Date: December 31, 2010 2:02 AM
Topic: +DEV+ Trying or Trusting?
Trying or Trusting?
"The Holy One of Israel says, 'In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it...' Blessed are all who wait for him" (Isaiah 30:15, 18b)!
Scripture Focus: Isaiah 30:15-18
Part of the American Dream is the understanding that if we work hard enough we can achieve our goals. We build our sense of security on our independence, assets, or relationships.
The prophet Isaiah saw a time when God did not permit success in proportion to Israel's effort. He wanted them to wait for and trust in His provision. God called His people to turn to Him alone.
They refused. They tried to save themselves by fleeing on horses. They kept trying harder instead of trusting Him deeper. The psalmist wrote, "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm" (Psalm 20:7-8).
Trusting God may require waiting. It may mean a choice to rest quietly, to avoid activity, to avoid manipulating people or circumstances. We are being shaped into a person who depends on Him more deeply. Waiting is the environment in which we recognize God's power and faithfulness.
Insight: It is easy to rely on your logic or abilities rather than wait for God. But waiting is the hard work He asks of you.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
+DEV+ The Scarlet Symbol
Date: December 29, 2010 9:20 PM
Topic: +DEV+ The Scarlet Symbol
The Scarlet Symbol
"We will treat you kindly...[if] you have tied this scarlet cord in the window...So she sent them away and they departed. And she tied the scarlet cord in the window" (Joshua 2:14b, 18a, 21b).
Scripture Focus: Joshua 2:1-21
Because Rahab hid the Israelite spies, they promised her safety when her city would be destroyed. The scarlet cord hung from her
window guaranteed deliverance.
Day after day, that cord hung in her window while Rahab waited in trust for the promise of the Israelite spies to be fulfilled. Joshua 6:22-23 recounts the deliverance of Rahab and her family and of their new life among God's chosen people.
The destruction we face comes from our debt of sin if we do not accept the promise for deliverance in Jesus. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son" (John 3:16, 18).
The blood of Jesus delivers us from death. The "scarlet cord" of His shed blood hangs over us, covering our sin and guaranteeing deliverance.
Insight: Ask Jesus to forgive you for your sin. Thank Him for dying for you and for the promise of eternal life.
Topic: +DEV+ The Scarlet Symbol
The Scarlet Symbol
"We will treat you kindly...[if] you have tied this scarlet cord in the window...So she sent them away and they departed. And she tied the scarlet cord in the window" (Joshua 2:14b, 18a, 21b).
Scripture Focus: Joshua 2:1-21
Because Rahab hid the Israelite spies, they promised her safety when her city would be destroyed. The scarlet cord hung from her
window guaranteed deliverance.
Day after day, that cord hung in her window while Rahab waited in trust for the promise of the Israelite spies to be fulfilled. Joshua 6:22-23 recounts the deliverance of Rahab and her family and of their new life among God's chosen people.
The destruction we face comes from our debt of sin if we do not accept the promise for deliverance in Jesus. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son" (John 3:16, 18).
The blood of Jesus delivers us from death. The "scarlet cord" of His shed blood hangs over us, covering our sin and guaranteeing deliverance.
Insight: Ask Jesus to forgive you for your sin. Thank Him for dying for you and for the promise of eternal life.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
+DEV+ Channels of Grace
Date: December 28, 2010 10:54 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Channels of Grace
Channels of Grace
"You are to help your brothers until the Lord gives them rest, as he has done for you, and until they too have taken possession of the land..." (Joshua 1:14b-15a).
Scripture Focus: Joshua 1:10-17
After obtaining a portion of the Promised Land, the first tribes of Israel helped the remaining tribes conquer their portions. God's grace emerged in building up the body of Christ through fellow believers. The importance of Israel recognizing His grace is emphasized with the phrase "the Lord gave" appearing five times in Joshua 1:13-15.
Believers today are also encouraged as God works through others as a source of encouragement. When Debbie's husband died, she was left alone to raise three children. One way she found support was through the people God put in her life. Now her kids are grown, and she leads a small group for single parents.
The tribes of Israel in Joshua's day and Debbie today illustrate 2 Corinthians 1:4 which says, "(God) comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God."
God will use people and circumstances, sending His grace to us often in ways we least expect.
Insight: Pray for an opportunity to glorify God and build up the body of Christ. Encourage others who face struggles similar to your own.
Topic: +DEV+ Channels of Grace
Channels of Grace
"You are to help your brothers until the Lord gives them rest, as he has done for you, and until they too have taken possession of the land..." (Joshua 1:14b-15a).
Scripture Focus: Joshua 1:10-17
After obtaining a portion of the Promised Land, the first tribes of Israel helped the remaining tribes conquer their portions. God's grace emerged in building up the body of Christ through fellow believers. The importance of Israel recognizing His grace is emphasized with the phrase "the Lord gave" appearing five times in Joshua 1:13-15.
Believers today are also encouraged as God works through others as a source of encouragement. When Debbie's husband died, she was left alone to raise three children. One way she found support was through the people God put in her life. Now her kids are grown, and she leads a small group for single parents.
The tribes of Israel in Joshua's day and Debbie today illustrate 2 Corinthians 1:4 which says, "(God) comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God."
God will use people and circumstances, sending His grace to us often in ways we least expect.
Insight: Pray for an opportunity to glorify God and build up the body of Christ. Encourage others who face struggles similar to your own.
Monday, December 27, 2010
+DEV+ Preparing for the Game
Date: December 27, 2010 10:37 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Preparing for the Game
Preparing for the Game
"Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them...Obey all the law..." (Joshua 1:6-7).
Scripture Focus: Joshua 1:1-9
A friend’s son was in a Little Kickers Soccer League which taught him the rules and basic skills needed to play the game. After completing the six-week program, he was prepared to play "real games."
The Israelites spent years in the wilderness before they were ready to "get in the game." God wanted them to learn how to trust Him and to always obey Him before they reached the Promised Land. Conquering the land did not guarantee God's continued blessing. The Israelites would lose His favor if they didn't trust and obey Him once they resided there.
Often while we are in a season of waiting we focus on where we want to be instead of what God wants to develop within us. We'd rather not sign up for His version of Little Kickers; we'd prefer to skip the spiritual preparation. When God stressed the importance of knowing, obeying, and trusting His Word to the Israelites, He impressed it upon us, too.
Insight: Trust God's timing and obey His leading. These disciplines get you in shape spiritually to enjoy His continued blessings.
Topic: +DEV+ Preparing for the Game
Preparing for the Game
"Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them...Obey all the law..." (Joshua 1:6-7).
Scripture Focus: Joshua 1:1-9
A friend’s son was in a Little Kickers Soccer League which taught him the rules and basic skills needed to play the game. After completing the six-week program, he was prepared to play "real games."
The Israelites spent years in the wilderness before they were ready to "get in the game." God wanted them to learn how to trust Him and to always obey Him before they reached the Promised Land. Conquering the land did not guarantee God's continued blessing. The Israelites would lose His favor if they didn't trust and obey Him once they resided there.
Often while we are in a season of waiting we focus on where we want to be instead of what God wants to develop within us. We'd rather not sign up for His version of Little Kickers; we'd prefer to skip the spiritual preparation. When God stressed the importance of knowing, obeying, and trusting His Word to the Israelites, He impressed it upon us, too.
Insight: Trust God's timing and obey His leading. These disciplines get you in shape spiritually to enjoy His continued blessings.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
+DEV+ More than Marketing
Date: December 26, 2010 10:51 PM
Topic: +DEV+ More than Marketing
More than Marketing
"These commandments...are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children...when you sit...when you walk...when you lie down and when you get up" (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).
Scripture Focus: Deuteronomy 6:1-12
These days characters like Barbie and Batman, Strawberry Shortcake and Super-Man appear on everything children use from bicycles to bed sheets. It's hard to buy anything for kids without a famous character on it or its packaging. The clothes they put on, the toys they play with or learn from reinforce their love of that character.
God instructed the Israelite parents to incorporate His character into every aspect of their children's lives. Teaching children about God through daily routines was not a marketing scheme. It was an effective way of passing on the heritage of the fear of the Lord to the following generations.
In the midst of waiting for years for the Promised Land, the Israelites were given these parenting instructions from God. He wanted to be a natural part of their lives while they were waiting so that they would not forget about Him once they arrived in the land. It's natural to talk about a kid's favorite cartoon. It should be just as natural to talk about the One who left an empty tomb.
Insight: Impress God's laws on your mind and His character on your heart. This is how we wait in faith for His promises.
Topic: +DEV+ More than Marketing
More than Marketing
"These commandments...are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children...when you sit...when you walk...when you lie down and when you get up" (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).
Scripture Focus: Deuteronomy 6:1-12
These days characters like Barbie and Batman, Strawberry Shortcake and Super-Man appear on everything children use from bicycles to bed sheets. It's hard to buy anything for kids without a famous character on it or its packaging. The clothes they put on, the toys they play with or learn from reinforce their love of that character.
God instructed the Israelite parents to incorporate His character into every aspect of their children's lives. Teaching children about God through daily routines was not a marketing scheme. It was an effective way of passing on the heritage of the fear of the Lord to the following generations.
In the midst of waiting for years for the Promised Land, the Israelites were given these parenting instructions from God. He wanted to be a natural part of their lives while they were waiting so that they would not forget about Him once they arrived in the land. It's natural to talk about a kid's favorite cartoon. It should be just as natural to talk about the One who left an empty tomb.
Insight: Impress God's laws on your mind and His character on your heart. This is how we wait in faith for His promises.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
+DEV+ Faithful Reminders
Date: December 23, 2010 8:07 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Faithful Reminders
Faithful Reminders
"'Now then, just as the Lord promised, he has kept me alive for forty-five years...while Israel moved about in the desert. So here I am today, eighty-five years old'" (Joshua 14:10)!
Scripture Focus: Numbers 13:1-3, 26-33
After spying out the promise land, Caleb confidently reported that, with God's power, Israel could capture it. But the opposition seemed overwhelming, and the Israelites doubted God. Because they did not have faith, Caleb had to wait. For 45 years he rested in God's faithfulness while the Promised Land seemed close at hand. That's a long wait!
God's faithfulness surrounded Caleb during that time. He saw it daily as God provided manna for Israel to eat. Just as God instructed, Caleb always remembered the things his eyes had seen, and he did not let them slip from his heart. (Deuteronomy 4:9)
Caleb's endurance is an inspiration to us. Whether in our home, church, or work, we may feel our lives are on hold because of resistance or difficulty. While we wait, we recognize daily blessings as reminders of God's faithfulness. We see God's power, even if we wait because others don't believe Him. God will sustain us so we will one day enjoy the blessings He has prepared for us in Christ.
Insight: Don't Be Distracted By Judging Others' Lack Of Faith. Dwell On God's Faithfulness As You Look For His Blessings Throughout Your Day.
Topic: +DEV+ Faithful Reminders
Faithful Reminders
"'Now then, just as the Lord promised, he has kept me alive for forty-five years...while Israel moved about in the desert. So here I am today, eighty-five years old'" (Joshua 14:10)!
Scripture Focus: Numbers 13:1-3, 26-33
After spying out the promise land, Caleb confidently reported that, with God's power, Israel could capture it. But the opposition seemed overwhelming, and the Israelites doubted God. Because they did not have faith, Caleb had to wait. For 45 years he rested in God's faithfulness while the Promised Land seemed close at hand. That's a long wait!
God's faithfulness surrounded Caleb during that time. He saw it daily as God provided manna for Israel to eat. Just as God instructed, Caleb always remembered the things his eyes had seen, and he did not let them slip from his heart. (Deuteronomy 4:9)
Caleb's endurance is an inspiration to us. Whether in our home, church, or work, we may feel our lives are on hold because of resistance or difficulty. While we wait, we recognize daily blessings as reminders of God's faithfulness. We see God's power, even if we wait because others don't believe Him. God will sustain us so we will one day enjoy the blessings He has prepared for us in Christ.
Insight: Don't Be Distracted By Judging Others' Lack Of Faith. Dwell On God's Faithfulness As You Look For His Blessings Throughout Your Day.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
+DEV+ Hanging on for Dear Life
Date: December 22, 2010 8:50 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Hanging on for Dear Life
Hanging on for Dear Life
"To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy - be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ..." (Jude 24-25).
Scripture Focus: Jude 17-25
Recently I noticed these words on the cover of a magazine: "Hanging on for Dear Life." I thought of Jude's warning against evil (vs. 18-19) and then of Jude's antidote for persevering in such evil times (vs. 20-22). Jesus' prayer in John 17 is "not that you [the Father] take them out of the world, but that you protect them from the evil one." We are to be in the world - living in it, enjoying it, caring for it, redeeming it for His glory - but not of the world.
Perhaps one of the best resolutions this year is, indeed, to "hang on for dear life" to Him who keeps us from falling or losing sight of God's purpose for us. Imagine Jesus presenting you "without fault and with great joy" when your final days are done. Even with all my finest motivations and sometimes-successes in my resolutions, I will fall short. So will you. But clinging to Jesus Christ alone, you and I are forgiven and spotless. No glory for keeping our resolutions will come our way; but all glory and majesty go to the only God our Savior!
Insight: Hang on for dear life, because your Savior gave His dear life to hang on to you!
Topic: +DEV+ Hanging on for Dear Life
Hanging on for Dear Life
"To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy - be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ..." (Jude 24-25).
Scripture Focus: Jude 17-25
Recently I noticed these words on the cover of a magazine: "Hanging on for Dear Life." I thought of Jude's warning against evil (vs. 18-19) and then of Jude's antidote for persevering in such evil times (vs. 20-22). Jesus' prayer in John 17 is "not that you [the Father] take them out of the world, but that you protect them from the evil one." We are to be in the world - living in it, enjoying it, caring for it, redeeming it for His glory - but not of the world.
Perhaps one of the best resolutions this year is, indeed, to "hang on for dear life" to Him who keeps us from falling or losing sight of God's purpose for us. Imagine Jesus presenting you "without fault and with great joy" when your final days are done. Even with all my finest motivations and sometimes-successes in my resolutions, I will fall short. So will you. But clinging to Jesus Christ alone, you and I are forgiven and spotless. No glory for keeping our resolutions will come our way; but all glory and majesty go to the only God our Savior!
Insight: Hang on for dear life, because your Savior gave His dear life to hang on to you!
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