You have been recruited!!!

Reading: Numbers 19-20, Psalm 47, and 1 Corinthians 9

 

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:26-27 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

 

Thoughts: How are we training? As a disciple of Christ, what are we doing to prepare ourselves for the fight that is to come? Athletes don’t just stagger off the couch onto whatever field they play on and expect to win. Do soldiers go into battle without knowing their weapons intimately? Then why do we sit back and expect that we will be victorious when we barely open the word once a week? In my past I know that there were times when it was months between times, I cracked open the Bible or even thought about going to church, and I can look back at those times and see the death spiral my life was taking and how it impacted those closest to me. As a worrier find other worriers to train with, find those who have been there before to strengthen and encourage you but also bring someone who is in need of encouragement along with that you all may grow and strengthen in the Lord. Yes, the battle belongs to the Lord, but we are called to fight it with all we have, and He will make up the difference. Be discipled, get disciplined, and become strong in the Lord.

 

Prayer: Lord God, you are my banner, my rally point, my place of refuge. You have the battle plans drawn up and ready to execute, and you are calling your army to ready itself. Your plans are greater than our plans they are higher than ours and we exalt you. I lay my life in your hands and take up your armor and sword so that I may walk in your power and authority over the evil of this world. I ask for your strength to fill me and lead me.

Who are these Jones people any way?

Reading: Numbers 17-18, Psalm 73, and 1 Corinthians 8

 

Scripture: Psalm 73:3 For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

 

Thoughts: Are you trying to keep up with the Jones? This was the first thing that went through my mind when this passage stood out to me. Many times the Jones that we are comparing ourselves to may not be truly wicked but many flaunt what they have. With the invention of social media, this FOMO and longing for the life that others portray has ratcheted up the mentality of keeping up with those Jones. When the world has opened up the firehouse of comparison it is hard to not feel like the grass is greener over there. This not only goes toward the things and opportunities we have but also how content we are with our situations and our choices. I chose to love my wife and asked her to be my wife, yet so often we start looking at others, that grass over there because there is something that didn’t live up to our expectations. As we seek God and his will in our life He will fulfill every need we have. He also longs to bless his faithful servants, so how are you stewarding the things he has entrusted to you so far? 

 

Prayer: Father God, you are the creator of all things, you own the cattle on a thousand hills. You give and you take away. I thank you for the opportunity to steward those things around me. I thank you for my family and the people in my life. I pray that my stewardship is a praise to you and that I can point to you always in about all things. I thank you that you are molding and refining me as the silversmith does. I thank you that you call me even when I fall. I ask that you help me to be more content with what I have and not seek more than what you have for me.

Are you separating yourself?

Reading: Numbers 16 and 1 Corinthians 7

 

Scripture: Numbers 16:27-28 So they got away from the dwelling of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. And Dathan and Abiram came out and stood at the door of their tents, together with their wives, their sons, and their little ones. And Moses said, “Hereby you shall know that the Lord has sent me to do all these works, and that it has not been of my own accord.

 

Thoughts: A little leaven leavens the whole lump. God reminds us that we are to separate ourselves from the sinfulness of the world. Here in Numbers, we see where a group comes to Moses saying that they are worthy to be in the presence of God. After God shows who He chose to be the priest, He has Moses separate these men from the rest of Israel. When we find a sin in our midst we are to separate ourselves from it. Yes, there is forgiveness and reconciliation but until that person comes to the point of seeking that forgiveness we are to treat them as unbelievers, not shunning them or turning our backs on them but sharing God’s love and calling them back. Is there a sin in your life that needs to be confessed and to seek forgiveness for? 

 

Prayer: Father God you are worthy of all praise. I long to love as you love. I thank you for calling me out of my sins and offering your mercy and grace. I thank you for the continued sanctification that you are working in me. Help me to overcome the sins that continue to try to gain a foothold, help me to see and understand the calling you have put on my life. Lead me and guide me every day.

Tell others about your dwelling place.

Reading: Numbers 15, Psalm 90, and 1 Corinthians 6

 

Scripture: Psalm 90:1-2 Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

 

Thoughts: We talk about our jobs, our homes, our cars, and our things yet how often is our true dwelling place actually with God and are we telling others about it? When I am face to face with others I can small talk but when it comes to sharing where my dwelling place is I struggle to share with people God’s love and the dwelling place He is preparing for us. Let us remember that we can’t take things with us when we go and our true home is with Him. Even if it has not been generations who have been following Christ you can start those generations now. Come to the family and grow in the Lord 

 

Prayer: Father God, you are our dwelling place, you are the light in the darkness. I thank You that You are casting out all darkness, out of me and my family, I ask that You open our eyes to that dwelling place in You and help us to live and walk in that light.

Going my own way?!?!

Reading: Numbers 13-14, Psalm 81, and 1 Corinthians 5

 

Scripture: Number 14:44 But they presumed to go up to the heights of the hill country, although neither the ark of the covenant of the Lord nor Moses departed out of the camp.

 

Thoughts: I find it far too easy to do what I want to do than to do what others want to do. That almost goes up a hundred times when it comes to things God wants me to do. We by nature are selfish beings. We want our needs and desires filled before someone else gets theirs. If you don’t believe me that it is human nature to be selfish just look at a baby or young children. They have a need and they scream and cry until it is resolved then when kids start playing with others one of the most common things you hear is mine or something similar. We don’t want to share or give up things. After the 12 spies returned to Moses, they were afraid of what would happen if they went to take the nation. Then these warriors decided without God’s blessing or presence they would try to take this land. Even though there may be some of God’s plan in what you are striving for has He told you not now or just plain no. Open our ears to hear and our eyes to see when God changes the plan after we stop listening because of fear. 

 

Prayer: Father God. You are worthy of all praise. I sit at your feet and seek your glory. Thank you that you are calling us. I thank you that there is a plan and that even in my ignorance and arrogance you can still bring forth your plan. I thank you that you can use me even when I fall on my face. I ask that you help me to cast out all fear and abide in your love. I ask for discernment to see when I take a wrong turn. Lead me and guide me in all your ways.

Follow your own Counsel?!?!

Reading: Numbers 11-12, Psalm 148, and 1 Corinthians 4

 

Scripture: Numbers 11:33 While the meat was yet between their teeth, before it was consumed, the anger of the Lord was kindled against the people, and the Lord struck down the people with a very great plague.

 

Thoughts: How often do we let something little into our lives and before we know it things are out of balance, something that on its own is not an issue but has become something that we are finding shame in. For instance, social media can be a great tool for connecting family and friends who are no longer living near one another, but I have found myself sitting and scrolling the feeds of Facebook and Instagram. Because of things I have heard I have avoided some of the other communities. Psalm 81:12 says it this way “So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts, to follow their own counsels.” If we are chasing after things that are not pointing to God, we are letting it become a stronghold that can develop into a sin. If we are not repentant and allow those sins to be a part of our lives, we will be turned over to that sin. Just as those of Israel who were not satisfied with the mana and charged out to get the quail consumed by the lust for meat God cut them out of his nation. Is there something you need to repent of remove and come back to a place where God is the center of your life? 

 

Prayer: Father God, you are so wonderful. I thank you that you are always calling us back. I thank you that your love and mercy can cover all the mistakes I have made and remove the burden of sin. I thank you that you broke the chains in my life, and I ask that you help me to remove the shackles that remind me of that past sin. I ask for your forgiveness for falling away from seeking you with my entire heart, mind, and body. You are worthy of all I have and all I am.

Getting Lost in the Mix

Over the last few weeks I have let my life get a little out of hand. I have been keeping up with my reading and normally there is a vers that stands out to me for one reason or another, yet here I am with the weeks leading up to Easter with nothing written. I let the business of work family and even TV get in the way of making time for God. My disciplines that I had developed in the discipleship classes that I have taken have gone out the window. God is calling me back into those disciplines, getting in the Word, journaling, and taking time to pray every day. It is easy to let many of those fall by the wayside as things change. My family has change that we will be working through for the next year and I pray that I can set these disciplines more firmly at the core of my relationship with God. Here is what I have been reading and the passages that have stood out to me. Seek God and dive deep into his Word 

March 19

 

Reading: Leviticus 16-17 and John 11

 

Scripture: John 11:37 But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man also have kept this man from dying?”

March 20

 

Reading: Leviticus 18-19 and John 12

 

Scripture: John 12:27 Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour.

 

March 21

 

Reading: Leviticus 20-21 and John 13

 

Scripture: John 13:34 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.

March 22

 

Reading: Leviticus 22-23 and John 14

 

Scripture: John 14:31 but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us go from here.

March 23

 

Reading: Leviticus 24-25 and John 15

 

Scripture: John 15:15 No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.

March 24

 

Reading: Leviticus 26, Psalm 12, and John 16

 

Scripture: Leviticus 26:42 But the land shall be abandoned by them and enjoy its Sabbaths while it lies desolate without them, and they shall make amends for their iniquity, because they spurned my rules and their soul abhorred my statutes.

March 25

 

Reading: Leviticus 27, Psalm 136, and John 17

 

Scripture: Psalm 136:7 to him who made the great lights, for his steadfast love endures forever;

March 26

 

Reading: Numbers 1 and John 18

 

Scripture: John 18:38 Pilate said to him, “What is truth?” After he had said this, he went back outside to the Jews and told them, “I find no guilt in him.

 

March 27

 

Reading: Numbers 2, Psalm 46, and John 19

March 28

 

Reading: Numbers 3, Psalm 67, and John 20

 

Scripture: John 20:22-23 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”

 

March 29

 

Reading: Numbers 4, Psalm 21, and John 21

 

Scripture: Numbers 4:5 When the camp is to set out, Aaron and his sons shall go in and take down the veil of the screen and cover the ark of the testimony with it.

 

March 30

 

Reading: Numbers 5-6 and 1 Corinthians 1

 

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?

 

March 31

 

Reading: Numbers 7 and 1 Corinthians 2

April 1

 

Reading: Numbers 8-10 and 1 Corinthians 3

 

Scripture: Numbers 10:35-36 And whenever the ark set out, Moses said, “Arise, O Lord, and let your enemies be scattered, and let those who hate you flee before you.” And when it rested, he said, “Return, O Lord, to the ten thousand thousands of Israel.”

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

He is our healer.

Reading: Exodus 14-25 and Romans 3

 

Scripture: Exodus 15:26 saying, “If you will diligently listen to the voice of the Lord your God, and do that which is right in his eyes, and give ear to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you that I put on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, your healer.”

 

Thoughts: I love hearing the promises of God, but also lately I feel like the things standing out to me have been about hearing God and obeying. Israel is being told that if they listen to God and do what is right in His eyes, so that none of the diseases that befell Egypt will come upon them. Ending with “I am the Lord, your healer.” Through Jesus we have been given back the authority that the evil one had taken from us by deceiving Adam and Eve. We are not called into sickness and infirmity; we are called to walk in authority and power. Jesus said He only does what He sees the Father doing. Then later said we would do greater things than He did. Let us seek Him and walk in that power and authority that we are given. 

 

Prayer: Father God, you are greater than all things, you are the creator of all things. I stand in awe of your glory and majesty. I thank you for the work you are doing in my life. I long to shine your reflection on the world around me. I ask that you continue to refine me and remove the dross of my life. Help me to see your calling in my life so that I can better serve you. Help me to walk in your authority and power.

What is leading?

Reading: Exodus 12-13 and Romans 2

 

Scripture: Exodus 13:21-22 And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night did not depart from before the people.

 

Thoughts: Israel when wandering in the desert were given a cloud pillar by day and a giant torch by night to follow. Moses spoke with God, but everyone could see the presence of God. In a way, they had it easy, following because they could see when God moved. They were able to just follow behind where He led. Today we have the Holy Spirit living in us, He leads us and guides us if we listen. We need discernment to know if the leading and guiding that we are feeling is God or the deceiver. We need to check those things we sense against the Word of God, we will never be told to do anything that goes against the nature of God.  

 

Prayer: Father God, you call us into your love. You call us to follow your ways. I thank you for your Spirit that lives in me. I thank You that You do call us into fellowship with You and that You knew us before we were knit together in our mother’s womb. I ask that you help me to hear your leadings and know the way you are calling me to go. Move in me, that I may move for you.

Letting us run.

Reading: Exodus 10-11, Psalm 31, and Romans 1

 

Scripture: Romans 1:24-25 Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.

 

Thoughts: It can be so appealing to worship the creation over the creator. Especially when it comes to our flesh, food can taste wonderful and look appealing, there are people we are attracted to and the pleasures that money and power can afford us. When we allow ourselves to continually push God aside for the fleeting pleasures of this world God will not hold us captive, He gives us a choice. When we play the Sunday morning Christian routine seeking after the world's pleasures and not seeking Him, we will find ourselves being left to pursue the world. We need to seek Him and His ways and long for the refining that He longs to do in our lives. Seek Him first.

 

Prayer:  Lord God you are worthy of all my attention, you are worthy of all my praise. You are my Lord and Savior. I lay all that I am at your feet. I ask that you refine me and remove the parts of my life that do not honor you. Fill me with your love and mercy. I ask that you help me to put you first, and long to do all things for your glory. Lead me and guide me each and every day.

Should I stay or should I go now?

Reading: Exodus 8-9 and Acts28

 

Scripture: Acts 28:30-31 He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.

 

Thoughts: Where are we going? We all have been given a direction and a destination. I admit I don’t understand some or most of what God has told me yet I continue to walk it out the best I can. Paul was told that he was going to be bound and delivered to Caesar, yet he was held for two years before starting to go to Rome. Then in the midst of his travel, he gets stranded in Malta for three months and then spends two years living on his own dime in Rome. Are we proclaiming God’s love and His kingdom to those around us? Paul was a prisoner in Rome yet with all his oppression he was still boldly and without hindrance speaking and preaching the truth. Why are we so afraid of a little name-calling or becoming a social pariah in some circles when people's eternal souls are on the line? What are we doing at each stage of the journey that God has us on? 

 

Prayer: Father God, you are worthy of all praise, you placed the sun and the moon and the stars in the sky. You created the land and the seas with a word and filled them will all living things. You own the cattle on a thousand hills and provide all we need. I thank you for all you have done for me, I thank you for your provisions and blessings. I thank you for the opportunity to steward those blessings to share with others your generosity.

Who are you blessings along the way?

Reading: Exodus 6-7 and Acts 27

 

Scripture: Acts 27:24 and he said, “Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.”

 

Thoughts: Are we listening to the calls and promises of God? Paul knew his call and promise were to testify before Caesar, not knowing how it would come about he continued to walk out his faith in prison and when being transported to Rome. When we seek God’s plan and walk out the orders we have been given we will be blessed. Just because Paul was with them and God had a plane for him, everyone was spared and only the ship and cargo were lost. As we walk our His calling what are we willing to give up and how can we pour out God’s love and bless those around us? 

 

Prayer: Lord God you are so wonderful, your love overwhelms me. Creation shouts of your glory and majesty. I fall on my face and bow down before your glory. I thank you that you are willing to work through my failing and call me a friend and son. I thank you for your provisions that I get to steward. I ask that you help me to steward it well and that I can bless others with what you have given me. I ask that you help me to focus and seek your next steps.  

I don’t want to, don’t make me!!!

Reading: Exodus 4-5 and Acts 26

 

Scripture: Exodus 4:12-13 Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.” But he said, “Oh, my Lord, please send someone else.”

 

Thoughts: We all have a calling; we are to be the light to the world somewhere. Moses came over to check out a crazy phenomenon encounters God and is called to act. Most of us will never have a burning bush tell us our calling but God will speak and call us just the same. I know there have been times when like Moses I have said send someone else, I’m not good with talking, or whatever excuse I can come up with. Each of us has a microphone to speak into people's lives. Your life experiences and your job can be the harvest you are called to sow and/or reap. We can partner with someone but we have been called and we are to walk out that calling.

 

Prayer: Lord God, you know all there is about me, my strengths and weaknesses. You are my strength when I am weak, you are the authority I walk in when I walk out of your plan and calling. I thank you that you are stretching me to work on your plans. I thank you that you are the one who overcomes all obstacles that try to block the Gospel from reaching this world. Give me the boldness to speak your love so that this world may flourish and shine your glory.

Are these prayers getting to heaven?

Reading: Exodus 2-3 and Acts 25

 

Scripture: Exodus 2:23-24 During those many days the king of Egypt died, and the people of Israel groaned because of their slavery and cried out for help. Their cry for rescue from slavery came up to God. And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob.

 

Thoughts: I know that there are times when I feel like my prayers and groaning can’t seem to make it past the ceiling. This was a great reminder that God hears us and remembers the promises that he made to not only us but our forefathers. We need to remember those promises made to us and write them down so that we have a record to pass on to future generations. He will not forget us. 

 

Prayer: Father God, I thank you that you remember us, you know us, you knit us together in our mother’s womb and know the hairs on our head. I thank you that you hear us, you hear our praise, you hear our dreams, you hear our groaning. I ask that you help us to know your leading and know your love so that we can walk in the faith of your overcoming.

Know the attacks.

Reading: Genesis 50, Exodus 1, Psalm 140, and Acts 24

 

Scripture: Acts 24:20-21 Or else let these men themselves say what wrongdoing they found when I stood before the council, other than this one thing that I cried out while standing among them: “It is with respect to the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you this day.”

 

Thoughts: When we are accused or attacked for our faith do we know what we are being accused of? Paul not only knew that the Jews were trying to have him killed and that it was because of his understanding of who the Messiah was but also how He saved the world. Yet what the accusations were about if someone could be raised from the dead. We are told that we will be hated and persecuted because of our faith and belief in Jesus. Let us walk in your ways Lord and stand firm when those attacks come. 

 

Prayer: Father God, you are worthy of all praise, you are worthy of the attacks that will come my way because I follow you. You are worthy of all honor and glory. I thank you that you saved me, that you called me out of my sinful ways. I ask that you give me the wisdom to overcome the attacks that are seeking to remove my effectiveness for your kingdom.

What is your plan?

Reading: Genesis 48-49 and Acts 23

 

Scripture: Genesis 48:17-18 When Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand on the head of Ephraim, it displeased him, and he took his father’s hand to move it from Ephraim’s head to Manasseh’s head. And Joseph said to his father, “Not this way, my father; since this one is the firstborn, put your right hand on his head.”

 

Thoughts: How often do we complain that it's God’s plan and not ours? Here Joseph noticed that his father was giving the younger the greater blessing and got upset. Just as Joseph didn’t know what God’s plan for his descendants would look like, we don’t know what God’s plan in our life looks like either. I started off trying to find easy ways to get famous or at least make lots of money. Today I am making more than I thought I ever would and God is blessing what we have. I would have never imagined I would be working where I do and being able to steward what the Lord sees fit to bless us with. 

 

Prayer: Father God you are greater than all things, your ways are wiser and grander than anything I could have foreseen. I thank you that you are molding me and refining me. I thank you that you give me the opportunity to steward a portion of your great wealth. You own the cattle on a thousand hills, you created all things and yet you know me. I ask that you help me to not complain that your plan is different than mine and your timing is different than mine. Lead me and guide me in your ways.

Who do you belong to?

Reading: Genesis 46-47 and Acts 22

 

Scripture: Genesis 46:27 And the sons of Joseph, who were born to him in Egypt, were two. All the persons of the house of Jacob who came into Egypt were seventy.

 

Thoughts: As I was reading all the names and lineage of Jacob I noticed that there were grandkids that were counted as his descendants when normally I read these passages they just refer to the son. I felt when reading this passage reminded me of how we’re adopted into God’s family through Jesus’ sacrifice. We have become God’s children just as some of Jacob’s grandchildren were claimed as his own. Are we walking in the authority that is given to us through our adoption? Know who you are and what authority you walk in it.

 

Prayer: Father God, I thank you for sending your son to bridge the divide my sin could not traverse. Thank you for adopting me and washing my sins clean. I was like filthy rags and you have washed me white as snow. I stand in awe of you and that you could love and call someone like me. I long to stand at your feet and worship. I ask that you help me to remember who you say I am and not listen to the world and the arrows the evil one throws our way.

Is there an uproar around us?

Reading: Genesis 44-45 and Act 21

 

Scripture: Acts 21:34 Some in the crowd were shouting one thing, some another. And as he could not learn the facts because of the uproar, he ordered him to be brought into the barracks.

 

Thoughts: The evil one is here to steal, kill, and destroy. One of his strategies to do so is through the confusion. Just as when the crows were shouting different things about the world is shouting so many different things at us, today there is so much confusion when it comes to truth, gender, and sexuality. We need to have the discernment to see through the lies and confusion that the evil one tells us. 

 

Prayer: Lord God, you are so wonderful, your creation shouts of your power. Your glory shines upon us. I thank you for your refining fire and your molding hands. I thank you for the molding and refining. I ask for your wisdom and discernment.

What are your dreams?

Reading: Genesis 42-43 and Acts 20

 

Scripture: Genesis 42:8-9 And Joseph recognized his brothers, but they did not recognize him. And Joseph remembered the dreams that he had dreamed of them. And he said to them, “You are spies; you have come to see the nakedness of the land.”

 

Thoughts: Do we remember the dreams we are given by the Lord? God speaks through dreams and visions almost as much as he speaks through his word and his people. Are we remembering what dreams He put in our hearts or showed us in a dream or vision? Seek God and the visions and dreams that he has given us. We can do what He said we can do.

 

Prayer: Father God you are so wondrous, creation cries of your glory and majesty. Your grace and mercy abound and overflow in our lives. I thank you for all you are doing, your leading and guiding in my life. I ask you to bring to remembrance the dreams you have put in my heart that I have forgotten. Open my heart and mind the the plans you have for us.

Why are we chosen for the job?

Reading: Genesis 41 and Acts 19

 

Scripture: Genesis 41:38 And Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find a man like this, in whom is the Spirit of God?”

 

Thoughts: How often do we look at our skills and think about how we got ourselves somewhere? Sure we have the skills and abilities that God has given us, but are we willing to let God take us where he wants to take us? Seeking God and his plan and being willing to go where He is taking us allows Him to fill us with his spirit and abilities beyond our capabilities. Let us be filled and empowered by Holy Spirit so that we can be like Joseph and be chosen because we are filled with the spirit of God of just the skills we have on our own. 

 

Prayer: Lord God you are worthy of all I have to give. I lay all I am and all I have at your feet. I thank you that you are working in my life. I thank you for the molding and refining you are doing in me, continue to remove the parts of me that are not honoring to you, and help me to grow in your love and grace. I ask that you fill me and grow me so that I may be a man who is called up because of you in my life and not for my own skill.  

Where are your eyes cast?

Reading: Genesis 39-40 and Acts 18

 

Scripture: Genesis 39:7 And after a time his master’s wife cast her eyes on Joseph and said, “Lie with me.”

 

Thoughts: Most of the when looking at the account of Joseph and Potiphar’s wife we focus on Joseph running away from her. As I was reading, I had the thought how often are we like Potiphar’s wife, casting our eyes on someone or something? My wife and I were looking at the needs we had for a more robust towing vehicle. We talked about things and started looking at what was in our budget as I continued to look I found myself looking at new and new vehicles longing for that couple-year-old that could pull more than we will ever need with all the add-ons you could ever want. I was allowing my eyes to be cast upon those trucks. Just as easy as it was to start dreaming about these trucks that were beyond what we could get, it is easy to look at someone who is not your spouse and think that the grass is much greener than mine. 

 

Prayer: Father God you are worthy of all praise, you are greater than any other. I thank you that you are leading and guiding us. I thank you that you have given us authority over the temptations in our lives and give us a way out. I thank you for all your blessings and all that you are doing for us. I thank you for the opportunity to serve you and steward those things in our lives you have blessed us with. I ask you to open our eyes and ears to see and hear your plan.