READ: Deuteronomy 8

THINK: I wish I could say that I have an easy time following directions. I wish I could say that I usually “get it” with just one explanation. The funny thing is that as a high school English teacher I can get really irritated with students who seem to be lost after I’ve told them exactly what to do. While I try to be patient and kind on the outside, on the inside I’m thinking, “How hard can this be? Just listen, do what I say.”

Last week, I had a surprise call early in the morning from another school district. The principal interviewed me for a position and he gave very clear instructions for the question/answer process. I was to begin each answer with a simple “yes” or “no” and elaborate during follow-up questions. That seemed simple enough and so the questions began. I answered lots and lots of questions with lengthy explanations when it occurred to me I had completely ignored the directions. Oops – Do over!

In this chapter, God’s directions are perfectly clear: Follow him, obey him, remember him, fear him. The consequences are perfectly clear as well: Choose God, lack nothing. Forget God, face destruction. Unfortunately, following these directions isn’t  so easy. We have a very tough time staying humble, especially when things go well. We start chasing after other gods, believing we can live on bread alone – the physical comforts of this world. Before we know it we can get to the place where we aren’t following, obeying or remembering. The good news is that we have a merciful, patient, and loving GOD who is willing to forgive and restore when we are willing to repent! Unlike job interviews,  with GOD we really do get a “do over”!

PRAY: Ask GOD to remind you that choosing his way really will result in abundant life, while forgetting about him brings chaos and confusion. Pray for the humility we need to live our lives HIS way! Start today!

 

 

Read: Acts 6

Think: Every person is unique, and everyone how believes in Jesus Christ as Lord is specifically gifted by the Holy Spirit! Isn’t this a great thing!

This passage from Acts brings out some of the great things about people being gifted differently. The early church was beginning to grow, and as they grew, they needed to put some systems in place. Twelve disciples could not have been the preachers, the caregivers, the money distributors, the fundraisers, and the ones with the most wisdom and knowledge from God. There was no way they could play all the necessary roles on their own.

When I read this passage I think the Jews that approached the twelve disciples were most likely unhappy with how things were going, they may have had a bit of ‘snottiness’ in their tone as they said, “Hey look! The widows in our community are being overlooked because you are too busy preaching!”

Instead of getting angry with this comment, the twelve thought about it, and realized….they needed to keep preaching. Another need did not mean they had another task to fill- it meant they needed to find other people, who could fill that need so they could continue to serve in the places where God had most gifted them…which was in preaching!

The Twelve clearly knew their role, and were not willing to let another “good cause” sidetrack them from the “great cause.” For them, they were talented preachers, spending time handing out food to widows would have wasted the talent the Holy Spirit gave them, and their numbers would not have been multiplying (vs. 7). However, the group of 7 men who were chosen to serve in this role were probably great at caring for widows and distributing food. The Twelve created a system, and were able to say no to something good, to pursue something better by simply looking at their gifts, and the gifts of others around them.

This makes sense to us, but do we really live it out? When we see a need in our community or something we aren’t happy with in our church or youth group- do we see what gifts we have to bring to the table to make it better? Or do we toss it on to the “Pastor” and get mad when he doesn’t deliver. Your pastor, or ministry leader does not have every gift. Let them focus on the things they are best at- the things God has gifted them at, and don’t demand that they be all things. If they are gifted at preaching, don’t make them spend all day in intense counseling sessions with people in need. And if they love to be a shepherd and care for people- let them do that, without demanding that they preach great sermons that keep everyone engaged.

The Holy Spirit has gifted each of us, so lets appreciate the gifts he’s given to others, while living our lives doing Kingdom work using the gifts he’s given us! We can’t be all things to all people, we’re simply not that flexible, but the body of Christ as a whole can be all things to all people. Appreciate the people around you!

Challenge: Write an encouraging email/text to your pastor today. Give them a few reasons why you appreciate them, and then remember to support them. Don’t force them into a box God didn’t design them for.

Pray: Ask God to continue revealing to you who he made YOU to be, and what gifts the Holy Spirit wants to see come alive in you.

Read: Acts 5

THINK: There was a test conducted by a renowned university where 10 students were placed in a room. 3 lines of varying length were drawn on a card. The students were told to raise their hands when the instructor pointed to the longest line. But 9 of the students had been instructed beforehand to raise their hands when the instructor pointed to the second longest line. 1 student was the stooge. The usual reaction of the stooge was to put his hand up, look around, and realizing he was all alone, pull it back down. This happened 75% of the time, with students from grade school through high school.

75% of the time. It’s a pretty shocking number, but I don’t doubt that it’s correct. As I take a look at my own life and, if I’m really honest, I’m probably inclined to just follow the crowd even when I know it’s stupid to do so about ¾ of the time. It’s hard not to. I think all of us have this desire to be liked and accepted. We have the desire to be popular and to belong. And it’s not that those things are bad. We’re built for community; God designed us to belong. But often those desires manifest themselves through fear. We become so afraid that all of those things won’t happen that we just desperately try to blend in. We’ll do anything – no matter how stupid – just to be like everybody else and not stand out.

Peter and the rest of the Disciples clearly didn’t have this problem. They got arrested and thrown in jail for telling people about Jesus. And then God freed them and told them what to do: go preach the good news of Jesus in the temple. Again. So they did. Again. And they were arrested. Again. But when they were brought before the Sanhedrin (the ruling body of Israel which was given power of the religious affairs of the people by Rome) Peter said something courageous and profoundly true, “We must obey God rather than human beings!” He basically said, “We don’t care what you do to us or whether you like us or whether you think we’re cool. We’re not here to cater to the desires of the crowd. God gave us a mission and we are gonna carry it out no matter what people think.”

That’s easier to say than it is to actually live out. But Peter and the other Disciples lived it. And died because of it. If we are going to live the purpose-filled, world-changing lives that God designed us for, if we are really going live with the idea that what matters most is people find Jesus, then we have to be willing to stand out! We have to be different. Take a look at your life. Think about it for a second. In what ways, if any, are you different from everyone else around you? In what ways do you stand out because you are a Christian? I think that the sad answer is that most American Christians live lives that are nearly indistinguishable from the lives of those around them. We tend to live in such a way that we completely blend in to our culture. Who we are at our schools, our jobs, our homes, in our neighborhoods, on our sports teams, and in public places is virtually identical to who non-believers are. And so it is no huge surprise that the world doesn’t seem like its in any hurry to find Jesus. In the midst of its darkness, it has no light to find its way.

My challenge to all of you is to be like Peter. Make the bold declaration today that you will not be more influenced by peer pressure than you are by God. Let’s stand up and stop being the stooge who puts our hand down when we know the right answer just because everyone else is wrong. We must obey God rather than human beings.

ASK: When or where am I most tempted to give in to peer pressure? Why is it so difficult and so scary sometimes to stand out? How is my life different from the lives of everybody else around me? How should it be – what changes can I make – so that people see Jesus in me?

PRAY: Ask God to give you the boldness to stand out and stand up for him. Ask him to give you the courage to overcome your natural inclination to please people instead of him and to help you be the world-changer he has designed and called you to be.

July 27, 2013
READ: I Chronicles 21
BACKGROUND: If this passage sounds familiar, it is because we have read it before. On March 1st of this year our bible passage for the day included 2 Samuel 24 which tells the same story. 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles are companion texts. The books record the same events, but with a different purpose. Our newspapers actually do the same thing: the front page records events and the editorial page provides a commentary and perhaps some deeper insights into the impact or significance of the event.
THINK: Notice the difference in how the story begins in these two books:
2 Samuel 24:1 – “Again the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he incited David against them, saying, ‘Go, number Israel and Judah.’”
1 Chronicles 21: 1 – “Then Satan stood against Israel and incited David to number Israel.”
James Chapter 1: 13 – 15 tells us that God does not tempt us. However, he may allow us to be tempted to bring us back into a right relationship with him. In this case, God allowed David to be tempted to reveal the sin of pride.
If you read yesterday’s Throughin2, you know that David experienced amazing success as a military leader. He was a beloved king whose subjects willingly submitted to his authority. Unfortunately, when things were going really well, David began to think quite highly of himself. Instead of just counting his blessings, he decided to count all he “owned.” Taking a census was wrong for lots of reasons: First, it most likely alienated the citizens – think taxes! Second, it was boasting. David took credit for what GOD alone had done. And third, David continued his plan even though his trusted advisor, Joab, warned him not to.
The cost of David’s sin was great, as it always is, and the results broke his heart. Even before the prophet, Gad, arrived to rebuke him, David repented of his sin and sought GOD’s mercy; humbly accepting the consequences of his disobedience.
ASK: Like David, have we looked at our success, our possessions, our titles, etc. and counted ourselves talented, smart, popular, and sophisticated? Have we forgotten that everything we have is a gift from GOD? Do we need to be reminded that sin always costs something?
PRAY: Pray for God’s mercy when we fail! Pray for humility! Pray that we would “count everything as loss because of the unsurpassing worth of knowing Jesus Christ our LORD.” Phillipians 3:8

READ: I Chronicles 18, 19, 20

“David reigned over all Israel doing what was just and right for all his people,”               I Chronicles 18:14

THINK: If we were spectators in some huge heavenly arena, we would no doubt be on our feet, pumping our fists, high-fiving each other, and cheering with all our might as we watched David lead Israel to victory after victory after victory while enemies shrank in fear before them. Sometimes it’s great to be at the top!  Sometimes, absolutely nothing goes wrong!

The ironic thing is, in God’s economy, it’s when we know we deserve to be at the bottom, when we know we are nothing in our own strength, and when we understand who GOD is that we get it right. David’s season of victories follows a season of humility and gratitude before GOD.

Can we take just a few moments and rewind to I Chronicles 17:16 – 26? I cannot read David’s prayer without weeping. “Who am I, O LORD GOD, and what is my family that you have brought me this far?” Who am I to deserve to be called a child of GOD? What kind of mother am I that I should deserve to see my children walk with Jesus? What kind of a wife have I been that I deserve to hear my husband share the good news of Jesus all week long with little kids during bible school? GOD’s mercy and grace are overwhelming.

PRAY: If you can, listen to Casting Crowns as you make David’s prayer your own. Beloved, having deserved death, JESUS brings us into glorious and everlasting life!

ASK: Ask GOD let your heart be overcome with humility and gratitude. Victory in Jesus will surely follow.

Read: Deuteronomy 7

Think: Life can be overwhelming, a lot of the time. No matter the stage I’ve been in in life- there are things that overwhelm me. When I was a kid- deciding who to play with on the playground could be overwhelming. As a high school student I was overwhelmed by the number activities I was involved in- and the stack of scholarship and college applications I needed to finish. Just yesterday, I was overwhelmed by my job- I’m just warming up to this full-time job thing…and it is not always easy.

The crazy thing is, God tells us not to worry. In fact, he commands us to not worry. WHAT?(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqxPxaa5Wn8)

I know that God saved the Israelites from the Egyptians, and I know he overthrew nation after nation on their behalf, as we read about in Deuteronomy 7. But I forget that his promise is true for me today. I forget that God is not some hero from the past- but is my Savior, who loves me today- and who can carry me through each overwhelming battle I face.

Verse 17 says, “You may say to yourselves, “These nations are stronger than we are.” Do you find yourself telling yourself that? I do! “Kelsey, your problems and obstacles are bigger than you are.” And I regretfully leave it at that….

Instead of saying to GOD. Why tell myself the obstacles in front of me are bigger than me? I already know that. Instead I need to take it to God! Because God’s response to us is this, found in verse 18, “But do not be afraid of them.” and goes on to remind us that HE is bigger than our problems, and we do not need to fear. When I know God is fighting these obstacles in front of me- my perspective changes, I realize I need not be overwhelmed, because God is going before me.

Pray: Think about the things in your life right now that are stressing you out. Take time now to give them to God. Praise God for doing mighty works in the past, and praise him for being victorious over your battles today.

 

READ: James 5

THINK: Just 20 verses today! Seems like easy reading after struggling through those long chapters of Chronicles three chapters at a time with barely a name most of us knew how to pronounce, right? Yet, these 20 verses hold more truth than I will probably absorb in a lifetime and leave me with so many questions! Let’s start with just three…..and begin to pray through some of the action steps James calls us to take in response!

First, who are the rich people James is talking about? Theologians tell us this most likely refers to non-Christians who abused their power and oppressed those believers in the early church.  But we have become the rich.  We have so much, we expect so much, and we use so much – too often at the expense of the poor and disenfranchised. We Christians of the Western World are living in the wealthiest culture this world has ever known. The comforts of our daily lives would amaze most people groups living today and would have been nearly unimaginable to the ancient world. PRAY – that the Lord would convict us of the sin of self-indulgence and soften hearts that have become indifferent to the desperate needs of others. ASK God where he wants to use your resources!

Next, how are we supposed to be patient, especially when things don’t go our way? This wealthy culture of ours has also taught us we deserve nearly instant gratification. After all, that’s what credit cards are for! We often don’t do very well when times are tough, especially when there isn’t an end in sight. As James knows, during those times we sometimes begin to blame each other…to grumble…maybe even to grow bitter. PRAY – Remember GOD is faithful, full of mercy, full of compassion. Others have been through tough times and their stories, like Job’s, can comfort you. ASK God to give you HIS strength!

Finally, what about this healing oil? Is faith healing real?  James begins by reminding us that prayer is our lifeline! We can stay constantly connected to Jesus through prayer. While God may choose to delay our physical healing or complete our physical healing in heaven, he will never delay our heart healing! We can confess our sins to him constantly (and to other when necessary). PRAY – for healing from our sin sick souls. PRAY – for physical healing for all you know who may be suffering. ASK God to help you trust him completely. He is working all things together for our good.

James ends with one of the most beautiful and comforting verses in the whole bible: “If any of you should wander from the truth and someone brings him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.” We all wander from the truth. James, himself, was a wanderer. It seems he just couldn’t accept his brother as the Messiah. Perhaps James would have been lost forever. But Jesus wasn’t about to let that happen. 1 Corinthians Chapter 15: 3 – 7 lists all the people who saw the resurrected Christ! And the last one on that list is James! “Then he appeared to James.” Jesus came to restore sinners from death to life! PRAY that we might follow in his footsteps!

READ: Daniel 3

THINK: In the 1980’s a number of Soviet cosmonauts experienced violent dizziness, irregular heartbeats, and the inability to walk for weeks or even months at a time after returning from space. After studying them carefully, the Soviets realized that in a zero-gravity environment the muscles in a human body begin to waste away and atrophy because there is no resistance which forces them to do any work. So they invented something they called the penguin suit (which is a silly name, even if it’s appropriate) for cosmonauts which purposefully and powerfully restricted their movements in outer space so that they had to move kind of like a penguin. This solved the problem almost completely.

In life, most of us wish that we could just float along without any resistance whatsoever. We even pray for it from time to time – that God would keep us away from all troubles and trials and all difficulties and all pain. And I truly believe that we desire that because we were created for that. But there’s a problem: sin. Because of our sin and our rejection of God our hearts are corrupted. If we float through life our natural, human tendency is to float right away from God – to believe that we don’t need him because life is just fine without him. It’s hard sometimes – especially in the middle of them – to see trials as God’s mercy. But make no mistake, they are. They are his way of drawing us to himself and reminding us how desperately we need him. Forgetting that and living apart from him is eternally deadly.

The story of Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah – better known to the world by the pagan names Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego that the Babylonians gave them – is obviously one of the coolest, most amazing, and most incredible stories in the entire Bible. Seriously, how awesome are those guys? Faced with death – and what frankly sounds like a really painful death – they stood firm and refused to worship anyone but God. And I absolutely love the words that they spoke to Nebuchadnezzar in that moment. Nebuchadnezzar basically said, “I’m gonna fry you suckers if you don’t bow to this idol, and I’m gonna fry you up so good that no god could save you!” And they responded, “We do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”

“But even if he does not…” What? I mean, I get it that they know God can save them, but it seems crazy to take this stand if you’re not sure he will, right? Is this a lack of faith on their part, or are they trying to cover their bases? No. Not in the least. They are communicating something powerful here that we all need to remember and it is this:
Is God all-powerful? Yes. Is He able to deliver us from all our problems? Yes. Does God always deliver us from our difficulties? No.

We may not fully comprehend God’s purpose in our difficulty and suffering, but we can have the same awesome confidence that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had. And we can know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that God stands with us in the fires of life, just as he stood with them. Who was the 4th person walking around in the fire, the one who was no longer there when they were pulled out? It was Jesus. This is something called a theophany or, more specifically, a Christophany. Little did Nebuchadnezzar know when he exclaimed that the fourth man looked like “a son of the gods” that he was looking at “the Son of the God.”

Living the courageous life that God designed us for means walking through the fire sometimes. But just as Jesus stood with the three in the furnace, he stands with us, reassures us, and holds us in his love during the trials of our lives. They are never easy and they are often unpleasant, but God never abandons us to them. He meets us there, shapes us there, and reveals his love to us there.

ASK: How has God shaped me and taught me about himself and his love through difficult times and situations in my life? Am I willing to trust God so completely that I stand for him even when it could cost me everything?

PRAY: Thank God for never wasting a hurt in our lives. Thank him for meeting us in the broken spaces and using them to mold us. Thank him for his love. Ask him for the courage to do what is right, no matter what the consequences.