Clean-up Your House Before You Try To Clean Up Someone Else’s House

Day 59:

It was a morning setting.  The people gathered around to here what Jesus had to say.  Out of nowhere come professors of the law and Pharisees.  With them is a woman.  Not just any woman, but one who was caught having a sexual affair with someone who wasn’t her husband. 

 

The men marched this woman right up to Jesus to get some answers as to what actions should be taken against her.  Of course, the Law professors already knew the answer.  Stone her would have been the right course of action to take.  (Deuteronomy 22:22)  Interestingly though, the men only brought the woman.  Could it have been a sign they were bigots?  Or, they just wanted to catch Jesus in a trap so they could accuse him?  

John 8:6 says, it was a trap.  Is it possible that bigotry was there, too?  Maybe.  Deuteronomy says that both the man and women must be put to death.  If the “Law professors” and Pharisees were totally interested in keeping the law, they would not have needed Jesus to answer their questions.  The Law was clear and simple to understand. 

 

In an instant, Jesus takes over the entire conversation.  “Ok, here is what I say to each of you Law Professors and Pharisees.  You come here with this woman to only question me about my stance on the Law of sexual sin.  It isn’t the woman you are concerned about, if it were, you would have brought the man, too.  If you all understood the Law, you would have brought both lawbreakers, not just one.  You can’t expect one to be stoned and not the other.  Let’s put the woman aside for a moment.  I want to deal with each of you.  If each of you can look into your hearts and honestly say you are not a sinner, then I say stone her right here and right now.  Take your best shot.  Kill her.  Get it over with.  Go on.  Stone her.” 

 

The Law professors and Pharisees knew that Jesus had them left to right.  No movement could be made to accuse Jesus, nor a stone could be thrown at the woman.  In their attempt to catch Jesus in a trap, they found themselves in a trap.  With no way out, they left the scene without the woman.  Without one shred of evidence to accuse Jesus. 

 

So often, the scene is the same even today.  In attempting to shame others because of their sins, we forget to scrutinize our own lives to ensure we are living the right life.  I get the fact we need to deal with sinful issues, however, it is important that we do it in love, compassion, mercy and grace.  Also, we must ensure our own lives are right before we deal with someone else’s issues. 

 

Jesus hit home a point when he says, “It’s easy to see a smudge on your neighbor’s face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, ‘Let me wash your face for you,’ when your own face is distorted by contempt? It’s this I-know-better-than-you mentality again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your own part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor.”  Luke 6:41-12 (MSG)

 

Jesus never overlooked the sinful actions of the woman who had a sexual affair.  He dealt with it head on.  However, he wasn’t going to allow pompous law keepers with their self-righteous mentality to get away with not assessing themselves, too. 

 

Trying to trap someone into saying or doing something is a godless act.  Defaming someone’s character for the sake of making one-self look better is sinful.  Judging others will receive the same type of judgment that is done to others according Matthew 7. 

 

God expects more out of his followers.  God desires that we be the pacesetters in right living. Let’s be people who help others, encourage and loving deeply.  Be Jesus in real time to a community who needs to see love in real time.

 

Remember, Be God Controlled!

 

 

 

 

Only God Can Mend a Broken Nation

Day 58

Over the last week, we've witnessed a nation under attack by a mad man.  His relentless pursuit of taking what doesn't belong to him knows no boundaries.  Anyone who gets in his way will suffer the consequences of a beating, imprisonment or death.  His evil actions are guided only by one person...Satan!

As Ukraine suffers, so do little children all across the U.S.  Children wake-up and go to bed hungry.  They bath in dirt and watch their addicted parents give more attention to their choice of drug.  They lie in dirty beds and wear dirty clothes.  They know only chaos.  Abuse.  Suffering.  Hunger.  Fear.  We do not have to look far to find these children.  They live in small towns, big cities, nice subdivisions and nasty run-down houses.  Often times, the only meals, love and attention they get are from compassionate teachers at school.  These children matter.  They matter to God...to us!  

As children across America starve, Women are abused...sexually, emotionally and physically.  They are trapped in a world of hate.  They are used. They are devalued.  Their worth is only as much as what they believe it is.  They, too, only know chaos.  Abuse.  Suffering.  Fear.  We do not have to look far to find the abused woman.  She may be our next-door neighbor, a wife of the preacher, doctor, lawyer or community leader.  She is afraid to speak, run-away or tell the police.  Fear is her guide and pain is her shield.  

As children across America starve and women are abuse, crime is shattering the image of our nation.  Thugs steal, murder and destroy communities.  They keep our streets in chaos.  They abuse others by their bullying tactics and oppressive control through threats.  They keep the vulnerable locked up in fear and storeowners worried if they will have a store to go to.  

I am heartbroken for our nation.  Our war is with each other.  Our fight isn't against another country; rather, it's against the criminals, abusers and those who do not value the sanctity of life.  The pain that is inflicted are by the ones who should love us mostly and protect us daily and value our freedoms without fear.  

God can only mend a broken nation.  When a nation humbles themselves and surrenders their life to God, then and only then can mending be possible.  When a nation respects God, they will start respecting each other.  When God is first, then addictions, abuse and crime cease.  When we value each other, we will feed the hungry and allow love to lead our nation.  

Psalm 33:6-12

The Lord merely spoke,
    and the heavens were created.
He breathed the word,
    and all the stars were born.
⁷ He assigned the sea its boundaries
    and locked the oceans in vast reservoirs.
⁸ Let the whole world fear the Lord,
    and let everyone stand in awe of him.
⁹ For when he spoke, the world began!
    It appeared at his command.

¹⁰ The Lord frustrates the plans of the nations
    and thwarts all their schemes.
¹¹ But the Lord’s plans stand firm forever;
    his intentions can never be shaken.

¹² What joy for the nation whose God is the Lord,
    whose people he has chosen as his inheritance.

 Remember, Be God Controlled!

 

Pray...Listen...Trust

Day 57

Sometimes, talking to God and listening to him is the only solution.  The best three things we can do to discover calmness during hectic times or understanding when difficulties hit hard is to:

    1.  Tell God what is on your heart.  

    2.  Listen for the answer.  

    3.  Trust God's answer or decision. 

So, today, I will listen for God's decision and I will trust that God knows what is best no matter if I like it or not.   

Proverbs 2:1-5:

"My child, listen to what I say,
    and treasure my commands.
² Tune your ears to wisdom,
    and concentrate on understanding.
³ Cry out for insight,
    and ask for understanding.
⁴ Search for them as you would for silver;
    seek them like hidden treasures.
⁵ Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord,
    and you will gain knowledge of God."

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Where is Our Humanity?

Day 56

I am trying to write what my heart is feeling about the Ukrainian people.  I can't help but feel selfish.  I want to help, but I live 5,427 miles from Kiev, Ukraine.   Pray?  I do.  Hurt?  I do.  Angry?  I am.  Sad?  Yes.  

Where is our humanity?  It is heart wrenching to watch little children bunker in a once thriving subway station. Children are clinging to their mothers while daddy is doing everything possible to courageously stand as a mighty Ukrainian warrior to protect and defend his family and the nation he loves.  

People can be evil.  They take whatever they want.  They hurt whomever they want.  They destroy anything they want.  There is no negotiating with anyone who is bent on defying humanity, goodwill and love for neighbor.

As a nation is being ravaged by evil, the world watches.  But, why do we watch?  Deep down, most people are the definition of humanity:  compassionate, sympathetic and generous toward those who are hurting or suffering.  But, why be idle.  Why only watch?  

Truthfully, it bothers me to only be a viewer from 5,427 miles away.  What can I do?  You, do?  Anyone do?  We say it's not our fight to fight, but Ukrainians didn't ask for the fight...invasion, either.  

Their strength is unable to match the invader, but their spirit, resolve, love for God, country and family is inspiring.  Their courage is second to none.  Their fight to the end doesn't go unnoticed, even to their adversary.  

 Pray?  I will continue.  May God protect the Ukrainian nation. 

2nd Samuel 22:3-4

“The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior;
³     my God is my rock, in whom I find protection.
He is my shield, the power that saves me,
    and my place of safety.
He is my refuge, my savior,
    the one who saves me from violence.
⁴ I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise,
    and he saved me from my enemies.

Remember, Be God Controlled!

 

 

Ukraine is Under Attack

 Day 55

The sounds of gunfire.  Buildings that once stood tall have now been reduced to rubble.  Tyranny has taken over.  Tens of thousands have packed their cars with essentials and headed to boarding countries.  Invasion. War.  Bloodshed.  Neighbors fighting...fighting for what purpose?  

I turned off the news late, but my mind stayed on as I kept thinking about a nation under attack.  A place where I've been.  Streets where I've walked.  Friends I have made.  

Who gives someone the right to attack another?  Is power and control over others more important than neighboring friendships or solidarity?   Doesn't history teach us anything about brutality and dictatorship and selfish ambitions?  Is the need to manipulate others so great of a desire that their are no other options?  

Ukraine is under attack.  The cries of her people can be heard around the world.  The shattered lives.  The pain of loss.  The country that holds millions has been taken, not given.  A land of beauty has taken hits from artillery that has scarred its landscapes and clouded her skies and damaged her soul.  

There is no right one has to walk into anyone's house and freely take what doesn't belong to them.  Anyone who is so bold to declare war on her neighbor would be bold enough to declare war on the other neighbors.  Trust is gone...lost!  Peace...no more! 

May God reach deep into the heart of the selfish man and change its direction.  May God sever his hate and replace it with love.  May God put up roadblocks that will hinder any progression and protect a nation that needs protecting.

Psalm 91

Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
    will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
²This I declare about the Lord:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
    he is my God, and I trust him.
³ For he will rescue you from every trap
    and protect you from deadly disease.
⁴ He will cover you with his feathers.
    He will shelter you with his wings.
    His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
⁵ Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,
    nor the arrow that flies in the day.
⁶ Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness,
    nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
⁷ Though a thousand fall at your side,
    though ten thousand are dying around you,
    these evils will not touch you.
⁸ Just open your eyes,
    and see how the wicked are punished.

⁹ If you make the Lord your refuge,
    if you make the Most High your shelter,
¹⁰ no evil will conquer you;
    no plague will come near your home.
¹¹ For he will order his angels
    to protect you wherever you go.
¹² They will hold you up with their hands
    so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.
¹³ You will trample upon lions and cobras;
    you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!

¹⁴ The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me.
    I will protect those who trust in my name.
¹⁵ When they call on me, I will answer;
    I will be with them in trouble.
    I will rescue and honor them.
¹⁶ I will reward them with a long life
    and give them my salvation.”

God. He is Good

 Day 54

God.  The mentioning of His name should send us to our knees and our heads bowed.  

God.  He is holy, righteous and perfect.  

God.  He is grace, mercy and forgiveness.  

God.  He is second chance giver a thousand times over.  

God.  He gives.  

God.  He loves with no strings attached.  

God.  He is our rescuer.  

God.  He provides.  

God.  He heals.  

God.  He comforts.  

God.  He protects.  

God.  He is present.

God.  He is snail slow pace to become angry.

God.  He disciplines because he loves

God.  He listens.

God.  He is patient.

God.  He is worthy of our reverence and respect.

Unintentional and Intentional Sins

Day 53:  Leviticus 3:1-7:36

How can someone sin unintentionally?  I've heard that "we should know better," or "if you were paying attention, this would never have happened!"  Really?  Isn't that the essence of sinning unintentionally?

"I didn't mean to hurt your feelings."  

"Officer, I didn't know the speed limit was 35 MPH."  

"I wasn't aware I was trespassing, I didn't see the sign."   

"I was trying to defend myself, I wasn't intending to be disrespectful or rude."

"I lost control of my car, I didn't mean to hit you."

There are times we do not know we are sinning.  we take things, do things, say things are go places that we do not know at the time is a sin.  Our hearts and motives are pure, but the actions are still sinful.  Once we are aware of the sin, it is imperative that we make the unintentional sin, right.  

God gave Israel a way out of their unintentional sins.  “The Lord said to Moses, Say to the Israelites: ‘When anyone sins unintentionally and does what is forbidden in any of the Lord’s commands—‘If the anointed priest sins, bringing guilt on the people, he must bring to the Lord a young bull without defect as a sin offering for the sin he has committed."  Leviticus 4:1-3

For Israel, a few of the unintentional sins would have been touching an unclean carcass or human or manslaughter.   Their hearts would have been pure, but their actions were a sin against God's law.  When the Israelite became aware of his or her sin, they were given provisions to make the wrong, right.

Although we are not bound to the sacrificial laws, we still needed provision for our sins.  Romans 3:23 says that we "all sin and fall short of the glory of God."  No matter how we sin, we still need a sacrifice for our sins.  The Apostle Paul tells the believers at Corinth that "...Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said." 1st Corinthians 15:3  

Jesus became the waymaker for our sins no matter if they are unintentional or intentional.  Peter said that, "Jesus himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” 1st Peter 2:24

Thankfully, we are not stuck in the muddiness of sin; nor do we have a Father who holds us hostage to by constantly reminding us of our bad behavior.  Isaiah 43:23 God said that "I—yes, I alone—will blot out your sins for my own sake and will never think of them again." 

No matter how we sin, whether intentionally or unintentionally, our sins are forgiven.  Jesus' sacrifice cleans us up and keeps our relationship with God right.  

Remember, Be God Controlled!

 

Pleasing Aroma

Day 52:  Leviticus 1:1:2:16 (various other Scriptures chronologically)

 

Burnt offerings were the way that sins were forgiven for the Israelites.  The offerings could be a lamb, bird or a baked good.  When the offering was done right, it pleased God and the aroma was a satisfying fragrance to God because the sin of the person was forgiven and the relationship was mended.  

 

Sin is problematic.  Sin separates us with God.  Sin hinders relationships with others.  And, sin makes us selfishly unrighteous and guilty.  God spent a lot of time reiterating his requirements to Israel when one of them sin.  God wasn't going to tolerate bad behavior then; nor will he tolerate it now.  

 

Just as God provided a method for Israel's sins to be forgiven, he also provides us a method, too.  "...God doesn't want anyone to be lost, but everyone to come to repentance." 2nd Peter 3:9.  God will not leave us without a solution for us sins to be forgiven, the Apostle Paul said, "For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering.  And so he condemned sin in the flesh,"  Romans 8:3 

 

Jesus' sacrifice forgives us of our sins and now God is able to smell the pleasing aroma due to our relationship being made right. "For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing." 2nd Corinthians 2:15  

 

From the beginning, God has always provided a way for us to have a close relationship with him.  He doesn't like that sin separate us with him; nor does he like having to back off due to our unrighteous living.  God is always looking out for us even when we are not watching how our behavior affects our relationship.   

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Saved Life

 Day 51 (Various Scriptures in Exodus, Leviticus and Deuteronomy Chronologically)

The door to the classroom slowly opens.  Boney long fingers are protruding as she hangs on while walking with the door.  Carefully she shuffles her feet as her tall thin body moves with them.  Her hair was a mess.  Her face looked sad and scared.  She made her way to the seat in the room where I was teaching.   I couldn’t help but notice her as she fumbled her way to the place in the Gospel of Luke where we were studying.  Finally, she found it and then looked up at me with the most penetrating look I had ever seen. 

 

After a few minutes she clears her throat and said, “My name is Connie.”  I said, “It is nice to meet you.”  She said as she continued to clear her throat and sip on her water.   “I don’t have much longer to live.  You see, I have inoperable cancer.  The doctors said that I might have three months, maybe four to live.  I am scared.  I have a three-year old named Tony.  My husband divorced me last year and I, well I…(sips on water) want to know Jesus.  Can you tell me about Jesus?  I want my boy to know that his mother gave her life to Jesus.”  I said, “yes Connie, I will tell you about Jesus.”

 

As long as I live, I will never forget the day Connie walked into my class.  Some will question her motives of only wanting to know about Jesus because she was dying, while others will be excited that she turned to him in her most difficult time of her life.  I choose the latter. Jesus said in Matthew 11:28-30, “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”  (The Message)

 

For Connie, Salvation started when she acknowledged her need for Jesus.  She already believed that it was through Jesus that one could experience the relief of a shamed life.  She believed that because of Jesus she could fully immerse herself in the redeemed life and the grace life and the forgiven life and the eternal life.  For Connie, it wasn’t following some five-step process to obtain salvation, rather, it was a desire to surrender her life and allow the redeeming power of Jesus to cleanse her. 

 

The entire class began to share with Connie the wonderful stories of Jesus and their personal relationship they had with him.  After class, Connie and I chatted.  She said, “there is nothing more important to me in this life that I desire more than to surrender my life to Jesus.”  That day, she did!  I will never forget seeing her face as she walked so weakly to the baptismal pool.  Instead of having a sad and scared face, she had a smiling face.  As I held her 96-pound body in my arms, I baptized her.  When she came up, she praised Jesus, hugged my neck and for a few seconds, there were no thoughts about cancer or up to four months to live.  It was total salvation that day.  The crowd cheered and clapped and began to sing happy birthday to her.  For you see, that was her new birthday.  The birthday that matters mostly.  Baptisms are a special event and one that is worthy of cheering and clapping and singing along with the host of angels in heaven. 

 

For three months Connie lived a pretty good life for one who had cancer.  On the fourth month, Connie moved into the next life, the eternal life.  Connie’s story impacted many of her family members.  For they, too gave their life to Jesus. 

 

As Israel experienced the saved life through the sacrifices of animals, we experienced the saved life through the sacrifice of Jesus.  Atonement is a gift through a sacrifice.  Jesus become our Passover lamb sacrifice so that the the Connie's of the world can experience a life free from guilt and a home full of perfection.  

Remember, Be God Controlled!

The Importance of Giving

 Day 50: Various Scriptures in Exodus and Deuteronomy (daily reading)

 A missionary once asked a new convert, “Pablo, if you had a hundred sheep, would you give fifty of them to the Lord’s work?” He answered, “You know I would gladly give them.

 

“Pablo, if you had fifty cows, would you give twenty-five to the Lord’s work?” “Yes, you know I would be more than happy to do that.”

 

Again the missionary asked, “Pablo, if you had two pigs, would you give one of them to the Lord’s work?” “That’s not fair,” Pablo replied. “You know I have two pigs.”

 

Many people are extremely generous in theory but not in practice. They say, “If I only had a million dollars, I would give half of it away.” This is simply not true. If we aren’t faithfully giving even ten percent of our money right now, we wouldn’t give away half a million dollars if we had it.  (Written by Kent Crockett, Making Today Count for Eternity, Sisters, OR: Multnomah Publishers, 2001, p. 151-152)

 

The word "give" is used over 1,500 times in the Bible. When we look at what Jesus had to say about giving, we discover that Jesus was much more interested in the motive of the giving, rather than the amount of our giving.  

 

For the Israelites, God commands specific offering requirements.  Since the Levites were the priest, they were solely reliant on the first-fruits of crops and the best of animals.  The offerings were used to help the spiritual work that God required. 

 

2^nd Corinthians 8:7 describes the importance of excelling in grace giving.  The Apostle Paul said, "Just as you excel in everything else, in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness, and in your love for us, see that you also excel in this grace of giving."  God wants us to grow in giving, as much as you grow in faith, in love, and in knowledge. 

 

Growing up attending church gatherings every week, I saw the “collection plate” passed out to everyone every time.  Everyone around me put money into the “plate.”  My dad would give all his six kids a quarter so we would have money to put into the “plate” too.  I never quite understood the point of giving until I grew up a bit a saw the value of supporting the spiritual work of the church body.   

 

Over the years, I have discovered the importance about giving:

 

Giving shows our appreciation for our blessings – We know that God is the source of all that we have.  He's the source of our life.  He's the source of our abilities.  He's the source of all the natural resources.

 

Giving shows our commitment to the church – God does not want your money.  He wants YOU! He wants your life.  He wants you to commit yourself to Him.  Remember, our commitment and faith in God will give the resources necessary to grow a great church!  

 

Giving shows our commitment to the poor – That's why Proverbs 19:17 says, “When you give to the poor it's like lending to the Lord and He repays wonderful interest on your loan.”  

 

God is in the business of blessing His children abundantly.  When we give out of our own poverty, God gives out of His own richness.  He gives so much more than we can ever imagine.

 

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Live to Worship

 Day 49

 

Worship is an inner expression that flows outwardly.  Worship is not only in the gathered place of God’s people, but it is in the daily life of those who truly love God mostly and seek to live their lives in constant worship. Mahatma Gandhi, the Indian philosopher said, "When I admire the wonder of a sunset or the beauty of the moon, my soul expands in worship of the Creator."  And, St. Augustine said, "A Christian should be an alleluia from head to foot."

 

The Apostle Paul said in Romans 12:1: "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your act of spiritual worship."

 

Worship is the way we show our love and adoration to God for who He is and what He has done for us.  Foster wrote, "Worship is our response to the overtures of love from the heart of the Father."

 

Worship is a way of life:  We don't start and stop worship to God; we live it daily.  24/7.  365 day a year for a lifetime.  The first Christians found in Acts 2 disciplined themselves to a daily worshipful lifestyle:  (42)"They devoted themselves to: Teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer."  (46-47) "Every day they continued to meet together...praising God...."  Worship to God for these Christians was a daily activity.  No short cuts.  No time limits.  No restraints.

 

Worship is spiritual focus:  Colossians 3:2 says to "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."  Right thinking will lead to right focus.  When the Word of Christ dwells in our lives, we are then able to focus our minds upon God.  We put to death all the things that rob our relationship and worship to God.  When we focus on being spiritual, it will give attention to good works and worship to God.

 

When we worship God Monday through Saturday, it will not be too difficult for us to get out of bed on a Sunday morning to gathered with our brothers and sisters in Christ to worship our Heavenly Father! 

 

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Commands 101 (Are Commandments Necessary?)

Day 48:  Deuteronomy 9:1-11:32

When I joined the U.S. Army, I raised my right hand and solemnly swore that I would protect and defend the Constitution of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic.  My promise meant that I would listen to, obey commands and orders, respect those who have authority over me and observe the Uniform Code of Military Justice.  I committed.  I promised.  I took and oath. 

Moses rhetorically ask Israel what God ask of them.  He answers his own question by telling them to...

1.  Fear the Lord your God

2.  Walk in obedience to him 

3.  Love him, 

4.  Serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul

5.  Observe the Lord's commands and decrees (Deuteronomy 10:12-13)

 

This post may not be the most popular!  We try to move as far away from a legalistic style of "religion" as possible.  However, I am not talking about "religion," I am talking about a relationship.  For the Jewish people of long ago, they did because God said do.  But there is more to them than doing.  They also did because they developed a trust in God after 430 years of captivity.  Trusting and loving and living in freedom was a process.  They needed to learn how to live free, yet with commands to follow so they could experience success in life...the Promised Land Life.   

 

Our freedom in Christ isn't without directives and command and truths that will lead us to experience spiritual success in live...the Eternal Life.  In our pursuit to follow the "greatest command," which is to love God wholly, we do so by being obedient to Jesus' teachings.  There is nothing legalistic about following spiritual commands as long as they are Jesus' commands and they lead us spiritually to experience a better relationship with Christ.  Following Christ sets us free.  It's allows us to live guilt-free.  It strengthens our relationship with Jesus.  It proclaims our loyalty in the One who gave us life...Eternal Life.   

Jesus says...

 

1.  "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it." Luke 11:28

2.  "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples." John 8:31

3.  "Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them." John 13:17

4.  "Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching."  John 14:23 

5.  "You are my friends if you do what I command."  John 15:14  

 

James said, "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."  James 1:22

 

The Apostle Paul said, "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."  Ephesians 2:10 

 

I was a better soldier when I followed my commanders instructions.  I was at the ready for whatever the task was for that day, whether war or peace, my loyalty to the command was crucial for my success as a soldier.  

 

In Christ, my spiritual readiness is crucial.  Our loyalty to the commands of Jesus keeps us at the ready for whatever the task is for the day, whether spiritual war or godly peace.  We do, because Jesus made life possible...Eternal Life.

Remember, Be God Controlled!

 

 

When Love Leads...

Day 47:  Deuteronomy 4:44-8:20

My introduction to God was when I was an infant.  I was born on Tuesday, October 11, 1966.  I am sure that I experienced my first church gathering the next Sunday, which would have been October 16th.  My dad didn't waste time getting me into the habit of going to church gatherings or witnessing him share Jesus' story or working in the benevolence ministry helping the poor in the St. Louis area.  I saw love for God through my dad in real time...love in action. 

Moses told Israel to "love the Lord your God with all our heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." Deuteronomy 6:4-5  The love Moses told Israel to express wasn't a superficial...fake it until you mean it, love; rather it would be a love expressed through the experiences and witnessing God providing for them over the past forty years.  There were times when God's anger burned against Israel, but his love was deeper than his anger and more constant that any punishment he heaped on them.   

Love is magical.  Love fills in the gaps and holes of a broken life.  Love energizes the soul of one who feels betrayed or lied about or left out.  Love bandages the wounds of the brokenhearted and gives a hug to the griever and sits with the lonely and listens to the talker and gives moral support during the darkest times of a friends life. 

Jesus said the greatest command in life is to "love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind." Matthew 22:37  Jesus was a son...God's Son.  He knew more about his dad than anyone else and he knew the sacrifice he was about to experience because of his dad, and yet, he still knew the best answer to give the relentless lawyers who was more bent on prosecuting him, rather than listening to him.  Jesus knew the law more than the lawyers.  Jesus knew that love was the relational foundation with God and a sustaining experience with people.   

When love leads, priorities are right.  God is first.  When love leads, relationships grow, communities are better.  Safer.  Stronger.  Godly.  When love leads, obeying God isn't a chore, rather it's the norm.  When love leads, so many things go away...gossiping, lying about others, hate, prejudice, bullying, selfishness and godlessness. 

When loves leads, God is exalted and a proud heavenly Father!

Remember, Be God Controlled! 

Dad Washed My Mouth Out With Soap

Day 46: Deuteronomy 1:-4:40

When I was a kid, I got into trouble for saying a curse word.  I don't remember the word I said, but whatever it was, there were severe consequences!  Ivory soap in my mouth seemed to be too harsh for the "crime" that I committed.  According to my dad, the lesson of soap in my mouth was to wash out the nastiness of the curse word so that I would never say that word or any other curse word again.  

 

There were many lessons that I was taught growing up that I still remember today.  Don't lie, cheat or steal.  We were taught to work hard, be respectful and keep our word.  It was instilled in us to honor God by living like Jesus.  And, we were taught to talk to God often and to use the Scriptures as moral truths to live by.  

 

Moses reminded the Israelites about their purpose as God's chosen people.  He took them on a journey from the time they left Egypt and the struggles they had trusting God.  He shared with them the constant complaining and the lack of following God that it cost hundreds of thousands of Israelites from experiencing the Promised Land.  Moses instilled in the Hebrew nation to follow God's Word so that they will live long and well in the land of hope and prosperity.  Deuteronomy 1:1-4:40

 

Knowing our purpose in life gives us direction and a destination.  For Israel, their purpose was to listen to God's instruction and their destination will be the Promise Land.  For Jesus followers, our purpose is to listen to Jesus so that we reach our destination, which is our Promise Land...Heaven.  

 

Jesus said, "Seek first his kingdom and righteousness and all these things will be given to you."  Our seeking righteousness first leads a life of godliness, which leads to a life of holiness, which leads to a life with God.  Hebrews 112:14 says it this way, "Try to live in peace with all people, and try to live free from sin. Anyone whose life is not holy will never see the Lord."

 

Our purpose in life is to seek God's direction.  The Psalmist say, “I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me.” Psalm 57:2.  To lack God's direction means we lack the right relationship with God.  In order to rediscover the relationship and direction we need to light up our path to see clearly where we are going.  Psalm 119:105 say that "God's word is like a lamp for my feet and a light for my path."

 

It is easy to lose sight of our purpose.  Life gets in the way.  When we focus more on work, family or projects, we lose sight of the most important part of our life...God!   We must have balance in our lives.  There is nothing wrong with work, family and projects, as long as we keep God at the center of all of them. 

 

God made each of us for his purposes and plans.  He loves us deeply...eternally.  He will move heaven and earth for his children and will provide everything one needs to be successful in life.  Keep God first.  Love him, mostly.  

 

Remember Be God Controlled!

 

 

I love you - Te quiero

Day 45:  Numbers 31:1-43: 4:41-43; 33:50-56; 25:17-19 & 34:1-35:8

My blog today will not focus on the chronological reading, but on a day we call Valentines Day, it's a day of love. 

I Love you in other languages:

ŸArabic — أنا أحبك

Chinese — 我爱你

French — Je t'aime

German — Ich liebe dich

Greek — Σ 'αγαπώ

Hebrew — אני אוהב אותך

Japanese — 私はあなたを愛して

Spanish — Te quiero

No matter the way “I love you” is said in another language, the meaning is the same: I care. I value you. I appreciate you. I desire you. We express our “I love you” with a kiss. A hug. Holding hands. Sending flowers. Being gentle. “I love you” is said at the end of phone conversations, written in cards or letters, before someone departs, when we wake up or getting ready to go to sleep. 

 

There are many different types of love: 

-Puppy love is a temporary crush we have for someone. 

-Romantic love demonstrates passion, attraction, and caring for your partner. 

-Unconditional love says. “I love you” no matter what. No strings attached. 

-Brotherly love demonstrates our love for our community and neighbors because they are like a family 

-Tough love says to someone doing wrong: “I am taking this action only because it will help you and because ‘I love you.’”

 

Of all the types of love, God’s love is the most amazing and sustaining. No matter what we do, say, or think, God loves us. No matter how we treat one another or even Him, he still loves us. God loves us for who we are.  He created us. It is true that God wants all of us to put our BEST foot forward. God wants us to study Scripture, tell the truth, be godly, act right, be honest, and love people unconditionally. But, when we are not at our BEST, He is and will always be at his best!

God says I love you by redeeming us. Redeeming means to free someone from a burden; which in our case is sin! God took extreme measures to redeem us by giving us His son Jesus. John 3:16, “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son….” David said in Psalm 103, “God is sheer mercy and grace; not easily angered, he's rich in love. He doesn't endlessly nag and scold, nor hold grudges forever. He doesn't treat us as our sins deserve, nor pay us back in full for our wrongs.” 1^st  John 1:9 says “if we confess our sins, he is faithful to forgive us.”   While God is in the forgiving business, he is also in the business of removing our sins from His memory bank, too. Isaiah 43:25, “I—yes, I alone—will blot out your sins for my own sake and will never think of them again.

God also says, “I love you” by the sunsets and sunrises. By, the crashing waves of the ocean. By the snow tip mountains. By the blooming of the flowers and the budding of the trees. God says, “I love you” in every language and in every moment of life!

 

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Family Tree

 Day 44:  Numbers 26:1-65

I have been to a lot of funerals in my life.  I have presided over hundreds of funerals in my ministry career.  I have heard the cries of countless families as they stood at the casket saying one last goodbye.  The emotions were raw and difficult to watch and hear.  It is sad and painful to see so many experience the hard reality of having to say their last goodbyes to the ones they love so much.

Number 26 takes us on a family tree expedition.  It's a family tree featuring the twelve tribes of Israel's fighting force which was 601,730 within the family of fighters.  The reality of this family tree is a reminder of the declaration God made that not one original Israelite that came out of Egypt would step one foot into the Promise Land. 

My family tree now has new family members and also family who is no longer on this earth.  The family tree has all of my grandparents, mom, brother, aunts, uncle and cousins have left this life.  However, there have been grandchildren, nieces, nephews, in-laws and cousins who have been added to the family tree.  

The family tree is a reminder of our family.  Reading the names takes us on a journey to places and conversations we've had with our loved ones who are no longer with us.  The family tree is a symbol of who we are and the family we came from.  The family tree represents our heritage and past.  

Spiritually, our family tree is so much bigger than we can ever imagine.  The family tree is filled with prophets, apostles, disciples and Christians from every continent, ethnicity and color.  The spiritual family tree is made up of all sinners who have been saved through the sacrifice of Jesus.  

Our physical and spiritual family trees have one common denominator...God made every single one of us and placed us exactly where we needed to be.  Both trees are important for our past, present and future understanding of who we are and where we came from.  

May we do our best to be kind, loving, caring and patient with everyone on both family trees. 

Remember, Be God Controlled!