February 29. Leap year. A four-year phenomenon. Imagine if you are one of the only 4.7 million people in the world born in a leap year. Only 0.274% of the world's population share this birthday. Today would be a day of celebration. The culmination of four years of "almost" birthday parties. You certainly would not let the day pass without celebration, funny hats, and noise makers. It will be another four years before your "real" birthday rolls around again.
I wonder how many "leap year" opportunities to witness Christians miss each day. That unique window of time to speak an encouraging word or relate the Gospel story to a coworker, family member, or stranger. Life is unpredictable. The future unknowable. Waiting for tomorrow is foolish.
If God places a witnessing opportunity before you today in the McDonald's breakfast line, witness. Should you have a chance to help a friend this evening, help them. It might be the next leap year before you have that opportunity again, or it might never come again. Carpe diem- seize the day!
Monday, February 29, 2016
Sunday, February 28, 2016
Cursed February 28, 2016
26 “‘Cursed be anyone who does not confirm the words of this law by doing them.’" Deuteronomy 27:26 ESV
Today there will be thousands of "Christians" populating pews across America. Presbyterian, Baptists, Lutheran, and Assembly of Godders. Most of these are well-meaning, kind-hearted people. They give some money to their church, enjoy coming together in their places of worship, and know the words to many of the songs included in the hymnals. But many are also cursed.
Thousands of years ago, Moses made it clear that knowledge of the law was not enough to bring about a blessing. Now in Moses day, the law was quite extensive and required many acts of obedience, sacrifice, and atonement. Christ came to fulfill the law and because of his sacrifice, we no longer have to follow the dozens of laws and statutes handed down in Deuteronomy. Jesus condensed Old Testament law into two all-encompassing maxims for Christians.
35 And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. 36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” 37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:35-40 ESV
The pew people know these verses. Many of them can repeat it verbatim. Most would nod their heads in agreement. But do they "confirm the words of this law by doing them"? Are their lives a reflection of these two commandments?
Hell will be packed with pew people who knew the "law" but whose lives bore no fruit through their actions. Our salvation is not dependent on our actions, but is confirmed when we put the two greatest commandments into action.
Today there will be thousands of "Christians" populating pews across America. Presbyterian, Baptists, Lutheran, and Assembly of Godders. Most of these are well-meaning, kind-hearted people. They give some money to their church, enjoy coming together in their places of worship, and know the words to many of the songs included in the hymnals. But many are also cursed.
Thousands of years ago, Moses made it clear that knowledge of the law was not enough to bring about a blessing. Now in Moses day, the law was quite extensive and required many acts of obedience, sacrifice, and atonement. Christ came to fulfill the law and because of his sacrifice, we no longer have to follow the dozens of laws and statutes handed down in Deuteronomy. Jesus condensed Old Testament law into two all-encompassing maxims for Christians.
35 And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. 36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” 37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:35-40 ESV
The pew people know these verses. Many of them can repeat it verbatim. Most would nod their heads in agreement. But do they "confirm the words of this law by doing them"? Are their lives a reflection of these two commandments?
Hell will be packed with pew people who knew the "law" but whose lives bore no fruit through their actions. Our salvation is not dependent on our actions, but is confirmed when we put the two greatest commandments into action.
Friday, February 26, 2016
An Eye for an Eye February 26, 2016
It shall be life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot. Deuteronomy 19:21 ESV
There are many references to punishment in Deuteronomy. "Purging the guilt of innocent blood", "purge the evil from your midst", and "hand him over to the avenger of blood, so that he may die" are just some of the phrases that speak to the harshness and finality of the retribution required in the Old Testament. As one who has only lived under the grace covenant of Jesus Christ, it is difficult for me to understand such a violent and vengeful time.
One of the most oft quotes verses about retribution comes from the 19th chapter of Deuteronomy, although usually in an abbreviated form, "An eye for an eye." It speaks of equal payment, a balancing of the scales, a one-for-one for one trade.
Christ is our balancing of the scales, our one-for-one offering to God the Father. His death on the cross was the life-for-life exchange required by Elohim. His eyes were matted shut with the blood from his brow to pay for our lustful second and third glances. His teeth were loosened and broken by the fists of the Roman guards in exchange for the false accusations and gossip that passed from our mouths. It was his healing hands that were torn with spikes to make right the bruises caused by our angry fists. His feet, which had walked miles in ministry to others, were ripped apart to make restitution for the times we walked away from a hurting, lonely coworker.
God did and still does require a "life for life." But it does not have to be your life that is sacrificed. Jesus was the life required if you will just accept him and the sacrifice he made for you.
There are many references to punishment in Deuteronomy. "Purging the guilt of innocent blood", "purge the evil from your midst", and "hand him over to the avenger of blood, so that he may die" are just some of the phrases that speak to the harshness and finality of the retribution required in the Old Testament. As one who has only lived under the grace covenant of Jesus Christ, it is difficult for me to understand such a violent and vengeful time.
One of the most oft quotes verses about retribution comes from the 19th chapter of Deuteronomy, although usually in an abbreviated form, "An eye for an eye." It speaks of equal payment, a balancing of the scales, a one-for-one for one trade.
Christ is our balancing of the scales, our one-for-one offering to God the Father. His death on the cross was the life-for-life exchange required by Elohim. His eyes were matted shut with the blood from his brow to pay for our lustful second and third glances. His teeth were loosened and broken by the fists of the Roman guards in exchange for the false accusations and gossip that passed from our mouths. It was his healing hands that were torn with spikes to make right the bruises caused by our angry fists. His feet, which had walked miles in ministry to others, were ripped apart to make restitution for the times we walked away from a hurting, lonely coworker.
God did and still does require a "life for life." But it does not have to be your life that is sacrificed. Jesus was the life required if you will just accept him and the sacrifice he made for you.
Thursday, February 25, 2016
Are We Cowards? February 25, 2016
1“When you go out to war against your enemies. . ." Deuteronomy 20:1 ESV
Today's verse creates more questions and conundrums than gives answers or guidance. Feel free, as always, to jump in with your thoughts, suggestions, clarifications, and questions.
Moses is still speaking to the Jewish nation as they move into the lands promised to them by God the Father. The problem is that these areas are already settled by other people groups. Many different "ites" have staked claims, built cities, and established trade. Therefore, these upstarts from Egypt will not be welcomed with open arms.
Through Moses, God tells His elect, "when you go out to war", not if. They were to be the aggressors. They brought the fight to the "ites". It was not self-defense or protection. They were to actively, aggressively expand their borders by displacing nations who had a legal right to be there.
My purpose today is not to debate or defend the Old Testament violence. Different time. Different cultures. Different purposes. However, I do wonder if today's Christianity has become too walled up. Are we aggressive enough in being change agents in the workplace, in America and in the world?
At Ridgecrest we have mission trips to South America, Cuba, Ukraine, and Asia. We support the Crisis Pregnancy Center, Celebrate Recovery, and The Gathering Tree. These are all worthy ministries and will touch people for Christ; however, they are also safe ministries in the eyes of society. People expect churches to send out mission groups and help the poor. But when was the last time we, either collectively or an individuals, risked public ridicule or community ostracization for a stand on an issue? I am not talking Westboro Baptist lunacy, but perhaps a 2-column article in the News-Leader about a stand Ridgecrest takes on a community or state-wide issue.
Maybe that is not how God would have the New Testament behave. But maybe, just maybe we are using grace and mercy as an excuse to take on only societal "safe" projects. We have forgotten that Moses reminded the Israelites "when you go out to war", not "if".
Today's verse creates more questions and conundrums than gives answers or guidance. Feel free, as always, to jump in with your thoughts, suggestions, clarifications, and questions.
Moses is still speaking to the Jewish nation as they move into the lands promised to them by God the Father. The problem is that these areas are already settled by other people groups. Many different "ites" have staked claims, built cities, and established trade. Therefore, these upstarts from Egypt will not be welcomed with open arms.
Through Moses, God tells His elect, "when you go out to war", not if. They were to be the aggressors. They brought the fight to the "ites". It was not self-defense or protection. They were to actively, aggressively expand their borders by displacing nations who had a legal right to be there.
My purpose today is not to debate or defend the Old Testament violence. Different time. Different cultures. Different purposes. However, I do wonder if today's Christianity has become too walled up. Are we aggressive enough in being change agents in the workplace, in America and in the world?
At Ridgecrest we have mission trips to South America, Cuba, Ukraine, and Asia. We support the Crisis Pregnancy Center, Celebrate Recovery, and The Gathering Tree. These are all worthy ministries and will touch people for Christ; however, they are also safe ministries in the eyes of society. People expect churches to send out mission groups and help the poor. But when was the last time we, either collectively or an individuals, risked public ridicule or community ostracization for a stand on an issue? I am not talking Westboro Baptist lunacy, but perhaps a 2-column article in the News-Leader about a stand Ridgecrest takes on a community or state-wide issue.
Maybe that is not how God would have the New Testament behave. But maybe, just maybe we are using grace and mercy as an excuse to take on only societal "safe" projects. We have forgotten that Moses reminded the Israelites "when you go out to war", not "if".
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
Goose and Gander February 24, 2016
22 “If a man is found lying with the wife of another man, both of them shall die, the man who lay with the woman, and the woman. So you shall purge the evil from Israel. Deuteronomy 22:22 ESV
3 And David sent and inquired about the woman. And one said, “Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?” 4 So David sent messengers and took her, and she came to him, and he lay with her. 2 Samuel 11:3 ESV
I have sit through many lessons and sermons that recount, review, and reflect upon David and his adulterous affair with Bathsheba. David's lust, the resulting pregnancy, the murderous cover-up, the revelation of his actions, and his eventual repentance are well know to most Southern Baptist church goers. But I don't recall ever hearing mention of another sin committed by David during this episode. That is his refusal to follow God's express law for the Jewish people.
Way back in Deuteronomy, which would have been available to King David, Moses wrote these words from God's inspiration, "If a man is found lying with the wife of another man, both of them shall die." According to God's express directive at that time, both David and Bathsheba should have been killed for their transgression. However, we know from scripture that did not take place. In fact there was a child born from their adulterous coupling.
I realize that death for adultery is not an idea that would receive support with Christians today, nor should it. We are under the covenant of grace, forgiveness, and reconciliation, not punishment and retribution. But what I found interesting was the lack of application of that day's current law to the king. I feel confident that death sentences for adultery had been pronounced and executed many times over in Israel during this time in their history. However, now it the king, the captain, the monarch who had fallen to temptation. Kill the king? Unthinkable even though God's word did not delineate as to who would or would not be exempt.
How often as parents, bosses, or leaders do we hold ourselves to a different standard than those who we lead? Do we expect more from others than we do from ourselves? An employee comes in late and gets written up, but the boss takes a 90-minute lunch. We admonish a child for not keeping his room clean, but allow the household finances to become a mess. A husband who chides his wife for spending too much on clothes justifies that new table saw.
If we find ourselves in a position of leadership, we are not above the rules, expectations, or laws we wish enforced with others. In fact, the expectations we have for ourselves should be a level above. Our accountability greater.
I wonder how many of the "commoners" in David's day asked behind closed doors, "I wonder if King David will get what's coming to him?" Only to have the whispered reply, "Nah, he's the king. He can get away with anything."
3 And David sent and inquired about the woman. And one said, “Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?” 4 So David sent messengers and took her, and she came to him, and he lay with her. 2 Samuel 11:3 ESV
I have sit through many lessons and sermons that recount, review, and reflect upon David and his adulterous affair with Bathsheba. David's lust, the resulting pregnancy, the murderous cover-up, the revelation of his actions, and his eventual repentance are well know to most Southern Baptist church goers. But I don't recall ever hearing mention of another sin committed by David during this episode. That is his refusal to follow God's express law for the Jewish people.
Way back in Deuteronomy, which would have been available to King David, Moses wrote these words from God's inspiration, "If a man is found lying with the wife of another man, both of them shall die." According to God's express directive at that time, both David and Bathsheba should have been killed for their transgression. However, we know from scripture that did not take place. In fact there was a child born from their adulterous coupling.
I realize that death for adultery is not an idea that would receive support with Christians today, nor should it. We are under the covenant of grace, forgiveness, and reconciliation, not punishment and retribution. But what I found interesting was the lack of application of that day's current law to the king. I feel confident that death sentences for adultery had been pronounced and executed many times over in Israel during this time in their history. However, now it the king, the captain, the monarch who had fallen to temptation. Kill the king? Unthinkable even though God's word did not delineate as to who would or would not be exempt.
How often as parents, bosses, or leaders do we hold ourselves to a different standard than those who we lead? Do we expect more from others than we do from ourselves? An employee comes in late and gets written up, but the boss takes a 90-minute lunch. We admonish a child for not keeping his room clean, but allow the household finances to become a mess. A husband who chides his wife for spending too much on clothes justifies that new table saw.
If we find ourselves in a position of leadership, we are not above the rules, expectations, or laws we wish enforced with others. In fact, the expectations we have for ourselves should be a level above. Our accountability greater.
I wonder how many of the "commoners" in David's day asked behind closed doors, "I wonder if King David will get what's coming to him?" Only to have the whispered reply, "Nah, he's the king. He can get away with anything."
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
Not Much Has Changed February 23, 2016
40 Therefore you shall keep his statutes and his commandments, which I command you today, that it may go well with you Deuteronomy 4:40 ESV
28 Be careful to obey all these words that I command you, that it may go well with you Deuteronomy 12:28 ESV
Deuteronomy morphs from a book that reminds Israel of how God was their deliverer from Egypt, their sustainer in the desert, and their conqueror in the Promised Land to a book of rules and regulations. Certain foods which can be eaten. Specific sacrifices prepared in an exact manner. Holy days remembered and celebrated with prescribed rituals. But none of these are tied into the Jew's position with God as His chosen people. What is clear is that prosperity and success are tied to following the commands of Jehovah.
Keeping God's statues and commandments is a basis for success and prosperity.
That is true even today. Our salvation is not based on our works. Forgiveness for sin is not accomplished by giving to the poor. Enmity with Christ is not erased through church attendance. That is through grace alone. Jesus paid the sin debt once and for all. However, the quality of life after salvation is still dependent on obedience just as it was for the people of the Israelite nation of the Old Testament.
The difference is outside of some nonnegotiables from scripture, much of our obedience is individual. One person is called to teach Sunday School. Another may be convicted to work Vacation Bible School. While a third person is convicted to cancel their cable television subscription. The Holy Spirit will direct and speak to people as unique individuals.
All too often we accept Him as Savior and forget the Lord part. For it to "go well with you" submission to His direction, guidance, and discipline is just as much a requirement as it ever was. Obedience was a then thing and is a today thing.
28 Be careful to obey all these words that I command you, that it may go well with you Deuteronomy 12:28 ESV
Deuteronomy morphs from a book that reminds Israel of how God was their deliverer from Egypt, their sustainer in the desert, and their conqueror in the Promised Land to a book of rules and regulations. Certain foods which can be eaten. Specific sacrifices prepared in an exact manner. Holy days remembered and celebrated with prescribed rituals. But none of these are tied into the Jew's position with God as His chosen people. What is clear is that prosperity and success are tied to following the commands of Jehovah.
Keeping God's statues and commandments is a basis for success and prosperity.
That is true even today. Our salvation is not based on our works. Forgiveness for sin is not accomplished by giving to the poor. Enmity with Christ is not erased through church attendance. That is through grace alone. Jesus paid the sin debt once and for all. However, the quality of life after salvation is still dependent on obedience just as it was for the people of the Israelite nation of the Old Testament.
The difference is outside of some nonnegotiables from scripture, much of our obedience is individual. One person is called to teach Sunday School. Another may be convicted to work Vacation Bible School. While a third person is convicted to cancel their cable television subscription. The Holy Spirit will direct and speak to people as unique individuals.
All too often we accept Him as Savior and forget the Lord part. For it to "go well with you" submission to His direction, guidance, and discipline is just as much a requirement as it ever was. Obedience was a then thing and is a today thing.
Monday, February 22, 2016
Hatred February 22, 2016
"for that is an abomination to the Lord your God." Deuteronomy 17:1 ESV
"evil in the sight of the Lord your God" Deuteronomy 17:2 ESV
"which the Lord your God hates." Deuteronomy 16:22 ESV
"Jesus loves me this I know for the Bible tells me so. . ." And Jesus does love us. He loved us enough to die for us. God loves us. He loves us so much He sent his only begotten Son to die so that we might be reconciled to Him.
But God also hates. People He loves. Sin He hates.
We are no longer under the old covenant where reconciliation and forgiveness were achieved through an ongoing physical sacrifice. Alters, bulls, and even priests are no longer a necessary part of the restoration process. Christ paid, once and for all, the sin debt owed by each one of us.
However, a word of caution is in order. Yes, if we have accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior we are forgiven. We are righteous. We are marked for an eternity with Him. But we are not perfect or sinless in our daily lives. God still hates sin. Thought saved, we continue to make choices that are an "abomination to the LORD". Merriam-Webster defines an "abomination" as "extreme disgust and hatred". Not dislike. Not displeasure. EXTREME disgust and hatred.
Do we allow ourselves to see our sin as God sees it? Do we view that piece of gossip we repeat as an abomination to our Savior? When we fail to report all our earnings on our taxes, do we admit that it is "evil in the sight of the LORD"? Or do we call label our sins as oversights, mistakes, slip-ups? God doesn't. Sin is filthy. Sin is disgusting. Sin is an evil abomination which our Heavenly Father hates.
Perhaps if we viewed our sin as God views sin, we would pray harder, meditate more, and put a bit more effort into avoiding sin.
"evil in the sight of the Lord your God" Deuteronomy 17:2 ESV
"which the Lord your God hates." Deuteronomy 16:22 ESV
"Jesus loves me this I know for the Bible tells me so. . ." And Jesus does love us. He loved us enough to die for us. God loves us. He loves us so much He sent his only begotten Son to die so that we might be reconciled to Him.
But God also hates. People He loves. Sin He hates.
We are no longer under the old covenant where reconciliation and forgiveness were achieved through an ongoing physical sacrifice. Alters, bulls, and even priests are no longer a necessary part of the restoration process. Christ paid, once and for all, the sin debt owed by each one of us.
However, a word of caution is in order. Yes, if we have accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior we are forgiven. We are righteous. We are marked for an eternity with Him. But we are not perfect or sinless in our daily lives. God still hates sin. Thought saved, we continue to make choices that are an "abomination to the LORD". Merriam-Webster defines an "abomination" as "extreme disgust and hatred". Not dislike. Not displeasure. EXTREME disgust and hatred.
Do we allow ourselves to see our sin as God sees it? Do we view that piece of gossip we repeat as an abomination to our Savior? When we fail to report all our earnings on our taxes, do we admit that it is "evil in the sight of the LORD"? Or do we call label our sins as oversights, mistakes, slip-ups? God doesn't. Sin is filthy. Sin is disgusting. Sin is an evil abomination which our Heavenly Father hates.
Perhaps if we viewed our sin as God views sin, we would pray harder, meditate more, and put a bit more effort into avoiding sin.
Sunday, February 14, 2016
Carnivores and Scavengers February 14, 2016
22 The Lord your God will clear away these nations before you little by little. You may not make an end of them at once, lest the wild beasts grow too numerous for you. Deuteronomy 7:22 ESV
Some verses on the Bible are clear. "Jesus wept." Others murky. Such as the locusts in Revelation that had "on their heads were what looked like crowns of gold; their faces were like human faces, 8 their hair like women's hair, and their teeth like lions' teeth." Yet another group require just a quick trip to a commentary for illumination. Deuteronomy 7:22 falls into this category.
God had promised the people of Israel lands flowing with milk and honey. Vast tracts of land were to be given to His chosen people. The entire Exodus took place so that the God's elect could conquer, through God's hand, nations of peoples who did not recognize Yahweh as the only true God. But this domination was to come "little by little". Not through one awe-inspiring battle or sword-wielding angelic army. God was using "ordinary" means to fulfill His promise to the 12 tribes. Wouldn't one miraculous, game-changing event have demonstrated God's power and sovereignty more than a long-drawn out campaign? BOOM! It's done. "I am ELOHIM! Don't mess with Me or My elect."
Perhaps, but we neglected to account for the "wild beasts". Huh? This where the commentaries came in handy. Had God elected to destroy in one fell swoop the tens and hundreds of thousands of people living in the land promised to Israel, the areas would have been overrun with wild beasts gathering to feed on the carcasses. Predators and scavengers alike would have gathered, dined, and become problematic for the conquering Jews.
God knows not only our capacity for temptation and suffering, but He also knows our capacity for victory. A stellar rise up the corporate ladder results in an inflated sense of self. A miraculous cure from cancer fails to produce the depth of relationship with Jehovah Nissi. The overnight release from an addition keeps us off our knees in fervent, sustained prayer.
Success too quickly produces a weak faith, a sense of entitlement, a "look-what-I-did" attitude. God can, and may produce a miraculous victory in your life. If that is the case thank and praise Him. But for most of us, expect victories to be "little by little lest the wild beasts grow too numerous."
Some verses on the Bible are clear. "Jesus wept." Others murky. Such as the locusts in Revelation that had "on their heads were what looked like crowns of gold; their faces were like human faces, 8 their hair like women's hair, and their teeth like lions' teeth." Yet another group require just a quick trip to a commentary for illumination. Deuteronomy 7:22 falls into this category.
God had promised the people of Israel lands flowing with milk and honey. Vast tracts of land were to be given to His chosen people. The entire Exodus took place so that the God's elect could conquer, through God's hand, nations of peoples who did not recognize Yahweh as the only true God. But this domination was to come "little by little". Not through one awe-inspiring battle or sword-wielding angelic army. God was using "ordinary" means to fulfill His promise to the 12 tribes. Wouldn't one miraculous, game-changing event have demonstrated God's power and sovereignty more than a long-drawn out campaign? BOOM! It's done. "I am ELOHIM! Don't mess with Me or My elect."
Perhaps, but we neglected to account for the "wild beasts". Huh? This where the commentaries came in handy. Had God elected to destroy in one fell swoop the tens and hundreds of thousands of people living in the land promised to Israel, the areas would have been overrun with wild beasts gathering to feed on the carcasses. Predators and scavengers alike would have gathered, dined, and become problematic for the conquering Jews.
God knows not only our capacity for temptation and suffering, but He also knows our capacity for victory. A stellar rise up the corporate ladder results in an inflated sense of self. A miraculous cure from cancer fails to produce the depth of relationship with Jehovah Nissi. The overnight release from an addition keeps us off our knees in fervent, sustained prayer.
Success too quickly produces a weak faith, a sense of entitlement, a "look-what-I-did" attitude. God can, and may produce a miraculous victory in your life. If that is the case thank and praise Him. But for most of us, expect victories to be "little by little lest the wild beasts grow too numerous."
Friday, February 12, 2016
Old Doesn't Mean Irrelevant February 12, 2016
3 And He let you hunger and fed you with manna. Deuteronomy 8:3 ESV
Ridgecrest Baptist Church would be considered a New Testament church. We derive our doctrine from the New Testament and we are structured and governed with NT principles and practices. However, that in no way decreases the importance or relevance of Old Testament stories, lessons, or precepts. Today's verse from Deuteronomy is just as relevant today as it was ______ thousands of years ago.
God allows challenges, but provides strength. He disciplines, but restores. Night is followed by day.
Whatever trials we are facing are there because He has allowed them. Heartache. Illness. Confusion. These will be followed with joy, perfection, clarity.
I see two very real challenges in believe in and the claiming of today's verse.
First, in the Deuteronomy story, the cure for hunger was immediate and very visible. The people were hungry. Food fell from heaven. Problem--Solution. Clear cause and effect. Definite action taken by God. For many of today's trials, God may chose to work on a different timeline with a more subtle intervention. Our faith is strengthened in these times. Imagine how we would start to view God if our prayers were always answered with food falling from the sky. Unemployed? Five job offers in tomorrow's email inbox. Lonely? Three suitors fighting their way to your door on Valentines Day. All too soon our view of God would be of a great genie in a bottle granting our wishes.
Second,
Ridgecrest Baptist Church would be considered a New Testament church. We derive our doctrine from the New Testament and we are structured and governed with NT principles and practices. However, that in no way decreases the importance or relevance of Old Testament stories, lessons, or precepts. Today's verse from Deuteronomy is just as relevant today as it was ______ thousands of years ago.
God allows challenges, but provides strength. He disciplines, but restores. Night is followed by day.
Whatever trials we are facing are there because He has allowed them. Heartache. Illness. Confusion. These will be followed with joy, perfection, clarity.
I see two very real challenges in believe in and the claiming of today's verse.
First, in the Deuteronomy story, the cure for hunger was immediate and very visible. The people were hungry. Food fell from heaven. Problem--Solution. Clear cause and effect. Definite action taken by God. For many of today's trials, God may chose to work on a different timeline with a more subtle intervention. Our faith is strengthened in these times. Imagine how we would start to view God if our prayers were always answered with food falling from the sky. Unemployed? Five job offers in tomorrow's email inbox. Lonely? Three suitors fighting their way to your door on Valentines Day. All too soon our view of God would be of a great genie in a bottle granting our wishes.
Second,
Thursday, February 11, 2016
Today February 11, 2016
2 The Lord our God made a covenant with us in Horeb. 3 Not with our fathers did the Lord make this covenant, but with us, who are all of us here alive today. Deuteronomy 5:2,3 ESV
1God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 ESV
God is the god of today. His love is current. His protection up-to-date. His guidance a la' mode. (not ice cream: click here)
God is not a yesterday god. He is not just the God of your parents or their parents or Bible times. The same God that led a nation of slaves away from the the most powerful nation on earth is the same God that reaches out to us today. He can part our workplace Red Seas. He can give us power to conquer our internal walled cities.
God's promises are not relegated to the hymns of the Baptist hymnal. His reassurances are not just for the gray-haired deacons who take up the offering. He rescues and guides and protects us today, February 11, 2016. B.C. or A.D. is of no consequence to El Shaddai.
Go to Him with the most up-do-date, current, I-can't-believe-this-just-happened challenge in your life. His knowledge of current events surpasses CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC combined. Nothing escapes His notice or comes as a surprise.
His promises of love, guidance, protection, and peace are for us today, this very moment. What comfort, joy, and confidence that inspires when we allow that truth to penetrate our hearts. As we face today, tomorrow, and all the days after tomorrow, remember He is "very present".
1God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 ESV
God is the god of today. His love is current. His protection up-to-date. His guidance a la' mode. (not ice cream: click here)
God is not a yesterday god. He is not just the God of your parents or their parents or Bible times. The same God that led a nation of slaves away from the the most powerful nation on earth is the same God that reaches out to us today. He can part our workplace Red Seas. He can give us power to conquer our internal walled cities.
God's promises are not relegated to the hymns of the Baptist hymnal. His reassurances are not just for the gray-haired deacons who take up the offering. He rescues and guides and protects us today, February 11, 2016. B.C. or A.D. is of no consequence to El Shaddai.
Go to Him with the most up-do-date, current, I-can't-believe-this-just-happened challenge in your life. His knowledge of current events surpasses CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC combined. Nothing escapes His notice or comes as a surprise.
His promises of love, guidance, protection, and peace are for us today, this very moment. What comfort, joy, and confidence that inspires when we allow that truth to penetrate our hearts. As we face today, tomorrow, and all the days after tomorrow, remember He is "very present".
Tuesday, February 9, 2016
Sit Down February 9, 2016
Last night I received a text from my boss asking if I was available to meet with him today. A face-to-face. A sit-down. Fortunately my schedule was clear so we will be meeting in a little over 8 hours. When I confirmed our meeting, I also inquired as to the reason. He texted back that it was a mid-year check of my growth plan.
Oh, yeah, the growth plan. That document I had completed back in August. Three goals. Documentation showing growth toward those goals. The plan hadn't really been in my front burner throughout the year. You would be correct if you guessed I spend a bit of time last night getting some documentation downloaded to document actions steps I have taken this year.
I needed the middle-of-year call out by Dr. Anderson. With all he many other duties required at school, church, and home it is easy for some things to get relegated to the back row. Were it not for today's meeting, I am not sure when I would have revisited my plan.
As I pondered today's meeting, I began to wonder how much stronger our Christian lives would be and consequently the Church, if we develop personal Christian growth plans and had an accountability partner for those plans. I cannot imagine I am the first one to have this idea and perhaps there are books, DVDs, and conferences out there designed with this very thing in mind. Ultimately our accountability would be to God, but since Moses/Mt. Sinai meetings are not God's chosen method of communication, a trusted brother or sister in Christ would be responsible for reminding and encouraging.
If you know of any such program of Christian goal setting and accountability, let me know.
Oh, yeah, the growth plan. That document I had completed back in August. Three goals. Documentation showing growth toward those goals. The plan hadn't really been in my front burner throughout the year. You would be correct if you guessed I spend a bit of time last night getting some documentation downloaded to document actions steps I have taken this year.
I needed the middle-of-year call out by Dr. Anderson. With all he many other duties required at school, church, and home it is easy for some things to get relegated to the back row. Were it not for today's meeting, I am not sure when I would have revisited my plan.
As I pondered today's meeting, I began to wonder how much stronger our Christian lives would be and consequently the Church, if we develop personal Christian growth plans and had an accountability partner for those plans. I cannot imagine I am the first one to have this idea and perhaps there are books, DVDs, and conferences out there designed with this very thing in mind. Ultimately our accountability would be to God, but since Moses/Mt. Sinai meetings are not God's chosen method of communication, a trusted brother or sister in Christ would be responsible for reminding and encouraging.
If you know of any such program of Christian goal setting and accountability, let me know.
Sunday, February 7, 2016
Big = Big February 7, 2016
38 "driving out before you nations greater and mightier than you, to bring you in," Deuteronomy 4:38 ESV
The newly formed nation of Israel, God's chosen people were on the move to the land flowing with milk and honey. A land promised to them by the Almighty God. But, not surprisingly, the established nations were not keen on Jehovah's plan for Israel. The cities of Israel's enemies were fortified. Opposing armies were highly trained and well-equipped. Alliances formed against the Jews. Just looking at the stat sheets, there was not a chance the fledgling nation of Israel could be victorious. Sound familiar?
So often in life situations seem overwhelming. The stock market wipes out a retirement fund, cancer cuts short a young life, addictions ruin a family. Life can be daunting, formidable. We find ourselves ill equipped and unable to cope, let alone triumph. That is the same situation the Israelites found during the early days of their new nation.
The size of the problem proves the size of the god. Big problems need a big god. If life only handed us softball problems, then His rescue would appear minimal. We would begin to take credit for ourselves. It is during those times of impossible tasks that God stands tall. When situations threaten to destroy, the Immense God displays His greatness.
Had God only placed weak, tiny nations in the path to the Promised Land, the Hebrews would have become self-sufficient, not God dependent. Soft trials = Sandstone faith. Imposing trials = Granite faith.
Paul tells his readers in 1 Thessalonians, "give thanks in all circumstances." Perhaps you are not to offer a prayer of thanksgiving for the death, sickness, or unemployment, but you would do well to thank God for those situations that allow you to grow in your faith. Thank God for the strengthening of your relationship with Him that is brought about by fortified cities and well-equipped enemies.
The newly formed nation of Israel, God's chosen people were on the move to the land flowing with milk and honey. A land promised to them by the Almighty God. But, not surprisingly, the established nations were not keen on Jehovah's plan for Israel. The cities of Israel's enemies were fortified. Opposing armies were highly trained and well-equipped. Alliances formed against the Jews. Just looking at the stat sheets, there was not a chance the fledgling nation of Israel could be victorious. Sound familiar?
So often in life situations seem overwhelming. The stock market wipes out a retirement fund, cancer cuts short a young life, addictions ruin a family. Life can be daunting, formidable. We find ourselves ill equipped and unable to cope, let alone triumph. That is the same situation the Israelites found during the early days of their new nation.
The size of the problem proves the size of the god. Big problems need a big god. If life only handed us softball problems, then His rescue would appear minimal. We would begin to take credit for ourselves. It is during those times of impossible tasks that God stands tall. When situations threaten to destroy, the Immense God displays His greatness.
Had God only placed weak, tiny nations in the path to the Promised Land, the Hebrews would have become self-sufficient, not God dependent. Soft trials = Sandstone faith. Imposing trials = Granite faith.
Paul tells his readers in 1 Thessalonians, "give thanks in all circumstances." Perhaps you are not to offer a prayer of thanksgiving for the death, sickness, or unemployment, but you would do well to thank God for those situations that allow you to grow in your faith. Thank God for the strengthening of your relationship with Him that is brought about by fortified cities and well-equipped enemies.
Saturday, February 6, 2016
Our Personal Egypts February 6, 2016
20 But the Lord has taken you and brought you out of the iron furnace, out of Egypt, to be a people of his own inheritance, as you are this day. Deuteronomy 4:20 ESV
I recently heard on a radio program that Jesus quoted Deuteronomy more than any other Old Testament book. That got me to thinking, "If Deuteronomy is that important to God's Only Begotten Son, perhaps I need to spend more time reading and studying it." So for the next several weeks, I will be reading and ruminating on Deuteronomy.
For four hundred years, the Israelites had lived in the land of the Egyptians. The Bible is not clear how the first few hundred years were for them, but we do know that by the end of they stay in the land of the Pharaohs they were not a welcome people. (Exodus 1) Interestingly this deterioration of the Israelite with the Egyptian leadership appears to be no fault of their own. Moreover, just the fact they were even living in Egypt was a decision that was made 400 years in their past, not something they had chosen for themselves. Yet, they still suffered the persecution and retribution of the new Pharaoh. Fair? Perhaps not. Just? Doesn't see so. Part of God's plan? Most certainly.
However, for most of us, when we live in our personal land of Egypt with suffering and hardship, the reasons can more directly be tied to decisions we have or are continuing to make. Sure our parents weren't perfect. But then again, no one is. Maybe we didn't have the best teachers in school or a bully made junior high miserable. Perhaps the manager at work is difficult at best. But the quality of our life is more dependent on our choices and decisions than by outside influences the vast majority of the time.
Maybe your personal Egypt is pornography. Perhaps co-dependency is keeping you in the land of Pharaohs. It might be fear is keeping you in bondage. Although not in a literal sense, but we each have our personal land of slavery and bondage, our unique, individual Egypt.
The same God that led over two million people out of slavery to the most powerful nation on earth can most certainly lead one sincere, humble, hurting person to freedom. If He can protect an entire nation from the war machine of yesteryear's superpower, His protection and guidance will more than meet your needs.
Bondage is not the plan for His children. He does not wish for you to spend your life in Egypt living under the lash of sin and separation from Him. "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." 2 Corinthians 3:17 You have but to call on His name. Cry out to Him. Let the tears run down your cheeks. He will lead you to freedom.
I recently heard on a radio program that Jesus quoted Deuteronomy more than any other Old Testament book. That got me to thinking, "If Deuteronomy is that important to God's Only Begotten Son, perhaps I need to spend more time reading and studying it." So for the next several weeks, I will be reading and ruminating on Deuteronomy.
For four hundred years, the Israelites had lived in the land of the Egyptians. The Bible is not clear how the first few hundred years were for them, but we do know that by the end of they stay in the land of the Pharaohs they were not a welcome people. (Exodus 1) Interestingly this deterioration of the Israelite with the Egyptian leadership appears to be no fault of their own. Moreover, just the fact they were even living in Egypt was a decision that was made 400 years in their past, not something they had chosen for themselves. Yet, they still suffered the persecution and retribution of the new Pharaoh. Fair? Perhaps not. Just? Doesn't see so. Part of God's plan? Most certainly.
However, for most of us, when we live in our personal land of Egypt with suffering and hardship, the reasons can more directly be tied to decisions we have or are continuing to make. Sure our parents weren't perfect. But then again, no one is. Maybe we didn't have the best teachers in school or a bully made junior high miserable. Perhaps the manager at work is difficult at best. But the quality of our life is more dependent on our choices and decisions than by outside influences the vast majority of the time.
Maybe your personal Egypt is pornography. Perhaps co-dependency is keeping you in the land of Pharaohs. It might be fear is keeping you in bondage. Although not in a literal sense, but we each have our personal land of slavery and bondage, our unique, individual Egypt.
The same God that led over two million people out of slavery to the most powerful nation on earth can most certainly lead one sincere, humble, hurting person to freedom. If He can protect an entire nation from the war machine of yesteryear's superpower, His protection and guidance will more than meet your needs.
Bondage is not the plan for His children. He does not wish for you to spend your life in Egypt living under the lash of sin and separation from Him. "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." 2 Corinthians 3:17 You have but to call on His name. Cry out to Him. Let the tears run down your cheeks. He will lead you to freedom.
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