Being at the Wrong Place at the Wrong Time…On Purpose

DAY 102
12-31-09
2 SAMUEL 10-12


Good Morning!

If it was “the time when kings go off to war” why then was King David not leading his army? Why did he stay at home? Why was Joab sent? Why was David conveniently on his roof instead of with his men, doing his job? Why? Lust. Pride. Sin. I do not think it is a coincidence that the writer of the text pointed out that kings are supposed to out fighting and David was not.

I believe David was at the wrong place at the wrong time on purpose. My friends, Satan will take advantage of us and tempt us to sin when we are not where we are supposed to be; and especially when we are where we should never be. Think very carefully about where you are; and what influences you are allowing your self to be exposed to. Arrogance and pride will lead you to sin – just like it did to David.

Satan is very strong. But the Lord in our lives is stronger. But do not be so arrogant that you think you are so strong; and that you can expose yourself to sinful influences and be unaffected. Greater people than us have fallen in this way.

1 Cor 10:12-13 If you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.


1 John 4:4 The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

Be strong. Do not be where no Christian should ever be.

Barry

Worshipping God with All My Might

DAY 101
12-30-09
2 SAMUEL 6-9


Good Morning!

I have to admit that I get complacent and even lazy with my worship to God. I have been a part of worship all my life. I know nothing else…especially on the Lord’s Day. In one respect, worship is so engrained into the fiber of my being that I don’t think about it. It’s automatic. It’s a wonderful habit. On the other hand, I don’t give enough thought to what I am doing, praying, saying, thinking, and singing. Can you relate?

I love this biblical image of David and Israel worshipping God with all their might. David, especially, is worshipping so hard and so enthusiastically, that his wife thinks he’s being an undignified king. He doesn’t care, though. That’s the point!

2 Sam 6:4-5 David and the whole house of Israel were celebrating with all their might before the Lord


2 Sam 6:21-22 I will celebrate before the Lord. I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes.

2 Sam 6:14 David, wearing a linen ephod, danced before the Lord with all his might.

Not only can we worship thoughtlessly and robotically, we can also be too worried about someone else’s enthusiasm. When was the last time you worshipped with all your might and didn’t care who saw you? I know that my worship is in my heart and mind and sprit. I know that my worship is a sacrificial life of service. However, I must never neglect the physical side of my worship. With our bodies, we pour out effort, emotion, and enthusiasm. I’m not suggesting that we get crazy. I pleading that we not become lazy.

We should worship God like we are supposed to love God – with all our heart, soul, strength and mind.

Barry

God is Still Fighting for Us

DAY 100
12-29-09
2 SAMUEL 3-5


Day 100! Keep It Up!

Good Morning!

With much bloodshed and grief, David is finally anointed the king of all Israel. This was God’s will and God’s plan. David continues to be a king of war. His forty year reign is filled with fighting to protect Israel.

As much as war and violence troubles me, God’s will and his justice on the pagan nations surrounding Israel is a part of his plan to grow and protect the nation that will bring the Savior of the world.

I ask you to notice how David directly asked God for guidance. He is concerned about doing what God wants. This is exactly how we should live as well. God may not talk directly to us as he did to David, but his word and his Spirit are given to us to help us in our walk.

One really awesome thing that God did for David was to let him know that he is fighting for David and the nation. God said in 2 Sam 5:24 “When you hear a sound like marching feet in the tops of the poplar trees, be on the alert! That will be the signal that the Lord is moving ahead of you.”

Times have changed since then, but God still fights for us. He still goes before us and leads us to victory. If we care to, we will witness the greatness and the power of God working for us and fighting for us. Nothing has changed in that regard.

Barry

I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse , whose rider is called Faithful and True…The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses. (Rev. 19:11&14)

Not Holding a Grudge

DAY 99
12-28-09
2 SAMUEL 1-2


Good Morning!

Now that Saul and Jonathan have been killed, David takes his place as God’s anointed king. At least that’s the plan. He’s only king of Judah for now. The family of Saul is not going to give up the dynasty that easily. So, David’s army will have to fight the army of Saul’s son, Ishbosheth. However, even the armies don’t want to fight each other since they are brothers.

The response of David to the news that Saul and Jonathan have been killed is amazing. After all the waiting to be king; after all the grief, pain, and persecution while serving under Saul, David’s tender heart and deep respect for Saul shows that he is a man of God’s own heart; and a man of the Spirit.

It would have been very easy and understandable for David to let the more base tendencies of man to overwhelm him. Who would have blamed him if he rejoiced at seeing his nemesis killed? Yet, he was genuinely sorrowful for his best friend’s death, and the death of the man who wanting him dead.

I am reminded of passages that teach us to have the same attitude as David did – a mature, spiritual, and godly attitude toward all people – even for those who persecute us.

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (Rom. 12:17-18)

Love…keeps no record of wrongs. (1 Cor. 13:4-5)

We should be so spiritual!

Barry

The Power of Jealousy

DAY 94
12-23-09
1 SAMUEL 17-18


Good Morning!

In one way, I understand Saul’s jealousy of David. David was young, strong, popular, and women were singing his praises. Plus, Saul knows his fate as king. How it must have hurt Saul to see Jonathan and David as best friends knowing that David had God’s Spirit and anointing. The text tells us in 1 Sam.18:9 that “Saul kept a jealous eye on David.”

Jealousy is a powerful sinful force in the lives of people. When we harbor jealousy in our heart, it can consume us. Looking enviously at another’s successes; accomplishments; and blessings; or becoming angry with someone who gets more attention than we do; or who receives anything we think we deserve more can destroy relationships forever.

Jealousy is so strong and destructive that Christians are commanded to fight it and remove it from their lives. It is so strong that it requires the Spirit of God to help us.

Gal 5:19-21 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy.

Gal 5:22-26 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

Let God, through his Spirit, help each us overcome sinful, destructive jealousy.

Barry

When God is Sorry

DAY 93
12-22-09
1 SAMUEL 15-16


Good Morning!

What a sad day. God takes his Spirit away from Saul and puts his Spirit on David. Does it trouble you to hear God say that he is sorry that he made Saul king? It reminds me of right before the flood when God said he was sorry that he made mankind. Why was God sorry? Because he was rejected by the people he created and loved.

It is very important that we use these hard and harsh OT accounts to remind ourselves that God is serious about obedience and holiness. We need God’s Spirit in our lives. By that spirit we live as children of God. I pray that all of us will be faithful and obedient children for God.

Barry

What is more pleasing to the Lord: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams. Rebellion is as sinful as witch craft, and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols. (1 Sam 15:22-23)

Be Patient with God

DAY 92
12-21-09
1 SAMUEL 12-14

Good Morning!

The signs of Saul’s spiritual weaknesses are starting to show. Saul’s bravery and effectiveness in battle is not in question. But his impatience with God and with Samuel is very apparent. Saul is the king. He is the Lord’s anointed. However, he is not God’s prophet; nor is he a priest. He is taking matters into his own hands and not waiting on the Lord. Even if he is compelled to act – he must curb that tendency and wait for God and wait for Samuel. Because of Saul’s foolishness and sin, he has already lost his special place. Although he will lead for forty two years, God is already looking ahead to a more spiritually-minded king.

1 Sam. 13:12-14 So I felt compelled to offer the burnt offering." "You acted foolishly," Samuel said. "You have not kept the command the Lord your God gave you; if you had, he would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time. But now your kingdom will not endure; the Lord has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him leader of his people, because you have not kept the Lord's command."

Leadership and faithfulness require God’s servant to wait on God. It’s one thing to be proactive and take the initiative; it’s another thing entirely to presume that we can ever know better than God. It is evident that Saul’s “star” is starting to dim. Not because he was foolish or presumptuous; but because he did not keep the Lord’s commands from his heart.

Be patient. Wait on the Lord. Keep his commands. Do not presume you know better than God and his word. God will give you strength and victory. Don’t act foolishly!

Barry

Wait for the Lord and keep his way. He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are cut off, you will see it. (Psalm 37:34)

God Empowers Reluctant People

DAY 91
12-20-09
1 SAMUEL 8-11


Good Morning!

Have you ever been reluctant to step out by faith and lead; to say yes to a new ministry; or been afraid to do something outside of your character even if God has made you feel strongly about it? Well you are not the only one. Saul was such a man. He might have been head and shoulders above his countrymen, but he was afraid to lead when called. “Why do you say such a thing to me?” he said to Samuel who told him that Israel was looking to him. Here’s the thing - God empowers and strengthens those whom he calls.

1 Sam 10:6-7 The Spirit of the Lord will come upon you in power, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be changed into a different person.


1 Sam 10:9 God changed Saul's heart.

It’s clear that Saul is God’s man. God did not choose him to fail but to succeed. He chose him because he had potential. But God was not going to make him do anything. Saul must stand up and be a faithful man of God. So, what does he do? He hides.

1 Sam 10:21-22 Saul son of Kish was chosen. But when they looked for him, he was not to be found. 22 So they inquired further of the Lord, "Has the man come here yet?" And the Lord said, "Yes, he has hidden himself among the baggage."

Well, what do we see about Saul? So far he is reluctant. But, he is a good warrior. Will he be a good king? We’ll find out.

Barry

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)

If You Are Really Serious

DAY 90
12-19-09
1 SAMUEL 4-7


Good Morning!

Israel is again defeated by the Philistines. Even with the Ark of the Covenant in their presence, they are defeated and the Ark is captured. How can that happen? God was teaching another lesson – just having God in your presence is meaningless unless you live your life honor him. Notice how Israel was powerless but God was powerful and caused the defeat of the Philistines. God had left them on their own. They can’t survive that way; and neither can we.

1 Sam 7:2-3 All Israel mourned because it seemed the Lord had abandoned them. Then Samuel said to all the people of Israel, "If you are really serious about wanting to return to the Lord, get rid of your foreign gods and your images of Ashtoreth. Determine to obey only the Lord; then he will rescue you…."

The way to live a blessed and victorious life is to live for God alone. If you are really serious, then get rid of your worldly life and determine to obey only the Lord. Have the defeats in your life been caused by your relationship with the sinful world? If you are serious about changing your life for the better, then give your life fully to God. That’s when his power will come alive in your life.

Barry

Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things… (Col 3:5-8)

Growing Up in the Presence of the Lord

DAY 89
12-18-09
1 SAMUEL 1-3


Good Morning!

My son is a married man and has the sweetest disposition. He is a good husband. He will be a good father. He loves to laugh just like his mom. He sings like an angel and plays the guitar. Although he is very private about his relationship with the Lord, he is growing closer to the Lord a little at a time. I think he will be a spiritual late bloomer. I have no doubt that he will be the man of God I have prayed about all his life.

My daughter is her mom’s twin. Smart, funny, and a servant of God. She is super-spiritual. I call her the “prophetess.” She is in training to be a missionary. From the beginning, all she’s ever wanted was to be a Christian, and missionary, and a mother.

I write this to say that we raised them the same way and yet they are so different. One thing I wish we did when they were small was to do what Hannah did to Samuel – dedicate them to the Lord. We prayed for them; read to them; taught them; and included them in our life of ministry; but we did not dedicate them and let them know it. I often wonder if that would have made great kids even greater.

Dedicate your children to God. Let them know they have a Godly purpose. Give them ministry to do. Let them see you serve. Encourage them to give their lives to full time ministry. Teach them to be a Christian first, no matter what else they become. Bless them with a life filled with God’s church. Don’t make the church an option that gets shoved aside for other activities.

Give your children to the Lord and God will give you back someone only he can make.

Barry

1 Sam 1:28 I am giving him to the Lord, and he will belong to the Lord his whole life.
1 Sam 2:18 Samuel, though he was only a boy, served the Lord.
1 Sam 2:21 Samuel grew up in the presence of the Lord.
1 Sam 3:19 As Samuel grew up, the Lord was with him.

“May the Lord Repay You for What You Have Done”

DAY 88
12-17-09
RUTH 1-4


Good Morning!

I am married to a “Ruth.” In a world where selfishness reigns, in my home, selfless love and loving care reigns. True sacrifice and submission to someone else’s needs is the most wonderful experience for the recipient; and I experience it everyday. I am the beneficiary.

David’s great-grandmother, Ruth, was an uncommon beauty made more beautiful by adorning herself with love, dedication, and sacrificial hard work. Naomi and Boaz were blessed because they lived with someone who lived for them. That is so rare.

If you are a person of God, your expression of faith in him is to love and submit to the good of others. Ruth lived this way. So did her very distant grandson, Jesus. My goal in life is to respond to the love of Christ; and also to the loving-dedication of my “Ruth” with the same uncommon, sacrificial; submissive, God-like love.

Barry

Love each other in the same way I have loved you. (John 15:12)
Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. (Ephesians 5:21)

What Doing Right in Your Own Eyes Will Get You

DAY 87
12-16-09
JUDGES 20-21


Good Morning!

The end of the book of Judges features a line that sums up very well why Israel is so messed up…All the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes. (Judges 21:25)

Adding to this, they intermarried with the pagans; they adopted their false gods; they ignored God’s law; and they forgot what God had done for them. This is the recipe for apostasy and destruction for any individual, family, church, and nation. In the end, it brought civil war! Brothers fighting against brothers.

Before we go on with our year long reading, perhaps it’s a good time to assess ourselves. Determine if you are doing what is right in God’s eyes or in your own eyes. The only way to know that is to know the Word of God. God is a good father who lets us know what is right, good, holy, and acceptable to him. Pray and promise to do what is right in the eyes of God. This is the recipe for blessings and eternal life.

Barry

I know, O Lord, that a man's life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps. Correct me, Lord, but only with justice - not in your anger, lest you reduce me to nothing. (Jeremiah 10:23-24)

I Don’t Know How God Does It!

DAY 86
12-15-09
JUDGES 18-19


Good Morning!

I am thoroughly disgusted with Israel. This portion of the text is so discouraging and embarrassing. A priest has household gods and idols; and a town in Israel has men living there who are sexually depraved rapists and murderers. How does the Holy God do it? How does he keep from giving up on them? How can he be so patient with people like this? The narrative is not over. More about this is coming.

When I read about this kind of sin among God’s people, I have to remember how strong Satan is and how he has always tried to bring us down. This is just one more bit of evidence that God is not only just, righteous, and holy; but he is also loving, kind, gracious, merciful, and forgiving to sinners like us.

This account shows how far God’s people have to go in learning how to live holy lives; and it shows just how patient God really is with us.

Thank you, Father, for your great patience.

Barry

The present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:7-9)

The Strong Man’s Weakness

DAY 85
12-14-09
JUDGES 15-17


Good Morning!

I have to admit that I struggle with Samson. He is not portrayed as a strong man of God – simply as a strong man. Yet, God uses him and gives him his strength. For twenty years he leads Israel and all we know about him is that he has one glaring weakness – woman.

The Law of Moses commands that men of God must choose women of God for their wives. Samson, however continually chooses poorly. He’s obviously not that great a catch himself. In Samson, we see how his weakness for women held him back from being a spiritual strong man. His weakness for women brought about his eventual death by the Philistines.

God meant for a man of God to be joined together with a woman of God who will help him be complete. God warned Israel that if they intermarried with the surrounding nations, they would lead them away from him and to destruction. Although to the last, Samson prayed and was empowered by God, can you imagine what kind of leader he could have been if he was encouraged by a strong, faithful wife who followed the One True God?

Young men and women, be strong enough in your faith to date and choose your mates with God in mind. Date and marry Christians. Men, do not let lust and looks overwhelm you. Listen to your heart, but don’t ignore the Spirit and Word of God. Let them be your guide in making the most important decision you will ever make. Men and women, don’t forget that a marriage that is based on God is the only way to have a marriage made in heaven.

Barry

If you intermarry with them and associate with them, then you may be sure that the Lord your God will no longer drive out these nations before you. Instead, they will become snares and traps for you, whips on your backs and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from this good land, which the Lord your God has given you. (Joshua 23:12-13)

Raising Children to be Dedicated to God

DAY 84
12-13-09
JUDGES 12-14


Good Morning!

The birth of Samson was a miraculous birth like Isaac and Samuel and John the Baptist. It was not like Jesus’ conception, which was from the Holy Spirit, but God was involved in this man’s life before he was even born. It’s a time of Israel’s sin and the Philistines dominance over Israel for forty years. God raised up a special man – Samson – who will live a special, dedicated life before him.

Although God specifically commanded that his people not intermarry with the other nations, God works through Samson’s poor choice for a spouse to begin the deliverance of Israel from the Philistines.

Now, there is a phrase in our text today that I want to point out to all Christian parents regarding raising your children. When you are faced with the challenges of raising children to live special, dedicated lives for God, doesn’t it make sense to ask God how to raise your children?

"O Lord, I beg you, let the man of God you sent to us come again to teach us how to bring up the boy who is to be born." (Judges 13:8)

Raising children to be godly and filled with godly purpose takes a lot of prayer, discipline, effort, and a thorough knowledge of God’s word for guidance. Parents who are filled with the Spirit and walk in the Spirit will be equipped by God to raise children who will grow up to live a life of love; righteousness; and have a personal relationship with God. They will learn to walk in the Spirit as well.

There is a reason why this is important – Samson will face great challenges and temptations as he leads and fights for Israel. Raising your children with the understanding that their life is blessed by God for his purposes will help them even when they sin and make mistakes. Samson will make lots of those; but God will still use him in great ways.

Barry

Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who finds great delight in his commands. His children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. (Psalm 112:1-2)

Think Before You Make Promises

DAY 84
12-12-09
JUDGES 10-11


Good Morning!

The merry-go-round of faith, then sin, then suffering, then repentance, then rescue by God is still apparent. Now Jephthah is called by God to rescue Israel from the Ammonites - which he does. God gives him and Israel the victory over Ammon.

The story of the victorious warrior Jephthah is not just a lesson on God’s rescue of Israel; it is a sad story of how he made a rash vow to God that cost his daughter her life. Instead of putting his total trust in God’s power to give him the victory, Jepthah vowed that if God blessed him, he would sacrifice the first one who comes out of his tent to greet him afterward. After his victorious return, his young daughter is the first to come out to greet him!

This account is so horrific, that some try to find a loop hole for Jephthtah so he won’t have to kill her; but to make her a life long virgin servant. I wish that was the case. However the text won’t allow it. As hard as it seems, sacrifice means only one thing here – death. The lessons are clear – think before you vow or make a promise. Don’t make a vow you have no intention of keeping. Thoughtless vows can hurt people.

My friends, God loves us. He doesn’t act on our behalf because we make a promise first. We can’t buy God’s help or grace by making a vow to prove we are serious or worthy. We don’t need to promise to go to church more; or be a better person; or vow to become something we are not to get God to give us what we need. Save your vows and promises for what is important – like your marriage vows; or “the pledge of a good conscience toward God.” 1 Peter 3:21

Remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:37, “Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes ,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.”

Barry

Good Advice for Family Drama

DAY 83
12-11-09
JUDGES 8-9


Good Morning!

The drama of Gideon’s family is worthy of a modern soap opera. This episode deserves an Emmy. After Gideon dies, the nation again reverts to its default setting – paganism and idolatry. One of Gideon’s son’s – Abimelech - kills his seventy brothers so that he can rule over Shechem without opposition. Eventually, Abimelech is killed and the city and people of Shechem are destroyed.

Without going to an extreme (and I admit this is an extreme event), it is easy to see how destructive jealousy and revenge can be. Have you ever seen a family destroy itself because of rivalry, greed, and lack of a forgiving spirit? Christian families are destroyed in the very same way. So are churches.

Let Paul teach us how over come jealousy, greed, and an unforgiving spirit in Romans 12:14-20…
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord.

This is good advice. It works. It would have worked for Gideon’s family too.

God save the family. God save the church.

Barry

God Uses Unlikely People

DAY 82
12-10-09
JUDGES 6-7


Good Morning!

Judges 6:6 reads, “Midian so impoverished the Israelites that they cried out to the Lord for help.” How do people of God let matters degrade so far that they cry out only when they are at rock bottom? I can’t really answer that, except I see it all the time. People not living for God can suddenly find themselves in pitiful situations. What do they do then?

Well, some actually blame God. Gideon did. "If the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our fathers told us about when they said, 'Did not the Lord bring us up out of Egypt?' But now the Lord has abandoned us and put us into the hand of Midian." (Judges 6:13) Obviously God did not abandon them; they abandoned God. God said to them, “You have not listened to me.” (Judged 6:10)

The lesson today is not stay faithful and you won’t suffer. Although we can make a good case that those who follow God suffer less from sin’s consequences; it is true that God’s people will always suffer in one way or another.

Our lesson is that in spite of sin; fear; and unwillingness; God can use anybody to help his people out of dire circumstances. Gideon, after testing God and trying to get out of serving, was used by God to be a mighty warrior and leader. Nothing says that Gideon was less sinful than anyone else. But God saw something in him – potential.

Listen to God. Do not abandon him. Be willing for God to use you. Don’t blame God for your troubles – trust him to help. He doesn’t help just the righteous. He helps everyone who will trust and obey. He even helps those who don’t.

Barry

The Value of Strong Spiritual Leadership

DAY 81
12-9-09
JUDGES 3-5


Good Morning!

Othniel, Ehud, Shamgar, and Deborah were judges and leaders that God sent to Israel during their times of sin and paganism. You see, a pattern was developing – when Israel had strong spiritual leadership they remained faithful; and when they did not, they fell back into sin and left God for idolatry.

This is the “merry-go-round” effect. Israel starts out faithful and blessed; then they get lazy and sinful; then they suffer for their sin; then they cry out to God for relief; and then he saves them; then they are faithful for a time…then it repeats itself all over again.

God’s people need strong, consistent, spiritual leadership to guide us to be faithful to God all the time. In the church, we need to demand, accept, and submit to this kind of leadership. However, we are the ones who need to be consistently faithful regardless of leadership. Parents need to consistently guide their children in God’s ways. Children must consistently follow God and parents.

Strong spiritual leadership is a blessing from God. Don’t resist it. Be thankful for it. Strong spiritual people are a blessing to their leaders. And both will be blessed by God.

I love my parents. I love my elders.

Thanks for your leadership.

Barry

What Are You Passing On to Your Children?

DAY 80
12-8-09
JUDGES 1-2


Good Morning!

Welcome to Judges! Joshua lived to be 110 years old; and Israel was faithful to God during his lifetime; and under his strong, faithful leadership. Subsequent leaders and parents, however, did not follow God’s command – “These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. (Deut 6:6-7) The result of not teaching and leading the next generation was catastrophic.

Judges 2:10 After that generation died, another generation grew up who did not acknowledge the Lord or remember the mighty things he had done for Israel.


Judges 2:17 How quickly they turned away from the path of their ancestors, who had walked in obedience to the Lord's commands.

The lesson for today is: teach your children and influence everyone’s children. The old saying is true that apostasy is always one generation away. In my opinion, this is where many families and churches are failing. Nothing is more important than for this generation to impress faith, love, obedience, and knowledge on the next generation.

Barry

Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach; for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart and have all of them ready on your lips so that your trust may be in the Lord. (Proverbs 22:17-19)

The Greatest Decision of Your Life

DAY 79
12-7-09
JOSHUA 22-24


Good Morning!

What’s the difference between a marginal Christian and a true disciple of Christ? What’s the difference between a believer in Jesus and a true Christian? What’s the difference between one who walks by the flesh and one who walks by the Spirit? Obviously, the differences can be many and varied. But the answer to a marginal faith comes down to making a decision. What are you going to do?

I know from experience that decisions are hard to make and harder to keep; and of course some are not as capable as others in decision making and keeping. But deciding to follow God all the way begins in the mind and the heart; and then must be lived out in our life.

Joshua lays it out in plain language; he knows what he and his family are going to do; he challenges others to make a clear decision to follow God and then to do it. The same challenge is ours today.

Joshua 22:5 “But be very careful to keep the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the Lord gave you: to love the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to obey his commands, to hold fast to him and to serve him with all your heart and all your soul.”


Joshua 24:15 “If serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

Karen and I choose to follow to the Lord. What about you?

Barry

God Never Fails Us

DAY 78
12-6-09
JOSHUA 20-21


Good Morning!

I have a book in my library called, All the Promises of the Bible (Hebert Lockyer, Zondervan 1962). In the book, the author asserts that there are 30,000 promises written in the Bible. Now since there are 31,173 verses in the Bible, that’s a promise for every verse. The Bible is a book of promises. From promises of forgiveness; blessings; and eternal life; to the coming of our Lord – God makes promises and keeps them. And those that are forthcoming, we can be assured they will be fulfilled since God has a perfect record in this regard.

What an exercise it would be to read through the whole Bible again after were done and just look for the promises and consider their fulfillment. Joshua makes it clear that God is a promise keeper.

“Not one of all the Lord's good promises to the house of Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.”  (Joshua 21:45)

Thank you Lord, for your promises.

Barry

Taking Possession of God’s Promises

DAY 77
12-5-09
JOSHUA 17-19


Good Morning!

God’s promise is being fulfilled to Israel – a land of their own – given to them by his grace. As we have seen, however, although it is a gift given as a promise, they must take possession of it. They must fight, sacrifice, and be faithful. They are not owed anything. They have to take possession by faith and action.

Joshua 18:3 "How long will you wait before you begin to take possession of the land that the Lord, the God of your fathers, has given you?"

This is exactly how it is today. We must accept God’s gift of grace by our active, obedient faith. If we want to be stronger spiritually or physically, God will strengthen us, but we can’t just sit by and do nothing. If we want to overcome a habit, he’ll bless, but we have to struggle. If we want to be able to pay our bills, and be able to save, and share with others, we have to work for it.

Don’t believe that popular false notion that God’s gifts and grace are free and we have no responsibility of faithful action. Accept God’s gift of salvation and then live the life. Ask for strength and exercise it. Ask for blessings and be an active steward.

How long will you wait before you begin to take possession of what the Lord has given you? Get up and go get it.

Barry

James 2:18 Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.

Too Tired to Fight Sin

DAY 76
12-4-09
JOSHUA 14-16
Good Morning!

Before the Israelites crossed the Jordon to start fighting for the Promised Land, God commanded them to wipe out the pagans. This is to be done for two reasons: God’s justice against their sin and detestable practices; and so that God’s people will not be influenced away from holiness.

As they enter the land they obey God and God blesses them. He gives them victory and rest. However, their pull away from God is already starting. Perhaps they are war-weary. Maybe they just don’t see the point anymore.

Josh 15:63 Judah could not dislodge the Jebusites, who were living in Jerusalem; to this day the Jebusites live there with the people of Judah.


Joshua 16:10 They did not dislodge the Canaanites living in Gezer.

If there is any lesson that is needed today, this is it: Too many are content to live with the pagans. Too many don’t see the point of being separate from the world and its detestable practices. Many are war-weary and don’t fight sin and its influences anymore. It’s easier to just accept it. It’s easier to just be like everyone else. It’s easier to lose one’s spiritual backbone and say, “Who am I to judge what is sinful anyway?”

Notice the text – Judah “could not drive out the Jebusites” after God said they could. “They did not drive out the Canaanites” when they were ordered to do so.

God wanted to bless Israel then; and he wants to bless us now. Along with those blessings comes the responsibility to be holy people and be separate from the ways of the world. We are to influence them and not the other way around. It is hard to do. It does become wearisome. It will never, ever end. But that is life in the Promised Land.

Barry

"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:13-16)

Rest and Help for the Overwhelmed

DAY 75
12-3-09
JOSHUA 11-13


Good Morning!

There are times when life overwhelms us. Our schedules; daily tasks; people who rely on us; and commitments become an insurmountable “to-do list” that has no end. Frustration comes when we can’t get to the bottom of that list.

Israel has just finished one bloody, successful military campaign in chapter 10; and in chapter 11 we find another group of kings and kingdoms are ready to gang up on Israel. Of course, God fights for them. They win the battle. Do you think they now need a rest? Armies need periods of R&R (rest and recreation) from time to time. So, God gives it to them. The text reads in Joshua 11:23, “Then the land had rest from war.”

That’s what we need. Jesus often got away by himself to pray. Jesus and the disciples got away to eat and rest. We all need that! However, as long as we are servants and warriors for Christ, tomorrow will bring another task and another battle.

In Joshua 13:1 the text reads, When Joshua was old and well advanced in years, the Lord said to him, “You are very old, and there are still very large areas of land to be taken over.”

There you go. Work hard. Rest when you can. Each day has a new task and challenge even when we are old.

And God will get us through them all.

Barry

The Day the Sun Stood Still

DAY 74
12-2-09
JOSHUA 9-10


Good Morning!

Joshua is a powerful military leader. Under his leadership, Israel routs the Canaanite kingdoms. Those must have been heady days for Israel. They were fighting and winning; and they were the fear of the region.

Being a success is a great feeling. When everything goes well for us at home, at work, at church, or on the field, we can develop an attitude of self-reliance and pride. Just watch…its going to happen to Israel. Too often success drives God out of our lives; the very one who makes us a success.

We’ve seen what happens when Israel is faithful – victory. When they are not – defeat. Just as reminder, God said he would go before them a fight for them. God said he would put their enemies into their hands. He sent the hail stones. He made the sun stand still. God did this for them. That doesn’t take anything away from their fighting ability and faith. Israel performed admirably. But God made it all happen.

Give glory to God for your success. Thank him for making it all happen.

Barry

Why God’s People are Often Defeated

DAY 73
12-1-09
JOSHUA 7-8


Good Morning!

Do you ever wonder why certain passages about how we can do anything if God is for us, don’t really seem believable? Even for solid Christians this is difficult. For instance…

Philippians 4:13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Matthew 17:20 Nothing will be impossible for you.

I read these and instantly remember my failures. Well, the fact is, as strong as our faith is; and as solid as our belief is; God’s will is supreme - not mine. My weakness still gets the best of me. My weakness and sin is a road block to strength and blessing from God.

Our reading in Joshua is a good example why we fail. “Israel has sinned; they have violated my covenant, which I commanded them to keep. They have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen, they have lied, they have put them with their own possessions.” (Joshua 7:11)

God works through our faith and our obedient life. How can we expect God to work his power in us if we don’t obey him?

So, this is a good lesson for us today. Have faith. Live obediently. Win the battles. Enjoy God’s blessings.

Barry