"I will be with you no more, unless you destroy the devoted things from among you.
Joshua 7:12 ESV
Once again, we see the Israelite nation suffering defeat as a result of their disobedience. God had made clear to them His expectations and there were some who thought they knew better. Defeat was the result.
I had to do a little research about the phrase "devoted things". Devoted things are those practices in our lives or even physical items that God has made clear his intention.
"The Hebrew verb charam (חרם
and its cognate noun
חֵרֶם,
cherem, pronounced with a guttural ch, as in loch) is
a technical term in Hebrew. That is, it has a very narrow and
specialized meaning, and does not easily translate into English. It has
usually been translated as something like "put under the ban" or "devote
to destruction." In some places it can simply mean "exterminate," and
rarely has the much milder meaning of "ostracize" or 'excommunicate.'" Reference
When we are under conviction from God about sin in our lives, He does not want a partial or lukewarm reaction to His position. Our response to sin in our life needs to be total, complete annihilation and destruction.
That doesn't mean viewing R-rated web sites rather than X-rated ones. Declaring more income than last year but still not all won't get it. Allowing an emotional affair at work, but not "going all the way" is not destruction of the sin of lust.
If we accomocate 1% of a sin, we are being 100% disobedient and open the door to "defeat as a result of (our) disobedience". God demands complete destruction of those "devoted things" in our lives.
Does this mean we must live a sin-free live to be in relationship with our Heavenly Father? No. During our time on earth, we will continue to sin. But it is our attitude that is the true barometer of our spiritual health. Is there a desire to destroy sin in our lives? Do we confess our sin and renew our spirit?
Destruction means no compromise. No bargaining with God for just a little bit of the forbidden. While all "sin" is forbidden, for each of us there are certain strongholds which God makes a special focus for us individually.
If God says "destroy", we had better get out the wrecking ball and get busy.
Friday, March 29, 2019
Friday, March 22, 2019
March 22, 2019 Thick Bark
I was recently cutting out some trails on a small piece of land we own. Most of the land is forested and when finish I hope to have 3-4 meandering trails through the oaks and cedars.
After I cut away the undergrowth and scrub trees, I then go in and attach some crude, homemade trail markers to the trees. I am using short pieces of treated 1 x 2 lumber and 2" deck screws. For the majority of markers, the screws will securely attach the markers to the trees. However every so often, I find the marker will not tighten to the tree.
At first I was perplexed as to why certain trees did not allow the marker to stay secure. Then I realized it was because the bark on some of the trees was so thick that the screws were not long enough to penetrate to the surface below the bark. The screws just kept turning in the crumbling exterior of the tree. These trees were the older, larger trees and practically useless for my purpose.
I wonder how many Christians have grown such a thick, rough layer of bark as to be almost worthless to any new purpose God may have for their lives. Over the years we can become comfortable in our lives and resist any deviation from the routine. Our thick bark shields of from any new revelation or direction from God.
As we grow older, it is imperative we stay open to God's calling and direction. New phases in our lives can bring opportunities to serve God in different ways. Retirement frees up time. Becoming a grandparent is a time for reevaluation of priorities. The death of a spouse leave one wondering, "What now?"
Be sensitive to God's voice during times of life change. Don't allow the bark of growing older to keep us from realizing our full potential in God's kingdom here on earth.
After I cut away the undergrowth and scrub trees, I then go in and attach some crude, homemade trail markers to the trees. I am using short pieces of treated 1 x 2 lumber and 2" deck screws. For the majority of markers, the screws will securely attach the markers to the trees. However every so often, I find the marker will not tighten to the tree.
At first I was perplexed as to why certain trees did not allow the marker to stay secure. Then I realized it was because the bark on some of the trees was so thick that the screws were not long enough to penetrate to the surface below the bark. The screws just kept turning in the crumbling exterior of the tree. These trees were the older, larger trees and practically useless for my purpose.
I wonder how many Christians have grown such a thick, rough layer of bark as to be almost worthless to any new purpose God may have for their lives. Over the years we can become comfortable in our lives and resist any deviation from the routine. Our thick bark shields of from any new revelation or direction from God.
As we grow older, it is imperative we stay open to God's calling and direction. New phases in our lives can bring opportunities to serve God in different ways. Retirement frees up time. Becoming a grandparent is a time for reevaluation of priorities. The death of a spouse leave one wondering, "What now?"
Be sensitive to God's voice during times of life change. Don't allow the bark of growing older to keep us from realizing our full potential in God's kingdom here on earth.
Wednesday, March 13, 2019
March 13, 2019 Time Brings Clarity
Yesterday I wrote about situation where I had to make an important decision with a small window of time, no opportunity to "go to the Garden", and a lack of clear spiritual discernment. A decision had to be made, but even early the next day, I still had not received the assurance I had done the right thing.
By noon of the day following my decision dilemma, I had the answer from God that I had indeed made the right decision the previous day. A situation arose that I was able to help with because of my previous decision. Although my presence during the situation was not a necessity, it did help to diffuse things.
As I wrote yesterday, I think there are times God-created/allowed situations where we will have to proceed without 100% certainty. But I also believe that if we continue to pray after the fact, He will eventually provide us with the answers we require, or at least the peace to accept the ambiguity.
We can rest assured that not matter how God chooses to handle the situation, it will be what is best for our lives.
By noon of the day following my decision dilemma, I had the answer from God that I had indeed made the right decision the previous day. A situation arose that I was able to help with because of my previous decision. Although my presence during the situation was not a necessity, it did help to diffuse things.
As I wrote yesterday, I think there are times God-created/allowed situations where we will have to proceed without 100% certainty. But I also believe that if we continue to pray after the fact, He will eventually provide us with the answers we require, or at least the peace to accept the ambiguity.
We can rest assured that not matter how God chooses to handle the situation, it will be what is best for our lives.
28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 (KJV)
Tuesday, March 12, 2019
March 11, 2019 Growth through Ambiguity
In I Corinthians 14:33, Paul writes, ". . .God is not a God of disorder but of peace." Often times this verse is taken out of context and misapplied. Paul is writing to the church at Corinth in regards to order in during church services. Evidently speaking in tongues and people prophesying had become a distraction to worship. I believe that there are times when God does obscure His voice and guidance from us.
I recently experienced an incident where I believe God chose to remain silent and that silence created ambiguity. However, it was because of this lack of clarity I reflected more deeply on my decision and realized God won't always spoon feed us when we turn to Him.
The situation was one in which I had to make a decision in a just under 2.5 hours. A decision that, while not life-altering, did have some short-term ramifications for myself and possibly others. In addition, I was not in a position to spend an extended time of quiet prayer and meditation.
When the window was closing, I made my decision not feeling 100% certain. Had I decided the other way, I am not certain I would have felt any more confident.
For many hours after I struggled with the decision I had made. Right? Wrong? Obedient? Disobedient? I still am not sure.
What I a sure about is that because of this situation, I have done more reflecting and soul-searching than would have happened if God had provided a crystal-clear answer. In fact I find myself rehashing the situation even this morning, a day after the event.
Perhaps that is what God wanted. He knew I needed to trust the knowledge and guidance He has provided in the past. He needed me to make a tough call and spend time with Him after the fact.
Many may disagree with me on this. Many will say that God will always provide clear, timely guidance if we are in the center of His will. After this recent event, I am not sure that I agree with "always". Most often, sure. 99.99% of the time, yeah, I can support that. But perhaps there will be those one-off events where He will choose to stand back and see how we get along when the training wheels are off.
I recently experienced an incident where I believe God chose to remain silent and that silence created ambiguity. However, it was because of this lack of clarity I reflected more deeply on my decision and realized God won't always spoon feed us when we turn to Him.
The situation was one in which I had to make a decision in a just under 2.5 hours. A decision that, while not life-altering, did have some short-term ramifications for myself and possibly others. In addition, I was not in a position to spend an extended time of quiet prayer and meditation.
When the window was closing, I made my decision not feeling 100% certain. Had I decided the other way, I am not certain I would have felt any more confident.
For many hours after I struggled with the decision I had made. Right? Wrong? Obedient? Disobedient? I still am not sure.
What I a sure about is that because of this situation, I have done more reflecting and soul-searching than would have happened if God had provided a crystal-clear answer. In fact I find myself rehashing the situation even this morning, a day after the event.
Perhaps that is what God wanted. He knew I needed to trust the knowledge and guidance He has provided in the past. He needed me to make a tough call and spend time with Him after the fact.
Many may disagree with me on this. Many will say that God will always provide clear, timely guidance if we are in the center of His will. After this recent event, I am not sure that I agree with "always". Most often, sure. 99.99% of the time, yeah, I can support that. But perhaps there will be those one-off events where He will choose to stand back and see how we get along when the training wheels are off.
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