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.