Builders and bullies

Today: Jeremiah 18-22

What are you building?

You may think this is a bizarre question if you're not handy with tools (personally, I haven't ever built anything...unless you count a gingerbread house). But I assure you--this question applies to us.

Every day we're building something--perhaps we're building the people around us, businesses, churches, savings, political causes, knowledge--you name it. Building any of these things can be positive, but as we've discussed in other posts, order matters to God.

In today's passage, He continued His discussion with Jeremiah and the people of Israel about their bad behavior. Let's review God's words here:

Doom to him who builds palaces but bullies people,

who makes a fine house but destroys lives,

Who cheats his workers and won't pay them for their work,

Who says, 'I'll build me an elaborate mansion with spacious rooms and fancy windows.

I'll bring in rare and expensive woods and the latest in interior decor.'

So, that makes you a king—living in a fancy palace?

Your father got along just fine, didn't he?

He did what was right and treated people fairly,

And things went well with him.

He stuck up for the down-and-out,

And things went well for Judah.

Isn't this what it means to know me?"

God's Decree!"

But you're blind and brainless.

All you think about is yourself,

Taking advantage of the weak,

bulldozing your way, bullying victims."

Yikes--these people seriously messed up. They thought they were building wealth and financial security, but they were doing it in a way that bulldozed over something much more important--other people.

It's important to point out that in this passage, God doesn't necessarily criticize wealth. When He talks about past leaders who lived correctly and treated people fairly, He said, "And things went well with him." I don't think God would have necessarily made that blanket statement about leaders who struggled financially, dealt with constant conflict, etc. Other parts of the Bible point to leaders God loved and blessed who were extremely wealthy (e.g. David, Solomon, Abraham).

However, when we are driven by greed and a self-promoting thirst for wealth or power, it's out of line with God's order. We become bullies--builders of own designs instead of building according to God's plans.

Consider what you're building, the order you're following and your motivation. If it's out of whack, the solution is simple: Go after God first with all you've got. The other stuff can follow that (see Matthew 6:33).

Tomorrow: Jeremiah 23-25

Open eyes

Today: 2 Kings 6-8

Have you ever looked at something but not really seen the whole picture?

I don't know about you, but I am totally grossed out by TV news stories that revel magnified views of sheets...teeming with bedbugs. Ewww! I know bedbugs are real, but do I need to see them? Particularly if there's not much I can do to prevent them? Most of the time, I see my sheets and not the bugs. For this I am thankful. :)

On the flip side, there are good things we totally don't see, either. Someone in your life may absolutely love you and you might not fully realize it. The coworker you've never "clicked" with may have some awesome qualities and talents that you overlook. And of course, God may be actively working in your life...but you might not see it.

In today's passage, I liked this short story about Elisha and his servant:

Early in the morning a servant of the Holy Man got up and went out.

Surprise! Horses and chariots surrounding the city!

The young man exclaimed, "Oh, master! What shall we do?"
He said, "Don't worry about it—

there are more on our side than on their side."
Then Elisha prayed, "O God, open his eyes and let him see."
The eyes of the young man were opened and he saw.

A wonder!

The whole mountainside full of horses and chariots of fire surrounding Elisha!

I love this--Elisha's servant saw the obvious--the enemy, but Elisha saw God's massive angel armies. When they prayed for open eyes, the servant also saw God at work.

Sometimes, if you want open eyes, you just have to ask--and make an effort. God is probably working in your life every single day--just look for everyday miracles. Your annoying co-worker probably does have some good qualities you have to be willing to look for them. But trust me--don't pray for open eyes to see bed bugs. :)

Tomorrow: 2 Kings 9-11

Plain listening

Today: 1 Samuel 15-17

It's entirely possible to do the right thing the wrong way or with the wrong heart--especially when you fail to listen.

Today's passage included a story about Saul that depicted this concept. God instructed Saul to completely wipe out an enemy. He specifically instructed Saul to leave no living thing. However, Saul kept the best livestock and let the king live. He said that he was planning to sacrifice the best livestock and wealth to God. Really?!? Here's how the prophet Samuel responded:

Then Samuel said,

Do you think all God wants are sacrifices—

empty rituals just for show?

He wants you to listen to him!

Plain listening is the thing,

not staging a lavish religious production.

Not doing what God tells you

is far worse than fooling around in the occult.

Getting self-important around God

is far worse than making deals with your dead ancestors.

Because you said No to God's command,

he says No to your kingship.

Saul tried to outplay God--which never works. It's not like God asked him for anything he wasn't capable of doing. God just wanted him to listen and obey. God's focus was on Saul's motives and his heart.

Tomorrow: 1 Samuel 18-20

Rejection and the A-list God

Today: 1 Samuel 4-8

Rejection is not fun. If you've ever "put yourself out there" to attend your dream college or land a dream job, girl/guy, role or home--only to be rejected--you know what I'm talking about.

I've had a few interesting conversations with friends over the years that touched on this topic. One time, I was with a small group of Christian guys and girls where some of the girls were lamenting, "What is it with Christian guys?!? They're surrounded by these incredible Christian women, but they just don't ask them out..."

"Guys hate rejection," one of the married guys spoke up.

His statement was simple, but in some ways took me by surprise...not because I hadn't heard or thought it before, but because the guy speaking was an A-list guy. You know who I'm talking about--a guy who is simultaneously committed to God, good looking, friendly, well-mannered, etc. This guy is probably one of those people who was always surrounded by packs of girls at school and church his entire life. When he said it, my first thought was, "You were once afraid of being hurt or rejected?!? Who in her right mind would turn you down?"

It sounded crazy. But today's passage describes a rejection even more tragic--God's people rejecting His leadership in their lives. Take a look:

They presented their case:

"Look, you're an old man,

and your sons aren't following in your footsteps.

Here's what we want you to do:

Appoint a king to rule us, just like everybody else."
When Samuel heard their demand—"Give us a king to rule us!"—

he was crushed.

How awful!

Samuel prayed to God.
God answered Samuel, "Go ahead and do what they're asking.

They are not rejecting you.

They've rejected me as their King.

From the day I brought them out of Egypt

until this very day they've been behaving like this,

leaving me for other gods.

And now they're doing it to you.

So let them have their own way..."

Who could be any more A-list than our God?

In fact, A-list doesn't even come close to describing Him--He's perfection itself. I don't think God fears our rejection, but I know that it hurts Him. God gave His everything to love us, to be with us for eternity. Yet sometimes we reject His leadership in pursuit of Z-list things--money, our selfish desires, bad habits, etc.

The rationale of the people in this passage was also really lame. They said, "Appoint a king to rule us just like everybody else." It's goofy logic, because ultimately, who really wants to be just like everybody else? Most of us want to live a life of significance. People who live significant lives don't follow the crowds. I believe that the best way to live a significant life is to embrace and surrender to God's leadership in your life.

Tomorrow: 1 Samuel 9-12

The poured-out heart

Today: 1 Samuel 1-3

Today's passage describes a few great stories from the life of Samuel. His "Here I am" moment with God is probably one of the most famous. But as I read today, the story that stood out to me was the story of Hannah, Samuel's mother. Hannah was unable to have a child and wanted one so badly. She prayed to God with such desperation that the priest, Eli, thought she was drunk. She replied, "The only thing I've been pouring out is my heart, pouring it out to God." Wow!

Her prayer is answered and Hannah gives birth to a son whom she dedicates to God. I loved her prayer at that moment and thought her words proclaiming God's strength and care might bring hope to anyone reading them:

I'm bursting with God-news!

I'm walking on air.

I'm laughing at my rivals.

I'm dancing my salvation.

Nothing and no one is holy like God,

no rock mountain like our God.

Don't dare talk pretentiously—

not a word of boasting, ever!

For God knows what's going on.

He takes the measure of everything that happens.

The weapons of the strong are smashed to pieces,

while the weak are infused with fresh strength.

The well-fed are out begging in the streets for crusts,

while the hungry are getting second helpings.

The barren woman has a houseful of children,

while the mother of many is bereft.

God brings death and God brings life,

brings down to the grave and raises up.

God brings poverty and God brings wealth;

he lowers, he also lifts up.

He puts poor people on their feet again;

he rekindles burned-out lives with fresh hope,

Restoring dignity and respect to their lives—

a place in the sun!

For the very structures of earth are God's;

he has laid out his operations on a firm foundation.

He protectively cares for his faithful friends, step by step,

but leaves the wicked to stumble in the dark.

No one makes it in this life by sheer muscle!

God's enemies will be blasted out of the sky,

crashed in a heap and burned.

God will set things right all over the earth,

he'll give strength to his king,

he'll set his anointed on top of the world!

Tomorrow: 1 Samuel 4-8

Positioned for blessing

Today: Ruth 1-4

Have you ever known somebody who seems continually blessed? Someone who seems to have good things continually come into their lives--and pour out of them, too?

I've known some of these people and at moments, others have labeled me as one of them, too. If you've ever been close to someone who lives a really blessed life, you'll know that it isn't always that way. Most people on this planet--even if they look like they have it all together--have been through some ugly stuff or have had to make some tough choices.

As I read today's passage about Ruth, I thought about her life, my life and the lives of people I know who appear to be continually blessed. Ruth was an absolutely incredible woman who faced tragedy. Her husband, father-in-law and brother-in-law all died while Ruth was young. But Ruth is remembered and recognized throughout the Bible as a blessed woman. She later married a successful man, had a child who became the grandfather of King David and eventually, Ruth's name is mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus Himself!

Why was she so blessed? I think the answer has to do with the way she positioned herself (which may sound strange). When I write that Ruth was positioned for blessing, I'm not talking about a position of power or some method of maneuvering herself closer to blessing. I think Ruth was blessed because of the positioning of her heart and her life to honor and serve others. Let me explain...

First, Ruth definitely wasn't powerful--she was a woman and a widow. By following her mother-in-law Naomi, Ruth left her country and became a foreigner in a strange land. It couldn't have been easy to leave behind the familiarity of her home to follow her mother-in-law, but Ruth was loyal. Unlike her sister-in-law, Orpah, Ruth didn't abandon Naomi in a desert and push Naomi (a grieving widow and mother herself) to travel alone. She loved Naomi and wanted to support her by working hard in a field to provide for them. She found favor with the owner. Take a look at this passage:

She dropped to her knees, then bowed her face to the ground.
"How does this happen that you should pick me out

and treat me so kindly—
me, a foreigner?"

Boaz answered her, "I've heard all about you—
heard about the way you treated your mother-in-law
after the death of her husband,
and how you left your father and mother and the land of your birth
and have come to live among a bunch of total strangers.
God reward you well for what you've done—
and with a generous bonus besides from God,
to whom you've come seeking protection under his wings."

She said, "Oh sir, such grace, such kindness—
I don't deserve it.
You've touched my heart, treated me like one of your own.
And I don't even belong here!"

Boaz noticed Ruth because of her hardworking spirit, but he had heard about her amazing heart.

There are a few other interesting examples of Ruth being positioned for blessing, sometimes literally. For example, by sticking close to the female workers at Boaz's field, she stayed safe and gleaned a lot of grain. By staying connected to Naomi and following her instructions, Ruth positioned herself to become Boaz's wife--literally sleeping at his feet (all dressed up and smelling pretty), which caused him to notice her--not just as a great worker, but as his potential bride. I love what Boaz said when he finally woke up (probably in more ways than one!):

He said, "God bless you, my dear daughter!
What a splendid expression of love!
And when you could have had your pick of any of the young men around.
And now, my dear daughter, don't you worry about a thing;
I'll do all you could want or ask.
Everybody in town knows what a courageous woman you are—
a real prize!

Interesting stuff, huh? Sometimes being blessed is about literal positioning--it's being at the right place in God's timing. If Ruth wouldn't have left Moab and followed Naomi, for example, she would have never met and married Boaz.

However (and I think it's more often this factor), being positioned for blessing often has a lot to do with how your heart is positioned. There are some Christians today who try to maneuver God's blessing--they think, "If I do X, then God will automatically bless me with Y." Maybe. But I think God's promises of blessing are SO MUCH BIGGER than an equation. God is smart enough to look not just at our actions, but at our motivation. Ruth's love, courage, loyalty, determination and wisdom didn't go unnoticed by Naomi, Boaz or God Himself. Perhaps she was positioned for blessing precisely because she wasn't trying to be--she was just being loving, courageous, loyal, determined and wise.

Tomorrow: 1 Samuel 1-3

Whatever

Today: Judges 19-21

Whatever.

It's probably one of the favorite words of junior highers dealing with teen angst. As a writer, I dislike the word "whatever." It's so vague. It could be so much...or absolutely nothing at all. Ugh!

But how many people are just doing "whatever"? I think it might be a natural instinct. Today's passage describes some pretty horrible and disturbing things (I'm not sure most people know that things like gang rape and a dead body chopped into tiny pieces are described in the Bible). The description at the end of the passage stuck with me:

At that time there was no king in Israel.

People did whatever they felt like doing.

Israel didn't have a government or a king, but in reality, the people did have someone leading them--God. But they rejected Him repeatedly and decided to do "whatever." They chose "whatever they felt like doing" instead of obedience. And it got really ugly.

As much as I dislike the word "whatever," I dislike the attitude. "Whatever" lacks passion, direction or purpose. It's empty and senseless. It's vile and aimless. Let's strive to end the "whatever" life and move our hearts with passion for God and purpose.

Tomorrow: Ruth

Samson and the other woman...not Delilah

Today: Judges 13-15

If you've ever heard about Samson from the Bible, you've probably heard his name linked to a woman named Delilah. They have a pretty famous juicy romance story (we'll read about it later). But before Delilah, Samson was actually married to another woman.

I've read Samson's story before, but I had forgotten this part. As I read today's passage, it was interesting to think about Samson's life and some of the lessons he perhaps could have learned that perhaps could have spared him some heartaches and headaches.

In some ways, it's kind of refreshing to read about a guy who had God's favor and blessing on his life...but who was also a real man with real struggles. From what I can tell, Samson was a sucker for pretty girls with manipulative charm/claws. Samson's God-fearing parents actually questioned his choice for a bride. They said:

"Isn't there a woman among the girls

in the neighborhood of our people?

Do you have to go get a wife from the uncircumcised Philistines?"

I like their wording--there's a difference (beyond age) between a woman and the girls (or a man and the guys). Their main concern, though, was the fact that the Philistines were not God-honoring people. They worshipped idols.

Samson's response to his parents?

"Get her for me. She's the one I want— she's the right one."

His rationale is interesting given the context of this passage and the context of his culture. At the beginning of the passage, you'll see that Samson's parents actually were visited by the angel of the LORD (who some theologians actually believe was God Himself) who instructed them to raise Samson in a special, set apart way to dedicate his life to God. They obeyed. They were good parents in a culture where children were instructed to obey their parents (hello, ten commandments!). That's why I think Samson's response is odd. He completely dismisses his parents' advice and doesn't even cite God's direction for his decision.

Samson's unnamed Philistine wife turns out to be more loyal to her people than to him. She deceives him into losing a big bet and then turns around and marries his best man (while Samson believes she's still married to him). It sounds totally crazy. You'd think that if that happened to someone, they'd work really hard to avoid a repeat occurrence. And who knows? Maybe Samson did try to avoid a repeat...but famously, he ended up being deceived by another godless and manipulative woman.

As I read this, I thought about a few different take-aways for us. The first one is similar to something I wrote earlier this week--despite Samson's mistakes, God forgave him and stuck with him. Secondly, I wonder if Samson's life could have been different if he had learned from his early experience with the unnamed Philistine girl. Would he have been seduced by Delilah later? Would he have jeopardized his commitment to God?

I don't know the answers to those last two questions. Nobody's perfect. But living by faith sometimes means getting up when you fall and trusting God to guide you in a different direction.

Tomorrow: Judges 16-18

When God takes trouble to heart

Today: Judges 10-12

Have you ever been around drama people? I'm not talking about people who have a love for Shakespeare or Andrew Lloyd Webber--but people who have rollercoaster emotions and relationships?

Thankfully, I haven't been closely tied to many of them. But if you've ever watched a few minutes of a daytime talkshow or "The Bachelor," you probably know what I'm talking about. As I've read the book of Judges, I feel like I'm watching some drama people--God's people. Throughout Judges and even today's passage, they go through a continuous cycle--disobeying and denying God, crying out in desperation and asking for forgiveness, and then returning to God...for awhile anyway. Take a look at this part of the passage:

Then the Ammonites crossed the Jordan to go to war

also against Judah, Benjamin, and Ephraim.

Israel was in a bad way!
The People of Israel cried out to God for help:

"We've sinned against you! We left our God and worshiped the Baal gods!"
God answered the People of Israel:

"When the Egyptians, Amorites, Ammonites, Philistines, Sidonians—

even Amalek and Midian!—oppressed you

and you cried out to me for help,

I saved you from them.

And now you've gone off and betrayed me,

worshiping other gods.

I'm not saving you anymore.

Go ahead! Cry out for help to the gods you've chosen—

let them get you out of the mess you're in!"
The People of Israel said to God: "We've sinned.

Do to us whatever you think best, but please, get us out of this!"
Then they cleaned house of the foreign gods and

worshiped only God.

And God took Israel's troubles to heart...

I love the last line of this, "And God took Israel's troubles to heart..." Wow. I think God's response to the people is so amazing. Time and time again, He forgave them and took them back after multiple betrayals.

It's exactly like He forgives me every single day when I mess up, when I put other things or other people first, when my motives and attitudes are bad, when I'm a jerk to the people around me....and so many other things. When I simply ask Him for forgiveness and try to turn in a better direction, He takes me back and loves me unconditionally--as if I never messed up in the first place. And when things in my life are messed up--even due to my own missteps--He takes my troubles to heart, just as He did with the Israelites. That kind of love is so amazing that I can't fully comprehend it. I wish that more people had a glimpse of that kind of love--the real kind.

Tomorrow: Judges 13-15

God sees

Today: Judges 8-9

I think I've probably talked about it on this blog before, but my parents used to tell us, "The truth always comes out." I used to think that it was a tactic to "scare" us into telling the truth. Maybe. But as I've gotten older, I think the statement is actually freeing...because when I believe, "The truth will always come out," I don't feel like the injustice or evil things I see in society go unnoticed. I know that God sees it, too--and that someday, the good will be rewarded and the evil will face justice.

In today's passage, we read about a pretty evil guy named Abimelech who massacred his own family in a quest for power. But at the end of the passage, God (once again) used a woman to fatally injure an evil militant--and God "avenged the evil Abimelech had done to his father."

We don't always see God's justice. But it's refreshing to me to know that He always sees us. God sees all the good and bad things that happen on this planet--and ultimately, brings evil to justice. However, we all sin at times--and because of the love, grace and sacrifice of Jesus, we can be forgiven for our sin--and experience a different kind of justice, the justice of being justified by Christ. This means that when we believe in Him and ask for forgiveness, He sees us just as if we never sinned. Wow. It's incredible to think that a just God would do that for us. But He does.

Tomorrow: Judges 10-12

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