Focus verses: Psalm 44
"Rise up and help us; redeem us because of your unfailing love."
The hand of the Lord reaches to His people because of His love, not because of anything we have or have not done. There is none pure enough to stand righteous in the face of God on his own merits.
We are a weak and sinful creation. Left to our own devices, we fall into sin and wantonness. We tend to follow the lust of the flesh rather than the love of God. We satisfy our immediate appetites regardless of the consequences. We behave as if there were no consequences.
This psalm should be our prayer for our nation today. Look at all the things we've done.
We've allowed prayer to be stripped from our schools.
We have gagged the word of God and removed symbols of our faith from public lands.
We've misconstrued our own Constitution and the amendments thereto, twisting them to read that not only can government not interfere with religion (which was the original intent), but religion can have no say in government (which was not true even when the constitution was written).
The Declaration of Independence refers to a Supreme Being three times. Look for these three phrases: "the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God" - "endowed by their Creator" - "the Supreme Judge of the world."
The foundation of our freedoms lies in our understanding of God and His moral laws. Having flouted those laws and turned our backs on the Author of those laws, we are now reaping the consequences of His disfavor.
Father, God,
Remember our beginnings. In Your unfailing love, draw our nation back to Yourself. Restore us to the values of our roots and cleanse us from our iniquities.
In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.
Showing posts with label Sin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sin. Show all posts
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Friday, January 22, 2010
Knowledge and Temptation
Focus verses: Genesis 3:1-20
"A little knowledge is a dangerous thing, and a little is all most of us ever get." I don't know who said it first, but my grandmother quoted it often.
The first sin in the Bible is exactly that. Eve had a little knowledge about what looked good to eat. But she had no first-hand knowledge of the ramifications of eating the fruit that Satan was showing her. She did, however, have the word of God which told her not to eat it.
Strawberries are wonderful! Beautiful to look at, sweet and a little tart on the tongue. Even nutritious. But if you are allergic to them, they are poison in your system.
I cannot think of any sin that doesn't begin exactly as this first sin in the Garden of Eden. Satan sees something that he can make look good to you. Then he sits on your shoulder and whispers in your ear.
Look at the progression. The first thing he does is ask a question -- one that questions God's commands.
This week, I'm looking at the things that tempt me most. Pleasures, time-wasters, indulgences. What does God say about the way I pleasure myself and spend my time, energy and money?
It's going to be a difficult week.
Father, God,
Helps us to examine ourselves and the plans You have for our lives. Give us the strength and will to follow Your path rather than our own temptations. Teach us to temper our small knowledge with the knowledge of Your word.
"A little knowledge is a dangerous thing, and a little is all most of us ever get." I don't know who said it first, but my grandmother quoted it often.
The first sin in the Bible is exactly that. Eve had a little knowledge about what looked good to eat. But she had no first-hand knowledge of the ramifications of eating the fruit that Satan was showing her. She did, however, have the word of God which told her not to eat it.
Strawberries are wonderful! Beautiful to look at, sweet and a little tart on the tongue. Even nutritious. But if you are allergic to them, they are poison in your system.
I cannot think of any sin that doesn't begin exactly as this first sin in the Garden of Eden. Satan sees something that he can make look good to you. Then he sits on your shoulder and whispers in your ear.
Shh, God isn't big enough. He isn't always right. Sometimes He has selfish motives.He will package the "this is how you do it" part in something that is a natural temptation to you. He gets you to looking at a temptation, thinking about it, obsessing over it and finally yielding to it.
You can be in charge.
This is how you do it.
Look at the progression. The first thing he does is ask a question -- one that questions God's commands.
"Did God really say..?"God is not a man that He should lie.
Then Eve said "Yes, God said..."
At which point Satan has the temerity to call God a liar!
That is the first lie of the father of all lies. When we believe that lie, we are undone.
This week, I'm looking at the things that tempt me most. Pleasures, time-wasters, indulgences. What does God say about the way I pleasure myself and spend my time, energy and money?
It's going to be a difficult week.
Father, God,
Helps us to examine ourselves and the plans You have for our lives. Give us the strength and will to follow Your path rather than our own temptations. Teach us to temper our small knowledge with the knowledge of Your word.
In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.
Amen.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Dealing With Sin
Focus verses: I John 1:8-2:11
News flash!! We are not perfect and sinless. Even those who walk very closely with God still sin. The only perfect person who ever walked the earth was Jesus. The rest of us are poor followers of His example.
But God has fixed that. He has given us a way to take care of sin. If we confess it, He forgives it.
John juxtaposes darkness and light with sin and forgiveness. This is not accidental. We see our sins only in the light of His perfection. We recognize our sin when we see it as disobedience to His will. We repent of our sin when we agree with God that it is wrong.
My house was built in 1911, nearly a hundred years ago. It has twelve rooms and a full basement. When I think about cleaning the whole house, I cringe. It would take a crew of ten working a full week to get it all done at once. But if I look at one room at a time, it is a different matter. One room is not overwhelming. The whole house is.
God is gracious with us about cleaning up our lives. He doesn't floodlight all our faults and sins at once. He takes a flashlight to one corner at a time. We confess our sins, one by one, if we are serious about dealing with them. And He forgives each of them, one by one, as we recognize and confess each one.
There's another thing about a clean house. It generally doesn't stay that way. People track dirt, mud, leaves and such in on their feet. We forget to put something back where we got it, or we just lay it down anywhere, thinking to put it away later. Dust filters in through the windows and doors. And soon the house is a mess again.
The world, the flesh and the devil are working hard to keep us from holiness. The world leaves its tracks on our lives. Our flesh grows weary and careless. The devil filters in to take advantage of the slightest opening. And we need to confess, yet again.
There is bad news and good news. The bad news is that this dealing with sin will be a constant in our lives til we get to go home. The good news is that He is faithful and just to forgive us when we confess.
Father, God,
Grant us the light to see the smallest of sins before it grows into a large one. Help us to be watchful for the infiltrations of the enemy, no matter how rational his arguments may sound. Strengthen us for the daily battle against sin.
News flash!! We are not perfect and sinless. Even those who walk very closely with God still sin. The only perfect person who ever walked the earth was Jesus. The rest of us are poor followers of His example.
But God has fixed that. He has given us a way to take care of sin. If we confess it, He forgives it.
John juxtaposes darkness and light with sin and forgiveness. This is not accidental. We see our sins only in the light of His perfection. We recognize our sin when we see it as disobedience to His will. We repent of our sin when we agree with God that it is wrong.
My house was built in 1911, nearly a hundred years ago. It has twelve rooms and a full basement. When I think about cleaning the whole house, I cringe. It would take a crew of ten working a full week to get it all done at once. But if I look at one room at a time, it is a different matter. One room is not overwhelming. The whole house is.
God is gracious with us about cleaning up our lives. He doesn't floodlight all our faults and sins at once. He takes a flashlight to one corner at a time. We confess our sins, one by one, if we are serious about dealing with them. And He forgives each of them, one by one, as we recognize and confess each one.
There's another thing about a clean house. It generally doesn't stay that way. People track dirt, mud, leaves and such in on their feet. We forget to put something back where we got it, or we just lay it down anywhere, thinking to put it away later. Dust filters in through the windows and doors. And soon the house is a mess again.
The world, the flesh and the devil are working hard to keep us from holiness. The world leaves its tracks on our lives. Our flesh grows weary and careless. The devil filters in to take advantage of the slightest opening. And we need to confess, yet again.
There is bad news and good news. The bad news is that this dealing with sin will be a constant in our lives til we get to go home. The good news is that He is faithful and just to forgive us when we confess.
Father, God,
Grant us the light to see the smallest of sins before it grows into a large one. Help us to be watchful for the infiltrations of the enemy, no matter how rational his arguments may sound. Strengthen us for the daily battle against sin.
In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.
Amen.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Prepare The Way
Focus verses: Luke 3:7-14
The mission of John sounds much like some of the old "fire and brimstone" preachers I heard about when I was very young. It seemed like they were determined to "scare the devil" out of the people. That style of preaching is not heard so much any more, but it is no less valid.
We have been fed the pap that God is all love. He is. But He is also a righteous God and will not stand for unrighteousness in His presence.
John's "brood of vipers" comment is directed to the crowds in this passage, but in Matthew, it is directed to the Pharisees and Saducees. In our day, these would be the church-goers and those who are elders or deacons or generally active in the works of the church.
Our salvation is not dependent upon our position in the church. It depends on our relationship to Christ. The only way we can stand in the presence of a Holy God is cloaked in the righteousness of His Son, cleansed by His blood, dependent upon Him for every breath.
Our good works - or fruit of repentance as John puts it - is not our salvation. It is evidence of our commitment to Christ. If you belong to Christ, your life will show it. If you spend all your time outdoors, you skin will show the evidence of exposure to sun and wind. If you spend time in God's presence, your life will reflect Him.
Prepare the way. Examine yourself for fault and sin. Ask the Lord to show you your hidden self. We all have corners in our lives that are forgotten and cobwebby. Seek His light in your life and He will show you those hidden corners and help you to clean them up.
We're preparing the way of the Lord - at least in our own lives.
Father, God,
Shine the light of Your love into the dark corners of our hearts. Help us to see what we need to dust off and use again, as well as what we need to get rid of entirely. Grant that we may be prepared in heart and mind for doing Your bidding at all times.
The mission of John sounds much like some of the old "fire and brimstone" preachers I heard about when I was very young. It seemed like they were determined to "scare the devil" out of the people. That style of preaching is not heard so much any more, but it is no less valid.
We have been fed the pap that God is all love. He is. But He is also a righteous God and will not stand for unrighteousness in His presence.
John's "brood of vipers" comment is directed to the crowds in this passage, but in Matthew, it is directed to the Pharisees and Saducees. In our day, these would be the church-goers and those who are elders or deacons or generally active in the works of the church.
Our salvation is not dependent upon our position in the church. It depends on our relationship to Christ. The only way we can stand in the presence of a Holy God is cloaked in the righteousness of His Son, cleansed by His blood, dependent upon Him for every breath.
Our good works - or fruit of repentance as John puts it - is not our salvation. It is evidence of our commitment to Christ. If you belong to Christ, your life will show it. If you spend all your time outdoors, you skin will show the evidence of exposure to sun and wind. If you spend time in God's presence, your life will reflect Him.
Prepare the way. Examine yourself for fault and sin. Ask the Lord to show you your hidden self. We all have corners in our lives that are forgotten and cobwebby. Seek His light in your life and He will show you those hidden corners and help you to clean them up.
We're preparing the way of the Lord - at least in our own lives.
Father, God,
Shine the light of Your love into the dark corners of our hearts. Help us to see what we need to dust off and use again, as well as what we need to get rid of entirely. Grant that we may be prepared in heart and mind for doing Your bidding at all times.
In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.
Amen.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Unfailing Love
Focus verses: Psalm 44
"Rise up and help us; redeem us because of your unfailing love."
The hand of the Lord reaches to His people because of His love, not because of anything we have or have not done. There is none pure enough to stand righteous in the face of God on his own merits.
We are a weak and sinful creation. Left to our own devices, we fall into sin and wantonness. We tend to follow the lust of the flesh rather than the love of God. We satisfy our immediate appetites regardless of the consequences. We behave as if there were no consequences.
This psalm should be our prayer for our nation today. Look at all the things we've done.
We've allowed prayer to be stripped from our schools.
We have gagged the word of God and removed symbols of our faith from public lands.
We've misconstrued our own Constitution and the amendments thereto, twisting them to read that not only can government not interfere with religion (which was the original intent), but religion can have no say in government (which was not true even when the constitution was written).
The Declaration of Independence refers to a Supreme Being three times. Look for these three phrases: "the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God" - "endowed by their Creator" - "the Supreme Judge of the world."
The foundation of our freedoms lies in our understanding of God and His moral laws. Having flouted those laws and turned our backs on the Author of those laws, we are now reaping the consequences of His disfavor.
Father, God,
Remember our beginnings. In Your unfailing love, draw our nation back to Yourself. Restore us to the values of our roots and cleanse us from our iniquities.
"Rise up and help us; redeem us because of your unfailing love."
The hand of the Lord reaches to His people because of His love, not because of anything we have or have not done. There is none pure enough to stand righteous in the face of God on his own merits.
We are a weak and sinful creation. Left to our own devices, we fall into sin and wantonness. We tend to follow the lust of the flesh rather than the love of God. We satisfy our immediate appetites regardless of the consequences. We behave as if there were no consequences.
This psalm should be our prayer for our nation today. Look at all the things we've done.
We've allowed prayer to be stripped from our schools.
We have gagged the word of God and removed symbols of our faith from public lands.
We've misconstrued our own Constitution and the amendments thereto, twisting them to read that not only can government not interfere with religion (which was the original intent), but religion can have no say in government (which was not true even when the constitution was written).
The Declaration of Independence refers to a Supreme Being three times. Look for these three phrases: "the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God" - "endowed by their Creator" - "the Supreme Judge of the world."
The foundation of our freedoms lies in our understanding of God and His moral laws. Having flouted those laws and turned our backs on the Author of those laws, we are now reaping the consequences of His disfavor.
Father, God,
Remember our beginnings. In Your unfailing love, draw our nation back to Yourself. Restore us to the values of our roots and cleanse us from our iniquities.
In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.
Amen.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Grief And Desolation
Focus verses: Lamentations 1:12-17
The book known as Lamentations is generally ascribed to Jeremiah. In it he gives full vent to his grief over the loss of Jerusalem. Grieving is a normal response to loss. God understands our grief.
We are especially grieved when the loss we are experiencing is brought on by our own misguided actions. Look at verse fourteen.
It doesn't happen that way. Every action carries within itself the seed of its own reward or punishment. Faithlessness toward God will bring on His anger. Continually stubborn faithlessness will incur His unmitigated wrath.
His wrath, however, is not vengeful. God uses it as a form of discipline. He demonstrates the consequences of faithlessness in order to convince us to faithfulness.
Can we learn faithfulness without the desolation?
Father, God,
Help us to be faithful to You in all that we do or say or think. Grant that we may bring every thought and imagination captive to obedience to You.
The book known as Lamentations is generally ascribed to Jeremiah. In it he gives full vent to his grief over the loss of Jerusalem. Grieving is a normal response to loss. God understands our grief.
We are especially grieved when the loss we are experiencing is brought on by our own misguided actions. Look at verse fourteen.
My sins have been bound into a yoke;Sin is the source of this loss and desolation. We are doubly grieved when we recognize that the ills befalling us are the result of our own actions. We want to sow wild oats and then pray for a crop failure.
by his hands they were woven together.
They have come upon my neck
and the Lord has sapped my strength.
He has handed me over
to those I cannot withstand.
It doesn't happen that way. Every action carries within itself the seed of its own reward or punishment. Faithlessness toward God will bring on His anger. Continually stubborn faithlessness will incur His unmitigated wrath.
His wrath, however, is not vengeful. God uses it as a form of discipline. He demonstrates the consequences of faithlessness in order to convince us to faithfulness.
Can we learn faithfulness without the desolation?
Father, God,
Help us to be faithful to You in all that we do or say or think. Grant that we may bring every thought and imagination captive to obedience to You.
In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.
Amen.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Arrogance Of Intellect
Focus verses: Ezekiel 28:1-10
While the verses in today's reading are addressed to the King of Tyre, there is a lesson for us. We live in an information age. Knowledge has increased geometrically in the last century. Look at the innovations that have come about in the last 20 years.
We have telescopes that can "see" farther into the universe than ever. But no telescope can give us the vision of God.
We have microscopes that allow us to see smaller and smaller particles. But no microscope can plumb the depths of God's creation.
Some of us are old enough to remember the telegraph and wire recorders (which predated the reel-to-reel tape recorders).
We remember when the mouthpiece of a telephone was affixed to a box attached to a wall and the receiver hung on a hook. We remember cranking the ringer to get central - the lady who plugged in the wires so that we could talk with another party.
And we remember party lines where you didn't pick up unless it rang short-short-long because long-short-long was your neighbor's ring, and you respected their privacy.
Now we are attached (wirelessly) to the world by cell phones that play different tunes depending on which of your friends or family is calling. We have nearly instantaneous access to breaking news - if not via the television, then by our computers.
All of this gives us information. But information is NOT wisdom. Wisdom comes from spending time in the presence of God - not from listening to the cacophony of the secular world around us.
Let us never forget that the first sin pandered to the arrogance of the intellect - the ambition to be as wise as God without seeking the wisdom of God.
Those who seek their own wisdom will be destroyed therein, just like the King of Tyre.
Father, God,
Grant us Your wisdom and the knowledge that all of our being is dependent upon You alone. Keep us from the sin of arrogance, reminding us that our intellect is finite while Yours is infinite.
While the verses in today's reading are addressed to the King of Tyre, there is a lesson for us. We live in an information age. Knowledge has increased geometrically in the last century. Look at the innovations that have come about in the last 20 years.
We have telescopes that can "see" farther into the universe than ever. But no telescope can give us the vision of God.
We have microscopes that allow us to see smaller and smaller particles. But no microscope can plumb the depths of God's creation.
Some of us are old enough to remember the telegraph and wire recorders (which predated the reel-to-reel tape recorders).
We remember when the mouthpiece of a telephone was affixed to a box attached to a wall and the receiver hung on a hook. We remember cranking the ringer to get central - the lady who plugged in the wires so that we could talk with another party.
And we remember party lines where you didn't pick up unless it rang short-short-long because long-short-long was your neighbor's ring, and you respected their privacy.
Now we are attached (wirelessly) to the world by cell phones that play different tunes depending on which of your friends or family is calling. We have nearly instantaneous access to breaking news - if not via the television, then by our computers.
All of this gives us information. But information is NOT wisdom. Wisdom comes from spending time in the presence of God - not from listening to the cacophony of the secular world around us.
Let us never forget that the first sin pandered to the arrogance of the intellect - the ambition to be as wise as God without seeking the wisdom of God.
Those who seek their own wisdom will be destroyed therein, just like the King of Tyre.
Father, God,
Grant us Your wisdom and the knowledge that all of our being is dependent upon You alone. Keep us from the sin of arrogance, reminding us that our intellect is finite while Yours is infinite.
In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.
Amen.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Forgiveness And Restoration
Focus verses: Jeremiah 50:19-20
Here is the promise of restoration. God says that Israel and Judah will be restored to the fullness of their land. That they will be a holy people because God will have forgiven the remnant he restores.
What a beautiful promise. After seventy years in exile, the people of God will come back to their land. God will see to it that their land is fruitful for their needs. They will be satisfied with the pastures and hills.
This restoration did not come easily. Israel was conquered by Assyria and then by Babylon. The people were decimated and imprisoned. Their young men were deprived of their manhood, made eunuchs to serve in the court of Nebuchadnezzar.
The search for guilt in the people of God will be fruitless because when God forgives sin, it is erased entirely. This is a picture of our redemption under the blood of Christ.
There is a victory for the believer in the atoning blood of Christ. It is our only claim to God's mercy.
Father, God,
Help us to remember that there is only one way to Your forgiveness, through the atoning blood of Jesus. Keep us ever faithful in speaking to others, lest we be drawn into tolerance of other paths - paths which can only lead to destruction.
Here is the promise of restoration. God says that Israel and Judah will be restored to the fullness of their land. That they will be a holy people because God will have forgiven the remnant he restores.
What a beautiful promise. After seventy years in exile, the people of God will come back to their land. God will see to it that their land is fruitful for their needs. They will be satisfied with the pastures and hills.
This restoration did not come easily. Israel was conquered by Assyria and then by Babylon. The people were decimated and imprisoned. Their young men were deprived of their manhood, made eunuchs to serve in the court of Nebuchadnezzar.
The search for guilt in the people of God will be fruitless because when God forgives sin, it is erased entirely. This is a picture of our redemption under the blood of Christ.
There is a victory for the believer in the atoning blood of Christ. It is our only claim to God's mercy.
Father, God,
Help us to remember that there is only one way to Your forgiveness, through the atoning blood of Jesus. Keep us ever faithful in speaking to others, lest we be drawn into tolerance of other paths - paths which can only lead to destruction.
In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.
Amen.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Lest We Believe We Are Privileged
Focus verses: II Kings 23:25-27
Background: II Chronicles 33:18-25
The descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob comprised the chosen people of God. The two separate kingdoms, Israel in the north and Judah in the south, were essentially all cousins - several times removed, but still cousins.
These are the people whose destruction is documented in our focus verses. God is speaking His intention to remove them from His presence. Oy vey!
If God will separate His presence from His chosen people simply because of their faithlessness and bad behavior, how much more will He remove Himself from those of us who are merely "grafted in" when we are faithless and idolatrous?
Even the godly character of King Josiah was not enough to quench the smoldering anger of the Lord against Judah. This is a case of the sins of the father being visited on the sons and the grandsons for generations. Manasseh was the king who inflamed the Lord's anger. Josiah was his grandson. The story is not yet completed.
We sit in a nation that has been favored by the Lord for two hundred years and more. But we persist in doing what is evil in the sight of God. We put things ahead of God in idolatry. We comfort ourselves with euphemisms like "freedom of choice" and "alternate lifestyle" when what we are naming is sin. Calling stink weed a rose will not make it smell any sweeter.
Even were we to have a Josiah in our midst, the anger of the Lord is surely smoldering against us as we speak. Our knees should be calloused in prayer and our voices should be heard in this wilderness of sin, calling people to repentance and to the Lord.
Father, God,
Stay Your anger a little longer. Give us the opportunity to become more faithful to You, more vocal in Your causes, more winning in our ways, so that we may bring our nation back to the fold of Your love.
Background: II Chronicles 33:18-25
The descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob comprised the chosen people of God. The two separate kingdoms, Israel in the north and Judah in the south, were essentially all cousins - several times removed, but still cousins.
These are the people whose destruction is documented in our focus verses. God is speaking His intention to remove them from His presence. Oy vey!
If God will separate His presence from His chosen people simply because of their faithlessness and bad behavior, how much more will He remove Himself from those of us who are merely "grafted in" when we are faithless and idolatrous?
Even the godly character of King Josiah was not enough to quench the smoldering anger of the Lord against Judah. This is a case of the sins of the father being visited on the sons and the grandsons for generations. Manasseh was the king who inflamed the Lord's anger. Josiah was his grandson. The story is not yet completed.
We sit in a nation that has been favored by the Lord for two hundred years and more. But we persist in doing what is evil in the sight of God. We put things ahead of God in idolatry. We comfort ourselves with euphemisms like "freedom of choice" and "alternate lifestyle" when what we are naming is sin. Calling stink weed a rose will not make it smell any sweeter.
Even were we to have a Josiah in our midst, the anger of the Lord is surely smoldering against us as we speak. Our knees should be calloused in prayer and our voices should be heard in this wilderness of sin, calling people to repentance and to the Lord.
Father, God,
Stay Your anger a little longer. Give us the opportunity to become more faithful to You, more vocal in Your causes, more winning in our ways, so that we may bring our nation back to the fold of Your love.
In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.
Amen.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Sin Paraded
Focus verses: Isaiah 3:8-15
Unacknowledged and unrepented sin is fatal. When a people will not acknowledge its sins as sin and will not repent of it, they have marked themselves for destruction.
I read this verse and shuddered: "They parade their sin like Sodom; they do not hide it. Woe to them! They have brought disaster upon themselves."
As a nation, we, too, parade our sins like Sodom. We parade the sin of sodomy and give it place in our world by trying to legitimize it.
We make laws that put innocence in danger and justify expediency over righteousness.
We reward those who manipulate and scheme and commit fraud.
Our legal system has been skewed to favor the powerful over the just; it has overstepped its boundaries at the behest of the powerful.
As a nation, we are in terrible shape. We have committed every sin in the book. We have earned all the reprisals listed in the book.
God is just and merciful to those who acknowledge their sin and repent. But God is also righteous, and those who flout their sin proudly will not receive mercy.
As individuals, let us examine our hearts to root out and repent of our personal sins. As a nation, let us work to return our country to the righteousness of the Lord.
Father, God,
Shine the light of Your love into our hearts to show us our sins that we may repent of them. Give us the discernment to see those who would lead us astray, and let us have the courage not to elect leaders who will pull us down that path.
Unacknowledged and unrepented sin is fatal. When a people will not acknowledge its sins as sin and will not repent of it, they have marked themselves for destruction.
I read this verse and shuddered: "They parade their sin like Sodom; they do not hide it. Woe to them! They have brought disaster upon themselves."
As a nation, we, too, parade our sins like Sodom. We parade the sin of sodomy and give it place in our world by trying to legitimize it.
We make laws that put innocence in danger and justify expediency over righteousness.
We reward those who manipulate and scheme and commit fraud.
Our legal system has been skewed to favor the powerful over the just; it has overstepped its boundaries at the behest of the powerful.
As a nation, we are in terrible shape. We have committed every sin in the book. We have earned all the reprisals listed in the book.
God is just and merciful to those who acknowledge their sin and repent. But God is also righteous, and those who flout their sin proudly will not receive mercy.
As individuals, let us examine our hearts to root out and repent of our personal sins. As a nation, let us work to return our country to the righteousness of the Lord.
Father, God,
Shine the light of Your love into our hearts to show us our sins that we may repent of them. Give us the discernment to see those who would lead us astray, and let us have the courage not to elect leaders who will pull us down that path.
In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.
Amen.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Finite or Infinite
Focus verse: Ecclesiastes 11:5
As we study, we can succumb to the arrogance of the intellect. That is the spirit that says I'm as smart as anybody else. Anything anyone else knows, I can know, too. We are treading on thin ice here.
Lets go back the garden. The arrogance of the intellect was what got Eve into trouble in the first place. Look at the progression of the original sin. (Genesis 3:1-6)
The serpent was crafty. He started with a question: Did God really say...?
Eve answered him with God's words, and then the serpent called God a liar. What gall!
And Eve, with the arrogance of learning something new, believed the father of lies.
Man, who had been given dominion over this world, ceded that dominion to the father of lies. And the world has never been the same.
We are in danger of believing that same lie. That God isn't big enough; we can be in charge. When that happens, the enemy can tempt us to all kinds of wrong and foolish actions.
We need to remember that God is more than we can understand. There is no way we can wrap our finite little minds around all the wisdom and knowledge of an infinite God.
Father, God,
Keep us hungry for more of you and less of the world's "wisdom." Lead us to study to show ourselves approved in knowledge of Your ways and keep us from the "wisdom" of this world.
As you do not know the path of the wind,
or how the body is formed in a mother's womb,
so you cannot understand the work of God,
the Maker of all things.
or how the body is formed in a mother's womb,
so you cannot understand the work of God,
the Maker of all things.
As we study, we can succumb to the arrogance of the intellect. That is the spirit that says I'm as smart as anybody else. Anything anyone else knows, I can know, too. We are treading on thin ice here.
Lets go back the garden. The arrogance of the intellect was what got Eve into trouble in the first place. Look at the progression of the original sin. (Genesis 3:1-6)
The serpent was crafty. He started with a question: Did God really say...?
Eve answered him with God's words, and then the serpent called God a liar. What gall!
And Eve, with the arrogance of learning something new, believed the father of lies.
Man, who had been given dominion over this world, ceded that dominion to the father of lies. And the world has never been the same.
We are in danger of believing that same lie. That God isn't big enough; we can be in charge. When that happens, the enemy can tempt us to all kinds of wrong and foolish actions.
We need to remember that God is more than we can understand. There is no way we can wrap our finite little minds around all the wisdom and knowledge of an infinite God.
Father, God,
Keep us hungry for more of you and less of the world's "wisdom." Lead us to study to show ourselves approved in knowledge of Your ways and keep us from the "wisdom" of this world.
In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.
Amen.
You can have this devotional delivered to your inbox every day. Just use the subscribe link to the right.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
The Fool
Focus verses: Psalm 53
"There is no God." These are the words of the fool.
But we seem to have a whole society of fools. People run after wealth and possessions and power. We live as if God did not exist. We flout His laws and do abominable things.
When the consequences of our sins are upon us, we whine "why me?" We never stop to think that every action carries within itself the seed of its own reward or punishment.
Because God is a faithful parent, He never stands between a child and the consequences of his own actions. Children learn safe paths and acceptable behavior by the natural process of actions and consequences.
Of course, if we see a child on the highway in the middle of traffic, we pull him out. But we also admonish him about the dangers of playing in traffic. And he may lose a privilege as a consequence of his disobedience.
God has warned us about the consequences of actions. He has given us specific directions about what is and is not acceptable in His sight. We cannot sow the wind and not reap the whirlwind.
Just like any faithful parent, God grieves over those who go astray. Let us resolve never to grieve God.
Father, God,
You have given us an illuminated path to follow. Keep us faithful to your laws and let us not stray from the path you have given us. Help us not to grieve You.
"There is no God." These are the words of the fool.
But we seem to have a whole society of fools. People run after wealth and possessions and power. We live as if God did not exist. We flout His laws and do abominable things.
When the consequences of our sins are upon us, we whine "why me?" We never stop to think that every action carries within itself the seed of its own reward or punishment.
Because God is a faithful parent, He never stands between a child and the consequences of his own actions. Children learn safe paths and acceptable behavior by the natural process of actions and consequences.
Of course, if we see a child on the highway in the middle of traffic, we pull him out. But we also admonish him about the dangers of playing in traffic. And he may lose a privilege as a consequence of his disobedience.
God has warned us about the consequences of actions. He has given us specific directions about what is and is not acceptable in His sight. We cannot sow the wind and not reap the whirlwind.
Just like any faithful parent, God grieves over those who go astray. Let us resolve never to grieve God.
Father, God,
You have given us an illuminated path to follow. Keep us faithful to your laws and let us not stray from the path you have given us. Help us not to grieve You.
In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.
Amen.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
An Altar On A Threshing Floor
Focus verses: 1 Chronicles 22:1-16
Today's reading tells the beginning of the Temple, but it begins with the altar David had been told to build on the threshing floor.
Israel was again at peace with God and with itself. But David had numbered the fighting men without being told of God to do so. It was, in fact, a sin that Satan tempted him to. Whether he simply wanted to know the numbers or was planning some aggression in his heart, he took it upon himself to do this.
God was displeased, and He allowed David to choose the punishment. From three choices, David chose the hand of the Lord over discipline by other nations. David acknowledged his sin and returned to the Lord's way of doing things.
David's sins have precluded his building the temple for the Lord, but he started the planning and handed the job off to his son, Solomon. Best of all, he composed a song of dedication for the temple. (Psalm 30)
The music is back. When we agree with the Lord about our sins and have come through the consequences of our actions, the joy of the Lord's music can once again fill our spirits.
Father, God,
Help us to see where we have run ahead of Your plans and done what is displeasing in Your sight. Give us the grace to acknowledge our sins and turn from our selfish ways. Grant that we may always be filled with songs of praise for You.
Today's reading tells the beginning of the Temple, but it begins with the altar David had been told to build on the threshing floor.
Israel was again at peace with God and with itself. But David had numbered the fighting men without being told of God to do so. It was, in fact, a sin that Satan tempted him to. Whether he simply wanted to know the numbers or was planning some aggression in his heart, he took it upon himself to do this.
God was displeased, and He allowed David to choose the punishment. From three choices, David chose the hand of the Lord over discipline by other nations. David acknowledged his sin and returned to the Lord's way of doing things.
David's sins have precluded his building the temple for the Lord, but he started the planning and handed the job off to his son, Solomon. Best of all, he composed a song of dedication for the temple. (Psalm 30)
The music is back. When we agree with the Lord about our sins and have come through the consequences of our actions, the joy of the Lord's music can once again fill our spirits.
Father, God,
Help us to see where we have run ahead of Your plans and done what is displeasing in Your sight. Give us the grace to acknowledge our sins and turn from our selfish ways. Grant that we may always be filled with songs of praise for You.
In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.
Amen.
Friday, April 10, 2009
The Offended
Focus verses: Psalm 51
Today's reading is the famous story of David and Bathsheba. David was at home while the army was on campaign. He saw Bathsheba bathing, sent for her, took her to his bed, and sent her home. Just another conquest. However, she became pregnant, so the sin had to be covered another way.
David sent for Uriah, her husband, thinking to get him to lie with his wife, so the child to come might be thought Uriah's. But that didn't work, so he then plotted to be certain that Uriah was killed in battle. That did work. David sent for Bathsheba after the period of mourning and made her his wife.
The Lord sent Nathan, the prophet, to open David's eyes to his sin. It worked. And in response, David wrote Psalm 51. In it he says to the Lord "Against you, and you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight."
Wait a minute! Didn't he sin against Uriah when he had Joab set Uriah in a place to be killed? Didn't he sin against Bathsheba when he sent for her? After all, what woman can say no to the king?
When we transgress God's laws, God is the offended party. We may transgress against others and offend them in the process, but when it comes to forgiveness, there are some sins only God can forgive.
Murder is a sin that only God can forgive completely. For the rest of us, we can learn to let go of vengeance and renounce anger and resentment. But for a forgiveness to be complete, God must say that the sin is excused.
That happens only when the sinner repents and comes to God for forgiveness. When we say we forgive someone, it generally means that we have decided not to exact payment for the sin. We have decided not to harbor anger and resentment. We have let go of the "right" to be avenged or repaid.
The life that was taken belongs to God. It is His prerogative to excuse the offense. But He only does that when the murderer repents and asks for forgiveness. That is the only way to restore the fellowship between God and the sinner. Only God knows the sinner's heart. We dare not arrogate to our selves any privilege that belongs to the Lord.
David rightly says "against thee, and thee only, have I sinned." Every sin must be made right with God first. If it can be made right with man as well, so much the better. But God is the one with whom we must make our peace.
Father, God,
Help us to understand that true forgiveness is the restoration of the relationship between You and the sinner. Give us the wisdom to forego retribution and to renounce anger and resentment. Most of all, keep us aligned with Your will and steadfast to Your statutes.
Today's reading is the famous story of David and Bathsheba. David was at home while the army was on campaign. He saw Bathsheba bathing, sent for her, took her to his bed, and sent her home. Just another conquest. However, she became pregnant, so the sin had to be covered another way.
David sent for Uriah, her husband, thinking to get him to lie with his wife, so the child to come might be thought Uriah's. But that didn't work, so he then plotted to be certain that Uriah was killed in battle. That did work. David sent for Bathsheba after the period of mourning and made her his wife.
The Lord sent Nathan, the prophet, to open David's eyes to his sin. It worked. And in response, David wrote Psalm 51. In it he says to the Lord "Against you, and you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight."
Wait a minute! Didn't he sin against Uriah when he had Joab set Uriah in a place to be killed? Didn't he sin against Bathsheba when he sent for her? After all, what woman can say no to the king?
When we transgress God's laws, God is the offended party. We may transgress against others and offend them in the process, but when it comes to forgiveness, there are some sins only God can forgive.
Murder is a sin that only God can forgive completely. For the rest of us, we can learn to let go of vengeance and renounce anger and resentment. But for a forgiveness to be complete, God must say that the sin is excused.
That happens only when the sinner repents and comes to God for forgiveness. When we say we forgive someone, it generally means that we have decided not to exact payment for the sin. We have decided not to harbor anger and resentment. We have let go of the "right" to be avenged or repaid.
The life that was taken belongs to God. It is His prerogative to excuse the offense. But He only does that when the murderer repents and asks for forgiveness. That is the only way to restore the fellowship between God and the sinner. Only God knows the sinner's heart. We dare not arrogate to our selves any privilege that belongs to the Lord.
David rightly says "against thee, and thee only, have I sinned." Every sin must be made right with God first. If it can be made right with man as well, so much the better. But God is the one with whom we must make our peace.
Father, God,
Help us to understand that true forgiveness is the restoration of the relationship between You and the sinner. Give us the wisdom to forego retribution and to renounce anger and resentment. Most of all, keep us aligned with Your will and steadfast to Your statutes.
In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.
Amen.
Monday, March 30, 2009
The Sacrifice of Obedience
Focus verses: 1 Samuel 15:10-23
We get a fearful lesson in today's reading. Saul was chosen by the Lord to be king of Israel. But Saul got carried away by his successes and decided that he knew better than God what he should do.
Saul's disobedience grieved the Lord, and the consequence for that disobedience was the Lord's rejection of Saul as king. When we reject the Lord, He withdraws His favor and leaves us to our own devices.
Every action carries within itself the seed of its own reward or punishment. No good parent stands between a child and the consequences of his own actions. Our God is a good and loving Father. He allows us to learn from our mistakes. But experience is an expensive teacher.
Saul could have avoided the negative consequences had he simply been obedient to the Lord.
"To obey is better than sacrifice." Mark it well in 1 Samuel 15:22.
When we know what to do and refuse to do it, we sin. Sin separates us from God. Not a good place to be.
Father, God,
Give us ears tuned to hear You. Make our hearts ready to obey. Keep us from the sins of arrogance and disobedience.
We get a fearful lesson in today's reading. Saul was chosen by the Lord to be king of Israel. But Saul got carried away by his successes and decided that he knew better than God what he should do.
Saul's disobedience grieved the Lord, and the consequence for that disobedience was the Lord's rejection of Saul as king. When we reject the Lord, He withdraws His favor and leaves us to our own devices.
Every action carries within itself the seed of its own reward or punishment. No good parent stands between a child and the consequences of his own actions. Our God is a good and loving Father. He allows us to learn from our mistakes. But experience is an expensive teacher.
Saul could have avoided the negative consequences had he simply been obedient to the Lord.
"To obey is better than sacrifice." Mark it well in 1 Samuel 15:22.
When we know what to do and refuse to do it, we sin. Sin separates us from God. Not a good place to be.
Father, God,
Give us ears tuned to hear You. Make our hearts ready to obey. Keep us from the sins of arrogance and disobedience.
In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.
Amen.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Mildew
Focus verses: Leviticus 14:33-42
God's regulations about health are amazing! But I don't know why I should be surprised. He created us and knows all that we need, all that we might come up against, and all that might harm us.
Mildew is a creeping thing. It starts with a little bit of moisture and spreads until it can literally ruin a whole building, contaminating everyone who enters.
Sin is much like that. It can start with the smallest infraction and move until it consumes the whole of our lives.
A much wiser man than I once wrote:
"Who is that knocking at the door of my soul?"
(in a beseeching whisper) "A lonely little sin."
"Slip in" we answer in an undertone.
And all Hell is in!
Father, God,
Help us to recognize the beseeching whisper of that lonely little sin. Give us the wisdom to deny him entrance to our hearts. And grant us the strength to stand against the wiles of evil.
God's regulations about health are amazing! But I don't know why I should be surprised. He created us and knows all that we need, all that we might come up against, and all that might harm us.
Mildew is a creeping thing. It starts with a little bit of moisture and spreads until it can literally ruin a whole building, contaminating everyone who enters.
Sin is much like that. It can start with the smallest infraction and move until it consumes the whole of our lives.
A much wiser man than I once wrote:
"Who is that knocking at the door of my soul?"
(in a beseeching whisper) "A lonely little sin."
"Slip in" we answer in an undertone.
And all Hell is in!
Father, God,
Help us to recognize the beseeching whisper of that lonely little sin. Give us the wisdom to deny him entrance to our hearts. And grant us the strength to stand against the wiles of evil.
In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.
Amen.
Monday, February 23, 2009
The Blessing
Focus verses: Numbers 6:22-27
Today's reading begins with the details of offerings for sin and for the Sabbath and monthly offerings. And it ends with a familiar blessing. The Lord bless thee and keep thee. You know the rest.
In our reading, I believe this is the first time that God has instructed the priests to bless the children of Israel. And he gave them a specific form to use in that blessing.
The Lord bless thee -- not I bless you - or just bless you -- like when someone sneezes. When we are blessing someone, we are to acknowledge that only the Lord can bless them.
Whatever the occasion, the Lord is the giver of all blessings, and we need to acknowledge that. In fact, the Lord is the be all and end all in every situation. Too often we forget that He is all-knowing, that He has made provision for every circumstance that can befall us.
We will learn a little later along the way, that He has plans for us, plans for our benefit, not our harm. This blessing foreshadows those plans.
Father, God,
Help us to remember that You taught the Israelite priests to bless the people because that blessing is Your will for them. And by extension, it is also Your will for us.
Today's reading begins with the details of offerings for sin and for the Sabbath and monthly offerings. And it ends with a familiar blessing. The Lord bless thee and keep thee. You know the rest.
In our reading, I believe this is the first time that God has instructed the priests to bless the children of Israel. And he gave them a specific form to use in that blessing.
The Lord bless thee -- not I bless you - or just bless you -- like when someone sneezes. When we are blessing someone, we are to acknowledge that only the Lord can bless them.
Whatever the occasion, the Lord is the giver of all blessings, and we need to acknowledge that. In fact, the Lord is the be all and end all in every situation. Too often we forget that He is all-knowing, that He has made provision for every circumstance that can befall us.
We will learn a little later along the way, that He has plans for us, plans for our benefit, not our harm. This blessing foreshadows those plans.
Father, God,
Help us to remember that You taught the Israelite priests to bless the people because that blessing is Your will for them. And by extension, it is also Your will for us.
In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.
Amen.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Transgressions
Focus verses: Numbers 15:30,31
Today's readings talk about offerings for sin. God knows that we are fallible and will fall short of His designs for us. But he prescribes a method for bringing us back in to fellowship with Him. At least these readings detail those methods for the children of Israel.
We have a different mode of reconciliation. Jesus Christ. Because of His atoning death on the cross of Calvary, we can come directly to God with our failings, repent directly to Him, and ask His forgiveness.
And we can receive that forgiveness if we believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Our response to that forgiveness should be a turning from those sins and a renewed mind to follow the precepts of the Lord.
That's the way it should work.
But there is a terrible caveat in today's readings as well. The focus verses say that if someone sins defiantly, he blasphemes God and his guilt remains on him.
We seem to live in a society today where people sin deliberately, wantonly, defiantly. And we remain tolerant of their sins in the name of diversity. We fail to speak out when people defy God, and we act oblivious to the fact that when we remain silent, we are complicit with their sins.
Father, God,
Let us not grieve Your Holy Spirit with sins either of omission or commission. So touch us with Your love that our constant response is obedience to You and love for Your people - a love that speaks the truth of Your salvation.
Today's readings talk about offerings for sin. God knows that we are fallible and will fall short of His designs for us. But he prescribes a method for bringing us back in to fellowship with Him. At least these readings detail those methods for the children of Israel.
We have a different mode of reconciliation. Jesus Christ. Because of His atoning death on the cross of Calvary, we can come directly to God with our failings, repent directly to Him, and ask His forgiveness.
And we can receive that forgiveness if we believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Our response to that forgiveness should be a turning from those sins and a renewed mind to follow the precepts of the Lord.
That's the way it should work.
But there is a terrible caveat in today's readings as well. The focus verses say that if someone sins defiantly, he blasphemes God and his guilt remains on him.
We seem to live in a society today where people sin deliberately, wantonly, defiantly. And we remain tolerant of their sins in the name of diversity. We fail to speak out when people defy God, and we act oblivious to the fact that when we remain silent, we are complicit with their sins.
Father, God,
Let us not grieve Your Holy Spirit with sins either of omission or commission. So touch us with Your love that our constant response is obedience to You and love for Your people - a love that speaks the truth of Your salvation.
In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.
Amen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)