february 29

February 29, 2012
Numbers 14-15; Psalm 90
It is truly a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God! Especially when He is angry. The Israelites discovered this truth when they had finally went too far. His anger burned for forty years. Yet, even in this, they were still able to realize His grace. As the Psalm says, with the Lord a thousand years is but a day. When their punishment would come to an end, they could take comfort in knowing that their children would inherit the promised land. In this short span of time, God's anger would cool. He does not stay mad.

Could this possibly mean that Edward Fudge is right in his theory of what hell and eternal judgment is all about? Perhaps we have a glimpse of what is to come. The Israelites knew what they were being denied, and there was nothing they could do about it. All they had to look forward to was death, and that death would be final. It would never be reversed. I suppose that it would be hell to know what the glories of heaven are to be, while being denied those privileges, with only an eternal destruction in the lake of fire for your future.

February 28

Numbers 11-13
If I had to give tody's reading a title, it might go something like this, "The Valley of Tears!"  First, we have the people crying out against God because they want meat, then Moses cries out to God because the burden is too great, next is Marum and Aaron crying out against Moses because they are jealous of his power, and finally there are the ten spies out of twelve who cry that the promised land is full of giants that can't be overcome.  Wow!  One would be hard-pressed to find a better soap opera.  Is it any wonder that God's anger was aroused?

The primary cause of all the wailing was a lack of trust in the Lord.  They were not content to let God do things in His own way, and in his own time.  Aren't we often guilty of the same?  Paul encourages us to be content in every circumstance.  He does this because he knows our inclination is to cry.  We would do well to remember Israel when circumstances are less than ideal.

February 27

   
Numbers 8-10
As we read through these first books of the Bible, it's hard to escape the repetitiveness. My wife does this to me. There are times when she will repeat something as many as three or four times. This often concerns me, because I wonder if she's losing her memory. But, I've discovered that it has nothing to do with her memory. She's concerned about mine, and what she wants me to remember is important to her.

There are some things that God finds to be so important that He wants to impress them upon the minds and hearts of His people, so that they might not forget. We would do well to pay special attention to those things He repeats. He just might be telling us that it is important to Him that we don't forget.

February 26

 
Numbers 7
The priests of God brought their offerings to the Lord, thus providing an example to the people. It does little good to lead and instruct others in the ways of the Lord if those same leaders are not themselves being led by and instructed of the Lord. I praise God for the godly leaders in our church who practice what they preach, humbly living the truth as it is given. When leaders don't lead by example, they don't lead at all!

February 25

Numbers 5-6

There are those who the scriptures for exhibiting male chauvinism. Today's reading lends credence to that charge. It would seem that God held Israelite women to a different standard concerning adultery than what He did for men. Indeed, if a man just suspected his wife of infidelity, she was treated as one guilty until proven innocent! And then, to add injury to insult, if she were proven to be innocent, her husband suffered no ill for the false charge!


I don't pretend to fully understand what clearly seems to me to be an unjust law. Who can know the mind of God? However, it would appear that the Israelite women of old did understand. As vocal as they were, we never read of them levying a charge that God was treating them unfairly. To the contrary, it would seem that they had complete confidence in His decrees and statutes. I don' believe they were weak, brainwashed, robitrons. These were strong women, able to bear any load. Perhaps they were more in touch with God than we realize!

February 24

Numbers 3-4

Henry Ford gets credit for the modern assembly line system of manufacturing. Indeed, he totally revolutionalized the production of cars, bringing the down substantially. Due to his efforts factories are able to supply what is needed so efficiently that the final product can be priced low enough so as to make it affordable to nearly everyone. Prior to Ford's assembly line the cost associated with manufacturing was so high that only the rich could afford to buy. Furthermore, without this efficient process many things would go undone because the cost and the man-hours involved is beyond comprehension.


Such is the case with the tabernacle. Without the organization of the Levite clans, and the assembly line process of assigning particular duties to each individual clan, the dismantling, assembling, and use of this massive tabernacle for the nomadic Israelites would have been nearly impossible. But, God, through Moses, establishes an effective assembly line process to get the job done, and it works! I don't know if this is where Henry Ford drew his inspiration, but I do know that he was not the first to come up with, and implement, the assembly line process!

February 23

Numbers 1-2
As we begin the book of Numbers, we see God's direction for the armies if Israel. I am struck with the many similarities with respect to America's armed forces, and I am once again reminded of our nation's foundational principles, as drafted by men who were persuaded that we should be "one nation, under God." High and lofty ideals that have made our nation great are currently under attack. It's a tricky thing to mix politics with religion. Israel was God's nation, formed by Him, and for His service; with a purpose to play an integral part in the fulfilment of God's great scheme for the redemption of mankind. Contrary to what some might believe, America is not God's nation! It is good that our forefathers sought His guidance, and it would be good if our current leaders would do the same. But, let us never fall into the heresy of exalting any nation to a position that God has not given.

February 22

 
Leviticus 26-27
There is a principal found in today's reading that weaves itself through the entire Bible. Our blessings from God, or lack thereof, have a direct correlation to what we offer, or refuse to offer, Him. Even though our motive in giving should never be with thought of what we will gain in return, God does increase our blessings when we give liberally. He examines our heart to determine the purity of our gift, and corresponds in kind. Perhaps when we find ourselves on the short end of the stick, it may be that we have been short in our offerings to the Lord!

February 21

Leviticus 24-25
It's interesting, and just a bit perplexing that God condones slavery. He gives rules for the treatment and redemption, that, if followed, would make slavery more palpable. However, many of us would say that slavery is wrong in any form or fashion. I lean in that direction. This begs the question: Why does God allow slavery? Slavery is not just an Old Testament teaching. God doesn't condemn the practice anywhere in the Bible, and He is not silent on the subject. However, slavery, as outlined by God, has little resemblance to the way it is often practiced. He offered this as an option, primarily for people who have no other alternative. Slave masters are to treat their slaves as equals. Mistreatment is soundly condemned! And, freedom is always an option.

So, should we practice slavery today? Probably not. History has shown that the proper execution of slavery is beyond our abilities. Furthermore, we should ask ourselves why we would even want to enslave our fellow man. If it is to help them out, then offer our charity.

February 20

 
Leviticus 22-23
The Israelites were given many Sabbaths. We wrongly define Sabbath as only the seventh day of rest found in the Ten Commandments. While that is a Sabbath, there are many more given. They were to observe numerous festivals that included Sabbath days of rest, dedicated to the Lord. Why do you suppose God required so many days devoted to His praise and honor? After all, God is not in need of our praise. Might it rather be that we are in need? It appears that God's Hebrew children needed a lot of reminders. Even with those reminders, they were still prone to stray.

Are we any different? Aside from the obvious benefits coming from a day of rest, are we taking advantage of the opportunities given to remember the blessings we have in Christ? Are we engaging in joyful acts of praise to our loving Lord? Do we reap the benefits of time spent in prayer and meditation? Finally, are we receiving the spiritual strength that can only be had through a regular regimen of spiritual exercise?

February 19

Leviticus 19-21

We Americans often condemn other cultures that practice corporal punishment for sexual sins. Yet, God gave Israel commandments to do just that. There is a whole list of sexual sins, including incest, adultery, bestiality, and homosexuality, that were to be punishable by death! Even though the New Covenant removed the death penalty from these sins, it did not remove the wrongness. When Jesus convicted the Pharisees of their hypocrisy in condemning the adulterous woman, and did not offer His own condemnation of her, He still told her to sin no more.


As Christians, we have a moral obligation to condemn sin and remove it from our lives. However, this does not include the judgment, condemnation, and punishment of others who are caught up in sin! This is left to our high priest, the Lord, Jesus Christ.

February 18

 
Leviticus 16-18
Today's reading began with God giving instructions to Aaron for his priestly duties. It strikes me that Aaron is still serving God after God has killed his two sons, Nadab and Abihu. I don't really know if could that.

There are those who leave the Lord after losing a child, blaming God for their child's death. I believe that the blame is misplaced. However, Aaron could justly place the blame on God! In spite of that, he continues to serve the Lord. What an example!

February 17

 
Leviticus 14-15
It's fairly easy to understand the regulations surrounding clean and unclean situations. God is providing methods to prevent the spread of disease. However, I confess that I have a difficult time understanding the offerings and the attached rituals. Was the Lord providing something similar to pagan worship so the people would not feel out of place, or did these rituals actually have some sort of spiritual significance?

I don't believe that God acts without purpose. He is not a frivolous God. However, I do believe that we might not always understand His purpose. When that happens, it is incumbent upon us to trust that He does have a purpose, and to simply accept His direction. Such is the case with the Trinity. I do not fully understand why and how God has chosen to represent Himself in three persons, while remaining one God. But, I can, and do, accept the divinity of all three persons of the Godhead. And, I do believe that there is only one God! I suppose that the Israelites felt much the same in relation to the many regulations concerning offerings. 

February 16

Leviticus 11-13
That which is clean or unclean, regulations given to the Israelites.  Many of these appear to be health related.  It's almost as if God were providing a medical manual.  However, the food items are a different matter altogether.  Modern science has been able to verify the veracity of those issues related to the skin, mold, birth, etc.  But, the separation of the food items fit into a different category, because both the clean and unclean animals are beneficial to our health and well-being.

So, what is this business with the animals all about?  God was calling for a clear separation of His people from the Gentile nations.  The peoples outside of Israel were to be considered unclean.  It is no accident that the Lord chose to reveal His acceptance of Gentiles with the vision of clean and unclean animals together, and the command to Peter, telling him to eat the unclean meat.  With the New Covenant, God has proclaimed that neither mankind nor animal shall ever be declared unclean again!  So, enjoy that honey-baked ham with your Jewish and Gentile friends, knowing that the Lord has made your food and fellowship clean!

February 15

Leviticus 8-10
Nadab and Abihu represent those ministers who have chosen to do it their way, instead of God's. In their case judgment was swift and terrible. For those who distort the saving message of grace, the judgment is not as swift, but it is even more terrible! In the age of grace these, who would choose to do it their own way, are given time to repent, simply because of grace. However, repent they must! Because, a time is coming when God will judge, and His judgment on those who lead others astray will be extremely harsh!

Lord, I pray that we might always seek to fulfill ministry as you would have us do -- that we might never believe that our way is better than yours!

February 14

Leviticus 5-7

As God spells out the regulations for various sacrifices and offerings, I noticed that the priests were to eat the sin offering. It occurs to me that this has not changed. Under the new covenant, all Christians are priests. Jesus established a sacrament that these new priests have been taking part in since the inception of the church. Every week we eat the bread, representing the sin offering given through the sacrifice of God's perfect Lamb. We eat the flesh and drink the blood as we surround the Lord's table. The primary difference is that our sacrifice is of greater value, the effect being eternal. The beauty is that this perfect Lamb of God is also our High Priest!

February 13

Leviticus 1-4 As I read the details for the offerings the Israelites brought before the Lord, there seems to be three essential aspects that speak to the heart of giving. First, the giver prepared the gift. In this, the gift is not thoughtless. Planning what to give and how to give it requires one to actually consider how this gift will be received, and who the gift is for. Secondly, a portion of the gift is used to provide support for the priests, those who have given their lives in service to God and His people. Ordained ministers of God have been supported throughout the scripture. Even Jesus and His disciples were financially supported by a group of female followers! The tent makers, like the Apostle Paul, who are self-supported, are a minority. And, their having to support themselves is generally a shame to those who should be providing that support. The third aspect of the offering has to do with the portion presented to God. In order to fulfill the requirements of the Law, this portion was put to the fire as a sweet aroma to the Lord. So, how does this relate to those of living under the New Covenant? Consider that Jesus said that whatever we do to the poor and destitute, we do to Him. Might it not be that this third part of the gift is to be used to minister to the needy? Churches ought to be benevolent entities, demonstrating the compassion and love of God.

February 12

Exodus 39-40

As I read about the garments prepared for the priests who are to serve in the tabernacle, I'm struck by the weight of it all. These garments were not meant for the weak or frail. These men had to keep themselves in good shape in order to bear the burden. I wonder, is that the point of it all?


Ministers of the word must be willing to take on the weight of the church's burden. They must be ready to take on the mantel and shoulder the load of those they are shepherding. I am speaking metaphorically, but the analogy remains true. In order to fit enough for this robe of ministry, they must take heed to their own spiritual welfare, staying strong in the Word and relationship with its Author!

February 11

Exodus 36-38

Calculating the value of the gold used in the building of the ark and tabernacle, it comes out to more than sixty million dollars! This doesn't include the value of all the other materials. The silver alone weighed more than three times the weight of the gold. Add to that the bronze, rare jewels, fine cloth materials, and assorted other items, and the total cost would probably exceed 100 million dollars. If this isn't enough, we read that Moses actually had to tell the quit giving because they had already received more than was needed!


This begs the question, "Does God really need His people to give and spend that much?" The simple answer is, "No." But, we need to give that much in honor to God. When Israel willingly gave more than was needed, it demonstrated that God was more important to them than their wealth and possessions. Since we Christians enjoy a better covenant, shouldn't our offering be greater?

February 10

Exodus 33-35
Israel was saved from God's wrath because Moses intervened. Moses had a special, personal relationship with God because he was obedient. In fact, Moses actively sought out God's guidance so that he might not sin. God actually offers His own praise to Moses, and carries on a dialogue such as none other in scripture. Even though Aaron was a priest, set apart by God, it is Moses whom God draws near to Himself!

The lesson should be obvious, draw near to God and He will draw near to us. But, it isn't quite as simple as it sounds on the surface. Drawing near to God is not a passive act. Rather, it is a life-altering decision, involving devotion to His teachings so that we might be better able to fulfill His leading. It is a surrendering of ourselves to His will, desiring and actively pursuing total obedience in order to please Him in all we say and do. Just as Moses spent quality time with God, so we take time from our busy schedules to devote ourselves to prayer and meditation. Perhaps, if we follow the example of Moses, our lives might also glow with glory of God! 

February 9

Exodus 30-32

God was ready to destroy the Israelites after they made and worshiped the golden calf. However, Moses intervened on their behalf, praying that God would relent, even offering himself as a substitute to appease God's anger. God changed His mind, deciding to withhold destruction because of Moses appeal.


This is such a needful lesson on the power of prayer. We often feel helpless, believing that our circumstances must be God's will, and that there is nothing we can do about. When, in reality, we can petition God to have a change of heart and plan. Ultimately, we have to accept whatever decision He makes, but, in the meantime, we don't have to passively accept His will without actively engaging Him with our own concerns and will.

February 8

Exodus 28-29

When I read the requirements God placed upon the ministers who delivered His word to the Israelites it leaves me breathless! The preparation involved, along with the process, seems outlandish and bizarre. I don't really pretend to understand, but I do believe that it reveals an aspect of God's will for ministers of the Word.


There are many who profess to be qualified ministers in the modern church who have little or no training. One can receive an ordination without any schooling or credentials. Justification for this lack of process comes from a misapplication of the scripture that proclaims all believers to be priests. While it is true that we should all be ready to give an answer for the faith we possess, it is also true that God sets aside certain ones for ministry roles. This is not to be taken lightly. Delivering God's word to His people is serious business. In fact, we are told that preachers will receive a more stringent judgment! Knowing this, and seeing the emphasis God placed on the preparation of His ministers in the Old Testament, it would behoove us to put a lot of preparation and training into preaching. I applaud those who devote themselves to formal training an education in preparation for their work in the ministry. These are helping the church to overcome the divisiveness that has devastated our witness to the lost.

February 7

Exodus 25-27
God gives specific instructions for the construction of the ark and tabernacle. The detail given is nothing short of amazing! The finished product must have been something to behold. The value, just from a human perspective, was enormous. Add to the gold and finery the spiritual significance, and you end up with something that is truly priceless!

Isn't that the whole idea? What God designs cannot be bought. His creations exceed the worth of this world. Consider this concept as He says that our bodies are a living temple; that He dwells within each of us! As spectacular as the tabernacle and ark of the covenant were -- as priceless as they were -- they pale in significance to that which has been designed and completed through the work of our Savior at Calvary! As precious as gold is, it becomes as worthless as the dust beneath our feet in comparison to the cleansing blood of Jesus! 

February 6

Exodus 22-24
God tells the Israelites that they are to give Him the first fruits of all they acquire.  He commanded that they sacrifice to Him their very best!   Even though I realize that the Law doesn't apply to Christians, I can't help but believe that God still expects the very best of what we have to be used in His service.

When I handled the finances in our family, the first check I would write, after depositing my paycheck, was my contribution to the church.  I'm not quite sure what method my wife uses, but I trust that the first and best of what we receive is dedicated to the Lord's service.  This has been our shared conviction ever since we surrendered ourselves to Christ.  I don't say this to boast, because there is nothing to boast about.  This is just our reasonable service, as it is for all of God's children.  Yet, statistically, Christians give less than 3% of their income!  Shocking, isn't it?  Oh, I know that our offerings include more than financial contributions, but that is no excuse for not giving more money than we do.  One of my Bible instructors once said that you can measure the spirituality of a church by the generosity of its members.  What do you think? Is our money more important to us than pleasing God with the first fruits?

February 5

Exodus 19-21
God spells out the ten commandments, and then He begins to delineate laws with which they are to be governed.  We tend to place great emphasis on the former, and rightly so!  However, the laws are another matter altogether.  These are given specifically to the Israelites at a given time and place.  Therefore, they don't apply to us.

This may be so, but do we not get a glimpse into the heart of God through these laws and ordinances?  As one reads, God's sense of fairness is revealed.  His view of justice is made known.  He offers a pattern to protect individual rights.  Would it not be wise to study and learn from these?  For instance, if we placed the death penalty on those who commit the crimes God outlines, wouldn't we have lower crime rates and less crowded prisons?  Not to mention, fewer repeat offenders!  There's a lot of wisdom in God's laws!

February 4

Exodus 16-18
Ever hear someone say, "I don't have to go to church to be a Christian."?  In essence, they are saying, "I can do it alone.  I don't need anyone else."  Tell that to Moses as he stood on the hill, trying to keep his arms raised so that Joshua could defeat the Amalekites!  Without a little help from his friends, Moses would have failed miserably.

And then there's the preacher who is working round the clock, doing everything because it needs to get done.  I know, because I was once that preacher!  Of course, you don't have to be a preacher to carry too heavy a burden.  You could be a housewife, or a common laborer.  We need to take Jethro's advice, and learn to delegate.  Those in both these scenarios are trying to do it alone.  God never intended our load to be heavy.  Instead, He places us with a body of believers, that we might share one another's burdens.

February 3

Exodus 13-15
I keep seeing Charleton Heston, as Moses, stretching hands over the waters as they part.  After the Israelites have crossed over on dry land, Charelton raises his hands again, the walls of water come crashing down, and the Egyptian army is swallowed up, while Yul Brenner, playing the Pharaoh, looks on in disbelief.  What a movie!  I was a child when it came out.  The special effects were spectacular!  No CGI here!  Hollywood brought the old story alive, and it was an instant hit.

We like to be reminded of God's awesome power.  We need to be reminded.  Because, we, like the Israelites, have short memories.  When dramatic events unfold, demonstrating our helplessness and dependence, we quickly turn to our God who is bigger, and more terrible, than anything that can be thrown at us.  However, when the danger has passed, when we have been safely delivered, when our prayers have been answered, we soon forget, and then we, like Israel, living in the comfort of His care, start to grumble when things are not exactly the way we think things should be.  Oh Lord, create in us a heart free from grumbing, a heart that is content to lean upon your understanding, patiently waiting to follow your leading.  Thank you for your diligent deliverance and never-ending love of your people.

February 2

Exodus 10-12
When I consider the numbers of the Israelites leaving Egypt, it is staggering!  I'm not a mathematician, but 600,000 men probably translates to something in the neighborhood of more than three million people when one considers wives and children.  That's more than the entire populations of South Dakota, Montana, and Wyoming combined!  And, all of these people, carrying all of their possessions, along with the plunder of Egypt, pushing their flocks and herds ahead of them, are being led by an eighty-year-old man!  Talk about a logistical nightmare!  God is able to do immeasurably more than we can ever hope or imagine.

It sometimes helps to put things into perspective when we consider the mighty deeds of our God, when we take a few minutes and allow ourselves to actually see the big picture.  In all that He was doing on that momentous day when delivering the Hebrew captives, we read that He was actually holding each individual accountable for keeping His Passover regulations, making sure that there was no leaven in this massive throng of people.  If, in a single twenty-four hour period, God is able to kill all the firstborn of Egypt, while avoiding those with the blood marking their doors, then leading an entire nation out of hostility, while monitoring their obedience, I think it's safe to say that He can handle anything we can throw at Him.  Thank you, Lord, for being the big God we need in times of trouble and distress.  Amen.

February 1

Exodus 7-9
Holding to one's convictions can be a good thing, if we remain open-minded enough to re-evaluate our position when new evidence is introduced.  Pharaoh had been successful in his oppression if the Israelites.  Egypt was prospering under their system of Hebrew slavery.  There seemed to be no reason to change.  Pharaoh was comfortable with the status quo.  That is, until God introduced new evidence.  Egypt was now suffering under the weight of Jewish captivity.  However, Pharaoh was resistant to change, even though the change would benefit both parties.  His stubbornness was destroying Egypt, while Israel was gaining strength.  To give in to change, would be an admission that his judgment was wrong.

What are we stubbornly holding onto?  Is there clear evidence that a change would be beneficial?  Are we resisting because we are comfortable with the status quo?  Would change mean having to eat humble pie, admitting we were wrong?  Change for change sake is not a good thing.  However, change for the betterment of ourselves and our loved ones is always the way to go, even if it does mean that we humbly go against our former position where we boldly stated, "That will never happen!"  Our boldness just might be in opposition to God's direction.

January 31

Exodus 4-6
Moses lacks confidence in his ability to speak to Pharaoh.  He needs to be reminded many times that God is with him, and that God will fulfill His purposes through His servants.  I wonder, do we need to be reminded as well?

There's an old hymn that states: "There is much to do, there's work on every hand!  Hark, the cry for help comes ringing through the land!  Jesus calls for reapers; I must active be.  What wilt thou, oh Master?  Here am I, send me!"

I've always liked that song, and when I've heard it sung, it is done with great gusto!  Yet, it has not been my experience to witness many truly answering the call.  Do we fail in bringing the gospel message out of a lack of confidence, like Moses?  If so,  we need to hear God's voice, gently reminding us that He is with us, and that it is He, Himself, working through us.

January 30

Exodus 1-3
What was Moses to Pharaoh's daughter?  She finds him in a creek; knows he is a Hebrew child that should have been killed, per her father's orders, yet she takes him in anyway.  Was it in defiance to her father, or was she just being compassionate?  Only she can provide the answer.  However, God used her to help fulfill His plan.

There are a lot of minor characters in God's drama for mankind.  Whether minor or major, all are important in helping to unfold the eventual outcome.  I suspect that I am a minor character, maybe the guy who sweeps the stage, or I could be conducting the orchestra.  Whatever the position, I know that God is using me to fulfill His purposes.  He's using you too!

January 29

Genesis 48-50
Jacob takes the time to thoughtfully plan out special individual blessings for each of his sons.  What an example of a Godly father!  He has taken notice of each son, knowing their strengths and weaknesses.  With each sons' character in mind, he pronounces a blessing in like kind.  In this, Jacob's sons are assured of their father's love and wisdom.

Every parent should know their child this well.  However, for that to happen we must spend time with them.  This goes both ways.  When children are home there must be intentional time spent with each one.  When they are grown they must take time out of their busy schedules for their parents.  It is a lifetime process.  Parent/child relationships are some of the most important that we have in this life.  Think about it.  How good would our relationship be with our Heavenly Father if we didn't spend time with Him?  He spends all the time in the world with us!

January 28

Genesis 46-47
Mark Twain said that the only two things that are certain is death and taxes.  Both of these are seen in today's reading.  Jacob draws near to his death, and the people of Egypt look to the government to avoid death by starvation.  The government, through Joseph, helps the people in exchange for a flat tax of 20%.  I imagine that there are many today who like to see such a low flat tax.  It worked for Egypt, and I suppose it could work for us.

I find this to be fascinating, having once been a tax collector.  The system used in Egypt was simple and straight-forward.  The only ones exempt were the priests.  Other than that, it made no difference if you were rich or poor -- everyone paid 20%.  There was no complicated system, requiring multiple bureaucracies and officials to interpret and administer the laws involved.  If you didn't pay, you didn't eat.  Now I know that I am over-simplifying it, but I also know that it was considerably less complicated than what we face in modern day America.  The government could be depended upon to fulfill their end of the agreement, and the people were happy to pay, because they were grateful for a benevolent government.  Just seems to me that our current legislators could take a lesson.

January 27

Genesis 43-45
My youngest grandchild nearly always complains that is isn't fair when his siblings get something that he doesn't.  Through his little eyes, when treatment is not exactly the same it means that he is being slighted, and that is just plain wrong.  In fact, as I discussed the story of Joseph, he had no compunction in stating that it wasn't fair when Jacob gave Joseph a special robe, because he didn't do the same for his other brothers.  My grandson's immature view is amusing, but I have to ask myself if I don't sometimes make the same immature judgment.  Are we sometimes guilty of thinking it unfair when others appear to be receiving special blessings?  I have asked why is it that I found limited success in full-time ministry after having sacrificed so much.  How is it that others enter into the ministry and find themselves enjoying a fulfilled life in the kind of service that I had so yearned?  It just doesn't seem fair!

But, then I stop and consider how God has taken what I have considered to be a lesser gift, and created a life that is filled with blessings, using me in accordance with His plan.  It is then that I realize it is not a question of fairness.  Rather, it is a statement of correctness.  Each blessing being a piece of the beautiful mosaic, formed through His creative genius.  My part is just as valuable as anyone else.  If even one piece is missing the puzzle is incomplete and worthless.  Just as Joseph's other brothers played a special role in God's overall plan, so we!  Thank you, Father, that you have made an important place for each of us.  Help us to realize that none of stand alone; that we all fit together to form one complete body, making us the flawless bride of Christ!

January 26

Genesis 41-42
There is an expression, often referred to as karma, that states: "What comes around, goes around."  It simply means that we receive equal recompense for those things done, whether good or bad.  Joseph's brothers believed in karma.  When they were being falsely dealt with, their consciences were pricked, and they believed they were getting their comeuppance for their false treatment toward their brother, Joseph.  Of course, we know the rest of the story.  Joseph will extend grace toward them, thus nullifying their guilt and proving karma to be an unreliable doctrine.

We often think that we are being punished when something bad happens in our lives.  But, God doesn't work that way.  Instead, He chooses to extend His hand of mercy, offering grace in place of retribution.  Now, this isn't to say that we don't suffer the consequences brought about through our sin.  The baby is still born when we choose to fornicate (that's a word we don't often hear these days!).  We will continue to suffer the legal requirements of our civil law when we break that law.  Adultery will still often end in a broken marriage.   In short, although we can be forgiven and not suffer retribution, there are still going to be existential consequences attached to our wrong doing.  Joseph's brothers did not suffer retribution, but they would never regain the lost years, and neither can we.  Sin always causes loss!

January 25

Genesis 38-40
Joseph was a man of honor.  You can be sure that when Potiphar's wife propositioned him, Joseph was tempted to sleep with her.  This is a temptation few men can resist.  However, Joseph found greater satisfaction is his honor.  Would that all would do the same!  There truly is more to enjoy in keeping one's integrity, and the good feeling lasts much longer than a few minutes of sexual gratification.  When we honor God with our bodies, keeping ourselves unstained with sexual impurity, we clothe ourselves with His righteousness in a manner than cannot be accomplished in any other way.

On the other hand, Josephs are rare.  If you find that you have not exhibited the same self-control as Joseph, don't despair.  We serve a God who is gracious.  If we bring our penitent selves to Him, having faith in His love and grace, He has promised to clothe us in the righteousness of Christ, purifying us, and cleansing us in His redemptive blood.  It is then that we can begin anew and demonstrate the integrity of Joseph!

January 24

Genesis 35-37
It's a bit difficult to imagine brothers conspiring to murder one of their own.  Yet, that is exactly what Joseph's brothers had done.  It was only by a chance opportunity that his life was spared, sending him into servant exile.  What motivates such behavior?  In this case, jealousy and envy.  Although similar, these two attributes are quite different.  Jealousy, dangerous as it can be, is also justified in some cases.  Such as, when God is jealous over the Israelites following other Gods.  This is a jealousy born in adultery.  There is also a jealousy founded in mistrust and the yearning for attention.  This kind is destructive in nature.  Those who exhibit this kind of jealousy often hurt others, relationships can be damaged or destroyed by this green-eyed monster.

And then these brothers suffered from envy, wanting the same good gifts Joseph was getting.  My nine-year-old grandson often displays this characteristic.  He thinks it unfair when his siblings get something that he doesn't.  With him, we put it off to his immaturity and hope that he will grow out of it in time.  Most of us do.  However, there are a contingency of people who view this differently.  These are those who are self-centered, believing that they should be given whatever things those who are more fortunate have.  Another word for this is covetousness, and it is clearly condemned in God's ten commandments!

January 23

Genesis 32-34
When I was a very young man, an older man slapped my sister.  I would not have her to be beaten.  Therefore, even though I was sure to take a beating for doing so, I placed myself between her and the threat she faced.  I wasn't being a hero; I was being a brother.  I believe God has placed within men a protective instinct for the weaker sex, especially when that weaker sex is family.  Nine years after this incident, I hurt another man who had beaten my mother.  Again, that instinct kicked in.  I did feel bad that I had hurt another human being, however, I also knew that I was justified in what I had done.  So, why are Jacob's sons not justified in their actions toward the men of Shechem?  Deception is the primary element that takes them beyond the God-given protective instinct.  The wholesale slaughter of these men doesn't really seem to fit the harm they had inflicted by raping Dinah, but what really made it wrong was the pre-meditated deception.  It is never right to achieve our means through dishonest tactics.  The protection of their sister could have been accomplished just as effectively without deception, and they would have been better men for it.  Oh God, create in me a heart free from deception; one that leans upon your instruction and wisdom in matters where I must be the man.

January 22

Genesis 30-31
Jacob's wives competing to see who could have the most children is a little amusing.  However, there is an interesting lesson to be learned as well.  These women found childbearing to be honorable and fulfilling.  There are still many Godly women who feel the same.  Yet, is an ever-growing number of women in our society who choose not to have children, failing to recognize the beauty and glory found in bringing new life into the world.  Consequently, many of these women find themselves on a never-ending quest searching for fulfillment.  Now, I'm not talking about those who are barren without choice.  I believe God provides special avenues of fulfillment for these.  But, for those who chose to reject the wonderful gift of motherhood, there can be no true fulfillment.  Thank you, Lord, for our mothers; those Godly women who give of themselves freely to bring up the next generation.

January 21

Genesis 27-29
If ever there was reason to believe the promise of Romans 8:28, this is it!  With the lies and deception of Rebekah, Jacob, and Laban, one would surely expect nothing good to come.  Yet, God works all things for good for those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose, and creates the great nation of Israel out of this mess.  Wow!  Is it any wonder that He takes my poor, miserable life and brings about untold blessings through my wife and children?  Just as these liars and deceivers didn't get what they deserved, neither do I.  Our God goes beyond grace, forgiving our transgressions and paying the penalty for our guilt.  That would be more than enough; it would fulfill all the requirements grace could ever afford.  But, God, in His infinite mercy, sees fit to go above and beyond in showering us with blessings beyond our wildest dreams!  Heavenly Father, you are truly beyond our limited scope of understanding.  Thank you for the abundance of your blessings!

January 20

January 19, 2012
Genesis 22-24
God chooses those who have chosen Him, those who are faithful to Him, those who rely upon His faithfulness.  Abraham was just such a one as would be chosen by God.  Did he really know that God would not allow Isaac to be sacrificed?  Maybe, but he was prepared to obey God come what may.  I wonder, are we ready to obey God, regardless of the outcome, not counting the cost or loss?  Can we honestly say that we would sacrifice our child's life for God?  And yet, many sacrifice the lives of their children for far less without even knowing.  When we fail to bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, we are sacrificing them on the altar of neglect, and the results can be deadly, reaping eternal consequences!  Oh Lord, be with our parents.  Give them attentive hearts that they might offer their children as living sacrifices to a loving and nurturing Heavenly Father.

Genesis 25-26
It is a wonder how we repeat the mistakes of our ancestors!  Just as Abraham chose to lie about his wife, Sarah, so Isaac chose to lie about his wife, Rebekah.  Both were motivated by fear.  When you think about it, isn't fear the motivation behind many of our lies?  Fear of being found out, fear of appearing weak or something we would rather not be, fear of the truth.  Wait a minute!  What is there to fear in the truth?  Jesus said the truth will set us free.  However, freedom comes with a price.  Albeit, a price worth paying.  Yet, we often fail to realize its worth.  A number of years ago I chose to lie to my wife because I was ashamed and I was afraid that she would think less of me if she knew the truth.  In reality, when the truth was revealed I discovered that the greater shame was my dishonesty.  The truth keeps us from being in bondage to shame.  A life that is an open book cannot be slandered or held hostage by lies.  Thank you, Lord, for exposing the father of lies and revealing the power of truth!

January 19

Genesis 22-24
God chooses those who have chosen Him, those who are faithful to Him, those who rely upon His faithfulness.  Abraham was just such a one as would be chosen by God.  Did he really know that God would not allow Isaac to be sacrificed?  Maybe, but he was prepared to obey God come what may.  I wonder, are we ready to obey God, regardless of the outcome, not counting the cost or loss?  Can we honestly say that we would sacrifice our child's life for God?  And yet, many sacrifice the lives of their children for far less without even knowing.  When we fail to bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, we are sacrificing them on the altar of neglect, and the results can be deadly, reaping eternal consequences!  Oh Lord, be with our parents.  Give them attentive hearts that they might offer their children as living sacrifices to a loving and nurturing Heavenly Father.

January 18

Genesis 19-21
As I read the account of Lot's daughters getting pregnant by their father, and the revelation that Sarah is Abraham's half-sister, it is apparent that God overlooked incest.  I can't help but wonder why?  There doesn't seem to be a shortage of people.  So, I don't really understand the necessity.  Therefore, I must chalk it up to God's sovereignty.  He will do as He wills, and I trust that what He does and what he allows to be done is right and good.  After all, it is God who defines right and good!  I praise you, Lord, for your sovereignty and grace!

January 17

Genesis 16-18
God sealed His covenant with Abraham, and then later with Israel, by requiring all males to be circumcised.  I don't want t imagine how painful that must have been!  Oh, sure, I was circumcised as a baby, so I don't really remember the pain.  Abraham felt and remembered the pain!  Yet, he submitted to it anyway.  The covenant was just that important to him.

Under the new covenant we also have a seal.  It is not made with human hands, but with the circumcision of our hearts through God's Holy Spirit.  This is not to say that we have no part.  Quite the contrary!  When we submit ourselves to the water grave of baptism we are showing an outward appearance of our commitment to the covenant, just as surely as Abraham did with the outward act of circumcision.  However, our outward sign is not so painful.  Kind of makes you wonder why some would resist such a simple act of joining into a demonstration of our agreement with a Lord who has given us His all.

January 16

Genesis 12-15
Abram followed God unquestionably in everything he did, moving to places he had not known, obeying commands that were new, believing promises that seemed impossible.  For these God counted Abram as His righteous servant.  Indeed, God's people have always been called the children of Abraham!  This is high God holds this very righteous man.  Yet, he was still just a man.  When he needed to put his trust in God, Abram faltered and lived out a lie with his beautiful wife, Sarai.  Examples such as this are what strengthens my hope.  If Father Abraham could exhibit such weakness and still be found in favor with the Lord, then maybe, in my weakness, I too might find favor in His eyes.  Thank you Lord for finding strength in our weaknesses!

January 15

Job 40-42
In the end Job is rewarded for his faithfulness, not his righteousness.  It is important to make that distinction.  God reprimands him for his words of folly, and Job, in deep humility, repents.  As God rewards Job, He also extends His boundless grace to Job's friends!  After His reminding us of His awesome power and sovereignty, God demonstrates His gentleness and compassion through providing means by which salvation can be had.  What an indescribable gift!  What an awesome God!

January 14

Job 38-39
God reminds Job that it is He who has created everything!  Mankind cannot take credit for the creation, nor are we able to duplicate what God has wrought.  There are those who fail to see the complexity and enormity of what God has done.  They would rather give credit to an accident than to acknowledge the creative ability of the one true living God.  It is going to be a very sad day for them when they stand before His throne, trying to justify their unbelief after having lived a lifetime in the presence of the witness found in every blade of grass, or a newborn baby's cry.  Thank you, Father, for all you have created!

January 13

Job 35-37
Elihu reminds me of many of self-proclaimed prophets in my time.  These who would presume to know the mind of God.  Such arrogance is distasteful, to say the least.  How difficult it must have been for Job to listen to these ramblings!  Yet, I witness many today who not only listen to such pompous prophets, but actually give credence to their words.  Prophets claiming special access to God, selling their so-called Divine knowledge, basking in their own glory, deceiving their hearers.  I wonder what God has in store for these charlatans who profit from misuse of His name?  Thank you, Father, for revealing yourself to mankind; for providing personal insight through the leading of your Holy Spirit so that we are not dependent on man's direction.

January 12

Job 32-34
Elihu protests that wisdom is not for the aged alone.  Indeed, he rightly says that wisdom is given by God.  However, we find that this gift often evolves over a lifetime of experience.  We live in a time when the young no longer respect the elderly.  Instead, they often view them as objects of derision.  It is sad to witness such ignorance.  That might not be the right word, or it may be a little harsh, but to not take advantage of wisdom gained through years of experience is foolish!  Why would willingly want to make the same mistakes in order to gain what we could learn simply by listening?  Now, that's wisdom!  Thank you Lord for the aged, for the wisdom they've gained.  May we ever keep an attentive ear to their words of inspiration and knowledge.

January 11

Job 29-31
Job made a covenant with himself to not look upon a virgin with lust in his heart.  Oh how much better would if our young men would make that same covenant!  Marriages would last, and women would have greater security.  Covenant is a sacred promise providing strength and safety.   A man with the integrity to make and keep such a covenant is a true man of steel!  Our metal is present only through the power of our kept covenant.  As a God of covenant, you have made us in your image, giving us a heart to respect and honor covenant.  May we ever cherish this precious gift, through Jesus our Lord!

January 10

Job 24-28
As we get to the end of today's reading, God finally speaks: And He said to the human race, "The fear of the Lord--that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding."  Wow!  In just one sentence He sums up everything.  When I consider the vast amount of accumulated knowledge, the level of technological sophistication, the accomplishments I have witnessed in my short sojourn, I cannot help but to stand in open-mouthed amazement!  That is, until I compare all of that to the complexity of the processes taking place this moment as my eyes scan what my fingers work at forming, through the direction of my brain as it transmits synapsis through my nervous system...as I consider the One who created this living organism, after He had created everything else!  Suddenly all of our feats seem so small, so insignificant.  It is then that I must acknowledge the awesome power of our sovereign God.  Oh Lord, as I stand in awe, please create in me a heart of understanding, the strength to shun evil and to do what is right in your sight.  Amen, and amen!

January 9

Job 21-23
One of Job's so-called friends takes him to task for having been a rich man.  He says that Job is suffering because he did not do enough for the poor.  Interestingly, God never lays this charge upon Job.  To the contrary, instead of railing on him for his wealth, God ends up giving even more wealth than he had before Satan's afflictions!  I have never had any great wealth.  However, I have experienced great poverty.  There was a time in my life when I despised the rich because of my poverty.  It was only when I began to take responsibility for my own destiny that I began to see that my blaming the rich for my being poor was foolish.  We are responsible for our own selves.  What we are is what we choose to be.  Whether rich or poor, we can choose to be people of character, and that is not defined by our pocketbook.  Thank you Lord for showing me that your grace and blessings fall on all who follow you, regardless of their material standing!

January 8

Job 17-20
It seems there are always those who would seek to place blame for suffering and dying.  Unfortunately, the blame is nearly always misplaced.  This is due to our focus being in the wrong place.  Instead of our looking at the negative, we should be pursuing the positive.  When being presented with a young paralytic whose friends had went to great lengths to bring him, by digging through a roof, Jesus did not look upon the pain and suffering, nor did He place blame.  Instead, He was struck by their faith, and in His deep compassion, attended to the really important matter at hand by saying, "Son, your sins are forgiven!"

Can we look past the insignificant suffering in order to encounter God, or do we, like Job's friends and the Pharisees, get caught up in the blame game?  Thank you God for placing obstacles in our path so that we might come face-to-face with you and experience your all-consuming grace!

January 7

Job 14-16
When suffering, it is alright to be angry, sad, confused.  God understands.  It is at these times in our lives that we need a friend who is willing to share our pain, and not attempt to explain.  We need someone who simply listen to us, sharing our sorrow, mingling their tears with ours.  It's not so much that Job was right or wrong; rather more so that he needed a true empathetic friend who would simply offer to share in his suffering.  Can we be that kind of friend?  Can we set our own ego aside long enough to wallow in the mire of sorrow with our friend?  I pray, Lord, that you provide me the wisdom and heart to be a true friend to those in need.

January 6

Job 10-13
The advice of friends can be useful, and should be taken into consideration.  However, when all is said and done, God's words take priority.  He alone possesses all the facts and information.  He is the only one we must give an accounting.  It is only through His infinite mercy that we have any hope.  Where friends will let us down, God will never fail!  Thank you, Lord, for your everlasting faithfulness!

January 5

Job 6-9
Job rightly says that we have no voice with God.  It is He who determines what is just or unjust.  He alone controls all things, and has the final word.  Job is correct in saying that we need an advocate, someone who can put his hand on both shoulders, ours and Gods, and intervene on our behalf.  Praise God that we do have just such an advocate through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

January 4

Job 1-5
It has been a wonder to me how people praise God for answered prayer when it is answered as they have desired, while not recognizing those that are answered in the negative.  Should we not, like Job, praise God for all things?  We should realize that He is causing everything to work for our good.  Is it not enough to know that He is God, and that He has chosen us to be His children?  Thank you, Lord, for adopting me for your very own!  May you be forever praised!

January 3

Genesis 8-11
It's interesting to me that here, in the first days after the flood, before the Law, God make's known His mind concerning capital punishment; and He gives, as His reason, that mankind was made in His image.  Thus, He takes murder personally.  It's almost like killing God when we take another human's life!  So, God, in His infinite wisdom, says that the murderer's life should be forfeited.  It is neither harsh, nor contradictory; it is justice!  May You be forever praised for providing your children justice!  For, without your leading, we would surely be lost.

January 2

Genesis 4-7
Seven chapters to cover the first making of mankind, God's people; a period of, at least, a thousand years.  The rest of the Old Testament, plus the four gospels of the New Testament, to cover God's chosen race, Israel; a period of about three thousand years.  The rest of the New Testament to cover the redemption of the nations through the Creator of heaven and earth; a period of about seventy years.  Can we concede that God's sense of timing is radically different from ours?  Can we further admit that the whole story has not been revealed or written?  Finally, can we accept that the Author and Finisher of our faith controls the times and revelation of our story?  Praise God for His omniscient power, existence, and plan for mankind!

January 1

Genesis 1-3
Lord God, Creator of heaven and earth, why did you do it? You knew we would fail you, but you brought us into being anyway. And, when all we deserve is death, you provided a way to life! Why? It seems so incredibly pointless until I use the creative abilities you have endowed upon me; then, in creating, I begin to get a small glimmer of insight into the motive behind your creating. The joy you must feel is comprehensible in small measure as I look upon my feeble attempts at creation. Thank you for sharing this joy!