Where Are You Looking?

Today’s reading: Deuteronomy 15-18, Psalm 115, Luke 9

I remember my Driver’s Ed instructor telling me to keep my eyes looking in the direction that I was driving. He explained that the car would veer in any direction that my eyes looked. Have you experienced this? When I am driving in a new place and checking out the surroundings, my car drifts to whatever direction I am looking. When my car would drifts to the left or to the right I immediately look in the rear view mirror to make sure a car isn’t in my way. I have to remind myself to quit looking around and look at the direction I am driving. It is so easy to get distracted.

Luke 9:62 gives us an agricultural reference as this is what the people of this time could relate to. If a farmer did not focus on what is ahead but was distracted by what was behind or on the periphery, it would be impossible to plow in a straight line. The ox and the plow would certainly veer off course.

Jesus said to him, “Anyone who starts to plow and then keeps looking back is of no use for the Kingdom of God.”
Luke 9:62

There are so many areas of our lives that can become distractions. We can look back and focus on past successes and past failures. Anything that we focus on or think about more than Jesus is a distraction. The previous verse tells of a person who volunteered to follow Jesus, but first, he wanted to go back home.

Someone else said, “I will follow you, sir; but first let me go and say good-bye to my family.”
Luke 9:61

This man’s heart was divided and distracted. Jesus wants his full devotion and commitment.

How often do we get distracted by life and pulled back into old patterns and thoughts? Jesus uses the analogy of plowing to to remind us to keep our minds straight. When plowing you cannot look back, if you do your row will become crooked. You have to keep your eyes straight ahead and fix them on an object in front of you to keep a straight path.

As a christian, we cannot keep our eyes on Jesus when our attention is diverted in other directions.

Keep looking ahead with your eyes fixed on Jesus.

In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way].
Proverbs 3:6 (AMP)

The Importance of the Miracles Performed by Jesus

Today’s readings:  Deuteronomy 6-7, Luke 7

The Book of Deuteronomy is guidance to the Jewish people as to how they should move forward and live their faith when they reach the land God had promised.  Moses foretold to the Jewish people what they should do and how they should act.

Onto the Book of Luke, the miracles performed by Jesus in chapter 7 were crucial elements of His ministry for several reasons:

  1. Demonstration of Divine Authority – Jesus’ miracles served as tangible demonstrations of His divine authority and power. By healing the sick, raising the dead, and forgiving sins, Jesus showed that He was not merely a great teacher or prophet but the Son of God with authority over sickness, death, and sin.
  2. Confirmation of His Identity – Each miracle reinforced Jesus’ identity as the promised Messiah. His ability to perform extraordinary acts validated His claims and fulfilled Old Testament prophecies, establishing Him as the fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel.
  3. Compassion and Care – Jesus’ miracles also showcased His deep compassion and care for humanity. He healed the sick and raised the dead out of love and empathy, demonstrating God’s desire to alleviate suffering and bring restoration to individuals and communities. Let’s not overlook the importance of this reason. Jesus brought care, compassion, and forgiveness to the forgotten. The higher religious authorities of that day would cast out the downtrodden, the sinners, and sometimes the sick as they used the “law” as a weapon rather than a reason for compassion.  Jesus took the “hard edge” out of “Biblical law” and humanized Himself as a Savior of all people.  Thank you, Jesus, for this!
  4. Response to Faith – Many of the miracles in Luke 7 were responses to the faith of those involved. Jesus commended the faith of the centurion, the widow, and the sinful woman, illustrating the importance of faith in experiencing God’s transformative power and receiving His blessings.
  5. Teaching and Revelation – Through His miracles, Jesus conveyed important spiritual truths and revealed the nature of God’s kingdom. Each miracle served as a teaching moment, inviting people to recognize God’s presence among them and inviting them to participate in the kingdom’s coming.

Overall, Jesus’ miracles in Luke 7 were pivotal in establishing His ministry, confirming His identity as the Son of God, demonstrating God’s compassion, responding to faith, and teaching profound spiritual truths. They were integral to His mission of proclaiming the kingdom of God and offering salvation to all who would believe in Him.

With the assistance of ChatGPT

Choosing Wisely: Selecting Your Allies and Colleagues with Purpose

Who have you surrounded yourself with? Who are your closest allies, colleagues, and friends and why did you choose them? And why do you continue to invest time with them?

Have you ever been part of a bad team? How about a great team?

In business, the most important thing I’ve done is choosing and building the best team possible. Each of my five direct reports was very carefully, slowly, patiently, and thoughtfully hand-picked by me based on their skills, personality, passion, experience, and most importantly their fit with our core values. Over the years, my biggest investment of time and energy has been related to their growth and success. The better they perform individually and as a team, the more likely we will achieve our objectives. Conversely, if these leaders perform poorly, it would make my job miserable!

These leaders are all very different. For example, four out of five were born in different countries. One is an information security genius, one is a project management ninja, one is highly skilled and experienced in structuring service organizations, one is like a war general who relentlessly achieves the mission, and one is a deep thinker and very strategic. Combined, this team of five speaks eight different languages and has more than 75 years of IT and leadership experience.

In reference to the cover photo, in the following verse after Jesus prayed all night he chose his apostles:

 And when day came, he called his disciples and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles: (Luke 6:13)

Unlike me, Jesus spent all night in prayer before choosing his closest allies. And unlike me, Jesus was (and is) a perfect leader. Even at my best, I still fail with my amazing team. I am prone to being impatient, dismissive, and a bad listener.

Jesus put everything in God’s hands. He chose these people even though he knew each one of them would eventually let him down. He invested in them, day and night. He taught them, was patient with them, and even though he was God in the flesh, he knelt to wash their feet. He ultimately died for these people, and for you and me, sinners saved by the blood of Jesus.

Just as Jesus diligently prayed before selecting his disciples, we can and should seek God’s wisdom in all of our choices in relationships. Jesus’ example reminds us that even in our imperfections, we can emulate his grace, patience, and sacrificial love toward those we surround ourselves with. Let us strive to mirror the humility and compassion of our Savior, for eternity’s sake.

Today’s reading: Deuteronomy 4-5; Luke 6

Deuteronomy 1-3, Psalm 36, Luke 5

Rebellion is such a strong word.  I am no rebel.  I mean, rebels have tattoos and piercings and probably ride motorcycles.  They cause trouble everywhere they go creating arguments, disrespecting authority, and private property.  Rebels are bad actors.  We put people like that in jail.  That’s not me.

It’s true, that is not me.  I am much more covert.  My insurgency is cleverly disguised.  I like to complain, for example.  I complain about the resources I have.  Money is a primary one.  That’s why I cannot give more.  Time is another one.  I’m too busy with my kids and my job to serve.  I just don’t have time!  According to Deuteronomy, complaining is rebellion.  It creates arguments and it disrespects authority.

The Israelites had the same problem.  In Deuteronomy 1, we find them at the threshold of the promised land.  God is ready to fulfill all his promises.  He says, “here you go, come on in.”  But, they refused.  Rather than move, they complained about the Amorites.  “They are too big,” they said.  “They will slaughter us” (Deuteronomy 1:26-27).  They took their focus  off of God, convincing themselves that “God must hate us.”

I wonder what would have happened if the Israelites would have just trusted.  I’m sure it would have been better than they could have ever imagined.  That conclusion creates new problems for me though.  If I know it would have been better for them, doesn’t that mean that it would also be better for me?  There is only one way to find out.  Next time I catch myself complaining, I’ll replace it with trust, gratitude, service and giving.

Are We Prepared for Jesus?

Today’s Readings: Numbers 30-33, Psalm 35, Luke 3

This past week, I talked with my daughter Gianna about Easter. She said that Easter and Christmas were her favorite holidays, and I agreed. We talked about the Easter Story and how Jesus had given up His life for all of us. She said she loved him so much for dying for us and that she can’t wait to see Him in Heaven. Again, I agreed.

As we prepare for Easter in a couple of weeks, I connected with the story of John the Baptist Preparing the Way for Jesus.  Luke 3: 4-6

“A voice of one calling in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for him.
5 Every valley shall be filled in,
every mountain and hill made low.
The crooked roads shall become straight,
the rough ways smooth.
6 And all people will see God’s salvation.’”[

The metaphorical language used in these verses signifies the spiritual preparation required for Jesus’s arrival. It speaks of making the paths straight, filling in valleys, lowering mountains and hills, and making crooked roads straight and rough ways smooth. These descriptions symbolize removing obstacles that hinder people from experiencing God’s salvation.

John had a job to prepare and present Jesus to others.  In the next couple of weeks, we will have a chance to present the opportunity to know Jesus through a possible invitation to Easter.  Many obstacles will be put in the way to hinder these invites.  Many obstacles get in the way of our preparation. John was courageous and called to share the news of Jesus and how we need to repent.  He was a prophet who lived a life that was not based on the authority of the world but on God.  Some people may never have been open to hearing the Word until now.  Will you let them know?  Easter service is a wonderful time to share the salvation we have through Him.

Claim Your Blessing

Today’s Reading: Numbers 26-29; Luke 2

Family and inheritance.

How many of us are able to see our children?

How many of us are able to share  our history and our beliefs with our children?

How many of us are able to know our father and mother?

How many of us are able to know our grandparents?

How many of us are able to know our great grandparents?

Sometimes we take for granted the experiences that we have with our relatives. Sometimes, we take for granted the ease of speaking to our relatives whenever we want.  But for others, these experiences we would love to have just a glimpse or a whisper from my loved ones. There are so many legacies and inheritances that we receive from our predecessors, and we can give to our successors.

In Numbers we are given a glimpse of the transition of inheritance from the tribe of Israel :

“The sons of Joseph according to their clans: Manasseh and Ephraim. 29 The sons of Manasseh: of Machir, the clan of the Machirites; and Machir was the father of Gilead; of Gilead, the clan of the Gileadites. 30 These are the sons of Gilead: of Iezer, the clan of the Iezerites; of Helek, the clan of the Helekites; 31 and of Asriel, the clan of the Asrielites; and of Shechem, the clan of the Shechemites; 32 and of Shemida, the clan of the Shemidaites; and of Hepher, the clan of the Hepherites. 33 Now Zelophehad the son of Hepher had no sons, but daughters. And the names of the daughters of Zelophehad were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. 34 These are the clans of Manasseh, and those listed were 52,700.”

Numbers 26:28-34

“Then drew near the daughters of Zelophehad the son of Hepher, son of Gilead, son of Machir, son of Manasseh, from the clans of Manasseh the son of Joseph. The names of his daughters were: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. 2 And they stood before Moses and before Eleazar the priest and before the chiefs and all the congregation, at the entrance of the tent of meeting, saying, 3 “Our father died in the wilderness. He was not among the company of those who gathered themselves together against the Lord in the company of Korah, but died for his own sin. And he had no sons. 4 Why should the name of our father be taken away from his clan because he had no son? Give to us a possession among our father’s brothers.”

5 Moses brought their case before the Lord. 6 And the Lord said to Moses, 7 “The daughters of Zelophehad are right. You shall give them possession of an inheritance among their father’s brothers and transfer the inheritance of their father to them. “

Numbers 27: 1-8

In today’s reading in Numbers, we have a very important precedent being made. We have individuals claiming their blessing. What makes it more impressive is that these are the daughters of one of the descendants of Jacob.  In this particular passage, the daughters claim their blessings.  These daughters knew their blessing and they were not afraid of claiming their blessing. They did not allow the status quo to dictate how they were going to get their blessing. They knew the Spirit was with them, and took courage in that to claim the blessing. 

This was such a momentous occasion that this became part of the Mosaic law of inheritance. This was one of the first documented places where women were equal to their male counterparts. It is truly amazing how these issues were addressed and settled doing this early part of biblical history. This situation also allows me to question, why can we not continue to have this strong presence of equality into today’s society?

The blessing of the inheritance was seen in two spots in Numbers. The daughters were also part of the census. The census was a historical marker of the inheritance and the counting of the individuals of each clan.  Another important census that is found in our adjacent reading of Luke 2. 

What has God given you or promised you that you have not claimed? God‘s blessings are not contained to who we are. God‘s blessings are not contained on what we look like. God‘s blessings are not only for one gender. God‘s blessings are not only for certain people. God‘s blessings are for all who acknowledge God and obey his word. Are you ready for your blessing? Are you ready to claim your blessing?  

Be blessed

JackAss

Numbers 22-25, Luke 1

As I read today, i wanted to post about Balaam and his donkey, but quickly realized that Jennifer had already done it, brilliantly.  Here is is:

In Numbers 22 yesterday, we were introduced to the Moabite King named Balak.  He was afraid.  Knowing what the Israelites had just finished doing to the Amorites, King Balak and his people were distressed as they looked out and saw thousands of Israelites camped on the plains of Moab.  As any good leader would do, Balak took action.  He sent for Balaam, a “diviner” with an impressive track record, to help him take care of the situation.  “Come now, curse this people for me, since they are too mighty for me. Perhaps I shall be able to defeat them and drive them from the land, for I know that whom you bless is blessed, and he whom you curse is cursed” (Numbers 22:6).

I find it interesting that Balaam is not a prophet of God. He is a diviner or sorcerer.  However, God still steps in and provides Balaam instruction.  God tells him not to go with the Moabite princes and not to curse the Israelites because they were God’s chosen people.  Balaam desperately wanted the riches and honor King Balak had promised him.  So he persisted with God, hoping to change God’s mind.  Surprisingly, God compromised and let Balaam go. And God came to Balaam at night and said to him, “If the men have come to call you, rise, go with them; but only do what I tell you” (Numbers 22:20).  So far so good, Balaam was getting what he wanted (or at least he thought so)!  Here is where it started to get crazy…

Balaam set out on a donkey, but God sent angels to block the way. Balaam was frustrated and beat the donkey because it wasn’t going where he wanted it to go.  THEN, God opened the donkey’s mouth and he started talking to Balaam!  (What, a talking donkey?  This sounds like a bad television show.)  After the donkey made Balaam feel bad for the beating, God opened Balaam’s eyes to see an angel of God standing in the donkey’s way.  Balaam fell on his face.  While he offered to change direction / to turn back and not go to meet King Balak, the angel affirmed God’s earlier instruction, “And the angel of the Lord said to Balaam, “Go with the men, but speak only the word I tell you (Numbers 22:35).  So far so good, Balaam is still getting what he wants!

When we get to Numbers 23, Balaam has King Balak set up alters and offer sacrifices to God. But the outcome was not a curse on the Israelites like King Balak requested.  Rather, having to speak the words God instructed, Balaam blessed the people of Israel.  Four times King Balak requested a curse and received a blessing in return.  By the end of Numbers 24, Balaam and Balak part ways.

This story is hard to follow. I’ll admit, a talking donkey is kind of weird and somewhat entertaining, but what is God teaching us with this story?  Remember – All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17).  A few key lessons to consider:

  • God is sovereign – The plans of influential and powerful men, like King Balak, will not prosper without the Lord’s permission. Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand, (Proverbs 19:21).
  • God uses a variety of means to accomplish his purpose – In Numbers 22-24, God used both a pagan sorcerer and a talking donkey to accomplish his plan. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts”, (Isaiah 55:8-9).
  • Outward appearances aren’t enough – Balaam gave the impression he was God’s prophet; he had King Balak build alters and offer sacrifices to God; he spoke God’s words of blessing on the Israelites. But make no mistake about it, he was clearly in it for himself. Later in Numbers, we will see Balaam wreak more havoc on the Israelites. Unfortunately he never truly put his faith in God.  For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart (I Samuel 16:7).

This last key lesson is where I think the rubber meets the road for many of us.  Remember, God’s plan for salvation requires us to take action. …if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved, (Romans 10:9-10). It isn’t enough to be a good person, to go to Church, to say the right things, to “hang out” with God and to sound godly.  God requires more. He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God (Micah 6:8-11).

God requires our hearts.  And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength (Mark 12:30).

Complaining

Today’s reading is Numbers 20-21 and Colossians 4.

In our Old Testament reading of Numbers, we continue to follow the Israelites on their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land as they wander in the desert. Today we specifically read about some the grumbling and complaints they had.

4 Why have you brought the assembly of the Lord into this wilderness, that we should die here, both we and our cattle? 5 And why have you made us come up out of Egypt to bring us to this evil place? It is no place for grain or figs or vines or pomegranates, and there is no water to drink.”

Numbers 20:4-5

4 From Mount Hor they set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom. And the people became impatient on the way. 5 And the people spoke against God and against Moses, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we loathe this worthless food.” 

Numbers 21:4-5

Isn’t this amazing how they would grumble and complain after God freed them from slavery exactly like they wanted and prayed for? We not only can assume they wanted to be free, but we know it from this verse in Exodus.

23 During those many days the king of Egypt died, and the people of Israel groaned because of their slavery and cried out for help. Their cry for rescue from slavery came up to God.

Exodus 2:23

We also know that not only had God freed them, but he also provided manna and quail for them to eat so they would not starve and led them with a cloud during the day and fire by night, Yet, what did they do…complain!

As we judge them, we can start to look at our own lives and realize we complain about many of the things we have wanted, dreamed of, and even specifically asked God for. What are some examples of this?

  • The job we wanted which is now crazy stressful and busy
  • The children we always wanted and maybe even had trouble having that are now causing us headaches or maybe they are even really great children but we just complain about the busyness and that they are expensive
  • The house we wanted and prayed for that stuff is always breaking making it a money pit
  • The sports team we wanted our child to be on so badly and now we complain about the coach

I could go on and on, but you get the point. We now complain about not only things others who are less fortunate would love to have, but the things we specifically wanted and maybe even prayed for which we now have…just like the Israelites.

We know God does not like any sin, but I must believe us complaining, and even just not being grateful, for something we’ve wanted and prayed asking him for has to be particularly unpleasing to Him. Those of us who are parents can probably relate when our kids beg us for a certain food/meal and then don’t like it or they beg to stay up past their bedtime and you let them and they still get angry and complain when it is finally time to go to bed. We even see specifically God’s displeasure because we read he had snakes come into the camp which bit people.

6 Then the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that many people of Israel.

     Numbers 21:7

God quickly sent a way out though in allowing them to look at Moses’s bronze serpent on a pole and be healed. Thankfully for you and me he sent a perfect way out from our sin and a Savior in Jesus and there is now no condemnation for believers of Him (Romans 8:1).

What can we do to limit our grumbling and complaining to God?

  • Focus on things we are thankful for during prayer
  • Write down each morning 3 things you are grateful for
  • Start a prayer journal so you can even look back at all the prayers God has answered

Doing these things will not only be pleasing to God by limiting our complaints, but will also help us live life with joy and peace in gratitude for what we do have and what God has done and provided. And God receives the ultimate pleasure and joy when we believe in Jesus’ saving grace on the cross which will also in turn cause us to have the ultimate gratitude and joy and peace as well.

PTL!!!

Numbers 15-18, Psalm 113, Colossians 3

When we praise the Lord it brings Him glory. We are called to glorify the Lord. It is something that I am currently focusing on. The area in my life that is needing change is my thought-life. God calls me to glorify Him in every thought that I have. My worries, fears and anxieties often get the best of me and that does not glorify God. I have to stop my thoughts and focus on Who God is and make Him my focus. I am amazed at how many times a day I catch myself having to make this mental flip.

Psalm 113 is a great reminder to Praise the Lord! It is a perfect Psalm to read and think about. We are called to Praise the Lord!

Praise the Lord!
You servants of the Lord, praise his name!
May his name be praised, now and forever.
From the east to the west praise the name of the Lord!
The Lord rules over all the nations: his glory is above the heavens.
There is no one like the Lord our God. He lives in the heights above,
but he bends down to see the heavens and the earth.
He raises the poor from the dust; he lifts the needy from their misery and makes them companions of princes, the princes of his people.
He honors the childless wife in her home;
he makes her happy by giving her children.
PRAISE THE LORD!

We are called to praise the Lord, to bring glory to His name. We praise Him for His greatness and for the salvation that He has given us. When your thoughts are awry turn to Psalm 113 and read it out loud. Remember Who God is and PRAISE THE LORD!

God’s Guidance and Provision

Today’s Reading:  Number 8-11; Colossians 1

The relation between Numbers 8-11 and Colossians 1 lies in the overarching themes of divine guidance, leadership, and the preeminence of Christ.

In Numbers 8-11, we see the Israelites journeying through the wilderness under the guidance of God. The consecration of the Levites in Numbers 8 emphasizes the importance of leadership and organization within the community, as well as the need for holiness and purity in approaching God. God’s provision of manna in Numbers 11 highlights His faithfulness in sustaining His people, despite their tendency to complain and grumble.

Similarly, Colossians 1 emphasizes the preeminence and sovereignty of Christ over all creation. Christ is depicted as the head of the church and the agent of reconciliation, bringing about redemption and salvation for humanity. The chapter underscores the mystery of the gospel, which reveals Christ in believers as the hope of glory, and it emphasizes the transformative power of Christ’s presence in the lives of believers.

Here are the combined themes of Number 8-11 and Colossians 1.

Leadership and Organization:

  • Numbers 8 emphasizes the consecration of the Levites and the importance of leadership and organization within the community of Israel.
  • Colossians 1 touches upon the supremacy of Christ and His role as the head of the church. This highlights the importance of leadership and organization within the body of believers, with Christ as the ultimate leader.

Holiness and Purity:

  • Numbers 8 underscores the need for holiness and purity in the context of the Tabernacle rituals and the consecration of the Levites.
  • Colossians 1 emphasizes the redemptive work of Christ, bringing about reconciliation and sanctification for believers. This speaks to the broader theme of holiness through the work of Christ.

God’s Guidance and Provision:

  • Numbers 9 describes God’s guidance through the cloud and fire, illustrating His constant presence and guidance during the Israelites’ journey.
  • Colossians 1 emphasizes the supremacy of Christ, who provides reconciliation and redemption for believers, highlighting God’s guidance and provision through Jesus.

Complaints and Grumbling:

  • Numbers 11 recounts the Israelites’ complaints and grumbling in the wilderness, despite God’s provision of manna.
  • While not directly addressing complaints, Colossians 1 encourages believers to focus on the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ, discouraging discontentment and pointing to Christ as the source of true satisfaction.

Leadership Burden:

  • Numbers 11 depicts Moses expressing the burden of leadership, leading to the appointment of seventy elders to share the load.
  • Colossians 1 doesn’t directly address the burden of leadership, but it emphasizes the empowering presence of Christ in Paul’s ministry, showcasing reliance on Christ’s strength.

In summary, while Numbers 8-11 and Colossians 1 have different specific messages and contexts, there are general parallels in themes such as leadership, holiness, God’s guidance, and provision. These themes are consistent throughout the Bible, as it relates to making Godly decisions, having faith and perseverance through difficult times, and God’s guidance on navigating the temptations of a sinful world.

Written with the assistance of Chat GPT