Judges 2
1 The angel of the LORD went up from Gilgal to Bokim and said to the Israelites, “I brought you out of Egypt into this land that I swore to give your ancestors, and I said I would never break my covenant with you. 2 For your part, you were not to make any covenants with the people living in this land; instead, you were to destroy their altars. But you disobeyed my command. Why did you do this? 3 So now I declare that I will no longer drive out the people living in your land. They will be thorns in your sides, and their gods will be a constant temptation to you.”
4 When the angel of the LORD finished speaking to all the Israelites, the people wept loudly. 5 So they called the place Bokim (which means “weeping”), and they offered sacrifices there to the LORD.
Again, God makes it plain that disobedience brings disaster. With so many warnings to this effect, why is it that I am still so disobedient to the Word of God? Simple: I am a sinner. I deserve the disaster that comes with my disobedience. The Good News is that because of Jesus, I don’t get what I deserve. When I come before God in repentance, confessing my sin and asking for forgiveness…well, that’s what I get. Isn’t grace sweet? Thank You Jesus!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Disasteroous Disobedience
Joshua 23
14 “Soon I will die, going the way of everything on earth. Deep in your hearts you know that every promise of the LORD your God has come true. Not a single one has failed! 15 But as surely as the LORD your God has given you the good things he promised, he will also bring disaster on you if you disobey him. He will completely destroy you from this good land he has given you. 16 If you break the covenant of the LORD your God by worshiping and serving other gods, his anger will burn against you, and you will quickly vanish from the good land he has given you.”
See? God is a God of His promises! He is a God of love, but most of all He is a God of Holiness Who is to be obeyed as our loving response to Him. Joshua paints it rather plainly here. Disaster awaits the disobedient. Not because God wants to bring disaster upon us, but because disaster is the consequence of disobedience. It has been since the Garden of Eden and it will be until the return of Jesus. Lord, help me to be obedient to You and to Your Word each day.
14 “Soon I will die, going the way of everything on earth. Deep in your hearts you know that every promise of the LORD your God has come true. Not a single one has failed! 15 But as surely as the LORD your God has given you the good things he promised, he will also bring disaster on you if you disobey him. He will completely destroy you from this good land he has given you. 16 If you break the covenant of the LORD your God by worshiping and serving other gods, his anger will burn against you, and you will quickly vanish from the good land he has given you.”
See? God is a God of His promises! He is a God of love, but most of all He is a God of Holiness Who is to be obeyed as our loving response to Him. Joshua paints it rather plainly here. Disaster awaits the disobedient. Not because God wants to bring disaster upon us, but because disaster is the consequence of disobedience. It has been since the Garden of Eden and it will be until the return of Jesus. Lord, help me to be obedient to You and to Your Word each day.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Promises and Obedience
Joshua 21
43 So the LORD gave to Israel all the land he had sworn to give their ancestors, and they took possession of it and settled there. 44 And the LORD gave them rest on every side, just as he had solemnly promised their ancestors. None of their enemies could stand against them, for the LORD helped them conquer all their enemies. 45 Not a single one of all the good promises the LORD had given to the family of Israel was left unfulfilled; everything he had spoken came true.
God is a God of His Word. If God says it, we can bank on it. He fulfills His promises, both to the obedient and to the disobedient. Yeah, god granted the children of Israel their rest, just as He had promised, but the consequences of their disobedience were just around the corner. Why is it that we get lulled into this false sense of security when things appear to be going well for us despite our disobedience? Of course, the proper response to God is obedience in love. Not because we are afraid that He will punish us, but obedience because that is the loving response. I seem to be on quite the obedience kick these days in my devotional writings. Guess it is a lesson I am still learning, and that I obviously need much more teaching on to get me in the proper frame of mind with my Lord.
43 So the LORD gave to Israel all the land he had sworn to give their ancestors, and they took possession of it and settled there. 44 And the LORD gave them rest on every side, just as he had solemnly promised their ancestors. None of their enemies could stand against them, for the LORD helped them conquer all their enemies. 45 Not a single one of all the good promises the LORD had given to the family of Israel was left unfulfilled; everything he had spoken came true.
God is a God of His Word. If God says it, we can bank on it. He fulfills His promises, both to the obedient and to the disobedient. Yeah, god granted the children of Israel their rest, just as He had promised, but the consequences of their disobedience were just around the corner. Why is it that we get lulled into this false sense of security when things appear to be going well for us despite our disobedience? Of course, the proper response to God is obedience in love. Not because we are afraid that He will punish us, but obedience because that is the loving response. I seem to be on quite the obedience kick these days in my devotional writings. Guess it is a lesson I am still learning, and that I obviously need much more teaching on to get me in the proper frame of mind with my Lord.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Completely Obedient
Joshua 18
1 Now that the land was under Israelite control, the entire community of Israel gathered at Shiloh and set up the Tabernacle. 2 But there remained seven tribes who had not yet been allotted their grants of land.
3 Then Joshua asked them, “How long are you going to wait before taking possession of the remaining land the Lord, the God of your ancestors, has given to you?”
How long are you going to wait to be totally obedient to the Lord God Almighty? God expects total obedience, so why, Scott, do you think you can give Him 90% and be satisfied with that? Why do you think that 95% will do? 99%? Lord, God, help me to obey You completely. Every day. May I speak Your Words of life every day, and better still, may I live in such a way others will be attracted to You. May I be completely obedient to my Lord and Master always.
1 Now that the land was under Israelite control, the entire community of Israel gathered at Shiloh and set up the Tabernacle. 2 But there remained seven tribes who had not yet been allotted their grants of land.
3 Then Joshua asked them, “How long are you going to wait before taking possession of the remaining land the Lord, the God of your ancestors, has given to you?”
How long are you going to wait to be totally obedient to the Lord God Almighty? God expects total obedience, so why, Scott, do you think you can give Him 90% and be satisfied with that? Why do you think that 95% will do? 99%? Lord, God, help me to obey You completely. Every day. May I speak Your Words of life every day, and better still, may I live in such a way others will be attracted to You. May I be completely obedient to my Lord and Master always.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Obedience & Consequences
Joshua 15
63 Judah could not dislodge the Jebusites, who were living in Jerusalem; to this day the Jebusites live there with the people of Judah.
Joshua 16
10 They did not dislodge the Canaanites living in Gezer; to this day the Canaanites live among the people of Ephraim but are required to do forced labor.
Because the children of Israel had already disobeyed God’s commands regarding the taking of the Promised Land. We see a couple of examples of them not being able to take care of business the way they should have. And we get frustrated today when we don’t seem to be able to complete the tasks we know God wants us to. Could it be because we are not COMPLETELY obedient to His Word? Hmmm…
63 Judah could not dislodge the Jebusites, who were living in Jerusalem; to this day the Jebusites live there with the people of Judah.
Joshua 16
10 They did not dislodge the Canaanites living in Gezer; to this day the Canaanites live among the people of Ephraim but are required to do forced labor.
Because the children of Israel had already disobeyed God’s commands regarding the taking of the Promised Land. We see a couple of examples of them not being able to take care of business the way they should have. And we get frustrated today when we don’t seem to be able to complete the tasks we know God wants us to. Could it be because we are not COMPLETELY obedient to His Word? Hmmm…
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Humble Joshua
Joshua 14
10 “Now, as you can see, the Lord has kept me alive and well as he promised for all these forty-five years since Moses made this promise—even while Israel wandered in the wilderness. Today I am eighty-five years old. 11 I am as strong now as I was when Moses sent me on that journey, and I can still travel and fight as well as I could then. 12 So give me the hill country that the Lord promised me. You will remember that as scouts we found the descendants of Anak living there in great, walled towns. But if the Lord is with me, I will drive them out of the land, just as the Lord said.”
I love Joshua’s humility here. What, you say? Humility? Bragging that at the age of 85, he can still kick some pagan booty? No, look at the last line in verse 12 again. “But if the Lord is with me, I will drive them out of the land, just as the Lord said.” This is the same Joshua who encountered the angel of God outside of Jericho years earlier and was promptly told that the angel was not on anyone’s side but God’s. Joshua has lived his life that way as well. He doesn’t assume that God is on his side, he simply wants to give the credit, the glory and the honor to God no matter what. Yeah, I need to be more like Joshua in this regard.
10 “Now, as you can see, the Lord has kept me alive and well as he promised for all these forty-five years since Moses made this promise—even while Israel wandered in the wilderness. Today I am eighty-five years old. 11 I am as strong now as I was when Moses sent me on that journey, and I can still travel and fight as well as I could then. 12 So give me the hill country that the Lord promised me. You will remember that as scouts we found the descendants of Anak living there in great, walled towns. But if the Lord is with me, I will drive them out of the land, just as the Lord said.”
I love Joshua’s humility here. What, you say? Humility? Bragging that at the age of 85, he can still kick some pagan booty? No, look at the last line in verse 12 again. “But if the Lord is with me, I will drive them out of the land, just as the Lord said.” This is the same Joshua who encountered the angel of God outside of Jericho years earlier and was promptly told that the angel was not on anyone’s side but God’s. Joshua has lived his life that way as well. He doesn’t assume that God is on his side, he simply wants to give the credit, the glory and the honor to God no matter what. Yeah, I need to be more like Joshua in this regard.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
The Son Doesn't Stand Still
Joshua 10
13 So the sun stood still and the moon stayed in place until the nation of Israel had defeated its enemies.
Is this event not recorded in The Book of Jashar? The sun stayed in the middle of the sky, and it did not set as on a normal day. 14 There has never been a day like this one before or since, when the Lord answered such a prayer. Surely the Lord fought for Israel that day!
When I read of the mighty miracles of God in the Scriptures, I cannot help but be moved. You see, the greatest miracle I have ever experienced is when, on August 27, 1985, God transformed this filthy, rotten pagan into a follower of Christ. Surely the Lord fought for me that day! I don’t want to diminish the miracles recorded in the Scriptures in any way whatsoever, but neither do I want to diminish what God did for me in the watery grave of baptism. And while the sun “stood still” one time to help Israel in the battle described in Joshua chapter 10, the Son does not stand still in His defense of me every day! Frankly, I see that as a far greater miracle. Because of Jesus I am blessed beyond any Old Testament miracle you can find. Those who have been baptized into Christ need to realize what a miracle has taken place, and we need to live our lives accordingly!
13 So the sun stood still and the moon stayed in place until the nation of Israel had defeated its enemies.
Is this event not recorded in The Book of Jashar? The sun stayed in the middle of the sky, and it did not set as on a normal day. 14 There has never been a day like this one before or since, when the Lord answered such a prayer. Surely the Lord fought for Israel that day!
When I read of the mighty miracles of God in the Scriptures, I cannot help but be moved. You see, the greatest miracle I have ever experienced is when, on August 27, 1985, God transformed this filthy, rotten pagan into a follower of Christ. Surely the Lord fought for me that day! I don’t want to diminish the miracles recorded in the Scriptures in any way whatsoever, but neither do I want to diminish what God did for me in the watery grave of baptism. And while the sun “stood still” one time to help Israel in the battle described in Joshua chapter 10, the Son does not stand still in His defense of me every day! Frankly, I see that as a far greater miracle. Because of Jesus I am blessed beyond any Old Testament miracle you can find. Those who have been baptized into Christ need to realize what a miracle has taken place, and we need to live our lives accordingly!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
I'm Baaaaccckkk!
Okay, so the last two weeks have been crazy busy. Not that I haven't done my daily devos, I just haven't posted them here. Rather than go through the "catch-up" process, I am just gonna start with today's devo and let it ride. Thanks to those who have been praying for our friend Kevin Patton, who is now home and recovering from injuries suffered from his 25' fall off of a roof. Thanks for those who have been praying for Peggy's Mom after her fall that broke her right leg. She is in a rehab facility following her surgery and recovering nicely. Thanks to those who continue to pray regarding the situation with my Dad. I'll be making another trip to Alabama soon, and I am sure that my daily posting will be interrupted during that trip. Your prayers mean more to me than I can express with mere words.
Be God's,
Scott
From today's reading in the Chronological One Year Bible:
Joshua 7
24 Then Joshua and all the Israelites took Achan, the silver, the robe, the bar of gold, his sons, daughters, cattle, donkeys, sheep, goats, tent, and everything he had, and they brought them to the valley of Achor. 25 Then Joshua said to Achan, “Why have you brought trouble on us? The Lord will now bring trouble on you.” And all the Israelites stoned Achan and his family and burned their bodies.
The swift justice of the Lord as carried out by Joshua! Oh, that the Lord’s justice was carried out as swiftly today. Of course, were that the case, we would all be in big trouble, wouldn’t we? I praise God for the Mediator we have in Christ Jesus, Who stands between the swift justice of the Lord and me, who deserves the trouble of the Lord being visited upon me swiftly!
Be God's,
Scott
From today's reading in the Chronological One Year Bible:
Joshua 7
24 Then Joshua and all the Israelites took Achan, the silver, the robe, the bar of gold, his sons, daughters, cattle, donkeys, sheep, goats, tent, and everything he had, and they brought them to the valley of Achor. 25 Then Joshua said to Achan, “Why have you brought trouble on us? The Lord will now bring trouble on you.” And all the Israelites stoned Achan and his family and burned their bodies.
The swift justice of the Lord as carried out by Joshua! Oh, that the Lord’s justice was carried out as swiftly today. Of course, were that the case, we would all be in big trouble, wouldn’t we? I praise God for the Mediator we have in Christ Jesus, Who stands between the swift justice of the Lord and me, who deserves the trouble of the Lord being visited upon me swiftly!
Monday, March 9, 2009
My Word Is My Bond
Numbers 30
1 Then Moses summoned the leaders of the tribes of Israel and told them, “This is what the Lord has commanded: 2 A man who makes a vow to the Lord or makes a pledge under oath must never break it. He must do exactly what he said he would do."
Jesus commands us to let our yes be yes and our no be no. We are to be a people of our word. There is no need to swear by heaven or earth or anything in heaven or anything on earth. Just be a people of our word. That is my philosophy. If I say it, you can count on it. Way back when my Bride and I first started dating, I did not say those magical three words she longed to hear. I told her that when I was ready to make that proclamation, she would know that I meant every word of it. We dated for several months, and I had poured my heart out to her. She didn’t run away from me screaming. We grew closer and when I was sure that I could see myself spending the rest of my life with her, I told her: “I love you.” Some 31 years later (we dated for 4 years and have been married for over 27 years now), my love for Peggy has grown beyond measure. My word is my bond, and my bond with my Bride is stronger now than ever. I praise God for my Bride, and I pray that my word will be my bond no matter the situation. If I say it to you, take it to the bank. I will do exactly what I say I will do.
1 Then Moses summoned the leaders of the tribes of Israel and told them, “This is what the Lord has commanded: 2 A man who makes a vow to the Lord or makes a pledge under oath must never break it. He must do exactly what he said he would do."
Jesus commands us to let our yes be yes and our no be no. We are to be a people of our word. There is no need to swear by heaven or earth or anything in heaven or anything on earth. Just be a people of our word. That is my philosophy. If I say it, you can count on it. Way back when my Bride and I first started dating, I did not say those magical three words she longed to hear. I told her that when I was ready to make that proclamation, she would know that I meant every word of it. We dated for several months, and I had poured my heart out to her. She didn’t run away from me screaming. We grew closer and when I was sure that I could see myself spending the rest of my life with her, I told her: “I love you.” Some 31 years later (we dated for 4 years and have been married for over 27 years now), my love for Peggy has grown beyond measure. My word is my bond, and my bond with my Bride is stronger now than ever. I praise God for my Bride, and I pray that my word will be my bond no matter the situation. If I say it to you, take it to the bank. I will do exactly what I say I will do.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Obedience & Succession
Numbers 27
12 One day the Lord said to Moses, “Climb one of the mountains east of the river, and look out over the land I have given the people of Israel. 13 After you have seen it, you will die like your brother, Aaron, 14 for you both rebelled against my instructions in the wilderness of Zin. When the people of Israel rebelled, you failed to demonstrate my holiness to them at the waters.” (These are the waters of Meribah at Kadesh[c] in the wilderness of Zin.)
15 Then Moses said to the Lord, 16 “O Lord, you are the God who gives breath to all creatures. Please appoint a new man as leader for the community. 17 Give them someone who will guide them wherever they go and will lead them into battle, so the community of the Lord will not be like sheep without a shepherd.”
18 The Lord replied, “Take Joshua son of Nun, who has the Spirit in him, and lay your hands on him. 19 Present him to Eleazar the priest before the whole community, and publicly commission him to lead the people. 20 Transfer some of your authority to him so the whole community of Israel will obey him. 21 When direction from the Lord is needed, Joshua will stand before Eleazar the priest, who will use the Urim—one of the sacred lots cast before the Lord—to determine his will. This is how Joshua and the rest of the community of Israel will determine everything they should do.”
22 So Moses did as the Lord commanded. He presented Joshua to Eleazar the priest and the whole community. 23 Moses laid his hands on him and commissioned him to lead the people, just as the Lord had commanded through Moses.
A couple of things come to mind as I read this passage. First, Moses has confirmed, the punishment for his disobedience from striking the rock to make water come forth, when he was supposed to speak to that rock instead. Second, Moses is deeply concerned for the people of Israel and for the need to have a strong leader to keep that rebellious bunch in line. God takes care of everything. He allows Moses to see the Promised Land before Moses dies, and God establishes the successor to Moses in the person of Joshua. God is faithful and just. Moses is obedient. I would do well to follow Moses in obedience to God’s Word.
12 One day the Lord said to Moses, “Climb one of the mountains east of the river, and look out over the land I have given the people of Israel. 13 After you have seen it, you will die like your brother, Aaron, 14 for you both rebelled against my instructions in the wilderness of Zin. When the people of Israel rebelled, you failed to demonstrate my holiness to them at the waters.” (These are the waters of Meribah at Kadesh[c] in the wilderness of Zin.)
15 Then Moses said to the Lord, 16 “O Lord, you are the God who gives breath to all creatures. Please appoint a new man as leader for the community. 17 Give them someone who will guide them wherever they go and will lead them into battle, so the community of the Lord will not be like sheep without a shepherd.”
18 The Lord replied, “Take Joshua son of Nun, who has the Spirit in him, and lay your hands on him. 19 Present him to Eleazar the priest before the whole community, and publicly commission him to lead the people. 20 Transfer some of your authority to him so the whole community of Israel will obey him. 21 When direction from the Lord is needed, Joshua will stand before Eleazar the priest, who will use the Urim—one of the sacred lots cast before the Lord—to determine his will. This is how Joshua and the rest of the community of Israel will determine everything they should do.”
22 So Moses did as the Lord commanded. He presented Joshua to Eleazar the priest and the whole community. 23 Moses laid his hands on him and commissioned him to lead the people, just as the Lord had commanded through Moses.
A couple of things come to mind as I read this passage. First, Moses has confirmed, the punishment for his disobedience from striking the rock to make water come forth, when he was supposed to speak to that rock instead. Second, Moses is deeply concerned for the people of Israel and for the need to have a strong leader to keep that rebellious bunch in line. God takes care of everything. He allows Moses to see the Promised Land before Moses dies, and God establishes the successor to Moses in the person of Joshua. God is faithful and just. Moses is obedient. I would do well to follow Moses in obedience to God’s Word.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Gear Up, Men!
Numbers 25
1 While the Israelites were camped at Acacia Grove, some of the men defiled themselves by having sexual relations with local Moabite women. 2 These women invited them to attend sacrifices to their gods, so the Israelites feasted with them and worshiped the gods of Moab. 3 In this way, Israel joined in the worship of Baal of Peor, causing the Lord’s anger to blaze against his people.
4 The Lord issued the following command to Moses: “Seize all the ringleaders and execute them before the Lord in broad daylight, so his fierce anger will turn away from the people of Israel.”
5 So Moses ordered Israel’s judges, “Each of you must put to death the men under your authority who have joined in worshiping Baal of Peor.”
God has no tolerance whatsoever for those who defile themselves by worshipping idols. In Israel’s case, the people had been told not to mix with the locals for this very reason. Yet, the same Israelites who had seen God’s mighty powers on display over and over again, were seduced by the women of Moab physically and spiritually. Men, we have to GEAR UP! The retreat this weekend at Lake Aurora has been fantastic in that regard. If we men are to be the strong spiritual leaders of our homes and of our churches that God has called us to be, we must not allow even a hint of seduction to take place in our lives. We need to put on the full armor of God, and we need to spend time in the Word daily, pray regularly (consistently, all the time), and we need accountability partners: men who will hold our feet to the fire, so to speak. Time to stop talking about it, and put it into practice!
1 While the Israelites were camped at Acacia Grove, some of the men defiled themselves by having sexual relations with local Moabite women. 2 These women invited them to attend sacrifices to their gods, so the Israelites feasted with them and worshiped the gods of Moab. 3 In this way, Israel joined in the worship of Baal of Peor, causing the Lord’s anger to blaze against his people.
4 The Lord issued the following command to Moses: “Seize all the ringleaders and execute them before the Lord in broad daylight, so his fierce anger will turn away from the people of Israel.”
5 So Moses ordered Israel’s judges, “Each of you must put to death the men under your authority who have joined in worshiping Baal of Peor.”
God has no tolerance whatsoever for those who defile themselves by worshipping idols. In Israel’s case, the people had been told not to mix with the locals for this very reason. Yet, the same Israelites who had seen God’s mighty powers on display over and over again, were seduced by the women of Moab physically and spiritually. Men, we have to GEAR UP! The retreat this weekend at Lake Aurora has been fantastic in that regard. If we men are to be the strong spiritual leaders of our homes and of our churches that God has called us to be, we must not allow even a hint of seduction to take place in our lives. We need to put on the full armor of God, and we need to spend time in the Word daily, pray regularly (consistently, all the time), and we need accountability partners: men who will hold our feet to the fire, so to speak. Time to stop talking about it, and put it into practice!
Friday, March 6, 2009
Dumber Than A Donkey
Numbers 22
21 So the next morning Balaam got up, saddled his donkey, and started off with the Moabite officials. 22 But God was angry that Balaam was going, so he sent the angel of the Lord to stand in the road to block his way. As Balaam and two servants were riding along, 23 Balaam’s donkey saw the angel of the Lord standing in the road with a drawn sword in his hand. The donkey bolted off the road into a field, but Balaam beat it and turned it back onto the road. 24 Then the angel of the Lord stood at a place where the road narrowed between two vineyard walls. 25 When the donkey saw the angel of the Lord, it tried to squeeze by and crushed Balaam’s foot against the wall. So Balaam beat the donkey again. 26 Then the angel of the Lord moved farther down the road and stood in a place too narrow for the donkey to get by at all. 27 This time when the donkey saw the angel, it lay down under Balaam. In a fit of rage Balaam beat the animal again with his staff.
28 Then the Lord gave the donkey the ability to speak. “What have I done to you that deserves your beating me three times?” it asked Balaam.
29 “You have made me look like a fool!” Balaam shouted. “If I had a sword with me, I would kill you!”
30 “But I am the same donkey you have ridden all your life,” the donkey answered. “Have I ever done anything like this before?”
“No,” Balaam admitted.
31 Then the Lord opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the roadway with a drawn sword in his hand. Balaam bowed his head and fell face down on the ground before him.
32 “Why did you beat your donkey those three times?” the angel of the Lord demanded. “Look, I have come to block your way because you are stubbornly resisting me. 33 Three times the donkey saw me and shied away; otherwise, I would certainly have killed you by now and spared the donkey.”
34 Then Balaam confessed to the angel of the Lord, “I have sinned. I didn’t realize you were standing in the road to block my way. I will return home if you are against my going.”
This is one of my favorite passages of Scripture. Who is as dumb as (if not dumber than) a donkey? Balaam! Of course the same can be said of me. How many times does God clearly lay out the plans He has only to have me ignore those plans and do my own thing? How many times have I needed the sense of a donkey beaten into me to keep me from making foolish mistakes in my spiritual walk? Too many to count. How many times have I not been shocked to “hear a donkey speak” (did you notice that Balaam is not shocked when his speaks?)? Woof! Scott, you know what God desires from you (Obedience), so why not save yourself the trouble of being dumber than a donkey and just obey God?
21 So the next morning Balaam got up, saddled his donkey, and started off with the Moabite officials. 22 But God was angry that Balaam was going, so he sent the angel of the Lord to stand in the road to block his way. As Balaam and two servants were riding along, 23 Balaam’s donkey saw the angel of the Lord standing in the road with a drawn sword in his hand. The donkey bolted off the road into a field, but Balaam beat it and turned it back onto the road. 24 Then the angel of the Lord stood at a place where the road narrowed between two vineyard walls. 25 When the donkey saw the angel of the Lord, it tried to squeeze by and crushed Balaam’s foot against the wall. So Balaam beat the donkey again. 26 Then the angel of the Lord moved farther down the road and stood in a place too narrow for the donkey to get by at all. 27 This time when the donkey saw the angel, it lay down under Balaam. In a fit of rage Balaam beat the animal again with his staff.
28 Then the Lord gave the donkey the ability to speak. “What have I done to you that deserves your beating me three times?” it asked Balaam.
29 “You have made me look like a fool!” Balaam shouted. “If I had a sword with me, I would kill you!”
30 “But I am the same donkey you have ridden all your life,” the donkey answered. “Have I ever done anything like this before?”
“No,” Balaam admitted.
31 Then the Lord opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the roadway with a drawn sword in his hand. Balaam bowed his head and fell face down on the ground before him.
32 “Why did you beat your donkey those three times?” the angel of the Lord demanded. “Look, I have come to block your way because you are stubbornly resisting me. 33 Three times the donkey saw me and shied away; otherwise, I would certainly have killed you by now and spared the donkey.”
34 Then Balaam confessed to the angel of the Lord, “I have sinned. I didn’t realize you were standing in the road to block my way. I will return home if you are against my going.”
This is one of my favorite passages of Scripture. Who is as dumb as (if not dumber than) a donkey? Balaam! Of course the same can be said of me. How many times does God clearly lay out the plans He has only to have me ignore those plans and do my own thing? How many times have I needed the sense of a donkey beaten into me to keep me from making foolish mistakes in my spiritual walk? Too many to count. How many times have I not been shocked to “hear a donkey speak” (did you notice that Balaam is not shocked when his speaks?)? Woof! Scott, you know what God desires from you (Obedience), so why not save yourself the trouble of being dumber than a donkey and just obey God?
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Total Obedience
Numbers 20
1 In the first month of the year, the whole community of Israel arrived in the wilderness of Zin and camped at Kadesh. While they were there, Miriam died and was buried.
2 There was no water for the people to drink at that place, so they rebelled against Moses and Aaron. 3 The people blamed Moses and said, “If only we had died in the Lord’s presence with our brothers! 4 Why have you brought the congregation of the Lord’s people into this wilderness to die, along with all our livestock? 5 Why did you make us leave Egypt and bring us here to this terrible place? This land has no grain, no figs, no grapes, no pomegranates, and no water to drink!”
6 Moses and Aaron turned away from the people and went to the entrance of the Tabernacle, where they fell face down on the ground. Then the glorious presence of the Lord appeared to them, 7 and the Lord said to Moses, 8 “You and Aaron must take the staff and assemble the entire community. As the people watch, speak to the rock over there, and it will pour out its water. You will provide enough water from the rock to satisfy the whole community and their livestock.”
9 So Moses did as he was told. He took the staff from the place where it was kept before the Lord. 10 Then he and Aaron summoned the people to come and gather at the rock. “Listen, you rebels!” he shouted. “Must we bring you water from this rock?” 11 Then Moses raised his hand and struck the rock twice with the staff, and water gushed out. So the entire community and their livestock drank their fill.
12 But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust me enough to demonstrate my holiness to the people of Israel, you will not lead them into the land I am giving them!” 13 This place was known as the waters of Meribah (which means “arguing”) because there the people of Israel argued with the Lord, and there he demonstrated his holiness among them.
Moses, the powerful choleric leader let his temper get the best of him, and it cost him a chance to lead the people into the Promised Land. God told Moses to “speak to the rock,” but Moses got impatient with the people and “struck the rock twice with the staff” producing the water that the whiners wanted. When following God’s instructions, it is best to follow them exactly. You cannot add your own flair to it. That’s what freaks me out with the whole “pray Jesus into your heart” movement. It is a man-made misinterpretation of God’s clear plan of salvation! If Moses wasn’t allowed to lead the children of Israel into the Promised Land because he didn’t fully obey God, how much more so can it be for those who do not teach what the Gospel teaches about salvation? How much more important is it then, for those of us who know what the Bible teaches to help those who do not know the rest of the story?
1 In the first month of the year, the whole community of Israel arrived in the wilderness of Zin and camped at Kadesh. While they were there, Miriam died and was buried.
2 There was no water for the people to drink at that place, so they rebelled against Moses and Aaron. 3 The people blamed Moses and said, “If only we had died in the Lord’s presence with our brothers! 4 Why have you brought the congregation of the Lord’s people into this wilderness to die, along with all our livestock? 5 Why did you make us leave Egypt and bring us here to this terrible place? This land has no grain, no figs, no grapes, no pomegranates, and no water to drink!”
6 Moses and Aaron turned away from the people and went to the entrance of the Tabernacle, where they fell face down on the ground. Then the glorious presence of the Lord appeared to them, 7 and the Lord said to Moses, 8 “You and Aaron must take the staff and assemble the entire community. As the people watch, speak to the rock over there, and it will pour out its water. You will provide enough water from the rock to satisfy the whole community and their livestock.”
9 So Moses did as he was told. He took the staff from the place where it was kept before the Lord. 10 Then he and Aaron summoned the people to come and gather at the rock. “Listen, you rebels!” he shouted. “Must we bring you water from this rock?” 11 Then Moses raised his hand and struck the rock twice with the staff, and water gushed out. So the entire community and their livestock drank their fill.
12 But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust me enough to demonstrate my holiness to the people of Israel, you will not lead them into the land I am giving them!” 13 This place was known as the waters of Meribah (which means “arguing”) because there the people of Israel argued with the Lord, and there he demonstrated his holiness among them.
Moses, the powerful choleric leader let his temper get the best of him, and it cost him a chance to lead the people into the Promised Land. God told Moses to “speak to the rock,” but Moses got impatient with the people and “struck the rock twice with the staff” producing the water that the whiners wanted. When following God’s instructions, it is best to follow them exactly. You cannot add your own flair to it. That’s what freaks me out with the whole “pray Jesus into your heart” movement. It is a man-made misinterpretation of God’s clear plan of salvation! If Moses wasn’t allowed to lead the children of Israel into the Promised Land because he didn’t fully obey God, how much more so can it be for those who do not teach what the Gospel teaches about salvation? How much more important is it then, for those of us who know what the Bible teaches to help those who do not know the rest of the story?
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Stupidity Bug
Numbers 16
41 But the very next morning the whole community of Israel began muttering again against Moses and Aaron, saying, “You have killed the Lord’s people!” 42 As the community gathered to protest against Moses and Aaron, they turned toward the Tabernacle and saw that the cloud had covered it, and the glorious presence of the Lord appeared.
49 But 14,700 people died in that plague, in addition to those who had died in the affair involving Korah. 50 Then because the plague had stopped, Aaron returned to Moses at the entrance of the Tabernacle.
Okay, this is one of those passages that leads me to believe that the children of Israel were just plain stupid! Korah has led a rebellion against Moses, and the earth swallowed up him and all his family and followers. Fire burned up another 250 rebels who had joined in this insanity. That’s when we pick it up in verse 41…”the very next morning” the muttering began again! That is a short memory span, now! God has just shown His glory and His endorsement of Moses one day, and the very next day, the whole community is muttering against Moses again. As a Christ-follower, I have a tendency to be forgetful and ungrateful, and I need a constant reminder of who I am and Whose I am. Yeah, I am infected with the same stupidity bug that caused 14,700 Israelites to die all because they refused to follow God’s plan. Now, I am doing better after following Christ for 23 years, but reminders like from today’s readings never hurt. Know what I mean?
41 But the very next morning the whole community of Israel began muttering again against Moses and Aaron, saying, “You have killed the Lord’s people!” 42 As the community gathered to protest against Moses and Aaron, they turned toward the Tabernacle and saw that the cloud had covered it, and the glorious presence of the Lord appeared.
49 But 14,700 people died in that plague, in addition to those who had died in the affair involving Korah. 50 Then because the plague had stopped, Aaron returned to Moses at the entrance of the Tabernacle.
Okay, this is one of those passages that leads me to believe that the children of Israel were just plain stupid! Korah has led a rebellion against Moses, and the earth swallowed up him and all his family and followers. Fire burned up another 250 rebels who had joined in this insanity. That’s when we pick it up in verse 41…”the very next morning” the muttering began again! That is a short memory span, now! God has just shown His glory and His endorsement of Moses one day, and the very next day, the whole community is muttering against Moses again. As a Christ-follower, I have a tendency to be forgetful and ungrateful, and I need a constant reminder of who I am and Whose I am. Yeah, I am infected with the same stupidity bug that caused 14,700 Israelites to die all because they refused to follow God’s plan. Now, I am doing better after following Christ for 23 years, but reminders like from today’s readings never hurt. Know what I mean?
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
No Whining Zone
Numbers 14
11 And the Lord said to Moses, “How long will these people treat me with contempt? Will they never believe me, even after all the miraculous signs I have done among them? 12 I will disown them and destroy them with a plague. Then I will make you into a nation greater and mightier than they are!”
God gets so sick of our whining. The children of Israel whine every time they turn around. They have witnessed the 10 plagues in Egypt. They have witnessed the parting of the Red Sea, water coming from a rock, food appearing on the ground every morning, quail covering the camp for meat, a cloud to lead them by day, a pillar of fire to lead them by night, the earth swallowing up whiners, fire consuming whiners…still, they whine. God says “enough already!” Now, Moses “talked God out of” destroying the children of Israel, but they suffered greatly for their whining. None of the adults in the camp were allowed to enter the Promised Land, and they wandered in the desert for 40 years. I need that reminder today so that I don’t commit the sin of whining against God. Thank You Lord, for loving me, and for presenting the opportunities and challenges that lay ahead of me. I know that You have it under control, and I surrender my will to Yours completely!
11 And the Lord said to Moses, “How long will these people treat me with contempt? Will they never believe me, even after all the miraculous signs I have done among them? 12 I will disown them and destroy them with a plague. Then I will make you into a nation greater and mightier than they are!”
God gets so sick of our whining. The children of Israel whine every time they turn around. They have witnessed the 10 plagues in Egypt. They have witnessed the parting of the Red Sea, water coming from a rock, food appearing on the ground every morning, quail covering the camp for meat, a cloud to lead them by day, a pillar of fire to lead them by night, the earth swallowing up whiners, fire consuming whiners…still, they whine. God says “enough already!” Now, Moses “talked God out of” destroying the children of Israel, but they suffered greatly for their whining. None of the adults in the camp were allowed to enter the Promised Land, and they wandered in the desert for 40 years. I need that reminder today so that I don’t commit the sin of whining against God. Thank You Lord, for loving me, and for presenting the opportunities and challenges that lay ahead of me. I know that You have it under control, and I surrender my will to Yours completely!
Monday, March 2, 2009
I Don't Get To Choose
Numbers 11
24 So Moses went out and reported the Lord’s words to the people. He gathered the seventy elders and stationed them around the Tabernacle. 25 And the Lord came down in the cloud and spoke to Moses. Then he gave the seventy elders the same Spirit that was upon Moses. And when the Spirit rested upon them, they prophesied. But this never happened again.
26 Two men, Eldad and Medad, had stayed behind in the camp. They were listed among the elders, but they had not gone out to the Tabernacle. Yet the Spirit rested upon them as well, so they prophesied there in the camp. 27 A young man ran and reported to Moses, “Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp!”
28 Joshua son of Nun, who had been Moses’ assistant since his youth, protested, “Moses, my master, make them stop!”
29 But Moses replied, “Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all the Lord’s people were prophets and that the Lord would put his Spirit upon them all!” 30 Then Moses returned to the camp with the elders of Israel.
I just came back from the Youth Pastor Summit in Orlando, where we heard from speakers of various Christian Denominations. None of them would agree with my stand on salvation as taught in Scriptures, yet each of them had some really good things to say that have encouraged me in my walk with Christ. Who am I to try to pick and choose whom God will speak through? I can do that no more than Moses could in the situation outlined in this passage today. Now, I know it isn’t a total apples-to-apples comparison, but I am just saying that folks who are sincerely trying to follow the Lord need to have my ear. Especially if I hope to be in a situation where they will listen to what I have to say. Hmmmm….
24 So Moses went out and reported the Lord’s words to the people. He gathered the seventy elders and stationed them around the Tabernacle. 25 And the Lord came down in the cloud and spoke to Moses. Then he gave the seventy elders the same Spirit that was upon Moses. And when the Spirit rested upon them, they prophesied. But this never happened again.
26 Two men, Eldad and Medad, had stayed behind in the camp. They were listed among the elders, but they had not gone out to the Tabernacle. Yet the Spirit rested upon them as well, so they prophesied there in the camp. 27 A young man ran and reported to Moses, “Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp!”
28 Joshua son of Nun, who had been Moses’ assistant since his youth, protested, “Moses, my master, make them stop!”
29 But Moses replied, “Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all the Lord’s people were prophets and that the Lord would put his Spirit upon them all!” 30 Then Moses returned to the camp with the elders of Israel.
I just came back from the Youth Pastor Summit in Orlando, where we heard from speakers of various Christian Denominations. None of them would agree with my stand on salvation as taught in Scriptures, yet each of them had some really good things to say that have encouraged me in my walk with Christ. Who am I to try to pick and choose whom God will speak through? I can do that no more than Moses could in the situation outlined in this passage today. Now, I know it isn’t a total apples-to-apples comparison, but I am just saying that folks who are sincerely trying to follow the Lord need to have my ear. Especially if I hope to be in a situation where they will listen to what I have to say. Hmmmm….
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Defeating God's Enemies
Numbers 10
33 They marched for three days after leaving the mountain of the Lord, with the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant moving ahead of them to show them where to stop and rest. 34 As they moved on each day, the cloud of the Lord hovered over them. 35 And whenever the Ark set out, Moses would shout, “Arise, O Lord, and let your enemies be scattered! Let them flee before you!” 36 And when the Ark was set down, he would say, “Return, O Lord, to the countless thousands of Israel!”
Notice that Moses didn’t ask God to scatter their enemies, but to scatter God’s enemies. I find the subtle difference fascinating. My prayer today is that the Lord will scatter His enemies, and allow the Army of the Lord to advance at every turn. On this Lord’s Day, may the Name of Jesus be lifted high, and may the praise and glory and honor be His and His alone! May the enemies of God be exposed to be what they are: weak, defenseless, and easily defeated. Not by my might, O Lord, but by Yours! Put me through whatever needs to occur to help me grow in my walk with You, but defeat Your enemies, and convert the lost as is Your desire.
33 They marched for three days after leaving the mountain of the Lord, with the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant moving ahead of them to show them where to stop and rest. 34 As they moved on each day, the cloud of the Lord hovered over them. 35 And whenever the Ark set out, Moses would shout, “Arise, O Lord, and let your enemies be scattered! Let them flee before you!” 36 And when the Ark was set down, he would say, “Return, O Lord, to the countless thousands of Israel!”
Notice that Moses didn’t ask God to scatter their enemies, but to scatter God’s enemies. I find the subtle difference fascinating. My prayer today is that the Lord will scatter His enemies, and allow the Army of the Lord to advance at every turn. On this Lord’s Day, may the Name of Jesus be lifted high, and may the praise and glory and honor be His and His alone! May the enemies of God be exposed to be what they are: weak, defenseless, and easily defeated. Not by my might, O Lord, but by Yours! Put me through whatever needs to occur to help me grow in my walk with You, but defeat Your enemies, and convert the lost as is Your desire.
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