Esther 4:14 “If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?”
Esther, although a Jew, has been crowned queen in King Xerxes’ empire. A man named Haman has convinced King Xerxes that all the Jews must die. Mordecai, Esther’s uncle sends her this message and tells her that maybe she has been put in this position, as the queen, to do something about this impending genocide. Just maybe, she was placed in this position by God, to rescue the Jews? Could this be her destiny? Mordecai begs her to not miss her calling.
Too often I am concerned with what’s next. I worry about the next decision in my life, the next hurdle to jump, and the next mountain to climb. I’m always looking for what’s around the corner or down the road. But, God has placed me at this time, in this circumstance, with these people, for a specific reason. I can’t be so focused on tomorrow that I lose sight of today. What has God called me to today? What has God called me to do today in my neighborhood, at my work, in my family, right now, on Tuesday November 1, 2011? That should be my number one concern. Today, I will focus on today. Who knows if perhaps I was made for just such a time as this!?
Dear Jesus, remind me to look around me and see my calling today. Help me to not miss my opportunity. Amen.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Friday, October 28, 2011
Poor Uriah
2 Samuel 23:39 "Uriah the Hittite."
David is nearing the end of his life and reign as king. In chapter twenty-three, the writer lists David's mightiest warriors. First he lists the three best warriors who were closest to David and most trusted by him. Then the writer lists another group of thirty warriors. At the very end of this list in verse 39 is Uriah the Hitttite. Uriah the husband of Bathsheba whom David had murdered. He is listed as one of David's best, and most trusted warriors! David had this dude killed and yet he counts him as one of his top 33?! David had a bad memory or a moment of insanity. How can you sleep with another man's wife, then have him killed, and then at the end of your life count him as one of your friends?
What can I learn from this? How can I apply this? Don't stab people in the back I guess. Don't be fake, or false. Have true and honest motives. Remember that character and integrity matter most. That's what I'll try to learn from David's messed up life.
Dear Jesus, help me be above reproach in all things. Amen.
David is nearing the end of his life and reign as king. In chapter twenty-three, the writer lists David's mightiest warriors. First he lists the three best warriors who were closest to David and most trusted by him. Then the writer lists another group of thirty warriors. At the very end of this list in verse 39 is Uriah the Hitttite. Uriah the husband of Bathsheba whom David had murdered. He is listed as one of David's best, and most trusted warriors! David had this dude killed and yet he counts him as one of his top 33?! David had a bad memory or a moment of insanity. How can you sleep with another man's wife, then have him killed, and then at the end of your life count him as one of your friends?
What can I learn from this? How can I apply this? Don't stab people in the back I guess. Don't be fake, or false. Have true and honest motives. Remember that character and integrity matter most. That's what I'll try to learn from David's messed up life.
Dear Jesus, help me be above reproach in all things. Amen.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Tough Love
2 Samuel 19:7 "Now go out there and congratulate your troops, for I swear by the Lord that if you don't go out, not a single one of them will remain here tonight."
David's army under Joab's leadership has just granted him a big victory. It was a victory that came with a price as David's rebellious son Absalom was killed. David mourns for his son so Joab confronts him and defines reality for the king.
Sometimes we need advice and counsel from others. Sometimes we need to hear some tough love. Joab gives David some tough love. The king is in mourning for his son Absalom, but Joab explains that the greater good was accomplished with his death. That's a tough story to sell to the king, but in Joab's mind it had to be told. Who in my life is telling me the honest truth? Have I surrounded myself with the kinds of people who will speak truth to me no matter how hard it might hurt? I need those voices in my life now more than ever.
Dear Jesus, help me lean on and surround myself with "tough love" kind of friends. Amen.
David's army under Joab's leadership has just granted him a big victory. It was a victory that came with a price as David's rebellious son Absalom was killed. David mourns for his son so Joab confronts him and defines reality for the king.
Sometimes we need advice and counsel from others. Sometimes we need to hear some tough love. Joab gives David some tough love. The king is in mourning for his son Absalom, but Joab explains that the greater good was accomplished with his death. That's a tough story to sell to the king, but in Joab's mind it had to be told. Who in my life is telling me the honest truth? Have I surrounded myself with the kinds of people who will speak truth to me no matter how hard it might hurt? I need those voices in my life now more than ever.
Dear Jesus, help me lean on and surround myself with "tough love" kind of friends. Amen.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Jehoiada-Style
2 Kings 11:18 “And all the people of the land went over to the temple of Baal and tore it down. They demolished the altars and smashed the idols to pieces, and they killed Matan the priest of Baal in front of the altars.”
After a tragic sequence of events, Jehoiada the priest crowns a seven year old boy named Joash as king. In an effort to help the youngster off to a good start, clean up the nation and take it in a more godly direction, Jehoiada orders the destruction of the temple of Baal. He destroys Baal’s temple and everything and everyone associated with Baal worship. It was a good day’s work.
Sometimes, we have to draw a line in the sand and eliminate certain things which tempt us and cause us to sin. Good intentions are never enough. We have to take action. Jehoiada did just that and smashed Baal’s altars. What altars do I need to smash? What temples do I need to destroy? How can I eliminate those things which keep me away from God? Today I need to evaluate my life and decide what honors God and what doesn’t. What doesn’t honor God needs to be smashed, broken, and destroyed Jehoiada-style!
Dear Jesus, help me be bold and courageous today. Help me do what it takes to eliminate the temptations in my life. Amen.
After a tragic sequence of events, Jehoiada the priest crowns a seven year old boy named Joash as king. In an effort to help the youngster off to a good start, clean up the nation and take it in a more godly direction, Jehoiada orders the destruction of the temple of Baal. He destroys Baal’s temple and everything and everyone associated with Baal worship. It was a good day’s work.
Sometimes, we have to draw a line in the sand and eliminate certain things which tempt us and cause us to sin. Good intentions are never enough. We have to take action. Jehoiada did just that and smashed Baal’s altars. What altars do I need to smash? What temples do I need to destroy? How can I eliminate those things which keep me away from God? Today I need to evaluate my life and decide what honors God and what doesn’t. What doesn’t honor God needs to be smashed, broken, and destroyed Jehoiada-style!
Dear Jesus, help me be bold and courageous today. Help me do what it takes to eliminate the temptations in my life. Amen.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Red Light, Green Light
Judges 2: 16-17 “Then the Lord raised up judges to rescue the Israelites from their attackers. Yet Israel did not listen to the judges but prostituted themselves by worshiping other gods. How quickly they turned away from the path of their ancestors, who had walked in obedience to the Lord’s commands.”
Upon entering the promised land, God raises up judges to help guide and direct the people. Yet time and time again, the people ignore the judges and follow other gods. This becomes a cycle for the Israelites. Over and over again throughout their history, they follow God for a time and listen to his judges, kings, and prophets, yet eventually fall away and begin to follow other gods, beliefs, and customs.
It’s easy to look at the ancient Israelites and be relieved that I don’t do that. Or do I? Yeah maybe I haven’t kneeled and worshipped a statue lately, but how often do I turn away from God? How often do I choose to ignore him and then when life gets tough, or Sunday rolls around, I am reminded of him and promptly follow him? It’s like the children’s game “red light, green light.” We follow for a short time, then turn the other way, then come back to him, then turn the other way, and on and on it goes... The interesting thing here is, God is always there waiting for us. After every rebellion and every desertion, God is waiting with open arms calling us back to him!
Dear Jesus, thank you for your patience, forgiveness and for always taking me back. Amen.
Upon entering the promised land, God raises up judges to help guide and direct the people. Yet time and time again, the people ignore the judges and follow other gods. This becomes a cycle for the Israelites. Over and over again throughout their history, they follow God for a time and listen to his judges, kings, and prophets, yet eventually fall away and begin to follow other gods, beliefs, and customs.
It’s easy to look at the ancient Israelites and be relieved that I don’t do that. Or do I? Yeah maybe I haven’t kneeled and worshipped a statue lately, but how often do I turn away from God? How often do I choose to ignore him and then when life gets tough, or Sunday rolls around, I am reminded of him and promptly follow him? It’s like the children’s game “red light, green light.” We follow for a short time, then turn the other way, then come back to him, then turn the other way, and on and on it goes... The interesting thing here is, God is always there waiting for us. After every rebellion and every desertion, God is waiting with open arms calling us back to him!
Dear Jesus, thank you for your patience, forgiveness and for always taking me back. Amen.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
A Poor Counselor
2 Samuel 16:23 "Ahithophel gave such good advice in those days that both Absalam and David thought it came straight from God."
Ahithopel was a counselor to Absalom during Absalom's revolt again David. He was apparently well known for his wise counsel-everyone thought he got his "stuff" straight from God! In verse 21 he advises Absalom to have sex with all of his father David's wives. I don't know that "wise" is the word I'd use to describe that advice! Either way, once he realizes his services are no longer needed, he returns to his hometown and hangs himself.
So everyone thought this dude was wise. Hmmm. We are so easily persuaded by well spoken men. We are so easily decieved sometimes by worldy wisdom. I need to find my wisdom and insight from God through his word. I should rely less on man's words and more on God's words. His words can be trusted.
Dear Jesus, help me listen to your voice and your counsel today. Amen.
Ahithopel was a counselor to Absalom during Absalom's revolt again David. He was apparently well known for his wise counsel-everyone thought he got his "stuff" straight from God! In verse 21 he advises Absalom to have sex with all of his father David's wives. I don't know that "wise" is the word I'd use to describe that advice! Either way, once he realizes his services are no longer needed, he returns to his hometown and hangs himself.
So everyone thought this dude was wise. Hmmm. We are so easily persuaded by well spoken men. We are so easily decieved sometimes by worldy wisdom. I need to find my wisdom and insight from God through his word. I should rely less on man's words and more on God's words. His words can be trusted.
Dear Jesus, help me listen to your voice and your counsel today. Amen.
Monday, October 10, 2011
A Test on Mt. Moriah
Genesis 22:8 “’God will provide a lamb, my son.’ Abraham answered. And they both went on together.”
God has asked Abraham to take his son, his one and only son Isaac, to the top of Mt. Moriah and sacrifice him. Several chapters earlier, God promised Abraham that he would bless him and make his descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky. But here in chapter twenty-two, God asks Abraham to kill his only star. On their trek up the mountainside, Isaac asks Abraham where the sacrificial lamb is. Abraham simply answers that God will provide the lamb.
This story from Genesis 22 is meant to be a test for Abraham. God wanted to test his faith. And before Abraham and Isaac even make it to the top of the mountain, Abraham seemingly passes the test. Abraham is confident that God will provide. How many mountain climbs have I been on and have not been sure that God will provide? How often do I doubt that God will come through in the end? I can learn a lesson from Abraham. I need to have faith in God and trust him in all circumstances. When I’m hiking up the mountain and the future seems uncertain, I need to trust that he will indeed provide the lamb.
Dear Jesus, help me trust in you and your promises today. Amen.
God has asked Abraham to take his son, his one and only son Isaac, to the top of Mt. Moriah and sacrifice him. Several chapters earlier, God promised Abraham that he would bless him and make his descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky. But here in chapter twenty-two, God asks Abraham to kill his only star. On their trek up the mountainside, Isaac asks Abraham where the sacrificial lamb is. Abraham simply answers that God will provide the lamb.
This story from Genesis 22 is meant to be a test for Abraham. God wanted to test his faith. And before Abraham and Isaac even make it to the top of the mountain, Abraham seemingly passes the test. Abraham is confident that God will provide. How many mountain climbs have I been on and have not been sure that God will provide? How often do I doubt that God will come through in the end? I can learn a lesson from Abraham. I need to have faith in God and trust him in all circumstances. When I’m hiking up the mountain and the future seems uncertain, I need to trust that he will indeed provide the lamb.
Dear Jesus, help me trust in you and your promises today. Amen.
Tuesday, October 04, 2011
The Gospel From Tekoa
2 Samuel 14:14 "All of us must die eventually. Our lives are like water spilled out on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again. But God does not just sweep life away; instead, he devises ways to bring us back when we have been separated from him."
David's son Absalom has vengefully killed his brother Amnon. After the murder, Absalom flees the country and Joab wants to convince David to bring him back. Joab finds a wise woman from Tekoa and has her go to David to trick/convince David to bring his son Absalom back. It's a soap opera plot, but in the midst of the conversation with David, the woman from Tekoa says this.
It's the gospel right in 2 Samuel! Throughout our short life, as we become separated from God, he brings us back to him. She actually says, he "devises ways to bring us back." And the greatest idea of all was sending his son Jesus to take our place and reconcile all things to God through him! Yes life is short. That fact is haunting. We are like "water spilled out on the ground" but God has devised the master plan called Jesus to save us and bring us back. That my friends is the story! That is the hope!
Dear Jesus, thank you for bringing me back. Help me hold tightly to that truth today! Amen.
David's son Absalom has vengefully killed his brother Amnon. After the murder, Absalom flees the country and Joab wants to convince David to bring him back. Joab finds a wise woman from Tekoa and has her go to David to trick/convince David to bring his son Absalom back. It's a soap opera plot, but in the midst of the conversation with David, the woman from Tekoa says this.
It's the gospel right in 2 Samuel! Throughout our short life, as we become separated from God, he brings us back to him. She actually says, he "devises ways to bring us back." And the greatest idea of all was sending his son Jesus to take our place and reconcile all things to God through him! Yes life is short. That fact is haunting. We are like "water spilled out on the ground" but God has devised the master plan called Jesus to save us and bring us back. That my friends is the story! That is the hope!
Dear Jesus, thank you for bringing me back. Help me hold tightly to that truth today! Amen.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)