Today’s Journal Reading
Genesis 20-22
Luke 8
Genesis 22:2-5 “Then God said, "Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about."
Early the next morning Abraham got up and saddled his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about. 4 On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. 5 He said to his servants, "Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you."
Observation:
Abraham and Sarah now have a son – miraculously born – a gift from God – a promise fulfilled - the beginning of a nation that will be as numerous as the stars in the sky and the sand on shores. This is the son that God asks Abraham to sacrifice. We don’t know if Abraham wrestled with this in his mind and heart, but the very next day – early in the morning, he set out with two servants and his son – He certainly didn’t wait around or consult with anyone – he heard from God – and he obeyed – even though he didn’t understand the reason or the outcome. Abraham had a solid faith – and trusted God so much that even when he left his servants at the bottom of the mountain, he told them “we” will come back to you – both he and Isaac. He did not doubt His God – even when it didn’t make sense – even when it meant giving up the dream that God placed in his heart.
Application:
I am starting a Bible Study tomorrow night on “surrender”. I will be asking myself through out this study, “What is my Isaac?” “Who is my Isaac?” And as God speaks to me, and gives me specific instructions on what to sacrifice, how to sacrifice, when to sacrifice and where to sacrifice – I pray that I will be like Abraham – that I will start the journey of surrendering early on – as soon as possible – and immediately in my heart.
Casting Crowns sings a song entitled “Somewhere in the Middle”. One of the lines to the song says “But will we trade our dreams for His.” At this point, in my relationship with the Lord, I could say – “Yes, I would trade my dreams for His”. But what would I do if God asked me to sacrifice the dream that He placed in my heart? Would I lay it on the altar right away - at all? Will I trust Him enough to be like Abraham?
Dear God - Whatever you ask me to sacrifice, I want to willingly give it up right away, and trust that regardless of what happens, I can say “we will return to you.” You will provide – and that is all I need to know.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Monday, January 7, 2008
Is My "House" up to "Code"?
Today’s Journal Reading
Genesis 15-17
Psalm 2
Luke 6
Luke 6:46-49 "Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say? I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete."
Observation: Jesus is beginning to stir up the status quo. He is teaching a new way of life that isn’t about rules, laws and Sabbath guidelines, but about love, forgiveness and kindness. It’s doing right by each other, without judgment or condemnation. That is the lifestyle Jesus asks of us. These are His words that we are to put into practice. And it’s the only way that we can have a solid, spiritual foundation because that’s the only way godly relationships can truly be cultivated.
Jesus has stepped into world that was too focused on rules, laws and the breaking of those rules and laws. The leaders of His day were looking for ways to catch Jesus and others breaking the Sabbath. Their hearts were not for the good of the people, but for the good of enforcing the laws.
Application:
Judging and condemning others is such an easy trap to fall into because it puts the burden on the other person and removes it from myself. But Jesus taught a different way of living. I am to practice actions, behaviors and attitudes that promote what is best for the other person, regardless of what the “rules” are. I am to be compassionate, understanding, and forgiving without judgment and condemnation. As I practice this in my interactions with family, friends, acquaintances and strangers, I will be building a healthy, strong, unshakeable, spiritual foundation that will stand firm and tall in the midst of the storms of life.
Lord, I have heard your words, and recognize that I am responsible to take action now. I pray for a forgiving heart. Give me a compassionate and loving attitude towards people – even when I feel justified in being mean, or hurtful or judgmental. Give me the will and desire to practice treating people as you have taught in your word, and remind me, when I start judging others, condemning others, pointing out the laws they have broken, or the “Sabbath” rules they have broken that I am causing my spiritual foundation to weaken and become shaky. I pray that you will help me to align everything I do with these teachings, and to keep my “house” up to “code”.
Genesis 15-17
Psalm 2
Luke 6
Luke 6:46-49 "Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say? I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete."
Observation: Jesus is beginning to stir up the status quo. He is teaching a new way of life that isn’t about rules, laws and Sabbath guidelines, but about love, forgiveness and kindness. It’s doing right by each other, without judgment or condemnation. That is the lifestyle Jesus asks of us. These are His words that we are to put into practice. And it’s the only way that we can have a solid, spiritual foundation because that’s the only way godly relationships can truly be cultivated.
Jesus has stepped into world that was too focused on rules, laws and the breaking of those rules and laws. The leaders of His day were looking for ways to catch Jesus and others breaking the Sabbath. Their hearts were not for the good of the people, but for the good of enforcing the laws.
Application:
Judging and condemning others is such an easy trap to fall into because it puts the burden on the other person and removes it from myself. But Jesus taught a different way of living. I am to practice actions, behaviors and attitudes that promote what is best for the other person, regardless of what the “rules” are. I am to be compassionate, understanding, and forgiving without judgment and condemnation. As I practice this in my interactions with family, friends, acquaintances and strangers, I will be building a healthy, strong, unshakeable, spiritual foundation that will stand firm and tall in the midst of the storms of life.
Lord, I have heard your words, and recognize that I am responsible to take action now. I pray for a forgiving heart. Give me a compassionate and loving attitude towards people – even when I feel justified in being mean, or hurtful or judgmental. Give me the will and desire to practice treating people as you have taught in your word, and remind me, when I start judging others, condemning others, pointing out the laws they have broken, or the “Sabbath” rules they have broken that I am causing my spiritual foundation to weaken and become shaky. I pray that you will help me to align everything I do with these teachings, and to keep my “house” up to “code”.
Who is My Authority?
Today’s Journal Reading
Genesis 18-19
Psalm 3
Luke 7
Luke 7:9-10
When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, "I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel." Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well.
Observation:
A Centurion’s beloved servant is sick and dieing. The Centurion sends the elders of Israel to ask Jesus to heal him. Jesus agrees to see the servant and heads towards the Centurion’s place; but the Centurion hears of it and sends his friends to meet Jesus and tell him that he does not need to trouble himself and come all the way to his home. Through his friends, the man says to Jesus that he too is a man of authority and knows that when he tells his servant to do something he will do it. Just say the Word, and I know my servant will be healed. His faith amazed Jesus.
Application:
I want to be like this Centurion and amaze Jesus with my faith in Him. I have come to realize that I do not recognize the authority of Christ the way this Centurion did. I say He has the power and authority, but do I really believe it? Do I live my day to day life trusting and recognizing that the authority God has given to Christ is what produces the power to heal and change my life? And that the authority is already there – I just have to recognize it and claim it.
Lord, thank you for dieing on the cross, bearing my sin and conquering death. Help me to recognize the authority you have been given and live my life the way this Centurion did – trusting that your power is greater than anything problems I face because of who you are and the authority given to you by God. Help me to learn to step out in faith, to bind my mind, will and emotions to Jesus Christ, and to loose the lies that I have believed that put someone other than you in authority of my life. In Jesus Name Amen.
Genesis 18-19
Psalm 3
Luke 7
Luke 7:9-10
When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, "I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel." Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well.
Observation:
A Centurion’s beloved servant is sick and dieing. The Centurion sends the elders of Israel to ask Jesus to heal him. Jesus agrees to see the servant and heads towards the Centurion’s place; but the Centurion hears of it and sends his friends to meet Jesus and tell him that he does not need to trouble himself and come all the way to his home. Through his friends, the man says to Jesus that he too is a man of authority and knows that when he tells his servant to do something he will do it. Just say the Word, and I know my servant will be healed. His faith amazed Jesus.
Application:
I want to be like this Centurion and amaze Jesus with my faith in Him. I have come to realize that I do not recognize the authority of Christ the way this Centurion did. I say He has the power and authority, but do I really believe it? Do I live my day to day life trusting and recognizing that the authority God has given to Christ is what produces the power to heal and change my life? And that the authority is already there – I just have to recognize it and claim it.
Lord, thank you for dieing on the cross, bearing my sin and conquering death. Help me to recognize the authority you have been given and live my life the way this Centurion did – trusting that your power is greater than anything problems I face because of who you are and the authority given to you by God. Help me to learn to step out in faith, to bind my mind, will and emotions to Jesus Christ, and to loose the lies that I have believed that put someone other than you in authority of my life. In Jesus Name Amen.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
God Called- It's for You!
Today’s Journal Reading
Genesis 12-14
Luke 5
Psalm 1
Genesis 12:1,4 “The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you.”
“So Abram left, as the LORD had told him;”
Luke 5:11, 27-28 “So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.” “After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth.”Follow me," Jesus said to him, and Levi got up, left everything and followed him.”
Observation: In Genesis 12, God calls Abram to leave his home and his people and go to a place he did not know. And Abram did. In Luke 5 Jesus calls Simon, James and John to leave their boats and follow Him. And they did. Jesus also calls Levi to follow him, and he left it all and followed.
Application:
God’s calling is two-fold. It’s a calling towards Him, and a calling away from the current way of living. In Abram’s case, it was physically moving to a far away country away from family, traditions, his home town, etc. In the case of Simon, James, John and Levi, it was leaving their livelihoods and perhaps homes, but they didn’t have to travel to a far away country, and probably were still close enough to remain in contact with their family and friends.
God’s calling on my life can be as drastic as moving to the jungles of Africa and living on beetles and rain water, or it can be staying where I live, and volunteering at a homeless shelter, or quitting my job and running an orphanage, or simply spending committed time in prayer and sharing the gospel with those I come in contact every day at work, school, the store, etc. God’s method of calling us can be and often is different for each of us, but the commitment is the same for all of us. It’s all or nothing. It’s a sacrifice. It’s giving up the old way for a new way. It’s stopping what I’m doing, leaving “It” where it’s at, and heading in a different direction with a different life purpose and with a different job to do.
Lord, so far, you have not called me to a foreign country, or to quit my job, or leave my family and friends, but what you have called me to is a new life. You have called me to leave my old way of thinking, speaking, behaving, dreaming and living. You have called me to drop the “nets” I cling to that provide false security for me, and to follow after your heart and trust in your ways. Regardless of what you call me to do, I want to be as Abram, Simon, James, John and Levi – to be ready and willing to answer your call immediately and to have it known that God called, and so I left and followed him.
Genesis 12-14
Luke 5
Psalm 1
Genesis 12:1,4 “The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you.”
“So Abram left, as the LORD had told him;”
Luke 5:11, 27-28 “So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.” “After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth.”Follow me," Jesus said to him, and Levi got up, left everything and followed him.”
Observation: In Genesis 12, God calls Abram to leave his home and his people and go to a place he did not know. And Abram did. In Luke 5 Jesus calls Simon, James and John to leave their boats and follow Him. And they did. Jesus also calls Levi to follow him, and he left it all and followed.
Application:
God’s calling is two-fold. It’s a calling towards Him, and a calling away from the current way of living. In Abram’s case, it was physically moving to a far away country away from family, traditions, his home town, etc. In the case of Simon, James, John and Levi, it was leaving their livelihoods and perhaps homes, but they didn’t have to travel to a far away country, and probably were still close enough to remain in contact with their family and friends.
God’s calling on my life can be as drastic as moving to the jungles of Africa and living on beetles and rain water, or it can be staying where I live, and volunteering at a homeless shelter, or quitting my job and running an orphanage, or simply spending committed time in prayer and sharing the gospel with those I come in contact every day at work, school, the store, etc. God’s method of calling us can be and often is different for each of us, but the commitment is the same for all of us. It’s all or nothing. It’s a sacrifice. It’s giving up the old way for a new way. It’s stopping what I’m doing, leaving “It” where it’s at, and heading in a different direction with a different life purpose and with a different job to do.
Lord, so far, you have not called me to a foreign country, or to quit my job, or leave my family and friends, but what you have called me to is a new life. You have called me to leave my old way of thinking, speaking, behaving, dreaming and living. You have called me to drop the “nets” I cling to that provide false security for me, and to follow after your heart and trust in your ways. Regardless of what you call me to do, I want to be as Abram, Simon, James, John and Levi – to be ready and willing to answer your call immediately and to have it known that God called, and so I left and followed him.
Friday, January 4, 2008
Just Do It!
Today’s Journal Reading
Genesis 9-11
Luke 4
Luke 4:42-22
At daybreak Jesus went out to a solitary place. The people were looking for him and when they came to where he was, they tried to keep him from leaving them. But he said, "I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent." And he kept on preaching in the synagogues of Judea.
Observation:
This chapter picks up after Jesus was baptized by John, and documents the start of Jesus’ ministry. Before starting his ministry, Jesus fasts for 40 days. It is during this time (when he is weakest) that the devil tempts him. Jesus only responds to the Devil with God’s Word. He then returns to the city he grew up in and begins teaching and preaching, but it was difficult for people to accept him because – wasn’t this just Joseph’s son? He moves on to another city because he is not accepted in his own town. He performs miracles every where he goes and many are healed and freed from demon possessions. The people wanted him to stay, but he had a job to do and kept moving.
Some points I observed:
- Jesus was filled with Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit was with Him. Jesus’ actions were lead by the Holy Spirit.
- Jesus prepared for his ministry by fasting for 40 days. He also spent time alone, in a solitary place first thing in the morning – preparing for his day.
- Jesus was tempted by the Devil, and could have commanded many things to happen to him, but instead, followed the plan God designed. He reminded the Devil of what God’s Word said and only responded to him with Scripture.
- Jesus returned to his home town first to begin his ministry. He shared with his family and friends, but when they did not readily accept him in this “new” role, he didn’t beg, plead or try to convince them of who he was. He moved on. (I wonder if that was hard for him to do – these were his family and friends he grew up with!)
- Everywhere he went he healed people, cast demons out of them and shared the love of God with them. He was in demand all the time, but still took time to find a solitary place before he started his day.
- It didn’t matter if he was ran out of his hometown or was begged and pleaded to stay in with the people he healed and cast demons out of, it didn’t distract him from continuing with his purpose and being obedient.
- Jesus established boundaried to keep him on track to fulfill the purposes God had for him.
Application:
Jesus knew what his purpose was and obediently did it. He didn’t allow anything to influence the direction he was given by God. How much do I allow outside influences to affect me when I know what God wants me to do? In the last few weeks, God has revealed to me many areas in my life that I allow people, events, and circumstances to influence me in ways that do not line up with His purpose and direction in my life. It is hard for me not to “give in” to these influences because I don’t want to disappoint anyone, I don’t want anyone mad at me and I’m not comfortable setting boundaries. But, I’m learning to, and with continued practice and obedience on my part, it will become easier and natural for me. I won’t be pulled in different directions, get myself in situations with people that are not what God wants for me. I want to make everyone happy, and help everyone get along, so I try to be everything to everybody. If Jesus didn’t do this (and He could) why do I think I can get away with it? God has revealed to me the areas I need to be obedient in, and like Jesus, I need to just do it!
Lord, thank you for revealing to me the wrong patterns of behavior, wrong ways of thinking and wrong attitudes that I have clung to for many years as truth. Forgive me for not establishing healthy boundaries in my relationships with family, friends, acquaintances and strangers. You have made it very clear what I need to change and what I need to do to fulfill the purpose you have for me, and 2008 is year that I am committing to living for eternal purposes. Every time I write 2008 or see 2008 I will physically or mentally kick the 8 over on its side, so it will be the mathematical symbol for infinity (eternity); and it will be a visual reminder of what this year is to be about - eternity. In Jesus Name Amen.
What's Your "Thing"?
Today’s Journal Reading
Genesis 6-8
Luke 3
Luke 3:10-14
"What should we do then?" the crowd asked. John answered, "The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same." Tax collectors also came to be baptized. "Teacher," they asked, "what should we do?" "Don't collect any more than you are required to," he told them. Then some soldiers asked him, "And what should we do?" He replied, "Don't extort money and don't accuse people falsely—be content with your pay."
Observation:
John is preaching to anyone who will listen about repentance and that being from the seed of Abraham is not enough – there has to be a change of heart that then produces fruit. The crowd asks how to do this – and John responds to be kind each other, help each other (feed and clothe those who have less than you). He tells the tax collectors to be honest in the amounts they are to collect. He tells the soldiers to not exchange money for protection and make false accusations; but to be satisfied with their pay. Many were baptized, and the crowd wondered if John was the Messiah. But he tells them he baptizes in water, but there is one coming who will baptize in Spirit.
Application:
Those listening to John are hearing harsh words, and they questioned how they could live out this concept of repentance and bearing fruit in their lives. I don’t know if they were sarcastically asking him, or if they were sincerely asking him, but either way, I find it interesting that John answers the questions for each group differently. He went right for the very thing that defines who they are.
1) The crowd – based on the accounts written in Matthew, the group consisted mostly of Pharisees and Sadducees. These groups considered themselves to be better than most, and had money and power and used it over those who did not. The fact that John told them to share their extra tunics and share their extra food with those who have less was like a slap in the face to them.
2) The Tax Collectors – It was common practice for tax collectors to take more than what was required and pocket the extra cash for themselves. Again, John addressed the very thing that would slap them up side the head.
3) The Soldiers – Soldiers were not paid well, so they used their position and “military” power to extort money in exchange for “protection”. They would stir up trouble by falsely accusing someone, and use that to their advantage. Their motivation? To supplement their low wages, make up the difference in money they lost gambling, drinking, etc. because they were bored occupying a region, not fighting a battle somewhere. They felt justified in their behavior – and bam! John slaps them too!
Each group had their own “thing” that prevented them from getting to that repentant state, and producing the fruit of a changed heart. John was able to get to the core of what needed to change in these people. All of them (and us) should share their extra clothing and food with those in need, be fair and honest in our dealings with others, not extort money or make false accusations for our gain and be content with the wages we accepted and agreed upon. But each of those things, held a different weight/meaning depending on who you were, which made it more evident to them and others if they changed. Just as John pointed out to the “crowd”, the tax collectors and the soldiers their “thing”, you can be sure, as a child of God, He will point out our “thing”. And if we want fruit in our lives, we will have to choose to repent and surrender it.
Father God – You know our hearts so well. You know the very areas that cause us trouble – for some it may be pride, others selfishness, and someone else greed, etc. It really doesn’t matter what it is that we have such a hard time changing. What matters is, whether we make that change or not. I pray that you will continue to reveal the areas in my life that are specific to me that you want to change. Help me to willingly repent and surrender those “rights” that I feel are mine, and allow you to produce eternal fruit for your glory. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Genesis 6-8
Luke 3
Luke 3:10-14
"What should we do then?" the crowd asked. John answered, "The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same." Tax collectors also came to be baptized. "Teacher," they asked, "what should we do?" "Don't collect any more than you are required to," he told them. Then some soldiers asked him, "And what should we do?" He replied, "Don't extort money and don't accuse people falsely—be content with your pay."
Observation:
John is preaching to anyone who will listen about repentance and that being from the seed of Abraham is not enough – there has to be a change of heart that then produces fruit. The crowd asks how to do this – and John responds to be kind each other, help each other (feed and clothe those who have less than you). He tells the tax collectors to be honest in the amounts they are to collect. He tells the soldiers to not exchange money for protection and make false accusations; but to be satisfied with their pay. Many were baptized, and the crowd wondered if John was the Messiah. But he tells them he baptizes in water, but there is one coming who will baptize in Spirit.
Application:
Those listening to John are hearing harsh words, and they questioned how they could live out this concept of repentance and bearing fruit in their lives. I don’t know if they were sarcastically asking him, or if they were sincerely asking him, but either way, I find it interesting that John answers the questions for each group differently. He went right for the very thing that defines who they are.
1) The crowd – based on the accounts written in Matthew, the group consisted mostly of Pharisees and Sadducees. These groups considered themselves to be better than most, and had money and power and used it over those who did not. The fact that John told them to share their extra tunics and share their extra food with those who have less was like a slap in the face to them.
2) The Tax Collectors – It was common practice for tax collectors to take more than what was required and pocket the extra cash for themselves. Again, John addressed the very thing that would slap them up side the head.
3) The Soldiers – Soldiers were not paid well, so they used their position and “military” power to extort money in exchange for “protection”. They would stir up trouble by falsely accusing someone, and use that to their advantage. Their motivation? To supplement their low wages, make up the difference in money they lost gambling, drinking, etc. because they were bored occupying a region, not fighting a battle somewhere. They felt justified in their behavior – and bam! John slaps them too!
Each group had their own “thing” that prevented them from getting to that repentant state, and producing the fruit of a changed heart. John was able to get to the core of what needed to change in these people. All of them (and us) should share their extra clothing and food with those in need, be fair and honest in our dealings with others, not extort money or make false accusations for our gain and be content with the wages we accepted and agreed upon. But each of those things, held a different weight/meaning depending on who you were, which made it more evident to them and others if they changed. Just as John pointed out to the “crowd”, the tax collectors and the soldiers their “thing”, you can be sure, as a child of God, He will point out our “thing”. And if we want fruit in our lives, we will have to choose to repent and surrender it.
Father God – You know our hearts so well. You know the very areas that cause us trouble – for some it may be pride, others selfishness, and someone else greed, etc. It really doesn’t matter what it is that we have such a hard time changing. What matters is, whether we make that change or not. I pray that you will continue to reveal the areas in my life that are specific to me that you want to change. Help me to willingly repent and surrender those “rights” that I feel are mine, and allow you to produce eternal fruit for your glory. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Anger Management Isn't the Answer
Today’s Journal Reading
Genesis 3-5
Luke 2
Genesis 4:7
“If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it.”
Observation:
Cain and Abel are brothers. Cain is a tiller of the ground and Abel is a keeper of the flock. This chapter reveals that Abel brought to God the firstlings of his flock and the fat portions; and Cain brought to God an offering from the fruit of the ground. God accepted Abel’s offering and had no regard towards Cain’s offering. Cain became angry and killed his brother, Abel. Before he did this, though, God approached him and provided an opportunity for Cain to make things right in his heart, but Cain did not choose to. Instead, he allowed his anger to take control.
I haven’t always understood this story – why wasn’t Cain’s offering accepted by God? I’ve heard sermons preached that it was because there wasn’t blood shed, and God requires a blood sacrifice, but there isn’t any mention of what God required. Each brother offered something from their livelihood, but the difference between the two is Abel brought God the “firstlings” of his flock and the “fat portions”; and Cain just brought fruit of the ground – no mention that it was the first of the harvest, or that it was the best of his crop. Maybe Cain thought he had a right to bring whatever he wanted to the Lord. Maybe Cain thought he could get away with giving God second best. Regardless, it seems that Cain knew he wasn’t offering what God required. He wanted to do it his way. And when that wasn’t acceptable, he allowed anger to take hold of him and he lost his temper and killed his brother.
Application:
Disobeying God opens the door to sin, which produces frustration and irritation in our hearts, which then produces anger. I recently read that anger is like a pit bull. It’s something that has to be controlled, while at the same time calling it a pet and reassuring family and friends that it will not attack - that you have control. And yet, we all know that once something sets it off – the control is gone, the damage is done – and someone is hurt or killed. Everyone shakes their heads in sadness, saying, “Well, you know how pit bulls are…” When it’s an angry person, we shake our heads in sadness and say, “Well, someone must have made him mad…” Why would anyone want to be responsible for something they have to continually try to keep under control when they can just get rid of it?
I know it’s easier said than done, but Cain had a choice to obey God the first time and offer the correct sacrifice (whatever that was), and he didn’t. God gave him another opportunity to confess his anger towards God and make it right, and he didn’t. Even after killing his brother, God gave Cain an opportunity to confess, and he didn’t. So God punished him – and guess what Cain did? He complained – this is too much for me, you have to protect me from people who will kill me once they find out who I am and what I did. Isn’t that so typical of an angry person? They feel justified in their anger, make excuses for it, don’t feel they deserved to be punished or pay the consequences for it and aren’t willing to take responsibility for it. And yet, in God’s endless mercy, he didn’t kill Cain (like he deserved), and he made it known that anyone who harmed Cain would be killed. He not only spared his life, but sent him to a place to live out the rest of his days, without any fear of being killed for his act of murder. I wonder if Cain ever came to his senses and made things right with His God.
Trying to master the sin of anger is hard work. And it never really is under control. The longer we allow it to remain in our hearts, the more justified it seems to be. Before long, it masters us, and we become blind to the damage it does to us and others.
Father, help me to surrender my “rights” so that anger doesn’t get the best of me. I don’t want to open the door and provide a way for it to take hold of my heart. I don’t want to have to master it - I want to get rid of it! Help me to be obedient to You in all I do and say, so that my offerings to You will be good and acceptable.
Genesis 3-5
Luke 2
Genesis 4:7
“If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it.”
Observation:
Cain and Abel are brothers. Cain is a tiller of the ground and Abel is a keeper of the flock. This chapter reveals that Abel brought to God the firstlings of his flock and the fat portions; and Cain brought to God an offering from the fruit of the ground. God accepted Abel’s offering and had no regard towards Cain’s offering. Cain became angry and killed his brother, Abel. Before he did this, though, God approached him and provided an opportunity for Cain to make things right in his heart, but Cain did not choose to. Instead, he allowed his anger to take control.
I haven’t always understood this story – why wasn’t Cain’s offering accepted by God? I’ve heard sermons preached that it was because there wasn’t blood shed, and God requires a blood sacrifice, but there isn’t any mention of what God required. Each brother offered something from their livelihood, but the difference between the two is Abel brought God the “firstlings” of his flock and the “fat portions”; and Cain just brought fruit of the ground – no mention that it was the first of the harvest, or that it was the best of his crop. Maybe Cain thought he had a right to bring whatever he wanted to the Lord. Maybe Cain thought he could get away with giving God second best. Regardless, it seems that Cain knew he wasn’t offering what God required. He wanted to do it his way. And when that wasn’t acceptable, he allowed anger to take hold of him and he lost his temper and killed his brother.
Application:
Disobeying God opens the door to sin, which produces frustration and irritation in our hearts, which then produces anger. I recently read that anger is like a pit bull. It’s something that has to be controlled, while at the same time calling it a pet and reassuring family and friends that it will not attack - that you have control. And yet, we all know that once something sets it off – the control is gone, the damage is done – and someone is hurt or killed. Everyone shakes their heads in sadness, saying, “Well, you know how pit bulls are…” When it’s an angry person, we shake our heads in sadness and say, “Well, someone must have made him mad…” Why would anyone want to be responsible for something they have to continually try to keep under control when they can just get rid of it?
I know it’s easier said than done, but Cain had a choice to obey God the first time and offer the correct sacrifice (whatever that was), and he didn’t. God gave him another opportunity to confess his anger towards God and make it right, and he didn’t. Even after killing his brother, God gave Cain an opportunity to confess, and he didn’t. So God punished him – and guess what Cain did? He complained – this is too much for me, you have to protect me from people who will kill me once they find out who I am and what I did. Isn’t that so typical of an angry person? They feel justified in their anger, make excuses for it, don’t feel they deserved to be punished or pay the consequences for it and aren’t willing to take responsibility for it. And yet, in God’s endless mercy, he didn’t kill Cain (like he deserved), and he made it known that anyone who harmed Cain would be killed. He not only spared his life, but sent him to a place to live out the rest of his days, without any fear of being killed for his act of murder. I wonder if Cain ever came to his senses and made things right with His God.
Trying to master the sin of anger is hard work. And it never really is under control. The longer we allow it to remain in our hearts, the more justified it seems to be. Before long, it masters us, and we become blind to the damage it does to us and others.
Father, help me to surrender my “rights” so that anger doesn’t get the best of me. I don’t want to open the door and provide a way for it to take hold of my heart. I don’t want to have to master it - I want to get rid of it! Help me to be obedient to You in all I do and say, so that my offerings to You will be good and acceptable.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Blogging Rules for 2008
I'm changing my blogging rules for 2008 to the following:
- Always include a verse from the Bible
That's it! I'm keeping it simple.<:
Being Filled with the Holy Spirit
Today's Journal Reading
Genesis 1, 2; Luke 1
Luke 1:44
“For behold, when the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy.”
Observation:
Mary is pregnant with Jesus, and is coming to visit Elizabeth, who is pregnant with John. When Elizabeth hears Mary coming, she felt John leap for joy inside of her. Even as a baby inside his mother’s womb, John’s spirit was aware of the presence of Jesus, His savior.
Application:
There have been times in my life when I have met someone for the first time, and I know they were a child of God and the Holy Spirit lives inside of them. I can’t describe the feeling, but it’s there. It’s like the Holy Spirit inside of me acknowledges, responds, and communicates with the Holy Spirit inside of that other person. Something like that is what I think occurred in the womb of Elizabeth and Mary. There was an acknowledgement, a greeting of joy by John to Jesus – even before they were born, and still being formed in their mother’s womb.
As I look back at those few times that this has occurred to me, I realize that it was during a time in my life when I was pursuing my relationship with the Lord. I was active in spending time with Him, reading the Bible, applying what I’m learning in my life. Even though, I already had the Holy Spirit living inside of me the very moment I accepted Christ, I am not always filled with Holy Spirit on a daily basis. Instead, I get filled with other things from the busyness of the day – frustration, anger, fear, anxiety, worry, stress, sadness, irritation, loneliness…the list could go on and on. And then, I cry out for Jesus to send the ultimate healer, counselor and teacher – and there is no room because my heart is already full.
Lord, help me to surrender and give up the things that fill my heart and take the place of You. I want to make room for the filling of Your Holy Spirit each and every day, so that I will recognize what is of You and will feel a leap of joy as it comes across my path. I don’t want to miss anything that is coming from You!
Genesis 1, 2; Luke 1
Luke 1:44
“For behold, when the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy.”
Observation:
Mary is pregnant with Jesus, and is coming to visit Elizabeth, who is pregnant with John. When Elizabeth hears Mary coming, she felt John leap for joy inside of her. Even as a baby inside his mother’s womb, John’s spirit was aware of the presence of Jesus, His savior.
Application:
There have been times in my life when I have met someone for the first time, and I know they were a child of God and the Holy Spirit lives inside of them. I can’t describe the feeling, but it’s there. It’s like the Holy Spirit inside of me acknowledges, responds, and communicates with the Holy Spirit inside of that other person. Something like that is what I think occurred in the womb of Elizabeth and Mary. There was an acknowledgement, a greeting of joy by John to Jesus – even before they were born, and still being formed in their mother’s womb.
As I look back at those few times that this has occurred to me, I realize that it was during a time in my life when I was pursuing my relationship with the Lord. I was active in spending time with Him, reading the Bible, applying what I’m learning in my life. Even though, I already had the Holy Spirit living inside of me the very moment I accepted Christ, I am not always filled with Holy Spirit on a daily basis. Instead, I get filled with other things from the busyness of the day – frustration, anger, fear, anxiety, worry, stress, sadness, irritation, loneliness…the list could go on and on. And then, I cry out for Jesus to send the ultimate healer, counselor and teacher – and there is no room because my heart is already full.
Lord, help me to surrender and give up the things that fill my heart and take the place of You. I want to make room for the filling of Your Holy Spirit each and every day, so that I will recognize what is of You and will feel a leap of joy as it comes across my path. I don’t want to miss anything that is coming from You!
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