Scripture:
Exodus 14:15 “Then the Lord said to moses, ‘Why are you crying out to me? Tell the people to get moving!’”
Observation:
I can hardly bare to type the phrase that comes to mind given its horrible misuse against the poor, but, none-the-less, this scripture reminds me “God helps those who helps themselves.” In fact, ironically, I think I’d find it more accurate if it were “God helps those who cry out to him.” I guess you just can’t put God in a box.
Moses turned to God as the Egyptian army approached his people, and despite God questioning his inaction, he gave Moses the direction that, presumably, he didn’t have before.
Prayer:
Well Lord … kids were up early again this morning. I can’t do this with them up. Please help them sleep later.
Scripture:
1 Chronicles 4:10 “Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.”
Observation:
Today’s reading in Psalms reminded me of this verse which I read again yesterday in The Hole in Our Gospel.
Application:
I need my territory enlarged. My circle of influence and area of affect are too small. The opportunities I have to interact with pre-believers is rare and limited. My interaction with the poor is limited to smiling at the ones standing on street corners as I drive by. I don’t really know what to do, but also know that it needs to be something.
Prayer:
Lord, please enlarge my territory; help me see where you want me to be.
Scripture:
*Psalm 111:10 “Reverence for the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom. The rewards of wisdom come to all who obey him.”
Observation:
I recently read an article about Don Johnson, Mr. Miami Vice, witnessing a real crime take place and, without even thinking, he chased the guy down, tackled him, and held him until the police got there. He’s acted himself into instinctual reaction to crime. This psalmist makes this related promise: You can obey yourself into God’s wisdom. Am I seeking wisdom? If so, I should obey God’s commands.
Application:
It can be hard to follow without understanding. Often, it’s not even a wise course to take. When it comes to God though, I can trust His direction. Regardless of the situation, and regardless of my understanding, following the Lord’s precepts will lead me down the path of life, and toward wisdom. Hopefully as a result from making this decision, the next time I, or someone I love, is faced with the same situation, I can provide context for the right course of action.
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for laying out the path to wisdom, to understanding and seeing you clearly. Please remind me of your Word, and then help me follow you.
*I really enjoy the NLT – I have the first version – one that was ultimately rewritten in response to some criticism of interpretation. More and more I understand why. The above verse is interpreted differently enough by other versions that I almost chose a different verse. Ultimately, this is what spoke to me the most.
Scripture:
Ezekiel 14:13-14 “Suppose the people of a country were to sin against me, and I lifted my fist to crush them… Even if Noah, Daniel, and Job were there, their righteousness would save no one but themselves.”
Observation:
It is not enough to be righteous. How can I have true passion for God if I don’t also share His passions – his people. If I say I love God, but I don’t love people, I’m a liar. To that end, I must be a servant, and I must be an evangelist. It’s interesting – so often we think of “evangelism” as a gift … to some point it is, but even then, only inasmuch as is the gift of zeal and passion for God. Everyone, whenever they are genuinely excited about something, is more than happy to share. In addition to the fullness that Christ brings in life – we ought to be further encouraged by knowing that there are two destinations at the end of life. It is of eternal importance that I do everything in my power to not sit, spared, in the middle of a doomed neighborhood, city, and world.
Application:
Get on it!
Prayer:
Lord, let your message live in me, and then give me the fortitude to not just proclaim it like a resounding gong, but to live it, apply it to my life in meaningful ways, and to deliver it to others with precision.
Nothing jumped out at me today, but this weekend’s service combined with Saturday’s reading prompted a comment here.
