October 1, 2008

Making a Commitment

Read the Bible through:
AM – Jeremiah 1 : PM – Ephesians 1

AND REMEMBERING IT
Joshua 24:23-28

27 "Joshua said to all the people, "Behold, this stone shall be a witness to us, for it has heard all the words of the LORD which He spoke to us. It shall therefore be a witness to you, lest you deny your God."

Our children were making plans for a family event, and one of them feared my wife might forget it. Another said, “If Mom notes it in her planner she’ll do it!” Writing events down impresses them upon our minds and helps us keep commitments.

Joshua used a stone as a reminder to the people of God’s words to them and their commitment to Him. God had told His people to write His words upon their foreheads so they would never forget them. Memorized Scriptures tucked in our thoughts remind us how to respond to given situations. They come forward when we need guidance and remind us what God said we should do. The ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper remind us of God’s great sacrifice and reassure us of His love.

The commitment we make in response to God’s offer of salvation needs a mark of memory, too. It takes us back to when He called us, and we said yes.

Lord, thank You for hiding Your Words in my heart so I will not forget them.

September 30, 2008

Making A Commitment

Read the Bible through:
AM – Isaiah 64-66 : PM – Galatians 6

INVOLVES PERSONAL CHOICE
Joshua 24:19-22

22 “Joshua said to the people, "You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen the LORD for yourselves, to serve Him." And they said, "We are witnesses!”

Several years ago those attending a writers’ workshop met in small groups and were asked to write for 10 minutes on a given topic. When the timer rang at the end of the session, they read to their group what they had written. The instructor said that if they just wrote and didn’t read aloud to someone else, the writing would fester inside of them; and eventually it would die. To share it with another was to make it live.

Sharing our lives with God’s people and witnessing of His love affirms us in His kingdom. At once we are the tellers and listeners, contributors and recipients.

Thank You, Lord, for the people who allow me to share my life with them.

September 29, 2008

Making A Commitment

Read the Bible through:
AM – Isaiah 61-63 : PM – Galatians 5

INVOLVES PERSONAL CHOICE
Joshua 24:14-18

15 “If it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”

One of the most frequent statements I hear teachers, parents, and pastors tell a student, “It’s your choice.” This advice usually follows a meeting concerning a child not doing the expected work and is in danger of failing. The decision to succeed ultimately remains with the student.

Accepting Christ as our Savior is a personal choice. Using our gifts to serve Him and witnessing to others of His great gift of love are personal choices. Students who choose to behave in class and do the work usually pass the course. More than once I have heard one say: “I’m glad I made the right choice. It turned my life around.” People who commit their lives to the Lord are able to say the same thing.

Lord, I freely and gladly choose to commit my life to serving You.

September 28, 2008

Making A Commitment

Read the Bible through:
AM – Isaiah 58-60 : PM – Galatians 4

TO GOD ALONE
Joshua 23:14-16

16 “When you have transgressed the covenant of the LORD your God, which He commanded you, and have gone and served other gods, and bowed down to them, then the anger of the LORD will burn against you, and you shall perish quickly from the good land which He has given you.”

My brother-in-law asked me to lead a teenagers’ Bible Class when I was in college. However, only one family in church had a teenager. Since the key word was class, I couldn’t see how one teenager composed a group. So I told my brother-in-law I simply could not teach the Bible class.

“If you make a commitment to one person and keep it,” he said, “you can handle a group.”

During the week, I remembered his words. The following Sunday I proceeded as though several teenagers were in attendance, but I focused on my one learner. This continued for several months, and then gradually the class began to grow. Each week I made my vow to one person, believing the group would benefit. The person I made the commitment to was God.

Lord, help me to always focus on You.

September 27, 2008

Making A Commitment

Read the Bible through:
AM – Isaiah 54-57 : PM – Galatians 3

BASED ON GOD’S ACTIONS
Joshua 23:1-3

3 “You have seen all that the LORD your God has done to all these nations because of you, for the LORD your God is He who has fought for you.”

One evening, years ago, a woman gave her testimony about motherhood. I expected her to say her children were all successful, but her testimony took a different turn.

“I raised my children as the Bible instructed,” she began. “Now my youngest son is drifting down a path that terrifies me.”

I thought of my two toddlers and tried to push down the fear that raised its head like a coiling snake.

“But I cling to God’s promise that if I raise my child in the way he should go, when he is old he will not depart from it (Pro. 22:6),” she said.

As my children grew up, I often thought of her. Through her tearful testimony, she gave me wise advice. God will fight for us and won’t go back on His word. His promise gave strength and courage to her and to me.

Thank You, Lord, for keeping Your promise to fight my battles

September 26, 2008

Obeying Totally

Read the Bible through:
AM – Isaiah 51-53 : PM – Galatians 2

AS SERVANTS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
Romans 6:15-18

17 “But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. 18 And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.”

Two boys were arguing at breakfast over the cereal. Their wise mother seized this opportunity to turn it into a teachable moment. She asked her boys, “What would Jesus do in this situation?” Quietly one of the boys said Jesus would let the other person have the cereal first. Feeling she had taught her boys a valuable life lesson, imagine her surprise as she walked away from the table and heard the oldest boy say. “OK, Billy, you be Jesus!”

The boys knew the right thing to do, but they had not been freed from selfishness. As servants of sin we are selfish; we rationalize and scheme in order to get our ways. Being servants of righteousness frees us to obey and experience the indescribable blessing of our loving Father. And as servants we answer to our Master, Christ, the one who modeled righteousness.

Dear Lord, help me to walk by faith and obey the gentle nudges I receive from Your Holy Spirit.

September 25, 2008

Obeying Totally

Read the Bible through:
AM – Isaiah 48-50 : PM – Galatians 1

AND EXPERIENCING SECURITY
Proverbs 1:29-33

33 “But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, And will be secure, without fear of evil.”

Camping in Northeastern Oklahoma is always exciting. One evening our group set up camp, ate dinner, visited, and then bedded down for what we hoped would be a good night’s sleep. Just as we got situated in our sleeping bags, it began to rain. The rain soon turned into a violent thunderstorm. As I lay in my sleeping bag, I began to worry about the safety of the campers. What if a tree falls? Is everyone staying dry? The more concerned I got, I realized I was worrying about things that were totally under God’s control.

After a few moments of prayer and turning my fears over to God, I settled down into my sleeping bag. From that point on I listened to the thunder as though it were God’s voice. I snuggled down in my sleeping bag and experienced real security in the midst of a pounding thunderstorm. When we acknowledge His presence and His power, we can rest in His grace.

Thank You, Father, for calming my fears.

September 24, 2008

Obeying Totally

Read the Bible through:
AM – Isaiah 44-47 : PM – 2 Cor. 13

BY EXPERIENCING VICTORY
Joshua 6:20-21, 24-25

20 “So the people shouted when the priests blew the trumpets. And it happened when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat. Then the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city.”

As I write this the sports world is focused on Beijing, China. For two weeks all eyes will watch as the world has gathered to compete in the 29th Olympiad. The city has welcomed thousands of tourists who will spend millions of dollars. Why did people travel to China, and why will all this money be spent? They did it to be a part of historic events and in hopes of seeing a victory.

Because the children of Israel were totally obedient, they “took the city” and experienced a God given victory.

Father, help me to obey You totally so that I might experience Your victories

September 23, 2008

Obeying Totally

Read the Bible through:
AM – Isaiah 42-43 : PM – 2 Cor. 12

BY SHUNNING DISOBEDIENCE
Joshua 6:17-19

18 “"And you, by all means abstain from the accursed things.”

The children of Israel received specific instructions as they entered a hostile environment (Jericho). To disobey would bring trouble to the nation of Israel. Achan chose to violate the instructions. The entire nation suffered because he failed to shun disobedience. (Josh. 7:1-26).

Today, missionaries serving in countries considered the Last Frontier must share the gospel wisely. When going into places hostile to Christianity, missionaries often work in secular jobs. They must follow explicit instructions. To disobey would endanger the missionaries as well as locals with whom they build relationships. Even stateside friends must follow explicit instructions when communicating with Last Frontier missionaries. Failure to follow the instructions could bring harm to the missionaries and impede the spread of the gospel.

As we follow God’s instructions daily, let us follow them explicitly; for He knows what is best.

Lord, I want to live in total obedience to You

September 22, 2008

Obeying Totally

Read the Bible through:
AM – Isaiah 40-41 : PM – 2 Cor. 11

BY PERSISTING IN OBEDIENCE
Joshua 6:14-16

14 “And the second day they marched around the city once and returned to the camp. So they did six days.”

John Brown University sits on a hill overlooking Siloam Springs, Arkansas. Every winter when the hill was covered with snow, students would grab anything available and take to the slope behind the California dorm. On one snowy day one of our friends found a large inner tube. The hill was great because it was long enough to give everyone a great ride down. The walk back up was not nearly as exciting? That day I heard the guy pushing the inner tube back up the hill muttering, …”persevere!”… “persevere!”

What we do and how we walk with God in the midst of the mundane, daily activities make us who we are. Daily perseverance, faithfully spending time with God in prayer and in His Word, will take us to pinnacles of victory where walls crumble and friends lives are changed because we patiently interceded for them in prayer.

Father, teach me to be persistent in my obedience to You.

September 21, 2008

Obeying Totally

Read the Bible through:
AM – Isaiah 36-39 : PM – 2 Cor. 10

WHEN GOD’S PLAN SEEMS STRANGE
Joshua 6:1-5

2 “And the LORD said to Joshua: ‘See! I have given Jericho into your hand, its king, and the mighty men of valor’”

The pastor preached a brief message about a master who distributed various talents to his servants and what those servants did with their talents. All seemed pretty normal until it came time to receive the offering. As the plates were passed, the congregation was instructed to take something out instead of putting something in!

In each plate were three stacks of bill- ones, fives, and tens. Each member was instructed to take one of the bills and use it to multiply it and bring back the balance a month later. Everyone was amazed when folk shared the ways they invested, made things, and sold their wares for a profit. As God often does, He used the plan to bring about His will.

Joshua must have wondered how in the world his people would overtake the walled city of Jericho; but because of his total obedience, God blessed him beyond his wildest dreams.

Lord, help me to follow Your plans faithfully

September 20, 2008

Obeying Totally


Read the Bible through:
AM – Isaiah 33-35 : PM – 2 Cor. 9

BY JOINING GOD’S HOST
Joshua 5:13-15

14 “So He said, ‘No, but as Commander of the army of the LORD I have now come.’ And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped, and said to Him, ‘What does my Lord say to His servant?’”

During the Olympics in Sydney, a novice swimmer from Africa discovered what it meant to join the host of world-class athletes. In a heat, the other two contestants were eliminated due to false starts. Spectators had seen the best swimmers in the world, but at this moment all eyes were fixed on this athlete as he struggled to complete the event.

This was the longest distance this competitor had ever attempted. The cheers from the crowd turned to a deafening roar as he approached the finish of the race. He was helped from the pool, and to hear the crowd you would have thought he had just won the gold medal. In reality what he heard was the sound of the crowd applauding the tenacious struggle for survival. In that defining moment, the athlete learned what it meant to join a host of champions.

Joshua’s arrival at Jericho was to be one of the defining moments in his lifetime. He removed his sandals; he knew he was standing on holy ground.

Lord, help me stand strong in my defining moments.

September 19, 2008

Leaving a Legacy

Read the Bible through:
AM – Isaiah 30-32 : PM – 2 Cor. 8

OF GOD’S PROVISION
Joshua 5:10-12

12 “Then the manna ceased on the day after they had eaten the produce of the land; and the children of Israel no longer had manna, but they ate the food of the land of Canaan that year.”

At Gilgal, the children of Israel renewed their commitment to God before beginning their conquest of the Promised Land. Their joyous Passover was to remind them of God’s mighty acts. Because the land was ready for planting and harvesting, they no longer needed God’s miraculous supply of manna. They could now work the land and grow food for themselves.

God expects us to use our energy and talents to provide for ourselves. We in the United States are graciously blessed agriculturally. Our fields overflow, allowing us to export surplus to less fortunate countries. Without realizing it, our food is as manna in third-world areas.

God’s blessings are evident in ever area of our lives. Out of gratitude we should commit and recommit ourselves to God, thanking Him daily for His constant blessings. We should be continually humbled by His bountiful legacy of provisions.

Oh, God, I am truly grateful for your gracious provisions.

September 18, 2008

Leaving a Legacy

Read the Bible through:
AM – Isaiah 26-29 : PM – 2 Cor. 7

FOR ALL THE EARTH’S PEOPLE
Joshua 4:20-24

24 “That all the peoples of the earth may know the hand of the LORD, that it is mighty, that you may fear the LORD your God forever.”

The boys in the children’s choir kept chanting the words over and over as the girls sang to a new tune the familiar song about Jesus loving all the children of the world. The tiny musicians sparkled with excitement as they sang the now upbeat old song.

Their excitement was contagious and thought provoking. I left our auditorium realizing we have a mandate to teach our children the foundations of our faith. All the children of the world need to know God’s love.

Joshua knew the importance of teaching future generations about God. He took 12 stones from the Jordan River and set them as stones of remembrance. This visual stressed the importance of letting all people of the earth know of the mighty hand of God. This familiar message needs to be told and sung with excitement until all people hear and understand. What mighty acts of God can you share with others?

Lord, thank You for Your mighty, protective, loving hand that reaches to all humankind.

September 17, 2008

Leaving a Legacy

Read the Bible through:
AM – Isaiah 23-25 : PM – 2 Cor. 6

OF GOD’S POWER
Joshua 4:15-19

18 “And it came to pass, when the priests who bore the ark of the covenant of the LORD had come from the midst of the Jordan, and the soles of the priests' feet touched the dry land, that the waters of the Jordan returned to their place and overflowed all its banks as before.”

When living in Claremore, Oklahoma, our section of town shook violently when dynamite was used to remove large rocks north of town in order to build a new High School. The first of those unexpected rumblings seemed awesome until I remembered the limitless power of God. People’s power is minuscule compared to God’s power.

The children of Israel witnessed the mighty power of God. Waters of the Jordan River parted to make a path when the priests’ feet touched the edge, and the people caravanned across a dry river bed. As soon as the last of the priest’s feet touched the other shore, the river’s water returned as before to its flood stage. Because the Levites stepped out in faith, God showed His mighty power.

Only when we step out in faith are we able to witness God’s power and follow His directions.

Lord, help me to step out in faith and observe Your power.

September 16, 2008

Leaving a Legacy

Read the Bible through:
AM – Isaiah 19-22 : PM – 2 Cor. 5

OF GOD’S MIGHTY ACTS
Joshua 3:14-17

17 “Then the priests who bore the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan; and all Israel crossed over on dry ground, until all the people had crossed completely over the Jordan.”

God never does anything halfway! When the feet of the priests bearing the ark touched the brink of the swollen waters of the Jordan, the waters rose up and stood back. Suddenly the path before them was firm and dry. All the children of Israel crossed through the riverbed as a result of this mighty act of God.

We see miracles every day and erroneously give the credit to humankind’s ingenuity and brilliance. When we view the world through eyes of faith, however, we realize that all our accomplishments are God given. He reveals His power in chemistry laboratories, hospitals, space centers, concert halls, through surgeons’ hands – in millions of unseen ways every day. He inspires, directs, and bestows mercy and grace. God’s mighty acts lead us forward as surely as He led the children of Israel. What an awesome God. What a legacy!

Oh, God, give me eyes of faith to see Your mighty acts of power everyday

September 15, 2008

Leaving a Legacy

Read the Bible through:
AM – Isaiah 15-18 : PM – 2 Cor. 4

OF GOD’S PRESENCE
Joshua 3:9-10a

10 “And Joshua said, "By this you shall know that the living God is among you.”

Attending conferences at LifeWay Ridgecrest and Glorieta Conference Centers is a blessing to many people. These centers are ideal places to learn, worship, and feel God’s presence.

As the children of Israel prepared to cross over into the Promised Land, excitement permeated the camp. They were anxious to move on, but Joshua gathered them for a most important meeting. He admonished them to stop and listen to the words of the Lord. He knew they could not go forward effectively without the people sensing God’s presence. The people needed to know without a doubt that the living God was among them.

God still speaks and moves among us when we experience genuine worship in our homes and churches. If we let Him, He will speak to us through His Holy Word as it is read and taught. It is imperative that we listen for His voice with the ears of our hearts. What an important legacy to leave for our children.

Help me, God, in the rush of everyday life to make time to experience Your presence and hear Your Word

September 14, 2008

Leaving a Legacy

Read the Bible through:
AM – Isaiah 13-14 : PM – 2 Cor. 3

OF SANCTIFICATION
Joshua 3:5-8

5 “ And Joshua said to the people, "Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you.”

Excitement abounded as the Israelites set out from Shittim and came to the Jordan River. Before crossing, Joshua gave divine instructions. He led his people in a consecration ceremony. They were to live as a sanctified nation, dedicated to following God. Joshua prepared them to experience one of God’s great acts by commanding the people to purify themselves ceremonially. They were set apart as God’s uniquely devoted children and made ready to observe His miraculous intervention on their behalf.

As we strive to be more like Jesus, the Holy Spirit leads us to grow in the faith, love, obedience, purity, and humility. We need to be dedicated to the service of God, living out a legacy of sanctification. The Lord wants to do great wonders among us.

Help me, Lord, to approach You with a pure heart

September 13, 2008

Leaving a Legacy

Read the Bible through:
AM – Isaiah 10-12 : PM – 2 Cor. 2

OF FOLLOWING GOD
Joshua 3:1-4

4 ""Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure. Do not come near it, that you may know the way by which you must go, for you have not passed this way before.”

My wife’s grandfather owned and operated a small farm in central Kansas. He and his sons worked tirelessly in the fields from daylight until dark, while his wife and daughters spent their days sewing, cooking, and cleaning the old farm-house. With 7 children to clothe, feed, and educate, there was never any extra money. Grandma often said that even though she had no money, they were rich because she had so many children. When she died, their children inherited very little of earthly value. What they inherited, however, was much more valuable. They inherited a legacy of following God. Through the years, Grandpa Pete and Grandma Katie had taught by example the importance of trusting the Lord, growing in faith, and living out biblical truths. Just like Joshua, who instructed the Israelites to follow the Ark of the Covenant, my wife’s grandparents instructed their children to follow the Lord and seek His will daily.

Dear Lord, help me teach the children over whom I have influence to follow You daily

September 12, 2008

FOLLOWING GOD’S LEADERS

Read the Bible through:
AM – Isaiah 8-9 : PM – 2 Cor. 1

WHOSE LIVES GLORIFY CHRIST
1 TIMOTHY 3:1-7

7 "Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.”

A few years ago, when I was looking for work, I had occasion to read a lot of want ads. I read about many jobs I knew I could do. When I went to apply for them, I would be handed a set of qualifications I was sure no person could meet. I now know many of the qualifications were ideals and not really requirements. Most of the time the employers were willing to settle for less qualified people so long as they got people who were willing to work and learn.

Our test today presents qualifications for a bishop, or pastor. Sometimes we tend to zero in on one or two of the qualifications as most important. But the key verse (7) sure sums up all of them for us. The witness a Christian leader lives daily makes it possible for others to see the gospel in action and the reflection of Christ in that leader’s life.

Father, remind me to seek out those who reflect Your love so I will know whom to follow.

September 11, 2008

FOLLOWING GOD’S LEADERS


Read the Bible through:
AM – Isaiah 5-7 : PM – 1 Cor. 16

WHO FOLLOW THE GOOD SHEPHERD
John 10:11-15

15 "As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.”

Throughout history people have learned particular skills by watching and working alongside those who already possessed those skills. Artisans learned and then perfected their crafts by serving as apprentices to master craftsmen. Even in the professions of law and medicine, many learned by watching others who were skilled and by studying under their guidance. People could easily have confidence in those who had learned from the best and then applied their new skills and knowledge to helping others.

For the believer it is never a difficult matter to follow someone who is obviously following the Good Shepherd. We can have great confidence in those who rely on the Lord. Sheep will follow even a hireling if they can be sure he cares for them the same way the shepherd does. The challenge for the Christian leader is to be like the Good Shepherd.


Father, help me to follow You in such a way that others will follow You by my example.

September 10, 2008

FOLLOWING GOD’S LEADERS

Read the Bible through:
AM – Isaiah 1-4 : PM – 1 Cor. 15

WHO FEED GOD’S SHEEP
Ezekiel 34:1-5

2 Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy and say to them, 'Thus says the Lord GOD to the shepherds: "Woe to the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flocks?"

From the beginning of life on earth, there have been leaders and followers. Some leaders have been revered while others have been despised. Some have used their leadership for the good of their followers while others have used their positions primarily for their own good.

Throughout the Bible we see godly, national or religious leaders who were loved because they served God rather than serving themselves. Other leaders were despised because they built their own wealth and prestige no matter the cost to their follower. Jesus came into a time when He found, as Ezekiel before Him, religious leaders promoting themselves at the expense of everyone else. The role of godly leaders is to care for those they lead. God will not hold guiltless leaders who put themselves ahead of the needs of God’s flock.

Father, I offer my prayer for those who serve You for the sake of Your children

September 9, 2008

FOLLOWING GOD’S LEADERS

Read the Bible through:
AM – Song of Solomon 5-8 : PM – 1 Cor. 14

WHO LIVE IN GOD’S PRESENCE
Joshua 1:16-17

17 "Just as we heeded Moses in all things, so we will heed you. Only the LORD your God be with you, as He was with Moses."

As I planned to move to Las Vegas from Oklahoma I wasn’t certain what to expect. I received varied opinions when I asked people who had been there what I might expect. One person, who had lived there for a couple of years, shared story after story of how wonderful the people are. But another who had just returned from a brief visit was highly critical of the people.

In trying to reconcile these views, I came to understand that only by spending time with people do you really get to know them.

The children of Israel were willing to follow Joshua as they had Moses. However, they wanted to be sure Joshua spent time with God as had Moses.

As believers in Jesus Christ, we should not be hesitant to follow leaders who obviously live in God’s presence.


Father, remind me to pray often for my spiritual leaders that they might live in Your presence

September 8, 2008

FOLLOWING GOD’S LEADERS

Read the Bible through:
AM – Song of Solomon 1-4 : PM – 1 Cor. 13

WHO SHOW COURAGE
Joshua 1:5-9

9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."

Many young men who serve in the Armed Forces, who have earned the rank of second lieutenant, face difficult days because the men they are to supervise have concerns about their fitness for being a leader. However, even green officers gain instant respect from their enlisted personnel when they show courage in difficult situations. In combat zones they have to step forward at the risk of their lives for the sake of their mission and the men they command. Their courage make it easy to follow them.

The children of Israel had known only two leaders – Moses and the pharaoh. Now the only leader who had cared for them was dead. Joshua was appointed by God to lead though he had never led. He was, however, encouraged by God to be courageous because he was not alone. Sometimes you and I face a similar problem when we find ourselves in leadership positions. But we are not alone either. We have the same God guiding us.

Father, thank You for giving courage to Your leaders.

September 7, 2008

FOLLOWING GOD’S LEADERS

Read the Bible through:
AM – Eccl. 8-12 : PM – 1 Cor. 12

WHO SERVE OBEDIENTLY
Joshua 1:1-3

2 Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them-the children of Israel.

In three months our country will go through it's quadrennial process of electing a president to serve our nation. Sometimes, changes in political leadership leave the nation in something of a power vacuum for several weeks until new people take over the government and begin to learn how the work gets done. Perhaps our founding fathers understood these elected people were responsible to a higher entity than themselves. This nation is far greater and more important than those who lead it for a brief time.

Moses, one of the greatest leaders Israel ever had, was dead. God wanted Joshua to understand that the power and presence of God did not stop with the death of any leader. Joshua had served (ministered to) Moses for many years. The greatness of Moses was not in himself, but in the God whom he willingly obeyed.

Father, give us leaders who will submit to Your leadership as a guide for their own leadership of others.

September 6, 2008

FOLLOWING GOD’S LEADERS

Read the Bible through:
AM – Eccl. 4-7 : PM – 1 Cor. 11

WHOM GOD APPOINTS
Numbers 27:15-20

18 And the LORD said to Moses: "Take Joshua the son of Nun with you, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him."

Throughout history the world has never known a shortage of demagogues and charlatans who have hoodwinked nations by telling people what they want to hear and promising to give them what they want. Even in religious circles we have had them. The fictional Elmer Gantry of Sinclair Lewis catered to peoples’ desires and took their money. The all-too-real Jim Jones offered people hope if they would accept him as messiah, and he took their lives.

Moses wanted to be assured that God would continue to provide leaders true to Him. He also wanted to convince the people of this so they would follow. Those among us who want to lead must be persons who are obviously called and gifted by God for that work. The highest calling of the Christian leader is to be true to God. One of the ways the rest of us must demonstrate our own obedience to God is by following the godly leadership of those God has appointed.

Father, teach me that my obedience to You must include my willingness to follow those You have appointed.

September 5, 2008

AFFIRMING GOD’S WORTHINESS

Read the Bible through:
AM – Eccl. 1-3 : PM – 1 Cor. 10

BY PRAISING GOD’S DELIVERANCE
Psalm 30:1-5

1 "I will extol You, O LORD, for You have lifted me up, And have not let my foes rejoice over me."

Some of us can think of things about politicians we don’t like. But there is one in the city where I live who makes me forget all the negative things because of the positive things he has done for me over the years, mostly by just being my friend.

The writer of this psalm had a greater friend than my politician friend. That friend was God Himself. The heading on this psalm indicated it was one of the psalms of David. Israel’s great king knew God was with him in good times and in bad times. And he experienced plenty of both.

The same can be said by each of God’s children. We often give praise to God for His blessings and His obvious presence during good times. We must not, however, lose sight of His presence in the difficult times when we would surely collapse with despair if He was not with us.

In our modern world we can provide almost everything we need for survival. We tend only to depend on God for the big things. At some point we must learn that only God can provide what we truly need.

Father, remind me of Your powerful presence in my difficult times.

September 4, 2008

AFFIRMING GOD’S WORTHINESS

Read the Bible through:
AM – Pro. 30-31 : PM – 1 Cor. 9

BY ACCEPTING GOD’S PROVISION
John 6:47-51

51 "I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world."

Society teaches us from an early age that one of the goals of life is to become independent and self-reliant. I still recall the day my six-year-old rode her bicycle to school for the first time. She was so calm while her dad thought he would die with worry.

While we strive rightfully to be independent in many ways, we should always recognize God as the source of all that is good, including our salvation.

It was in the midst of this teaching about the need for total reliance on Jesus that many of the disciples decided such a commitment was too difficult. They stopped being disciples.

In our modern world we can provide almost everything we need for survival. We tend only to depend on God for the big things. At some point we must learn that only God can provide what we truly need.

Father, remind me every worthwhile thing in my life has come from Your loving hand.

September 3, 2008

AFFIRMING GOD’S WORTHINESS

Read the Bible through:
AM – Pro. 27-29 : PM – 1 Cor. 8

BY FOLLOWING GOD’S WAY
Proverbs 3:21-26

26 For the LORD will be your confidence, and will keep your foot from being caught.

One of the least favorite memories of most who have served in the armed forces is of basic training. Basic training is demanding on every aspect of ones personhood. They are compelled to do many things repeatedly that seem to have no value except to give their sadistic drill instructor some fun. Only by looking back on that experience can they see how those skills proved valuable in the crisis time and, also, how their personhood was being matured, not destroyed.

Many believers speak of walking by faith as being a risky thing because we do not always know what turns life will take until the end. But walking by faith is not a risky way of life. After all, we have the assurance from the beginning of our walk of faith that God will be with us each step of the way. We are able to move forward in life with the confidence that, as His child, we go nowhere alone. Truly the walk of faith is more surefooted than the walk by sight.

Father, remind me that You are present even in my seemingly lonely times.

September 2, 2008

AFFIRMING GOD’S WORTHINESS

Read the Bible through:
AM – Pro. 24-26 : PM – 1 Cor. 7

BY ACCEPTING GOD’S REWARD
Numbers 14:26-30, 36-38

38 But Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh remained alive, of the men who went to spy out the land.

Though it has always been part of the process, many of us have become even more aware in recent years of political patronage – the practice of rewarding those who were faithful in the fight when victory is finally won. Faithfulness has a reward.

Joshua and Caleb were faithful to God. Their reward was that they did not die in the wilderness along with the others of that generation, but continued to live. They did not go on the spying mission so they would receive a reward from God. They went because they believed God was sending them and they wanted to be obedient to Him. They were obedient because they had already been blessed by God when He brought them out of bondage. You and I owe obedience to God because of His great gift of salvation and the many other ways He demonstrates His love to us.

Father, I offer You my obedience because You have already given me the reward.

September 1, 2008

AFFIRMING GOD’S WORTHINESS

Read the Bible through:
AM – Pro. 21-23 : PM – 1 Cor. 6

BY REFUSING TO FEAR
Numbers 14:6-9

8 "If the LORD delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us, 'a land which flows with milk and honey.' 9 Only do not rebel against the LORD, nor fear the people of the land, for they are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the LORD is with us. Do not fear them."

When I was in elementary school, Doyle looked like a giant to me. For reasons unknown to me, Doyle became my friend and protector. I knew no fear of the bigger older boys because Doyle was always by my side. Several of the older boys who were bigger than me learned a difficult lesson from Doyle when they tried to hurt me. In later years, I have given Doyle much of the credit for my living to become a teenager.

Moses had sent 12 men to spy out the promised land. Each of them had seen the same walled cities and the same giant warriors. But Caleb and Joshua were the only ones to factor God into the equation. When we are able to look at our circumstances and remember the Father who is with us, we need not be afraid either.

Thank you, Father, for your promise to be with me in all circumstances.