It is not an idle word for you; indeed it is your life.
This verse follows teaching that Moses gave to Israel in song. He tells the people of Israel to command their sons to observe and obey all the words of God's law, because it is "not an idle word for you; indeed it is your life."
Thoughts for the day...
To me, this verse means exactly what it says. God's word is life. They aren't simply words on a page; they are the words spoken to us by God, words by which we should live our lives. We must follow His laws, and we must do all that He commands of us. I think by doing what I'm doing through this blog, studying God's word, I'm doing what He wants me to do, which is making His commands a vital part of the life I'm living. We should always want to do God's will, because His will is what is always best for us.
My Prayer
Father, thank you for Your word. I pray that I will never look upon Your words as just idle words--words that have no meaning. I pray that I will apply Your words to my life and I pass Your words on to others.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Deuteronomy 30:19
So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants.
In Deuteronomy 30, Moses is talking to the people of Israel about how they will be restored to God, even if they fall away to the ends of the earth. God will always welcome them back into His arms. He tells Israel that God has given them a choice of life or death, and he urges them to choose life that they may live by loving the Lord, obeying His voice, and holding on to Him.
Thoughts for the day...
When he tells his people to choose life, Moses is telling them to choose to follow God. If they choose to love God and follow His commands, then they will find life. Jesus tells us the same thing throughout the New Testament as well. I talked about this with some friends recently, how Jesus refers to Himself as the "living water" that will never run dry. If we put our trust in Him, we will find eternal life. I have put my faith in Christ, and I know that I have inherited eternal life with Him, but it shouldn't end there.
Why should I only be concerned with my own salvation? Why shouldn't I be concerned about friends, family, and any others with whom I come into contact? Am I doing everything in my power to share Christ with others, to offer this chance at real life through Him? Though I ask those questions rhetorically, sadly I can give an answer of "no" to that last one. It's easy to post my thoughts here, and try to reach people that way. But to really get to know someone and to share the greatest gift of all--life in Christ--with them, is something that I've always struggled with. I need to do more to help others make the same choice that Moses urged Israel to make, the same choice that the Holy Spirit urged me to make--choose life.
My Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for seeking me, for urging me to choose life in Your Son, Jesus Christ. Father, I pray that you'll give me the strength to speak more confidently about my choice of life with others, whether they're friends, family members, or strangers. I'm not doing enough, and in some cases, I'm just scared. God, put people in my life who will encourage me and who will help me.
In Deuteronomy 30, Moses is talking to the people of Israel about how they will be restored to God, even if they fall away to the ends of the earth. God will always welcome them back into His arms. He tells Israel that God has given them a choice of life or death, and he urges them to choose life that they may live by loving the Lord, obeying His voice, and holding on to Him.
Thoughts for the day...
When he tells his people to choose life, Moses is telling them to choose to follow God. If they choose to love God and follow His commands, then they will find life. Jesus tells us the same thing throughout the New Testament as well. I talked about this with some friends recently, how Jesus refers to Himself as the "living water" that will never run dry. If we put our trust in Him, we will find eternal life. I have put my faith in Christ, and I know that I have inherited eternal life with Him, but it shouldn't end there.
Why should I only be concerned with my own salvation? Why shouldn't I be concerned about friends, family, and any others with whom I come into contact? Am I doing everything in my power to share Christ with others, to offer this chance at real life through Him? Though I ask those questions rhetorically, sadly I can give an answer of "no" to that last one. It's easy to post my thoughts here, and try to reach people that way. But to really get to know someone and to share the greatest gift of all--life in Christ--with them, is something that I've always struggled with. I need to do more to help others make the same choice that Moses urged Israel to make, the same choice that the Holy Spirit urged me to make--choose life.
My Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for seeking me, for urging me to choose life in Your Son, Jesus Christ. Father, I pray that you'll give me the strength to speak more confidently about my choice of life with others, whether they're friends, family members, or strangers. I'm not doing enough, and in some cases, I'm just scared. God, put people in my life who will encourage me and who will help me.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Deuteronomy 1:31
You saw how the Lord your God carried you, just as a man carries his son.
This verse comes from a passage in which Moses addresses Israel after they have wandered in the desert for forty years. Moses is reminding all of Israel how God has looked after them, has taken care of them, has led them to this place--the promised land. He tells them not to be afraid, because God will go before them and He will fight on their behalf, just like He did in Egypt before their eyes. Here he reminds them how God carried them through the desert, "just as a man carries his son."
Thoughts for the day...
The picture I have in my head right now makes me smile, because I do it with Landon all the time. Those of you who are dads have had this moment more than a handful of times, and I know it brings you joy, too. We've had a family night out, and Landon is out--asleep before we even get back to the car. We're now home, and I gently reach into the back seat to scoop him into my arms and take him inside. I carry him, holding him tightly to my own body, his head resting on my shoulder, his eyes closed as he dreams. I walk up the stairs to his room and get ready to put him into bed, not wanting to let him go because of the peace and the perfection of this moment with my child. I just want to hold him, keep him in my care, keep him safe.
This is what I picture when I read the above verse. I see God holding us closely to Him, carrying us when we're too tired to go on by our own strength. We are His children, and He has told us in His word that He cares more for us than anything else. God is our gentle, caring, loving Father, who will always give us the strength we need for anything we will face. But sometimes, He just wants to carry us and remind us just how much He loves us.
My Prayer
Thank you, God, for Your perfect, never-ending love--a love that I can share with my own son. Thank you for showing me how much You love me by carrying me when I'm too tired or weak to continue on my own.
This verse comes from a passage in which Moses addresses Israel after they have wandered in the desert for forty years. Moses is reminding all of Israel how God has looked after them, has taken care of them, has led them to this place--the promised land. He tells them not to be afraid, because God will go before them and He will fight on their behalf, just like He did in Egypt before their eyes. Here he reminds them how God carried them through the desert, "just as a man carries his son."
Thoughts for the day...
The picture I have in my head right now makes me smile, because I do it with Landon all the time. Those of you who are dads have had this moment more than a handful of times, and I know it brings you joy, too. We've had a family night out, and Landon is out--asleep before we even get back to the car. We're now home, and I gently reach into the back seat to scoop him into my arms and take him inside. I carry him, holding him tightly to my own body, his head resting on my shoulder, his eyes closed as he dreams. I walk up the stairs to his room and get ready to put him into bed, not wanting to let him go because of the peace and the perfection of this moment with my child. I just want to hold him, keep him in my care, keep him safe.
This is what I picture when I read the above verse. I see God holding us closely to Him, carrying us when we're too tired to go on by our own strength. We are His children, and He has told us in His word that He cares more for us than anything else. God is our gentle, caring, loving Father, who will always give us the strength we need for anything we will face. But sometimes, He just wants to carry us and remind us just how much He loves us.
My Prayer
Thank you, God, for Your perfect, never-ending love--a love that I can share with my own son. Thank you for showing me how much You love me by carrying me when I'm too tired or weak to continue on my own.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Leviticus 19:32
You shall rise up before the grayheaded and honor the aged, and you shall revere your God.
In this passage, God is giving quite a lengthy list of things His chosen people should do and things they shouldn't do. In the midst of all these commands is this one, which speaks to respecting our elders.
Thoughts for the day...I was raised to respect my elders, and I have never had a problem with that. I actually enjoy being around the elderly, because more times than not, they're very pleasurable to talk with. I enjoy hearing their stories that they've probably told a thousand times to anyone who will listen. I enjoy watching an old couple as they walk hand-in-hand and just enjoy each other's company. Being a little old-fashioned in some of my mannerisms, I feel like I set some of their minds at ease when they see me do something that shows chivalry, that shows manners, that shows them something they thought was lost when they look at some of our other youth.
One of my favorite songs is "Walk With the Wise" by Steven Curtis Chapman. The chorus goes, "If we walk with the wise, we will grow wise. And if we walk in the light, then our path will be bright, I know. There's someone who's already been where we must go. In the light of what they've learned we find that we will grow wise, if we walk with the wise." I think that's why I enjoy talking to those older than myself, especially as I grow more spiritually mature. They've been through stuff that I haven't been through yet, and even some things I will never go through. I love to learn, and I believe it wholeheartedly when I tell my students that the best way to learn is to make mistakes. Part of wisdom is not only learning from my mistakes, but also learning from other people's mistakes. As I spend time with and listen to elderly people, the wisdom gained from their experiences can save save me from some pretty hard times.
Like I wrote earlier, I have never had an issue with respecting the elderly. I actually enjoy their company very much. What I think God is teaching me today is about wisdom, and how I can grow in wisdom as I mature spiritually--by talking to His older children.
My Prayer
Father, thank you for all of Your children, young and old. Let me never forget to respect those older than I, those who have been through trials of life that I won't have to if only I listen to them. Father God, allow me to be that light to the elderly that assures them that the young still value them and what they have to offer.
In this passage, God is giving quite a lengthy list of things His chosen people should do and things they shouldn't do. In the midst of all these commands is this one, which speaks to respecting our elders.
Thoughts for the day...I was raised to respect my elders, and I have never had a problem with that. I actually enjoy being around the elderly, because more times than not, they're very pleasurable to talk with. I enjoy hearing their stories that they've probably told a thousand times to anyone who will listen. I enjoy watching an old couple as they walk hand-in-hand and just enjoy each other's company. Being a little old-fashioned in some of my mannerisms, I feel like I set some of their minds at ease when they see me do something that shows chivalry, that shows manners, that shows them something they thought was lost when they look at some of our other youth.
One of my favorite songs is "Walk With the Wise" by Steven Curtis Chapman. The chorus goes, "If we walk with the wise, we will grow wise. And if we walk in the light, then our path will be bright, I know. There's someone who's already been where we must go. In the light of what they've learned we find that we will grow wise, if we walk with the wise." I think that's why I enjoy talking to those older than myself, especially as I grow more spiritually mature. They've been through stuff that I haven't been through yet, and even some things I will never go through. I love to learn, and I believe it wholeheartedly when I tell my students that the best way to learn is to make mistakes. Part of wisdom is not only learning from my mistakes, but also learning from other people's mistakes. As I spend time with and listen to elderly people, the wisdom gained from their experiences can save save me from some pretty hard times.
Like I wrote earlier, I have never had an issue with respecting the elderly. I actually enjoy their company very much. What I think God is teaching me today is about wisdom, and how I can grow in wisdom as I mature spiritually--by talking to His older children.
My Prayer
Father, thank you for all of Your children, young and old. Let me never forget to respect those older than I, those who have been through trials of life that I won't have to if only I listen to them. Father God, allow me to be that light to the elderly that assures them that the young still value them and what they have to offer.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Exodus 20:7
You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.
This, of course, is one of the ten commandments given to Moses from God.
Thoughts for the day...
This is actually a verse that has been on my mind for a few weeks now, ever since I heard Wally discussing it with listeners on the radio (those of you who listen to WAY-FM here in Nashville know Wally). I had never really given much thought to the verse before that day, but for some reason, God really put it on my heart to think on these words, and I have been since that time. The only thought I had given to this verse before is the same thought that Wally was giving it, which is the same thought I had given it growing up, which is the same thought probably many of my friends have given it: don't cuss using God's name. Be honest now: how many of you grew up believing that's what the verse meant? (I'm raising my hand.) I don't believe now that that's what this verse is telling us at all. Before I go further, let me be clear that it does bother me very much when someone says "God D*****" or "Jesus Christ" when they're upset. But the heart of this verse is all about our hearts.
When we decide to follow God, we become God followers. When we decide to accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, we become Christians. We are literally taking God's name. (To clarify my point, when Lisa married me, she took my name and became a Noorman.) The phrase "in vain" means (according to Mr. Webster) "to no purpose." Therefore, when I've taken God's name in vain, I've done something that does not have the purpose of glorifying Him. And that, I believe, is what God is telling us in this commandment.
When I've taken God's name, when I've taken the name of Christ--as I have--I must now strive to be holy. Can I do this? Most of the time, I'm certainly trying my best. But many times, I have failed. Many times, I have fallen in my walk with Him. I misrepresent the name of Christ when I do what I shouldn't do. This verse is about always doing what is right, and to steal from a popular saying from the 90s, it's all about asking myself, "What would Jesus do?" When I don't stop and think about that, and I do the exact opposite of what Jesus would do, I'm not being a good representative of Christ, and I'm taking His name in vain. My belief about this verse is why I believe it's one of the most difficult commandments that God has given us.
My Prayer
Father, it pains me to think about how many times I have taken Your name in vain; that is, how many times I've done things that do not have the purpose of glorifying You. Thank you for your forgiveness when I fall. Thank you for Your loving hands that always help me back up after a fall. Help me to always be thinking on Your word, that I would do what is right, that I would strive to be holy, that in all things I would do what Jesus would do.
This, of course, is one of the ten commandments given to Moses from God.
Thoughts for the day...
This is actually a verse that has been on my mind for a few weeks now, ever since I heard Wally discussing it with listeners on the radio (those of you who listen to WAY-FM here in Nashville know Wally). I had never really given much thought to the verse before that day, but for some reason, God really put it on my heart to think on these words, and I have been since that time. The only thought I had given to this verse before is the same thought that Wally was giving it, which is the same thought I had given it growing up, which is the same thought probably many of my friends have given it: don't cuss using God's name. Be honest now: how many of you grew up believing that's what the verse meant? (I'm raising my hand.) I don't believe now that that's what this verse is telling us at all. Before I go further, let me be clear that it does bother me very much when someone says "God D*****" or "Jesus Christ" when they're upset. But the heart of this verse is all about our hearts.
When we decide to follow God, we become God followers. When we decide to accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, we become Christians. We are literally taking God's name. (To clarify my point, when Lisa married me, she took my name and became a Noorman.) The phrase "in vain" means (according to Mr. Webster) "to no purpose." Therefore, when I've taken God's name in vain, I've done something that does not have the purpose of glorifying Him. And that, I believe, is what God is telling us in this commandment.
When I've taken God's name, when I've taken the name of Christ--as I have--I must now strive to be holy. Can I do this? Most of the time, I'm certainly trying my best. But many times, I have failed. Many times, I have fallen in my walk with Him. I misrepresent the name of Christ when I do what I shouldn't do. This verse is about always doing what is right, and to steal from a popular saying from the 90s, it's all about asking myself, "What would Jesus do?" When I don't stop and think about that, and I do the exact opposite of what Jesus would do, I'm not being a good representative of Christ, and I'm taking His name in vain. My belief about this verse is why I believe it's one of the most difficult commandments that God has given us.
My Prayer
Father, it pains me to think about how many times I have taken Your name in vain; that is, how many times I've done things that do not have the purpose of glorifying You. Thank you for your forgiveness when I fall. Thank you for Your loving hands that always help me back up after a fall. Help me to always be thinking on Your word, that I would do what is right, that I would strive to be holy, that in all things I would do what Jesus would do.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Exodus 15:26
I, the Lord, am your healer.
Moses and the people of Israel have just come out of Egypt, having walked on dry land across the Red Sea while Pharaoh's men were crushed by the waves returning to the earth. He's leading them out into the wilderness, where there is no water fit to drink. They complain to Moses about having nothing to drink, and God tells Moses to throw a tree into the water, which he does, making the water sweet and suitable for drinking. God then tells Moses that if he listens to God, if he does what is right, if he listens to and keeps all of His commands, God will not afflict Israel with the diseases that they just saw Egypt suffer through. God tells Moses that He will keep them safe, because "I, the Lord am your healer."
Thoughts for the day...
When I hear the word healing, I think of two different things that have been broken: my body and my heart. Playing sports and being active has caused my body to be broken more than a few times: sprains, muscle tears, ligament damage, a broken finger (just my pinkie--doesn't really count). Loving things deeply--girls, friends, family--and then losing those things has caused my heart to be broken more than a few times, too. But God tells me here that He is my healer. I have found this to be true on many of these occasions, especially concerning my heart. When relationships, both romantic and friendly, have gone south, and my heart is broken, it's in those times that I have called out to God for healing, and whenever I do that, my heart has been put at peace. When we were pregnant before Landon, and we lost the babies, my heart was broken, and after getting over my frustration with God, I did the sensible thing and cried out to Him to comfort me and Lisa, and He did. Most notably in my life thus far, when my dad died almost five years ago, my heart had never been broken that completely. I physically hurt with sorrow. I was so, so angry with God. Admittedly, it took a couple of weeks, with help from Lisa, to come to the point where I expressed my feelings to God in prayer and asked Him to heal my heart. I still grieve the loss of my dad, but my heart doesn't ache like it once did. It's almost like when I think of my dad, and I can feel my heart starting to crack a little bit, God knows this, and He holds my heart together, filling in those cracks with happy memories of my time with Dad. I still feel the sting--after all, my heart is hurt--but it's not the full-out pain that I would feel if God weren't there, holding me in His arms. He is the ultimate healer. Lisa has helped me through so many incredible hurts, I love her more than anything on earth, and I believe God has put her and other friends and family in my life at those times to help with the healing process. But even with all they do for me, they can't heal me the way that my Heavenly Father does.
My Prayer
God, thank you for healing me. When my body is broken, You make me rest, and I'm healed. When my heart is broken, You hold it together in Your hands as You give it time to mend. Thank you for Lisa and for all of my loved ones, who have helped me through hurt after hurt. I pray that in my times of sorrow and hurt in the future, I will remember these words I have read today, and I will allow them to give me peace. You are the ultimate healer, and I pray for my friends and family who are hurting, that they will seek You and ask You for healing as well.
Moses and the people of Israel have just come out of Egypt, having walked on dry land across the Red Sea while Pharaoh's men were crushed by the waves returning to the earth. He's leading them out into the wilderness, where there is no water fit to drink. They complain to Moses about having nothing to drink, and God tells Moses to throw a tree into the water, which he does, making the water sweet and suitable for drinking. God then tells Moses that if he listens to God, if he does what is right, if he listens to and keeps all of His commands, God will not afflict Israel with the diseases that they just saw Egypt suffer through. God tells Moses that He will keep them safe, because "I, the Lord am your healer."
Thoughts for the day...
When I hear the word healing, I think of two different things that have been broken: my body and my heart. Playing sports and being active has caused my body to be broken more than a few times: sprains, muscle tears, ligament damage, a broken finger (just my pinkie--doesn't really count). Loving things deeply--girls, friends, family--and then losing those things has caused my heart to be broken more than a few times, too. But God tells me here that He is my healer. I have found this to be true on many of these occasions, especially concerning my heart. When relationships, both romantic and friendly, have gone south, and my heart is broken, it's in those times that I have called out to God for healing, and whenever I do that, my heart has been put at peace. When we were pregnant before Landon, and we lost the babies, my heart was broken, and after getting over my frustration with God, I did the sensible thing and cried out to Him to comfort me and Lisa, and He did. Most notably in my life thus far, when my dad died almost five years ago, my heart had never been broken that completely. I physically hurt with sorrow. I was so, so angry with God. Admittedly, it took a couple of weeks, with help from Lisa, to come to the point where I expressed my feelings to God in prayer and asked Him to heal my heart. I still grieve the loss of my dad, but my heart doesn't ache like it once did. It's almost like when I think of my dad, and I can feel my heart starting to crack a little bit, God knows this, and He holds my heart together, filling in those cracks with happy memories of my time with Dad. I still feel the sting--after all, my heart is hurt--but it's not the full-out pain that I would feel if God weren't there, holding me in His arms. He is the ultimate healer. Lisa has helped me through so many incredible hurts, I love her more than anything on earth, and I believe God has put her and other friends and family in my life at those times to help with the healing process. But even with all they do for me, they can't heal me the way that my Heavenly Father does.
My Prayer
God, thank you for healing me. When my body is broken, You make me rest, and I'm healed. When my heart is broken, You hold it together in Your hands as You give it time to mend. Thank you for Lisa and for all of my loved ones, who have helped me through hurt after hurt. I pray that in my times of sorrow and hurt in the future, I will remember these words I have read today, and I will allow them to give me peace. You are the ultimate healer, and I pray for my friends and family who are hurting, that they will seek You and ask You for healing as well.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Genesis 17:1
I am God Almighty; walk before Me and be blameless.
In the previous verse, Abram was just given his first son, Ishmael. Abram was 86 years old when this happened. Now, when he's 99 years old, God appears to him and tells him that he is going to establish His covenant between Himself and Abram, making him the father of nations, blessing him with a son from Sarai. (He also gets a syllable added to his name--cool gift.) When God appears to Abram, He says simply, "I am God Almighty; walk before Me, and be blameless."
Thoughts for the day...
This verse is so powerful, and this verse is everything. This is God, with His smack-me-upside-the-head subtlety, reminding me that I am not God. He tells me to walk before Him blamelessly, something He knows full well I am not capable of doing. I may try on occasion, and I may actually succeed at this during brief, fleeting moments of the day, but those moments don't last long at all, and I fall right back into my human nature--far from blameless. Yet here's that second chance again, that reminder from God: I am God; you are not. Only through My strength can you be blameless.
I'm sure all of us have a memory of things our parents said to us as kids, and we promised ourselves we'd never repeat those words to our own children. One of these phrases, I told myself I'd never say to my kids, but I'm already practicing a modified form of it with my students sometimes (and I'm sure that despite my best efforts, I will use that periodically with Landon). Dad tells me to do something, and I ask why. His response? Because I'm your dad, and I said to. I can hear God saying that, and does He really need to give more reason than that? Todd, do this. "Why?" Because I'm God, and I said to. (nodding thoughtfully) Um, yep, okay...good enough for me. Yet sometimes I forget that this should always be my response: yes, Father; Your will be done.
My Prayer
Father, on this day to give thanks, I give You my thanks for so much. Thank you for humbling me today. Thank you for the reminder that You are You, and I'm not. Today was a humbling day in which I gave a lot of thought to a lot of different things, and I realized, I'm perfectly fine being just me. I couldn't handle doing all that You do, putting up with all You put up with from us, and all because You love us so much! Thank you for Your perfect love.
In the previous verse, Abram was just given his first son, Ishmael. Abram was 86 years old when this happened. Now, when he's 99 years old, God appears to him and tells him that he is going to establish His covenant between Himself and Abram, making him the father of nations, blessing him with a son from Sarai. (He also gets a syllable added to his name--cool gift.) When God appears to Abram, He says simply, "I am God Almighty; walk before Me, and be blameless."
Thoughts for the day...
This verse is so powerful, and this verse is everything. This is God, with His smack-me-upside-the-head subtlety, reminding me that I am not God. He tells me to walk before Him blamelessly, something He knows full well I am not capable of doing. I may try on occasion, and I may actually succeed at this during brief, fleeting moments of the day, but those moments don't last long at all, and I fall right back into my human nature--far from blameless. Yet here's that second chance again, that reminder from God: I am God; you are not. Only through My strength can you be blameless.
I'm sure all of us have a memory of things our parents said to us as kids, and we promised ourselves we'd never repeat those words to our own children. One of these phrases, I told myself I'd never say to my kids, but I'm already practicing a modified form of it with my students sometimes (and I'm sure that despite my best efforts, I will use that periodically with Landon). Dad tells me to do something, and I ask why. His response? Because I'm your dad, and I said to. I can hear God saying that, and does He really need to give more reason than that? Todd, do this. "Why?" Because I'm God, and I said to. (nodding thoughtfully) Um, yep, okay...good enough for me. Yet sometimes I forget that this should always be my response: yes, Father; Your will be done.
My Prayer
Father, on this day to give thanks, I give You my thanks for so much. Thank you for humbling me today. Thank you for the reminder that You are You, and I'm not. Today was a humbling day in which I gave a lot of thought to a lot of different things, and I realized, I'm perfectly fine being just me. I couldn't handle doing all that You do, putting up with all You put up with from us, and all because You love us so much! Thank you for Your perfect love.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Genesis 15:1
I am a shield to you; Your reward shall be very great.
These are the words that God speaks to Abram (not yet Abraham) in between two pretty important events in Abram's life. He has just returned from a battle in which they destroyed their enemies, and God is about to make his promise of a son to Abram. God appears to Abram in a vision and tells him not to be afraid, because He is his shield, and Abram will have a great reward.
Thoughts for the day...
Why would God need to comfort Abram and tell him not to be afraid? What is Abram afraid of? My first thought was that he's afraid of retribution by the kings of his enemies, even though he didn't take anything from them (14:22-24). No one likes to lose, and there might be another battle in the future that he's worried about. I think God's also telling Abram not to be afraid of what will happen to the reward God is promising him. Abram doesn't have any children, so his reward will go to his chief servant. But God tells him not to worry about that, that he will have a son.
I think this is another place where God is screaming to me, "Hey, listen to me! Do what I say, and it's all going to be okay!" I don't need to worry about anything. As Matthew writes a couple thousand years later, I can't worry about what will happen tomorrow, because today has enough trouble of its own (Matthew 6:34). God cares more about His sons and daughters than anything in creation. He will always do what's best for us, will never give us more than we can handle, and in today's verse, He reminds me that if I am ever feeling too weak to take on something, He will be my strength; He will be my shield; He'll be there for me always.
I think about all the rewards I've already been blessed with--my beautiful wife and son, my loving family, a home, a job, the best dog in the world--I don't even deserve all of that, but He wants to give me more! But more than the rewards here on earth, I've been given the best reward of all for putting my trust in His Son: I get to spend eternity in His presence.
My Prayer
Thank You, God, for being my shield and my strength in my times of weakness. Thank you for all of the blessings you've given me. Thank you for my earthly rewards: my wife, my son, my family, my home--all of it! I know that I'm undeserving of further rewards, but I also know that You love to shower Your children with good things, and I'm grateful for Your continued blessings. But thank You most of all, Father, for rewarding my faith in You with the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Thank you for being a God of love, and for sharing that love with me.
These are the words that God speaks to Abram (not yet Abraham) in between two pretty important events in Abram's life. He has just returned from a battle in which they destroyed their enemies, and God is about to make his promise of a son to Abram. God appears to Abram in a vision and tells him not to be afraid, because He is his shield, and Abram will have a great reward.
Thoughts for the day...
Why would God need to comfort Abram and tell him not to be afraid? What is Abram afraid of? My first thought was that he's afraid of retribution by the kings of his enemies, even though he didn't take anything from them (14:22-24). No one likes to lose, and there might be another battle in the future that he's worried about. I think God's also telling Abram not to be afraid of what will happen to the reward God is promising him. Abram doesn't have any children, so his reward will go to his chief servant. But God tells him not to worry about that, that he will have a son.
I think this is another place where God is screaming to me, "Hey, listen to me! Do what I say, and it's all going to be okay!" I don't need to worry about anything. As Matthew writes a couple thousand years later, I can't worry about what will happen tomorrow, because today has enough trouble of its own (Matthew 6:34). God cares more about His sons and daughters than anything in creation. He will always do what's best for us, will never give us more than we can handle, and in today's verse, He reminds me that if I am ever feeling too weak to take on something, He will be my strength; He will be my shield; He'll be there for me always.
I think about all the rewards I've already been blessed with--my beautiful wife and son, my loving family, a home, a job, the best dog in the world--I don't even deserve all of that, but He wants to give me more! But more than the rewards here on earth, I've been given the best reward of all for putting my trust in His Son: I get to spend eternity in His presence.
My Prayer
Thank You, God, for being my shield and my strength in my times of weakness. Thank you for all of the blessings you've given me. Thank you for my earthly rewards: my wife, my son, my family, my home--all of it! I know that I'm undeserving of further rewards, but I also know that You love to shower Your children with good things, and I'm grateful for Your continued blessings. But thank You most of all, Father, for rewarding my faith in You with the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Thank you for being a God of love, and for sharing that love with me.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Genesis 4:7
Sin is crouching at your door.
This verse comes in the middle of the story of Cain and Abel. Cain has just given his offering to God, which God rejected, and Abel has given his offering as well, which God accepted. I often wondered why God rejected Cain's and accepted Abel's. The only thing I can think of is that in verse 4, it says that Abel brought God "the firstlings of his flock and of their fat portions." While it doesn't say as much, I can only think that while Abel brought God the best of his best, Cain didn't bring God his best, and that's why He rejected the offering. (If God is pleased with the fat portions, He must LOVE me!) Anyway, Cain is visibly upset at God's rejection of his offering, so God has a chat with him. God tells Cain that even though he screwed up by not doing his best, he can make it right by giving a different offering. He tells Cain that if he chooses this time to do it right, his mood will lighten, and all will be well. And this is where God tells Cain that if he doesn't do what is right, sin is crouching at the door. God tells him that "[sin's] desire is for you, but you must master it." Cain, of course, disregards God's advice, and we know what happens from there.
Thoughts for the day...
I read this verse and this passage, and I pictured in my mind a tiger crouched outside my door, ready to dive into his dinner if I make a wrong move in his direction. God doesn't mince words when He puts this down in His word...if I don't watch my step, I'm toast; sin is just waiting for me.
I learned two things from this passage. Actually, I knew these things to be true, but God knows (as does my wife) that I need to be gently reminded of certain things sometimes. So this is what was reinforced in me today:
1) God is a God of second chances. If I don't do my best in my walk with Him, if I royally screw up and don't honor Him with all that I am, He will correct me. He will offer me a second chance to do what is right. He knows what's in my heart, and He wants me to ask for His forgiveness, to ask for that second chance. I don't always do this, and I believe it hurts Him to see my struggle.
2) I can't do anything on my own apart from God. He tells us in this passage in His word that sin wants to take me over, but that I must master it. Based on some of the struggles I've had, it's clear to me that I've not mastered sin. And in the times I've not been able to master my sin, it's clear that I've not asked God to help me master my sin. That's because I can't do it alone! I must rely on God to help me.
Cain didn't take God up on His second chance offer. Cain didn't heed God's warning about sin crouching at his door if he didn't do what was right. I don't want to be Cain. I can never forget that Satan is just waiting for me to screw up, waiting for me to try to do it on my own, waiting to take me down. He will forever be crouched and ready to strike. But if I do what is right, and that is to seek God's help in all things, then Satan will be kept waiting.
My Prayer
Thank you, Father, for second chances. Thank you for today's reminder that only with Your strength can I do anything at all. I will call on You daily in all things-in praise and in times of need. I will call on You, Lord, to help me when I see sin crouching at my door, and You will help me fight it.
This verse comes in the middle of the story of Cain and Abel. Cain has just given his offering to God, which God rejected, and Abel has given his offering as well, which God accepted. I often wondered why God rejected Cain's and accepted Abel's. The only thing I can think of is that in verse 4, it says that Abel brought God "the firstlings of his flock and of their fat portions." While it doesn't say as much, I can only think that while Abel brought God the best of his best, Cain didn't bring God his best, and that's why He rejected the offering. (If God is pleased with the fat portions, He must LOVE me!) Anyway, Cain is visibly upset at God's rejection of his offering, so God has a chat with him. God tells Cain that even though he screwed up by not doing his best, he can make it right by giving a different offering. He tells Cain that if he chooses this time to do it right, his mood will lighten, and all will be well. And this is where God tells Cain that if he doesn't do what is right, sin is crouching at the door. God tells him that "[sin's] desire is for you, but you must master it." Cain, of course, disregards God's advice, and we know what happens from there.
Thoughts for the day...
I read this verse and this passage, and I pictured in my mind a tiger crouched outside my door, ready to dive into his dinner if I make a wrong move in his direction. God doesn't mince words when He puts this down in His word...if I don't watch my step, I'm toast; sin is just waiting for me.
I learned two things from this passage. Actually, I knew these things to be true, but God knows (as does my wife) that I need to be gently reminded of certain things sometimes. So this is what was reinforced in me today:
1) God is a God of second chances. If I don't do my best in my walk with Him, if I royally screw up and don't honor Him with all that I am, He will correct me. He will offer me a second chance to do what is right. He knows what's in my heart, and He wants me to ask for His forgiveness, to ask for that second chance. I don't always do this, and I believe it hurts Him to see my struggle.
2) I can't do anything on my own apart from God. He tells us in this passage in His word that sin wants to take me over, but that I must master it. Based on some of the struggles I've had, it's clear to me that I've not mastered sin. And in the times I've not been able to master my sin, it's clear that I've not asked God to help me master my sin. That's because I can't do it alone! I must rely on God to help me.
Cain didn't take God up on His second chance offer. Cain didn't heed God's warning about sin crouching at his door if he didn't do what was right. I don't want to be Cain. I can never forget that Satan is just waiting for me to screw up, waiting for me to try to do it on my own, waiting to take me down. He will forever be crouched and ready to strike. But if I do what is right, and that is to seek God's help in all things, then Satan will be kept waiting.
My Prayer
Thank you, Father, for second chances. Thank you for today's reminder that only with Your strength can I do anything at all. I will call on You daily in all things-in praise and in times of need. I will call on You, Lord, to help me when I see sin crouching at my door, and You will help me fight it.
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