Puzzled About Jesus

Men of the Bible Series - Herod didn't know if Jesus was someone back from the dead, not yet but soon he would be!

Luke 9:7-9  When Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, heard about everything Jesus was doing, he was puzzled. Some were saying that John the Baptist had been raised from the dead. 8 Others thought Jesus was Elijah or one of the other prophets risen from the dead. 9 “I beheaded John,” Herod said, “so who is this man about whom I hear such stories?” And he kept trying to see him.

Luke 23:8-11 Herod was delighted at the opportunity to see Jesus, because he had heard about him and had been hoping for a long time to see him perform a miracle. 9 He asked Jesus question after question, but Jesus refused to answer. 10 Meanwhile, the leading priests and the teachers of religious law stood there shouting their accusations. 11 Then Herod and his soldiers began mocking and ridiculing Jesus. Finally, they put a royal robe on him and sent him back to Pilate.

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Could there be a second personality in town stirring things up? Herod had to wonder, he thought that the one making all of the fuss in town was dead when he had John the Baptist beheaded, Herod was paranoid  because of his guilty conscience. John was arrested because he criticized Herod's illicit marriage to his brother's wife.

Puzzled about what was going on, Herod asked, “so who is this man about whom I hear such stories?” Herod seemed to want to know more about Jesus but he never sent for Jesus to come to him, he never gave much thought and consideration about Jesus. So some time later when Jesus is on trial, Herod is delighted to see him, his delight didn't last for long as he became angry when his questions were ignored by Jesus.

Herod Antipas was one of four sons of Herod the Great, he inherited a fourth of his fathers territory upon his death, later Antipas was accused by his nephew Agrippa of conspiracy against the new Roman emperor Caligula.

We need to take some time to consider who Jesus is and why he came to earth, Herod didn't go beyond a superficial, careless inquiry into who Jesus is and he doesn't have a clue what his ministry is about. If you come to the wrong conclusion about Jesus or you don't even give his life and ministry any consideration then you will have made the greatest mistake of all. 

Luke 9:20  Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” Peter replied, “You are the Messiah sent from God!”

We need to consider the evidence that brought Peter to the conclusion that Jesus is the Messiah. Peter was an eyewitness to Jesus power over sickness, his power to feed the crowds with a sack lunch and Peter was the one that got out of the boat and took a walk with Jesus on the water.

Thank you Lord for your Word and for the eyewitness accounts that show us that you are really the Savior of the world. I pray that we will all consider the evidence thoroughly and come to the right conclusion.

Jesus Is That Important

Men of the Bible Series -  Zacchaeus didn't let anything get in the way.

Luke 19:1-10  He entered Jericho and was passing through. 2 There was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. 3 He was trying to see who Jesus was, but he was not able because of the crowd, since he was a short man. 4 So running ahead, he climbed up a sycamore tree to see Jesus, since He was about to pass that way.

5 When Jesus came to the place, He looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, because today I must stay at your house."

6 So he quickly came down and welcomed Him joyfully. 7 All who saw it began to complain, "He's gone to lodge with a sinful man!"

8 But Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, "Look, I'll give half of my possessions to the poor, Lord! And if I have extorted anything from anyone, I'll pay back four times as much!"

9 "Today salvation has come to this house," Jesus told him, "because he too is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost."

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Jesus is on his way to Jerusalem (Luke 19:28) on a trip that must have taken quite a bit of time, he was stopped by the ten lepers (Luke 17:11-19), then there were the people that kept on bringing their kids to him (Luke 18:15), and he was doing a lot of teaching along the way as well. Zacchaeus must have heard about all of the uproar that Jesus was causing and he knew that he had to meet Jesus for himself.

As Jesus approached Zacchaeus location, it became clear to him that he would not be able to see Jesus over the crowds so he ran ahead and climbed a tree. Zacchaeus proved that he had a great desire to find out about Jesus and was determined to overcome the obstacles that got in the way.  

Notice that Zacchaeus efforts are rewarded, Jesus calls hims down from the tree and invites himself to dinner with him, if we reach out to meet Jesus and make a bold move then we will not be disappointed. The question we have to answer for our self is "Is Jesus that important to me?" If we have the desire to get close to Jesus then it will happen, he will find us in our tree and invite himself in to get close to us.

We don't know what was said or how Jesus had an affect on Zacchaeus, but we do know that he experienced genuine change and to prove it he quickly announced that his life wasn't going to be the same, for now on he would live in surrender to Christ.

Jesus needs to be THAT important! He needs to be so important that it has an effect on the way I live, I need to desire to meet with him despite the obstacles, I need to seek him out everyday and keep my eyes on him. There are more than enough ways to be distracted but if we keep our eyes on Jesus then "the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace."

Help me Lord to keep my eyes on you and not let the things that the world has to offer get in the way or cause my desire for you to fade.

An Awesome Church Leader

Men of the Bible Series - Stephen was a great leader ... but not for too long.

Acts 6:5-15  The proposal pleased the whole company. So they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte from Antioch. 6 They had them stand before the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.

7 So the preaching about God flourished, the number of the disciples in Jerusalem multiplied greatly, and a large group of priests became obedient to the faith.

8 Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people. 9 Then some from what is called the Freedmen’s Synagogue, composed of both Cyrenians and Alexandrians, and some from Cilicia and Asia, came forward and disputed with Stephen. 10 But they were unable to stand up against his wisdom and the Spirit by whom he was speaking.

11 Then they persuaded some men to say, “We heard him speaking blasphemous words against Moses and God!” 12 They stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes; so they came, dragged him off, and took him to the Sanhedrin. 13 They also presented false witnesses who said, “This man does not stop speaking blasphemous words against this holy place and the law. 14 For we heard him say that Jesus, this Nazarene, will destroy this place and change the customs that Moses handed down to us.” 15 And all who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at him and saw that his face was like the face of an angel.

Acts 7:59  They were stoning Stephen as he called out: "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!"

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The first church was experiencing awesome growth and were expanding at an incredible rate. So fast that they had to decide on how to organize the work of the church, after-all the twelve disciples couldn't do everything that needed to be done.

Stephen became one of the first church leaders in this plan to organize the work of the church. This was not your average deacon, the Bible tells us that Stephen was:

• Full of Faith - Acts 6:5
• Full of Grace - Acts 6:8
• Full of Power - Acts 6:8
• Full of Light - Acts 6:15
• Full of Scripture - Acts 7 (He preached a long sermon.)
• Full of Wisdom - Acts 6:3, 10, James. 1:5
• Full of Courage - Acts 7:51-56
• Full of Love - Acts 7:60

Stephen was doing a great work for the Lord which some trouble makers couldn't stand. After they had words with Stephen and couldn't stand up to him they decided to stir up rumors about him.

Although he was a great leader that we would all do well to imitate, Stephen wasn't a leader for too long, God didn't protect him from his accusers. Like many of our church leaders he was a victim of slander and gossip, and when they couldn't stop him from his good works and his preaching they over took him and stoned him.

Thank you Lord for our church leaders and their sacrifice. I pray that you will bless them with people that will yield to their leadership. Help us all to be as Christ like as Stephen was.

You might like to read: Men of the Bible blog series.

God's People Act Like They Aren't

Men of the Bible Series - Hosea portrays God's love for his unfaithful people.

Hosea 1:2  When the Lord first spoke to Hosea, He said this to him: Go and marry a promiscuous wife and have children of promiscuity, for the land is committing blatant acts of promiscuity by abandoning the Lord.

Hosea 3:1-2  Then the Lord said to me, “Go again; show love to a woman who is loved by another man and is an adulteress, just as the Lord loves the Israelites though they turn to other gods and love raisin cakes.” 2 So I bought her for 15 shekels of silver and five bushels of barley.

Hosea 4:1  Hear the word of the Lord, people of Israel, for the Lord has a case against the inhabitants of the land: There is no truth, no faithful love, and no knowledge of God in the land!

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Many of the prophets in the Old Testament were told to do something as an illustration of the message that God wanted to get across.

God told the prophet Hosea to go and marry a prostitute and to love her as an illustration of Israel's faithless relationship with God and his faithfulness in loving his bride despite how she behaves.

Israel had become proud and had forgotten God's grace, they were engaging in idolatry, they were trusting in man rather than in God. They were guilty of injustice and violence, including murder, theft, lying, and oppression of the defenseless. They sound a lot like God's people today.

Hosea was faithful to God and showed his people the wholehearted love that God has for his people. Despite the pain that his people cause him, God is still willing to pursue them and forgive them for their unfaithfulness, he is willing to take back those of us that acknowledge him as Savior and Lord of our life.

Hosea 13:4  I have been Yahweh your God ever since the land of Egypt; you know no God but Me, and no Savior exists besides Me.

God deserves not only to be number one but he also deserves to be the only one, I need to behave like a member of God's family and be totally devoted to him.

Lord help me to live each day remembering that you are my everything. I need to act like I belong to you by living according to your commands.

You might like to read: Men of the Bible blog series.

Encourage Your Pastor

Men of the Bible Series - Titus was Paul's support man.

2 Corinthians 7:5-6  In fact, when we came into Macedonia, we had no rest. Instead, we were afflicted in every way: struggles on the outside, fears inside. 6 But God, who comforts the humble, comforted us by the coming of Titus,

2 Corinthians 7:12-15  In addition to our comfort, we rejoiced even more over the joy Titus had, because his spirit was refreshed by all of you.

14 For if I have made any boast to him about you, I have not been embarrassed; but as I have spoken everything to you in truth, so our boasting to Titus has also turned out to be the truth. 15 And his affection toward you is even greater as he remembers the obedience of all of you, and how you received him with fear and trembling.

2 Corinthians 8:16-17  Thanks be to God who put the same concern for you into the heart of Titus. 17 For he accepted our urging and, being very diligent, went out to you by his own choice.

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Paul was having a very difficult time in Macedonia, he tells us that he had "struggles on the outside and fears on the inside"

We can see in the book of Acts that Paul was facing some difficulties in his ministry in the Macedonia region. On the outside he was put in prison for healing a slave girl and just a few weeks later he was caught up in a riot in Thessalonica (Acts 16,17) this guy needed some comfort, he needed some peace.

It sounds surprising to me to read that Paul had "fears inside" but it shouldn't surprise us, Paul wrote about his personal struggles in many of his letters. Paul was honest about his humanness, his request that his followers pray for him to know how to minister and how to preach, this guy is real.

Paul, a Jew, called Titus his son, something that he also said about Timothy (Titus 1:1, 1 Timothy 1:2). Paul loved Titus and he may have been responsible for leading him to Christ. Paul was encouraged by this devoted Christ follower, Titus was somebody that Paul could count on in his ministry, he was able to join in with the work that Paul was doing but he also went back to Corinth on his own to minister.

I need to be like Titus. I need to join in the ministry that my pastors are doing and I also need to be a minister working on my own calling that God has set aside for me, one of the ministries that I can have is to encourage and pray for the pastors of my church.

You are an awesome God, it is amazing that you choose to use us for your work. Help me to be faithful in my ministry and to be an encouragement to the spiritual leaders in my life.
You might like to read: Men of the Bible blog series.

Who Is Your God?

Men of the Bible Series - Elijah shows his people the evidence and lets them decide.

1 Kings 18:20-24  So Ahab summoned all the Israelites and gathered the prophets at Mount Carmel.

21 Then Elijah approached all the people and said, “How long will you hesitate between two opinions? If Yahweh is God, follow Him. But if Baal, follow him.” But the people didn’t answer him a word.

22 Then Elijah said to the people, “I am the only remaining prophet of the Lord, but Baal’s prophets are 450 men. 23 Let two bulls be given to us. They are to choose one bull for themselves, cut it in pieces, and place it on the wood but not light the fire. I will prepare the other bull and place it on the wood but not light the fire. 24 Then you call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of Yahweh. The God who answers with fire, He is God.” All the people answered, “That sounds good.”

1 Kings 18:36-39  At the time for offering the evening sacrifice, Elijah the prophet approached the altar and said, “Yahweh, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, today let it be known that You are God in Israel and I am Your servant, and that at Your word I have done all these things. 37 Answer me, Lord! Answer me so that this people will know that You, Yahweh, are God and that You have turned their hearts back.”

38 Then Yahweh’s fire fell and consumed the burnt offering, the wood, the stones, and the dust, and it licked up the water that was in the trench. 39 When all the people saw it, they fell face down and said, “Yahweh, He is God! Yahweh, He is God!”

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Elijah was seriously outnumbered yet he dared to confront the people of Israel about their decision to worship Baal. Elijah asked them to makeup their minds about the issue, after all if God is God and he is everything that we know that God is, then why in the world are you playing around with something else that was created to take his place?

Gather around people and get ready for the biggest showdown since the God of Israel took on the gods of Egypt. The worshipers of Baal really believed that Baal had a chance and that he would start the fire on their sacrifice but after about 3 hours Elijah began to mock their god and reduce him to human behaviors, insinuating that he may not be anywhere close by (not omnipresent) or that he may be napping.

There was only one offering that was burned that day and it was burned even after all the water was poured on the altar, Elijah made sure that it was clear that the fire on Gods altar was not started by any other means.

Numbers 14:11  “How long will these people despise Me? How long will they not trust in Me despite all the signs I have performed among them?

We are just as bad off much of the time. We seek self worth, value, healing, purpose in life and the forgiveness of our sins in so many other ways that we have created. We need help and we run off looking for it in various ways that are displeasing to God.

I need take a look at the evidence all around me and say “Yahweh, He is God!" every minute of my life. That would keep me consistent in my daily walk and trusting in God alone.

Lord help me to grow in my faith and to have allegiance to you alone.

You might like to read: Men of the Bible blog series.

Following God's Directions

Men of the Bible Series - God communicates with Joseph through angels.

Matthew 1:18-21  The birth of Jesus Christ came about this way: After His mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, it was discovered before they came together that she was pregnant by the Holy Spirit. 19 So her husband Joseph, being a righteous man, and not wanting to disgrace her publicly, decided to divorce her secretly.

20 But after he had considered these things, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because what has been conceived in her is by the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to name Him Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.”

Matthew 2:13-15  After they were gone, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Get up! Take the child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. For Herod is about to search for the child to destroy Him.” 14 So he got up, took the child and His mother during the night, and escaped to Egypt. 15 He stayed there until Herod’s death, so that what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet might be fulfilled: Out of Egypt I called My Son.

Matthew 2:19-23  After Herod died, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, 20 saying, “Get up! Take the child and His mother and go to the land of Israel, because those who sought the child’s life are dead.” 21 So he got up, took the child and His mother, and entered the land of Israel. 22 But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And being warned in a dream, he withdrew to the region of Galilee. 23 Then he went and settled in a town called Nazareth to fulfill what was spoken through the prophets, that He will be called a Nazarene.

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This post is a continuation of the post from yesterday, I want to look at the four dreams that Joseph had and how he chose to be submissive to what God was telling him through the dreams.

First dream - Joseph was trying to decide what to do with the situation that had come up, would he have Mary put to death or would he just send her away quietly? Joseph probably thought that those were his only two options until he went to bed that night and received the news that he was to raise the child and accept him as his own.

Second dream - After the Magi left, Joseph had his second recorded dream where an angel visited him with a message from God. Joseph had to get his family to safety in Egypt.

Third and fourth dream- After some time in Egypt, God spoke to Joseph a third time in a dream, telling him that Herod was dead and that they could return home. Joseph did get a little bit concerned about the new guy in charge and he received instruction in a fourth dream to settle down in Nazareth.

God used Joseph's dream time to send his angels to give directions to Joseph. The first dream  was used to let Joseph know that it was God's will to establish this little family before he decided to walk away or worse yet to have Mary killed. The second, third and fourth dreams were used to keep them from harm.

God's method for communicating with us isn't usually angels these days, I haven't had any angels talk to me anyway, today he is more likely to use the Holy Spirit through prayer time or my Bible study.  I need to be ready to listen to God's will in whatever method that he chooses to deliver the message to me. 

Help me to be ready to listen and to be obedient when you speak Lord. I know that you have great plans for me that I need to hear about when you are ready to share them with me.

You might like to read: Men of the Bible blog series.

Believing The Impossible

Men of the Bible Series - Joseph: Obeying God when it doesn't make sense.

Matthew 1:18-21  The birth of Jesus Christ came about this way: After His mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, it was discovered before they came together that she was pregnant by the Holy Spirit. 19 So her husband Joseph, being a righteous man, and not wanting to disgrace her publicly, decided to divorce her secretly.

20 But after he had considered these things, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because what has been conceived in her is by the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to name Him Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.”

Matthew 1:24-25  When Joseph got up from sleeping, he did as the Lord’s angel had commanded him. He married her but did not know her intimately until she gave birth to a son. And he named Him Jesus.

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You would think that a historical figure like Jesus would have a much more detailed record of his childhood, you would also think that the history and the details about his parents would be fully documented but instead we know very little about one of them.

The only description that we have of Joseph is that he was a righteous man, I guess that this one word probably sums up everything about Joseph and his personality. He must have displayed the "fruit of the spirit" from Galatians 5:22-23.

Joseph believed the impossible and chose to do the inconvenient, life would have been easier without the accusations that his wife was an adulteress, it would be easier to travel the 70 to 80 miles to Bethlehem for the census and he could of lived just fine without moving a trip to Egypt to waiting for an evil dictator to die.

Believing the impossible and living in complete obedience to God was a way of life for Joseph. Unlike Jesus mom, Joseph didn't ever see Jesus' ministry, without any miracles to prove the point, he never received any proof that Jesus was really the Messiah.

God likes to interrupt our lives and test our ability to trust him even when he doesn't make a lot of sense to us. 

Lord, I need to have faith like Joseph had, help me to grow stronger in my faith in you.

You might like to read: Men of the Bible blog series.

Redeeming Our Weaknesses

Men of the Bible Series - Peter didn't let his failures define him

Matthew 26:33-35  Peter declared, “Even if everyone else deserts you, I will never desert you.” 34 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, Peter—this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me.” 35 “No!” Peter insisted. “Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you!” And all the other disciples vowed the same.

Matthew 26:69-75  Meanwhile, Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. A servant girl came over and said to him, “You were one of those with Jesus the Galilean.” 70 But Peter denied it in front of everyone. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said.

71 Later, out by the gate, another servant girl noticed him and said to those standing around, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.” 72 Again Peter denied it, this time with an oath. “I don’t even know the man,” he said.

73 A little later some of the other bystanders came over to Peter and said, “You must be one of them; we can tell by your Galilean accent.” 74 Peter swore, “A curse on me if I’m lying—I don’t know the man!” And immediately the rooster crowed.

75 Suddenly, Jesus’ words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me.” And he went away, weeping bitterly.

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We all make promises that we can't keep, whether it is a promise to our family or friends it is usually a way out of a difficult situation that is usually caused by fear.  What a sad story for Peter, the person he made a promise to was Jesus, right to his face he made a vow.

We can all relate to Peter, we have all made promises to Jesus, we all have to say oops from time to time. Peter knew all about the oops moments, besides denying that he was a friend of Jesus there was the time when he lost his faith while walking on the water, on another occasion he is rebuked by Jesus for speaking out of turn. (Matthew 14:22-32, 16:21-23)

Staying down isn't for the Christ Follower and we can learn from Peter's example that he didn't stay down for too long. After his denial of Jesus Peter's relationship is mended when Jesus comes back from the grave. (John 21:1-25) Peter rises above his failures and become a great leader in the early church (Acts 2-15)

I don't have to stay down after I stumble and fall, Jesus knows  that I will fall again and again but he loves me anyway and he still gives me the opportunity to be used for his purposes.

Thank you Lord for being in the relationship building business, thank you for your forgiveness, you take what little tiny bit that I have and you choose to use it for your work.

You might like to read: Men of the Bible blog series.

A Man Who Lived His Life For Another

Men of the Bible Series - John the Baptist lived for a greater purpose.

Matthew 3:1-6  In those days John the Baptist came to the Judean wilderness and began preaching. His message was, 2 “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.” 3 The prophet Isaiah was speaking about John when he said,

“He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming! Clear the road for him!’”

4 John’s clothes were woven from coarse camel hair, and he wore a leather belt around his waist. For food he ate locusts and wild honey. 5 People from Jerusalem and from all of Judea and all over the Jordan Valley went out to see and hear John. 6 And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River.

John 3:30  He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.

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The time that the Israelites had been waiting for was about to come, after hundreds of years without a prophet there is finally a new prophet, and he has exciting news of Jesus first visit on earth

John was a simple man, he lived  in a remote area, he lived a simple lifestyle. The only ambition that he had was to prepare the way for Jesus. He lived in a remote area that didn't have a lot of people around and yet the crowds came in great numbers to hear his message.

This is a great reminder that the world that we live in can get us off course. We are not here for the purpose of accumulating wealth and power and attempting to get noticed, we are here to prepare the people that we meet for the second coming of Jesus. We need to be very deliberate about spreading the gospel and remember that our message should be the same as John's was.

Help me Lord to remember why I am here and how important that it is for the world to be told about you.

You might like to read: Men of the Bible blog series.

The Slippery Slope Of Compromise

Men of the Bible Series - Watch out, Balaam's compromise is contagious.

Numbers 22-24

Deuteronomy 23:5  But the Lord your God refused to listen to Balaam. He turned the intended curse into a blessing because the Lord your God loves you.

Numbers 31:7  They attacked Midian as the Lord had commanded Moses, and they killed all the men. 8 All five of the Midianite kings—Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba—died in the battle. They also killed Balaam son of Beor with the sword.

Revelation 2:12  “Write this letter to the angel of the church in Pergamum. This is the message from the one with the sharp two-edged sword: 13 “I know that you live in the city where Satan has his throne, yet you have remained loyal to me. You refused to deny me even when Antipas, my faithful witness, was martyred among you there in Satan’s city.

14 “But I have a few complaints against you. You tolerate some among you whose teaching is like that of Balaam, who showed Balak how to trip up the people of Israel.

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The Israelites are making a lot of progress in over taking the countries that occupied the Promised Land and Balak, king of Moab (Numbers 22:2), consequently becomes alarmed, and sends his messengers (Numbers 22:4-5), to Balaam to tempt him to come and curse God's chosen people.

Compromise, first victim - Balaam. In this twisted story of obedience and compromise Balaam begins by sending back word that he can only do what God and that God has told him not to go. Balak is persistent and sends higher ranking priests and offers Balaam honors. Balaam, in his covetousness, really wants to go and continues to press God, and God finally allows him to go with instructions to say only what he commands.

Compromise, second victim - Israelite men. In this story of children of Israel should be attaching Balak and his country but instead they compromise and some of the men begin having sexual relations with the Moabite women which leads to idolatry (Numbers 25:1-3).

Psalms 17: 3-5  You have tested my thoughts and examined my heart in the night. You have scrutinized me and found nothing wrong. I am determined not to sin in what I say. I have followed your commands, which keep me from following cruel and evil people. My steps have stayed on your path; I have not wavered from following you.

I want to be able to say what David said in the Psalm. Sometimes we so want to do something that isn't in our best interest and we are sure that God is opposing us and yet we are still tempted to go on and participate but if we want the best life possible then we need to be careful and obey the Lord.

Lord help me to overcome the temptation to deviate from the best that you have for me. You didn't promise me a cushy life without trials but if I compromise from your will then I will certainly fall short and I will miss out on the blessings that you have in store for me.

You might like to read: Men of the Bible blog series.

On A Mission Trip With An Attitude

Men of the Bible Series - Jonah didn't like the results of his mission trip.

Jonah 4:1-12  This change of plans greatly upset Jonah, and he became very angry.

2 So he complained to the Lord about it: “Didn’t I say before I left home that you would do this, Lord?

That is why I ran away to Tarshish! I knew that you are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. You are eager to turn back from destroying people.

3 Just kill me now, Lord! I’d rather be dead than alive if what I predicted will not happen.”

4 The Lord replied, “Is it right for you to be angry about this?”   >> Read more...

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They didn't have big tents back then, but whatever methods that Jonah used when he arrived in Nineveh it was effective and he got amazing results. All of the people reacted to his message and got right with God, it's a pastors dream come true, or was it?

Jonah knew how God operates, he knew that the people of Nineveh could be drawn back to the Lord and that he would forgive them and when they did Jonah said to God "I told you so." There is an attitude problem here, instead of being pleased that God used him to bring revival, Jonah wanted to see God's judgment poured out.

As if showing mercy were an imperfection of the Divine nature, which is the greatest glory of it. It is to his sparing, pardoning mercy, we all owe it that we are out of hell. -Matthew Henry Commentary

God received the glory despite Jonah and his sorry attitude, if he had to go to Nineveh then he wanted it to be for a good cause, and as he saw it their destruction was a good thing. The number one motivation for participating on a mission trip should be love, we have to see past the sin and look at the person, Jonah didn't love the people of Nineveh.

I have to remember that I have enjoyed the benefits of God's love and mercy and I have to be willing to pass it on to others, if God desires to show mercy then I need to show mercy and rejoice, after all I didn't do anything to obtain enough status that I should reap the benefits of God's mercy.

Help me to see the world through your eyes Lord.

You might like to read: Men of the Bible blog series.

God Will Get The Glory

Men of the Bible Series - God used Jonah's disobedience.

Jonah 1:1-3  The Lord gave this message to Jonah son of Amittai:

2 “Get up and go to the great city of Nineveh. Announce my judgment against it because I have seen how wicked its people are.”

3 But Jonah got up and went in the opposite direction to get away from the Lord.

Jonah 1:12  “Throw me into the sea,” Jonah said, “and it will become calm again. I know that this terrible storm is all my fault.”

13 Instead, the sailors rowed even harder to get the ship to the land. But the stormy sea was too violent for them, and they couldn’t make it. 14 Then they cried out to the Lord, Jonah’s God. “O Lord,” they pleaded, “don’t make us die for this man’s sin. And don’t hold us responsible for his death. O Lord, you have sent this storm upon him for your own good reasons.”

15 Then the sailors picked Jonah up and threw him into the raging sea, and the storm stopped at once! 16 The sailors were awestruck by the Lord’s great power, and they offered him a sacrifice and vowed to serve him.

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Jonah's directions were very clear, it isn't very often that I feel like I have such a clear mission from God as the one that Jonah had, I have felt a burden to do something but I haven't ever gotten a mission so crystal clear as this.

Jonah was a prophet gone AWOL, look at what happened because Jonah wasn't willing to obey God:

• Jonah ran in the opposite direction, it's a classic response.
• Jonah caused the other passengers on the boat to suffer a loss, they feared for their lives and tossed their belongings overboard to lighten the load.
• Jonah created his own solution for the dire situation that he created, he probably preferred death over going to Nineveh.

He was in the wrong place but God was still able to use Jonah. When the Lord disciplined Jonah it caused a revival in the boat, "the sailors were awestruck by the Lord’s great power, and they offered him a sacrifice and vowed to serve him."

Help me to always trust you to help me accomplish what you want me to do.
You might like to read: Men of the Bible blog series.

Victory Despite Our Weakness

Men of the Bible Series - Barak didn't need help, he had God on his side.

Judges 4:6  One day Deborah sent for Barak son of Abinoam, who lived in Kedesh in the land of Naphtali.

She said to him, “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, commands you: Call out 10,000 warriors from the tribes of Naphtali and Zebulun at Mount Tabor. 7 And I will call out Sisera, commander of Jabin’s army, along with his chariots and warriors, to the Kishon River. There I will give you victory over him.”

8 Barak told her, “I will go, but only if you go with me.”

9 “Very well,” she replied, “I will go with you. But you will receive no honor in this venture, for the Lord’s victory over Sisera will be at the hands of a woman.”

14 Then Deborah said to Barak, “Get ready! This is the day the Lord will give you victory over Sisera, for the Lord is marching ahead of you.” So Barak led his 10,000 warriors down the slopes of Mount Tabor into battle. 15 When Barak attacked, the Lord threw Sisera and all his chariots and warriors into a panic. Sisera leaped down from his chariot and escaped on foot. 16 Then Barak chased the chariots and the enemy army all the way to Harosheth-haggoyim, killing all of Sisera’s warriors. Not a single one was left alive.

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Israel has fallen away from God in their never-ending relationship cycle with God and as a result they have been ruled by Jabin, king of Canaan, for twenty years. Israel has finally turned back to God and cried out for help from the oppression and as a result God is faithful and sends them a savior.

Barak wasn't a very likely savior he wouldn't trust that God was going to do as he promised and insisted that Deborah go into battle with him. Despite Barak's tiny little faith God came through and the Israelites were able to gain a huge victory that they had not experienced since the days of Joshua.

Even when my faith is small I need to remember that God can use me to do great things, his will can be accomplished through me despite my hesitation to trust him completely.

Help me to trust in you Lord and be completely obedient to your word.

You might like to read: Men of the Bible blog series.

God Can Use Anybody

Men of the Bible Series - If God used Lazarus then certainly he can use anybody.

John 11:11-15  Then he said, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but now I will go and wake him up.”

12 The disciples said, “Lord, if he is sleeping, he will soon get better!” 13 They thought Jesus meant Lazarus was simply sleeping, but Jesus meant Lazarus had died.

14 So he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. 15 And for your sakes, I’m glad I wasn’t there, for now you will really believe. Come, let’s go see him.”

John 11:43-48  Then Jesus shouted, “Lazarus, come out!” 44 And the dead man came out, his hands and feet bound in graveclothes, his face wrapped in a headcloth. Jesus told them, “Unwrap him and let him go!”

45 Many of the people who were with Mary believed in Jesus when they saw this happen. 46 But some went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. 47 Then the leading priests and Pharisees called the high council together. “What are we going to do?” they asked each other. “This man certainly performs many miraculous signs. 48 If we allow him to go on like this, soon everyone will believe in him. Then the Roman army will come and destroy both our Temple and our nation.”

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There isn't any deep character study here today. Lazarus isn't described to us at all, we do not know if he was a good man or not, we don't know if he was nice to his sisters Mary and Martha. All we know is that he was dead long enough to "stinketh" according to the King James translation.

We do know that God can use anybody in any situation. Jesus told his disciples that he was pleased that there was an opportunity to display his power and help his disciples to believe wholeheartedly. Lazarus wasn't even aware that he was a player in God's plan, he just laid there dead, God didn't need Lazarus to do anything special in order for his plan to work.

As I live each day seeking to know God and his will for my life I know that God can use every circumstance for his glory, some times I am just there unawares that God is using me to bring others closer to him. If I am obedient to the truths that I learn each day as I am "digging the word" of God then I can be an influence on people that I won't ever be aware of.

Help me to live in obedience to your word Lord. I want to be used to bring glory to your name in the things that I do day to day that don't seem to be of much consequence.

You might like to read: Men of the Bible blog series.

Trying To Comfort A Friend?

Men of the Bible Series - I hope you know what you are doing.

Job 16:1-6  Then Job spoke again: “I have heard all this before. What miserable comforters you are! Won’t you ever stop blowing hot air? What makes you keep on talking?

I could say the same things if you were in my place. I could spout off criticism and shake my head at you. But if it were me, I would encourage you. I would try to take away your grief. Instead, I suffer if I defend myself, and I suffer no less if I refuse to speak.

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Job is in bad shape and is in great need of relief from the pain and mental anguish that he is enduring. So Eliphaz, Zophar and Bildad take Job on as a project, after-all they are smart men and they can probably see a problem in Job's life that he cannot see for himself.

The debate with Job and his friends about the suffering took the same line of thinking that debates commonly take, which is to accuse each others good sense, their wisdom, or their behavior. There must be something that God is holding over Job's head that Job is afraid to admit, we all know that those who are truly good are never entirely forsaken by God, so Job needs to confess and get on with the good life, right?

We do not understand why we have to live through such a broken world full of sin and suffering, we have to ask ourselves why God allows the madness to go on, our understanding is limited. The answers are not simple and we cannot insist that we are so in control of life that we should be able to fix all of our bad circumstances.

"Why is this happening to me? Why am I having such a difficult time? One answer is that life is supposed to be difficult! It’s what enables us to grow. Remember, earth is not heaven!"
-Rick Warren in The Purpose Driven Life

Lord, help us to remember that you are in control and that some of the things that bring pain are not things that we brought upon ourselves but they come from you for a greater purpose.

You might like to read: Men of the Bible blog series.

God Makes Us Right With Him

Men of the Bible Series - Boaz demonstrates redemption, a fore shadowing of Christ.

Men of the Bible Series

Ruth 2:1, 19  Now Naomi had a relative on her husband's side named Boaz. He was a prominent man of noble character from Elimelech's family.

19 Then her mother-in-law said to her, "Where did you gather barley today, and where did you work? May the LORD bless the man who noticed you."

Ruth told her mother-in-law about the men she had worked with and said, "The name of the man I worked with today is Boaz."

20 Then Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, "May he be blessed by the LORD, who has not forsaken his kindness to the living or the dead." Naomi continued, "The man is a close relative. He is one of our family redeemers."

Ruth 4:13-17  Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. When he was intimate with her, the Lord enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son. 14 Then the women said to Naomi, “Praise the Lord, who has not left you without a family redeemer today. May his name become well known in Israel. 15 He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. Indeed, your daughter-in-law, who loves you and is better to you than seven sons, has given birth to him.” 16 Naomi took the child, placed him on her lap, and took care of him. 17 The neighbor women said, “A son has been born to Naomi,” and they named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.

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Boaz was a "prominent man of noble character" during the time of Israel's histories when everybody was doing his own thing.Boaz was the wealthy landowner of Naomi's husband that died and left Naomi and Ruth to try to support themselves.

Ruth was not too proud to go into the field and do whatever was needed to make her way in a very harsh world. Boaz offered mercy and grace to Ruth, she was protected and she received more than any other woman did from gleaning the fields.

Boaz was second in line to be the "kinsman redeemer" he had no obligation to intervene on Ruth’s behalf, so it is with Christ. Boaz saw the plight of the poor widows and he came to their rescue just like Jesus did for each and everyone of us. Boaz pursued the opportunity to be the redeemer by striking a deal with the man that was first in line for the job. All of this generosity was bestowed on a foreigner of a country that Israel was fighting against, much like our us, we were God's enemy when he redeemed us.

Boaz married Ruth and became Obed’s father, David’s grandfather, and an ancestor of Christ our true redeemer.

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. 24 They are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.

Thank you Lord for your mercy and grace that you so freely give to people that are so against you.Thank you for making a way for me to have a relationship with you.

You might like to read: Men of the Bible blog series.

If God Tells You To Go Get A Giant, Go Do It

Men of the Bible Series - Caleb wholeheartedly followed the Lord

Numbers 14:6-9  Two of the men who had explored the land, Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, tore their clothing.

7 They said to all the people of Israel, “The land we traveled through and explored is a wonderful land! 8 And if the Lord is pleased with us, he will bring us safely into that land and give it to us. It is a rich land flowing with milk and honey. 9 Do not rebel against the Lord, and don’t be afraid of the people of the land. They are only helpless prey to us! They have no protection, but the Lord is with us! Don’t be afraid of them!”

Numbers 14:24, 36-38  But my servant Caleb has a different attitude than the others have. He has remained loyal to me, so I will bring him into the land he explored. His descendants will possess their full share of that land.

36 The ten men Moses had sent to explore the land, the ones who incited rebellion against the Lord with their bad report 37 were struck dead with a plague before the Lord. 38 Of the twelve who had explored the land, only Joshua and Caleb remained alive.

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Unbelievable! All of the people of Israel with the exception of Joshua and Caleb are daring to doubt God and his promise to give them the Promised Land. Caleb was chosen from the tribe of Judah to go spy out the land along with representatives from all of the other tribes.

Caleb believed without any hesitation (Numbers 32:12), without any consideration of the circumstances and conditions over in Canaan, his loyalty to the Lord was rewarded (Joshua 14:1-15) with good health when all of his peers were dying off and he received the portion of land that was promised to him.

I need to believe in God's promises the way that Caleb did. He knew that the people that were in the way of God's promise would not be there long if the nation of Israel would believe and be obedient. Faith requires me to look beyond the logical and believe what God has promised will happen.

Help me to look past my circumstances Lord and believe that you will come through for me.

You might like to read: Men of the Bible blog series.

Taking Care Of Your Family

Men of the Bible Series - Judah knew the value of family relationships.

Genesis 37:26 Judah said to his brothers, “What will we gain by killing our brother? His blood would just give us a guilty conscience. 27 Instead of hurting him, let’s sell him to those Ishmaelite traders. After all, he is our brother, our own flesh and blood!” And his brothers agreed.

Genesis 44:30 “And now, my lord, I cannot go back to my father without the boy. Our father’s life is bound up in the boy’s life. 31 If he sees that the boy is not with us, our father will die. We, your servants, will indeed be responsible for sending that grieving, white-haired man to his grave. 32 My lord, I guaranteed to my father that I would take care of the boy. I told him, ‘If I don’t bring him back to you, I will bear the blame forever.’

33 “So please, my lord, let me stay here as a slave instead of the boy, and let the boy return with his brothers. 34 For how can I return to my father if the boy is not with me? I couldn’t bear to see the anguish this would cause my father!”

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Just like all of the men of the Bible, Judah had his good moments and he had some times when he really messed up. Thankfully God can still use that kind of people, after-all that is the only kind of people that God has access to, if he didn't use imperfect people then he wouldn't have anybody to use.

Judah was the fourth son of Jacob by Leah, his aunt Rachel was his dad's favorite wife, the envy between his mom and his aunt probably made for a dysfunctional family. His dad Jacob had a bad habit of picking favorites, not only did he have a favorite wife but he also had a favorite son.

Jacob's favorite son was Joseph, the kid that had the best clothes, including a fancy coat. Joseph was annoying about it all too and his brothers couldn't stand it and wanted to kill him. Judah was the guy that saved Joseph and devised the plan that would send Joseph away.

Later in life Judah was sticking up for his family again. This time he begged to keep Benjamin out of slavery to Joseph who was now the top guy under the Pharaoh. Judah took charge in protecting his family and offered to be Joseph's slave instead of Benjamin. This protected Benjamin and it also served to protect his father Jacob as well since they feared that he would die if something happened to his youngest son.

Judah was not a perfect man (Genesis 38:1-30) and he came from a less than perfect family background but he always tried to protect his family and do what was best for them even to the point of offering himself as a slave instead of his little brother.

I need to look out for the best interest of my family at any cost. My wife and kids are my priority and God expects me to take care of them.

Lord, I pray that you will strengthen families, I pray that men will make a deliberate choice to put their families first.

You might like to read: Men of the Bible blog series.

Trouble Makers In The Body Of Christ

Men of the Bible Series - Achan's disobedience affected everybody.

Joshua 7:1-5, 10-11  But Israel violated the instructions about the things set apart for the Lord. A man named Achan had stolen some of these dedicated things, so the Lord was very angry with the Israelites. Achan was the son of Carmi, a descendant of Zimri son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah.

2 Joshua sent some of his men from Jericho to spy out the town of Ai, east of Bethel, near Beth-aven. 3 When they returned, they told Joshua, “There’s no need for all of us to go up there; it won’t take more than two or three thousand men to attack Ai. Since there are so few of them, don’t make all our people struggle to go up there.”

4 So approximately 3,000 warriors were sent, but they were soundly defeated. The men of Ai 5 chased the Israelites from the town gate as far as the quarries, and they killed about thirty-six who were retreating down the slope. The Israelites were paralyzed with fear at this turn of events, and their courage melted away.
10 But the Lord said to Joshua, “Get up! Why are you lying on your face like this? 11 Israel has sinned and broken my covenant! They have stolen some of the things that I commanded must be set apart for me. And they have not only stolen them but have lied about it and hidden the things among their own belongings.

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Second stop in the Promised Land, second military conquest, the Israelites have one win and one loss. What do you mean a loss?

It seems that somebody didn't listen when the Lord told Israel that all of the spoils of war at Jericho belonged to God. It was like the Lord was taking the first-fruits of the conquest of the land as an offering. Achan gave in to the temptation to take away just a small part of what belonged to God, what would it matter when Jericho was such a huge city full of riches, wouldn't God be okay with the 99.99% that was being left untouched?

James 1:12  God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. 13 And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. 14 Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. 15 These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.

God promises us the the crown of life, just one of the blessings that come to those of us that "patiently endure testing and temptation" and refuse to pick out our blessing here and there, whenever we see something we like. Achan wanted a taste of the riches of Jericho and because he gave into the temptation he missed out on all of the riches that God wanted to bestow on the nation of Israel.

Instead of his blessings the nation suffered defeat. We may think that we are islands in the body of Christ and that what we do isn't a big deal but that isn't anywhere near being true. The church is crippled and held back each time that a Christ follower falls down.

1 Corinthians 12:26  If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad.

The world sees our irresponsible behavior and they are hardened to the message that we have to share. Each failure that they see in the body of Christ is a stumbling block that needs to be hurdled in order for them to believe in the message that we have to share.

I need to be a messenger of the gospel that doesn't get in the way of the message. I need to live in obedience so that the world will not resist the gospel because of me.

Help me Lord to be a good example of what your grace can do in a persons life.

You might like to read: Men of the Bible blog series.