BibleJournal.net

Flowing With Milk and Honey

Side view of breakfast set with chocolate walnuts in wooden bowl jam honey in gift jar dry toast bread butter and milk. Everything on craft paper and vintage knife and spoon with patina.

Deuteronomy 6; Psalm 89; Isaiah 34; Revelation 4

If you live in the State of Illinois, you are familiar with its current conditions. Countless families and businesses are leaving the state in search of more favorable conditions. According to a recent editorial in the Chicago Tribune, Illinois’ decline is the result of “a state debt crisis largely driven by unfunded pension obligations, the country’s worst credit rating, weak job growth. Oh yes, and winter.” The same is said of our humble little town Bloomington/Normal. Daily complaints are issued about potholes, the arena and property taxes. All of them have us questioning if it is time to relocate.

As a business owner, this is a question that I wrestle with continuously. It appears that I can be far more successful – assured of success even – if I pack up and move to the sunshine, along with countless others. But, is it true? Are Arizona, Florida or Texas the Promised Land? Are they flowing with milk and honey? The mere thought of the Promised Land conjures up images of abundance and fertility. Lush landscapes and rich soil that promote health, growth and, yes, even wealth. Are you ready to move yet? Before you answer yes, consider one more thought.

We have been reading from Deuteronomy, watching patiently as the Israelites get ready to walk into the promised land. Before they go, Moses hits them with a whole bunch of rules. Chapter 5 reveals the Ten Commandments and now, in chapter 6, Moses expounds on them emphasizing their importance. Why? The answer is revealed in verse 3.

Hear therefore, O Israel, and be careful to do them, that it may go well with you, and that you may multiply greatly, as the Lord, the God of your fathers, has promised you, in a land flowing with milk and honey (Deuteronomy 6:3 ESV)

As I read it carefully, I see clearly that I have improperly assumed that “it will go well” with the Israelites because they are in the land that flows with milk and honey. How could it not? Verse 3, however, tells us otherwise. Moses is chiding them to listen and listen well, saying, “be careful to obey.” In this sentence, wellness clearly goes with obedience. It is, therefore, our obedience to God that promotes our health, growth, and wealth, not our location. In fact, the location is superfluous to the conversation.

Just like the Israelites, we are called to obedience right where we are. This is true whether we live in the Promised Land, or in the State of Illinois. In both places, God works. When we assume that our growth has come from, or is only possible when living in the Promised Land, we have stolen God’s glory. We honor God with our obedience and it is our obedience that God honors, no matter where we are.

Lukewarm

Today’s reading:Deuteronomy 5; Psalm 88; Isaiah 33; Revelation 3

June 1st, 2016

Last Wednesday we studied Satan’s promises and wrestled with whether or not we were trusting in them. Today’s reading brings us to Christ promises in Revelation chapter 3, where we find the last of seven letters to the seven churches. Each letter follows a general outline; a greeting, an ‘I know’ statement, a praise, a rebuke, a command, a warning, and a promise to the one who conquers. The last letter is to the Laodiceans. Their letter is different from all the rest in that it includes no praise. Here is the letter, see if you can pick out the other elements:

And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; 15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. 17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: 18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. 21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. 22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. – Revelation 3:14–22

The ‘I know’ statement indicted them as neither cold nor hot. The consequence? Being spued out. Translated as vomited. A violent rejection and most fearful woe, to be utterly rejected by Christ as loathsome. A pretty serious consequence in my estimation. Certainly then worth consideration and meditation. Why did this happen? Luckily we have clear answers. They had placed their trust in things of this world (v17). They were deceived (v17b). They had fallen for Satan’s lies. I wonder, if there was one letter that American churches (that is you and me) should mind, which it would be?

While Satan’s promises are empty lies that leave us alone and destitute our LORD’s promises are full of the truth and they lead to our being adopted into His family (Revelation 21:7). After the rebuke they are then counseled to buy true riches that they may begin to see. Take one step and see it true. That their eyes may be opened to their deception (18). Then the way is laid out for us to repent. Restoration to relation with Christ. Believe and abide in Jesus. Let thine eye be single (Matthew 6:22). Trust in Him and Him alone. Reject the world and remain in Christ. Live simply (Ecclesiastes 7:29). Put God at the top of your list of one.

I’ll conclude this entry with an excerpt from Believer’s Rewards by John MacArthur. I Highly encourage you to listen to it in its entirety, perhaps on your way to work this morning;

Did you know the Bible talks about five crowns: the incorruptible crown, crown of righteousness, the crown of rejoicing, the crown of glory, the crown of life. Each a separate reward for faithfulness. There’s going to be wonderful rewards. The incorruptible crown, that’s for the one who obeyed the Lord’s command and made self-sacrifice and disciplined his life to live for God. The crown of righteousness, that’s to all who love His appearing. That means everybody who is so in love with Jesus Christ that the looking for His coming dominates their life. The crown of rejoicing, the soul winner’s crown, the crown of glory, the shepherd’s crown, that’s for the elders, the pastor teachers. The crown of life, that’s for the guy who went through the persecution and martyrdom for Jesus’ sake.

Extra Credit: a quick history lesson as we consider another why from verse 16

Verse 16 tells how lukewarm people will be spued out. In considering why such a violent rejection if the state of the gaze of the follower is not fixed on Christ, consider a bit of history. Why such a harsh consequence? After all why wouldn’t lukewarm be better than cold?

After Jesus died the New Testament outlines the persecution of the early church. All the apostles were martyred except John who was exiled to the Island of Patmos by Emperor Domitian who demanded his subjects worship him as lord and god. He and John didn’t get on. The persecutions that followed through the second, third and fourth centuries were horrific to say the least. Christians were heretics, believing in a religion not ordained by the state. In these times that meant death. Thousands upon thousands of Christians were killed as the state invented new ways to torture people into renouncing Jesus. Yet people continued to choose death. This continued on through the third century until Emperor Constantine installed the Edict of Milan in 313. Emperor Constantine claimed that while in battle he saw a cross in the sky and heard the words “by this symbol conquer.” After he won the battle he converted to Christianity. The Edict of Milan reversed the role of religion in the Roman Empire. Now the pagans were heretics. At first glance you might think this a ‘win’ for the church. However as history played out we see that it was horrendous. Instead of the state going around killing Christians who would not convert to the religion of the state, they now went round killing pagans who would not convert to Christianity. Christianity then became the new tool used by the state to unite the kingdom. This powerful tool then began to attract all the wrong sorts of people. People seeking popular status even power and riches.

Those seeking power and riches sought new found titles in the Catholic Church. Papal power was out of control and trumped the Emperor. In fact, in 800 Pope Leo the third crowned Charles’ Martel’s grandson also called Charles who became Charles the Great or as we know him Charlemagne, as the Holy Roman Emperor. So now we have Pope’s making Emperors. One more quick example on this, and there are several. Pope Gregory VII who lived from 1073-1085 produced the Dictates Papae which was a compilation of 27 statements of powers arrogated to the Pope. So basically he created authority for himself. Here’s a sample of one of them for you to consider; “Only the feet of the Pope shall be kissed by all Princes. His name alone shall be spoken in the churches and this is the only name in the world. The Pope’s judgement may be retracted by no one and he himself cannot be judged. The Roman church has never erred nor will it err throughout eternity.” The current Emperor Henry IV was not too pleased with this and threatened to remove Pope Gregory VII. So Greg exiled Henry and absolved all Greg’s subjects from having to obey him. Henry was eventually reinstated by Greg, but only after performing the penance assigned; walking across the Alps barefoot and waiting outside Greg’s door for three days in sackcloth.

Commoners gave up worshiping several gods for a more convenient single god, not to mention the not dying part, that seemed to swing some folks too. People ‘converted to Christianity’ for seemingly every reason but the love of Christ. A lukewarm Christian state indeed.

While the Christian state was becoming lukewarm and Papal power was raging out of control. There was a man named Mohammed who lived from 570-632 AD. It is my understanding that, in the early 600’s he was in Mecca looking for religion, he had tried Judaism and Christianity but found that neither lived up to what they promised. He found Christians in his hometown to be worldly and didn’t live according to their gospel which meant to him that it was faulty. He was sickened by this and retreated to a cave. He came out of the cave with the book of reservations, the Quran. He then founded the first Muslim community and by the time he died most of Arabia had been converted. He was a warrior king. His successors also took the message by way of massive armies starting in Mecca, conquering Jerusalem in 638, the Persian Empire in 651, Carthage in 695, all of India to North Africa defeating the Vandals 711, the Visigoths and Spain with it in 750.

Worship

Happy Tuesday everyone! I pray you had a great Memorial Day. We are blessed to live in a country where we can worship, praise, sing, and write about our God. Thank you to all those who have, do, and will lay down their lives for us to have this freedom.

Today we welcome back Kris Walker to share on our readings for today!

Today’s Reading: Deuteronomy 4; Psalms 86–87; Isaiah 32; Revelation 2

Here we have it! Documented, worship music before Matt Maher, or Kristian Stanfill, or Mercy Me, were ever in the picture!! Worship music!! There is something about singing that makes our souls feel free, and happy. After becoming a Christian 3 years ago. The feeling for me was made even better when I was singing to our father. I know this may be different for everyone, but, I feel closest to God when I am singing. I joined the worship team at E-Free, and it is one of the best feelings ever, to look out, and see everyone praising God together, some with their arms raised, some holding their loved ones. Even those simply bowing their heads praying, just being in the moment. But everyone is there praising God. Sometimes I feel the musical form of Worship can lead the church and individual to being closer to God more than the message presented afterwards.

So, that novel of a paragraph to say I was excited to read our scriptures in Psalms! One is a prayer. But the other one specifically says it’s a song!! And honestly… Some of the best worship songs these days, are literally taken right out of the psalms! They are prayers!! They are just set to music and the words repeated in a catchy chorus!

One of my current favorites right now is by Matt Maher. It’s called “Rest“. I highly recommend it. It even ties into Today’s reading. One of the lines is “I Trust in you”.

Psalm 86: 1-7:
Hear me, Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. Guard my life, for I am faithful to you; save your servant who trusts in you. You are my God; have mercy on me, Lord, for I call to you all day long. Bring joy to your servant, Lord, for I put my trust in you. You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you. Hear my prayer, Lord; listen to my cry for mercy. When I am in distress, I call to you, because you answer me.

I so badly wish I had musical writing ability. Because these words are so beautiful to me! We are all in so much need of God to Guard our lives! I wish I could write about the stories and feelings I’ve read on this bible journal program. I find you guys inspirational! I don’t know Jillian’s family personally, just what I’ve read, but I have been so impressed with their display of calling on God! Praying to him and showing that they TRUST in God! I love that we are all praying for her Family, and God is Answering prayers. And I feel a part of this. Without even being a close personal friend of theirs. It’s because of our bond through Christ, and reading what she has written, and reading what some of what what written in her stead. It’s truly inspiring. This is the stuff worship music is made of!! I really appreciate you letting me partake in reading everyone’s thoughts and comments on these scriptures..

My thoughts were primarily on Psalms, but Deuteronomy really ties into my thoughts. Worshiping and praying to our God is such an amazing thing. And it really is an honor. Who else has this?

Deuteronomy 4:7
What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the Lord our God is near us whenever we pray to him?

We really are special! We have our God near to us when we pray! And I add worship. I think it makes me feel just as close! After all, as I said, some of these “songs” are really just prayers put to music!

I really love the musical aspect, and it’s what my thoughts kept going back to. But I guess what the important part to take away from today’s reading is in my opinion: Don’t hold back.. Sing!! Pray!!! Don’t waste this privilege, this honor. This pleasure! This is a great way to grow close to our Father! It’s says we have him near to us when we do this! Doesn’t matter if you’re at church, at home, or in your car. Give it your all. Pray hard, sing hard.. Worship hard! Lift up our friends, brothers and sisters in this wonderful form of worship!

Father,
Thank you so much for this ability! Please help us use it to our fullest ability, so we may grow ever closer to you!

Amen

God our One and Only

Oliver

Today’s Readings: Deuteronomy 3, Psalm 85, Isaiah 31, Revelation 1

Hello friends. I’m so grateful to be writing again for this very special Memorial Day Monday. I wish that I could say that today’s journal is about our Oliver coming home from the hospital and an end to our suffering through Jesus, but not quite yet. What I can say is that His love is alive and well in our family life. I’m so grateful to each of you that have prayed for our five year old first born. I ask that you continue to lift him up each day as we look for an answer to his suffering. Tonight he is cozy in his hospital bed at Children’s in Peoria and I am rocking our youngest in his empty room at home. Each time I walk past his empty bedroom, I lose my breath a little. Every day since he got sick has been broken into hours and minutes. It’s not until I come home for a few hours that the full impact of it all hits me.

This isn’t our first journey with Oliver and this hospital. Not our first time sitting and watching him suffer while doctors scramble to find the answer. But you know what…it IS our first time doing it with Jesus in our life. I promise you that this time is so very different. I am not afraid of the diagnosis. I have not spent hours in the darkened corner of his room feeling alone or isolated, tears streaming down my face. Instead, I have spent the hours holding him up, reminding him of God’s love and purpose for his life. Instead, I have spent the hours marveling at the tangible manifestation of Holy Spirit that is absolutely within us on this journey. I know that at the end of this hospitalization we will get a name, a word, a medical explanation. I also know that it won’t matter a bit. The last time we walked this 5 long years ago, I feared those words. Feared the impact on our lives, feared for his future, feared for the sadness and the loss of what we dreamed of for our son that may never come to be. Now I know that those words are just that. Empty words.

Today’s scripture takes us to Isaiah 31. We are on the fifth woe by the time we reach Chapter 31. The issue yet again is that God’s people are trusting the Egyptians rather than God to help against their enemies. They are counting their cavalries and soldiers and putting all their faith in the flesh. The 8^th century prophet Isaiah opens this chapter with:

“Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help and rely on horses, who trust in chariots because they are many and in horsemen because they are very strong, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel or consult the Lord!” Isaiah 31:1

He goes on to remind us that the Israelites attempt to get help from the Egyptians will backfire because the both the helper and the helped will be destroyed by God. The ultimate lesson here is that only God can protect his people. He is our fearless lion and He is the bird circling above our heads. This is BIG. In a world where we are constantly looking for ways to arm ourselves against our perceived enemies, here it is friends. The prophet Isaiah told us…no he showed us that all we need for protection is our Father. I don’t need build an army of physicians and specialists for my son. I don’t need to depend on them to transcend and save my son. He’s already saved. I catch myself some mornings during rounds placing all my hope in the white coats. Hanging on their every word, their plans for my son’s future. But all too quickly that moment passes and we learn that the plans we had and the plans they had are not the plan that God has for Oliver. Instead, we are all in this boat together. Day by day we wait for His plan to be unveiled and more importantly, his purpose.

Already, there have been big open door glimpses of our Father at work. I’m not supposed to share this with you but I can’t help it, because it’s evidence of Him. Oliver’s daddy and I have been praying and hoping and planning for new job for him. Our family has literally been carried to the edge of a cliff with the strains of his current job. He is gone from us for hours, days, weeks and often in the most critical times. We miss him and we ache for his presence at the dinner table, on weekends, and at bedtime. On the very day Ollie got sick an opportunity arose. A few days later there was an interview and then another and another. All under the cover of Oliver’s pain and in the darkness this small light was burning brighter and brighter. At the end of last week our Daddy accepted a new position with one of Ollie’s doctors. He gets to come home and be a family with us every single night and every single weekend. We get to be a real family for the first time ever.

And so my friends, the McGriff party of 5 can certainly identify with the five woes of the Israelites. We’ve had our fair share. But the truth is, we’ve placed our trust in Him and only Him. If you are sad today, fearful, hopeless or just doubt his presence, I hope our story has inspired you to look to Him. Our eyes are up and I hope yours are too.

Fellowship of the Word

“I’d rather spend every Sunday of my life hanging on a cliff to rescue someone than spend more time sitting in a pew next to hypocrites that talk about what they will do to better themselves and the world when they get around to it.” – Shannon L Alder

Today’s reading: Deuteronomy 2; Psalms 83–84; Isaiah 30; Jude 1

But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” These are the men who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit. But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh. -Jude 1:17-23

As I attempt to stand against the tide of culture and the temptations of the world, it is my honor to have good friends who share this journey. Those, who by the grace of God, fight the battle to stand among the righteous, endeavoring by surrender and perseverance, to win the race for the greatest prize in all creation. So it is to my fellow bible journal.net writers I say, “thank you!” Each of you hold a special place in my heart, among others with whom we share this journey of faith.

This is a remarkable journey. Amidst the delusions of life, my faith in Jesus Christ stands out as a metaphysical and experiential reality of Divine proportion. Life is but a series of existential crises for us all. Thankfully, God has not only spoken the universe into existence, but he has also placed His profound truth in the hearts of all people, to be discovered and responded to through His revelation in nature; law; and powerful examples from others (Psalm 19). God offers a complex, yet simple, written history of His plan for the restoration of a fallen world. Truth is offered to all and begins with the desire to know who God is; and is bound in the decision to pursue a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. These two things don’t always happen at the same time, as I can attest.

What is remarkable, is how God’s plan is tailored specifically for each of us. It is a plan based upon who we are, and upon who God is. It is a plan that challenges us to become the “people we were designed to be” (Jon Harris). In the process of pursuing this plan, as we learn to love God and others, we find supernatural joy and peace in our lives. As we live lives of faith, following the path of Jesus, we are transformed by God’s Holy Spirit, and it is in this transformation that we gain spiritual traction, moving faster into the arms of God.

It is extraordinary how common it is for believers everywhere to experience divine appointments; holy conversations; God’s perfect timing; peace that transcends all understanding; and a true and lasting joy. Interestingly, this common experience is still unique to the individual. Our precious identities are not lost in Christ, but there they are found!

Despite this truth it hasn’t always been easy for me to see it.

They say to the seers, “See no more visions !” and to the prophets, “Give us no more visions of what is right! Tell us pleasant things, prophesy illusions. Leave this way, get off this path, and stop confronting us with the Holy One of Israel!” -Isaiah 30:10-11

Yet beyond all the confusion, among the many voices that surround us, it is from the best examples of believers (above all) and acts of love from others who seek the light, that Christ is seen. This is the truest, straightest and most illuminated path to the richest fellowship with God.

Jesus answered, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. -John14:6

So thank you to: Jillian Koch McGriff for your brilliant words and empowering faith; Jennifer Armstrong for your sharp mind and insightful teaching; David Lafrance for your open heart and amazing faith journey; Michael Somers for your wisdom, dedication and perseverance; Jon Harris for building people up through constant encouragement; and BJ Armstrong for your mighty faith, vision and leadership. Each of you have enriched me in countless ways in the past five months of writing. Thank you! May God continue to bless you and your families with wisdom, truth and power from His Holy Spirit. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Pete and Repeat

Isolated young business woman not listening

Deuteronomy 1; Psalms 81–82; Isaiah 29; 3 John 1

Pete and Repeat were in a boat. Pete fell out. Who was left? Repeat. Pete and Repeat were in a boat. Pete fell out. Who was left? Repeat. Pete and Repeat…

I hated this riddle when I was a kid. I still hate it. Why? The endless repetition becomes a mindless chant and drives me completely INSANE! My kids know it. If they want to watch me turn into a raging lunatic, they simply sit in the back seat of the car and repeat a phrase or stanza of a song over and over and over. Works every time. Sounds something like this…

Krusty Krab pizza is the best pizza, Krusty Krab pizza is the best pizza, Krusty Krab pizza is the best pizza… While allowing my children to watch SpongeBob Squarepants was not one of my wisest parenting moves, the Krusty Krab pizza episodes have become part of our family story. They make us laugh and bring us closer together as a family.

Today we started into Chapter 1 of Deuteronomy. It is in the fortieth year since God rescued his people from Egyptian slavery. The whole generation of Israelites who rebelled against God has died off. The second generation is within days of crossing the Jordan River to enter the Promised Land. After 40 years of wandering in the desert, THIS IS THE MOMENT WE’VE BEEN WAITING FOR…it has me on the edge of my seat…let’s go!!!!

Not so fast. Deuteronomy begins by going back in time. Chapter 1 recounts when Israelite leaders were appointed for each tribe (Exodus 18), the adventure of the twelve spies (Numbers 13), and the Israelites rebellion against the Lord (Numbers 11-20). The repetition starts to seem like a drag (and starts to annoy me), but hang on. Don’t overlook why telling these stories again was so important. The first generation of Israelites originally received the law through Moses, rebelled against God and lived through 40 years of wandering. Except for Moses (until Deuteronomy 34), Joshua and Caleb, this whole generation is now dead. In Deuteronomy, Moses is teaching the second generation of Israelites about God’s law, why they should keep it and the severe consequences of disobedience.

It comes as no surprise that the Greek word Deuteronomy means “second law”. Moses knew, because of his sin, he did not get to enter the Promised Land. This is his last hurrah, his last chance to pass on insights from his incredible journey with God. Throughout Exodus, Leviticus and Numbers, Moses lived these stories real time. Now he gets to teach them again. This time, however, he makes them relevant to the challenges God’s people will experience as they take over the Promised Land.

The stories in Deuteronomy weren’t repetition for the second generation of Israelites, but they are repetition for us. Please don’t check out. From years of schooling, we all know the immense value repetition brings to the learning process. As we read through Deuteronomy over the next month will you let the repetition help implant these key messages in your heart and bring you closer to God?

God is serious about sin. He hates it. It separates us from Him.
Because of his love for mankind, God made a way for us to atone for our sins and be reconciled to him.
Under the Old Testament law, atonement was achieved through a variety of defined sacrifices; under the new covenant, Jesus’ death on the cross paid the price for our sins.

Thank you God for your word, for making it living and active in our lives.

Restoration

A recent post by Mike Somers asked two great questions that challenged me, and hopefully challenged our readers as well:

What do you long to do each day?
What do you look forward to when you wake up each morning?

In line with those questions but adding a scenario: What do you long to do, or what do you look forward to when things in your life seem wrong or misaligned?

Numbers 36; Psalm 80; Isaiah 28; 2 John 1

Once in a while my route home takes me near the entrance to the emergency room at a local hospital. When slowly passing by I will see things like police cars, ambulances, concerned individuals rushing toward the door, and injured people seeking immediate medical attention. These symbols always remind me of times when either myself or someone I care about was not well. I don’t know about you, but when I’m sick, injured, or have a major issue, I don’t care about much else other than wanting to be well again; I seek restoration.

Psalm 80 is about restoration; not from illness but the relationship between God and his people. Three times it repeats a request to God for him to restore them; for His face to shine, that they may be saved (verses 3, 7, 19). So many of us seek restoration in things such as human relationships, physical and mental health, and finances. However, if we are not restored first and foremost with our creator, things will always seem off. He made us for a purpose, for relationship with him and to give him glory.

The Bible overall is a story about restoration between God and his people. In the beginning Adam and Eve had a close relationship with God, then came sin and the fall of mankind. This sin separated them and us from God, thus the need for restoration. The only way we can be restored is through faith in Jesus Christ; he can be our restorer if we so choose to follow him.

This week I had the opportunity to meet some amazingly gifted and humble individuals from a non-profit organization called Spread Truth. This organization has produced a captivating video that in just six minutes brings the story of the Bible to life through animated video, voice, and music. It is a simple story for all of us, one that starts in the beginning and ends in restoration. This video is a great evangelism tool to help spread the gospel. Check it out: Story4.us/jonbharris

City of Refuge

www-st-takla-org-the-city-of-refuge

Numbers 35; Psalm 79; Isaiah 27; 1 John 5

Numbers 35 can be an easy chapter to gloss over. Partly because it seems complicated and partly because it talks about murderers, so clearly it’s not applicable to us. Today, I want to challenge you to take a closer look. As the chapter starts, Moses is in the process of dividing the Promised Land. As he apportions it to specific tribes, he is also asking them to give some away. It will be given to the Levites, the high priests of Israel. The Levites, then, will dwell in the land. Once they have it, they are instructed to set up six cities of refuge.

Reading closely, we can establish that these six cities will serve specific purposes. First, they will provide a safe place for people who have accidentally killed someone. They will be refuge and protection from the victim’s friends or family members, that may be looking for revenge, an “eye for an eye,” right? This was permissible under Jewish law (Exodus 21:24).

The cities of refuge were also a welcome place for foreigners. Traveling through cities in these times was a dangerous prospect. Consider that the Israelites were required to diligently keep the law in order to remain pure. Since foreigners did not keep the law, they were viewed as unclean, making them unwelcome. In the city of refuge, however, all were welcome. An added benefit to the sojourner is their interaction with the high priests. These men, being in close proximity to God were able to share God’s hope and love.

These reasons give way to another purpose of the city, which requires closer examination. Redemption. How is it that either a foreigner or a murderer could ever be welcomed into the Jewish community as a useful citizen? For the Jewish people, repayment for the wrong must be made. For any sin, this was accomplished by the sacrifice of animals. Their death and shed blood became the atonement for sins. It makes sense that the cities of refuge were led by the high priests. The very people charged with making the sacrifices on behalf of everyone. Whoever showed up, whether foreigner or murderer, the high priest was able to provide the sacrifice. Even so, murderers were not yet free. Not only did they live in fear of retribution, but it is likely that they were perpetually tormented by their misdeed. True freedom was only accomplished through the death of the high priest. Until then, they were only safe in the city of refuge.

As I read through the text, I am horrified at the cost. Why is it necessary for the high priest to die? Remember, the high priest has a special relationship with God. His sins have been atoned for. He is clean in the eyes of God. Through his position, he has been the encourager for the convicted and the unclean. He has spent his entire life interceding for others through prayer and offering living sacrifices for these people. He does so not for his own gain, but so that all people can be counted among God’s chosen ones. He has walked closely with God. Surely, he does not deserve death! Alas, his efforts are not enough. The sacrifices are imperfect. It is his death that marks the end of the era. Ironically, all punishment and the condemnation die with him, ushering in a new era of life and freedom for the captives.

Does this have you thinking about Jesus and salvation? Romans 8:18 confirms Jesus as our high priest. “There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” You see, Jesus lived the life of a high priest, only better. How can that be? He was not human, like the Levite priests. He is God. Hebrews 4:15-16 explains that “we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Maybe I don’t identify as a stranger or a murderer. I do, however, identify as a sinner, falling short of who God created me to be. We are all called to “draw near” to the city of refuge. When we do, Jesus our high priest offers up a perfect sacrifice, assuring our freedom. Thank you, Jesus, for making it available to all of us, every day.

This way to happiness, trust me – Satan

Today’s reading: Numbers 34; Psalm 78:38–72; Isaiah 26; 1 John 4

May 25th, 2016

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on thee: Because he trusteth in thee. – Isaiah 26:3

Trust is a fundamental emotion. Here we see its link to perfect peace. Certainly a desirable state of soul and so I would conclude trust is important. I will suggest that everyone trusts. If this is true the key question then becomes, what are we trusting in?

The deceiver would have us trade perfect peace for an endless pursuit of lies. The deceiver promises perfect peace and happiness but they seem to always be just round the bend. Work a little harder now and it will be better later, focus on the future a little more, the present will be there tomorrow. The deceiver needs it this way; his promises always just out of reach. For if they were to be within grasp we would realize, when we went to take hold; there is nothing. We would realize the pursuit of his lies were empty and we might look past them, past this world. At a moment of clarity such as this beware of the next thing (1 John 4:1). Trust in yourself, trust in others, the deceiver would have you trust in anything of this world so long as it is not in Christ. One after another, lies of promise realized empty after years of toil until hope is lost that this longing in our souls for something we call happiness will never become. What do you long to do each day? What do you look forward to when you wake up each morning?

The truth: the pursuit of happiness by way of trusting in the promises of this world are destitute, they are empty lies. The Good News: there is a way. One true way. All you need do is trust in Jesus. Put God in that place of what you long for in the morning. Have a single eye for Him. Take a step towards Him on Thee path and it will prove sure. The light will shine brighter and brighter. It will become clearer and clearer, this is the true way.

Know this. Trust is linked to worship and there is a battle for your worship. The deceiver is prepared to give you things of this world to trust in so that he can steal your worship from God.

We know the deceiver’s battle tactics. We’ve seen the war for worship play out through the pages of scripture. One of the largest battles was when Jesus was tempted by the deceiver in the desert. After many failed attacks the deceiver goes in with everything he has. His last assault of this battle. He takes Jesus to an exceeding high place and shows him everything.

It is a simple proposition that he still uses today: if you will worship me instead of God I will give you things of this world. The proposition’s underpinning value lies solely in trust. In my estimation, the key question when considering this proposition: where should we place our trust, the promises of this world or the promises of God? We must choose. How often is Satan proposing this to you? Are you aware of it? Of your choice?

Jesus showed us the truth. He was tempted with it all. All the kingdoms of the world in all their glory. His response:

Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. – Matthew 4:10

At the end of Matthew chapter 16, just after Jesus tells Satan in Peter to get behind Him, He goes on to talk about taking up your cross daily and losing your life. In my estimation, this is all about looking past this world. The best I can tell from my studies, taking up your cross daily has nothing to do with bearing a burden. It is all about letting go of this world. All about not trusting in this world. If you had taken up your cross in the first century in the Roman Empire it was clear what was about to happen. You were a dead man walking. Literally carrying your cross. At this point thinking on, and trusting in things of this world were over. I believe Jesus is instructing his disciples to trust in him and not in this world by giving them a clear mental picture of the sort of mindset that is needed to stay on the path and not be deceived. Here Satan interjects again to have Peter trust in this world. Peter receives a sharp rebuke and a clear correction with instruction in righteousness. I encourage you to read it now Matthew 16:21–28 and then reflect on these questions from today’s journal entry, talk about them with your friends and family, wrestle with them:

Why is Satan proposing things of this world in return for your worship?
Are things of this world worthy of your trust?
What do you trust, things of this world or God?
- What do you long to do each day?
- What do you look forward to when you wake up each morning?
How often is Satan proposing that you trust in this world?
- Where, when, how?
- Are you aware of it?
- Of your choice?

May thine eye be single and thy body full of light.

Extra Credit: 5 min video on simplicity and having a single eye for God.

Scripture references:
Trust in yourself (Genesis 3:4–5, Luke 12:18, Galatians 6:3)
Trust in others (Psalm 118:8, Jeremiah 17:5)

JOY

Today I’m honored to introduce our guest writer, Jennifer LaFrance, my beautiful bride.

Today’s Reading: Numbers 33; Psalm 78:1–37; Isaiah 25; 1 John 3

As I lead my small group in Little Kidsview on Sunday mornings I can’t help but to be so thankful to God that He has brought these children to me. The pure innocence and desire to learn more about Jesus just warms my soul. These children have taught me so much and I am forever grateful that they are in my life. I have had these children for the last eight months and am very sad, as they are moving on up to the next age level. Almost every Sunday since August, these children have come to my small group with a great amount of energy….I LOVE their energy. When we first started prayer requests in August I would get things like “pray for the Polar Express” or “pray for my dog”. However, as time has passed we have progressed to “please pray for my brother” or “pray for my neighbor, he needed help mowing because he doesn’t get around very well.”

1 John 3:11 For this is the message that you have heard for the beginning, that we should love one another.

These four and five year olds have learned the importance of JOY (Jesus, Others, Yourself). This is what is important in life. Wouldn’t it be great if we all could think like this? In this world that we live in it is so easy to become self-absorbed. Yet, it isn’t about us….we are just living out the life that Jesus has for us. I am reminded of this acronym daily as it is on a door hanger on three of our doors…my son made them in Little Kidsview; one for his brothers room, one for our room, and one for his room. Psalm 78:5-7 He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children, that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments.

Ollie is in my small group on Sunday’s…I love everything about him. He has a great sense of humor, a smile that makes me smile, care for others, and an energy for everything we do. My son, Jackson, is also sometimes in my small group. I have shared Ollie’s updates and pictures with Jackson, and every time we stop what we are doing to pray for Ollie. Jackson wants so badly to visit Ollie and bring him toys (because that’s what kids want to do for each other) and wants him to feel better, JOY. Isaiah 41:10 fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

1 John 3:16 By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.

However we can help, we will, because that is what Jesus wants us to do. I want to teach my children, to do for others as Jesus has done for us…..JOY As you go throughout your day today, and the rest of this week, please try to remember JOY.