Thursday, March 31

In today's reading, we find godly instruction through Moses on the desired characteristics for a future king over Israel. Notably, Moses urges that this king should not be "above the law," but rather that he should cling to the Law and keep its contents at the forefront of his mind.

God dictates several other key criteria for this future king. First, he indicates that the king should only come from among the Israelites. We may imagine that this command emanated from God's concern for the Israelites' safety and protection, as a foreign-born king might retain alliances to his native land. Looking deeper, however, we may perceive that his lack of connection to God's law would prevent him from upholding and establishing God's law through His people.

In addition, Moses explained that the king should be free from the spiritual distractions of too much gold and silver and too many wives. These factors would cause him to become unfocused on God's law and His people, and instead to become overwhelmed by worldly pleasures.

For us, we often struggle under others' authority, bristling at their faulty leadership and direction. In our vision, we imagine that everything might be better if we had more authority or power. When we think of that scenario, we may consider the blessings of "freedom" that come from power, but we may forget the responsibilities, such as those presented here. We could easily become led astray by seeking power to its own end, forgetting to serve God first and foremost.

If we are in leadership or in follower-ship, it appears that we may remain on the right path if we live out Jesus's commands to take up our cross. This self-negating lifestyle puts the Kingdom first, others' concerns second, and ours third. How may we exhibit these priorities today? What impact would it have on our schedule? Our wallet?

God really demonstrated his amazing love by calling for this example of godly leadership. As we have opportunity, may we bless others by serving according to this standard, pointing to our loving Father.

Lord God, thank You for giving us an example of godly leadership in Moses and through these commands for your people Israel. As we follow others' leadership, help us to honor You and to serve well. As we have leadership opportunities, give us the courage to put Your concerns first, others' second, and ours third. Keep us from distraction by worldly pleasures and ego boosts. To You be all praise, honor, and glory forever! In Jesus's Name, amen.

March 30

Luke 9:1-6


Delegating authority is part of leadership training.  Jesus knew His time here was short and even though the disciples didn't really understand all that was happening, Jesus sent them out to expand His ministry.  According to Jewish customs, at the time, a person could authorize messengers to act with his full legal authority to the extent of the commission given to them.  (Bible Background Commentary) Jesus exemplifies this as He sends His disciples out with very specific instructions, and most of all He gave them the authority to carry out the mission.  The disciples didn't pack a weeks worth of luxuries before they left mostly because they didn't have any, and also the message they were spreading had nothing to do with material wealth.  By traveling light, they demonstrated their reliance on God's power to provide rather than their own provisions.  So as I was reading this, I was trying to think of how this applies to our life today.  We are all very fortunate to be involved in a church where biblical leadership training to expand the great commission is the heartbeat of our church.  Some people are called to go on overseas Missions trips, some of us find a Mission trip at our kitchen tables.  Either way, we have all answered the call and by the power of the Holy Spirit have been authorized and empowered to act and expand Jesus' ministry.  We deliver Jesus' message to everyone we talk to during the day. We can't get upset if people don't receive the message, maybe that's why Jesus told the disciples to "shake the dust off" when they left a town.  Like the disciples, we have been delegated authority to plant seeds and spread the message of the Gospel.  I don't know who God plans to put in our path today, but there will be someone who needs to hear His message. 


Randi

March 28: Of Love, Awe, and Lying Prostrate.

Deuteronomy 9:1-10:22
Luke 8:4-21

Psalm 69:19-36

Proverbs 12:2-3

What a relationship Moses must have had with God.  I'm trying to think of anyone else who might've been as close to Our Father apart from His Son, and I can't really think of anyone.  Abraham, Noah, David, Solomon - they all seem to have brief, clear conversations with God.  But Moses - Moses had long, ongoing conversations with God.  In Deuteronomy 9:9, we are reminded that Moses hung out with God for 40 days and 40 nights - no food or water.  So I did some research - so much easier these days on the internet - and found man can live without food 21 days, without water a week.  If that's the case, then Moses must have really been tight with our Father, in order for him to have survived that long - because he could NOT have done it on his own.  And he didn't do it just once.  

How good a relationship did he have with God?  He could get God to change His mind.  God wanted to punish the Israelites for their infidelity during Moses's absence; God wanted to punish Aaron for his part in the infidelity.  But Moses was so close to God he was able to persuade Him to stay His righteous anger.  

I'm trying to think of the longest I've been able to sit still.   I remember I have been able to sit quietly for a prolonged period at least thrice - each time, when I had my newborn child lying, sleeping on my chest.  And I couldn't move for fear of disturbing little Sophia, little Christian or little Thomas, for fear of waking the baby I loved; and I couldn't move, in awe of the little person with whom I had just begun a relationship.  I was completely in the moment, full of love and awe - that's why I could stay still with them.

I want that love and awe in my relationship with God.  I don't know if I will ever be able to lie still for 40 days and 40 nights like Moses did, but I would be grateful to know Him better, and consequently love Him and live in awe of Him much more.  

Good Friday

March 25, 2016

 

On this Good Friday I am broken with the fact that we killed God. I am also staggered by the fact that God not only allowed it, but he planned it so I would be part of his kingdom. It is staggering to contemplate. I was reminded this morning of a poem we have read at many of our Good Friday services. It is called "They Took Him Down" and it was written by Jamie Owens. This poem should be read at 3 o'clock this afternoon.

 

They took Him down, His poor dead body,
and prepared Him for His burial.

They took Him down, His poor pale body
drained of life, ashen, and stained
with its own life-blood.

His healing hands, now pierced and still;
Serving hands, that broke five loaves
to feed five thousand;
Holy hands, often folded in fervent prayer;
Poor gentle hands, now pierced and still.

His poor torn feet, now bloodied and cold;
Feet that walked weary miles
to bring good news to broken hearts
Feet once washed in penitent's tears;
Poor torn feet, now bloodied and cold.

His kingly head, made for a crown,
now crowned—with thorns.
His poor kingly head, crowned with thorns.

His gentle breast, now pierced by
spear-thrust, quiet and still;
His poor loving breast.

His piercing eyes, now dark and blind;
Eyes of compassion, warming the soul;
Fiery eyes, burning at sin;
Tender eyes, beckoning sinners;
His piercing eyes, now dark and blind.

His matchless voice, fountain of the Father's
thoughts, stopped—
and stilled—to speak no more.
Silence now, where once had flowed
Wisdom and comfort, Spirit and life;
His matchless voice; stilled, to speak no more.

They took Him down, His poor dead body,
and prepared Him for his burial.
     

As we will sing tonight in church….

Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble…

--

"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

Thursday, March 24

THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2016

Deuteronomy 2:1–3:29

Luke 6:12–38

Psalm 67:1–7

Proverbs 11:27

 

 

“May God be gracious to us and bless us

      and make his face shine upon us,

that your ways may be known on earth,

                your salvation among all nations.

 

May the peoples praise you, O God;

                may all the peoples praise you.” (Psalm 67:1-3)

 

 

In today’s reading, we find Psalm 67, a great hymn to God’s mission of spreading His truth.  Tied to that reading, we also read about Jesus’s selection of the 12 apostles, the “sent ones” who would proclaim the Gospel first to Israel and later to the Gentiles.  From these juxtaposed texts, we feel the loving heart of God and His concern that all would have a chance to join Him in a love-relationship through repentance and faith.

 

In a larger context, missions runs throughout the entire Scriptures.  Pastor John Piper explains that “missions exists where worship does not.”  That is, God brings forth more and more deeply committed worshippers through the spread of the Gospel.  We not only begin our love-relationship through hearing the Gospel, but God also deepen and strengthen as we follow Him in presenting the Good News.  Philemon 6 explains that partnering in the Gospel “may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ.”

 

God places the nations for the very purpose of bringing people to Himself.  In Acts 17:24–28, Paul explained to the Athenians, using the philosophical discourse common to their language and culture:  “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands.  And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else.  From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.  God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.  ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’“ (Acts 17:24-28)

 

Throughout the New Testament, we find the disciples molding the transmission of the same message to bring people to Christ.  The truth does not change, just the contextualization.  Missions research has confirmed this idea throughout the centuries, and it has fueled the Bible translation and Jesus film movements of which Duane Troyer spoke during his recent visit.

 

 

This Easter weekend, I encourage you to take a few moments to explain the truth behind Good Friday and Easter Sunday.  You might consider simply sharing with a Christian friend to bring an air of thankfulness.  As we review this life-giving message over and over, it appears that it becomes more and more real – and our desire to share it with others more tangible.  Praise God for the precious Gift of His Son – and the secure hope of resurrection!

 

As a meditation, please consider these wonderful verses that declare our redemption:  “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:  The old has gone, the new is here!  All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:  that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them.  And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.   We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf:  Be reconciled to God.  God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

 

 

Lord God, thank You for giving us truly good news through the Gospel.  Thank You for Your heart for the nations, including us.  We desperately need You and look to partner with You in sharing Your love with a hurting world.  Help us to speak into people’s lives with the secure hope of resurrection.  To You be all praise, honor, and glory forever!  In Jesus’s Name, amen.

 

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March 23

Psalm 66

The theme of this Psalm is so simple, yet so powerful.  God answers prayers.  While the author is unknown, the Psalm seems to be written after a great victory over a battle.  Haven't we all been there?  That time where just as fire refines silver, God brings us to a trial to stretch our faith and refine our heart.  Those times we are brought to our knees only to realize that crying out to Him is the only way to make it through. In these moments we see our total dependence on God and it's then we stand firm on His promises and His love for us. When we are standing at the Red Sea waiting for the waters to part, I believe He wants us to remember other times He has reached down to rescue us or perhaps remember someone elses' testimony of how God rescued them. The Psalmist paints a beautiful picture of how we gain a deeper understanding and discernment of who God really is when we remember all that He has created and done, and that helps us distinguish His truth from any lie. In that moment, spiritual discipline takes on a new meaning. The gift of life is something to be cherished, and every day His mercies are new.  So as we go through this day, I pray for all of us that  we shout for joy, sing the glory of His name, and make His praise glorious. It's all about worship.  Think of a time when God parted the Red Sea for you and Praise His Holy Name.




Randi

Tuesday, March 22

Luke 5:12-28
Jesus Heals a Man With Leprosy

.12 While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy.[a] When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean."

I love reading about the miracles that Jesus performed for so many afflicted with sickness, diseases and demons; even death. Often we pray for God's healing of others who are dear to us, and we even offer prayers for others when asked. I wholeheartedly believe in the power of prayer, even though the answer may not be as we hoped it would be. When the leper begged Jesus to heal him, he prayed the most important words.....Lord, if You are willing. Even though we can agonize over situations and illnesses, it is entirely up to the Lord as to what will be done. I just know that He does listen and He always welcomes our prayers. This is how we develop our personal relationship with the Lord, and this is how we gain strength to endure on this earth no matter what the outcome to our prayers may be.

Lord God Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, hear our prayers as we come humbly yet boldly before You to petition healing for those we know and love. Whatever the prayer Father, I know that You listen and Your plans for us are good. Give us the strength to accept Your will as You work in our lives each day.

Saturday, March 19, 2016

Saturday, March 19, 2016

[Keesha Sullivan]

​I absolutely love going on vacations. I love packing, buying new outfits and even the planning of the trips. The one aspect I probably love the most is the thought of getting rest. Usually vacations come right on time. I am ready to relax, refresh, and be rejuvenated. I have to be honest though. There are several times that I have gone on vacation and come back tired, looking for another day or two of rest. I've asked myself, "Why?"

​In our reading today, I believe that David unveiled the true answer. He said, "My soul finds rest in God alone' my salvation comes from him" (Psalm 62:1). The only place that David could go to to find rest was to the Father. When David needed relief from his children murdering their siblings, people trying to kill him or even his duties as king, he did not look for a vacation spot. He did not plan an elaborate trip that would entail sleeping in late and fun activities. David looked to the Lord for His rest. 

​He even commands his soul to go to God a few verses later. He says, "Find rest, O my soul, in God alone' my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken" (Psalm 62: 5-6). David knew our Heavenly Father was the only one that would give him rest, hope, and protection. God would fulfill all His needs. 

​God truly gives us everything we need, because everything we need can be found in Him. Although vacations are a nice pastime, when I need rest, I need to go to the Father, so that he can help me to relax, refresh, and to be rejuvenated. 

​Lord God, so many of us are weary, weak and tired. We have so much on our plate that we are overwhelmed. The circumstances seem dire and even impossible. We need rest. We need everlasting peace that cannot be taken from us. We need You, O Lord. Please touch us and give us that rest that puts our soul at ease. Have mercy on us Lord. Please strengthen us and help us to look to You for everything that we need in this life. Thank You for being God and loving us with an unconditional love. Thank You for fulfilling all of our needs. In Jesus's name we pray amen.

March 18

Luke 3 

 

The story told of a pastor who was officiating at a funeral. When the service was completed, he was asked to lead the funeral procession as it made its way to the cemetery. So he got into his car and he started driving at the head of the long column. This is where the trouble began. Sometime during the journey he turned on his radio and started listening to the news. He soon became lost in his thoughts and forgot where he was going. About that time, he passed a Kmart and thought about something he needed to pick up. So he turned into the parking lot. As he was looking for a parking space, he just happened to glance into the rear-view mirror and saw a string of cars following, all with their lights on.

 

It is easy to lose our way on the road of life. This is what happened to the nation of Israel. God picked them to lead the world on "the way" to the Lord. They were supposed to be out front but they became preoccupied and lost their way.

 

In Luke 3 we see John the Baptist calling the nation back to the original mission.  

 

 As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet:

"A voice of one calling in the wilderness,
'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.

 

The role of John is our role today. We are to lead our generation in preparing their hearts to follow Jesus.  

 

This preparation only occurs in the hearts of repentant people.  We must recognize our crookedness and Jesus' straightness.  We must realize that the greatest opportunity given to us each day is to spend time with Jesus. And to keep us from getting lost we pray and take our directions from the Holy Spirit.  

 

It is not easy to lead people to the Lord these days. But we have not been called to live comfortable, easy lives. We have been called to live faithful, obedient lives. Like John the Baptist, our voices are also calling out in the wilderness, "prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him."

 

 

 

--

"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

Thursday, March 17

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016

Numbers 26:1–51

Luke 2:36–52

Psalm 60:1–12

Proverbs 11:15

 

 

“After the [Passover] festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it.  Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends.  When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him.  After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.  Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers.  When his parents saw him, they were astonished.  His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.”

 

“Why were you searching for me?” he asked.  “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”  But they did not understand what he was saying to them.

 

Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them.  But his mother treasured all these things in her heart.  And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.

[Luke 2:43–52]

 

 

In this incident, we find some confusion among Jesus’s parents, as He began to reveal more about His earthly purpose and His heavenly connection.  We may easily identify with Joseph and Mary, who might have become justifiably concerned after losing their son among the Festival crowd.  Their separation lasted three days!  While we may not know the specific reason for this timing, it does parallel the three days of separation that Jesus endured upon His crucifixion, except here He had walked away from His earthly father and mother.

 

Jesus’s parents bring a very natural question to Him, looking to know why He had troubled them with this escapade.  Jesus’s matter-of-fact reply foreshadowed the responses that He would give during his adult ministry, pointing to His relational intimacy with His Father.  Here, as later, His observers struggled to understand the depth of this relationship and its crucial implications.  They wondered how He had achieved such great understanding of spiritual matters without having “studied.”

 

Reflecting on these verses, it makes me think of how Christ-followers should also demonstrate an easy closeness with our Father.  Given that Jesus needed His Father, we recognize how desperately we do as well.  It points to the heartfelt realization of Psalm 73:23-26, where we read:

 

“Yet I am always with you;

    you hold me by my right hand.

You guide me with your counsel,

    and afterward you will take me into glory.

Whom have I in heaven but you?

    And earth has nothing I desire besides you.

My flesh and my heart may fail,

    but God is the strength of my heart

    and my portion forever.”

 

 

Also, these verse encourage us to always be about the Father’s business, reminding us of Matthew 6:33:  “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”  Placing Kingdom priorities in our lives should follow from our connection with our Father, bringing us joy as we complete the purposes for which He created us.

 

Finally, today’s verses close with the multiple dimensions of maturity that we seek for our young people:  wisdom (intellectual growth), stature (physical growth), favor with God (spiritual growth), and favor with man (social growth).  We will be well-served to seek maturity in these areas as well, taking care of our minds and bodies and building solid relationships with God and other people.  In Jesus, we see beautiful wholeness, free of shame or self-loathing.

 

In A. W. Tozer’s The Pursuit of God, he writes about the “blessedness of possessing nothing.”  Pointing to Abraham, Tozer explains that, in God, we may possess nothing but have everything.  Jesus also provides a great example of this God-centeredness – relying on and feasting on His presence.  If we do the same, we will be rich indeed.

 

 

Lord Jesus, thank You for showing us such a great example of seeking first Your Father and the Kingdom.  Thank You for making Yourself poor on the earth and particularly on the Cross so that we might become rich in knowing God.  Send us Your Spirit to enliven and teach our hearts to follow You in obedience and to discover intimacy with our Father.  To You be all praise, honor, and glory forever!  In Your Name, we pray.  Amen.

 

 

“This Is My Father’s World”:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9dWMTxw290

 

 

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March 16

Luke 2

Anyone who has ever experienced or witnessed the birth of a child whether it be your own, a grandchild, a niece, nephew or cousin, can attest to the fact that it is miraculous.  So now, let's take ourselves back 2000 years when the ultimate miracle of child birth took place.  Through The Divine Father, and an earthly mother, Jesus, God in the Flesh is born.  He is surrounded by angels praising His name and announcing His birth.  He stepped down from His Throne in Heaven to take on human form.  Mary was not rushed to the hospital or given a private room for His Royal arrival. Nor was she attended to by the finest doctors.  As a matter of fact, she wasn't even given a room at an inn.  The King of Kings, Lord of Lords, our Savior, was born in a manger. As Luke tells this story he never denies Jesus' divinity as he reveals and emphasizes Jesus' humanity. Simeon and Anna confirmed that Jesus is the Messiah but the Jewish leaders couldn't fathom it.  They were expecting something else.  Their own vision and expectations of The Messiah limited the greatness of God in their minds.  The Jewish authorities were looking for a king that they didn't recognize when He arrived.  So as I was thinking about this I was reminded of times when in my mind, I put limits on a limitless God.  Times when I have allowed preconceived notions and expectations to cloud my vision of the greater plan God has for my life. Much like the Jewish authorities, many times we look at situations by what they appear to be, with worldly lenses, when perhaps Jesus wants us to take a step back and ask Him "Lord, I know what this looks like but what's Your plan?". 

Lord please forgive our shortsightedness.  I pray Lord we remember the miracle of Your birth and the beginning of the hope it brings.  As we go about our day Lord and face challenging circumstances  I pray that by the power of Your Holy Spirit we are reminded that You are limitless and nothing is impossible for You. Give us strength Lord to stop and exchange our tinted lenses for Your heavenly vision.


Randi

Tuesday, March 15

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Numbers 22:28-34
Balaam and His Donkey

28 Then the Lord gave the donkey the ability to speak. "What have I done to you that deserves your beating me three times?" it asked Balaam.
29 "You have made me look like a fool!" Balaam shouted. "If I had a sword with me, I would kill you!"
30 "But I am the same donkey you have ridden all your life," the donkey answered. "Have I ever done anything like this before?"
"No," Balaam admitted.
31 Then the Lord opened Balaam's eyes, and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the roadway with a drawn sword in his hand. Balaam bowed his head and fell face down on the ground before him.
32 "Why did you beat your donkey those three times?" the angel of the Lord demanded. "Look, I have come to block your way because you are stubbornly resisting me. 
33 Three times the donkey saw me and shied away; otherwise, I would certainly have killed you by now and spared the donkey."
34 Then Balaam confessed to the angel of the Lord, "I have sinned. I didn't realize you were standing in the road to block my way. I will return home if you are against my going."

Each time I prepare a post on my reading, I ask the Lord for something that I can understand and that would bring a message to me and to anyone else who may read it. As I began Numbers, and tried to pay close attention to what I was reading, I just started laughing to myself (and perhaps a little bit outloud). All I could think to myself was that I wish I had a talking donkey that could lead me away from a path that takes me away from the Lord. The donkey did not make Balaam look like a fool, she was trying to protect her master from impending doom. What did the poor donkey get in return for her faithful protection.....three beatings. When we sin, we often look to blame others. We often stubbornly resist the Lord and try to do things our own way. We ignore good advice from those who love us and have our best interests at heart. We may even get angry and chastise them for getting in our way. Lord, I thank You today for those You have put in my life who are always guiding me on a path to You. Thank you for Your mercy and forgiveness when I stray; help me to stay Your course. 

March 14: Of obedience. Period. Part 2.

Numbers 21:1-20
Luke 1:26-56
Psalm 57:1-11
Proverbs 11:9-11

Last week we reflected on how the Israelites were obedient to the letter of God's instructions. When He said march, they marched. When He said camp, they camped. When it was unclear what HIs intentions were - as was the case for those ceremonially unclean at the time of the Passover - they inquired of His will, and waited upon His answer. Their obedience, while challenged, was shaped and formed by their experience of His provision. During the time in question they'd experienced God on many occasions - in times of need, such as when they were thirsty and had no water; and in times of disobedience, as when the Lord punished them with disease, and caused the earth to swallow up the sinners. They saw obedience had its benefits, and disobedience its consequences.

Which is why the story of Mary is so astoundingly remarkable for how different it was. You see, at this time, the personal experience of God and His presence had become so rare - our pastor, Scott, once explained to me that Zechariah's vision in the temple was shocking for its rarity and for how long it had been since it had happened. So Mary's response to her call wasn't shaped by the repeated, explicit experience of God's provision, as was the Israelites'.

Neither, it would seem, could it have been shaped by the fear of disobedience. Consider: whereas during Moses's time, disobedience meant death, in this instance Mary was contemplating pregnancy without the benefit of marriage - and on God's orders! This meant that obedience could mean any number of terrible things - being cast out, being stoned to death among them.

And yet she obeyed. Yes, she questioned - but I don't think it was along the lines of "are you kidding me? Do you realize what could happen to me?" Rather, her question seemed more of "wow! Ok...but how? I can't get pregnant on my own." Her question wasn't in the nature of reasoned opposition, it was more a request for instructions so she could get it done.

And she was obedient, not to enjoy the fruits of obedience or avoid adverse consequences associated with disobedience - she was obedient. Period.

I still struggle with obedience. I am more often like the Israelites - obedient in pursuit of goodness, obedient for fear of the consequences of disobedience. May I learn to be like Mary - obedient. Period.

Saturday, March 12, 2016

Saturday, March 12, 2016

Psalm 55

David was not unfamiliar with difficult times.  His first child, born of the woman whose husband he had killed, died not long after birth.  One of his son's raped his daughter.  Another son tried to steal David's throne from him.  And, in Psalm 55 we read of his betrayal by a friend.  This man understood what it was to go through life's storms.

"Oh, that I had the wings of a dove!  I would fly away and be at rest.  I would flee far away and stay in the desert; I would hurry to my place of shelter, far from the tempest and storm." (6-8)  

No one likes going through storms.  Even David wished to fly away from his problems and be at rest.  Some seek to escape storms by escaping reality through fantasy, TV, drugs, alcohol, etc.  Others stuff those emotions deep down inside of their being and try to control them.  Still some explode, lashing out their feelings on those around them.  But, how did David make it through? Speaking from experience with God, David tells us how to make it through a storm in verse 22.

"Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken."

The Hebrew in the phrase "cast your cares" reads also like "cast your lots."  "Casting lots" was like "throwing dice" - you have these cubes and you throw them to see what number comes up.  You don't know what the results of throwing the dice will be.  However, you cast them away from you and let it be.  David encourages us to do the same thing with the cares (or lots) of this life.  Whatever situation we find ourselves in, no matter how big or small, we cast it on the Lord.  The promise is that He (The Lord) will sustain us and keep us from being shaken.  How He does that, I have no idea and I don't need to know - He just does.  He holds us up, gives us strength, and helps us to stand in the middle of it all.  And, while everything else is shaking around us, God gives us the capacity to be still and rest in Him.  I want that.  Do you?

A prayer for us...

Father, you know the situation that I'm facing right now.  I cast it off of me and onto you right now in Jesus' Name.  Whatever I have to face, I know that I face it with you.  Though I must stand in the midst of this, I know I do not stand alone.  Thank you for sustaining me, for covering me, protecting me, and empowering me to endure through this storm and see the other side.  In Jesus' Name.  Amen.

March 11

Mark 15:37-39   With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last.  The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.  And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, heard his cry and saw how he died, he said, "Surely this man was the Son of God!"

There are many significant events that occurred during the 6 hours of Jesus' crucifixion. But the tearing of the temple curtain is certainly one of the most momentous.  Notice the temple curtain was torn from top to bottom. God did this to make sure everyone got the point. This was not a mere coincidence. This was God's statement that the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, just a short distance from this sight, was the sacrifice that would end all temple sacrifices. There is now going to be a new way to approach God. A way that is open to everyone.

Up to this point religion was a second hand experience. Only the high priest could go into the presence of God behind this curtain. This curtain was hung to keep people out. A warning to sinful humanity, that when it comes to a relationship with God, keep your distance.

But then one dark Friday afternoon, at the exact moment Jesus died, this curtain was torn. And look at the first person to enter into this new relationship with God, a Centurion, a brutal man, who was an expert at killing people. Yet something penetrated his heart that Friday and he becomes the first person to confess Jesus Christ.

Here is the hope with the temple curtain being opened. If a professional killer can get in, all of us can get in.

The gospel doesn't care who you are, what you have done, you can be forgiven. You can have a relationship with God.

There is nothing blocking you getting closer to Him. All of the obstacles have been removed. So remove the distractions from your life today and draw closer to our beautiful Savior. The way is open. 

--

"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

Thursday, March 10

THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2016

Numbers 14:1–15:16

Mark 14:53–72

Psalm 53:1–6

Proverbs 11:4

 

 

“Then Moses and Aaron fell facedown in front of the whole Israelite assembly gathered there.  Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had explored the land, tore their clothes and said to the entire Israelite assembly, ‘The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good.  If the Lord is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. ⁹ Only do not rebel against the Lord.  And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will devour them. Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us.  Do not be afraid of them.’” (Numbers 14:5–9)

 

“Immediately the rooster crowed the second time.  Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him:  ‘Before the rooster crows twice you will disown me three times.’  And he broke down and wept.” (Mark 14:72)

 

 

In today’s reading, we find two disheartening examples of people’s falling short of standing with God’s purposes, even with great evidence of His reality.  In the case of the Israelites, we find that the population loses heart when faced with a discouraging (and faithless) report on the Promised Land, even after God had provided a blueprint for His people’s conquest and flourishing there.  For Peter, he denied his affiliation with the Lord Jesus Christ after His farcical trial before the Sanhedrin.

 

Often, our faith rises or falls on our feelings, particularly of comfort and security.  In some ways, we may exhibit “fairweather” faith, much like a “fairweather” fan in sports.  “Fairweather” fans become quite interested in their respective teams once those teams go on a winning streak or appear close to capturing a championship.  In fact, we often hear the term:  “Everyone loves a winner!”  We see the same pattern in electoral politics, where voters look for candidates with positive “momentum.”  As competitive creatures, we like to find ourselves on the “winning” side.

 

In following God, however, we should endeavor to live out an “all-weather” faith, one that remains rooted in God and His promises, even when evidence might suggest the contrary.  In the “Hall of Faith” chapter (Hebrews 11), the writer commends Moses for his faith in spite of opposition and struggle:  “By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.  He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.  He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward.  By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible.” (11:24–27)

 

Similarly, after Peter’s failure, the apostles, led ironically by Peter himself, received insults and even physical violence in standing for the Lord Jesus Christ.  Yet, relying on the Holy Spirit and praying for God’s provision, the apostles received the love and power they needed:  “After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.” (Acts 4:31)

 

In short, in those examples in which believers followed and stood with God, they found great blessing and saw God’s glory in a multiplying way.  Where people chose to see the enormity of their problems instead of God’s power, they stumbled and missed this blessing.  It seems that recognizing God’s greatness and choosing to trust Him unlocks the right path.

 

May we choose to dare greatly by trusting wholly.

 

 

Lord God, thank You for showing us Your greatness in the Scriptures, in creation, and in our own lives.  Give us greater evidence of Your power so that we may trust You more.  Build our faith and speak to us through Your Spirit so that we press ahead rather than turning back.  We love You and seek You with all our hearts.  In Jesus’s Name, amen.

 

“How Great Is Our God (World Edition)”:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D58HbxSw5R4

 

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March 9

Mark 14:23-25

Then He took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, and they all drank from it.  "This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many", He said to them.  "I tell you the truth, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it anew in the kingdom of God".

There are four cups of wine that are drank at the Passover service and in order to grasp this scene we have to go back to Exodus 6:6-7.  Therefore, say to the Israelites: 'I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment. 7 I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians.

The Passover service is the retelling of the story of Exodus. The first cup we drink represents the cup of sanctification.  The second represents the cup of deliverance.  In this passage, Jesus is celebrating the Passover with His disciples. The first two cups have been passed around the table and the proper prayers were said over them according to Passover tradition. The third cup represents the cup of deliverance.  This is the cup that Jesus picked up and passed around for His disciples to drink from. All through our reading we have learned that covenants are sealed by the blood of sacrifice.  At the Exodus, the homes of the Israelites were protected by the lambs blood strategically being placed on the door posts in the outline of a cross. Here, we see Jesus revealing to His disciples that it is His blood that will ultimately be poured out for the redemption of many. The disciples couldn't see at the time that what Jesus was telling them was that only His blood could redeem us. Only He can make us right with God. He is our sacrificial Lamb.  The prayer over the first glass of wine is " Blessed are Thou, Lord our God, King of the Universe, Creator of the fruit of the vine"  The last verse is very interesting because Jesus says that He won't drink again from "the fruit of the vine" until He drinks it anew in the Kingdom of God. So one question, on my list of many, to ask Him when we meet in Heaven is if he drank that fourth cup of wine at the Passover table.  Perhaps we will all partake in the fourth cup together when we meet in heaven and sit at His Table. 

Randi

Marcy 7: Of obedience. Period.

Numbers 8:1-9:23

Mark 13:14-37

Psalm 50:1-23

Proverbs 10:29-30

Num 9:6-8 - But some of them could not celebrate the Passover on that day because they were ceremonially unclean on account of a dead body.  So they came to Moses and Aaron that same day and said to Moses, "we have become unclean because of a dead body, but why should we be kept from presenting the Lord's offering with the other Israelites at the appointed time?"  Moses answered them, "Wait until I find out what the Lord commands concerning you."

Num 9:17-23 - Whenever the cloud lifted from above the tent, the Israelites set out; wherever the cloud settled, the Israelites encamped.  At the Lord's command the Israelites set out, and at His command they encamped.  As long as the cloud stayed over the tabernacle, they remained in camp.  When the cloud remained over the tabernacle a long time, the Israelites obeyed the Lord's order and did not set out.  Sometimes the cloud was over the tabernacle only a few days; at the Lord's command they would encamp, and then at His command they would set out.  Sometimes the cloud stayed only from evening till morning, and when it lifted in the morning, they set out. Whether by day or by night, whenever the cloud lifted, they set out.  Whether the cloud stayed over the tabernacle for two days or a month or a year, the Israelites would remain in camp and not set out; but when it lifted, they would set out.  At the Lord's command they encamped, and at the Lord's command they set out.  they obeyed the Lord's order, in accordance with His command through Moses.

I was struck by obedience, in the many ways it was represented in today's readings.  And I was struck at how society's definition, and my definition, of obedience has changed so much.  Consider the second of the excerpts above: when it came to setting up or striking camp, leaving or staying, for the Israelites in the desert, God's word stood alone - not just supreme, alone.  When He told them to go, they went; when He told them to stop, they stopped - and only for as long as He said, be it for the day or the year.  There were no questions, no "why?"  or "why not?".  There was just obedience.

The first excerpt I found even more remarkable. The Israelites who, because of ceremonial uncleanliness, were unable to celebrate the Passover, WANTED to do so.  They could have spared themselves the trouble of the sacrifice, they could have said "well, God said not to do it, so we won't".  But they didn't - their appreciation for the Lord was such that, when told they could not, they complained!  They didn't complain and say "hey, we want to do a good thing, so we're going to do it anyway!"  They didn't complain and demand that Moses grant them approval to celebrate the Passover.  No, they complained...and then they left it to God.  And Moses himself, a man accustomed to speaking with God and who could very well have presumed to know what God would have said - Moses did not presume to know God's mind - His response was "wait until I find out what the Lord commands concerning you."

So much sin appears to be committed today under the guise of good intentions - I know I have often compounded my guilt by justifying disobedience with good intentions.  I pray that, amidst a world where self reigns, and the gratification of self seems to be the greatest objective, that  I - we - learn to have such a close relationship with God as did the Israelites, and that we learn to be as obedient as they (once) were.

Saturday, March 4, 2016

Saturday, March 5, 2016

"'Well said, teacher,' the man replied. 'You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.' …[Jesus] said to him, 'You are not far from the kingdom of God.'" (Mark 12:32-34)

The Pharisees and Sadducees were constantly trying to "catch" Jesus saying something false or contradictory to the Scriptures. They knew the words of the law very well - it was in their heads - but they couldn't seem to get it down to their hearts. They were good at living FOR God - doing things for His love and approval, like sacrificing bulls on the altar. However, they were not very good at living FROM God - doing things because of His love. That's why they had such a difficult time with Jesus. He always taught the Scriptures from the heart-level, the way that God had always intended them. The Scriptures weren't just a bunch of rules - they were a way of life that had a very clear Center - Love.

"We love because he first loved us." (1 John 4:19)

Love did not originate with us, but rather with God. His goal was to share His abundance of love with us and then for us to share that love with each other. Imagine you're at the beach. You dive into the waves, get soaking wet, and then, running out of the water, you give a long hug to someone who is bone dry. Very soon you'll both be wet. I believe that is what the Lord intended when He gave us these Greatest Commandments. He wanted us to dive into His ocean of love, get soaked and then go soak others. The teacher of the law seemed to agree with this. So, why did Jesus say, "You are not far from the kingdom of God"? What else did he need to "do"? Receive.

"Anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it" (Luke 18:17).

Receiving the kingdom is what separates the modern day "hippie," who is all about peace and love, from the Christ-follower. God created us to receive and to give His love, but we cannot do it unless we make Jesus Christ to be our Lord, our Champion, our Leader, and our King. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Jesus. And, without coming to the Father we never encounter real, unadulterated, pure Love. "God [the Father] is Love" (1 John 4:16).

I don't know where you are in your relationship with God today. Maybe you still struggle with living FOR God rather than FROM God. Maybe you like the idea of God's love, but struggle with God's leading. Whatever your situation, you are not far from the kingdom of God! Receive the truth, that God loves you in spite of every reason you think He shouldn't (Romans 5:8); that His leading and His love come from the same heart (Psalm 23).

Lord, help us to receive your love fully so that we can give your love freely. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

March 4

March 4 2016

Mark 12:10-11 Haven't you read this scripture: "'The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes'?"

Jesus is in a battle with the political and religious heavy weights of his day. They are throwing the same verbal jabs at him as the politicians of today. They are waiting for him to slip up in one of his responses and then they are going to place that as the headlines in the "Jerusalem Times" newspaper the next morning.  

But Jesus is fighting back. He just shared a parable that indicted them as conspirators and then pronounced a prophetic word that sealed their eternal destinies. This word is so powerful that it also seals our destiny. This word is about Jesus himself. Either He is the capstone or He is a crushing stone. If Jesus is the capstone He is the last brick in the building, this symbolizes that Jesus completes our lives. Often this stone was of different material than the rest of the stones. Jesus was rejected by the religious people of his day because He was different. He didn't fit their preconceptions or play the game by the rules they made up.

So if Jesus irritates you. If His words are hard and don't fit into your worldview, your plans, your sexual orientation, if you find his teaching narrow and restrictive, Jesus will become a crushing stone.

But if Jesus becomes the very top of your life, if he guides and directs everything you are and all that you do, He is your capstone. If you live under His authority and His guidance then He completes your life, not complicates it.

The decision is yours and the outcome is your destiny. Choose wisely. 

--

"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

Thursday, March 3

THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016

Leviticus 27:14 – Numbers 1:54

Mark 11:1–26

Psalm 46:1–11

Proverbs 10:23

 

 

“God is our refuge and strength,

                an ever-present help in trouble.

Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way

                and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

though its waters roar and foam

                and the mountains quake with their surging.” (Psalm 46:1–3)

 

“The Lord Almighty is with us;

    the God of Jacob is our fortress.” (Psalm 46:7)

 

“He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;

    I will be exalted among the nations,

    I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46:10)

 

 

Today’s psalm proclaims several great truths surrounding God’s sovereignty over nature and the nations, all of which lead to greater devotion and humble faith.

 

The psalmist describes God as our “refuge and strength,” our resting place in the face of great strife.  The Scriptures and reality provide many examples of natural disasters and tumult within and between nations.  This volatility makes us realize that, without God’s intervention, we would be extremely vulnerable and points us to our supreme need for our Rock and Redeemer.  When we welcome God’s presence “with us,” He becomes our “fortress.”

 

We could only rightly trust a strong, faithful, and benevolent God, Who holds sway over the present and the future.  The Scriptures and our own lives of faith testify to these truths.  While it takes faith to trust God, we realize through experience that trusting Him in the small things leads us to trust Him more deeply at the macro level.

 

How does this trust come about?  In v. 10, the psalmist explains that it comes through a listening, observant study of God’s sovereignty.  God calls us to “be still” in His presence, to rest before Him.  As we do, we will understand the magnitude of God’s power and concern.

 

The truths from Psalm 46 tie to Psalm 73:23–26, which provides solace and strength for me in times of doubt or frustration.  We must know of our Father’s love and His all-sufficiency in every need.  Asaph, the psalmist there, gives us a great insight into the truths we recognize in being still before our Father:

 

“Yet I am always with you;

    you hold me by my right hand.

You guide me with your counsel,

    and afterward you will take me into glory.

Whom have I in heaven but you?

    And earth has nothing I desire besides you.

My flesh and my heart may fail,

    but God is the strength of my heart

    and my portion forever.”

 

 

May we embrace God as “the strength of my heart/ and my portion forever.”  We need His presence urgently to make it through each day – and especially those moments of challenge, where we recognize that nothing or no one could stand in for Him.

 

 

Lord God, thank You for being our refuge and our help.  We desperately need Your presence today and always.  Help us to be still before You and comprehend more of Your awesome strength and holiness.  Reveal Your power to us and bring us closer to Your side so that we may walk through moments of peace or turmoil with confidence and joy.  We embrace You as our great God and Protector.  We love You and worship You forever.  In Jesus’s Name, amen.

 

Rich Mullins, “Calling Out Your Name”:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BaNwTYJrYtA

 

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