A Firstborn Curse

A Firstborn’s Curse

“You are hereby banished from the ground you have defiled with your brother’s blood. No longer will it yield abundant crops for you, no matter how hard you work! From now on you will be a homeless fugitive on the earth, constantly wandering from place to place.” (Genesis 4:11-12 NLT)

Have you ever noticed how much tragedy seems to fall on firstborn children? The Bible is full of incidents of firstborn sons falling into sin and turning away from their fathers’ instruction.

   The general consensus from those who study “birth order” is that firstborn children are intelligent, scholarly, assertive, willful, controlling, perfectionists, and leaders. Such was the case with Harry S. Truman, George W. Bush, and Winston Churchill who became presidents and a prime minister during a time of war. Other famous firstborn leaders were Oprah Winfrey, Walter Cronkite, and Albert Einstein just to name a few.

   What took place in the home to bring about their success? In the case of our firstborn son, my wife spent a lot of time reading books to him at a very early age. As a result, he became a book lover and had an insatiable desire for learning. He was a very good student in school and excelled in the math and music department . He held the number one chair for trumpet in the high school band. After college he got a job as a music and book buyer for a major religious distributing company. Today, he and his brother operate their own Christian contemporary music website called the “Rad Rockers.”

   Not every firstborn son, however, walks in a path that delights and pleases his parents. Some act in a manner that brings shame and disrepute, and in some cases a curse upon the family name.

   One in particular was Cain, the firstborn son of Adam and Eve. Cain was a willful person and brought a sacrifice that displeased God. When God confronted him he got miffed and ended up murdering his younger brother Abel. As a result, God placed a curse (mark) upon him and his land. It doesn’t pay to disobey God!

Prayer: Dear Lord, the children you give us are a heritage and a blessing. 

Bad Decision

Bad Decision

The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too.” (Genesis 3:6 NLT)

Have you ever made a bad decision? Of course you have! At one time or another we have all made decisions that did not fall within the framework of God’s will and suffered the consequences. It may have involved purchasing a car (the old ones falling apart, so we think), a household item, a piece of property, a job, or a relational situation.

   I must confess that I have made a number of bad decisions throughout my life that either put a financial strain on my family or put in jeopardy certain relationships. Fortunately, God, in his graciousness, helped me overcome my bad decisions.

   None of my bad decisions were as devastating and far reaching as the one made by Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Their bad decision caused mankind’s separation from God, and brought about the sting of death. God put a curse upon the ground which resulted in man having to work with the sweat rolling down his face. Ever since that day, we have had to battle tenacious weeds, thorns, and thistles just to eke out a living.

   When I hired out to work on a farm as a teenager I never dreamed that I would have to hoe weeds out of a corn patch, or muck out a barnyard, or cut thistles out of the cow pasture. How I hated those jobs!

   In the midst of the bad decision God provided some good news. He made a promise in Genesis 3:15 that at a future appointed time a son would be born to the woman who would redeem mankind.

   We learn from the experience of our “first parents” that it is best to seek the will of God before making a decision. Faith choices will prevent “bad decisions.”

Prayer: Dear Lord, making good decisions is a matter of “faith choices.”

The Awesome Beginning

The Awesome Beginning

Scripture Reading: Genesis 1-3

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was empty, a formless mass cloaked in darkness. And the Spirit of God was hovering over its surface. Then God said, “LET THERE BE LIGHT,” and there was light.         (Gen. 1:1-3 NLT)

Just like that! Four simple words and BOOM! Light appears. Is there any doubt that it takes an awesome, powerful, intelligent being to cause such an event to happen?

   Worship begins with a personal God who has creative powers and who has fashioned myriads of universes of which the planet earth in an infinitesimal part. All other gods are products of man’s hands or figments of his imagination. None of them are living or personal. They can’t see, hear, or do. They possess no creative powers.

   Why did God bother to create humankind? A number of reasons can be cited. He wanted someone with whom he could communicate and have fellowship. He wanted a human body through which he could manifest his glory. He wanted to be intimately involved with his creation.

   Consider the God who claims us as his own. He personally walked and talked with Adam and Eve in the garden. He granted a child to an elderly Abraham and Sarah, despite their unbelief. He wrestled with Jacob transforming his character. To took Joseph out of prison and promoted him to prime minister of Egypt.

   This is the kind of God we serve and who calls us to worship him. As you read through the book of Genesis, you will see a God who is your creator, provider, promise-keeper, and sustainer.

   Isn’t He worth listening to?

Prayer: Dear Lord, You alone are worthy of our worship. Help each one of us today to exalt your name in all that we do. 

What's in a Name

What’s in a Name?

Scripture Reading: Genesis 35:1-14

“Your name is no longer Jacob, you will be called Israel.” Then God said, “I am God Almighty. Multiply and fill the earth! Become a great nation, even many nations. Kings will be among your descendants!” (Gen. 35:10-11 NLT)

The biblical name El-Shaddai reveals the nature and character of God. The root word El stands for God and means might, strength, and power. An article taken from the website “Hebrews for Christians” defines El-Shaddai as follows: “Jacob’s blessing given in Gen. 49:25 indicates that Shaddai might be related to the word for breasts (shadaim) indicating sufficiency and nourishment. In this case, the name might derive from the contraction of sha (who) and dai (enough) to indicate God’s complete sufficiency to nurture the fledging nation into fruitfulness.”

     El-Shaddai is associated with the Hebrew patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) and is used frequently in the book of Job, who was a contemporary with Abraham.

     El-Shaddai as the Almighty God changed the names of both Abram to Abraham (Gen. 17:5) and Jacob to Israel (Gen. 35:10-12) reaffirming his promise to make of them mighty nations with kings as their descendants.

     El-Shaddai is associated with a mountain in Ps. 121:1 where the Psalmist asks, “I look up to the mountains—does my help come from there?” He answers his own question by saying, “My help comes from the Lord, who made the heavens and the earth!”

     I love the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. To me, they speak of God’s strength, majesty, eternity, and grandeur. Walking among the trees and along the slopes provides refreshment, solitude, and peace. From the deck of my house at the seven thousand foot elevation on Fruitland Mesa in Western Colorado, with the use of binoculars, I would watch the movement of the elk and mule deer on the foothills across the way. In the evening twilight deer came down in our yard to graze. I sure do miss the mountains. Now, I have to be content with the Mo. Ozarks.

     Jesus urged his followers to “flee to the hills” (Lk. 21:21) when disturbed and unsettled over difficult circumstances. In the New Testament, we often see Jesus sitting on a mountainside teaching the people, or alone on a mountain top praying to El-Shaddai.

     Who do you turn to when storms of life and troubled waters appear to engulf you? If you turn to the mountains, El-Shaddai is there. No matter where you find yourself, rest assured that the Almighty God is present to give you refuge. Isn’t he someone you can trust?

Prayer: Dear Lord, I want to honor you name, and enter into the presence of El-Shaddai. 

Whatever it Takes

Whatever it takes

Scripture Reading: Luke 22:39-46

Then, accompanied by the disciples, Jesus left the upstairs room and went as usual to the Mount of Olives. There he told them, “Pray that you will not be overcome by temptation.” He walked away, about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will, not mine.” (Lk. 22:39-42 NLT)

Many years ago I heard a sermon entitled, “Whatever it takes.” I no longer remember any of the details of the message, but I do vividly recall the title. In fact, I have adopted the sermon title as my life’s motto for serving the Lord.

     In my mind, I can imagine the Heavenly Father and Jesus discussing the Son’s coming to earth and putting on human flesh. The Father explained the purpose of his Son’s pilgrimage to earth. His created human beings were separated from him because of their sin of disobedience and needed redemption. The Holy demands of his wrath against sin had to be satisfied. Justice had to prevail. Atonement was necessary. An innocent lamb had to be sacrificed. Jesus was that lamb. Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane can be summed up by saying, “Whatever it takes.”

     As we study the events surrounding Jesus’ life here on earth, we see his departing prayer being fulfilled. We see the plan of God unfolding in the preaching of John the Baptist. We see it when Jesus dealt with the woman at the well, and the feeding of the five thousand. We see it in his raising Lazarus from the dead. We see it in the upper room discourse and on the Mount of Olives when Jesus was crucified. We see it finalized when he cried out to his Father, “It is finished.” (John 19:30 NLT)

     When it boils down to our service for the Lord, we need to be willing to say to our Heavenly Father, I am willing to do whatever it takes to fulfill your will for my life. God promises to supply whatever is needed to get the job done. God was certainly with us when we went to Yaounde, Cameroon for a month at a time during the years 2009-2011 to serve as pre-school teachers for Bible translator’s children. The Lord kept us safe and healthy even when storms came through and electricity failed or the city shut off the water supply. Any inconvenience can be tolerated as long as you know that God is present and overshadowing you. God used this time to deepen our trust in him, and to mold our lives in closer conformity to his Son, Jesus Christ.

     Where do you stand on the issue of whatever it takes? Are you willing to say with Isaiah, “Lord, here am I, send me?”

Prayer: Dear Lord, as we count the cost, help us to be willing to do whatever it takes.

Total Darkness

Total Darkness

Scripture Reading: Genesis 1:1-30

The earth was empty, a formless mass cloaked in darkness. And the Spirit of God was hovering over its surface. Then God Said, “Let there be light, and there was light.” (Gen. 1:1-4 NLT

 Have you ever experienced total darkness? Of all the people that Jesus healed while here on earth, I would think that giving sight to the blind would rank high on his list of achievements. Can you imagine what it would be like to lose you sight after being able to see?

     One time my wife and I took a tour through Marvel Cave at Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri. The guide took us five hundred feet down into the earth and at one point in our walk he turned out all the lights. Total darkness! Not one shred of light, not even a glowworm. We could not even see our hands in front of our faces. We felt closed in and helpless. A scary feeling crept into my stomach, and I was so relieved when the lights were turned on again.

     That’s what millions of lost souls will encounter when they face an eternity in hell without Christ. Peter in his second epistle reveals the destiny of false teachers when he states, “They are doomed to blackest darkness” (2 Pet. 2:17 NLT). Jude reminds us that the evil angels who “did not stay within the limits of their authority God gave them but left the place where they belonged are chained in prisons of darkness, waiting for the day of judgment” (Jude 6 NLT).

     The Bible states that complete darkness covered the earth from noon to three o’clock as Jesus hung dying on the cross. Satan rejoiced thinking he had won a great victory only to find instead his destiny sealed and Jesus alive on the third day—just as he said.

     During a visit to the war museum in London, England my wife and I entered a room where all the lights were turned off. We sat in total darkness and experienced the falling of bombs and scream of sirens simulating the blitzkrieg of London in World War 2. What a horrifying experience that must have been for the people of England! We could see fires burning and buildings destroyed. It seemed so real that we could almost feel the anxiety and fear of the people.

     Jesus came to bring light and life to a dark and decadent world. He said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t be stumbling through the darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life. (Jn 8:12 NLT).

     My dear friend, if you have received Jesus as personal Savior, you can rejoice in the gift of eternal life. If not, then darkness awaits you. Jesus said, “All who come to me, I will in no wise cast aside” (Jn 6:37 NLT). Won’t you consider inviting Jesus into your heart and life today?

Prayer: Dear Lord, may I allow the light of Christ living in me shine so all the world can see.

The Forgotten Shut-Ins

The Forgotten Shut-Ins

Scripture Reading: Genesis 7:11-24

“Two by two they came into the boat, male and female, just as God has commanded. Then the Lord shut them in.” (Gen. 7:15-16 NLT)

I feel sorry for all the thousands of people who are shut-ins at nursing homes or sanitariums. Many are physically incapable of hearing, seeing, or walking, and some are even confined to a bed or wheelchair. They are often ignored, abandoned, forgotten, and isolated. How awful it must be not to get outside to feel the warmth of the sun, hear the chirping of birds, and seeing the playful antics of squirrels and rabbits.

     In the early 1940s my family was quarantined on two different occasions. Once when our neighbor exposed us to scarlet fever and the other time when my sister Delores and I caught a case of the old fashioned German measles. The local health department came out and nailed a quarantine sign reading contagious disease KEEP OUT, onto our door. I don’t remember how long we were shut-in, but I do remember the feeling of isolation. In those days we didn’t have television, Nintendo, play station videos, or music CD’s. All we had was a small radio, player piano, and a few phonograph records. Believe me, being confined is not a pleasant experience.

     I wonder how Noah felt after God shut the door of the ark. Noah was six hundred years old when the flood waters covered the earth and he was confined to the ark for one year before dry land appeared and the door was opened. Besides feeding and taking care of all the animals what did they do for entertainment? How did they function as a family? Did tempers flare or tensions arise during their closed environment? It would seem inconceivable that a whole year would pass without some sort of complaint or disagreement.

     Jonah knew what it was like to be a shut-in. He spent three days and three nights in the stomach of a great fish before being spit out onto the beach. I can’t even imagine what he went through while in that fish. The acidity, stench, and garbage that flowed around in that fish must have been unbearable. No wonder he prayed to the Lord for forgiveness and release. How would you like it if you were confined in a great fish with seaweed wrapped around your head? When he was spit out on the beach it was like rising from the dead. What a picture of the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ!

     Let me encourage you to pray for all the forgotten shut-ins. Many of them are without hope and waiting for the day that they will die. What a blessing it is when people spend time visiting and talking with them! In some areas pets are taken to these facilities for the shut-ins to cuddle, pet, and embrace. Their faces light up with joy, and they experience a moment of happiness.

Prayer: Dear Lord, I ask you to bring some joy into the lives of the forgotten shut-ins. 

The Finish Line

The Finish Line

Scripture Reading: Acts 20:1-24

“But my life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned to me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the good news about God’s wonderful kindness and love.  (Acts 20:24 NLT)

It takes determination, dedication, and commitment to run a marathon.  My daughter took up the sport of running, and trained for months in preparation for a marathon race in Olathe, Kansas. It was a cool November morning as we waited at the starting line for the beginning of the race. We met her at the twenty mile mark and urged her to continue. I told her, “We’ll be waiting for you at the finish line.” My wife and I waited anxiously for the first sight of her coming down the home stretch. We shouted with joy as she crossed the line and received a medal for her effort. Afterward we asked her how it went, “She said, the first half of the race went well, but the last half was a grueling battle between mind and body. The last six miles, when the legs begin to cramp and the body threatens to shut down, were the worst.”  What an achievement!

     A runner has one goal in mind—the finish line. In a hundred yard dash, one quick glance back at an opponent can mean the difference between first and fourth place. This is why coaches emphasize over and over—keep your eye on the tape at the finish line. Only one person can win the gold medal—the victor.

     The Apostle Paul made it his life’s goal to tell everyone the good news that Jesus came to save them from their sins. He feared that if he looked back or turned aside he’d become a castaway. Nothing could deter him from his assigned mission. No amount of beatings, prison cells, shipwrecks, or trials could cause him to lose his focus. The finish line was always in view.

     Why is it that in the race of life we are so easily distracted and lose our focus on the person who has called us to spread the good news? If we have divided loyalties between serving Jesus and self-interests, those self-interests will surely cause us to lose the race.

     We see this in the life of the wealthiest, wisest, and most powerful king who ever lived—Solomon. Twice God visited him and blessed him more than any other man in Israel’s history. In his later life, Solomon allowed his foreign wives to turn his affections away from the true God to other false gods. He lost his focus and failed to keep his eyes fastened on God’s finish line.

     The key to success in winning the race of life is—commitment. What is your level of commitment? Are you prepared for a marathon? Begin your training today by exercising in the word of God. The Bible is our training manual, and it’s precepts worth mastering.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to endure and keep my eyes focused on the finish line. 

Role of Leadership

Role of Leadership

Scripture Reading: Matthew 20:20-28

“What is your request?” he asked. She replied, “In your kingdom, will you let my two sons sit in places of honor next to you, one at your right and the other at your left?” (Mt. 20:21 NLT)

There are two possible motives why a person would want to be in a leadership role. Either a person wants to serve others, or they want to serve themselves. Unfortunately, there are some who are in leadership positions solely to fulfill personal ambitions regardless of the needs of others. This is especially true in the marketplace. Perhaps you have witnessed those who seek to climb the ladder of success and notoriety by stepping over those below them. I’ve heard it said that in the business world it is a dog eat dog affair.

     The mother of Zebedee’s sons had the same self-serving motivation when she asked Jesus to put her two sons in positions of authority in his coming kingdom. It is obvious from the context in Matthew 20 that her two sons were privy to this request. When Jesus asked them if they were able to bear the same suffering that he was about to endure they responded, “We are able” (v.22). “You will indeed drink from it,” he told them (v. 23).

     How do you see yourself as a leader in God’s kingdom? God has chosen you and me to be leaders in our homes, workplaces, communities, and churches. These leadership roles require people to be in positions of authority over the lives of others. How they exercise this authority is the real test of their character. Will they seek control in order to lord it over the brethren, or for the purpose of serving them?

     Jesus stated his purpose in coming down to earth in Mark 10:45. It would be well for each of us to commit this purpose to memory and practice it in our lives. Jesus said, “For even I, the Son of Man, came here not be served but to serve others, and to give my life as a ransom for many.” (NLT)

     The Apostle Paul’s advice is well worth following: “Don’t be selfish, don’t live to make a good impression on others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself. Don’t think only about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and what they are doing.” (Ph 2:3-4)

     What kind of leader will you choose to be? Are you committed to serving the welfare of others? Or will you use your God given authority for a self-serving agenda? If we desire to lead, we must be willing to follow the example and leadership that Jesus exemplified while here among us.

Prayer: Dear Lord, you modeled the kind of leadership that you want us to follow. Help me be a leader that shows compassion, humility, and grace. 

Prisoner in Chains

Prisoner in Chains

Scripture Reading: Ephesians 4:1-16

“Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Eph. 4:1-3 NLT)

Paul was chained to two rotating guards in a Roman prison. He knew what it meant to be free and he understood confinement. Unbelievers are confined by the devil’s chains of sin, but when they embrace by faith the person and work of Jesus Christ they are forever set free.

     Paul considered himself a prisoner of Jesus Christ long before he became a prisoner of Rome. He pointed to his chains to draw our attention to the need for absolute surrender. Paul urges us in Ephesians 4:1-3 to follow five principles of holy living.

Humility – as Christians we are to put aside pride and haughtiness, and walk with modesty and meekness. In order to do this we will need to have the mind of Christ as set forth by Paul in Philippians 2:5-8.

Gentleness – a gentle person is mild-mannered and amiable. He is never harsh, stern, or violent. He recognizes authority, but never uses it wrongly. David treated King Saul with respect and kindness because he was the Lord’s anointed.

Patience – is the hardest path to follow. We live in an instant-mindset society where it is an inconvenience to wait more than five minutes for a meal or five seconds for a traffic light to change. If you’ve ever stood in line at an airport ticket counter, or followed a truck up a long hill, you know what I mean.

Love – is proof of a worthy walk. It is the mechanism that causes the wheels of progress to turn, and the glue that holds everything in place. There is no unity without the love of Christ flowing smoothly in the hearts of people.

Unity – the early church was vibrant and growing because everyone was in harmony. Unity is needed for spiritual growth, and a church without unity becomes stagnant and dissentious. Jesus said, “I in them and You in Me, that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me” (John 17:23 NKJ).

     These are the principles that guide my life. I can’t say that I have always been successful in following them, but I do know that with the Spirit’s help they are achievable.

Prayer: Dear Lord, with the help of the Holy Spirit, I want to follow these principles.

Pathway to Worship

Pathway to Worship

Scripture Reading: Revelation 7:9-17

“You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created everything, and it is for your pleasure that they exist and were created.” (Rev. 4:11 NLT)

What does it mean to worship? How do I know when I am offering true worship? Does God really need my worship? Is there a right and wrong way to worship? These and other questions flood my mind as I contemplate the pathway to worship.

     Worship in its simplest form is assigning value to someone or something. When a person considers something valuable he or she will devote time, energy, material resources, and affection to that person or object. I’m that way with fishing and hunting. Some of my most meaningful times of worship have come while sitting in a boat on a quiet lake, or sitting in a tree stand waiting for the break of day.

     Everyone in the world is a worshiper of a person or thing. There is an inborn desire to reach out to worship something beyond ourselves. We all have relationships or objects that we consider valuable, and usually one person or object holds supreme worth. It is not a question of or if a person will worship; rather it’s who or what we will worship.

     The Bible declares that God is the one who deserves our worship. “You are worthy, O Lord our God to receive glory and honor and power. For you created everything and it is for your pleasure that they exist and were created (Rev. 4:11 NLT).

     It might surprise you to find out that God does not need your worship. He is complete, independent, and self-sufficient. He is perfect and lacking nothing. The heavens themselves shout the glory of God (Ps. 19:1) and angels shout holy, holy, holy twenty-four hours a day as they surround his throne (Rev. 4:8). Failing to worship God leads to a sense of un-fulfillment and emptiness. St. Augustine said, “You have made us for yourself, O God, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in you.”

     Why do we worship our Creator God? What does worship provide? Worship brings to the forefront the presence of God. Regardless of your posture, worship recognizes the nearness of God. It should be a time of celebration, joy, gratitude, and reverence.

     The next time you enter into worship do so with anticipation, excitement, praise, and gratitude for all that your “God has done for you. Thank him for sending his son, Jesus Christ to pay the penalty for your sins. It is the pathway to true worship.

Prayer: Dear Lord, I want to express the joy of my salvation in worshipful praise all day long. 

Out of His Mind

Out of His Mind

Scripture Reading: Mark 3:7-21

When Jesus returned to the house where he was staying, the crowds began to gather again, and soon he and his disciples couldn’t even find time to eat. When his family heard what was happening, they tried to take him home with them. “He’s out of his mind,” they said.           (Mark 3:20-21 NLT)

What caused the family of Jesus and his fellow neighbors from Nazareth and Capernaum to react to Jesus’ teaching the way they did? Why did they doubt his Messianic claims? Was it simply a case of misunderstanding, fear of repercussions, community pressures, inability to grasp the idea of divinity, jealous, or were their eyes blinded by the evil one?

     They watched him grow up and couldn’t help but notice that he was different from the other Jewish boys. Everyone knew of his miraculous conception and birth. They no doubt heard of Joseph and Mary’s flight to Egypt to avoid Herod’s madness. They saw him at work in his father’s carpenter shop. He may even have made an item of furniture for their homes.

     Was it too much for them to believe that he was the Messiah when they saw him baptized by John the Baptist, and the dove descending from heaven, and the voice of God saying, “This is my beloved son, and I am fully pleased with him?” (Mt. 3:17) They falsely concluded that Jesus must be out of his mind (Mt. 3:21).

     It wasn’t that Jesus was out of His mind, but rather that he was out of their minds. How could they possibly understand Jesus’ mission when they only understood things from a human level? The unregenerate human mind is not capable of knowing the things of a divine nature. The Apostle Paul makes this very clear in 1 Corinthians 2:14, “But people who aren’t Christians can’t understand these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them because only those who have the Spirit can understand what the Spirit means.” (NLT)

     Don’t be surprised when God’s unfolding plan in your life causes people to think you are crazy. It happened to my wife and me when we decided to take our first mission trip overseas. Our grandson (bless his little heart) said to his mom, “Aren’t grandpa and grandma getting too old to be doing this?” (Matt. Was eleven and we were in our seventies) A few of our friends at church doubted our sanity too. When God opens a door of opportunity, and his call comes to go forward, we need to be ready and willing to respond.

     Has anyone ever thought you were out of your mind for stepping out by faith to join God in a mission adventure? There will always be doubters even among fellow believers.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to be willing to follow you regardless of what people think.

Our Security Blanket

Our Security Blanket

Scripture Reading: 2 Samuel 22:1-7

“The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection.” (2 Sam. 22:1 NLT)

How many of you remember Linus van Pelt who appeared in the comic strip Peanuts? He was always pictured with his security blanket and sucking his thumb. In the earlier strips Linus’s security blanket was viewed as an emotional attachment and depriving him of it caused physical distress. Lucy and Snoopy tried different tricks to rid Linus of his security blanket, but all of them failed.

     When my children were small they had their share of security blankets. It may have been a stuffed animal that they couldn’t go to bed without, or a favorite toy. My handicapped grandson, Jonathan, won’t go anywhere without a toy truck or a book in his hand. We laugh when we see these youngsters carrying their security symbols and say isn’t that cute? But, as adults, we too cling to our security blankets, and that’s not funny or cute.

     The security blankets that we tend to hang on to are relationships, job titles, status symbols, fancy houses, country club memberships, expensive cars, charms and even tattoos. Whatever our security blankets may be, the truth is that none of these things offer permanent security. They can be broken, stolen, lost, or ruined, and subject to failure.

     The only place we can find permanent security is and through the Lord Jesus Christ. As our Savior, Jesus said, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Mt. 28:19b)  He has also promised “I will never fail you. I will never forsake you.” (Heb. 13:5)  I love the way the Apostle Paul put it in Romans 8:38-39, “I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can’t, and life can’t. The angels can’t, and the demons can’t. Our fears for today, our worries for tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can’t keep God’s love away. Whether we are high above the sky or in the deepest ocean, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the Love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (NLT)

     How about you? Have you claimed Jesus Christ as your security blanket? Do you turn to him in time of distress and need? Do you continue to trust him even in the midst of dire circumstances? He is right there beside you. Take courage and put your complete faith in him.

     David said, “As for God, his way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises are true. He is the shield for all who look to him for protection.” (2 Samuel 22:31 NLT)

     Build your future on the rock. Depend on him. He will not disappoint you.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for always being by my side when I need you. 

Nobody's Perfect

Nobody’s Perfect

Scripture Reading: Psalm 103:1-22

“The LORD is merciful and gracious; he is slow to get angry and full of unfailing love. He has not punished us as we deserve. For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.” (Psalm 103:9-10 NLT)

During my tenure as teacher of fifth and sixth grade boys and girls I found that some would get very distraught when they saw a red mark on their papers. I remember telling them “nobody’s perfect” that’s why they put erasers on pencils. I remember one day a student raised his hand and said, “Mr. D (that’s how they addressed me) why do you keep saying “nobody’s perfect?” His question gave me the opportunity to explain the problem of sin and its consequences. I further explained that only Jesus, who possessed a human nature apart from a sin nature is perfect.

     I think of all the great Old Testament patriarchs and can’t find one who was perfect. Abraham was called the friend of God, but he committed the sin of lying on two different occasions. Moses was God’s chosen deliverer, but he failed to enter the promise land because of a temper tantrum. By striking the rock instead of speaking to it as God directed, he impugned the character of God and forfeited his chance of entering the land that God promised. David, a man after God’s own heart committed murder. Samuel, a great prophet, failed to raise his sons in a godly manner. Elijah ran from Jezebel out of fear and doubt. Isaiah admitted that he was a man of unclean lips. Jacob was a schemer and deceiver. We could give example after example of godly individuals who were righteous, but not perfect.

     The New Testament is not without imperfect people. Matthew, one of Jesus’ early disciples was a tax collector and cheated his people. Peter, a spokesman for the twelve disciples, denied he knew the Lord and cursed his name. Judas, the one who kept the bag of money was a thief and betrayer of the Lord. Paul received a thorn in the flesh to prevent him from committing the sin of pride. Thomas was a doubter. The chief priests, scribes, Sadducees and Pharisees hated Jesus and plotted to kill him because he said he was God.

     All those who had received Jesus Christ as Savior are not perfect, but have been declared righteous. The Apostle Paul states it best in Romans 1:17; “The righteous shall live by faith.” Even though we are not perfect we do have a heavenly Father who is perfect. He understands our weakness; he knows we are dust. (Psalm 103:14)

     Are you striving for perfection? Even though we won’t reach a perfect state until we enter heaven’s gates, we can make every effort to live godly lives and practice righteousness.

Prayer: Dear Lord, you know I am not perfect, but you are willing to forgive my sins when I confess them to you. Help me to live a godly life before others in this imperfect world. 

Never Give Up

Never Give Up

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 16:1-14

“Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.” (1 Cor. 16:13,14 NASB)

Taking a stand for Christ can have serious repercussions. For the first century saints it meant martyrdom in the arena by devouring lions, or being burned at the stake, or tortured on a rack. In our post-modern society taking a stand can lead to loss of employment, rejection by our families or community, and even imprisonment.

     A search of the Scripture reveals that many Old and New Testament people suffered because of their faith. Joseph was falsely accused of rape and thrown into prison. Because of jealousy, King Saul sought David’s life. John the Baptist told the truth and was beheaded. Paul was beaten with forty lashes save one and stoned. Stephen preached the truth about the resurrection of Christ and was stoned to death. Jesus was crucified on a Roman cross because of his claims as the Son of God.

     It is never easy to maintain your faith when adversity strikes. Loss of job, foreclosure of your home, severed relationships, departure of loved ones; rejection by friends and family all take their toll. It takes faith and a never give up attitude to stay the course.

     I have two sons who have suffered physically, emotionally, and financially through loss of employment and broken family relationships. The younger of my two sons lost two wives due to illness within two years. It was a devastating blow that threw him into the pit of despair. He spent seven years in bitterness before joining a “Celebrate Recovery” group and finding his way back to God. I am proud to say that my sons never completely gave up on God, and today are busy serving their Savior, Jesus Christ.

     I watched my father as we lived through the “Great Depression” years, and he never gave in to feelings of self-pity. Most of the manufacturing in our small Pennsylvania town went “belly-up,” but that didn’t deter my dad from maintaining our home and keeping food on the table. As a young boy I hunted for soda and milk bottles to turn in for the two cents deposit. Those were difficult years, but my dad never gave up. I often hear my sons say, “a Delaney never quits or gives up.”

     Are you going through some tough times? I encourage you to hold fast to your faith and make the determination that no matter what happens you will never give up. Even in the darkest of night there is always a light at the end of the tunnel for those who trust in Jesus.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me be an encourager to those who are teetering on the brink of despair. 

Monuments

Monuments to Honor Greatness

Scripture Reading: Genesis 11:1-9

“Let’s build a great city with a tower that reaches to the skies—a monument to our greatness! (Gen 11:4a NLT)

Monuments have been erected for a variety of reasons. Cities have been planned and built around monuments such as Washington D.C., New Delhi, and Brasilia.

     In Old Testament times as the people migrated eastward they found a plain in the land of Babylonia and settled there. They said, “let’s build a great city with a tower that reaches to the heavens—a monument to our greatness!” (Gen 11:4a)

     Ever since that time man has continued to build monuments to his own greatness. These structures are built to reflect a culture or civilization (Pyramids in Egypt, Parthenon in Greece, Acropolis in Athens, Coliseum in Italy); for political implications (Lenin’s Mausoleum in Moscow, Column of Trajan in Italy); to honor the war dead (Normandy and Omaha beaches, Iwo Jima at Okinawa); to represent liberty and freedom (Statue of Liberty in New York, Arc de Triomphe in Paris); or for famous individuals (Washington monument, Lincoln and Jefferson memorials, Lord Nelson and Benjamin Franklin statues in London).

     These are just a few in number compared to other parts of the world, but all of them seek to show forth man’s achievements apart from God. A few have been built for religious reasons such as Cristo-Rei (Christ the King) in Almada, Portugal, Christo Redemptor in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and Cristo de la Concordia in Cochabamba, Bolivia.  

     God was not pleased when he came down to view man’s efforts at mass independent living. I can just see him scowling and laughing at man’s puny tower. I can just imagine him saying to his son, Jesus Christ, “Look at that tower! Isn’t that the most ridiculous thing you’ve ever seen?” If the people are so intent upon establishing their own little kingdom let’s give them different languages so they’ll be forced to scatter abroad over the whole earth. As a result the people scattered like a stampede of cattle on the open plain during a thunderstorm. No one knew what the other was saying, and the juggernaut came to an abrupt end.

     It’s easy to follow in the steps of the people of Babel and try to build a personal monument to ourselves through self-effort. Every day we are faced with opportunities to choose man’s way or God’s way.

     Everyone leaves behind a legacy. Will your legacy be one of personal achievement or one that reflects the faithfulness of God and a lifetime of service to him?

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to establish a legacy of faithfulness to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Modeling Kindness

Modeling Kindness

Scripture Reading: Colossians 3:1-17

“Since God chose you to be the holy people whom he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” (Col. 3:12 NLT)

Modeling the act of kindness took place when Jesus got up at the “last supper,” took off his tunic, girded himself with a towel and with a basin of water began to wash the disciples’ feet. Can you picture in your mind the look on the disciples’ faces? Nothing had prepared them for this event. They were too busy arguing who would sit at the right hand of Jesus in his kingdom to do menial labor. Peter was so dumbfounded that he asked, “Lord, why are you going to wash my feet?” (Jn. 13:6 NLT) Jesus replied, “You don’t understand now why I am doing it; someday you will.” (v.7) Jesus modeled servitude that calls upon us to show humility and kindness to others.

     My mother was a person who loved to show kindness. I still remember her taking food to sick neighbors, feeding the homeless hobos who came to our door, watching children while their parents worked, and serving on committees of local charities. She modeled for us children what acts of kindness meant even though she laid no claim to being a Christian. We kids learned from watching our mother’s heart how God blesses those who are willing to give a helping hand to others in need.

     I found special joy during my early retirement years in helping mow the lawns of other elderly people who were either widows or incapacitated and couldn’t do it themselves. The Holy Spirit of God gives every believer service gifts and I have found that he has given me the gift of helps. What a joy it is to serve others!

     When I think of women in the Bible who modeled kindness, the first person that comes to mind is Ruth, the Moabite. She made the choice to stay with Naomi, and help her on her return to Judah. She gathered grain in the fields at harvest to provide food for the family. Another person that comes to mind is Tabitha. Luke speaks of her in Acts 9:36 by saying, “She was always doing kind things for others and helping the poor.”

     What are some ways you and I can model kindness? Here are just a few: leave a large tip at a restaurant, plow or shovel snow for a neighbor, make a dinner for a needy family, leave grocery gift cards in someone’s mailbox, or take cookies to a nursing home. What spiritual gift has the Holy Spirit given to you? Is it helps, hospitality, giving, teaching, or loving? Whatever it is, use it to glorify God, and to bless the lives of others.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me model a servitude attitude that is willing to reach out to meet the needs of others. 

Making a Point

Making a Point

Scripture Reading: Exodus 34:1-35

He passed in front of Moses and said, “I am the Lord, I am the Lord, the merciful and gracious God. I am slow to anger and rich in unfailing love and faithfulness.” (Ex 34:6 NLT)

What do you do when you want to make a point? Raise your voice? Stomp your feet? Point or shake your finger? Wave a stick? Flap your arms? Shout? People use a variety of methods to make sure they have your undivided attention.

     What does God do when he wants to make a point? He repeats himself, “I am the Lord, I am the Lord.” I have no doubt that God got Moses’ attention. How do I know this? Because verse 8 says, “Moses immediately fell to the ground and worshipped.” You don’t fall down in worship without focusing your entire being upon God.

     When God spoke to Moses he revealed several of his attributes, namely: mercy, grace, longsuffering, unfailing love, and faithfulness. How do we grow in our understanding of God? The same way Moses did—by listening to what God reveals to us about his character in the Scriptures. Each time you read the Bible make sure your listening ears are turned on.

     I definitely remember how my father and mother got my attention. My father was not one to repeat himself like God did. Oh no! He gave instructions or commands once and I was expected to listen and obey. It didn’t take me long to learn that my father was short on patience and long-suffering was not one of his outstanding character traits. My mother on-the-other hand would call out my name, Robert, come here or do this or that. Whenever I heard the name Robert being shouted, I knew that trouble was coming.

     One time I was sitting on the steps playing with my pea shooter. A man selling fish came around the corner in his truck, and I accidentally hit him in the face with a pea from my shooter. I was so scared that I ran and climbed under the front porch to hide. Outraged he proceeded to read the riot act to my mother. After he left, I heard my mother’s loud voice shout, Robert. I knew from that sound that punishment was coming.

     Turning to the New Testament we find that Jesus used the same principle when making a point. Many times he would say, “Truly, truly or verily, verily I say unto you.” When you see those words stop and pay attention to what follows. He is about to reveal some special truth about himself.

     Make sure when “making a point” to do so with humility and grace.

Prayer: Dear Lord, you have a unique way of making a point. Every time you do, I learn something new about your character. 

It's a God Thing

It’s a God Thing

Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 7:1-26

“The Lord did not choose you and lavish his love on you because you were larger or greater than other nations, for you were the smallest of all nations! It was simply because the Lord loves you, and because he was keeping the oath he had sworn to your ancestors.” (Dt 7:7-8 NLT)

Have you ever found yourself unable to explain a sudden turn-of-events? The only words that came to your mind were, “It’s a God thing!” Sometimes we are overwhelmed with obstacles that hem us in from every side and all we can do is trust the Lord and pray. That happened to me on more than one occasion. I remember one time driving down the street when a boy walking his bike darted right out in front of me. I don’t know to this day how I avoided hitting him. All I could say once my heart stopping pounding was ,”Thank you Jesus.” It was a God thing!

      I can think of many occasions when Israel was faced with overwhelming odds. When they left Egypt, God took them to the Red Sea. Boxed in with the sea in front and Pharaoh bearing down upon them, they cried out to God, and he opened the sea before them and they crossed over on dry ground. All they could say was—It’s a God thing!

     During the period of the Judges, the Midianites decided to attack Israel. The Midianite army covered the floor of the valley near Moreh like a swarm of locusts, and their camels like grains of sand on the seashore. There were too many to count. Gideon took his army of three hundred men, divided them into three groups and stationed them around the enemy. When they shouted and blew the ram’s horn and broke the clay jars, with the torches inside, the Midianite army became so confused that they killed each other. All they could say was—It’s a God thing!

     Can you remember a time when you were boxed in with nowhere to turn? Maybe it was a near fatal accident, but everyone was spared, or a bad report from the doctor that turned out to be false, or a diagnosis of cancerous tumor, but six weeks later found that it had disappeared. What do you do when emergencies arise? Your only course of action is to turn everything over to God. He gave you an amazing victory and all you could say was—It’s a God thing!

     Isaiah says, “My thoughts are completely different from yours,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.” (55:8-9 NLT)

     Every time you experience, a God thing, you are saying I take no credit for this victory. All the glory goes to God because the victory belongs to him.

Prayer: Dear Lord, your thoughts and ways dwarf anything that I or anyone can think I am so thankful  that you are still in the business of doing—the God thing.

House Builders

House Builders

Scripture Reading: Psalm 127:1-6

“Unless the LORD builds a house, the work of the builders is useless.” (Ps 127:1 NLT)

Solomon, the author of Psalm 127, qualified as a house builder. He was the general contractor for the construction of the temple in Jerusalem. His father, King David, gathered all the materials and delivered them to the site location, but his son saw to the construction. The temple was one of the most magnificent structures of ancient times. Its splendor stood as a masterpiece to the glory of God.

     My wife and I had the pleasure of building two houses in our lifetime. One was built in Hermann, Missouri and the other on Fruitland Mesa outside Crawford, Colorado. The first house had a full basement while the other only had a four foot crawl space. Both houses contained concrete foundations reinforced with steel rods to protect them from extreme winters, soaking rains, earthquakes, and tornadoes. A house built upon sinking sands and liquid clay will not withstand the storms of life.

     The same principle holds true in the Christian life. Unless our faith is based upon the solid rock—Christ Jesus—the storms of life will batter the walls until they collapse. Once a solid foundation is established upon the word of God, it is time to add on the superstructure. This step takes time. Each board is carefully chosen and nailed into place. God tells us in his word that new believers need to pursue the milk (rudimentary elements) of the word in order to ensure proper growth. This is attained through consistent Bible study and prayer.

     After the framework is completed and the roof installed, it is time to work on the finishing and refinement on the inside. We had the basic structure of our first house under roof in ten days, but the inside finishing work took several months to complete. The same is true in the Christian life. God has a lot of finishing work to do before we reach maturity. Seeking and obeying God’s will is part of the finishing or maturing process. It is not about insisting on my will, but rather obeying God’s will. All of us will be more productive and more satisfied if we allow God to be the general contractor and take our place as a carpenter (gofer) on his crew.

     What are your plans for today? What about tomorrow, next year, or five years from today? Let God be the builder of your plans for today and the future. Ask God to continue the process of sanctification that will allow the beauty of the work on the inside be reflected on the outside of your house. Follow the principle laid down in Proverbs 16:9;

“We can make our plans, but God determines our steps.”

Prayer: Dear Lord, your know my heart and the amount of refinement I need to be like Christ.

Hitting the Mute Button

Hitting the Mute Button

Scripture Reading: Psalm 27:1-14

“Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.”         (Ps. 27:14 NLT)

Life is jam-packed with busyness. People rushing out of subways, trains, street cars, buses, and hotels to get somewhere ahead of everyone else is maddening. The rush hour traffic in large cities like New York, Chicago, Washington D.C., Atlanta, Los Angeles and San Francisco is enough to try any man’s patience.

     One time while visiting Buckingham Palace in London waiting for the “changing of the guard,” my wife and I were literally shoved aside so that another couple could get their noses up to the iron fence. We also found that you take your life in your hands when riding up and down the escalators to and from the subway (the tube). People were running up the steps and you’d better stay or the right side or get run over. Everyone was in a hurry!

     The same thing held true in biblical times. Lot couldn’t wait to get away from Abraham for the green pastures of Sodom. David was in a hurry to get away from King Saul who sought his life. Elijah ran as fast as he could to get away from Jezebel. The Israelites hurried to get across the Red Sea before the Egyptian army caught up with them. Moses acted too hastily in striking the rock instead of waiting upon the Lord.

     Do you remember the movie, “Jingle all the Way?” Howard was racing to get to his son’s karate exhibition when he got stuck in traffic. He looked and saw the right side open and decided to take it. He thought he had outsmarted everyone except that it was an illegal move and a motorcycle cop pulled him over and gave him a ticket. As a result, he missed his son’s karate exhibition.

     Everyone today seems to have their plate so full of activities and busyness that they don’t have time to relax. Allowing ourselves to get caught up in this speed and noise driven culture hinders our ability and desire to spend time with the Lord. What can we do to offset this busyness?   Slow down and take time to listen to God.  Hit the mute button on your remote, close your eyes, and reflect on the grace and goodness of the Lord.

     Two million people walked silently around Jericho once a day for six days. On the seventh day they made seven trips. Don’t you wonder what went through their minds on those silent trips? They had plenty of time to contemplate, pray, and meditate on God. I, too, have found that my day goes smoother when I take time to start my day with Jesus.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to push the mute button and take time to get together with you.

Hide-and-Seek

Hide-and-Seek

Scripture Reading: Genesis 16:1-15

Thereafter, Hagar used another name to refer to the Lord, who had spoken to her. She said, “You are the God who sees me.” She also said, “Have I truly seen the One who sees me?”             (Gen. 16:13 NLT)

As a boy I remember playing the game Hide-and-Seek. Usually a tree was chosen as the home base and one person was chosen to be what we called the “It”. He or she would stand by the tree and count to twenty while the rest of the players ran away to hide. The person who was chosen as the “It” would turn around and try to find the hidden foes. Once found they would race back to home base to see who could get there first. The last player to be found would then become the new “It.”

     I also remember playing the game of Peek-a-Boo with my little ones. When I held my hands over my eyes my little one wasn’t supposed to be able to see me. I would magically disappear and by removing my hands and saying peek-a-boo reappear again. Sometimes I would sneak a peek through my fingers to see their reaction. They would usually laugh and put a hand over their eyes to mimic the game.

     As adults we sometimes react to God like infants playing the game of Peek a Boo. We convince ourselves that if we hide from him, he won’t be able to see our actions.

     Adam and Eve attempted to play hide-and-seek with God in the Garden of Eden. After they sinned by eating the forbidden fruit, they hid amongst the bushes thinking God wouldn’t see or find them. Their attempt at playing the hide-and-seek game with God failed—they were caught.

     Cain tried the same thing when he murdered his brother Abel. When God asked Cain where his brother was, Cain lied and said, “I don’t know. Am I supposed to keep track of him wherever he goes?” (Gen. 4:9) The God who sees all said, “His blood cries out to me from the ground!” (v.10) Cain was unsuccessful in hiding his sin from God.

     Hagar tried to play the hide and seek game by running away and hiding in the wilderness. God was the “It” in that game and easily discovered her whereabouts.

     Isn’t it about time we stop playing Peek-a-Boo and Hide-and-Seek games with God? There’s nothing we can hide from him. God blesses open and transparent lives. Don’t be afraid to tell Jesus what’s bugging you. Share with him your deepest fears and concerns. Confess to him your shortcomings. You might as well tell him because he aready sees and knows.

Prayer: Dear Lord, You are an all-seeing God, and there’s nothing I can hide from you. You know my most secret thoughts. Help me to be open and honest with you.