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.