Please check back in January 2011.
This blog serves as an example of conversational/relational quiet time with God.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Judges 8
What stood out today:
1 Now the Ephraimites asked Gideon, "Why have you treated us like this? Why didn't you call us when you went to fight Midian?" And they criticized him sharply.
10 Now Zebah and Zalmunna were in Karkor with a force of about fifteen thousand men, all that were left of the armies of the eastern peoples; a hundred and twenty thousand swordsmen had fallen.
22 The Israelites said to Gideon, "Rule over us—you, your son and your grandson—because you have saved us out of the hand of Midian."
23 But Gideon told them, "I will not rule over you, nor will my son rule over you. The LORD will rule over you."
27 Gideon made the gold into an ephod, which he placed in Ophrah, his town. All Israel prostituted themselves by worshiping it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and his family.
33 No sooner had Gideon died than the Israelites again prostituted themselves to the Baals.
My Response: God You are amazing! You defeated 135,000 soldiers with 300 Israelites. Gideon is amazing to lead such an army. Also, Gideon is flesh, weak, flawed and worships a gold Ephod and leads his whole family astray. And what a legacy, no sooner had Gideon died than the Israelites went right back to idol worship. Jesus, we so need you as a present day saviour. Jesus, who am I compared to Gideon? I am nothing apart from You, just a withered branch torn from the vine. Jesus, You alone have the words of LIFE, You alone are the Word of LIFE.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Judges 7
What stood out today:
3… 'Anyone who trembles with fear may turn back and leave Mount Gilead.' " So twenty-two thousand men left, while ten thousand remained.
7 The LORD said to Gideon, "With the three hundred men that lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hands. Let all the other men go, each to his own place."
15 When Gideon heard the dream and its interpretation, he worshiped God. He returned to the camp of Israel and called out, "Get up! The LORD has given the Midianite camp into your hands."
22 When the three hundred trumpets sounded, the LORD caused the men throughout the camp to turn on each other with their swords. The army fled to Beth Shittah toward Zererah as far as the border of Abel Meholah near Tabbath.
My Response: This story and so many other stories show your faithfulness and your power, Your willingness and Your ability. Lord Jesus, You fight for and with Your people. We are engraved in the palms of Your hands; nothing and no one can snatch us out of your hand. I, too, worship You!
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Judges 6
What stood out today:
11 The angel of the LORD came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to keep it from the Midianites.
15 "But Lord," Gideon asked, "how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family."
22 When Gideon realized that it was the angel of the LORD, he exclaimed, "Ah, Sovereign LORD! I have seen the angel of the LORD face to face!"
23 But the LORD said to him, "Peace! Do not be afraid. You are not going to die."
34 Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, and he blew a trumpet, summoning the Abiezrites to follow him.
My Response: Lord, You are so patient. You engage and stick with Gideon till he gets it; till he gets You. Jesus I love how you reveal Yourself, I so look forward to seeing you “face to face.” To look into Your eyes, to see Your smile, to behold Your glory and beauty. I love the parallel to the New Testament: I am sending you, peace, I will be with you, You will not die, the Spirit will come upon you and be in you. Jesus, You certainly are the same yesterday, today, and forever. You are YHWH of Exodus 3:14. You are the Alpha and the Omega, the One who is, who was, and who is to come, the Almighty of Revelation 1:8.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Judges 4 & 5
What stood out today:
4 Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time.
9 "Very well," Deborah said, "I will go with you. But because of the way you are going about this, the honor will not be yours, for the LORD will hand Sisera over to a woman." So Deborah went with Barak to Kedesh,
21 But Jael, Heber's wife, picked up a tent peg and a hammer and went quietly to him while he lay fast asleep, exhausted. She drove the peg through his temple into the ground, and he died.
when the people willingly offer themselves—
praise the LORD!
31 "So may all your enemies perish, O LORD!
But may they who love you be like the sun
when it rises in its strength."
Then the land had peace forty years.
My response: Lord God, this is an important passage! The time of the Judges was a confused and dark time for Israel. We live in a similar time. Your church has lost relevance with the culture. Leadership is weak, people are in chaos. Yet you are still present and active and working through whoever You choose. It does seem as even Deborah knows You want to work through Barak and not her, yet she is willing and braver than Barak. I love vs 5:2; it seems to resonate with what the leaders in the grassroots have been crying out for, “When will the princes lead?” They want the elders/princes to lead as a team. We all want to work together as the body of Christ. We all want Your enemies to perish by becoming Your friends. We all want to rise together in Your strength and shine like the Son – Lit up by Christ, Glorifying God – in all ways possible, in everyway imaginable. Jesus, what is our redemptive potential?
Friday, January 9, 2009
Judges 3
What stood out today:
1 These are the nations the LORD left to test all those Israelites who had not experienced any of the wars in Canaan
2 (he did this only to teach warfare to the descendants of the Israelites who had not had previous battle experience)
7 The Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD; they forgot the LORD their God and served the Baals and the Asherahs.
8 The anger of the LORD burned against Israel so that he sold them into the hands of Cushan-Rishathaim king of Aram Naharaim, to whom the Israelites were subject for eight years.
9 But when they cried out to the LORD, he raised up for them a deliverer, Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother, who saved them.
12 Once again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD, and because they did this evil the LORD gave Eglon king of Moab power over Israel.
13 Getting the Ammonites and Amalekites to join him, Eglon came and attacked Israel, and they took possession of the City of Palms.
14 The Israelites were subject to Eglon king of Moab for eighteen years.
15 Again the Israelites cried out to the LORD, and he gave them a deliverer—Ehud, a left-handed man, the son of Gera the Benjamite. The Israelites sent him with tribute to Eglon king of Moab.My response: Lord God, You are so faithful and good. You orchestrate battles that You might show Yourself strong, in fact, Almighty! Even our enemies, even our disobedience you use for our good and Your glory. You alone are wise in all your ways. Lord Jesus, You are the ultimate deliverer. I am so grateful that You are just a prayer away. When anyone cries out - be they lost or saved - You move to rescue. You raise up a deliverer. You send “the Spirit of the Lord” to a leader. When that leader steps out in your anointing we all see amazing things. Mostly You displaying Your great power and love toward those whom You have placed Your favor. Father God, would You give me more grace, would You fill me with Your Holy Spirit? I am weak, I am dust, I am only a man. You alone are my strength. Jesus, you say “ask, seek, knock” and “how much more will your father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him?” Father I am asking in Jesus’ name; fill me, anoint me. Lord Jesus, I can do nothing apart from You…
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Judges 2
What stood out today:
1 The angel of the LORD went up from Gilgal to Bokim and said, "I brought you up out of
2 and you shall not make a covenant with the people of this land, but you shall break down their altars.' Yet you have disobeyed me. Why have you done this?
3 Now therefore I tell you that I will not drive them out before you; they will be thorns in your sides and their gods will be a snare to you."
4 When the angel of the LORD had spoken these things to all the Israelites, the people wept aloud,
5 and they called that place Bokim. There they offered sacrifices to the LORD.
6 After Joshua had dismissed the Israelites, they went to take possession of the land, each to his own inheritance.
7 The people served the LORD throughout the lifetime of Joshua and of the elders who outlived him and who had seen all the great things the LORD had done for Israel.
8 Joshua son of Nun, the servant of the LORD, died at the age of a hundred and ten.
10 After that whole generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation grew up, who knew neither the LORD nor what he had done for
11 Then the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD and served the Baals.
22 I will use them to test
23 The LORD had allowed those nations to remain; he did not drive them out at once by giving them into the hands of Joshua.
My response: God what a sad chapter. But You are still in it. You show up in the beginning and you are there in the end allowing the evil to be a thorn in their side and to test them. This makes me think of Paul in 2Cor 12:7, “There was given me a thorn in my flesh a messenger of Satan, to torment me.” It makes me think of Ed Welch talking about the alcoholic that the battle is believing a lie, a false God. Worse, as we worship it – give it value – we are making an unholy alliance an unholy covenant. Jesus, with your new covenant: a new heart, a new identity, a new purity, a new power; are we able to take all the land? What is our redemptive potential? It seems Paul could not go all the way… In fact he was given a thorn in the flesh. And You said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” So is that it? Are we to walk as wounded people; leaning into You, Your power, Your grace; as Jacob walked with a limp? It certainly keeps us in a posture of “we” with the lost. One beggar showing another beggar where to get bread. Jesus, You are the bread of LIFE… You are more than enough…
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Judges 1
What stood out today:
28 When Israel became strong, they pressed the Canaanites into forced labor but never drove them out completely.
29 Nor did Ephraim
30 Neither did Zebulun
31 Nor did Asher
33 Neither did Naphtali…
My Response: Well God, they start out well by inquiring of You. They go and only take part of what you gave them; “but they never drove them out completely.” And the end of the chapter just echoes, clan after clan, city after city, they did not take all that you had given them. Why? Why did they not? Why do we not? “Rick, what is holding you back?” Jesus, is it that we do not believe You have given the whole land? Do we question your goodness, and hesitate to kill every person/sin? Do we get comfortable, complacent with most of the land and not work hard to get the whole thing? Jesus, You are the lion of the tribe of
Monday, January 5, 2009
Joshua Review
What stood out today:
1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
5:13 Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, "Are you for us or for our enemies?"
5:14 "Neither," he replied, "but as commander of the army of the LORD I have now come."
7 … So, Holy Spirit, destroy whatever is within or among me “that is devoted to destruction.” Extract and destroy all the tentacles of sin that are so deeply entrenched. In Hebrews 4:12-13 You say, “12For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” Yes God! I love what You are doing!!!
10 … I want the perfect, yielded, surrendered obedient LIFE of Christ. I want Jesus and His abundant LIFE more than anything else.
15 … Lord, it seems there is much we can do with common grace – that is, out of our everyday relationship with you. There seems times when you bring us to situations where our spiritual gifting and natural talents are not enough. Then we have the choice: try harder, or pause and pray and fast and watch You. Lord, I feel like I am working too hard. I feel like I might not be resting in You enough.
16 … What areas of sin are determined to stay? What is my redemptive potential? What difficult areas are yet to be taken, like the “forested hill country?”
18 … I am moved by Your question, “How long will you wait to take hold of the Land that the Lord… Has given you?” “Rick, what are you waiting for? My life has been given for you and to you. What are you waiting for - to let Me live it through you?” Jesus, I have no answer… My answer is nothing. Whatever is holding me back is an illusion, or worse an idol, a false god, a nothing. “Rick, go watch Nooma again #20 - Shells”
* I like Rob’s slow walk, his measured pace
* “Rick, what you are doing and ask why are you doing it?”
* “Rick, what are the shells filling your hands that are keeping you from taking hold of the star fish?”
* What have you said yes to?
21: 45 Not one of all the LORD's good promises to the house of Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.
“Rick, it’s never done; its eternal. There will be a time when sin is no more. But even then its not over. That is just when the unhindered good times begin.”
22: 5 But be very careful to keep the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the LORD gave you: to love the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to obey his commands, to hold fast to him and to serve him with all your heart and all your soul."
Jesus, I am so far from keeping Your commandments and laws and ways. I am struck by the central theme in Ted Tripps book Shepherding a Child’s Heart:
That we are dearly loved
That God has high expectations
That we are radically ruined, severely compromised by sin.
That Jesus came to pay the penalty, and lives that we have hope by life in Him and His life in ours.
Jesus, help me that my obedience would stand the tri-focal inspection of God. That I am not just doing the “what He says” but also the “why” and the “how;” for His Glory and by Your power. Help me to keep a posture of “we.” Help me walk with my brothers as one who is severely wounded by sin too…
1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
5:13 Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, "Are you for us or for our enemies?"
5:14 "Neither," he replied, "but as commander of the army of the LORD I have now come."
7 … So, Holy Spirit, destroy whatever is within or among me “that is devoted to destruction.” Extract and destroy all the tentacles of sin that are so deeply entrenched. In Hebrews 4:12-13 You say, “12For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” Yes God! I love what You are doing!!!
10 … I want the perfect, yielded, surrendered obedient LIFE of Christ. I want Jesus and His abundant LIFE more than anything else.
15 … Lord, it seems there is much we can do with common grace – that is, out of our everyday relationship with you. There seems times when you bring us to situations where our spiritual gifting and natural talents are not enough. Then we have the choice: try harder, or pause and pray and fast and watch You. Lord, I feel like I am working too hard. I feel like I might not be resting in You enough.
16 … What areas of sin are determined to stay? What is my redemptive potential? What difficult areas are yet to be taken, like the “forested hill country?”
18 … I am moved by Your question, “How long will you wait to take hold of the Land that the Lord… Has given you?” “Rick, what are you waiting for? My life has been given for you and to you. What are you waiting for - to let Me live it through you?” Jesus, I have no answer… My answer is nothing. Whatever is holding me back is an illusion, or worse an idol, a false god, a nothing. “Rick, go watch Nooma again #20 - Shells”
* I like Rob’s slow walk, his measured pace
* “Rick, what you are doing and ask why are you doing it?”
* “Rick, what are the shells filling your hands that are keeping you from taking hold of the star fish?”
* What have you said yes to?
21: 45 Not one of all the LORD's good promises to the house of Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.
“Rick, it’s never done; its eternal. There will be a time when sin is no more. But even then its not over. That is just when the unhindered good times begin.”
22: 5 But be very careful to keep the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the LORD gave you: to love the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to obey his commands, to hold fast to him and to serve him with all your heart and all your soul."
Jesus, I am so far from keeping Your commandments and laws and ways. I am struck by the central theme in Ted Tripps book Shepherding a Child’s Heart:
That we are dearly loved
That God has high expectations
That we are radically ruined, severely compromised by sin.
That Jesus came to pay the penalty, and lives that we have hope by life in Him and His life in ours.
Jesus, help me that my obedience would stand the tri-focal inspection of God. That I am not just doing the “what He says” but also the “why” and the “how;” for His Glory and by Your power. Help me to keep a posture of “we.” Help me walk with my brothers as one who is severely wounded by sin too…
My response: Lord God, so many good and precious promises and you are faithful to keep them. Thank you for all the time you have invested with me. Thank you for speaking so often and clearly. Jesus, as You help me, I will yield and surrender and walk this life out with You. So have your way. I am looking forward to the adventure. I love You Jesus, I trust You more… I will be strong and courageous and not be afraid…
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Joshua 23 & 24
What stood out today:
6 "Be very strong; be careful to obey all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, without turning aside to the right or to the left.
10 One of you routs a thousand, because the LORD your God fights for you, just as he promised. 11 So be very careful to love the LORD your God.
24:14 "Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD.
15But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."
31 Israel served the LORD throughout the lifetime of Joshua and of the elders who outlived him and who had experienced everything the LORD had done for Israel.
My response: Jesus I hear you saying to me “Be very strong.” “Be very careful to obey everything.” “Be very careful to Love the Lord your God.” I love the question, “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve?” As Israel said, they would serve and love the Lord. In verse 19 Joshua said, “You are not able to serve the Lord. He is a Holy God; He is a jealous God.” It is so true we can’t: serve, obey, or love God to the level that He requires. This is a proof text for Wayne Barber’s words, “I never said you could; I always said I would.” Yes Jesus, we are witnesses against our own selves. You are the only One who can live the LIFE and You must live it through me. Jesus, as You do, may I finish strong by Your strength, for God’s glory. May it be said of me and my household; “They served the Lord throughout their lifetime and into the next generations.”
6 "Be very strong; be careful to obey all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, without turning aside to the right or to the left.
10 One of you routs a thousand, because the LORD your God fights for you, just as he promised. 11 So be very careful to love the LORD your God.
24:14 "Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD.
15But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."
31 Israel served the LORD throughout the lifetime of Joshua and of the elders who outlived him and who had experienced everything the LORD had done for Israel.
My response: Jesus I hear you saying to me “Be very strong.” “Be very careful to obey everything.” “Be very careful to Love the Lord your God.” I love the question, “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve?” As Israel said, they would serve and love the Lord. In verse 19 Joshua said, “You are not able to serve the Lord. He is a Holy God; He is a jealous God.” It is so true we can’t: serve, obey, or love God to the level that He requires. This is a proof text for Wayne Barber’s words, “I never said you could; I always said I would.” Yes Jesus, we are witnesses against our own selves. You are the only One who can live the LIFE and You must live it through me. Jesus, as You do, may I finish strong by Your strength, for God’s glory. May it be said of me and my household; “They served the Lord throughout their lifetime and into the next generations.”
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Joshua 22
What stood out today:
1 Then Joshua summoned the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh.
3 For a long time now—to this very day—you have not deserted your brothers but have carried out the mission the LORD your God gave you.
5 But be very careful to keep the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the LORD gave you: to love the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to obey his commands, to hold fast to him and to serve him with all your heart and all your soul."
10 When they came to Geliloth near the Jordan in the land of Canaan, the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh built an imposing altar there by the Jordan.
34 And the Reubenites and the Gadites gave the altar this name: A Witness Between Us that the LORD is God.
1 Then Joshua summoned the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh.
3 For a long time now—to this very day—you have not deserted your brothers but have carried out the mission the LORD your God gave you.
5 But be very careful to keep the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the LORD gave you: to love the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to obey his commands, to hold fast to him and to serve him with all your heart and all your soul."
10 When they came to Geliloth near the Jordan in the land of Canaan, the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh built an imposing altar there by the Jordan.
34 And the Reubenites and the Gadites gave the altar this name: A Witness Between Us that the LORD is God.
My Response: Jesus, here again are a number of things that stand out. “For a long time you have carried out the mission of the Lord.” We are on mission with You. As the Father has sent You; You are sending us. And it is for a very long time, 2000 yrs… I love the reminder again to “be very careful to keep the commandment…” Jesus, I am so far from keeping Your commandments and laws, and ways. I am struck by the central Gospel theme in Ted Tripp’s book Shepherding a Childs Heart:
1) That we a dearly loved.
2) That God has high expectations.
3) That we are radically ruined, severely compromised by sin.
4) That Jesus came to pay the penalty, and lives that we have hope by life in Him and His life in ours.
Jesus, help me that my obedience would stand the tri-focal inspection of God. That I am not just doing the “what He says” but also the “why” and the “how;” for His Glory and by Your power.
And then, “the imposing altar” that the Reubenies, Gadites and half tribe of Manesseh built, and how that concerned the other 10 tribes of Israel that You would be offended. They remembered Achan’s sin and Peor, that the sin of one has consequences for the whole community. Jesus, how does this apply today, with our country, with Bucks County Furniture? “Rick, I have given you ways to deal with individuals: Micah 6:8 and Matthew 18.” Yes Jesus, the Israelites did this too, they went and talked first. Jesus, help me this week as we help Bill and John. Help me walk with my brothers as one who is severely wounded by sin too…
Friday, January 2, 2009
Joshua 21
What stood out today:
1 Now the family heads of the Levites approached Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the heads of the other tribal families of Israel
2 at Shiloh in Canaan and said to them, "The LORD commanded through Moses that you give us towns to live in, with pasturelands for our livestock."
3 So, as the LORD had commanded, the Israelites gave the Levites the following towns and pasturelands out of their own inheritance:
43 So the LORD gave Israel all the land he had sworn to give their forefathers, and they took possession of it and settled there.
44 The LORD gave them rest on every side, just as he had sworn to their forefathers. Not one of their enemies withstood them; the LORD handed all their enemies over to them.
45 Not one of all the LORD's good promises to the house of Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.
My Response: God why do the family heads have to ask for their portion? Yet, I am glad to see Joshua’s response. Obedience has tangible results. The Israelites gave many towns and pasture lands to the Levites. Verses 43-45 are so cool as Israel obeys, You are faithful. Twice You say, “The Lord gave… just as He had sworn.” Twice You say, “Not one.” And finally in verse 45, “Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to the house of Israel failed; everyone was fulfilled.” If only the story ended here, “and they lived happily ever after.” Father God there are many places in scripture –the high points – that I wish we could just stay there: the garden before the fall, the time between David and Solomon. Jesus, I’ll bet you did not want to come off the mount of transfiguration. God, You alone know what is best. You alone know when it’s finally done. “Rick, it’s never done - it’s eternal. There will be a time when sin is no more. But even then it’s not over. That is just when the unhindered good times begin.” Thank you, Jesus. Thank you for today. Thank you for that GOOD day when You make all things new. “Rick, till then we have work to do.”
1 Now the family heads of the Levites approached Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the heads of the other tribal families of Israel
2 at Shiloh in Canaan and said to them, "The LORD commanded through Moses that you give us towns to live in, with pasturelands for our livestock."
3 So, as the LORD had commanded, the Israelites gave the Levites the following towns and pasturelands out of their own inheritance:
43 So the LORD gave Israel all the land he had sworn to give their forefathers, and they took possession of it and settled there.
44 The LORD gave them rest on every side, just as he had sworn to their forefathers. Not one of their enemies withstood them; the LORD handed all their enemies over to them.
45 Not one of all the LORD's good promises to the house of Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.
My Response: God why do the family heads have to ask for their portion? Yet, I am glad to see Joshua’s response. Obedience has tangible results. The Israelites gave many towns and pasture lands to the Levites. Verses 43-45 are so cool as Israel obeys, You are faithful. Twice You say, “The Lord gave… just as He had sworn.” Twice You say, “Not one.” And finally in verse 45, “Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to the house of Israel failed; everyone was fulfilled.” If only the story ended here, “and they lived happily ever after.” Father God there are many places in scripture –the high points – that I wish we could just stay there: the garden before the fall, the time between David and Solomon. Jesus, I’ll bet you did not want to come off the mount of transfiguration. God, You alone know what is best. You alone know when it’s finally done. “Rick, it’s never done - it’s eternal. There will be a time when sin is no more. But even then it’s not over. That is just when the unhindered good times begin.” Thank you, Jesus. Thank you for today. Thank you for that GOOD day when You make all things new. “Rick, till then we have work to do.”
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Joshua 19 & 20
What stood out today:
19:1 The second lot came out for the tribe of Simeon, clan by clan. Their inheritance lay within the territory of Judah.
10 The third lot came up for Zebulun, clan by clan: The boundary of their inheritance went as far as Sarid.
17 The fourth lot came out for Issachar, clan by clan.
24 The fifth lot came out for the tribe of Asher, clan by clan.
40 The seventh lot came out for the tribe of Dan, clan by clan.
47 (But the Danites had difficulty taking possession of their territory, so they went up and attacked Leshem, took it, put it to the sword and occupied it.
20:1 Then the LORD said to Joshua:
2 "Tell the Israelites to designate the cities of refuge, as I instructed you through Moses,
3 so that anyone who kills a person accidentally and unintentionally may flee there and find protection from the avenger of blood.
My Response: Jesus, so much land and so many towns, such a great victory and gift to Israel. You are so faithful to your covenant promises. You alone follow through. You even set up cities of refuge. What a great pointer to You! Reminds me of Psalm 91:1, “He who dwells in the shelter of the most high will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” I also think of Hebrews 11:6, “You reward those who earnestly seek You.”
19:1 The second lot came out for the tribe of Simeon, clan by clan. Their inheritance lay within the territory of Judah.
10 The third lot came up for Zebulun, clan by clan: The boundary of their inheritance went as far as Sarid.
17 The fourth lot came out for Issachar, clan by clan.
24 The fifth lot came out for the tribe of Asher, clan by clan.
40 The seventh lot came out for the tribe of Dan, clan by clan.
47 (But the Danites had difficulty taking possession of their territory, so they went up and attacked Leshem, took it, put it to the sword and occupied it.
20:1 Then the LORD said to Joshua:
2 "Tell the Israelites to designate the cities of refuge, as I instructed you through Moses,
3 so that anyone who kills a person accidentally and unintentionally may flee there and find protection from the avenger of blood.
My Response: Jesus, so much land and so many towns, such a great victory and gift to Israel. You are so faithful to your covenant promises. You alone follow through. You even set up cities of refuge. What a great pointer to You! Reminds me of Psalm 91:1, “He who dwells in the shelter of the most high will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” I also think of Hebrews 11:6, “You reward those who earnestly seek You.”
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Joshua 18
What stood out today:
3 So Joshua said to the Israelites: "How long will you wait before you begin to take possession of the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, has given you?
4 Appoint three men from each tribe. I will send them out to make a survey of the land and to write a description of it, according to the inheritance of each. Then they will return to me.
5 You are to divide the land into seven parts. Judah is to remain in its territory on the south and the house of Joseph in its territory on the north.
6 After you have written descriptions of the seven parts of the land, bring them here to me and I will cast lots for you in the presence of the LORD our God.
7 The Levites, however, do not get a portion among you, because the priestly service of the LORD is their inheritance. And Gad, Reuben and the half-tribe of Manasseh have already received their inheritance on the east side of the Jordan. Moses the servant of the LORD gave it to them."
3 So Joshua said to the Israelites: "How long will you wait before you begin to take possession of the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, has given you?
4 Appoint three men from each tribe. I will send them out to make a survey of the land and to write a description of it, according to the inheritance of each. Then they will return to me.
5 You are to divide the land into seven parts. Judah is to remain in its territory on the south and the house of Joseph in its territory on the north.
6 After you have written descriptions of the seven parts of the land, bring them here to me and I will cast lots for you in the presence of the LORD our God.
7 The Levites, however, do not get a portion among you, because the priestly service of the LORD is their inheritance. And Gad, Reuben and the half-tribe of Manasseh have already received their inheritance on the east side of the Jordan. Moses the servant of the LORD gave it to them."
My Response: Jesus, this is packed! I am moved by Your question, “How long will you wait to take hold of the Land that the Lord… Has given you?” “Rick, what are you waiting for? My life has been given for you and to you. What are you waiting for - to let Me live it through you?” Jesus, I have no answer… My answer is nothing. Whatever is holding me back is an illusion, or worse an idol, a false god, a nothing. “Rick, go watch Nooma again #20 Shells.”
From Nooma:
Time.
Billboard, cell phone, get more done. Get what done?
Getting so much done but it isn’t much of a life.
Jesus in Capernaum – Jesus does not do everything.
Jesus knows where He is going – Jerusalem.
Jesus can’t be everything to everybody.
Jesus had a compass an orientation.
Jesus says no because He knows where He is going, what His life is about.
He can say no because He knows what He has said yes to.
Do you have a hard time saying no?
Or better, what have you said yes to?
* I like Rob’s slow walk, his measured pace.
Sorren Kierkegaard: “A saint is person who can will one thing.”
Being busy can be a drug.
We must examine the rhythms of our life.
* “Rick, what you are doing and ask why are you doing it?”
The enemy of the best is the good.
* “Rick, what are the shells filling your hands that are keeping you from taking hold of the star fish?”
Is this you? Are you so busy that your hands are filled with shells?
May you drop your shells in the pursuit of a simple, focused, disciplined life; in which you pursue the few things God has for you. And may you be like Jesus, able to say no because you have already said yes.
* What have you said yes to?
Jesus, there is a lot here. It’s clear I need to delegate more effectively. Clearer in my expectations, consistent in follow-thru. Because I have said yes to some very important people: You, Nancy, Crystal, Becky, BCF, Forums. People take time… LOVE is spelled TIME.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Joshua 16 & 17
What stood out today:
16:4 So Manasseh and Ephraim, the descendants of Joseph, received their inheritance.
10 They did not dislodge the Canaanites living in Gezer; to this day the Canaanites live among the people of Ephraim but are required to do forced labor.
17:6 because the daughters of the tribe of Manasseh received an inheritance among the sons. The land of Gilead belonged to the rest of the descendants of Manasseh.
12 Yet the Manassites were not able to occupy these towns, for the Canaanites were determined to live in that region.
13 However, when the Israelites grew stronger, they subjected the Canaanites to forced labor but did not drive them out completely.
17 But Joshua said to the house of Joseph—to Ephraim and Manasseh-"You are numerous and very powerful. You will have not only one allotment
18 but the forested hill country as well. Clear it, and its farthest limits will be yours; though the Canaanites have iron chariots and though they are strong, you can drive them out."
My Response: Jesus, this Promised Land is part of your covenant promise. Yet, although You gave it, Israel still had to fight for it. And there were areas that the Canaanites were determined to keep. Jesus, this makes me think of our lives, my life. What areas of sin are determined to stay? What is my redemptive potential? What difficult areas are yet to be taken, like the “forested hill country?” I love Joshua’s closing remarks: “though they are strong, you can drive them out.” Jesus, nothing is too hard for You. By the power that is in your name I will take hold of Your Promised Land. Land for your daughters too…
16:4 So Manasseh and Ephraim, the descendants of Joseph, received their inheritance.
10 They did not dislodge the Canaanites living in Gezer; to this day the Canaanites live among the people of Ephraim but are required to do forced labor.
17:6 because the daughters of the tribe of Manasseh received an inheritance among the sons. The land of Gilead belonged to the rest of the descendants of Manasseh.
12 Yet the Manassites were not able to occupy these towns, for the Canaanites were determined to live in that region.
13 However, when the Israelites grew stronger, they subjected the Canaanites to forced labor but did not drive them out completely.
17 But Joshua said to the house of Joseph—to Ephraim and Manasseh-"You are numerous and very powerful. You will have not only one allotment
18 but the forested hill country as well. Clear it, and its farthest limits will be yours; though the Canaanites have iron chariots and though they are strong, you can drive them out."
My Response: Jesus, this Promised Land is part of your covenant promise. Yet, although You gave it, Israel still had to fight for it. And there were areas that the Canaanites were determined to keep. Jesus, this makes me think of our lives, my life. What areas of sin are determined to stay? What is my redemptive potential? What difficult areas are yet to be taken, like the “forested hill country?” I love Joshua’s closing remarks: “though they are strong, you can drive them out.” Jesus, nothing is too hard for You. By the power that is in your name I will take hold of Your Promised Land. Land for your daughters too…
Monday, December 29, 2008
Joshua 15
What stood out today:
63 Judah could not dislodge the Jebusites, who were living in Jerusalem; to this day the Jebusites live there with the people of Judah
My Response: All these towns, lands, and the people were driven out but this one. I immediately think of Your words in Mark 9:28-29 when you came off the mountain just having been transfigured. There is a boy who had a deaf and mute spirit that the disciples could not drive out; “After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, "Why couldn't we drive it out?" He replied, "This kind can come out only by prayer and fasting."” Lord, it seems there is much we can do with common grace – that is, out of our everyday relationship with you. There seems times when you bring us to situations where our spiritual gifting and natural talents are not enough. Then we have the choice: try harder, or pause and pray and fast and watch You. Lord, I feel like I am working too hard. I feel like I might not be resting in You enough.
63 Judah could not dislodge the Jebusites, who were living in Jerusalem; to this day the Jebusites live there with the people of Judah
My Response: All these towns, lands, and the people were driven out but this one. I immediately think of Your words in Mark 9:28-29 when you came off the mountain just having been transfigured. There is a boy who had a deaf and mute spirit that the disciples could not drive out; “After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, "Why couldn't we drive it out?" He replied, "This kind can come out only by prayer and fasting."” Lord, it seems there is much we can do with common grace – that is, out of our everyday relationship with you. There seems times when you bring us to situations where our spiritual gifting and natural talents are not enough. Then we have the choice: try harder, or pause and pray and fast and watch You. Lord, I feel like I am working too hard. I feel like I might not be resting in You enough.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Joshua 14
What stood out today:
7 I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadesh Barnea to explore the land. And I brought him back a report according to my convictions,
8 but my brothers who went up with me made the hearts of the people melt with fear. I, however, followed the LORD my God wholeheartedly.
9 So on that day Moses swore to me, 'The land on which your feet have walked will be your inheritance and that of your children forever, because you have followed the LORD my God wholeheartedly.'
10 "Now then, just as the LORD promised, he has kept me alive for forty-five years since the time he said this to Moses, while Israel moved about in the desert. So here I am today, eighty-five years old!
My Response: Hmm… Caleb wandered 40 years with Moses in the desert. Then he waited another 45 years for his inheritance. Lord why did he not receive it when Joshua took the land? Oh… is that why you reminded Joshua in chapter 13 that there was land still to be taken? Because there were still not promises lived up to? In this case Caleb waited 85 years. How long will it take for me to follow You wholeheartedly? How long will it take for me to take all the land you have given me? Jesus, help me not to forfeit any Grace that You have given me, help me to appropriate by faith all the promised land of eternal life that is available now. God, I love you and trust you.
7 I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadesh Barnea to explore the land. And I brought him back a report according to my convictions,
8 but my brothers who went up with me made the hearts of the people melt with fear. I, however, followed the LORD my God wholeheartedly.
9 So on that day Moses swore to me, 'The land on which your feet have walked will be your inheritance and that of your children forever, because you have followed the LORD my God wholeheartedly.'
10 "Now then, just as the LORD promised, he has kept me alive for forty-five years since the time he said this to Moses, while Israel moved about in the desert. So here I am today, eighty-five years old!
My Response: Hmm… Caleb wandered 40 years with Moses in the desert. Then he waited another 45 years for his inheritance. Lord why did he not receive it when Joshua took the land? Oh… is that why you reminded Joshua in chapter 13 that there was land still to be taken? Because there were still not promises lived up to? In this case Caleb waited 85 years. How long will it take for me to follow You wholeheartedly? How long will it take for me to take all the land you have given me? Jesus, help me not to forfeit any Grace that You have given me, help me to appropriate by faith all the promised land of eternal life that is available now. God, I love you and trust you.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Joshua 13
What stood out today:
1 When Joshua was old and well advanced in years, the LORD said to him, "You are very old, and there are still very large areas of land to be taken over.
2 "This is the land that remains: all the regions of the Philistines and Geshurites:
33 But to the tribe of Levi, Moses had given no inheritance; the LORD, the God of Israel, is their inheritance, as he promised them.
My response: Lord God, what a huge territory You wanted to give to Israel. It seems Joshua stopped short; he took much but not all. What a problem on several counts:
1) It is disobedience.
2) They did not take all You wanted to give.
3) Foreign gods and foreign wives still remained.
Jesus this seems to have great parallel to the LIFE You came to give:
1) It is large and bountiful, more than we think we need.
2) Your work of making us Holy opens a Kingdom that is vast, a land flowing with milk and honey.
3) Lord, help me not to stop short; let me not forfeit any Grace that could be mine.
Let me not be content with any “foreign gods” or foreign wives” left behind that might lead my heart astray from You. Jesus, there is part of me that says with great passion and tears that “I want You more than anything else.” And yet when I read that “You ,the Lord, the God of Israel are the inheritance for the Levites and not any wealth from the land,” I pause and hesitate, there is a part of me that still wants the earthly blessings as well as the One from heaven who blesses. Jesus, if you want to, or need to take away earthly things like BCF or the house or whatever… I trust You. I trust Your goodness that You want to give me something better; likely a greater trust in You… A faith that opens possibilities of intimacy with you that is more sublime and precious than any earthly thing.
“Rick, 'Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.'" Psalms 37:4”
1 When Joshua was old and well advanced in years, the LORD said to him, "You are very old, and there are still very large areas of land to be taken over.
2 "This is the land that remains: all the regions of the Philistines and Geshurites:
33 But to the tribe of Levi, Moses had given no inheritance; the LORD, the God of Israel, is their inheritance, as he promised them.
My response: Lord God, what a huge territory You wanted to give to Israel. It seems Joshua stopped short; he took much but not all. What a problem on several counts:
1) It is disobedience.
2) They did not take all You wanted to give.
3) Foreign gods and foreign wives still remained.
Jesus this seems to have great parallel to the LIFE You came to give:
1) It is large and bountiful, more than we think we need.
2) Your work of making us Holy opens a Kingdom that is vast, a land flowing with milk and honey.
3) Lord, help me not to stop short; let me not forfeit any Grace that could be mine.
Let me not be content with any “foreign gods” or foreign wives” left behind that might lead my heart astray from You. Jesus, there is part of me that says with great passion and tears that “I want You more than anything else.” And yet when I read that “You ,the Lord, the God of Israel are the inheritance for the Levites and not any wealth from the land,” I pause and hesitate, there is a part of me that still wants the earthly blessings as well as the One from heaven who blesses. Jesus, if you want to, or need to take away earthly things like BCF or the house or whatever… I trust You. I trust Your goodness that You want to give me something better; likely a greater trust in You… A faith that opens possibilities of intimacy with you that is more sublime and precious than any earthly thing.
“Rick, 'Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.'" Psalms 37:4”
Friday, December 26, 2008
Joshua 12
What stood out today:
1 These are the kings of the land whom the Israelites had defeated and whose territory they took over east of the Jordan
7 These are the kings of the land that Joshua and the Israelites conquered on the west side of the Jordan…
My response: Lord, why do you report this long list of kings and lands that “Israel” took? In the previous chapters you clearly state that You are giving these lands into their hands. Lord, help me to remember to “measure” what You call me to do, and to “report” what You have accomplished. For instance showing up in the morning to meet with You I can measure. The outcome though and the results are really Your doing.
1 These are the kings of the land whom the Israelites had defeated and whose territory they took over east of the Jordan
7 These are the kings of the land that Joshua and the Israelites conquered on the west side of the Jordan…
My response: Lord, why do you report this long list of kings and lands that “Israel” took? In the previous chapters you clearly state that You are giving these lands into their hands. Lord, help me to remember to “measure” what You call me to do, and to “report” what You have accomplished. For instance showing up in the morning to meet with You I can measure. The outcome though and the results are really Your doing.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Joshua 11
What stood out today:
4 They came out with all their troops and a large number of horses and chariots—a huge army, as numerous as the sand on the seashore. 5 All these kings joined forces and made camp together at the Waters of Merom, to fight against Israel.
6 The LORD said to Joshua, "Do not be afraid of them, because by this time tomorrow I will hand all of them over to Israel, slain. You are to hamstring their horses and burn their chariots."
13 Yet Israel did not burn any of the cities built on their mounds—except Hazor, which Joshua burned.
19 Except for the Hivites living in Gibeon, not one city made a treaty of peace with the Israelites, who took them all in battle. 20 For it was the LORD himself who hardened their hearts to wage war against Israel, so that he might destroy them totally, exterminating them without mercy, as the LORD had commanded Moses.
My response: Lord, again no one and no many can stand against you. Even if your whole creation rebelled we could not overpower You. With a single word You spoke it into being and with a single word I imagine You can pull the plug. I am also curious about the cities that Joshua did not burn and the Hivites that made a truce with Israel. It seems that this is a kind of yeast that will grow and be a curse to Israel in the future. I am also struck by verse 20, “You hardening their hearts” just like Pharaoh of Egypt. “Without mercy” as in Romans 9:15, “For he says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion."” And in Exodus 33:19, “And the LORD said, "I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the LORD, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.”
Jesus, I remember Joshua 5:13-14, You are neither for Israel or us, or our enemies. But Israel is and Your church are Yours, You call us, You choose, You save, You justify, You Glorify. Hmm… Romans 8:28-30, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.” God you did and You do it all! Yours is 1Chron 29:11 11,
Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power
and the glory and the majesty and the splendor,
for everything in heaven and earth is yours.
Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom;
you are exalted as head over all.
“Rick, let’s get it done. Let’s get rid of every sin. Hebrews 12:1, “Let us throw off everything that hinders that so easily entangles…”” Yes Jesus, I want to enter the Promised Land pure and undefiled. Happy Birthday Jesus…
4 They came out with all their troops and a large number of horses and chariots—a huge army, as numerous as the sand on the seashore. 5 All these kings joined forces and made camp together at the Waters of Merom, to fight against Israel.
6 The LORD said to Joshua, "Do not be afraid of them, because by this time tomorrow I will hand all of them over to Israel, slain. You are to hamstring their horses and burn their chariots."
13 Yet Israel did not burn any of the cities built on their mounds—except Hazor, which Joshua burned.
19 Except for the Hivites living in Gibeon, not one city made a treaty of peace with the Israelites, who took them all in battle. 20 For it was the LORD himself who hardened their hearts to wage war against Israel, so that he might destroy them totally, exterminating them without mercy, as the LORD had commanded Moses.
My response: Lord, again no one and no many can stand against you. Even if your whole creation rebelled we could not overpower You. With a single word You spoke it into being and with a single word I imagine You can pull the plug. I am also curious about the cities that Joshua did not burn and the Hivites that made a truce with Israel. It seems that this is a kind of yeast that will grow and be a curse to Israel in the future. I am also struck by verse 20, “You hardening their hearts” just like Pharaoh of Egypt. “Without mercy” as in Romans 9:15, “For he says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion."” And in Exodus 33:19, “And the LORD said, "I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the LORD, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.”
Jesus, I remember Joshua 5:13-14, You are neither for Israel or us, or our enemies. But Israel is and Your church are Yours, You call us, You choose, You save, You justify, You Glorify. Hmm… Romans 8:28-30, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.” God you did and You do it all! Yours is 1Chron 29:11 11,
Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power
and the glory and the majesty and the splendor,
for everything in heaven and earth is yours.
Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom;
you are exalted as head over all.
“Rick, let’s get it done. Let’s get rid of every sin. Hebrews 12:1, “Let us throw off everything that hinders that so easily entangles…”” Yes Jesus, I want to enter the Promised Land pure and undefiled. Happy Birthday Jesus…
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