THE RESTORATION BUSINESS

THE RESTORATION BUSINESS

READ:  Philippians 3:1-8

I have suffered the loss of all

things, and count them as rubbish, 

that I may gain Christ -NKJV

Philippians 3:8

Adam Minter is in the junk business. The son of a junkyard owner, he circles the globe researching junk.  In his book Junkyard Planet, he chronicles the multibillion-dollar industry of waste recycling.  He notes that entrepreneurs around the world devote themselves to locating discarded materials such as copper wire, dirty rags, and plastics and repurposing them to make something new and useful.

After the apostle Paul turned his life over to the Savior, he realized his own achievements and abilities amounted to little more than trash.  But Jesus transformed it all into something new and useful.  Paul said, “Whatever were gains to me I now consider  loss for the sake of Christ.  What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things.  I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ” (Philippians 3:7-8).  Having been trained in Jewish religious law, he had been an angry and violent man toward those who followed Christ (Acts 9:1-2).  After being transformed by Christ, the tangled wreckage of his angry past was transformed into the love of Christ for others (2 Corinthians 5:14-17).

If you feel that your life is just an accumulation of junk, remember that God has always been in the restoration business.  When we turn our lives over to Him, He makes us into something new and useful for Him and others.  

DENNIS FISHER

Are you wondering how to become a new person?  Romans 3:23 and 6:23 tell us that when we admit we are sinners and ask for God’s forgiveness, He gives us the free gift of eternal life that was paid for by the death and resurrection of Jesus.  Talk to Him now about your need.

Christ makes all thing new.

INSIGHT

The change Paul experienced as a result of His encounter with Christ on the Damascus Road is evidenced in today’s Bible passage.  Paul warns believers about enemies of the faith who asks to impose on them the old legalism he used to champion before he encountered the grace of God in Christ.  Paul understood that physical circumcision in the tradition of Judaism can do nothing to redeem the human heart.  Instead, redemption comes through Christ:  “For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by His Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh” (v.3).

DENNIS FISHER

Have a blessed evening.

God Our Creator’s Love Always.

Unity & Peace

DOING RIGHT IN GOD'S SIGHT

DOING RIGHT IN GOD’S SIGHT

READ:  2 Kings 12:1-15

Joash did what was right…all the

years Jehoiada the priest instructed

Him.  -  2 Kings 12:2

“Cowboy builders” is a term many British homeowners use for tradespeople who do shoddy construction work.  The term is bandied about with fear of regret, often because of bad experiences.

No doubt there were rogue carpenters, masons, and stonecutters in biblical times, but tucked away in the story of King Joash repairing the temple is a line about the complete honesty of those who oversaw and did the work (2 Kings 12:15).

However, King Joash “did what was right in the eyes of the LORD” (v.2) only when Jehoiada the priest instructed him. As we see in 2 Chronicles 24:17-27, after Jehoiada died Joash turned from the Lord and was persuaded to worship other gods.

The mixed legacy of a king who enjoyed a season of fruitfulness only while under the spiritual counsel of a godly priest makes me stop and think.  What will our legacies be?  Will we continue to grow and develop in our faith throughout our lives, producing good fruit?  Or will we become distracted by the things of this world and turn to modern-day idols-such as comfort, materialism, and self-promotion?  AMY BOUCHER PYE

Go deeper:  How does this passage compare with Jesus’ letter to the church at Ephesus in Revelation 2?  How do these passages apply to your life?

For help in understanding and applying the Bible, read A Message for All Time at discoveryseries.org/hp142

Living well and doing right require perseverance and spiritual direction.

INSIGHT

When a rival attempted to exterminate the royal family, Joash (whose name means “Yahweh has helped”) was rescued and protected by the high priest Jehoiada (whose name means “Yahweh knows”).  Jehoiada would later see Joash installed as king (2 Kings 11:1-16).  Joash was the eight king of Judah, and he became king when he was only seven years old.  DENNIS MOLES

Have a blessed evening.

God Our Creator’s Love Always.

Unity & Peace

THE FRAGRANCE OF CHRIST

THE FRAGRANCE OF CHRIST

READ:  2 Corinthians 2:14-17

We are to God the pleasing aroma

of Christ.  2 Corinthians 2:15

Which of the five senses brings back your memories most sharply?  For me it is definitely the sense of smell.  A certain kind of sun oil takes me instantly to a French beach.  The smell of chicken mash brings back childhood visits to my grandmother.  A hint of pine says “Christmas,” and a certain king of aftershave reminds me of my son’s teenage years.

Paul reminded the Corinthians that they were the aroma of Christ:  “For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ” (2 Corinthians 2:15).  He may have been referring to Roman victory parades.  The Romans made sure everyone knew they had been victorious by burning incense on altars throughout the city.  For the victors, the aroma was pleasing; for the prisoners it meant certain slavery or death.  So as believers, we are victorious soldiers.  And when the gospel of Christ is preached, it is a pleasing fragrance to God.

As the aroma of Christ, what perfumes do Christians bring with them as they walk into a room?  It’s not something that can be bought in a bottle or a jar.  When we spend a lot of time with someone, we began to think and act like that person.  Spending time with Jesus will help us spread a pleasing fragrance to those around us.  

MARION STROUD

Lord, please shape my thoughts and actions so people may sense that I have been with You.

When we walk with God, people will notice.

INSIGHT

The imagery of a pleasing aroma coming up before the Lord appears in several different ways in Scripture.  In the Old Testament, one of the pieces of furniture in the tabernacle was the altar for burning incense (Exodus 30:1).  Along with the lamp stand and the table for the bread of the Presence, the incense altar was in the holy place-just outside the Holy of Holies.  In Revelation 8:3-4 incense is offered on the altar in heaven.  This incense is connected to the prayers of the people of God.  We see that not only can our lives be a pleasing aroma to God, but our prayer can be as well.  BILL CROWDER

Have a bless night.

God Our Creator’s Love Always.

Unity & Peace

STORMS ON THE HORIZON

STORMS ON THE HORIZON

READ:  Matthew 8:23-28

What kind of man is this?  Even 

the winds and the waves obey

Him!  -  Matthew 8:27

Our son, Josh, is a commercial salmon fisherman in Kodiak, Alaska.  Some time ago he sent me a photograph he took of a tiny vessel a few hundred yards ahead of his boat moving through a narrow pass.  Ominous storm clouds loom on the horizon.  But a rainbow, the sign of God’s providence and loving care, stretches from one side of the pass to the other, encircling the little boat.

The photograph reflects our earthly voyage:  We sail into an uncertain future, but we are surrounded by the faithfulness of God!

Jesus’ disciples were surrounded by a storm, and He used the experience to teach them about the power and faithfulness of God (Matthew 8:23-27).  We seek answers for the uncertainties of life.  We watch the future growing closer and wonder what will happen to us there.  Puritan poet John Keble captured this in one of his poems to which he watched the future as it drew near.  But as he watches he was “waiting to see what God will do.”

Whether young or old we all face uncertain future.  Heaven answers:  God’s love and goodness encircle us no matter what awaits us. We wait and see what God will do.

What do you need to trust God with today?

Share with us on odb.org or Facebook.com/ourdailybread

We sail into the uncertain future surrounded by the faithfulness of God!

INSIGHT

When sin came into the world, everything broke.  The earth no longer functioned as  it was supposed to.  Our bodies and minds became susceptible to sickness, disease, and demonic oppression.  And we found ourselves relationally speared from God and other humans.  In Matthew 8 Jesus shows His authority over sin in all these areas.  The kingdom of God is not just a place we go to when we die.  It is a kingdom Jesus began during His time on earth.  He manifested it every time He healed a sick person, drove out a demon, or calmed a storm.  And it will be ultimately revealed when He returns to dart again and makes everything whole, perfect, and new.

Have a blessed night.

God Our Creator’s Love Always.

Unity & Peace

HATRED, SCRIPTURE, AND CHANGED LIVES

HATRED, SCRIPTURE, AND CHANGED LIVES

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Some say that Christ doesn’t make a difference – that Christians act the same way as others and that Christ doesn’t change lives. However, I know otherwise!

Anger and hatred are hurricanes that have the power to sweep away every defense. They are tyrants that override reason and even self-interest. Yet, I know that hatred is wrong. I even know that it torments its prey, tearing it apart.

I saw the hatred that was consuming me, but I seemed to be powerless against it. Even its “arguments” were persuasive. They felt so right. Hatred placed its own lens over my eyes, and I saw only red.

However, I remembered the Word of God:

∑       Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good… Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them… Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:9, 14, 16 -21; ESV)

His Word came upon me with such force and conviction that it drove the hatred entirely away, the bully yelping helplessly as it fled. Instead, I was left rejoicing at the great privilege to love others, to “overcome evil with good.”

No wonder Scripture informs us that loving God is about embracing and obeying His teachings:

∑       If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. (John 15:10-14)

Keeping His teachings is our cure, our protective shield and the source of blessings. It even rescues us from ourselves:

∑       Only be strong and very courageous [Joshua], being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. (Joshua 1:7-8)

No wonder that we are instructed to “meditate on it day and night.”

I am a man of many flaws, and they can be deeply troubling. However, I have learned something of even greater significance – that our Lord brings strength out of our ongoing weaknesses, even Paul’s:

∑       Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this [affliction], that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:8-10)

I too have learned to boast in my weaknesses. They continue to humble me, tromping upon my pride, drawing me closer to my Savior through His Word, which ministers so powerfully to me, through His blessed Spirit.

Yes, I continue to battle against my inner demons, and yet I am changed – a new creation! It is also through my weaknesses that I praise Him, all the more gladly and confidently.

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AN AMAZING LOVE

AN AMAZING LOVE

READ:  Malachi 1:1-10; 4:5-6

“I have loved you,” say the

LORD.  - Malachi 1:2

The final major historic acts of the Old Testament are described in Ezra and Nehemiah as God allowed the people of Israel to return from exile and resettle in Jerusalem.  The City of David was repopulated with Hebrew families, a new temple was built, and the wall was repaired.

And that brings us to Malachi.  This prophet, who was most likely a contemporary of Nehemiah, brings the written portion of the Old Testament to a close.  Notice the first thing he said to the people of Israel:  “‘I have loved you,’ says the LORD.”  And look at their response:  “How have you loved us?” (1:2).

Amazing, isn’t it?  Their history had proven God’s faithfulness, yet after hundreds of years in which God continually provided for His chosen people in both miraculous and mundane ways they wondered how He had shown His love.  As the book continues, Malachi reminds the people of their unfaithfulness (SEE vv. 6-8).   They had a long historical pattern of God’s provision for them, followed by their disobedience, followed by God’s discipline.

It was time, soon, for a new way.  The prophet hints at it in Malachi 4:5-6.  The Messiah would be coming.  There was hope ahead for a Savior who would show us His love and pay the penalty once and for all for our sin.

That Messiah indeed has come!  Malachi’s hope is now a reality in Jesus.s      DAVE BRANON

Thank You, Father, for the story You told in Your Word of the people of Israel.  It reminds us to be grateful for what You have done for us.  Thank You for loving us so much You sent us Jesus.

Those who put their trust i Jesus will have eternal life.

Have a blessed night.

God Our Creator’s Love Always.

Unity & Peace

THE SPIRIT DELIVERS

THE SPIRIT DELIVERS

READ:  Romans 8:19-27

The Spirit helps us in our

weakness.  We do not know

what we ought to pray for, but

the Spirit himself intercedes

for us through wordless groans.

Romans 8:26

Until recently, many towns in rural Ireland didn’t use house numbers or postal codes.  So if there were three Patrick Murphys in town, the newest resident with that name would not get his  mail until it was first delivered to the other two Patrick Murphys who had lived there longer.  “My neighbors would get it first,” said Patrick Murphy (the newest resident).  “They’d have a good read, and they’d go, ‘No, it’s probably not us.’”  To end all this mail-delivery confusion, the Irish government recently instituted its first postal-code system which will ensure the proper delivery of the mail.

Sometimes when we pray we feel like we need help delivering to God what is on our heart.  We may not know the right words to say or how to express our deep longings.  The apostle Paul says in Romans 8 that the Holy Spirit helps us and intercedes for us by taking our unspeakable “groanings” and presenting them to the Father.  “We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us through wordless groans” (v.26).  The Spirit always prays according to God’s will, and the Father knows the mind of the Spirit.

Be encouraged that God hears us when we pray and He knows our deepest needs.    MARVIN WILLIAMS

Thank you, Father, for giving me Your Spirit to help me when I pray.  Thank You for hearing my prayers and for loving me.

What are you praying for today?  Share it with us at Facebook.com/ourdailybread

When you can’t put your prayers into words, God hears your heart.

INSIGHT

Teaching on the person and ministry of the Holy Spirit is scattered throughout the New Testament, but much of it comes from two places:  Romans 8 and Jesus’ Upper Room Discourse in John 14-16.  Jesus tells us that the Holy Spirit is a Helper like Himself (14:16) who will never leave us.  This Helper is the Spirit of truth and has a special relationship with the follower of Christ (v.17).  In John 16 Jesus returns to the subject of the Spirit saying that He will convict the world of our need for Christ (vv.8-11), guide us into all truth (v.13), and glorify Jesus (v.14).  BILL CROWDER

Have a blessed night.

God Our Creator’s Love Always.

Unity & Peace

JESUS WEPT

JESUS WEPT

READ:  John 11:1-4, 38-44

The sting of death is sin….But

thanks be to God! He gives us

the victory through our Lord

Jesus Christ. 1 Cor. 15:56-57

I was engrossed in a book when a friend bent over to see what I was reading.  Almost immediately, she recoiled an looked at me aghast.  “What a gloomy title!” she said.  I was reading “The Glass Coffin” in Grimm’s Fairy Tales, and the word coffin disturbed her.  Most of us don’t like to be reminded of our mortality.  But the reality is that out of 1,000 people, 1,000 people will die.

Death always elicits a deep emotional response.  It was at the funeral of one of His dear friends that Jesus displayed strong emotions.  When He saw Mary, whose brother had recently died, “he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled” (John 11:33).  Another translation says, “a deep anger welled up within him” (NLT).

Jesus was troubled-even angry-but at what?  Possibly, He was indignant at sin and its consequences.  God didn’t make a world filled with sickness, suffering, and death.  But sin entered the world and marred God’s beautiful plan.

The Lord comes alongside us in our grief, weeping with us in our sorrow (v.35).  But more than that, Christ defeated sin and death by dying in our place and rising from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:56-57).

Jesus promises, “The one who believes in me will live, even though they die” (John 11:25).  As believers we enjoy fellowship with our Savior now, and we look forward to an eternity with Him where there will be no more tears, pain, sickness, or death.  

POH FANG CHIA

Thank You, Jesus, for being our living water.  Thank You for Your willingness to die on the cross and for Your power to rise from the dead in order to provide us that water.

Christ’s empty tomb guarantees our victory over death.

INSIGHT

Bethany, which is less than two miles from Jerusalem, was the home of Mary, Martha, and their brother Lazarus (John 11:1).  Because Jesus had a very close relationship with this family (v.3), it is likely that He would stay in their home whenever He came into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:17; Luke 10:38; John 12:1).  It is possible Jesus stayed often at their home after His resurrection, for Jesus’s ascension took place “in the vicinity of Bethany” (Luke 24:50).  

SIM KAKY TEE

Have a blessed night.

God Our Creator’s Love Always.

Unity & Peace

GOD'S WAY

GOD’S WAY

READ:  Numbers 7:1-9

They were to carry on their shoulders

the holy things, for which they were

responsible.  -  Numbers 7:9

We really needed to hear from God.  Having been asked to foster two young children as an emergency measure just for 3 months, a decision had to be made about their future.  With three older children of our own, becoming foster parents to preschoolers didn’t seem to fit with our life plan and having our family almost double in size had been hard work.  Our book of daily readings by the veteran missionary Amy Carmichael directed us to some unfamiliar verses in Numbers 7.

“I wonder how the Kohathites felt?”  Amy wrote.  “All the other priests had ox-carts to carry their parts of the tabernacle through the desert.  But the sons of Kohath had to trudge along the rocky tracks and through the burning sand, with the ‘holy things for which they were responsible’ on their shoulders.  Did they ever grumble inwardly, feeling that the other priests had an easier task?  Perhaps!  But God knows that some things are too precious to be carried on ox-carts and then He asks us to carry them on our shouders.”

My husband and I knew this was our answer.  We had often thought of sponsoring a child from an undeveloped country, but we hadn’t done so.  That would have been easier, much like the ox-cart.  Now we had two needy children in our own home to carry “on our shoulders” because they were so precious to Him.

God has different plans for each of us.  We might feel that others have an easier assignment, or a more glamorous role to play.  But if our loving Father has handpicked us for our task, who are we to whisper, “I can’t do this”?    MARION STROUD

God uses ordinary people to carry out His extraordinary plans.

INSIGHT

When we read the books of Leviticus and Numbers, we may wonder why so much detail is given about laws, the construction of the tabernacle, and the provisions for the “holy things.”  It may seem unimportant for our understanding of the text.  Much detail is also recorded about the garden of Eden in Genesis and the New Jerusalem in Revelation.  The details capture the beauty of what was required for God to dwell with His people.  

J.R.  HUDBERG

Have a blessed night.

God Our Creator’s Love Always.

Unity & Peace

A LETTER TO A FRIEND FACING THE END

A LETTER TO A FRIEND FACING THE END

For more great blogs as this one go to Daniel’s blog site at:

www.Mannsword.blogspot.com

Although you think that your experience of terror and self-contempt was totally unusual, I think that it is a common one, although not perhaps with the sudden intensity of your experience.

Let me just use myself as an example. I had experienced decades of quite severe depression, capped off by panic attacks. Looking back on them from my present perspective, I now understand that self-contempt and shame had been at the core (not to deny certain factors of my upbringing that I think intensified these feelings).

Self-contempt was life-controlling. I never felt secure enough to feel comfortable with anyone else. Consequently, I became a loner, misanthrope, and desperately, but vainly, tried to change myself into someone else – someone I thought who could be loved. In my distorted thinking, this meant that I had to be the best at everything. However, this turned into a burden that I could not bear.

I think that my experience was on the extreme end, but, to some degree, I think that almost all humanity struggles with this. We even see it in Genesis 3. After Adam and Eve sinned, they were no longer comfortable in their own skin or with their Maker. They ran from Him, who they now experienced as their enemy, someone who would uncover their sin. They then tried to ludicrously cover their shame with fig leaves. When God found them, they resorted to half-truths, denial, and blame-shifting – anything to escape His scrutiny and their underlying non-okay-ness, but never confessing their sin.

I think that we are still escaping and covering ourselves with different kinds of fig leaves – money, recognition, accomplishments, and power – anything that will cover the real problem - alienation from ourselves and from God. Why? At the core, we know that there is something terribly wrong.

Perhaps, you had experienced this very human problem so suddenly because your defenses had been impervious and had suddenly been punctured. But as Jesus taught, this is the ubiquitous problem of humanity:

∑       And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. (John 3:19-20)

I still have problems, but self-loathing is no longer one of them. Why not? I no longer (by the grace of Christ) resist the truth about myself – that I am a sinner who desperately needs the Savior. I therefore confess my sins and have found forgiveness and cleansing. Consequently, I am now confident about my future after death.

You may think that you cannot believe as I have. However, this is a lie of the powers of darkness. Instead, our Lord has promised:

∑       Romans 10:12-13  For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

He has already paid the price on the Cross for you, dear friend, and He wants to capitalize on His investment by receiving you. Please do not resist Him who said:

∑       Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.

Let’s talk!

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New York School of the Bible: http://www.nysb.nyc/

THE GREATEST THREAT TO THE CHURCH

THE GREATEST THREAT TO THE CHURCH

For more great blogs as this one, go to Daniel’s blog site at:

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Pride has an insatiable appetite. It is never satisfied. There is never enough money, power, popularity, or recognition that will cure us of pride. It is the opposite of humility. Pride always seeks to build self-esteem; humility is satisfied with the esteem that comes from God alone. Pride delights in a grandiose image of self; humility exults in lowly transparency. Pride compares itself favorably to others; humility humbles itself before the perfection of the Savior. Pride trusts in self; humility knows self too well and therefore trusts in God. Pride destroys true friendship and fellowship through self-glorification, like a mouth that consumes all of the food on the table; humility attracts others, allowing them to put aside their defenses.

Spiritual pride is even more lethal. It disguises itself in clothes of virtue, but it makes everyone into an object to be used for its own fulfillment. It takes while it hides behind a façade of giving. While it boasts of being the caretaker of truth, it is the servant of darkness.

Painful lessons are necessary to expose and purge us of this all-consuming lust. Aaron and Miriam, Moses’ brother and sister, needed to have their spiritual pride exposed. Otherwise, it would have destroyed Israel. They had become jealous of their brother Moses and spoke against him:

∑       Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the [dark-skinned] Cushite woman whom he had married, for he had married a Cushite woman. And they said, “Has the LORD indeed spoken only through Moses? Has he not spoken through us also?” And the LORD heard it. (Numbers 12:1-2; ESV)

Evidently, they believed that Moses’ Cushite wife was beneath them – a sure sign of pride. Even worse, they had convinced themselves that God had equally revealed Himself to them. Although it is doubtless that He had revealed Himself to them, it was pride that had prevented them from seeing that God’s revelation to Moses was far more extensive, direct, and intimate:

∑       And he said, “Hear my words: If there is a prophet among you, I the LORD make myself known to him in a vision; I speak with him in a dream. Not so with my servant Moses. He is faithful in all my house. With him I speak mouth to mouth, clearly, and not in riddles, and he beholds the form of the LORD. Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?” (Numbers 12:6-8)

It was Moses who had spent 40 days and nights with the Lord on two occasions. It was to Moses that He had given His Words and His Ten Commandments. It was Moses who had been transformed by hearing the Words of God so that his face shined. In contrast, it was Aaron (and probably also Miriam) who had allowed Israel to rebel by creating the calf of god and cavorting before it.

From where then did they get the hubris to think themselves equal in role to Moses? From the blindness of pride! Meanwhile, Moses was humble and self-effacing:

∑       Now the man Moses was very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth. (Numbers 12:3)

Only a man taught the painful lessons of humility could be able to lead God’s people. Moses had been proud. He had thought that, by the strength of his character and status, he would be able to lead the children of Israel out of their bondage in Egypt. However, his God showed him that he didn’t have what it took. When God approached him 40 years later in the burning bush, Moses had been so humbled that he knew that he wasn’t up to the task of leading the children of Israel out of Egypt. He therefore demurred:

∑       But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” (Exodus 3:11)

In contrast to 40 years earlier, Moses lacked self-confidence. He now needed to clothe himself in God-confidence. Aaron and Miriam also had to learn God-confidence. This would require that they be stripped of their self-confidence and pride. So God struck down Miriam with leprosy. However, Aaron (perhaps Miriam had been the ringleader) was quick to confess their sin and humbled himself:

∑       And Aaron said to Moses, “Oh, my lord, do not punish us because we have done foolishly and have sinned. Let her not be as one dead, whose flesh is half eaten away when he comes out of his mother’s womb.” (Numbers 12:11-12)

The Moses could have thought, “She deserved what she got, and so I won’t pray for her.” However, humility instructs us that, apart from the grace of God, we would do even worse. Therefore, in the face of repentance, humility cannot hold grudges:

∑       And Moses cried to the LORD, “O God, please heal her—please.” (Numbers 12:13)

What a leader! Miriam and Aaron could have led a movement that would have divided Israel. However, as far as we know, they had learned their lesson and never again rebelled against God in their pride.

MY PRAYER: Lord, humble us, if need be, that we might be vigilant against the sin within. Show us what we are and the extent of the grace that we have received from you that we might never allow the ugliness of pride take control.

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THE GOD WHO PAINTS

THE GOD WHO PAINTS

READ:  Psalm 42

My soul thirsts for God, for

the living God. Psalm 42:2

Nezahualcoyotl (1402-1472) may have had a difficult name to pronounce, but his name is full of significance.  It means “Hungry Coyote,” and this man’s writings show a spiritual hunger.  As a poet and ruler in Mexico before the arrival of the Europeans, he wrote, “Truly the gods, which I worship, are idols of stone that do not speak nor feel….Some very powerful, hidden and unknown god is the creator of the entire universe.  He is the only one that can console me in my affliction and help me in such anguish as my heart feels: I want him to be my helper and protection.”

We cannot know if Nezahualcoyotl found the Giver of life.  But during his reign he built a pyramid to the “God who paints things with beauty,” and he banned human sacrifices in his city.

The writers of Psalm 42 cried out, “My soul thirsts for God, for the living God” (v.2).  Every human being desires the true God, just as “the deer pants for streams of water” (v.1).

Today there are many Hungry Coyotes who know that the idols of fame, money, and relationships can’t fill the void in their souls.  The Living God has revealed himself through Jesus, the only One who gives us meaning and fulfillment.  This is good news for those who are hungry for the God who paints things with beauty.    KEILA OCHOA

Lord, You are the One my soul needs.  Only You can bring meaning and fulfillment to my life.  You are the One my heart cries out for.  I put my hope in You.

Beneath all of our longings is a deep desire for God.   

INSIGHT

Psalm 42 is one of eleven psalms attributed to the sons of Korah-a Levitical family who were responsible for temple worship.  Four of the eleven, including Psalm 42, fall into the category of lament.  A lament psalm is one that appeals to God for aid in the face of overwhelming circumstances.  In this psalm, the sons of Korah lead the people of Israel to publicly and communally declare their desperate need for God’s provision and rescue.

  DENNIS MOLES

Have a blessed night.

God Our Creator’s Love Always.

Unity & Peace 

UNCONVENTIONAL TACTICS

UNCONVENTIONAL TACTICS

READ:  2 Chronicles 20:1-13

We do not know what to do, but our

eyes are on You.  1 Chronicles 20:12

In 1980, a woman hopped on a subway during the Boston Marathon.  No big deal, except for one small detail.  She was supposed to be running the marathon!  Later, witnesses saw her jump into the race less than a mile from the finish line.  She finished well ahead of all the other female runners, and oddly, she wasn’t winded or even sweating much.  For a brief time she looked like the winner.

In a conflict long ago, a people who were losing a battle found a more honorable way to win.  When messengers told King Jehoshaphat, “A vast army is coming against you from Edom,” he was terrified (2 Chronicles 20:2-3).  But instead of turning to typical military tactics, Jehoshaphat turned to God.  He acknowledged God’s supremacy and admitted his own fear and confusion.  “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you” (v. 12).  Then the king chose singers to lead the army into battle.  Instead of a war cry, they sang of God’s love (v.21).  The result was startling  Their enemies turned on each other (vv.22-24).  In the end, “The kingdom of Jehoshaphat was at peace, for his God had given him rest on every side” (.30).

Life can ambush us with overwhelming challenges.  Yet our fear and uncertainties give us the opportunity to turn to our all-powerful God.  He specializes in the  unconventional.      TIM GUSTAFSON

Lord, You are not the source of confusion or fear, but of strength and peace.  We exchange our panicky plans for Your amazing answers.  Encourage us as we wait for You.

Our God is never predictable, but He is unfailingly reliable.

Have a blessed day.

God Our Creator’s Love Always.

Unity & Peace

CHAMELEON CRAWL

CHAMELEON CRAWL

READ:  Acts 2:42-47

Every day they continued to

meet together.  -Acts 2:46

When we think of the chameleon, we probably think of its ability to change color according to its surroundings.  But this lizard has another interesting characteristic.  On several occasions I’ve watched a chameleon walk along a pathway and wondered how it ever reached its destination.  Reluctantly, the chameleon stretches out one leg, seems to change its mind, attempts again, and then carefully plants a hesitant foot, as if afraid the ground will collapse under it.  That was why I couldn’t help laughing when I heard someone say, “Do not be a chameleon church member who says, ‘Let me go to church today; no, let me go next week; no, let me wait for a while!”

“The  house of the LORD” at Jerusalem was King David’s place of worship, and he was far from being a “chameleon” worshiper.  Rather, he rejoiced with those who said, “Let us go to the house of the LORD” (Psalm 122:1).  The same was true for believers in the early church.  “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer….Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts” (Acts 2:42, 46).

What a joy it is to join with others in worship and fellowship!  Praying and worshiping together, studying the Scriptures together, and caring for one another are essential for our spiritual growth and unity as believers.  

LAWRENCE DARMANI

Before our Father’s throne we pour our ardent prayers; our fears, our hopes, our aims are one, our comforts and our cares.

JOHN FAWCETT

Worshiping together brings strength and joy.

INSIGHT

Acts 2 describes the birth of the church on the day of Pentecost when God, in fulfillment of prophecies and promises (Joel 2:28-32; Isaiah 32:15; Ezekiel 36:26-27; 39:29; John 16:7), sent the Holy Spirit to indwell those who believe in Jesus (Acts 2:1-4).  This first church was growing, gracious, and generous.  Luke says another 3,000 people were added to the 120-member congregation (Acts 1:15; 2:41).  These early believers showed remarkable acts of generosity for those in need (2:44-45).  Luke describes the elements that kept the church growing and vibrant:  instruction in God’s Word, fellowship with believers, and prayer (Acts2:42-44).

  SIM KAY TEE

Have a blessed day.

God Our Creator’s Love Always.

Unity & Peace

THE APPLE OF HIS EYE

THE APPLE OF HIS EYE

READ:  Zechariah 2

Whoever touches you touches

the apple of his eye. Zechariah 2:8

A friends’s baby was suffering seizures, so they sped to the hospital in an ambulance, her heart racing as she prayed for her daughter.  Her fierce love for this child hit her afresh as she held her tiny fingers, recalling too how much more the Lord loves us and how we are “the apple of His eye.”

The prophet Zechariah employs this phrase in his word to God’s people who had returned to Jerusalem after their captivity in Babylon.  He calls them to repent, to rebuild the temple, and to renew their hearts of love for the true God.  For the Lord loves His people greatly; they are the apple of His eye.

Hebrew scholars suggest this phrase from Zechariah 2 denotes one’s reflection in the pupil of another’s eye, with the word “apple” emerging because it’s a common spherical object.  So with eyes being precious and fragile, they need protecting, and that’s how the Lord wants to love and protect His people-by holding them close to His heart.

The Lord  who dwells in our midst pours out His love on us-even, amazingly, far more than a loving mother who does all she can for her ailing child.  We are the apple of His eye, His beloved.    AMY BOUCHER PYE

Father God, You love us so much that You gave us Your only Son to die that we might live. May we receive Your

love this day and live in it.

A parent’s love for a child reflects our Father’s love for us.

INSIGHT

Old Testament prophets Zechariah and Haggai both spoke the word of the Lord to the people who had come back from exile to rebuild Jerusalem.  Zechariah encouraged the people with words from visions about God’s love and care and about the glorious future that was in store for His people.      J.R. HUDBERG

Have a blessed day.

God Our Creator’s Love Always.

Unity & Peace