May 28, 2020 What Baggage are you hiding in????

Reading: 1 Samuel 10-12 and Matthew 6

Scripture: 1 Samuel 10:22, So they inquired again of the Lord, "Is there a man still to come?" and the Lord said, "Behold, he has hidden himself among the baggage."

Thoughts: We are all called to do something. We all have our own particular set of skills that God has given us so we can accomplish that which we are called to. I am still in the middle of figuring out what my calling looks like. I know I am to teach, and we have been called to a time of quieting and training. I normally have been teaching 5^th and 6^th graders in our children’s ministry, but I don’t think that is the end. Here Saul was hiding from Samuel and maybe trying to hide from God. The Bible does not say why he is hiding, be it fear or nerves he was hiding from God’s calling. Saul hid in the baggage, I ran from God or at least put him on the furthest back burner there is for about 11 years. It took going through 2 divorces and God bringing the 2X4 up-side my head to discover that I was not where I was meant to be. What baggage are you hiding in and what calling are you hiding from.

Prayer: Father, you are so wonderful, you call us continually seeking none be lost. Your creation shines your greatness and your glory. I thank you that you are seeking us. I thank you for the provisions and blessings you pour out on us. I thank you for my family and my band of brothers who are in my foxhole ready to battle with me. I thank you that you are our banner and my armor. I ask that you help me to overcome the things that are holding me back from your calling.

May 27, 2020 Okay, if that is really what you want?!?!?!?!

Reading: 1 Samuel 8-9 and Matthew 5 

Scripture: 1 Samuel 8:6-7, But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, "Give us a king to judge us." And Samuel prayed to the Lord. And the Lord said to Samuel, "Obey the voice of the people in all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them. 

Thoughts: I have heard many complaints about the state our would is in. The complaints range from global to local. God loves us, wants the best for us, and will do anything for us including letting us go to do our own thing. This was one of the examples of God saying “Okay, if this is really what you want” (Authors Paraphrase) As we live in a fallen world and little by little of the course of a couple thousand years, things that are deplorable to God and the largest portion of humanity of the time have now become part of the norm and in some cases pushed to be the new normal. Israel was called to have God as their King and they wanted to be like the world and have a King. Not only have I seen the change in the would in just the last 39 years of my life, I have also seen the change in what many churches are saying it is Okay. Are we following God and his Word and voice or are we listening to the world and saying we want what they have? 

Prayer: Father you are the great redeemer, you call us as we walk away but will not hold us that we cannot go our own way. I thank you that you see me as worthy of continued calling after and that you know me. I thank you for my family and those who are as family. I thank you that you are leading and guiding me. I thank you for your love, blessings and provisions that you pour out every day. Open my eye to your glory. I ask that you help me forsake the things that brings us apart and hold onto the things that bring us closer and shine your love in this world.

May 26, 2020 What are your spoils of war???

Reading: 1 Samuel 4-7 and Matthew 4

Scripture: 1 Samuel 5:3-4, And when the people of Ashdod rose early the next day, behold, Dagon had fallen face downward on the ground before the ark of the Lord . So they took Dagon and put him back in his place. But when they rose early on the next morning, behold, Dagon had fallen face downward on the ground before the ark of the Lord , and the head of Dagon and both his hands were lying cut off on the threshold. Only the trunk of Dagon was left to him.

Thoughts: Just like us the people of Ashdod took home the spoils of war in this case the Ark to The Covenant knowing that this represented Yahweh the had enough reverence to this item to place it with their god. I love how God made Dagon to bow before him to the point of removing his head and hands showing that this is no god. When we overcome something in our lives are we giving it a place of reverence because of what it was or because of who help us to overcome it. I know in my life when I have held onto things after being told that “as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103:12 When I have held onto things they have this tendency to become chains and snares again. After God showed his power by making their god fall before him then gave them tumors they gave it back and sent it with a sacrifice. When we overcome something we need to not keep that trophy on the wall but celebrate and send it packing on that trip as far as the east is from the west. 

Prayer: Father, you are so wonderful you take care of all our needs and lead us into the promised land. I thank you that you do separate us from out sins as far as the east is from the west. I thank you for my family. I thank you for your provisions and blessings that you are pouring out. I ask that you help me to release those things I am holding onto that are not letting these transgressions be thrown into the sea.

May 25, 2020 I am not Worthless!!!

Reading: 1 Samuel 1-3 and Matthew 3

Scripture: 1 Samuel 1:16, Do not regard your servant as a worthless woman, for all along I have been speaking out of my great anxiety and vexation.

Thoughts: There have been many times where I have judged people and I know I have been judged myself. When we are in a place of great torment and suffering, are we crying out to God and seeking him or are we listening to those who do not have a clue what we are going though. Our Father in heaven knows what we are going through and knows how to comfort us and lead us thought the valleys that we wander into, are we big enough to lay down our control and let him head.

Prayer: Father you are the author of our salvation and the giver of all. I thank you that you are the one I get to turn to. I thank you for my family and the provisions and blessings that you are pouring out on us. I ask that your healing touch come down upon the world and your supernatural health pour over those who call on your name. I ask for your grace and understanding as we do not always know what others are going though just as they don’t know our struggles.

May 24, 2020 Call Me Bitter

Reading: Ruth 1-4 and Matthew 2

Scripture: Ruth 1:20, She said to them, “Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me.

Thoughts: I love the story of Ruth, this Moabite woman who would have every right to walk away from Naomi, but she chose to stay by her side and support her mother-in-law and in turn become the great grandmother of King David. I spent some time going over the reading for today and then it came to me where Naomi was saying stop calling me my given name but call me bitter. How often are we able to praise God in the good times and worship him when we are all together but the moment that we are in the fire, stuck in our homes alone or with people who we are struggling to get along with, do we forget to worship, praise, and dive into the Word. When the world is pouring fear and doubt into us ever day are we leaning into him who will lift us up or are we diving into the bitterness and letting the world dictate who we are?

Prayer: Father God you are so wonderful, your grace abounds even when I struggle. Your glory shines in the darkness of the deceit and fear. I thank you for your love and the provision and blessings you pour out on us. I thank you for my family and those who are as family. I ask that you help me to choose hope and joy that you give and not wallow in the bitterness and despair the world provides.

May 23, 2020 One man

Reading: Judges 20-21 and Matthew 1

Scripture: Judges 20:11, So all the men of Israel gathered against the city, united as one man.

Thoughts: We are the children of God just as Israel is, as the Church are we uniting as on man against those things that beak God’s heart. We have the armor of God available to us every day and at any time as long as we remember to put it on. These men in Judges we coming together against a city who had gone bad enough that they were molesting people to the verge of death this was the norm to them. What had been becoming a norm in our world today that we need to rise up against as a united man. We need to stop looking at the things that drive us apart and start focusing on the things that bind us together as a family.

Prayer: Father God you are the creator and the orchestrator of the outcome. You have won the war and you have won the battle. You are the Lion of Judah. I thank you for my family and those close to me I thank you that you are in control. I thank you for your provisions and blessings you are continuously pour out on us. I thank you that you gave us your armor and that we are worthy to bear your name though the sacrifice your son made. Lord break my heart for what breaks yours and lead me in your ways.

May 22, 2020 The struggle with the fine line between a Hand out and a Hand Up

Reading: Judges 17-19 and 2 Thessalonians 3

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 3:10, For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.

Thoughts: This passage is making me think more then anything. Living in the Portland Metro Area of Oregon, there is a large homeless population. As a Christian there is a part of me that wants to help and find ways to give a helping hand to help bring someone back to a place where they can flourish. I also struggle with the knowledge that there are many who are just like what this passage says, “not willing to work” and the political groups that are pushing to have more and more just given to them. We are to be the hands and feet of God.

Prayer: Father God you are the great provider, you pour out your grace and mercy, you meet the needs of all whom you call yours. I thank you for my family and the blessings they bring to my life. I thank you for your provisions and blessings you are pour out. I ask that you help me to see the how and where to help to bring your children home and point this world to you. Help me to have a discerning spirit to open my eye to the war that is waging around me.

May 21, 2020 This is the END

Reading: Judges 14-16 and 2 Thessalonians 1-2

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3, Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we ask you, brothers, not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by a spirit or a spoken word, or a letter seeming to be from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction,

Thoughts: Almost every time something catastrophic or something that appears extra-biblical happens those who believe that “this” is the end times. I have seen it personally several times. The most notable times were after September 11^th 2001 and the Pandemic of 2020 in witch I’m writing this in the middle of. I am seeing lots of good during this people helping each other and supporting each other but there has also been lots of panic from all sides it seem like there are people saying that this is from God there are those saying this is one of the seals talked about in Revelation. Yes, the world is changing due to this pandemic but we need to listen to God and those we know are hearing from him and not be blown around by the whims of those who control the media and seek their own gain.

Prayers: Father you are the way the truth and the life, you are the light to my path and you guide me in all I do. I thank you for your love and mercy. I thank you for my family. I thank you for your provision and blessings that you pour out on us all. I thank you that you are watching over us. I ask that you open our eyes to your truth and not be blinded by the bombardment of our minds by the media.

 

May 20, 2020 Comes on like labor pains?!?!?

Reading: Judges 11-13 and 1 Thessalonians 5

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:3-4, While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief.

Thoughts: The peace of the Lord is the only place where we can find peace in the middle of this pandemic. We are in uncertain times and a place where the governments are trying to control everyone in the name of public safety. There is so much mixed date out there about what is going on. Up until late February we were being told we were safe then as this passage said the “sudden destruction,” our lives got flip upside down in a matter of days. We are not in the dark God is our light God leads and guides us though times like this. If we were listening God was speaking before this hit telling of something coming. Let us not stick our heads into the dark or listen to the false promises of peace from the world and grow deeper in the strength, understanding, and peace that Only God can give.

Prayer: Father you are so wonderful, you are the peace I long for and strength I need. I thank you that you pour those out on us every day. I thank you for my family and those who are as family. I thank you for your provision and blessings you pour out on us every day. I ask that you help me to lean into your peace and strength and dwell in your light. Help me to overcome the snares that and trials that come at me.

May 19, 2020 I need control

Reading: Judges 9-10 and 1 Thessalonians 3-4

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:4, that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor,

Thoughts: I have this tattooed on my wrist in a place where I see it every day. The first reason I got it was in memory of my older brother who based away partly due to a lack of control in his life and was moving that direction. I was getting into drinking and drugs and everything that comes with that world. Yes, this passage is mostly about sexual immorality in context but I feel that this encompasses everything. So not only is there Paul’s reminder to stay pure sexually but also to keep ourselves in control and hand over our struggles to God he will give us the strength to overcome.

Prayer: Father you are the strength when I’m weak you are the help that I need. I thank you that you help me to overcome and continue to help me overcome. I thank you for you provision and blessings you pour out on us. I thank you for bringing my family together and helping us to learn form each other. I ask that you continue to help me to keep control over my body and honor you in all I do.

May 18, 2020 What Faith!?!?!?

Reading: Judges 7-8 and 1 Thessalonians 1-2

Scripture: Judges 7:7, And the Lord said to Gideon, “With the 300 men who lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hand, and let all the others go every man to his home.”

Thoughts: When reading this as much faith that would have been bolstered by hearing God and knowing what to do hearing that you are going to be having approximately 98 percent less troops to go defeat this huge army would have freaked me out. Gideon started with 32 thousand and left with three hundred. I work on machinery and if most of my tools were going and I was only allowed maybe 2 or 3 I would not feel highly effective. But how can we show God’s love and power in overcoming things if we do not let God effectively tie our hands behind our backs and say, “I will take it from here.” I know that my first instinct would have been no way am I sending home the first 22 thousand looking down at the 135 thousand, let alone letting another 9,700 go after they drank from the river. Not only are we needing to remember that God is our strength and the one who makes the plans, We also need to remember to relinquish command of ourselves and point to the one who deserves the glory.

Prayer: Father you are the great I am, you know what is coming and how well prepared we may or may not be. You care the orchestrator of our victory and we must walk in it. I thank you that you are leading and guiding us each day. I thank you for my family and my foxhole brothers, I thank you for your provisions and blessings that you are pouring out on us. I ask that you help me to overcome my want to control things and let you lead.

May 16, 2020 Who's Glory???

Reading: Judges 3-4, Psalm 14, and Colossians 3

Scripture: Judges 4:9, And she said, "I will surely go with you. Nevertheless, the road on which you are going will not lead to your glory, for the Lord will sell Sisera into the hand of a woman." Then Deborah arose and went with Barak to Kedesh.

Thoughts: There have been many times where I have heading into a project or an interview or anything head strong and thinking this would give me something to brag about. I would not be surprised if Barak had some of those same thoughts when he went to Deborah to hear from God though this Judge. To be told you are not going to get the honor of killing this king but a woman is had to hurt because the opinions and thoughts they had of women at that time. Are we doing things for our glory or his what are we seeking when we go into battle?

Prayer: Father you are the one who deserves all the glory and all the praise, your glory shines upon the world. I thank you for your provision and blessings I open my hear to your guidance. I ask you help me to keep you as to whom I’m to point to, you are my provision and my strength. Help me to give you the glory and honor you deserve in the battles you have called us to and help me find my place in your plan. 

May 15, 2020 Unite

 Reading: Judges 1-2, Psalm 133, and Colossians 2

 Scripture: Psalm 133, Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes! It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forevermore.

 Thoughts: I this time of isolation, where we are encouraged to stay home and avoid touching and gathering, unity seems to have fallen out the window. Some of the things that come to mind when thinking about unity are the unions and the armed forces. The unions use the unified plan of those involved to keep the employees and the companies working together and both happy. The armed forces have to have a plan when they go into battle otherwise they will be defeated. We are at war and if we don’t have unity in the church and those whom can gather around each of us we will fall.

 Prayer: Father you are so wonderful I fall on my face before you and linger in your presence. I thank you for all you have done and the healing and health you are pouring out on us. I than you for your provision and blessings that are being poured out each day. I ask that you help us to see what unity we need to foster and how to become more united we you and each other though out the church.

May 14, 2020 whom do you serve?

 Reading: Joshua 23-24, Psalm 99, and Colossians 1

 Scripture: Joshua 24:15, And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord , choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

 Thoughts: I have read Joshua many times and the verse hundreds of times even having it in my wedding, and when we bought a home it was already on the wall. It is easy to let a passage like this get to the point that it is just part of our day to day life when it is around us every day. Today when going through Joshua it hit me that this was toward the end of his life, he was between 60-80 years old when Moses died and he led Israel into the promised land and then a few verses later it says he was 110 when he died. For some reason I thought it was said earlier. Here after they had taken most of the promised land and he had told them that God was going before them to take the land. That is when he tells them to choose. We are still at war; we are battling to take the land promised to us in our lives. We need to be sure to choose every whom we are seeking, God or the world.

 Prayer: Father you are the one who paves the way and moves obstacles. I thank you that you are the one that opens eyes and ears, you are the one who heals and gives health. I thank you that you are the provider and blesser of those who call on your name. I ask that you help me to walk in your ways and open my eyes to your path and my ears to your voice.

May 13, 2020 What are we building????

 Reading: Joshua 21-22 and Philippians 4

 Scripture: Joshua 22:12-14, And when the people of Israel heard of it, the whole assembly of the people of Israel gathered at Shiloh to make war against them. Then the people of Israel sent to the people of Reuben and the people of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh, in the land of Gilead, Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, and with him ten chiefs, one from each of the tribal families of Israel, every one of them the head of a family among the clans of Israel.

 Thoughts: When someone does something to me my first thought is almost always, “they are going to pay.” I could see how after all this time at war that a group started doing something odd it would need to be investigated. Israel went to see what was going on, they did just send a spy they gathered an army then sent God’s representative and the heads of the houses to see talk to them. When we have a disagreement how often do, we skip over this particularly important part? We gather our army and drive right into battle when maybe the issue you though to you saw was not an issue at all. We need to remember that when ever we come into a situation that looks like a conflict bring God’s representative and have a conversation. Instead of something being destroyed maybe there is something to be built between us.

 Prayer: Father you are the great bridge builder, the architect of this world, you lead us and guide us in our endeavors. I thank you that you are a part of all I do. I thank you for my family and those close to me. I thank you for your provisions and blessings you are continually pouring out. I ask that you help me to keep my anger under control and to lead in love. I ask that this anger and with me and not pass to my children help me to learn to overcome so my children may have that victory as well. Help me to always remember to bring you are your representative with me into every conflict or potential conflict.