January 31 Readings: Exodus 15-16, Matthew 20, Psalm 18:19-25, Proverbs 3:21-23

Links to today's readings: Exodus 15-16, Matthew 20, Psalm 18:19-25, Proverbs 3:21-23

One of the best reasons to read the Bible through is to learn who God really is as he is revealed in the Word. There are times that God is confusing and his actions baffling. But we must encounter the real God, the God of the Bible, and conform our lives to him. We must not seek to make God fit into our preconceptions. 

Americans who get their ideas from popular culture and opinion will find Exodus 15:3 to be very strange. This verse is a part of the song of victory which Moses and the Israelites sang after God crushed Pharaoh's army in the Red Sea. Think about that for a second. God caused thousands of men to be drowned at the bottom of the Red Sea! Does that fit with modern ideas about God?

We like to emphasize God's love and mercy, and well we should. God's love motivated him to provide a path of salvation and forgiveness for sinners like you and me. He does not treat us as our sins deserve, but seeks and saves the lost. Praise God from whom all blessings flow! But we cannot look at God's love alone and pretend that there are not more aspects to the character of God. He is love, but his love is only understood and appreciated when you understand the panoply of God's character.

Exodus 15:3 reveals another side of God, one we must not forget.

"The Lord is a warrior. Yahweh is his name."

God is a warrior. He fights, does battle, goes to war. If that seems strange to you, then perhaps your understanding of God has been shaped by something other than the Word. Our God is great and mighty. He makes war against his enemies and he destroys them. When Pharaoh hardened his heart, God brought plagues on Egypt, plundered them for the good of his people, then deposited his army at the bottom of the sea.

Our God makes war against his enemies, those who stand against him, and he utterly defeats those enemies. Satan set himself against God and one day will be cast into the Lake of Fire forever. He may roam this earth seeking whom he may devour but our Warrior God has triumphed over him and settled his destiny. Nations have stood in opposition to God's purposes in the earth and have crumbled. :Evil men have thought they could rule and force their will on God's world, but he brings them down to the dust.

But God has also gone to war against my sinful flesh. God created me, and my body, to give glory to him and to serve his purposes. My sinful flesh lives in rebellion against those divine purposes and is constantly drawn to the ways and things of this world. My fleshly mind so easily succumbs to Satan's lies and my body seeks the pleasures of sin instead of the things of God. 

But God has defeated my flesh. Like Satan, my flesh still lives and it still opposes God. But just as Satan's destiny was settled when Jesus went to the cross, so was the destiny of my flesh. Jesus died not only so that I could be forgiven of my sin, but so that I could be freed from its dominion. One day, my redemption will be complete and my sin will be forever destroyed. Today, God's Spirit is at work in me, doing battle against Satan's lies and my body's desires, to produce the righteousness of Christ in me. 

My God is a warrior, strong, mighty and victorious. Nothing can stand against him. Satan tried and has utterly failed. Human beings can oppose God but they cannot defeat him! And God also has engaged in battle with the sin that plagues my life and will utterly destroy it. 

My God is a WARRIOR!

Father, may I come to understand you as the Word reveals you. You are love, but you are also a God of holiness and purity. You are a God who has set himself against all sin, including the sin in my life. I long for your victory to be complete. Today, may your victory over my sin be a reality in my life moment by moment. May I live in the victory you provide. 

January 30 Readings: Exodus 13–14, Matthew 19:16–30, Psalm 18:12–18, Proverbs 3:19–20

Links to today's readings: Exodus 13–14, Matthew 19:16–30, Psalm 18:12–18, Proverbs3:19–20

The story of the rich young ruler (Matthew 19) has been used to make some very wrong conclusions. No, it does not teach that we are saved by following the rules encoded in the law. And no, we do not have to give away everything we own to come to Jesus. In fact, this passage does not even teach that God loves poor people more than rich people. None of those common ideas are the point of this passage. 

But it does make some important conclusions, ones that we need to remember as we come to Christ and as we lead others to him. 

First, we cannot hold on to our idols as we come to Christ. The problem with the rich young ruler was not that he was rich, but that he loved his riches. He wanted to be right with God, but not enough to give up his wealth and privilege. Money was his idol, and Jesus confronted that. 

When you come to Christ, you repent of your sins and yield your life to Christ. You cannot open your arms to Christ while continuing to hug your idol! Christ becomes Lord of our lives when we trust him, and there is no room for the god Ego (worship of self), or Mammon (devotion to money and things money buys), or Venus (love of pleasure, of sex) or any other modern version of the pagan gods. 

Second, it is important to note that Jesus was strict in his evangelization of the rich young ruler. This young man came to him wanting to have eternal life, but Jesus would not discount the gospel to gain a convert. He held the line. If you would come to me, you must leave behind the false gods you have worshiped. We err when we offer people God's salvation while they continue their devotion to other things, other gods. Jesus let this young man walk away - sorrowful perhaps, but not repentant. 

Finally, salvation is of God, not of works or human effort. In the long run, we all fall short. Rich or poor. Black or white or any shade in between. Male or female. Whatever language or tribe or nation. Salvation is impossible in and of ourselves. Fortunately, with God, all things are possible (19:26). 

That verse is badly misapplied and misused as a personal motivational tool. "I can do whatever I want to do because with God, all things are possible." While it is true that God empowers and enables everything he calls us to do, this passage is not about motivation or attaining our personal goals. It is about salvation. 

Salvation is impossible for all of us because of the idols that hold our hearts. Love of self, of money, of pleasure, of power, of success. But God can take our sinful hearts and overwhelm them with his love. He can free us of these impure passions so that we may put our faith wholly in him. 

With God, it is possible!

Father, I thank you that you saved a sinner like me. Forgive me for those times I try to return to the idols of this world when you deserve all of my worship. But I thank you that not only is your saving power sufficient for me, but it is sufficient for every man or woman on earth, no matter how sinful, hardened or self-righteous they might be. I thank you that the Great Commission task you have given us is possible because of your power and grace. 

January 29 Readings: Exodus 10-12, Matthew 19:1-15, Psalms 18:5-11, Proverbs 3:16-18

Links to today's readings: Exodus  10-12, Matthew 19:1-15, Psalms  18:5-11, Proverbs 3:16-18

There are few places where foreshadowings of the work of Christ are clearly seen than in the Passover in Exodus 11 and 12. There is so much in the story of the death angel passing over that directly prophecies Jesus' Passion - his death, burial and resurrection and their effect on us. Today, I am simply going to list some of those truths. 

1. 11:1 The last and the greatest of the plagues was death. The greatest enemy we face is death, both physical death and spiritual/eternal death. 
2. 11:4-5 Death affects all people, high to low, rich and poor, regardless of wealth, talent or other human issues. It is appointed to each of us to die once. All of us are under the same sentence of death. 
3. 11-12 God has made a way of salvation for us. The distinction between those who live and those who die is whether they follow the way of salvation God gives. 
4. 11:9 God displayed his wonders in Egypt through the salvation of Israel while he poured out judgment on Egypt. Nowhere is God's glory and power more fully dTisplayed than in the salvation of the lost by his love and power. 
5. 12:1 Israel's calendar was to begin at the passover. Life only really begins when Jesus Christ redeems us from our sins. 
6. 12:1-7 A blood sacrifice is required to shield the Israelites from death. Jesus died as our Passover Lamb, bearing our sins and dying in our place. There is no salvation, no forgiveness outside of the blood of Christ, our eternal sacrifice. 
7. 12:5 The sacrifice must be unblemished. Only the sinless Son of God was able to atone for our sins, since he had none of his own to die for. 
8. 12:7 The blood must be applied to the house to be effective. It was not enough that the sacrifice was made, the blood must be applied. Yes, Christ died for our sins, but that blood must be applied when, by repentance and faith, we come to Christ for salvation. It is not enough that Christ died for all. It is not even enough to believe that Christ died for you. I must repent and believe in Jesus that the blood might be applied to my "house." 
9. 12:10 The Israelites were to consume all of the sacrifice; no leftovers. We receive Christ as Lord of all. Jesus is not to be a part of our lives, but to be life itself!
10. 12:13 The distinguishing mark between those who would die and those who would live is the blood on the doorposts. We are not better than others - self-righteousness has no place among the saved. We are different only because of the Blood applied to our lives!
11. 12:14-16 The Passover was to be continually and faithfully memorialized among God's people. We ought to continually celebrate what Jesus has done for us by his death, burial and resurrection. Glory to God for his Son our Savior!
12. The blood WORKED. There is no record of a single death among Israel. Those who are covered by the blood live. We can rejoice that Jesus saves, he transforms and he never casts us away. Those of us covered by the Blood of Christ live!

There are so many points that could be made. These are just some highlights.

We praise you, our Father, that you were willing to give your Son as the sacrifice for our sins; that you were willing to apply his blood to us so that the death angel might pass over us and we might live; that you have given us a path of salvation to free us from what our sins deserve. You are worthy to receive all praise!

January 28 Readings Exodus 8-9, Matthew 18, Psalm 18:1-4, Proverbs 3:13-15

Links to today's readings: Exodus 8-9, Matthew 18, Psalm 18:1-4, Proverbs 3:13-15

Pharaoh was a real piece of work. In the face of massive and destructive plagues sent by God on him and his people, he hardened his rebellious heart. Arrogant and self-glorying, he refused to acquiesce to God's will or to Moses' demands. He resisted, time and again. He changed his mind, went back on his word, tried to bargain with God. 

But what Pharaoh did in Exodus 8:10 was just plain strange. 

Moses has appeared before him and turned the water to blood, but his heart was unmoved. Moses returned a second time to announce a plague of frogs to plague the land and soon the land was overrun with croaking nuisances. This got annoying quickly and Pharaoh called Moses back before him.  Pray and ask God to remove the frogs, he begged Moses. That is when things got strange. 

Moses asked him an odd question, in verse 9.  “When?”  When do you want me to pray and ask God to remove the plague? I am not sure why God led Moses to do that, but it revealed something of the heart of the king. 

Pharaoh's answer was simply crazy. If you are being surrounded by frogs who are dying and stinking up the world, when would you want them gone. How about right now? This very minute. That is the only sensible response. But that was not what Pharaoh asked for. "Tomorrow," he said. Tomorrow? Really? You want to spend another night with this plague? 

There is a famous old sermon called, "One More Night with the Frogs." That is precisely what Pharaoh asked for. One more night. Why? Why, when the deliverance of God was immediately available would anyone wait another minute must less another night? What other reason could there be? 

But there is no time like now to obey God. Procrastination only magnifies the problem it does not provide a solution. If there is sin in your life that is hindering your spiritual growth and your ability to make a difference in the Kingdom of God, deal with it today. If there are habits you need to break by the Spirit's power, do it today. If there are other habits you need to build, do not delay. Waiting until tomorrow will do nothing but increase your sorrow. Is there a ministry God has called you to? Get moving! 

Don't spend another night with the frogs. The power of the Crucified and Risen Christ is available to you today and there is nothing to be gained by putting him off!

Father, work in me today. Purify my heart today. Fill me with zeal for your kingdom today. Remove from me that which hinders your work in me and build in me the Fruit of the Spirit that I might be all you have called me to be - TODAY!

January 27 Readings: Exodus 6–7, Matthew 17:14–27, Psalms 17:7–15, Proverbs 3:11–12

Links to today's readings: Exodus 6–7, Matthew 17:14–27, Psalms 17:7–15, Proverbs3:11–12

In Exodus 7, Moses demonstrated the secret to significance in the Kingdom of God. He had been sent down to Egypt to confront Pharaoh and demand the release of the Hebrew people. And that is exactly what he did. He marched into Pharaoh's presence and delivered the message of God.

But things did not work out as Moses had expected. Pharaoh did not yield to God's authority and issue an immediate release to the Israelites. No, he was infuriated by Moses' hubris and issued a decree to make the Hebrews work harder than it had been.

Moses was quickly the most hated man in Goshen.

But what he did next made all the difference. He persevered. He continued to obey God even when it was hard. God had called him to free Israel and he would not give up on God's purposes. He was discouraged, frustrated and angry - mostly at God. But he turned to God and received encouragement.

Perseverance is the key to Kingdom success. We seem to believe that the Christian life ought to be easy and simple, that no opposition or difficulty should arise. Nothing could be further from the biblical truth. God's work is always hard. It is always opposed. It is always perilous. But the man or woman of God who wishes to do great things in God's kingdom must continue in spite of the hardships.

Moses went to Pharaoh with this promise from God.

Now you are going to see what I will do to Pharaoh: he will let them go because of My strong hand; he will drive them out of his land because of My strong hand. Exodus 6:1

Today, the work of God goes forward. It is going to be hard and you can count on the opposition of Satan and the sinful world. They will not give up ground easily. But God is still  on the throne and has promised to those endeavoring to obey the great task he has given us, "I will be with you always." The only hope of success in a task as big as ours is that we would persevere through every hardship and struggle until God's displays his power.

Lord, may we persevere through every hardship and trial, as Moses did, until you accomplish your work in us and display your power to us. 

January 26 Readings: Exodus 3–5, 17:1-13, Psalm 17:1–6, Proverbs 3:9–10

Links to Today's Readings: Exodus 3–5, Matthew 17:1-13, Psalm 17:1–6, Proverbs 3:9–10

In Exodus 3, Moses saw something that no one in the history of humanity has seen except him - a bush that was engulfed in fire but was not being consumed. It was the presence of God and Moses knew it, taking off his shoes as God demanded and hiding his face in a fearful awe. Then, God spoke to him out of the fire.

I have observed the misery of My people in Egypt, and have heard them crying out because of their oppressors, and I know about their sufferings. have come down to rescue them from the power of the Egyptians and to bring them from that land to a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey—the territory of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. The Israelites’ cry for help has come to Me, and I have also seen the way the Egyptians are oppressing them. (Exodus 3:7-9) 

Moses could not have been happier as he heard the Lord himself reveal his purposes. He had heard the cries of suffering of his people Israel and was moved by them. The rescue of the people of God was imminent; they would be freed from slavery in Israel and taken the Promised Land that was God's gift to them. This was great news for Moses. He cared about his people, even if he had messed things up completely 40 years earlier as he had tried to do something about it. It is likely that during the forty years of shepherding in Midian he carried a great burden of failure and guilt over his botched attempt at being a deliverer. Now, God was telling him that the time had come and Israel would be delivered.

Moses was thrilled with God's purpose, but he was not so happy about God's personal call on his life. God's speech continued in verse 10.

Therefore, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh so that you may lead My people, the Israelites, out of Egypt.

Suddenly, everything got real.

It was great that God was going to deliver Israel from its slavery, but the part God wanted him to play in the deliverance was most definitely not good. Moses spent the rest of chapter 3 and all of chapter 4 giving God one excuse after the other why he was not the right man for the job, why God should choose someone else. But God was undeterred and finally, Moses acquiesced and agreed to do the job that God had set before him.

The problem was simple. Moses was thrilled with what God was doing, but was not thrilled that God wanted him to be an integral part of that plan.

Sound familiar? Are you happy that God saves sinners from their wickedness? Of course you are. But are you thrilled that God has called you to be the one who shares that message with your family, friends, neighbors and others? Are you happy that there is great openness to the gospel around the world? I bet you are. But are you willing to give sacrificially to aid that process. No, more than that, are you ready to go if God calls?

We are thrilled with the purposes of God, but often we want God to work those purposes through someone else as we remain at ease and in comfort.

 "Do your work, God, just do it through someone else." 

But God's great plan of redemption in this world involves a call to each and every one of us to die to self daily, to take up our cross and to follow Christ. We are not just saved to enjoy Christ, but to make him known in this world.

Father, I thank you for what you are doing in this world. Forgive me for those moments in which I have mimicked Moses, making excuses for my non-participation in your work. Use me, Lord, in your work, according to your purpose and plan. Wherever you want me to go. Whenever you need me. Whatever you call me to do.  

January 25 Readings: Exodus 1–2, Matthew 16, Psalms 16, Proverbs 3:6–8

Links to Today's Readings: Exodus 1–2, Matthew 16, Psalms 16, Proverbs 3:6–8

In October of 2013 I was privileged to visit Israel. One of the more interesting portions of that trip was our visit to Caesarea Philippi, about 25 miles north of Capernaum and the Sea of Galilee. It was a Roman city, full of pagan shrines. Here are a couple of pictures of those shrines. 

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The dark area at the back of the picture is the opening to the Temple of Pan, a cave from which flows a spring that flows into the Jordan River and the Sea of Galiliee. This was the most important of the shrines in the area (the town was called Baneas or Paneas after the Temple of Pan). The picture below is some of other pagan shrines in Caesarea Philippi. 

In Matfhew 16:13, Jesus and his disciples were walking through the Casearea Philippi area. For Jews who were offended by pagan temples, simply being in "Baneas" with all its shrines must have been intimidating and overwhelming. And there was no subtlety to this town - it was given over wholeheartedly to the worship of the false gods of the Romans. 

It was here that Jesus made one of his most argued statements. It was an exchange with his disciples, especially Peter. He asked them, in verse 13, 

'Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”

The disciples answered him, 

“Some say John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”

Then Jesus got to the heart of the matter, 

“But you, who do you say that I am?”

That is when Peter took over and spoke some powerful words. Peter is best known for putting his foot in his mouth, blustering, speaking without thinking. But this time he said the best thing he could possibly say.

“You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God!”

 It is what Jesus said next that has been the subject of debate, and perhaps of misinterpretation, throughout church history.

Simon son of Jonah, you are blessed because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the (gates) of Hades will not overpower it. (16:17-18)

What was the "rock" on which Jesus would build his church? The Catholic church has held that this was Peter's appointment as the first pope, but I believe that Jesus was speaking of Peter's clear confession of Jesus. The church is built on Jesus Christ and the work of God through those who clearly profess and confess him. 

But it is the next phrase I wish to focus on. Jesus said that he would build his church and the gates of hell would not overpower it. What did he mean in that passage? 

What I Learn at Caesarea Philippi

The pagan Romans believed that the gods lived in the Underworld, and the spring at the Temple of Pan was celebrated as a gateway from the Underworld to our world. It was a place where the Roman gods were believed to spring forth to do their work in this world. 

The Temple of Pan was known as "The Gates of Hades (or Hell)." 

If that is true, what might Jesus have meant when he told his disciples that he would build his church and the gates of hell could not stand against it.?  Right there in the center of paganism, Jesus was proclaiming his superiority and supremacy over all of the gods that the Romans honored. He was King of kings, Lord of lords and God of gods. The world might reject him and resist him, but they could never stop him. His work would go on! He will build his church and all the false ideas and false religions will be helpless against him. 

Many are predicting today the end of the church,  the demise of Christianity. They gloat that many are rejecting Jesus, turning away from Christianity and embracing doubt. They are right about that. The last 30 years, especially in America, have shown a massive abandonment of God's authority, God's Word and the Lordship of Jesus Christ. 

But skeptic, do not get your hopes too high about the end of Christianity. Jesus Christ is Lord over doubt and skepticism. There are still those who confess Christ and he is still building his church. You may rage and scoff, but one day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. 

Adherents of false religion, know that Jesus Christ is Lord whether you believe him or not. He has risen from the dead and he is Lord! 

Professing Christians who deny the truth of God's Word, the doctrines of the faith, the reality of Christ's miracles and that Jesus is the only way - your disbelief does not change the fact that it is on THIS rock and this rock alone that God is building his church. 

Jesus' affirmation at Caesarea Philippi was a shot across the bow of false religion, paganism, doubters and scoffers. This itinerant preacher from Nazareth was claiming that the church he would build would be victorious over all, no matter the strength of the opposition or the force of the lies that would flow. 

Know this, my Christian friend. The forces of doubt and disbelief may be strong. They laugh at us, discount our beliefs, scoff at the Word and its teachings. But Jesus is building his church and nothing they do can stand against him. They can rant, but they cannot win. They can doubt, but their doubt does not lessen the power of Christ a bit. 

Jesus is Lord, and there is nothing anyone can do about that. The "gates of hell" can spew forth darkness, and doubt, and lies and evil and perversion to come against the power of Jesus. But Jesus will prevail against all of them and stand supreme as Lord over all. 

It is a sick and sinful world, no doubt about that. But we ought never be afraid or intimidated. We have to deal with their sin, but they have to deal with our Lord! And in every such battle, Jesus reigns supreme. 

We praise you, Lord Jesus, for your power. We stand in awe of you. Millions have doubted you but none have defeated you. Many have denied you, but still you stand supreme. So, we stand with Peter to confess you as Messiah, the divine Son of God sent to save us. And we glory in the victory you have won, waiting expectantly to see the work you will do to build you church, rejoicing in the fact that there isn't a single thing the forces of darkness can do about it. 

January 24 Readings: Genesis 49–50, Matthew 15:10–39, Psalm 15:1–16:3, Proverbs 3:4–5

Links to Today's Readings: Genesis 49–50, Matthew 15:10–39, Psalm 15, Proverbs 3:4–5

It was a time of grief as they buried their father, but for Joseph's brothers it was also a time of stress and fear. They carried with them the memory of a terrible wrong they had committed against their brother, imprisoning him and selling him into slavery in Egypt. And now their brother was the second most powerful man in the world. 

And dad was not around to protect them anymore!

They were afraid that since Jacob was gone Joseph might use his power to exact vengeance against them for what they had done to him. To save themselves, they concocted a lie that Jacob had asked Joseph to show mercy to his brothers. Such a scheme was unnecessary, for Joseph had learned one of life's most important lessons. He told his brothers not to fear him and assured them that he had no intent to rob God's right of revenge. Then, he made an amazing statement of faith in God (in Genesis 50:20). 

You planned evil against me; God planned it for good to bring about the present result.

He believed in the goodness of the God who rules the world, and even though he knew that his brothers had willfully sought to harm him, the power of God changed man's evil into good. He was not holding a grudge or dwelling on the evil that had been done to him. He was dwelling on the goodness of God and the good the he had done in spite of it all. 

There is much in Joseph's response that is worthy of imitation. He dwelt on God's goodness instead of the real (or imagined) hurts from people. He trusted God's sovereign power to bring good out of evil. He refused to usurp God's right to respond to evil. 

But there is one more thing he did that I would like to point out. It is something that many of us do not do - to our own great spiritual harm. 

Joseph put the past in the past!

Too many Christians are living in the past. Some are stuck on mistakes they made in the past and cannot seem to receive the forgiveness God gives. Some are fixated on injuries and hurts, holding onto the bitterness and anger that saps spiritual joy and leaves people in bondage. Some may think that their spiritual successes in the past were enough to carry them through today. 

The past shapes us, gives us memories of both joy and pain. But the past must never control us. Jesus Christ died to free us from the sins of the past - both those we committed and those that were committed against us. Once we come to Christ, we are given the Spirit to renew us day by day, to give us joy, peace, power, victory and grace every day. We must live in God's grace today and not be enslaved by the past. 

Lord, I thank you for every blessing and every challenge of the past, but I thank you that I do not have to be a slave to it. You have broken the chains of sin, you have freed me! May I walk in your grace daily.  

January 23 Readings: Genesis 46–48, Matthew 15:1–9, Psalms 14:4–7, Proverbs 3:1–3

Links to Today's Readings: Genesis 46–48, Matthew 15:1–9, Psalms 14:4–7, Proverbs 3:1–3

"Jesus is my homeboy!"

Have you seen that t-shirt? Or perhaps you have seen it in a Facebook status. A lot of people today are quick to announce their loyalty to Christ, or at least that they think Jesus is cool. Can you remember back to children and youth camps when someone started a chant on one side of the cafeteria to be mimicked on the other side. "We love Jesus, yes we do. We love Jesus, how 'bout you?"

It is great for those who are followers of Jesus to announce their love for him in any way they can. But in Matthew 15:8 Jesus quotes the prophet Isaiah as he analyzes the spiritual standing of the people of Israel.

"These people honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me." 

In context, this refers to people who give preferences to the traditions of man over the actual commands of God. But there is a universal principle at work behind this instance. God is more concerned with our inner devotion to him that our outward words.

It is great to honor Christ with our tongues, to sing his praise, to proclaim his goodness. But it is never enough. God is looking for people who will honor him with more than just their lips. He demands that we honor him with our hearts.

Frankly, it is a lot easier for me to SAY I love Jesus than it is to truly love him with a pure and unadulterated devotion. It is easy to sing praises with my voice than it is with my heart. But God is never impressed with empty words that come from impure hearts.

True spiritual change, true spiritual growth; it comes from a work of Jesus that begins on the inside. The process is spelled out in Romans 12:1-2.

God is at work to transform us. He doesn't just want to help us break a few habits, go to church a little more or be a nicer person. He wants to radically change us, to make us like Jesus Christ. He wants to break the hold of sin and cause the righteousness of Christ that has been given to us through the work of Christ in our hearts to be displayed in our lives daily.

He does that through the "renewing of (our) minds." It's not about behavior modification, but about changing the way we think, the way our minds work. How do our minds change? The most important aspect there is the inculcation of the Word of God into our sinful minds.

The Spirit of God uses the Word of God to do the Work of God in the People of God. 

So, when the Spirit of God takes the Word that we read and study, and renews our minds to be like Christ's, then we are changed, no longer conforming to the ways of the world, but being transformed to be like Christ.

There is nothing easy about the process, but it is not a mystery either. Get into the Word of God and seek him in prayer. As you do that, over time, God will bring changes to your thinking that will transform the way you live.

Father, keep me in your word, that your Spirit might remove the lies of the evil one from my thought process and replace it with your truth. Make me more like Jesus every day, so that I will praise you not just with words, but with a pure heart!

January 22 Readings: Genesis 44–45, Matthew 14, Psalm 14:1–3, Proverbs 2:21–22

Links to Today's Readings: Genesis 44–45, Matthew 14, Psalm 14:1–3, Proverbs 2:21–22

It was one of the more despicable acts of history. John the Baptist was a man of God and a man of courage. He identified sin and called people to repentance - even powerful men like Herod Antipas. Believing he was above both human and divine law, he had taken his brother's wife (Herodias) and committed adultery with her. Neither Herod nor Herodias were going to put up with such hubris - no one was going to call attention to their sin and get away with it!  And they made sure that he did not.

It was Herod's birthday and Herodias sent her own daughter (Herod's niece and step-daughter) out to do a dance that would please him, and likely arouse his passions. Is there anything lower than using your own daughter in such a way? And Herod, who cared little about right and wrong and more about satisfying his desires, fell for it. He offered the young girl any reward she wanted for her dance. With her mother's manipulation, she asked for the Baptist's head on a platter. Herod gave her exactly what she asked for and John was put to death.

There are two sides to this story, of course. On one side you have a man of God who does everything right, who lives with conviction and demonstrates courage. On the other side you have depracity, adultery, whiffs of incestuous lust, scheming and manipulation, and murder. You just can't get any lower than Herod and Herodias, can you?

And they won, didn't they?

The good guy, the man of God, died at the hands of the wicked schemers. They got their way and they got away with it.

That shakes our sensibilities a little bit, doesn't it? We like to think that "what goes around comes around." If you do good things, good things will happen to you. Yes, the Bible says that we will reap what we sow, and that eventually the Righteous God of heaven will dispense perfect justice to all. But the Bible also makes this truth clear:

Very bad things can happen to people, even though they are doing exactly what God called them to do. 

Jesus never sinned, and was brutally crucified on Calvary's tree. Peter, James, Stephen, Paul and every other apostle except for John died martyr's deaths according to tradition. Church history is filled with stories of people who love God and still suffer horribly for their faith.

The common idea that serving God will only lead to good things in your life is not from God. We do not serve God as some kind of insurance against any bad thing that happens to us. We serve God because he is God, because he redeemed me from my sins and because it is the right thing to do. Yes, God blesses and he rewards, but he does not guarantee that his servants will escape all earthly pain and suffering.

We are called to obey and to serve the purposes of God, even if that leads to sacrifice and suffering. We are blessed by the presence and power of God, but godliness is no guarantee against suffering. In fact, the world will hate us as it hated Christ. Don't be surprised when suffering comes your way, child of God, and do not be discouraged. The blessing comes to those who persevere to the end.

Know this, though John was killed, he is living today in glory. Though Herodias' scheme succeeded, she now regrets it eternally. In the world, it looked as if she had won, but in eternity, everything changes.

Doing what is right is no guarantee of worldly success or protection from suffering. But serving God produces an eternal reward that makes any suffering we encounter worth it all.

Lord, forgive me for my deceitful heart that sometimes serves you for selfish reasons - thinking that I can gain worldly reward or avoid suffering for walking in your ways. Instead, let me serve you simply for your glory and for the sake of the Kingdom. If you bless me with good things, I will glorify you. If you bring suffering to me, may I still glorify your name. 

January 21 Readings: Genesis 43, Matthew 13:44–58, Psalms 13, Proverbs 2:18–20

Links to Today's Readings: Genesis 43, Matthew 13:44–58, Psalms 13, Proverbs2:18–20

There are many mysteries in the Word of God, but probably the greatest of them is the juxtaposition of God's sovereignty and human responsibility. The Bible makes it clear that God is the Author of history and that this world is governed by him. But the Bible also makes it clear that our choices matter and that God somehow responds to what we do, how we act and how we pray. Remember the story of Jonah. God announced impending judgment on Nineveh, but when they repented of their sins, God "changed his mind" about destroying them. 

I am not going to wade into that conundrum. This is a devotional, not a theological treatise (that would take a thousand pages and still not answer all of the questions). But I wish to make a simple point. You do not have to deny the sovereignty and authority of God to assert that our prayers matter, our choices matter and that our responses to God's Word and our commitment to the Kingdom matter!

Look at Matthew 13:58. Jesus was at the height of his popularity when he went back to his little village of Nazareth, nestled in the hills of Galilee, to proclaim the same message that was gaining traction everywhere else. But at Nazareth, the people who knew him as a little boy had a hard time accepting him as the Messiah. They knew him as the son of Joseph and Mary and could not see him as the Son of God. 

And because of this, because of their lack of faith, because of their rejection of Jesus...

"He did not do many miracles there because of their unbelief."

Because they did not have faith Jesus did not do miracles. Our faith matters. I don't understand how, but it is clear that this is true. James 4:2 says, "You do not have, because you do not ask." Does that not clearly teach that there are blessings that each of us would have received if we had taken the time and made the effort to ask God? 

The sovereign God of glory responds to our faith. When we fail to ask, we fail to receive. When we ask, we receive. Of course the topic is more complicated than that - there are other factors that affect prayer. But those complexities should not cause us to miss the key point.

Our prayers matter. Our faith matters. Our choices matter. 

So, we ought not be like the people of Nazareth who doubted Jesus and missed out on the blessings they might have observed. We must be men and women of faith who pray aggressively and expectantly that God will change lives and hearts all around us. Siouxland needs to see the power and glory of God that is displayed in response to the faithful prayers and hopeful dependence of his people!

Lord, I shudder to think of the blessings I've missed out on because of my lack of faith, my failure to pray and my independence from you. But I now pray in faith that you will do a mighty work at Southern Hills Baptist Church and through us (and other churches and their people) in all of Siouxland. Demonstrate your power, Lord!

January 20 Readings: Genesis 41–42, Matthew 13:18–43, Psalms 12, Proverbs 2:16–17

Links to Today's Readings: Genesis 41–42, Matthew 13:18–43, Psalms 12, Proverbs 2:16–17

Joseph’s story is both tragic and glorious.  He was Jacob’s favorite son, and that bred jealousy among his brothers.  They sold him into slavery in Egypt – a teenage boy betrayed by his family.  He became a slave to Potiphar, who grew to love him.  Unfortunately, Potiphar’s wife also had feelings for him – the wrong kind.  Joseph resisted her advances, but that did not stop Mrs. Potiphar of accusing him of assault.  Joseph ended up spending many years in an Egyptian dungeon.  When he interpreted the dream of Pharaoh’s cupbearer, he had a moment of hope, but that was snuffed as the cupbearer forgot about him for two whole years.

Then, it all changed in one day.  Joseph awoke one morning as a slave and went to bed that night as the second most powerful man in the world.  Pharaoh had a restless night, dreaming about cows and ears of grain.  The dreams troubled him.  As he discussed them, the cupbearer suddenly remembered Joseph, who interpreted his dream.  Joseph was summoned, interpreted Pharaoh’s dream, and advised Pharaoh about how to handle the lean years that were to come.  Pharaoh decided that because of Joseph’s wisdom, he would be the perfect man to be Egypt’s second-in-charge.  What a day for Joseph.

But to get to that wonderful day, Joseph had to go through thirteen years of struggle and hardship.

I am often frustrated by how long struggles continue, how slow the victories are to come or my prayers are to be answered. It is easy to look in the mirror and despair, to give up hope, to lose your enthusiasm for the battle.  But we must not do that.  We cannot.  God is in charge, and where he is at work there is never any justification to abandon hope. 

Remember this: every circumstance in Joseph's life screamed that God's promise was not going to come true; that the visions of his youth would fail. But God was at work even when Joseph couldn't see it or feel it. God was preparing Joseph for the work he had before him. When the time was right, God's plan was revealed.  

God is at work all around us. Often we fail and are uncooperative with that work, but God's work continues. Circumstances may tell you to despair of God's promises, but a man or woman of God learns to live by Gd's word and to serve him faithfully, regardless of what is happening in the world. 

God, I trust you.  Sometimes I cannot see what you are doing and I struggle to understand. But like Joseph I want to keep serving you and wait for your timing to reveal your power. Help me to trust you and walk in confidence in what you can do in me!

January 19 Readings: Genesis 39–40, Matthew 13:1–17, Psalms 11, Proverbs 2:13–15

Links to Today's Readings: Genesis 39–40, Matthew 13:1–17, Psalms 11, Proverbs 2:13–15

Today, most of us will gather at 4301 Old Lakeport to worship God together. We will get up in the morning and get cleaned up, dressed up, bundled up and head to church. But getting ready for church ought to involve more than a shower and some clean clothes. There ought to some spiritual preparation that takes place as well. 

We have a lot of farmers in our fellowship. I'm no expert in agriculture, but I do know that preparation of the soil is important before planting takes place when the ground thaws in a few months.

Before you sow the seed, you prepare the soil. 

The same thing is true with going to church. At church, there will be some seed sown. We will sing songs about God's glory and grace. We will pray together. I will preach God's Word from the pulpit and most of you will attend a Sunday School class as well. According to the parable Jesus told in Matthew 13:1-9 every time God's Word goes out, a seed is sown. 

The question is, what kind of soil is your heart? 

Jesus described four kinds of soil, each representing a way that someone responds when the seed that is the Word of God is sown. Some people are hardened soil and refuse to hear or receive the Word. I hope (and believe) that we have very few who will be at Southern Hills today who are hardened against God's Word. Why would you come if you were? 

But there are also two other kinds of soil that do not allow God's Word to produce its harvest. First, there is rocky soil, which does not allow the Word to go down deep and establish roots. Such people receive the Word with joy, intending to do what it says. But their roots are shallow and as soon as they get out into the world, the Word in them begins to turn brown and die. On Sunday it all seemed so great but by Monday the joy had faded and the Word was too hard to follow. Far too many Christians are rocky soil. 

Far too many of us are soil filled with weeds. We receive the seed of the Word and it begins to grow, but suddenly weeds sprout up to choke out the Word and prevent it from produced a harvest within us. The problem is not with the soil, but the fact that too many bad seeds have been sown along with the Word. Seeds of materialism and greed, of immorality and impurity, of self-centeredness and pride. The worldly seeds choke out the work that the Word is meant to accomplish. 

But what we need to be is the soft, clean soil - ready to receive the Word of God and let it root deeply within and bring its harvest in our lives. We must open ourselves to the Spirit of God that he would till the soil of our hearts until we are ready to listen and obey, until we are ready not just to hear the Word, but to let our lives be changed by it. 

As you ready yourself on the outside today, don't forget to ready your heart as well, to take some time to allow God's work within, to prepare your heart to be the right kind of soil; soft and ready to receive God's Word.  

Lord, till the soil in my heart so that I might receive the Word and it may have the harvest in my soul that you desire.  I repent of my resistance to your Word and my divided concern.  Fill me and transform me by the renewing of my mind with your Word. 

January 18 Readings: Genesis 37–38, Matthew 12:22–50, Psalms 10:12–18, Proverbs 2:11–12

Links to Today's Readings: Genesis 37–38, Matthew 12:22–50, Psalms10:12–18, Proverbs 2:11–12

In Matthew 12: 43-45, Jesus tells us about a man who has a demon cast out of him, who then makes a serious mistake. The demon is gone, but it travels around seeking a place to live. Finally, it decides to return to its former home. He finds that his old home - the heart of his former host - is swept clean, but is empty. Nothing has taken the place of the demon. So, seeing that, the demon goes out to find seven of his demon buddies and they return to set up a frat house in the man. Once freed of a demon, the man is now the host of many and is worse off than before. 

This story makes an important point. 

It is not enough just to get rid of the demon; the demon needs to be replaced. 

Let me broaden that point, beyond just demons and possessions and all of that. There is a message here for all of us in our Christian lives. We spend a lot of time battling the negative, fighting sin, struggling against temptation. All of that is important - the demon has to be exorcised. 

But true victory does not come just from facing the negative, from fighting what is evil. That evil needs to be replaced by what is good, by the presence and power of God. 

This is a practical issue. Many Christians, when they begin to get serious about their walk with the Lord, become increasingly aware of their sin and failure. That is a work of the Spirit within us. We realize that we fall short, that without God we can do nothing - that we are unworthy of all he does for us. So, we fight sin. And for some people, it becomes an unhealthy fixation. The focus of their walk with God becomes avoiding this temptation and that sin. 

But Jesus wants to do more than just clean out the old mess that was your life. He wants to rebuild it into something new. Godliness is not just avoiding sin, it is becoming more like God. It is not just saying no to sexual immorality and impurity, it is building a heart of passion for God. It is not just about avoiding materialism, it is about storing up treasures in heaven. It is not just about deny self, but is about taking up your cross to follow Jesus. It is not just about resisting sin in your life, but about leading other to the righteousness you have found in Christ. 

Oh, yes, you must fight sin. The flesh will be with you as long as you breath air. Resist the devil. Say no to sin. But do not ever think that is enough. As you say no to sin, you must also say yes to God, to the transformed life; the life of love, joy and peace that the Spirit will produce in you, to the life of service and ministry. 

Remember, Jesus did not JUST die. He died, but then he ROSE AGAIN as Lord of all. And we are called not only to die to sin, but to rise to walk in the newness of life. 

Thank you, Lord, for sending your Son to deal with my sin. But having died with Christ, may I now also rise to the new life you have given to me through him. When sin returns to my life, may it find my head occupied by your Word, my heart focused on Jesus Christ and my body filled with the Holy Spirit. 

January 17 Readings: Genesis 35–36, Matthew 12:1–21, Psalm 10:5–11, Proverbs 2:8–10

Links to Today's Readings: Genesis 35–36, Matthew 12:1–21, Psalm10:5–11, Proverbs 2:8–10

One of the fundamental assertions of modern pop-psychology is that people don't really change. You are what you are and that is what you always will be. An alcoholic may be able to stop drinking, but he remains an alcoholic to the end of his days. It is assumed that people's sexual desires are hard-wired into them and to ask people to change is unfair, even cruel.  

There is a very different message in the pages of Scripture. When people come into contact with the living God, their lives are radically changed. Ever noticed how often someone who came to know God was renamed by the Father?  Abram became Abraham.  Saul became Paul.  And in Genesis 35:10, God gives a new name to Jacob.  It is a significant change.

Jacob was a troubled man with a troubled name.  His name meant "deceiver" and that is exactly what Jacob was.  He was a schemer, tricking his father and his brother. This was not a good man. 

But God does not look simply at what a man is; he looks at what he intends to make him. God got a hold on Jacob and he became a new man. Since a new man needs a new name, God gave him one. The new name was Israel. God was working out his new purpose in this man's life and the new name referred to the triumph of God's will that now prevailed in his life. Jacob was a new man and needed a new name. 

  

In 2 Corinthians 5:17 we are told that in Christ we are “new creations” and that the old is gone, replaced by the new work that God in doing in our hearts.  In Christ, I do not have to be today what I was yesterday and I do not have to be tomorrow what I am today.  I can change in Christ.

God is in the business of giving new names to his children.  The drunk gets called by a new name – sober.  The pervert can become pure.  Those who live to indulge their sinful natures can walk in self-control. It can happen.  Not because of me but because of the God I serve – the One who makes all things new. 

Lord, I thank you for your life-changing and renewing power.  Because of you, I do not have to be tomorrow what I was yesterday. You are the name-changer, the life-transformer. I rely on your power and strength to become tomorrow what I am not today. 

January 16 Readings: Genesis 33–34, Matthew 11:20–30, Psalms 10:1–4, Proverbs 2:6–7

Links to Today's Readings: Genesis 33–34, Matthew 11:20–30, Psalms10:1–4, Proverbs 2:6–7

Let's face it; life today can be hard. Remember when you were a kid and you couldn't wait to grow up? But the reality of life as an adult in this world is not what we imagined it to be. There is work to do and bills to pay. It never seems like we can get on top of things, get everything done, or get all our ducks in a row. Raising children is not just expensive but a daunting challenge. The new is filled with wars and crime, with the bizarre and the perverted, with stories that make our heads shake and our knees tremble.

This just is not an easy world to live in.

And in many minds, Jesus makes things harder. He demands that we deny ourselves and live for him. He calls on us to say no to our own sinful natures and submit to him. Submit - there is a world no one likes to hear, right? When we serve Christ, we have to go to church, give our money, and give our valuable time to church work.

Many people, if they are honest, will admit that they see the demands of Christ as an added hardship, a burden to their lives.

But Jesus is not a harsh taskmaster. His Lordship is a blessing, not a burden. Look at Matthew 11:28-30.

“Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. All of you, take up My yoke and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for yourselves. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Jesus calls us to come to him with our burdens, our weariness. In Christ we will not find stress or harassment, but peace of mind and a heart of rest. Oh yes, we must take up his yoke - that is a picture of giving control of our lives to Christ. We cannot have the blessings of Christ while living in disobedience or living for ourselves. Yes, we must take the yoke of Christ, but his yoke is not heavy. He is no tyrant; cruel and mean. His yoke is easy and his burden is light. 

When we come to Christ with our burdens, our stresses and our hardships, when we submit to him and take his yoke upon us, we find a peace and rest that we have never know, that we can find nowhere else. 

Lord, I take your yoke upon me. Too often I walk in rebellion and self-centeredness, but today I give myself to you. I give you my stress, my hurt and my burdens, with the confidence that in doing so, I will find your rest. Thank you, Lord, for the peace and rest that only you can give. 

January 15 Readings: Genesis 31–32, Matthew 11:1–19, Psalm 9:11–20, Proverbs 2:3–5

Links to Today's Readings: Genesis 31–32, Matthew 11:1–19, Psalm9:11–20, Proverbs 2:3–5

John the Baptist was unique in many ways. He boldly proclaimed truth calling people to repentance, without regard to people's worldly status. He denied himself to serve the purposes of God. Eventually, he gave his life for his bold proclamation.

But in Matthew 11:1-15, we see an interesting transition taking place. John the Baptist was the biggest news in Israel for a long time. People were coming from all over to hear him preach and to be baptized for the repentance of sins. Some loved him while others hated him. But he was the biggest news in Israel.

Then, one day, along came his cousin Jesus, whom he likely knew since childhood. Jesus, as an act of obedience but not of repentance was baptized in the Jordan River. When he came up out of the Jordan, God spoke to those who were there, expressing his pleasure with his Son and sending the Spirit in the form of a dove.

That is when the change started happening. After Jesus disappeared for 40 days into the wilderness, he went into Galilee with power and authority to proclaim the Kingdom of God. And suddenly a new name was on everyone's lips. "Have you heard about this Jesus guy?" Jesus' ministry was on the ascendancy and John began to fade into the background.

And that never once seemed to bother John. Here, in Matthew 11, he questions Jesus to make sure he was the One. In another place, he said, "He must increase and I must decrease." It was all about Jesus. He rejoiced that people who used to follow him now followed Jesus. He gladly faded into oblivion so that the name of Jesus could be exalted.

What an example for all of us. I am so prone to make everything about me. My needs. My goals. My reputation. My comfort. Me...me...me. But John was a great example. God called him to a crucial role - introducing Israel to Jesus. He "prepared the way of the Lord." Is that not what each of us is called to do - to prepare the way of Jesus Christ into this world?

Sioux City needs Jesus Christ - badly! This comfortable, conservative Midwestern town is enslaved to sin and broken by it. And we have the words of Christ that we need to share. Make him known. Prepare the way of the Lord into your neighborhood, into your workplace, into this city.

Lord, may I be like John the Baptist, who humbled himself and devoted himself to your work. May I never make it about me, but may it always be about your Son! And may I, like John, help to prepare the way of the Lord into every sinful place in Siouxland.

January 14 Readings: Genesis 29:31–30:43, Matthew 10, Psalm 9:4–10, Proverbs 2:1–2

Links to Today's Readings: Genesis 29:31–30:43, Matthew 10, Psalm9:4–10, Proverbs 2:1–2

Genesis 29:31-35 tells an amazing story of spiritual progress in the life of poor Leah. Leah was Rachel's ugly sister. She was only married to Jacob because her father tricked Jacob into the deal. If he wanted beautiful Rachel, he had to take Leah first.

She was married to a man who did not want her. She cried out for love but never received it. In that day, a woman's value was often gained through the act of bearing children, especially sons. And while Rachel was loved and she was pretty, she was barren. Leah was winning the battle to bear sons to Jacob.

Her hope was that by giving him the sons he wanted, she would earn his love, his affection, his heart. The names of her children bear witness to her desire for love and acceptance. First came Reuben. His name meant affliction, and she thought that God had seen her affliction and rewarded her with a son so that she could win her husband's love. Then came Simeon, which is from the root word "hear." God had, she believed heard her cries and seen that she was unloved. Surely, this second son would change that. But alas, no. So along came the third son, Levi, which means "attached." Now, surely, Jacob would become attached to her after bearing three sons to him.

But it did not work. She remained unloved; his heart was still captured by Rachel's beauty.

When a fourth son came along, Leah did something healthy for the first time. She sought her approval, her love, her hope not in man or man's opinion, but in God. She named son #4 Judah, which means "praise." She was no longer going to look to Jacob, but she would seek God.

We are called to love and to serve people, but we must find our being in God. He is the one who gave his Son for our sins. He is the one who showed eternal love for us. He is the source of life and hope and joy and peace. God and God alone!

When you derive your worth or your happiness from others, from whether they love you or how they treat you, life will be a roller coaster. But when you seek God above all, you will find security and love that nothing on this earth can shake.

Lord, forgive me for so often operating on the basis of how people treat me, whether people like me, what people will think about me. Help me to live a "Judah" life - for the praise of your glory alone!

January 13 Readings: Genesis 28:1–29:30, Matthew 9:27–38, Psalm 9, Proverbs 1:31–33

Links to Today's Readings: Genesis 28:1–29:30, Matthew 9:27–38, Psalm 9, Proverbs 1:31–33

Jesus was doing some amazing things as recorded in Matthew 9. He touched the eyes of two blind men and suddenly they were able to see. And what could be worse than to be possessed by a demon? Such a man was brought to Jesus, unable to speak. Jesus drove the demon out of him, and suddenly this man was able to speak for the first time.

The crowds that were gathered around Jesus were amazed. They knew something was different about Jesus. He had authority and power that the religious leaders of Israel simply did not have. "Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel," they said. Israel was filled with buzz about Jesus and what he was doing.

But not everyone was a fan. The religious leaders, whose spiritual impotence was being exposed by Jesus' power and authority, did not like him even a little. And they said some terrible things about him.

"He drives out demons by the ruler of demons." (Mt 9:34)

That's pretty harsh. Jesus was accused of working his works by the power of Satan. That kind of criticism would devastate most people. I can remember being rendered almost immobile by criticisms much milder than this. How did Jesus respond to such criticism? He simply ignored it and kept doing what God had called him to do.

Then Jesus went to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness. (Mt 9:35)

Jesus did not let petty and false criticism derail him from following the Father's will. 

How do you respond when someone criticizes you? Do you get defensive, strike back? Do you crumble and fall apart? Do you get angry, or discouraged? Do you give up?  

If I let criticism get to me, it is usually an indication that I am more focused on myself than I am to the will and purposes of God. Those who serve God can assume that they will be criticized by others. But if we are serving God's glory and seeking his kingdom, then we will do as Jesus did. We will ignore the hurtful words of others and continue to do the work of God. 

No one who serves Jesus will live beyond criticism. Some of it is valid, and we should receive it and grow from it. But every servant of Jesus will receive unfair criticism meant to tear down and discourage. We must keep serving Jesus and living for his pleasure, regardless of what others say about us. 

Lord, help me to be humble and open when people rebuke me. Help me to be strong and unaffected by false criticism designed to hurt and discourage me. And Lord, most of all, help me to know the difference. 

January 12 Readings: Genesis 27, Matthew 9:1–26, Psalms 8, Proverbs 1:29–30

Links to Today's  Readings:  Genesis 27, Matthew 9:1–26, Psalm 8, Proverbs 1:29–30

Jesus was never one to fulfill the expectations of others.  He operated on the Father’s agenda, not his own and certainly not the agenda set for him by anyone else.  Matthew 9:1-8 tells a story that demonstrates this. 

Friends carried a paralyzed man to see Jesus.  Imagine the excitement of the man as stories swirled around Israel of the healing powers of this itinerant preacher.  Maybe his suffering could be ended and his legs would work again.  This man had a hard life.  Had he experienced an injury which caused his legs to stop working?  Was this an illness, a disease that paralyzed him?  We don’t know.  We do know that life was not easy in those days for people with disabilities. 

This man was fortunate in one way, though.  He had a group of friends who cared enough about him to carry him to see Jesus.  They carried him to see Jesus with the hope that Jesus would heal whatever it was that caused this man’s legs to be useless.  They had hope, a dream, an expectation of what an encounter with Jesus would produce. 

But Jesus did not do what the man expected.  His first words were not, “Rise and walk,” as most likely expected. Jesus said something strange.  “Have courage, son, your sins are forgiven.”  Jesus forgave his sins (and deeply offended the religious in the process).  It was only after Jesus addressed his sin and dealt with the scribes that he said, “Rise, pick up your bed and go home.”  Jesus dealt with the physical need only after he addressed the spiritual need. 

This act expressed the heart of Jesus and his priority in ministry. He cared first about the spiritual, about a person's relationship with God and about the sin that separates us. He put the priority on the spiritual and took care of physical thereafter. 

Too often, even in our prayers and Bible reading and other spiritual pursuits, we miss the heart of Jesus. Yes, he cares about your pain. Yes, it moves him that you are sad or sorrowful. He does not dismiss your financial needs or anything else. But first and foremost, he wants to bring to close to God. He wants to confront the sin that keeps you far away. 

It's a heart issue, my friend. It always is!

Father, deal with my heart – my sinful, indulgent, uncontrolled, independent, procrastinating, lazy heart.  Fill my soul with your Spirit so that you may control me, so that I may be in control of my body.  Help me Lord to focus on what really matters, not that I get what I want from you, but that you have your way in me. 

January 11 Readings: Genesis 25–26, Matthew 8:18–34, Psalms 7:11–17, Proverbs 1:26–28

Links to Today's Readings: Genesis 25–26, Matthew 8:18–34, Psalms 7:11–17, Proverbs 1:26–28

Jacob and Esau - what a mess they were! Jealousy. Rivalry. Anger and bitterness. This was not a functional family and it seemed to have started in the womb. These two were as different as night and day. Esau was a red-neck, out hunting and fishing and doing manly things. Isaac loved that. Jacob was a momma's boy, staying in the kitchen working on his culinary skills (Genesis 25:27).

One day, Esau the elder came in after a long day in the fields and he smelled a stew that Jacob was cooking. Being both famished and impatient, he had to have some of the stew. “Let me eat some of that red stuff, because I’m exhausted," he said.

Jacob was a schemer, and he immediately laid his trap. If Esau wanted some food, he was going to have to give up his birthright - his status as the family's firstborn, the one who would inherit and become the family patriarch.

No way, you might think. Who would give up such a wonderful thing as his birthright for a simple pot of stew? No one would be that foolish, would they? Meet Esau. Without a thought to the consequences, he made the deal, gave up his birthright and wolfed down the stew.

How soon after the stew settled in his stomach do you think he began to regret the deal? He gave away the future for a bowl of stew! What a fool.

In the Bible, most of the decisions we have to make are between what is right and what we want right now. Right, or right now. Which is it going to be. When you are in a moment of temptation, are you going to do what you want to do right now, to give in to your body's desires? Or will you resist the desires of the flesh and do what will bring a blessing in the future? Are we going to just enjoy life today, or invest in the things of the kingdom?

Esau was a fool because he exchanged that which was of real value for that which met his present urges. May we never be such fools!

Lord God, too often I have given over the blessings you hold for me to enjoy the flesh's stew right now. Forgive me of that sin, Lord. Empower me with wisdom to resist the stew and choose my birthright as a child of the Living God. 

January 10 Readings: Gen 23–24, Matthew 8:1–17, Psalms 7:4–10, Proverbs 1:24–25

Links to Today's Readings:  Gen 23–24, Matthew 8:1–17, Psalms 7:1–10, Proverbs1:24–25

"This nation is a mess. We have to do something about it."
"What he did was terrible. You can't let him get away with it."

We live in a world of sin, where sinful people do terrible things and sometimes get away with it. Our beloved nation has thrown over any loyalty it ever felt to the will and ways of God and has embraced a subjective morality - each of us decides for ourselves what is right and wrong. And a lot of people want to do some very bad things! And people get hurt.

So, what are we to do about it? Something inside of us wants to right all the wrongs, settle all the scores and put things back the way they are supposed to be. And that is not completely wrong. As men and women of God, we ought to be his tools in restoring justice and bringing all things under obedience to Christ.

But Psalms 7 reminds us of something important. Ultimately, it is not my job to restore the world to its rightful place. There is a God in heaven, a just and righteous God, one to whom we can look when things go wrong.

David was a man who was often wronged and viciously attacked, by enemies, by former friends, even by family. He spent much of his life in mortal danger because people wanted to kill him. But when they "tear me like a lion, ripping me apart," David knew exactly what to do. He poured out his heart and soul to God, and looked to him for salvation, for rescue.

He knew something very important, which he asserted in Psalm 7:6-8.

Rise up, Lord, in Your anger; lift Yourself up against the fury of my adversaries; awake for me; You have ordained a judgment. Let the assembly of peoples gather around You; take Your seat on high over it. The Lord judges the peoples; vindicate me, Lord, according to my righteousness and my integrity.

God is the friend of the oppressed and harassed. He is the one who judges and establishes justice on this earth. David did not try to avenge himself against his enemies or punish those who attacked him. Instead, he called out to the God of perfect justice to protect and sustain him. 

You may face some real challenges in your life. Times can be hard. People may be cruel. Circumstances can go awry. Suffering may come. But God is both powerful and faithful. Turn to him. Call out to him. He will lift you up and sustain you. 

Lord, thank you that whatever happens to me, you are my rock and my fortress, the one who delivers and sustains me. Let me not seek to be the avenger of justice, but to trust you as God over all. You are powerful. You are just. You are good. I trust in you!