Think Before Judging

Again, deviating from Ezekiel.  (Go read chapter 24 if you want to keep up on your own)

Over a year ago, I wrote a piece on gossiping, and I explained that it's still gossip whether you know the person or not.  It could be a celebrity or political figure, but if you're gossiping about them, you're still gossiping!  The subject matter doesn't change the meaning.  I remember it because it was fairly recent that Facebook's "On this day" reminder popped up to show the post.  I find this a fun way to go back and read some of my older posts and see how my thinking has or hasn't changed on certain subjects.

So in this gossip piece, I pulled a celebrity figure for the example.  Reading what I wrote reminded me that at the time, Justin Bieber had just gotten a DUI and was going through typical "out of control rich celebrity" syndrome.  I remember thinking that we needed to pray for him, and others in the news, that they get through these difficulties and find a way to be drawn closer to Christ through all of it.  It's hard though to know what's really going on in the heads of public figures, because so few of them openly discuss their Christian faith - it isn't the popular thing to do and it could be career suicide if they bring it up too much.

We don't truly know where anyone else is in their walk with God.  They may not be walking with God at all, they may be new to the walk, or they may be grounded in their faith.  They may even be making mistakes now that will be forgotten by God when they truly devote their lives to Christ.  My mother-in-law is a pastor and tells the story of why she stopped going to church when she was in grade school.  She wore a rather short skirt and could hear other ladies in the pew whispering about how indecent it was that she wore that skirt to church!  She ended up leaving the church for many years before returning later in life to it.  Why do we need to judge and criticize that which God won't even remember?

A few days ago, I was reading my daily news and it included a quote from Justin Beiber about Christianity.  I don't remember specifically what it was, but I remember rolling my eyes and thinking, "Oh boy, now what?" and still clicking the link to see the whole interview.

I was stunned - in a very pleasant way.  I skimmed over most of the first half (I don't really care about his love life or how he is creatively inspired for his music), but the second half is when the topic of Christianity is brought up - by Justin Bieber.  He then goes on to profess his faith in Christ for having died for his sins!  It's really inspiring to see someone talking about Christ specifically, and their relationship with Christ.   Justin Bieber Interview (2015 Cover Story)

Whether we're making snap judgments about a celebrity we don't know, or a person sitting a few pews away from us in church, we're still making judgments that are not for us to make.  We are called to love like Christ.  The judgment is up to God.

Thurs Devo: The Bronze Snake

How do you think the Lord answered the Israelites’ request to take the venomous snakes away?

Numbers 21:7-9  The people came to Moses and said, “We sinned when we spoke against the Lord and against you. Pray that the Lord will take the snakes away from us.” So Moses prayed for the people. ⁸ The Lord said to Moses, “Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live.” ⁹ So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, they lived.

God didn’t take the snakes away, but instead provided a unique way for the people to survive a snake bite. Similarly for us, God doesn’t always remove the consequences for our sins. He does help us move forward through the consequences, though, when we turn back to Him and seek His help.

All sin deserves death. However, God is so merciful. He gave many of the Israelites an opportunity to live, even if they were bitten. The Israelites didn’t earn the right to live, but rather looked to and accepted God’s way of salvation.

Going even further, God has provided an opportunity for eternal life with Him in Heaven. Like the Israelites, we don’t earn it, but must choose to look to and accept God’s way of Salvation.  

John 3:14-16      ¹⁴ Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, ¹⁵ that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.” ¹⁶ For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Is Jesus your “bronze snake?” Have you accepted God’s unique way of salvation by looking to Jesus? He paid the ultimate sacrifice so you and I don’t have to experience the full consequence for our sins (Hell/eternal separation from God). Instead, you and I can live with Him for eternity!

Alice

Protection, Blessings, and Love

But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever.Spread your protection over them, that all who love your name may be filled with joy. For you bless the godly, O Lord; you surround them with your shield of love.  Psalm 5:11-12

The other day, my family found that our first house had a major fire.  We were incredibly saddened to learn of it, and we prayed that everyone who currently lived in the house was safe.  Then as I thought more about it, I realized that I would never see my old home again.  The memories that our family built there would be all that remained.  But on the other side of it, I realized God had blessed us allowing our family to move to our new home and change our lives.  Even if we were still in that house, I believe we would have been alright, but I did not want to be unappreciative of the fact that God has loved, blessed, and protected our family.  We are so humbled that He has done so.

All of us as Christians are so incredibly blessed as children of God. We could complain about many things going on in our lives.  We might feel our boss is being tough on us or our children do not want to talk to us anymore.  Some of you might have the struggle of dealing with the loss of a loved one, and others wish they could lose the loved one they have (smile).  Many face difficult decisions about what job to choose.  Even some are struggling to decide whether or not to stay in an abusive relationship with a spouse.  No matter where you are in your life, know there is a God who is with you each and every step of the way.  He loves you, and blesses you infinitely.  He is always there looking out and protecting you from harm.  In placing our trust in Him, there are barriers moved that we would never see, and He sets in motion plans for us days, weeks, and months in advance so that each move we make is in line with His perfect plan for our lives.

When we give praise to our God, we have nothing to fear!  God said through the prophet Isaiah, “I will lead blind Israel down a new path, guiding them along an unfamiliar way. I will brighten the darkness before them and smooth out the road ahead of them. Yes, I will indeed do these things; I will not forsake them.” (Isaiah 42:16)  God is always looking out for us.  Our goal is to rely on Him, give of ourselves to Him, and give thanks to Him for He is indeed worthy of our praises.  What should you be thankful of today?  What small issue can you give to Him in exchange for praising Him for the position He has given you?  My prayer is that we praise God for His protection, blessings, and love.  Amen!

Tues Devo: Finding forgiveness, Part 3

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,

So far we have been through the ingredients to execute forgiveness and the need to offer to all – not being selective.

Today, I wanted to get into the last portion of these verses and look at the context given for providing forgiveness – love. Generally we see context given first, but here it is last. In addition to the context of love, we also see that unity is a driving force or motivation for this forgiveness (This is geared at believers – so there is a common foundation for unity).

If we don’t do things with love prevailing –it will be temporary.
If we don’t keep in mind the need for unity as believers, we won’t persevere when it gets tough.

Have a blessed day,

Will Hill

Lean not on your own Understanding

Proverbs 3:1-6

My son, do not forget my teaching,
    but keep my commands in your heart,
for they will prolong your life many years
    and bring you peace and prosperity.

Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
    bind them around your neck,
    write them on the tablet of your heart. 

Then you will win favor and a good name
    in the sight of God and man.

 Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight.

Last week I wrote about God having a plan for you, knowing your future.  I want to continue that thought with how our part is to trust Him and lean not on our own understanding. 

Recently I applied for another position, internally.  I didn’t get the position and was rather bummed about it.  I knew and still know that I was very qualified for the position.  I know that I would have done well in the position.  That’s not to say the person that got it isn’t just as qualified or a better fit for the position, however I know that I would have been great.  At the same time, God knows what is best and has an abundant plan for me.  I have a wonderful position now and if that is his plan for me, I’m okay with that. 

Sometimes it takes disappointment to get us to focus back on trusting the Lord with all of our heart.  I must say that through the process, I may have lost focus at times and may have been too prideful.  I’m sure we have all been through that before.  Today though, I am doing my best to remember to submit to him and let him make my path straight.  I encourage you to do the same.

Studying

Ezekiel is a tough one for me!

I've been in Ezekiel 23 this week.  Yet another really tough chapter to digest.  It sounded horrible when I first read it, and I had a tough time with it.  I listen to it on audio book on the way to work throughout the week, so it was again particularly difficult to read (go read it yourself and you'll see that certain verses stand out as being rather explicit).

It's about two sisters and their depravity.  I kept listening to it, and finally I found the bit I was looking for.  

4 The older was named Oholah, and her sister was Oholibah. They were mine and gave birth to sons and daughters. Oholah is Samaria, and Oholibah is Jerusalem.

It's a parable!  While that made it slightly easier to read, it was still pretty difficult.  Take this verse for example: 

48 “So I will put an end to lewdness in the land, that all women may take warning and not imitate you.

Had I posted only verse 48 without verse 4, people would read it and think that God warning women, when really, he is warning Samaria, Jerusalem, and the surrounding cities.  This is the importance of context.  One verse may not be enough to understand what is going on, and you need to delve deeper.  God didn't make it easy to figure out, he wants us to search for him, to maintain that relationship.  We are encouraged to constantly study the Bible.  When I was in school, my studying consisted of reading the chapter and highlighting a few important formulas or words.  That's not really studying.  Studying is to go beyond the text.  To look at other things related to it.  To test applications of the theories.  To practice.

We're starting up a new Bible study series at our church and I'm very excited about it.  We all need to find what works best for each of us to study God's word.  There's so much depth there and I'm always finding new things to take and put into practice.

Thurs Devo: Venomous Snakes

After mourning Aaron’s death and a victorious deliverance from the Canaanites in Arad (Numbers 21:1-3), the Israelites continued their travels. However, they still haven't learned their lesson about complaining.

Numbers 21:4-7  ⁴ They traveled from Mount Hor along the route to the Red Sea, to go around Edom. But the people grew impatient on the way; ⁵ they spoke against God and against Moses, and said, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? There is no bread! There is no water! And we detest this miserable food!”

⁶ Then the Lord sent venomous snakes among them; they bit the people and many Israelites died. ⁷ The people came to Moses and said, “We sinned when we spoke against the Lord and against you. Pray that the Lord will take the snakes away from us.” So Moses prayed for the people.

The Israelites seem to always be focusing on the negative and not the positive. They didn’t have bread but they did have manna. They were traveling in the wilderness desert that didn’t have much water, but God always provided water for them in miraculous ways. And, I’m guessing God had been protecting them from all the wild desert animals, up until this point! 

Like the Israelites, we don’t see all the ways God provides for us and protects us. Plus, we tend to focus on what we think we lack. We even get upset with God and/or others when things don’t go our way. However, when tragedy strikes, we often do go to God, because we know He’s the only one that can do the impossible.

The Israelites did acknowledge their sin and did turn to God. You and I can do the same. And the next time you and I want to complain about a hardship or get upset with God over it, let’s stop and count 5 other blessings God has provided. As hard as our situation might be, it could always be worse (like venomous snakes)!

Alice

Tues Devo: Finding Forgiveness, Part 2

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,

(Yes, part 2….from 2 weeks ago!)

Last time on this topic, I mentioned the ingredients it takes to execute forgiveness (compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness & patience). The area I wanted to focus on for today is our need to not discriminate. We are called to forgive each other – “whoever has a complaint against anyone”. If we want to find it in ourselves to forgive, we cannot pre-select who we are willing to forgive – we just need to be ready to execute the forgiveness. Why? Because that is the model set by Jesus – who forgave us. We were not discriminately selected, but rather His forgiveness is open to all who seek it. So ought our forgiveness be that easy to access.

Have a blessed day,

Will Hill

You are loved & valued!

Do you have a go to Bible verse in times when you are just down?  I know that I do! 

Jeremiah 29:11

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

This is always my reminder that the Lord made me in his image, He wants me to follow Him, live for Him and serve Him.  Even at times that I may be down or feel like I can’t do right by others, God has a purpose for me.  He has big plans for me and values me.  He has since I was in my mother’s womb. 

The same is true for you.  He knew you before you were formed and has counted the hairs on your head.  He knows you, loves you and has a plan and purpose for you.  If you are feeling down, know that you are loved and valued!

What's Dross?

18 “Son of man, the people of Israel have become dross to me; all of them are the copper, tin, iron and lead left inside a furnace. They are but the dross of silver. 19 Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: ‘Because you have all become dross, I will gather you into Jerusalem. 20 As silver, copper, iron, lead and tin are gathered into a furnace to be melted with a fiery blast, so will I gather you in my anger and my wrath and put you inside the city and melt you.  Ezekiel 22

I read a lot.  I typically average around fifty books a year.  These are a variety of "modern fluff" as I like to call them, and historical literature.  The historical lit, while dense, is something that I'll read in conjunction with an online synopsis.  There's many times where I don't get the "jokes" or cultural references because those have been lost over time.  Other times, I don't get modern day phrases until I read the historical lit and have my sudden "Ah-ha!" moment.  My most recent one was reading the phrase, "Thar she blows!" in Moby Dick.  

In this chapter of Ezekiel, a new word popped up that I hadn't seen before, "Dross."  Well, I had to go look it up to find out some more meaning behind it.  Metalworkers would work on their various mediums, and there would be some waste product.  That waste was dross.  However, not all dross was complete waste, and some could be used to forge something new.  The useless waste was thrown away, but dross that could be used again was thrown back into the furnace.

While the verses initially gave me yet another feeling of dread, after understanding the concept of dross, it wasn't so bad.  I actually take this as a metaphor for the fall in the Garden of Eden.  

Adam and Eve were good, they were the silver.  Then, they ate of the forbidden fruit and were cast out, becoming dross.  Why do we want God to be angry with us and melt us?  

I've spoken before how God is our Father, our parent.  Those of you that are parents will know that you can get angry with your children.  It happens, and it's ok!  When you're angry, you know your child could do better.  You're not hateful or spiteful.  It's the same with God.  He may be angry, but he's not hateful.  When he puts the people of Israel (the dross) into the furnace to melt them again - which means he's trying to make something new with them!  He's not doing this to destroy them, he's doing it to rebuild them.  

Even though the book of Ezekiel sounds like God is giving up on his people and wants nothing to do with them because of the horrible acts they have committed, he doesn't give up on them.  The story doesn't end there.  The story continues, years after that book is over, to show that God has mercy and love for us, even when we greatly mess up.  He sent his son to die for us, he hasn't given up on us.