Disillusioned Man

A New Year

2010-01-01T18:15:00.001-06:00

I really am terrible at updating this thing. Well it is a new year and a lot of exciting things have happened since I last updated. The Lord has blessed me and stretched me in ways I did not expect and in ways that I could never have dreamed of. 2009 was a great year for me, but it was also one of the most difficult years in the 23 I have experienced.

All that being said, I feel compelled to share with whoever may read this blog, that this next year needs to be viewed with some excitement. I realize that there is a lot of uncertainty going into this next year. The economy is still not where we would like it to be, the job market has not rebounded, and sickness and death are still as unpredictable as they ever have been. 2010 is a year that is as unpredictable as any other year has been, containing 12 months of uncertainty. But I need to be reminded, and I want you to be reminded, that the God who created the universe, the heavens and the earth, is in control and will not be surprised by anything that happens to you or me this year. So I would just encourage you to take heart, that the God of the universe is in control and knows what lies ahead, and is with you as you walk through the journey of your life.

On a personal note, my desire this year is to fall more and more in love with the cross of Christ. I want to fall more and more in love with my God who sacrificed himself on my behalf, and to find my greatest joy in Him, no matter what good or bad happens to me this year and on a daily basis.

Happy New Year!

Is God's Will My Will?

2009-10-20T13:25:00.002-05:00

"For this is the will of God, your sanctification" 1 Thessalonians 4:3

It is not a question of whether God is willing to sanctify me; is it my will? Am I willing to let God do in me all that has been made possible by the Atonement? Am I willing to let Jesus be made sanctification to me, and to let the life of Jesus be manifested in my mortal flesh? Beware of saying - Oh, I am longing to be sanctified. You are not, stop longing and make it a matter of transaction - "Nothing in my hands I bring." Receive Jesus Christ to be made sanctification to you in implicit faith, and the great marvel of the Atonement of Jesus will be made real in you. All that Jesus made possible is made mine by the free loving gift of God on the ground of what He performed, my attitude as a saved and sanctified soul is that of profound humble holiness (there is no such thing as proud holiness), a holiness based on agonizing repentance and a sense of unspeakable shame and degradation; and also on the amazing realization that the love of God commended itself to me in that while I cared nothing about Him, He completed everything for my salvation and sanctification (see Rom. 5:8. R.V.). No wonder Paul says nothing is "able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Sanctification makes me one with Jesus Christ, and in Him one with God, and it is done only through the superb Atonement of Christ. Never put the effect as the cause. The effect in me is obedience and service and prayer, and is the out come of speechless thanks and adoration for the marvellous sanctification wrought out in me because of the Atonement.

~October 20, 2009 My Utmost for His Highest, Oswald Chambers

Nine Pastoral Prayers

2009-07-15T09:00:00.000-05:00

I was listening to Matt Chandler yesterday and ended up listening to a podcast titled "Nine Pastoral Prayers." These are the prayers that Chandler and his staff prayed through when they were starting the Village Church. I think there is a lot of good stuff in these nine prayers for the church in general, but I also think that there are some good things for individual believers to remember. So here you go.

Prayer #1: That we would see that the greatest problem in the universe is not mere moral failure – but rather a failure to honor God. (“For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.” Romans 1:21)

Prayer #2: That we would understand that discipline rarely brings about love – but love always brings about discipline. (“Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith?” Galatians 3:5)

Prayer #3: That we would realize that children of God are not under wrath – but under mercy. (“[He will make known] the riches of his glory for vessels
of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory.” Romans 9:23)

Prayer #4: That we would find that the fullness of all things – including life and joy – is in Christ. (“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10)

Prayer #5: That we would experience a holy discontentment with where our lives are – and that we would espouse the hope of what our lives can be. (“For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope.” Romans 8:20)

Prayer #6: That we would recognize that God has purposefully placed us here – at this time, in this place – for His glory. (“And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place” Acts 17:26)

Prayer #7: That we would develop a taste for truth – even difficult ones. (“I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:11)

Prayer #8: That we would embrace Biblical Christianity – not American evangelicalism. (“In the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self,. . .having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power.” 2 Timothy 3:1-5)

Prayer #9: That we would believe in the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit – and desire them earnestly. (“So, my brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.” 1 Corinthians 14:39)

Vintage Church: Timeless Truths and Timely Methods

2009-06-08T16:16:00.001-05:00

Back about a month ago or so, I read another book by Pastor Mark Driscoll out of Mars Hill Seattle, this one entitled Vintage Church: Timeless Truths and TImely Methods. This book as actually the second book of what is known as the Re:Lit project put out by the Resurgence, which is a online ministry resource started by Driscoll.

In similar fashion to Vintage Jesus, Mark Driscoll and Gerry Breshears set out to answer 12 commonly asked questions about the church. These questions include:

1. What Is the Christian Life?
2. What Is a Christian Church?
3. Who Is Supposed to Lead a Church?
4. Why Is Preaching Important?
5. What Are Baptism and Communion?
6. How Can a Church Be Unified?
7. What Is Church Discipline?
8. How Is Love Expressed in a Church?
9. What Is a Missional Church?
10. What Is a Multi-Campus Church?
11. How Can a Church Utilize Technology?
12 How Could the Church Help Transform the World?

I really enjoyed this book; it is a really concerted effort to see what exactly scripture says about the church and examines the scriptural backing for a lot of the practices the church has undertaken historically. Also similar to Vintage Jesus, each chapter is concluded with Dr. Gerry Breshears attempting to answer more specific questions falling within the question of the chapter.

I also really like how a large portion of the book is practical. Driscoll uses his own experiences in planting Mars Hill and gives the reasoning behind why they do things the way they do them. I personally found those portions really interesting because I had been curious as to how the leaders of a church that size think through the things they do.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone. This is not a book written to present some new way of doing church; this book seeks to define what is a Christian church and what it looks like and does historically as well as some practical applications for today.

Vintage Jesus: Timely Answers to Timely Questions

2009-05-23T16:45:00.000-05:00

Today I finished a book called Vintage Jesus: Timely Answers to Timely Questions by Pastor Mark Driscoll out of Mars Hill Church in Seattle and Gerry Breshears. The book is based on a sermon series done by Driscoll of the same title where twelve questions regarding Jesus are sought to be answered by Driscoll. These questions include:

1. Is Jesus the Only God?
2. How Human was Jesus?
3. How did People Know Jesus was Coming?
4. Why did Jesus Come to Earth?
5. Why did Jesus' Mom Need to be a Virgin?
6. What did Jesus Accomplish on the Cross?
7. Did Jesus Rise from Death?
8. Where is Jesus Today?
9. Why Should We Worship Jesus?
10. What Makes Jesus Superior to Other Saviors?
11. What Difference has Jesus Made in History?
12. What will Jesus do upon His Return?

I must say that I really enjoyed this book. Driscoll has a knack for examining what the world, both historically and contemporarily have said about Jesus in regard to these questions, and then diving into what scripture has to say about these questions. Driscoll definitely did not write this book without doing some research, since each individual chapter as over 30 citations, most of them coming from scripture. Each chapter also ends with Dr. Gerry Breshears answering several specific questions that relate to the overall question of each chapter.

I do think that Driscoll could have probably broken up some of the topics into smaller sections, but the overall presentation was good. I was a little bit worried that the chapters would just be a transcript from the sermons he preached in the series Vintage Jesus, but he did considerable editing and additions to make it different that his sermons.

Overall, I think this is a really good book, and I would highly recommend it to anyone. There is also a DVD resource that can be used to help work through this book with a small group. I have not personally seen this resource, but I imagine it is of great value. I would also recommend listening to the sermon series Vintage Jesus, they do great little vignettes where they interview people and ask them what they think about Jesus.

Do You Worship the Work?

2009-04-23T07:16:00.001-05:00

"We have no right to decide where we should be placed, or to have preconceived ideas as to what God is preparing us to do. God engineers everything; and wherever He places us, our one supreme goal should be to pour out our lives in wholehearted devotion to Him in that particular work."

~Excerpt from My Utmost for His Highest "Do You Worship the Work?" April 23

This was good for me to hear this morning.

New MuteMath Video

2009-04-22T14:54:00.001-05:00

Fiction Family

2009-04-22T14:52:00.001-05:00

If you are interested in a new band, I would recommend Fiction Family. They are made up of Jon Foreman of Switchfoot and Sean Watkins of Nickel Creek. I really like their sound. Check them out:

Fiction Family

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UXQmLuFnC0&hl=en&fs=1]

Decisions, Faith

2009-02-25T00:35:00.001-06:00

I've come to that point in every young person's life, the time to make those decisions that will significantly effect my life for the coming years, I dare say the rest of my life. Normally I like the challenge that decision making brings, but never before have the decisions to be made had such a magnitude. I find myself struggling to make these decisions for several reasons:

First, the decision does not just impact me. I get married in June, and from that day on, I am responsible for another human being. Now I am well aware that Janie will be making considerably more money than I will be, but I think that biblically I am still to be the one to take care of her. The decisions I make on what church we go to and where I go to school and where we live will have a significant impact on how she is able to live her life. I love Janie to death, and I want to give her a great life, I want to take care of her to the best of my ability, but every option I am presented with doesn't lead to anything anyone would consider easy. I thank God that she understands the situation she will be marrying by marrying me, but I still struggle with thoughts about how I am going to take care of her.

Second, my own future is "at stake" as it were. I have things that I think God is calling me to so that I can serve Him. The big one would be that I feel he is calling me to later in life be a professor. In order to do that, you have to have a whole lot of schooling which I am actually really excited about. Unfortunately, affording all of that schooling is a different issue. There is also the decision of where to go to Seminary, what will be more beneficial to me later, etc. I know where I want to go, and I know where Janie wants me to go, but it is an expensive choice and I don't see the finances being there anytime soon. There is always the choice to wait, but I fear that if I don't start right into my schooling, it will be even harder to get into it once I am established in a job.

Finally, I really want to follow God's will on this one. Let me rephrase that, I really want to choose the options that will bring the most glory to God, where I can serve Him the best. This is the first time where there are several options ahead of me and I have the potential of "messing up" (for lack of a better term) real bad. I am really trying to seek God on these things, and as of yet, he hasn't made it clear where I should go, and that makes me nervous. I talk to some people and they know what they are doing once May 10 gets here. Normally I would be the one who has it all figured out and knows where I am going, and I just haven't been given a clear direction yet, and that frightens me.

So I am feel like I am going to have to really step out on faith on this one. I think I am really going to have to just trust God and run with what I know He has given me as of now. Much prayer would be great, and any advice is welcome as well. Maybe I will post my options later and try and get some feedback.

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

1Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2

Light Drums

2009-02-17T12:36:00.000-06:00

Live Love

2009-02-10T20:02:00.002-06:00

So this past weekend we took our youth group to Student Life Conference in Euless. It was incredible. The theme for the weekend was Live Love, and the speaker was Francis Chan.

I think this was a conference that was really able to hit all of our students right where they were. For our students who are growing in the faith, a topic brought up was having love for others, those who can't love them back. But even more exciting than that, for our students, and I think all of them needed to hear it, but certain one's in particular, the message was primarily focused on how much God the creator loves us and how we should reciprocate that love.

Something that Francis Chan pointed out the first night, and I think it is something that really hit our students and even me, is how we approach praying to God. He mentioned how we don't necessarily approach prayer as being toward the almighty creator who has no responsibility to hear us when we talk to him. He read Revelation 4, describing John's vision of God on his throne. He used the magnitude of what John described himself seeing to implore the audience to think about who they are praying to. To take 30 seconds before praying to God to think about who God is, how awesome and mighty he is, and then to pray to him realizing how much God loves them to even hear them.

Chan also made mention of how we are to be children who are crazily in love with God. We are to be excited about being his child, excited about getting to talk with him. God is so in love with us, all we should be able to do is be crazily in love with him, and in so doing, love the people around us in an unbelievable way.

Crazy Love by Francis Chan

2009-02-02T18:13:00.002-06:00

Here is a book that has been given quite a lot of praise in the past weeks and months. Crazy Love is the first book written by Francis Chan, pastor of Cornerstone Church in Simi Valley, California.

Now first off, let me say that this book, in my opinion, is not putting before it's readers any new idea. The basis of the book is this: God the creator is showing his creation (us) a crazy kind of love, a love that is undeserved. Because of our sin our just God has every right to kill us, but instead, he sends us his Love in the form of His Son Jesus Christ, sacrificing him to a death that would take away the sins of the world. We, as the rebellious creation, can partake of this love, and in doing so, should fall into and live a life in a crazy love with our savior. I believe the verse is Matthew 22:37, "“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind."

This is nothing you have not heard before if you have spent any amount of time in church. But I think the reason why it is impactful, so seemingly different and radical an idea, is because we as the American church have really made church a dull obligation that we have all figured out. All Chan is trying to do is to tell the Church that we need to fall in "crazy love" with Jesus Christ. That should be the starting point, if we are in crazy love with Christ, then we will act rightly, we will worship with all we have, we will appreciate the greatness of God.

In Chapter One, Francis Chan really just tries to get the reader to stop and look at the world around them created by God. This first chapter is really there to try and bring the reader back into a state of awe towards the creator.

Chapter Two is the chapter about human mortality. This chapter is very much about not wasting your life, about realizing how fleeting the human life is, and to spend our times praising and loving and remembering the God who created and loves us.

In Chapter Three, Chan really talks about the Crazy Love that God the Father has for us. A lot of what I wrote above is contained in this chapter.

Chapter Four is entitled the Profile of the Lukewarm. It is really designed to be a tool to help the reader look critically at there life and see which areas of the life are lukewarm towards God. He focuses the chapter around Revelation 3:15-16 which says, "‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth."

Chapter Five is a chapter on offering your first fruits to God. It is a chapter basically about not holding anything back from our God; being willing to say to God that he can have anything.

Chapter Six is talking about what it might be like being in love with God. A lot of examples are pulled from being in love with a significant other.

Chapter Seven is primarily about how for the Christian, the best life comes later, in eternity. Chan talks a lot about how life for the believer will not always be easy, but we must remember our better life comes later.

In Chapter Eight, it is simply what it might look like to be people who live a life while being obsessively in love with Christ. In Chapter Nine, Chan offers real life examples of what it might look like to live that way.

In Chapter Ten, Chan concludes by bringing the fleeting life back into perspective. He asks the question of whether we want to be doing what we are currently doing when Jesus comes back or not. He concludes saying that we should hopefully be loving God with all we have, persevering through this race of life, and falling in crazy love with our savior.

All in all, this is a great book. I recommend this book to everyone. And if it helps, there are helpful videos online at www.crazylovebook.com that go with the chapters and some other times in the book when Francis tells the reader to watch these videos.

Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell

2009-01-31T23:15:00.002-06:00

So I just recently finished reading Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell. Admittedly I had some reservations about reading this book because I have always heard really mixed reviews on Mr. Bell. I am happy to report however that I really enjoyed this book.

Now I have never really done any serious research on the theology of Rob Bell, and I am still a little shaky on what all he believes. But in this book, he just genuinely seems to be painting a picture of what he wants the Christian faith in the world to look like. In it's simplest, Bell calls for the believer to fall more in love with Jesus, and to be more in awe of Him.

In Chapter 2, Bell describes the necessity of biblical interpretation. Interestingly, he argues against the idea that people can just live as the bible says, stating that everyone has there own biases and interpretations. Chapter 3 is possibly one of the most thought provoking chapters in the book, where Bell delivers his thoughts on missions and the reconciliation between truth and our experience. These are just things I found interesting in two of the eight chapters in this book.

There is a lot of great discussion points in this book, and I really wished I had read it with someone else so that we could have discussed it as we went. In my opinion Bell is not presenting anything that has not been presented by others who are questioning and "repainting" as it were what the Christian faith looks like.

A lot of people would fault Bell for being post-modern and emergent church folk, but I am not going to do that. The fact is, as I see it, and read it in this book, Rob Bell has a genuine love for Jesus, and he wants others to experience that kind of love also.

I just recently picked up one of his other books, Jesus Wants to Save Christians, and I am excited to read it when I finish the last chapter of Crazy Love by Francis Chan.

A New Prayer

2009-01-28T09:22:00.001-06:00

O God, I have tasted Thy goodness, and it has both satisfied me and made me thirsty for more. I am painfully conscious of my need of further grace. I am ashamed of my lack of desire. O God, the Triune God, I want to want Thee; I long to be filled with longing; I thirst to be made more thirsty still. Show me Thy glory, I pray Thee, that so I may know Thee indeed. Begin in mercy a new work of love within me. Say to my soul, "Rise up my love, my fair one, and come away." Then give me grace to rise and follow Thee up from this misty lowland where I have wandered so long. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

~A.W. Tozer, The Pursuit of God

Do We Really?

2009-01-10T20:00:00.000-06:00

I am a huge fan of music. I love listening to it, playing it, and recently I have become fascinated with what is being said in the lyrics of songs. So recently I was listening to the song “Hosanna” and I started to think about the lyrics I was singing. Here is the line in particular that caught my eye:

“Break my heart for what breaks yours”

Here is what gets me. This is an incredibly popular worship song. I have seen hundreds of teenagers and college students lift up their hands and sing these words to the God of the Universe. But do they, do we, really know what we are asking for? This line is asking for God to break our hearts over what breaks His. Now I am not claiming to know the heart of God, but I would venture a guess and say that there is probably a lot in our world that breaks God’s heart.

But are we really ready to open ourselves up to that? I think if we truly allowed ourselves to be broken by all the things that break the heart of God, our lives would be radically different. We would look at the world, the events in the Sudan and elsewhere, and just be broken about them. I think we would not be so apathetic towards others, we would be revitalized with care for our fellow man. I think what this line is asking for is right.

But do we really want to be that broken? Are we really ready to let God rip away from us our comfortable world were everything is not perfect, but sugarcoated non the less, and let us see the world and all of it’s junk? I’ll be honest, the thought frightens me. I absolutely want to have my heart broken about the plight in this world, but to ask God to break my heart for what breaks his, that seems to open up quite a bit of brokenness to me. I would be very afraid to open myself up to that, I feel I would become very pessimistic about the world.

But still I sing the line. I think Christians need to be careful what they declare to God. If I am singing this song to God, and truly worshipping him, then I had better be expecting God to do what I ask. I had better be ready for him to start breaking my heart to things I knew nothing about. I try and remind the youth group that I work with that they should not sing empty words to God. I try and encourage them to really think about the words in the song and try and understand the implication of what singing that to God means, particularly if it is declaring or asking something of God.

I think truly, deep down inside me, I do want my heart to be broken by the same things that breaks God’s heart. In the last year or two, I have become more aware of a lot of injustice in our world and it truly does break my heart. But I always want to remember that when I ask something of God, I should be prepared for Him to give it to me.

I pray that I will never sing or say words to the God of the universe and have them be empty. I also pray that God would prepare my heart and my mind for just what I am asking, to be broken by the things that break his heart. But I also pray that God would show me the beauty of what the rest of the song talks about, of Christians rising up and being the agents of change in our world. I pray that I will still be able to see the beauty of this world, because I sometimes tend to be a little pessimistic when it comes to the condition of our world, the glass is half empty as opposed to half full if you catch my drift.

I ask that you would realize what you are asking of God, and that you would look at the words you say to him and the words you sing to him, and really make sure you believe what you are saying and are prepared for what you are asking.

If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. John 15:7

If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it. John 14:14

A Story

2008-12-22T19:00:00.000-06:00

I read this story in John Piper’s “Don’t Waste Your Life,” as it was quoted from James Bradley’s “Flags of Our Fathers.” Sorry for the harsh language. I thought it was interesting that a man so young would be willing to sacrifice so much for others to have happiness and peace.

He’d fast-talked his way into the Marines at fourteen, fooling the recruits with his muscled physique….Assigned to drive a truck in Hawaii, he had grown frustrated; he wanted to fight. He stowed away on a transport out of Honolulu, surviving on food passed along to him by sympathetic leathernecks on board.

He landed on D-Day [at Iwo Jima] without a rifle. He grabbed one lying on the beach and fought his way inland.

Now, on D+1, Jack and three comrades were crawling through a trench when eight Japanese sprang in front of them. Jack shot one of them through the head. Then his rifle jammed. As he struggled with it a grenade landed at his feet. He yelled a warning to the others and rammed the grenade into the soft ash. Immediately, another rolled in. Jack Lucas, seventeen, fell on both grenades. “Luke, you’re gonna die,” he remembered thinking….

Aboard the hospital ship Samaritan the doctors could scarcely believe it. “Maybe he was too damned young and too damned tough to die,” one said. He endured twenty-one reconstructive operations and became the nation’s youngest Medal of Honor winner–and the only high school freshman to receive it.

My Nerdy Self

2008-12-15T17:15:00.000-06:00

So I am admittedly a nerd. I like books, computers, etc. So right in line with my nerdiness, i have discovered this:

http://www.logos.com/mac/biblestudy

This is some of the coolest bible study software I have found. Currently I am using Quickverse Black Box edition for mac, and I like it a lot, but Logos seems to be where its at.

The version seen in the above link is actually the base version, there are four versions above this one that just add more and more features. Hopefully one day I will be able to afford the base version, because it really would be a good resource for a minister/professor.

A Prayer

2008-12-15T16:48:00.000-06:00

My Lord God,
I have no idea where I am going.

I do not see the road ahead of me
Nor do I really know myself,
And the fact that I think I am following your will
Does not mean that I am actually doing so.
But I believe that the desire to please you
Does in fact please you.

And I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire.
And I know that if I do this,
You will lead me by the right road
Though I may know nothing about it.

Therefore will I trust you always,
Though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death.
I will not fear, for you are ever with me,
And you will never leave me to face my struggles alone.
~Thomas Merton, 1915-1968

This is an interesting prayer I found in the book “Understanding God’s Will” by Kyle Lake.

(RE)Understanding Prayer by Kyle Lake

2008-11-28T15:27:00.001-06:00

So continuing on my Kyle Lake reading spree, I just finished his other book entitled “(Re)understanding Prayer.” Now I must say this, just like his previous book, is very well written, and he offers a very interesting and in my opinion unique take on how we pray.

He begins the book by dispelling so common thoughts, feelings, and beliefs about prayer. He speaks against such things as their being a particular formula to how we should pray. He posits that there is no set way of asking God for something and his obligation to give it, a term lake deems as “Recipe Theology.” He also speaks out against prayer as being any sort of drama, discussing heavily how many use prayers as a way to enhance the self and not communicate with God.

Then, starting in chapter 8, he gets into the way he has arrived at understanding prayer. He first states that we should probably take a more eastern view of how we relate to God, as opposed to the western, formulaic view we have adopted in American culture. He seems to implore the reader to look to Christianity’s eastern roots and realize that how religion is done over there is as an envelopment of the whole person. He points out that we should not be so quick to boil down prayer to a set time and place of prayer; he posits the possibility that prayer may begin with being fully immersed in the presence of God. He stresses prayer as a way of life, a life lived in conversation with God. He argues that, while coming to God with a final product prayer in a set way is not a bad thing and is at some times necessary, prayer is designed to be more conversational, where we verbalize how we are working out are thoughts before God.

He also talks about how what hearing God truly means. He posits that all to often we as Christians throw out the importance of our part in the process of communication with God. He argues that God doesn’t necessarily speak through us, but more he speaks with us when we live a life in his presence. This does not negate are humanness.

All in all, I think that this book is as well written as his first book. I would highly recommend it to anyone, because it does offer some interesting points and thoughts on the prayer life of a Christian. It is also very accessible, you don’t need a degree in theology to understand this book.

Understanding God's Will by Kyle Lake

2008-11-26T14:15:00.001-06:00

So I just finished reading the book “Understanding God’s Will” by Kyle Lake. I would highly recommend this book to anyone. In the book, Lake seeks to revamp how we as Christians approach the will of God, mostly by adjusting some of how we view God.

He first says that we need to approach the will of God as an apprentice or learner of Jesus Christ, wanting to follow him on this journey of life. He posits that being a disciple of Jesus, which we are all called to do, is something that is lived “out there” as he puts it, in the work place, the ball field, and the classroom. He reminds us that discerning God’s will for our lives is an aspect of our discipleship to God, but not the end goal. To often we see God’s will as leading us to an end goal, like a treasure map, but lake does not see it as working that way. He reminds us that God never promised this life would be easy, and it was never promised to be safe, that often we think the will of God will offer us the path of least resistance, but that is not evident when we look at the lives of the disciples. He also points out that the decisions we make should be made with a sense of being on mission, that we often cop out of being a Christian first and our profession second, but more often we are an accountant who happens to be a Christian. He says we need to see where we are as a mission to a world that may not know God. He sums up this section by saying that we need to be prepared to meet God wherever the road leads us, planned or unplanned.

He secondly says that we need to look to God as a father. Though he admits that this may be a stumbling block for those who grew up in a bad home situation, he says that we need to approach God as the father who is their for advice but ultimately wants us to be good people and make our own decisions. We often ask God what his will is for our lives, just to be disappointed that maybe God’s will is for us to make the decision and be responsible in that. Lake then addresses intuition, and says that making decisions based on intuition is not a bad thing, but that certain decisions do not need to be made that way, i.e., marriage. He also states that when we view the will of God in light of God being father, we need to remember that sometimes we are going to make decisions that turn out great and others that don’t, but we need to take responsibility for our decisions. He concludes this section by saying that God doesn’t offer 100% success, but he does offer his presence in life, we just have to step up and take it.

Thirdly, he discusses how we need to view the will of God in terms of the Kingdom of God. He points out that the Kingdom of God is one of the most often mentioned things in the New Testament. Lake says that to view God as a king may better our understanding of God’s will. He posits that a King is concerned with the big picture of the kingdom, and with the character of his people, but not in the small details of which job to take or what show to watch. Lake is quick to point out that God is absolutely concerned with the decisions we do make, but it seems that God is much more concerned with the kind of people the decisions we make will allow us to be.

Overall, I think this is a great book. Kyle Lake writes a lot like I think, with random little interjections here and there. I think is approach to the will of God is insightful and new, and I think there is a lot we could learn from what he has to say.

An Update

2008-09-25T20:55:00.000-05:00

So I don’t really have anything in particular to write about, no deep thoughts or insights about life, love or God, but I thought I would give it a go tonight.

I have found myself in a period of transition. There is a little under 8 months until I graduate from college, which I find to be absolutely crazy. I have no clue where I will be this time next year. I have no prospective jobs lined up, am still undecided about where to go to seminary, and I don’t even know where I will live. Life is just kind of up in the air right now and I sort of like it. I see all these big life decisions and events on the horizon, but I have no idea about details, and most of them I can’t do anything about or even plan for. It’s kind of exciting.

I find myself less busy this year, only being involved with SGA on campus. The majority of my time is spent with homework, the church, or Janie, but all around I am not to busy. But I seem daily to realize that I had a whole day with lots of gaps in my schedule, but I didn’t spend time with the one person who matters most, God. I have really struggled since coming back to school with having a consistent time with God everyday, and really bothers me. I was really good about it this summer, but I have struggled come the school years. I really want to start getting up early and going to Texas Java and doing bible study there in the mornings, but thus far, haven’t done it.

This is where life is right now. More blogging to come.

Philippians 1:19-30 (To Live is Christ)

2008-08-21T11:23:00.000-05:00

Philippians 1:19-30

In this section we see one of Paul's most memorable and quotable passages of scriptures. Paul begins by letting the Philippians know that he has every hope and confidence that Christ will be glorified in his body. Then he delivers the memorable verse about to live is Christ and to die is gain. Paul does however say that if given the choice, he does not know which he would choose. Life would mean he could work to bring more people to Christ, but to die would lead directly to Christ. Paul concludes by telling them that they should live lives worthy of the Gospel so that he may hear about all that they do. He also reminds them that to share in Christ is to suffer as Christ suffered and as Paul suffered.

This line just blows my mind. To live is Christ and to die is gain. That is so far from my understanding of how anything works at all. I don't even know what to write.

LORD, reveal to me what this means, teach me what it means to think that to die is gain and to live is you. I think I know what it means God, but teach me what it MEANS and how to live it out. Amen.

Philippians 1:12-18 (The Advance of the Gospel)

2008-08-20T08:57:00.002-05:00

Philippians 1:12-18

In this section we see something that would seem very odd to us today. Instead of being disheartened about his imprisonment, Paul actually tells the Philippian believers that what has happened to him has served to advance the gospel. He lets them know that all the guard in the prison and even the people on the street know that he is in prison not for a crime he committed, but for Christ. He also says that what has happened to him has made his brothers in Christ bold, and that many of them work proclaiming the word without fear. Paul does admit that he knows that some are preaching the gospel with insincere motives, but he also admits that others sincerely preach the gospel out of love. He concludes by saying that whether the gospel is proclaimed by those with sincere motives or by those looking to afflict him, Paul is happy because the truth of Christ is being proclaimed.

"For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward, but if not of my own will, I am still entrusted with a stewardship." 1st Corinthians 9:17

I think the important thing to note here would be that you never know how the Lord is going to use your circumstances to further is will. Paul was in prison, but because of his imprisonment for Christ, the other brothers were now proclaiming the gospel more boldly. Who even knows how God could use the situations in your life to further his kingdom and inspire other believers.

I think another important thing is that since we never know who God is going to use to further his will, we should not judge others who proclaim the gospel message. God can use anything to bring someone to himself, so we should not be so quick to judge someone who may be preaching from insincere motives. Even if they are preaching from insincere motives, their message may still be used by God.

LORD, help me today to realize that even as I am, you can use my current situations and circumstances to bring people to yourself. Thank you Lord that you are sovereign and you are in control of your message and can use whatever means to send it out. Amen.

Philippians 1:1-11 (Greetings/Thanksgiving and Prayer)

2008-08-19T16:21:00.002-05:00

Philippians 1:1-11

Here we see at the beginning of another of Paul's letter the same format as seen in other letters. He begins here by greeting those at the church in Philippi. Then, he lets them know that he thanks God every time he remembers them in his prayers because they have been partners of his since the beginning of his ministry. He then says that he is certain that the person who began a good work in them would carry it on to it's completion. He again emphasizes how this particular church seems to be sharing in his ministry. He tells them that he wants desperately to be with them. He closes this section by praying that they would be growing in love and in so doing would grow in the knowledge and discernment of the things of God, and so be pure and blameless when Christ returns. He also ends by confessing his hope that they would be filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes from Jesus Christ.

"He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it." 1st Thessalonians 5:24

"who will sustain you to the end guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ." 1st Corinthians 1:8

Now what sticks out to me here is the verse from the passage that everyone knows. Particularly it sticks out to me today because it was exactly what I needed to read this morning. I am prone to doubt my salvation and feel like an absolute rotten person when I mess up. In reality, I need to remember that God is not done with me yet. He is still molding me into what he wants me to become, and just because I stumble or fall, he is still going to be there, not ever giving up on me to deliver me as he wants me on the day of his return.

LORD, may I remember today that you are not through with me yet. May I remember that you are doing in the work in me and I cannot fix myself. Help me submit to your refinement today Lord. Amen.

Ephesians 6:10-20 (The Whole Armor of God)

2008-08-14T14:29:00.002-05:00

Ephesians 6:10-20

Here in this section, we see one of the better known passages of scripture from the New Testament. In these verses, Paul gives his discussion for putting on the whole armor of God. With out quoting word for word what the verses say, it is sufficient to say that Paul is trying to encourage the believers at Ephesus by imploring them to rely on the Lord in the dark age in which they lived. Life was not always great for the early Christians, and Paul was trying to encourage believers in Christ even as the times were dark. The imagery of the armor would have been very familiar to the people of that time. But in all that he says here, Paul's underlying message is that the people need to rely on God and on his strength to get them through the times of darkness brought on by the enemy.

Now all I have to say here is that these words are still very important to us today, because we live in a dark age as well. We need to be relying wholly on God and on his strength to protect us from what the devil would use to destroy us.

As a side note, every time I read this passage I am reminded of something my dad used to do. He would do an armor of God presentation, but he would do it using SWAT team armor and equipment. He took what he knew, which was the SWAT team, and used that as the imagery to teach on the armor of God. It was always a really cool presentation.

LORD, help me today to rely on you. Help me to remember that it is your strength and not mine that helps me get through the day. LORD, may I rely on you in my personal times of darkness, times of temptation and doubt, and may I trust that you will bring me through it. Amen.

Ephesians 6:5-9 (Slaves and Masters)

2008-08-13T14:36:00.003-05:00

Ephesians 6:5-9

Here in this section, we see Paul turn his attention to the other common relationship in that time in Ephesus, the relationship between the master and his slave. He begins by saying that the slave should obey his master with fear and trembling. Paul says the slave should do the work of his master with a sincere heart, as if he were working for Christ. He warns them to do this with sincerity not to please people, but instead they are to remember that they are doing the will of the Lord, and essentially serving him. He reminds them that whatever good anyone does, whether or slave or free, it will be repaid to him in eternity. Paul then shifts his focus to the masters, telling them to do the same. He implores them to stop threatening their slaves, but instead to remember that the master of both their slaves and themselves is in heaven, and he doesn't see them as slave or free, he sees them as they are.

"Slaves, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality. Masters, treat your slaves justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven." Colossians 3:22-4:1

"For he who was called in the Lord as a slave is a freedman of the Lord. Likewise he who was free when called is a slave of Christ." 1st Corinthians 7:22

Again, a lot of this could be applied to the church today, but I want to focus on the role with which I am most familiar with. This summer I have had a very trying job at the school. Very little appreciation, very little planning was done, and very little consideration was given to me over any of it. I found myself on more than one occassion incredibly angry, and really doing all my work our of spite. Now if I am to hold what the bible says as true and try and abide by what it says, this is certainly not the attitude I should have. I should have been sincere, and even though I was not necessarily always comfortable, I should have realized that I was really serving the Lord and not my boss. I am slightly ashamed of my attitude towards this job this summer.

Hopefully, in the next job I have, or the next work I do for someone where my comfort and happiness is not necessarily most important, hopefully I will be able to work with a sincere heart, have a smile on my face, and realize I am working for the Lord.

LORD, help me tomorrow at work to have a sincere heart. Help me to realize that I am really working for you and not for my earthly boss. I am doing a service for them as I would for you, and I should find joy in it and not be so bitter and angry that it doesn't go how I think it should. Amen.

Ephesians 6:1-4 (Children and Parents)

2008-08-12T17:33:00.002-05:00

Ephesians 6:1-4

Here in this section, we see Paul turn his attention to give guidance on the relationships between parents and their children. He begins by telling the children to obey there parents. He reminds them that this is the first commandment with a promise. He then spells out the promise, that if the children obey their parents, it will go well with them. Then, in conclusion to this short section, he reminds the fathers that they should not provoke their children, but instead to discipline them and instruct them in the ways of the Lord.

Now quite obviously, I am not a parent, so the concluding verses are not necessarily applicable to my life currently. But I am going to focus on that verse because it again is describing something I hope that God builds me into. I hope that God makes me into a man who is not hard on his children. I have many friends and have seen many children whose parents are incredibly hard on them, and it is definitely very taxing on the children.

"Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged." Colossians 3:21

"He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive," 1st Timothy 3:4

Now I am not saying that I plan to be a father who lets anything go, but I do want to be a father who brings his kids up knowing the Lord. I want to be a loving father, but I do feel that a part of love is doing some discipline. But mostly, I want my kids to grow up knowing God. I don't want my kids to not see God at work in my own life. i don't want my kids to grow up and hate the church or God. I want to exude the love of Christ towards my children everyday.

LORD, may you form me into a man who loves his children whenever that day comes for me. May I not be a hard man, but may I discipline my children out of love, and may I struggle so that my children will grow up knowing you. Amen.

Ephesians 5:22-33 (Wives and Husbands)

2008-08-11T16:37:00.002-05:00

Ephesians 5:22-33

So here, we see something that could quite possibly seem out of place, but I think it is very rightfully put where it is. Here, Paul discusses the relationship between wives and husbands. He begins by saying that wives should submit to there husbands, because there husband is the head of the family like Christ is the head of the church. So as the church submits to Christ, a wife should submit to her husband. The Paul devotes even more verses to saying how husbands should love their wives as Christ loved the church. He reminds them that Christ gave himself up for the church, to sanctify her, and he says that in the same way husbands should love their wives. He even says that husbands should love their wives as their own bodies, pointing out that no one ever hated their own bodies. He concludes in summary, saying husbands should love their wives as Christ loved the church, and women should respect their husbands.

"Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered." 1st Peter 3:17

"Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them." Colossians 3:19

Now, I am not one to begin here to preach the submission of women. I have never been that guy who thinks the woman's rightful place is the kitchen. I don't think men are superior to women in everything. Now quite obviously in the text we call the bible, there is a lot of verses that talk about women submitting to their husbands authority, and I do agree with that. I believe God set up the family with the husband as the head, he is the spiritual leader, but I don't think that means that women shouldn't work or the man shouldn't help take care of the kids. But I do think that God gave the man some sort of authority over women when it comes to the family, and I think that should be respected.

Now, that being said, I see a whole lot of verses here devoted to telling the husband how he should love his wife. Now I don't necessarily know the situation between husbands and wives in Ephesus, but I do know something about husbands and wives of today. I see a great need for husbands to really love their wives. I think part of the break down of the American family is an inability or lack of trying on the part of the man to love his wife. Here we can plainly see that we, as men, are supposed to love our wives as Christ loved the church. Now from scripture, we see that the love that Christ loved the church with was a sacrificial love, He gave up everything to bring her to himself. We are commanded to love our wives like that. I think if men today loved their wives in this way and weren't consumed with the other things in this world, we may very well see much less divorce.

I hope that whenever I marry, I can love my wife this way. I want to love my wife as Christ loved the church. Being in a committed, long-term relationship, I have begun to see what loving someone like this looks like. And I will say it, it is not always easy, but I do feel it is what I am called to do. And, I don't know how to explain it, but something just feels right in loving someone where you give of yourself to the betterment of that person. Maybe I will understand it and be able to articulate it better when I am actually married, but there is just something that is right about it.

LORD, help me today to learn what it means to love my future wife as you loved the church. Lord, whenever I am married, God may I love her in this way. May I not fall into the trap of calling for her just submitting to me, but may I also love her as you loved the church. Amen.

Ephesians 5:1-21 (Walk in Love)

2008-08-10T08:40:00.002-05:00

Ephesians 5:1-21

In the beginning of this section we see Paul telling his audience to be imitators of God and to walk in love as Christ loved them. Paul then spends the next several verses warning against sexual impurity and idolatry. He warns the believers at Ephesus to stay away from the people who are caught up in that and to not follow in their way of doing things. He reminds them that at one time they were darkness, but because of Christ they have been made light. He says that whatever is hidden when brought into the light becomes as the light. He pleads with them to walk in a wise manner, making the best use of the time given to them, because the days are evil. He tells them to not be foolish but to understand the will of the Lord. He inserts here a line or two about not getting drunk on wine. And he concludes by telling them to get together and praise God, singing songs, hymns and spiritual songs, to give thanks to Jesus Christ, and to submit to one another in reverence to Christ.

"And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony." Colossians 3:14

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another." John 13:34

"For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died." Romans 14:15

I think what I will take from this passage at this time would be the command to walk in love. I am beginning to notice a theme about loving others. I wonder if the Ephesian believers were being elitist or were not loving their brothers as they should. Whatever the reason why Paul says what he says, I think it is something that is very applicable to the church today. We need to be willing to forgive, and we need to be loving one another and building each other up. We seem to have a bad habit today of tearing each other down, when in fact we should be building each other up to good works for the Lord. May I today start to be by brothers and sisters up and walk in the love that Christ showed to me on the Cross.

LORD, help me today to walk in love. Help me to remember the greatest love with which you loved me, and may I pour that out to the best of my ability on my fellow man. God teach me how to love like you love me. Amen.

Ephesians 4:17-32 (The New Life)

2008-08-09T09:38:00.001-05:00

Ephesians 4:17-32

In this section we see Paul charge the believers at Ephesus to take up their new life in Christ. He begins by charging them to not walk as the Gentiles do, whose minds are hardened and who have become calloused to God and do all things that are impure. He says that this is not what they were taught in Christ, but they were taught to put off the old self which belonged to their former manner of life, and to put on the new self, which is created in the likeness of God's holiness and righteousness. Here again he charges the believers to speak the truth to each other and to put away falsehood. He charges them in particular that it is okay to be angry, but not to sin in anger, and to not let the sun go down on your anger. He also tells them to be generous to everyone, so that the thief no longer has reason to steal but will be able to give to anyone who has need. He concludes by telling them to be kind to one another and forgive one another, as God in Christ for gave them.

"Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil." Psalm 37:8

"so you should rather turn to forgive and comfort him, or he may be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow." 2nd Corinthians 2:7

"For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you," Matthew 6:14

So much could be drawn from this text, but I think quite possibly the most relevant thing to draw from this passage would be the part about not letting the sun go down on your anger. Our culture today tells us that if somebody does something to make you angry, to be angry, and that it is okay to be angry and not forgive and make things right. Now in this text it does say it is okay to be angry, and we have proof of that else where (Jesus got angry on a number of occasions), but the text also says to not sin in your anger. Now I take that to mean two things. First, don't do anything in your anger that would be considered a sin to your fellow man. Secondly, I think here Paul is saying it is a sin to remain angry and not forgive. Here Paul tells the believers that they should not let the sun go down on their anger, which says to me that they should be not holding on to or dwelling in their anger, but forgiving as soon as is possible.

Now what does this look like, I don't really know. I am still trying to work this out myself. But I do feel that we as a culture and as believers especially, need to get away from holding grudges. I think we need to be honest with one another and let people know they have made us angry, and I think we need to be more willing to forgive. In my relationship with Janie, we try to practice this, so we have a rule. If one of us is mad at the other, we don't leave each other until we have worked it out, and I am sure that will continue into the different aspects of our relationship to come. Now we certainly don't always abide by this rule, but we do try really hard, and I think it does make our relationship better because we are more honest and resolve our junk more quickly.

LORD, help me today to forgive as you forgave me. Help me to not hold on to my anger but to let it okay and restore the fellowship with those who have made me angry. Amen.

Ephesians 4:1-16 (Unity in the Body Of Christ)

2008-08-08T15:47:00.004-05:00

Ephesians 4:1-16

Here in this section, we see Paul begin a discussion on how to live life as the people we truly are. He does this by telling the Ephesians that they need to begin living in unity as believers, and not be broken up by division of race or social class. Paul begins by telling the believers at Ephesus that he hopes they will live the life worthy of the calling the Lord has placed on them. He then says that there is one body, one spirit, under one God, and he seems to be implying a theme of unity here. Paul then spends the next few verses talking about how Christ ascended and how he surely must have descended to what Paul calls the lowest parts of the earth. The interpretation of this chapter is up for debate, so I won't try and tackle it here. Paul then begins to describe the different roles given to believers by the Spirit, Apostle, teacher, pastor, prophet, evangelist. He explains that these gifts were given to equip the saints to do the ministry of service, and to build up the body of Christ. He does seem to imply here however that these gifts were given until such a time when the believers have reached maturity in Christ, to where we are no longer children tossed around by the winds of bad teaching (since we haven't escaped that yet, the gifts remain). He then tells the Ephesians to speak the truth in love, and that we should all strive to grow up into the head of the body, Christ. Paul concludes that the body only grows when the whole body is growing, and in so helping the body build itself up in love.

"Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!" Psalm 133:1

"Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind." 1st Peter 3:8

I think what we should gather from this section is that we need each other. I think a lot of the time we think that we can do this Christian life on our own. In fact, what we need to do is be doing life together, building each other up and bearing one anothers burdens. If the church today could get back to a point where we are doing life together, in community, the church would function so much better.

I think another interesting portion of this section is how it describes that those who are given the gifts of prophecy and teaching and evangelism are given those gifts to build up the saints. It never says anything about those who are given those gifts to be the only ones doing any kind of service. Again, I see a real problem in some churches today where the body believes that the only people who should be doing ministry are those who are the teachers and the leaders. There is just no biblical support for that. This book says that those who are teachers and leaders are to build up others to do the ministry of service.

LORD, help me today be able to be a unifying force among your believers. God may I not be divisive or setting up walls, but Lord may I be one to tear down the walls that separate your believers. May your people begin to be unified today in you father, for our unity is found in your son and his death on the cross. May we see past our own prejudices and realize that we do need each other. Amen.

Ephesians 3:14-21 (Prayer for Spiritual Strength)

2008-08-07T13:31:00.005-05:00

Ephesians 3:14-21

In this section, we see Paul offer a prayer up on behalf of the believers at Ephesus. He begins by praying that God would give them strength through the presence of his Holy Spirit in their lives, and that through that they would allow Christ to dwell in their lives through their faith. He prays that they will have their foundation in love, and that they will be strengthened to understand the love of Christ which surpasses anything they will understand, and that they would be filled with the fullness of God. Paul ends the prayer by ascribing glory to the God who is able to do more than we can imagine.

"Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." Philippians 2:3-4

I think we see a very basic principle in this passage, and that is to simply pray for one another. I think the church today has really walked away from the being in the practice of praying for one another. I don't think we as often or as readily bear one another's burdens, and I don't think we pray to God in intercession for others as much as we should. I am just as guilty of it as anyone else.

I think we see in this section a good picture of what a believer's prayer life should look like, praying on behalf of one another, instead of the predominantly self-centered prayers our culture prays today.

LORD, help me to be mindful and aware of the needs of others, and help me to bring those needs before you in my own prayers. God, help make me less self-centered and more focused on others. Teach me to care for my brothers. Amen.

Ephesians 3:1-13 (The Mystery of the Gospel Revealed)

2008-08-06T15:55:00.003-05:00

Ephesians 3:1-13

Here we see Paul unpacking for us what he deems as a mystery, or something that was not known previously. In these verses, Paul says that he has been given insight into this mystery to share with the world. His particular insight would be that the Gentiles are fellow heirs of the inheritance in Christ. Paul reminds them that he was given his ministry by the grace of God, and even says that he is the last person who should be qualified for this ministry. He says that his ministry is to bring to light the wisdom of God, which has been God's purpose for all eternity, and it is fulfilled in Christ. He concludes by asking the church at Ephesus not to be worried over the suffering he was experiencing at the time (Paul was in prison).

"of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known," Colossians 1:25

"through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations," Romans 1:5

So what I take from this is that Paul is very clear in the second half of the passage to let the Ephesians know that he did nothing to merit the ministry he now has. He has been gifted with his ministry through the grace of God, and by nothing else.

I think sometimes I forget that my ministry is a gift from God. I sometimes feel it is a burden and something I have brought on myself, when in reality it is a gift from him, and something I should gladly receive. I think I would do well to think about how God has allowed me to be a part of his plan to bring people to himself.

LORD, help me today to not be burdened by the work you have given me. Instead let me rejoice in the fact that you have given me a part to play in your eternal work. Amen.

Ephesians 2:11-22 (One in Christ)

2008-08-05T17:23:00.002-05:00

Ephesians 2:11-22

Here in this section, we see Paul address what was probably a big problem in the church at Ephesus. Paul uses these verses to discuss the difference and then subsequent unity found in Christ between the Jews and the Gentiles. He begins by saying that at one time the Gentiles were alienated from God and his chosen people. He then says that those who were once far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. Paul says that Christ is the peace between the two groups of people, and Christ is creating in himself one new man from the two. Paul reminds the reader that Jesus preached peace to both Jews and Gentiles, and that now no one is an alien but are a part of the household of God. He concludes that Christ is working in them to build them together to a house for God to dwell.

"And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him," Colossians 1:21-22

"For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body— Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit." 1st Corinthians 12:13

"you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." 1st Peter 2:5

I think the big thing I pull from this portion would be that despite any difference we may have with others, the gospel is for all and we have no right to withhold the gospel from anyone. I think even today we get caught up sometimes in thinking that certain people are not deserving of the gospel, when in reality no one is. But it is a gift, and we should not withhold the gift that was given to us to give to others. I think I need to realize that I need to do better about being unified with other believers as well, and not worry so much about apparent divisions between us, location or denomination, and just treat them like brothers.

LORD, help me today to be a voice for unity among your people and not of division. God may I remember that no one deserves it, but you gave it anyway. Lord, help me to remember that your people are unified by you, and you don't recognize differences, so let me not recognize the differences either. Amen.

Ephesians 2:1-10 (Grace by Through Faith)

2008-08-04T07:25:00.002-05:00

Ephesians 2:1-10

He we see Paul lay out some of the workings of the human condition and how salvation works in the lives of men. He begins by saying that we were all once dead because of the sin in our lives. Because, whether knowingly or unknowingly, we were being obedient to the ruler of the kingdom of the air, or Satan, we were being disobedient to God, becoming children of wrath. He goes on to say that God, being rich in mercy and love, made us alive with his son Jesus, stating that by grace we have been saved. He says that God raised us up with Christ and has seated us in the heavenly places. Paul says that this was so that in the coming ages he could show us the immeasurable of his grace in Christ. He again says here that it is by grace we have been saved, through faith, not by any works we could do so that none of us may boast in our own doing. He concludes this section by saying that we are God's workmanship, and he does the good works through us, and has created us to walk in those good works.

"Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God," 2nd Corinthians 3:5

"That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all," Romans 4:16

There is a lot that could be talked about here, but I only want to focus on the most well known verse in the passage. How thankful am I for this verse? Day in and day out I mess up, I sin and am disobedient to God. A lot of times after I mess up, I thank God that he is so merciful that he did not make my salvation up to me, because he knew I would screw it up. If it was up to my own being good enough to get to heaven, I would never get there, because I can't be good enough on my own.

This verse offers a whole lot of peace in my life, because it says that I am not responsible for my own salvation. It has been gifted to me by God through his son Jesus, and it is by faith alone, accepting that gift even though I don't fully know what it is or how I am receiving it, I accept it on faith. And it is set up in such a way that I cannot boast about doing it myself, because I did not.

LORD, thank you for being rich in mercy and grace. Thank you for the GIFT of salvation and that you did not make my only way to you through my own good works, because I have none to offer you. Thank you that my only way to you is by faith in your son and accepting the grace you offered me on the cross. Amen.

Ephesians 1:15-23 (Thanksgiving and Prayer)

2008-08-03T08:33:00.002-05:00

Ephesians 1:15-23

In this section of Ephesians, we see Paul giving thanks for the church and Ephesus. We also see Paul lift a prayer up for the believers there, first asking God to give the believers there a spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that they will begin to know God better. He asks that there hearts be enlightened so that they may realize three things. The first would be the realization in the hope they have a hope in Christ of all that God has promised them. The second would be that they have an inheritance with Christ for future riches, which is salvation from sin and the riches that will come to us in glory. The last is that they realize the immeasurable power that Christ is working in them toward redemption, the same power of God that raised him from the dead and put everything in creation under his authority.

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might." Ephesians 6:10

"God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it." Acts 2:24

"Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all." Colossians 3:11

The thing that strikes me out of this passage would be the part about the believers being enlightened to the great power at work in them, that is bringing them to new life. Paul says that that power is the same power that raised Christ from the dead and put all of creation under Christ. Now it seems to me like that is a power I cannot fully understand or describe. But that power that God demonstrated to bring his Son up from the grave and place him as the king over all the world, that is a pretty magnificent power.

I think sometimes I tend to cheapen the resurrection, I tend to forget the awesome power God used to raise his son to life and in so doing set me free from my sin. I also fail to realize I think that this same power is the power that brings me up from the grave and saves me and brings me into fellowship with God. I think I need to revisit the resurrection and the power that was demonstrated in that event, and remember that the incredible miracle that happened then is happening in me now, because Christ is raising me from the dead.

LORD, thank you for doing a great work in me, and that is saving me from my sin. Thank you that the power you used to save your son from death is the same power you use to save me from the grave I lay in. Thank you for salvation and thank you that you did not make it dependent on my power but much more on your abundant grace. Amen.

Ephesians 1:1-14 (Greetings/Spiritual Blessings in Christ)

2008-07-30T12:17:00.005-05:00

Ephesians 1:1-14

In this beginning section of the book of Ephesians, we see Paul describe to the church at Ephesus the spiritual blessings we find in Christ. He begins by describing how God selected us to stand holy and blameless before him. He then says that we have been loved into and brought into his family, adopted as sons through the grace he showed through Christ on the cross. He reminds them that they have been redeemed through the blood of Christ, and that God is doing all of this in an effort to unite all peoples to him. He says that as children of God, we have an inheritance, and have been sealed with the Holy Spirit until the day when we can claim our inheritance.

Several interesting things I find in this section. First, an idea I have always really liked. I really like the idea that God has adopted me as a son. We always talk about God being the father, and I just think it is a really great way to describe how our relationship with God works by describing by adoption. When adoption in the world works properly, the adopted child becomes a member of the family, having the same rights and even an inheritance from the father as the legitimate son has. It is incredible to me that this is what God wants my relationship with him to look like: to be an obedient son to him, and for him to lavish all the rewards and inhertance of his son Jesus Christ on me.

"For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth." Deuteronomy 7:6

"who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began," 2nd Timothy 1:9

The other interesting thing to me would be the discussion of the Holy Spirit. I find it interesting how Paul here describes the Holy Spirit serves as a seal for us for the inheritance we will be able to claim in Christ. The Holy Spirit is the guarantee of that inheritance that we hold on to and have until the day of possession comes. It just kind of makes me wonder what that day will look like, what the day when I claim my inheritance, basically to stand blameless and holy in front of my God, what that day will look like. I really have no idea, because I have never experiences perfection. It just brings a longing to me to know what they day is going to be like, but I know that I can't know that until I get there.

"And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified." Acts 20:32

"and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee." 2nd Corinthians 1:22

The application I pull from this verse is to remember and to act as an adopted son and not as the red-headed step child. God loves me not begrudgingly, but sincerely loves me and wants to be with me. He loves me he loves his son, and I need to start acting like his son would act, obedient to the last and certain of the father's love. I don't have to guess that God loves me, I just know.

LORD, help me today to know that you love me as a son, and not because I am completely blameless and holy now, but because I have the Son, and all you see his him and his perfection. And God, may I act this day as your son would act, knowing that you love me and obedient to your commands. Amen.

Joshua 24:29-33 (Joshua's Death and Burial)

2008-07-29T10:15:00.002-05:00

Joshua 24:29-33

Here in this simple conclusion to the book of Joshua, we discover how Joshua, the leader of the people, dies and his buried. We are also given mention of several other leaders of the nation who died as well.

The important thing I can pull from this simple text would be in verse 31. There it says that the nation of Israel followed the Lord all the days of Joshua and the leaders who outlived Joshua. That says to me that the church is in need of men of God who are truly submitted and following God, and when that is present, then the church will follow the Lord in obedience. Our world is such where we try and emmulate the leader. If our leader is a godly man, then we strive to be like that.

I need to be a leader in the church who seeks whole-heartedly after my God, in hopes that they will not try and copy me, but will see Christ in me and will long to be near him. If I am to be a leader, then my life must be an example of submission to Christ.

LORD, help me remember today that I am called to be a leader, and as a leader I set an example. Help me to be totally submitted to you, so that those who I lead will be drawn to you and will hopefully seek to be totally submitted to you as well. Amen.

Joshua 24:14-28 (Choose Whom You Will Serve)

2008-07-28T10:02:00.003-05:00

Joshua 24:14-28

In this section, we see Joshua posing his final challenge to the people of Israel. He challenges them to put away the gods of the ancestors and serve and worship Yahweh faithfully. He says that today they should choose who they would serve, and to make a choice and deal with whatever consequences come from that decision. We then see the people quickly fire back their response, saying that certainly we will not forsake the Lord who has brought them through so much. We see them recalling how the Lord protected and delivered their ancestors and them also. We then see Joshua become very negative and telling the nation that they will not be able to serve and follow the Lord, and that God will not forgive them if they fail. They assure Joshua that they will follow only the Lord. He tells them that they are witnesses against themselves and that they need to turn away from other gods and follow only Yahweh.

The thing I pull from this passage would be that how often we set ourselves up for great things, and then we fail because we are sinners. Here we see the Israelites saying that they will serve only Yahweh and will turn away from him. But in having read more of the Israelite story, I know that they do in fact turn away, and they do in fact worship gods other than Yahweh.

"And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." John 17:3

"But the LORD is the true God; he is the living God and the everlasting King. At his wrath the earth quakes, and the nations cannot endure his indignation." Jeremiah 10:10

I see this also in my own life, where I say I will serve and worship only the Lord, but soon after that my attention is diverted to something else, and I am guilty of idolatry, because I have made something more important than God. I need to arrive at a place in my life where I rely on God's strength, and I don't make promises to him that I can't keep, because I am gonna mess it up, it is just a fact. I need to remember to make God the only true god in my life, nothing else before him, he is the almighty and the truth, the one God.

LORD, today, help me rely on you. Help me to not commit anything to you that I am not truly willing and able to give. Help me to not make a liar and idolater out of myself in your presence. Thank you that you do forgive me when I fail. Amen.

Joshua 24:1-13 (The Covenant Renewal at Shechem)

2008-07-27T16:11:00.002-05:00

Joshua 24:1-13

In this section, we see God reminding the people of the covenant he made with Abraham a long time ago. The section then begins to walk through step by step how the promise was continued but never really fulfilled until now the Israelites see a partial fulfillment, but the most seen in a long time. Throughout the whole thing, God through the prophet is quick to remind them that it was he and not by their might that they were delivered from their enemies and brought into the promise.

I think the big deal here is just another reminder, and I doubt if we could ever be reminded of this too much, that God is in control, and it is by his might and not ours that we are blessed and given what has been promised to us. It is not by our forcing of God's promises to come to us, it is by the fact that God delivers on his promises. May we not forget that.

LORD, help me today to remember that what you promise you deliver, and by your might and love alone, not by anything I can do. Help me to remember to draw close to you and rely on your strength and not mine. Amen.

Joshua 23:1-16 (Joshua's Charge to Israel's Leaders)

2008-07-26T19:45:00.002-05:00

Joshua 23:1-16

Here in this first part of a two part farewell speech, we find Joshua addressing the leaders of the nation of Israel. We see him begin by reminding the leaders of what they have seen the Lord do for them, how Yahweh drove out the nations from before the Israelites and how no man could stand against them. Joshua seems to be imploring the leaders to look back and praise God for what He has done for them. Next we see him telling the leaders to hold fast to God. It was probably pretty enticing to begin worshiping the gods of the Canaanites, but Joshua is reminding them that Yahweh is the true God, he brought them through the wilderness and conquered the land for them, and he is worthy of their worship. Finally, Joshua reminds them of the consequences if they turn from obedience and worship of Yahweh and focus it on the gods of the Canaanites.

"Moreover, in addition to all that I have provided for the holy house, I have a treasure of my own of gold and silver, and because of my devotion to the house of my God I give it to the house of my God" 1st Chronicles 29:3

"Go and proclaim in the hearing of Jerusalem, Thus says the LORD,"I remember the devotion of your youth,your love as a bride, how you followed me in the wilderness, in a land not sown." Jeremiah 2:2

"I say this for your own benefit, not to lay any restraint upon you, but to promote good order and to secure your undivided devotion to the Lord." 1st Corinthians 7:35

"But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ." 2nd Corinthians 11:3

In these verses we can find a very important principle for the modern church, quite simply to hold fast to God. We as Christians in the 21st century live in a world where everything is fighting for our attention, our worship, our devotion. But the truth of the matter is that God is the only one deserving and worthy of our worship and devotion. We would be well advised to heed the warning of Joshua and not commit apostasy, but to hold fast to being obedient to God and to give our full devotion to him and no one else. We should be devoted to no other thing, lest God punish us as he punished the Israelites when they turned from devotion to Him.

LORD, help me and we as the modern church to remain devoted solely to you. May we not be lured away by technology, pop culture, the world in general, but may we hold fast to you and your righteousness. May I become more fully devoted to you every day, and may my only desire be to worship and serve you. Help me to be devoted to you today. Amen.

Joshua 22:10-34 (The Eastern Tribes' Altar of Witness)

2008-07-25T12:38:00.003-05:00

Joshua 22:10-34

In this section of scripture we see an interesting scene occur between the tribes on either side of the Jordan. The tribes on the western side set up a large altar on the west side of the Jordan as a remembrance to everyone that they do have an inheritance with Yahweh and that they are a part of God's people. The people on the western side of the Jordan however, see this as an alternate altar, and are worried that the eastern tribes are going to bring the wrath of God on them all. After the west sends a delegation to the east, everything gets sorted out.

"Love the LORD, all you his saints! The LORD preserves the faithfulbut abundantly repays the one who acts in pride." Psalm 31:23

The important lesson here as I see it would be that we do not need to be quick to jump to conclusions about the spiritual state of other people. The western tribes did jump to a conclusion and it almost ended in war. We need to be ready to handle other people and their walks with the LORD very maturely, seeking out the reasons why they do what they do. We absolutely need to be concerned with faithfulness to God only, but jumping to conclusions does not help anything.

LORD, help me today to approach other people with maturity and to not jump to conclusions about their condition with you. Help me to be concerned that my fellow man is faithful to you Lord, keep that concern on my heart. Amen.

Joshua 22:1-9 (The Eastern Tribes Return Home)

2008-07-24T17:12:00.002-05:00

Joshua 22:1-9

In this section, we see how the people of the 2 and a half tribes whose lands were back on the other side of the Jordan River are finally able to return to their homes. It has been more than seven years, and it is time for them to go home.

In this section, the real value I see in it is that when we are faithful and obedient to God, he will eventually reward us with the rest and the blessings he promised us in the beginning. The 2 1/2 tribes could have very easily stayed in their lands and not helped their brothers conquer the land of Canaan, but they didn't do that. They knew that the Lord through Moses commanded them to be obedient and to help their brothers, and that eventually they would be able to go back to their land.

I think we need to be obedient to God no matter the circumstance, even when it doesn't seem to be what we should do or the smartest choice, I think we need to be obedient and serve the Lord as he commands, and rest assured in the fact that if we are obedient, he will bless us. Now what that blessing looks like I don't know, but I do know that if we are obedient, he will bless us.

LORD, help me today to be obedient and to follow your commands even when they don't make sense to me. Amen.

Joshua 21:1-45 (Cities and Pasturelands Alloted to Levi)

2008-07-23T21:44:00.002-05:00

Joshua 21:1-45

In this section of Joshua, we find another lengthy chapter filled with names of cities that are hard to pronounce. While the first 40 verses or so seem to have little value to us today, these long chapters about the allotment of the land show and important point, and that is summed up best in the last few verses.

"Thus the LORD gave to Israel all the land that he swore to give to their fathers. And they took possession of it, and they settled there. And the LORD gave them rest on every side just as he had sworn to their fathers. Not one of all their enemies had withstood them, for the LORD had given all their enemies into their hands. Not one word of all the good promises that the LORD had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass." Joshua 21:43-45

In these verses, we see that once the nation of Israel stopped trying to do it their own way and finally surrendered and trusted the Lord their God, then the Lord fulfilled everyone of the promises he had made to them. The conquest of the land of Canaan was not a small task by any stretch of the imagination, and though it took some time, the Lord did give the Israelites what he promised to give him.

I think we need to remember that as the Lord promises, so he does. God does not break promises, he does just what he says he will, but we have to be willing to submit and trust to him. I need to submit to and trust him more daily.

LORD, help me today to submit to your will and plan for my life and to trust you to do what you say you are going to do. Amen.

Joshua 20:1-9 (The Cities of Refuge)

2008-07-22T21:52:00.002-05:00

Joshua 20:1-9

In this section of Joshua, we see the allotment of land for what are called cities of refuge. As is described in the text, these are cities, three on each side of the Jordan River, where anyone guilty of manslaughter, or unintentional killing, can flee from the avenger of blood. The avenger of blood's job was to carry out justice for the society by killing anyone guilty of murder, and anyone guilty of manslaughter who stepped outside of the cities of refuge. The person guilty of manslaughter was required to stay in that city until the time when the High Priest dies, then he is freed.

This is an interesting concept to us today to be sure. But if you do a little digging about this concept, there are some interesting things to be had. First, you learn that the roads and markers leading to this city were always kept up with, they were not allowed to fall into disrepair. We also learn that there were actually people stationed along the road to direct others towards the place of rescue.

Now without question, we can hopefully see a redemptive quality in the cities of refuge. It seems to be God's way of allowing those who have made a pretty big mistake, killing some one all be it accidentally, and gives them a second chance, gives them a chance to be redeemed, to be forgiven. And when they are set free at the time of the high priest's death, we see that forgiveness can come at any time after screwing up, for the man in the city for 30 years to the man only there for 3 months.

So what does this say about us as Christians in the modern day? We who have been redeemed by the death of our great High Priest Jesus Christ, how does this apply to us? We are to be the ones along the road, standing next to markers, pointing and shouting "Come this way, this way to safety, this way to redemption, this way to forgiveness!" I think this could definitely be an allusion to our role in the life of God's church, to direct the fallen and broken to the city of refuge, only our city of refuge is not a city at all, but a person, and that person is Jesus Christ.

May we take this role seriously, because the fallen and broken and lost are also being chased by the avenger of blood, the almighty Judge, the one who requires Justice for the wrongs done against him. If these people do not enter into the city of refuge, the God is certainly within his right, and is completely justified in destroying them for the sins they have committed against him.

"And they departed and went through the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere." Luke 9:6

"Now when they had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans." Acts 8:25

LORD, today, make me a signpost for the city of refuge that is your son Jesus Christ. May I take the sins of others very seriously, and may I be positioned along the way to lead them to your son, to speak truth into their lives, and hopefully help lead them to your throne. God you are just and you do deserve the blood of those who are your enemies, and I thank you for sending your son, whose blood pays the price that was on my head for the wrongs i have done against you. Amen.

Joshua 18:1-28 (The Rest of the Allotment)

2008-07-17T15:44:00.007-05:00

Joshua 18:1-10

Joshua 18:11-28

Joshua 19:1-9

Joshua 19:10-16

Joshua 19:17-23

Joshua 19:24-31

Joshua 19:32-39

Joshua 19:40-48

Joshua 19:49-51

In this section, there is not a lot of necessarily theological significance, nor will there be in the next few sections of scripture, besides one point. Within all of this land allotment business, we see that the God of Israel, the same God who we as Christians worship today, was faithful to fulfill the promise which he made to the Israelites and their ancestors.

I think sometimes we forget that God is faithful to the end, and what he has promised us will most certainly come true. May I become a person who trusts and remembers that my God is faithful, he does not break the promises he has made, and he is faithful especially to never leave me. How quickly I sometimes forget it.

"Into your hand I commit my spirit;you have redeemed me, O LORD, faithful God." Psalm 31:5

"But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious,slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness." Psalm 86:15

"God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord." 1st Corinthians 1:9

"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." 1st Corinthians 10:13

LORD, today, with all that goes on in my life, and how the things of this world sometimes don't life up to what they promise me, may I never forget that you are a faithful God who loves me, who has my best interests at heart, and will keep all the promises you make no matter what. Thank you Lord for being more faithful than I can imagine or know what to do with. Amen.

Joshua 16:1-17:18 (The Allotment for Ephraim and Manasseh)

2008-07-15T12:44:00.002-05:00

Joshua 16:1-17:18

In this section, we see more of the trend started in the previous chapter, the alloting of the land to the people of Israel. Here we see the allotments given to the two tribes of Joseph, which were two of the next biggest tribes under Judah. These tribes lands who house some of the most important places in all the land of Israel, such as Shiloh where the tabernacle was for a long time.

The big thing to note would be the tribes lack of contentment with what was given to them. They actually asked for more land, they were not content with what God had given them. They thought because they were larger, they deserved more of the land, but the land Joshua offered they weren't crazy about because they didn't want to have to drive out the Canaanites from the land. But we know that after Joshua gives them the land, they are unable to drive the Canaanites out of the land fully, and eventually are enslaved by them.

"Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." Hebrews 13:5

"Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content." Philippians 4:11

Often in our lives, we are not content with what God gives to us, and then when he gives more, we cannot handle it. May we be content with what God gives us and trust in faith that what he has given us is exactly what we need at that moment.

LORD, help me today to be content with what you give me. May I remember that you know my needs far better than I do, and I should be content with what you give when you give. Lord, give me a spirit of contentment today. Amen.

Joshua 15:1-63 (The Allotment for Judah)

2008-07-14T19:47:00.003-05:00

Joshua 15:1-63

Okay, so I have reached the type of scriptures that everyone dreads to come across when reading the bible. Here in the book of Joshua, the writer has started to go into the division of the land among the tribes. Here in this chapter in particular, he starts with the largest of the tribes, that being Judah. This section is ended by the writer letting us know that the tribe of Judah was unsuccessful to drive out the Jebusites from in and around Jerusalem, and that the Jebusites live among the people of Judah for a long time.

Now there is something of a spiritual value that we can pull from the passage with a whole lot of quasi-difficult names to read. The principle lies in the last verse, where we are told that the people of Judah did not fully push out the Jebusites, and how they remained in the land for years. Now in my studies of the rest of the bible, I am aware that chronologically after the events in Joshua, the people of Canaan were a terrible nuisance to the people of Judah and Israel as a whole, causing them to fall to idolatry often and bringing about the wrath of the Lord.

"And if you faithfully obey the voice of the LORD your God, being careful to do all his commandments that I command you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth." Deuteronomy 28:1

"Be careful to obey all these words that I command you, that it may go well with you and with your children after you forever, when you do what is good and right in the sight of the LORD your God." Deuteronomy 12:28

"If you will fear the LORD and serve him and obey his voice and not rebel against the commandment of the LORD, and if both you and the king who reigns over you will follow the LORD your God, it will be well." 1st Samuel 12:14

So the principle to be learned here is to follow the commandments of the Lord exactly as he gives them, don't half way obey the Lord. We need to be either all in or not, but none of this half way business. As can be seen here and in other biblical passages, when we don't follow the direct commandments of the Lord as we should, we open ourselves up to temptation and more than likely will eventually fall to that temptation. In my own life I know often I go half way when it comes to obeying the Lord, and that normally leads me into trouble. I need to be willing and ready to go full in to obedience of the Lord.

LORD, help me today to be fully obedient to you, and to not slack when it comes to obeying what you command me. Lord, may I learn to true full obedience and may I learn from the mistakes of your people in the bible. Lord, help me to obey you today. Amen.

Joshua 14:6-15 (Caleb's Request and Inheritance)

2008-07-13T08:12:00.004-05:00

Joshua 14:6-15

In this section we see something amazing to behold in the scriptures. In this little story, we see Caleb, one of the original spies, request and gain his inheritance. Now if you don't remember, Caleb was one of the original spies who went into Canaan, but Caleb along with Joshua were the only two who brought back a favorable report. Because of that faithfulness, Moses promised the land in which they had spied out to Caleb and his family. Now, as Joshua is dividing up the land, Caleb approaches Joshua and reminds him of what Moses had promised him. Caleb requests his inheritance and says that at 85 years of age, he is still as strong now to take the land as he was when he was forty. Joshua does indeed bless him and Caleb does go and take the land as his inheritance.

Now what is so cool to me about this passage would be the use of the phrase "wholly followed the Lord." In doing my research, I find that that phrase is only used to refer to Caleb and one other time in all the Old Testament. This seems to say to me that Caleb was dedicated to the Lord despite the people being against him, despite the difficult circumstances, and despite the waiting he had to do, he remained wholly devoted to the Lord his God and served him as best he could. This is an incredible testimony to Caleb, as he is now remembered in the scriptures as being wholly devoted to the Lord.

"Go and proclaim in the hearing of Jerusalem, Thus says the LORD,"I remember the devotion of your youth,your love as a bride, how you followed me in the wilderness, in a land not sown." Jeremiah 2:2

"I say this for your own benefit, not to lay any restraint upon you, but to promote good order and to secure your undivided devotion to the Lord." 1st Corinthians 7:35

May that be said of me, that I was wholly devoted to the Lord, despite my circumstances, despite how people feel about me and what I say, and despite how long I have to wait for God's promises. I know that that is not how I live, but it really does need to be how I live, and I need to strive to be wholly devoted to the Lord, despite everything else. My devotion belongs wholly to the Lord, and I should give him that.

LORD, help me today to be wholly devoted to you and to ignore all else around me but be wholly yours today. God, may it be said of me after I am gone that I was wholly devoted and committed to you and to keeping your word and commandments. Amen.

Joshua 14:1-5 (The Inheritance West of the Jordan)

2008-07-12T09:28:00.001-05:00

Joshua 14:1-5

In this small section, we are really just given a recap and an introduction into the next section of the book of Joshua. The narrator is setting the stage and reminding the reader that the land boundaries about to be read are actually in the land of Canaan for the 9 1/2 other tribes, and he also reminds us that the Levites were not given an inheritance and the 2 1/2 other tribes are east of the Jordan. We also are introduced to Eleazar, the high priest, who was to help Joshua, or maybe even run the lot casting to divide up the inheritance.

I think there is an important principle to be learned from this. Up to this point we see Joshua as the sole leader of the Israelites, he has been in charge the entire book to this point. Now we see Eleazar step in and help or maybe even take a little more control, it is unclear. But I think the wisdom we can pull from this is that God is going to put one or more leaders in place as a system of checks and balances, so one doesn't become to powerful or selfish, and so hopefully the leaders are continuing to listen to God. I think that is why the New Testament churches split up their leadership into many different offices, Elder and pastor and deacon.

"The fear of the LORD is instruction in wisdom,and humility comes before honor." Proverbs 15:33

"Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." 1st Peter 5:5

But I think the thing I personally need to learn here is that I am not to run the show, it is not about me and it never should be about me, and I am going to need help, not only logistically but also to keep my pride in check.

LORD, help me today to remember that this leadership role in the church that you have given to me is not at all about me, and I need to remember that it is all about you and obeying you. Surround me with people God who will help keep my pride in check and won't let me run around on your people. God, break me of any pride I have over being able to lead. Make me a humble servant as your Son was when he was on this earth. Amen.

Joshua 13:8-33 (The Inheritance East of the Jordan)

2008-07-11T07:14:00.004-05:00

Joshua 13:8-33

In this section, we see a lengthy description of the inheritance given to the 2 1/2 tribes whose land lied beyond the eastern bank of the Jordan River. This land portioning is very lengthy and very detailed. We also see here, and are reminded from early passages in other books, that the tribe of Levi was given no inheritance, for their inheritance was God.

I think what I take from this is something very much for me personally. As a minister, I believe I am called to claim God as my inheritance, in reality we all are, but I feel that specifically ministers are to keep themselves from gaining material wealth in this world and should focus on serving the Lord's people instead of accumulating wealth. The Levites were given no land inheritance, but would receive things from the offerings the people brought to Yahweh. It seems to me that the Lord did not want the people directly responsible for serving him, those whose job it was to do his work, to be caught up in materialism. I think that same call goes out today to minister in the church. We need to be free from materialism and solely seeking out God as our inheritance.

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:19-21

LORD, help me today to not seek material wealth Lord, but to consider you my only inheritance and seek after you as the world seeks after material things God. May I be your servant today. God may I remember today that it is all about you and not about me. Amen.

Joshua 13:1-7 (Land Still to be Conquered)

2008-07-10T07:41:00.002-05:00

Joshua 13:1-7

Here in this section, we see the Lord beginning by reminding Joshua that he is getting up there in years. It seems that this reminder is to serve the purpose of letting Joshua know that even though he was older, he was still needed to complete the task. We then go into a fairly lengthy section about the land that was left to be conquered by the Israelites, a seemingly large number of cities. Upon God's revelation of what cities remained to be conquered he says to Joshua he himself will drive out the rest of these peoples from their lands, but Joshua must be faithful to allot the land to the Israelites as the Lord had commanded.

"Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations," Deuteronomy 7:9

"But as for me, my prayer is to you, O LORD.At an acceptable time, O God,in the abundance of your steadfast love answer me in your saving faithfulness." Psalm 69:13

"He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God." Psalm 98:3

I think we can see here is God's faithfulness to the end. God doesn't take the Israelites half-way in and then leave them, but he promises that he will take them the rest of the way as long as they continue to obey his commandments. I believe the same thing holds true for us today, God is promising to be with us till the end of the task he has laid out before us, and we don't need to feel alone or overwhelmed, but we need to be ready to obey what he had commanded and then go and let God work how he is going to work. Often we feel alone and like God has left the rest of the task for us to do, when in reality we just needed to continue to obey him and we would realize that he was right their still leading us.

LORD, help me remember today that in the tasks you have given me to do, you are going to stay with me to their completion. You are not going to abandon me, you are not going to make me go through part of it alone. Lord, may I continue to obey you even when it seems like you are gone so that I can come back to the realization that you are still leading me. Amen.

Joshua 12:1-24 (Kings Defeated by Moses and Joshua)

2008-07-09T07:44:00.002-05:00

Joshua 12:1-24

In this chapter, we see a simple list of the kings defeated in the land of Canaan by Moses and by Joshua. This is list is there to show two things I believe. The first thing we can see from this chapter is the scope of God's faithfulness to the promise he made to the Israelites. He overthrew 31 kings that stood in His people's way so that they could indeed have the inheritance he promised them. God faithfulness has no limits, what he has promised he will see through to completion, even today. What God has promised to do for us, he will do, it just might take some time. The second thing that can be seen is that in Israel's fight to purge the sinful Canaanites out of the land, it was a long and trying task. This is how it will be in my life, in our lives. The act of purging the things in our lives that tempt us takes time and effort, but is necessary for us to remain in fellowship with God.

"The Rock, his work is perfect,for all his ways are justice.A God of faithfulness and without iniquity,just and upright is he." Deuteronomy 32:4

As for you, O LORD, you will not restrain your mercy from me;your steadfast love and your faithfulness will ever preserve me!" Psalm 40:11

So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions." Romans 6:11-12

LORD, help me today to not forget that you are faithful, and your faithfulness is neverending. Lord help me to also rely on you to help me purge the sin in my life that will cause me to stumble and fall away from you Lord. In all things, teach me better to rely on you. Amen.

Joshua 11:1-23 (Conquests in Northern Canaan)

2008-07-08T07:26:00.004-05:00

Joshua 11:1-23

Here in this section we see the conquest of the Israelites through the Northern areas of Canaan. The majority of their battle here is fought against a much larger army more experienced in battle and with more modern war technology. This battle, for all reason, should have been a battle that Israel lost. But as is becoming common in the book of Joshua, we see the Lord telling Joshua to not be afraid, and that the very next day the Lord will hand over the the Israelites their enemies, slain. Here Joshua was given specific instructions to destroy all of the Canaanites weapons of war (horses and chariots), presumably so that Israel would continue to rely on God and not on their own military strength.

In the next paragraph we see the actual conquest of the cities and we see the interesting concept of herev, or the devotion to destruction. Basically Israel was commanded to destroy all the people in the cities, and they did, so that they would not mix with their people and adopt that idolatrous practices but continue to worship and trust Yahweh. We are then told that Joshua slowly took all the land in the North, but warred a long time with these peoples, but brought the sword to all of them and fought with all of them. We are told at the end of this chapter that the Israelites came face to face with the giants who had frightened them away from the land years earlier, and how they destroyed a considerable number of them. The section is concluded by saying that the land had rest.

“Cast your burden on the LORD and he will sustain you…” Psalm 55:22

"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me." John 15:4

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." Matthew 11:28-29

It seems to me what is important in this section is the importance of perseverance, of endurance, of following God into battle and following his leadership to the letter, and then enjoying the victory. We have seen a lot of military conquest thus far in this book, and here in chapter 11 is the first mention of any sort of peace or rest. Israel has been going and going this whole time, and as a strategy that works pretty well, but they followed the Lord and obeyed his commands, and they waited on him for their rest and their inheritance.

I think that is an important concept for us to remember, that we need to follow God and obey him, and wait on him for our rest. God will give us the rest and peace we are looking for if we will only obey him and follow him to find it.

LORD, help me today to follow you into battle, and to follow and obey you and wait for the rest and peace you will give. Let me not seek out my own rest and peace Lord, but may I wait patiently upon you for the rest you will bring to my soul and to my body. Amen.

Joshua 10:29-43 (Conquest of Southern Canaan)

2008-07-07T07:23:00.005-05:00

Joshua 10:29-43

In this section, we are really given just an overview of the conquest of the Israelites through the south of Canaan. Not much detail is given about each battle, nor is it clear if the cities mentioned were the only cities or just representative cities. What is very clear is that in all the land that Israel took over in the South, the Lord fought for Israel. It was not of their own doing, but the Lord handed over all of these nations to them.

I think the importance of this section does lie in that phrase "the Lord fought for Israel." I think all to often we think we have to fight all of this on our own, that God has given us this battle and we are the loan warrior. I think it would serve us well to remember that today, as we go through the battles we face in life, we are not alone, God goes with us and when we have victories, he is the one who is the victor, not us. I think in addition to that, we need to be ready to draw near to God when we are in the midst of the fight. That is most definitely a hard thing to do, but I think the outcomes will be better for us if we remember to draw near to God because he is right here waiting on us to do so. We need to be seeking God out in the midst of the storm, not waiting for him to come find us, because he is right there waiting to be sought.

"But for me it is good to be near God;I have made the Lord GOD my refuge,that I may tell of all your works." Psalm 73:28

"O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you;my flesh faints for you,as in a dry and weary land where there is no water." Psalm 63:1

"Seek good, and not evil,that you may live;and so the LORD, the God of hosts, will be with you,as you have said." Amos 5:14

"And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him." Hebrews 11:6

LORD, help me to remember that you walk with me daily, and that I am not alone. You fight this battle with me, and you don't leave me to fend for myself. Thank you for being a God who is near me. Amen.

Joshua 10:16-28 (Five Amorite Kings Executed)

2008-07-06T11:31:00.002-05:00

Joshua 10:16-28

Here in this section, we go back to a theme that was presented in the first few verses of Joshua; be strong and courageous. The sun is still up and we see the five kings hiding in a cave. Joshua orders the men to seal up the cave with the kings and go on and destroy the cities. The Israelites did as Joshua commanded and went on and devoted those cities to the Lord through destruction. Once those cities had been destroyed, Joshua went back to the cave with all the people and had the Kings brought out. Joshua then tells the people to be strong and courageous, for the Lord will do to the rest of their enemies what Joshua was about to do to the Amorite Kings. Then Joshua slayed the Amorite kings and hung them on trees until sun down.

I think the importance that I see in these verses will be the reminder that the Israelites were given. We see a return to the command to be strong and courageous. Up to this point, there had been defeat and deceit, and I think it was good for the Israelites to be reminded to be strong and courageous and trust the Lord. The battle was finally going there way and it was still raging, and Joshua took the time to encourage the people and remind them that they were claiming what Yahweh had promised them.

"Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the LORD!" Psalm 31:24

"as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death." Philippians 1:20

"teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." Matthew 28:20

I think for me personally, this is just a reminder that when I am in the raging battle that I fight against the things I struggle with, I am to be strong and courageous and continue trusting in the Lord. Even after I have suffered a defeat, I should continue to be strong and courageous and trust my God who has my best intentions on his mind.

LORD, today as I face the things I struggle with, help me to remain strong and courageous, even after failing, so that I may continue to trust you and know you are there with me. God may I trust you when it is hard and may I remember to find my courage in you. Amen.

Joshua 10:1-15 (The Sun Stands Still)

2008-07-05T08:56:00.002-05:00

Joshua 10:1-15

In this section of scripture, we see one of the most incredible, and in my opinion coolest miracles in the bible. After their defeat of Ai and their treaty with Gibeon, Israel was preparing to take the rest of Canaan. Now in the South, the King of Jerusalem didn't like the advances Israel was making, and decided to call on four other kings in the south of Canaan, and have them come up and help him attack the Gibeonites, who they must have viewed as traitors. Now upon their attack of the Gibeonites, the Gibeonites called out to Israel for protection. Israel, trying there best to be obedient to God, decided to lend aid. The Lord said to Joshua that he should not be afraid, because he had already given their enemies into his hand. So Joshua marched Israel all night and surprised this southern confederation. As the confederation was in confusion and trying to flee, the Lord through down large hailstones and killed many of the Canaanites. Upon seeing the progressing victory of the Israelites, Joshua prayed to God and ask very specifically that the Sun stop moving so that they could continue the battle and defeat their enemies. God granted Joshua's request, and the sun stood still and Israel kept up their attack for longer than a normal day would last. The section ends with us being told that the Lord fought for Israel and Joshua returned with the whole nation to Gilgal.

Now the important thing I pull from this section, besides the incredible power of God, would be the necessity of the persistence of the people of God. I can't imagine right at the beginning at the Israelites were all the crazy about going up and protecting the Gibeonites. I am sure it would have been much more to their liking to let them fight amongst themselves and then Israel go up after and attack and destroy all of them at once. But Israel was obedient to the Lord and to the covenant they had made with the Gibeonites, and they went out even when the didn't want to.

"Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you." Philippians 3:13-15

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:1-2

I think this is an important principle for us, and it is one I would do well to remember. There are going to be times when I don't want to move forward, whether in my spiritual walk, or in ministry, but if I have made a commitment to the Lord or to the church, I have to move forward even when I don't want to. I need to remember that I am called to serve the Lord even when I don't necessarily feel like it. I think all to often my service is based on my mood for that day, and it shouldn't be like that. I should be ready to serve all I can at any time, regardless of how I feel about what I am doing or what I think should happen.

LORD, help me today to move forward even when I don't want to. Help me to serve you and my fellow man wholeheartedly even when I don't feel like it. Lord help me follow through on the commitments I have made, so that I will be obedient to you and a man of integrity. Lord, help me today to be obedient to you in every area of my life God, cause admittedly I didn't do that yesterday. Thank you for loving me even though I mess up often. Amen.

Joshua 9:1-27 (The Gibeonite Deception)

2008-07-04T11:22:00.003-05:00

Joshua 9:1-27

In this chapter, we see another failure by the nation of Israel to obey Yahweh, or to even rely on him for wisdom. Here we see a small group of cities in the middle of Canaan coming to the Israelites, dressed up like they were from a far away land, and playing the part of travellers. They said they were from a far off place and that they had heard of what the Israelites were doing and wanted to make peace with them. Now Joshua and the elders of Israel were suspicious, but they eventually did make a treaty with them. Three days later they found out that the Gibeonites were actually a people that were very close to them. Israel realizes there mistake, but they also realized they had to keep the covenant they made with the Gibeonites, so they make them their servants.

Now this seems to be a very hospitable move on the part of Israel, but the Gibeonites were from Canaan and were up to be destroyed. And since Israel did not seek out the Lord's wisdom, they made a mistake and would have to reap the consequences of their mistake.

"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." James 1:5

"yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;" Proverbs 2:3-6

"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." Matthew 7:7

It seems to me that the lesson to be learned here is that we should seek out the Lord's will. We should be in prayer to God to ask for wisdom in the decisions we are supposed to make. I know in my own life that I make several decisions on my own and don't even ask for God's wisdom, and sometimes those decisions come back to bite me. I need to rely on God's wisdom more than my own.

LORD, help me today to rely on your wisdom in the decisions I am going to make. Help me to seek out your will in the decisions I can make, and help me to not jump into anything before I have sought at your will. Thank you that you want to guide me through life Lord. Amen.

Joshua 8:30-35 (Joshua Renews the Covenant)

2008-07-03T09:20:00.002-05:00

Joshua 8:30-35

In this section we see an act by the nation of Israel that would stun many modern military strategists. They have just achieved to huge victories in Canaan, and the people of the land are no doubt scared, so naturally they would continue in their momentum and take the rest of the land. What they actually did was much more important, they stopped and took time to worship their God who had given them victory. Joshua led his people on a 30 mile side trip, and when they reached their destination, they set up an altar and worship Yahweh. On the altar Joshua had some portion of the Law of Moses written on it to be a reminder to the people of their covenant with Yahweh. He also had the entire law of Moses read to the people as a form of renewing their covenant with Yahweh.

It seems as if Israel realized after their initial defeat at Ai that this conquest of Canaan was not just a military exercise, but a spiritual conquest as well. It seems as though they realized that if they were to have any success, they would have to follow Yahweh and keep his commandments. They also seem to have realized that when they won, their victory was obviously not of their own doing, but they had been given Ai and Jericho by the hand of the Lord. And because God had given them the victory, he was worthy of their worship. I think they also needed to be reminded that they were in a relationship with God, and they needed to focus on that more than on focusing on their military conquest.

"Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High," Psalm 50:14

"Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!" Psalm 95:2

"We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing." 2nd Thessalonians 1:3

In my own life I think I need to be more aware that any sort of spiritual victory I have over temptation or doubt or even in just growing closer to God, that I need to stop and worship the God who made that possible. Quite obviously I need to worship God for the greatest spiritual victory given to me which is salvation, but I know that the other victories I have are also not of my power, and God deserves my worship for those victories as well as for my salvation.

LORD, thank you for the spiritual victories you give me in my life. Thank you for my salvation that was not by any works on my part but solely by your grace. Thank you for the victories you give me over temptation and the victories you have given me over the doubt that I struggle with so often. Lord thank you for the victories I experience when I grow closer to you. Lord may I grow and walker closely with you today. I love you Lord, thank you for your love. Amen.

Joshua 8:1-29 (The Fall of Ai)

2008-07-02T08:31:00.003-05:00

Joshua 8:1-29

In this section, we see the redemptive victory over the city of Ai. The passage begins with Joshua being told by the Lord to get up and not be discouraged, for he was going to hand Ai over to them. The plan is quite elaborate; they are to have a small force in ambush behind the city and the rest of the force in front of the city. When the men of Ai come out to meet the army of Israel, Israel is to turn and flee from them, and Ai would pursue. This would then signal the small unit to go into Ai and burn the city. Then the rest of the force would turn back around and put everyone from Ai to the sword. The difference between this battle and Ai is that they could keep any of the spoils of war, as long as they devoted all its people to destruction. The battle played out exactly as the Lord commanded. The King of Ai was hung on a tree and the city was left a heap of ruins.

I think the big thing we see from this story would be how, after we have fallen and been restored, it is important to follow the Lord closely when he takes us back to the scene of a great defeat. The people of Israel followed the Lord closely so that they would be able to defeat the people of Ai.

"And Asa cried to the LORD his God, "O LORD, there is none like you to help, between the mighty and the weak. Help us, O LORD our God, for we rely on you, and in your name we have come against this multitude. O LORD, you are our God; let not man prevail against you." 2nd Chronicles 14:11

Who among you fears the LORD and obeys the voice of his servant? Let him who walks in darkness and has no light trust in the name of the LORD and rely on his God." Isaiah 50:10

"Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead." 2nd Corinthians 1:9

In my own life, I need to be careful to follow God closely when I return to an area where I am normally tempted and where I have fallen before. I need to remember to let God lead me through that temptation and bring me out on the righteous side, because obviously when I attempted to do it on my own power I failed.

LORD, help me today to walk with you in those areas where I know I struggle and fall often. Lord, just remind me that I don't need to be discouraged, but that I need to follow you and you will bring me through the things I can't get through myself. Amen.

Joshua 7:10-26 (The Sin of Achan)

2008-07-01T08:59:00.004-05:00

Joshua 7:10-26

Here we see the Lord's and the nation of Israel's response to their defeat at Ai. The section begins by God telling Joshua to stop is complaining. He says that the nation of Israel has disobeyed and kept things that were to be devoted to destruction. He says that they will be destroyed unless the items taken are destroyed as are the people who took them. The Lord the gives Joshua commands on how to discover who took the items. It basically boils down to the people assembling, and the Lord taking the group responsible. starting with the tribes, and working his way down into individual households and families. After obeying the directions of God, Achan's is chosen. Joshua gives Achan a chance to repent, but all Achan does is say what he took. After they check to make sure he really had the items, they take Achan and his entire family and stoned them to death and then burned them with fire. Upon the destruction of Achan, the Lord's anger subsided.

I think there are two important things to pull away from this passage. The first would be the inevitability of punishment. We see in this story that Achan's hidden sin was revealed to all in the end, and that because he was unrepentant, he was punished severly. I know a lot of times in my life, I think I have hidden my sin so well, and then it is exposed. Sometimes I also think that because God loves me, he won't punish me for the wrong I do. But God does punish, not necessarily with stones and fire, but in other ways. I know of specific instances in my own life where I thought punishment would not come and it did. I need to be reminded that my hidden sin will be exposed, and that I am not above some form of punishment.

"How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has spurned the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace?" Hebrews 10:29

The second thing I find is that God wants to restore his people. He wants to bring us back. He did not just destroy them the moment that Achan messed up, but gave a chance for repentance, and when they did, he restored them to his side. I think a lot of times we think we are beyond redemption, but in reality we need only repentant, and though the shame of our mess up might remain, we have been restored to God's side.

"After this I will return,and I will rebuild the tent of David that has fallen;I will rebuild its ruins, and I will restore it," Acts 15:16

For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong. Your restoration is what we pray for." 2nd Corinthians 13:9

Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you." 2nd Corinthians 13:11

LORD, help me today to know that you know my sin, and you will let me reap the consequences of my actions. God, may I also be reminded that you are willing to restore as long as I am repentant. And so Lord, I confess to you that I have messed up today, I have fallen to things you never meant to make me happy. Lord, help me to turn away from these things and restore me to your side. Lord, thank you for the sacrifice of your son. Amen.

Joshua 7:1-9 (Israel Defeated at Ai)

2008-06-30T09:46:00.003-05:00

Joshua 7:1-9

In this section, we see what happens when the people of God are not trusting him, and when they don't keep his commands. The story is told as when the city of Jericho was defeated, everyone in the nation of Israel obeyed the Lord and destroyed everything, except one. Achan apparently did not devote everything to destruction, but no one knew what he had done. So Israel is preping to take the next city in the land, the city of Ai. Joshua sends up spies to scope out the land, and they return and say that he need only send a few thousand men because Ai is a small city. Joshua only sends a few thousand men, and the men of Ai defeat and chase Israel away from their city. Upon hearing how the army had been defeated, Joshua loses his faith, beigns to mourn, and cries out to God, saying that it would have been better if they had stayed on the other side of the Jordan. Joshua concludes by telling God that this defeat is going to bring dishonor to God's name.

"For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, "The righteous shall live by faith." Romans 1:17

"That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear." Romans 11:20

"God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord." 1st Corinthians 1:9

Now what I think it is important to take from here is two-fold. First, your individual sin can affect others. I think a lot of times we think that our own sin can only hurt us, and that there will be no ill effects toward our fellow man. But here we learn that the anger of the Lord burned against the people because of the actions of one man. We need to be careful I think to know that our sin is so devasting, so deadly, that it can and more than likely will affect someone else in some way, whether we think it can or not. We are called to live this life together, and if one falls, that fall can effect us all. I personally need to live a life of knowing that when I am tempted to sin, it has potential to hurt more than just myself.

The second thing is that we have got to keep the faith in defeat. Here we see after a minor defeat Joshua just freaks out and no longer seems to trust in the promise God made to him. I find that is true in my own life, when bad things happen or I mess up, I tend to go through a period where I no longer trust God. I lose the faith. I need to be a man who trusts God through the good times and the bad, because both will come, and both are used by God, but I have to keep the faith.

LORD, help me today to keep the faith. When my life is not going good by any standard, help me to continue to trust you and place my faith in you that you will keep me from harm and you will grow me as you see fit. Lord may I also today remember that my sin can affect more than just me, may I realize that when I mess up, it can cause others to stumble, and I don't want that. Bring that thought to my mind today when I am tempted. Thank you for loving me and sending your son to save me. Amen.

Joshua 6:1-27 (The Fall of Jericho)

2008-06-29T16:52:00.003-05:00

Joshua 6:1-27

In this section, we see one of the most famous bible stories in Christianity today. In this chapter, the writer relates the account of the Israelite defeat of the city of Jericho. If you are unfamiliar with the story, the gist of it is that the fighting men of Israel were to walk around the city walls of Jericho one time for six days with the Ark of the Covenant in the midst. Then on the seventh day, they were to walk around the city walls 7 times with the Ark of the Covenant. When the people heard the sound of the trumpet blast after the seventh loop of the city, they were to shout for the victory the the LORD their God would bring to them. Upon that shout, the city walls fell down, and the Israelites went in and devoted everything to destruction. Basically, the Israelites were to remain set apart, so they destroyed everything in the city, people and all, with the exception of the bronze and silver they found, and the family of Rahab that was found in her house with the scarlet cord tied outside the window. After the defeat, Joshua put a curse upon anyone who would refortify the city, which ended up coming true. The passage ends with the writer informing us that the Lord made Joshua's fame known throughout the land.

So it is becoming clear to me that an aparent theme of the book of Joshua would be faith and trust in Yahweh. As I study and read, I keep seeing how the military victories, though important, actually take a backseat to what was happening spiritually in the nation. Especially in these early verses, it seems that the bigger point is that the nation of Israel was being consecrated again to the LORD, and more and more was being required of them in their faith in Yahweh.

"Now therefore fear the LORD and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD." Joshua 24:14

"that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God." 1st Corinthians 2:5

In particular, what really strikes me from this particular story would be the faith the people had as they made their circles around the city. The biblical text does not mention whether or not fear was being put into the hearts of the inhabitants of Jericho. It says nothing about whether or not cracks were forming from the trumpet blasts that were occurring on a daily basis. But what can be seen from the biblical text is that Yahweh gave a command to his people, and they were going to follow it even if they didn't see anything happening to their favor. That is what my faith needs to be like: even when I don't see evidence of God moving, I need to remain faithful and trust that he is moving for by good.

LORD, help me to remember to have faith even when it seems like you aren't moving. Let my trust not be so flaky that when I don't see visible evidence, I stop trusting. My I be a man of great faith God, may I place all my trust and faith in you, knowing that you are working for my good. Thank you for loving me Lord. Amen.

Joshua 5:13-15 (The Commander of the LORD's Army)

2008-06-28T13:18:00.003-05:00

Joshua 5:13-15

In this section of scripture, we see an encounter involving Joshua and the Lord. As simply as it can be explained, Joshua has an encounter with a warrior. Upon asking the warrior whose side he was on, he replied neither. He said he was the commander of the LORD's army. At hearing this, Joshua fell on his face and worshipped. Joshua asked the commander what he would say to his servant. The commander of the LORD's army replied that he should take of his shoes, for where he was was holy ground.

What I take from this is the importance in us submitting to God as the leader of our lives. There is no doubt that God is always with us, but I think that sometimes we forget that it is God who is in control of our lives. I think we need to be in the practice of daily submitting to God's leadership in our lives, not just daily recognition that he is with us.

"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." James 4:7-8

"For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes." Romans 10:3-4

"I am the LORD your God, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it. "But my people did not listen to my voice; Israel would not submit to me." Psalm 81:10-11

Our pray needs to be "Lord, take the lead today and use me as you see fit" as opposed to "God, be near me today." That is what I take from this passage. I see that Joshua was ready to lead the people, but in this passage, we see that seems to symbolically take Israel's last act of submission to Yahweh by bowing down to the commander of the LORD's army, who would really be leading Israel to victory.

LORD, help me to submit to your leadership today. Lord, lead my steps today, and use me as you see fit. I give over control of my life to you. Thank you for the gift of your son, and thank you that you didn't with hold him but sacrificed him to bring me back to you. Amen.

Joshua 5:10-12 (First Passover in Canaan)

2008-06-27T11:29:00.004-05:00

Joshua 5:10-12

In this very short section of scripture, we see a seemingly insignificant happening to our 21st century eyes, but something that does in fact have great ramifications for us. In these three verses, we see the Israelites first taste of the promise God had made to Abraham. It was while they were encamped at Gilgal, which is where they stopped after crossing the Jordan, that we seem them reinstitute the practices of the Passover. It is very likely that they had not celebrated it while on their wilderness journey. I think the more significant thing is we see the miracle manna from heaven ceasing to fall when the Israelites eat of the fruit of the land for the first time. The meal that had sustained them for 40 years through doubt and rebellion, ceased when they reached the promise.

So what does this mean for us. I think the biggest and most important thing we see here is that God provided for his people, even in their disobedience, until their circumstances were such that his provision changed forms. The Israelites were unable to provide their own food in the dessert, so God provided it until they reached the land that was their inheritance, where they could gather food on their own.

"He provides food for those who fear him;he remembers his covenant forever." Psalm 111:5

"I can do all things through him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

I think we can see in this that God is going to walk beside us and provide for us, sometimes even when we are not right with him, and always despite the fact that we don't deserve it. I think a lot of times the church today misses this fact simply because God chooses to provide in a way different than what we think we need. It seems to me that it is important for us to get back to remembering that God will provide, though not in the way we would necessarily expect or even want, but he always provides for our good. May we remember that he is always right there with us, leading us through life and providing for our needs. We only need to look the right direction and expect that his provision is better than what we think we need.

LORD, help me today to remember that you are not far from me. Help me to remember that today and forever you are not a God who saves me and then lets me go off on my own, but you are the God who wants an intimate, close relationship with me, and you want to walk through life with me. God I need you to walk through this life with me now, I need to feel your presence, and I need to be reminded that you provide. Amen.

Joshua 5:1-9 (The New Generation Circumcised)

2008-06-26T07:10:00.002-05:00

Joshua 5:1-9

In this section of scripture, we see something strange when viewed from a military stand point. The first verse tells us how the nations on either side of the Jordan had gotten wind of how the waters of the Jordan and dried to let the Israelites pass, and their resolve and willingness to fight was melting away. In the minds of most, this is the most logical time to attack, but as is the case, God's ways are not always man's. Here we see God tell Joshua that now is the time to circumcise the people, to make them spiritually ready to conquer the land. The Author then gives an explanation of why he was to circumcise them. The basics of those verses is that all the circumcised males who were the warriors of Israel had died in the dessert because they disobeyed God. All the people with Joshua now were those who had been born while in the wilderness, so none had been circumcised. Circumcision was the outward sign of the covenant God made with Abraham. It was the outward sign that they were a people set apart, that they were God's people. The end of the section tells us that when the circumcision of the whole nation's males was complete, they remained where they were until they were healed, which again makes them prime targets for attack. This section is concluded with God telling Joshua that he has rolled away there guilt for longing for Egypt instead of Him.

So obviously the big thing to pull out of this passage is faith and devotion to God. Here we see the Israelites on the verge of taking the land that God had promised to them, and God tells them to wait. That probably wouldn't have been such a big deal in and of itself it that hadn't been followed by the command to circumcise the entire nation, which would effectively put all the nations fighting men out of commission and leave Israel vulnerable for attack. This was a hugely illogical step, but it was what they were commanded to do by their God, would they obey?

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it from faith for faith, the righteousness of God is revealed as it is written, "The righteous shall live by faith." Romans 1:16-17

"Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness" Psalm 37:3

"And again, "I will put my trust in him."And again, "Behold, I and the children God has given me." Hebrews 2:13

Thankfully, the nation of Israel at this point did obey. They trusted God enough that they were willing to let themselves become spiritually prepared for battle as well as physically prepared. Here is where I think Christians could stand to learn a thing or two. We don't do much for the spiritual prepartion. Whether it is for some sort of teaching, presenting the gospel, or just to go through the day (quiettime), we just seem to find it illogical to spend time preparing ourselves spiritually to do the work God is asking us to do. I think part of the reason we don't like doing this is because we don't trust God to honor our spiritual preparedness. What we need to realize is that God will use the time we devote to preparing spiritually for a task to grow us and bless more than we could imagine or have been had we just gone into it with not prepartion. I think we as Christian's need to trust God enough when he says to approach everything with prayer and petition, that he new what he was talking about and what he wanted. And if he asked us to do that in his word, it will probably make the task he wants us to do all the easier because hopefully in the spiritual preparation we realize that what God wants us to do is his work that he is doing through us, not our work.

LORD, today help me to trust you, help me to have faith that you know what you are doing, and that your plan sees things that my plan doesn't. Lord, help me not to neglect spiritual preparation for the things you have asked me to do, whether teaching or just my day to day life. Help me to be spiritually ready to serve you. Amen.

Joshua 4:1-24 (Twelve Memorial Stones from the Jordan)

2008-06-25T08:31:00.004-05:00

Joshua 4:1-24

In this section of scripture, the writer recounts for us the LORD's command that a memorial be set up by Joshua and the people in honor of his bringing them across the Jordan. Yahweh instructs Joshua to take out 12 men, one from each tribe, and to have those men go into the dry river bed where the priests were standing. They are to take a stone from the river bed and bring it back up onto the bank. From there, Joshua is to set up a memorial to the Lord for bringing them through the Jordan river. It is also to be a reminder to the people, so they will never forget who brought them over the Jordan; It was the LORD, Yahweh, not their own strength or even Joshua's, but the LORD.

Now in my opinion, I think one of the big things to pull out of this text and apply to my life would be the obedience seen by all the people in the story. The water is still dammed up up river, but I am sure people would probably still be a little bit nervous about going back into it. I am sure Joshua did not fully get why he should send more men in to the river to pick up stones. I am sure those men did not understand why Joshua was sending them in to pick up rocks. I am willing to be the priests were not to comfortable just chilling in the river bed, where the water could rush back at any moment. And I bet the two and a half tribes whose inheritance was on the other side of the Jordan weren't to crazy about being on the opposite side from their inheritance. But whatever they were feeling, the people were obedient to what God commanded Joshua to command of the people.

"And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love." 2nd John 1:6

"If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations on earth." Deuteronomy 28:1

"And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!" Philippians 2:8

"As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance." 1st Peter 1:14

I think obedience is something that I personally, and I think the American church as a whole could stand to learn a lot about. I seem to see a lack of obedience and more a desire to do church our own way as opposed to how God wants his people to live laid out in scripture. In my own life, I want to come back to a point of being totally obedient to the LORD, similar to how I would be totally obedient to a drill sargeant or someone in authority over me. I need to be as obedient to God as Christ was, and Christ was obedient unto death. Now I am not saying I will ever reach that level of obedience, but I hope to be a man defined by his obedience and trust in the LORD.

LORD, help me today to be obedient to you. Help me to live life how you would have me lead, spelled out in your word. Help me to obey whatever you command me to today. Help me to echo your sons obedience, who was obedient to a cursed death that made you look away from him. May that be my example of obedience. Amen.

Joshua 3:1-17 (Israel Crosses the Jordan)

2008-06-24T07:22:00.002-05:00

Joshua 3:1-17

In this chapter, we see a miracle on a grand scale happen as the Israelites begin their conquest of Canaan. The section begins by the LORD telling Joshua that he should go among the people, telling them to move and make camp on the banks of the Jordan river. When they see the Ark of the Covenant pass by, they are to follow behind it at a distance of about half a mile. Joshua then tells the people they have three days to consecrate themselves, or make themselves ready spiritually, before they cross the Jordan. The LORD once again confirms Joshua's leadership, and then explains to Joshua, who explains to the people what will happen. When the feet of the priests carrying the Ark touch the water, the spirit of the LORD will rest in the bed of the Jordan, and the waters will cease to flow, and there will be dry ground. And it happened just as Joshua said it would, when the priests reached the bank of the river and stepped in, the water heaped up some twenty miles up stream the and bed became dry ground for the people of Israel to cross under. The ground remained dry as long as the Ark remained in the river bed.

I think there are several things we can see in this passage, but the one I like the most is looking at the faith of the priests who stepped out into the river. I think we can see a great parallel to the work of ministers and leaders in the church today; these leaders have to take steps of faith and follow God even when they don't always know the outcome. The priests of Israel took a major step of faith in placing themselves into a flooding, rushing Jordan river. All they had to go on was the words Joshua was saying, and they chose to believe that they were true, and they stepped out on that.

"that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God." 1st Corinthians 2:5

"in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him." Ephesians 3:12

"rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving." Colossians 2:7

That is the kind of church leader I want to be. I want to step out on faith in leadership, even when I am uncertain what the out come will be. I need to step into the thick of things, and trust that God is going to lead me through whatever the situation is.

LORD, help me today to be a leader of faith. Help me to follow you into the Jordan even when I don't know what is going to happen. May my faith be so great as to be bold enough to step out when I don't know the outcome God. Lord, build in me a great faith in you, where I trust you in every circumstance without thinking about it. Amen.

Joshua 2:1-24 (Rahab Hides the Spies)

2008-06-23T09:26:00.006-05:00

Joshua 2:1-24

So here is a very interesting story that would have been very unusual when it happened back in Joshua's time. After commanding the people to be ready to cross the Jordan, Joshua sends two spies into Jericho to gather intelligence on when the should plan for their attack. When the spies enter the city, the go into the house of Rahab the prostitute, because there it would be the easiest to blend in with the crowd. Somehow, the King of Jericho gets word they are their, and sends his men to have Rahab deliever them to him, but Rahab says they have already left and that they should be pursued. In reality, they were hiding in the straw on here roof. After the king's men had gone, Rahab begs the spies to spare her and her families lives. She says that her people have heard about the Red Sea and what they did to the Ammonites, and they are afraid of the Israelites. The two spies make a covenant with her that as long as she keeps their secret, she and whoever is in her house will be spared. They give her a scarlet cord to tie in her window so the Israelites will know to spare the people in that house. She then lowers them out of the window and they hide in the hills for three days. The spies then return to Joshua and tell them all that happened to them. They end by encouraging Joshua by letting him know that the people are melting in fear before them.

So in my study of this passage, I ran across something that I know to be true, but it is always good to be reminded of it and I like it. This story shows how no one is beyond the redemption of God. This a really cool story of how God got a hold of someone who the world, and the Israelites, probably saw as being beyond redemption. But God is definitely powerful enough to save even a prostitute. For whatever reason Rahab saw that submission to the God of the Hebrews was the was to Salvation, and she took that road. And God had even bigger plans for Rahab that salvation, she would be an ancestor of David and of Jesus. That is a pretty big role for someone probably written off as unredeemable.

"Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people." Luke 1:68

"Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree. He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit." Galatians 3:13-14

"who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good." Titus 2:14

"Since you call on a Father who judges each man's work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear. For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect." 1st Peter 1:17-19

That just goes to show me in my life that the people I think are beyond redemption really aren't. It also reminds me that at some point in life, I was a sinner separated from God, but now God has redeemed me and brought me into his salvation.

LORD, thank you that no one is beyond your redemption. Thank you that I was not beyond it. Thank you that your Son's death was powerful enough to save all of us from our sins. Thank you for your great love and sacrfice. Amen.

Joshua 1:10-18 (Joshua Assumes Command)

2008-06-22T12:51:00.003-05:00

Joshua 1:10-18

In this section of Joshua, we see Joshua for the first time in the story taking on the role as leader. After God tells him to be strong and courageous and to hold to the Law, Joshua then steps up and addresses the people. He first tells all of his officers and his leaders of the people to go through all the camp and tell them to make ready to take possession of their land. Then Joshua specifically addresses 2 1/2 of the tribes of Israel. He acknowledges that they have already seen their inheritance, but that they will cross the Jordan and help their brothers obtain their land. And only when they have obtained their land can these tribes return across the Jordan and settle in their land. The section concludes with the people affirming Joshua's leadership by saying that they will follow him as they followed Moses. They made a pact that whoever disobeys Joshua will be put to death. They end with reminding Joshua to be strong and courageous.

The thing I am really drawing from this currently is the concept of community. You can very easily see the New Testament concept here of bearing one another burdens. It would have been much easier for those 2 1/2 tribes to have just stayed and enjoyed their own inheritance, but Joshua told them to come and make sure their brothers received their inheritance. And the best part is, they did. They obeyed God and his servant Joshua, and they crossed the Jordan and helped the rest of the tribes receive their inheritance before they went and settled there own.

"Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2

"And all who believed were together and had all things in common." Acts 2:44

"Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common." Acts 4:32

The more and more I read the bible, the more and more I realize that God intends for us to be in community. God did not design us to do this alone. Family and community are very strong themes in both the Old and New Testaments, and I am so thankful that I have brothers and sisters who will walk with me through this journey in life.

LORD, thank you for not creating us to walk through life alone. Thank you that you created us to be in community and to bear one another's burdens. Lord may I not lose sight of that. May I rely on my brothers and may my brothers be able to rely on me. Amen.

Joshua 1:1-9 (God Commissions Joshua)

2008-06-21T14:02:00.005-05:00

Joshua 1:1-9

So in the very beginning of Joshua, the writer begins with a section about God commissioning Joshua to be the leader of the Israelites. We are coming just off the death of Moses at the end of Deuteronomy, and God goes to Moses' assistant, Joshua, son of Nun to lead the people. God tells Joshua to go and cross the Jordan river to inherit the land he has promised the people of Israel. God says that anywhere the sole of Joshua's foot touches will be given to him as a fulfillment of the promise made to Moses. God then lays out how much land will be there, seeming to set boundaries on how far they should venture into the land. God tells Joshua that no one will be able to stand against them and that He will be with Joshua just as he was with Moses, never leaving or forsaking him. God tells Joshua to be strong and courageous because God is going to use him to inherit the land that God promised there forefathers. God again tells Joshua to be strong and courageous and to hold to the law of Moses, not straying to the right or to the left, so they will act wisely. God tells Joshua to meditate on the Law both night and day, and never let it depart from his mouth, so that there way will be prosperous and succesful. This section is concluded with God for the third time saying to Joshua to be strong and courageous, not to be scared or discouraged, because He will be with him wherever he goes.

There is a whole lot in this passage I could talk about, a whole lot that would be very applicable to my own life. I think for me personally, I gain a lot of comfort from the "be strong and courageous" portions of this section, particularly the last one. I sometimes tend to internalize what I am experiencing, and so I deal with things and if they are overwhelming me, then I tend to feel very alone. I like how here, to this very daunting and scary task that God is calling Joshua to do, he says "be strong and courageous...be strong and courageous...be strong and courageous...for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." I like how much emphasis the writer puts on being strong and courageous because God with with us everywhere, he repeats it three times which is very significant in the study of the bible. Three is the number of perfection or completion, so the fact that it is written three times is a big deal.

"You shall not be in dread of them, for the LORD your God is in your midst, a great and awesome God." Deuteronomy 7:21

"Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6

"It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed." Deuteronomy 31:8

This is also of comfort to me just because of the stage of life I am entering into. College ends in a year, marriage is on the horizon, a career and grad school looming, it is all very intimidating and much bigger than I feel. I can very much empathize with how Joshua must have felt knowing the inhabitants of the land he was about to conquer, men who were much bigger than he and his army. These daunting decisions and events about to take place in my life are very scary, but I need to remember that God is with me wherever I go, I am never alone, He is right there ready to do "battle" with me, and that is a fact that should make me strong and courageous.

LORD, help me today to remember that you are with me wherever I go. Help me to know that whatever decisions or steps I take today, you are right there beside me, I never walk this road alone. Thank you for being my reason to be strong and courageous when I feel overwhelmed and inadequate. Thank you for walking with me God. Amen.

Galatians 6:11-18 (Final Warnings and Benediction)

2008-06-15T08:29:00.007-05:00

Galatians 6:11-18

In the last section of the book, Paul one more time tries to condemn legalism and those trying to force the Galatians to be legalists along with being believers. He says that they need to know that those that would have them be circumcised are those who are trying to make a good show to the Jews who were strictly about following the law. He reminds them that even those believers who are Jews and have been circumcised don't keep the law, but they have prideful desires to boast to non-believing Jews about the number of converts who are also circumcised. Paul reminds them that his own desire is to boast in the Cross of Jesus Christ, which he says has crucified him to the world (made him as good as dead) and crucified the world to him (they are as good as dead to him). Paul reminds the Galatians that physical actions, such as circumcision, amount to little to God, but what really matters is being made into a new creation by him. He concludes with wishing grace and peace on his brothers in Galatia, hoping that they will turn from legalism and hold fast to grace.

I think the big thing that is hitting me right now would be for me to be longing to be made a new a creation. I think sometimes I fall into the trap of trying to make things I have done and what not like that and make that the basis of what is important in my walk with God. But what is really important, and what I am really longing for is to be made a new creation by God. I mess up so much, and I am well aware that I cannot turn myself righteous on my own, and I so long for God to do that.

I realize it is going to be a long process, and I realize it will be hard and that I will still fall down, I am just so ready to be the new creation. And I know that in Christ I am counted as a new creation to God, the old has gone and the new has come, but because I still see and experience the old, the new creation seems to be far off for me. Maybe I need to start living like I know that I am a new creation, and give it to God to make it happen. In fact, I know that is what I need to do, but that is hard for me, especially the whole giving it up thing. Praise God though that I am not required to do this on my own, but that he wants to help me and will help me if I will only submit to him.

"For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love." Galatians 5:6

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." 2nd Corinthians 5:17

"We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life." Romans 6:4

LORD, help me today to submit my growth to you. Lord, help me to stop trying to grow based on my own efforts. God help me today to remember that I am a new creation based on the blood of your son, and that you are the only one who will make me into the righteous creation that you see me as. Lord, help me to be patient when I fall down, and God let me feel your love when I do. Thank you for saving me, thank you for making me new, and let me act like a new creation, knowing that the process to make me righteous is just that, a process. Thank you for your sacrifice and love. Amen.

Galatians 6:1-10 (Bear One Another's Burdens)

2008-06-14T09:04:00.005-05:00

Galatians 6:1-10

In this section, Paul tells the believers at Galatia that because of the work of Grace, they are free to love one another. He tells them that if someone is caught in sin, they should be mindful to not fall themselves into sinning, but should restore them gently. Paul says that in bearing the burdens of one another, we are fulfilling the law of Christ. He is careful to follow that up with a command for the believer to be testing their own work, to make sure that they are not becoming prideful, but that they are taking care of the responsibility given to them by the Lord, for we each have are own load to bear. Paul then begins a section but financially supporting the pastor/teacher who is over you. He says that in doing this, you are sowing a greater ministry and will reap the benefits when the harvest comes. The Apostle tells them to not grow weary of doing good, but to hold fast in doing good, for God does reward. He finishes up this section by saying that we are to be kind and concerned for believers and non-believers, but believers are to take priority.

The part of this passage that really stands out to me is that I need to be careful to not become prideful when helping other people deal with their junk. I am privileged to have a ministry where I get to help people, and that brings me great joy, but if I am not careful, I sometimes find myself becoming a little prideful, and a little bit judgmental towards that person. The fact of the matter is, I don't have any reason to be judgmental because that is not my place and because I am guilty of sinning just as much if not more than the next person. I really need to begin to guard my heart against pride and being judgmental towards others sins, and I think that is something I struggle with from time to time, simply because my work and ministry imply a certain "holiness" that I can become wrapped up in even though it is not true.

"Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!" 2nd Corinthians 13:5

"So then each of us will give an account of himself to God." Romans 14:12

"We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves." Romans 15:1

LORD, help me today to not judge other people. Help me today to know that I am just as much a sinner as the next person, and you showed grace and mercy to me, so I should show grace and mercy to them. Lord, thank you for giving me grace, thank you for not just writing me off. Thank you for loving me. Amen.

Galatians 5:16-26 (Walk by the Spirit)

2008-06-13T08:24:00.007-05:00

Galatians 5:16-26

This may be one of the most well known passages in the book of Galatians, but that comes later. Here Paul begins by saying that we are to walk through the Christian life by the Spirit and not by the flesh. He tells the Galatians that the desires of the flesh are contrary to the Spirit and the opposite also holds true, for the flesh and the Spirit are opposed to one another. He then gives a list of things that are desires of the flesh, and the list ranges from sexual sin, religious sins, sins that cause divisions between people, and concludes the list with two warnings against alcohol. Paul says that the people who do these things continually or habitually are not Christians. Paul then goes into his explanation of the desires of the Spirit, better known as the fruits of the Spirit. This a list of good characteristics the Christian's life will exude, and these characteristics are found individually elsewhere in scripture, but Paul puts a comprehensive list together. Paul then reminds the believers that they have crucified the flesh's desires and passions with Christ. He tells them that if we live by the Spirit, we should walk by the Spirit as well, and not by the flesh. He concludes this section by saying that they should not let legalism divide them as it had already done, but they should try and do the opposite and live in harmony.

So most would go off here and talk about the fruits of the Spirit, because that is what everyone does at this point in Galatians. Personally, I think the fruits of the Spirit are a great thing to teach and discuss, but that is not what really hits me out of this passage.

Sometimes when I read scripture, I really feel condemned, and I am pretty sure I am not the only one. But sometimes I just read a verse and it just seems to be calling me out and makes me feel like a really bad believer, or even sometimes like I am not a believer at all. Now Galatians 5:21 is one of those verses that just can be kind of condemning. So I was reading this verse and was feeling bad about it. So then I go into my commentary to do some more studying, and the commentaries I looked at were telling me that what this verse means is that those who fall to these sins continually or habitually are not Christians, but the commentary also said that Christian may from time to time fall into these sins. That was very encouraging to me because I feel like sometimes the bible uses really harsh language, and rightly so, but it sometimes comes up in my reading when I am feeling weak, and that was the case this morning. I was reading through the list, and was seeing sins that I struggle and fall to sometimes, and began to feel really bad about this. It was just very encouraging to me to know that I am gonna mess up, but that doesn't mean I am any less of a believer. It kind of comes back to the other day where the passage talked about the Christian walk being a process, and how we are going to mess up along the way, but God is still carrying us towards are final goal of being perfected in him.

"We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin." Romans 6:6

"to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires," Ephesians 4:22

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us," Hebrews 12:1

"Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls." James 1:21

LORD, thank you that you do not see my mess-ups as a believer, but instead all you see is the cross of your son. Thank you that when I mess up you do not void my salvation, thank you that my salvation is not based on my merit but on your grace. Amen.

Galatians 5:1-15 (Christ Has Set Us Free)

2008-06-12T11:00:00.008-05:00

Galatians 5:1-15

In this section, Paul attempts to show the Galatians how Christ has set us free, and how falling back into the law actually has some pretty bad consequences. Paul begins by telling the Galatians that if they fall back into slavery, Christ has no value to them and they are then required to keep the whole law. Submission to the law means that they are not under grace. He says that those under grace are eagerly hoping for the day when they will be made righteous, meaning that they are in the process of being made righteous, and that they will be completed at some later date. Paul tells them that they were running well, but that whoever led them astray messed most of them up, because just a little bit of legalism effected the whole church. He also tells them that whoever is leading them astray will face the judgment of God. Paul then shifts to talk to those under grace, warning them that they are free, but not to use their new freedom as license to sin. He also reminds them that they should love and serve one another, rather than devour and destroy one another, which was probably happening in that church due to the legalism vs. grace debate.

There is something in this passage that is very encouraging to me, and it can be found in verse 5. There Paul says that those under grace are waiting, in faith, for the hope of righteousness. Now what that says to me is that I am not done being worked on, that God is still molding me into what he wants me to be, which is very encouraging. Now to some, that is a scary idea, because that means that trials still lay ahead, and that it is not going to be easy, which I agree with those facts and welcome them. But let me explain why this verse is so comforting to me.

"And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies...But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience." Romans 8:23,25

"It will be said on that day,"Behold, this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us. This is the LORD; we have waited for him; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation." Isaiah 25:9

"Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God." 1st Peter 2:16

"For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies." Romans 8:19-23

To me, this verse means that I am gonna screw up, because I have not gained complete righteousness yet. It means that God is still testing and trying me to make me into the man he created me to be, and that there is not definite time when I will get there. This is so encouraging to me because I mess up all the time. And if I was supposed to be completely righteous now, I would question my salvation and whether or not I was under grace or the law. But this verse seems to say that God is still working on me, and that I will be completed later. This tells me I need not be discouraged when I mess up, but I need to repent and have faith that God is leading me toward his righteousness that I cannot gain on my own. That is why this is encouraging to me, it means I am still in process, not at the end and should be done. It means that there are hard times ahead, but that I am not supposed to be completed yet, because God will get me there in his own time. That is grace.

LORD, thank you that you aren't through with me yet. Thank you that you love me enough to send your son to redeem me from the curse I was under, and thank you that you are walking me down your path to righteousness, and that I am not there yet, you are still perfecting me. Thank you that you did not make salvation determined by anything I could do on my own, but that it is based solely on grace through faith. Thank you for loving me. Amen.

Galatians 4:21-31 (Example of Hagar and Sarah)

2008-06-11T06:42:00.004-05:00

Galatians 4:21-31

In the close of chapter 4, Paul gives another familiar example to his audience, though he most likely is interpreting it in a way they were not used to. Paul uses the story of Hagar and Sarah to represent the law and the promise of grace respectively. Paul says that Hagar represents the covenant God made with Moses, because she was a slave and her children were born into slavery. Hagar also represent the current (in that time period) Jerusalem. This is probably a reference to the state of the Jews in Jerusalem still being in slavery to the law. But Paul says that Sarah represents the covenant of grace God made with Abraham, because her child was born free, and was the fulfillment of the promise made to Abraham. He also says that she represents the New or Heavenly Jerusalem, and that the children of the barren one, Sarah, will be more numerous than the other. Paul then reminds the Galatians that they are brothers of the promise, but also says that just as Isaac was persecuted by Ishmael, so those under grace will be persecuted by the law. Paul then references a passage of scripture that says to cast out the slave woman and her son, which seems to imply that we are to cast off legalism, to throw away that which can enslave us and turn only to grace. He concludes by reminding them that they are sons of the free woman, not the slave.

So I think the thing that stands out most to me would be the implication that Paul seems to be making, that we should cast off that which enslaves us. I think one of my big struggles in this whole issue between grace and the law is that I allow myself to not be under grace, I allow myself to become enslaved to rules I think I should follow to be a good Christian. I think I do this because grace is one of those beliefs I have that is so far from my full human comprehension, that I want to make it easier for me to understand by adding something that is familiar to me, mostly keeping a set of rules.

I am well aware that I try and force myself to keep a bunch of rules, and I blow it so often. Yesterday for instance, I can think of several times where I had set up a rule that I should follow that I couldn't hold to, because I am a sinner. Now I don't necessarily think rules are bad, but I think that I personally get to caught up in the fact that I messed it up that I forget about the power of grace, that God has forgiven me for every mistake I will and have ever made, and nothing I do will change the grace he bestows on me. Now I absolutely must be repentant, and I absolutely must seek to change so that I do not fall to that same thing again. But I think that I need to get less hung up on the fact that I couldn't hold to rule I told myself to follow and remember that God forgave me through his son.

"So she said to Abraham, "Cast out this slave woman with her son, for the son of this slave woman shall not be heir with my son Isaac." Genesis 21:10

"By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised." Hebrews 11:11

LORD, thank you for grace. Thank you that you show me love, mercy and grace even though I am completely undeserving. Thank you that it is not up to me, and that though I continue to screw up, your grace remains. I am sorry for when I fail you Lord, and I pray that today I will practice being in your presence so that when temptation or struggle comes, I turn to you instead of trying to face it by my own power. Thank you for loving me God. Amen.

Galatians 4:8-20 (Paul's Concern for the Galatians)

2008-06-10T06:42:00.002-05:00

Galatians 4:8-20

It seems that in this section, Paul makes the message much more personal. He begins by wondering why they would want to go back to the slavery and bondage of the gods that they used to be enslaved to after meeting and knowing the true God. At the same time he wonders again how they could return to enslavement under the law, of which they were in the habit of holding on to all the established traditions. Paul begins to wonder if he labored to push them to maturity in vain. Paul then pleads with his Gentile brothers to become like him in the sense that he is a Jew, but has abandoned the law for grace and Christ. Ironically, the Gentiles were never under the law, but after converting to Christianity, were then turning to enslavement to the law. Paul then recalls his first encounter with the Galatians, where apparently he was forced to stay with them because of a sickness. Though this sickness burdened them, they still treated him warmly, so warmly they would have gouged out their eyes to help him. Paul begins to wonder what had changed that made them not be warm towards him. He asks if he had become their enemy by preaching truth to them. Paul concludes with the imagery of a mother in the pains of childbirth. Paul is physically anguishing over the conditions of the Galatians. He fears that his efforts to bring them to maturity were wasted or that they were never really Christians at all. He ends the section by saying that he wishes he was with them, to change the problem with their relationship.

The thing I see, and that is a thought and a practice that I am trying to get into the habit of now. In verse 16, Paul asks if he has become their enemy because he preaches the truth. It makes me think, and know, that if I am going to preach and speak the truth at all times, that I am not going to always be liked, because the truth is something that is hard for people to hear. If I am going to speak the truth, I need to be prepared for a less than warm reception, I need to be prepared to not be liked.

In a class I had last year, we were asked to come up with personal mission statements. Now I am still working on the wording of mine, but the focus of it is "Declare the truth." I am trying to become resolute now that I am going to always speak the truth, not matter how uncomfortable and how unpopular it may be. I know that in the lives of my students that I minister to, I am always going to speak the truth of what the bible says. I am not going to sugarcoat Christianity for them so that it is something comfortable; Christianity is not always comfortable, it is often challenging, and so I am going to speak what it says. I have a feeling that this may not always be a popular idea with parents or even with a church that I may someday serve with, but this is something I don't feel I can compromise on. God has called me to serve students, to try and teach them and have some part in growing them up into Godly men and women, and I think one of the best ways to do that is to preach scripture by what it says, to speak the truth no matter how hard, and to work through it in community with love. I am going to declare the truth, and though it may be unpopular, it will be right.

"These are the things that you shall do: Speak the truth to one another; render in your gates judgments that are true and make for peace; do not devise evil in your hearts against one another, and love no false oath, for all these things I hate, declares the LORD.” Zechariah 8:16-17

"to them we did not yield in submission even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you." Galatians 2:5

"Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what we have worked for, but may win a full reward. Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works." 2nd John 1:8-11

LORD, help me today to recognize that the truth is not always easy, but it is always the right way. Help me today to not compromise on speaking truth, help me to speak truth today even when it is not comfortable or what others or myself want to hear. Help me to speak the your words, the words of truth, and not some sugarcoated words that make a relationship with you easy. God may this relationship I have with you never be easy, may I struggle with truth so that I learn reliance on you. Amen.

Galatians 4:1-7 (Sons and Heirs)

2008-06-09T06:55:00.004-05:00

Galatians 4:1-7

In this section, Paul explains in a different way how the Christian has been freed from the bondage under the law. This time he uses the example of being a child. He says that the the son may be wealthy and the owner of everything (as an heir), he is a slave when he is still a child until a time appointed by his father. Paul then says that so were when when we were under the law, we were like slaves to the law. But then Jesus came, born of a woman, who struggled as we struggle, marking the appointed time of the father to bring the children out of slavery and into adulthood as heirs. And since we are sons of God, he sent the Holy Spirit into us, crying out for daddy; this intimate relationship cannot be had through the law. Paul concludes that because of grace, we are no longer slaves, but sons, sons of the most high God, and heirs to all his promises.

This section is another one of those that just sort of blow my mind. Why would God want me to be his son? Why would God love me enough to send his only true son to die to bring me out of the slavery I was in and into his family as a son and heir to his promises? These are questions I don't have a really good answer for, besides the simple answer that God is the epitome of love.

But one thing is sure, even though I don't understand it and probably never will, I am so thankful that this love and grace has been extended to me. To know that the God of the universe made grace available to the speck of creation that is me is a thought that is very humbling and great all at the same time. I am the son of a God who knows me, who paid a price to buy me out of the mess I was in. If that is not the greatest love a father could show, then I don't know what is.

"For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time." 1st Timothy 2:5-6

"For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, "Abba! Father!" Romans 8:15

"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." 2nd Corinthians 3:17

LORD, thank you for loving me, thank you for sending your son as the payment to bring me out of slavery. Thank you for knowing me and wanting to know me God. You could just as easily not taken any notice to me and not made grace available, but you loved humanity so much, that you made your son available to us all. Thank you for you son. Amen.

Galatians 3:15-29 (The Law and the Promise)

2008-06-08T14:48:00.003-05:00

Galatians 3:15-29

In this section, Paul again emphasizes his point that salvation and righteousness are attained through faith alone. This time however, he does less "attacking" as it were on the law, and actually finally explains the purpose of the law. Paul says that the promise God made to Abraham could not be voided by anything, so the law was not superior to the grace and faith shown in God's encounter with Abraham. Paul explains that the law was given to as the perfect standard, to show humanity how they could not keep it, how they could not reach right standing with God on their own. Paul says the law was given so that people would recognize their need for grace and for salvation, which would come in Jesus Christ. He goes on to say that people were held captive under the law, because it was a perfect standard that condemned them for not keeping it, so they longed for a new way of salvation. Paul says that once the inheritance (or justification by faith in Christ) came, we were no longer under the measuring stick that was the law. Paul also makes the distinction that there is no difference under Christ, for we all have to come to him the same way, repentant and in faith. And if we come to Christ in faith, we become heirs to the promise God made to Abraham.

So here is what I like about this passage. Quite simply, it lays out the reason the law was given, which is something that I have never really been able to reconcile until now. I had always had a hard time in my head and even in teaching saying that the law was no longer necessary because Christ is the fulfillment of the law. I just never really knew how to reconcile the Old and New Testaments I guess. But Paul lays it out very clear for us. He says that the law was given to show us that we could not achieve righteousness on our own. In my own experience, the law has done a great job of doing that. I became very well aware early in life that I am a sinner, I am imperfect, and I cannot gain right standing with God on my own through any of my own actions. But the law was given to point us to our need for a savior, which it does a pretty good job of that too.

I am very well aware of my need to be rescued, I know I can't do in on my own. I know that I am a sinner, I know that I can do no good thing on my own. I know that if it were up to me, I would never be right with God and I would spend eternity away from God, and that is a horribly frightening thing. I am well aware that I need something outside of me to save me, and I am so thankful that God did not withhold his son from humanity; his son who was all God and all man, who struggled like I struggled but conquered it just the same; his son who died a death he did not deserve because he loved me so much he would do anything to bring me back to him. Jesus Christ is the only way to God, I am very aware of that, and I am so thankful that he is the only way, I am so glad that it is not up to me, because I would never get there. It is very comforting for me to know that God chose not to let it be up to humans on this one, that God does not expect me to hold to some rigid set of laws to be right standing with him. I have to acknowledge that I can't get it on my own and that I mess up often, confess his son as my Lord and savior, and believe in my heart that he was raised from the dead, and that is what brings me to God, nothing else but faith through grace.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

"Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6

LORD, thank you for your son. Thank you that it is not up to me. Thank you that you knew I would never be good enough on my own, and so you sent your son who was perfect to bridge the gap that was between you and I. Thank you for that sacrifice. Amen.

Galatians 3:10-14 (The Righteous Shall Live by Faith)

2008-06-07T10:20:00.003-05:00

Galatians 3:10-14

In this section, Paul seems to make it crystal clear that not one is saved by the law. He does this by saying that the law itself curses everyone, because it says that no one who breaks one of the laws is saved, but those who cannot live by these laws is cursed. Paul is pointing out the obvious, that no one can perfectly keep these laws, even in the time of Moses, because everyone is a sinner, and so it makes no sense to say that salvation comes through the law, when the law condemns those who cannot abide by it. He even points to the book of Habakkuk where it says that the righteous shall live by faith to prove that salvation has never been by the law. It seems that Paul is saying that the false teachers were misunderstanding the purposes of the law. He then goes into an explanation of what Christ did for us, how he became the cursed in our stead. By dying on a tree, Jesus became cursed, and carried our curse to the grave with him. He then ends with two things that the redemption through Christ brought to us: first, that the blessings of Abraham would be made available to all. Second, that those who believe would be given Spirit that was promised through faith.

"Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him, but the righteous shall live by his faith." Habakkuk 2:4

Again, the big theme of this little section is faith over good works. Faith is definitely an important theme for this book, and it is definitely something I am currently learning a lot about, but I think the big thing I have pulled out of this passage would be what is found in verse 13, where Paul tells the Galatians how Christ became the curse for us.

It is a love I cannot comprehend. Why Christ would become cursed to save me from being cursed. I am so thankful that he became cursed to save me, but I don't get it, nor do I think I will ever get it. I just don't understand, and sometimes it blows my mind. The God of the universe coming to earth, leaving his seat of glory to die on a tree. It is mind blowing.

LORD, thank you for your love, thank you for your forgiveness. Thank you for the sacrifice you made so that I could spend eternity with you. Help me today to remember the sacrifice you made. Amen.

Galatians 3:1-9 (By Faith, or by Works of the Law?)

2008-06-06T12:21:00.005-05:00

Galatians 3:1-9

In this section of Galatians, Paul begins a harsh, six-pointed reasoning of why faith is superior to the law. He starts off by exclaiming to them how they have been decieved from the Gospel which was clearly presented to them. He then reminds them that they received the Holy Spirit by faith and not by the law. He says they are foolish for having begun in the spirit and trying to continue in the flesh. He asked them if they had been given experiences of the spirit in vain, and if the God who gave them the spirit and works miracles for them does so by works of the law or by faith. He reminds them that the father of their people, Abraham, was saved by faith and not the law, since he preceeded the law. He concludes that those who have faith.

"And he believed the LORD, and he counted it to him as righteousness." Genesis 15:6

"Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him, but the righteous shall live by his faith." Habakkuk 2:4

"that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God." 1st Corinthians 2:5

So we have entered territory where Paul begins several sections about faith. Faith is an area of my spiritual life that has been rough in recent months. Now I am not losing my faith or anything like that, my faith is in Jesus Christ for my soul's salvation, but letting my relationship with God be based on faith as opposed to knowledge has become something that is a pretty daunting task for me. Lately I find my head trying to become greater than my heart. It used to be that I would start everything in my life with faith, my spiritual life could probably be characterized by faith. But now I find myself trying to "knowledge out" my relationship with God. As my education continues to grow, as I learn theology, apologetics, Hebrew, history, what ever my education throws my way, that goes into my head and increases my knowledge. And my knowledge is slowly starting to edge out my faith. I find myself starting to explain away the mysteries of God or trying to look into theology or the bible for some evidence that God is going to bless me, when that really needs to be something of faith. I need to get back to a place where my faith comes first.

LORD, help me today to get back to a place of faith. Help me to not get so caught up in what facts I know or what knowledge I have in the realm of you and your son that I let my faith get swallowed up. Develop in me God a great faith, where I trust you first above all else. Thank you that the only way I am saved is by faith and not by works. Amen.

Galatians 2:15-21 (Justified by Faith)

2008-06-05T08:40:00.009-05:00

Galatians 2:15-21

In this section, Paul really brings about the absurdity of what the false teachers were promoting. The false teachers were saying that to attain salvation, one must trust in Christ but must also submit to the law of Moses. In this section, Paul says that no human is justified, or made righteous, by the law but through faith in Jesus Christ. He also makes a point to refute what some were saying that this line of thinking makes Christ a servant of sin. Paul vehemently argues that Christ is no servant of sinners, but that grace breaks our slavery to sin so that we can be obedient to God, but does not give us license to be disobedient to him. Paul goes on to say that after being made righteous by faith in Christ, we turn around and submit again to the law, he will find himself unable to keep the rules, because only Christ can keep the law perfectly.

So I think I have already mentioned it before, but I love this passage because it once again speaks to a theme that is near to my heart, that no matter how could I ever think I can be, I will never be good enough to attain salvation on my own. I am only saved by having faith in Christ and through his grace it is given, not by any other way.

"Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin." Romans 3:19-20

"Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 5:1

"whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life." Titus 3:6-7

Now I will admit that this is sometimes a downer, mostly because I am prideful and think that I am some great person who does not need any help. But in reality, I need a whole lot of help, and I mess up so often. And at least once a day I have the thought in my head that I am so thankful that it is not by my own efforts at keeping some set of rules, because then I would never ever get there. It is very comforting for me to know that it is not up to my own efforts, that my God loves me enough to send his son to die in my stead, and that all I need to do to share in that is to have faith in Christ.

I think the big thing to pull out of this section is to not base your salvation on keeping a set of rules, because Christ came and made a better way that is easier for humans to follow, and that is having faith in Jesus. We are made righteous by the grace of God through faith in his son, not by any law that we might keep.

LORD, help me today to remember that my salvation is by grace through faith in your son Jesus Christ and not by any rules that I might keep. God help me to realize that I will never keep all the rules perfectly, and that only you grant me salvation by your infinite grace and mercy. Thank you for your grace and mercy, thank you for not making salvation dependent on my own righteousness. Amen.

Galatians 2:11-14 (Paul Opposes Peter)

2008-06-04T07:38:00.021-05:00

Galatians 2:11-14

In this section, Paul again is attempting to affirm the fact that he is a true apostle. This time he is using an instance where he used his authority as an apostle to rebuke another apostle for being in the wrong. In what Paul is relating to us, apparently Peter, who had struggled previously with ignoring the Gentiles, was sitting with a group of Gentiles when a group of the false teachers (the ones teaching you had to become a Jew before you could have Christ's salvation) arrived. This caused Peter to fall back from fellowship with the Gentiles, and several other leaders of the church, Barnabas being the one mentioned, fell away from them as well. When Paul realized the hypocrisy of them all, he calls out Peter to his face in front of all of them. He said that if Peter was a Jew acting like a Gentile, how could Peter expect the Gentiles to live like Jews.

This section of scripture as the possibility of being a very stinging message if we are not careful. As Christians we need to be constantly careful that we are not practicing one thing and doing another; we need to be above hypocrisy as much as possible. In my own life, I find this to be true sometimes. I think sometimes I can readily identify with the example Jesus gave of noticing the sliver in my brothers eye but not the plank in my own eye.

"Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye." Matthew 7:1-5

It seems that this generation today, and I include myself in it are all very judgmental of one another, but are very weary of turning a critical eye on their own lives. We would much rather point out the faults in other peoples lives than to examine our own. And when someone attempts to point out the faults in our lives, we are quick to point out the junk in theirs. I think we need to remember that we need to be primarily concerned with our own relationship with Christ, and making sure our own lives match up with scripture and that our own actions are bringing glory to God. God has not given us a seat of judgment over anyone, even non-believers, so we should not condemn another group and tell them to conform to any pattern of living, however righteous we may think it is, unless we stand perfectly before Christ. And as long as we draw human breath, we will not be in any position to look down and judge others, because there will always be something that we can improve on.

"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness. So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness." Matthew 23:27-28

"So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good." 1st Peter 2:1-3

"Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things. Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God?" Romans 2:1-3

I guess what it is really boiling down to is that we need to be above hypocrisy. We need to not be condemning of the things in other peoples lives when there is still junk in our own. That is why Paul called Peter out, that and for falling away from what Christ had already called him out on. Peter was wanting the Gentiles to stop acting like they were pagans and to conform to Judaism and then Christianity, when it fact, he was acting just as they were and expecting something from them that he couldn't deliver himself. In my own life I need to strive to be less hypocritical, I need to be more critical of my own life and worry less about judging the junk I may see in someone else's life. I need to also preaching to others that they need to hold to a certain standard when I myself don't hold to that standard.

LORD, help me today to not be a hypocrite. Help me to turn my critical eyes to my own life and to not judge others, because that position of judge is reserved for you and you alone, and I don't want it to be honest. Help me to correct the junk in my own life today Lord. Thank you for your grace and mercy and for saving me from my sin. Amen.

Galatians 2:1-10 (Paul Accepted by the Apostles)

2008-06-03T07:39:00.010-05:00

Galatians 2:1-10

In this section of scripture, Paul continues defending his ministry to those who were against him preaching a gospel of grace alone to the Gentiles. Here Paul confirms that the leadership of the Jerusalem Church, presumably Peter, James, and John, saw that Paul's message of grace was from God and confirmed that what he was preaching was true. Paul even performed a test in this encounter in Jerusalem by bringing one of his Gentile believer associates, Titus, with him, to see if the Jerusalem leaders would force him to conform to the law of Moses and be circumcised; they did not. Paul saw that even though they were different, God's salvation through Jesus Christ was based on his grace alone to both the Jews and Gentiles, and no other thing would save them. Here we once again see Paul preaching his gospel of grace alone, and declaring that anything else preached in addition to salvation by grace alone is not the gospel of Jesus Christ. This section is concluded with the instruction given to Paul that even as he takes the message to the Gentiles, to remember to pray and lend aid to the poor in Jerusalem, who I assume were probably being persecuted heavily at this point.

The last verse of this section is the one that really caught my attention this morning. Paul is instructed to remember the poor in Jerusalem, his "hometown" of sorts. What about us? I think God is calling us to remember the poor in our area, but I think so often as Christians we neglect our own area, but are very good about going to some third world country and bring attention to the poverty we see there. Are the perishing in our own towns not worth the effort, do they not need aid and grace just as much as some village in Africa? Now I am not knocking foreign missions, I love them and they are definitely the call of a Christian, but we cannot neglect what is going on in the lives of the people around us. I say this because of two things. This past weekend we had a garage sale up at the church, and at a garage sale you get all kinds of socioeconomic status', but a lot of the time you do see the poor coming out to try and find a deal on something they really need. Often, I will see a family struggling to get by, and it breaks my heart. I can't stand to see a family suffer, especially when their are kids involved. The second reason I say this is because we are doing this thing at the end of the summer to benefit a local homeless shelter, and I am hoping that in that, my youth will see the reality of poverty in their own backyard, that it will become a real monster to them, and not just some foreign thing that they see on the world news.

"If among you, one of your brothers should become poor, in any of your towns within your land that the LORD your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart or shut your hand against your poor brother, but you shall open your hand to him and lend him sufficient for his need, whatever it may be." Deuteronomy 15:7-8

"Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner,but blessed is he who is generous to the poor." Proverbs 14:21

Rescue the Perishing

Rescue the perishing

Care for the dying

Snatch them in pity

From sin and the grave

Weep o'er the erring one

Lift up the fallen

Tell them of Jesus

The mighty to save

Rescue the perishing

Care for the dying

Jesus is merciful

Jesus will save

Church open your eyes once more

And see what Christ died for

Jesus is merciful

Jesus will save

Down in the human heart

Crushed by the temptor

Feelings lie buried

That grace can restore

Touched by a loving heart

Wakened by kindness

Chords that are broken

Will vibrate once more

Rescue the perishing
Care for the dying
Jesus is merciful
Jesus will save
Church open your eyes once more
And see what Christ died for
Jesus is merciful
Jesus will save

As we're playing our songs

While we're singing them well

Have we forgotten the lost

The reality of hell

If we say we love God

Wanna see His will done

Will we offer our lives

Or just the songs we have sung

Do we even care

When will we care

LORD, today give me a heart for those perishing around me. Help me remember those who are less fortunate that I am, and help me to not sit by as they suffer Lord. Help me remember the poor in my own world Lord. Amen.

Galatians 1:11-23 (Paul Called by God)

2008-06-02T07:39:00.003-05:00

Galatians 1:11-23

In this section, Paul again is defending his credibility to those who were trying to undermine the gospel he was preaching. Paul begins by saying that the gospel he is preaching is not one made by man, but that it was given to him by God, because no man-made salvation plan would even dream of it being grace based as opposed to works based. Then Paul describes how he is a true apostle because the Lord Jesus was revealed to him in person. He also describes how he went out into Arabia for three years to be alone with the Lord to learn from God. Only after this does he go to meet with the apostles, as an equal and not a peer.

I think what I find very interesting here is the fact that Paul went away for three years. He went away to be alone with God, and then came back and had fellowship with other believers. This truly was a different time, because today when someone becomes a believer, we weave them into the works of the church so that they can learn about God, we don't usually send them out on their own for years to learn about God, we help them in the process. But I think this does say something to the importance of spending time alone with God. I think we can see in this that time spend by yourself with the Lord can be very valuable. Paul did it, as did Jesus, we have several accounts of him going off by himself to pray to the father. It seems to me that it is a good thing, especially if we are to imitate Christ, that we make sure to be alone with God often, so that God can form our beliefs, and he can speak his words into our life. Fellowship and discipleship are obviously important things, but I think we sometimes forget that being alone is just as important.

"And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done." Luke 22:41-42

LORD, help me to find time to be alone with you today, just you and me, so that I can learn directly from you Lord, and so that you and I can develop a deep, intimate relationship with one another. Lord, I pray that in the times when we are alone, that you would just speak to my soul God, speak the words that encourage me, build me, and challenge me God. Grow me in my faith Lord. Thank you for wanting a relationship with me, and thank you for making that relationship possible by the death of your son. Amen.

Galatians 1:1-10 (Greetings; No Other Gospel)

2008-06-01T16:48:00.008-05:00

Galatians 1:1-10

In this section of scripture, there are two parts. The verse part is the typical greeting that begins all the letters written by Paul in the New Testament. In this greeting in particular, Paul introduces himself and his associates in an attempt to provide his "credentials" as it were so that the people of the region of Galatia would believe that he was a true apostle. In the second section, Paul tells the Galatians that he is shocked that they are believing another Gospel than the one he preached. It is beyond Paul's understanding that they would abandon the Gospel of salvation by grace alone to mix grace and good works. Paul declares this to be a different than the one he preached to them. Paul even goes as far as to say that those who make salvation into something that is something of human effort or works based, those people deserve to stand eternally condemned in hell. Paul concludes this section by refuting accusations that he has watered down the Gospel (leaving out the law) to be more popular among the Gentiles. Paul says that his only desire is to do what God wants him to do, and he says that everyone must make a choice, to please people and forsake Christ, or to please Christ.

The book of Galatians is full of one of my favorite subjects in all of the bible, and that is Grace. In this book Paul preaches on grace a lot, which is a subject near and dear to my heart. I struggle a lot with trying to be good enough, and as you can probably guess, I mess up a lot. It seems there is something in the way my brain works that tells me I have to keep certain rules and what not and that is what saves me from the sin in my life; if I just keep certain "biblical rules" then I will be righteous and attain salvation for my soul. But all this line of thinking as ever got me is a whole lot of misery, because I can't keep the rules, I mess up so often it is ridiculous. That is why I find the book of Galatians from the get-go so encouraging, Paul immediately preaches that it is by grace alone that I am saved, and that any other gospel is not the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the gospel of Jesus Christ is the only one that leads to salvation.

"But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will." Acts 15:11

"for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins." Romans 3:23-25

"For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace." Romans 6:14

It is very comforting for me to know that it is not up to my own goodness, my own works, because then I would be in a constant state of discouragement, because I would never be good enough. Praise be to God that he loves me and shows me favor that I do not deserve, and that he sent his son to die on a cross, the death I deserved, all out of a love for me that I cannot really comprehend, but that I am so thankful for. For me, what I really take away from this passage of scripture is that I need to remember, and thank God every day, that I am saved by grace alone, and that salvation is by nothing else than the grace of God that has been lavished upon me.

LORD, thank you for loving me. Thank you for saving me, not based on any good that I have done, but based on your love for me and on the grace that you showed me by sending your son to die on the cross for my sins. God this is a love that I cannot quite comprehend, but I am so thankful for it. Thank you Jesus for your sacrifice. Amen.

Colossians 4:7-18 (Final Greetings)

2008-05-31T18:21:00.002-05:00

Colossians 4:7-18

In the final section of Paul's book to the Colossians, we have the standard form of a letter written of that time. Paul ends by sending final greetings of those who is with him, in this particular case, those who are with him in prison.

Now at first, I didn't think a whole lot could be pulled out of these verses for theological purposes, but on second thought, I think there is an important concept that should be mentioned that this last section seems to point to. It seems to me that Paul is implying, if not outright saying, that these people who are with him, of whom he is sending greetings to the Colossians, have been a vital part of his ministry, and that he could not have done it without them. Some of the study I have done on this part of the scriptures seems to affirm this idea.

But whether or not that was the intent, I think we can see an important point, that Paul did not go on in his ministry by himself, he had help. I think it is important that we see from these verses that we are not to try and do this alone, but to have fellowship with brothers and sisters walking down the road with us and to rely on them and let them rely on us.

"And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers." Acts 2:42

"Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor." 1st Peter 2:17

I am well aware that there are many aspects of ministry that I do not have a lot of experience or talent in, and I am well aware that those parts are still a vital part of my ministry. I need to be about the business of surrounding myself with people who are going to enhance my ministry. It is important that I have brothers who will keep me accountable, and brothers and sisters who will encourage me when I am down. I think it is extremely important that my wife be able to complement what I do in ministry. I heard a man say once that you don't marry because you love someone, you marry because together you can serve God better than apart, and I think there is a lot of validity in that.

All in all, I think each of us, me included, need to seek out people who will walk with us down this road of Christian living and ministry, and who will lift us up when we need it, and who will help us out when we certainly cannot do it alone.

LORD, help me to begin to build relationships with believers who will share in my ministry and help enhance it, so that it will be more complete and full than anything I could do on my own. Lord, thank you for putting people in my life who complement my gifts in ministry so well, and who I am sure will enhance my ministry more than I could on my own. Thank you for never meaning for me to do this on my own. Amen.

Colossians 4:2-6 (Further Instructions)

2008-05-30T09:10:00.004-05:00

Colossians 4:2-6

In this short section, Paul gives some final instructions to the believers at Colosse. First, he tells them to be diligent, alert, and gracious in their prayers. He also encourages them to pray for Paul and his partners, that they would find opportunities to spread the gospel message of Jesus Christ even while in prison. He also tells them to conduct themselves wisely towards people the don't know, and to let their speech be gracious, wholesome and flavorful, so that they would know how to answer each person they talk to.

I think the thing that really caught my attention here would be the whole discussion on prayer. I used to be really good about praying and asking guidance before I did things, and to just communicate with God more through prayer than any other means. I find that as my education continues, I am able to gain more knowledge through God and his revelation through the bible that through personal revelation through prayer, so I find my prayer life slacking in recent months. I don't always ask God for guidance, I may go to the scriptures and find a verse that gives me some sort of guidance, but rarely these days to I go and get on my knees in prayer and ask God for his guidance in situations. I also find myself becoming more comfortable reading the bible just to read it, not for intense study, but I also find that I am much less apt to just talk with God these days. Running used to be a really good time for me to just be alone and talk to God. I should start running again. On the whole though, I realize that I am in need of more prayer in my life. I need to be talking with God more, that needs to be a part of my everyday time with him, not just reading my bible and studying what it says and journaling here, I need to be talking to God daily.

"Hear my prayer, O LORD;let my cry come to you!" Psalm 102:1

"do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." Philippians 4:6

"praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints," Ephesians 6:18

Also in my study today, I really like what I read about the part that says let our speech be seasoned with salt. It talked about how salt had to purposes, a perservative, so our speech should be wholesome, and a flavor additive, so our speech should be colorful. I really like that it says that our speech to have flavor, it should be witty and thought provoking. When I teach on the bible, I really try hard to do that, and I think it may turn some older folks off, but I really think that it is something that will help non-believers engage. I am going to keep trying to be flavorful in my speech, hopefully making people want to hear what I have to say.

"Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us." Titus 2:8

"Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity." 1st Timothy 4:12

LORD, help me today to seek your guidance and presence in prayer. God help me to spend more time on my knees just talking to you, and especially asking you for guidance. I am sorry my prayer life isn't what it should be. Thank you for wanting to talk to me and communicate with me, help me in my prayer life God. Amen.

Colossians 3:18-4:1 (Rules for Christian Households)

2008-05-29T07:21:00.003-05:00

Colossians 3:18-4:1

In this section, Paul deals with the relationships of the Christian, particularly the Christian household. He begins by saying that wives should submit to their husbands because this is fitting in the Lord. It is important to not that submission does not necessarily mean a loss of equality or dignity on the part of the woman. Next, Paul addresses the husband, telling him not to abuse his authority, but to deal kindly with his wife. He then moves on to the children, telling them to obey their parents in everything, for this pleases God (I think we can look to Christ and see that a child's obedience pleases God). Paul then talks to the fathers, telling them not to be overly critical or harsh with their children, so as not to discourage them. He then devotes several verses to the slaves in the households, saying that they should obey their masters sincerely, and work as if working for God and not for man. He concludes the section by telling the masters of the slaves to treat their slaves fairly, remembering that they do have a master in heaven.

I think the big thing I have taken out of this passage this morning would be that I need to remember that I am working for the Lord and not for man, and that I need to work with sincerity and not just to keep up appearances. It is good that I should read this, because yesterday I did not do this at all. Yesterday, I had to do a whole lot of work that I was not really excited about, but I did it because it was expected of me, and I just put on a facade of being happy about it, but inside I definitely was not singing joyful songs about what I was doing.

I really need to remember that a lot of the work I do, especially at the church, has eternal value, and that I should remember that I am not doing the work for Canyon Creek Baptist Church, or for Trey, but that I am doing it for the Lord, who has called me to this particular body for this time in my life, to be obedient to his will and hopefully make some sort of eternal difference in the life of one of the youth that I work with. And I really need to have my attitude changed at some points, cause some times I am really bitter about what I am having to do, but I do it anyway because I am a responsible person and am going to get the job done. But that is not what God is asking me to do, I am not to just get the job done. I am to be obedient to him and work under his leadership.

"Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you." Hebrews 13:17

"By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments." 1st John 5:2

"And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him," Hebrews 5:9

LORD, I am sorry for my attitude yesterday, I am sorry that when I did the work I was asked to do yesterday, I was bitter. God, please change my attitude today Lord so that I work for a joyful heart remembering that I work for you to be obedient to you. Help me to remember today that you are my master and I work for you, and I should work in all things with sincerity and a joyful heart. Thank you for you love and mercy God, thank you for showing me grace. Amen.

Colossians 3:1-17 (Put on the New Self)

2008-05-28T21:39:00.005-05:00

Colossians 3:1-17

In this section, Paul begins by telling the believers at Colosse that they should set their minds and hearts on the things above, basically Christ, and not on the temporary things on the earth. He then goes through a lengthy list of things that the believers should cast off, those things being wicked and leading them away from God. He concludes the section by saying a bit about what they should do, how they should be walking. These instructions are basically to put on the attributes of Christ, thought Paul doesn't come out and say that, but if you look at the list of attributes (compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, forgiveness), it is quite obvious that those are attributes that Christ had.

Basically, I really just like how again Paul makes it all about Christ and not about anything we can do on our own. He does not give a list of rules we have to keep, tell us to go off and seek after some sort of spiritual vision, or even deprive ourselves to keep our bodies in check. He simply says to set our minds on Christ who is above and be like him, and that is what makes us truly spiritual, that is what makes us have the most genuine Christian experience. This should be a very encouraging idea, because it means that it is not up to us, because, at least for me, I know that if it were up to me, I would blow it every time, bad. But God, being the merciful God that he is, doesn't let it be up to my own goodness and merit, because then I would never make it. Christ is what makes me righteous, and I am called to put on the attributes of Christ, not to follow some religious code or deprive myself, Christ alone does a good work in me. I should strive to imitate Christ and not strive to fill my life up with empty things that don't produce anything for me.

A lot of the time I do really struggle with thinking that it is by my own effort that I am righteous. But then I go back and look at times when I was trying to be righteous by my own efforts, and I realize that those were the times when I was failing the most. What I really need to do is just imitate Christ, and rely on him to make me righteous, because my own efforts will never get me close. And if I am relying on my own efforts, I am going to get really frustrated and not ever feel like I am good enough to be called a son of God.

"If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory." Colossians 3:1-4

"Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God." 3rd John 3:11

LORD, make me like you. Please God mold me into a man that reflects your image, and help my focus to be on you and you alone. God continue to remind me that there is nothing I can do on my own power that makes me righteous, you alone make me righteous. Thank you for saving me from myself. Amen.

Colossians 2:16-23 (Let No One Disqualify You)

2008-05-27T12:01:00.010-05:00

Colossians 2:16-23

For the majority of this section, Paul is describing how Christ is what is important, not any confining religious traditions that man may come up with. Paul says that Christ is over religious holy days and special diets, over depriving the body to try and be more spiritual, and over other manmade religious practices, Christ is over all of them.

The thing that really stood out to me in my reading over these verses is how Paul seems to say that these confinements that we try to place on ourselves are not necessary. He seems to be saying that any sort of living according to a legal code, searching for some sort of mystical experience, or rigidly denying yourself of some sort of desire is not necessary because of Christ's work on the cross. Paul says that keeping all the rules is just a shadow of the actual substance that is Christ. That seems to say that actual righteousness is found in Christ, and not in holding onto a set of religious rules we create. And I think there is definite support for that in the bible. Paul also says that striving for a spirituality defined by mystical experiences is also of no value, because we lose focus on Christ. Christ becomes secondary to the vision, which is the focus. And with regard to denying the self, Paul says it is all looks, and of no real value because it doesn't change anything inside of us. I agree with that, because I am almost certain that there is nothing I can impose upon myself that is going to change how I am on the inside, only Christ can change what is on the inside of me. I think everything Paul talks about here is true, I think all of these things take the focus off of Christ and to some extent I think it takes away the magnitude of the Cross, like what Jesus did was not good enough to free us from sin.

"For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1

"For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." Galatians 5:1

"Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God." 1st Peter 2:16

Another thing that I really like from this section is how Paul is talking about not letting other people judge you, not to let other people condemn how spiritual you are or try and make you conform to how they think spirituality should be. I am a firm believer that our walks with God are individual, and so there is no set way of being a Christian. I do believe that there are certain things that you have to believe and do in your Christian life, but I don't think Christians all have to conform to the same sort of life. So I greatly appreciate Paul discussing how we should not let people judge our walks, that is not there place, judgment is never really our place, but especially in matters of our relationship with God, because we are not all the same. Different things stir our affections for God, different things remind us of God, so why should we be allowed to judge another's worship if that his how they can truly worship God?

"Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye." Matthew 7:1-5

"For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me." 1st Corinthians 4:4

LORD, help me today to realize that you are where my righteousness comes from, you are what has freed me from myself, and no man-made religious practices can do that for me. Help me today God to focus on your son and not on a set of rules I think will make me more righteous. Help me to focus on Christ today. And Lord, help me today to not judge other people's walk with you, help me to focus on mine and mine alone, and let other people's relationships with you be worked out between you and then. Thank you for your love and your mercy, thank you for forgiving me when I screw up. Amen.

Colossians 2:6-15 (Alive in Christ)

2008-05-26T10:08:00.006-05:00

Colossians 2:6-15

In this section, Paul discusses two main things. First, that the believers at Colosse must remain steady in their faith, growing in relationship with God so that they would not be deceived by any empty deceit from foolish human tradition or defeated spiritual beings. Secondly, he describes how Christ one the ultimate victory over sin and death, and if we are found in him, we share in his fullness, completely saved and fully forgiven.

I see two applications for this passage in my life. First, that I need to make sure that I am growing in relationship to God and growing in my knowledge of him. I need to do this so that I will not fall prey to any false teaching that may be presented to me. As I look around the world today, there is a lot of false teachings, even false teachings under the guise of being Christian. Now personally I find these teachings foolish and to not hold an ounce of truth, which they don't, but I can see how any one of the false teachings that is prevalent in our world today could take captive someone who is not grounded in their faith in Jesus Christ or who doesn't have faith in him at all. A lot of the teachings that are out there are exactly what people want to hear, and many of them seem much less painful and much more immediate fixes than what Christianity is offering. The sad part is that none of these things are the truth, because only God is the truth, and only Jesus leads to salvation and fullness. These false teachings in our world will never leave anyone feeling complete, they will always feel like something is missing, and there will be something missing, and that thing is Jesus Christ.

"Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience." Ephesians 5:6

"Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous." 1st John 3:7

"Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." James 1:16-17

The second thing I see that has application for my life is that I need to remember that what Jesus did was the ultimate victory, and it covers everything wrong, it heals all the wounds between me and God. I am completely alive and full in Christ and Christ alone, and that fullness includes a complete salvation from all my sins, being fully forgiven for all the wrongs I have done, and I share in Christ's complete victory over death and the grave. I just need to remember that Christ's victory is a lot bigger than I sometimes give it credit for.

"When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory." 1st Corinthians 15:54

"And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." James 1:4

LORD, help me today to continue to grow in you and in my knowledge of you so that I may not fall prey to any false teachings or empty deceit that this world will throw at me. Lord, also let me remember today that I share in your ultimate victory, a victory so great that all my sins are forgiven, I am complete saved and brought back into right relationship with you and the father, and I share in your victory of the death power that sin has. Thank you for dying for me and raising from the dead to bring me back to you. Amen.

Colossians 1:24-2:5 (Paul's Ministry to the Church)

2008-05-25T23:03:00.003-05:00

Colossians 1:24-2:5

The brunt of this section talks about what Paul did for the church. Paul describes how he was willing to suffer for Christ because Christ suffered for him. This section ends with a discussion about how Paul has a struggle within him about the state of the Colossians faith, but how he is encouraged by there ability to stand up during attack by false teaching.

I think the big thing I have taken away from this section is really just that I need to be willing to suffer. I need to be okay with the fact that the Christian life is not easy, and I need to realize that suffering is a great way to identify with Christ, who suffered on my behalf. I think all to often in this day and age we try and make Christianity out to be something really easy, which is not what it is at all.

"More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." Romans 5:3-5

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:1-2

This walk is hard, this life is hard, and suffering is going to come. Death still comes for the Christian, persecution comes for the Christian, temptation comes for the Christian, we are not immune to any of this, and for some hard parts of life, being a Christian may bring them about more. We need to realize that God never promised us that this walk was going to be easy, but he did promise us that it was the way to truth, and to everlasting life with him. We need to be okay to endure what minor suffering we may face, so that we will one day come out of it and be all the more close to God because of it.

LORD, help me today to be ready to suffer. Help me to understand that I am not immune to it because I put my faith in you, but Lord help me to hold fast in my faith when I am suffering, because you will deliver me from the suffering I face, because you are a loving and caring God. Thank you for loving me. Amen.

Colossians 1:15-23 (The Preeminence of Christ)

2008-05-24T13:34:00.002-05:00

Colossians 1:15-23

In this passage of scripture, Paul describes Christ as being the visible manifestation of God and the eternal creator of everything and the reconciler of mankind. He also discusses how Jesus is the supreme authority in the universe and in the church. Now in studying this, Paul was really just reminding and reemphasizing that Jesus was the firstborn of all creation, that everything was made for him and through him, and that without him, nothing can hold together. He also reminds them of how at one point they had been hostile enemies of God, but that through Jesus, they were now reconciled and blameless before him. Paul is also sure to remind them that Jesus is God in the flesh, and that the whole of God is in the person of Jesus.

There are several things that really hit me from this passage. First, I think the supremacy of Christ is something that, at least in my own life, I either take for granted or neglect. Now I very seldom forget that God is the creator of everything and ruler of creation. And I also am well grounded in the fact that Jesus is his son, and that they are one in the same substance. In other words, God's fullness dwells on the person of Jesus. What I do think I tend to forget or neglect at times is that Jesus is the supreme authority in everything. I forget that apart from being my savior, he is also the ruler of the nations, the king. It seems to me that this is really just a product of the way that the churches teach today. And please do not think that I am negative toward the church, I am not, I work in one. But I think sometimes the church tends to focus too much on one aspect of God, and just brush over the other parts. The church does a great job of teaching about the grace and mercy of God and how Jesus Christ is the great redeemer and our salvation. And undoubtedly this is an important thing to teach and teach. But I think we need to teach on the Lordship of Christ more. I think we need to be teaching in our churches how Jesus Christ is the Lord, or master, over the earth. Christ has supreme authority of the church and the universe, and I think that is something we need to be taught. The entire universe calls Christ "master," and I think this is something that Christians today can really value from. I know personally, if I was taught more about the Lordship of Christ when I was younger, I would probably have taken my relationship with Jesus much more seriously, because I would have realized that he is the lord and master of my life, in addition to being my redeemer.

"Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God." Romans 13:1

"to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen." 1st Timothy 6:14-16

I think another thing that grabs me here is just thoughts about Christ as our reconciler. I am just sometimes awestruck that Christ would lay down his life to heal the wounded relationship between me and God, so that I could spend eternity in heaven with the father. Now I am not calling for a reform in the teaching of the church, because Christ as the reconciler is something that most churches do extremely well in teaching on. I am just saying that some times we should really slow down in our days, stop the hustle in our lives, and really reflect on the fact that Christ left his place in glory to become sin on our behalf. That is something that is huge, and it is something that we must all be sure to never let become a complacent part of our faith.

"For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life." Romans 5:10

"by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility." Ephesians 2:15-16

"All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation;" 2nd Corinthians 5:18

LORD, help me today to remember that you are the master of my life, that my allegiance is to you and you alone. God, help me today to remember that you have control over everything in the universe, and that nothing survives unless you sustain it. Help me also today to take time to reflect on your great love and the reconciliation that you made possible between me and the father. Thank you for your sacrifice Jesus, and please reign over my life today. Amen.

Colossians 1:1-14 (Greeting; Thanksgiving and Prayer)

2008-05-23T18:30:00.002-05:00

Colossians 1:1-14

So I must say that one of my favorite books in the New Testament is the book of Colossians. Now when asked why, my answer is a little bit hard to come by. When I first really read the book, I just really liked it for some reason, it just resonated with me like few books of the bible had before. But as I begin to study it more for the first time, I realize why I like it, because of it's emphasis on the truth of the Gospel and the power of Christ. I also enjoy it because it deals a lot with deception, which in our modern times is something that is really easy to come by. So on to the book.

So this book starts off in the typical pattern of the letters that appear in the New Testament. The author, here Paul, greets the church at Colosse and proclaims grace and peace to them. The first little subsection here is from verse 3 to verse 8, and it deals with faith, hope, and love. Now without question, these are some of the most important concepts in Christianity, Paul here commends the Colossians for how they are great in faith in Jesus Christ, they are great in love for all the saints, despite the differences they may have. And these two attributes come from a hope they have in the Lord Jesus that is laid up in heaven. This little section ends up with talking about how the Gospel is taking seed and growing fruit in the lives of the Colossians and in the lives of other believers in the world at the time.

Now what I like about this is that it talks about three fundamental things that I think we need to have as Christians. Faith, quite obviously is the thing that our belief system hinges on. Without a faith in Jesus Christ as your personal savior, the one who redeems you from sin, then you don't really have a beginning on this spiritual journey of being a Christian. I really believe that faith is where it begins. But the thing that I really like that this book talks about is that we need to have a love for all the saints, despite any sort of demographic differences they may have from us. I think this is something that we have really lost in our churches today. I think we are much less tolerant of one another. It is pretty plain to see this in the numerous denominations that are out among Christianity today. We get so hung up on how are beliefs differ from one another, and just the little differences, that we fight and argue and split up over it. I think a serious problem we have is that we forget to love our brothers in Christ. It seems to me that the Colossian church was a good example of how to love your brothers, if Paul is praising them for it.

"Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13

"Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling." 1st John 2:10

"Let brotherly love continue." Hebrews 13:1

The second little sub-section in this is from verses 9 to 14. Here, Paul is praying for the Colossians, and asking God that they may grow in the knowledge of God's will. He also prays that they will leave a life worthy of the Lord and to please him in every way. Particularly he prays that they may please him in bearing fruit in their good works, in their knowledge of God, that their lives be characterized by patience and endurance, and that they joyfully giving thanks to the father for the blessing of salvation in their lives. Paul wraps up this section by describing all the God does for us, particularly how God has qualified us for salvation, delivered us from darkness, and brought us into his Son's kingdom. He concludes with how God's work is the work of redemption and forgiveness.

The thing I like about these verses, and I think this is an important concept, is a particular word in the prayer of Paul. Paul asks that the people be filled with the knowledge of God. Well upon further study, the word fill here is one of the more important words, based on it's actual meaning. The word fill here means to let something take control of you. So what Paul is asking God to let happen to the Colossians is that the knowledge of God would fill them, take control of their lives, and cause them to do things that they might otherwise not do. I think this is a special concept, and I feel it is closely linked with faith. I think our faith in God needs to be so strong, and our knowledge of him so great, that it takes control of us and will guide is into acting in a way that we would not normally be able to act. I think this is how people are able to endure hardship rather than give up, or be patient with others rather than writing them off. I too think this is a concept that is often lost, not even taught to our churches today. I think we, as the church, need to do a better job of teaching this concept of being filled and controlled by the knowledge of God. I know this is definitely something I need to work on, I do okay with it sometimes, but I really have struggled lately with this idea.

"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen." 2nd Peter 3:18

"They shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea." Isaiah 11:9

"Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!" Romans 11:33

LORD, help me to love my brothers in you. Help me to be incredibly loving towards my brothers, and not be so tangled up in the differences we may have, but love them because they have come to a saving knowledge of you. God, also help me to daily submit to being filled and controlled by your spirit and knowledge. Lord, may the knowledge of you in my life control me, give me a strength I did not know I have, and be evidence of my reliance on you. Thank you for your grace and mercy, thank you for the sacrifice of your son. Amen.

Ecclesiastes 12:9-14 (Fear God and Keep His Commandments)

2008-05-22T12:20:00.004-05:00

Ecclesiastes 12:9-14

So as with any good book, the end is normally some sort of summary. And I absolutely love how simple of a concept Solomon boils everything down to.

Solomon more or less says that in the end, all that matters is to fear God and keep his commandments. It seems to me that he is saying that everything in this world is vanity, because you will pass away in this world; the only thing worthwhile to do is to fear God and obey his commandments. I couldn't agree more with this statement.

"And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul," Deuteronomy 10:12

So what about this whole idea of fearing God? Isn't God a loving and compassionate one, who has shown humans incredible mercy? Yes that is true, God is loving and kind, and loves us more than we can imagine, and sent his only son to die for our sins so that we no longer had to be separated from him. So the next logical question is why should we fear God then? Quite simply the answer is because he is God. He is the creator of the universe, he is the epitome of the word awesome.

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!" Psalm 111:10

Now God is not some sort of cosmic policeman who we need to fear is going to bust us, thats not what I am saying. What I am saying though is that we should have a healthy fear of God, such as we fear our parents. This is where the whole thing about keeping his commandments comes in. The call there is basically to obey your father in heaven. If you disobey your father in on earth, are you normally afraid of him? I hope so, because there is probably some discipline on the way for your disobedience. Now I am not saying that we need to live in constant fear of God, and I am not in any way saying that God is not loving and kind and merciful. But what I am saying is that we need to remember that this same loving and merciful God is the God who caused the flood, the same God who hates sin, the same jealous God who wants all of your love and affection.

"The fear of the LORD leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm." Proverbs 19:23

I really think we (as Christians today) need to fear the Lord more. We need to have a more healthy respect for and fear of our heavenly father who loves us more than anything, and who will correct us when we are wrong. Thank God that he loves us enough to discipline us and correct us when we screw up! But I think that our culture today paints God as only the loving God of the New Testament, they don't really emphasize that God the father also will discipline us when we are wrong and is the jealous God who wants our obedience. I think today's culture is much more comfortable with the idea that God is loving and merciful, and all these really positive attributes, and nothing else, and that he is not to be feared. I think that is a bad way to look at God.

I think overall what I am taking from this section is to have a healthy fear of the God, and to make sure that I am keeping his commandments and obeying him.

LORD, help me today to follow your commandments. Help me to be able to be an obedient child of yours, doing what it is that you are calling me to, and following the path you have put out before me. Thank you for loving me and sending your son to die and bring me back to you. Thank you that you love me enough to discipline me when I am wrong, because it is out of love and having my best interest at heart. Amen.

Ecclesiastes 12:1-8 (Remember Your Creator in Your Youth)

2008-05-21T06:43:00.002-05:00

Ecclesiastes 12:1-8

So, the main point as I find it in this section of scripture is pretty similar to what has been said all along in the book of Ecclesiastes, but with one huge difference. Solomon is obviously once again imploring the audience to enjoy their youth for their will be a day to come when they cannot do that. But for the first time in the book that I have noticed, Solomon now wants the attention turned to God.

Solomon begins the section by asking the audience to remember their creator in the days of their youth, before those day s are gone and they may not be able to remember the creator anymore. Now, as I have already discussed how the ancient Israelites viewed the afterlife, I won't get into that here again, but I do think this passage holds strong implications for the Christians of today.

I think the thing we should take away from this part of scripture is that we need to remember and worship God the father while we can here on earth. Because in all reality, there will come a day when that is no longer a possibility in our earthly experience. When we die, as Christians believe, we will either go to be with God in his glory, where we will eternally glorify him in some way, or we will be eternally separated from God in Hell, where we won't be able to glorify him.

"I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever." Psalm 86:12

"whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen." 1st Peter 4:11

Now I am not saying that us remembering and praising God in our earthly flesh is the only prerequisite for spending eternity to with God; I think there are definitely God fearers out there who fear and praise the Lord, but without a faith in Jesus Christ as the savior, they will not spend eternity with God. But what I am saying is that we were created to glorify God, that is our purpose on the earth, and if we do not spend our time glorifying God, then we may end up missing out on something here on earth, blessings or something else.

To be perfectly honest, I don't really know what Solomon is trying to say here, I think it may have been another charge to enjoy the youth while you have it, and a call to remember the creator who made you while enjoying life. I really don't know. But the implications I see for Christians are what I have already described. We were made to be on this planet to glorify God, and if we don't fulfill that purpose while we are here, then we have missed out on our purpose and probably on what God has for us.

"Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation." 1st Peter 2:12

LORD, help me today to glorify and praise your name. May the words that come out of my mouth, the thoughts in my head, and the actions I take all be pleasing in your site and calling attention to the great God you are. May people see you in my today God. Lord, help me to remember you greatness today, help me to remember all you have done for me and what you have created me for. God, help me to remember that you are the one who is worthy of praise. Amen.

Ecclesiastes 11:1-10 (Cast Your Bread upon the Waters)

2008-05-20T09:45:00.007-05:00

Ecclesiastes 11:1-10

Quite simply, this passage is Solomon's plea for us to once again enjoy the blessings of today, for we do not know when they will end. The beginning part of this section is in a poetical style and to me does not seem to have much relevance to the rest of the passage.

So what should all this mean. Why does Solomon keep harping on us enjoying life while we can. I think simply because we don't know when the end will come. I think Solomon is really trying to enlighten people to the fact that we do not last forever, we are temporary, and this life will pass away. As I have said before, I don't know if the people of this time period were struggling with this, but I know that people in this day struggle with feelings of immortality.

I do like though how Solomon addresses the young man, telling him to enjoy his youth, but to realize that it will end. I like this because for the most part, it is the younger crowd who have the problem with feeling immortal and what not like that. I think we, and by we I mean the younger crowd, need to have a healthy knowledge of death is the best way to put it. Now by know means am I saying we should live in constant fear and never go outside or anything like that, but I think we would do well to think about death a little bit more often.

"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is." Ephesians 5:15-17

I heard Matt Chandler preach a sermon on this the other day, and I agree with what he said. We should think on our deaths more often so that we cherish what the Lord has given us. I should love my family more, I should be a better friend, I should love strangers more, I should invest in peoples lives more; these are all things I am called to do, but for some reason I don't. If I was to dwell on my death a little bit more, maybe I would do these things more often.

"Whoever is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys." Proverbs 18:9

I think also a benefit of dwelling on death a little bit more would be that we would probably, hopefully realize that God is calling us to do his work, and we have a limited amount of time on this planet to glorify his name and do something for his kingdom. I think this passage could very well be a call to not sit around, letting life pass you by, and miss the opportunities God is giving us to do something for him.

"And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities" Luke 19:17

Mostly, I think we just need to be reminded of how frail we are. Every word I right brings me seconds closer to my death, I will not last forever. Am I going to cherish the things I have been blessed with while I am here, or am I going to miss out, cause I won't get another shot to love my family, or to share Christ with a stranger. This life is the only one I have got, am I going to make the most of it for God's kingdom, or am I going to watch it pass me by.

LORD, help me make the most of my life each day. God help me to not let the opportunities you are giving me pass me by. God, I don't know when you are going to call me home, and so I hope you will help me to bring glory to your name while I am here. Lord, let all I do, all the actions I take and the words I say be for your glory and yours alone. Amen.

Ecclesiastes 9:11-10:20 (Wisdom Better than Folly)

2008-05-19T07:47:00.005-05:00

Ecclesiastes 9:11-10:20

Again we see the same message we have already heard repeated by Solomon, that wisdom is better than folly. This section is very long, and it has a lot of parts that to me don't seem to all fit together, but they do all speak to wisdom being better than folly.

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!" Psalm 111:10

In the first section, the part that really stuck out to me was the verses about the great ruler besieging a city, and a poor wise man came along and delivered the city. Solomon says that despite this great work, no one remembers the wise man, because he was poor. I think from this we can really see that wisdom is not always the thing most highly valued by people. The majority of society is much more intrigued by someone with a lot of wealth as opposed to someone who is wise.

"For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;" Proverbs 2:6

Just look at who our society idolizes today, people with money, not the scientists who discovers something great or the wise man who works as a janitor, we prefer whoever was on Entertainment Tonight last night over these people. I think we can also see that this is true in past times as well. Jesus was not what the Jews expected, by any means. They were expecting to see a great king, and they got a humble carpenter.

"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." James 1:5

Our societies are entranced by power and wealth, and not by wisdom. It seems to me that the wise should be much more revered than they are, or at least much more listened to. We are so caught up with celebrities who have money and some sort of false power, that we are willing to listen and follow their opinions on matters of which they have no wisdom.

"that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him," Ephesians 1:17

The rest of the verses in this chapter talk about wisdom being better than folly, using less of a prose form and more of a poetical form. For all practical purposes, it says mostly the same thing that the section I have already described has said. But I think the one thing we do need to take away from this section, is that wisdom should be more valued than wealth or power. That seems to be what Solomon is denouncing. though I don't think Solomon is saying that wealth and power are bad, because he had both, but I do think he would say that we need to value much more highly wisdom, because it was his wisdom that lead him to say that all of life is vanity, not his wealth and power.

LORD, make me wise. Lord, give me wisdom to discern what is real and what is false, what is worthy of my time and what is worth anything. Lord, help me to value wisdom to power, and let me consider the advice of wiser people over the people who have more money. God, please give me wisdom in my everyday life to make the right choices that will glorify you name. Amen.

Ecclesiastes 9:7-10 (Enjoy Life with the One You Love)

2008-05-18T08:59:00.006-05:00

Ecclesiastes 9:7-10

In this small section of scripture, Solomon talks about enjoying life while you can. This is a theme not uncommon in looking at Ecclesiastes so far, but here, at least in one verse, Solomon says to enjoy life with the one you love, particularly the wife who you love.

Now, I am not married, and yes I do plan to be married, and I do plan to enjoy life with her when that day comes. But I don't think that idea (enjoying life with your wife) needs to be the focus here. Again, repetition is key, and I think we need to see that Solomon is once again calling us to enjoy life while we can, because after death that is no longer an option.

"As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy." 1st Timothy 6:17

"For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands." Isaiah 55:12

Now, what is interesting to me, and I may be wrong on this, but I think it is interesting to see how much of a jewish writing this is. A lot of Old Testament writings pair up nicely with Christian thought, there is a lot of prophecy that talks about the messiah and things like that. But there is also stuff that is very much jewish and that doesn't make a lot of sense to the Christian way of thinking.

For example, this whole idea about their being no joy in death. The jewish idea of what happened after death was that all go to Sheol, the place where the dead reside. They did not have a concept of an afterlife, there was no heaven or hell in their theology. Now when we read a passage like this though a Christian perspective, it doesn't make sense to us, because our theology says that if we are a believer when we die, we go to heaven and spend eternity with God. If we are not a believer, we spent an eternity separated from God in torment, or Hell.

Now I am not saying that this portion of this passage is unimportant, because it is important to understand our Christian heritage from Judaism, but like I said, I don't think that is the point. I think the point trying to be made here again, is to enjoy your life while you have it, because you don't know when it is going to be taken away.

LORD, help me to remember that I am not guaranteed another day or even another breath on this planet. Help me to enjoy the blessings you have given me today, and not wait till tomorrow to start enjoying them. Thank you for how you have blessed me Lord. Thank you for loving me. Amen.