Scripture:
Exodus 3:1-2 “One day Moses was tending the flock of his father-in-law, … and he went deep into the wilderness near Sinai, the mountain of God. Suddenly, the angel of the Lord appeared to him as a blazing fire in a bush.”
Observation:
Moses’ story is one of my favorites. He has an extraordinary encounter with God and receives a very clear calling that he tries to talk God out of multiple times. And God persists. I love it because so often the saying goes that God uses the willing, but Moses is a clear example of a very unwilling servant. This is not, however, why I chose this verse.
Moses was tending the flock of his father-in-law. The man who would lead a nation of slavery, who would be God’s vehicle for countless miracles, who would record the ten commandments. Looking after sheep. I think this is when most people encounter God – tending flock. In the midst of the course of our life, we are called to God’s assignment for us. Some, for events which will alter the course of their lives, others, for events that will alter the course of others lives.
Application:
The theme of God’s vast timeline has recently arisen frequently in my life. It’s hard to separate our timeframe from the short span of our life to observe God’s overall plan. And it’s hard to feel like there should be a plan for MY life, when God’s plan is quite a bit grander, and yields important results for me as an individual. I think we can tend to put God in the position of a tour guide and if our “tour” isn’t what we hoped, we’re disappointed. Instead, we should view God as the attraction – the reason we’re here. There is nothing more valuable we can be doing than standing in awe in appreciation of His magnificence.
Prayer:
Alright Lord … kids are up – I can’t think anymore, but I love you, thank you for meeting me!
Scripture:
Genesis 22:12 “Lay down the knife,” the angel said. “Do not hurt the boy in any way, for now I know that you truly fear God. You have not withheld even your beloved son from me.”
Observation:
This would never happen today. Now, when we “listen to God,” it’s easy to run the concept by Scripture – if it doesn’t match, we know it’s not God. Beyond that, the entire idea of sacrificing a child for God is … it just wouldn’t even require the “scripture test.” Maybe God just flat-out wouldn’t make this type of ask in the current day. In Abraham’s day, this was a regular practice to the god Molech (I think?) – maybe it didn’t seem so foreign (however heartbreaking it was).
Application:
I’d have to have a burning bush moment to think, even for a moment, about doing something so contrary to scripture, contrary to God’s heart of love. I’m not exactly sure how to apply this to my day, but I do want to “truly fear God” and I want to follow God’s voice promptly.
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for giving us Scripture, thank you for speaking to us.
Scripture:
Mark 12:17, 43-44 “Everything that belongs to God must be given to God.” “This widow has given more than all the others. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she has given everything she has.”
Observation:
Jesus cares about obedience, and he cares about our heart’s attitude.
Application:
First, it’s been a while since Nicole and I have really evaluated our income against what we’re tithing. Second, when we make that evaluation, I want to make sure that we also evaluate whether we’re giving merely from “our” surplus (because I’m sure others would evaluate our surplus differently than we would), or if we’re giving what God is calling us to.
Prayer:
Lord – thank you for caring for the poor, thank you for our great wealth, please direct our finances and help us give with generous and joyful hearts.
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:
Luke 13:11-13 “Jesus saw a woman who had been crippled by an evil spirit. She had been bent double for eighteen years and was unable to stand up straight. When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said, ‘Woman, you are healed of your sickness!’ Then he touched her, and instantly she could stand straight.”
Observation:
Something strikes me about Jesus calling this woman to him. She’s spent eighteen years of her life hobbling around – likely in pain – because of this spirit. Rather than going to her though, he calls her to him. I guess at this point Jesus’ reputation preceded him – there was probably no thought about whether it would be worth the walk. Even so, I wonder if she thought “Hello – have you seen me?! I can barely move!” However, she went – the best steps she ever took.
Application:
If this woman can take these steps – I should be able to. Whether it’s easy to respond to Christ when he calls us, you can guarantee it’s going to be worth the walk.
Prayer:
Lord – thank you for making it worth it – help me also remember that my main duty is to serve your purposes and keep in mind that whether I see the “worth,” you will fulfill its value.
