Striving Together

       In Romans 15:30 Paul urged the believers to “strive together with me in your prayers to God for me.” The phrase strive together is a translation of a Greek word that referred to the teamwork of athletes in the Greek games. We as the people of God are called to strive together in prayer as one team in a contest that has eternal rewards and consequences.

In prayer we strive together against the dominion of Satan. In prayer we strive toward a goal of winning the world for Christ. In prayer we break down barriers and destroy strongholds. I am convinced that if we truly strive together in prayer as God’s people we will see changes take place. We can see hearts changed, we can see addictions conquered, we can see disease healed, we can see strength given, and we can see this nation changed.

This past weekend was the NFL draft. I did not watch much of it, but I did keep up with the results. One of things that struck me as very interesting was the choice of positions teams took this year. When we think of valuable players for a team we think of the highlight reel players. The quarterbacks and running backs seem to get most of the glory, however without the big, tough guys up front blocking and tackling the best running back or quarterback in the world has little chance of success. 18 linemen were taken in the first round of the draft this year. This shows the importance of these less famous team members.

In the same way, God is calling many of us not to necessarily carry the ball, but to be the guys and gals in the trenches blocking for the ball carrier. When we strive together in prayer we are blocking for our missionaries, our ministers, our pathfinders for the Gospel. Never think this role is unimportant, it could be argued it is the most important role. While I may not be called to do the work in South Sudan or Zimbabwe that a few of my friends are, I am called to strive with them in prayer for their success. Please join me as I am striving in prayer some friends on the mission field both oversees and in our back yard. Please join me as we block the schemes of the devil through our prayers so that souls can be won and victories are seen. It is an honor to be able to pray for those that love the Lord and are striving for Him. Please pray for me as I seek to do the Lord’s work for where I am weak, He is strong. 

Here are this week's readings:

April 29, 2013            1 Sam 14:24–15:35, Luke 19:1–27, Ps 54, Prov 11:7–8

April 30, 2013            1 Sam 16–17, Luke 19:28–48, Ps 55:title–3, Prov 11:9–10

May 01, 2013            1 Sam 18, Luke 20:1–18, Ps 55:4–9, Prov 11:11–13

May 02, 2013            1 Sam 19–20, Luke 20:19–38, Ps 55:10–14, Prov 11:14–15

May 03, 2013            1 Sam 21–23, Luke 20:39–21:19, Ps 55:15–23, Prov 11:16–18

May 04, 2013            1 Sam 24–25, Luke 21:20–38, Ps 56:title–5, Prov 11:19–21

May 05, 2013            1 Sam 26–28, Luke 22:1–18, Ps 56:6–13, Prov 11:22–23

Faith for the future

What is faith? It is not so much believing in spite of evidence; rather, it is obeying in spite of possible consequences. We may know the promises of God, but life can be tough. Faith says I will obey though I know not what is coming. Faith says I will obey even if it costs me everything. The book of Ruth teaches us much about love and faith. Consider what it meant for a Moabite woman to leave all she knew to follow in faith.

We do not know what tomorrow will bring, but we do know that God will never leave us or forsake us. I am praying for several people tonight. Some are facing health issues, some are looking for a job, some are just barely holding on to their sanity. The future is unclear for us and we must move forward in faith. Sometimes that is a lot easier said than done. Below are the readings for the rest of the week. I hope to write more this week, but it is turning out to be much too busy this week.

April 23, 2013            Ruth 1–4, Luke 15:8–32, Ps 50:14–23, Prov 10:24–26

April 24, 2013            1 Sam 1–2, Luke 16:1–17, Ps 51:1–4, Prov 10:27–28

April 25, 2013            1 Sam 3–5, Luke 16:18–17:10, Ps 51:5–12, Prov 10:29–30

April 26, 2013            1 Sam 6–8, Luke 17:11–37, Ps 51:13–19, Prov 10:31–32

April 27, 2013            1 Sam 9–11, Luke 18:1–17, Ps 52, Prov 11:1–3

April 28, 2013            1 Sam 12:1–14:23, Luke 18:18–43, Ps 53, Prov 11:4–6

Days 108-112 of reading God's Word together.

I apologize for not putting up the readings for the last few days. Life is too busy sometimes. I will get back to it tomorrow Lord willing. In the meantime here is the readings.

April 18, 2013            Judg 11–12, Luke 12:35–59, Ps 49:1–5, Prov 10:12–13

April 19, 2013            Judg 13–15, Luke 13:1–17, Ps 49:6–11, Prov 10:14–15

April 20, 2013            Judg 16–18, Luke 13:18–35, Ps 49:12–20, Prov 10:16–18

April 21, 2013            Judg 19–20, Luke 14:1–24, Ps 50:1–6, Prov 10:19–20

April 22, 2013            Judg 21, Luke 14:25–15:7, Ps 50:7–13, Prov 10:21–23

What makes you cry?

Who, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear -- Hebrews 5:7

Jesus wept; in fact this verse tells us He had vehement cries and tears. Three questions that are telling is what makes you laugh, what do you sing about, and what makes you cry? What we laugh about can say much about our spirit. What we sing about speaks much about our hearts. What we cry about says much our souls. 

As a child I was told over and over by my father that men do not cry. Yet, Jesus did and He is the ultimate example of true masculinity not distorted by sin or Satan. I have learned that there are things that can bring a real man or woman of God to tears. Jesus wept at the tomb of a friend. He wept when He looked down upon Jerusalem and knew what was coming in 70 AD. He also wept as He poured His heart out to His Heavenly Father. God was pleased and heard His prayers. 

From a physical perspective tears are essential. Without tears our eyes could not function correctly. The world is full of dust and dirt and we need the constant cleansing of tears. Without tears the world would be a very distorted and dark place. In the spiritual realm tears are also vital. They can have a cleansing effect upon the soul as they do with the eyes. Through the tears of joy, suffering, anguish, and prayers the world can be made clear. 

It has been my experience that, if a person is always laughing and shows no sense of seriousness or genuine tears it can betray the truth of shallowness or worse yet emptiness within the soul. That may sound harsh, but the reality of life is there is injustice, evil, pain, suffering, death, disillusionment, and confusion. When we get to the point where we realize it is beyond our ability to hold in the pain and we cry out to God in tears the healing can begin. 

Let me be clear here, I am not speaking of self-serving pity here. I am not speaking of tears for the audience of men. Rather, I speak of tears that are for the Lord. These are tears that betray the awful truth of brokenness within us all if we are honest. 

For years I could not cry. I think it had been so ingrained in me to be strong that tears would not come. It took real pain to open up the floodgates of my soul. It took betrayal by those who said they were my shepherds and friends. It took seeing my wife hurting, but when it came I could nearly not turn it off. It was cleansing and helped my prayer life immensely. Healing took place and I stronger because of it. 

While I do not cry often now, I do have pain within that I only share with the Lord. There are parts of me that only the Lord has the right to see and experience. I trust that through my tears He hears my heart and soul. I weep for the injustice I see around me. I weep when I see the spiritual battle going on around me that many don't seem to notice at all. I weep for the lack of maturity I witness by those that should know better. I weep for friends that are hurting and for friends that move away (either to a new place or to heaven). I find that when I am at my lowest emotionally somehow my prayer life is at its best. That is not necessarily a good thing, but it is a reality I experience and I don't think I am alone. 

As I read the Word of God I see many strong men of God that wept for various reasons (Jeremiah, Isaiah, Moses, Elijah, John, Peter, Jesus, and many more). One of my prayers is that those that are hurting emotionally and spiritually will find a safe place to be broken among God's people. In times of injustice, suffering, disaster, and even depression the loving arms of Jesus is needed more than anything else. We as the body of Christ are called to show the world who we are by our love for one another. 

I so look forward to the time when there is no need for tears. The promise of God is when He comes back and sets all things to right He will wipe away every tear (Rev. 21:4). The story is told that during WWI there was a great battle in which many soldiers from both Germany and France died. With the battlefield littered with the ravages of war, a French soldier gave a German soldier a drink of water. Both were dying and both were believers in the one true God. The German soldier told the Frenchman, "There will be no more wars over there." Then they both lied dying on that battlefield having experienced one last gesture of kindness and hope. We can say with certainty, there will be no tears there either. Until that time comes let us be messengers of hope and kindness in a world of hate and despair. 

April 17, 2013            Judg 9–10, Luke 12:13–34, Ps 48:6–14, Prov 10:9–11

The memory of the righteous will be a blessing

Evil is real. We are reminded of this often. We can deny it, ignore it, or fight it. While we do not know the details of motive behind the bombing in Boston, we do know the cost in human life and anguish. Throughout time there has been pain and suffering. Some caused by evil men and women that have made horrible choices with their free will. Others due to the fact we live in a fallen world. There are times we need pain in order to understand the danger that is before us (this event was not one of those times). Sometimes suffering can bring us closer to God and I believe Romans 8:28 to be a very valuable text for us to consider. I could go on, but join me as I pray for those that are suffering with loss today.

April 16, 2013            Judg 7–8, Luke 11:37–12:12, Ps 48:1–5, Prov 10:7–8

Judges 7-8

Can you relate to Gideon? Before he could conquer his foes he had to conquer his fears, then his feelings. His fear kept him for a time from doing his calling. His feelings nearly lead him to sin. Is the same true with you? What do you fear? Why? Do you control your feelings or do your feelings control you? See Proverbs 16:32.

Why is it that when we are at our highest emotionally that Satan has such success in tempting us?

Luke 11:37-12:12

Jesus says six woes to the Pharisees and Scribes. These religious men majored in trivialities but ignored what was really important. They loved to be recognized and honored by men but forgot about the honor that comes only from God. They glorified the past but would not help those around them who were needy. Instead, the religious leaders only made the burdens heavier for the common people. Jesus saw this kind of religious hypocrite as the murderer of the truly righteous (2 Chron. 24:20–27), and He knew that soon they would crucify Him.

The religious leaders not only did not enjoy the abundant life themselves, they kept others from entering in as well. It is one thing to reject the truth, but when we lead others to do the same their blood is upon our hands.

Have you been guilty or experienced these type of hypocrisies in your life?

How is hypocrisy like yeast?

Psalm 48:1-5

God is great and worthy of praise. In what ways is God great?

In what way was Jerusalem the joy of the whole earth?

Proverbs 10:7-8

The memory of the righteous is blessed,

      But the name of the wicked will rot.

When people remember you what will they remember?

The wise in heart will receive commands,

      But a prating fool will fall.

Which describes you better?

A few thoughts and texts for April 14-15

This morning we looked at lions in the Bible. Perhaps, Daniel in the lions’ den is the most widely known story about lions in the Bible. The thing that stands out to me most about the story is the integrity of Daniel. When investigated noting could be found to bring against him. I wonder if the said could be said of our lives?

I pray that when the lions of the world are attacking we are able to trust in the Lord not to rescue us, but to stay with us and protect us.

I also pray that when others look at our lives they see the integrity of Daniel in our lives.

In just a few minutes I am teaching about the conversion of Paul in Act 9. I am struck by how God used so many people to bring him not only to Him, but to encourage Paul along the way. I wonder how many of us would be willing to be the Stephen, Ananias, or Barnabas for Paul?

Tomorrow I am teaching about practicing the presence of God. I pray that I can demonstrate the joy of living in the presence of God at all moments of life, not just during our “quiet time” with Him.  

C. S. Lewis said, “We may ignore, but we can nowhere evade, the presence of God. The world is crowded with Him. He walks everywhere incognito.”

My goal is to be in constant communion with God, even when I sleep.

Where do your thoughts go when they are not focused on work or diverted by amusement?

What do these thoughts reveal about your concerns and priorities?

In the second class we will be discussing weddings. Weddings can be such a wonderful experience or they can be very stressful. Pray with me that God works in spite of me tonight, tomorrow, and every day to encourage, teach, and simply make disciples of Christ. There are times I feel so weak, but I know where I am weak He is strong.

One of the texts below is Proverbs 10:4-5:

    He who has a slack hand becomes poor,

          But the hand of the diligent makes rich.

    He who gathers in summer is a wise son;

          He who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame.

I know I have prepared well to do what God is calling me to do, but there never seems to be enough time or energy. Pray for me as I pray for you.

April 14, 2013            Judg 3–4, Luke 10:38–11:14, Ps 46:5–11, Prov 10:3–4

April 15, 2013            Judg 5–6, Luke 11:15–36, Ps 47, Prov 10:5–6

Days 102 and 103 reading God's Word together

April 12, 2013            Josh 23–24, Luke 10:1–16, Ps 45:8–17, Prov 9:16–18

April 13, 2013            Judg 1–2, Luke 10:17–37, Ps 46:1–4, Prov 10:1–2

Joshua 23-24

These two chapters are the farewell speech of Joshua. He first speaks to the leaders (chapter 23) and then to all the people (chapter 24). Joshua had been a great leader, but he gives all the honor to God. Why do think this is such a hard thing to do for many leaders?

Joshua understood that his first responsibility in discipleship was to his own family. Does your life show this same priority?

Judges 1-2

The book of Judges is a very sad time for God’s people. Without the strong leadership of Joshua to lead them they each did what they felt was right in their own eyes. Sounds a lot like today doesn’t it?

The nation of Israel made some real mistakes and it lead to some real failures. In chapter one, they did not finish conquering the land. In chapter two, they forgot God’s Law and did not look to God for help. May the same never be said of us.

Luke 10:1-37

Jesus chose seventy to spread the Good News. When the seventy returned, they were overjoyed with their experiences of victory; and Jesus saw in those victories the defeat of the devil (v. 18; John 12:31–32; Isa. 14:4–11; Gen. 3:15; Rom. 16:20). But even greater than these victories is the privilege of being enrolled in heaven (Phil. 4:3; Rev. 20:12–15). Do you rejoice in your salvation? Does this lead you to service?

What brings you joy? What makes you rejoice? Does seeing someone come to Christ bring you great joy?

What is the point of the parable of the Good Samaritan?

Do you show compassion when the opportunity comes before you?

Psalm 45:8-17

Revelation 19 tells the story of the wedding of the Lamb. Read this text, are you looking forward to this glorious event?

Psalm 46:1-4                          

This Psalm was the inspiration for Martin Luther’s, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.”

When we are under God’s protection we have nothing to fear, even though the solid earth were rent asunder and the mountains tumble into the sea. What do you fear? Why?

Proverbs 9:16-18

Those who enter into the house of folly have already died spiritually. Are you alive in Christ or dead in sin?

Proverbs 10:1-2

There is a contrast between those who choose wisdom or foolishness. The first is joy and grief. Do you bring joy or grief to your parents? Second, profit and loss, how did you get your money? Does that bring you real joy or not?

Lessons to learn from the Lord

I think I am learning a valuable lesson. I, like many others, push a bit too hard. I work hard and long hours. I tend to sleep less than I should, exercise less than I should, eat worse than I should, and rarely have a day off. It is very difficult to take Sabbath time as commanded by God for my own good. It is easy to justify my actions. The ministry demands full dedication. There are always sermons to prepare, lessons to prepare, letters to be written, articles to write, people to visit, issues to help people work through, phone calls and emails to return, meetings to attend, staff and volunteers to encourage, and I never feel caught up. I feel drained on many levels.

Add to that I teach two classes a week at our local Christian University (two hours away). While this is a tremendous honor and joy, it is also very draining and is always at least a 12 hour day on Mondays. There is also the pressure to get my dissertation done. Then, more important than any job I may have is my immediate family. My wife and baby deserve second place only to the Lord. With all this in mind I tend to push myself physically, emotionally, and mentally to my breaking point. Well, I think I have found one of those breaking points. I just can’t seem to shake this nasty cold (bronchitis and sinus infection). I know it is because I am too worn down, but I have no idea how to change my life to make it more manageable while still fulfilling my duties. Prayers are appreciated. Here are the texts from yesterday and today.

April 10, 2013            Josh 19–20, Luke 9:12–36, Ps 44:21–26, Prov 9:11–12

April 11, 2013            Josh 21–22, Luke 9:37–62, Ps 45:1–7, Prov 9:13–15

Joshua 19-22

Chapter 19 ends with the land allotment given to Joshua. Why is this significant?

Notice that Joshua took his land last, he allowed others to take the best land. He took land from the hill country that would be a harder life than many other places he could have chosen. What does this tell us about his character? What can we learn from this in regards to leadership?

Chapter 20 deals with the cities of refuge. Read Hebrews 6:18-20. What similarities do you see between the cities of refuge and Christ?

Chapter 21, the key verse of this section is verse 45 “God keeps His promises.” God kept His promise to give them land, rest, and the priesthood. Know you can trust the Word of the Lord. What promises has God made for you?

Chapter 22, the tribes had kept their word and were commended for doing so. Who can you commend, encourage today that has been faithful in their service?

It is always important for God’s people to have unity. The symbol of unity here was first misinterpreted, but in the end all was well. What can you do today to help maintain unity of God’s people? Read Proverbs 18:13 and James 3:13-18

Luke 9:12-62

How is it possible for 12 men to feed 5,000 with only 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish? It is not without the power of God. What is God calling you to do that is impossible on your own?

Peter’s confession of faith is vital. What does it mean that Jesus is the Christ of God?

Jesus said, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory, and in His Father’s, and of the holy angels.”

How have you taken up your cross what does this mean?

What is the significance of the transfiguration?

Jesus said He had to bear with some. At times He had to bear with their unbelief (vss. 37-42), our spiritual blindness (vss. 43-45), our pride (vss. 46-48), our lack of love (vss. 49-56), and our lack of dedication (vss. 57-62). We strive to please the Lord; does your unbelief, spiritual blindness, pride, lack of love, and lack of dedication cause the Lord to have the bear with you at times?

Psalm 44:21-45:7

No sin could be concealed from the God who searches hearts. Are there things that deep down you are trying to hide from the Lord?  

The psalmist asks that God no longer ignore the difficulty of his people because God is full of loving-kindness.

Psalm 45 is a marriage song in which a mighty warrior king is married to a beautiful princess. It is likely this Psalm was based on the marriage of Solomon to Pharaoh’s daughter. A greater than Solomon, however, is here.

In what ways is Jesus beautiful (not physical)?

What battles has Jesus fought and won?

See Colossians 2:15 and Revelation 19:11-21

Proverbs 9:11-15

Wisdom claims to be able to multiply one’s days and increase the years of his life. The idea is that by following the path marked out by wisdom one avoids violent and premature death which stalks those who choose the path of evil (see 3:2, 16; 4:10). Jesus expanded and explained such promises with the concept of eternal life. Those who embrace him have already passed from death to life (9:11).

Each individual has within him the power to choose wisdom and reap the reward, or to remain a scorner and pay the price. Those who choose to mock godliness and virtue “shall bear it,” i.e., incur the penalty for their conduct (9:12).

Folly, the rival of wisdom, is represented here under the guise of an adulteress. Folly is controlled by passion rather than by wisdom. Folly does not think before she acts. Last folly is willfully ignorant; she ignores the consequences of her actions.

Are you following the way of wisdom or of folly?

Peace Be With You

John 20:19-31

“Peace be with you”, said Jesus. And again, two verses later, “Peace be with you.” The promise of peace rings out like a great bell, a loud single sound with several undertones. The promise is for an inner peace for those who have faith, but that is not all. The promise is for a war torn world in desperate need of the Prince of Peace, but that is not all. The old Hebrew word Shalom is a deep meaning word. It speaks of a quality of life which includes but also transcends this life. Jesus promises that with the Resurrection and later the Second Coming He is bringing forth a new creation that is better than we can imagine. The peace of God is with us, but peace of God is coming more fully soon.

Jesus does a few things that may seem simple at first, but upon further reflection are profound. He shows the disciples his hands and his side, the marks of the love which had loved them to the uttermost, the signs that the bill had been paid (compare 19:30, where ‘It is finished’ means, among other things, ‘the price is paid’). Easter means that peace, which is very costly, has truly been purchased on the cross.

Jesus showed them his love in the most profound way possible, but then he quickly moves from love’s evidence to love’s commission. In the beginning God breathed life into the first humans. Here Jesus breathes on the disciples to give them the Holy Spirit with the commission to bring about new life to all who will listen. They and we are to be peacemakers, bringing a form of peace to lost souls that know no real peace. He says, ‘As the Father sent me, so I send you.’ This is the highest call of the Church, given by the highest authority in the entire universe, with the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. In one sense we could say the peace Jesus promises is not so much a state of being, but more a power let loose upon the world.

The early Church took this commission very seriously. They were willing to sell property that had been in their families for generations to further the cause. They were willing to be spoken badly of, beaten, and even killed to carry out the commission given to them by Christ. We too are called to carry out the commission given by Christ. We are to go into all the world and make disciples, in doing so we bring the peace promised and longed for by all humanity.

This is a tremendous honor and a tremendous responsibility. We do this because we know what true love is as seen through the lenses of Easter. To God be the glory in all things.

Here are the texts for the last few days. I am fighting some sickness (nothing worth whining about just a sinus infection and bronchitis) and have not written much lately. I hope to back at it real soon.

April 07, 2013            Josh 12–13, Luke 8:1–21, Ps 44:1–5, Prov 9:3–4

April 08, 2013            Josh 14–15, Luke 8:22–40, Ps 44:6–11, Prov 9:5–7

April 09, 2013            Josh 16–18, Luke 8:41–9:11, Ps 44:12–20, Prov 9:8–10

Easter Keeps Happening

I am excited to worship with my church family tomorrow morning. We will be starting a new series on what God teaches us using animals. It is going to be a great day. Here are the last few days texts too.

April 04, 2013            Josh 5–7, Luke 6:27–49, Ps 42:1–3, Prov 8:31–32

April 05, 2013            Josh 8–9, Luke 7:1–23, Ps 42:4–11, Prov 8:33–36

April 06, 2013            Josh 10–11, Luke 7:24–50, Ps 43, Prov 9:1–2

Days 92 and 93 of reading God's Word together

April 02, 2013            Deut 33–34, Luke 5:27–6:5, Ps 41:title–5, Prov 8:27–28

April 03, 2013            Josh 1–4, Luke 6:6–26, Ps 41:6–13, Prov 8:29–30

Deuteronomy 33-34

      This section is the end of Moses’ speech to God’s people. In it we see Moses’ heart was filled with love for his people. He seeks the blessing of God upon His people. Do you pray for the same?

It is interesting to note the spiritual position of God’s people as described in this chapter: in God’s hand and at His feet (v. 3); between His shoulders (v. 12); and upheld by His everlasting arms (v. 27). “As your days, so shall your strength be” is a good promise for us today (v. 25, nkjv). “Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord!” (v. 29, nkjv) What a privilege it is to be a child of God, let us never take it for granted.

            Moses had prayed that God would repent and allow him to enter the Promised Land, but God had refused (Deut. 3:23–29). God knew that Joshua (“Jehovah is salvation”) would lead the people into their earthly rest, just as the heavenly Joshua, Jesus Christ, would lead His people into spiritual rest. This the Law (Moses) could never do. However, Moses did visit the Promised Land on the Mount of Transfiguration, with Elijah; and he discussed with Christ the “exodus” (decease) He would accomplish at Jerusalem (Luke 9:27–31).

      God lovingly took the body of Moses and buried it. Read Jude 9 for an interesting commentary on this event.  The people wept for Moses for thirty days. Often a leader is more appreciated after death than during his or her life. The book closes by reminding us of the unique character of Moses’ ministry—he was a man to whom God talked face to face. Take a moment to reflect upon the life of Moses, the servant of the Lord.

Joshua 1-4

     When God calls us to do something you can be confident that He does not leave us abandoned. Joshua was prepared to lead the people in many ways. He had been taught by Moses for many years and had lead many battles. What do you think God is preparing you to do?

     God gave Joshua encouragement through His word and through His people. Are you the type of person that encourages others as they try to lead or are you like the many left in the desert that constantly complained? God empowered Joshua through His Spirit, He has done the same for us today. Therefore, likes Joshua we need to be courageous and go forth with vigor to do the job God has called us to do.

Chapter 2

     Hebrews 11:31 commends Rahab for her faith. Why is it significant that she is in the genealogy of Christ? What encouragement can this give us today?

Chapters 3-4

The Israelites had to walk by faith to cross the Jordan. In what ways do you have to walk by faith to get where God is leading you?

Notice the imagery of water: Noah passed through water to seek salvation (the Flood), the Israelites crossed through water to be saved (the Exodus), Joshua and the people pass through water before coming into the Promised Land, I could go on but do you see the theme? It does not take a lot to see the symbolism of baptism here.

They set up memorial stones to remember and teach the children. What symbols do you use to teach and remember today?

Luke 5:27-6:26

Jesus was a “friend of sinners” what groups and individuals do we see Him ministering to here? Would most see the Church today as a friend to sinners?

Why are the religious leaders so concerned about Sabbath rules and not about loving people? What is a modern example of this?

As you read the lists of blessings and woes what stands out to you? What applies most to you?

Psalm 41

It would appear that David was sick. As he lay in his bed he looked back at his own life. He remembered that he had shown kindness to the poor and he was convinced that God would do the same to him. When we are in pain it is a great comfort to have a clear conscience. Do you show kindness to the poor?

While many were convinced David was getting what he deserved and wanted to see him die, David knew God was with him. We can be sure of this, while we may abandon God, He will never abandon us.

Proverbs 8:27-30

When God stretched out the heavens, wisdom was there. Wisdom cooperated when God “set a circle” on the face of the deep. The reference most likely is to the sky which is called a “circle” because the earth which it covers is round. She was there when he “appointed the foundations of the earth,” i.e., the great mountains, or set for the sea its fixed limit (cf. Gen 1:9). Wisdom was “the craftsman” at the side of God (8:27–29).

As wisdom witnessed the creation of the universe, she was filled with delight. When the work of creation was finished, wisdom rejoiced in “the habitable world of his earth,” i.e., the completed earth made fit for the habitation of living creatures. Especially did wisdom take pleasure in the sons of men (8:30–31).

Join Wisdom and praise God for creation. 

Opening Day

Today was opening day for many baseball teams. Crystal and I lived in the Cincinnati area for about six years and the excitement of opening day was contagious. I think there are a lot of lessons we can learn from baseball (I am not a huge baseball fan, but thinking a lot about it tonight for some reason).

1. Team work is vital. This is true in baseball, life, and the church. The game cannot be won by one individual, rather it takes a team effort. In the church we know that we need the gifts, talents, and energy of many for the Body of Christ to function correctly. If the attitude is wrong it will not work.

2. We will strike out from time to time. To bat over .300 is a good year, much better than that is great. In the church we know that we will fall down from time to time, but we also know that God does not give up on us. We also know we have our team (fellow believers) to lift us up and urge us on.

3. You can't hit the ball if you don't swing. If we never take a chance for the Lord we will never accomplish anything either.

4. There are rules that have to be followed. Without rules the game is not safe or fun. In the church we need the Lord to set the standards so that we can enjoy life to the fullest.

5. Leadership is essential. Without a good manager and leaders on the team it will not work. In the church we need leaders that the lead by the Holy Spirit, humble, and bold for the Lord.

6. Errors will be made. Even the best will sometimes miss the ball or throw it over the first baseman’s head. That does not mean that they are not good players, but that they made an error. In the church we will make mistakes, but that does not mean we give up on people, rather we will seek to help them.

7. Practice and hard work is crucial. Even great players have to keep going back to the basics to stay on their game. Also, even the best must work out to stay in shape to stay the best. In the church we have to always go back to the essentials of the Gospel (Love God, Love people) and give God our best.

8. Emotions have to be kept under control. A high spirit manager or player is not a bad thing, but if it keeps them from preforming or gets them tossed it is no good. In the church we need to be passionate about what we believe, but be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.

9. You have to learn to deal with pressure. Any great player deals with pressure constantly. In the church we must realize that our authority comes from the Word, our passion comes from the Spirit, and our ability to cope comes from the truth that God is at hand.

10. You have to work with people that are not like you. On any given team there is a variety of different personalities, backgrounds, and likes. However, if they have the right attitude and a common goal it can work. The same can be said of the church. While we may not look alike, sound alike, like the same music, drive the same cars, or be from the same places as long as we have the attitude of Christ and the goal of discipleship good things are going to happen.

11. Never give up. A game is not over until 27 outs out been recorded for your team. A rally can happen and the game can still be won. In the church we know we win in the end, God wins and we are with God. In the meantime we do not give up even when we are tired, discouraged, and want to hang it up.

12. In any season there will be ups and downs. There will be winning streaks and losing streaks. There will be times with hits and draughts at the plate as well. In our spiritual lives the same can be said, we are in for the long haul. While we may be in a slump right now that is not the end of the story, praise God.

I could go on, but I think I should stop for now. One last thing, Character counts. If you cheat you will bring dishonor to you, your team, and the sport. In the church character maters more than we realize. Strive to be more and more like Jesus and love with abandonment and all will be well. Here are the last two days Bible readings:

      March 31, 2013            Deut 29:1–31:8, Luke 4:31–44, Ps 40:5–9, Prov 8:21–23

      April 01, 2013            Deut 31:9–32:52, Luke 5:1–26, Ps 40:10–17, Prov 8:24–26