over 3,000,000 were displaced. My village and cities were destroyed, my people shelled day in and day out, some of them brutalized beyond imagination, and I could not imagine God not being angry. Or think of Rwanda in the last decade of the past century, where 800,000 people were hacked to death in one hundred days! How did God react to the carnage? Doting on the perpetrators in a grandfatherly fashion by refusing to condemn the bloodbath but instead affirming the perpetrators’ basic goodness? Wasn’t God fiercely angry with them? Though I used to complain about the indecency of the idea of God’s wrath, I came to think that I would have to rebel against a God who wasn’t wrathful at the sight of the world of evil. God isn’t wrathful in spite of being love. God is wrathful because God is love."
Prayer
“Lord, thank you for the reminder that anger and love are not necessarily opposites, rather two aspects of the same passion to see others experience the best life possible. Help me Lord to recognize that Your love is not beyond wrath. Amen”
Monday, November 7, 2011
More to the Story - Chapter 8
WHEN YOUR MISTAKES LAND YOU BEFORE A JUDGE
Have you ever had to own up for something you did wrong? Maybe you remember sneaking out to see an R-rated movie and then confessing the truth to your seething parents after you crept in the house past curfew. Or maybe, more recently, you lied to your boss and had to face the consequences once you were found out.
We have all had to come face-to-face with an authority and own up to what we’ve done wrong. Palms sweat, stomach twists and turns. It can feel like you’re going before the judge in a court martial.
Judges elicit a sense of fear, don’t they? They never call you in for something you have done right. We think of them as someone who harshly tells us what we did wrong. And they seem to be everywhere these days on television. There’s Judge Judy and Hatchett. Mathis and Christina. Judge Brown.
Then there are some judges you may not know. They even have a book in the Bible with their name on it. Judges. These judges appeared on the scene to help sort out right and wrong. They also helped people get out of trouble.
God’s people kept putting themselves into a never ending cycle of disobedience, discipline, declaration of wrong, and deliverance. Judges like Deborah and Gideon and Samson helped them find their way back to God.
What did the people do that was so bad they needed judges? Two things. First, they failed to put God first in their lives (JUDGES 1:28). And secondly, they did not teach their children to know God (JUDGES 2:10). These two “sins” led to their downfall and ruin.
Are you making the same mistakes they made? If so, you have a judge that can help you––Jesus. The good news is that when he “calls” you into his office after you’ve messed up, you will look up to see your judge’s face and see your savior there.
Prayer
“Lord, as I read the Story this week, help me to see your message for me in the stories of these men and women who were far, far from perfect, yet allowed themselves to say yes to you and therefore were people who lived lives of consequence. Amen”
You can follow Pastor Jeff on Twitter @jefflampl
WHEN YOUR MISTAKES LAND YOU BEFORE A JUDGE
Have you ever had to own up for something you did wrong? Maybe you remember sneaking out to see an R-rated movie and then confessing the truth to your seething parents after you crept in the house past curfew. Or maybe, more recently, you lied to your boss and had to face the consequences once you were found out.
We have all had to come face-to-face with an authority and own up to what we’ve done wrong. Palms sweat, stomach twists and turns. It can feel like you’re going before the judge in a court martial.
Judges elicit a sense of fear, don’t they? They never call you in for something you have done right. We think of them as someone who harshly tells us what we did wrong. And they seem to be everywhere these days on television. There’s Judge Judy and Hatchett. Mathis and Christina. Judge Brown.
Then there are some judges you may not know. They even have a book in the Bible with their name on it. Judges. These judges appeared on the scene to help sort out right and wrong. They also helped people get out of trouble.
God’s people kept putting themselves into a never ending cycle of disobedience, discipline, declaration of wrong, and deliverance. Judges like Deborah and Gideon and Samson helped them find their way back to God.
What did the people do that was so bad they needed judges? Two things. First, they failed to put God first in their lives (JUDGES 1:28). And secondly, they did not teach their children to know God (JUDGES 2:10). These two “sins” led to their downfall and ruin.
Are you making the same mistakes they made? If so, you have a judge that can help you––Jesus. The good news is that when he “calls” you into his office after you’ve messed up, you will look up to see your judge’s face and see your savior there.
Prayer
“Lord, as I read the Story this week, help me to see your message for me in the stories of these men and women who were far, far from perfect, yet allowed themselves to say yes to you and therefore were people who lived lives of consequence. Amen”
You can follow Pastor Jeff on Twitter @jefflampl
Friday, November 4, 2011
More to the Story - Chapter 7
"AS FOR ME AND MY HOUSE"
“Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."
Joshua 24:14-15(NIV)
REFLECTION
The excerpt is from the Life Application Bible notes: I hope it helps.
“In taking a definite stand for the Lord, Joshua again displayed his spiritual leadership. Regardless of what others decided, because Joshua had made a commitment to God, he was determined to set an example of living by that decision."
“The way we live shows others the strength of our commitment to serving God. The people had to decide whether they would obey the Lord, who had proven his trustworthiness, or obey the local gods, which were only hand-made idols. It's easy to slip into a quiet rebellion—going about life in your own way. But the time comes when you have to choose who or what will control you. The choice is yours. Will it be God, your own limited personality, or another imperfect substitute? Once you have chosen to be controlled by God's Spirit, reaffirm your choice every day."
Prayer
“Lord, all around me are people, teachings, temptations, distractions, which draw me away from you into coveting, even worshiping other things, other gods. Lord help me with the focus and discipline I need to stay in your Word, to say yes to the things which honor You and no what dishonors you."
You can follow Pastor Jeff on Twitter @jefflampl
"AS FOR ME AND MY HOUSE"
“Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."
Joshua 24:14-15(NIV)
REFLECTION
The excerpt is from the Life Application Bible notes: I hope it helps.
“In taking a definite stand for the Lord, Joshua again displayed his spiritual leadership. Regardless of what others decided, because Joshua had made a commitment to God, he was determined to set an example of living by that decision."
“The way we live shows others the strength of our commitment to serving God. The people had to decide whether they would obey the Lord, who had proven his trustworthiness, or obey the local gods, which were only hand-made idols. It's easy to slip into a quiet rebellion—going about life in your own way. But the time comes when you have to choose who or what will control you. The choice is yours. Will it be God, your own limited personality, or another imperfect substitute? Once you have chosen to be controlled by God's Spirit, reaffirm your choice every day."
Prayer
“Lord, all around me are people, teachings, temptations, distractions, which draw me away from you into coveting, even worshiping other things, other gods. Lord help me with the focus and discipline I need to stay in your Word, to say yes to the things which honor You and no what dishonors you."
You can follow Pastor Jeff on Twitter @jefflampl
Thursday, November 3, 2011
More to The Story - Chapter 7
DID GOD COMMAND GENOCIDE?
Jericho
“They devoted the city to the LORD and destroyed with the sword every living thing in it -- men and women, young and old, cattle, sheep and donkeys." Joshua 6:20-21(NIV)
Southern Canaan
"Joshua subdued the whole region . . . He left no survivors. He totally destroyed all who breathed, just as the LORD, the God of Israel, had commanded." Joshua 10:40-42(NIV)
HOW TO READ THE BIBLE FOR UNDERSTANDING
The Bible is not easy to understand. Try to remember that the Bible means what the author of a particular section of it intends it to mean. Attempt to put yourself in the shoes of the original readers, understanding what they would have understood. A good study Bible will help with this.
For example conservative scholars, who believe the entire Bible to be God’s Words to us, teach us how to read the above passage as it was intended to be read and heard. The writing reflects conventional Near Eastern hyperbolic (as in the eagles “slaughtered” the Cowboys) warfare rhetoric used also by the Egyptians, Babylonians, Assyrians and Hittites. So, when you read the rest of Deuteronomy, Joshua and Judges you will discover that (even according to Joshua himself) there were many survivors. Terms of peace were typically offered, and the Canaanites were supposed to have been driven out little by little, while women and children were protected. Indeed the word “city” may refer to military outposts and the word for thousand can also refer to a (much smaller) “unit of people”
YET, God did initiate the destruction of people groups as a judgment on them. And the Israelites themselves were not exempt. I am therefore forced to ask myself as a middle class Christian American, “Am I any less deserving of God’s judgment. Am I complicit and therefore culpable in the sins of 21st century American culture." My answer is yes. Could America (and me with it) find itself experiencing God’s harshest judgment? What’s your answer?
For further study read;
God Behaving Badly, David T Lamb, IVP Books 2011 (the simpler of the two)
Is God a Moral Monster? (Making sense of the Old Testament God), Paul Copan, Baker Books 2011 (this is the more thorough of the two)
Prayer
“Lord, thank for the men and women who continually persist until we can all read your Word as it was written with the intent with which it is written. Help me also to be a hungry student of your Word as well. Amen”
You can follow Pastor Jeff on Twitter @jefflampl
DID GOD COMMAND GENOCIDE?
Jericho
“They devoted the city to the LORD and destroyed with the sword every living thing in it -- men and women, young and old, cattle, sheep and donkeys." Joshua 6:20-21(NIV)
Southern Canaan
"Joshua subdued the whole region . . . He left no survivors. He totally destroyed all who breathed, just as the LORD, the God of Israel, had commanded." Joshua 10:40-42(NIV)
HOW TO READ THE BIBLE FOR UNDERSTANDING
The Bible is not easy to understand. Try to remember that the Bible means what the author of a particular section of it intends it to mean. Attempt to put yourself in the shoes of the original readers, understanding what they would have understood. A good study Bible will help with this.
For example conservative scholars, who believe the entire Bible to be God’s Words to us, teach us how to read the above passage as it was intended to be read and heard. The writing reflects conventional Near Eastern hyperbolic (as in the eagles “slaughtered” the Cowboys) warfare rhetoric used also by the Egyptians, Babylonians, Assyrians and Hittites. So, when you read the rest of Deuteronomy, Joshua and Judges you will discover that (even according to Joshua himself) there were many survivors. Terms of peace were typically offered, and the Canaanites were supposed to have been driven out little by little, while women and children were protected. Indeed the word “city” may refer to military outposts and the word for thousand can also refer to a (much smaller) “unit of people”
YET, God did initiate the destruction of people groups as a judgment on them. And the Israelites themselves were not exempt. I am therefore forced to ask myself as a middle class Christian American, “Am I any less deserving of God’s judgment. Am I complicit and therefore culpable in the sins of 21st century American culture." My answer is yes. Could America (and me with it) find itself experiencing God’s harshest judgment? What’s your answer?
For further study read;
God Behaving Badly, David T Lamb, IVP Books 2011 (the simpler of the two)
Is God a Moral Monster? (Making sense of the Old Testament God), Paul Copan, Baker Books 2011 (this is the more thorough of the two)
Prayer
“Lord, thank for the men and women who continually persist until we can all read your Word as it was written with the intent with which it is written. Help me also to be a hungry student of your Word as well. Amen”
You can follow Pastor Jeff on Twitter @jefflampl
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
More to the Story - Chapter 7
THE SECRET TO SUCCESS
“Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful” Joshua 1:8(NIV)
REFLECTION
I spent much of this weekend with a man who has been reading the Bible with more depth and insight than I have seen in a very long time. His antennae were “up”, meaning that he was discovering passage after passage which applied directly to his life. He would then quote many of those verses from memory, not because he tried to memorize them, but because they were so pertinent to his life. He also recalled the reference.
This wasn’t just incredibly impressive to me, it also reminded me not only how relevant God’s Word is, but also how important it is. Each of us can get off track so very easily. Yet we have the written record of men and women who have trusted (and mistrusted!) God with their finances, calling, relationships, attitude, words, future and so much more.
God’s words to Joshua are as timely for you and me today as they were for Joshua 3,400 years ago.
Prayer
“Lord, I do want to get back into Your Word in a deeper, more attentive, reflective and life altering way. Thank you for the gift of the written Word. Please, Lord, direct me to practices that will bring Your Word alive in new ways. . . . beginning today. Amen”
You can follow Pastor Jeff on Twitter @jefflampl
THE SECRET TO SUCCESS
“Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful” Joshua 1:8(NIV)
REFLECTION
I spent much of this weekend with a man who has been reading the Bible with more depth and insight than I have seen in a very long time. His antennae were “up”, meaning that he was discovering passage after passage which applied directly to his life. He would then quote many of those verses from memory, not because he tried to memorize them, but because they were so pertinent to his life. He also recalled the reference.
This wasn’t just incredibly impressive to me, it also reminded me not only how relevant God’s Word is, but also how important it is. Each of us can get off track so very easily. Yet we have the written record of men and women who have trusted (and mistrusted!) God with their finances, calling, relationships, attitude, words, future and so much more.
God’s words to Joshua are as timely for you and me today as they were for Joshua 3,400 years ago.
Prayer
“Lord, I do want to get back into Your Word in a deeper, more attentive, reflective and life altering way. Thank you for the gift of the written Word. Please, Lord, direct me to practices that will bring Your Word alive in new ways. . . . beginning today. Amen”
You can follow Pastor Jeff on Twitter @jefflampl
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
More to the Story - Chapter 7
IT TAKES COURAGE TO LIVE THE CHRISTIAN LIFE
After the death of Moses . . . the LORD said to Joshua . . "Moses my servant is dead. Now then . . . get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land . . . No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.
6 Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them.
7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.
9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."Joshua 1:1-9(NIV)
REFLECTION
Did you notice that God repeated “strong and courageous” three times? Why is that? It is because Joshua was being asked by God to do something very difficult.
General MacArthur, commander of the American Forces in the Pacific in WW2, called Joshua the greatest military leader who ever lived.
Yet even he, Joshua, needed encouragement. He needed cheered on. He had fear. He needed to know that the Lord was with Him.
Jesus’ last words for us are encouraging. “I will be with you always”.
The only thing more dangerous than following God’s call is not following it. The former usually looks frightening. The latter looks safer and easier. Do you remember the previous generation who died going in circles? They were safe but they died going in circles. What is God calling you to?
Prayer
“Lord, I have fears that prevent me from following you into the “promised land”. Thank you for reminding me that when I go, you are with me. With you help, Lord, I will go. Amen”
You can follow Pastor Jeff on Twitter @jefflampl
IT TAKES COURAGE TO LIVE THE CHRISTIAN LIFE
After the death of Moses . . . the LORD said to Joshua . . "Moses my servant is dead. Now then . . . get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land . . . No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.
6 Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them.
7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.
9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."Joshua 1:1-9(NIV)
REFLECTION
Did you notice that God repeated “strong and courageous” three times? Why is that? It is because Joshua was being asked by God to do something very difficult.
General MacArthur, commander of the American Forces in the Pacific in WW2, called Joshua the greatest military leader who ever lived.
Yet even he, Joshua, needed encouragement. He needed cheered on. He had fear. He needed to know that the Lord was with Him.
Jesus’ last words for us are encouraging. “I will be with you always”.
The only thing more dangerous than following God’s call is not following it. The former usually looks frightening. The latter looks safer and easier. Do you remember the previous generation who died going in circles? They were safe but they died going in circles. What is God calling you to?
Prayer
“Lord, I have fears that prevent me from following you into the “promised land”. Thank you for reminding me that when I go, you are with me. With you help, Lord, I will go. Amen”
You can follow Pastor Jeff on Twitter @jefflampl
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)