Date: 30-21-2020

Title: A Fun and Fond Memory

(S) cripture:
    1 Corinthians 7:1-2 (NASB77) Now concerning the things about which you wrote, it is good for a man not to touch a woman. 2 But because of immoralities, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband.
    9 But if they do not have self-control, let them marry; for it is better to marry than to burn.

(O) bservation:
    Paul is giving instructions on marriage to the Corinthian church. He gives instructions to the married and unmarried.

(A) pplication:
    Becky and I were married on April 8, 1978, in the Mount Vernon Baptist Church in Scott Depot, WV. The pastor of our church in Kentucky and Becky’s home pastor shared the service. There were a number of humorous things that happened at the ceremony that day. I chose these verses because they are the verses that Becky’s home pastor chose to read as he began our wedding service. It was hard to keep a straight face when he read these verses. Here I am on my wedding day and the preacher is saying it is better not to marry but it is better to marry than to burn with passion. We have laughed about that over the years. I am sure there have been times when Becky wonders why she didn’t take the preacher’s advice. God has blessed us with two incredible daughters. Both are now married to good and faithful men. Both are active in their faith and churches. Sarah and Bethany have given us six grandchildren (four girls and two boys with another boy on the way). Becky and I continue to enjoy married life, nearly 42 years now. As I read the scripture this morning it brought back a fond and funny memory for which I thank God.

(P) rayer:
    Lord, thank you for bringing Becky to me and for the life we have together. Thank you for our girls and their families. Thank you for fond and funny memories that I can share with others. Amen

Date: 03-20-2020

Title: Seeking God’s Counsel

(S) cripture:
    Joshua 9:14 (NASB77) So the men of Israel took some of their provisions, and did not ask for the counsel of the LORD.

(O) bservation:
    The kings of the people living in the land given by God to the Israelites come disguised as people from far off asking for a peace covenant. The leaders of the people agree and then it is revealed that they live in the land. A covenant is a covenant and so the Israelites abided by it. They were deceived because they did not seek God’s counsel. They listened to their own counsel and messed up.

(A) pplication:
    I must beware when people come asking for alliances with me or the church. Sometimes these are not what they claim and an alliance is not what God would want. I must take every request to the Lord for his counsel. I cannot rely only on my own judgment, I must trust the Lord. The book of James tells us, “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5 (NASB77)

Today I will ask for God’s counsel and not try to make decisions on my own. I will not rely on my own understandings, I will trust the Lord. I will not be bashful about asking for His counsel.

(P) rayer:
    Lord, I confess that too often I think more of my judgment than is wise. Make me aware of my need to trust you and give me the grace to do just that. I do not want to be left to my own judgment. I want to know your will. Amen

Date: 03-19-2020

Title: An Outward Focus

(S) cripture:
    1 Corinthians 5:9-11 (NASB77) I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people; 10 I did not at all mean with the immoral people of this world, or with the covetous and swindlers, or with idolaters; for then you would have to go out of the world. 11 But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he should be an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler– not even to eat with such a one.    

(O) bservation:
    We often shun relationships with those outside the church (non-Christians) because of their behaviors and yet we coddle those in the church with the same behaviors in the name of reconciliation and redemption. We have bought into this “Separated Life” theology that is supposed to keep us from being polluted by the world and yet it keeps us away from the very people God has called us to reach. We must put ourselves in places where we can build relationships with those whose hearts are far from God. We must also correct and not coddle those who claim to know Christ so they will no longer be an embarrassment to him. We must decide to be outwardly focused rather than always focused on ourselves and those in the church.    

(A) pplication:
    If I am going to reach those who need Jesus then I must be with them. I need to intentionally put myself in places where I can build relationships with those who do not yet know Jesus. That may mean risking being misunderstood by other Christians. I am compelled to build those kinds of relationships. I must encourage Christians to live lives that honor the Lord and point people to him.    

(P) rayer:
    Lord help me to be discerning in the friendships I make. Let me live in such a way that Christians are encouraged and others are drawn to Jesus. Amen

Date: 03-18-2020

Title: Not In Words But In Power

(S) cripture:
    1 Corinthians 4:20 (NASB77) For the kingdom of God does not consist in words, but in power.    

(O) bservation:
    Paul was not concerned about what people said as much as he was with what they could accomplish. Although “words” are powerful Paul wanted to know what these people could accomplish. He knew that many talk a good game or bully their way through and he was ready to take them on. Paul knew that the Kingdom comes in power that will crush mere words.    

(A) pplication:
    Too often I listen or am threatened by what some people say. The power plays they make and the threats they make are mostly hollow. The only strength they have is what I give them. Here Paul reminds me that the Kingdom consists of power not words. The God I serve is powerful and nothing takes Him by surprise of overwhelms Him. I can trust that God to guide and protect me. I need not fear the words of others, I must only trust in the Power of the God I serve. He brings the victory and how silly is it for me to think that I need to fight God’s battles. Today I will again focus on walking by faith in the power of the Holy Spirit and making a difference for the Lord regardless of what some might say or threaten.

(P) rayer:
    
    Lord, grant me the strength to follow you and the grace not to be distracted by the idle threats of those who oppose you. Amen

Date: 03-17-2020

Title: I Am God’s Temple

(S) cripture:
    1 Corinthians 3:16-17 (NASB77) Do you not know that you are a temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? 17 If any man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him, for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are.    

(O) bservation:
    Paul is writing about the spiritual development of the Corinthian believers. Their disobedience has clouded what God wants to build in them and so Paul writes to correct it. He emphasizes that the Holy Spirit lives in them. Their lives are the temple where God’ Spirit dwells. That temple is to be cared for and sacred. What a thought – the Holy Spirit lives in me – I am God’s temple, the place where He dwells.    

(A) pplication:
    one of the most important thinks I have learned is the ministry of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. How key is it to know that the Holy Spirit dwells in the believer? That is the foundational truth and it affects every other part of my life. This speaks to our respect, protection and provision for others. They too are or can be temples where God dwells. I am to treat every person with respect and see their lives as sacred trusts from God. On a personal side I am to take care of the temple that I am. This is a personal struggle as I continue to work to lose the excess weight that I carry. Am I treating my body as God’s temple? Is the physical condition a reflection of the spiritual condition? Am I guilty of destroying my temple? Today I renew my commitment to losing the excess weight and taking better care of my body. I want my life to glorify Christ in every area.    

(P) rayer:
    Lord, keep me focused and give me strength to carry on and see this through. I thank you for your presence in me. Let me live by faith in the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen
    

Date: 03-16-2020

Title: Consequences

(S) cripture:
    Deuteronomy 32:48-52 (NASB77) And the LORD spoke to Moses that very same day, saying, 49 ” Go up to this mountain of the Abarim, Mount Nebo, which is in the land of Moab opposite Jericho, and look at the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the sons of Israel for a possession. 50 “Then die on the mountain where you ascend, and be gathered to your people, as Aaron your brother died on Mount Hor and was gathered to his people, 51 because you broke faith with Me in the midst of the sons of Israel at the waters of Meribah-kadesh, in the wilderness of Zin, because you did not treat Me as holy in the midst of the sons of Israel. 52 ” For you shall see the land at a distance, but you shall not go there, into the land which I am giving the sons of Israel.”

(O) bservation:
    Moses is one of the great heroes of the Bible. He was used by God in many ways: He led the Israelites out of Egypt, God gave him the Ten Commandments, he spoke directly with God, etc. and yet when he sinned by not speaking to the rock for water but rather he struck it as before, the penalty for that was he could not enter the promised land. It seems harsh and yet it shows how serious God is about sin and how important it is for us to do exactly what he says. Even Moses was not spared the consequences of his sin. It shows that God does not grade on the curve.

(A) pplication:
    I am called to follow Jesus and to carry out God’s will for my life. Moses was allowed to see the promised land but was not allowed to experience it. I do not want to simply see what God has for me I want to experience it. I must be constantly in tune with His will for me and walking by faith in the power of the Holy Spirit. Consequences come to all of us. If God did not spare Moses why would I think he would make an exception for me? Today I will listen for God’s instructions and then obey. I thank God that my faith in Jesus has taken away the ultimate consequence of my sin, eternal separation from God, and allows me to live life as He intended.

(P) rayer:
    Father, You know how easily I get distracted and often your will seems clouded. Today I want to see and hear clearly so that I might experience all you have for me today and in the days to come. Take control of my life and use me today. Amen
    

Date: 03-15-2020

Title: Living the Christian Life Is Not That Complicated

(S) cripture:
    Deuteronomy 30:11-14 (NASB77) “For this commandment which I command you today is not too difficult for you, nor is it out of reach. 12 “It is not in heaven, that you should say, ‘ Who will go up to heaven for us to get it for us and make us hear it, that we may observe it?’ 13 “Nor is it beyond the sea, that you should say, ‘Who will cross the sea for us to get it for us and make us hear it, that we may observe it?’ 14 “But the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may observe it.

(O) bservation:
    Moses is giving his final instructions to the people. Moses will not be leading the people into the promised land but God has given him these final instructions to pass on to the people. In doing so he encourages them with these words, “Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach.” It is not beyond your ability to understand or to obey. The word is near you and it is in you. You can do what God requires and it is not too complicated for you to understand.

(A) pplication:
    I cannot recount the number of times people have excused their lack of faithful living by saying, “I don’t understand, it’s too complicated for me.” The more I mature as a follower of Jesus the less complicated that life becomes. Early on I remember getting into those “deep” and complicated discussions that always ended up with a very legalistic answer. My life was filled with asking, “Can I do this and still be a Christian?” That was and is the wrong question. I should be asking, “Will doing this glorify Christ? Will others see Christ in me?” Jesus said it this way, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31 (NIV) That is not to difficult to understand. It is not complicated. Love God with all you’ve got and love others like you love yourself. It is difficult but not complicated. It is also very freeing because when I am living that way I am not bound by the legalism that others want to place on me. Is my hair too long or too short, do I wear jeans to church, do I use a modern version of the Bible or do I have to use the King James Version? Those things all simply fade away when I am loving God with all my heart, soul, mind and strength and my neighbor as myself.

Moses reminds me that it is not too difficult. It is not so far away that someone else has to get it and explain it to me. No, it is near me and in my heart so that I can obey. Today I will again focus on loving God with all I am and loving others like I love myself.

(P) rayer:
    Lord, forgive me when I make excuses or claim that I do not understand. Let me live in a way that first looks to glorify you. Let me simply live to love you first and then the people around me. That I understand, help me to live it out. Amen
    

Date: 03-14-2020

Title: You Reap What You Sow

(S) cripture:
    Galatians 6:7 (NASB77) Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.

(O) bservation:
    Evidently the Galatian believers thought they could live one way and believe another. That they would not reap the consequences of how they live. Paul makes it clear that you reap what you sow. Righteousness reaps righteousness and unrighteousness reaps unrighteousness.
    
(A) pplication:
    I know many people who want to “sow their wild oats on Saturday and go to church on Sunday and pray for crop failure.” Paul says that isn’t the way it is. You reap what you sow. We cannot mock God by choosing to live on our own terms and then expecting Him to overlook our sin. Consequences come to all of us. When I sin as a Christian I still must suffer the consequences of that sin. It will not cause me to lose my salvation but it does break my fellowship with God and the sin has harmed some relationship that will need to be restored. That restoration is the consequence of my sin. Today I do not want to mock God by ignoring His direction in my life. I want to walk by faith in the power of the Holy Spirit and make a difference for Him.

(P) rayer:
    Lord, thank you for forgiving me. Make me aware of my sin and the relationships that I need to work on restoring because of my sin. Teach me to forgive others as you forgive me. Today I want to walk by faith in the power of the Holy Spirit. Use me today. Amen
    

Date: 03-13-2020

Title: Being Free

(S) cripture:
    Galatians 5:13 (NASB77) 13 For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.
    
(O) bservation:
    In Deuteronomy 26 God calls us “treasured.” Think about what God treasures – US, you and me – people. He wants to make us his people. God continues to set a standard for living that is difficult to live out and sometimes even more difficult to understand but we know it is to set us apart as holy to Him. The law came as a result of God redeeming the people from slavery in Egypt. God’s redeeming work in us is by Christ’s death for us. By faith we receive Jesus and our sins are forgiven and we are set free from slavery to sin. It is interesting that the lists in Deuteronomy 27 and Galatians 5 are so similar as to the things that displease God. God is pleased when we live by faith in the power of the Holy Spirit. The result of that is the fruit of the Spirit and there are no laws against living that way. We are at that time really free.
    
(A) pplication:
    the closer I get to the Lord that more I realize how sinful I am and how helpless I am to please God in my own strength. I am still enslaved by so much that displeases God. I must call those things unholy and purge them. Because of my faith in Jesus I am free – I now need to live like it. I want to experience the freedom that Jesus brings to my life as I live life as He intended.

(P) rayer:
    O God, I need you help to live free from the slavery to sin. Help me to live free and set an example for others. Amen.
    

Date: 03-12-2020

Title: Purge Evil

(S) cripture:
    Deuteronomy 22:24b (NASB77) … Thus you shall purge the evil from among you.

(O) bservation:
    These purity laws seem harsh and out of date to us. These unholy practices were common among the people of the region. In this passage the people are commanded numerous times to “purge the evil from among you.” God is setting a moral standard for Israel that will clearly set them apart from all other people. They will be like no others and their lives will reflect their God. The death sentence seems harsh for some of these offences but God is holy and demands holiness. God sure takes sin more seriously than we do. When discovered we are to “purge the evil from among us.”

(A) pplication:
    We live in an unholy world. Immorality abounds. Sexual immorality is more normal than not, we ignore people in need, we cheat our brothers and charge huge interest on loans. We want our revenge when we are wronged but God tells us to “purge the evil from among us.” Often we see Christians isolating themselves from the world around them by building a “hedge of protection” around them. I might add that that same hedge keeps the Christian from changing the world around them, But, this passage speaks to the evil that is in me not just the evil I see around me. Only Jesus makes this purging possible because he changes our hearts and the Holy Spirit now lives within us and empowers us to live life as God intended. In the New Testament, Peter tells us to be holy because God is holy. Today I will trust God’s Spirit to live out that holiness in me and to empower me to “purge the evil from among us.”

(P) rayer:
    O God, make yourself so real to me today that I do not: 1) miss the people in need that cross my path, 2) bring evil into my life. I want to purge evil from my life and with Jesus that can happen. Do that work in me today, Amen.