Today's reading: Deuteronomy 34; Joshua 1, 2; Psalm 5, 35, 65, 95, 125; Proverbs 5
Joshua 1:8, "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success."
In our text today there is listed for us one of the buzz words of today. That word is success. I find it interesting that it is only mentioned one time in all of Scripture. There are all kinds of "success gurus" out there that will sell you their particular thingy that will assure you manifold success. I just watch those infomercials and laugh. The reason they are so successful is that people are subscribing to their wares and sending them money.
So how do you and I have godly success?
First we must know God. Look at Deuteronomy 34:10, "And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face,". What a testimony about Moses and his relationship with the Lord. To know someone "face to face" is to know them intimately. You would know their very heartbeat. We should have this kind of relationship with the Lord. We should be so in tune with Him that we know His every desire or heartache or ...
Second we must follow God. Look at Joshua 2:1, "And Joshua the son of Nun sent out of Shittim two men to spy secretly, saying, Go view the land, even Jericho. And they went, and came into an harlot's house, named Rahab, and lodged there." I love the story of Rahab. It is a beautiful picture of salvation. If you and I are going to be successful we must follow God. We cannot follow the world and their philosophy. This will not allow us to be pleasing and acceptable to God. Part of the problem today is that the Church looks and acts so much like the world that you cannot tell the difference in the two. This ought not to be!
Thirdly we must talk to God. Look at Psalm 65:2, "O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come." We all have an appointment with death no matter. If you have been born then you have a death date all set and only God knows when that is exactly. If we know God and we follow Him then we will want to talk to Him. That is all that prayer really is. It is talking to God like you would talk to anyone else. So many people think that prayer is some flowery speech that sounds oh so "religious"; but, it is not. God said that "vain repetition" is not how to get your prayers answered. Being in a right relationship with God at all times will allow us the assurance that when we pray we will receive an answer.
Fourthly we must confess and forsake all known sin in our lives. Look at Proverbs 5:22-23, "His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins. He shall die without instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray." Sin is a terrible thing that you and I are born with. We can live a life that pleases God and be successful if we will just keep a short account with God. By that I mean that we confess our sin often so that we keep the lines of communication open at all times between us and God. It is like taking a bath. When you are finished with your bath you feel so clean. When you pray and ask forgiveness for sin then you are spiritually clean.
So friend, how successful are you today in God's eyes? I hope you hold God's view of success.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Thursday, March 4, 2010
March 4, 2010
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 31, 32, 33; Psalm 4, 34, 64, 94, 124; Proverbs 4
Deuteronomy 32:11-12, "As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings: So the LORD alone did lead him, and there was no strange god with him."
Many of you know that a favorite topic of mine is right here in our verse for today. I am fascinated by eagles. We are told that this passage is taken from a song that God told Moses to write for the Israelites in Deuteronomy 31:19, "Now therefore write ye this song for you, and teach it the children of Israel: put it in their mouths, that this song may be a witness for me against the children of Israel."
The song was to remind them of where they came from and what happens when they would forsake God. He also reminds them that if they turn from their sin, to Him that He would restore them.
In verses 11 and 12 we see some powerful illustrations. Notice "As an eagle stirreth up her nest,". When the baby eagle begins to grow and venture out away from the nest their parents will begin to take away the hide lining of the nest and throw it away. Then the baby gets back and things have changed. It is not as comfortable as it once was. This causes the baby to venture out away from the nest eventually.
Now that the baby is leaving the nest the mother will begin to teach the baby to fly. Notice, "fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings:". The mother will put the baby on her back and take off from the rock. She will eventually fly straight up and then do a barrel roll and knock the baby off her back. As the baby is falling the mother is flying just above him and is yelling to him to stretch out his wings and fly. This process goes on and on until the baby realizes that his mother is doing it and he can too.
This is a picture of God's dealing with His children. One thing I did not mention about this training time is that during this time the father is flying in circles above and keeping watch over what is going on. Also the baby eagle while falling does not realize that their parents can fly faster than he can fall.
I hope that you and I will remember the example of the eagle and how God lovingly deals with His children. Isaiah 40:31, "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
Stretch out your wings and fly!
Deuteronomy 32:11-12, "As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings: So the LORD alone did lead him, and there was no strange god with him."
Many of you know that a favorite topic of mine is right here in our verse for today. I am fascinated by eagles. We are told that this passage is taken from a song that God told Moses to write for the Israelites in Deuteronomy 31:19, "Now therefore write ye this song for you, and teach it the children of Israel: put it in their mouths, that this song may be a witness for me against the children of Israel."
The song was to remind them of where they came from and what happens when they would forsake God. He also reminds them that if they turn from their sin, to Him that He would restore them.
In verses 11 and 12 we see some powerful illustrations. Notice "As an eagle stirreth up her nest,". When the baby eagle begins to grow and venture out away from the nest their parents will begin to take away the hide lining of the nest and throw it away. Then the baby gets back and things have changed. It is not as comfortable as it once was. This causes the baby to venture out away from the nest eventually.
Now that the baby is leaving the nest the mother will begin to teach the baby to fly. Notice, "fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings:". The mother will put the baby on her back and take off from the rock. She will eventually fly straight up and then do a barrel roll and knock the baby off her back. As the baby is falling the mother is flying just above him and is yelling to him to stretch out his wings and fly. This process goes on and on until the baby realizes that his mother is doing it and he can too.
This is a picture of God's dealing with His children. One thing I did not mention about this training time is that during this time the father is flying in circles above and keeping watch over what is going on. Also the baby eagle while falling does not realize that their parents can fly faster than he can fall.
I hope that you and I will remember the example of the eagle and how God lovingly deals with His children. Isaiah 40:31, "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
Stretch out your wings and fly!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
March 3, 2010
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 28, 29, 30; Psalm 3, 33, 63, 93, 123; Proverbs 3
Deuteronomy 30:20, "That thou mayest love the LORD thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them."
We heard a good message on Biblical priorities tonight. We need to be reminded from time to time what our priorities should be. It is so easy to get caught up in the every day world and their thinking. This is when we loose sight of our priorities.
Our number one priority should be God. We must put God first in all that we do. It is so much more than the silly braclets that people wear proclaiming, 'WWJD" (What Would Jesus Do). This is a nice thought; but, if we do not practice it then it is no good. I know a man who would wear said braclet and curse like a sailor and do all kind of abominable things. It is sad.
We need to love God with all of our heart. We need to whole heartedly serve Him with all of our heart, mind and might. He is worthy of it. If we get the first priority correct in our lives then the rest of them are sure to follow right in line.
After being challenged tonight I need to set down and evaluate again what my priorities are and make sure that God is number one. How about you?
Deuteronomy 30:20, "That thou mayest love the LORD thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them."
We heard a good message on Biblical priorities tonight. We need to be reminded from time to time what our priorities should be. It is so easy to get caught up in the every day world and their thinking. This is when we loose sight of our priorities.
Our number one priority should be God. We must put God first in all that we do. It is so much more than the silly braclets that people wear proclaiming, 'WWJD" (What Would Jesus Do). This is a nice thought; but, if we do not practice it then it is no good. I know a man who would wear said braclet and curse like a sailor and do all kind of abominable things. It is sad.
We need to love God with all of our heart. We need to whole heartedly serve Him with all of our heart, mind and might. He is worthy of it. If we get the first priority correct in our lives then the rest of them are sure to follow right in line.
After being challenged tonight I need to set down and evaluate again what my priorities are and make sure that God is number one. How about you?
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
March 2, 2010
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 25, 26, 27; Psalm 2, 32, 62, 92, 122; Proverbs 2
Psalm 32:5-6, "I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah. For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him."
I remember a number of years ago attending a Church service where a popular Evangelist was preaching. I remember his points was that revival is acknowledging our sin. That entire message has stuck with me over the years. I have even used it myself.
So many people today walk along in life carrying burdens that seem overwhelming to them. I am afraid that a lot of these could have their burden lifted by simply confessing and forsaking their sin. The fact that sin will take you farther than you want to go, cost you more than you are willing to pay and keep you longer than you want to stay is a well known reality in Christian circles. So why don't we avail ourselves to forgiveness?
I think we are too proud to admit to God that we are sinners and that we need His help. How about you?
Psalm 32:5-6, "I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah. For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him."
I remember a number of years ago attending a Church service where a popular Evangelist was preaching. I remember his points was that revival is acknowledging our sin. That entire message has stuck with me over the years. I have even used it myself.
So many people today walk along in life carrying burdens that seem overwhelming to them. I am afraid that a lot of these could have their burden lifted by simply confessing and forsaking their sin. The fact that sin will take you farther than you want to go, cost you more than you are willing to pay and keep you longer than you want to stay is a well known reality in Christian circles. So why don't we avail ourselves to forgiveness?
I think we are too proud to admit to God that we are sinners and that we need His help. How about you?
Monday, March 1, 2010
March 1, 2010
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 22, 23, 24; Psalm 1, 31, 61, 91, 121; Proverbs 1
Deuteronomy 23:23, "That which is gone out of thy lips thou shalt keep and perform; even a freewill offering, according as thou hast vowed unto the LORD thy God, which thou hast promised with thy mouth."
I have a friend who made a vow a number of years ago and he struggles to keep it today. He now takes a long time to think before he makes a commitment. We all need to stop and think before we make a decision.
Today, people get married on a whim and then divorced the same way. Decisions are made flippantly. We make no second thought as to the ramifications of our decisions. We live for the moment. We like how it makes us feel or how we feel when we are with someone.
We need to be people of our word. If I tell you that I will do something then I need to be a man and do it. Our word needs to be worth something. What is your word worth?
Deuteronomy 23:23, "That which is gone out of thy lips thou shalt keep and perform; even a freewill offering, according as thou hast vowed unto the LORD thy God, which thou hast promised with thy mouth."
I have a friend who made a vow a number of years ago and he struggles to keep it today. He now takes a long time to think before he makes a commitment. We all need to stop and think before we make a decision.
Today, people get married on a whim and then divorced the same way. Decisions are made flippantly. We make no second thought as to the ramifications of our decisions. We live for the moment. We like how it makes us feel or how we feel when we are with someone.
We need to be people of our word. If I tell you that I will do something then I need to be a man and do it. Our word needs to be worth something. What is your word worth?
Sunday, February 28, 2010
February 28, 2010
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 19, 20, 21; Psalm 28, 58, 88, 118, 148; Proverbs 28
Deuteronomy 20:8, "And the officers shall speak further unto the people, and they shall say, What man is there that is fearful and fainthearted? let him go and return unto his house, lest his brethren's heart faint as well as his heart."
Some years ago I worked with someone that I became close to. It was so funny when people would call and talk to us; because, they could not tell which one of us was which. According to others we sounded just like one another on the phone. We all had a good laugh about it. On guy decided that when one of us would answer the phone he would say both of our first names as one name. This way he had a 50% chance of getting it correct.
I noticed also during this time that some things I would say were exactly the way he would have said them. I also noticed that occasionally he would say things that I would say. We shared some of the same likes and dislikes; but, not all. We both enjoyed spicy, hot food and many other things.
My point? You never know how you might influence someone when you are around them. Especially, if you are around them a lot. I have heard it said that "nearness is likeness". I believe that because I have seen it. I have seen it in my wife and I. The longer we are married the more she and I pick up on the other person's saying and mannerisms also. It is kind of funny.
If you allow someone to have influence over you then you are allowing that person to lead you. Leadership is influence. If I will not allow you to influence me then you will not lead me no matter how hard you try. It would be like trying to take a horse to the watering tank and then pull his head into the water to drink. The theme song to "Mission Impossible" is playing now. Yes, it would be impossible. I know this because I have tried it. Don't attempt it.
So, who is influencing you today? What leader are you following? Have you tried following Jesus? If not start now!
Deuteronomy 20:8, "And the officers shall speak further unto the people, and they shall say, What man is there that is fearful and fainthearted? let him go and return unto his house, lest his brethren's heart faint as well as his heart."
Some years ago I worked with someone that I became close to. It was so funny when people would call and talk to us; because, they could not tell which one of us was which. According to others we sounded just like one another on the phone. We all had a good laugh about it. On guy decided that when one of us would answer the phone he would say both of our first names as one name. This way he had a 50% chance of getting it correct.
I noticed also during this time that some things I would say were exactly the way he would have said them. I also noticed that occasionally he would say things that I would say. We shared some of the same likes and dislikes; but, not all. We both enjoyed spicy, hot food and many other things.
My point? You never know how you might influence someone when you are around them. Especially, if you are around them a lot. I have heard it said that "nearness is likeness". I believe that because I have seen it. I have seen it in my wife and I. The longer we are married the more she and I pick up on the other person's saying and mannerisms also. It is kind of funny.
If you allow someone to have influence over you then you are allowing that person to lead you. Leadership is influence. If I will not allow you to influence me then you will not lead me no matter how hard you try. It would be like trying to take a horse to the watering tank and then pull his head into the water to drink. The theme song to "Mission Impossible" is playing now. Yes, it would be impossible. I know this because I have tried it. Don't attempt it.
So, who is influencing you today? What leader are you following? Have you tried following Jesus? If not start now!
Saturday, February 27, 2010
February 27, 2010
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 16, 17, 18; Psalm 27, 57, 87, 117, 147; Proverbs 27
Deuteronomy 17:18-19, "And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of that which is before the priests the Levites: And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them:"
You all know from reading this blog that I believe that daily reading the Bible is vitally important. It was so important to the LORD that He assigned the kings of Israel the task of writing a copy of it and to keep is before the priests the Levites. Why is it so important?
I believe that it is important because what you put into you will come out. You are like a funnel. If you pour water into a funnel and expect grape juice to come out the other end you will be sadly mistaken. This is a principle called "Garbage In/Garbage Out" (GIGO). We need to fill our minds and hearts with the Word of God. If we do we will be equipped to live a life that pleases God also. The Bible is good for us.
The Bible is good for others too. Proverbs 27:17, "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend." If I am going to encourage my fellow Christians then I will use the Bible to do that. When you sharpen an axe you use a file or grinder of some sort. This causes friction, heat and sparks. This happens because of the contact of the axe head to whatever you choose to sharpen it with. It is the same in our lives as Christians. We need to be close enough to one another to cause sparks, heat and friction from time to time. This is exhortation. If we see someone doing something contrary to the Bible we should pray for them and us. Then we need to go to them in Christian love and share the Bible with them and try to lead them in the way God would be pleased with.
So friend, how are you doing?
Deuteronomy 17:18-19, "And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of that which is before the priests the Levites: And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them:"
You all know from reading this blog that I believe that daily reading the Bible is vitally important. It was so important to the LORD that He assigned the kings of Israel the task of writing a copy of it and to keep is before the priests the Levites. Why is it so important?
I believe that it is important because what you put into you will come out. You are like a funnel. If you pour water into a funnel and expect grape juice to come out the other end you will be sadly mistaken. This is a principle called "Garbage In/Garbage Out" (GIGO). We need to fill our minds and hearts with the Word of God. If we do we will be equipped to live a life that pleases God also. The Bible is good for us.
The Bible is good for others too. Proverbs 27:17, "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend." If I am going to encourage my fellow Christians then I will use the Bible to do that. When you sharpen an axe you use a file or grinder of some sort. This causes friction, heat and sparks. This happens because of the contact of the axe head to whatever you choose to sharpen it with. It is the same in our lives as Christians. We need to be close enough to one another to cause sparks, heat and friction from time to time. This is exhortation. If we see someone doing something contrary to the Bible we should pray for them and us. Then we need to go to them in Christian love and share the Bible with them and try to lead them in the way God would be pleased with.
So friend, how are you doing?
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