Daily Devo 1/24/13

“A fire shall always be burning on the altar; it shall never go out.” (Leviticus 6:13).

Fires can go out for a number of reasons such as lack of oxygen or lack of fuel. God had commanded Moses to make sure the priests kept wood burning on the altar of burnt offering every morning to make sure the fire on it did not go out (Leviticus 6:12). On this altar was to be sacrificed the various offerings of the children of Israel.

As Christians, we are to present our bodies as living sacrifices to the Lord (Romans 12:1-2). As a Christian do you ever struggle with your fire going out so that you are unable to be an effective living sacrifice for God? I do. The trials of life, the struggles with temptations, discouragements from my own weaknesses and the weaknesses of others, and failure to receive encouragement from my brethren can, at times, quench the fire that should be burning in me to serve the Lord.

This is nothing new. Christians have always had to face the challenge of not letting their fires go out. The Hebrew writer speaks about the need for endurance (Hebrews 10:36). Paul told the Christians at Galatia not to grow weary while doing good (Galatians 6:9). Although I have not said it enough, I appreciate my brethren in Christ for their faithful endurance in serving the Lord. It is a great encouragement to me to see my fellow soldiers of the cross continuing to maintain their fires in serving the Lord.

Taking time each day to study God’s Word and pray is a great way to make sure your fire does not go out in serving the Lord. It is literally like adding fuel to your fire. Also, taking time to encourage others for their faithful service to God is another way to help add additional oxygen to other Christian’s fires. May God bless all of you as you strive to keep your fires burning for Him!

“My soul melts from heaviness; strengthen me according to Your word” (Psalm 119:28)

Daily Devo 1/23/13

"If a person sins, and commits any of these things which are forbidden to be done by the commandments of the Lord, though he does not know it, yet he is guilty and shall bear his iniquity.” (Leviticus 5:17).

Israel’s ignorance of God’s law did excuse them when they were guilty of violating God’s law. They were still GUILTY of trespassing God’s law and must BEAR THEIR INIQUITY. But, what is very interesting is GOD HAD MADE PROVISIONS for how an Israelite might be FORGIVEN of different types of sins he or she had committed in ignorance. God had provided a way for them to be forgiven when they had become unclean by touching a carcass (Leviticus 5:2), touching human uncleanness (Leviticus 5:3), speaking thoughtlessly with their lips (Leviticus 5:4), in regard to the holy things of the Lord (Leviticus 5:15) or by doing something against any of the commandments of the Lord (Leviticus 4:27). Once the person became aware they had sinned they were to confess they had sinned and bring their offering to the Lord (Leviticus 4:28; 5:4-5).God had even considered a person’s economic condition and what that person could afford to offer as a sacrifice for his sin.

David said, “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You!” (Psalm 119:11). One of the reasons we should study God’s Word diligently is that we might not be ignorant of God’s law and unintentionally sin again Him.

However, for a new Christian who is fairly ignorant of God’s laws this can feel overwhelming. In fact, some have discouraged themselves from obeying the gospel of Christ because they feel they do not “know” enough.

God does not want this to happen. After we have become Christians, God has provided a way for us to be forgiven of sins we commit in ignorance. The apostle John wrote, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9). God is FAITHFUL and JUST to forgive us when we have confessed such sins we have committed in ignorance and repented of them.

God’s ability to provide for our spiritual needs is greater than our weaknesses in learning His commandments. God’s grace is greater than our sin!

“I acknowledged my sin to You, and my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord," And You forgave the iniquity of my sin” (Psalm 32:5)

Daily Devo 1/22/13

“'If his offering is a burnt sacrifice of the herd, let him offer a male without blemish; he shall offer it of his own free will at the door of the tabernacle of meeting before the Lord. Then he shall put his hand on the head of the burnt offering, and it will be accepted on his behalf to make atonement for him. He shall kill the bull before the Lord; and the priests, Aaron's sons, shall bring the blood and sprinkle the blood all around on the altar that is by the door of the tabernacle of meeting” (Leviticus 1:3-5)

Sometimes, as Christian, we read quickly through some of these Old Testament passages which speak about animal sacrifices without thinking too much about them. If you take careful note of this passage you will see that the individual Israelite who was bringing this burnt offering had to LAY HIS HAND on the bull and kill it himself (Leviticus 1:4). He would feel the animal breathing and looking around before he killed the animal. Furthermore, after killing the bull, the person had to skin and cut up the animal (Leviticus 1:6). After this, the individual Israelite had to wash the animal’s entrails and legs himself before the rest of the animal was offered on the altar (Leviticus 1:9).

Why would God require a person to do this? I am not sure of all the reasons, but I do know that it certainly would make the person aware of the consequences of their own sin. They would see that their own sin against God caused the death of another. The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). All of these animal sacrifices could not take away the sins of man (Hebrews 10:4). These sacrifices were offered in faith looking forward to the time when God would send His own Son Jesus to pay the price for the sins of the world (John 3:16).

How do I view my sin? Do I take it seriously or do I treat it as “no big deal” since everyone else is doing it? May such Old Testament passages as this cause us to see the serious nature of our own sin. This does not mean that as a Christian I should walk around with a sad face because of my sin. We rejoice as Christians because we have been forgiven of our sin through the sacrifice of Christ. Because of GOD’S GREAT LOVE FOR ME he provided Christ as the sacrifice for my sin.

“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Daily Devo 1/21/13

“According to all that the Lord had commanded Moses, so the children of Israel did all the work. Then Moses looked over all the work, and indeed they had done it; as the Lord had commanded, just so they had done it. And Moses blessed them.” (Exodus 39:42-43)

The children of Israel had just finished making all the materials for the erection of the tabernacle. They had gone through some ups and downs in their walk thus far with God. They had walked through the Red Sea by faith as they escaped the Egyptians (Exodus 14:21-27), but then had complained about where they would get their food to eat and water to drink (Exodus 16:2-3; 17:1-3). They had heard the voice of God as He gave the 10 commandments at Mt. Sinai (Exodus 20:1-17), but then had failed God by worshipping a golden calf when Moses delayed coming down from Mount Sinai (Exodus 32:1-6). After God had forgiven them, they brought forth fruits of repentance by giving such an abundance of items for the construction of the tabernacle that they had to be restrained from giving more (Exodus 36:6).

The later chapters of the book of Exodus go into great detail about how Israel did exactly what God had told them to do with regard to the construction of the items of the tabernacle. Why? Because these things were written for our learning (Romans 15:4). We demonstrate our love for God by obeying His precise commandments (John 14:15). When we obey God in such a manner we are not trying to earn our salvation. We are showing our love and appreciation for God.

Like Israel, neither I nor my brethren in Christ are always perfect in our walk with God. However, I do appreciate my brethren who seek diligently to show their love to God by obeying His commands. Have a blessed day walking in God’s commandments for you!

“The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them Your servant is warned, And in keeping them there is great reward” (Psalm 19:8-11)

Daily Devo 1/20/13

“Take from among you an offering to the Lord. Whoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it as an offering to the Lord: gold, silver, and bronze…” (Exodus 35:5).

Following a very low point in Israel’s service to God (i.e. worshipping the golden calf which Aaron had made, Exodus 32:4-6), Israel is going to reach a high point in their service to God by giving generously when asked to give materials for the construction of the tabernacle (Exodus 35:5-29). In fact they give so much that they had to be “restrained from bringing” any more gifts for the construction of the tabernacle of God. (Exodus 36:6). They go from the valley to the mountain top in their service to God.

Earlier, Moses had pled with God to forgive his people for worshipping the golden calf (Exodus 32:31-32). God listens to Moses’ plea and forgives the people of their iniquity (Exodus 34:9-10). It appears out of great gratitude for having been pardoned of their sin, the people of Israel give so generously to the Lord because they had “willing hearts” (Exodus 35:5).

God has no desire to lay a guilt trip on me to get me to serve Him. He wants me to serve Him out of a “willing heart” because I am grateful for His pardoning me of my sin through the blood of His Son Jesus Christ. On this Lord’s day, although I also am flawed as I struggle with sin, I will worship and serve the Lord out of a willing heart focusing my mind on praising Him for all He has done for me! I want to live on the mountain top in my service to God!

“For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.” (Psalm 84:10)

Daily Devo 1/19/13

“And he said, ‘Please, show me Your glory.’" (Exodus 33:18)

Moses makes this statement following the events of the children of Israel making and worshipping a golden calf while Moses was on Mount Sinai receiving instructions from God (Exodus 32). When Moses finds out what they had done, in his anger he breaks the tablets of stone which God had given to him containing the commandments. He grinds the golden calf into powder and makes the people of Israel drink it (Exodus 32:20). Moses also has the Levites kill those guilty of promoting this great sin of idol worship (Exodus 32:27-28). Then Moses pleads with God to forgive the people of this great sin (Exodus 32:31-32).

To say the least, Moses had a rough day as a leader of God’s people. He must have felt at the end of his rope. Moses asks God to “show me Your glory” (Exodus 33:18). God will pass before Moses and cover Moses with His hand and allow Moses to see His back (Exodus 33:22-23). God knew Moses needed some encouragement. Seeing God’s glory would encourage Moses to keep on leading God’s people.

Often, as we serve God we get discouraged. We get discouraged by the world around us which often doesn’t care about God. We get discouraged with different trials we face. We even get discouraged by our own brethren in Christ at times when they indifferent about serving God.

We all need to stop and behold the glory of God. His glory is all around us as is seen in the marvelous creation all around us. Take time today to look up and see the glory of God and be encouraged and uplifted by Him!

“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night reveals knowledge. There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard” (Psalm 19:1-3)

Daily Devo 1/18/13

"You shall not circulate a false report. Do not put your hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness” (Exodus 23:1).

I came across this verse in my daily Bible reading yesterday. I thought this was especially relevant in light of the Lance Armstrong admission on Oprah last evening and of the Manti Te’o controversy about the dead girlfriend who never existed. I am not trying to pass judgment on either of them, but it does remind me that we live in a world in which people deceive and are deceived.

As a Christian, I do not have to get all worked up over the deceptions that take place in our world. I don’t have to dwell on whether or not Lance Armstrong or those involved in the Manti Te’o controversy will receive the justice due to them. I know that I live in a world full of deception and that justice does not always take place in this world, but I know God will one day administer the justice due to all men including me (Romans 12:19; 2 Corinthians 5:10).

I can rejoice that God guides me in the truth that really matters. He tells me the truth about my sin and how I can be delivered from my sin through Jesus Christ. God has not left me to wonder what the truth is concerning how I can be saved. God has left no doubt. All I have to do is believe and follow the truth. Today, rejoice that God has given us the truth that really matters!

“And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:32)

Daily Devo 1/17/13

“You shall put the mercy seat on top of the ark, and in the ark you shall put the Testimony that I will give you. And there I will meet with you, and I will speak with you from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim which are on the ark of the Testimony, about everything which I will give you in commandment to the children of Israel.” (Exodus 25:21-22)

God had been giving instructions to Moses on building the Tabernacle. In one area of this Tabernacle, the Most Holy Place, God instructed Moses to build an ark above which was a mercy seat. God said, “And there I will meet with you…” (Exodus 25:21). In the Old Testament, only the High Priest was allowed in this Most Holy Place to be able to “meet with God”.

Today, as Christians we no longer have to go through a High Priest to “meet with God”. Christ has made it possible for us to enter into the Most Holy Place through His blood. “Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” (Hebrews 10:19-23).

As a Christian, I have the privilege of meeting with God everyday by letting Him speak to me through His Word and for me to speak with Him through prayer. May God bless you as you take time to meet with Him today!

“I will meditate on Your precepts, And contemplate Your ways. I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word.” (Psalm 119:15-16).

Daily devo 1/16/13

“Now all the people witnessed the thunderings, the lightning flashes, the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking; and when the people saw it, they trembled and stood afar off. Then they said to Moses, ‘You speak with us, and we will hear; but let not God speak with us, lest we die.’" (Exodus 20:18-19).

The people of Israel had just witnessed God speaking to them His 10 commandments from Mount Sinai (Exodus 20:1-17). It must have been an awesome sight. The people were afraid to hear God speak to them anymore, so they ask Moses to let God speak to them through him. Then Moses comforts the people by saying, “"Do not fear; for God has come to test you, and that His fear may be before you, so that you may not sin."

Having a fear of God is healthy. God did not want the Israelites to be fearful of the lightning and the mountain smoking, but He did want them to fear Him. Having the proper fear of God helps us to have a proper perspective of our lives here on this earth.

When I was growing up I had a fear of my dad. I did not want to get in trouble because my mom would simply say, “If you don’t do as I tell you, I will tell your dad when he gets home”. I knew this meant a spanking for me. So I obeyed what she told me to do. My fear of my dad led me not to sin.

On the other hand, when I grew up I did not fear where my next meal was coming from. I did not fear someone coming into my house to take me away at night because I trusted that my dad would protect our home and provide for our family.

As I have grown older the temptation is for me to begin looking to myself to provide for my family, protect my home, etc. When I do this I begin to fear not being able to provide for my family, protect my home, etc. On the other hand, when I work on keeping a proper perspective of life by fearing God and focus on pleasing Him, I don’t worry about providing for my family and protecting my home. I trust that He will do this! When I fear God as I ought, I don’t fear a lot of the things I should not.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever.” (Psalm 111:10)

Daily Devo 1/15/13

“And so it was, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses' hands became heavy; so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. And Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.” (Exodus 17:11-12)

The Amalekites had attacked the children of Israel as they came out of Egypt. Joshua had led the Israelites on the battlefield against them. However, the key to the victory was for Moses to hold up the rod of God in his hands. When he did this, Israel prevailed in the battle. When he was unable to hold up the rod of God, the Amalekites prevailed. By his own strength Moses could not continue to hold up the rod of God. Aaron and Hur did a great work to support Moses’ hands so Moses could hold up the rod of God and Israel could be victorious.

Those who are striving to serve God need our support and encouragement. Whether they be elders, preachers, teachers or other types of servants of God, like Aaron and Hur we should be there beside them to hold up their hands. So often we allow ourselves to become tools of Satan by being critical of a preacher for preaching to long, or a teacher for not being “dynamic” enough, or elders for not making the decisions we think they ought to. Satan is doing his best to discourage them in their efforts to serve God. Don’t allow him to use you as his tool to discourage these fellow servants of God. Today, think of someone who is striving to serve God and pray for them and speak a word of encouragement to them.

“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works..” (Hebrews 10:24)

Daily devo 1/14/13

“And Moses said to the people, ‘Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever.’” (Exodus 14:13)

The Egyptians had chased the Israelites to the banks of the Red Sea. Israel saw no way of escape. They could not understand why God had delivered them from Egyptian bondage only to lead them to the banks of the Red Sea to be slaughtered by Pharaoh’s army. They complained to Moses that it would have been better for them to have stayed in Egypt as slaves (Exodus 14:12).

How often do I react like the Israelites of Moses’ day? Instead of thinking about God and His power to deliver me, so often I take my eye off of God and choose to focus on the challenging circumstances I face at my job, with my family, with my health, with my finances, etc. When I do so, like the ancient Israelites, I make myself miserable.

Today, I will strive to stand still and look for God and how He will deliver me from whatever challenges I face!

“The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, And delivers them” (Psalm 34:7)

Daily devo 1/13/13

“Now the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you; and the plague shall not be on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.” (Exodus 12:13).

All of us want to live in a world where justice is carried out. We want criminals and those who hurt others to be punished. However, we are not always eager for justice when we are the ones who have done wrong. When we have done wrong, we hope mercy will be shown to us.

As the verse above indicates, God’s final judgment had come upon Pharaoh and the Egyptians. Their rebellion against God and His people would result in the death of all the firstborn children and animals in Egypt. They would experience God’s Justice. How dreadful! Sin has terrible consequences. Sin ends in death (Romans 6:23).

God had instituted the Passover memorial for the Israelites. As the verse above indicates, God tells His people when He sees the blood of the lamb over their doorposts and lintels of their houses, He would pass over them and they would be spared this terrible plague of the death of their firstborn.

Christ is our Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7). My sins result in my deserving to die. Praise God that I have been covered by the blood of Christ and have been spared of the terrible death I deserved. God’s grace is wonderful which He made possible by giving His Son to be my Passover Lamb. Praise God for showing me mercy and not justice. Praise God for allowing His Son to satisfy God’s justice by paying the price for my sin!

“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace” (Ephesians 1:7).

Daily devo 1/12/13

“So Moses spoke thus to the children of Israel; but they did not heed Moses, because of anguish of spirit and cruel bondage.” (Exodus 6:10).

Following Moses’ initial request for Pharaoh to let Israel go and serve God, Pharaoh responded by adding additional burdens to the children of Israel and increasing the hardship of their slavery unto him (Exodus 5:5-19). The Israelites blamed Moses for making them abhorrent in the sight of Pharaoh (Exodus 5:20). Things were becoming worse for them not better since they had decided to follow Moses in seeking for Pharaoh to let them go. It is safe to say they were very discouraged.

God had encouraged both Moses and the people by letting them know He was going to fulfill His promises to give them the Promised Land. God said, “I will take you as My people, and I will be your God. Then you shall know that I am the Lord your God who brings you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. And I will bring you into the land which I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; and I will give it to you as a heritage: I am the Lord." (Exodus 6:8-9). But as the verse above indicates the people were so discouraged by what had happened to them they refused to heed this promise of God.

Do we allow the trying circumstances of life to overwhelm us to the extent that our focus on our circumstances distracts us from listening to the many promises which God has made to us? Keep your eye on God today and cling to His precious promises. “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” (Hebrews 10:23)

Daily devo 1/11/13

“But Moses said to God, ‘Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?’” (Exodus 3:11)

God had called Moses to deliver God’s people from slavery in the land of Egypt. 40 years earlier Moses had tried to deliver his brethren from Egyptian bondage according to Moses’ own plans (Acts 7:23-25).This did not work out. In fact Moses had been on the run for next 40 years as Pharaoh had sought his life (Exodus 2:15; Acts 7:30). At this point in his life, it didn’t make sense to Moses how God could use him for such a great task. Moses begins making excuses for how he cannot do the task which God has set before him (Exo. 4:1-13).

God can use us to accomplish great things to His glory (Matt. 5:13-16). Let us not make excuses. Let us not try to glorify God in our own way and by our own methods. Rather let us submit ourselves to God’s Will and let God work in our lives.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

Daily Devo 1/5/13

“But Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept” (Genesis 33:4).

Years earlier Jacob had coerced Esau to sell him Esau’s birthright and conspired with his mother Rebekah to steal Esau’s blessing from his father Isaac. After experiencing this, Esau hated his brother Jacob. Now 20 years later Jacob was returning home. Jacob greatly feared Esau and was concerned Esau would want revenge.

The verse above shows Esau had finally forgiven his brother. Esau is not typically depicted as a very honorable character in the Bible. His descendants would be enemies of Jacob’s descendants for years to come. But in this instance, Esau demonstrates the forgiveness we should strive to practice towards those who have wronged us.

May it not take us 20 years to let go of the pain others have caused us. May each of us remember we also have caused pain to others. May we remember today and every day that our Savior Jesus Christ died to pay the price for the pain we caused God by our sins. May this humble us so that we can practice towards those who have hurt us the same forgiveness God has shown us.

“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

Daily devo 1/3/13

1/3/13

“Then Jacob made a vow, saying, ‘If God will be with me, and keep me in this way that I am going, and give me bread to eat and clothing to put on, so that I come back to my father's house in peace, then the Lord shall be my God’” (Gen. 28:20-21)

Jacob of the Old Testament, like Peter in the New Testament, is one of my favorite Bible characters. He grew up in a dysfunctional family where his parents Isaac and Rebekah each had their favorite child. He grew up letting sin dominate his life like when he coerced his brother Isaac into selling him his birthright (Genesis 25:33-34) and later worked together with his mother Rebekah to deceive his father Isaac into blessing him with the blessing his father intended to give to his brother Esau (Genesis 27). Jacob’s sin caught up with him and he was forced to leave home to escape the wrath of his brother Esau.

When he left home, Jacob was alone. He was uncertain what lay ahead for his future. He was scared. He is in a perfect position for God to start working on him. God shows him a vision of a ladder stretching up to heaven and Jacob begins to place his faith and trust in God as his statement above shows.

His faith in God at this point is far from perfect. His statement above almost seems like he is trying to bargain with God. Later when he returns back home he is scared to see his brother Esau and tries to pacify Esau with lots of gifts. But it was a starting place and God would take him from this starting place and help Jacob to develop a much deeper faith in God. Later in his life Jacob as he tells his son Joseph that his offspring would face their own challenges in the land of Egypt, Jacob would say,
“"Behold, I am dying, but God will be with you and bring you back to the land of your fathers.” His confidence and faith in God’s power had grown over the course of his life.

Jacob’s faith in God had become much stronger as He let God work on him. It is a great blessing to live a life of faith in God. Like Jacob let God work on you to help you develop a greater faith in Him!

Daily Devo 1/4/13

1/4/13

“And He said, ‘Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.’" (Genesis 32:28)

These words were spoken to Jacob following a wrestling match he had with the Angel of the Lord (cf. Hosea 12:4). Jacob had been away from home for 20 years. Now he had a family and was returning home. His brother Esau had hated him when he left home. He has found out that Esau was coming to meet him with over 400 men (Genesis 32:6). He is scared. What should he do? That night he wrestles with the Angel of the Lord and his name is changed from Jacob to Israel which means “Prince of God”.

As I think about this event in Jacob’s life, I can certainly relate. Many times over my life I had been uncertain as to what to do when faced with my fears and anxieties about some matter.  I have not always done the right thing. I have wrestled with God (e.g. by blaming Him or doubting Him) and with men (e.g. lashing out at them in my anger and frustration or trying to use worldly tactics to overcome my problems). Somehow God has put up with me and seen me through. God is willing to let me wrestle with Him. While it is better if I just submit to God and His Will, I believe God knows at times I have to wrestle with Him so I can get to the point of seeing my own foolishness. Praise be to our Heavenly Father who is so longsuffering in dealing with us. Have a blessed day today. Let us submit to God and His Will for us and not have to wrestle with Him in order to see our own foolishness!