The Lord Washes Away...

Scripture:
Isaiah 4 (ESV)

And seven women shall take hold of one man in that day, saying, “We will eat our own bread and wear our own clothes, only let us be called by your name; take away our reproach.”

In that day the branch of the Lord shall be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land shall be the pride and honor of the survivors of Israel. And he who is left in Zion and remains in Jerusalem will be called holy, everyone who has been recorded for life in Jerusalem, when the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion and cleansed the bloodstains of Jerusalem from its midst by a spirit of judgment and by a spirit of burning. Then the Lord will create over the whole site of Mount Zion and over her assemblies a cloud by day, and smoke and the shining of a flaming fire by night; for over all the glory there will be a canopy. There will be a booth for shade by day from the heat, and for a refuge and a shelter from the storm and rain.

Devotional:

Isaiah chapter 4 starts off with the hardships and fall of Jerusalem, Israel is defeated.  But later in chapter 4 Isaiah shares God’s promises.  Isaiah tells of Christ and His eternal reign.  How God’s presence will once again be with His people.  Sins will be washed away, and His people restored.

Are there times when you feel far from God?  There are times when we can drift from God.  Sometimes our decisions are intentional and sometimes we do not even realize we have drifted.  Regardless of why or how we may feel abandoned there are times that we feel all alone.  Times in our lives when we think God is not to be found.  We struggle and we try to make a go of things on our own.  Maybe we do not think we need God.

I have just a few thoughts to share on this.  One, we do need God.  We cannot make it on our own.  Romans 3:23, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”.  This means that no one is worthy.  None of us can make it to heaven on our own merit or actions.  That because of our sin we fall under God’s judgement just as the Israelites did in the Old Testament.  The second thought I have is that when we face judgement we can do so on our own, or we can have an advocate.  Jesus is ready and willing to stand judgement for all of our sins.  Romans 3:24-25:

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.    

We are restored through what Jesus has done.  God’s promise in Isaiah was fulfilled through Jesus.  No matter where we are or what we have done or are doing God’s promise includes us.  The Messiah came for all.  He will come again.  My final question.  Are you ready?   

Clothed In Righteousness

Scripture:

Isaiah 3:13-15(NIV)

The Lord takes his place in court;
    he rises to judge the people.
The Lord enters into judgment
    against the elders and leaders of his people:
“It is you who have ruined my vineyard;
    the plunder from the poor is in your houses.
What do you mean by crushing my people
    and grinding the faces of the poor?”
declares the Lord, the Lord Almighty.

Devotional:

God’s judgement, people seem to think it isn’t real.  In verse 11 it says, “Woe to the wicked! Disaster is upon them!  They will be paid back for what their hands have done.”  The bible makes it clear that the wicked, evil, and unrighteous will be judged.  Who is that?  Well to be honest, that is everyone.  Romans 3:23 (NIV) “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” yes it does means each one of us. 

The Israelites are God’s chosen people, yet they faced judgement.   Why is that?  They forgot who they were.  They became self-seeking.  Isaiah 3:12 states, “Youths oppress my people, women rule over them.  My people, your guides lead you astray; they turn you from the path.”  Because of leadership the entire nation was being led astray.  Because of this God was preparing judgement upon the people.

Romans 3:23 states all have sinned and fall short.  This means that each and everyone of us faces God’s judgement.  But there is good news.  Isaiah 3:10 says, “Tell the righteous it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their deeds.”  Those that are righteous will be blessed and spared God’s judgement.  Actually, the righteous have a substitute for their judgement.  Romans 3:24, “and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”  Those who are of faith, believe in Jesus and accept Him as Lord and Savior, will become justified.  They will become righteous.  Our rags are exchanged for His righteousness.  Jesus took upon Himself our judgement upon the cross.

Will you stand before judgement alone?  Will you stand before judgement clothed in the righteousness of Christ?  The choice is yours.

Not To Stray...

Scripture:

Isaiah 3:8-9 (ESV)

For Jerusalem has stumbled,
    and Judah has fallen,
because their speech and their deeds are against the Lord,
    defying his glorious presence.

For the look on their faces bears witness against them;
    they proclaim their sin like Sodom;
    they do not hide it.
Woe to them!
    For they have brought evil on themselves.

Devotional:

Here Isaiah shares the reasoning behind the suffering and fall of Israel.  In short, the people left their first and true love.  They lost site of God.  They failed to adhere to God’s teachings.  The end of verse 9 says “…For they have brought evil on themselves.”  From the beginning God told the Israelites that as long as they stayed true to Him and He was their first love they would be blessed.  In fact, as a nation they were blessed.  Israel was a world power with untold riches.  In the end though they strayed.  Earlier in verse 9 Isaiah writes “…they proclaim their sin like Sodom;…”

It does seem that those who are evil or do bad things are on top.  They have power, wealth, and everything they could ever want.  It may be true that for a time it they are the ones who get ahead or come out on top.  But eventually it will catch up to them.  Eventually they too will fall.  Remember Romans 14:11 (ESV) “for it is written, ‘As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.’”  Like it or not, believe it or not, Jesus is the ultimate authority.  He does reign supreme.  Those who only seek for themselves and live as they please will confess Jesus is Lord.  They will fall. 

It is important to keep our focus on Christ.  We need to follow His teachings.  We cannot afford not to.  God is with us.  He will bless us and provide.  In the end we will have an eternity to be with Him.  Israel lost sight of God and it cost them dearly.  Do you really want to do the same?  Keep in mind that even if we cannot see it God is with us.  We just need to keep from straying.    

From Blessings to Judgements

Scripture:

Isaiah 3:1-4 (ESV)

For behold, the Lord God of hosts
    is taking away from Jerusalem and from Judah
support and supply,
    all support of bread,
    and all support of water;
the mighty man and the soldier,
    the judge and the prophet,
    the diviner and the elder,
the captain of fifty
    and the man of rank,
the counselor and the skillful magician
    and the expert in charms.
And I will make boys their princes,
    and infants shall rule over them.

Devotional:

When the Israelites left Egypt, they were promised great things if they stayed the course with God.  All they had to do was stay true to Him and in His ways.  Israel ended up wandering in the desert for forty years because they failed to trust God and fully follow His commands.  During the times of the judges they had good times when they all turned to God.  They had bad times when they strayed from God.

After king Solomon God gave the Israelites warnings and sent profit after profit to get His people back.  Isaiah is giving warning of what is to come.  God is going to remove His blessings.  In fact, He is going to take everything away to get His people to refocus on Him.  He is going to remove all competent leadership. 

One of my thoughts on this comes to a belief I have.  God does not call those who are qualified.  In fact, the less you know or can do the better.  I know you are asking why He would not call someone flowing with qualifications.  Let’s take a look at war.  If you go to war and you have the best generals and military leaders who gets the credit?  If you are honest with yourself, you would say the military leaders.  After all we credit winning the civil war in great parts to General Grant.  In WWII we give Eisenhower a ton of credit.  But where is God?  Take a look at Gideon.  He was the least of his clan.  His clan was the least of the Israelites.  He new nothing about leading people or fighting battles.  But look at what he accomplished.  It wasn’t because of what Gideon did.  It was what God did.

In Isaiah’s time Israel more often than not strayed from God.  They strayed so much so for so long God finally withdrew His blessings and placed judgement upon them.  In these first verses of chapter three God is taking everything away from them.  He even removes competent and instrumental leaders.  Instead he allowed anyone to become a leader.  Qualifications to lead were not much more than you are breathing and able to stand upright. (This is my wording for the first few verses in Isaiah 3.)

I think the reasons for what God is going here is two-fold.  First the people are no longer blessed and have fallen into God’s judgement.  Second, I believe this is an attempt to get His people to return and rely upon Him.  I will end with this small thought.  To fix any problem or overcome any situation all you need to do is focus on God.  Any family, community, or nation can be fixed and blessed if they only turn to God.  All you need is to trust and obey…

Treasures Not Junk

Scripture:

Exodus 19:4-5 (ESV)

‘You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself.  Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine;

Devotional:

The Israelites have just left Egypt.  They just saw God’s miracles and the plagues.  They were delivered right out of Pharaoh’s hands and into freedom.  God tells Moses that He “bore you on eagles wings.”  It wasn’t a maybe God did something to help.  Or I might have seen His hand here or there.  God delivered them and brought them to Himself.  Here he is saying that if you obey me and keep my ways you will be my people.

What could possibly be better than that?  To be God’s own personal treasure.  Imagine being one of His most prized possessions.  Thinking about this I ponder a little girl with her dolls.  Out of many dolls she has certain ones that are her favorites.  There is that one doll she will tote everywhere.  It goes to the store.  It is carried out to the park to play.  Off on vacations with the family.  That one little doll is special above all the rest.

Guess what, you are that doll.  In God’s eyes you are the treasured one above the rest.  By believing in Christ and accepting the truth in the Gospels you are set apart from the rest.  As Christians we are favored.  God loves all people and wants everyone to accept Christ as the savior of the world.  But only those that accept are among the chosen ones.  Only those who accept have a special place in Heaven.  Remember WE are a treasure not junk…

God is Already There

Scripture:

Exodus 14: 10-14 (ESV)

When Pharaoh drew near, the people of Israel lifted up their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians were marching after them, and they feared greatly. And the people of Israel cried out to the Lord.  They said to Moses, “Is it because there are no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? What have you done to us in bringing us out of Egypt?  Is not this what we said to you in Egypt: ‘Leave us alone that we may serve the Egyptians’? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.”  And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again.  The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”

Devotional:

Exodus chapter fourteen the Egyptians pursue Israel and both sides believe that the Israelites are trapped.  In fact, the Israelites complain to Moses.  Why did you bring us here?  We are just going to die out here.  What the Israelites do not see is what God has planned.  Moses follows God’s commands and in the end the Israelites are safe, dry, and on the opposite side of the water from what remained of the Egyptians that pursued them.

Unlike us God sees the big picture.  When it appears that we are trapped.  We are against the shore on one side and an army on the other side and all seems hopeless.  We are not defeated.  What no one sees is God’s army around us.  If we rely upon Him, He will fight for us.  Verse 14, “The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”  We do not have to worry or fret.  We do not have to plan the battle or even go fight.  God will fight for us.  He is our protector and provider. 

This doesn’t mean we can just sit back in our rocking chairs and do nothing.  After all, where would the Israelites have been had they just sat in their homes in Egypt?  Well, they would still be in Egypt.  Instead they did as God instructed.  They packed up and left.  They were not idle.  We cannot be idle either.  God is calling us to get up and go. 

What does that look like?  Where do we go?  To be honest I don’t know.  It is different for each of us.  But each of us are called to do something.  Some may be called to go to China, or somewhere in South America.  Other people might be called to Europe, or even in North America.  Most of us are called right where we are.  But one fact remains, each of us is called.  Matthew 28:19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” this verse is not for just a few.  This is for each and everyone of us. 

We have nothing to fear.  God will fight for us.  We can’t just sit by and do nothing.  Each of us is called to go.  The Egyptians were told to go.  They picked up and went.  Missionaries all over the world hear the call to go.  They too got up and went.  Some are called to go right where they are.  Some called to go somewhere else.  If you are not sure just read the Bible and pray.  God will guide you.  You can also start right where you are.  Take one step at a time.  You might just end up right where you are.  But you will be there with a purpose.  Be intentional in what you do.  We are called and God is with us.  There are no if then statements.  It is not either or. 

Simply put God calls, we answer, he provides and protects.  Even if it doesn’t seem like it God is there.  He is waiting on us.  The Israelites thought it was hopeless.  They thought they were going to die by the shore.  God didn’t just show up to save them.  God was already there.  He was already at work.  They just had to be faithful, listen, and obey.

Denial Is Everywhere

Scripture:

Exodus 8:30-32 (ESV)

So Moses went out from Pharaoh and prayed to the Lord. And the Lord did as Moses asked, and removed the swarms of flies from Pharaoh, from his servants, and from his people; not one remained. But Pharaoh hardened his heart this time also, and did not let the people go.

Devotional:

At the endo of Exodus chapter eight Pharaoh pleaded with Moses to have the flies removed.  But after the fourth plague Pharaoh hardened his heart once again and refused to let the Israelites go.  After four different plagues God has revealed Himself to His people and to the Egyptians.  Even after some amazing and impossible events Pharaoh refused to believe and refused to listen to God. 

How often do we see the power of God right in front of us?  Is it once or twice?  How about dozens of times?  If we are honest with ourselves, we see the hand of God at work in our lives and all around us all the time.  But we tend to blow it off.  What an amazing coincidence that was.   Wow, that was really lucky.  I just can’t believe that happened.  We make these types of comments all the time.  We can tell ourselves and others how lucky we are or that was.  But in reality, there is no coincidence or luck.  The truth is simple even if we are like Pharaoh and not listen or believe it.  God’s hands are at work.  The Holy Spirit is working in and through us. 

We just need to open our eyes to see God at work.  If we stop thinking it was luck or just a wild coincidence, we will start to see that it really is God.  So, the next time ask yourself a simple question.  Was it really luck or coincidence, or was it God’s doing?

Spreading The Word

Scripture

Mark 16: 15-18 (ESV)

And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.  Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.  And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

Devotional:

I must confess when it comes to speaking with people, I do not know, about the gospel I usually fail.  I am not bold.  Typically, I fail to strike up a conversation.  I get timid and fearful.  I even tell myself I can do things to support those that do boldly go forth.  But there a few truths or facts that we as Christians need to realize.

• We are not to be fearful.  In fact, we are supposed to be bold.2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV) “for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”

• We are told by Jesus, more than once, to go forth and spread the good news of the Gospel.Matthew 28:19 (ESV) “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,”

• God loves them just as much as He loves us.  Salvation is for everyone and anyone who accepts.

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

Each one of us has fallen short.  Each one of us is condemned to eternity without God in hell.  That is where all of us would end up but for one simple fact, Christ.  Jesus came, lived, taught, suffered, died, and rose again.  He is alive.  It is because of Him that we can have salvation.  That is the greatest gift anyone can receive.  Yet we hoard it for ourselves.  At least that is what we do when we are not sharing the Gospel.

I once heard it put this way.  If you came across your best friend’s house and it was in flames.  You know they are sleeping inside.  Would you just walk away and let them burn up in the fire and die?  Obviously not.  We would do anything we can to save them.  For anyone who does not have Christ in their life is that person sleeping in the burning house.  They will perish if not saved.  What will you do?  What will I do?  

It is not necessarily easy.  We might be afraid.  We can have a dozen excuses.  The reality is that we need to put all that aside and take it one step at a time.  Remember the Holy Spirit is with us.  We will be given power and boldness if we allow the Holy Spirit in and allow the Holy Spirit to do His job in our hearts.  My challenge to each one of us is to pray for boldness and for the Holy Spirit to be with us and enable us.  That we will rely on the Holy Spirit and do that which we know we must do…  Let us spread the good news of the Gospel.  We can change lives and the world…

Where Is God?

Scripture:

Genesis 45:25-28 (ESV)

 So they went up out of Egypt and came to the land of Canaan to their father Jacob.  And they told him, “Joseph is still alive, and he is ruler over all the land of Egypt.” And his heart became numb, for he did not believe them.  But when they told him all the words of Joseph, which he had said to them, and when he saw the wagons that Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of their father Jacob revived.  And Israel said, “It is enough; Joseph my son is still alive. I will go and see him before I die.”

Devotional:

I cannot imagine how Jacob felt.  Losing his beloved son only to be followed up several decades later with the fear of losing Benjamin.  With the famine so severe Jacob did not have a lot of choices.    The anxiety he must have felt would have been overwhelming.  But in the end not only was Benjamin returned to him, he would be reunited with Joseph.  Plus, they would have plenty during this terrible famine that was sweeping the lands.

It just goes to show that we might know why God does things.  We may not understand the reason for Him to take so long.  When times are tough, and we do not understand we still need to keep trusting God.  It can be extremely difficult, but we cannot afford to waiver in our faith.  In the end God will come through.  He always does.  Look at Joseph.  Look at Jacob.  They didn’t see the reasons why.  They didn’t understand and certainly would have preferred things to go differently.  However, everything happened in God’s time.  He took the years to refine and prepare Joseph.  He placed Joseph in a prominent position.  He found favor wherever he was.  Through it all God was with both Jacob and Joseph.  God prepared and provided.

God is at work in our lives today.  He is preparing and providing for each one of us.  We may never see it, but He is working.  Take a few minutes to look back over your life.  Can you see God’s hand at work?

It was and He is…

Where Is God Through All This?

Scripture:

Genesis 39:21-23 (NIV)

the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden.  So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there.  The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph’s care, because the Lord was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did.

Devotional:

Sometimes circumstances in our lives are not ideal.  Things do not turn out the way we would like.  We pray and we ask God why.  Sometimes we get angry with God.  God will heal us, and He provides for us.  We have His protection.  So why are there times we go through troubles and strife?  Whey do we get sick and sometimes die?  Why do we get hurt, mugged, robbed, or worse?  If God provides, protects, and heals why?

A simple answer to all this is sin.  Yep, because of sin in the world there is sickness.  Because of sin people get hurt and killed.  Because of sin people are mistreated.  Joseph was no different.  Reading through Genesis you learn Joseph was sold into slavery by his very own brothers.  His master’s wife tries to seduce him.  When she fails to do so Joseph ends up in prison.  Despite all this God showed Joseph favor.  God protected him and prospered him.  All that Joseph did was a huge success.  It wasn’t because of anything Joseph did.  It was because Joseph trusted God through all of it.  It is because of what God did because Joseph trusted Him.

It is hard, but we were never promised easy.  No matter what we go through we need to remember God is with us just as He was with Joseph.  In the end it will be alright.  In the end we are healed, we have protection, we have provisions.  In the end we have all we need and more.  What we lack in this life will be made up for in Heaven.  We may not see God’s hand at work.  It may not feel that He is doing anything.  Rest assured God is there.  God is working.  He was with Joseph and He is with us… 

Everyone Makes Mistakes

Scripture:

Gensis 38:24-26 (ESV)

About three months later Judah was told, “Tamar your daughter-in-law has been immoral.  Moreover, she is pregnant by immorality.”  And Judah said, “Bring her out, and let her be burned.” As she was being brought out, she sent word to her father-in-law, “By the man to whom these belong, I am pregnant.” And she said, “Please identify whose these are, the signet and the cord and the staff.”  Then Judah identified them and said, “She is more righteous than I, since I did not give her to my son Shelah.” And he did not know her again.

Devotional:

To be honest I am not sure why chapter 38 is in the Bible.  I do know it is a story God wants us to know about.  Otherwise it wouldn’t have been added.  Judah’s wife passed away.  His oldest two sons had also died.  Shelah was supposed to marry Tamar after the deaths of his older brothers.  Judah came up with a loophole in fear of losing him as well.  On a road trip Judah makes a mistake.  In the verses above Tamar identifies him as the man who slept with her. 

Reading about Judah’s story reminds me of the fact that we all have our moments.  At some point we make mistakes.  As I read through different chapters of the Bible, I think why were the Israelites so dense?  Why would they keep turning their backs from God?  Why repeatedly fall away?  Unlike the Israelites who lived it out I can read in minutes or a few hours about entire generations.  They lived through decades and centuries what I read in moments.  Sitting from where I am it is easy to be judgmental.

Looking back at my life I can see the many mistakes I have made.  I see where I have fallen.  In truth I am no better than they were.  Also, it is not my place to judge.  As I think about Judah and what happens from giving in to a moment of passion.  I think of all the times I messed up because of a moment of desire or passion.  I mess up because I am impatient.  I mess up because of…

It is a simple fact; we have all made mistakes in our lives.  We have all sinned.  We take matters into our own hands.  Maybe God doesn’t give us the answer we want.  Maybe we do not like waiting as long as God tells us to wait.  Maybe it is something else entirely.  Whatever the reason we take matters into our own hands.  Maybe we make a mistake for another reason entirely.  It does not matter how or why.  The fact is we have sinned.  We have made a mistake. 

The good news is that we have redemption.  We have forgiveness.  We have a restored relationship with the Father because of the Son.  No matter what it is we can turn to Him and ask to be forgiven.  We are forgiven…

Miracles Will Happen

Scripture:

Galatians 5:18-26 (ESV)

But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.  Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.  And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.  Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

Devotion:

If you look around you can see hatred, envy, animosity, impurity, immorality, and the list goes on.  But if we live by the Spirit we are above all that.  We have it in us to show and give kindness, patience, goodness, gentleness, and most of all love.  It doesn’t matter who we are or what our past is.  God loves us, each and everyone of us.  He loves us so much that Christ came, lived, suffered, and died for us.  He did this so that through Him we can have a restored relationship with God.  Through Him we are filled with His spirit and can live better lives filled with the fruits of the Spirit.

It does not mean life is easy or that it will miraculously become perfect.  But if each of us commit our lives to Christ and allow the Holy Spirit to work in us we can live out the fruits of the spirit.  If each of us offers love, patience, kindness, gentleness to others think of how much better things would be.  If we put others first, before ourselves, as Christ did think about how much better our communities would be and how much stronger our families would be.  Putting someone else’s needs and wants before yours will work miracles in your relationships and miracles in our communities.

I challenge each of us to try putting someone else’s desires and needs before our own.  Think of others first.  You might not see the results the first few times.  Rest assured if you keep at it you will see changes occur…  Miracles will happen…  Let us get rid of hate and selfishness.  Let us rid ourselves of the fruits of the world, fruits of the enemy.  Take on the fruits of the Sprit by allowing the Holy Spirit to come into your life and make a difference…

God's Hand at Work

Scripture:

Genesis 31:42 (ESV)

If the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac, had not been with me, you would surely have sent me away empty-handed. But God has seen my hardship and the toil of my hands, and last night he rebuked you.”

Devotional:

It is amazing what God does for us.  Even before Jacob fully accepted God as his God he was watched over.  God had blessed and protected Jacob.  Jacob prospered despite how others treated him.  Laban his father-in-law tried to cheat Jacob.  Laban pursued Jacob and God gave him a warning.  God intercedes for us all the time.  God protects us and provides for us, even if we do not see or recognize it.

Can you look back on your life and see where God has provided?  Can you see where He has protected?  Do you see where God has interceded for your benefit?  Sometimes it doesn’t look like it.  Sometimes it might appear that we have been abandoned.  But if you look close enough and deep enough you will see God’s involvement in your life.

How many times have anyone of us prayed for something and felt that the prayer was not answered, or it was answered with a no?  God didn’t give us what we wanted.  God has left us.  God has…  If you really take a look at the events in your life you will probably see where God said no to one thing only to give you something better.  God might have said no only to protect you. 

We may never fully see God’s hand at work in our lives.  You can be assured that He is at work.  He has been with you in the past.  He is with you today.  He will be with you in the future.  If God says no to something now you just need to wait.  God has something better in store for you.  God will protect and provide.  He is with each one of us.  He is there working in our lives even if we cannot see it or feel it…

Despite US

Scripture:

Genesis 29:18-25 (ESV)

Jacob loved Rachel. And he said, “I will serve you seven years for your younger daughter Rachel.”  Laban said, “It is better that I give her to you than that I should give her to any other man; stay with me.”  So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, and they seemed to him but a few days because of the love he had for her.

Then Jacob said to Laban, “Give me my wife that I may go in to her, for my time is completed.”  So, Laban gathered together all the people of the place and made a feast.  But in the evening he took his daughter Leah and brought her to Jacob, and he went in to her.  (Laban gave his female servant Zilpah to his daughter Leah to be her servant.)  And in the morning, behold, it was Leah! And Jacob said to Laban, “What is this you have done to me? Did I not serve with you for Rachel? Why then have you deceived me?”

Devotional:

Oh, how the deceiver became the deceived.  Jacob deceived his father Isaac and received the blessing meant for Esau.  Jacob left his parents to live with an uncle because of Esau’s anger at losing his blessing from his father.  Eventually Jacob does accept God as his God and not just his father’s God.  Genesis 28:20-21 (ESV) “Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and will watch over me on this journey I am taking and will give me food to eat and clothes to wear so that I return safely to my father’s household, then the Lord will be my God…” 

How many of God’s chosen people have shady backgrounds?  Abraham who is known for great faith lied and deceived two different rulers.  He still was faithful to God.  David, a man after God’s own heart, committed adultery and murder.  Both were used by God and were great men of faith.  Both followed God and sought out His will.  I can give other examples, but the point is that none of the people God used were perfect. 

What is it that we might have said or done?  Each of us have sin in our lives.  Each of us have had weak moments.  But we can all be used by God in tremendous ways.  It doesn’t matter what our background is or where we came from.  What matters is our faith.  Through our faith the condition of our heart will change.  Through faith the Holy Spirit will change our hearts and our lives.  Through faith God will use us. 

Do not think I cannot do this, or I am not smart enough or strong enough.  God has shown us time after time that He can use anyone.  Look at Gideon.  He was the least of the least and yet he became a great profit of God.  Look at David, a small shepherd boy who became one of the greatest kings.  Noah built an ark.  Moses led God’s people to freedom.  The list goes on and on…  If God can use them and change the world, I believe He can use us.  I firmly believe that God does not call the qualified.  But that God qualifies those He calls. 

What is God calling you to do?  Pause and listen, wait, and hear Him.  He will make His will known to you.  If in doubt read the scriptures and ask fellow believers.  One thing you can be sure of no matter what it is God calls you to do it will not go against His character.  If what you think He is calling you to does not match up with what the Bible says you can be sure He isn’t calling you to it.   You can also be sure that God will equip you and be with you the entire time.  You can do whatever it is through Him.  After all He gave us the Holy Spirit.  Acts 2:4 (ESV) “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”

To Be Heirs…

Scripture:

Romans 8:15-17 (ESV)

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!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

Devotional:

We ARE heirs of God...  not by rights or deeds but by His gracious gift...  He is our father.  What else can be said?  Too often I left fear of something cripple me.  Uncertainty fills my mind & heart.  I constantly question, ask, and repeat.  The uncertainty becomes fears and the fear cripples me into inaction.

Does any of this sound familiar?  What are some of your struggles?  I ask myself and you what are we focused on?  Do we see our struggles, problems, worries, or _____ fill in the blank dominate our thoughts and focus?  The truth is we are heirs.  We are not heirs of fear.  We are not heirs of worry.  We are not heirs of strife or worries.  We are not even heirs of this world.  WE ARE HEIRS of God.  It is not by rights or deeds.  It is by His gift.  Jesus has made it possible for us to be heirs of God.  Jesus makes it possible for us to call God Father.

Let’s face it.  We cannot earn it.  We do not deserve it.  But God loves you so much He sent Jesus to pay the debts that none of us can ever pay so that each of us can be reconciled back to Him.  Jesus made it possible for us to become heirs of God…

The Greatest of These

Scripture:

2 Peter 1:3-4 (ESV)

His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.

Devotional:

Through Christ we have redemption.  We are set apart from the world.  Because of this we are to leave our sinful nature or our old lives behind.  As we leave the old behind, we strive to be more Christ-like.  Our goal in this life is to become as Jesus was and to be perfect.  Now of course we cannot ever be perfect.  Jesus is the only man to have lived a perfect sinless life.  So, what is the point?  Through the blood shed on the cross we have been atoned for.  Our debt to sin has been paid and the perfect righteousness of Christ is covering us.

We are a part of the body of Christ. His divine nature is part of who we become.  While we cannot become sinless, we can continue to grow in the likeness of Christ.  How do we do this?  I am glad you asked.  We allow the Holy Spirit to work in us.  We allow the Holy Spirit to dwell in our hearts and be part of who we are.  We read the scriptures.  Most of all we pray.  We can hold regular conversations with God.  We should be seeking His council in every aspect of our lives.  We need to surround ourselves with like minded people, other believers.  As hard as it might be, we need to forgive wrongs done to us.  We need to show kindness to EVERYONE.  We do not have the right or luxury to pick and choose whom we are to love, be kind to, and forgive.  Nobody said it will always be easy.  But we do need to accept anyone and to show love and kindness to them.  Jesus came to seek the lost.  He lived among the sinners and societies downcast. 

Jesus never preached about burning down buildings or showing hate to those who appose him.  Just because someone chooses a sinful lifestyle, or lives and does things that are sinful and wrong does not give us permission to treat them badly or unjustly.  We still need to love on them.  Show them the love of Christ. 

There have been times when people burn down clinics because of abortion.  We see hateful comments and actions because someone chooses to have relations with others of the same sex.  Women are looked down upon because they live a life of a prostitute.  If you recall Jesus forgave a prostitute.  He was around those that blatantly lived a sinful lifestyle.   He forgave, even the thief on the cross.  In fact Jesus asked God to forgive the very people that were responsible nailing Him to the cross.

We are not to live lives of hate, fear, or selfishness.  We are to love those around us as Jesus loved them.  We have nothing to fear.  Christ gave everything, shouldn’t we?  You will never change someone else’s life or heart.  But the Holy Spirit can.  You just might be the one to introduce the Holy Spirit to another person. How can you if you show hate and cruelty?  You can’t.  It is through love.

1 Corinthians 13:13 “So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love”

You The Shepherd

Scripture:

1 Peter 5:1-5 (ESV)

So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 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.”

Devotional:

Sometimes I find it amazing how much little kids can pick up.  Their brains are like sponges.  Kids soak up everything.  Think for a moment about some of the things your little tyke says or use to.  Have you ever heard a little child say something that is not appropriate?  Have you ever heard a little child repeat words, sometimes those words that shouldn’t be said?  Let’s face it, they heard you, or an adult say those things.  They soaked it up and remembered them.  Then at some later point in time they repeated the words.

Like it or not we are all influencers.  We continuously influence those around us.  They also influence us.  That is why it is important to surround yourself with the “right” crowd.  This is also why we need to heed Peter’s words.  How we act, what we say, what we do will impact someone else’s life.  Are you a positive influence?  Are you building the kingdom of God?  Will someone see Christ in you? 

We are shepherds and we have a flock.  What does your flock look like?  My flock has five kids in it.  It also has a group of adults scattered across the United States.  It is also a small group of men I meet with to Study God’s words.  There is also a small flock on Wednesday nights I am part of.  Sometimes I am the shepherd sometimes I am one of the sheep.  We teach and we learn.  You might not realize it at the time, but you do have an influence over others.  We have a family friend whose influence has given my son a love for guns.  I can watch my son cleaning his gun and taking care of it just like he was shown.  He learned how to shoot and care for a weapon by someone else.  My daughter has learned to bake from the teachings of my wife.  Each of my girls know how to play the piano thanks to the teachings of their piano teacher.  Pause a moment to reflect.  Think about those you are near.  What have you taught or passed on?  Are you even aware of it?

Mind what you say. Mind what you learn.  Be ever diligent because you never know what little eyes are watching.  You never know what little ears are listening…

Hold On, He Is There

Scripture:

1 Peter 1:3-5 (ESV)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Devotional:

In times like these it can be hard to hold onto hope.  We see all that is going on around us and we question why.  I know there have been times when I ask God why.  After all God if you are there why do you let these things happen?  Why do you let innocent people, children, get hurt?  Why do you allow loved ones to get sick & die?  A few years ago, I lost one of my brothers.  A year later my dad passed away.  As hard as it was, I am so glad that I was with them when they passed. 

In all honesty we may never know why.  However, we do have a general answer as to why.  I am sure there are some who will scoff at my next comment.  But the simple fact is we live in a fallen and imperfect world.  There is sin in this world.  Because of that we have sickness, we have wars, we have those who look only to themselves even at the cost of others.  I could go on but that is the simple truth.  We live in a fallen and broken world.

Yes, God has the power and ability to fix, heal, and do any and everything.  I have a question for you.  Would you want to live a life of a puppet?  Having someone telling you what to say and do, when to say and do it, how to say and do it.  God can but even if he chooses not to we need to be faithful because He is.  God never abandons, never leaves, never forsakes His own.

Words Give Life

Scripture: James 1:26-27 (ESV)

If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. 27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

Devotional:

Sometimes it is not what we say to others but how we say it.  Our tone and volume can speak louder than the words themselves.  It is important to control what we say and how we say it.  I remember growing up hearing the words “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”  What a lie that is.  How many times have you been told, or said it to someone else, that what people say can’t hurt you?  Only to have someone say something harsh and it cuts you deeply inside.  It leaves a deep scar.  Not a scar that people can visibly see but there is a scar.  Proverbs 8:21(ESV) “Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit you choose.”

How many lives have been lost due to harsh words spoken?  How many lives saved from words of love and acceptance?  We have the power to harm, kill, save, or build up by what we say.  Not only what we say makes a difference but how we say it.  Do your words come out harsh or flat?  Do they come out sounding hollow and meaningless?  The words “I love you” can be meaningless to someone depending on how it is said.

I encourage each of us to not only think about what we say but to think about how we say it.  Do not let your words fall flat. Be sure to use your words wisely.  Let the Holy Spirit fill you and give you words to speak.  Words give life…

Debt...

Scripture:

Philemon 1:19 (ESV)

 I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it—to say nothing of your owing me even your own self.

Devotional:

Philemon is a short book in the Bible.  It consists of one chapter with twenty-five verses.  I am focusing on one verse.  For some reason verse 19 stands out.

Everyone of us has a debt.  We have the debt of sin.  Romans 3:23 (ESV) “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”.  Let’s look at other debts.  We might owe someone a favor.  Someone might owe someone else a service or even money.  If you have bought a house or car you owe a bank or lender money.  Some have student loans. 

Have you ever had that loan or owe someone and couldn’t repay it?  Onesimus owed a debt he could not pay.  As best as I know there was nothing he could do to repay or pay off his debt.  Paul steps in and pays it.  He declares the value Onesimus is to him.  Paul appeals to Philemon to forgive and receive Onesimus not as a bondservant or slave but as a 

friend, coheir and brother in Christ. 

It is true, we can never repay the debt of sin.  There is someone willing to pay your dept of sin for you.  There is someone who will go before God and plead on your behalf.  Jesus is our savior.  Jesus has paid our debt of sin.  All we need to do is accept the payment.  Jesus had provided a way for us to be in the presence of God.  Not as a sinner but as a coheir of Christ.