Tues Devo: Feeling unworthy

Philippians 3:13-14 “Brethren I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet, but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (NASB)

Hello,

Do you ever feel like this: Something good starts to happen – you begin to see a cool path taking shape in front, then wham – something happens and you suddenly don’t feel worthy of what seems to be set in motion. You hesitate, should you push on or give in to the feeling of inadequacy and slow down? We need to have the mindset of Paul. No, we aren’t perfect – but we cannot let that past (even if those items are recent) stop us from pushing forward to what God has for us. Now, depending on the circumstance it may very well be that part of moving forward involves confession and requesting forgiveness – but even if that is the case, we need to still move forward. Satan loves to get us stuck in neutral….thinking about the past and doubting if we are worthy to keep pushing forward. In those times, this scripture may be a great encouragement to you.

Have a blessed day,

Will Hill

Do Not Judge

Matthew 7:1-5

Do not judge, or you too will be judged.  For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?  How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?  You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

I’m sure all of you have heard these verses many times and possibly have even used them.  They were brought to my mind over the past couple of weeks as I have dealt with a couple of deaths of two people that not everyone would quickly point to as strong Christians.  The one person was a very giving person however I don’t know where her heart was with God.  I wasn’t all that close to her, she was a friend of a couple of my siblings.  I do pray that she was right with God.

The second person a lot of people spent a lot of time judging and I would be guilty of judging him at times as well.  He was my grandfather.  He spent most of my life in prison.  He made some very poor choices in life and paid for those mistakes.  Yet he also did a lot of good in life and his mistakes made people forget about all of the good he did.  He served in the Korean War, was even honored with the Purple Heart for being wounded twice.  After serving his time in prison, he would continue to be judged for the rest of his life by many who knew about what he had done. 

On May 5, 2002, he was baptized and gave his life to Christ.  He spent the rest of his years living for God and doing his best to be a Godly man. 

We all sin.  It is not our place to decide what sin is greater than another.  Today, let’s each focus on what it is that we need to work on to be less hypocritical.  

A Better Future

27 A ruin! A ruin! I will make it a ruin! The crown will not be restored until he to whom it rightfully belongs shall come; to him I will give it.’  Ezekiel 21

Honestly, I'm having a tough time with Ezekiel.  This is not a feel-good book.

Neither is life.  We have our ups and downs.  We feel joy and we feel grief.  Today, September 11th, many of us will spend time remembering the tragedy that befell our nation fourteen years ago.  I was thinking about it yesterday, realizing that it was fourteen years ago and my children will have no knowledge of what the world was like before that day.  It feels so long ago, and yet, I (and probably many of you) can remember that day vividly.

The difference with Jerusalem in the book of Ezekiel, is that the knew they would face terror and horror.  They were warned of it.  Probably, some chose to believe Ezekiel's prophecies and others wrote him off as another crazy prophet.  They had the warning, but God gave them the silver lining.  The prince, Zedekiah, would be toppled, but God would send someone to claim the crown.  The rightful owner - Jesus.

It was many years that passed between the time of Ezekiel and Jesus's birth, life and death.  I've talked before to say that God keeps his promises, even if it takes years to get there.

There are many that are fearful for the direction the country is heading and fearful of the threats from other countries.  I don't.  Will it get worse?  Maybe.  Will other countries turn against us?  Maybe.  

I don't worry, because we have the promise that there will be a better time.  A time is coming when those of us who have accepted Jesus will live again, and we will be seated at his table.  

We (the general public) didn't have warning about 9/11, and we may not have warning about the next disaster that befalls us.  But we do have a promise from God, that we will see Jesus again.  I don't know if it will be in my lifetime, but I believe - with every fiber of my being - that the day will come.

Thurs Devo: Confidence in Self?

Most of us know we can trust God, but we don’t always live like we fully trust Him. Sometimes we even pray first about a situation before reacting. However, we don’t always listen for or wait for God’s answer. Or, we hear God’s answer, but decide to try to solve the problem the way we have in the past.

Last week we saw how Moses and Aaron demonstrated faith and confidence in God by going to Him first before addressing the Israelite questions, attacks and problems. They even listened to God’s answer and acted in obedience to the first part, but then pride got in the way.

Numbers 20:9-13                    ⁹ So Moses took the staff from the Lord’s presence, just as he commanded him. ¹⁰ He and Aaron gathered the assembly together in front of the rock and Moses said to them, “Listen, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?” ¹¹ Then Moses raised his arm and struck the rock twice with his staff. Water gushed out, and the community and their livestock drank.

¹² But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them.”

¹³ These were the waters of Meribah, where the Israelites quarreled with the Lord and where he was proved holy among them.

Yes, Moses was told to speak to the rock this time and not strike it. However, I think the greater issue was his heart. God hates pride above anything else. By Moses’ words and actions, he was taking credit for himself and not giving all honor and glory to God, the real Provider of the water.

If I stop and analyze my thoughts, I have pride in myself each and every day. The more I get to know God, though, the less pride I will have. I won’t ever be rid of it until I get to Heaven, just as the most humble man on earth (Moses) had his prideful moments.

The encouraging thing about this whole situation is that God was still faithful. Despite the huge lack of faith on the part of the Israelites, God still provided water for them! God also still used Moses, in spite of his pride, to accomplish His purposes.

Alice 

Tues Devo: Finding forgiveness

Colossians 3:12-15 “So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone, just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.” (NASB)

Hello,

I want to spend 2-3 weeks going through this section. I titled it “Finding Forgiveness” not because we need to go looking for forgiveness, but rather because we need to find the ability to forgive others. If we were to think of where things start with forgiveness, you may answer that is starts with recognition that forgiveness is needed – but I believe these verses show that it starts earlier. It starts with us focusing on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. These are the ingredients that it takes to execute forgiveness. Without them, how do you genuinely forgive? Without them, forgiveness is merely an exercise looking for some selfish gain – even if that is recognition for doing some forgiveness.

So, for us to be better at forgiveness, let’s work on putting on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Have a blessed day,

Will Hill

If Being a Christian Were a Crime...

A few months ago, someone commented on one of my posts with the question, "If being a Christian were a crime, would there be enough evidence to convict you?"

A few weeks ago, that was one of the messages included with a sermon I heard on Sunday morning.

Just this week, a woman is jailed for standing up for her Christian beliefs.

It's tough to put yourself on the line, but that's what we're called to do.  We are called to spread the gospel and to spread God's love.  Sitting about idly doesn't do it.  We are called to take bold steps and to get uncomfortable.

Jesus loved us enough that he died for us.  Do you love Jesus enough to go to jail for him?

Thurs Devo: Confidence in God

Last week we saw how dramatic and irrational the Israelites were. I probably would have gotten very upset with the Israelites and tried to point out all the miracles they had forgotten about. However, it’s not recorded that Moses and Aaron even tried to reason with them. Moses and Aaron didn’t even answer their questions, but instead, turned first to God. That’s what the Israelites should have known to do by now, too.

Numbers 20:6-9  ⁶ Moses and Aaron went from the assembly to the entrance to the tent of meeting and fell facedown, and the glory of the Lord appeared to them. ⁷ The Lord said to Moses,⁸ “Take the staff, and you and your brother Aaron gather the assembly together. Speak to that rock before their eyes and it will pour out its water. You will bring water out of the rock for the community so they and their livestock can drink.”

⁹ So Moses took the staff from the Lord’s presence, just as he commanded him.

Moses and Aaron had such faith and confidence in God that they didn’t worry about defending themselves to the Israelites. They humbly went to God before responding or acting. In fact, they didn’t give God suggestions on how to solve the problem. Nor did they assume God would solve their lack of water issue the same way He had in the past.

How much confidence do you and I have in God? Are we quick to defend ourselves or God? Do we give Him suggestions on how to solve our problems? Are we quick to react or move ahead with our own ideas? Or, do we humbly go to Him first before reacting, truly seeking and waiting for His unique solutions?

Alice

Always and Forever

Lord, give me your unfailing love,
    the salvation that you promised me.
Then I can answer those who taunt me,
    for I trust in your word.
Do not snatch your word of truth from me,
    for your regulations are my only hope.
I will keep on obeying your instructions
    forever and ever.
I will walk in freedom,
    for I have devoted myself to your commandments.
I will speak to kings about your laws,
    and I will not be ashamed.
How I delight in your commands!
    How I love them!
I honor and love your commands.
    I meditate on your decrees.  Psalm 119:41-48

Sometimes, life is just tiring!  This past week, our family has been dealing with the failing health of my father in law, and at times, you are weary from the experience.  There are the emotions of sadness, anguish, frustration, and disappointment.  You just want to give up.  However, there comes a point where you realize it is not really about you.  It’s giving thanks to someone who has given you so much.  I understand that now seeing my wife who continually cares for him and loves him.  Seeing her inspires me to push on being there for her.  The twilight of his life has thus become an inspiration for both of us going forward.  Each day, we love each other a little more, and we care for others a little better.  More importantly, we grow closer to God through the experience knowing that He knows exactly where we are and is with us always.

The struggles life puts us through should remind us of God’s unfailing love for us.  The 119^th Psalm of David is long but reassuring of how the relationship between  God and us should always be.  It’s speaks of His unfailing love and our love for Him through our commitments to Him.  In today’s verses, they are tidbits that highlight what we gain in this relationship.  Words include unfailing love, promised, trust, truth, instruction, forever, freedom, devoted, and delight.  These are words of reassurance, and should serve as our inspiration when heavily inundated with the troubles and sorrows in the world.  Some of us might feel like we have not heard from God in a while.  For others, it might be a situation that is hanging over their head.  Maybe you are saddened like our family over the possible loss of someone, or perhaps you might not have ever gotten over the loss of a loved one.  No matter where you are today, know that God is with you.  You may not see, hear, or feel Him, but as today’s verses point out, His love is unfailing.  It never leaves.  It is always the same.  It is always enough, and He is always with you.

It is so reassuring to know we have a God who never fails!  There is a song a group of us sang to our wives at our respective weddings called ‘Always and Forever.’  It talked about us sharing our love for each other today, tomorrow, and forever.  We as Christians may fall out of line with or lose sight of God, but we can always call on Him.  And He will be there for us.  Where do you need reassurance from God today?  How will you move forward knowing He is with you always?  My prayer is that no matter what is going on, we remember God is with us, always and forever.  Amen.

Tues Devo: Speed test, Part 2

Hello,

After last week I did some more looking on fast and slow in the Bible to see other things related to how we are expected to operate – and frankly I didn’t find anything different than last week where we used James 1:19-20 ““This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.” (NASB)

But, I did notice something else that was very interesting. I found a bunch of references to God and His speed. Many of them were centered on His being slow to anger.

So what? Well, first and foremost this means that when I am asked to be slow to anger it is so that I better reflect the character of God. Second, this kind of turns on its ear the things we think about when it comes to God and speed. We think about wanting Him to move quickly and do things now….but rather, we should be grateful that He is slow to anger and is willing to be patient with us.

Take some time today to thank Him for His slowness in the right areas!

Psalm 103:8 – “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and bounding in lovingkindness.” (NASB)

Psalm 145:8 – “The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and great in lovingkindness.” (NASB)

Psalm 86:15 – “But You, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness and truth.” (NASB)

Joel 2:13 – “And rend your heart and not your garments. Now return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in lovingkindness and relenting of evil.” 9NASB)

Nahum 1:3 – “The Lord is slow to anger and great in power and the Lord will by no means leave the guilty unpunished.” (NASB)

Nehemiah 9:17 – “They refused to listen, and did not remember Your wondrous deeds which You had performed among them, so they became stubborn and appointed a leader to return to their slavery in Egypt. But You are a God of forgiveness, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness; and You did not forsake them.” (NASB)_

Have a blessed day,

Will Hill

Time and Time Again

8 “‘But they rebelled against me and would not listen to me; they did not get rid of the vile images they had set their eyes on, nor did they forsake the idols of Egypt. So I said I would pour out my wrath on them and spend my anger against them in Egypt.  Ezekiel 20

I do two different Bible studies on my own.  One study is going through Ezekiel and moves at a chapter a week, which is what I share with you, and the other is currently in Deuteronomy and goes about a verse or two a day.  They both delve into different aspects, and I'm looking at different things with each.  It's normally very easy for me to keep the two studies separate.

Not this week.

Deuteronomy is a recap of the first four books of the Bible.  Where I'm at, it's not pretty.  It's currently recounting the rebellion of the Israelites in the desert - again.  What does this mean?  The rebellion of Israel in the desert after they left Egypt is clearly described for the first time in those first four books of the Bible, again in Deuteronomy, and here we are in Ezekiel and we get it again!  It's also discussed again in Acts during Stephen's speech to the Sanhedrin (one of my favorite Bible stories), and it's elsewhere too.

So now I'm at a difficult point.  Two weeks ago, I wrote about how God said that if we accept Christ, he will completely forget all of our sins.  If he completely forgets about our sins, why is the rebellion of Israel brought up so many times?  To go even further, the Israelites didn't only rebel once, but numerous times in those first four books of the Bible, and who knows how many times they rebelled that weren't documented.

The Israelites rebelled, again and again and again.  But, God forgives and forgets our sins if we accept him.  Aren't these two opposing views?

No.  God forgives and forgets each of our sins if we accept him.  The reason that the Israelites and their multiple rebellions are brought up isn't to constantly rehash a bad argument, but to show, "Look at how many times the Israelites messed up.  Look at how horribly they turned from me and rebelled.  And I still forgave them and brought them to the promised land once they accepted me."  

Once we've accepted Christ, nothing we do will be so horrible that if we do not ask forgiveness, God will not take that away.  The story of the Israelites is repeated so many times to show us that no matter how bad we are or that we think we are, God is there for us.  This doesn't mean we can sin without repercussion, but that we can go back to God after ANYTHING, ask for his forgiveness and repent, and he will forgive us and forget our sins.