Monday, March 18, 2024

Your story counts.

Reading: Leviticus 15, Psalm 103, and John 10

 

Scripture: John 10:41-42 And many came to him. And they said, “John did no sign, but everything that John said about this man was true.” And many believed in him there.

 

Thoughts: As I think about this passage that stood out to me this morning, I start thinking about John the Baptist, a man so rough that grizzly Adams would look friendly. This crazy-looking man pointed to Jesus as the Messiah. We are all called to point to Jesus, we have an audience that we can reach that no one else can. As we go through our daily routine is there someone you can share God’s love with? Your story can touch others so get out there and share what God has done for you. 

 

Prayer: Father God, you are worthy of all praise, your glory shines brighter than a thousand suns. Your love flows over me like a crashing wave. I thank you for calling me. I thank you for giving me the ability and opportunity to steward a portion of your wealth. I thank you that you are still molding and refining me. I ask for forgiveness for the things I have done and ask that you help me to overcome the temptation. I ask for the wisdom to remove the things that need removing and grow in your love and direction.

Monday, March 11, 2024

Where You found me.

Reading: Exodus 38-39 and John 1

 

Scripture: John 1:50 Jesus answered him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.”

 

Thoughts: I know where God called me from, after chasing after the world for most of my twenties and into my thirties God saw me in the midst of the mess I made of my life. After going through two divorces I found myself back living with my parents. Being lost and alone I finally listened to that little voice that was saying that I needed to be more than a Christian in name only. I started seeking what God had for me and I went back to Bible College and got a degree. God saw me in my mess and called me out and I have seen Him work miracles through me and others. We have been called to do greater things than He did. Let us listen to Him and walk the path that He is lighting for us.

 

Prayer: Father God, you are the way the truth, and the life. I thank you that you called me from my mess and into your grace. I thank you for your work in me and through me. I thank you that you are always molding me and refining me more to reflect you to the world around me. I praise you and the work that you have done and the works you are doing. I ask that you open my eyes to more of your wonders.

What Gives!!!!

Reading: Exodus 36-37 and Romans 16

 

Scripture: Exodus 36:5 and said to Moses, “The people bring much more than enough for doing the work that the Lord has commanded us to do.”

 

Thoughts: As I read this passage my church is going through some major growth and we are raising funds to buy a larger facility where we can expand. The pastor has mentioned a figure that they feel would be enough for the ideas they have. As I read this passage and went through the passage, God provided more than enough to build the Tabernacle even out in the wilderness, they had all the gold, silver, and other metals used to make everything of metal. But also the wood, linen, yarn, and animal skins. In most churches, only about 5-10% of the congregation tithes but this was giving above and beyond tithes. Israel was to give a tenth of all increases and the firstborn was to be redeemed, this giving for the Tabernacle was above and beyond what was commanded of them by the law. What are we giving, are we throwing a couple of dollars a week? Do we bring our full tithe? Are we giving extravagantly above what we are called? We each need to look inward and at what God has called us to do and do that. 

 

Prayer: Father God, I thank you that you give me the ability to give back to you in the ways that you have called me to give. You lead and guide us, you open the storerooms of heaven that we may be blessed when we bless you through blessing the church. You will bring more than enough for the project that the church is envisioning. You have a plan to grow and flourish the church. I ask that you help us to steward what you give us well and help us to not hold tightly to the things of this world. 

Sunday, March 10, 2024

Purposefull Men

Reading: Exodus 34-35 and Romans 15

 

Scripture: Exodus 34:23 Three times in the year shall all your males appear before the Lord God, the God of Israel.

 

Thoughts:  I have been a part of several churches, the women’s ministries and the kids' ministries are flourishing and the men’s seem to be an afterthought. Worship was more focused on feelings in keys that were hard for men to sing in. Seeing churches that have done men's ministry well and ones that don’t it was interesting to have this passage stick out to me. Here in the early days of the process of becoming the nation of Israel God is saying to make a point and be purposeful in setting time aside to worship and be with God. God was calling the men of Israel to come together at the Tabernacle and later the temple 3 times a year. Depending on where they were and where the tabernacle was could be a several days walk. Not only was the purpose to worship and make the trip. We need to be intentional when it comes to men. We (men) need the camaraderie of other men, we need a purpose and a direction. Without those and if the church is only catering to the women and children the more the men will fall away and more the church will look like the world. 

 

Prayer: Father God, you knew me before you knit me together in my mother's womb. You called me from the beginning, and you call me still. You are the wonderful councilor; you lead me to green pastures. I thank you for the work you are doing in me, the blessings you are pouring out on us, and the calling you have on our lives. I ask that you help us men seek each other, so that we may grow and be the light and leaders you have called us to be. Help us to find our fellow warriors so that we can come together in the foxholes of this war and know that I don’t have to worry about any of them falling behind because we will all lift up those who are struggling.

Wednesday, March 6, 2024

Exhortation or judgment.

Reading: Exodus 32-33, Psalm 1, and Romans 14

 

Scripture: Romans 14:13 Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.

 

Thoughts: It is easy to see how this passage can be used out of context to say stop judging one another, just before this Paul is saying it is God’s place to judge and we each will stand before Him to be judged. No, it is not our place to judge other's salvation. We are called to be a light, not just a light to the broken world around us but to our fellow believers. Exhortation may look a lot like judgment, but we are to call out sin in our brother’s life. First and foremost what is a key component that makes someone a brother? Its relationship. Whether or not my relationship with my brother is good or bad we still have a relationship and within that relationship comes a level of knowing that person and opens the doors to exhortation. I know that there are sins that can creep into our lives and take root without us really knowing. Find people in your life who are walking with the Lord alongside you so that they can help you by calling out your sins and you have the authority in their life to call out theirs. Develop that group that you can dig in together in the spiritual warfare that is raging around us. We all need those people who will be in that Foxhole with us and are willing to lay their lives on the line as much as you are.  

 

Prayer: Lord God, Jehovah Nissi, my banner, my rally point, the one who brings us together. I honor and praise you. I thank you for being the judge and that you sent your Son to be our advocate so that we may stand before you blameless and clean. I thank you for the men that you have brought around me. Help us to be the iron that is used to sharpen and be sharpened. Open our eyes to the exhortation of others and the strength to exhort others. Mold us and refine us into your warriors.

Tuesday, March 5, 2024

Yes you can!!!!

Reading: Exodus 30-31, Psalm 132, and Romans 13

 

Scripture: Exodus 31:6 And behold, I have appointed with him Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan. And I have given to all able men ability, that they may make all that I have commanded you:

 

Thoughts: As we come up to this passage, God has mentioned by name a few people for creating specific things then here God changed from naming people to say all able men. I know I have had in my past and occasionally still have thoughts of unworthiness or inadequacy. But here God is saying all men are able to do the work that he commanded. Over three thousand years later the commands have changed from building a physical tabernacle to going into all nations to build the church (God’s adopted family). We have the ability and authority to reach the world around us, some have even been called to the ends of the earth, but we have all been called and are created with the ability.

 

Prayer: Lord God, giver of all things, creator of all things, your lovingkindness overwhelms me. Your grace flows over me. Your love fills me to overflowing. I thank you for all you are and all you are doing in me and through me. I thank you for the wisdom and discernment that you have given me to steward my family and the resources that you have placed in my hands. I thank you that you are molding me and refining me into a man after your own heart. I ask that you lead me and guide me all my days.

Monday, March 4, 2024

Taking stock.

Reading: Exodus 28-29 and Romans 12 

 

Scripture: Romans 12:11-12 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

 

Thoughts: After pulling this out of my reading, and now finally getting around to rereading this passage this is a great calling out to us lazy and stagnant Christians. What do we have zeal for? Are we putting all our strength and energy into the calling we have in our lives? There are times where I feel my spirit is fervent but others where I feel that I have let the vigor go and it has become lethargic. Are we being patient in tribulations? When troubles come are we already prepared with the Word of God in our hearts and minds? Can we rest in His authority as the storms rage around us? Are we always in prayer? Let us reflect on who we are. Remember who God says we are and who He is calling us to be. Grow in your calling. 

 

Prayer: Father God, you are the King of kings and the Lord of lords, there is nothing that was made without you. Your creation cries out your glory and points to your creativity. I thank you that we are made in your image. I ask your forgiveness for the times that I don’t reflect your image as well as I should. I lay my life at your feet, I lay my family and my home at your feet and ask for your wisdom in stewarding them. I ask that you continue to mold me and refine me into the man you call me to be.

Lovingkindness

Reading: Exodus 26-27 and Romans 11

 

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

 

Thoughts: Not much to say, such a wonderful reminder of God’s love for us and the depth of who He is. 

 

Prayer: Father God, you are so wonderful, your grace abounds over all, and your mercy flows like water. I am drowning in your lovingkindness. I bow down before you and lay my life at your feet. Your wisdom confounds the smartest of creatures. I thank you for your guidance and the discernment to know your voice and your leading. I thank you for the opportunities to steward my family and the portion of what you own.

Saturday, March 2, 2024

Remember what you have seen!!

Reading: Exodus 24-25, Psalm 129, and Romans 10

 

Scripture: Exodus 24:9-10 Then Moses and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel went up, and they saw the God of Israel. There was under his feet as it were a pavement of sapphire stone, like the very heaven for clearness.

 

Thoughts: How did I never catch this before? Growing up I always thought that Moses was the only one to see God. Here it talks about a group of seventy-four seeing God. Even after seeing God to whatever extent they saw Him, they still later chose to petition for an idol to be made when Moses was receiving the Law. I know that I would probably be right there with them being that even after seeing God’s miracles in my life I still fall into the glittering, shiny distractions of the world. Write down when God moves in your life so that you have a record to go back and have reminders of when God has fulfilled the promises He gave. In doing so, we will be strengthened in knowing that He will fulfill the promises we are still waiting on. 

 

Prayer: Father God, you are worthy of all praise and honor. You are higher than any other. I thank you for all you are doing in my life the molding and refining. I ask that you help me to keep my eyes on you seeking your wisdom and guidance for my life and for my family. Lead us and guide us in your ways.

God’s Refreshment.

Reading: Exodus 23, Psalm 119:137-176, and Romans 9

 

Scripture: Exodus 23:10-12 For six years you shall sow your land and gather in its yield, but the seventh year you shall let it rest and lie fallow, that the poor of your people may eat; and what they leave the beasts of the field may eat. You shall do likewise with your vineyard, and with your olive orchard. “Six days you shall do your work, but on the seventh day you shall rest; that your ox and your donkey may have rest, and the son of your servant woman, and the alien, may be refreshed.

 

Thoughts: Factories run twenty-four hours a day seven days a week and 365 days a year. When does it all stop? In Exodus God sets up the precedent of taking a Sabbath rest putting it in the law of Israel. We are called to rest from our work. Not just a physical rest for rest's sake, but a time to seek God and reflect on where our relationship with God is. We all have different things that help us to rest and recharge, some get recharged walking or a quiet time in nature, others want a community around them, and others may want some time to just relax with some entertainment. Yes, our bodies need refreshment but so does our soul. Our soul’s refreshment comes from removing ourselves from the worries and strains of the world and seeking Him who can refill our tanks so that the week has run dry. We all need to do better about finding a time to remove all worldly inputs and seek God’s refreshment in our lives.

 

Prayer: Lord God, I come to rest in your presence, fill me with your love and mercy. I place my worries and struggles at your feet. I ask that you help me to open my heart to receive that I may pour into others. Fill me to overflowing, overwhelm me with your love.

Not my president.

Reading: Exodus 22, Psalm 119:97-136, and Romans 8

 

Scripture: Exodus 22:28 You shall not revile God, nor curse a ruler of your people.

 

Thoughts: No matter what side of the political spectrum you are on it is easy to find something wrong with those who are running the government. Daniel 2:21 talks about God being the one who sets up kings and removes kings. We may not understand the purpose of the leader that has been raised up or agree with the things that leader is doing but just as Israel needed to be told we need the reminder not to curse those who God has put in place. Im Matthew 22:21 Jesus said, “Render to Caesar what is Caesar and to God what is God’s.” Yes that refers to paying taxes but also I feel that it also refers to giving honor and respect due to the station they are in. It is easy to curse when your man is not in office and cheer when they are yet was are called to bring blessings and not curses. 

 

Prayer: Father God, your mercy and grace surpass understanding, you lead me a gentle whisper. Your creation shouts of your wonder. I thank you for the leading and guiding you are doing in my life. I thank you for the discernment that you are teaching me. I thank you for my family and the blessings you pour out on us every day. Help us to bless and not curse, help us to lead when you place us to lead, serve where you place us to serve and grow in your wisdom. 

He is right there!!!

Reading: Exodus 21 Psalm 119:49-96, and Romans 7

 

Scripture: Romans 7:21 So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand.

 

Thoughts: Most Christians are familiar with what Paul said just a few verses earlier, I do the things I do not want to do and do not do the things I want to do. But what stood out was verse 21, when we are seeking God and walking on His path for our life, we are seeking to do right. Paul says it and it has been my experience that yes evil is right there not trying to get in on that good but trying to distract us. The evil one has one goal to take as many souls as he can into the pit with him. As followers of Christ, he has lost us so now he trying to make us and our witness less effective. Evil is at hand to tempt and strive to get our eyes off God and convince us that the good things are what we need when God is calling us to the best things. Don’t let the evil one convince you that you will be ok just a little to the left or right.

 

Prayer: Father God, you are faithful in all your promises. You are worthy of all praise and honor. You call us to walk with you and seek the best. You long to bless us with all you have, you grant us access to your storehouses that we may not lack. I thank you for the opportunity to steward my family and the resources that you have placed in my hands. I ask that you help me to keep my eyes on you so that I may steward them well. Help me to be the leader and provider that you called me to be.

Tuesday, February 27, 2024

Melting souls and False ways.

Reading: Exodus 20, Psalm 119:1-48, and Romans 6 

 

Scripture: Psalm 119:28-29 My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word! Put false ways far from me and graciously teach me your law!

 

Thoughts: This passage spoke to me this morning, as I struggle with sin in my life and the sorrow I feel for what that sin does to the ones I love. I know that I have hurt them with my anger and the lack of control that I can have. Like this psalmist was writing we need to be strengthened by the Word of God. Through Christ, we have had our sins separated from us as far as the East is from the West. We have been washed clean. Yet, we still need the Word of God to speak to us and through us. Holy Spirit will help us to see the living Word of God as we continually dive into it and diligently seek Him. As we seek our eyes will be opened to new things or speak differently because of our stage in life. Seek and ask for clarity that we may be taught. 

 

Prayer: Father God, I thank you that you sent your Son, that he bought me out of the slivery I had to sin. I thank you for the molding and refining you are working on in my life. I ask for help to continue to move away from evil and anger. I ask that you open my eyes to the revelations you have for me in your Word. Lead me in putting the false ways behind me and walking in your ways.

Monday, February 26, 2024

Watch you step!

Reading: Exodus 18-19, Psalm 19, and Romans 5

 

Scripture: Exodus 19:12-13 And you shall set limits for the people all around, saying, ‘Take care not to go up into the mountain or touch the edge of it. Whoever touches the mountain shall be put to death. No hand shall touch him, but he shall be stoned or shot; whether beast or man, he shall not live.’ When the trumpet sounds a long blast, they shall come up to the mountain.

 

Thoughts: I remember this being that if the people touched the mountain where God was, they would die, not be put to death. I envisioned a line where livestock wandered over there or someone got too close and touched it boom dead on the side of the mountain. God told Moses to warn everyone to keep away or the people would have to kill those who transgressed God’s command. God was setting up from early on in His relationship with Israel that sin leads to death and that when Israel had to carry out that death sentence they were not to touch that sin. That passage says to stone or shoot, so either they are shooting with a bow and arrow or everyone is picking up rocks and throwing them at the sinner until they are dead. The question I pose is how close to sin are we walking? Are our eyes lingering on things that are leading us astray? Are we listening to things that are drawing us away from God’s embrace? Are we watching things that may not be bad but are keeping us from the great things God has in store for us?

 

Prayer: Father God, I thank you for all you are, the provider of all things, that power and authority you pour out upon me. I thank you for your love and grace. I thank you for the provisions you pour out on us so that we may serve you better. I ask that you continue to mold me and make me in your image. Help me to walk in your ways keeping a distance between myself and sin. You are my Lord and my God.

The Good Life!!

Reading: Exodus 16-17, Psalm 24, and Romans 4

 

Scripture: Romans 4:7-8 Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.

 

Thoughts: I feel like I have missed this mirroring of the Sermon on the Mount. I have been listening to The Bible Project podcast on that teaching they are saying that the way the Greek word used for “blessed are” can also be translated as “the good life is.” I can see merit in both. We have the good life when our lawless deeds are forgiven and covered. We have the good life when the Lord does not count our sins. The world is all about having the good life. The good life in the world comes with money, things, power, and influence. Yet the true good life comes when we trust God and what his Son did for us forgiving our sins that the Lord does not count them. Let us live the good life.

 

Prayer: Lord God you are so wonderful, your wisdom and power overwhelm me. Your grace and mercy pour out on this world and I stand in awe of you. I thank you for the work you are doing in my life and the guidance you are leading me through. I ask that you help me to live the good life and walk in your forgiveness and mercy. Open my eyes to your ways that I may serve you more.