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A Change of Paradigm
Today’s reading is 1 Samuel 3-4, Psalm 23, and Acts 6.
Below is a post I wrote on February, 7 2019. It was a “different time” as they say pre-COVID. As I read Psalm 23 in preparation for today’s assigned reading though, this change of paradigm and post came to mind, and it seemed appropriate to re-share it. I was also reminded the heading above this chapter in my Bible says, “The Lord is My Shepard.” It made me think again…we need our “Shepard” during this life here on Earth.
When you think of a funeral and what Bible passages are read most commonly, which ones come to mind? Today’s reading of Psalm 23 most certainly is in the top few. When I hear this verse, I picture a person walking down a dark path lonely with a light up ahead. I’m not sure this would be the mental vision God would want me to have about death. As I read this verse more closely, what stuck out to me is that it is “the valley of the shadow of death” in Psalm 23:4. We, who are still living, are in the “shadow of death.” This is where we have fears, anxieties, and worries that cause us stress. This is when we need his “rod and staff” to “comfort me.” This is when I need to “fear no evil” and my soul needs restoring by laying in “green pastures” and by going “beside still waters.”
Revelation 21:4 tells us, “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be morning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” When I die, I want my funeral to be a celebration that I’m living in Heaven in perfect peace worshiping the only King forever. I want a band playing songs of praise with everyone standing and worshiping Him reminding all there of the joy they can have in eternal life through confessing their sins and belief in Him and His resurrection! They don’t need to be sad for me…I’m not in a dark valley standing there by myself lonely. I’m experiencing a joy we can’t even imagine on this Earth worshiping Him in a similar way to how I hope they are at that moment.
The first part of Psalm 23:8 says, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life” telling us maybe Psalm 23 is more appropriate for a baby dedication, a first communion, a baptism, or even a wedding. We can live in perfect peace throughout our life because the second part of Psalm 23:8 says, “and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” When we fix our eyes on that which is eternal (the only thing that matters), we will have comfort and respite from the challenges in this life.
Here is the song 10,000 Reasons by Matt Redman which was sung at my wife’s great uncle Lee Dexheimer’s funeral. It reminded me we will experience a peace that passes all human understanding just like Lee did that day and still is today, forever and ever.
Faith Like Hannah
1 Samuel 1-2, Psalm 120, Acts 5
Is there something in your life that you dream about doing or becoming? Do you pray about your dream and believe that God will answer your prayers? I admit, this is not something I am good at. I realise this even more so after reading today’s chapters about Hannah, I am lacking in faith. Her story builds my faith and helps me to believe that God hears my prayers and He is here to help.
1 Samuel 1 and 2 tell the story of Hannah. She was married to her husband, Elkannah who loved her very much, but she was unable to conceive a child. Understandably, this caused her much grief. Her husband tried to encourage her and let her know he loved her regardless, but Hannah’s heart still ached for a child.
Every year Hannah would travel to Shiloh to worship and sacrifice to God. Hannah was distraught and took this opportunity to cry out to God at His meeting place. When she entered, Eli the priest was sitting on the seat beside the doorpost.
As she was earnestly praying Eli was watching her. He suspected she was drunk and began quizzing her. She assured the priest that she was not drunk but just pouring out her soul to the Lord in prayer. She vowed in her prayer that if God would give her a son, she would give the child to be God’s servant.
Hannah made a solemn promise: “Lord Almighty, look at me, your servant! See my trouble and remember me! Don’t forget me! If you give me a son, I promise that I will dedicate him to you for his whole life and that he will never have his hair cut.”
Samuel 1:11
Eli responded to Hannah and said,
“Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition which you have asked of Him.”
Samuel 1:17
Hannah had great respect for Eli. She left the tabernacle at Shiloh and was no longer sad. She had faith and believed that what she prayed for would come to pass.
God answered Hannah’s prayer, she conceived and had a son. She named him Samuel, which means “asked or heard of God.” Hannah kept her vow to God and after Samuel was weaned, she presented him to Eli the priest. This was a great sacrifice for a mother, but she was determined to fulfill her vow that she had made to God.
Samuel matured through the years and became a prophet of God, a judge and a leader in the nation of Israel. He was a mighty servant of God. Hannah went on to be blessed by more children. She probably never dreamed that her prayer would be answered beyond her dreams.
Hannah prayed with a belief that God would hear her prayers. After she had prayed at Shiloh, she went on her way believing that what she prayed for would come to pass. This is such an encouragement to us to pray for what we long for. And to walk away believing that God hears our prayers and will answer.
I am so thankful for scripture that inspires and encourages me. Reading this passage on Hannah helps build my faith and encourages me to pray and truly believe that God will answer my prayers.
What are you asking God for and believing that will come to pass?
Faith and Obedience
Today’s Readings: Ruth 1 & 2, Acts 3
At first glance, Ruth 1 and 2 from the Old Testament and Acts chapter 3 from the New Testament might seem unrelated due to their different contexts and narratives. However, there are some underlying themes and principles that can be drawn from both sets of passages:
- Loyalty and Commitment: Both Ruth and Peter demonstrate loyalty and commitment in their respective contexts. Ruth displays unwavering loyalty to her mother-in-law Naomi by refusing to leave her side, while Peter and John remain committed to their mission of proclaiming the gospel despite facing opposition and persecution.
- Divine Providence: In both narratives, there is a recognition of God’s providential care and intervention. Ruth and Naomi experience God’s provision through various means, including Boaz’s kindness, while Peter delivered the miraculous healing of a lame man, which they attribute to the power of God.
- Acts of Mercy and Compassion: Ruth’s gleaning in the fields and Boaz’s generosity towards her exemplify acts of mercy and compassion towards the vulnerable and marginalized. Similarly, Peter and John demonstrate compassion by healing the lame man and offering him physical and spiritual restoration.
- Response to Miracles: In both passages, there is a response to miraculous events. Ruth responds to Boaz’s kindness with gratitude and humility, while the crowd in Acts responds to the healing of the lame man with amazement and curiosity, providing an opportunity for Peter to preach the gospel.
- Transformation and Redemption: The narratives of Ruth and Acts chapter 3 both illustrate themes of transformation and redemption. Ruth’s journey from a foreign widow to a key figure in the lineage of King David foreshadows the broader theme of redemption that unfolds throughout the Bible. Similarly, the healing of the lame man in Acts symbolizes both physical and spiritual transformation through faith in Jesus Christ.
While Ruth 1 and 2 and Acts chapter 3 may seem disparate at first glance, they share underlying themes of loyalty, providence, compassion, response to miracles, and transformation. These themes highlight the continuity of God’s redemptive plan and the universal principles of faith and obedience that resonate across different contexts and narratives in Scripture.
Written with the assistance of ChatGPT
Cut to the Heart II
This week a good friend of mine “Michael” was updating me about some of his life struggles. I said (based on my own experiences over the last couple years), “I hope you find the emotional space to just break down and cry out; sometimes it is all we can do.” He responded by saying, “I think I’ve cried so much over the last few years my tears are gone…“
His reply struck me deeply. I was cut to the heart. What else could I do to help someone who has no more tears left to cry?
The following is a post I wrote a few years ago with verses from Acts 2 where the response to Peter’s sermon resulted in people being “cut to the heart”.
Pocket Sermon from Peter
Peter gives us what I refer to as a “pocket sermon” (something to keep closely with us for reuse at any given moment) as he summarizes the Gospels in Acts 2:22-24.
22 “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know— 23 this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. 24 God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it.
The Gospel summary:
- God endorses Jesus through his ability to perform miracles
- Jesus is crucified
- Jesus conquers death, thus proving his deity
These are the kinds of verses that succinctly tell the story of Jesus as the Messiah from his many miracles through death, burial, and resurrection. Memorizing verses like this is a great way to be ready to share Biblical truth with those who do not yet believe, as well as a great reminder as to why we follow this man Jesus, God in the flesh.
After Peter’s sermon, we’re told that those who heard it were “cut to the heart” and they asked “What shall we do?” (Acts 2:37). Why were they cut to the heart? Because that’s what God’s word does:
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)
When we hear the word of God through the Bible something supernatural occurs and God is literally speaking to us. How great it is that our creator cares enough to communicate with us today!
As for Peter’s audience and me as well, sin deems us “guilty” for crucifying Jesus. What shall we do then?
“Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38)
Would you consider praying for an opportunity to share the Gospel story with someone today so that they too may be forgiven, and their souls saved for an eternity?
As for my friend Michael (and for the “Michaels” in all of our lives) this is a continued opportunity to pray for him and share the love and grace of our Lord Jesus.
Today’s reading: Judges 19-21; Acts 2
The Holy Spirit
Judges 17-18, Psalm 21, Acts 1
In Acts 1, the disciples are hanging around Jerusalem after Jesus’ death. While they wait, Jesus comes to them. He talks with them about the kingdom of God. Talking to the one who died on the cross, brought them hope. Hope that their dreams of a new life had not ended. In fact, their life with Jesus was very much alive. The disciples could feel the new world order upon them. This was the time that they had waited for. Jesus would now rule the world! Israel will finally be restored and all of God’s promises would now be fulfilled. The Bible explains these promises with words like freedom, liberty, fearlessness and peace, along with promises about healing our physical ailments and living prosperous lives. This was it. Israel will again be on top, the leader of all nations. Let’s go! But, Jesus wasn’t ready. He was holding them back. When they ask when it will happen, he responds, “You don’t get to know the time. Timing is the Father’s business” (Acts 1:7, Message). For now, he continues, “you will receive the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit that will enable you to be my witnesses.”
In that moment, upon hearing Jesus’ answer, do you think the disciples were disappointed? Seriously, the victory party they were anticipating seemingly vanished into thin air. No doubt, they did not fully understand. Yet, they remained silent. Consider that their silence is an indication of their acceptance and submission. They trust Jesus with whatever is coming. Or, perhaps their hope is kindled in Jesus’ promise of the Holy Spirit. With his presence, Jesus explains, the disciples will receive power. In Greek, it is called “dynamis.” If you hear our modern words “dynamite” and “dynamic” in there, you are getting the idea. The Holy Spirit brings power that is explosive. His power provides “energy, ability, efficacy, and meaning.” With the Holy Spirit, Jesus explains, the name of Jesus will be extended “to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8).
I readily admit that this scripture reveals my ignorance of the Holy Spirit. To be sure, this American Christian often misuses and misinterprets the work of the Holy Spirit in my life, selfishly claiming His good work for myself. Similar to the disciples, I want to use this power to reign over all. If I cannot reign over all, I’ll settle for health and good fortune. You see, when the Holy Spirit indwells us with the power of God, we can easily use His gifts to get ahead in this world. According to John Maxwell, this is a defensive posture resulting from focusing on my short life and not on servicing all of God’s creation, extending His rule for eternity.
Contrast that with true Holy Spirit indwelling. Jesus releases the Holy Spirit to us so that we can share God’s love and meaning with the world. Aligning with Him means that I will use my gifts in concert with His vision, not mine. This is what the disciples were able to grasp. They quickly dropped their own pursuits and limited vision in favor of His. As we move through the book of Acts over the next several days, we get to watch the Holy Spirit work through the lives of Jesus’ disciples. The Spirit gives power is both dynamic and explosive in the lives of everyone that the disciples meet. It is the beginning of Jesus’ great vision to take God’s message of love and hope to the ends of the earth. Today, we continue to carry out this vision. How are we doing with it?
In his book Forgotten God, Francis Chan offers several great questions that help us evaluate our relationship with the Holy Spirit. Take some time to consider them.
- Can you say with confidence—from the depth of your being—that you know God and are known by Him?
- Do I want to lead, or do I want to be led by the Spirit?
- How would you be missed if you left this place? What would change? Basically, what difference does your presence here make? Or, as my youth pastor once asked me, what would your church (and the worldwide church) look like if everyone was as committed as you are? If everyone gave and served and prayed exactly like you, would the church be healthy and empowered? Or would it be weak and listless?
8 Keep me as the apple of your eye;
hide me in the shadow of your wings
9 from the wicked who are out to destroy me,
from my mortal enemies who surround me.
The definition of etymologically is the study of words and the origin or history of a word’s meaning. The phrase “apple of your eye” stands for the “little man” in someone’s pupil, which, of course, would be you when you are close enough to a person. Give it a try. I just practiced it with my daughter. You need to be close to see your own reflection in someone’s eyes. For me, it can feel a little uncomfortable because of the personal space we all have.
The psalmist’s prayer in Psalm 17:8 is for God to keep guard over us as He would the pupil of His own eye. Oh, how I pray for that closeness, that protection. Lord, help me to seek You daily, to stay in Your Word, and to be obedient. Let us remember Your closeness when the enemies surround us, knowing that we are protected.
How much do you need?
Today’s Reading : Judges 7-8; Luke 22
If only I had $X, I would be able to do a lot of things.
If I could only get this degree, then I would be able to …
If only, I had this job or career, things would be different.
We often look at our circumstances and deficiencies in the midst of struggles. But we forget that God has a process and a plan in place for His glory to shine in the most unlikely places. This is evident in the story of Gideon.
In the beginning, Gideon was not a believer. Gideon’s father and family decided to worship a different religion and gods. Gideon had his doubts. God sent an angel to talk to Gideon and let him know that he was the selected person to save Israel.
”Then Gideon said to God, “If you will save Israel by my hand, as you have said, behold, I am laying a fleece of wool on the threshing floor. If there is dew on the fleece alone, and it is dry on all the ground, then I shall know that you will save Israel by my hand, as you have said.” And it was so. When he rose early next morning and squeezed the fleece, he wrung enough dew from the fleece to fill a bowl with water.“
Judges 6:36-38 ESV
”Then Gideon said to God, “Let not your anger burn against me; let me speak just once more. Please let me test just once more with the fleece. Please let it be dry on the fleece only, and on all the ground let there be dew.” And God did so that night; and it was dry on the fleece only, and on all the ground there was dew.“
Judges 6:39-40 ESV
Not only did he ask for a sign, Gideon ask for an assurance of the sign. Once he received it, he was all in. How many times do we ask for assurance and continue to ask for reinforcements? We have to be able to listen and be confident in the answer.
But to understand the thesis question, “How much do you need?” We have to look at the next passage.
”The Lord said to Gideon, “The people with you are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hand, lest Israel boast over me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me.’ Now therefore proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, ‘Whoever is fearful and trembling, let him return home and hurry away from Mount Gilead.’” Then 22,000 of the people returned, and 10,000 remained.“
”And the Lord said to Gideon, “The people are still too many. Take them down to the water, and I will test them for you there, and anyone of whom I say to you, ‘This one shall go with you,’ shall go with you, and anyone of whom I say to you, ‘This one shall not go with you,’ shall not go.” And the Lord said to Gideon, “With the 300 men who lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hand, and let all the others go every man to his home.” So the people took provisions in their hands, and their trumpets. And he sent all the rest of Israel every man to his tent, but retained the 300 men. And the camp of Midian was below him in the valley.“
Judges 7:4, 7-8 ESV
The army went from 33,000 to 300. This is essentially 0.9% of the army. The full army would have been still a diminutive amount compared to the armies of the Midianites and Amalekites which is compared to the sands of a beach. The size of the opposing army to Gideon is an unfathomable amount of people. These are uber extreme odds. But God created this situation to show His power and glory through the small things.
He shows that if we put forth the 0.9% of faith, he will bring the 99.1% to gain the victory.
Where are the areas in our life that we are trying to do the 99%, but God is asking for us to have the 0.9% of faith to all his glory to shine?
How much do we need?
Be blessed
Exactly What To Say
To be a successful salesperson, you have to master four things. The fist is how to generate leads. Then, you have to follow-up with those leads. Your follow up allows you to negotiate, which is the third role of a salesperson. The fourth one might be the most important. It’s script and role play. That’s right, knowing exactly what to say and how to say it matters. If you don’t believe me, check out this book by Phil M Jones. His entire goal is to script salespeople so that that can sell more. He even titles it “Exactly What To Say.” It works. Practicing scripts is a proven way to increase your sales results.
Now, I am perplexed. All of my training says to prepare, but in Luke 21, Jesus is tells us not to prepare. He says, “Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer.” Luke 21:14 (ESV). My initial reaction to that advice is incredulous. How could it possibly be better to be unprepared?
I don’t get to ruminate on that for long. In verse 15, Jesus provides some additional explanation. Rather than your great script, he says “I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict.” That’s interesting. Why would I want to be unmeditated and unrehearsed?
It establishes my trust in him
It creates my dependence upon him
It promotes a response from my Spirit filled heart
It gives the Holy Spirit the opportunity to show his power
It ensures that He gets all the glory
What Do We Desire For Our Kids to Know?
Today’s reading is Judges 1-3, Psalm 16, and Luke 20.
We read in the book of Joshua where the Israelites reached the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua. As he lead them he stated these famous words in Joshua 24:15, “..But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” When we read of Joshua’s death in Judges 2:6-10, we learn his generation and his children did serve the Lord, but we read in Judges 2:10 where the following generation “did not know the Lord or the work that he had done for Israel.”
We then read on in Judges 2-3 where the Israelites did what was evil in the sight of the Lord in the following generations and under the next leaders (Judges 2:11, Judges 2:19, Judges 3:7, Judges 3:12). We also read in Judges 2:20 where this angered the Lord and Israel lost His favor and then as a result the protection of God because they turned against Him (Judges 2:21-23). For all those reading this who live in America, this probably brings us concern as we see our nation and its people turning further and further from God and what the Bible teaches.
We recalled earlier Joshua’s promise in Joshua 24:15 to serve the Lord and it seems as though he and his children’s generation did, but then what went wrong and why? The Bible doesn’t tell us, but I’m confident it’s not because the Israelites were always on their iPhone browsing Facebook and Instagram instead of spending time with and teaching their children or taking their kids to travel sports games instead of church (guilty here on both accounts). However, there must have been other distractions or reasons why they fell away from teaching their kids about God and all he’d done for them. Maybe they were too busy working to run the home or too busy battling other people for ground or maybe they just stopped focusing on the good God had done for them and focused only on their problems falling out of love with Him. We can only guess.
This is a good reminder and wake up call to us on how we must teach our children about God, what His Word teaches, and our love for Him (and His love for us), so that when our children are out of our house they will continue to stay close to Him, His Word, and live the way He desires us to.
Here are a list of things we can do to help lay a strong foundation with our children in their formative years with us so they will stay close to Him when they leave our home and so they someday can lead their children to God as well.
- Attend Church Regularly – We are tired. We want to rest and relax the one day we can which is usually Sunday. We have kids’ sports and activities or when we don’t this is our one day off. But, we need fed God’s Word and time to worship Him. Studies show when we go to church, our kids are significantly more likely to when they are out of the house, too. When we are traveling, we can still try to watch or listen online together.
- Join a Small Group/Bible Study – This is important for us to stay in God’s Word and close fellowship with other believers and will also show by example our kids how God is a priority and important amongst our busy schedules and lives.
- Read a Daily Devotional and Your Bible (and let your kids see you doing it) – Staying close to God’s Word will pay dividends and improve our parenting as it speaks to us (Hebrews 4:12) each day. Quiet time alone with God in prayer reading is important as Jesus modeled (Luke 5:15, Mark 1:35), and I also think our kids knowing we do this and even seeing us reading from our Bible firsthand with their own eyes and how we make this a priority is also very valuable.
- Listen to Worship Music – While our family loves many genres and time periods of music and listens to them frequently, I believe it’s also valuable to listen to Christian music and for our kids to see us singing and praising God while we’re in the car, making dinner, or during fellowship time. While our kids go to their own church service, we also try to attend a few worship music nights our church has with the entire family where we can all sing and praise God together.
- Talk About What You Are Seeing and What God’s Word Teaches– We are now seeing on the news, in commercials, in TV shows and movies, and even things taught and/or allowed in our grade schools things that go against God’s Word. We must help our kids know at a young age what God and His Word says. The different sins of others are no worse than our own sins in God’s eyes and our kids must know this. We must teach our kids it’s ok to disapprove of sins that just may be different than our own (which we also disapprove of), and we can still love others in their sin the same way God loves us in ours. In the end, what’s most important is that they know what God’s Word says is right and wrong.
- Discuss and Share Being in Awe of God – For those with younger children (and even older), discuss the beauty of His Creation around us..it could be as simple as the sunrise and sunset. Share what God is doing and has done in your life and the lives of others…even through challenging times. Remind them that, “God is great..all the time!”
- Family Devotional Time – Consider taking time weekly to do a devotional together as a family and discuss. This is a great time to bond and model being in His Word and doing it together. I know for our family this is one we must improve on!
In between writing this, one of our small group members sent to our group a social media video of a pastor who said we should ask our children what they think the #1 thing is their parents desire for them to know. He said if they don’t answer, “to know God,” then that is a major problem. He commented that if they get great grades, but don’t know God..what does it matter? If they have a beautiful wedding, but don’t know God..what does it matter? I would add knowing God’s love and where our kids will spend eternity is what does matter.
In closing, when getting to know a potential new financial planning client, I ask them what’s important for the 5 Capitals they have in their life – Relational, Physical (time), Intellectual, Financial, and Spiritual. More than a few recently whose kids have just grown up and are now out of the house have commented that they are believers and pray but regrettably had not gone to church while their kids were growing up and now realize the not so favorable impact. I admire their awareness and have encouraged them their kids are still watching and following their lead..even if their kids are out of the house. And at the same time this is a good wake up call for those of us who still have kids living under our roof.
I’m asking myself what 1 thing from my list above is that I can improve on, and I would encourage you to do the same.
Choose Today
But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.”
Joshua 24:15
Each day we have many choices to make. What will I wear? What will I eat? I swear I have to check the weather app every morning to figure out what to wear, it may be raining, snowing, or sleeting. One choice I don’t think about as often on a daily basis is, who am I serving?
Today’s reading in Joshua 24 tells us to choose today who we will serve. If I don’t actively make a choice every single day to serve God, then who or what am I actually choosing?
We are each responsible for our life and our own relationship with God. We get to make the choice to choose God and follow Him wholeheartedly. Will I commit to serve God? Or will I commit to serve my desires, money, relationships, work, status, or success, or any other gods our culture worships?
The choice is ours and we will reap the consequences of the choices we make. Every morning as I have to make decisions, the most important decision should be to choose whom I will serve on this day. I honor God and bring Him glory when I choose to serve Him first.