It is amazing that even in the midst of the recorded story of people of faith, that we see examples of unbelief and forms of idolatry. Abraham was a first generation believer with his dad, Terah, a worshipper of idols. It shouldn’t shock the Bible reader that members of the family still are caught in the trap of idol worship.
Jacob, the grandson of Abraham spent 20 years with his uncle, Laban. During that time Jacob married two of Laban’s daughters (Rachel and Leah). (It must not have been against the law to practice polygamy or marry cousins at that time.) As Jacob and his entire family plan to leave Laban’s estate, Rachel steals her father’s household idols.
Laban is irate and catches up with the departing family of Jacob and demands the return of his idols. Rachel cleverly hides the idols and then lies to her dad to disguise her theft. “Laban went first into Jacob’s tent to search there, then into Leah’s, and then the tents of the two servant wives—but he found nothing. Finally, he went into Rachel’s tent. But Rachel had taken the household idols and hidden them in her camel saddle, and now she was sitting on them. When Laban had thoroughly searched her tent without finding them, she said to her father, “Please, sir, forgive me if I don’t get up for you. I’m having my monthly period.” So Laban continued his search, but he could not find the household idols” (Genesis 31:33-35; NLT).
It is important that we not have hidden idols in other words anything that is more important to us than God (money, success, possessions, popularity, hobbies, etc.) in our lives. If we have such idols let’s not be like Rachel and lie about it to those closest to us!
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Conditional Tithing or Unconditional Tithing
To tithe is to give ten percent of your income in financial giving to God. Abraham is the first individual in the Bible to tithe. He tithed the spoils of victory over the Kings of Elam, Goiim, Babylonia, and Ellasar (Genesis 14:20). Abraham’s grandson Jacob commits to a conditional tithe. Jacob made the following vow to God, “If God will indeed be with me and protect me on this journey, and if he will provide me with food and clothing, and if I return safely to my father’s home, then the Lord will certainly be my God. And this memorial pillar I have set up will become a place for worshiping God, and I will present to God a tenth of everything he gives me” (Genesis 28:20-22).
It appears that Jacob has enough faith to say to the LORD, “I will give if you bless me in the future.” It is another step of faith to say, “I will give because God has blessed me in the past, and I am confident that He will continue to bless me.” The first approach is conditional tithing (a first step), and the second approach (a more mature step) is unconditional tithing.
A step of faith in 2008 is to tithe unconditionally, trusting God all the way!
It appears that Jacob has enough faith to say to the LORD, “I will give if you bless me in the future.” It is another step of faith to say, “I will give because God has blessed me in the past, and I am confident that He will continue to bless me.” The first approach is conditional tithing (a first step), and the second approach (a more mature step) is unconditional tithing.
A step of faith in 2008 is to tithe unconditionally, trusting God all the way!
Friday, January 18, 2008
Jacob - The Deceiver
Jacob is one of the most fascinating characters recorded in the Bible. This is the guy that later had his name changed to Israel, and is the patriarch of the Nation of Israel. And yet when the Bible reader is first introduced to Jacob, he is not a mountain of faith, but instead a conniving, deceptive individual.
It is interesting that even his name originated at his birth, when he “was born with his hand grasping” his twin brother’s (Esau) heel (Genesis 25:26). The footnote in the New International Version Bible states that Jacob means he grasps the heel (figuratively, he deceives). I have often wondered if that Hebrew saying is like the American saying, he is pulling your leg.
Well … Jacob was a deceiver. He tricked his brother into giving up his birthright and his father’s blessing. Jacob’s brother, Esau, angrily points out that Jacob lived up to the meaning of his name when he said, “No wonder his name is Jacob, for now he has cheated me twice. First he took my rights as the firstborn, and now he has stolen my blessing” (Genesis 27:36; NLT).
Another American saying is “what goes around comes around,” and that is about what Jacob is going to experience when he runs away from his angry brother, Esau, to go live with his deceptive uncle, Laban. It appears that God is going to let Jacob experience the frustration of being deceived at the hands of his uncle. The transformation is about to begin!
It is interesting that even his name originated at his birth, when he “was born with his hand grasping” his twin brother’s (Esau) heel (Genesis 25:26). The footnote in the New International Version Bible states that Jacob means he grasps the heel (figuratively, he deceives). I have often wondered if that Hebrew saying is like the American saying, he is pulling your leg.
Well … Jacob was a deceiver. He tricked his brother into giving up his birthright and his father’s blessing. Jacob’s brother, Esau, angrily points out that Jacob lived up to the meaning of his name when he said, “No wonder his name is Jacob, for now he has cheated me twice. First he took my rights as the firstborn, and now he has stolen my blessing” (Genesis 27:36; NLT).
Another American saying is “what goes around comes around,” and that is about what Jacob is going to experience when he runs away from his angry brother, Esau, to go live with his deceptive uncle, Laban. It appears that God is going to let Jacob experience the frustration of being deceived at the hands of his uncle. The transformation is about to begin!
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Like Father, Like Son
Although Abraham was a great individual of faith, on two occasions the Bible records that he was deceptive about his relationship with his wife, Sarah. Abraham would do this to avoid a foreign king killing him to take Sarah, who was a beautiful woman into their harem.
With this as a historical backdrop, it is interesting to see how Isaac, Abraham’s son, would react when faced with a similar situation. Isaac and his beautiful wife, Rebekah, were later directed by God to not go to Egypt, but to live in the land of the Philistine King, Abimelech, to survive a famine. Even though the LORD had promised Isaac that he would be safe, Isaac still caved into fear while in a foreign land.
The Bible records the following: “When the men who lived there asked Isaac about his wife, Rebekah, he said, “She is my sister.” He was afraid to say, “She is my wife.” He thought, “They will kill me to get her, because she is so beautiful.” But some time later, Abimelech, king of the Philistines, looked out his window and saw Isaac caressing Rebekah.
Immediately, Abimelech called for Isaac and exclaimed, “She is obviously your wife! Why did you say, ‘She is my sister’?”
“Because I was afraid someone would kill me to get her from me,” Isaac replied.” (Genesis 26:7-9; NLT).
Isaac followed in Abraham’s footsteps, even when they were missteps. This is a good reminder to me as a Dad, to make sure that I am living a good example in front of my children, because they will pick up hopefully some good qualities from me, but they will also be tempted to take on my bad habits and qualities as well.
With this as a historical backdrop, it is interesting to see how Isaac, Abraham’s son, would react when faced with a similar situation. Isaac and his beautiful wife, Rebekah, were later directed by God to not go to Egypt, but to live in the land of the Philistine King, Abimelech, to survive a famine. Even though the LORD had promised Isaac that he would be safe, Isaac still caved into fear while in a foreign land.
The Bible records the following: “When the men who lived there asked Isaac about his wife, Rebekah, he said, “She is my sister.” He was afraid to say, “She is my wife.” He thought, “They will kill me to get her, because she is so beautiful.” But some time later, Abimelech, king of the Philistines, looked out his window and saw Isaac caressing Rebekah.
Immediately, Abimelech called for Isaac and exclaimed, “She is obviously your wife! Why did you say, ‘She is my sister’?”
“Because I was afraid someone would kill me to get her from me,” Isaac replied.” (Genesis 26:7-9; NLT).
Isaac followed in Abraham’s footsteps, even when they were missteps. This is a good reminder to me as a Dad, to make sure that I am living a good example in front of my children, because they will pick up hopefully some good qualities from me, but they will also be tempted to take on my bad habits and qualities as well.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
A Recipe for Family Disaster
As the Bible records the good, the bad, and the ugly of its main characters, we gain insights into life. Isaac, the son of Abraham, and his wife, Rebekah, have twin sons, Esau and Jacob. The Bible describes a dysfunctional family on a collision course with major family conflict.
We are told that … “As the boys grew up, Esau became a skillful hunter. He was an outdoorsman, but Jacob had a quiet temperament, preferring to stay at home. Isaac loved Esau because he enjoyed eating the wild game Esau brought home, but Rebekah loved Jacob” (Genesis 25:27-28; NLT).
It is not surprising that Esau and Jacob went on to have major conflict in life and come to the point that they didn’t see each other for years. Their “sibling rivalry” … actually major conflict began with parental favoritism.
As a parent, although each of my children are different it is important that I make every effort to not show favoritism, or pit one child against the other!
We are told that … “As the boys grew up, Esau became a skillful hunter. He was an outdoorsman, but Jacob had a quiet temperament, preferring to stay at home. Isaac loved Esau because he enjoyed eating the wild game Esau brought home, but Rebekah loved Jacob” (Genesis 25:27-28; NLT).
It is not surprising that Esau and Jacob went on to have major conflict in life and come to the point that they didn’t see each other for years. Their “sibling rivalry” … actually major conflict began with parental favoritism.
As a parent, although each of my children are different it is important that I make every effort to not show favoritism, or pit one child against the other!
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
A Simple Prayer
When Abraham sent his servant to a foreign country to find a wife for his son, Isaac, he faced a huge challenge. His challenge was to find a young woman who was from Abraham’s homeland, who would be willing (or more likely allowed) to leave her family, her home, and her culture and move to a foreign country and marry a man that she had never met. (By the way, this was long before internet dating and probably dating of any kind.)
Abraham’s servant was recruited for this tough mission. I love the simple prayer that he offers up to God. The servant prayed, “O Lord, God of my master, Abraham, please give me success on this mission” (Genesis 24:42). As we begin a New Year, I want to imitate this humble servant’s prayer and ask the LORD to give me success (as He defines it) to fulfill His mission for my life!
Abraham’s servant was recruited for this tough mission. I love the simple prayer that he offers up to God. The servant prayed, “O Lord, God of my master, Abraham, please give me success on this mission” (Genesis 24:42). As we begin a New Year, I want to imitate this humble servant’s prayer and ask the LORD to give me success (as He defines it) to fulfill His mission for my life!
Monday, January 14, 2008
Raw Faith
One of my favorite quotes in the Bible is from Abraham in the 22nd Chapter of Genesis. He has been commanded by God as a test to offer his long awaited son as an offering on a mountain in the land of Moriah. Abraham was obedient to God’s test (although he didn’t know it was a test) by taking his son, two servants, and some wood for the “sacrifice.”
When Abraham reached the location designated for the sacrifice, Abraham demonstrates raw faith in God’s ability to provide. Abraham told the two servants, “Stay here with the donkey … The boy and I will travel a little farther. We will worship there, and then we will come right back.” (Genesis 22:5)
Abraham didn’t understand how God would work out the details, but he trusted that the LORD would provide a way for Isaac to be spared and that they would return home together. It is no surprise that later in that scene when God intervened in the sacrifice and had Abraham substitute a ram, that Abraham named the place of the sacrifice … “Yahweh-Yirah (which means “ the LORD will provide”)” (Genesis 22:14).
It appears that raw faith means trusting the LORD even when we can’t see the end of the situation that we find ourselves!
When Abraham reached the location designated for the sacrifice, Abraham demonstrates raw faith in God’s ability to provide. Abraham told the two servants, “Stay here with the donkey … The boy and I will travel a little farther. We will worship there, and then we will come right back.” (Genesis 22:5)
Abraham didn’t understand how God would work out the details, but he trusted that the LORD would provide a way for Isaac to be spared and that they would return home together. It is no surprise that later in that scene when God intervened in the sacrifice and had Abraham substitute a ram, that Abraham named the place of the sacrifice … “Yahweh-Yirah (which means “ the LORD will provide”)” (Genesis 22:14).
It appears that raw faith means trusting the LORD even when we can’t see the end of the situation that we find ourselves!
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Not Perfect ... but Persevering!
One of the things that I love about the Bible is that it records the good heroic feats of individuals of faith and it also records the disappointing missteps of their lives as well. Abraham was an individual of great faith and yet he wasn’t perfect in how he lived it out. (Actually, I am encouraged by this revelation, because I am far from perfect in living out my faith.)
Abraham struggled at times. He had lied on a couple of times to escape danger (Genesis 15:10-13; 20:2), he had tried to talk God into another plan (Genesis 15:2), he had struggled with trying to take matters into his own hands and have a child through another woman (Hagar) (Genesis 16:1-3) … which only led to more problems because that child was Ishmael (the ancestor of all of the Arab people of the world), and by the way there have been problems between Israel and the Arab Nations ever since (Genesis 21;18). You see Abraham wasn’t perfect in this journey, but God continued to urge Abraham to persevere in his FAITH!
I am grateful that God blesses, works His Plan through, and uses for His Glory imperfect people that learn to persevere in their faith in a perfect God!
Abraham struggled at times. He had lied on a couple of times to escape danger (Genesis 15:10-13; 20:2), he had tried to talk God into another plan (Genesis 15:2), he had struggled with trying to take matters into his own hands and have a child through another woman (Hagar) (Genesis 16:1-3) … which only led to more problems because that child was Ishmael (the ancestor of all of the Arab people of the world), and by the way there have been problems between Israel and the Arab Nations ever since (Genesis 21;18). You see Abraham wasn’t perfect in this journey, but God continued to urge Abraham to persevere in his FAITH!
I am grateful that God blesses, works His Plan through, and uses for His Glory imperfect people that learn to persevere in their faith in a perfect God!
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Don't Laugh ... Believe!
One of the most encouraging characters in the Bible is a guy named Abraham. Abraham is a great example of genuine faith. Although Abraham did not have a perfect faith, his faith was real.
The LORD had promised Abraham and his wife Sarah a son, but they continued to grow older and yet they still did not have a child. Through the course of time, Abraham had considered naming a household servant as his heir, had fathered a child with another woman (Hagar), and had grown weary of ever having a child with Sarah. And yet, God continued to renew his promise to Abraham that he and Sarah would have a child.
Finally, the LORD appeared to Abraham and challenged his faith one more time. The LORD told him (and us the reader) … “Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return about this time next year, and Sarah will have a son” (Genesis 18:14; NLT). The Bible records that Sarah laughed at the possibility of having a son in her old age, and yet God challenged her lack of faith and later gave her a son named Isaac, which means “he laughs!”
Is there any promise of God in your life or my life that we have considered off limits, because of our lack of faith? Let’s not limit God’s power and His faithfulness. Don’t Laugh … Believe!
The LORD had promised Abraham and his wife Sarah a son, but they continued to grow older and yet they still did not have a child. Through the course of time, Abraham had considered naming a household servant as his heir, had fathered a child with another woman (Hagar), and had grown weary of ever having a child with Sarah. And yet, God continued to renew his promise to Abraham that he and Sarah would have a child.
Finally, the LORD appeared to Abraham and challenged his faith one more time. The LORD told him (and us the reader) … “Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return about this time next year, and Sarah will have a son” (Genesis 18:14; NLT). The Bible records that Sarah laughed at the possibility of having a son in her old age, and yet God challenged her lack of faith and later gave her a son named Isaac, which means “he laughs!”
Is there any promise of God in your life or my life that we have considered off limits, because of our lack of faith? Let’s not limit God’s power and His faithfulness. Don’t Laugh … Believe!
Friday, January 11, 2008
The Power of a Name
The 17th chapter of Genesis is a fascinating Bible chapter, which explains the power of a name. In this most interesting chapter Abram’s name, which means “exalted father,” was changed to Abraham, which means ‘father of many.” Sari, whose name which means “princess,” was childless, would have her name changed to Sarah, who would become a princess with a child. It is important to also note that the son of Abraham (age 100) and Sarah (age 90) would be named Isaac, which means “he laughs,” because Abraham and Sarah laughed at the possibility of having a baby in their elderly years.
The most important name revealed in Genesis 17 is a name that the LORD described himself to Abraham. The Lord said, “I am El-Shaddai-‘God Almighty’” (Genesis 17:1). This is the name that God reveals to Abraham as he gives His amazing promise of a future child. God wanted Abraham and he wants us to understand that He is Almighty and that He can do anything that He chooses to do even if it appears impossible … because nothing is impossible for El-Shaddai!
The most important name revealed in Genesis 17 is a name that the LORD described himself to Abraham. The Lord said, “I am El-Shaddai-‘God Almighty’” (Genesis 17:1). This is the name that God reveals to Abraham as he gives His amazing promise of a future child. God wanted Abraham and he wants us to understand that He is Almighty and that He can do anything that He chooses to do even if it appears impossible … because nothing is impossible for El-Shaddai!
Thursday, January 10, 2008
God's Patience Seen Throughout the Bible
It is not uncommon for someone to share with me that they have trouble with the God of the Old Testament. I hear comments like the following: “Why is God so harsh and judgmental in the Old Testament?” “I have trouble with the wars in the Old Testament.” “I like the God of the New Testament better than the God of the Old Testament.” (Which makes me wonder … if people believe that God “became a Christian in the New Testament?”)
And yet as I read the Bible, I see God’s patience throughout the Bible. One of the little “hidden examples” of God’s Grace is seen in the story of Abraham. God promises Abraham that his descendants will eventually be given the entire land of Canaan as the “promised land.” God tells Abraham that this will come true in 400 + years. He tells him one of the reasons for the delay of this promise being fulfilled is the following: “You, however, will go to your fathers in peace and be buried at a good old age. In the fourth generation your descendants will come back here, for the sin of the Amorites has not yet reached its full measure" (Genesis 15:15-16).
It appears that God was patient with an entire nation waiting for their sin to reach its full measure before allowing Israel to displace (and destroy) the Amorites and take captive of the land that they now inhabited (see Numbers 21 and 22). God was willing to wait 400 years longing for the Amorites to turn away from evil and turn to Him.
Now that is patience!!
And yet as I read the Bible, I see God’s patience throughout the Bible. One of the little “hidden examples” of God’s Grace is seen in the story of Abraham. God promises Abraham that his descendants will eventually be given the entire land of Canaan as the “promised land.” God tells Abraham that this will come true in 400 + years. He tells him one of the reasons for the delay of this promise being fulfilled is the following: “You, however, will go to your fathers in peace and be buried at a good old age. In the fourth generation your descendants will come back here, for the sin of the Amorites has not yet reached its full measure" (Genesis 15:15-16).
It appears that God was patient with an entire nation waiting for their sin to reach its full measure before allowing Israel to displace (and destroy) the Amorites and take captive of the land that they now inhabited (see Numbers 21 and 22). God was willing to wait 400 years longing for the Amorites to turn away from evil and turn to Him.
Now that is patience!!
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Getting Drawn In
One of the most fascinating characters in the Bible is a guy named Lot. Lot was the nephew of Abraham and yet he doesn’t seem to have the faith or the character of his uncle.
In Lot’s travels with Abraham there comes a time that Lot and Abraham needed to part company to make sure that there is enough land for their two herds of cattle and flocks of sheep and goats. So Abraham gives Lot a choice of lands to claim as his own.
Lot chooses the land that looked the most fertile and beautiful to settle and Abraham graciously lets him have this choice land. The Bible records that “Lot moved his tents to a place near Sodom and settled among the cities of the plain. But the people of this area were extremely wicked and constantly sinned against the Lord.” (Genesis 13:12-13 NLT).
It appears that Lot eventually was drawn into the sinful atmosphere of Sodom, because shortly following this description, we learn when trouble surfaces that … “They also captured Lot—Abram’s nephew who lived in Sodom—and carried off everything he owned” (Genesis 14:12 NLT).
It appears that just like today that it is easy to be drawn into evil behavior, practices, habits and environments over time. Let’s learn from Lot’s bad example and seek to avoid getting drawn into evil.
In Lot’s travels with Abraham there comes a time that Lot and Abraham needed to part company to make sure that there is enough land for their two herds of cattle and flocks of sheep and goats. So Abraham gives Lot a choice of lands to claim as his own.
Lot chooses the land that looked the most fertile and beautiful to settle and Abraham graciously lets him have this choice land. The Bible records that “Lot moved his tents to a place near Sodom and settled among the cities of the plain. But the people of this area were extremely wicked and constantly sinned against the Lord.” (Genesis 13:12-13 NLT).
It appears that Lot eventually was drawn into the sinful atmosphere of Sodom, because shortly following this description, we learn when trouble surfaces that … “They also captured Lot—Abram’s nephew who lived in Sodom—and carried off everything he owned” (Genesis 14:12 NLT).
It appears that just like today that it is easy to be drawn into evil behavior, practices, habits and environments over time. Let’s learn from Lot’s bad example and seek to avoid getting drawn into evil.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Now that is a "Calling!"
Sometimes you hear people talking about a “calling” that they have received from God. As a kid growing up, I was pretty suspect of such talk. I wasn’t sure if there was such a thing, or was that simply “religious talk.”
Later in my life I have personally sensed that God was calling me to full time ministry. Now personally, I have never “heard a voice” or seen “writing in the sky,” but I am convinced that the LORD has called me by "writing on my heart" a desire to serve him full time and spend my life teaching the Bible to others.
One of the first main characters to “pop up” in the Bible was an individual named Abram (later changed to Abraham). The Bible describes the “special calling” that the LORD gave to Abram. Here is the Biblical description of Abram’s calling:
“The LORD had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.” (Genesis 12:1-3; NLT)
The amazing thing about Abraham’s faith is that he immediately answered this call in his life from God. The Bible records the following: “So Abram departed as the LORD had instructed, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he left Haran.” (Genesis 12:4; NLT)
Is God calling you to any special service, ministry, or action?
Later in my life I have personally sensed that God was calling me to full time ministry. Now personally, I have never “heard a voice” or seen “writing in the sky,” but I am convinced that the LORD has called me by "writing on my heart" a desire to serve him full time and spend my life teaching the Bible to others.
One of the first main characters to “pop up” in the Bible was an individual named Abram (later changed to Abraham). The Bible describes the “special calling” that the LORD gave to Abram. Here is the Biblical description of Abram’s calling:
“The LORD had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.” (Genesis 12:1-3; NLT)
The amazing thing about Abraham’s faith is that he immediately answered this call in his life from God. The Bible records the following: “So Abram departed as the LORD had instructed, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he left Haran.” (Genesis 12:4; NLT)
Is God calling you to any special service, ministry, or action?
Monday, January 7, 2008
The Mystery of the Tower of Babel
The Tower of Babel is one of the most fascinating stories in the Bible. It shows the arrogance of human beings … “let’s build a great city for ourselves” (Genesis 11:4 NLT). It shows the power of unity … “the people are united, and they all speak the same language. After this, nothing they set out to do will be impossible for them!” (Genesis 11:6 NLT) And finally it shows why from one family (Noah’s) we have countless languages being spoken on earth … “the LORD confused the people with different languages” (Genesis 11:9 NLT).
From my limited human perspective, it is hard for me to understand why God chose to confuse the languages and create distance between groups of people. And yet it is at times like these that I am reminded of a good definition of theology, which is “faith seeking understanding.” It is also a time that I am reminded of the words of Job, when he said, “So who am I, that I should try to answer God or even reason with him?” (Job 9:14 NLT)
From my limited human perspective, it is hard for me to understand why God chose to confuse the languages and create distance between groups of people. And yet it is at times like these that I am reminded of a good definition of theology, which is “faith seeking understanding.” It is also a time that I am reminded of the words of Job, when he said, “So who am I, that I should try to answer God or even reason with him?” (Job 9:14 NLT)
Sunday, January 6, 2008
God's Do-Over
As I read the story of the flood, I recognize both God’s judgment on the evil in the world, and I also see the grace and power of God to bring renewal and repopulation of the earth. Listen to the interaction between God and Noah following the flood:
“Now be fruitful and multiply, and repopulate the earth.” Then God told Noah and his sons, “I hereby confirm my covenant with you and your descendants, and with all the animals that were on the boat with you—the birds, the livestock, and all the wild animals—every living creature on earth. Yes, I am confirming my covenant with you. Never again will floodwaters kill all living creatures; never again will a flood destroy the earth.” Genesis 9:7-11 NLT
Some of us have that tendency to get down, to get inward focused and discouraged by past mistakes and/or even past failures. If we are not careful, we can find ourselves stuck in a funk. I know firsthand that this is a dangerous place to be. That is why I received so much encouragement from the following passage found in Isaiah which reminded me and hopefully some of you as well to … Not Dwell on the Past!!
"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV
I am grateful that God gave Noah and his family a “do-over” and I am glad that God continues to provide ‘do-overs” for those who will not dwell on the past, but are willing to trust God’s plan to make all things new!
“Now be fruitful and multiply, and repopulate the earth.” Then God told Noah and his sons, “I hereby confirm my covenant with you and your descendants, and with all the animals that were on the boat with you—the birds, the livestock, and all the wild animals—every living creature on earth. Yes, I am confirming my covenant with you. Never again will floodwaters kill all living creatures; never again will a flood destroy the earth.” Genesis 9:7-11 NLT
Some of us have that tendency to get down, to get inward focused and discouraged by past mistakes and/or even past failures. If we are not careful, we can find ourselves stuck in a funk. I know firsthand that this is a dangerous place to be. That is why I received so much encouragement from the following passage found in Isaiah which reminded me and hopefully some of you as well to … Not Dwell on the Past!!
"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV
I am grateful that God gave Noah and his family a “do-over” and I am glad that God continues to provide ‘do-overs” for those who will not dwell on the past, but are willing to trust God’s plan to make all things new!
Saturday, January 5, 2008
A God Who Feels
The traditional view of God is that He is this Being that is without feeling or passion. And yet, as we read the Bible, we see a picture of a God who cares deeply and emotionally for his creation.
We do not get very far into the Bible record of human history, before we see the heart of God surface in an amazing way. Some time has passed since creation and as the world is growing in population, and yet the human race is headed in the wrong direction.
Listen to the LORD’s heart come out in his description of the human race: “The Lord observed the extent of human wickedness on the earth, and he saw that everything they thought or imagined was consistently and totally evil. So the Lord was sorry he had ever made them and put them on the earth. It broke his heart.” (Genesis 6:5-6 NLT)
I am moved to see the heart of God, and I long to understand more deeply this year the heart of God. Also, I want to make sure that I do not break the heart of God with my actions, my words, and/or my thoughts this year.
How about you?
We do not get very far into the Bible record of human history, before we see the heart of God surface in an amazing way. Some time has passed since creation and as the world is growing in population, and yet the human race is headed in the wrong direction.
Listen to the LORD’s heart come out in his description of the human race: “The Lord observed the extent of human wickedness on the earth, and he saw that everything they thought or imagined was consistently and totally evil. So the Lord was sorry he had ever made them and put them on the earth. It broke his heart.” (Genesis 6:5-6 NLT)
I am moved to see the heart of God, and I long to understand more deeply this year the heart of God. Also, I want to make sure that I do not break the heart of God with my actions, my words, and/or my thoughts this year.
How about you?
Friday, January 4, 2008
We Have a Choice
As I read scripture, I continually see evidence that God created human beings to be creatures of free choice. The question that begs to be asked by each one of us: Are we making good choices?
It appears from the very beginning that God created wonderful opportunities (i.e., the Garden of Eden), but also the freedom to choose our responses to his gifts and opportunities (the Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil).
Adam and Eve made a bad choice in the Garden of Eden and they forever paid the consequences for those choices. Their son Cain was faced with a similar choice once he realized that his brother’s sacrifice of animals to God was more pleasing to the LORD than his sacrifice of crops. Cain became angry and jealous of his brother, Abel and eventually killed him. (Wow … the first human family was pretty dysfunctional!)
Prior to killing his brother, the LORD reminded Cain of his freedom to choose in the following conversation: “Why are you so angry?” the Lord asked Cain. “Why do you look so dejected? You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.” (Genesis 4:6-7; NLT)
This passage reminds the Bible reader that no matter how strong the temptation for a particular sin might be … we have a choice!
Will you join me in a commitment to a year of good choices in 2008?
It appears from the very beginning that God created wonderful opportunities (i.e., the Garden of Eden), but also the freedom to choose our responses to his gifts and opportunities (the Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil).
Adam and Eve made a bad choice in the Garden of Eden and they forever paid the consequences for those choices. Their son Cain was faced with a similar choice once he realized that his brother’s sacrifice of animals to God was more pleasing to the LORD than his sacrifice of crops. Cain became angry and jealous of his brother, Abel and eventually killed him. (Wow … the first human family was pretty dysfunctional!)
Prior to killing his brother, the LORD reminded Cain of his freedom to choose in the following conversation: “Why are you so angry?” the Lord asked Cain. “Why do you look so dejected? You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.” (Genesis 4:6-7; NLT)
This passage reminds the Bible reader that no matter how strong the temptation for a particular sin might be … we have a choice!
Will you join me in a commitment to a year of good choices in 2008?
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Saying "Yes" to God and "No" to Satan's Schemes
After the excitement of creation and the newness of human life, evil raised its ugly head. Satan disguised himself as a serpent and tempts the first man and woman, Adam and Eve, to eat the forbidden fruit. To disobey God’s command was so easy, so alluring, and so enticing, and yet the end result was so bad.
The Bible describes the scene as follows: “The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too. At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness” (Genesis 3:6-7; NLT).
It seems that the challenge to obey God and the temptation to do what is wrong continues to be the same for human beings whether you live in the Garden of Eden or the suburbs of Ohio. The challenge to say ‘yes’ to healthy living, healthy habits and healthy patterns of relationships continues to be great. The allure of giving into sinful temptations, bad habits, and selfish decisions seems so strong at times. The end result of saying ‘yes’ to God is always a sense of satisfaction and peace, on the other hand the result of giving into temptation results in the feelings of guilt, shame and alienation.
I want 2008 to be a year that I say “YES” to God’s lead and say “NO” to Satan’s schemes!
The Bible describes the scene as follows: “The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too. At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness” (Genesis 3:6-7; NLT).
It seems that the challenge to obey God and the temptation to do what is wrong continues to be the same for human beings whether you live in the Garden of Eden or the suburbs of Ohio. The challenge to say ‘yes’ to healthy living, healthy habits and healthy patterns of relationships continues to be great. The allure of giving into sinful temptations, bad habits, and selfish decisions seems so strong at times. The end result of saying ‘yes’ to God is always a sense of satisfaction and peace, on the other hand the result of giving into temptation results in the feelings of guilt, shame and alienation.
I want 2008 to be a year that I say “YES” to God’s lead and say “NO” to Satan’s schemes!
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
The Breath of Life
As I begin the year rereading the beginning of the human race, I long to experience a new beginning in my personal life and in the ministry that the LORD has placed me. 2007 had some particular challenges that I have learned a great deal. And although I am going to go to great lengths to learn from the mistakes of the past, I am eager to experience the thrill and joy of a new beginning. With this as my personal backdrop, I am impressed with how God makes all things new.
The Bible records the beginning of the very first human, Adam, as follows: “Then the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man’s nostrils, and the man became a living person” (Genesis 2:7).
It would be interesting to know the level of physical maturity that the LORD gave Adam. Was it a teenage body of 19… a twenty something body … or a thirty something body? Did he have any age spots, wrinkles, grey hair, or tired muscles? (Or was he completely new?)
On the other hand, no matter how perfect the physical body of Adam was … it did not have life until the LORD “breathed the breath of life into the man’s nostrils.” * It took the breath of God to bring to life a clump of dirt (or a jar of clay). Personally, I am praying and believing that the Spirit of Christ will breathe on my life and the life of the church that I serve in a special way as we begin a new year, so that we can experience a renewal that can only come from the LORD!
The Bible records the beginning of the very first human, Adam, as follows: “Then the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man’s nostrils, and the man became a living person” (Genesis 2:7).
It would be interesting to know the level of physical maturity that the LORD gave Adam. Was it a teenage body of 19… a twenty something body … or a thirty something body? Did he have any age spots, wrinkles, grey hair, or tired muscles? (Or was he completely new?)
On the other hand, no matter how perfect the physical body of Adam was … it did not have life until the LORD “breathed the breath of life into the man’s nostrils.” * It took the breath of God to bring to life a clump of dirt (or a jar of clay). Personally, I am praying and believing that the Spirit of Christ will breathe on my life and the life of the church that I serve in a special way as we begin a new year, so that we can experience a renewal that can only come from the LORD!
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Happy New Year!
2008 … A Year of New Beginnings!
2008 began with an exhilarating rush. A number of us from Southwest Church jumped into the New Year participating in the Polar Bear Dip at Ceasar’s Creek. The temperature outside was a balmy 28 degrees and the water was oh … so cold!
But the courageous and yet crazy bunch of friends from our church plunged into the New Year together. It was an exciting way to start the New Year.
On a personal note, I began the New Year reading from the first chapter of Genesis (the first book of the Bible). This morning, as I read Genesis 1, two observations struck me. The first was that God Almighty is so powerful that God simply spoke the universe into being. Repeatedly, in the first chapter (verses 3, 6, 9, 14, 20, 24, 26) it is recorded … “Then God said …” I am at awe with a God that can simply speak creation into being!
The second observation that I had this morning was that at the end of his first week of creation (by the way, I believe that God continues to create and recreate … Praise God!). That he celebrated and the Bible records … “Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good!” (Genesis 1:31) Although I believe that we live in a fallen world (that comes later in chapter 3), this morning as I begin a New Year, I am going to focus on the many good things that God has created and I too will celebrate!
2008 began with an exhilarating rush. A number of us from Southwest Church jumped into the New Year participating in the Polar Bear Dip at Ceasar’s Creek. The temperature outside was a balmy 28 degrees and the water was oh … so cold!
But the courageous and yet crazy bunch of friends from our church plunged into the New Year together. It was an exciting way to start the New Year.
On a personal note, I began the New Year reading from the first chapter of Genesis (the first book of the Bible). This morning, as I read Genesis 1, two observations struck me. The first was that God Almighty is so powerful that God simply spoke the universe into being. Repeatedly, in the first chapter (verses 3, 6, 9, 14, 20, 24, 26) it is recorded … “Then God said …” I am at awe with a God that can simply speak creation into being!
The second observation that I had this morning was that at the end of his first week of creation (by the way, I believe that God continues to create and recreate … Praise God!). That he celebrated and the Bible records … “Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good!” (Genesis 1:31) Although I believe that we live in a fallen world (that comes later in chapter 3), this morning as I begin a New Year, I am going to focus on the many good things that God has created and I too will celebrate!
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