The Visit of the Magi

PRAYER PRACTICE

Lectio – Read today’s passage through once. Then spend some time praying and asking God to show you what you need to pay attention to in the text. Read it again. Now ask God to help you see what this text, and the part that has stood out, may mean for you. Don’t expect to get a clear word every time but always be ready to really hear from God through His Word.

DAILY READING

Matthew 2:1-12

REFLECTION

The Visit of the Magi

 by Pastor Jeff Morlock

This familiar passage reminds us that nobody owns Jesus (v. 1). No one can claim him as their exclusive possession, partly because Jesus owns that which he has created. But also because Jesus is for everyone. He was still an infant when this entourage of foreigners (wisemen) came to worship him. Later, as an adult, he would cross boundaries to reach out to Samaritans, Canaanites, all sorts of “outsiders” deemed unworthy of God’s attention. No one is worthy of God’s favor. Sin disqualifies us. But Jesus makes people qualified through faith in him alone. Is there person or group that you’ve been tempted to “write off” or have considered outside the circle of God’s concern?

Secondly, this text reminds us that Jesus is a person to be encountered (v. 2). The magi made the purpose of their journey clear: “We have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” Many things will call for our attention in this new year, but nothing is more important than encountering Jesus in weekly and daily worship. Verses 3-8 warn that in this pursuit there will always be distractions, and enemies like King Herod, intent on deceit. What kinds of things threaten to distract you from loving and serving Jesus in this season? How might you plan to overcome them?

Thirdly, a genuine encounter with Jesus will change us. Gold, frankincense, and myrrh (v. 11) represent the best of what these magi had to offer as they “threw open their treasured chests” to present the Lord with gifts. True worship involves giving Jesus all that we are and have. Are you growing in generosity? The magi received supernatural guidance in the form of a dream. (v. 12) Is there anything that keeps you from acting on the “nudges” that the Holy Spirit gives as you seek his direction and leading?

Finally, the wise men returned home by “another way” (v. 12). No one can be in Jesus’ presence for long and stay the same. Encountering the infant Jesus necessitated a change of direction for the magi. That’s what repentance is… turning around to pursue a different way of thinking and acting. What do you need to turn away from today as a result of encountering Jesus? What do you need to turn toward?

REFLECTION

Lord, we are like travelers in a caravan of hope, seeking your light in a time of uncertainty. But we confess that we are also like King Herod, afraid of what
the light of your truth might expose in us. As we encounter Jesus, would you soften our hearts, engage our minds, open our hands, and heal our broken spirits. In His name. Amen.

Wait with Purpose and Wonder

Isaiah 56:1 (NIV)
This is what the LORD says: "Maintain justice and do what is right, for my salvation is close at hand and my righteousness will soon be revealed.
My righteousness will soon be revealed...(Isaiah 56:1)
I am bringing my righteousness near...(Isaiah 46:12)
My righteousness draws near speedily...(Isaiah 51:5)

This righteousness is Jesus who was foretold in the Old Testament, long awaited. Yet, many missed it. I often wonder if I would have recognized Him when He finally was revealed. I would like to think I would, but then I remember how many times I haven't realized He was right beside me. How many years was I wondering in the desert in search of something to satisfy a thirst I had.

Then, one day, that all changed. There was one happening that opened my eyes to just how desolate my life was. I didn't know what was missing, I just knew something was off. The funny thing is, once I admitted this to myself, life took a different turn. It wasn't overnight, but it was a gradual move from one side of the Red Sea to the other.

Christmas morning is our yearly opportunity to recognize Jesus and embrace just what that means on a personal basis. So much more than presents we wrap and then frantically rip open. Christmas is acknowledging the Blessed Presence of the One who changed everything. The best gift of all. Let's keep waiting expectantly.

Isaiah 56:1-8

I Love Change

Be kind to me, God—
I’m in deep, deep trouble again. (Psalm 31:9 MSG)

Even before I knew God, understood His love for me, I instinctively called upon Him when I was in a jam. "Oh, Lord, what have I done now?" I would cry out into the air, words of desperation. It was my feeble attempt to enlist the help of anyone who might hear. But nothing changed.

My brokeness often brought me to my knees, fearful of my plight. I spoke to myself, hoping to talk my way out of a jam. I didn't understand about sin and about forgiveness. I just cried out, tears falling, trouble building. But nothing changed.

Deeper I sunk into the pit of self-absorption, all the time seeking something, but knowing nothing about the One who could, who would rescue me. Until one day, when all seemed lost, when life seemed pointless and I had nothing more to lose, something changed.

With nothing to lose, my heart opened to the voice inside and I began to hear truth. The One who had been trying to get my attention for oh, so many years, had me. Life kicked me when I was down, stomped on my heart and tore at me from the inside. Things were changing.

From the inside out. That is how my change began. Inside I could feel a pull to something better. Hope began to bubble and I went from being stuck in the muck and mire of a pit of despair, to something else. I began to recognize just who it is who could save me from myself. And God started to move and to change me.

Desperate, I throw myself on you:
you are my God! (Psalm 31:14 MSG)

Change is all around, every day, and it is beautiful.

Psalm 31:9-16

Transformed Daily

As it is written:
“There is no one righteous, not even one;
11 there is no one who understands;
there is no one who seeks God.

If I look back on who I was twenty plus years ago, I would barely recognize me. When I share in a group, the old me, many cannot believe it. That is a good thing, cause if they found my words plausible, it would mean I have not allowed God to work in my life. Many of us can say the same, "We have been changed by God, we are a work-in-progress, but changed nonetheless. We will always be a work-in-progress. Not yet arrived but heading in the right direction most days.

Do you remember the turning point, the reason or motive for turning to Jesus and making changes in your life and behavior? Can you pinpoint the day or season when things changed for you? When transformation began to work in you?

Transform is a verb meaning to make a thorough or dramatic change in the form, appearance, or character. I think I can safely say that there was a definite change in character. My words became softer, as did my heart. Of course, this transformation did not happen overnight. No, it is still happening today.

I can also say the transformation was in appearance too. The scowl on my face lightened. My eyes must have reflected some of the peace and softness I felt. What about you? Where there physical changes when you allowed Jesus to transform you? Was there a jaunty bounce added to your step or at the very least, a smile lurking nearby?

Dear Jesus,
Please continue to work in my, to change what needs to change and to help me recognize those areas I will need work in. Thank you and Amen.


Romans 3:9-18

The Greatest Change Agent Ever

1 Corinthians 15:50-57

Change is not easy for most people. It can take us out of our comfort zone. Even the smallest change can be disruptive. As a result, we resist change because the status quo is safer. We know what to expect. We have more control of our world when everything remains the same.

So what does it take for us to change? To get some idea of how to answer this question, here are the first three steps of Celebrate Recovery, a Christian twelve step program that specializes in change.

1. We admitted we were powerless over our addictions and compulsive behaviors, that our lives had become unmanageable. 

2. We came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.

3. We made a decision to turn our lives and our wills over to the care of God.

 These steps tell us that in order to change requires reaching the bottom. When that happens you realize that your life is out of control; that you are powerless; that you can’t change on your own. Finally, you understand that you need the greatest change agent ever, Jesus Christ.

 Eugene Peterson in The Message, paraphrased that change agent in Matthew 5:3-4.

³ “You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.

⁴ “You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.

This is from the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus is speaking to common people; not to folks in a twelve step program. He’s telling them that in order to change, you have to hit bottom in some sense. Otherwise, there is no need for Jesus.

Today’s passage is about when Jesus brings us home with our resurrected body. From then on, there is no sting from death nor struggle with sin. Only the joy of living life as it was meant to be; living in the presence of our Creator.

 Jesus is the greatest change agent ever. He specializes in taking us home. Thanks be to God.

Transformed into His Likeness? Glory!

Romans 12: 1-2 – “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.  Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

These are two of my favorite verses in the Bible. Note I didn’t say easy-to-do verses but loved nonetheless because they have given great hope that I can change.  As I give myself to God, I no longer need to hang onto dealing with life the way I used to – as those in the world who don’t know the Lord continue to do.  I no longer need to live in fear, feeling like I am on my own, making decisions based on my best guess.  In other words, I am called to live a counter-cultural life [ie transformed], as I was reminded by Pastor Buff in this sermon series.

I am being transformed to reflect Jesus’ glory: He is the radiance of God’s glory; I reflect that glory as I live in and with Him, being changed into His likeness by His Holy Spirit (see 2 Cor 3:18).  What a glorious thought!

I am reminded of the song, “I Will Change Your Name.”

I will change your name.

You shall no longer be called
Wounded, outcast, lonely, or afraid.
 
I will change your name.
Your new name shall be
Confidence, joyfulness, overcoming one,
Faithfulness, friend of God, one who seeks my face

(and I might add, “One who bears My name”).

 

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the hope of transformation, the promise of a new name, and the glorious joy of being a reflection of your Son’s glory. Amen

We need a Savior

January 7

Scripture Reading

Read Romans 3:9-26 and reflect on the passage.

The tree is probably put away or out on the curb, and life is returning to some semblance of order once again. But how nice it would be to retain some of the warmth and kindness of the season? It is difficult to keep the spirit of Christmas alive, but how wonderful if we tried? What if we continue the practice of greeting complete strangers with friendly words and smiles?

Maybe the time is now to practice contagious kindness all year long. We might respond to someone’s frown with a genuine smile; hold a door, touch a shoulder, breathe a prayer. It is time to act like something big has taken place. We celebrated the birth of our Savior. It doesn’t get any bigger. We have every reason to be singing a new song and behaving in a new way.

We can be the change we want to see in our world. We can make a difference. As the words to a popular song say: “Lord, change the world, and let it start with me.” What a perfect way to leave 2016 and enter into 2017.

Questions

1.      What did you think about as you read this devotion? Is there one thing you are inclined to keep doing even though Christmas is over?

2.      How can you make this new practice contagious? How could this be one way to change the world?

  

Prayer

Dear Jesus, help me to change so I can be the change this world needs. Guide my actions and my words every day. Amen.

—Judy Webb  

Caring Testimony to Love

"But a Samaritan...had compassion...he took care of him..." (Luke 10:33,34)

The story of the Good Samaritan is familiar to most of us and the true picture of care. The Samaritan never met this injured man but felt compelled to help him. What a testimony of love for fellow-man.

As we learn about walking around the block with someone who hasn't met Jesus yet, care is one of our focuses. After inviting someone into a relationship which is subtle and genuine, we begin to care about them as people and as friends.

Once we have prayed about this and have asked God to show us who He is preparing for this journey with us, we can begin. For walking around the block is a journey that begins with an invitation and then becomes more personal. We can begin caring for this person, or these people before we officially meet them. Part of sharing our faith is praying for guidance, wisdom, and discernment. And because God is faithful, He will honor our prayers and start working before we do.

I found it helpful to remember who first walked me around the block. How did they invite me into their life? What did my life look like after that? How did they care for me? One woman, instrumental in my faith development, had the gift of encouragement. I was at a point in my life when I did not feel necessary or valid. This woman took the time to teach me that I was important. She went on to let me know in different ways, how she wanted to spend time with me.

At that point in my life, her care was vital. Her loving care changed my world forever. Now, can you put this example into your story? Is there something to be duplicated? If it worked for me and for you, why not for them?

Luke 10:30-37

Out on a Limb

The story of Zacchaeus is one of many stories told which highlight the reason Jesus became man; to save us from ourselves, to bring us the joy of His salvation.  To be perfectly honest, I had never heard this story as a child and that means I had never heard the popular children's song either. (Now you are going to have that tune in your head all day--sorry.)

Tax collectors were Jews who had sold out to the Romans. The people considered them traitors, cheats and thieves, as their job/duty was to extort heavy taxes the Romans levied on the people in order to finance this huge empire.

When Jesus came to town He often caused a stir and this time was no exception.  Zacchaeus had heard about Jesus and he wanted to see the man for himself.  Jesus' reputation had gone before him and people were curious.  The despised tax collector must have wanted more in his life to be open to Jesus' words.

"For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost." (Luke19:10)

Jesus knew Zacchaeus by name and He knew Zacchaeus was a sinner.  Still Jesus called the man down from the tree. Once down, he invited Jesus to his home. Zacchaeus He was obviously ready to have his life changed. Were you ever to that point – ready for a major life-change? 

What is your story?  What brought you to climb out on a limb with the likes of Zacchaeus?  Your story needs to be told too, so that others might hear and sense the same call upon their life.  So that all might hear Jesus' words: “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham." (Luke 19:9)

Luke 19:1-10

Begging for Change

Acts 3:1-2 (NIV) 
One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer--at three in the afternoon. Now a man crippled from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts.

Peter and John, arrived at the temple the same hour as the crippled man and his friends. Every day at three in the afternoon this man could be found, begging for money from those heading into the temple.

Maybe his presence was expected and perhaps there were those generous attendees who regularly dropped something into his hands. He went there every day so he must have profited.  This man, a regular sight, and one many people looked at but didn't see, would soon find his world changed forever. 

I know we heard read this story many times before, but did you ever wondered what happened the next day? What changed for that man the day after his miraculous healing? Did he still go to the temple gate? Did his friends still go with him?

When a major life-change occurs, how do we face the next days? When many of us came to faith it was after years of prayers or learning or struggles. It wasn't an overnight thing. We gradually made changes to how we lived each day; our faith grew and became repentant Believers. 

But for this man and some of us, significant change happens on the spot. A death unexpectedly turns our world upside down. A few us of even experience healings - perhaps of the body, but maybe of the heart. For certain, when Jesus touches us with His healing power - be it of the body, mind or spirit - nothing is ever the same again.

Acts 3:1-10

Are we inviting the Locusts?

Joel 1:13-14 (MSG)And also you priests, put on your robes and join the outcry.
You who lead people in worship, lead them in lament.
Spend the night dressed in gunnysacks, you servants of my God.
Nothing’s going on in the place of worship, no offerings, no prayers—nothing.
Declare a holy fast, call a special meeting, get the leaders together,
Round up everyone in the country.Get them into God’s Sanctuary for serious prayer to God.

Joel was a prophet in the Southern Kingdom of Judah during the period of the Divided Kingdom (930-722 BC). Verses 13 and 14 are a call to repentance during a time in the Nation of Judah when the country was being ravaged by locusts.

What the chewing locust left, the gobbling locust ate;
What the gobbling locust left, the munching locust ate;
What the munching locust left, the chomping locust ate. (Joel 1:7 MSG)

Joel was warning the people that God was not happy with their sinful ways, but said there was hope for them if they would turn from their ways and repent and change. We have seen this over and over again. Read the stories from the other Minor Prophets like Jonah or Hosea. Each of these stories tells of a time when the people did their own thing; worshipped false gods and lived sinful lives.

We see much the same thing now. We are living for ourselves. We treasure our hi-tech items. We change the definitions of things we don't agree with, we go with the flow and allow our values to drown in a sea of tolerance.

God is willing to forgive, but He is waiting for us to repent; He needs us to change and set aside our false gods. Joel is calling the people to fast and to pray and to beg forgiveness. Were Joel with us today, he would likely be saying the same thing.

Joel 1:-7, 13-14

We are Blessed

Nobody likes change.

 

My wife is an administrative assistant in the mortgage department of a bank. Her bank was bought by another. Her job functions changed to be more aligned with the purchaser’s procedures. And if that wasn’t enough, the government enacted banking rules that describe how she has to do parts of her job.  She has change in two dimensions!

 

Nonetheless, although stressed, she is also blessed. She survived the post merger lay-off. She also has received much recognition from her management for her willingness to change and help others.

 

Today’s reading is Numbers 6:22-27.

 

The Jews had been servants of Pharaoh in Egypt, but now they are wanderers in the dessert. They had been slaves, but now are nomads. As slaves, they knew what was expected of them each day As nomads, they were following God’s lead, but not sure where they were going and not sure how they would provide for themselves. This change was a trying time for them.

 

In the midst of this, the Jews were blessed.

 

We all undergo change in our life. Maybe we get married, or perhaps our job gets redefined to make our company more profitable. Maybe we lose our health or perhaps lose a spouse. Maybe we have to relocate to a different city.

 

There are a many things that can change which can cause much stress.

 

And yet, we are blessed during these times of anxiety and uncertainty!

 

God blesses us in many ways. We often think of physical blessings, such as food, shelter and clothing. God provides these things, and they are, of course, important.

 

Sometimes we forget, however, the spiritual blessings that God also bestows on us. He sent his only son to die on the cross so that we may have eternal life. That is the biggest blessing there is!

 

We have heard this many times, but it bears repeating:

 

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”

 

We are blessed!

Don’t Ever Give Up!

To summarize this week in Nehemiah………………………………………

“We lose our way, we get back up again.

It’s never too late to get back up again.

Get up! Get up! You’re gonna shine again.

You may be knocked down, but not out forever.”

Listen to Get Back Up by: Toby Mac

Nehemiah never gave up. Time and time again he corrected, rebuked, and redirected the people in Jerusalem. He was insistent that “we will not neglect the house of our God.” Chapter 10.

As we remember we are just as human as those people in Jerusalem, and just as sinful, we must also be reminded that God is still the same as well. He is all forgiving, and that is very good news for us!

We are always in need of repentance, reform, and re-commitment. Change is possible, yet difficult. We tend to revert back to what has been the norm for us in the past even when we are the right track. It’s tiring to keep getting back up on that horse, and it’s exhausting to hang on for dear life and begin again with a humble heart, but it is always worth it.

We have an open invitation to turn to the Lord, trust in Him and try again. He will always welcome us back with open arms once we pry our heads out of the mouth of our predator!

Read/Listen to:  Nehemiah 13:6-12      Nehemiah 13:15-18   Nehemiah 13:22-27

Ezra: A personal commitment to serve

Ezra 6:22 (NIV)
For seven days they celebrated with joy the Feast of Unleavened Bread, because the LORD had filled them with joy by changing the attitude of the king of Assyria, so that he assisted them in the work on the house of God, the God of Israel. 

The Passover Feast was celebrated commemorating Israel's deliverance from Egypt. Moses had been God's emissary, praying to God and working for God in an effort to change the heart of Pharaoh. Years later, Ezra was observing Passover and praising God for changing the mind and heart of King Artaxerxes so they could continue rebuilding the Temple.

We would do well to follow suit.  When all seems lost, when our world around us causes us to pause and wonder when God will send His Son back to us, we need to pray. Nothing happens until we pray. There are many ways to pray for God's help. Have you ever considered that God would change the attitude of a person or group of people? God is infinitely powerful; his insight and wisdom transcend the laws of human nature.

Ezra was committed to do the right thing and God used this man to unite a nation. We all need a purpose, a goal that brings us together and makes the work we must do a joy. What fun it is when we come together for a common cause and change our world for the better. It can be one little thing or it can be a huge undertaking we never thought we could do. But that's just it, we can't do it without help. God is that help and prayer is the vehicle to get God's attention.

Ezra achieved great things and made a significant impact because he had the right starting place for his actions and his life: God's Word. He studied it seriously and applied it faithfully. He taught others what he learned. He is, therefore, a great model for anyone who wants to live for God. --Life Application Study Bible.

Ezra 6:19-22

It's in the Book

Acts 15:13-21 (NIV)  When they finished, James spoke up: "Brothers, listen to me.  Simon has described to us how God at first showed his concern by taking from the Gentiles a people for himself.  The words of the prophets are in agreement with this, as it is written:  "'After this I will return and rebuild David's fallen tent. Its ruins I will rebuild, and I will restore it,  that the remnant of men may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who bear my name, says the Lord, who does these things'  that have been known for ages. 

The debate rages on - Should the gentiles be included in the plan of salvation? This is of extreme importance and a point of contention in this early church. Paul and Barnabas have been telling their story, sharing the testimony of God's miraculous events while bringing the good news to the gentiles. They are proposing drastic change and the Jews are finding it difficult to accept.  It is always hard to change from practices which have been ingrained since birth.

Go to the source - James, head of the church in Jerusalem, turns to the scriptures and the prophet Amos for clarity and direction. He reads: 'After this I will return and rebuild David's fallen tent. Its ruins I will rebuild, and I will restore it,  that the remnant of men may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who bear my name, says the Lord, who does these things'  that have been known for ages.' (Amos 9:11-12) James teaches a lesson valuable for all, when conflicted about life, turn to God's Word for answers.

Still true today - Despite the compelling experiences of Peter, Barnabas, and Paul, James turned to God's Word as the ultimate test of truth. This should be the way we evaluate events. Different ideas are thought to be inferior or invalid. Ultimately, however, what matters is what God's Word says.

The more we know God's Word, the more we read it, study it, memorize it, and meditate on it, the better we will be able to discern what is right and best in times of controversy or merely daily living.

Acts 15:13-21

Change hurts

1 Peter 4:12-13,16 (NIV) Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed...However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 

When we change our way of living, the way we do business and relate with others, people notice. Our friends may not like spending time with us like they used to. Our family may request the 'old you' back again. We hear the phase, "you're no fun anymore."

Change is always hard to accept. When someone we love and enjoy spending time with changes to the degree they no longer behave as they once did, relationships will change too. Peter is preparing his people, preparing us too, for that inevitability.

The wife of a recovering alcoholic has been known to say, "I don't know him anymore. In all the years of our marriage, he was seldom sober. Who is this man?" Friends we used to party with no longer view us as the life of that party. We are changed and they don't like it.

The reality is perhaps the change others see in us is the change they would like to see in themselves. While our former friends may avoid us, they will still be watching. Just maybe the look on our faces could interject curiosity; a spark of interest could be ignited. After all, you and I changed and it had to begin somewhere.

1 Peter 4

The Story - Chapter 22 - The Birth of the King

Matthew 2:3 (NIV) 
When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 

I have read this line before, but I don't remember seeing the last part of it; and all Jerusalem with him.  What do these words mean?  I understand Herod's concern for he was worried about keeping his throne.  But why was all Jerusalem disturbed as well?

When I first recognized Jesus for who He really was, when my life was turned around and I began to follow Him, everything changed.  I can recall family members making fun of my new found religion.  I was called a 'holy roller', Jesus freak and was given a few other choice monikers.  I didn't understand the reason for I initially thought they would be happy.

The situation is similar for Herod.  He was fearful that everything would change.  He was disturbed by the way in which people reacted to the news of the birth of this child.  The Life Application Bible Notes reveals: "In some he awakened spiritual longs; in others, fear and insecurity."

Jesus still has this effect on the world. Herod knew the Jewish people expected the Messiah to come soon and many expected a great military leader, so Herod was afraid.  Today, we expect Jesus to return to claim his people again.  So, when one of us changes and begins to embrace Jesus as Savior, the world around us changes too.  And we all know how we feel about change...

There is a teaching in the Christian recovery world which speaks of hope and of Jesus Christ as that hope.  When we embrace the living Hope, Jesus, as our Higher Power we are to expect to change.

Read Matthew 2 here

Listen to Mathew 2 here

The Story - Chapter 5 - Exodus 34

Miracle Makeover
I have heard it said that God changes us from the inside, out. When we turn to Him as believers and followers, a major renovation begins. People, who once scoffed at the idea of faith, forgiveness, and fellowship, now crave these things. Hardened hearts soften to a point that the individual may seem unrecognizable to the world.

The world will reject this new look. Former friends will avoid contact with the new creation. They will turn their backs and walk the other direction to evade that which they do not understand. But, there are folks who will flock to you wanting to witness this transformation and come alongside you.

This miracle makeover will draw attention to you. While some will gasp in disgust because they have lost their partner in crime and no longer feel comfortable in your presence, new relationships will appear to take their place. Healthy connections with God’s people will be the new normal. People will approach in and ask, “What’s different about you? You look bright, happy and at peace.”

Exodus 34:33-35 (NIV)

“When Moses finished speaking to them, he put a veil over his face. But whenever he entered the LORD's presence to speak with him, he removed the veil until he came out. And when he came out and told the Israelites what he had been commanded, they saw that his face was radiant. Then Moses would put the veil back over his face until he went in to speak with the LORD.”

Hanging with goodness will do that to you. Basking in God’s glory will make changes to the hardest heart; melt the sternest veneer, and replace it with a striking countenance. Meeting God on the mountain will change us forever – for the better.


Read Exodus 34 here

Listen to Exodus 34 here

Joshua 11:16-23

As I read this chapter and note the listing of all the battles and conquests Joshua and the nation of Israel accomplished, one of my thoughts is how swiftly everything was happening. After roaming the desert for over 40 years, the reader sees everything falling into place just like that. But, in actuality, this takeover transpired over the course of 7 years. As everyone who has ever waited at home for a loved one's return knows, that is a long time to be at war.

Victory doesn't happen overnight, but it is worth waiting for and fighting for. On a personal level, change in a lifestyle takes work, and often feels like an enormous battle. Old habits die hard, as the saying goes. Some say it takes 16 weeks to exchange a bad habit for a good one. When we first come to know Jesus and see ourselves as sinful, we vow to change. It doesn't take long before we see it is going to take time and prayer and lots of hard work.

Joshua 11:23 (NIV)
So Joshua took the entire land, just as the LORD had directed Moses, and he gave it as an inheritance to Israel according to their tribal divisions. Then the land had rest from war.

God had a plan for Joshua and Israel. That plan took 40 years to unfold because it took that long for the people to learn and to change. God never gave up on them and He will not give up on us. Our walk with God is life-long and He is always molding us and pointing out areas we need to improve and turn over to Him. Until the day we meet Him, there will be room for improvement.

I often get discouraged with my sinful nature when I fall back into some of my old habits, but the fact that I can recognize this quickly and turn from my old ways, gives me hope. Each day is a new battle and the war will only be won when Jesus returns. Until then, I must continue to fight the good fight. (1 Timothy 6:12)

Read Joshua 11:16-23 here

Listen to Joshua 11:16-23 here

Change Is Hard

Do you like change?  Don't worry if you are not a fan of change, you are not alone. So many of us feel comfortable living in the safe world of consistency.  Peter was one of those people and whenever Christ challenged the way Peter viewed things, Peter rebelled.

Peter was the one who said he would never deny Jesus, but the night everything in his world changed as Jesus was arrested, Peter was quick to have a memory lapse. 

Peter also didn't like Jesus changing his idea of who the Messiah would be by washing his feet like a servant. He would much rather be the one washing Jesus' feet.

In today's passage God is showing Peter a new menu for his Jewish pallet and Peter quickly says, No.  But after God explains that it is OK to change his former way of thinking, Peter relaxes and obeys.

It is hard to change but sometimes God is calling us to do things differently.  He does not want us to ever abandon his word, but there may be a person He wants us to reach and that may mean seeing things through God's eyes.

If change is hard for you, ask God to show you his will and help you release control, seeing him as a consistent force we can depend on even in the midst of change.

Read the Acts 10 Scripture text.