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He Should Have Known

June 8, 2011 in Daily Devotionals with 3 Comments

“On the way to Egypt, at a place where Moses and his family had stopped for the night the Lord confronted him and was about to kill him” (Exodus 4:24, NLT).

I never really understood that passage.

I mean Moses had just been singled out (again) by God. Called. To lead the people of Israel out of their slavery in Egypt.

He was the only one besides Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to get face time with God, and yet God choose to reveal Himself as Yahweh (Exodus 3:15, NLT). Not even Abe, Izzy, or JJ got that far!!

So why in the world was God trying to kill Moses? Seriously?

And I quote, “Now go, for I am sending you to Pharaoh. You must lead my people Israel out of Egypt” (Exodus 3:10, NLT).

So. Yeah.

The next night, God shows up and wants him dead. What the?

I love what my notes say in the NLT Study Bible.

“But Moses could not effectively serve as deliverer of God’s people until he had fulfilled the conditions of God’s covenant, and one of the conditions was circumcision. Before they could go any further, Moses and his family had to follow God’s commands completely under the Old Testament law, failing to circumcise your son was to remove yourself and your family from God’s blessing (4:24-26, notes).

In other words, delayed obedience is disobedience.

Even though the favor and confirmation of God’s promise rested on this man, Moses still had a personal responsibility to follow through!

In other (other) words–he should have known.

God wasn’t going to waste one ounce of their precious face time to point out a spreadsheet of Moses’ sin. If that were the case he (and every one of us), would stay permanently stuck trying to achieve perfection. Unable to move forward on the journey of promise. “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard” (Romans 3:23, NLT).

Question: Is there an area of your life that has not yet surrendered to the Lordship and Savior, Jesus Christ?

Look at David. When confronted with his sinful pride and covering up of the fact, he confessed. God still blessed him with another son, Solomon.

Look at Esther. She stuck her teenage body out there for the kings pleasure, and somehow he choose her as the next Queen. When it came time to intercede for her people, the Israelites, she happened to be the only one able to risk her life for just one more night with the king. Coincidence? I think not.

Look at Jonah. God asked him to preach a message of repentance to a bunch of bad mamma jammas. Wretched. Horrible. People. And instead he choose to flee the scene.

We should know better when God places people, circumstances, and His promises in front of us. Hope.

Will we choose to be found faithful or wait until it’s (almost) too late?

Obey now. Obey today!

Your future and your future children are waiting.

“You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever” (Psalm 16:11, NLT).

“The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life” (John 10:10, NLT).

“We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters” (1 John 3:16, NLT).

“Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, ‘I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life’” (John 8:12, NLT).

“This is what the Lord says—your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: ‘I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is good for you and leads you along the paths you should follow’” (Isaiah 48:17, NLT).

“Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us! What joy!” (Psalm 126:3, NLT).

I like Big Buts

June 6, 2011 in Daily Devotionals with 12 Comments

I just started reading Acts of the Apostles in my One Year Bible. Because I’m used to reading pretty quickly (I’m a writer, I do that), I’ve been challenged lately by my boyfriend Marc to take one book at a time. Although we are currently studying Exodus (more about that book on Wednesday), I wanted to share a few highlights of what I got from slower reading.

I LIKE BIG BUTS AND I CANNOT LIE

Acts 1:5-8, NLT:

“John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?” He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

That’s a big but. Normally I gloss over verses 5, 6, and 7 to get to the good part. Verse 8. I don’t even read the but part. I skip over that too.

YOU WILL RECEIVE POWER.

But why are we receiving power, I ask myself? Why do we need the Holy Spirit.

It’s like this. Say a child asks to go to Disneyland. You tell your child, “well we can’t afford it, but instead you can watch The Little Mermaid before daddy gets home.” Or something silly like that. Really, you’re giving the child the second option because that’s the only option they’re going to get. The butt-end or later part isn’t as good as the first.

HELLO?

The Holy Spirit is a pretty kick butt part of the deal if you ask me. I need the Holy Spirit daily. You need the Holy Spirit. It’s like what Jesus told Thomas, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me” (John 20:29, NLT).

Am I connecting with you here?

Wow.

I feel like I’m on to something new.

So this second part. The but. Comes after a loaded, but very powerful question. The disciples were asking Jesus the million dollar question. WHEN HAS THE TIME COME TO FREE ISRAEL AND RESTORE OUR KINGDOM? The earthly kingdom was never going to be restored. At least not in their lifetime, or the next, or the next-next-next-next-next-next-next. You get the picture. And yet.

Excuse me, but…

The Holy Spirit was enough. This alone should be enough to face the difficulties of this life. The unanswered questions. Your haunted, but not so distant past. Your scared future, and your unplanned present.

Take it from the Hall of Fame-ers in Hebrews 11:35b-38, NLT.

But others were tortured, refusing to turn from God in order to be set free. They placed their hope in a better life after the resurrection. Some were jeered at, and their backs were cut open with whips. Others were chained in prisons. Some died by stoning, some were sawed in half, and others were killed with the sword. Some went about wearing skins of sheep and goats, destitute and oppressed and mistreated. They were too good for this world, wandering over deserts and mountains, hiding in caves and holes in the ground. All these people earned a good reputation because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised. For God had something better in mind for us, so that they would not reach perfection without us.

Excuse me, but don’t you mean but? Well, it’s pretty much the same conclusion.

God knows and has something far better in mind for us, and without this trial (fill in the blank or many) you won’t reach it. Whatever question you are striving for today, don’t be afraid of the pause. The but. Jesus knows and already gave you the Holy Spirit. So use His power. Use it wisely. And know that Jesus knows you’re still praying about that answer. Whether it happens in this life time or in your great-great-great-great-great-great-grand son or daugther’s lifetime…God. Is. Still. Faithful.

10 Tips to Renew YOUR Devotional Life

May 30, 2011 in Daily Devotionals with 7 Comments

1. BE A FOLLOWER. Disciple simply means follower. It’s not a spiritual term.

QUESTION: You follow people on Twitter and Facebook, so why not be mindful to follow God FIRST?

BIBLICAL EXAMPLE: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33, NIV).

2. DISCIPLINE TAKES TIME. Over the years I’ve discovered what works for me. Daily eVerses + Yearly devotionals + One Year Bible + journal/pen = a VERY happy Renee.

QUESTION: What have you found works best for you?

BIBLICAL EXAMPLE: “I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified” (1 Corinthians 9:27, NLT).

3. IF YOU’RE BORED, GOD’S BORED. My friend Monique told me this phrase, and it’s always stuck with me. If you’re in the middle of reading your daily this & daily don’t be afraid to get creative. Try a new Bible translation, time of the day, or devotional book.

QUESTION: In the past what have you found most helpful in getting creative with changing up your devotional life with God?

BIBLICAL EXAMPLE: “Then the Lord said to Moses, “Look, I have specifically chosen Bezalel son of Uri, grandson of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. I have filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts” (Exodus 31:1-3, NLT).

4. DON’T DO IT ALONE. We need community. We need people. We need help. See if one of your friends or family can keep you accountable to spend your time daily with God. If you don’t tell others, they won’t know to ask.

QUESTION: Write down the names of one or two people who help keep you accountable for reading the Word daily. If you can’t think of anyone, write down the name(s) of people who you will ask this week:

1. ______________________________________

2. ______________________________________

BIBLICAL EXAMPLE: “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near” (Hebrews 10:24-25, NLT).

5. ASK FOR HELP. Don’t be afraid to lean on your accountability partner for help. When trials come (and they will), God tangibly offers His support in the form of those who are made in His image (your friends and family).

QUESTION: Are you afraid to ask others for help?

BIBLICAL EXAMPLE: “Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening” (Acts 16:25, NLT).

6. KEEP WATCHING! Even when we’re asking others for support and encouragement—ultimately we need to take responsibility to stand watch and keep watching for the Lord to speak to us.

QUESTION: Where do you go to watch for the Lord? Write down at least three places including your room, the outdoors, private gardens, etc.

1. ______________________________________

2. ______________________________________

3. ______________________________________

BIBLICAL EXAMPLE: “I will climb up to my watchtower and stand at my guardpost. There I will wait to see what the Lord says and how he will answer my complaint” (Habakkuk 2:1-2, NLT).

7. USE YOUR SENSES. I don’t know about you, but I love the taste of food. I like how it fills me up, tastes good, and gives me energy. The Bible is like that too. We taste and see that God is good by spending time daily in the Word, through prayer, and meeting with others.

QUESTION: How do you use your senses to connect with Jesus daily?

Sight – ________________________________________

Hearing – ______________________________________
Touch – _______________________________________

Smell – _______________________________________
Taste – _______________________________________

BIBLICAL EXAMPLE: “The true bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world. Jesus replied, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty’” (John 6:33, 35, NLT).

8. FIND YOUR PROMISE. It took me eleven months and twenty-six days to find my promise of healing from God. He told me specifically “In kindness He called me to share in His eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after I have suffered a little while, He will restore, support, and strengthen me, and He will place me on a firm foundation” (1 Peter 5:10, NLT-emphasis mine).

QUESTION: What kind of promise from the Lord are you desperately searching for or have you already found one?

YOUR BIBLICAL EXAMPLE HERE: ___________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

9. MEMORIZE SCRIPTURE. If you can quote your favorite movie, you can memorize Scripture. Just sayin’.

QUESTION: When was the last time you memorized a favorite passage of Scripture?

BIBLICAL EXAMPLE: “Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do” (Joshua 1:8, NLT).

10. LIVING FOR ETERNITY. God has given us every spiritual gift we need for living a godly life (2 Peter 1:3, NLT). Don’t let Judgment day catch you by surprise. Live each day with for eternity. Add goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, affection, and love to your faith daily.

QUESTION: What attribute do you find most difficult and/or easy to live out loud?

BIBLICAL EXAMPLE: “Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13, NLT).

NEXT STEPS:

Purchase a copy of “Faithbook of Jesus: Connecting With Jesus Daily” on Amazon and subscribe to Daily Devotionals on Air 1.com and New Living Translation Daily Devotionals.

Affirming Our Worth

May 23, 2011 in Daily Devotionals with 2 Comments

[To Find Freedom in Christ] – “Understanding your identity in Christ is absolutely essential to your success at living the victorious Christian life! The more you reaffirm who you are in Christ, the more your behavior will begin to reflect your true identity!” (From “Victory Over the Darkness” by Dr. Neil Anderson)

Every one to us need to be reaffirmed of our worth in Christ. This isn’t about positive self-talk or even new age mumbo jumbo. This is about taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5), not having a spirit of fear, but of love, power, and self-discipline (2 Tim. 1:7) because there is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear (1 Jn. 4:18).

Be encouraged today of your worth in Christ.

“Who am I?”

I am accepted…
John 1:12 – I am God’s child.
John 15:15 – I am Christ’s friend.
Rom. 5:1 – I have been justified.
1 Cor. 6:17 – I am unified with the Lord, and I am one spirit with Him.
1 Cor. 6:19, 20 – I have been bought with a price. I belong to God.
1 Cor. 12:27 – I am a member of Christ’s body.
Eph. 1:1 – I am a saint.
Eph. 1:5 – I have been adopted as God’s child.
Eph. 2:18 – I have direct access to God through the Holy Spirit.
Col. 1:14 – I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins.
Col. 2:10 – I am complete in Christ.

I am secure…
Rom. 8:1, 2 – I am free forever from condemnation.
Rom. 8:28 – I am assured that all things work together for good.
Rom. 8:31f – I am free from any condemning charges against me.
Rom. 8:35f – I cannot be separated from the love of God.
2 Cor. 1:21, 22 – I have been established, anointed, and sealed by God.
Col. 3:3 – I am hidden with Christ in God.
Phil. 1:6 – I am confident that the good work that God has begun in me will be perfected.
Phil. 3:20 – I am a citizen of heaven.
2 Tim. 1:7 – I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind.
Heb. 4:16 – I can find grace and mercy in time of need.
1 John 5:18 – I am born of God, and the evil one cannot touch me.

I am significant…
Matt. 5:13, 14 – I am the salt and light of the earth.
John 15:1, 5 – I am a branch of the true vine, a channel of His life.
John 15:16 – I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit.
Acts 1:8 – I am a personal witness of Christ’s.
1 Cor. 3:16 – I am God’s temple.
2 Cor. 5:17f – I am a minister of reconciliation for God.
2 Cor. 6:1 – I am God’s co-worker (1 Cor. 3:9).
Eph. 2:6 – I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realm.
Eph. 2:10 – I am God’s workmanship.
Eph. 3:12 – I may approach God with freedom and confidence.
Phil. 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

(From “Living Free in Christ” by Dr. Neil Anderson)

King of my Heart

May 16, 2011 in Daily Devotionals with 2 Comments

[Quit Making Excuses] – “Then the Lord said to Samuel, ‘I am sorry that I ever made Saul king, for he has not been loyal to me and has refused to obey my command.’ Samuel was so deeply moved when he heard this that he cried out to the Lord all night” (1 Samuel 15:10-11, NLT).

The other night in my quiet time I was reading through my One Year Bible and came upon the famous passage of the downfall of King Saul. I immediately thought of this verse from Deuteronomy 17:14-15, NLT that says:

“You are about to enter the land the Lord your God is giving you. When you take it over and settle there, you may think, ‘We should select a king to rule over us like the other nations around us.’ If this happens, be sure to select as king the man the Lord your God chooses…”

The Lord knows the condition of our hearts (Jeremiah 17:5). He knows that we are human and can change our mind (1 Samuel 15:29). He knows how easily swayed by other people we are, and our desperation to please others. We desire to be King and Queen, but what about the condition of our heart?

Are we willing to accept the responsibility? To carry out the task with honor?

Do we cave under pressure?

Can we carry out the commands the Lord gives us personally to do?

What we really need is people like Samuel, AKA a harvester, who is willing to go and serve the people of the Lord by pointing out their sin. Had Samuel never gone to Saul to confront him–who knows what would have happened.

But who wants to be the bearer of bad news?

Samuel to King Saul: “Why haven’t you obeyed the Lord? Why did you rush for the plunder and do what was evil in the Lord’s sight? What is more pleasing to the Lord: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams. Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols. So because you have rejected the command of the Lord, he has rejected you as king.”

Ouch! Ouch! Ouch! Ouch! Ouch!

Then, after all that Saul said he disobeyed because he was afraid.

Thankfully, we serve a God “who has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust” (Psalm 103:12-14, NLT).

Lord, help us not to judge the condition of others heart, only our own!

“Samuel never went to meet with Saul again, but he mourned constantly for him. And the Lord was sorry he had ever made Saul king of Israel. Don’t judge by his [the next king] appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 15:35 & 16:7, NLT).

Dear Jesus,

You detest the sacrifice of the wicked, but you delight in the prayer of the upright. Hear my prayers oh God. I confess my sins to you for I fall so short of Your glory. What you require, O God, is obedience. Above all else, hear me and answer my prayers. Restore me so that I can be the King or Queen you created me to be. Give me a heart like King David’s. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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