Here's your sign...

Today: Judges 6-7

Signs. They're all around us--everything from "STOP" to "Do not disturb" and "Yield." Some people won't do anything without a sign--they have to read the directions or a goofy horoscope to plan their lives. Some people are in constant state of waiting for signs from God. To be totally honest, I wouldn't care if God smacked my Mr. Right in the face and said, "Dude! Wake up! Don't you get that she's pretty stinkin' amazing inside and out?!?" (Yeah, sometimes God talks surfer-style.) :)

Signs can definitely be helpful. However, I think sometimes we totally miss them...or use them as an excuse to avoid action. (Case in point: If my Mr. Right is waiting for an actual smackdown and surfer chat with God, then he may never get the chance to even date me.)

In today's passage, we read about Gideon. (Sigh.) Gideon was an amazing guy...but he was definitely sign-dependent. Let's review Gideon's first conversation with God:

The angel of God appeared to him and said,
"God is with you, O mighty warrior!"

Gideon replied, "With me, my master?
If God is with us, why has all this happened to us?
Where are all the miracle-wonders
our parents and grandparents told us about, telling us,
'Didn't God deliver us from Egypt?'
The fact is, God has nothing to do with us—
he has turned us over to Midian."

But God faced him directly:
"Go in this strength that is yours.
Save Israel from Midian. Haven't I just sent you?"

Gideon said to him,

"Me, my master? How and with what could I ever save Israel?
Look at me. My clan's the weakest in Manasseh and I'm the runt of the litter."

God said to him, "I'll be with you.
Believe me, you'll defeat Midian as one man."

Gideon said, "If you're serious about this, do me a favor:
Give me a sign to back up what you're telling me..."

Interesting stuff. Gideon kept talking to God and asking Him for signs and wonders...without acknowledging the amazing fact that God was talking to him and promising to be with him! Wasn't that a sign in itself? Shouldn't it have inspired Gideon's wonder?

It's a good thing for Gideon that I'm not God. I might have given him a smackdown (and surfer talk to top it off!). The real God was amazingly patient and loving. I love His words to Gideon, "Go in the strength that is yours." God didn't want Gideon to downplay his own strength--or the fact that God would be with him. (Sound familiar? Check out yesterday's passage and post about another warrior named Barak.) God in His amazing grace also gave Gideon all the signs he asked for...and an extra bonus sign he didn't even request (Judges 7:13-15).

It's almost as if God was saying to Gideon (and to us), "Here's your sign...are you paying attention?"

P.S. BONUS! I found this old blog post I wrote a few years ago that also touches on Gideon's story...and thought you might enjoy. (See: "Hi. It's me--God. Are you listening?")

Tomorrow: Judges 8-9

The not-so-desperate housewives

Today: Judges 3-5

Sometimes God uses the most ordinary people to do the most extraordinary things. In today's passage, he used two women I'm referring to as the not-so-desperate housewives. Their names were Deborah and Jael. One ruled a nation and the other killed a mighty warrior, to be exact.

What makes them extraordinary?

Think about it. Even in 2010, how many women are leaders of their countries? Not many. Think back through history to a time well before Jesus walked the planet. I'm sure it was very, very, very rare. Most of the time, women were treated as second-class citizens. However, Deborah was a leader--a judge governing Israel. To top it off, she was also a spiritual leader, a prophet. I'm guessing that she was a pretty incredible chick because she was very well respected by a guy named Barak. Barak was a military leader (a pretty strong guy in his own right!). But when Deborah told Barak that God wanted him go into battle, Barak said:

"If you go with me, I'll go.

But if you don't go with me, I won't go."

Honestly, I don't know if Barak's words indicate more about his lack of confidence in himself (or even God?) or if they are more indicative of his great respect for Deborah. It's probably a combination of all three factors. One thing's for sure: Deborah was extraordinary. God talked to her and through her--and events transpired just as she said:

She said, "Of course I'll go with you.

But understand that with an attitude like that,

there'll be no glory in it for you.

God will use a woman's hand to take care of Sisera (the enemy)."

Enter Jael. She was a housewife--an incredibly smart woman who used her power and her kindness to capture and kill an evil warrior. She invited him into her home, gave him milk and a place to lay down his head--and then proceeded to nail a tent peg through it while he slept! Wow! To be honest, it sounds like a scene from the show "24" (one of my favorites). It would be equivalent to an American housewife wooing Osama bin Laden with hospitality--and then killing him in his sleep. Can you imagine?!? Jael had courage and guts. She used what she had to help God's people.

I've dubbed these women the not-so-desperate housewives because they were confident--in God and in the smarts He gave them. Unlike military leader Barak, they didn't downplay their strengths or God's.

I pray that I can have even a fraction of that confidence. If we all walked in that kind of courage, what extraordinary things could God do with our lives? And what could be the impact on the people around us?

Tomorrow: Judges 6-7

The generation gap

Today: Judges 1-2

As reluctant as we are to (sometimes) admit it, most of us inherit traits from others. Perhaps you've inherited your mom's sense of direction and your dad's sense of humor. Maybe you and your best friend share the same catchphrases. Possibly you've inherited passion for coffee from a former colleague or college roommate. And you're probably wearing clothes with style that didn't start with you--your style may have been influenced by a magazine, a commercial, a rockstar or fashion from the past (hello, leggings...).

Have you ever thought about how your faith in God (or lack thereof) has been influenced by others?

My parents, for example, didn't know much about God until they were in their mid-twenties. Both of them had encounters with religious people growing up. My dad went to Catholic mass off and on until his father passed away (when my dad was seven). My mom's family never attended any kind of church regularly. However, after her parents divorced and things were tight financially, she remembers visits from Mormons who reached out to help her mom.

It wasn't until they were in their mid-twenties that they really heard what it meant to have a personal relationship with God. They didn't know how much Jesus loved them--and that He gave His life to save them. They didn't know they could talk to Him directly and expect Him to listen. And before meeting a great co-worker and friend, they didn't know that a Christian could be normal--and actually fun to be around.

But what would have happened if they chose not to go to church? What if they didn't read the Bible? What if they raised my sisters and I with a parenting style that said, "Our kids can believe whatever they want to believe. Their faith is their choice..."?

The short answer? We wouldn't know God. We wouldn't know anything about His love.

That would have been a sad story, but it's happened many times throughout history. Today's passage describes Joshua's death and the death of his generation. Read on:

Eventually that entire generation died and was buried.
Then another generation grew up
that didn't know anything of God
or the work he had done for Israel.
The People of Israel did evil in God's sight:
they served Baal-gods;
they deserted God,
the God of their parents
who had led them out of Egypt;
they took up with other gods,
gods of the peoples around them.
They actually worshiped them!
And oh, how they angered God...

This is a really tragic passage because it describes a huge generation gap. The generation that witnessed God's miracles--the parting of the Red Sea, the Exodus from Egypt and tumbling the massive walls of Jericho--failed to pass on a legacy. They didn't help the kids of the next generation know anything about God...or more importantly, to just know God.

Interesting stuff. This post isn't just about parenting. It's about sharing God's love with people--so that they know He cares about them. You don't have to physically have a child to do that. You can influence others in your generation and those younger, too.

A generation gap is an epic fail. Close the gap. Live out God's love so that it's clear and obvious to the world around you.

Tomorrow: Judges 3-5

With everything

Today: Joshua 22-24

"...Love God, your God,

walk in all his ways,

do what he's commanded,

embrace him,

serve him

with everything

you are and have."

Tomorrow: Judges 1-2

Follow through

Today: Joshua 19-21

I wouldn't describe myself as a sporty girl, but thanks to 20+ years of living with a guy (my Dad) who watches every sport--from football (duh!) to bowling (huh?)--I've learned a few things.

First, I've learned that talking to a television is completely acceptable. Players and referees have this sixth sense for hearing feedback from the fans...or at least Dad thinks they do. I've also learned that Dad is pretty much smarter than any player or coach at any sport. If they all played his way, they'd win. Of course I know what a touchdown and a birdie are...but I still have no idea what defines a third down or why football players who can't hug other guys can slap each other's bums. :)

Seriously, one thing I learned from watching sports (or absorbing the commentary through osmosis) is that follow through is important. Sportscasters will go on and on analyzing the follow through of a great golfer, pitcher or quarterback.

But have you ever thought about God's follow through style? Or your own?

In today's chapters, more of God's people received their portions of the Promised Land. I loved the end of the passage and the summary here:

And so God gave Israel the entire land

that he had solemnly vowed to give to their ancestors.

They took possession of it and made themselves at home in it.

And God gave them rest on all sides,

as he had also solemnly vowed to their ancestors.

Not a single one of their enemies was able to stand up to them—

God handed over all their enemies to them.
Not one word failed

from all the good words

God spoke

to the house of Israel.

Everything came out right.

Tomorrow: Joshua 22-24

And...action!

Today: Joshua 16-18

Imagine a movie director. He stands in a studio before several actors, a lighting crew, camera operators and stagehands. The set is quiet and he says, "Lights! Camera!"

And that's all.

Could he make an Oscar-winning movie that way? Probably not. Because the crew and the actors need a simple word to start a scene, "Action!"

In yesterday's passage, we talked about the importance of "scoping out the land"--the act of getting a vision in mind (hopefully, something aligned with God's purpose). Having a dream is great, but it won't become reality without some action.

I like what Joshua said to the People of Israel in this passage:

"How long are you going to sit around on your hands,

putting off taking possession of the land that God,

the God of your ancestors, has given you?..."

Ouch! Interesting, right? In these verses, Joshua is saying that God actually gave the people the land, but his implication is that they need to take some action to possess it.

I realize that sounds basic, but I wonder how often scenes like this happen in the real world?

For example, I wonder how many jobs God has waiting for people...that they simply don't apply for? I wonder how many single Ms. Rights may be out there for single guys...who just don't sum up the courage to ask them out? I wonder how many churches offer life-changing teaching from the Bible...but have empty pews because people simply don't take the simple action to show up regularly?

Having a vision is great. But at some point, you usually have to move to make it happen--even though God may have already paved your way and provided the answers to your prayers.

Tomorrow: Joshua 19-21

Scope out the land

Today: Joshua 12-15

Have you ever stood on something really tall--a mountain or a big building--and scoped out the land around you?

It's pretty incredible to see things from a different perspective. In this passage, there are a few references to scoping out land--God's people have conquered new territory and Joshua is actually distributing it to the various tribes and families. It may seem a bit dry at first compared to some passages...but think about its significance. It could be the equivalent of getting a lump sum check handed to you for retirement after 40 years of working...only the check doesn't represent money you saved or earned, but a gift promised to you and your family years ago. The moment you hold the check in your hands seems brief, but it represents so much to your life and what you've been waiting for.

Specifically, I really liked reading Caleb's words in this passage where he talks about his original trip to scope out the land:

"...I was forty years old

when Moses the servant of God sent me from Kadesh Barnea to spy out the land.

And I brought back an honest and accurate report.

My companions who went with me discouraged the people,

but I stuck to my guns, totally with God, my God.

That was the day that Moses solemnly promised,

'The land on which your feet have walked will be your inheritance,

you and your children's, forever. Yes, you have lived totally for God.'

Now look at me: God has kept me alive, as he promised.

It is now forty-five years since God spoke this word to Moses,

years in which Israel wandered in the wilderness.

And here I am today, eighty-five years old!

I'm as strong as I was the day Moses sent me out.

I'm as strong as ever in battle, whether coming or going.

So give me this hill country that God promised me.

You yourself heard the report, that the Anakim were there with their great fortress cities.

If God goes with me, I will drive them out, just as God said."

Wow. What an incredible story! (How many 85-year old warriors do you know?) Caleb's words illustrate God's faithfulness. I love his confidence in God and his commitment to Him.

I wonder what "scoping out the land" looks like in my life? In your life? Don't be afraid to dream about possibilities. It might seem overwhelming--there could be major hurdles or giant obstacles in your path (hopefully not literal giants like Caleb and Joshua saw!), but God's bigger than those obstacles. Instead of just scoping out land, someday you might actually live in it like Caleb--you might see a dream come true. But it starts with seeing things from a different perspective--God's perspective--and asking for His help.


(Psst...if you'd like to read more of my thoughts and God's Word about Caleb, check out this retro post called "Super Sidekicks" from my former blog. I remembered it today and thought you might enjoy it.)

Tomorrow: Joshua 16-18

When God's got your back

Today: Joshua 9-11

How do you know you have a true friend?

It's not always obvious. But I think a true friend makes you laugh. True friends listen. They give you the advice you need to hear (even when it might not be the advice you want to hear). A true friend will help you move. If they're capable, they might help you put together IKEA furniture or paint. A true friend will pray with you and for you. If you need something...from a good hair stylist to a new job...a true friend will try to connect you to a solution. A true friend will encourage you. And a true friend has your back.

Don't you love it when you know someone has your back? What if that someone was God Himself?

Today's chapters described many (sometimes gory!) battles and regions that God's people conquered...only with His help. It's interesting to read about God's role in the process. Take a look:

God threw them into total confusion before Israel,
a major victory at Gibeon.
Israel chased them along the ridge to Beth Horon
and fought them all the way down to Azekah and Makkedah.
As they ran from the People of Israel, down from the Beth Horon ridge
and all the way to Azekah,
God pitched huge stones on them out of the sky and many died.
More died from the hailstones than the People of Israel killed with the sword.
The day God gave the Amorites up to Israel,
Joshua spoke to God, with all Israel listening:
"Stop, Sun, over Gibeon;
Halt, Moon, over Aijalon Valley."
And Sun stopped,
Moon stood stock still
Until he defeated his enemies... The sun stopped in its tracks in mid sky; just sat there all day.
There's never been a day like that before or since—
God took orders from a human voice!
Truly, God fought for Israel.

This passage sounds a bit brutal, but I think the premise that "God fought for Israel" is interesting. He didn't just leave His people on their own to fight in the middle of a desert. No--He actively participated in helping them along the way. He intervened and miraculously helped them defeat their enemies.

You and I may never be called by God to fight a real war, but every day we face our own battles. Maybe you're fighting against sin or fear. Perhaps you're fighting to find a new job. You might be having a tough time finishing your education. You may just have to fight temptation or apathy to keep your marriage strong.

Whatever you're fighting, don't fight alone--you don't have to. God can and will fight with you against things that are evil and/or against His will for your life. He wants you to win. So go ahead and ask for some help!

Tomorrow: Joshua 12-15

Just do it

Today: Joshua 5-8

Sometimes we overcomplicate the things that are most obvious. We miss the mountains and put a microscope on the molehills. Why is that?

I think we all periodically need a kick back to the basics--like Nike's famous, "Just do it" campaign.

Faith is one of the things people may overcomplicate the most. In the New Testament, Jesus encouraged people to have faith like children. He told them that even faith as small as a mustard seed could move mountains. In today's passage, I liked Joshua's words here:

"...God says it,

you do it.

Go to it."

It almost sounds like Joshua could have managed Nike's ad campaign, right?

I thought today's chapters were interesting because they illustrated several examples of what happens when people follow and disobey God. A guy named Achan definitely heard God's instructions to leave the riches of Jericho undisturbed, but he thought he could outwit God and disobeyed, hiding gold and silver in his house. His disobedience and deception destroyed his life.

On the flip side, God's people listened to His instructions for conquering the city of Jericho. When you read the instructions at first, some of them seem kind of strange (March around a city while playing some musical instruments? On the seventh day, march seven times and yell really loud when instructed?). However, the people listened, God performed a miracle and they conquered a city.

The moral of these stories?

When God say it,

just do it.

Go to it.

Tomorrow: Joshua 9-11

Be strong

Today: Joshua 1-4

(Love, love, love God's message to Joshua in today's passage. So instead of my comments, I thought it would best to focus on these words...and hopefully they'll encourage you like they encouraged me today.)

In the same way I was with Moses,

I'll be with you.

I won't give up on you; I won't leave you.

Strength! Courage!

You are going to lead

this people to inherit the land that

I promised

to give their ancestors.

Give it everything you have, heart and soul.

Make sure you carry out

The Revelation that Moses commanded you, every bit of it.

Don't get off track, either left or right,

so as to make sure you get to where you're going.

And don't for a minute let this Book of The Revelation be out of mind.

Ponder and meditate on it day and night,

making sure you practice everything written in it.

Then you'll get where you're going;

then you'll succeed.

Haven't I commanded you?

Strength! Courage!

Don't be timid; don't get discouraged.

God, your God, is with you every step you take."

Tomorrow: Joshua 5-8

Home

Today: Deuteronomy 32-34

Home. It's such a nice word isn't it?

In my Facebook status today, I wrote, "After a draining day, it's nice to come home to a happy dog and leftovers from The Cheesecake Factory (baja chicken tacos--mmm)." :)

One of my friends then asked me about work and why it's stressful lately. Although work is admittedly a stressor (employed or not, most of America would agree with that point), my original post was more focused on the feeling of home. After I answered her question (as much as I can in a public forum!), my reply focused on that feeling. I wrote, "I absolutely LOVE the sigh of relief in my heart when I open the door to my home and feel like I can breathe again. A girl with good taste in shoes and sparkles said it well, 'There's no place like home...'"

I don't know about you, but I've had the feeling of home when I'm not actually at my house. I've had it when chatting with great friends who just "get" me (and hopefully vice versa)--you know, the people you can laugh and cry with (but mostly laugh like crazy). I've felt at home when I've walked on the campus of a university. I've even felt the feeling of home at work before. I've definitely felt at home during moments of worship at church. I've felt home when walking down a quiet tree-lined road while it's snowing. And I've definitely had the feeling of home on a sunny beach. :)

Have you ever thought about being "home" to God?

That may sound like a totally weird question. But in today's passage, Moses described a group of people (the tribe of Benjamin) in similar terms. Check it out:

Benjamin:

"God's beloved;

God's permanent residence.

Encircled by God all day long,

within whom God is at home."

Wow! Wouldn't you like to be described that way? That sounds pretty amazing to me. I don't know what it was exactly about the tribe of Benjamin that made God feel like they were His home, but I do have some guesses, based mainly on qualities that make me feel at home with people.

I would guess that first, the people wanted Him to be with them (which sounds really basic, but the feeling of home comes only when someone feels welcome). They trusted Him. They talked with Him in a way that was honest. They listened. They LOVED God. They knew Him well enough to know His heart.

I don't think God would just make His home in a group of people thousands of years ago and stop wanting to do so again. If we want God to feel at home in us, maybe we should try to live some of the things listed above. What are other ways we can make God feel at home in us?

Tomorrow: Joshua 1-4

Right there

Today: Deuteronomy 30-31

Have you ever read a book or seen a movie that made you want to scream at the lead character, "Don't you see it?!? You're looking for something/someone that's RIGHT THERE in front of you!"

Have you ever been the person that had your answer RIGHT THERE the whole time?

Most of the time we recognize it only in hindsight. But as I read today's passage, I thought about how God wants us to see some key things in our lives that are RIGHT THERE all the time. Let's review a few sections from Moses' continued message to the Israelites:

This commandment that I'm commanding you today

isn't too much for you, it's not out of your reach.

It's not on a high mountain—

you don't have to get mountaineers to climb the peak

and bring it down to your level and explain it before you can live it.

And it's not across the ocean—

you don't have to send sailors out to get it, bring it back, and then explain it

before you can live it.

No.

The word is right here and now—

as near as the tongue in your mouth,

as near as the heart in your chest.

Just do it!

Look at what I've done for you today:

I've placed in front of you

Life and Good

Death and Evil...

"Be strong. Take courage. Don't be intimidated.

Don't give them a second thought because
God, your God, is striding ahead of you.

He's right there with you.

He won't let you down; he won't leave you..."

...Then God commanded Joshua son of Nun saying,

"Be strong. Take courage.

You will lead the People of Israel into the land I promised to give them.

And I'll be right there with you."

I love that God promises to stay with His people and to give them (and us) commandments that are accessible. This means that the answers, love and everything we need is RIGHT THERE in front of us.

Tomorrow: Deuteronomy 32-34

Blessings and curses

Today: Deuteronomy 28-29

Have you ever been cursed? Have you ever been blessed? What's the difference?

I know that these may be kind of strange questions, but in today's passage, Moses outlined blessings and curses for the Israelites tied to their obedience (or disobedience) to God. Here's an interesting part of the passage about curses:

God will send The Curse, The Confusion, The Contrariness

down on everything you try to do

until you've been destroyed and there's nothing left of you—

all because of your evil pursuits that led you to abandon me.
God will infect you with The Disease,

wiping you right off the land that you're going in to possess.
God will set consumption and fever and rash

and seizures and dehydration and blight and jaundice on you.

They'll hunt you down until they kill you.

Okay, I know this sounds pretty morbid (at least I didn't copy the text about cannibalism!), but a few things tied to this curse stood out to me--confusion and consumption. I think those two things really define the existence of may people in our world who don't have God--or even Christians who have forgotten what it means to really know and follow Him. If people don't grasp who God is and the fact that He has a purpose for their lives, it makes almost every part of life confusing. If they don't find contentment and hope in Him, they look for it in things or ideas--they become consumed with consuming so much that it becomes an unfillable void.

On the flip side, I love what this passage says about the blessings for those who live in obedience to God:

If you listen obediently to the Voice of God, your God,

and heartily obey all his commandments that I command you today,

God, your God, will place you on high,

high above all the nations of the world.

All these blessings will come down on you

and spread out beyond you because you have responded

to the Voice of God, your God:

God's blessing inside the city,

God's blessing in the country;

God's blessing on your children,

the crops of your land,

the young of your livestock,

the calves of your herds,

the lambs of your flocks.

God's blessing on your basket and bread bowl;

God's blessing in your coming in,

God's blessing in your going out...

Tomorrow: Deuteronomy 30-31

Business ethics

Today: Deuteronomy 24-27

Business ethics have been a big topic in the news lately, particularly in my current industry--financial services. Most people have heard about Bernie Madoff, an investor who took millions
of dollars and swindled people out of their life's savings. You may have also heard about Lloyd Blankfein, CEO of Goldman Sachs, who reportedly said that his company is "doing God's work." Really?!? I think most of America would beg to differ.

The stories of these two men makes me wonder, "How does someone get to a place where they think these attitudes and actions are okay?"

The answer? Slowly. I think most deception (including self deception) starts "small." We delude ourselves into thinking, "Well, this is actually good for the company and most of society" or "I deserve this." But truth is truth--and sooner or later, it always comes to light.

In today's passage (another one with mostly Old Testament laws), I found this excerpt on business ethics interesting in light of our culture:

Don't carry around with you two weights,

one heavy and the other light,

and don't keep two measures at hand,

one large and the other small.

Use only one weight,

a true and honest weight, and one measure,

a true and honest measure,

so that you will live a long time on the land that God, your God,

is giving you.

Dishonest weights and measures are an abomination to God, your God—

all this corruption in business deals!

As a bit of background, I think most of the Israelites paid for things (and were compensated themselves) by weight. For example, if a farmer grew wheat, people paid him by the weight purchased. If a wheat farmer had a faulty scale, he could overcharge his customers...without their knowledge. This passage is encouraging business people (like our hypothetical wheat farmer) to be fair--to use measurements that are accurate, so that customers have a fair understanding of what they're buying and actually get what they pay for.

Did you notice that the verses mentioned two scales--one heavy and one light? I wonder if that has something to do with favoritism. For example, sometimes we may be too light on ourselves, our friends, our families or just people we like versus the heavy measures we may use to judge others we don't like or know as well. I like that this passage encourages fair and honest measures for everyone.

In the words of Martin Luther King, Jr. who we're celebrating today, "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."

Like Dr. King, I dream that we will live in a world where my children will not be judged by their color, gender, age, economic status or nationality. I dream that they will be judged by the content of their character--and that character will shine full of the love and light of Jesus. I hope that their hearts will be guided by God's heart, that they will live lives that honor Him--in their homes, jobs and communities.

Thank you, Dr. King!

Tomorrow: Deuteronomy 28-29

A promise is a promise

Today: Deuteronomy 21-23

Have you ever had a flaky friend? You know, the one who repeatedly backs out of plans at the last minute? The one who promises to help you with something--but never follows through?

I think most of us have had a flaky friend or been a flaky friend at times. Have you ever flaked out on God?

I like what today's passage said here:

When you make a vow to God, your God, don't put off keeping it;

God, your God, expects you to keep it and if you don't you're guilty...

If you say you're going to do something, do it.

Keep the vow you willingly vowed to God, your God.

You promised it, so do it.

God always follows through on His promises to us. Let's try to keep our commitments to Him.

One of these things is not like the other...

Today: Deuteronomy 17-20

"Stop trying to fit in when you were born to stand out," is a quote I remember from somewhere* that ties in to today's passage.

In these verses, Moses is trying to prepare God's people to enter the Promised Land--a land where they will meet and conquer people with different religions. Let's recap what Moses said:

When you enter the land that God, your God, is giving you,

don't take on the abominable ways of life of the nations there.

Don't you dare sacrifice your son or daughter in the fire.

Don't practice divination, sorcery, fortunetelling, witchery,

casting spells, holding séances, or channeling with the dead.

People who do these things are an abomination to God.

It's because of just such abominable practices that God,

your God, is driving these nations out before you.
Be completely loyal to God, your God.

These nations that you're about to run out of the country

consort with sorcerers and witches.

But not you. God, your God, forbids it.

In this passage, Moses instructs the people to be loyal to God--to not take up the religions and wackadoo spirituality (which even included human sacrifice!) of others.

I thought this passage was interesting in light of our current culture. Many people who claim to believe in God also believe in things (psychics, New Age philosophy, nature is God, etc.) that is completely contradictory to this message and other teaching in the Bible.

Perhaps it's because they don't know what the Bible says. Maybe it's because they don't really know much about who God is and His heart for us to love Him exclusively (to be loyal, to not put other gods before Him, to love Him with all our hearts, minds and souls). I believe part of the problem, though, is that many people who claim to love God are too afraid to stand up for Him. They don't want to appear narrow-minded, ignorant or judgmental. But in the process, they water down their core beliefs. They send mixed messages about God and about faith to friends, family members and acquaintances. They become lukewarm and ineffective--it's as if they are dimmer switches carrying the light of God.

Why do we try so hard to fit in when we're born to stand out? Why would we hide the light, the love, the wisdom of knowing and serving God?

Tomorrow: Deuteronomy 21-23

The heart of generosity

Today: Deuteronomy 14-16

It's amazing to me how the worst of times can sometimes bring out the best in people.

I was reminded of that this week when I watched reports about Haiti and America's involvement. Often, America is criticized around the world for its military or a tendency to "butt in" to world affairs. Yet, in this crisis (and others), America is one of the first countries to respond. The American military has provided critical security, air traffic control, medical support and supplies. Our government has pledged over $100 million to help the people of Haiti (significantly more than most). Even former political foes like former presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush have come together to help raise money.

I'm NOT saying that America is better than other countries--but I would argue that the United States is one of the most generous nations on the planet. The current crisis in Haiti illustrates the heart of my country and its people--to give to those in need.

Take a look at what today's passage said about generosity:

Give freely and spontaneously.

Don't have a stingy heart.

The way you handle matters like this triggers God, your God's,

blessing in everything you do, all your work and ventures.

There are always going to be poor and needy people among you.

So I command you: Always be generous,

open purse and hands,

give to your neighbors in trouble,

your poor and hurting neighbors.

Here are a things I think we can take away from these verses:

• First and foremost, generosity isn't about money--it's about your heart: The first part of these verses (and actually, the verses that precede them) address the importance of avoiding a stingy, selfish attitude.
  
• But if you're going to have an "open purse" [ or for my male readers, wallet or "murse" :) ], you need tangible resources: I'm not saying here that to give to others, you need to be a bazillionaire. But I am saying that you can't give what you don't have. To be generous, I think you need to first manage your own finances well--following basic concepts like "don't spend more than you make." For some people, this concept may be freeing--God doesn't judge or reward your generosity by the amount you give, but by level of sacrifice and your attitude.
  
• God wants to bless those who bless others: It may seem strange, but when you give to others, you are often blessed back. Sometimes, the blessings come back tangibly--but at other times, you're blessed back with things money can't buy (e.g. a better attitude, joy, peace, etc.).
  
• Look for those who are poor or hurting: Often when we think of the poor and hurting, we picture those who are financially desperate or physically hurt. They definitely need our help. However, there are people who are poor and hurting who may be in the middle or upper classes. They may have poor relationships or self esteem. They may be emotionally scarred or depressed. Don't underestimate their needs--or your opportunity to "shine a light" and help them. Sometimes it doesn't take a word--you may help someone else by just listening or being there to care.
  
• There are always opportunities to be generous: Sadly, there is no shortage of people in need or good causes that need your support. Look for opportunities to be generous. You may not be able to give money to every great cause, but you may be able to give your time, smile or prayers to help someone in need. Just do it.

Tomorrow: Deuteronomy 17-20

Shaken from the status quo

Today: Deuteronomy 11-13

I've heard it said that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting a different result. I don't know if that fully captures it, but there's probably some truth in the statement. Sometimes we need to be stop the insanity--sometimes we need to be shaken out of the status quo.

Have you ever felt like you were spinning your wheels? Waiting on the world to change (as John Mayer would say)?

I have. I thought these verses in today's passage--Moses' instructions to the Israelites before entering the Promised Land--were very interesting:

Don't continue doing things the way we're doing them at present,

each of us doing as we wish.

Until now you haven't arrived at the goal,

the resting place, the inheritance that God, your God, is giving you.

I think there could be a few ways to interpret these statements. One possibility? When we do things the way we want to--the status quo comfortable way--we may not get to our goal. This interpretation falls in line with the definition of insanity above.

Another way to look at these verses? The way you do things before you reach a goal isn't the way you should act when you arrive at your goal. You're in a phase or stage--and that means it's time for an adjustment in attitude or behavior.

I think another key part of these verses deals with the "each of us doing as we wish" part. Life isn't always about doing things the way we want--ideally, it's about first submitting to what God wants for our lives. The verses that follow are instructing the people to follow God's directions for worshipping Him (in terms of place, offerings and attitudes).

Similar to the last point, sometimes God calls us to sacrifice what we want for the benefit of others. I was reminded of this when I watched the "Today" show this morning. There I was, in my own bathroom, deciding what to wear from a full walk-in closet (that I don't even have to share at the moment!), drying my hair and putting on make-up while I watch a gut-wrenching report about the massive devastation in Haiti. It was a huge contrast--me in America with every possible convenience and a young woman in Haiti bleeding and screaming on the street. Wow. I can't say that I love teary-eyed mornings watching the news before work, but sometimes they're necessary. The story didn't just move my emotions, it moved me to act. Being shaken from your status quo can be a beautiful thing.

Tomorrow: Deuteronomy 14-16

Remember the road

Today: Deuteronomy 8-10

I've never been a fan of cheesy inspirational posters. You know, the kind with a picture of a country road and big type at the bottom that says something like "Vision." Typically, I also avoid cliche inspirational comparisons like, "Life is a journey." However, perhaps some things are cliche because they communicate ideas in way most people can tangibly relate to.

If I were to describe life as a journey, I would say that sometimes the road has serious potholes--the kind you can drive over in a small car (like my faithful-since-college Ford Focus) and wonder, "How did I not lose my tire in that?" The road of your life may have some fatal collisions, traffic, dead possums and dog poo (did I really just type that?!?). However, it might also have kind drivers who help you change your flat tire on the side of the road in the rain. It may have police officers who help you navigate some rough spots. Sometimes you might be in the carpool lane with some pretty amazing people. And at times, it may feel like you're driving in the sun on a freshly paved expressway with nothing holding you back.

Do you ever take time to remember the road--and reflect on how you got to where you're at today?

In today's passage, Moses repeatedly encouraged the Israelites to "remember the road." More specifically, he instructed them to remember God's intervention, provision and miracles along their journey through the desert. Let's refresh by taking a peek at these verses:

Remember every road that God led you on

for those forty years in the wilderness,

pushing you to your limits, testing you so that he would know what you were made of,

whether you would keep his commandments or not.

He put you through hard times. He made you go hungry.

Then he fed you with manna, something neither you nor your parents knew anything about,

so you would learn that men and women don't live by bread only;

we live by every word that comes from God's mouth.

Your clothes didn't wear out and your feet didn't blister those forty years.

You learned deep in your heart

that God disciplines you in the same ways a father disciplines his child.

So it's paramount that you keep the commandments of God, your God,

walk down the roads he shows you and reverently respect him...

And here's a different part of the passage:

...So now Israel, what do you think God expects from you?

Just this: Live in his presence in holy reverence,

follow the road he sets out for you,

love him, serve God, your God, with everything you have in you,

obey the commandments and regulations of God

that I'm commanding you today—

live a good life.

Sound familiar? This passage ties closely to some of the other themes in recent passages (see my blog site for the last few if you're interested). In these chapters, God (via Moses' message) isn't just encouraging the people to remember the roads they've been on--He encouraged them to remember His miraculous faithfulness, guidance and correction. I believe this instruction isn't about focusing on the past, but learning from it--it's about turning away from mistakes, living in obedience and most importantly, trusting in God all along the way. And you don't even need a cheesy poster to do that. :)

Tomorrow: Deuteronomy 11-13

The good life

Today: Deuteronomy 5-7

When you picture "the good life," what you see?

At the beginning of each new year, many people start dreaming about what that good life means to them. They believe life will be good when they finally lose weight, find a new job, meet Mr. or Ms. Right, raise amazing kids, and/or win the lottery.

I wonder how many people aiming for the good life start by saying, "I'd like to be more obedient"?

Most people don't aspire to be more obedient, but according to today's passage, obedience can sometimes be a precursor to a good life. Take a look at Moses' message to the Israelites:

Listen obediently, Israel.

Do what you're told so that you'll have a good life,

a life of abundance and bounty, just as God promised,

in a land abounding in milk and honey.
Attention, Israel!

God, our God! God the one and only!
Love God, your God, with your whole heart:

love him with all that's in you, love him with all you've got!
Write these commandments that I've given you today on your hearts.

Get them inside of you and then get them inside your children.

Talk about them wherever you are,

sitting at home or walking in the street;

talk about them from the time you get up in the morning

to when you fall into bed at night.

Tie them on your hands and foreheads as a reminder;

inscribe them on the doorposts of your homes and on your city gates.

Love, love, love this passage!

I should be clear and say that I don't think "the good life" discussed here always includes Scrooge McDuck-style piles of money (I'm showing my generation. If you've never heard of Ducktales or Scrooge McDuck, I don't know if we can be friends...just kidding of course!), love, beauty, health, etc. A life of obedience to God could lead to some of those things, but more importantly, I think it leads to a healthier heart. A life of obedience leads to things like peace, joy, compassion, integrity, character, honesty--the qualities really worth aspiring toward.

Best of all, a life of obedience to God strengthens your relationship with Him. It's an approach not based on "What can I get from God?", but rather "The God who loves me so much deserves my everything--I want to give Him all I've got. I'll start by trusting Him enough to obey His instruction."

When we dream of the good life, let's consider what it really means--and how obedience to God can help us live it.

Tomorrow: Deuteronomy 8-10

The Bachelor and the wandering heart

Today: Deuteronomy 3-4

This is my most dramatic post ever...

Okay, maybe not. But I am going to talk about a television show that regularly uses similar phrases. Can you guess? That's right, dear readers and friends--today we're going to talk about "The Bachelor."

One bachelor + twenty-five beautiful bachelorettes = A ton of drama. I don't know what it is about the show, but periodically, "The Bachelor" sucks me in. Maybe it's because I love people--and the show is all about interesting people (some are pretty funny, actually!) put in interesting situations? Or maybe it's the drama of one person with so many choices...or on the flip side, the idea of being one person chosen from among the many options?

As fascinating as it is (sometimes), I actually dislike the show at its core. My matter-of-fact sister may have put her finger on it when she said, "The Bachelor's concept is fatally flawed. One guy with 25 girlfriends does not a monogamous husband make."

Of course, I laughed when she said it. But I think she's probably right (with perhaps a few very rare exceptions). The best relationships are based on trust--and how can you honestly trust someone who "has strong feelings," dates or kisses 24 other people while simultaneously "falling in love" with you?

That said, I think being the Bachelor or the Bachelorette would be tough, too. Call me a little bit traditional, but instead of having 25 great options, I'd rather have the clear choice of one AMAZING guy who completely ignored or forgot about all the other choices available to him. I'd rather have that amazing guy decide to choose, pursue and love me first (and preferably, not in front of millions of viewers!).

Believe it or not, I thought about "The Bachelor" when I read today's passage. In these chapters, Moses is still in the midst of his message to the Israelites (what I referred to yesterday as the Cliffs Notes summary of their journey through the desert). Take a look at this part:

What other great nation has gods that are intimate with them

the way God, our God, is with us, always ready to listen to us?

And what other great nation has rules and regulations

as good and fair as this Revelation that I'm setting before you today?
Just make sure you stay alert.

Keep close watch over yourselves.

Don't forget anything of what you've seen.

Don't let your heart wander off.

Stay vigilant as long as you live.

Teach what you've seen and heard to your children and grandchildren.

The line, "Don't let your heart wander off" grabbed me today. Ultimately, God's greatest desire (and commandment) is that we would love Him with all of our hearts, minds and souls. But like the Bachelor, our hearts are often tempted to wander...to other things or people, the gods of our world.

Why would we choose other options, when the very best--God Himself--has clearly chosen and loved us first?

It sounds crazy, but it happens. This passage calls God jealous--not because He's mean-spirited, but because He deeply loves us (with the purest kind of love that totally surpasses romantic love). Still, our hearts wander...to money, other people, jobs, habits, ourselves, sports, music, false spirituality...you name it. Whenever your heart wanders, remember this:

But even there, if you seek God, your God,

you'll be able to find him if you're serious,

looking for him with your whole heart and soul.

When troubles come and all these awful things happen to you,

in future days you will come back to God,

your God, and listen obediently to what he says.

God, your God, is above all a compassionate God.

Tomorrow: Deuteronomy 5-7

God in the Cliffs Notes

Today: Deuteronomy 1-2

Through most of my academic career, I refused to use Cliffs Notes. And then I had to read Crime and Punishment (a fitting title!). I read the entire book, but the Cliffs Notes helped me capture the gist of it and review the key elements before testing.

Have you ever wondered what the Cliffs Notes of your life will look like?

In the whole span of your life, what at the key moments, days and milestones that will mark your history--or at least the Cliffs Notes version?

In today's passage, Moses gave a sermon to the Israelites that I saw as the Cliffs Notes version of their time in the desert. There were several great and several terrible moments in the message. But God was present through it all. I particularly liked this section describing Moses' response to the 12 spies who first viewed the Promised Land:

I tried to relieve your fears: "Don't be terrified of them.

God, your God, is leading the way;

he's fighting for you.

You saw with your own eyes what he did for you in Egypt;

you saw what he did in the wilderness, how God,

your God, carried you as a father carries his child,

carried you the whole way until you arrived here.

But now that you're here, you won't trust God, your God—

this same God who goes ahead of you in your travels

to scout out a place to pitch camp,

a fire by night and a cloud by day to show you the way to go."

I love what Moses was doing here--reminding the people of God's faithfulness in their own lives. We all need those reminders periodically! God is always there, but in certain moments, we doubt Him.

I hope that in the Cliffs Notes version of my life, there is more faith than fear, less doubt and more trust--because someday, I want people to see God in those Cliffs Notes.

Tomorrow: Deuteronomy 3-4

God's neighborhood

Today: Numbers 35-36

"It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood..."

If you're like me, those words remind you of a childhood favorite. That's right, ladies and gentlemen--I'm talking about the great Mr. Rogers!

When I was little, Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood was mesmerizing. When Mr. Rogers looked at the camera and spoke directly, I felt like he was talking to me. It was like...magic. He knew I was watching and listening to his every word. (All right, maybe not. It felt that way, though!)

Mr. Rogers' neighborhood was a wonderful place. Do you ever wonder what God's neighborhood is like? Would you be surprised if it looked a lot like yours?

If you're really confused right now, I don't blame you. Take a look at a verse from today's passage:

"Don't desecrate the land in which you live.

I live here, too—

I, God, live in the same neighborhood

with the People of Israel."

Hmm...interesting, huh? Heaven is definitely God's homebase (so to speak), but He's also omnipresent (He can be anywhere and everywhere at once). That means that He may be right where you're at.

In context, His instruction to refrain from desecrating the land was an instruction for the people to avoid the pollution of sin (namely, murder).

If God really lived in your neighborhood--or even in your home--would you do some things differently? Would the atmosphere change? What would the relationships in your family or community look like?

He may be there right now as your best neighbor. What can you do to stop any pollution in the environment?

Tomorrow: Deuteronomy 1-2

Preparing for the Promise

Today: Numbers 33-34

"Don't count your chickens before they hatch."

It's a famous saying, but is it the best approach to life?

Based on this passage and some life experience, I'd argue that it's not. If you have hope, faith or a dream, you have to have hope, faith or a dream for (or in) something...a picture of the eggs before they hatch, if you will. In the best case scenarios, the picture you have is a God-given picture (like Abraham's "count the stars" moment we read about awhile ago). Even though the picture isn't yet real, it can help propel your life in a different direction.

In today's passage, God instructed Moses to divide up the Promised Land...before the Israelites had even conquered it! He gave them clear guidance on the borders of the land and appointed leaders to manage the land distribution. The people were well prepared to occupy the Promised Land before it was officially theirs.

Is there a promise that you can prepare for? A God-given picture that you can not only pray for, but plan for? Go ahead...start counting those stars. They're better than chickens anyway.

Tomorrow: Numbers 35-36

When sin is a stalker

Today: Numbers 31-32

When my sisters and I were growing up, our parents always encouraged us to be honest and open with them by saying things like, "The truth always comes out." At moments while growing up, I thought it was a Christian parent's way of saying, "I have eyes in the back of my head."

But I think they were right: The truth always comes out...eventually. If it doesn't happen on this planet, God knows the truth and, for better or worse, it will come out in heaven.

In today's passage, Moses had an interesting discussion with a few tribal leaders who wanted to settle outside the Promised Land...but promised to fight and help the rest of God's people take possession of it. Here's what Moses said to them:

"If you do what you say,

take up arms before God for battle and together go across the Jordan ready,

before God, to fight until God has cleaned his enemies out of the land,

then when the land is secure

you will have fulfilled your duty to God and Israel.

Then this land will be yours to keep before God.
"But if you don't do what you say,

you will be sinning against God;

you can be sure that your sin will track you down.

So, go ahead. Build towns for your families and corrals for your livestock.

Do what you said you'd do."

Moses' words saying, "...your sin will track you down" are interesting. It's makes me think of sin as a stalker--a type of ninja detective on the hunt to capture people. Although through Christ's forgiveness, we can be free from the sin's eternal consequences (e.g. we can escape Hell), I think sin's ability to track people down does impact Christians.

One of the primary reasons is because there are natural consequences for sin. For example, if I lie to my parents, God still loves me and forgives me, but my parents may be hurt and have a hard time trusting me. If you had an addiction to drugs, God may still have a place for you in heaven, but you might have to overcome some challenges (rehab, relationship issues, physical effects) as a result of that addiction.

Another reason the stalker nature of sin impacts Christians? Guilt. I've met some people who carry guilt from sin they were involved in years ago. They asked God for forgiveness and He forgave them and forgot that sin even existed, but they continue to live in a guilty kind of fear, stalked by their past mistakes. I believe God would say to these people, "Shame off you!"

Lastly, sin can stalk our lives by throwing temptations at us. Luckily, we all have the power to say no to those temptations and/or we can try to avoid them entirely.

Although sin may be a stalker, it's important to know that for those who simply believe in Him and accept the gift of salvation, Jesus overcame the eternal consequences of our sin once and for all. And to top it off, He can help us to fight against sin and its power over our everyday lives--if we simply ask Him for help. God can help us walk in freedom and wisdom, doing our best to make decisions and live in a way that honors Him. We'll never be perfect, but at least we can try to knock out our stalker. I'm off to practice ninja moves... :)

Tomorrow: Numbers 33-34

Offerings, vows and building a (gingerbread) house

Today: Numbers 28-30

A few weeks ago, I built a house--a gingerbread house, to be exact. Before the project started, I gathered a bunch of materials to decorate the house. I was looking forward to showing some skills in creating a cool, polished gingerbread house to rival my friends/competitors...but I had some major construction issues.

It took me awhile to figure out how the pieces of the house fit together. I wanted to rush through the (boring) construction phase and get to the fun part...decorating! But the roof of my house had other ideas... :)

Unlike many of my friends, I decided to be Ms. Independent and build and decorate the house by myself--not a good idea either. Going solo took longer and was definitely more difficult than partnering up with someone else. .

When I read today's passage and opened my laptop tonight, I wasn't sure what to write about--offerings? Or vows? Then I remembered my gingerbread house building project and the importance of understanding how things fit together.

It's not an accident that this passage talks about offerings and vows--both of them involve making and keeping promises. Offerings and vows both require giving and a level of sacrifice. And offerings and vows are both about partnership. Let me explain a bit...

In terms of offerings, God promised protection and blessing to His people for giving offerings. I think today sometimes we think about that promise of blessing in monetary terms--and to some extent, I think that's okay. In my own life, I've seen God bless me financially as I remain obedient and faithful in giving (I have a few pretty cool stories...but maybe I'll save them for later). However, God's promises of blessings extend WAY beyond finances. Sometimes we may not recognize or even know about the non-monetary blessings of God, but I know He brings them into our lives, partly because of our obedience (and partly because He's just full of grace and love). Giving offerings is something that we do as an act of obedience and worship...but it also signifies a partnership with God. When I give, I'm in essence saying to God, "I recognize that I'm NOT Ms. Independent who can do everything by herself. I need You. You provide everything--life, salvation, a job, a home, everything--to me. Thank you!"

Likewise, a vow is a promise by definition. God takes vows and promises seriously, as evidenced by this passage. Any kind of vow requires giving--whether it's a couple pledging to love each other forever at their wedding or a lender giving money to help someone buy a home. Vows can't be made in isolation--they require partnership with another person, organization or with God Himself.

I learned about understanding how things fit together and the importance of having a good team while reading this passage and building a gingerbread house. Next year, I'll be better equipped to understand how my gingerbread house should fit together and plan ahead to choose a partner. Hopefully, as I continue this project and life in general, I'll also get better at understanding how things fit together and instead of trying to tackle things on my own, I want to recognize the importance of trusting God and people along the way.

Tomorrow: Numbers 31-32

Passing the torch

Today: Numbers 26-27

Can you believe the winter Olympics are starting soon? This time around, they'll be in my other home city--Vancouver (a few of my friends actually get to see some of the Games live--I'm a little jealous, actually, I won't lie here...). :)

One thing that always symbolizes the Olympics is the torch. Before the Games, the torch begins its journey in Greece until it finds it way all to the site of the Olympics. "Passing the torch" is a tradition that happens with the Olympics, but it also happens in our lives. Parents "pass the torch" of their values and family history to their children. Teachers "pass the torch" of knowledge to their students. And mentors "pass the torch" when they share wisdom that helps us grow--so that we can eventually lead and mentor others.

Today's passage included a "passing of the torch," when Moses ended his time leading the Israelites and God chose Joshua to lead the next generation.

God placed His Spirit in Joshua and asked Moses to take Joshua to the high priest and publicly introduce Joshua to the people as their leader--using his authority to "pass the torch" in a way that set up his successor for the job. God specifically indicated that as the leader, Joshua should listen to the prayerful advice of the high priest.

I wonder how Moses felt in the moment? I mean, he was the guy who God used to free the Israelites and lead them through a desert for 40 years! Yet Moses did NOT get to lead Israel into the Promised Land because of a serious mistake (see "Missing the Promise"). However, the moment was probably bittersweet because Joshua was one of Moses' most trusted leaders--a guy who had been with him from the beginning and held him up (literally at moments). Though passing the torch may not have been easy, Moses did it God's way...with class.

Tomorrow: Numbers 28-30

Guts to choose God's side

Today: Numbers 23-25

I think a lot of people picture Christians as kind of...wimpy. If you ever see a Christian portrayed in a movie or TV show, they usually seem to be pale, frail or just plain weird around people. That's sad.

I'm hoping that this generation will start to change some of the stereotypes because if there's one thing Christians shouldn't be, it's wimpy. It takes some real guts to choose God's side--and people with guts are usually NOT blah. They're leaders. They're straightforward. And they're interesting.

Take Balaam in today's passage, for example. Yesterday, he was the guy who heard from a donkey (definitely interesting!)...and from God, too. In today's passage, he had some major guts to stand up to a guy named Balak who asked him to curse the Israelites (God's people). I LOVE Balaam's responses to Balak. Here are a few of the cool things he said:

"...How can I curse whom God has not cursed?

How can I damn who God has not damned?..."

"Does he (God) not speak and do what he says?

Does he promise and not come through?"

"Didn't I tell you earlier: 'All God speaks and only what he speaks, I speak'?"

"Didn't I tell you upfront when you sent your emissaries,

'Even if Balak gave me his palace stuffed with silver and gold,

I couldn't do anything on my own, whether good or bad,

that went against God's command'?"

Balaam was a guy with guts--I kind of like him, don't you? Some of the things he said put him in a tough spot with Balak, a powerful man who actually threatened him. Choosing God's side takes guts at times, but it's always the right thing to do--you always win!

Tomorrow: Numbers 26-27

When a donkey talks, it's time to listen

Today: Numbers 21-22

If you have animals, you've probably talked to them at some point (it's okay to admit it--you've probably at least tried to teach them commands). But what would you do if one day, your pet talked back? What if it wasn't just one word at a time like a parrot (believe it or not, I actually had a talking parrot at one point in time!), but what if your pet engaged with you in conversation?

I'd seriously freak out--or feel like I suddenly landed in the middle of a Disney movie and just start singing back. :)

Joking aside, a talking Harley (my other--canine--roommate) would definitely get my attention. In today's passage, God actually made a donkey talk to get the attention of Balaam, a prophet.

Balaam was on his way to meet up with some guys who summoned him and asked him to put a curse on the Israelites (God's people). When Balaam's donkey backed off from the road (as donkeys sometimes do) and refused to move forward toward the meeting, Balaam beat the donkey three times. The donkey talked back and wasn't exactly thrilled about the beating. God opened Balaam's eyes to see why the donkey was backing off from the road--an angel of the Lord was standing in her way. Here's what it says:

God's angel said to him:

"Why have you beaten your poor donkey these three times?

I have come here to block your way

because you're getting way ahead of yourself.

The donkey saw me and turned away from me these three times.

If she hadn't, I would have killed you by this time, but not the donkey.

I would have let her off."
Balaam said to God's angel,

"I have sinned.

I had no idea you were standing in the road blocking my way..."

When I read that today, I had a "whoa" moment. Here are a few of the things I thought as I read this story:

1. God can really use anything to speak to us. If He used an ass, He can certainly use a friend, church, book, television show, child, blog post...anything!

2. Don't beat the messengers in your life...they might be doing God's work. Balaam beat his trusted donkey three times and said to God later, "I had no idea you were standing in the road blocking my way..." Particularly if your "messengers" are people you generally trust and respect (perhaps close friends, parents, mentors, leaders, etc.), they likely have your best interest at heart. Don't shrug off their advice, feedback or constructive criticism. Most of time, I think you can even learn something from people you don't even like or trust (including "what NOT to do").

3. God's not a genie. He doesn't always answer with "yes"--and sometimes, that's to our benefit. Especially today, I think there are a lot of modern Christians (myself included at times) who believe that if God loves them, everything they need and want will happen. Not true. God promises to always love us and meet our needs--but He does not promise to grant every wish instantaneously. I've seen what looks like "no" or negative answers from God--things like layoffs, serious illness or even death--turn into beautiful things that He used to move people into better circumstances (e.g. better jobs, miracle healing) or to bring them closer to Him.

4. "Blockades" aren't always from the Devil or simple obstacles you need to find a detour around. This point is kind of in line with my third observation. Sometimes we see things as obstacles when really, they are meant as gates to block us from hurting ourselves or others. Sometimes blockades are there for reasons we don't understand--and may be there to push us in totally different, God-led directions. For example, imagine an unemployed person getting a "no" for a job at a great company. The "no" might seem like a blockade, but maybe it's because something totally different and truly in line with the person's purpose is waiting ahead. Sometimes this truth can only be found in hindsight--but think about "blockades" that helped push you in the right direction before. It happens.

5. Blockades aren't always permanent. In Balaam's case, God used the blockade to get his attention, but then allowed Balaam to proceed into the city. Sometimes God calls us to remain patient before bulldozing ahead toward something we're not ready for yet (hello, single people who have charged ahead into bad relationships...).

If there's one thing I want to leave you with today it's this: When a donkey talks, it's time to listen.

Tomorrow: Numbers 23-25

Missing the Promise

Today: Numbers 18-20

Some of the most tragic stories are those of people who get inches away from their dreams...and just barely miss. Why does that happen? Sometimes, there's no way to explain it. And other times--perhaps the most tragic--it's because of one bad choice.

In today's passage, we read such a tragic story: why Moses and Aaron missed out on the Promised Land. Here's what it said:

God spoke to Moses: "Take the staff.

Assemble the community, you and your brother Aaron.

Speak to that rock that's right in front of them and it will give water.

You will bring water out of the rock for them;

congregation and cattle will both drink."
Moses took the staff away from God's presence, as commanded.

He and Aaron rounded up the whole congregation in front of the rock.

Moses spoke: "Listen, rebels! Do we have to bring water out of this rock for you?"
With that Moses raised his arm and slammed his staff against the rock—once, twice. Water poured out. Congregation and cattle drank.
God said to Moses and Aaron,

"Because you didn't trust me,

didn't treat me with holy reverence in front of the People of Israel,

you two aren't going to lead this company into the land that I am giving them."

This story is fairly short. We don't get to read much about what happened. But I think there may have been a few reasons why God's punishment for Moses and Aaron was so severe. Here are my guesses:

1. At a very basic level, they disobeyed. They didn't speak to the rock--Moses slammed his staff into the rock to get the water.

2. Moses acted out of anger toward the people, allowing his emotions to overtake God's graciousness toward them.

3. Moses took credit. He said, "...Do we have to bring water out of this rock for you?" That's A LOT different than, "God has shown mercy and will provide water for you, just as He continually provides for all your needs." By taking the credit and acting out of anger, Moses showed a lack of trust in God's provision, God's wisdom and God's sovereignty to govern His people.

Those are my guesses...but my thinking isn't God's thinking, either. I imagine that perhaps God was disappointed in His two strongest leaders who, after knowing Him and serving Him many years still didn't "quite get it." At the time, Moses and Aaron were acting as God's voice to His people...but in this situation, they chose to use their own voices. They missed the Promised Land because they missed the point--listening to God and leading His way--by giving undeserved and unmerited favor (grace) to others.

Tomorrow: Numbers 21-22

Leadership lesson on repeat

Today: Numbers 16-17

It's both weird...and expected...that lessons of the Bible sometimes feel like they're stuck on "Repeat." I think that happens in real life with God, too. The challenge is that we can quickly forget the lessons He's already taught us. A few days (and chapters) ago, we learned a lesson about leadership and dealing with conflict (see "Leadership and Leprosy").

Today's chapters focused on a similar theme. Several hundred Levites (tribe chosen to be the priests and serve in God's House) challenged the authority of Moses and Aaron. Here's Moses' response:

Moses continued with Korah, "Listen well now, sons of Levi.

Isn't it enough

for you that the God of Israel

has selected you

out of the congregation of Israel

to bring you near him to serve

in the ministries of The Dwelling of God,

and to stand before the congregation to minister to them?

He has brought you and all your brother Levites into his inner circle,

and now you're grasping for the priesthood, too.

It's God you've ganged up against, not us.

What do you have against Aaron that you're bad-mouthing him?"

It was interesting to see a deja vu problem in this passage compared to what happened with Moses, Aaron and Miriam in the chapters we read a few days ago. We already talked about how conflict (particularly between leaders) should be handled...so I thought it would be interesting to make a few other observations today:

1. This time, Aaron's authority was challenged. In the last situation, Aaron was one of the people challenging authority and this time, he's the one being disrespected. I can almost hear Justin Timberlake singing, "What goes around, goes around, goes around, comes all the way back around..." I don't think the fact that the challenge was also directed at Aaron was a coincidence--there may have been a Biblical principle of "sowing and reaping" ("you reap what you sow") at work.

2. The consequences were steeper. This time, over 14,000 people died from two catastrophes (what sounds like an earthquake and a plague) as a result of the uprising. The consequences might have been steeper because more people were involved in planning the revolt...and perhaps they should have learned from the incident with Miriam and leprosy.

3. The "repeat" of this leadership lesson is found in other parts of Scripture. For example, Satan and the demons were once angels who challenged God's authority.

I think the best way to close this post is with a few questions (for me, too!). What lessons have you seen on "Repeat" in your life? How can you effectively remember the lessons--and potentially avoid some "Repeat" testing?

Tomorrow: Numbers 18-20

The Crazy in Hope Perspective

Today: Numbers 14-15

It's New Year's Eve--and perhaps this year more than others, I've heard people talk about hope. Right now (after a day and evening out), I'm listening to Carson Daly in Times Square talk about hope (even though it's after 1:00 AM my time and the glittery ball dropped in NYC four hours ago!). It was interesting to hear Carson and his guests talk about the things people hope for--health, jobs, prosperity, love, peace. And it was interesting to hear them talk about the things and people that give them hope--stock market stability, a significant other, President Obama, possible health care reform...you name it.

I'm a hope-filled person (I've written about being Crazy in Hope before, actually). I think it's great to hope for the things listed above. It's even okay to have hopes in leaders we admire, people we love or institutions we believe in. However, ultimately, many of those people or institutions will let us down or fail to live up to our expectations.

That's why being really Crazy in Hope means putting your hope in God and what He wants. It may seem totally crazy to people around you, but I think it makes the most sense--putting your hope in the One who knows everything and is all-powerful (even though you can't see Him) beats putting your hope in the stock market or your boss (you see them, but you know they can let you down). Take a look at what Joshua and Caleb said in this passage:

"The land we walked through and scouted out

is a very good land—very good indeed.

If God is pleased with us,

he will lead us into that land,

a land that flows, as they say, with milk and honey.

And he'll give it to us.

Just don't rebel against God!

And don't be afraid of those people.

Why, we'll have them for lunch!

They have no protection

and God is on our side.

Don't be afraid of them!"

My prayer for you and me this year? Hope continually in God. Live a life of love under His leadership. FORGET FEAR. Remember faith. Walk in freedom.

I believe it's possible...here's to a happy, hope-filled new year.

Tomorrow: Numbers 16-17