The reading plan for this week is as follows:
* Sunday (epistles): I Corinthians 1-2
* Monday (the Law): Genesis 32-35
* Tuesday (history): Judges 17-21
* Wednesday (psalms): Psalms 24-26
* Thursday (poetry): Job 17-18
* Friday (prophecy): Isaiah 45-50
* Saturday (gospels): Matthew 23-25
There are some tough parts of scripture this week, especially the description of two "rapes", one of the concubine of a Levite in the last chapters of the book of Judges - which in my opinion is probably one of the darkest part of scripture, if not the darkest part. And the other rape concerns Dina, Jacob's daughter, and the revenge by her brothers, another dark part in the history of God's people. The Bible is honest about this, and does not cover up these dark stories, but uses them as life lessons for us to teach us wrong from right.
For this week's soap analysis we look at Jacob's encounter with God in Genesis 35:
Scripture
Genesis 35:3: "We are now going to Bethel where I will build an altar to the God who answered my prayers when I was in distress. He has stayed with me wherever I have gone."
Observation
In this chapter of the book of Genesis, we see Jacob return to Bethel -- which means "House of God" -- where he had his first encounter with God, over 20 years ago. At that time, he was on the run for his brother Esau who wanted to kill him because Jacob had betrayed him. He ran away from his elderly home to his uncle Laban with just a staff in his hand and clothes on his body.
Now, more than 20 years later, he has established himself as a patriarch: Father of 12 sons and at least 1 daughter, and grandfather of many. Owner of a huge livestock. Wealthy. God had given him rest and brought him back to the Promised Land. God had answered all his prayers, and had delivered him from the distress he was in. Most recently, in Chapter 33, God had delivered him from the wrath of Esau. Jacob was still under the impression that Esau wanted to kill him, even after 20 years. Jacob cries out to God in Gen. 32:11: "Oh God, please rescue me from my brother Esau..." And God answers this prayer as well. Chapter 33 always touches me, when Jacob and Esau reconcile, and the two brothers show "real love" for one another, probably for the first time in their life.
Then comes chapter 35. In verse 1, God instructs Jacob to go back to Bethel to settle there, to build him an altar, and to worship him. Jacob responds right away, because he remembers his vow to the Lord in Gen. 28:20-22 all to well: "If God will be with me and protect me on this journey and give me food and clothing, and if he will bring me back safely to my father, then I will make the LORD my God. This memorial pillar will become a place of worshiping God, and I will give God a tenth of everything he gives me."
God gives him a "friendly reminder" that now is the time to fulfill that promise, and Jacob responds in 35:3. I just love that verse: "... the God who answered my prayers when I was in distress. He has stayed with me wherever I have gone."
Application
God is a God who keeps his promises, no matter what. He stays with us, wherever we go. And he answers our prayers, especially when we are in distress. Many times I forget who God is and His power to deliver me when I'm in distress, but even so many times, God will give me a "friendly reminder" of who he is, and how he is there to deliver me from whatever situation I'm in. I hope you can relate and that you can tell your own stories of the times God has answered your prayers. In response, we worship him for all he has done, just like Jacob did at Bethel.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank you for answering our prayers when we are in distress. We thank you for your friendly reminders in the good times, to not forget who you are, and to continue to worship you. Help us to never forget. You are worthy of all our praise. In Jesus' name - Amen.
Have a great week.
In Him,
Dick
Monday, February 28, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Week 8: Accepting Each Other as Christ Accepts Us
This week's Scripture reading unfolds like this:
Sunday: Romans 15-16
Monday: Genesis 28-31
Tuesday: Judges 12-16
Wednesday Psalms 21-23
Thursday: Job 15-16
Friday: Isaiah 40-44
Saturday: Matthew 20-22
Scripture
This week's readings bring us back to one theme repeatedly: the challenges associated with relating to other human beings.
In Genesis we read of the difficulties that Jacob had relating to his father-in-law, Laban. In Judges we see how much trouble Samson had in dealing with the Philistines (and the Philistines with Samson!). In Psalm 22 we see a poignant messianic prophecy in which Jesus is hanging on the cross, listening to those who are mocking him: "Everyone who sees me mocks me. They sneer and shake their heads, saying, 'Is this the one who relies on the LORD? Then let the LORD save him! If the LORD loves him so much, let the LORD rescue him!'"
After getting more lame advice from his friends, Job exclaims, "What miserable comforters you are! Won’t you ever stop blowing hot air? What makes you keep on talking?" (Job 16:2). And Jesus, in Matthew 20, talks about the jealousy a group of day-laborers felt when they saw the foreman pay the same amount to others who worked only an hour.
The key to these relational challenges is found in Romans 15 where the Apostle Paul says this:
"We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive about things like this. We must not just please ourselves. We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord. For even Christ didn’t live to please himself....
"May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." (vv. 1-3, 5-6)
Observation
It's easy to theorize and theologize about seeking to please others over ourselves. It's another thing entirely to live it out! This week's Scripture readings recount several concrete situations in which the difficulties associated with getting along with each other present themselves.
Application
As you engage in this week's readings, prayerfully consider the ways in which the various scenarios in the Bible are playing themselves out in your life. Try to identify by name the people who are currently presenting the greatest "relational challenges." Narrow your thinking to one person with whom you will seek to sweeten your relationship by "helping them do what is right and building them up in the Lord" (Rom. 15:2).
Prayer
O Lord, we want to do your will in getting along with everyone in our lives. And we confess that sometimes we simply do not have the wisdom to know how best to handle some of these relationships. You also know that in some cases, we've tried to make things right...but the person won't reciprocate. Please give us the wisdom to discern the difference between "reconcilable" and "irreconcilable" relationships...and, by your grace, help us accept one another the way Christ accepts us. We pray in his name. Amen.
Have a great week!
Faithfully,
Chuck
Sunday: Romans 15-16
Monday: Genesis 28-31
Tuesday: Judges 12-16
Wednesday Psalms 21-23
Thursday: Job 15-16
Friday: Isaiah 40-44
Saturday: Matthew 20-22
Scripture
This week's readings bring us back to one theme repeatedly: the challenges associated with relating to other human beings.
In Genesis we read of the difficulties that Jacob had relating to his father-in-law, Laban. In Judges we see how much trouble Samson had in dealing with the Philistines (and the Philistines with Samson!). In Psalm 22 we see a poignant messianic prophecy in which Jesus is hanging on the cross, listening to those who are mocking him: "Everyone who sees me mocks me. They sneer and shake their heads, saying, 'Is this the one who relies on the LORD? Then let the LORD save him! If the LORD loves him so much, let the LORD rescue him!'"
After getting more lame advice from his friends, Job exclaims, "What miserable comforters you are! Won’t you ever stop blowing hot air? What makes you keep on talking?" (Job 16:2). And Jesus, in Matthew 20, talks about the jealousy a group of day-laborers felt when they saw the foreman pay the same amount to others who worked only an hour.
The key to these relational challenges is found in Romans 15 where the Apostle Paul says this:
"We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive about things like this. We must not just please ourselves. We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord. For even Christ didn’t live to please himself....
"May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." (vv. 1-3, 5-6)
Observation
It's easy to theorize and theologize about seeking to please others over ourselves. It's another thing entirely to live it out! This week's Scripture readings recount several concrete situations in which the difficulties associated with getting along with each other present themselves.
Application
As you engage in this week's readings, prayerfully consider the ways in which the various scenarios in the Bible are playing themselves out in your life. Try to identify by name the people who are currently presenting the greatest "relational challenges." Narrow your thinking to one person with whom you will seek to sweeten your relationship by "helping them do what is right and building them up in the Lord" (Rom. 15:2).
Prayer
O Lord, we want to do your will in getting along with everyone in our lives. And we confess that sometimes we simply do not have the wisdom to know how best to handle some of these relationships. You also know that in some cases, we've tried to make things right...but the person won't reciprocate. Please give us the wisdom to discern the difference between "reconcilable" and "irreconcilable" relationships...and, by your grace, help us accept one another the way Christ accepts us. We pray in his name. Amen.
Have a great week!
Faithfully,
Chuck
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Week 7: Keeping Your Word
Sunday: Romans 13-14 (Epistles)
Monday: Genesis 24-27 (Law)
Tuesday: Judges 7-11 (History)
Wednesday: Psalms 18-20 (Psalms)
Thursday: Job 13-14 (Poetry)
Friday: Isaiah 34-39 (Prophecy)
Saturday: Matthew 17-19 (Gospels)
In this week's reading the following story is told that always wrecks me: The promise of Jephthah to the Lord in Judges Ch. 11:29-40.
In this passage Jephthah makes a vow to the Lord in return for success- the heartbreaker is that his vow will cost him his only daughter... The amazing part of the story is how the daughter exhibits faith and wisdom beyond her years knowing full well her life has been made forfeit as a result of her father's promise.
In my life I take away two things from this passage:
1) Making a promise to the Lord is not something to be taken lightly. Most times these promises are empty as they are made under duress and/or under the strong influence of emotion. How many times have I promised God something and then not lived up to it? Too many times to count.
2) The wisdom of children is a beautiful thing. It's too bad we grow up and take life too seriously. Children "get it." I am too busy and wrapped up in myself sometimes that I totally miss what life is really about. Jephthah's daughter exhibits total maturity and faith while knowing her life is forfeit to the Lord. She is granted two months to mourn and lived those months with high integrity, not even giving in to earthly pleasures.
My prayer for this week is have the wisdom and courage to make my "Yes" a true "Yes" and my "No" to be likewise.
Be of good cheer and faith this week!
In Him,
Mike
Monday: Genesis 24-27 (Law)
Tuesday: Judges 7-11 (History)
Wednesday: Psalms 18-20 (Psalms)
Thursday: Job 13-14 (Poetry)
Friday: Isaiah 34-39 (Prophecy)
Saturday: Matthew 17-19 (Gospels)
In this week's reading the following story is told that always wrecks me: The promise of Jephthah to the Lord in Judges Ch. 11:29-40.
In this passage Jephthah makes a vow to the Lord in return for success- the heartbreaker is that his vow will cost him his only daughter... The amazing part of the story is how the daughter exhibits faith and wisdom beyond her years knowing full well her life has been made forfeit as a result of her father's promise.
In my life I take away two things from this passage:
1) Making a promise to the Lord is not something to be taken lightly. Most times these promises are empty as they are made under duress and/or under the strong influence of emotion. How many times have I promised God something and then not lived up to it? Too many times to count.
2) The wisdom of children is a beautiful thing. It's too bad we grow up and take life too seriously. Children "get it." I am too busy and wrapped up in myself sometimes that I totally miss what life is really about. Jephthah's daughter exhibits total maturity and faith while knowing her life is forfeit to the Lord. She is granted two months to mourn and lived those months with high integrity, not even giving in to earthly pleasures.
My prayer for this week is have the wisdom and courage to make my "Yes" a true "Yes" and my "No" to be likewise.
Be of good cheer and faith this week!
In Him,
Mike
Monday, February 7, 2011
Week 6: Living by the Guidance of the Holy Spirit
The reading plan for this week is as follows:
* Sunday (epistles): Romans 11-12
* Monday (the Law): Genesis 20-23
* Tuesday (history): Judges 1-6
* Wednesday (psalms): Psalms 15-17
* Thursday (poetry): Job 11-12
* Friday (prophecy): Isaiah 29-33
* Saturday (gospels): Matthew 14-16
To truly understand what Paul is saying in Romans 11 (and the preceding chapters 9 & 10 as well), we have to read Abraham's account in Genesis 21 (and Gen.15 & 17). Abraham was the founding father of the nation of Israel. God had promised Abraham the land of Israel, and descendents. We've seen the promise of receiving the land being fulfilled 400 years after Abraham, in the account of Joshua that we finished last week.
The promise of receiving descendents we see fulfilled in Genesis 20, where Isaac is born. Isaac became the father of Jacob (whom God gave the name 'Israel'), who became the father of 12 sons -- who became the 12 tribes of Israel. God always keeps his promises! And that's why in Romans 11 we read that He will keep his promise with Israel. He's not done with them yet. There will come a day when the nation of Israel will accept Jesus as their Messiah. They too will receive the Holy Spirit to guide them at that point.
In the book Judges -- which we start this week -- we see what happens when the spirit is not their to guide the people of Israel.
Scripture
Judges 2:10-11: "After that generation died, another generation grew up who did not acknowledge the LORD or remember the mighty things he had done for Israel. Then the Israelites did what was evil in the LORD's sight and worshipped the images of Baal."
Observation
The people of Israel obeyed God under the leadership of Joshua and the elders who had seen God's miracles when leading them out of Egypt and through the dessert for 40 years. When this generation passed away, the new generation did not stand up and take spiritual leadership. Instead, they reverted to their evil ways, disobeying the LORD, and worshipping the idols of the land.
Application
This passage is a great warning for me personally, but really for all of us. We need to let the Holy Spirit guide us in our daily lives. We can do that through the leadership of elders in our church and/or other mature Christians who deeply know and love the LORD. We can do that through reading of the scriptures. And we can do that through prayer. If we don't do this, we will become like the Israelites and revert back to our old nature, oftentimes worshipping the idols of our culture. Idols such as money, self-centeredness, comfort, addictions, entitlement, etc. If, on the other hand, we release control to God, and let His spirit guide us, we are focused on his will for our lives, and we're focused on others and building them up.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, please forgive us when we fall short by not letting your Holy Spirit guide and empower us. Please fill us with your spirit each day and each hour of each day, to live fruitful lives for you. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Read Romans 12 several times this week, to hear Paul's instruction of what it truly means to live a life guided by the Holy Spirit.
Have a great week.
In Him,
Dick
* Sunday (epistles): Romans 11-12
* Monday (the Law): Genesis 20-23
* Tuesday (history): Judges 1-6
* Wednesday (psalms): Psalms 15-17
* Thursday (poetry): Job 11-12
* Friday (prophecy): Isaiah 29-33
* Saturday (gospels): Matthew 14-16
To truly understand what Paul is saying in Romans 11 (and the preceding chapters 9 & 10 as well), we have to read Abraham's account in Genesis 21 (and Gen.15 & 17). Abraham was the founding father of the nation of Israel. God had promised Abraham the land of Israel, and descendents. We've seen the promise of receiving the land being fulfilled 400 years after Abraham, in the account of Joshua that we finished last week.
The promise of receiving descendents we see fulfilled in Genesis 20, where Isaac is born. Isaac became the father of Jacob (whom God gave the name 'Israel'), who became the father of 12 sons -- who became the 12 tribes of Israel. God always keeps his promises! And that's why in Romans 11 we read that He will keep his promise with Israel. He's not done with them yet. There will come a day when the nation of Israel will accept Jesus as their Messiah. They too will receive the Holy Spirit to guide them at that point.
In the book Judges -- which we start this week -- we see what happens when the spirit is not their to guide the people of Israel.
Scripture
Judges 2:10-11: "After that generation died, another generation grew up who did not acknowledge the LORD or remember the mighty things he had done for Israel. Then the Israelites did what was evil in the LORD's sight and worshipped the images of Baal."
Observation
The people of Israel obeyed God under the leadership of Joshua and the elders who had seen God's miracles when leading them out of Egypt and through the dessert for 40 years. When this generation passed away, the new generation did not stand up and take spiritual leadership. Instead, they reverted to their evil ways, disobeying the LORD, and worshipping the idols of the land.
Application
This passage is a great warning for me personally, but really for all of us. We need to let the Holy Spirit guide us in our daily lives. We can do that through the leadership of elders in our church and/or other mature Christians who deeply know and love the LORD. We can do that through reading of the scriptures. And we can do that through prayer. If we don't do this, we will become like the Israelites and revert back to our old nature, oftentimes worshipping the idols of our culture. Idols such as money, self-centeredness, comfort, addictions, entitlement, etc. If, on the other hand, we release control to God, and let His spirit guide us, we are focused on his will for our lives, and we're focused on others and building them up.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, please forgive us when we fall short by not letting your Holy Spirit guide and empower us. Please fill us with your spirit each day and each hour of each day, to live fruitful lives for you. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Read Romans 12 several times this week, to hear Paul's instruction of what it truly means to live a life guided by the Holy Spirit.
Have a great week.
In Him,
Dick
Friday, January 28, 2011
Week 5: Resting in God's Mercy
This week's Bible readings unfold as follows:
* Romans 9-10 (epistles)
* Genesis 16-19 (the Law)
* Joshua 21-24 (history)
* Psalm 12-14 (psalms)
* Job 9-10 (poetry)
* Isaiah 23-28 (prophecy)
* Matthew 11-13 (gospels)
Scripture
The passage that ties this week's Bible readings together comes from our gospel selection (Matthew 11-13) in which Jesus says to us, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light" (11:28-30).
Observation
The readings this week cover a variety of people, places, and times. But there's a unifying theme that runs through most of what we read.
We see it in Paul's reflection on God's sovereignty and human salvation (Romans 9-10).
It appears again in Genesis 16-19 in which we see God's merciful deliverance of Lot and his family before destroying Sodom and Gomorrah.
It is evident in God's renewing of his covenant with Israel (Joshua 21-24).
This unifying theme is underscored again in the words of the Psalmist:
I trust in your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in your salvation.
I will sing to the Lord
for he has been good to me.
Psalm 13:5-6
In the midst of his suffering, Job cries out for it:
If only there were someone to arbitrate
between us,
to lay his hand upon us both.
someone to remove God's rod from me,
so that his terror would frighten me
no more.
Then I would speak up without fear of
him
but as it now stands with me, I
cannot.
Job 9:33-35
And Isaiah, speaking directly to God, describes it this way:
You will keep in perfect peace
those whose minds are steadfast,
because they trust in you.
Trust in the Lord forever,
for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock
eternal.
Isaiah 26:3-4
The theme is trusting and thereby resting in God's unfailing mercy.
Jesus is our mediator, our arbiter, as Job put it. Because of Jesus we can "approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need" (Hebrews 4:16).
Application
As we read these beautiful sections of Scripture this week, let's make a point of trusting that God is with us every single moment...whether we are awake or asleep; whether we are thinking about this fact or not. But let's strive to be more conscious of the fact that we are yoked to Jesus. We are forever connected. When we trust in this truth, we find rest for our souls...and the stress of life will simply not have the power to keep its stranglehold on us.
Prayer
O Lord, thank you for your unfailing love that keeps us steadfast in your presence. Thank you for Jesus with whom through your grace we are yoked and for whose sake we live eternal life even now. Amen.
Have a blessed week!
Faithfully,
Chuck
* Romans 9-10 (epistles)
* Genesis 16-19 (the Law)
* Joshua 21-24 (history)
* Psalm 12-14 (psalms)
* Job 9-10 (poetry)
* Isaiah 23-28 (prophecy)
* Matthew 11-13 (gospels)
Scripture
The passage that ties this week's Bible readings together comes from our gospel selection (Matthew 11-13) in which Jesus says to us, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light" (11:28-30).
Observation
The readings this week cover a variety of people, places, and times. But there's a unifying theme that runs through most of what we read.
We see it in Paul's reflection on God's sovereignty and human salvation (Romans 9-10).
It appears again in Genesis 16-19 in which we see God's merciful deliverance of Lot and his family before destroying Sodom and Gomorrah.
It is evident in God's renewing of his covenant with Israel (Joshua 21-24).
This unifying theme is underscored again in the words of the Psalmist:
I trust in your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in your salvation.
I will sing to the Lord
for he has been good to me.
Psalm 13:5-6
In the midst of his suffering, Job cries out for it:
If only there were someone to arbitrate
between us,
to lay his hand upon us both.
someone to remove God's rod from me,
so that his terror would frighten me
no more.
Then I would speak up without fear of
him
but as it now stands with me, I
cannot.
Job 9:33-35
And Isaiah, speaking directly to God, describes it this way:
You will keep in perfect peace
those whose minds are steadfast,
because they trust in you.
Trust in the Lord forever,
for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock
eternal.
Isaiah 26:3-4
The theme is trusting and thereby resting in God's unfailing mercy.
Jesus is our mediator, our arbiter, as Job put it. Because of Jesus we can "approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need" (Hebrews 4:16).
Application
As we read these beautiful sections of Scripture this week, let's make a point of trusting that God is with us every single moment...whether we are awake or asleep; whether we are thinking about this fact or not. But let's strive to be more conscious of the fact that we are yoked to Jesus. We are forever connected. When we trust in this truth, we find rest for our souls...and the stress of life will simply not have the power to keep its stranglehold on us.
Prayer
O Lord, thank you for your unfailing love that keeps us steadfast in your presence. Thank you for Jesus with whom through your grace we are yoked and for whose sake we live eternal life even now. Amen.
Have a blessed week!
Faithfully,
Chuck
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Week 4: Taking the initiative...
The reading plan for week 4 is as follows:
* Sunday (epistles): Romans 7-8
* Monday (the Law): Genesis 12-15
* Tuesday (history): Joshua 16-20
* Wednesday (psalms): Psalms 9-11
* Thursday (poetry): Job 7-8
* Friday (prophecy): Isaiah 18-22
* Saturday (gospels): Matthew 8-10
Some great passages this week, including Genesis 15 where Abram unconditionally trusts God, and God therefore calls him 'righteous'. Also included are two great chapters from Romans, where Paul acknowledges his own weakness and his need for a savior.
This week's SOAP exercise, however, is taken from lesser-known book of Joshua:
Scripture: Joshua 18:1-3
Now that the land was under Israelite control, the entire Israelite assembly gathered at Shiloh and set up the Tabernacle. But there remained seven tribes who had not yet been allotted their inheritance. Then Joshua asked them, "How long are you going to wait before taking possession of the remaining land the LORD, the God of your ancestors, has given to you?"
Observation:
In this passage we see that Israel had taken control of the land of Canaan. However, 'taking control' merely meant 'occupied'. They had not yet casted out all the inhabitants of the land and possess it for themselves, to live and thrive there, the way God had commanded. Seven of the 12 tribes were still waiting on something. From this text it appears that they did not take initiative themselves. They were just waiting for Joshua to give them orders, kind of like children who don't do their chores unless they are told/forced by their parents.
We know from chapter 13:1 that Joshua was already an old man. He had seen and experienced it all... including God's miracles. You can see his irritation and sarcasm when he asks: "How long are you going to wait..."?
Application:
From time to time I find myself in a similar situation, where I'm spiritually passive, almost lethargic. I know God has commanded me to take some action (like the Israelites were commanded to take ownership of the land), but I wait for something else to happen or someone else to encourage or force me to do it. This is not good. I need to be pro-active and take ownership and control of the things God wants me to do.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I know I'm weak and oftentimes wait on others to take initiative to build your kingdom. Help me to discern your will for my life, the tasks you have laid before me, and give me the strength and will-power to execute it to your honor and glory. In Jesus name. Amen.
Have a great week.
* Sunday (epistles): Romans 7-8
* Monday (the Law): Genesis 12-15
* Tuesday (history): Joshua 16-20
* Wednesday (psalms): Psalms 9-11
* Thursday (poetry): Job 7-8
* Friday (prophecy): Isaiah 18-22
* Saturday (gospels): Matthew 8-10
Some great passages this week, including Genesis 15 where Abram unconditionally trusts God, and God therefore calls him 'righteous'. Also included are two great chapters from Romans, where Paul acknowledges his own weakness and his need for a savior.
This week's SOAP exercise, however, is taken from lesser-known book of Joshua:
Scripture: Joshua 18:1-3
Now that the land was under Israelite control, the entire Israelite assembly gathered at Shiloh and set up the Tabernacle. But there remained seven tribes who had not yet been allotted their inheritance. Then Joshua asked them, "How long are you going to wait before taking possession of the remaining land the LORD, the God of your ancestors, has given to you?"
Observation:
In this passage we see that Israel had taken control of the land of Canaan. However, 'taking control' merely meant 'occupied'. They had not yet casted out all the inhabitants of the land and possess it for themselves, to live and thrive there, the way God had commanded. Seven of the 12 tribes were still waiting on something. From this text it appears that they did not take initiative themselves. They were just waiting for Joshua to give them orders, kind of like children who don't do their chores unless they are told/forced by their parents.
We know from chapter 13:1 that Joshua was already an old man. He had seen and experienced it all... including God's miracles. You can see his irritation and sarcasm when he asks: "How long are you going to wait..."?
Application:
From time to time I find myself in a similar situation, where I'm spiritually passive, almost lethargic. I know God has commanded me to take some action (like the Israelites were commanded to take ownership of the land), but I wait for something else to happen or someone else to encourage or force me to do it. This is not good. I need to be pro-active and take ownership and control of the things God wants me to do.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I know I'm weak and oftentimes wait on others to take initiative to build your kingdom. Help me to discern your will for my life, the tasks you have laid before me, and give me the strength and will-power to execute it to your honor and glory. In Jesus name. Amen.
Have a great week.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Week 3: Serving the right Master
This week the reading plan is as follows:
* Sunday (epistles): Romans 5-6
* Monday (the Law): Genesis 8-11
* Tuesday (history): Joshua 11-15
* Wednesday (psalms): Psalms 6-8
* Thursday (poetry): Job 5-6
* Friday (prophecy): Isaiah 12-17
* Saturday (gospels): Matthew 5-7
Several times in the past months we've talked about the S.O.A.P. method for journaling. SOAP stands for: Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer. As you read your bible daily, we encourage you to use the SOAP method to journal:
1) select one verse (or section) that really grabs your attention that day;
2) make some simple observations about the text (for example by asking yourself questions like 'Why', 'Who', 'When', 'Where', 'What', 'How', etc.)
3) make an application for yourself, based on the observations you made
4) close your time with a simple prayer, such as asking God to help you follow through on your application
Here's a SOAP example based on this week's reading.
Scriptures:
Romans 6:16
"Don't you realize that whatever you choose to obey becomes your master? You can choose sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God and receive his approval. ... 18.Now you are free from sin, your old master, and you have become slaves to your new master, righteousness."
Matthew 6:24
"No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money."
Observation:
These verses from the letter of Paul to the Romans, and the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:24 stood out to me today. They are both linked together. Paul is saying that before we knew Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we were servants (slaves) to this master called "sin". Basically, without fully knowing it, we were slaves of sin, trapped in a destructive lifestyle that would ultimately lead to eternal death. But when we accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we no longer were slaves to sin, but rather slaves (servants) of Jesus Christ, and a lifestyle of righteousness that comes with that.
Jesus is saying similar things in Matthew 5-7, his famous sermon on Mt. of Olives, also known as the 'beatitudes'. He is calling everyone to obey God and serve Him. Do away with your old sinful lifestyle, and give your life to Him. In Matthew 6:24 Jesus makes it very clear that we cannot choose both: once we serve God in our new lifestyle, we cannot hold on to our old sinful lifestyle. We cannot serve two masters. Instead we have to CHOOSE.
The apostle Paul also emphasizes that we have to choose: choose sin which leads to death, or choose to obey God. It's a choice that we have to make.
Application:
If I look at my own life, too often I find myself trying to serve two (or more) masters. I try to serve God, but I also try to please many of the other masters in my life, like people, money, sinful behavior. These words from both Paul and Jesus himself are a call to action for me, to get rid of the other masters, which means to not SERVE them like a slave, but only be committed to Jesus Christ as the only master in my life.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I acknowledge that too often I try to serve too many masters. You know that it is not my intent, but rather a left-over of my old selfish lifestyle. I pray that you help me to become more and more committed to you alone, and make your son Jesus Christ the only master in my life. In his name I pray, amen.
Have a great week as you serve our Lord.
In Him,
Dick
* Sunday (epistles): Romans 5-6
* Monday (the Law): Genesis 8-11
* Tuesday (history): Joshua 11-15
* Wednesday (psalms): Psalms 6-8
* Thursday (poetry): Job 5-6
* Friday (prophecy): Isaiah 12-17
* Saturday (gospels): Matthew 5-7
Several times in the past months we've talked about the S.O.A.P. method for journaling. SOAP stands for: Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer. As you read your bible daily, we encourage you to use the SOAP method to journal:
1) select one verse (or section) that really grabs your attention that day;
2) make some simple observations about the text (for example by asking yourself questions like 'Why', 'Who', 'When', 'Where', 'What', 'How', etc.)
3) make an application for yourself, based on the observations you made
4) close your time with a simple prayer, such as asking God to help you follow through on your application
Here's a SOAP example based on this week's reading.
Scriptures:
Romans 6:16
"Don't you realize that whatever you choose to obey becomes your master? You can choose sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God and receive his approval. ... 18.Now you are free from sin, your old master, and you have become slaves to your new master, righteousness."
Matthew 6:24
"No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money."
Observation:
These verses from the letter of Paul to the Romans, and the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:24 stood out to me today. They are both linked together. Paul is saying that before we knew Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we were servants (slaves) to this master called "sin". Basically, without fully knowing it, we were slaves of sin, trapped in a destructive lifestyle that would ultimately lead to eternal death. But when we accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we no longer were slaves to sin, but rather slaves (servants) of Jesus Christ, and a lifestyle of righteousness that comes with that.
Jesus is saying similar things in Matthew 5-7, his famous sermon on Mt. of Olives, also known as the 'beatitudes'. He is calling everyone to obey God and serve Him. Do away with your old sinful lifestyle, and give your life to Him. In Matthew 6:24 Jesus makes it very clear that we cannot choose both: once we serve God in our new lifestyle, we cannot hold on to our old sinful lifestyle. We cannot serve two masters. Instead we have to CHOOSE.
The apostle Paul also emphasizes that we have to choose: choose sin which leads to death, or choose to obey God. It's a choice that we have to make.
Application:
If I look at my own life, too often I find myself trying to serve two (or more) masters. I try to serve God, but I also try to please many of the other masters in my life, like people, money, sinful behavior. These words from both Paul and Jesus himself are a call to action for me, to get rid of the other masters, which means to not SERVE them like a slave, but only be committed to Jesus Christ as the only master in my life.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I acknowledge that too often I try to serve too many masters. You know that it is not my intent, but rather a left-over of my old selfish lifestyle. I pray that you help me to become more and more committed to you alone, and make your son Jesus Christ the only master in my life. In his name I pray, amen.
Have a great week as you serve our Lord.
In Him,
Dick
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