July 2
““Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against a fellow Israelite, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.” (Leviticus 19:18, NLT)
Too often, Christians ignore the Old Testament, preferring to read and apply the New Testament. Among many of the people I’ve taught Bible Study classes over the years, most had read too little from the Old Testament. Mostly, they knew Genesis, Exodus, the Psalms, and maybe Proverbs. That was it. That was the extent of most of their knowledge of the Old Testament. If you think back to the time of Jesus, their “Bible” was the Old Testament. They read and studied it in great depth. It was the Bible to which Jesus referred, the Bible He quoted. For Jews, the first five books of the Bible were known as the Torah, Pentateuch, or the Books of Moses. They were considered the holiest of all the books of the Old Testament, because God helped Moses write them. God inspired them. They told of the reasons for the covenant and were filled with God’s commands and laws.
Leviticus is a book replete with God’s laws. Throughout the verses of this book, there is little prose, few stories, but many laws, commandments, and rules. The book was meant to be the basis for how a faithful person in covenant with God lives a holy life. Today’s verse contains some words that Jesus quoted in His ministry. The gospels all quote Jesus as saying you should “love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18a, cf. Matthew 19:19). However, I find it interesting that the original words from Leviticus shine more light on what it means to love your neighbor. Here in this verse, loving your neighbor meant “not seeking revenge” and “not bearing a grudge” (Leviticus 19:18b).
Five years after Shane and Stephanie got married, they began to have marital problems. The problem occurred when, out of love, Shane confessed that he had cheated on Stephanie six months before their wedding. At the time, the two had a fight and broke up. Shane was very hurt. Feeling sorry for himself, he went out one night and got drunk. He woke up in the bed of a woman from the bar. He was terribly ashamed of himself. In response, Shane did everything he could to win back Stephanie. He did. Stephanie noticed that he had changed and liked the “new Shane”. The two were happily married, until Shane decided to be honest with Stephanie about what had happened years before. He told her about the tryst. After a few weeks, Stephanie forgave Shane’s indiscretion. Or so he thought.
A few months after Shane confessed his mistake to Stephanie, she began to make cruel remarks such as “Can I really trust you?” and “If you get mad at me, are you going to get drunk and sleep with the first woman you find?”. These statements were destroying Shane on the inside. He had thought he was forgiven. Now, he realized that confessing his sin to Stephanie had given her ammunition to blast him whenever she felt like hurting him. The cruel jabs hurt Shane deeply, and he started to pull away from Stephanie emotionally. Soon, they made love less and less. Then, Shane began to throw himself into work and was away from home. Stephanie pointed all these things out at Shane and called him a “loser” and “spineless”.
After the first counseling session, I could see Stephanie’s hate and contempt. Shane kept quiet and distant. Both were warm to me, but very distant from each other. After we got into the meat of their problems, I could see that the tryst before the marriage had given Shane guilt. The very same tryst had made Stephanie insecure, cruel, and angry. Where Shane was deeply wounded to think his confession was a source of marriage problems, Stephanie held a grudge against Shane. Her barbs and cruel remarks exhibited her desire to get even with her husband. She was full of revenge.
What helped the two come back together was the realization that Shane had done what God intended, by confessing what he thought was a sin he had committed against Stephanie. Shane confessed to tell the truth and be honest with Stephanie. He did it for loving reasons. He needed her forgiveness. Stephanie also didn’t realize how the tryst had made Shane desire her more. Because of his indiscretion, he was convinced that Stephanie was his one love, his soul mate. Stephanie’s grudge and vengefulness abated when she realized that her husband loved her so deeply, that he not only confessed his sin to her, but he fought to win her hand in marriage. He still considered his wife his soul mate and was willing to put their love back together.
Grudges and vengeful attitudes kill marriages, friendships, and so much more. They can be the driving force behind hostility and lost love. This scripture urged all the faithful Israelites to banish these attitudes among themselves. That also means these attitudes should not ever be allowed among those who truly believe in God. Jesus quoted this scripture, because its importance was crucial to the faithful community and to a hateful world. It also stands as a beacon of how to live your life. Is there someone who has endured your grudges or vengeance? What would Jesus think of your doing this?
Leviticus is a book replete with God’s laws. Throughout the verses of this book, there is little prose, few stories, but many laws, commandments, and rules. The book was meant to be the basis for how a faithful person in covenant with God lives a holy life. Today’s verse contains some words that Jesus quoted in His ministry. The gospels all quote Jesus as saying you should “love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18a, cf. Matthew 19:19). However, I find it interesting that the original words from Leviticus shine more light on what it means to love your neighbor. Here in this verse, loving your neighbor meant “not seeking revenge” and “not bearing a grudge” (Leviticus 19:18b).
Five years after Shane and Stephanie got married, they began to have marital problems. The problem occurred when, out of love, Shane confessed that he had cheated on Stephanie six months before their wedding. At the time, the two had a fight and broke up. Shane was very hurt. Feeling sorry for himself, he went out one night and got drunk. He woke up in the bed of a woman from the bar. He was terribly ashamed of himself. In response, Shane did everything he could to win back Stephanie. He did. Stephanie noticed that he had changed and liked the “new Shane”. The two were happily married, until Shane decided to be honest with Stephanie about what had happened years before. He told her about the tryst. After a few weeks, Stephanie forgave Shane’s indiscretion. Or so he thought.
A few months after Shane confessed his mistake to Stephanie, she began to make cruel remarks such as “Can I really trust you?” and “If you get mad at me, are you going to get drunk and sleep with the first woman you find?”. These statements were destroying Shane on the inside. He had thought he was forgiven. Now, he realized that confessing his sin to Stephanie had given her ammunition to blast him whenever she felt like hurting him. The cruel jabs hurt Shane deeply, and he started to pull away from Stephanie emotionally. Soon, they made love less and less. Then, Shane began to throw himself into work and was away from home. Stephanie pointed all these things out at Shane and called him a “loser” and “spineless”.
After the first counseling session, I could see Stephanie’s hate and contempt. Shane kept quiet and distant. Both were warm to me, but very distant from each other. After we got into the meat of their problems, I could see that the tryst before the marriage had given Shane guilt. The very same tryst had made Stephanie insecure, cruel, and angry. Where Shane was deeply wounded to think his confession was a source of marriage problems, Stephanie held a grudge against Shane. Her barbs and cruel remarks exhibited her desire to get even with her husband. She was full of revenge.
What helped the two come back together was the realization that Shane had done what God intended, by confessing what he thought was a sin he had committed against Stephanie. Shane confessed to tell the truth and be honest with Stephanie. He did it for loving reasons. He needed her forgiveness. Stephanie also didn’t realize how the tryst had made Shane desire her more. Because of his indiscretion, he was convinced that Stephanie was his one love, his soul mate. Stephanie’s grudge and vengefulness abated when she realized that her husband loved her so deeply, that he not only confessed his sin to her, but he fought to win her hand in marriage. He still considered his wife his soul mate and was willing to put their love back together.
Grudges and vengeful attitudes kill marriages, friendships, and so much more. They can be the driving force behind hostility and lost love. This scripture urged all the faithful Israelites to banish these attitudes among themselves. That also means these attitudes should not ever be allowed among those who truly believe in God. Jesus quoted this scripture, because its importance was crucial to the faithful community and to a hateful world. It also stands as a beacon of how to live your life. Is there someone who has endured your grudges or vengeance? What would Jesus think of your doing this?
July 4
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” (2 Corinthians 3:17, NIV84)
When the founders of the United States gathered to work out how to govern this new nation, there was a feeling among them that faith and freedom were connected. George Washington said, “Religion is as necessary to reason as reason is to religion. The one cannot exist without the other.” John Adams said, “Liberty must at all hazards be supported. We have a right to it, derived from our Maker.” In a letter to Ezra Stiles, President of Yale University, Benjamin Franklin wrote: “Here is my Creed. I believe in one God, the Creator of the Universe. That He governs it by His Providence. That He ought to be worshiped.” All these great men thought that reason, liberty, and governing were intimately connected with God and faith.
2 Corinthians 3:17 reaffirms this understanding. In this scripture, written by Paul, we are taught that God is “Spirit”. When God’s Spirit is present, there is “freedom”. For Paul, there was an intimate connection between freedom and God’s presence. However, “freedom” in the Bible is not the same as “freedom” in the world today. Often, freedom in the world today is linked to political power or authority. Biblical freedom was meant as a consequence of being in relationship with God. Political groups today think you can have freedom without God, or freedom from religion. What they do not understand is that there is no real Biblical freedom where God is absent. Without God’s Spirit in your life, you will always be a slave to something or someone! Without God’s Spirit present in the workings of your country, you will always suffer under some higher human authority or power.
Sadly, there are too many people today who think that freedom is attainable through political processes alone. More and more millennials think that freedom for the masses is attainable through socialism. If you look at all the countries that practiced a form of socialism such as Cuba, the Russia and some of its satellites, China, and others, it is obvious by their record that freedom of the individual was never a reality. Ruling parties and committees can tell you where to live, what to say, and what is right. The distribution of power and equity is not more equal. No socialistic country or era has been a success. All have been characterized by suffering or death. In the history of humankind, all strictly political entities have sought power and control, not freedom. The unique rights we have in the United States were forged by those who wanted a real freedom. For them, this true freedom was found only in the Providence of God. As our scripture confirms, freedom is only found in the presence of the Spirit of God. To believe otherwise is to lie to yourself.
Some of you may know that I give free counseling to soldiers. I always have. I have received special training for the diagnosis and treatment of PTSD, all in a desire to help soldiers cope with the hell of war. More than a decade ago, a soldier came to me suffering from PTSD. As we talked, you could see many symptoms of his illness. He was taking a handful of drugs daily to help him cope. After a year of hard work, he began to respond to the medical treatments and to my counseling. He slowly fought his way out of the depression, the flashbacks, the repressed anger and guilt. Near the end of our time together, he spoke to me about faith and freedom. He told me that when he came back from Iraq, he never felt freedom. He was trapped back in the war. He brought the war home with him and could not escape its effects on his mind and body and life. His marriage fell apart. Several jobs fell through. He was struggling. Then, in our last session, he relayed to me that for the first time, he felt free again. I asked him what had changed. He told me: “I accepted Jesus into my heart again. Finally, I feel free of all those dark days. I feel alive again!”
I have learned that Paul and my soldier friend are wise. They knew what it was like to be a slave to the past, to war, to suffering. After finding Christ, they also learned what true freedom is. My hope for you today is that you don’t have to go through some form of hell to find out the importance of freedom. But, no matter what, I do want you to experience true freedom. I want you to feel the awesome freedom that comes when God’s Spirit is active in your life and God has cleansed your soul!
2 Corinthians 3:17 reaffirms this understanding. In this scripture, written by Paul, we are taught that God is “Spirit”. When God’s Spirit is present, there is “freedom”. For Paul, there was an intimate connection between freedom and God’s presence. However, “freedom” in the Bible is not the same as “freedom” in the world today. Often, freedom in the world today is linked to political power or authority. Biblical freedom was meant as a consequence of being in relationship with God. Political groups today think you can have freedom without God, or freedom from religion. What they do not understand is that there is no real Biblical freedom where God is absent. Without God’s Spirit in your life, you will always be a slave to something or someone! Without God’s Spirit present in the workings of your country, you will always suffer under some higher human authority or power.
Sadly, there are too many people today who think that freedom is attainable through political processes alone. More and more millennials think that freedom for the masses is attainable through socialism. If you look at all the countries that practiced a form of socialism such as Cuba, the Russia and some of its satellites, China, and others, it is obvious by their record that freedom of the individual was never a reality. Ruling parties and committees can tell you where to live, what to say, and what is right. The distribution of power and equity is not more equal. No socialistic country or era has been a success. All have been characterized by suffering or death. In the history of humankind, all strictly political entities have sought power and control, not freedom. The unique rights we have in the United States were forged by those who wanted a real freedom. For them, this true freedom was found only in the Providence of God. As our scripture confirms, freedom is only found in the presence of the Spirit of God. To believe otherwise is to lie to yourself.
Some of you may know that I give free counseling to soldiers. I always have. I have received special training for the diagnosis and treatment of PTSD, all in a desire to help soldiers cope with the hell of war. More than a decade ago, a soldier came to me suffering from PTSD. As we talked, you could see many symptoms of his illness. He was taking a handful of drugs daily to help him cope. After a year of hard work, he began to respond to the medical treatments and to my counseling. He slowly fought his way out of the depression, the flashbacks, the repressed anger and guilt. Near the end of our time together, he spoke to me about faith and freedom. He told me that when he came back from Iraq, he never felt freedom. He was trapped back in the war. He brought the war home with him and could not escape its effects on his mind and body and life. His marriage fell apart. Several jobs fell through. He was struggling. Then, in our last session, he relayed to me that for the first time, he felt free again. I asked him what had changed. He told me: “I accepted Jesus into my heart again. Finally, I feel free of all those dark days. I feel alive again!”
I have learned that Paul and my soldier friend are wise. They knew what it was like to be a slave to the past, to war, to suffering. After finding Christ, they also learned what true freedom is. My hope for you today is that you don’t have to go through some form of hell to find out the importance of freedom. But, no matter what, I do want you to experience true freedom. I want you to feel the awesome freedom that comes when God’s Spirit is active in your life and God has cleansed your soul!
July 5
“For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.” (James 2:26, ESV)
Many, many pastors and scholars have looked at the verse above and talked about the connection between faith and works, as if this is the only topic in the scripture. There are two clear sections to this scripture. Each is comprised of a connection. In the first half of this verse, body and spirit are intimately linked (James 2:26a). In the second part of the verse, faith and works are intimately linked (James 2:26b). If you take both halves of this verse to heart, you will see that there is a connection between both body and spirit AND faith and works. The boy cannot be separated from the spirit or there is death. So too, faith and works cannot be separated or there is a spiritual death.
If you have a body without any breath (this is the same Greek word as spirit), it cannot survive. It will die. The body needs breath or spirit to survive. If you cannot breathe, you cannot live. In the same manner, faith cannot survive without works. And, works cannot survive without faith. The body and spirit need each other to survive. Faith and works of faith need each other or there is spiritual death. Why is it that Christians thoroughly understand that the body without breath is dying or dead, but cannot perceive the death that occurs when faith and works are not found together?
Twenty-five years ago, I attended a men’s event. The purpose of the event was to get men together to talk about faith, family, and commitment to God. After great speakers and worship, men gathered to talk and share their faith. At the end of the event, we all gathered for a final worship. There, several men promised renewed commitment to God and living out their faith. I stayed after to meet and pray with several of the men. One man hugged me and said, “Why have I never understood before that faith is more than going to church on Sunday?” We talked a good while about that. He left me with these words: “God has lots for me to do, Pastor. I can’t wait to get started.”
This man had attended a church from his earliest memory. He went to literally hundreds of worship services, attended Sunday School, was a member of the youth group, and so much more. Through it all, he never got the connection between faith and works; faithfulness and doing work for God. His relationship with God came alive when he committed himself to actively living out his faith. Could it be that without knowing, his faith had lain dormant all that time before that event? Sadly, I’d bet my life on it. There comes a time when you must make a change to save your spiritual life. You need to connect with God in Christ AND do some kind of missions or works for God. If you want any kind of real spiritual life that is not dormant or dead, faith and works must be present and active in your life!
If you ever get the feeling that your relationship with God is lacking, examine the relationship in your life between faith and works. Are you needing a deeper faith? When was the last time you did something worthwhile for God? Is your faith stuck in a rut? Do you need a change in your work for God? Without a real emphasis on both faith and works, your connection with God will falter and die off. How much do you need to really live out this verse currently in your life?
If you have a body without any breath (this is the same Greek word as spirit), it cannot survive. It will die. The body needs breath or spirit to survive. If you cannot breathe, you cannot live. In the same manner, faith cannot survive without works. And, works cannot survive without faith. The body and spirit need each other to survive. Faith and works of faith need each other or there is spiritual death. Why is it that Christians thoroughly understand that the body without breath is dying or dead, but cannot perceive the death that occurs when faith and works are not found together?
Twenty-five years ago, I attended a men’s event. The purpose of the event was to get men together to talk about faith, family, and commitment to God. After great speakers and worship, men gathered to talk and share their faith. At the end of the event, we all gathered for a final worship. There, several men promised renewed commitment to God and living out their faith. I stayed after to meet and pray with several of the men. One man hugged me and said, “Why have I never understood before that faith is more than going to church on Sunday?” We talked a good while about that. He left me with these words: “God has lots for me to do, Pastor. I can’t wait to get started.”
This man had attended a church from his earliest memory. He went to literally hundreds of worship services, attended Sunday School, was a member of the youth group, and so much more. Through it all, he never got the connection between faith and works; faithfulness and doing work for God. His relationship with God came alive when he committed himself to actively living out his faith. Could it be that without knowing, his faith had lain dormant all that time before that event? Sadly, I’d bet my life on it. There comes a time when you must make a change to save your spiritual life. You need to connect with God in Christ AND do some kind of missions or works for God. If you want any kind of real spiritual life that is not dormant or dead, faith and works must be present and active in your life!
If you ever get the feeling that your relationship with God is lacking, examine the relationship in your life between faith and works. Are you needing a deeper faith? When was the last time you did something worthwhile for God? Is your faith stuck in a rut? Do you need a change in your work for God? Without a real emphasis on both faith and works, your connection with God will falter and die off. How much do you need to really live out this verse currently in your life?
July 6
“Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and cleaves to his wife, and they become one flesh.” (Genesis 2:24, RSV)
I find it interesting when looking at the verse above that a man is to “cleave” to his wife. The original Hebrew word for this means to “cling, hold fast, or hold tightly”. Though the verse ends with man and wife becoming “one flesh” in a sexual tone, I think that the word “cleave” has more than a sexual context. I believe that when a man marries his wife, he is to hold onto her tightly so as to never let her go. He is not to choke her, not to be overly clingy, not to smother her… he is to cleave to her. He is to hold her dearly, watch over her, protect her.
Sadly, we are in an era where feminism and machoism have both damaged the marriage relationship. I have read and heard women who say that they need nobody to watch over or protect them. Too many times to count, I have heard women from movies and on TV claim, “I can take care of myself” and “I don’t need a husband to watch over me, what a bother!” Women’s magazines and memes speak of husbands as just “adult children” as if they are a dependent nuisance. Of course, there are also men who do not know how to cleave to a wife because they are too busy fooling around with other women. These men have no idea how to cleave to a wife. They can’t even cleave to faithfulness of any form.
Recently, I have noticed a good number of women who have come forward saying that they miss the days when men were reliable and trustworthy and responsible guardians of the family. In a slam against feminism, these women have realized that when you attack strong men for being faithful, helpful, and protective; you are damaging the Biblical view of men in the world. When feminists openly condemn men as “pigs” or “adult children” or “filthy misogynists”, all they do is show their colors. These feminists have a hatred of men, not a love for all people. My guess is that they also are unloving and unloved. The same feminists often speak out against God, some not even respecting that Jesus was a male.
In a world where marriage, faith, God, the family, and so many more fundamental beliefs in society are being criticized and destroyed, don’t be thrown by the rhetoric. God’s word still applies, even in modern society as we live it. God still desires men to cleave to their wives, loving them while protecting them. Wives should expect to be loved, respected, watched over, and protected. Wives still need to be cleaved to as much as husbands need respect and love.
If you are a husband reading this, do you “cleave” to your wife in godly fashion? If you are wife, do you show love and respect for your husband whenever he cleaves to you? Don’t write off the husband who wants to cleave to his wife. Don’t underestimate how important it is to cleave to your wife. God desires husband and wife to be a union of great strength. Sex between them should be a joy. It should be cherished and beautiful.
Attending a neighboring church, I walked up toward the front door but was slowed by a couple in front of me. He walked with a cane. She with a slight limp. Their disabilities were not what I noticed first, however. It was their love. He held her hand. Holding onto his arm, she would take glances up at him. Nobody else was around. They weren’t doing it to show off. They genuinely loved each other, enjoying each other’s company. He cleaved to her hand as much as she cleaved to his arm.
The scripture for today begins by saying that the husband must choose his wife over his family. He must cleave to her. He should hold her tightly all his days. There are many things in this world that can tear apart a good marriage. Maybe if husband and wife cleaved a little more to each other, the world wouldn’t be able to get between them and wreck everything! How good are you at cleaving? How about sexual cleaving? What might help you to hold on more tightly to your soulmate today? When was the last time you held on tightly to someone you loved?
Sadly, we are in an era where feminism and machoism have both damaged the marriage relationship. I have read and heard women who say that they need nobody to watch over or protect them. Too many times to count, I have heard women from movies and on TV claim, “I can take care of myself” and “I don’t need a husband to watch over me, what a bother!” Women’s magazines and memes speak of husbands as just “adult children” as if they are a dependent nuisance. Of course, there are also men who do not know how to cleave to a wife because they are too busy fooling around with other women. These men have no idea how to cleave to a wife. They can’t even cleave to faithfulness of any form.
Recently, I have noticed a good number of women who have come forward saying that they miss the days when men were reliable and trustworthy and responsible guardians of the family. In a slam against feminism, these women have realized that when you attack strong men for being faithful, helpful, and protective; you are damaging the Biblical view of men in the world. When feminists openly condemn men as “pigs” or “adult children” or “filthy misogynists”, all they do is show their colors. These feminists have a hatred of men, not a love for all people. My guess is that they also are unloving and unloved. The same feminists often speak out against God, some not even respecting that Jesus was a male.
In a world where marriage, faith, God, the family, and so many more fundamental beliefs in society are being criticized and destroyed, don’t be thrown by the rhetoric. God’s word still applies, even in modern society as we live it. God still desires men to cleave to their wives, loving them while protecting them. Wives should expect to be loved, respected, watched over, and protected. Wives still need to be cleaved to as much as husbands need respect and love.
If you are a husband reading this, do you “cleave” to your wife in godly fashion? If you are wife, do you show love and respect for your husband whenever he cleaves to you? Don’t write off the husband who wants to cleave to his wife. Don’t underestimate how important it is to cleave to your wife. God desires husband and wife to be a union of great strength. Sex between them should be a joy. It should be cherished and beautiful.
Attending a neighboring church, I walked up toward the front door but was slowed by a couple in front of me. He walked with a cane. She with a slight limp. Their disabilities were not what I noticed first, however. It was their love. He held her hand. Holding onto his arm, she would take glances up at him. Nobody else was around. They weren’t doing it to show off. They genuinely loved each other, enjoying each other’s company. He cleaved to her hand as much as she cleaved to his arm.
The scripture for today begins by saying that the husband must choose his wife over his family. He must cleave to her. He should hold her tightly all his days. There are many things in this world that can tear apart a good marriage. Maybe if husband and wife cleaved a little more to each other, the world wouldn’t be able to get between them and wreck everything! How good are you at cleaving? How about sexual cleaving? What might help you to hold on more tightly to your soulmate today? When was the last time you held on tightly to someone you loved?
July 7
“Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and the men sat down, about five thousand of them. Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish. When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.”
(John 6:10–13, NIV84)
(John 6:10–13, NIV84)
In the scripture above, Jesus feeds 5000 people. Some assume that the number of 5000 was the count of males, and that there were even more women and children. Thus, it could have been the feeding of 15,000 or more! We do not know exactly how many were present that day, but we are left with an impressive miracle of Jesus. He took a few loaves of bread and fish and fed a multitude! While there are many wonderful studies on this miracle, something struck me as very intriguing in this famous story. Very few commentators speak of it. After the miracle, Jesus told his disciples to “gather the pieces that are left over” (John 6:12). His reasoning? “Let nothing be wasted,” was his response. With so much food going to feed the people gathered that day, Jesus was concerned about the leftovers. He did not want the leftover food to go to waste.
When I was a pastor at a church in St. Louis, part of my responsibility included the food pantry located in the building. The food pantry fed people with thousands of pounds of food a week, serving an entire zip code of people in that area. More than a thousand square feet of the church building was used in one way or another for processing and distributing the food. In the years after I was gone, the amount of space for food was tripled! There were many hungry people in that area of St. Louis.
While finding sources of food to distribute, we often had to meet with area businesses and even farm cooperatives. We met with supermarkets and restaurants. If we knew of a place of business with food that was ending its shelf date, we would contact them and offer to take the food for the needy. The business would get a write off on their taxes and we would get more food for the hungry. As we looked for sources of food, I was shocked at how much food was being thrown away. When a food passed its expiration date, businesses would throw it in a dumpster. The rats were well fed, but the people weren’t! Homeless people began to eat out of dumpsters, and the lawyers had a fit. The business could be sued for the homeless eating out of a dumpster!!!! So, they started locking the dumpsters, and the homeless began starving. To help, we asked the homeless to tell us businesses which threw away food, and we would try to get the food before it was relegated to the dumpsters. To entice the businesses, we told them that they could write off the full value of the food if they gave it to us just before the expiration date. They were happy to comply! We collected tons of food this way.
I am shocked at how often businesses throw away food instead of finding hungry people to give it to! But it’s not just food that is wasted in our world. Companies find it more profitable to build something that is disposable. People would rather throw something out than repair it. Even with cell phones, companies are being wasteful. Instead of building a phone with an easily repaired battery, they build a phone that is cheaper to be thrown away than the battery replaced! In many areas of life, companies and governments and people waste money, resources, and time. So much is wasted in our world, wouldn’t you agree?
Jesus was concerned that every bit of the food was collected after the miracle. He wanted “nothing” to be wasted (John 6:12). Is there an area of your life that is wasteful? Is there something you do to waste your time? How wasteful is your buying and spending? Look at your world from the perspective of Jesus. Is there an area of your world where you can stop the waste?
When I was a pastor at a church in St. Louis, part of my responsibility included the food pantry located in the building. The food pantry fed people with thousands of pounds of food a week, serving an entire zip code of people in that area. More than a thousand square feet of the church building was used in one way or another for processing and distributing the food. In the years after I was gone, the amount of space for food was tripled! There were many hungry people in that area of St. Louis.
While finding sources of food to distribute, we often had to meet with area businesses and even farm cooperatives. We met with supermarkets and restaurants. If we knew of a place of business with food that was ending its shelf date, we would contact them and offer to take the food for the needy. The business would get a write off on their taxes and we would get more food for the hungry. As we looked for sources of food, I was shocked at how much food was being thrown away. When a food passed its expiration date, businesses would throw it in a dumpster. The rats were well fed, but the people weren’t! Homeless people began to eat out of dumpsters, and the lawyers had a fit. The business could be sued for the homeless eating out of a dumpster!!!! So, they started locking the dumpsters, and the homeless began starving. To help, we asked the homeless to tell us businesses which threw away food, and we would try to get the food before it was relegated to the dumpsters. To entice the businesses, we told them that they could write off the full value of the food if they gave it to us just before the expiration date. They were happy to comply! We collected tons of food this way.
I am shocked at how often businesses throw away food instead of finding hungry people to give it to! But it’s not just food that is wasted in our world. Companies find it more profitable to build something that is disposable. People would rather throw something out than repair it. Even with cell phones, companies are being wasteful. Instead of building a phone with an easily repaired battery, they build a phone that is cheaper to be thrown away than the battery replaced! In many areas of life, companies and governments and people waste money, resources, and time. So much is wasted in our world, wouldn’t you agree?
Jesus was concerned that every bit of the food was collected after the miracle. He wanted “nothing” to be wasted (John 6:12). Is there an area of your life that is wasteful? Is there something you do to waste your time? How wasteful is your buying and spending? Look at your world from the perspective of Jesus. Is there an area of your world where you can stop the waste?
July 8
“So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it. And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.”
(Romans 7:17–19, NLT)
(Romans 7:17–19, NLT)
When Marcy met Jim, she knew he was “the one”. She fell head over heals in love for the man. Jim was a decent, hard-working, faithful guy from her church. When she was introduced to him at a wedding, immediately she had feelings for him. Jim, on the other hand, was not a spontaneous person. He didn’t take to her right away. Jim was cautious in many respects. He invested cautiously, was not one to take risks in sports like skydiving or racing, and was conservative in his opinions. He was perfect for Marcy. She liked a man who was well-rounded but grounded. Though being carefree and spontaneous herself, Marcy enjoyed Jim’s down-to-earth attitude. Jim was a perfect guy to be her knight in shining armor!
After dating six months, the two were growing very close. Then, one night when the two were on a date, Jim excused himself to go to the bathroom. As Marcy sat waiting at their table, Jim’s cell phone buzzed. He absently had left it at the table under his napkin after taking a quick emergency call from work. With her curiosity spiking, she pulled over the phone to see that a woman named Carly had texted him one question: “Are you going to sneak over tonight?” Marcy was sincerely upset. When Jim came back, she feigned innocence, but was cold and distant. For several weeks, Marcy was purposefully cold and distant. She began to throw barbs at Jim. Their relationship began to falter. Marcy became bitter and resentful. Jim could have been the perfect husband. What was she going to do with him cheating on her?
Finally, ready to end the relationship, Marcy asked to meet for dinner with Jim. She met in a public place, so he wouldn’t get upset when she broke it off. Before they ordered, she blurt out, “Jim, how could you cheat on me with another woman?” He was stunned. He acted as if he didn’t know what she was talking about. She angrily hissed her accusation, “What about Carly? I read her text to you. I know she wanted to sneak over. Why don’t you love me? That’s OK, I don’t care. Goodbye, Jim.” With that, she threw water on him and left the restaurant. The guests around them were shocked at the display.
What Marcy didn’t know and found out a few days later was that when Jim got his cell phone number changed, he was getting texts by a girl named Carly every now and then. The person who used to have the same phone number was quite the player. Jim didn’t want to change his phone number again, because it was on his letterhead and listed on his business cards. Jim responded to all inappropriate texts explaining it was a wrong number. Marcy was embarrassed and vowed to make it up to Jim.
Throughout the ordeal, Marcy tried to hide her spying on Jim’s phone, assumed all the wrong things based on her own errors in judgment, hated herself for treating Jim poorly without his knowing the reasons why, and more. Each time she lashed out at Jim, she knew it was wrong. She did it anyway, out of emotion, out of hurt and fear.
When the apostle Paul wrote Romans 7, he was being honest about human fallibility. As humans, we can know what is right, but fail to do it. Paul said, “I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do wrong, but I do it anyway.” (Romans 7:18-19). When you respond out of fear or emotion as did Marcy in the story above, you are liable to do the wrong thing. You can know what is right but respond wrongly. You might say the wrong words in an angry moment. You might assume something totally wrong. When God wants you to let something go, you may find it impossible to do so. There are so many ways that this scripture can apply to you. Does it?
Today, see if there is a place in your life that needs some correction. Are you doing something wrong that you know you shouldn’t do? Are you holding back from making something right? Out of pride, are you hiding something or twisting some truth? When you find yourself knowing what is right but doing what is wrong, just remember…. God does allow U-turns! God does forgive the repentant heart. There is always a time to admit your mistakes and deal with the consequences.
After dating six months, the two were growing very close. Then, one night when the two were on a date, Jim excused himself to go to the bathroom. As Marcy sat waiting at their table, Jim’s cell phone buzzed. He absently had left it at the table under his napkin after taking a quick emergency call from work. With her curiosity spiking, she pulled over the phone to see that a woman named Carly had texted him one question: “Are you going to sneak over tonight?” Marcy was sincerely upset. When Jim came back, she feigned innocence, but was cold and distant. For several weeks, Marcy was purposefully cold and distant. She began to throw barbs at Jim. Their relationship began to falter. Marcy became bitter and resentful. Jim could have been the perfect husband. What was she going to do with him cheating on her?
Finally, ready to end the relationship, Marcy asked to meet for dinner with Jim. She met in a public place, so he wouldn’t get upset when she broke it off. Before they ordered, she blurt out, “Jim, how could you cheat on me with another woman?” He was stunned. He acted as if he didn’t know what she was talking about. She angrily hissed her accusation, “What about Carly? I read her text to you. I know she wanted to sneak over. Why don’t you love me? That’s OK, I don’t care. Goodbye, Jim.” With that, she threw water on him and left the restaurant. The guests around them were shocked at the display.
What Marcy didn’t know and found out a few days later was that when Jim got his cell phone number changed, he was getting texts by a girl named Carly every now and then. The person who used to have the same phone number was quite the player. Jim didn’t want to change his phone number again, because it was on his letterhead and listed on his business cards. Jim responded to all inappropriate texts explaining it was a wrong number. Marcy was embarrassed and vowed to make it up to Jim.
Throughout the ordeal, Marcy tried to hide her spying on Jim’s phone, assumed all the wrong things based on her own errors in judgment, hated herself for treating Jim poorly without his knowing the reasons why, and more. Each time she lashed out at Jim, she knew it was wrong. She did it anyway, out of emotion, out of hurt and fear.
When the apostle Paul wrote Romans 7, he was being honest about human fallibility. As humans, we can know what is right, but fail to do it. Paul said, “I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do wrong, but I do it anyway.” (Romans 7:18-19). When you respond out of fear or emotion as did Marcy in the story above, you are liable to do the wrong thing. You can know what is right but respond wrongly. You might say the wrong words in an angry moment. You might assume something totally wrong. When God wants you to let something go, you may find it impossible to do so. There are so many ways that this scripture can apply to you. Does it?
Today, see if there is a place in your life that needs some correction. Are you doing something wrong that you know you shouldn’t do? Are you holding back from making something right? Out of pride, are you hiding something or twisting some truth? When you find yourself knowing what is right but doing what is wrong, just remember…. God does allow U-turns! God does forgive the repentant heart. There is always a time to admit your mistakes and deal with the consequences.
July 9
“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Ephesians 1:2, RSV)
When writing letters to the churches, it was common for Paul to begin with the above words. Because they are found in multiple places in his greetings, almost word for word (Romans 1:7, 1 Corinthians 1:3, Colossians 1:2, etc.), you might be tempted to just gloss over the words as a typical greeting. However, his words carry special weight. This greeting is exceptionally Christian and carries with it powerful spiritual implications.
Paul begins his letter to the Ephesians with this greeting which offers to the readers “grace” and “peace”. Both come from “God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 1:2b). The implications of this wording is significant. First, whenever Paul uses this type of greeting, he always includes the word “grace” before “peace”. In a spiritual life, God’s grace is usually found causing peace as a result. Thus, you need grace in order to have peace. God’s grace in the form of forgiveness, love, and mercy will often be the source of comfort and peace for any soul. How does it feel to receive the grace of God after messing up your life? I can’t imagine anyone saying their life is more in turmoil. Grace causes peace. Peace is the inevitable result of true grace. Paul wants all Christians in the church in Ephesus to feel both God’s awesome grace and God’s lasting peace.
A young woman came to me in private. She made sure nobody was around. She came on a day when the secretary was out. It wasn’t coincidence. When she knocked, I was surprised to see her. She had not made an appointment. I found out later that her car was parked where it was not visible to the street. She had this all planned.
She asked if I had time to talk. I responded that nothing that morning was that important that I couldn’t make time for her. She smiled and sat down across from my desk. For the next half hour, she poured out her soul. A series of mistakes caused her to mess up her life in a big way. The result meant she was ostracized by her family and hated herself. She thought she deserved all the ill-will she got from everyone. She thought God hated her. I told her God loved her. I asked if she ever started over with God. She mentioned that she wanted to make things right in her life with God and her family. We talked about how that might be accomplished. Then, we headed to the altar. There, she poured out her soul in a prayer to God. She unburdened her heart with many tears. When we finished the prayer, I made her promise to let God forgive and love her. I gave her two jobs. I wanted her to look for examples of God’s love and to write down why God loved her. After a week, we met to talk about her findings. There, I introduced her to the meaning of God’s grace. Upon leaving that day, she told me that she was shocked at how peaceful her insides had become.
I’ve witnessed this thousands of times in ministry. When people unloaded their burdens with God, seeking God’s grace, they found forgiveness and peace. Not once, however, did I ever see someone find peace and not see God’s grace behind it. The grace from God always brought the peace, but in that order… grace first, then peace. It is no surprise to me that many people today long for real peace but do not find it. They seek it in escapes, vacations, drugs, sex, etc. They think they will feel peace in the absence of war. They think peace will be the inevitable result if they do everything right. Don’t they get it? Grace brings true peace. God’s kind of peace is more powerful, lasts longer, and makes things right.
When was the last time you asked for grace? When was the last time you felt real peace? God is the source of grace and peace according to Paul. If you need grace or desire peace, talking with God is usually the best place to start!
Paul begins his letter to the Ephesians with this greeting which offers to the readers “grace” and “peace”. Both come from “God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 1:2b). The implications of this wording is significant. First, whenever Paul uses this type of greeting, he always includes the word “grace” before “peace”. In a spiritual life, God’s grace is usually found causing peace as a result. Thus, you need grace in order to have peace. God’s grace in the form of forgiveness, love, and mercy will often be the source of comfort and peace for any soul. How does it feel to receive the grace of God after messing up your life? I can’t imagine anyone saying their life is more in turmoil. Grace causes peace. Peace is the inevitable result of true grace. Paul wants all Christians in the church in Ephesus to feel both God’s awesome grace and God’s lasting peace.
A young woman came to me in private. She made sure nobody was around. She came on a day when the secretary was out. It wasn’t coincidence. When she knocked, I was surprised to see her. She had not made an appointment. I found out later that her car was parked where it was not visible to the street. She had this all planned.
She asked if I had time to talk. I responded that nothing that morning was that important that I couldn’t make time for her. She smiled and sat down across from my desk. For the next half hour, she poured out her soul. A series of mistakes caused her to mess up her life in a big way. The result meant she was ostracized by her family and hated herself. She thought she deserved all the ill-will she got from everyone. She thought God hated her. I told her God loved her. I asked if she ever started over with God. She mentioned that she wanted to make things right in her life with God and her family. We talked about how that might be accomplished. Then, we headed to the altar. There, she poured out her soul in a prayer to God. She unburdened her heart with many tears. When we finished the prayer, I made her promise to let God forgive and love her. I gave her two jobs. I wanted her to look for examples of God’s love and to write down why God loved her. After a week, we met to talk about her findings. There, I introduced her to the meaning of God’s grace. Upon leaving that day, she told me that she was shocked at how peaceful her insides had become.
I’ve witnessed this thousands of times in ministry. When people unloaded their burdens with God, seeking God’s grace, they found forgiveness and peace. Not once, however, did I ever see someone find peace and not see God’s grace behind it. The grace from God always brought the peace, but in that order… grace first, then peace. It is no surprise to me that many people today long for real peace but do not find it. They seek it in escapes, vacations, drugs, sex, etc. They think they will feel peace in the absence of war. They think peace will be the inevitable result if they do everything right. Don’t they get it? Grace brings true peace. God’s kind of peace is more powerful, lasts longer, and makes things right.
When was the last time you asked for grace? When was the last time you felt real peace? God is the source of grace and peace according to Paul. If you need grace or desire peace, talking with God is usually the best place to start!
July 12
“I, I am the Lord, and besides me there is no savior.” (Isaiah 43:11, RSV)
At the time when the words above were given to the prophet Isaiah, Israel and Judah had suffered a long war with Assyria and then Babylon and lost. Jerusalem and Judah were destroyed by the invading armies. Before they entered the battle, they sought hope that the armies of Egypt might protect them. They trusted in diplomacy. They tried every tactic to repel the armies. In the end, they failed to trust in God as their supreme protector. Where God should have been their greatest strength and sure “Savior”, they chose to rely more in treaties and armies than heavenly might. Some cried out to other gods who brought them no comfort. The people did not trust enough in God. It proved to be their undoing.
When you begin to trust in earthly things to “save” you, you are always in trouble. The ultimate “savior” is God. God is a sure protector. God can watch over you most keenly. When you put your trust in worldly things, other gods, or earthly powers, you will fail at some point. God is the great savior in whom you must put your ultimate trust. It doesn’t mean you can’t put your faith in other things, too, but God must be first and foremost in your plans.
After Hurricane Mitch devastated Central America, our denomination’s medical mission near Tegucigalpa began running out of medicines to treat the overwhelming need. Our missionary leaders tried desperately to help, but their shipments were not going through or were being stolen. In desperation, a group from my church was assigned the task with taking down supplies in person. Ten of us packed clothes to work in one piece of luggage and stuffed medicines in the other. We contacted the Honduran Embassy to get all the right paperwork and we booked our flights. Everyone was nervous. The authorities could easily arrest us for taking thousands of dollars in drugs into the country. They could bring trumped up charges against us. It was a touchy situation full of danger.
In previous visits to the area, all our luggage was thoroughly searched. We knew that a search would be dangerous as it would expose the expensive medicine to all at the airport and make for a dangerous situation. I prayed like crazy. As we landed, the head of the group stated that we were done for. He pointed to the dozen guards at the airport with automatic weapons and looked sick to his stomach. I told him that I was praying, and God was watching over our mission. Shocked, we watched as the guards opened bag after bag, but none with the medicines! We walked out of the airport loaded down with lifesaving supplies but smiles were upon our faces.
Throughout the Bible, God is praised as a “savior”. Jesus Christ was sent to “seek and save the lost” (Luke 19:10). Our God is to be trusted. Our God saves us in many and mighty ways. When you come into any situation in your life, don’t put your ultimate trust in your gun, your army, your police, your strength or your money. They can fail you. God will not. Place your lasting trust in a God who can alter your world, a God who rescued the people of Israel from slavery, a miracle-worker who split the Red Sea in order to protect HIS people!
Today, I want you to consider how much trust and faith you place in God? Do you keep God foremost in your mind? Is God the last one you turn to in a crisis or the first? It does make a difference. God is Lord. God is a Savior. Nothing is like God in our world! Trust in no other god.
When you begin to trust in earthly things to “save” you, you are always in trouble. The ultimate “savior” is God. God is a sure protector. God can watch over you most keenly. When you put your trust in worldly things, other gods, or earthly powers, you will fail at some point. God is the great savior in whom you must put your ultimate trust. It doesn’t mean you can’t put your faith in other things, too, but God must be first and foremost in your plans.
After Hurricane Mitch devastated Central America, our denomination’s medical mission near Tegucigalpa began running out of medicines to treat the overwhelming need. Our missionary leaders tried desperately to help, but their shipments were not going through or were being stolen. In desperation, a group from my church was assigned the task with taking down supplies in person. Ten of us packed clothes to work in one piece of luggage and stuffed medicines in the other. We contacted the Honduran Embassy to get all the right paperwork and we booked our flights. Everyone was nervous. The authorities could easily arrest us for taking thousands of dollars in drugs into the country. They could bring trumped up charges against us. It was a touchy situation full of danger.
In previous visits to the area, all our luggage was thoroughly searched. We knew that a search would be dangerous as it would expose the expensive medicine to all at the airport and make for a dangerous situation. I prayed like crazy. As we landed, the head of the group stated that we were done for. He pointed to the dozen guards at the airport with automatic weapons and looked sick to his stomach. I told him that I was praying, and God was watching over our mission. Shocked, we watched as the guards opened bag after bag, but none with the medicines! We walked out of the airport loaded down with lifesaving supplies but smiles were upon our faces.
Throughout the Bible, God is praised as a “savior”. Jesus Christ was sent to “seek and save the lost” (Luke 19:10). Our God is to be trusted. Our God saves us in many and mighty ways. When you come into any situation in your life, don’t put your ultimate trust in your gun, your army, your police, your strength or your money. They can fail you. God will not. Place your lasting trust in a God who can alter your world, a God who rescued the people of Israel from slavery, a miracle-worker who split the Red Sea in order to protect HIS people!
Today, I want you to consider how much trust and faith you place in God? Do you keep God foremost in your mind? Is God the last one you turn to in a crisis or the first? It does make a difference. God is Lord. God is a Savior. Nothing is like God in our world! Trust in no other god.
July 13
“The Lord replied, “Is it right for you to be angry about this?”" (Jonah 4:4, NLT)
When God wanted the prophet Jonah to speak out against Nineveh in order to save the city, Jonah left the area. He didn’t want God to save Nineveh. The people of Nineveh were hated by many of the Jews and Jonah was no exception. After God brought back Jonah in the belly of a great fish, Jonah preached to the people of Nineveh. They repented and were blessed and saved. But Jonah still resented the people of Nineveh. Jonah still harbored intense anger at them. In the same way God reached out to Nineveh, God reached out to Jonah to try and save him from his anger. At one point, God even asked Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry about this?” (Jonah 4:4). Jonah responded with such intense anger that he said he was angry enough to die (Jonah 4:9). God used this final chapter of the book of Jonah to show how misplaced and wrong his anger had been.
Are you a little pig headed at times? Do you jump to anger a little too quickly? Are you apt to hold a grudge? Do you refuse to budge on your resentment? Then, God may have to correct you just as HE corrected Jonah.
“In the spring of 1894, the Baltimore Orioles came to Boston to play a routine baseball game. But what happened that day was anything but routine. The Orioles' John McGraw got into a fight with the Boston third baseman. Within minutes all the players from both teams had joined in the brawl. The warfare quickly spread to the grandstands. Among the fans the conflict went from bad to worse. Someone set fire to the stands and the entire ballpark burned to the ground. Not only that, but the fire spread to 107 other Boston buildings as well.” (Daily Bread, August 13, 1992) Anger is divisive. It pushes you to do and say things you normally would not. When you are angry, even God’s voice can be shouted down. Even God’s lessons can be overlooked.
Proverbs 29:11 teaches that only a “fool” gives full vent to his or her anger. If you let your anger bubble over and control you, it can only turn out poorly. Jonah was consumed with anger and resented God’s gracious act toward Nineveh. Where he should have been amazed at God’s loving mercy, he instead was consumed with anger. God attempted to help Jonah with the question, “Is it right for you to be angry about this?” God was trying to reach out to Jonah. Jonah had a hard time accepting God’s wisdom. His anger shut out God’s grace.
In your life, you may find yourself consumed by anger. Just realize that your preoccupation with angry thoughts may make it so that you can’t hear God’s loving voice. Your anger may negate God’s grace. As anger eats you up inside, it will also shut down your communication with God. You may be unable to remain holy. You may misunderstand God’s grace. Anger is deadly that way.
Today, consider if your anger doesn’t control you at times. Do you get angry enough to lose your cool? Does it cause you to put up walls and consume your thoughts? I pray God never has to question you as HE did Jonah. I hope your anger or resentment never comes between you and God’s grace.
Are you a little pig headed at times? Do you jump to anger a little too quickly? Are you apt to hold a grudge? Do you refuse to budge on your resentment? Then, God may have to correct you just as HE corrected Jonah.
“In the spring of 1894, the Baltimore Orioles came to Boston to play a routine baseball game. But what happened that day was anything but routine. The Orioles' John McGraw got into a fight with the Boston third baseman. Within minutes all the players from both teams had joined in the brawl. The warfare quickly spread to the grandstands. Among the fans the conflict went from bad to worse. Someone set fire to the stands and the entire ballpark burned to the ground. Not only that, but the fire spread to 107 other Boston buildings as well.” (Daily Bread, August 13, 1992) Anger is divisive. It pushes you to do and say things you normally would not. When you are angry, even God’s voice can be shouted down. Even God’s lessons can be overlooked.
Proverbs 29:11 teaches that only a “fool” gives full vent to his or her anger. If you let your anger bubble over and control you, it can only turn out poorly. Jonah was consumed with anger and resented God’s gracious act toward Nineveh. Where he should have been amazed at God’s loving mercy, he instead was consumed with anger. God attempted to help Jonah with the question, “Is it right for you to be angry about this?” God was trying to reach out to Jonah. Jonah had a hard time accepting God’s wisdom. His anger shut out God’s grace.
In your life, you may find yourself consumed by anger. Just realize that your preoccupation with angry thoughts may make it so that you can’t hear God’s loving voice. Your anger may negate God’s grace. As anger eats you up inside, it will also shut down your communication with God. You may be unable to remain holy. You may misunderstand God’s grace. Anger is deadly that way.
Today, consider if your anger doesn’t control you at times. Do you get angry enough to lose your cool? Does it cause you to put up walls and consume your thoughts? I pray God never has to question you as HE did Jonah. I hope your anger or resentment never comes between you and God’s grace.
July 14
“Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy.” (Luke 19:6, NLT)
I was born and raised in Wisconsin, part of the United States. In this state, many follow the Green Bay Packers football team. Many Sundays in fall are adjusted to make room for the games. Family gatherings will often require at least one television tuned to the Packer game. Vince Lombardi, the coach of the Packers during the first Super Bowl wins, is revered greatly. Recently, I came across one of his famous sayings. In studying the scripture for today, I find it fitting. Lombardi is quoted as saying to his players, “If you aren’t fired with enthusiasm, you will be fired with enthusiasm.” His point is well taken. He wanted his players fired up with enthusiasm for the game. He found that when players lost their enthusiasm, their play suffered. When that happened, he didn’t want them on the team.
I have found that enthusiasm means a lot not only in football, but in spiritual issues. When you lose your enthusiasm for God, people aren’t inspired by your faith. If you are not excited about what your church is doing for God, people will find it hard to visit there. When the youth in your church do not see adults who are filled with God’s Spirit and excited about serving God, they will lose their desire to be in worship. Enthusiasm on the football field often translated to wins for Lombardi. Enthusiasm for God can inspire people to do great things for God.
In Luke 19, Zacchaeus decided to see Jesus. He had heard about Jesus’ ministry and healings. Zacchaeus was inspired by the miracles, uplifted by Jesus’ view of God. Overwhelmed that Jesus was traveling through his home town, Zacchaeus even climbed a tree so that he would not miss Jesus’ presence (Luke 19:4). When Jesus saw Zacchaeus in the tree, Jesus sought to spend time with him. Our scripture for today shows Zacchaeus’ enthusiasm in that he “quickly climbed down” from the tree and then took Jesus to his house “in great excitement and joy” (Luke 19:6). One must wonder if Jesus was impressed by Zacchaeus’ enthusiasm and that is why he decided to visit his home that day.
When was the last time you got excited about worship, Bible Study, or spending time with God? How long has it been since you woke up excited to be in prayer? I believe one of the consequences of living in an “always on-24/7 world” is that people just don’t get excited about daily prayer time, Bible readings, or worship. Life is to busy and full of interruptions that we are often tired instead of filled with pent-up excitement or energy. Even when we do get excited, its often due to a day off, a vacation, or some other break from the routine. So, what’s wrong with having a little enthusiasm for Jesus?
A few weeks ago, I was walking through a courtyard when two teens strolled past. Their steps were filled with a bounce. Their eyes were focused on each other as well as everything about them. The woman next to me said, “Ah, young love! Oh, to have a spring in my step again!” As we age, we often lose the excitement of youth. We get used to routine. The prospect of love doesn’t shine like it used to. And, that’s a shame. What’s wrong with being excited to see the one you love? What’s so bad about heart-racing enthusiasm for a special event? Do you ever get excited to see and be with God?
Over the years, I have decided to never let my faith become “routine”. I always look for ways to get excited about my time with God. For this reason, I will sometimes spend an hour or two in a Christian bookstore, watch inspiring faith-filled movies, and more. You might find me praying as I sit at a picturesque stop or talking to God while walking through the woods. I love to find a special or historic place to pray or worship while on vacation! Why? I’m excited about spending time with Jesus.
I can understand Zacchaeus’ “excitement and joy”. I might have climbed a tree just to see Jesus if I lived back then. How about you? Does God see enthusiasm or boredom in your spiritual life? Is prayer time dreaded or loved? Like Lombardi, does God fire people for a lack of enthusiasm? I wonder…
I have found that enthusiasm means a lot not only in football, but in spiritual issues. When you lose your enthusiasm for God, people aren’t inspired by your faith. If you are not excited about what your church is doing for God, people will find it hard to visit there. When the youth in your church do not see adults who are filled with God’s Spirit and excited about serving God, they will lose their desire to be in worship. Enthusiasm on the football field often translated to wins for Lombardi. Enthusiasm for God can inspire people to do great things for God.
In Luke 19, Zacchaeus decided to see Jesus. He had heard about Jesus’ ministry and healings. Zacchaeus was inspired by the miracles, uplifted by Jesus’ view of God. Overwhelmed that Jesus was traveling through his home town, Zacchaeus even climbed a tree so that he would not miss Jesus’ presence (Luke 19:4). When Jesus saw Zacchaeus in the tree, Jesus sought to spend time with him. Our scripture for today shows Zacchaeus’ enthusiasm in that he “quickly climbed down” from the tree and then took Jesus to his house “in great excitement and joy” (Luke 19:6). One must wonder if Jesus was impressed by Zacchaeus’ enthusiasm and that is why he decided to visit his home that day.
When was the last time you got excited about worship, Bible Study, or spending time with God? How long has it been since you woke up excited to be in prayer? I believe one of the consequences of living in an “always on-24/7 world” is that people just don’t get excited about daily prayer time, Bible readings, or worship. Life is to busy and full of interruptions that we are often tired instead of filled with pent-up excitement or energy. Even when we do get excited, its often due to a day off, a vacation, or some other break from the routine. So, what’s wrong with having a little enthusiasm for Jesus?
A few weeks ago, I was walking through a courtyard when two teens strolled past. Their steps were filled with a bounce. Their eyes were focused on each other as well as everything about them. The woman next to me said, “Ah, young love! Oh, to have a spring in my step again!” As we age, we often lose the excitement of youth. We get used to routine. The prospect of love doesn’t shine like it used to. And, that’s a shame. What’s wrong with being excited to see the one you love? What’s so bad about heart-racing enthusiasm for a special event? Do you ever get excited to see and be with God?
Over the years, I have decided to never let my faith become “routine”. I always look for ways to get excited about my time with God. For this reason, I will sometimes spend an hour or two in a Christian bookstore, watch inspiring faith-filled movies, and more. You might find me praying as I sit at a picturesque stop or talking to God while walking through the woods. I love to find a special or historic place to pray or worship while on vacation! Why? I’m excited about spending time with Jesus.
I can understand Zacchaeus’ “excitement and joy”. I might have climbed a tree just to see Jesus if I lived back then. How about you? Does God see enthusiasm or boredom in your spiritual life? Is prayer time dreaded or loved? Like Lombardi, does God fire people for a lack of enthusiasm? I wonder…
July 15
“These were his instructions: “Take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in your belts. Wear sandals but not an extra tunic.” (Mark 6:8–9, NIV84)
The instructions of Jesus given above explained what the disciples were to take on their short missionary journeys into the area villages. This list is nothing like what most people would consider for a journey. If you were going on a trip, normally you would take provisions such as a cell phone, money, changes of clothing. You wouldn’t hesitate to take a day pack or some luggage. Jesus did not want the disciples to pack the necessities. Instead, they were to rely on God to provide for them. They were given sandals and a staff to help over the rough terrain, but food and money for meals were not allowed. This forced the traveling missionaries to “travel light”, with God and the hospitality of people along the way as the only sources for provisions.
While flying to see my son in Seattle, I overheard a teen speaking with her father. She was upset. The two sat together on the flight. After the plane took off, she immediately reached for her cell phone, but her father asked that she put it away. He wanted to talk with her. She wanted to use her time playing on the phone. She responded harshly to him, “I just can’t fly all the way to Seattle without my phone! What am I supposed to do… just sit here?” I’m sure the young woman was mortified that she would be untethered during the flight. She was probably used to relying on her phone for information and entertainment, friends for company, and apps for flight information and social media connections. What she didn’t realize was that while she was being entertained by her phone, she was completely ignoring her father who obviously wanted to talk. The phone kept her from interacting with her father.
Earthly things have a way of keeping us separated from one another. Electricity can give us communication and entertainment, but it can keep us from talking with one another. At a remote youth camping event, it wasn’t until the power went out that the youth “resorted” to talking to one another. Until the outage, they were busy with their personal electronics and living in virtual worlds. They ignored the world immediately about them! You may not realize how often your possessions possess your time!
When Jesus sent out His missionaries, He wanted them to rely on other people and God. He wanted His missionaries to interact with others and rely on them. Jesus wanted the disciples to seek out the company and companionship of others. This also gave the disciples special insight into those they interacted with. If a person would not share food, chances are they “coveted” things. If a person would not allow the itinerant missionary a place to lay his head, the sin of inhospitality was glaring. When you rely on others, the faith and failure of others becomes more obvious. This can then enhance your conversation as it relates to God and things of this world!
When I was a camp counselor, one of the first things I would do is confiscate all cell phones. I found that the youth relied on the phones more than on God. Even though the phones were still kept safe for emergency contact, they were distractions for the youth. The more the campers tuned into their virtual worlds, the more they ignored God’s work right in front of their noses! How many times have you heard of a person on a cell phone who fell off a cliff or walked into traffic unaware of the danger? Things of this world have a way of distracting our attention. God wants us focused on His work around us. How often are you distracted by things of this world? Is there something you are missing while your mind is occupied on the wrong things? Get yourself away from distractions, and you might find God saying a lot more as you go through your day!
While flying to see my son in Seattle, I overheard a teen speaking with her father. She was upset. The two sat together on the flight. After the plane took off, she immediately reached for her cell phone, but her father asked that she put it away. He wanted to talk with her. She wanted to use her time playing on the phone. She responded harshly to him, “I just can’t fly all the way to Seattle without my phone! What am I supposed to do… just sit here?” I’m sure the young woman was mortified that she would be untethered during the flight. She was probably used to relying on her phone for information and entertainment, friends for company, and apps for flight information and social media connections. What she didn’t realize was that while she was being entertained by her phone, she was completely ignoring her father who obviously wanted to talk. The phone kept her from interacting with her father.
Earthly things have a way of keeping us separated from one another. Electricity can give us communication and entertainment, but it can keep us from talking with one another. At a remote youth camping event, it wasn’t until the power went out that the youth “resorted” to talking to one another. Until the outage, they were busy with their personal electronics and living in virtual worlds. They ignored the world immediately about them! You may not realize how often your possessions possess your time!
When Jesus sent out His missionaries, He wanted them to rely on other people and God. He wanted His missionaries to interact with others and rely on them. Jesus wanted the disciples to seek out the company and companionship of others. This also gave the disciples special insight into those they interacted with. If a person would not share food, chances are they “coveted” things. If a person would not allow the itinerant missionary a place to lay his head, the sin of inhospitality was glaring. When you rely on others, the faith and failure of others becomes more obvious. This can then enhance your conversation as it relates to God and things of this world!
When I was a camp counselor, one of the first things I would do is confiscate all cell phones. I found that the youth relied on the phones more than on God. Even though the phones were still kept safe for emergency contact, they were distractions for the youth. The more the campers tuned into their virtual worlds, the more they ignored God’s work right in front of their noses! How many times have you heard of a person on a cell phone who fell off a cliff or walked into traffic unaware of the danger? Things of this world have a way of distracting our attention. God wants us focused on His work around us. How often are you distracted by things of this world? Is there something you are missing while your mind is occupied on the wrong things? Get yourself away from distractions, and you might find God saying a lot more as you go through your day!
July 16
“This is what Hezekiah did throughout Judah, doing what was good and right and faithful before the Lord his God. In everything that he undertook in the service of God’s temple and in obedience to the law and the commands, he sought his God and worked wholeheartedly. And so he prospered.” (2 Chronicles 31:20–21, NIV84)
If we make our own preference the basic principle for determining right and wrong, eventually we destroy all principle. If we reject the absolute moral standards of the Bible, sooner or later we end up with no standards, or at best a flimsy foundation of inconsistencies.
In India, for example, many couples prefer boy babies over girls and therefore use amniocentesis to find out their child's sex before it is born. In a June 1989 newsletter, Chuck Colson cites a study done in Bombay of 8,000 abortions, and 7,999 of those were female fetuses. Feminists worldwide condemned this selective abortion as "female feticide." Yet they defend any abortion for reasons of convenience, birth control, or economic hardship. Colson calls this "pro-choice against choice."
When people are left to determine their own ideas of right and wrong without God’s direction, they can choose very poorly. They can choose inconsistently. Fads will become the norm. Opinions will become law. Right and wrong will change with the winds. When you choose God as your Lord, you will follow His rules. You will begin to see life as God sees it, valuing those things God values. When scripture becomes your main document for discerning how to live, right and wrong and mercy and peace and love all become clearer. If you choose to follow your own way, choose your own path, be a law unto yourself, you never know where you will end up or what damage you will do. God’s view of life has been time-tested. God’s Word is trustworthy. God loves you. God’s commands protect your life.
In the scripture for today, King Hezekiah’s life is summed up in a few sentences. He did “what was good and right and faithful before the Lord his God” (2 Chronicles 31:20). As king, Hezekiah could have chosen to rule the country with an iron hand. He could have written his own laws, set forth his own decrees, taken what he wanted, and manipulated the country at will. Instead, he chose to follow God, choosing what was right in God’s eyes. He made sure temple worship was observed in due accordance to God’s law. He was obedient. “He sought his God and worked wholeheartedly” (2 Chronicles 31:21). In the end, after a full life of following God’s ways, what became of Hezekiah? The final words of our scripture for today confirm that “he prospered”.
In your life, you will have choices to make. You may decide to follow God’s word, or you may decide to “go your own way”. There are many voices begging you to do things their way. There are college professors and who will debate you against following any god. There are humanists who will suggest you follow your heart. New Age theorists will lay out modern sayings to become more enlightened. Modern day ideologies suggest you teach children to “follow their dreams”. Atheism suggests that you don’t need gods or laws or commandments or saviors. They advocate being “rational”. What is rational? Modern day utilitarian thinking suggests you can “do whatever feels good” and it will be good and right. Do you really think that is good advice? What I can say to you today is that King Hezekiah chose to follow God’s commands. He worked for God. He kept faith in God. He, like many who knew God, prospered. If you want a prosperous life, consider following God’s ways. Keep the faith. Trust in God’s promises. In the end, I believe you will prosper. I believe it with my whole heart.
If someone had to sum up your life in a few sentences, what would they say about you? Is your love for God well-known? How do others see your contribution to our world? How do you think God will sum up your life on judgment day?
In India, for example, many couples prefer boy babies over girls and therefore use amniocentesis to find out their child's sex before it is born. In a June 1989 newsletter, Chuck Colson cites a study done in Bombay of 8,000 abortions, and 7,999 of those were female fetuses. Feminists worldwide condemned this selective abortion as "female feticide." Yet they defend any abortion for reasons of convenience, birth control, or economic hardship. Colson calls this "pro-choice against choice."
When people are left to determine their own ideas of right and wrong without God’s direction, they can choose very poorly. They can choose inconsistently. Fads will become the norm. Opinions will become law. Right and wrong will change with the winds. When you choose God as your Lord, you will follow His rules. You will begin to see life as God sees it, valuing those things God values. When scripture becomes your main document for discerning how to live, right and wrong and mercy and peace and love all become clearer. If you choose to follow your own way, choose your own path, be a law unto yourself, you never know where you will end up or what damage you will do. God’s view of life has been time-tested. God’s Word is trustworthy. God loves you. God’s commands protect your life.
In the scripture for today, King Hezekiah’s life is summed up in a few sentences. He did “what was good and right and faithful before the Lord his God” (2 Chronicles 31:20). As king, Hezekiah could have chosen to rule the country with an iron hand. He could have written his own laws, set forth his own decrees, taken what he wanted, and manipulated the country at will. Instead, he chose to follow God, choosing what was right in God’s eyes. He made sure temple worship was observed in due accordance to God’s law. He was obedient. “He sought his God and worked wholeheartedly” (2 Chronicles 31:21). In the end, after a full life of following God’s ways, what became of Hezekiah? The final words of our scripture for today confirm that “he prospered”.
In your life, you will have choices to make. You may decide to follow God’s word, or you may decide to “go your own way”. There are many voices begging you to do things their way. There are college professors and who will debate you against following any god. There are humanists who will suggest you follow your heart. New Age theorists will lay out modern sayings to become more enlightened. Modern day ideologies suggest you teach children to “follow their dreams”. Atheism suggests that you don’t need gods or laws or commandments or saviors. They advocate being “rational”. What is rational? Modern day utilitarian thinking suggests you can “do whatever feels good” and it will be good and right. Do you really think that is good advice? What I can say to you today is that King Hezekiah chose to follow God’s commands. He worked for God. He kept faith in God. He, like many who knew God, prospered. If you want a prosperous life, consider following God’s ways. Keep the faith. Trust in God’s promises. In the end, I believe you will prosper. I believe it with my whole heart.
If someone had to sum up your life in a few sentences, what would they say about you? Is your love for God well-known? How do others see your contribution to our world? How do you think God will sum up your life on judgment day?
July 18
“… Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will catch men.”” (Luke 5:10, NIV84)
Growing up a block off Lake Winnebago in Wisconsin, I saw my share of fishermen. Every member of my family fished to one extent or another. It was not unusual to find me in the evening of a summer day at the shore of the lake fishing for walleye. During the winter, my father and grandfather both spent many hours ice fishing on the lake. Fishing is intrinsic to this part of the world.
When Jesus said to Simon Peter the words above, my fisherman’s interest was piqued. Jesus knew Simon was a fisherman. It was by the Sea of Galilee that Jesus called Simon Peter into ministry (Matthew 4:18). After Jesus’ resurrection, Jesus met Simon Peter again by the Sea of Galilee while fishing (John 21). Simon Peter left his fishing nets to join the group of disciples. When he did, Jesus promised him what is written in the scripture above, “Don’t be afraid, from now on you will catch men.” (Luke 5:10b). Before Jesus, Simon Peter caught fish. After answering Jesus’ call to ministry, Simon Peter caught men. No longer would he lure fish with bait. Now, Simon Peter would lure people to the light of the gospel of Jesus.
When Simon Peter was young, he probably figured his life would center on fishing. He grew up near a large body of water. His family and friends contained many fishermen. It was one of the usual trades in the area. Little did Simon Peter know that his future would not be in the fishing industry. His future, changed by just a few words from Jesus, would be in preaching and teaching the gospel. God has a way of doing that to you. You can have your whole life planned out, and then God can come in and change all of that in an instant.
Jorge grew up in a small rural village in Honduras. His father was a carpenter. On most days as a child, he was taught the skills to be a carpenter. He asked for a hammer and tool belt for his sixth birthday. Jorge's father took him to job sites in his teen years. He learned the tricks of the trade from the guys on the job. At that time, he was mostly a “runner” on the job who made sure the workers had enough nails, concrete block, mortar, pieces of wood, or tools. As he grew older, he began to take on odd jobs. Then, he took over with his father on the job site, building houses or doing repairs. Jorge figured his job as a builder would be the central part of his life. Oh, how wrong he was!
When we met, Jorge still worked on houses. His main job, his pride and joy, was his church. When Jorge was “saved” in his twenties during an evangelism event, he decided to build a church. He found an open piece of property in the village and built the stone and wood structure. There, he built up a congregation and set up worship services. Every Sunday, you’d find him helping people get to worship or leading the singing or praying for a sick friend.
One day, while working together, he told me that the congregation had a special blessing. A very sick child was brought to the church, in a coma and near death. Jorge and a few elders prayed day and night for the child. The child survived. Jorge felt greatly blessed. Jorge loved being a builder and craftsman, but his real joy was in his ministry for God. When he talked about his ministry, his eyes grew bright and his smile increased greatly. He was full of passion for God. The last time we talked, he was praying earnestly for his first truck. I figured it was to transport materials to the job site. He corrected me: “To pick up people for church!!!”
When God calls you to a special relationship, things will change in your life. Your life will never be the same. Your goals will change. Your view of the world will center on the spiritual. Usually, you will find more joy and peace. However, one other thing will change. You may initially be afraid. Jesus noted that Simon Peter was afraid to leave his fishing behind in our scripture for today. When you embark on a new spiritual relationship with God, your might find it scary to speak in front of people, share your faith, or represent God to others. However, the spiritual journey won’t always be frightful. In fact, I have found that for most of us, the journey with God becomes a great joy. While initially challenging or frightening, in time it becomes a foretaste of heaven!
When Jesus said to Simon Peter the words above, my fisherman’s interest was piqued. Jesus knew Simon was a fisherman. It was by the Sea of Galilee that Jesus called Simon Peter into ministry (Matthew 4:18). After Jesus’ resurrection, Jesus met Simon Peter again by the Sea of Galilee while fishing (John 21). Simon Peter left his fishing nets to join the group of disciples. When he did, Jesus promised him what is written in the scripture above, “Don’t be afraid, from now on you will catch men.” (Luke 5:10b). Before Jesus, Simon Peter caught fish. After answering Jesus’ call to ministry, Simon Peter caught men. No longer would he lure fish with bait. Now, Simon Peter would lure people to the light of the gospel of Jesus.
When Simon Peter was young, he probably figured his life would center on fishing. He grew up near a large body of water. His family and friends contained many fishermen. It was one of the usual trades in the area. Little did Simon Peter know that his future would not be in the fishing industry. His future, changed by just a few words from Jesus, would be in preaching and teaching the gospel. God has a way of doing that to you. You can have your whole life planned out, and then God can come in and change all of that in an instant.
Jorge grew up in a small rural village in Honduras. His father was a carpenter. On most days as a child, he was taught the skills to be a carpenter. He asked for a hammer and tool belt for his sixth birthday. Jorge's father took him to job sites in his teen years. He learned the tricks of the trade from the guys on the job. At that time, he was mostly a “runner” on the job who made sure the workers had enough nails, concrete block, mortar, pieces of wood, or tools. As he grew older, he began to take on odd jobs. Then, he took over with his father on the job site, building houses or doing repairs. Jorge figured his job as a builder would be the central part of his life. Oh, how wrong he was!
When we met, Jorge still worked on houses. His main job, his pride and joy, was his church. When Jorge was “saved” in his twenties during an evangelism event, he decided to build a church. He found an open piece of property in the village and built the stone and wood structure. There, he built up a congregation and set up worship services. Every Sunday, you’d find him helping people get to worship or leading the singing or praying for a sick friend.
One day, while working together, he told me that the congregation had a special blessing. A very sick child was brought to the church, in a coma and near death. Jorge and a few elders prayed day and night for the child. The child survived. Jorge felt greatly blessed. Jorge loved being a builder and craftsman, but his real joy was in his ministry for God. When he talked about his ministry, his eyes grew bright and his smile increased greatly. He was full of passion for God. The last time we talked, he was praying earnestly for his first truck. I figured it was to transport materials to the job site. He corrected me: “To pick up people for church!!!”
When God calls you to a special relationship, things will change in your life. Your life will never be the same. Your goals will change. Your view of the world will center on the spiritual. Usually, you will find more joy and peace. However, one other thing will change. You may initially be afraid. Jesus noted that Simon Peter was afraid to leave his fishing behind in our scripture for today. When you embark on a new spiritual relationship with God, your might find it scary to speak in front of people, share your faith, or represent God to others. However, the spiritual journey won’t always be frightful. In fact, I have found that for most of us, the journey with God becomes a great joy. While initially challenging or frightening, in time it becomes a foretaste of heaven!
July 20
““On that day there shall be a fountain opened for the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to cleanse them from sin and uncleanness.” (Zechariah 13:1, RSV)
Can you imagine a child falling outside during a beautiful summer day? After hearing the child cry, the mother looks and finds the little one, only to discover that the child has split open her knee during a fall. The wound is bleeding. There is significant debris from the ground adhering to the bloody area. Now, imagine the mother taking three new bandages out and wrapping the child’s wounds without any cleansing or removal of the debris! All she does is cover it all up with the nice, sterile bandages. What would happen? The wound has a good chance of getting infected and taking longer to heal. Without cleansing and debriding the wound, the foreign materials would aggravate the wound and any foreign material would hinder the healing process. The body would have a difficult time treating the wound. On an older patient with limited circulation, a small wound that is ignored can result in the loss of a limb or worse! Cleansing the wound is crucial to healing!
Spiritual cleansing of wounds is also crucial to healing. Sadly, there are people who ignore this fact and cover over these wounds as if putting on clean bandages without cleaning and debridement of the wound first. Over time, spiritual wounds also can infect your mind, cause bitterness and resentment in your heart, and torture your soul. I have been with deeply wounded individuals whose care went unaided for a long time. In the end, it took a miracle by God and a great amount of counseling and prayer to bring some of them to peace. A few committed suicide. A good number suffered from anger, hatred, divorce, nightmares, and more. All wounds take special cleansing and care, whether on the body or in the mind or in the heart.
One needed only to spend a few minutes with Chastity to know she was hurting. Now and then, her eyes seemed distant. Her smile didn’t extend from her eyes. She kept people at a distance. I never heard her laugh. When she visited my church, I knew there was a deep wound, or several. Two years after she joined my church, the truth came out. While helping to decorate the sanctuary Christmas tree, Chastity suddenly got tearful. Others tried to reach out to her, but nothing helped. She hid her tears for a few minutes, then excused herself. She left early. When I stopped by her home to check on her, she was quiet and apologetic. Too apologetic. For a few months, I spent a little extra time watching for her and speaking to her softly. Out of the blue one day, she walked in my office and said to me in private, “Time to talk, if you have a few minutes.” The talk took an hour.
Chastity lost her father in a car accident. Her mother’s personality changed after the accident. Her mother grew bitter, resentful, and dour. Nothing Chastity did seemed to help her mother. A gulf grew between them. Nice words were seldom spoken. Not only did Chastity lose her father in the accident, she lost her mother in the aftermath. Chastity moved away after high school, married too young just to get away from home. The marriage never worked, adding to her wounds and loss. After serious bouts of depression, Chastity tried everything to not end up like her mother. Counseling didn’t work well, but it helped. As she looked at me, she said honestly, “What do I do to fix me?” I thought her words were wise. I thought the moment was right. We began her spiritual cleansing with hours of prayer and counseling. We worked through her wounds. She confessed her mistakes and sins. God and scripture gave her comfort and kept her on the path of healing. Through many tears, mixed with hours of care and prayer, Chastity finally felt whole for the first time in a long time. Today, it is not unusual to hear her laugh!
In our scripture from Zechariah, the prophet was speaking of the day when the messiah would come. Looking forward to that day, Zechariah predicted that the messiah would be like a “fountain” of healing (Zechariah 13:1). There, the people of Judah and Jerusalem would find wholeness. Their sin would be “cleansed.” The fountain of God would heal all their “uncleanness”. A new relationship would occur between God and God’s people. It would be a time of hope and joy.
This scripture reiterates the need for spiritual “cleansing” to deal with the results of sin. As you go through your days, don’t ignore the importance of cleansing in dealing with sin. Cleaning out your spiritual wounds is crucial to the proper healing of your soul. Your mind can’t rest when fighting unclean thoughts and attitudes. Your body will suffer the effects of your untreated sin. You need spiritual cleansing for all spiritual wounds. Is it no surprise that Jesus washed the feet of his disciples in a symbolic nod to the holy properties of ritual cleansing? The waters of the Red Sea not only were parted for the Israelites during the Exodus. They also washed away the armies of the Egyptians sent to destroy God’s people. Spiritual cleansing can come in many forms, from tears to baths to baptisms to confessions of sin. What type of spiritual cleansing might be helpful to you today?
Spiritual cleansing of wounds is also crucial to healing. Sadly, there are people who ignore this fact and cover over these wounds as if putting on clean bandages without cleaning and debridement of the wound first. Over time, spiritual wounds also can infect your mind, cause bitterness and resentment in your heart, and torture your soul. I have been with deeply wounded individuals whose care went unaided for a long time. In the end, it took a miracle by God and a great amount of counseling and prayer to bring some of them to peace. A few committed suicide. A good number suffered from anger, hatred, divorce, nightmares, and more. All wounds take special cleansing and care, whether on the body or in the mind or in the heart.
One needed only to spend a few minutes with Chastity to know she was hurting. Now and then, her eyes seemed distant. Her smile didn’t extend from her eyes. She kept people at a distance. I never heard her laugh. When she visited my church, I knew there was a deep wound, or several. Two years after she joined my church, the truth came out. While helping to decorate the sanctuary Christmas tree, Chastity suddenly got tearful. Others tried to reach out to her, but nothing helped. She hid her tears for a few minutes, then excused herself. She left early. When I stopped by her home to check on her, she was quiet and apologetic. Too apologetic. For a few months, I spent a little extra time watching for her and speaking to her softly. Out of the blue one day, she walked in my office and said to me in private, “Time to talk, if you have a few minutes.” The talk took an hour.
Chastity lost her father in a car accident. Her mother’s personality changed after the accident. Her mother grew bitter, resentful, and dour. Nothing Chastity did seemed to help her mother. A gulf grew between them. Nice words were seldom spoken. Not only did Chastity lose her father in the accident, she lost her mother in the aftermath. Chastity moved away after high school, married too young just to get away from home. The marriage never worked, adding to her wounds and loss. After serious bouts of depression, Chastity tried everything to not end up like her mother. Counseling didn’t work well, but it helped. As she looked at me, she said honestly, “What do I do to fix me?” I thought her words were wise. I thought the moment was right. We began her spiritual cleansing with hours of prayer and counseling. We worked through her wounds. She confessed her mistakes and sins. God and scripture gave her comfort and kept her on the path of healing. Through many tears, mixed with hours of care and prayer, Chastity finally felt whole for the first time in a long time. Today, it is not unusual to hear her laugh!
In our scripture from Zechariah, the prophet was speaking of the day when the messiah would come. Looking forward to that day, Zechariah predicted that the messiah would be like a “fountain” of healing (Zechariah 13:1). There, the people of Judah and Jerusalem would find wholeness. Their sin would be “cleansed.” The fountain of God would heal all their “uncleanness”. A new relationship would occur between God and God’s people. It would be a time of hope and joy.
This scripture reiterates the need for spiritual “cleansing” to deal with the results of sin. As you go through your days, don’t ignore the importance of cleansing in dealing with sin. Cleaning out your spiritual wounds is crucial to the proper healing of your soul. Your mind can’t rest when fighting unclean thoughts and attitudes. Your body will suffer the effects of your untreated sin. You need spiritual cleansing for all spiritual wounds. Is it no surprise that Jesus washed the feet of his disciples in a symbolic nod to the holy properties of ritual cleansing? The waters of the Red Sea not only were parted for the Israelites during the Exodus. They also washed away the armies of the Egyptians sent to destroy God’s people. Spiritual cleansing can come in many forms, from tears to baths to baptisms to confessions of sin. What type of spiritual cleansing might be helpful to you today?
July 21
““Yet even now,” says the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.” Return to the Lord, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and repents of evil.” (Joel 2:12–13, RSV)
There was an ages old tradition among the Israelites that when you were suffering, mourning, or hurting that you would tear your outer clothes in a symbolic gesture of your sadness. Ritually, the people of Israel and Judah did this as a sign of repentance. In those ancient days, when you sinned and then tore your garments, it was a sign of remorse and regret. It was often used as a sign to God, begging for forgiveness.
When the prophet Joel spoke God’s word above, the people were using that form of ritual regret. They heard of approaching Babylonian armies and some tore their clothes as a sign of repentance. It was a religious ritual that was to proclaim to all people and to God that the person regretted his or her actions. With sin running rampant through Judah at the time, several prophets appeared to warn the people of God’s judgment if they did not change their ways. Most of the people did not. A few tore their clothes as a sign of repentance. God told the prophet Joel that the tearing of one’s clothes in ritual repentance was not enough. In the scripture for today, God wanted the people to “return” to God with “all their heart” (Joel 2:12). God wanted them to “rend their hearts and not their garments.” God didn’t want their religious ritual tearing of clothes to be their only action. Out of repentance, they should also change their hearts as well as their ways. In the end, many sought comfort in religious rituals, but few changed their heart. The Babylonian armies ended up tearing up the entire holy land in war not long after.
Young Willie was a real handful. He was a willful child, who constantly got into trouble. At only five years old, he was already known up and down the block as the child most likely to be grounded or punished. If there was a prank done, he was an instigator. If something was missing, chances are that Willie was involved somehow. He roamed the block day and night and often found trouble in the process.
One day, Willie was found cheating at a game by a few of the neighborhood children. His mother overheard the upset voices and Willie’s pleas of innocence. When she asked him what he did, he immediately said, “I’m sorry” in angelic voice, but his eyes looked mischievous. After his mother returned into the house, he brought out his hand from behind his back which showed he had crossed his fingers. He wasn’t sorry. He smiled devilishly and went with the other children to another yard to play.
Like young Willie, there are many people in the world today who say they are sorry when they are not. They feign sadness in order to manipulate others. Christians are not above the ruse. They might say a prayer of repentance on Sunday, but then return to their sin on Monday. They may not cross their fingers during their prayer on Sunday morning, but the effect is the same. Their repentance is all ritual. Their heart is unaffected.
Be careful when your faith becomes ritualized. When you say you are sorry to another when in your heart you are not, God can see the difference. And God does not like it. Religious rituals can only take you so far. Without a repentant heart, you will not see true forgiveness in your life. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve attended church. If your heart isn’t right, God doesn’t much care about your ritual observance or worship attendance.
Has your faith become ritual? Is your heart unaffected by some part of God’s word? Are you all talk and no walk? When you make mistakes or fall into sin, God will be “gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love” (Joel 2:13). BUT, not if your heart isn’t ready to make some changes to your lifestyle. God will not bring grace if you don’t repent with a whole heart. Don’t be ritualistic in your response to sin or lifestyle. As Joel teaches, that just doesn’t work with God.
When the prophet Joel spoke God’s word above, the people were using that form of ritual regret. They heard of approaching Babylonian armies and some tore their clothes as a sign of repentance. It was a religious ritual that was to proclaim to all people and to God that the person regretted his or her actions. With sin running rampant through Judah at the time, several prophets appeared to warn the people of God’s judgment if they did not change their ways. Most of the people did not. A few tore their clothes as a sign of repentance. God told the prophet Joel that the tearing of one’s clothes in ritual repentance was not enough. In the scripture for today, God wanted the people to “return” to God with “all their heart” (Joel 2:12). God wanted them to “rend their hearts and not their garments.” God didn’t want their religious ritual tearing of clothes to be their only action. Out of repentance, they should also change their hearts as well as their ways. In the end, many sought comfort in religious rituals, but few changed their heart. The Babylonian armies ended up tearing up the entire holy land in war not long after.
Young Willie was a real handful. He was a willful child, who constantly got into trouble. At only five years old, he was already known up and down the block as the child most likely to be grounded or punished. If there was a prank done, he was an instigator. If something was missing, chances are that Willie was involved somehow. He roamed the block day and night and often found trouble in the process.
One day, Willie was found cheating at a game by a few of the neighborhood children. His mother overheard the upset voices and Willie’s pleas of innocence. When she asked him what he did, he immediately said, “I’m sorry” in angelic voice, but his eyes looked mischievous. After his mother returned into the house, he brought out his hand from behind his back which showed he had crossed his fingers. He wasn’t sorry. He smiled devilishly and went with the other children to another yard to play.
Like young Willie, there are many people in the world today who say they are sorry when they are not. They feign sadness in order to manipulate others. Christians are not above the ruse. They might say a prayer of repentance on Sunday, but then return to their sin on Monday. They may not cross their fingers during their prayer on Sunday morning, but the effect is the same. Their repentance is all ritual. Their heart is unaffected.
Be careful when your faith becomes ritualized. When you say you are sorry to another when in your heart you are not, God can see the difference. And God does not like it. Religious rituals can only take you so far. Without a repentant heart, you will not see true forgiveness in your life. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve attended church. If your heart isn’t right, God doesn’t much care about your ritual observance or worship attendance.
Has your faith become ritual? Is your heart unaffected by some part of God’s word? Are you all talk and no walk? When you make mistakes or fall into sin, God will be “gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love” (Joel 2:13). BUT, not if your heart isn’t ready to make some changes to your lifestyle. God will not bring grace if you don’t repent with a whole heart. Don’t be ritualistic in your response to sin or lifestyle. As Joel teaches, that just doesn’t work with God.
July 23
“Then Jonathan made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own soul. And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was upon him, and gave it to David, and his armor, and even his sword and his bow and his girdle.” (1 Samuel 18:3–4, RSV)
It is not uncommon to read in social media that two people are BFFs, best friends forever. A BFF is a person who knows who you really are and chooses to be there for and with you through thick and thin. It is wonderful to have a friend you can always count on. That friend is often a great joy in your day or becomes a good shoulder to cry upon. BFFs are usually good for each other.
When I was a kid, I had a friend two blocks away named George. George came from a great family. His mother was a joy who always looked out for us. George’s house was the place I learned to play the card game hearts. Behind his house was a large field. It was there that football games were often played among neighborhood kids. I spent many, many hours playing in that field with my friends. George and I biked to our middle school together. On a couple of occasions, I defended him against neighborhood bullies (I don’t know if he ever knew that!). But, that’s what friends were for!
During middle school, George got me interested in books and reading. We rode our bikes to the library. We attended book sales. We were both in reading programs during the summer. As I look back now, I realize that it was probably through George’s influence that I became a voracious reader. That led to us both getting good grades. That led me to desire to learn all I could about certain topics. That led to my longing for college and graduate school. That ultimately led to me getting my Doctorate in Ministry. George was a safe and beloved friend who is still close to my heart.
In the book of First Samuel, we read of the budding friendship between David and Jonathan. David grew famous from his victory over Goliath. Jonathan was famous because he was the son of King Saul. The two grew incredibly close. Jonathan even saved David from a murderous plot (1 Samuel 19:1). Jonathan also protected David. In the scripture for today, Jonathan gave David a royal robe, his armor, his sword, and more! (1 Samuel 18:4). Our scripture for today also explains that Jonathan “made a covenant with David”, because Jonathan loved David “as his own soul”. The two were best friends. The two were inseparable. Even after Jonathan died in battle, David looked out for his family members.
Friends are great to have in life. But, friends placed in your life by God are another level of awesome! These friends can influence your life in great ways. They can help you overcome obstacles. With honesty and sincerity, they often spur you to be your best. They usually inspire you to do better or help you deal with the difficulties in life. God-inspired best friends aren’t just close to you. They keep you true even when temptations are many and problems mount.
Look back in your life. Have you ever had that friend who was there at the right place and time to influence or aid you? Did you grow up with a friend who inspired you to be better, be faithful, or be true to yourself? Sometimes, God puts a friend there to help you through a rough patch or to inspire you toward a new calling. Are you one of those types of friends to another? How might God be using your influence to reach a friend this month?
When I was a kid, I had a friend two blocks away named George. George came from a great family. His mother was a joy who always looked out for us. George’s house was the place I learned to play the card game hearts. Behind his house was a large field. It was there that football games were often played among neighborhood kids. I spent many, many hours playing in that field with my friends. George and I biked to our middle school together. On a couple of occasions, I defended him against neighborhood bullies (I don’t know if he ever knew that!). But, that’s what friends were for!
During middle school, George got me interested in books and reading. We rode our bikes to the library. We attended book sales. We were both in reading programs during the summer. As I look back now, I realize that it was probably through George’s influence that I became a voracious reader. That led to us both getting good grades. That led me to desire to learn all I could about certain topics. That led to my longing for college and graduate school. That ultimately led to me getting my Doctorate in Ministry. George was a safe and beloved friend who is still close to my heart.
In the book of First Samuel, we read of the budding friendship between David and Jonathan. David grew famous from his victory over Goliath. Jonathan was famous because he was the son of King Saul. The two grew incredibly close. Jonathan even saved David from a murderous plot (1 Samuel 19:1). Jonathan also protected David. In the scripture for today, Jonathan gave David a royal robe, his armor, his sword, and more! (1 Samuel 18:4). Our scripture for today also explains that Jonathan “made a covenant with David”, because Jonathan loved David “as his own soul”. The two were best friends. The two were inseparable. Even after Jonathan died in battle, David looked out for his family members.
Friends are great to have in life. But, friends placed in your life by God are another level of awesome! These friends can influence your life in great ways. They can help you overcome obstacles. With honesty and sincerity, they often spur you to be your best. They usually inspire you to do better or help you deal with the difficulties in life. God-inspired best friends aren’t just close to you. They keep you true even when temptations are many and problems mount.
Look back in your life. Have you ever had that friend who was there at the right place and time to influence or aid you? Did you grow up with a friend who inspired you to be better, be faithful, or be true to yourself? Sometimes, God puts a friend there to help you through a rough patch or to inspire you toward a new calling. Are you one of those types of friends to another? How might God be using your influence to reach a friend this month?
July 25
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined.”
(Isaiah 9:2, RSV)
(Isaiah 9:2, RSV)
When Darren was arrested for disorderly conduct, many in his community labeled him as “bad”. Some said he was “bad blood” or a “bad seed”. Others expected him to mess up his life. Darren was hard-headed and opinionated. He seemed to be looking for a fight with a big chip on his shoulder.
While waiting for his case to come to court, Darren had a revelation. It was an “ah ha!” moment. He realized that for years he had been argumentative, because he thought he was an outcast. Growing up in a single-parent home with little money and a father who had abandoned the family, Darren felt inferior to his friends. His clothes were usually hand-me-downs. His house was weathered and shabby. His mother worked two jobs to make ends meet. He never met his father. Darren hated it when his schoolmates pointed out any form of his lowly existence. If one dared to mention his dad leaving, a fight would start. If someone made fun of his poor grades and lack of vocabulary, the student was liable to come home with bruises. As he waited for his court date, Darren realized that he had been wasting his life fighting others. At church, during a sermon, Darren realized that God loved him. Darren vowed to God that he would never again let his past cause him to be angry and resentful. He was going to do something right with his life. Darren became a man of faith and left behind his nagging insecurities.
Every one of us can benefit from those “ah ha!” moments from God. Those moments are life-changing and uplifting. When God shines a light of wisdom upon you, a problem or obstacle can be overcome. When you finally understand a thought or regret doesn’t have to control your life, it can be very freeing. When God shines a light on a sin in your life and you finally break free of that sin through forgiveness and grace, you might feel like you are walking on air! God’s light can change your perspective, your future, your understanding, shaking your world in a wonderful way.
In the scripture from Isaiah 9 written above, God brought light to the faithful during very dark times. God wanted Israel and Judah to know that though they had sinned, God was going to redeem them. God was watching out for them. God would bring peace and wholeness. This prophecy of Isaiah brought light and hope to a people mired in a looming war with Babylon. Assyria had defeated Israel. Darkness and gloom settled into the souls of the people of God. And yet, God wanted them to sense some encouragement, to feel some hope! Isaiah pronounced that God was going to raise up a “mighty counselor” who was going to be a “prince of peace” (Isaiah 9:6). This hopeful look toward a future messiah brought comfort to God’s people in a difficult time.
The scripture above is often read in Christian churches in the dark days of winter just before Christmas. Even today, it is a scripture that brings hope amid dark days. It is often read in sanctuaries that are decorated with twinkling lights or bright stars. It is a scripture that inspires. The words come from a God who wanted to inspire a nation mired in dark times.
Today, consider when in your past God shined a light upon your life. When was the last time you had an “ah-ha!” moment that changed your thinking or brought renewed faith? You might want to meditate or pray on whether God isn’t trying to shine some light on an area of your life today. Does God want you to have hope in the future or is God wishing to brighten your day? God’s light will shine upon you today. I’m praying you understand why.
While waiting for his case to come to court, Darren had a revelation. It was an “ah ha!” moment. He realized that for years he had been argumentative, because he thought he was an outcast. Growing up in a single-parent home with little money and a father who had abandoned the family, Darren felt inferior to his friends. His clothes were usually hand-me-downs. His house was weathered and shabby. His mother worked two jobs to make ends meet. He never met his father. Darren hated it when his schoolmates pointed out any form of his lowly existence. If one dared to mention his dad leaving, a fight would start. If someone made fun of his poor grades and lack of vocabulary, the student was liable to come home with bruises. As he waited for his court date, Darren realized that he had been wasting his life fighting others. At church, during a sermon, Darren realized that God loved him. Darren vowed to God that he would never again let his past cause him to be angry and resentful. He was going to do something right with his life. Darren became a man of faith and left behind his nagging insecurities.
Every one of us can benefit from those “ah ha!” moments from God. Those moments are life-changing and uplifting. When God shines a light of wisdom upon you, a problem or obstacle can be overcome. When you finally understand a thought or regret doesn’t have to control your life, it can be very freeing. When God shines a light on a sin in your life and you finally break free of that sin through forgiveness and grace, you might feel like you are walking on air! God’s light can change your perspective, your future, your understanding, shaking your world in a wonderful way.
In the scripture from Isaiah 9 written above, God brought light to the faithful during very dark times. God wanted Israel and Judah to know that though they had sinned, God was going to redeem them. God was watching out for them. God would bring peace and wholeness. This prophecy of Isaiah brought light and hope to a people mired in a looming war with Babylon. Assyria had defeated Israel. Darkness and gloom settled into the souls of the people of God. And yet, God wanted them to sense some encouragement, to feel some hope! Isaiah pronounced that God was going to raise up a “mighty counselor” who was going to be a “prince of peace” (Isaiah 9:6). This hopeful look toward a future messiah brought comfort to God’s people in a difficult time.
The scripture above is often read in Christian churches in the dark days of winter just before Christmas. Even today, it is a scripture that brings hope amid dark days. It is often read in sanctuaries that are decorated with twinkling lights or bright stars. It is a scripture that inspires. The words come from a God who wanted to inspire a nation mired in dark times.
Today, consider when in your past God shined a light upon your life. When was the last time you had an “ah-ha!” moment that changed your thinking or brought renewed faith? You might want to meditate or pray on whether God isn’t trying to shine some light on an area of your life today. Does God want you to have hope in the future or is God wishing to brighten your day? God’s light will shine upon you today. I’m praying you understand why.
July 27
“And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today; for the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again.” (Exodus 14:13, RSV)
An angry man entered my office one morning. His neighbor had yelled at him, then swore over and over at him. The angry man in my office was a member. He asked me what he should do. The man was torn between never talking to his neighbor again, going over to his house and giving the neighbor a tongue lashing, and taking out a restraining order against the neighbor. I told the man to just keep his peace, talk to God about it, and let it go to God for a few days. The man looked at me like I had grown a second head. His face turned red with repressed rage. He blurted out, “I can’t just let it go, can I?” I responded that he should go to God in prayer first. Finally, he promised to do just that.
Two weeks later, the formerly angry member entered my office. He held out his hand to shake mine, saying he was so sorry for losing his cool when his neighbor let him have it. We shook hands as he told me what had happened. He had gone home from my office two weeks before, praying as promised. He wanted badly to lash out in anger, but he kept the peace while he prayed. After several days in prayer, he told his wife that he was done praying and was going to go next door to his neighbor’s house. She challenged him to get back to praying, so he did. After ten days, he found out that his neighbor had been diagnosed with having had multiple strokes. Come to find out, the man was lashing out in anger as a result of the strokes. The anger played a part in the diagnosis. Thankfully, my formerly angry member had not succumbed to words or actions that would come back to haunt him. The two neighbors have been good friends ever since.
It’s not easy to keep a lid on your emotions and feelings while you wait upon the Lord. Still, I have found many, many moments when this is precisely what the Lord wants. When someone does you wrong, it is natural to fight back. After some slight, your emotions might scream for you to lash out. When in an argument, its difficult to refrain from destructive criticism. At these and many other moments in life, you may find that what God wants you to do is to “fear not, stand firm” and wait to see “the salvation of the Lord” (Exodus 14:13).
After the people escaped Egypt under the command of Moses, they traveled to the Red Sea. There, they waited for God to lead them further. As they were waiting for God’s direction, the armies of the Egyptians came after them. In such a dire situation, the Israelites were facing a terrible fate. No doubt, they thought they were going to die. Some probably wanted to fight back. Some may have thought to run to the hills. God told Moses that the people should stay put by the Red Sea. The people heeded Moses’ words. God then opened up a path through the sea for the faithful. They were given safe passage. The Egyptians who followed died in the Sea. God's people were saved.
When the people were cornered by the Egyptian armies, God wanted them not to fear and to “stand firm.” In your life, God may at times desire you to do the same. God will want you not to fear what may come, and stand firm in the place God put you. It may be one of the most difficult things you ever do, but you must do it! Sometimes, in order to be saved, you have to stand firm and wait upon the Lord for your salvation. To do anything else will not work.
When God asks you to stand firm in faith, do you find it hard to fulfill that command? Are you at times unable to continue in prayer and faith when your emotions or fears grab hold? Are you too impatient to “stand firm”, even when God commands it? “Standing firm” enabled the Israelites to “see the salvation of the Lord” (Exodus 14:13). If you want to see God’s salvation, it might take patience and fearlessness on your part. Are you up to that challenge?
Two weeks later, the formerly angry member entered my office. He held out his hand to shake mine, saying he was so sorry for losing his cool when his neighbor let him have it. We shook hands as he told me what had happened. He had gone home from my office two weeks before, praying as promised. He wanted badly to lash out in anger, but he kept the peace while he prayed. After several days in prayer, he told his wife that he was done praying and was going to go next door to his neighbor’s house. She challenged him to get back to praying, so he did. After ten days, he found out that his neighbor had been diagnosed with having had multiple strokes. Come to find out, the man was lashing out in anger as a result of the strokes. The anger played a part in the diagnosis. Thankfully, my formerly angry member had not succumbed to words or actions that would come back to haunt him. The two neighbors have been good friends ever since.
It’s not easy to keep a lid on your emotions and feelings while you wait upon the Lord. Still, I have found many, many moments when this is precisely what the Lord wants. When someone does you wrong, it is natural to fight back. After some slight, your emotions might scream for you to lash out. When in an argument, its difficult to refrain from destructive criticism. At these and many other moments in life, you may find that what God wants you to do is to “fear not, stand firm” and wait to see “the salvation of the Lord” (Exodus 14:13).
After the people escaped Egypt under the command of Moses, they traveled to the Red Sea. There, they waited for God to lead them further. As they were waiting for God’s direction, the armies of the Egyptians came after them. In such a dire situation, the Israelites were facing a terrible fate. No doubt, they thought they were going to die. Some probably wanted to fight back. Some may have thought to run to the hills. God told Moses that the people should stay put by the Red Sea. The people heeded Moses’ words. God then opened up a path through the sea for the faithful. They were given safe passage. The Egyptians who followed died in the Sea. God's people were saved.
When the people were cornered by the Egyptian armies, God wanted them not to fear and to “stand firm.” In your life, God may at times desire you to do the same. God will want you not to fear what may come, and stand firm in the place God put you. It may be one of the most difficult things you ever do, but you must do it! Sometimes, in order to be saved, you have to stand firm and wait upon the Lord for your salvation. To do anything else will not work.
When God asks you to stand firm in faith, do you find it hard to fulfill that command? Are you at times unable to continue in prayer and faith when your emotions or fears grab hold? Are you too impatient to “stand firm”, even when God commands it? “Standing firm” enabled the Israelites to “see the salvation of the Lord” (Exodus 14:13). If you want to see God’s salvation, it might take patience and fearlessness on your part. Are you up to that challenge?