Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Mighty Warrior? April 30 Readings: Judges 6-7, Luke 19:1–27, Psalm 55:1–4, Proverbs 11:11–13

Links to April 30 Readings:  Judges 6-7, Luke 19:1–27, Psalm 55:1–4, Proverbs 11:11–13

Judges 6:12 is one of those great moments in history. Gideon was hiding in the winepress, threshing his grain and keeping his head down. The most unlikely of heroes, he the insignificant son of an insignificant family in the large, but largely insignificant tribe of Manasseh – he was not voted “Most Likely to Deliver Israel” during his high school years.

Yet, God used him. God appeared to him and defined him not by his past or even by his present, but by what God was planning to make of him. “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.” Mighty warrior? There was no evidence that this was true in Gideon’s life to this point. But God tapped him on the shoulder and called him to his service, and made the promise that changes everything. “I will be with you.” With that simple promise, God sent Moses into Egypt, Joshua against Jericho and now Gideon against the mighty Midianites. None of these men had the resources or strength to fight the battles they were called to engage. Each one knew and reminded God of his inadequacy. But God never let that be an issue. It was not about Moses’ strength, but God’s. Joshua did not face Jericho in his own power. And Gideon did not have to fight Midian with his own abilities. “I will be with you.”

A servant of God doing the work of God can depend on the powerful presence of God to accomplish the work God has assigned.

God has assigned me many difficult tasks. The biggest of all of them is gaining control over my own flesh by walking in the power of the Spirit. I have to resist the work of the Enemy. I have ministry responsibilities and challenges. So do you. Each of us faces tasks that can tend to overwhelm us. 

God comes to us as he came to Gideon. It is not about my abilities or yours, our talents, or our self-image. It is about what God says we are. God deals with us not on the basis of our own resources but on the basis of what he is desiring to do in and through us.

As we go forward we have the same promise that God gave Gideon. "I am with you." We are not on our own here. As we become what God has determined that we will be we can rest and rely on his presence and power among us. It is not up to my ability or willpower, but the grace and power of God. He is able when I am not.


Father, I praise you for your power and thank you that you empower everything you command. I am weak, but you are strong. I fail, but you succeed. May I rely on you and your strength rather than my own abilities. 

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Walking into Danger - April 29 Readings: Judges 5, Luke 18:31–43, Psalm 54, Proverbs 11:9–10

Links to April 29 Readings:  Judges 5, Luke 18:31–43, Psalm 54, Proverbs 11:9–10

Jesus, in Luke 18:31-33, told his disciples something for the third time that they did not want to hear; a message they completely resisted. He was going to Jerusalem to suffer and die.
“Listen! We are going up to Jerusalem. Everything that is written through the prophets about the Son of Man will be accomplished. For He will be handed over to the Gentiles, and He will be mocked, insulted, spit on; and after they flog Him, they will kill Him, and He will rise on the third day.”
Jesus was going to be given over into the hands of the Gentiles for punishment. He would experience humiliation by both mocking and by being spit upon. Then they were going to flog him; a severe punishment in and of itself. And then, to top it all off, they were going to kill him. Jesus was going to Jerusalem to be humiliated, tortured and then to die.

And he went anyway.

Imagine that I told you I had a ministry opportunity for you in which you could do some wonderful and powerful ministry. But, as part of that ministry you would be imprisoned, tortured and eventually killed.

What are the chances that you would go on that trip?

We tend to assume that God would never lead us into danger or suffering - a uniquely American view of the Christian life. It would come as a surprise to Christians in North Korea or Iran, wouldn't it? It would certainly surprise the Apostles and the others in the early church who suffered and died for their faith.

Let me state the spectacularly obvious. Jesus only rose from the dead because he first died. If he hadn't gone to Jerusalem, yielded himself to the Father's will and suffered humiliation and death, there would have been no resurrection and no salvation for us all.

And what is the lesson for us? As Christians, we cannot simply seek the easy way or the safe path. No great work for God is accomplished if we are unwilling to do the hard thing, to walk the thorny path in obedience to God. No, we ought not be spiritual daredevils. But we must be willing to go where God leads even when it puts our comfort and ease at risk.

Jesus went to Jerusalem because he served a higher purpose. Redeeming the world meant more to him than his personal safety. He willingly went knowing he would die but also knowing he would rise again!

We must put a higher value on the advance of the kingdom than we do of our own comfort, ease and even safety. We will never do great things from our spiritual easy chairs.

Father, use me even if it costs me. 


Monday, April 28, 2014

Prayer-ables - April 28 Readings: Judges 3-4, Luke 18:1-30, Psalm 53, Proverbs 11:6-8

Links to April 28 Readings: Judges 3-4, Luke 18:1-30, Psalm 53, Proverbs 11:6-8

In Luke 18:1-14 Jesus tells two "prayer-ables." Sorry, is that too corny? Okay, parables about prayer. These stories tell remind us of some important lessons about prayer.

The first parable, in verses 1-8, tells the story of a hard-hearted judge who neither feared God nor respected people. He didn't care a bit about the people whose cases he heard. There was a widow who had been wronged by another but she could not get this man to listen to her case.

But she would not let him be. Day and night she harassed him, begging for justice. Finally, because he was annoyed with her pestering, he listened to her plea and gave her what she asked for.

Of course, our God is not cruel or hard-hearted. He is kind and loving; a judge who hears our prayers willingly. But the message of this parable is plain. If even a cold-hearted judge is moved by persistent entreaties, will not our good God be moved by our prayers? The point is made in the introduction to the parable; it is reminder to "pray always do not be discouraged." Our God listens. He hears. He answers.

The second parable, in Luke 18:9-14, focuses on the posture of prayer. Jesus tells the story of two men who approach God in prayer. The first, a Pharisee, is convinced of his own righteousness and worth. Of course God is going to hear him. As good a person as he is, God just has to listen!

The second man is a lowly sinner, a tax collector. He did not stand in pride and self-righteousness, but called out in humility and repentance. "God, turn you wrath from me, a sinner." He knew who he was and what he deserved from God - nothing!

But Jesus made it clear that it was the repentant sinner, not the self-righteous and arrogant Pharisee, was heard by God.
I tell you, this one went down to his house justified rather than the other; because everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted. 18:14
So, in this two prayer parables we learn to be persistent in prayer because our good God desires to hear and respond. We also learn to be humble in our approach to God. He responds to the prayers of repentant sinners, not the self-righteous and arrogant. 

Father, I come to you as a sinner in need of grace, one with no righteousness of my own to merit a hearing with you. Help me to be faithful and persistent in prayer, not to become discouraged. 

Sunday, April 27, 2014

As If There Is No God - April 27 Readings: Judges 2, Luke 17:20–37, Psalm 52, Proverbs 11:4–5

Links to April 27 Readings: Judges 2, Luke17:20–37, Psalm 52, Proverbs 11:4–5

In Luke 17:20, the Pharisees asked Jesus when the kingdom of God was going to commence. Of course, they shared the common belief that the kingdom of God was the resurrection and expansion of the Old Testament Jewish theocracy. They were looking to figure out when Jesus was going to raise his army and get going chasing the Romans from Israel. 

Jesus made it clear to him that the kingdom he had come to build was not physical, political or military (that would come at his second appearing). Jesus was building a kingdom of the heart, a kingdom that was among them and within them. 

But then Jesus gave some indications about what life would be like in this world when the end did come, when he came a second time to establish his earthly kingdom. He draws comparisons to two times in the past. 

First, he says that the last days would be "as it was in the days of Noah," in the days that Jesus the Son of Man would return. But it is interesting what Jesus focuses on. He does not talk about the extreme wickedness, immorality and perversity that may have been going on before the flood came. Look at verse 27. 
People went on eating, drinking, marrying and giving in marriage until the day Noah boarded the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all.
They ate and drank. They got married. None of those things is a sin, is it? (I don't think that drunkenness is in view here when it says that they "drank.") We all have to eat and dehydration will kill you. Marrying and giving in marriage are good things, aren't they? 

What Jesus is saying here is that people went on about their lives without regard to their sin or their need for him. They just went about their lives as if there was no God to whom they would have to answer at the end of life. They went about their lives without regard as to what God wanted or what he commanded. They lived life without a concern for God. 

Jesus reinforced this principles when he talked about Lot and Sodom in verse 28. 
It will be the same as it was in the days of Lot: People went on eating, drinking, buying, selling, planting, building. 
Again, Jesus did not highlight the wickedness of Sodom. People ate and drank, they bought and sold, they planted their fields and built houses. Nothing wrong with any of that, is there? But like the people before the judgment of the flood, these people lived as if there was no God who would judge their sins. We know that God was about to pour out his wrath on the sins of Sodom, but these people just didn't care. 

In both of these instances, judgment was about to fall - cataclysmic judgment from God. A flood. Fire and brimstone. The end was near. But people just went on about their lives giving no concern as to the will and ways of God.

I have no idea when Jesus is coming again. But I do know this - the worst thing any of us can do is live our lives in disregard to the fact that Jesus is coming back and that we will give account to him. 

And isn't that pretty much the way people live today? Seek your own happiness without regard to God's will. Do what you want regardless of the teachings of the Word. Give no thought to Jesus, his gracious work or what that sacrifice demands. 

There is a God in heaven who sent his Son to redeem us and his Spirit to indwell and empower us. To live in rebellion, ignorance or defiance of that God is the ultimate folly. 

Father, may I live every day in recognition of who you are and what you have done for me. May I never ignore you or forget you. And I am thankful that when I stand before you it will be in the grace of your Son. 

Saturday, April 26, 2014

Am I One of the the Nine? April 26 Readings: Judges 1, Luke 17:1–19, Psalm 51:15–19, Proverbs 11:1–3

Links to April 26 Readings: Judges 1, Luke17:1–19, Psalm 51:15–19, Proverbs 11:1–3

In one of the better known stories of the life of Jesus, one that we tell our children often, Luke 17:11-19 records the story of Jesus healing ten lepers. Each of them returns to their lives rejoicing in the fact that they are no longer exiled and ostracized from home and family. It is my guess that each of them was immensely grateful to the one who had healed them.

But only one of them bothered to take the time to go back to Jesus and actually express that thanksgiving. The other nine were not evil, ungrateful or thoughtless jerks. They just forgot to take the time to tell the Healer how thankful they were to be healed. I'm guessing they were so excited to go home and tell their families the good news that they just forgot. But whatever the reason. They forgot. They did not return to say thank you to the Savior.

That is me, far too often.

I have a few issues going on in my life right now - some stresses, trials, heartaches and burdens. That is called normal, I guess. But I also have a truckload of blessings that have come from the hand of God. If I lost everything else in this world, I would still have Jesus who saved me and gave me forgiveness, reconciliation with God and an eternal home in heaven. If there was nothing else, I could spend all day giving thanks for that. But there is so much else. My home and family. My job and my church (for me, those are actually the same thing). God answers prayer and provides for my needs. Last week he blessed me with a lifelong dream - a trip to Israel, all expenses paid! My life has been one blessing after another.

But I tend to forget that. I've spent yesterday brooding, moody, thinking about some people who have hurt me and the pain that has caused. I never stopped to thank God for the blessings he has given me that vastly outweigh my hurts - even on my worst day.
Count your blessings, name them one by one.
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done. 
The words to that hymn are a fitting warning to me. I need to count my blessings day by day to remind myself that God's work in and through me is always more intense than whatever opposition I might face. God's grace is more powerful than life's hardships. God's goodness is more significant that people's meanness.

Father, forgive me for how often I've been among the nine, those that receive your blessings but fail to thank you for them. Thank you for every good and perfect gift which flows from you. Help me to consider your goodness and give thanks for it. 

Friday, April 25, 2014

Why Can't I Do As I Please? April 25 Readings: Joshua 23-24, Luke 16, Psalm 51:8–14, Proverbs 10:31–32

Links to April 25 Readings: Joshua 23-24, Luke 16, Psalm 51:8–14, Proverbs 10:31–32

Why can't I just do what I want?

That is the spirit of our times, even among Christians. I'm going to do what I feel like doing and no one is going to tell me what I should do. Doesn't God want me to be happy? Would he really ask me to do something hard, something I don't want to do, something that makes me sacrifice and struggle?

Well, yes. He would.

In fact, it is the fundamental issue of Christianity - who is going to rule in your life? Those who enter a relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ must give over the reigns of their lives to the one who purchased their souls with his blood!

But let's return to the original question. Why can't I just do as I please? What gives God the right to tell me what to do? Joshua answered this question in Joshua 23-24 for the people of Israel. They were constantly tempted (and often gave in to that temptation) to wander from God and serve the gods of the nations. So Joshua explained to them why that was unthinkable.

In all of chapter 23 and in verses 1-13 of chapter 24, Joshua reminded them of all that God had done for them. Look at just a few of the blessings of God Joshua mentioned.

The Lord has driven out great and powerful nations before you, and no one is able to stand against you to this day. One of you routed a thousand because the Lord your God was fighting for you, as He promised. 23:9-10
As they left Egypt, wandered through the desert for 40 years and as they embarked upon their conquest of Canaan, it was God who went before them and empowered them. In God's power they could do all God commanded. It was God who was fighting for them.

It is also God who fights for us. He secured our salvation by his grace, washed away our sins in the blood of his Son and empowers our lives daily by his Holy Spirit. We can be all God wants us to be and do all God calls us to do because as with Israel, God is fighting for us. 
I am now going the way of all the earth, and you know with all your heart and all your soul that none of the good promises the Lord your God made to you has failed. Everything was fulfilled for you; not one promise has failed. 23:14
God had never failed them, not a single time and not in a single way. And he has never failed us as well. I have failed him hundreds of times; no, thousands. Millions? But he has never failed me. That doesn't mean everything is always easy or that everything works out simply, but it does mean that God is faithful and good. He never fails. 

I sent the hornet ahead of you, and it drove out the two Amorite kings before you. It was not by your sword or bow. I gave you a land you did not labor for, and cities you did not build, though you live in them; you are eating from vineyards and olive groves you did not plant.  24:12-13
That is what they call grace, amazing grace. God gave Israel victory, but it was not by their swords or bows, or by their labor. God gave them cities they did not build and vineyards and olive groves they did not plant. They experience blessings that came from God's power and work, not their own. 

That is a pretty good description of the Christian life. We experience what we do not deserve, cannot earn and will never merit. It is by God's power, God's work, and God's love that we live. It is a wonderful life of grace. 

And that was the reason that Israel couldn't just do as they pleased! When God is that good, how could we tell him to take a hike and let us do our own thing? 
To put it simply, the goodness of God in our lives requires a response of obedience and submission!
How spoiled a child of God would I be if I said to the God of all goodness, "Thank you for all you've done for me. I'll see you in heaven one day, but right now, please leave me alone and let me do whatever I want." That just does not work. God's goodness requires a response - an obedient response. 
Father, too often I've acted like Israel, living for myself in spite of all your goodness. Lord, help me to live in obedience and fidelity to you in light of your faithfulness, love, mercy and grace. 



Thursday, April 24, 2014

Against You Only - April 24 Readings: Joshua 21-22, Luke 15:11–32, Psalm 51:1–7, Proverbs 10:28–30

Links to April 24 Readings: Joshua 21-22, Luke 15:11–32, Psalm 51:1–7, Proverbs 10:28–30

"You are the man."

That is what Nathan said to David when he confronted him over his adultery with Bathsheba and his arranging of her husband Uriah's death. And following all this serious sin, David even became self-righteous in his condemnation of others. Nathan told him the story about the man who, in spite of having many sheep, stole his neighbor's only sheep. David was incensed at this injustice until Nathan pointed the finger at him.

At that moment, the reality of his sin came crashing down on him and all of his arrogance and artifice was stripped away. That's when he wrote the most beautiful song of repentance ever, Psalm 51.

In Psalm 51:1, David is not longer sitting in judgment on others but is calling out for God's mercy and grace, knowing he deserves nothing from God.
Be gracious to me, God,according to Your faithful love;according to Your abundant compassion,blot out my rebellion. 

Having called out for forgiveness and cleansing, he addresses the seriousness of his own sin. There is no attempt to blame his sin on anyone else, to rationalize it, or to justify it because of what someone else did. 
For I am conscious of my rebellion,and my sin is always before me.Against You—You alone—I have sinnedand done this evil in Your sight.So You are right when You pass sentence;You are blameless when You judge.Indeed, I was guilty when I was born;I was sinful when my mother conceived me.  (51:3-5)
He admitted his sin without reservation, realized it was a serious offense against God, accepted the righteousness of God's judgment against his sin and pled guilty to general sinfulness of heart. 

Of course, the rest of the Psalm will wait for tomorrow, but we will see that his genuine repentance is accompanied by a deep desire and commitment to change, to return to obedience with God. 

David was a man after God's own heart, but when he sinned grievously he learned and demonstrated one of the keys to living for God. Repentance. Being a "good Christian" is about seeking the power of God to say no to sin and yes to God, of course. But it is also about remembering the work of Christ on the Cross when we fall into sin. It is about facing up to our sin without excuse or rationalization. Face it. Admit it. Repent of it. Be cleansed of it. Return to obedience. That is the lesson we learn from David. 

One note that must be made here. David was forgiven of his sin - washed as white as snow. But consequences of his sin remained until the day he died. God's forgiveness for sin does not guarantee that he will shield us from all of the consequences that flow from that sin. 

Father, thank you for your grace and forgiveness. I need that grace every day. Even as a pastor and a "mature" Christian, I see so much of my sin, the wickedness of my heart before you. Forgive me, Lord. 

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Worthy in Christ - April 23 Readings: Joshua 19-20, Luke 15:1–10, Psalm 50:18–23, Proverbs 10:26–27

Links to April 23 Readings: Joshua 19-20, Luke 15:1–10, Psalm 50:18–23, Proverbs 10:26–27

It is one of the great ironies of modern life that we spend so much time seeking and trying to convince ourselves of our self-worth; to build our self-esteem. We look inward for our worth, ignoring the reality of our sin and its effects. 

The irony is that the gospel that confronts us with our sin and guilt before God also is the only source of true worth and value we have. Our worth is not found in ignoring our sin but in admitting it and receiving the glories of God's forgiveness and grace. 

Look at Luke 15:1-10 which tells two stories. The first is of a sheep that is lost, having wandered away from the other 99. The second story is similar, a story of one coin of ten that has been lost. In both stories, the owner goes looking for what is lost and does not quit until it is found. 

Jesus leaves no doubt about the meaning of these parables when he says in verse 10:
I tell you, in the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels over one sinner who repents.
That is an amazing love. We are sinners who have rebelled against God and lived for ourselves instead of for his glory. But still, heaven rejoices when a guilty, stained, sin-saturated sinner repents.

Our value is found in God's love, in the fact that he seeks us out when we are lost. He pursues us. Salvation is not so much about me finding God as it is about God seeking me and my response. God doesn't sit back demanding that we work our way back to him, but he desires us and seeks us.

My worth and value is found in that love. When I look at my failings and weaknesses I can become insecure and discouraged. But when I remember the amazing love of God I am secure in him.
Lord, thank you for your amazing love that gives me true and eternal worth

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Nothing in Return -April 22 Readings: Joshua 17-18, Luke 14:12–35, Psalm 50:11–17, Proverbs 10:23–25

Links to April 22 Readings: Joshua 17-18, Luke 14:12–35, Psalm 50:11–17, Proverbs 10:23–25

Just a simple thought today about life in the kingdom of God.

Jesus told his disciples not to focus their efforts simply on their own family and friends or on their rich neighbors (Luke 14:12). There is nothing wrong with having friends and enjoying them, but Jesus said this try to teach an important kingdom principle.

Too often our lives are focused on the people whom we enjoy, those who bless our lives or those who can do something for us. It is easy to invest our lives in those people who give so much to us and to think we are serving!

But Jesus said this in Luke 14:13-14.
On the contrary, when you host a banquet, invite those who are poor, maimed, lame, or blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
Again, it is not wrong to have friends or even to serve them. But true service is given to those who truly need to be served - the broken and beaten in life - and those who can do nothing in return. 

This sinful world leaves a lot of hurting and wounded people as a consequence of its wickedness. Those are the people we need to serve. We will get nothing back from it - there's no profit, no fun, no earthly reward. But there is heavenly blessing. 

The church, and every one of us who comprise the church, needs to look to this world and find the hurting, the needy, those who can give nothing in return and pour out the love of Christ to them. 

Father, may I not simply love those who can give me something in return, but may I truly pour out your love on those who can give nothing in return. 


Monday, April 21, 2014

No Bull - April 21 Readings: Joshua 15-16, Luke 13:22–14:11, Psalm 50:4–10, Proverbs 10:21–22

Links to April 21 Readings: Joshua 15-16, Luke 13:22–14:11, Psalm 50:4–10, Proverbs 10:21–22

If you have made it this far in your reading through the Bible, you know that God ordered an elaborate (and often hard to follow) system of sacrifices for his people, detailed in Leviticus 1-7 and in other passages throughout the Law. Sin requires a blood sacrifice as its atonement. These sacrifices temporarily (according to Hebrews) brought forgiveness of sin and foreshadowed the great sacrifice to be made by Christ once for all on the Cross.

But Israel forgot that it was not just the blood of bulls or goats that pleased God. They tended to think that if they just brought the appropriate sacrifice at the prescribed time, they could keep God happy and live life as they pleased. But God made it clear he was not playing their game.

In Psalm 50:10, God declared,  "I will not accept a bull from your household or a male goat from your pen. He went on to say he had all the animals he needed. What God was looking for was not a barbeque, but a heart of love and devotion to him. All the offerings Israel offered could not make up for the fact that they were living in sin and disobedience.

Today, God is not looking to fill buildings on Sunday morning. He is not a televangelist begging for your money, nor is he insecure and seeking your approval. God cannot be pacified with a couple of hours on your time on Sunday, a few bucks in the offering plate or a few good works in the community. God wants your heart.

The only offering that pleases God is the one he demanded through Paul in Romans 12:1. Having described the amazing work of God through Jesus Christ in chapters 1-11, Paul now instructed the Romans what they should do about it.
"In view of God's mercy, present your bodies as living sacrifices." 
God is not seeking a little of our time or money or talents or anything else. He wants us, all of us, whole-heartedly, unreservedly, given over to him. We give ourselves to him as living sacrifices - the only sacrifice God really wants.

Don't think you can just put a bull on the altar and then live as you please. God wants all of you, all of me, and he will settle for nothing less.

Father, I give you the sacrifice that matters, the only one that is an appropriate response to the work of Christ. I give myself to you - body, soul and spirit. I am yours. 






Sunday, April 20, 2014

The Ways of the Kingdom - April 20 Readings: Joshua 13-14, Luke 13:1–21, Psalm 50:1–3, Proverbs 10:18–20

Links to April 20 Readings: Joshua 13-14, Luke 13:1–21, Psalm 50:1–3, Proverbs 10:18–20

"If just one person is reached through our efforts, then it was all worth it!" 

I've heard that phrase so many times through the years. When churches put on huge, expensive, man-hour intensive Christmas or Easter productions, that phrase can often be heard. And of course, there is truth there. Is there any length to which we would not go if we knew one soul would be saved? Is there any cost we would not pay to bring someone from death to life?

But in Luke 13:18-21 Jesus told two parables that describe the kingdom of God in ways that are very different from the sentiment I described above.

He begins by asking a question, "What is the kingdom of God like?" How do things operate when God is in charge, when he is at work? He then tells two stories to answer his question.
“It’s like a mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds of the sky nested in its branches.”
On my desk I have a jar of mustard seeds which I purchased in Israel. I keep them on my desk to remind of this truth. When you have faith as a mustard seed, great things happen in the kingdom. Here, Jesus describes how the mustard seed grows into a large tree and becomes a blessing to others. 

In the kingdom, a little faith, a little devotion, a little service to God brings great rewards. It bears great fruit. That is so contrary to the idea of putting in hundreds of hours into a ministry and hoping that one soul might be reached. 

The second story reinforces the first. 
"It’s like yeast that a woman took and mixed into 50 pounds of flour until it spread through the entire mixture.”
Here, Jesus uses yeast, which usually illustrates the pernicious effects of sin, to illustrate how things work in the kingdom of God. It doesn't take much yeast to affect a large amount of dough. A little works its way in and has great effects. 

The kingdom of God is not about the things we can do for God. Unfortunately, we are usually "doing our best" for him. That is why all our efforts often bring little fruit. But when we yield to God and operate on his agenda for our lives, life becomes about God doing his best through us. It is not about our great efforts but God's; not our abilities but his. 

Father, may my life be a kingdom life, where you take the little I have and make it productive, make it significant. 

Saturday, April 19, 2014

The Normal Christian Life - April 19 Readings: Joshua 11-12, Luke 12:35–59, Psalm 49:11–20, Proverbs 10:16–17

Links to April 19 Readings: Joshua 11-12, Luke 12:35–59, Psalm 49:11–20, Proverbs 10:16–17

Joshua 11 and 12 list a pretty impressive assortment of victories by the people of Israel over the Canaanites and other pagan nations. King after king, nation after nation fell before the power of God working through the people of God. They were, at this moment, walking in obedience and experiencing the blessing of God regularly. 

Israel, walking in obedience, found victory over its enemies to be normal; an everyday occurrence. What needed to be conquered was conquered. When foes attacked, they were thwarted. Winning battles against their enemies was the normal pattern of life for obedient Israel. 


I've grown used to something different. Failure is all too normal for me; being defeated by temptation, by the power of the flesh. I'm used to my foes having the upper hand over me. 

But it was not just in the Old Testament era that God intended for his people to overcome their enemies. Romans 6 tells us that we have been freed from slavery to sin and ought to walk in righteousness regularly. Romans 8 tells us that we are more than conquerors over whatever this sinful world throws at us. 

When I am walking in faith and obedience, the forces of darkness may attack, but not prevail. I will be subject to hardship, suffering, opposition and all sorts of things, but ought not fail in the tasks God had set before me or fall before my enemies. We can expect the power of God to be revealed in us as we walk in obedience. That is the normal Christian life. 

Father, may I never make peace with the failure of my flesh, but continue to depend on you to defeat my foes and empower my life. 

Friday, April 18, 2014

The Futility of Worry - April 18 Readings: Joshua 10, Luke 12:22–34, Psalm 49:1–10, Proverbs 10:13–15

Links to April 18 Readings: Joshua 10, Luke 12:22–34, Psalm 49:1–10, Proverbs 10:13–15

There are few commandments of Scripture that I violate more regularly than Luke 12:22.
Therefore I tell you, don't worry about your life.
Jesus is talking specifically here about the basic needs of life - food, clothing, shelter. But the principle goes beyond that. Worry is such a common reality in my life - worry about money, about the future, about what is happening at the church, about my family, about so many things. How many of you understand what I'm talking about when I say I sometimes walk around with this knot in the pit of my stomach.

And it is not just a sin, it is a complete waste. In verses 23-34, Jesus set forth some powerful thoughts about the pointlessness of worry for the children of God.

First, there is more to life than the things we worry about (verse 22). When I am worrying about the things I worry about, it is clear that I am not seeking God or focusing on the big issues of his kingdom. I cannot trust God and be devoted to him while worrying at the same time. I need to remember that these worrisome issues are of less importance than the things of God.

Second, worry is useless because God loves and cares about me (verse 24,28). If my wife and I had the money we had spent on helping out our kids, we'd be living on easy street. But there is nothing we wouldn't do to help them. If we have something and they need something they are going to get what we have. Is not God a more loving Father than I? He cares about me and is not going to ignore my needs.

Third, worrying accomplishes nothing (verse 25). Worrying cannot add a cubit to my height, nor can it solve any of the issues I face. It is the most pointless, useless, stupid waste of energy in my life. Most of the stuff I worry about I can't control, so what good does worry do. And if I can do something about it, I should DO something. Worrying is unproductive.

Fourth, worry usurps God's sovereignty (verse 26). God is in control and when I worry, I am acting as if I believe that I am, that it is all up to me. If I'm not able to do little things, why waste my time worrying about the big things that are in God's hands?

Fifth, God, our good Father, is a masterful provider (verses 27-28). He provides clothes for the wildflowers and grass, he will provide all that we need. "I've never seen the righteous forsaken or their seed begging for bread."

Sixth, worry is a marker of the world's sinful values (verse 30). The "Gentiles" seek the things of this world, but our hearts and minds are to be focused on something higher and more noble - the kingdom of God - knowing that God will add what we need as we do.

Why on earth, knowing all of these truths, would I ever worry about anything?

Father, worry is one of my greatest sins. Because it is so common I might be tempted to think it is not a big deal. But it is an insult to your excellent provision as my Heavenly Father and I am sorry for my failure to remember your goodness and grace. Help me in my weakness to trust in you. 

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Fool! April 17 Readings: Joshua 9, Luke 12:1–21, Psalm 48:11–14, Proverbs 10:11–12

Links to April 17 Readings: Joshua 9, Luke12:1–21, Psalm 48:11–14, Proverbs 10:11–12

Jesus, in Luke 12:15, issued a warning that is perhaps more needed today than it was at the moment he gave it.
“Watch out and be on guard against all greed because one’s life is not in the abundance of his possessions.”

Life is about a lot more than the cars we drive, the homes we live in and the money we have stashed in the bank. Paul issued dire warnings, in 1 Timothy 6, to those who would shipwreck their lives with the love of money. Perhaps he had this verse in the back of his mind.

Greed causes us to live our lives going from mirage to mirage searching for water and finding only sand. Those who live for money and possessions find themselves quickly trapped in an empty and meaningless lifestyle.

Jesus followed that statement with a memorable story. A man had a bumper crop and tore down his barns to build bigger ones. There is nothing wrong with being successful or having a little something in savings. But the implication here was that this man was selfish and greedy. He didn't care about others and had no intent to share his bounty with those in need. He just built bigger barns to store more stuff for himself.

Jesus called him a fool. Those were strong words in that day, perhaps even more so than today. He was a fool because he invested himself in worldly things and gave no thought to eternity.
‘You fool! This very night your life is demanded of you. And the things you have prepared—whose will they be?’ Luke 12:20

 When his life ended suddenly that night, all that he had lived for and worked for would become meaningless.

So, here is the question for us to consider. Are we living for that which will have value after death? If my life is about money, then it is pointless once I breath my last. If my life is about fame, fortune, power, or my own ambitions, those things all fade into oblivion at the end. But if I am invested in the Kingdom of God, in making Christ known, in serving others in the name of Christ, in loving others - those things all have eternal value.

This rich man was a fool because he invested his entire life into things that counted for nothing when death came. Let us be wise because we store up treasures in heaven and invest our lives in that which is eternal.

Father, may I never been caught up in the foolishness of greed or ensnared by the love of money. May my life count for your kingdom. 

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Dealing with Defeat - April 16 Readings: Joshua 7–8, Luke 11:29–54, Psalm 48:4–10, Proverbs 10:8–10

Links to April 16 Readings: Joshua 7–8, Luke 11:29–54, Psalm 48:4–10, Proverbs 10:8–10

Joshua was flabbergasted. After the great victory he and the people of God had won over Jericho, they had suddenly been horribly defeated by a little nothing village called Ai. Had God let his people down, forgotten them? Joshua was convinced that God had failed his people and he called out to him for help and understanding. 

He got the help he needed, but it came in a very different way than he expected. Get up off the ground, Joshua. Stop praying and deal with the sin that caused the problem. That was not what he expected. 

But God revealed the source of the problem  - Achan’s sin – and Israel took care of business. It is shocking to our modern sensibilities the lengths to which he went in dealing with this sin, but sin is no small thing in God’s eyes. But there was sin in Israel and it had to be dealt with - aggressively and forcefully. 

Once the sin issue was properly put in the past, there was still the matter of round 2 with Ai. This time, with God on their side and giving them direction, and using their entire army, they went up to Ai and conquered it. God gave them wisdom and power and they won the battle that only days before had brought defeat.

There are some important lessons for us in this story. First, defeat is never final for the people of God. I have lost and lost and lost, but that does not mean that I have to give up. Just because I blew it yesterday does not mean that I have to blow it tomorrow. I do not have to be tomorrow what I used to be.

Second, if I want to change, I’ve got to deal with the deep sins, the heart issues, and the hidden things that have undermined my success. Israel could have gone up against Ai with a hundred different strategies, but until they dealt with the sin in their midst, there would be no victory. I need to let the Spirit speak conviction to my heart and show me whatever there is in my life that might hinder my victory.

Finally, I need to marshal all the power that God has given me and go to battle. When Israel took only a part of their resources, they were turned away. But when they went up against Ai with all of their soldiers, empowered by God, the battle turned. For any spiritual battle we face we must put on the whole armor of God, not just part of it. 


Lord, thank you for never giving up, even when I feel like a failure. Thank you for being faithful and good. Forgive my sins and cleanse my heart that I may walk in your ways daily.

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

I Am Rahab - April 15 Readings: Joshua 5–6, Luke 11:1–28, Psalm 48:1–3, Proverbs 10:6–7

Links to April 15 Readings: Joshua 5–6, Luke 11:1–28, Psalm 48:1–3, Proverbs 10:6–7

There is so much in Joshua 5 and 6 that it worth our reflection. There is Joshua's meeting with the Commander of the Lord's Army. Joshua sees this man with a drawn sword and hopes he is a friend not an enemy. "Whose side are you on, ours our theirs?" he asks. The Commander says, essentially, "I'm not here to pick sides but to take charge." Joshua followed the Lord and won the battle.

Of course, there is the story of faith in the conquering of Jericho. God's plan of attack made no sense - marching around the city once a day for six days, then seven times on the seventh day. But Joshua learned that the key was not the greatness of his plan but simple obedience to God. When Israel followed God's plan, he brought the walls down and gave them the victory.

But I want to focus on the story, told in Joshua 6:22-25, of one woman from Jericho. For 3500 years of history, she has been known for what she was when she encountered the spies Joshua had sent into the city. She was "Rahab the Prostitute." Not an nice way to be remembered. A harlot.

We know very little about Rahab, except for her profession, but there is much we know of her because of that tidbit. She made her living by means of immorality. She was used by men for her sexual favors - and in spite of all of Hollywood's pollyanna lies about prostitution, it is a degrading and demeaning way to make a living. She was used, abused, and objectified. It is a horrible life now, it was a horrible life then. And in those cultures, the stigma of such a thing would stay with her. She was never going to be anything but what she was. A harlot. A prostitute.

But then she met these spies and was rescued from death, brought of of Jericho to a new life with the people of Israel. And there she got a new start, a second chance. She married a man named Salmon of whom nothing is known. But we do know the name of his son, Boaz. Yes, that Boaz - the one who married Ruth. Boaz and Ruth had a son, named Obed. Obed had a son named Jesse. And Jesse had a son who worked as a shepherd until one day the prophet Samuel appeared and anointed him as king. That is right. Rahab the Harlot was the great, great grandmother of the Great King David. And, of course, that means she was also one of the ancestors of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

Rahab's life was rescued, redeemed and reformed. The prostitute became a key ancestor of the Royal and Messianic lines of Israel. Is that not good news? In the world you are often defined by your own mistakes and plagued by your past. But in God's economy, the past never controls the future. The blood of Christ cleanses and the power of the Spirit renews. You can be what you never were.

And that is good news because I am Rahab. Well, sort of. I am a wicked sinner who was trapped in sin's power and degraded. But God did not leave me in my sin. He rescued me from the Jericho of sin, brought me out to be adopted into the heavenly family and gave me a new life free of guilt and the slavery of sin.

As God freed Rahab and made something beautiful and significant of her life, he frees us and makes us new creations. Praise God! Your life is not defined by your past or your present. It is defined by the future God has destined for you.

Father, you rescued me from sin and death and have given me a new life. Thank you that though I was destined for death, you changed all of that with your grace. 

Monday, April 14, 2014

How Soon We Forget - April 14 Readings: Joshua 3-4, Luke 10:25–42, Psalm 47, Proverbs 10:3–5

Links to April 14 Readings: Joshua 3-4, Luke 10:25–42, Psalm 47, Proverbs 10:3–5

This is Passion Week; a holy time for believers in which we remember the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is the same story this year as it was last year. Jesus died on the Cross to pay for our sins and rose again on the third day as Lord of all. He was exalted to God's right hand where he offers eternal life to those who repent of their sin and trust him.

But it is important to tell the same story year after year. Last night we (those who braved the mid-April blizzard) watched a presentation called "Christ in the Passover" and saw symbols of Jesus Christ interwoven in that celebration that has been going on for nearly 3500 years. God commanded Israel to annually celebrate a meal to commemorate the first Passover as an act of remembrance. We celebrate the Lord's Supper together as a church repeatedly as an act of remembrance of the body and blood of Christ.

It is good to remember. In fact, God instituted many acts of remembrance for us because we are so prone to forget what he has done for us.

In Joshua 3, God brought Israel through the Jordan River, at flood stage, on dry ground - one of his great miracles. As the men carrying the ark stepped into the river, God stopped the flow and they all went through in safety.

Then, in Joshua 4, God instructed Joshua to set up a remembrance. He sent 12 men, one from each tribe, back into the middle of the river. Each picked up a large rock (imagine the biggest boulder he could carry) and hauled it out to the west side of the river. There, they piled them up as a marker. Why? That is explained in verses 6-7.
"In the future, when your children ask you, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’ you should tell them, ‘The waters of the Jordan were cut off in front of the ark of the Lord’s covenant. When it crossed the Jordan, the Jordan’s waters were cut off.’ Therefore these stones will always be a memorial for the Israelites.”
These stones were piled up so that future generations would remember the wonderful works of God.

There will be few "new" things in the celebration of the work of Christ this week. It's the same story its always been. Sacrifice and victory. But just because we've heard it all before, just because we know the story, doesn't mean we do not need to remember it once again. We can so easily forget that our entire existence is rooted in the work of Christ and the grace he gives. We can forget the meaning, purpose and importance of the Cross and the Empty Tomb.

So we remember. We tell the same story we've always told. We sing the same songs. We take the same bread and cup. And we do it joyously, because there is no more important story to tell, no more important truths to remember.

Let us each erect a monument in our own hearts to remember daily what Jesus did. May we never forget!

Father, tell me the old, old story of Jesus. Write on my heart every word. Tell me the story most precious, sweetest that ever was heard. May I never forget. 

Sunday, April 13, 2014

Success! April 13 Readings: Joshua 1-2, Luke 10:1–24, Psalm 46:5–11, Proverbs 10:1–2

Links to April 13 Readings: Joshua 1-2, Luke 10:1–24, Psalm 46:5–11, Proverbs 10:1–2

As much as we talk about success in America today, and in American religion, it is not a word that appears often in the Scriptures. Many have tried to twist the Bible to make it into a manual for earthly success - helping me get all I want and all I need in this world. The Bible is about the outworking of God's glorious purposes in this world, not about how we can accomplish our purposes.

But there is one instruction, given to Joshua as he assumed leadership of Israel, that spelled out exactly how he could be successful in the job God assigned to him.

And, wow, did he ever need that help! Joshua was given a huge assignment from God. He had to follow Moses, a man who rivals King David, Elijah and the Apostle Paul as among the great heroes of the Bible (not counting Jesus - he's the real hero of every page). Following a man like Moses was going to be tough. We all know that Israel was not exactly a compliant people, either. They were rebellious, whiny, wayward - difficult in every way. And, of course, the task was daunting. Joshua had to lead Israel into a hostile land, make that land their own and destroy all the pagan nations currently residing there.

No easy task.

But God gave Joshua a path to success, a plan so that he could do well the work God had given to him. Strangely, that plan for success had nothing to do with self-esteem, long range planning, aggression and self-assertion, motivational phrases or any of those issues our leadership gurus say are crucial.

In fact, there was only one simple thing that God said Joshua needed to do to achieve success in his eyes. God's motivational speech is recorded in Joshua 1:8.
This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth; you are to recite it day and night so that you may carefully observe everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in whatever you do.
All Joshua had to do was to carefully read, learn and obey what God had said. The word of God was the key to his success. If he would carefully observe everything written in the Law, he would prosper and have success in all that he would do. 

Not too complicated, is it? 

Obey God. Do what the Word commands. Success does not come from aggression, self-esteem, strategy or organizational skill. Success comes from doing what God says - doing all of what God says all the time. 

Verse 9 explains the foundation of this promise of success. 
Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Though his job was daunting and the people he led difficult, Joshua need not be afraid or discouraged, because God would be with him throughout the process. But that promise of God's presence does not stand out there on its own. 

Joshua was promised the presence and power of God with him as he walked in obedience to God. If he disobeyed, he would not experience the glory of God's presence. 

We can only expect to experience the presence and power of God in our lives as we walk in obedience to God and his Word. We cannot flaunt God's Word and walk our own ways and still expect to succeed in life. 

It's about obedience and submission to the Word of God. 

Father, your Word is truth and is my key to success in serving you. May I walk in your ways every day. 

Saturday, April 12, 2014

Power, Control And Christ - April 12 Readings: Deuteronomy 33-34, Luke 9:46-62, Psalm 46:1–4, Proverbs 9:16-18

Links to April 12 Readings: Deuteronomy33-34, Luke 9:46-62, Psalm 46:1–4, Proverbs 9:16-18

The disciples of Jesus Christ often showed a completely tin ear when it came to understanding the drift of Jesus' teachings. In Luke 9:46-48 Jesus instructed them on the path to greatness in the kingdom of God. The disciples had been in a petty, silly argument - who would be the greatest when Jesus kicked out the Romans and took over the government. They assumed they'd be the cabinet ministers in the new administration, but couldn't decide who was going to be top dog among them. I'm guessing each of them got one vote - his own.

Jesus laid out the path of kingdom greatness for them, a teaching he'd repeated often because they just didn't seem to get it. The one who is great is the one who humbles himself to bless a child, who makes himself least among the others. It is service, not power, that makes one great in God's kingdom.

But, as usual, his teachings just swooshed right over the disciples' heads. John responded to Jesus' teachings with a complaint.
“Master, we saw someone driving out demons in Your name, and we tried to stop him because he does not follow us.”
John was upset. Someone had the nerve to drive out demons in the name of Jesus, but did not follow the disciples around. For John, it was still all about power and control, about being elevated to rank and position. He just didn't get it. And he could not abide these people who were acting in the name of Jesus but were not part of his group. 

It is a normal human reaction to want to maintain power and control over others - something that has been part of our makeup since Adam and Eve bit the fruit. But God calls us to a higher way. We lead people to Christ and teach them to follow HIM. 

But too often we stray into the power and control game, just as the disciples did. We demand not just that they do things God's way, but that they do things our way, that they conform to our desires, our preferences and our traditions. 

The disciples too often strayed into the power and control game, until they were filled with the Spirit. Then it became about serving Jesus with all their hearts and souls, laying down their lives and serving in humility. 

Just as Jesus had commanded. 

Father, forgive me for too often seeking to advance my own standing, my power, or trying to control others. I realize that no one has the right to control another, except you! May I serve you with a humble, gentle heart - the heart of a servant. 

Friday, April 11, 2014

A Daily Death - April 11 Readings: Deuteronomy 31-32, Luke 9:23-45, Psalm 45:9-17, Proverbs 9:13-15

Links to April 11 Readings: Deuteronomy 31-32, Luke 9:23-45, Psalm 45:9-17, Proverbs 9:13-15

As I went through our readings today, one word struck me; a word from a passage I quote about as often as any other, Luke 9:23. The verse gets to the heart of where modern American Christianity varies from the faith of the New Testament era Christians.
“If anyone wants to come with Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me."
Today, Christianity is often presented as a motivational, self-help system. God will help find your self-esteem, be happy and healthy, and be the best, most successful you that you can possibly be. In this aberration of the faith, Christ came to help us attain our goals, dreams, aspirations and ambitions. It's all about me.

But biblical Christianity is something very different. Following Jesus means walking the Way of the Cross. We must first deny ourselves - turning away from our own ambitions, our own pleasure, to serve Jesus Christ. We must also take up our cross. The cross was an instrument of death. Conversion is often described in the Bible as experiencing the death and resurrection of Christ. "We are buried with him by baptism into death" and "raised to walk a new life in Christ." We die to self and are born again to a new life in Christ.

As those who attend Southern Hills know very well, I quote this verse as much as any other. It gets to the heart of the issue. What kind of faith do you have? A self-serving, self-aggrandizing faith that is a spiritual fiction? Or the true faith of the Bible - dying to self to live for Christ.

But there is one word in that passage that I have often overlooked - a word that cannot be overlooked.
Daily. 
 Being saved was something I did once, and only once. In February of 1964, my dad led me in prayer as I lay on my bed and I put my faith in Christ. Once. But the decision to take up my cross and follow Christ is one I must make every day.

That is why we need these daily Bible readings and prayer times. That is why it is not enough to go to church on Sunday (as important as that is). The heart and soul of the Christian life is a decision you must repeat every single day. Every day I must decide that I will not serve myself. Every day I must take up my cross, die to self again, and decide to follow Jesus. Every day!

You may have heard this well-worn but absolutely true statement: "you cannot live on yesterday's manna." Our walk with Christ must be renewed day by day. Many years ago, I made a lifelong, even eternal commitment to Christ. I gave myself to him. Once for all. But it is a commitment that must be renewed every single day. I cannot live on yesterday's commitment, yesterday's passion, yesterday's decision. The choice to follow Jesus on the Way of the Cross is one that needs to be made every single day.
Father, I've made big commitments to you, but I've all too often failed to renew that commitment daily, as your Son commanded. May I deny myself today, take up my Cross today, and follow you today. 

Thursday, April 10, 2014

Choose Life - April 10 Readings: Deuteronomy 30, Luke 9:1–22, Psalm 45:1–8, Proverbs 9:11–12

Links to April 10 Readings: Deuteronomy 30, Luke 9:1–22, Psalm 45:1–8, Proverbs 9:11–12

Too often, we take deep teachings of the Word of God and turn them into some kind of lightweight motivational jargon, often missing the original point of the text. Deuteronomy 30:19-20 is one of those passages. It is used as a slogan, but its teachings go far beyond the way it is often used. 

"Choose life," the passage says. And too often we hear something like, "Embrace that which is fine and good and noble in life. Choose to have a good attitude, to suck the marrow out of the bones of life, to be all you can be. Choose to live life to the fullest." While we can debate how good any of that advice is, it cannot be debated that God's words to Moses meant something very different than that. 

You have read the chapter, now look again at these two verses. 
“I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Choose life so that you and your descendants may live, love the Lord your God, obey Him, and remain faithful to Him. For He is your life, and He will prolong your life in the land the Lord swore to give to your fathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”
This passage likely refers back to the time on Mt. Gerizim and Mt. Ebal, the blessings and curses there, and the strong warnings of Deuteronomy 28. God has set forth clearly two roads down which Israel can walk. One is the road of life and of blessing. To walk that road is to "love the Lord your God, obey him and remain faithful to him." It is to realize that God himself is life, that life comes from him and from no one or no place else. Life is about glorifying and serving God. 

The path of death and curse, also alluded to here, is the path of rebellion, idolatry, and sinfulness that Israel walked for so much of its history. When we turn from God to walk our own way, we set in motion a process that results in negative consequences, "bitter fruit" that we reap. 

To choose life is not about maintaining a positive mental attitude, believing in yourself, or going for all the gusto life has to offer. Choosing life is about giving it to God, loving and serving him with all your heart and walking in obedience to him instead of living to please oneself. It is about the way you live, the choices you make and the goal of your life. 

Deuteronomy 30:20 is clear. Life is not about how much fun you have, or what you achieve, or what others think of you. “He is your life.” Life, real life, is about living for the glory of God, the source and purpose of life. 
Father, you are my life. Forgive me for when I have chosen the things of this world, the way of death and curse. But today I choose life! I desire to walk in you and your ways. 

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

The Root of Sin - April 9 Readings: Deuteronomy 29, Luke 8:40–56, Psalm 44:22–26, Proverbs 9:9–10

Links to April 9 Readings: Deuteronomy 29, Luke 8:40–56, Psalm 44:22–26, Proverbs 9:9–10

I have these weeds in my back yard - no idea what they are called. They produce wide prickly leaves and if I let them grow up they will sprout these purple flowers shaped in a ball. If it sounds pretty, it's not. They are a pain. They are hard to kill and no matter how many I kill these evil things just come right back.

To kill weeds, you have to kill the roots. If you just mow them or pull the tops off, they will come right back. Unless you get the roots deep out of the ground, they are just going to come back again and again. And you need to prevent the seeds from getting established and spreading.

God gave a warning to Israel that built upon this concept, in Deuteronomy 29:18.
Be sure there is no root among you bearing poisonous and bitter fruit.
He was warning them of the danger of leaving behind their loyalty to God, turning their hearts to idols and rebelling from God's law. That sin would bear a poisonous and bitter fruit in the life of God's Chosen People. 

But God's warning was that they would deal not just with the bitter fruit, but with the root from which that fruit grows. 

What is the root of sin, the root of rebellion, the root that brings the bitter fruit? It is the belief that God's will and his ways are somehow oppressive and that life would be better by following the ways of the world. When this seed of sin is planted in our hearts it grows into rebellion, idolatry and wickedness. 

The Serpent came to Adam and Eve  and he lied to them to make them believe that their lives would be better if they would only eat the fruit contrary to God's command. He's been telling the same lies ever since. God's laws are unreasonable. You can only enjoy life to the fullest when you go your own way and do what you please. Obeying God will ruin everything. 

Israel consistently bought into that lie. The Canaanites, with their wild pagan festivals, their immorality, their debauchery - the Israelites were drawn to that. One sovereign God gave way to a pantheon of gods that could be manipulated through magical rituals. All of God's "You shall not" commands paled compared to the "do what you want" of the Canaanites. 

Israel believed the lie. The life God commands is inferior to the life sin provides. The seeds of sin were planted among them and just as God commanded brought a bitter, poisonous fruit. 

Spending time in the Word of God and in prayer is God's weed-killer. When we immerse ourselves in God's Word, we see clearly to distinguish God's truth from Satan's lies. We realize that the bitter fruit of sin is not worth whatever joy or pleasure the sin may bring. 

Father, may I always listen to your truth rather than Satan's lies, that your blessings might flourish in my life and that I might never again experience the bitter fruit of sin.