059 Numbers 30 – 31; Romans 8.1 – 8.17
Finish your job. Think of the times you have told others to finish what they have started. For some it is the mantra of life and they always quote Paul who said "... I have finished the race." For those who want to up the ante they quote Christ who uttered these words
"it is finished." When Moses was telling his soldiers to finish the job it was genocide of the Midianite nation. Kill every woman, unless she happens to be a virgin then you can keep her for yourself. They were reminded that it was the women of the Midianites that had led them astray to worship false gods and that brought the plague. God is holy. God is light. God is just. God hates sin.
Now we turn our attention to Romans where we are faced with just how much God hates sin and its affects. God went for the jugular and did not spare his own Son. God did not spare his own Son. God did not spare his own. Struggling this morning with the reading in the O.T, I was asking God why all of those people had to die. Then I realized I had never asked why the Lord had to send His own. Why doesn't God having to give His Son, bother me more or as much as this genocide? My bad! God really spoke to me this morning to let this unbelievable sacrifice of Jesus sink into my heart and soul.
We are all going to die, but for what or whom? The people who died in the O.T. died because of their sin. Christ died for our sin! Celebrate your freedom and your hope in Christ. Let this sacrifice of God sink into your heart and soul in a new way.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
058 Friday, February 27, 2009
058 Numbers 27 – 29; Romans 7
It's Friday, do you know where your leader is? Again, we are able to witness another leadership moment. God directs Moses to climb the Mt. of Abarim and to look over the land that the people of Israel will be inheriting, but not Moses. Moses saw the land and that was it. This directive begs the question, "Who is now going to lead God's people?" God had the answer to that question.
Yahweh tells Moses to lay his hand on Joshua for the Spirit is in him. This ceremony is to be done with the head priest Eleazar and in front of Israel. The baton is to be passed on to Joshua with everyone as a witness. His soul mate will be the priest Eleazar. Moses follows these orders to the tee. Moses was truly a humble servant of the most high God.
Joshua had been in training but we do witness the intentionality that is so evident in the N.T.
Some would argue that after Joshua died there was more chaos because there had no one raised up to take Moses place. The transition form Moses to Joshua was seamless and Godly. God brought victory to His people through Joshua.
In Romans chapter 7 the fact is brought to our attention that Christians have two natures. One nature desires to go their own way, but the believer who has Christ's Spirit living in them wants God's will. It is because of this chapter that I have come to believe that there will always be a wrestling match between these two natures until we arrive in heaven.
For some followers of Christ this truth is too much to bear. Yet, what Christian can say they never are tempted, never have to confess sin, or reconcile with people they have offended. The only other option to latch onto is to believe that our experience is contrary to what the Bible teaches. In other words, we can be perfect and this is what the Word of God affirms. The truth is that the Bible doesn't teach perfection for us here on earth but it does teach us that we can grow and become like Christ.
Don't give up. Keep believing Christ for victory and that Jesus is with you in those moments of temptation. Philippians 4:13.
It's Friday, do you know where your leader is? Again, we are able to witness another leadership moment. God directs Moses to climb the Mt. of Abarim and to look over the land that the people of Israel will be inheriting, but not Moses. Moses saw the land and that was it. This directive begs the question, "Who is now going to lead God's people?" God had the answer to that question.
Yahweh tells Moses to lay his hand on Joshua for the Spirit is in him. This ceremony is to be done with the head priest Eleazar and in front of Israel. The baton is to be passed on to Joshua with everyone as a witness. His soul mate will be the priest Eleazar. Moses follows these orders to the tee. Moses was truly a humble servant of the most high God.
Joshua had been in training but we do witness the intentionality that is so evident in the N.T.
Some would argue that after Joshua died there was more chaos because there had no one raised up to take Moses place. The transition form Moses to Joshua was seamless and Godly. God brought victory to His people through Joshua.
In Romans chapter 7 the fact is brought to our attention that Christians have two natures. One nature desires to go their own way, but the believer who has Christ's Spirit living in them wants God's will. It is because of this chapter that I have come to believe that there will always be a wrestling match between these two natures until we arrive in heaven.
For some followers of Christ this truth is too much to bear. Yet, what Christian can say they never are tempted, never have to confess sin, or reconcile with people they have offended. The only other option to latch onto is to believe that our experience is contrary to what the Bible teaches. In other words, we can be perfect and this is what the Word of God affirms. The truth is that the Bible doesn't teach perfection for us here on earth but it does teach us that we can grow and become like Christ.
Don't give up. Keep believing Christ for victory and that Jesus is with you in those moments of temptation. Philippians 4:13.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
057 Thursday, February 26, 2009
057 Numbers 24 – 26; Romans 6
The hired gun usually brings it; the great salesman, the closer, the motivator, the S.W.A.T. teams of life. Have you ever heard of the hired curse-er? Balaam was hired by Balak to curse Israel. Not once, twice, but three times… He blessed Israel. What? Needless to say Balak was a wee bit upset. Why? Balaam had told Balak that he could not go against what God would tell him to say. Balaam had warned Balak of that deal. It seems Balak believed prophets could be bought and sold like servants. To buy a prophet would imply that God's blessings or curses were for sale. Not.
It behooves us to always be aware that our money, good works, or talents do not bring God's blessings. We must live our life listening to God and then to do what God says. Blessing is always found in God and God alone.
In the N.T. reading Paul brings more truth to us to feed our freedom. What language do you speak? In our raw “Adam” state we spoke the language of bondage. It was hypnotic and smooth as silk. We thought it was dealing us life but it was enslaving us; the snake in the garden all over again. That was then, this is now.
Reborn from above transports us to a new world where a new language is spoken. The old language we once spoke and was our native tongue is now dead. This old word is to have no power over us; it does not have any advantage over us. The next time sin speaks to you go get the Holy Spirit and the Spirit will remind you it is a slave language. It is a killer tongue invented to destroy us. God speaks truth to us to always be setting us free. Listen to God.
The hired gun usually brings it; the great salesman, the closer, the motivator, the S.W.A.T. teams of life. Have you ever heard of the hired curse-er? Balaam was hired by Balak to curse Israel. Not once, twice, but three times… He blessed Israel. What? Needless to say Balak was a wee bit upset. Why? Balaam had told Balak that he could not go against what God would tell him to say. Balaam had warned Balak of that deal. It seems Balak believed prophets could be bought and sold like servants. To buy a prophet would imply that God's blessings or curses were for sale. Not.
It behooves us to always be aware that our money, good works, or talents do not bring God's blessings. We must live our life listening to God and then to do what God says. Blessing is always found in God and God alone.
In the N.T. reading Paul brings more truth to us to feed our freedom. What language do you speak? In our raw “Adam” state we spoke the language of bondage. It was hypnotic and smooth as silk. We thought it was dealing us life but it was enslaving us; the snake in the garden all over again. That was then, this is now.
Reborn from above transports us to a new world where a new language is spoken. The old language we once spoke and was our native tongue is now dead. This old word is to have no power over us; it does not have any advantage over us. The next time sin speaks to you go get the Holy Spirit and the Spirit will remind you it is a slave language. It is a killer tongue invented to destroy us. God speaks truth to us to always be setting us free. Listen to God.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
055 Tuesday, February 24, 2009
055 Number 21 – 23; Romans 5.12 – 5.21
Who do you listen to? What are the criteria that you use to determine who is worthy to listen to? Do you have any criteria? How do you know if God is speaking to you? What are the criteria for that important question? If you can, just for moment, put yourself in Balaam's place. Saddle up on his donkey for a mile. Would you have beat your donkey three times to get on with your mission?
God gave speech to the donkey and Balaam was being rebuked by God through a donkey. Would a donkey be in your criteria for getting a word from God? No! Would a donkey be something that you would list as a counselor to you? No! The point is that you never know who or what God is going to use to give you direction. A burning bush, a fiery cloud, angels looking like regular folk, strangers, a raven, and the list goes on, hence, why it is so important to stay close to God. The donkey saw the angel blocking the way but not Balaam. Balaam had made up his mind and was moving on and God did not want him to move on. Stay close to God through prayer, Bible study, being Spirit-filled, and wise counselors.
It is a great chapter in the Bible and you are reading it now. Romans chapter five is alive. It blows out the darkness and floods us with light. To think of all the mess we are in because of one person's sin is nothing in comparison to the death defying act of Christ. Jesus sucked in all the sin of the whole world and then set it right once and for all. This rescue is the super abundant, luxury, unlimited edition not found on this earth. It is heaven at its best, exposing hell at its worst. What a deal we have in Jesus. Praise His name!
Who do you listen to? What are the criteria that you use to determine who is worthy to listen to? Do you have any criteria? How do you know if God is speaking to you? What are the criteria for that important question? If you can, just for moment, put yourself in Balaam's place. Saddle up on his donkey for a mile. Would you have beat your donkey three times to get on with your mission?
God gave speech to the donkey and Balaam was being rebuked by God through a donkey. Would a donkey be in your criteria for getting a word from God? No! Would a donkey be something that you would list as a counselor to you? No! The point is that you never know who or what God is going to use to give you direction. A burning bush, a fiery cloud, angels looking like regular folk, strangers, a raven, and the list goes on, hence, why it is so important to stay close to God. The donkey saw the angel blocking the way but not Balaam. Balaam had made up his mind and was moving on and God did not want him to move on. Stay close to God through prayer, Bible study, being Spirit-filled, and wise counselors.
It is a great chapter in the Bible and you are reading it now. Romans chapter five is alive. It blows out the darkness and floods us with light. To think of all the mess we are in because of one person's sin is nothing in comparison to the death defying act of Christ. Jesus sucked in all the sin of the whole world and then set it right once and for all. This rescue is the super abundant, luxury, unlimited edition not found on this earth. It is heaven at its best, exposing hell at its worst. What a deal we have in Jesus. Praise His name!
Monday, February 23, 2009
054 Monday, February 23, 2009
054 Numbers 18 – 20; Romans 5.1 – 5.11
Speak to the rock. Do not eat of the fruit of this tree. Do not bear false witness. Do not covet. Love your neighbor. What is there not to understand?
Moses slammed the staff against the rock not once but twice. All Moses had to do was speak to the rock for the water to come out. God now tells Moses he will not lead the people into the promise land. God means business. Thank God for His grace and thank God that we live in Christ. Now, a look at the open spaces in the book of Romans:
By entering through faith into what God has always wanted to do for us--set us right with him, make us fit for him...We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand--out in the wide open spaces of God's grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise. What a great translation of Romans 5. In other versions it starts out we have peace with God. We find ourselves in the wide open spaces of God's grace and glory. God is wide open and available to us. No longer are we at odds with God, there is no condemnation in those who are in Christ Jesus. We are set for life because we are set in Christ. We are right with God. Could you shout some praise today for Jesus and his work? Shout, sing, dance, wave your arms, jump up and down, do somersaults, cartwheels, or be quiet and listen to the wonderful voice of the Spirit. Celebrate. T.G.I.F. stands for Thank God It's Free. Amen!
Speak to the rock. Do not eat of the fruit of this tree. Do not bear false witness. Do not covet. Love your neighbor. What is there not to understand?
Moses slammed the staff against the rock not once but twice. All Moses had to do was speak to the rock for the water to come out. God now tells Moses he will not lead the people into the promise land. God means business. Thank God for His grace and thank God that we live in Christ. Now, a look at the open spaces in the book of Romans:
By entering through faith into what God has always wanted to do for us--set us right with him, make us fit for him...We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand--out in the wide open spaces of God's grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise. What a great translation of Romans 5. In other versions it starts out we have peace with God. We find ourselves in the wide open spaces of God's grace and glory. God is wide open and available to us. No longer are we at odds with God, there is no condemnation in those who are in Christ Jesus. We are set for life because we are set in Christ. We are right with God. Could you shout some praise today for Jesus and his work? Shout, sing, dance, wave your arms, jump up and down, do somersaults, cartwheels, or be quiet and listen to the wonderful voice of the Spirit. Celebrate. T.G.I.F. stands for Thank God It's Free. Amen!
Sunday, February 22, 2009
053 Sunday, February 22, 2009
053 Numbers 15 – 17; Romans 4
A leadership moment is a time when no one else will do but the leader; the leader has to lead. Moses is opposed by the sons of Eliab. They believe Moses has failed as leader. This was their opinion not God's. Moses was very tranquil about the situation… not! "Moses' temper blazed white-hot." was Moses’ reaction. Moses asked God not to accept their grain offering.
God told Korah, one of those who opposed Moses along with Dathan and Abiram to appear before the Tent of Meeting. God then told Moses and Aaron along with all those not with the above mentioned names to back away from them. This, by the way, ranks up there with your surgeon saying oops while you're being operated on. The earth opened up and swallowed up all of those with these people. God acted through Moses to take care of those insolent men.
You would think the people learned their lesson, right? The next day they began grumbling that Moses and Aaron have killed God's people. A plague broke out and killed 14,700. If it had not been for Aaron making atonement for the people there would have been more killed.
We cannot make the correlation that someone who opposes a Christian leader today, that the earth will swallow them up. But notice the label of insolent and rebel that was put on those that were judged. Why is a leader of a church being opposed? That is the question that has to be asked and answered.
Aaron has a staff and the twelve leaders of the twelve tribes are to have staffs. The leadership baton is being passed on. God means business yesterday and today. God works through leaders and God still puts people in their place (read Acts). May God grace us to stay humble, stay grounded, and to always give God the glory.
In the book of Romans the issue is one of trust. Abraham believed and God counted it as righteousness. Today we believe in Christ and it is a done deal. Keep on believing and keep on trusting.
A leadership moment is a time when no one else will do but the leader; the leader has to lead. Moses is opposed by the sons of Eliab. They believe Moses has failed as leader. This was their opinion not God's. Moses was very tranquil about the situation… not! "Moses' temper blazed white-hot." was Moses’ reaction. Moses asked God not to accept their grain offering.
God told Korah, one of those who opposed Moses along with Dathan and Abiram to appear before the Tent of Meeting. God then told Moses and Aaron along with all those not with the above mentioned names to back away from them. This, by the way, ranks up there with your surgeon saying oops while you're being operated on. The earth opened up and swallowed up all of those with these people. God acted through Moses to take care of those insolent men.
You would think the people learned their lesson, right? The next day they began grumbling that Moses and Aaron have killed God's people. A plague broke out and killed 14,700. If it had not been for Aaron making atonement for the people there would have been more killed.
We cannot make the correlation that someone who opposes a Christian leader today, that the earth will swallow them up. But notice the label of insolent and rebel that was put on those that were judged. Why is a leader of a church being opposed? That is the question that has to be asked and answered.
Aaron has a staff and the twelve leaders of the twelve tribes are to have staffs. The leadership baton is being passed on. God means business yesterday and today. God works through leaders and God still puts people in their place (read Acts). May God grace us to stay humble, stay grounded, and to always give God the glory.
In the book of Romans the issue is one of trust. Abraham believed and God counted it as righteousness. Today we believe in Christ and it is a done deal. Keep on believing and keep on trusting.
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