Running to Obey

Word
Acts 8:29-31
The Holy Spirit said to Phillip, "Go over and walk along side that carriage." Phillip ran over and heard the man reading from the prophet Isaiah. Phillip asked, "Do you understand what you are reading?" The man replied, "How can I unless someone instructs me?" And he urged Phillip to come up into the carriage and sit with him.

Acts 8:36-37
As they rode along they came to some water and the eunuch said, "Look! There's some water. Why can't I be baptized? And Phillip said, "If you believe with all your heart you may." He answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."

Observation
Phillip is told by an angel of the Lord to go a certain direction and he obeys. And on that path he sees a carriage driving along when the Holy Spirit speaks and tells him to go and walk beside it. Phillip again obeys without hesitation and runs to the vehicle. The eunuch is reading the Word of G-d without guidance. Phillip asks him if he understands it, and he responds, "How can I unless someone instructs me?" He urges Phillip to get into the carriage with him, and as a result the eunuch declares Jesus the Son of God and is baptized by water.

Revelation
Several things strike me in this passage. For starters, Phillip's hesitation free obedience leads to someone's salvation. The Word doesn't say anything about Phillip asking why he should do these things, he just does them.

Secondly, when instructed by the Holy Spirit, instead of questioning whether it's his own voice in his head or really the Spirit, Phillip runs, not walks to his destination. What tenacity for the Lord he had that he would run after the call of G-d.

Thirdly, when Phillip arrives at the carriage he hears the eunuch reading from Isaiah, which leads him to ask a simple question: "Do you understand what you're reading?" It doesn't say G-d revealed anything to Phillip. It just says that he heard what the eunuch was reading, assessed the situation, and responded with both logic and faith. I think we make this too hard most of the time. I saw someone on a bench at Walgreen's today. The Spirit told me to go over to her. Unfortunately I didn't run, but I eventually got up the nerve and went over to her and told her what I know to be true. I said, "If you'll call on Him He'll save you." She said, "Okay." I saw her name tag and said, "Melissa, I'm talking about Jesus." She said, "I know." with her head bowed. There's no specific formula for spreading the Word of G-d. We just have to be willing vessels and He will use us.

Lastly, it was the way that the eunuch asked for instruction and urged Phillip to get into the carriage that got my attention. And while this world may not be doing that with it's mouth, it does it with it's actions. It's begging for us to share the good news of Jesus, for us to disciple them, and help them obtain salvation through Christ.

Devotion
I want it all G-d. I want to be like Phillip with his tenacious spirit to just obey at a moment's notice. When You call I want to run to where You're calling me to. I want to stop the madness of thinking I'm not good enough, or that I'm too busy, or whatever the excuse to not obey. I just want to help people to get saved. They're begging for us to do it, even if they don't know it. Amen.

Human Rabbit's Foot

Word
Now Naaman was commander of the army of the king of Aram. He was a great man in the sight of his master and highly regarded, because through him the LORD had given victory to Aram.
–II Kings 5:1

Observation
Naaman was regarded highly because of what God did through him for the kingdom of Aram. Because of the Lord working in Naaman others were blessed; even a kingdom at odds with Israel–God's chosen people.

Revelation
It's amazing the power we as Christians carry. Good things can happen to people living in opposition to the Lord simply because we, those who trust and obey the Lord, are in their life. There are those in my life who are dedicated believers that love Jesus with all their heart and follow His commandments that work for people who are either atheist, or agnostic, or something other than the Truth. I believe fully that in each of these situations the businesses and companies have flourished because of the God-fearing believers they have on staff.

It serves as such a great testimony to how awesome God is, that even a heathen can be blessed because of what God's doing though someone else. For the world we're like giant human rabbit's feet that bring about good fortune to those in our lives. Of course that's the pagan view but in reality we know that if it were not for the obedience to the Lord of the employee, then the employer would be fresh out of luck...blessing that is!

Devotion
Lord, You are so awesome. I pray that I'm so obedient and love You so dearly that just my presence on some one's payroll brings them blessing. Not for my own glory, but to show how glorious and real You are, and that without You we are truly lost. Amen.

Pressure

Word
Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabas to them. He had Jesus flogged and handed him over to be crucified. —Mark 15:15

Observation
What a weak man this Pilate was being influenced by a small band of Jews to kill someone!? I mean, he's supposed to be some kind of Roman hard case that does the bidding of Rome, not this little group of people with no ability to hurt him.

Gosh, that seems like the right view, but turn the tables on myself and it's scary how much I've been like Pilate.

Revelation
That phrase, "Wanting to satisfy the crowd" just stings me deep. Even now, in my Christian walk, I've been guilty of this same thing. It seems so easy to criticize Pilate for his actions that day, but the truth of the matter is that I and other Christians alike, wanting to "satisfy the crowd" have denied Christ before men. For whatever reason, whether it was embarrassment, fear of being ostracized, or whatever the case, we've succumbed to peer pressure; so worried about our own self that we don't stop to think that we're flogging Jesus all over again. We're handing him over to be crucified so that we can maintain a certain disposition before our friends, family...our crowd. So many times I've been given the opportunity to release Jesus in me, but instead released the criminal. My loyalty is to God in Heaven, not to a small group of people on this earth. I don't want to be influenced by my surroundings, but instead by the Holy Spirit.

Devotion
I want Jesus to be released in my life, free to do His Will. Lord, help me keep the criminal in shackles, bound up, while Christ goes free to heal the sick through me, mend broken hearts through me, and spread the miraculous Word of His testimony through me. Amen.

Jell-O Faith

Word
He put garrisons throughout Edom and all the Edomites became subject to him. The Lord gave David victory wherever he went. —II Samuel 8:14

Though they plot evil against you and devise wicked schemes, they cannot succeed; for you will make them turn their backs when you aim at them with drawn bow. —Psalm 21:11-12

All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. —Mark 13:13

Observation
My observation is simple I think; if you're on God's side then you'll be victorious, but oppose Him and death isn't far away. David was a mighty king, but he knew where he got his victory. He loved the Lord and kept his commandments, and so it says the Lord gave David victory wherever he went. And just as the Psalm says, the men of this world are plotting evil schemes against Jesus and His followers. We will be and already are hated because of Him, but if I remain faithful until the end I will be victorious like David.

Revelation
The key to victory with the Lord is the faith I have in Him. The perseverance to suffer in His name until death is what will set me apart and keep me safe from the enemy and eternal death. This doesn't make sense to the world by in large because the world views suffering as failure. It can't see past this life. How awesome it is that I've been chosen of the Lord to be one of His sons, and to spread the Word of Truth. My goal after reading these scriptures is to be one of those that perseveres to the end, even to death. Not by my strength but by the power of the Holy Spirit; not by my ability to believe but by the gift of faith given to me by the Lord Himself. Faith is like Jell-O, there's always room for more!

Devotion
O God of David, O sovereign Lord of the ages, I pray that you would increase my faith a hundred fold so that I would be one of your elect, persevering to the end for you. I desire to be saved and dwelling with you in your holy place. Give me strength in my spirit to overcome this world's temptations, and more faith to suffer for your namesake. Amen.

In the Middle

Word
When Saul saw the Philistine army, he was afraid; terror filled his heart. He inquired of the Lord, but the Lord did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets. Saul then said to his attendants, "Find me a woman who is a medium, so I may go and inquire of her."
"There is one in Endor." they said.
So Saul disguised himself, putting on other clothes and at night he and two men went to the woman. "Consult a spirit for me," he said, "and bring up the one I name." — I Samuel 28:5-8

Observation
Saul gets scared, tries to talk to God, and hears nothing. Then, the same man that expelled all the spiritists and mediums from the land, results to searching for one so he can find out about what's going to happen to him. In order to do it though he has to put on different clothes and do this all at night so as not to be seen. Later in this chapter it still doesn't work out for him because Samuel, who is dead, tells him that he and his sons would be with Samuel the next day.

Revelation
It would be so easy for me to sit here in judgment of Saul right now. I mean he goes against his own commands and asks a medium to conjure up a spirit because he so desperately needs to know what was going to happen. But the fact of the matter is that I have been guilty in this way many times. I've never consulted mediums or spiritists, but I've definitely tried handling things my way in my own flesh rather than the right way with the Lord. This much I'll give Saul; he at least first consulted the Lord before doing the other. I don't even do that. I think lots of Christians try handling a problem in our own strength, and when that doesn't work we make prayer to the Lord our last resort. I can't count how many times I've been sick and gone to the doctor for meds and help, and when nothing worked I'd say, well I just need to pray. What! That should've been the first thing on the list!

It is telling, however, that when Saul went to meet the medium he had to take of his kingly attire and put on commoner clothing. He had to operate in the darkness so that no one would see. Too many times in my past I used this same method. By day a Christian [or maybe just on Sundays] and by night I shed my Christ-like clothing and put on the clothing of the world; operating in the darkness thinking no one could see what I was doing. But someone could see; Jesus saw every move I made.

The moral of this for me is that just because God doesn't answer me immediately doesn't give me license to try dark methods of the world to get my answer. Saul wasn't looking for the answer though; he was looking to be told what he wanted to hear. And even when he tried an evil method, he still was given the grim news of his death the next day.

Devotion
Lord, I want to be a David not a Saul. I pray that I never take off the priestly garments you've adorned me with as your son and minister so that I can "play" in the world. Give me faith and tenacity to push through when at first I don't hear your voice. I know you're there and will answer me in your good timing. Amen

My Oath

Word
Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? —Psalm 15:1

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...[he] who keeps his oath even when it hurts — Psalm 15:4

Observation
The question is basically, "Who gets to live with God?" There are several answer/statements within this scripture, but verse four I found particularly interesting. You get to dwell with the Lord if you're the kind of person that keeps to your word even if it causes pain. Saying it is apparently not enough; it's the doing, the sticking to it that matters.

Revelation
The obvious is that if I say I'm going to do something, be somewhere, etc., then I should not break my commitment even to the extent that it will hurt me. I am SO guilty of this personally. I've made appointments and then I either wanted to do something else, or just got distracted and forgot. I suppose not getting to do what I want is *sort of* painful, but what about things that really hurt? Say I'm supposed to speak to the youth group. I've given my word that I'll do it, but at the last moment my head starts to hurt and I feel achy. Should I be excused from my obligation? According to this scripture the answer is a clear 'no'.

I also, however, believe in grace, and that certain situations arise and that sometimes it's impossible to make an appointment or keep to a word. Maybe I said I'd head up the men's breakfast, but my wife goes into labor that morning. I'm going to go to the hospital and be with my wife, and hope and pray my brothers will have grace and mercy on me.

But, in Matthew 5:37 Jesus said "...let your 'yes' be your 'yes' and your 'no', 'no'." I believe it's two fold what happens when we adhere to this: 1) we get to dwell with the Lord, and 2) we reinforce our testimony before men and strengthen our integrity. I don't think I just get respect, but I earn it. How can this be accomplished if I'm constantly making oaths and breaking them? Can't happen

This also makes me think of Christ and how he made a promise to save us from our sins. He kept His oath, as painful and agonizing at it was, even up to death. He never wavered, but followed through. I hope that when the day comes and my oath I've made to the Lord is on the table I will keep it even in the midst of my pain.

Devotion
Lord, make me a man of honor and integrity. I want to dwell with you on your holy hill. May I be like you and keep my word even when it hurts. Amen.

Down for the Count

Word
When David was told, "Look, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and are looting the threshing floors." he inquired of the Lord, saying, "Shall I go and attack these Philistines?"
The Lord answered him, "Go and attack the Philistines and save Keilah." – I Samuel 23:1-2

Saul was told that David had gone to Keilah, and he said, "God has handed him over to me, for David has imprisoned himself by entering a town with gates and bars. – I Samuel 23:7

"Will the citizens of Keilah surrender me to him? Will Saul come down, as your servant has heard? O Lord, God of Israel, tell your servant."
And the Lord said, "He will."
Again David asked, "Will the citizens of Keilah surrender me and my men to Saul?"
And the Lord said, "They will." – I Samuel 23:11-12

Observation
So here David, running from Saul hears of an attack on a city by Philistines and rides out to save them. In doing so, word gets to Saul where he is located and he rides out to capture David. When David hears of this, he asks God if this is true and if the people of the town will hand them over to Saul. The Lord tells him "Yes." so David and his men bolt.

Two observations from this passage of scripture; the first is the difference in David and Saul, both anointed by the Lord. Even in the midst of being chased by a vengeful king, David still goes to the aid of another. But he DID NOT do so without first inquiring of the Lord. This is in stark contrast to Saul, who when he is told of David's whereabouts in Keilah just assumes God's on his side and takes off without inquiring of Him to kill David and his men.

My second and more disturbing observation is that, after saving Keilah, David receives word that Saul is headed his way. Once again David inquires of the Lord and is informed by God that the very people he just risked his life to save will hand him over to Saul for capture.

Revelation
Whew! I'll start from the top, because it's the easier of the two observations.

I need to be ready to fight for others and to help where I can. However, just because I see some noble cause to fight for or to aid in doesn't excuse me from first praying to the Lord and seeking His counsel. For instance, say a church member approaches me and says they are strapped for cash and really needs some help. Well, without any arrogance or pride in this statement, I'd be the first to offer up assistance. The Lord's blessed my wife and I financially so we never hesitate to help someone in need. But what if later I find out they used that money to buy alcohol, drugs, or to go to some football game instead of using it to feed their family in need? If I'd prayed first and asked God to direct me in the situation, it's highly probable I would've gotten a check in my spirit and maybe asked this person what they planned to do with it. See now I'm not only guilty of not seeking first the Kingdom, but also of not being a good steward of the money God has given me. David is called "A man after God's own heart." I believe that's because in almost every situation David sought the counsel of the Lord before he sought the advice of men.

In this same passage David had the chance to kill Saul, and was encouraged to do so by his men. But David had a connection to God. He talked to Him, and in doing so ended up having Saul more or less surrender himself to David. Prayer is our weapon against the enemy, and must be used as such!

Now, for the second observation's revelation:

Basically it seems like a real bummer. The very people David just saved would hand him right over to his enemy if given the chance. I guess that's just the way it happens in ministry and in life in general. I recently experienced this very scenario. A friend I've had for many years was moved by the Lord. I've been praying for him for a long time now and was finally getting to see the fruition of it come to pass. However, within days he turned his back on me and is no longer speaking to me. He won't return emails or calls and wants nothing to do with me. The Word says to pray for your enemies so that's exactly what I need to do for him. But darn it, it just seems like I got dumped on. I can assure you I was very disturbed and confused by the whole situation.

But like David, I simply must inquire of the Lord, seek His wisdom and then move in the direction I'm given.

I've seen this happen many times in my church to my uncle the pastor. I know my uncle. He's a man after God's heart who only seeks to help people and come to the aid of those oppressed by the enemy. And I've seen the people he's help turn and metaphorically spit in his face. I've seen this happen with my father-in-law, the pastor. He laid down his life for the flock only to have them trample him beneath their feet. Ministry sure doesn't sound fun.

It's interesting though, because this seems to parallel exactly what happened to Jesus. The very people He came to save, spit on Him, beat Him, made fun of Him, and eventually killed Him. Jesus told us not to be afraid of this. The servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted Him, then they will persecute us–but it's for His namesake!

This is backwards logic to the world, but when we're stepped on and oppressed, all for Jesus, we should celebrate. What an honor to suffer for the one true King of kings!

In ministry, it's just going to happen. The very people we're trying to save will sell us out to save themselves quite often. But instead of being disturbed and upset by this, we should count it joy that we would suffer for our King.

Devotion
O Lord, I want to be like David. In any even, good or bad, I pray I would seek you first. In all things I would pray to my God and inquire of your heart before making any decision.

I also pray for my oppressors. You died for us while we were "yet in our sins", and as you hung and bled on the cross you forgave all those gathered around you. May I take up my cross and follow after you, and model my life after yours. I want to lay down my life for my fellow man, even with the knowledge that they may hand me over to die. You did, and I want to be just like you. Amen.

Accountability

Word
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective – James 5:16

Observation
It’s clear from this scripture that, though we must first confess our sins to Jesus for forgiveness, we must also do the same to one another. There’s a word for this, accountability.

Revelation
Most people don’t like that word, accountability. They’ll say things like, “My business is between me and the Lord.” This to me sounds like a crafty way of getting out of being held accountable for the sin they’ve confessed. Jesus most certainly guides us in our walk and helps us with the sin we confess. But He also established the church; a body of believers assembled for the glory of the Lord. Confessing sin one to another puts us in a whole new place, because now there are people in your life who can help you through your sin you’re dealing with.

If you just confessed the sin of pornography to the Lord only, you may be more prone to doing it again, then confessing again, doing it again, and on and on; caught in a vicious cycle with no freedom from the bondage. However, if you’ve made others you trust around you aware of your problem, you just might be less likely to do it simply because you know your friend could ask you at any moment, “Have you looked at pornography lately?” At which point you can lie (and then have to confess that later) or you can tell the truth and get help dealing with your sin and setting your free.

Devotion
Lord, make me a man that can handle the hard questions. I pray I continue to confess my sins to those around me I trust, and believe them to hold me accountable simply so that I may better serve you. Amen.

My Mantra

Word
Will you not take what your god Chemosh gives you? Likewise, Whatever the Lord our God has given us, we will possess. – Judges 11:24

Observation
Oh Man! I love this. I think I’m going to make this my mantra. Here Jephthah, in a letter, is writing a to the king of Ammon trying to appeal to him to not wage war against Israel. He explains himself in the earlier parts of the letter but I think this statement just about sums it up. To me it almost comes across as a taunting challenge, like he’s saying, “Don’t even mess with us, our God’s for real.” Because we know that Jephthah believes in the One true God of Israel, and that in reality, there is no Chemosh.

Revelation
This makes me think in particular of our nation, the United States. It’s ravaged with people that want tot make war with Christianity such as the ACLU and other special interest groups that oppose all that Christ died and resurrected for.

We [Christians] have given up so much ground in this country it sickens me; the Ten Commandments, prayer in school, abortion, homosexual marriage, and much more. I honestly don’t believe the answer, however, is picketing a Gay Pride Parade, or standing outside of an abortion clinic and hurling insults at them. If anything this only serves to destroy our testimony.

I think purely and simply we take the stand that Jephthah did. So their “god” has given them what they’ve taken…fine. Now we will take what our God has given us to possess. This country is ours for the taking; God has delivered it to us. It doesn’t start with a protest line though; it starts with a body of believers gathered in His name to wage spiritual warfare through weapons such as prayer and fasting.

Something I’m learning the hard way, and that doesn’t come easy for my nature, is that Jesus, while He did have moments of rebuking and correction, taught peace. We will not take possession of this land with the weapons of the enemy, because they are carnal. Our war is a spiritual war and must be fought accordingly. I know first hand that shouting at your enemy convinces them of nothing. The key is prayer, which unlocks the door to action. Not protests, but the Great Commission. Not violently attacking abortion clinics, but going out preaching and teaching the gospel and making disciples for the Lord.

The Truth is, if we’d done our job this way decades ago, more people would be saved living for Jesus and these issues of today wouldn’t be issues at all. God has given us possession of this land. Now we must take it!

Devotion
Lord, you’re taking me on a journey inward to see the world as you see it. May I be a peacemaker living emotionally steady for the betterment of your Kingdom. May I, through spiritual warfare and not my own fleshly weapons, seize the land you’ve given me. May we as the Body take possession of this land you’ve given us. Our God is bigger and truer than theirs. Empower us to become warriors of the faith fulfilling your Great Commission. Amen.

Walking in Circles

Word
Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain. – Deuteronomy 25:4

Observation
My observation is what a stinking odd command from God! Just before this, He’s speaking on a public flogging, and just after it about the family line and it not being blotted out from Israel.

God’s mind is so obviously above mine, because at first I REALLY didn’t get this. Could this just be a command put in place to assure obedience from His people? We shouldn’t second guess the Lord in His commands I know, but what is going on here? So an ox is doing work and treading on grain to separate chaff from kernels. If he’s muzzled what effect does that have on the ox? And there in lies the revelation.

Revelation
As the ox treads, it gets to graze on the grain. However, put a muzzle on the ox and it can no longer graze and enjoy the fruits of its labor. Take heed Christianity – do not muzzle the ox while it treads the grain! If all we do is work ourselves to death, strapped to a pole walking in circles, treading the grain, doing our daily “deeds” for the Lord but are muzzled, then the fruits of our labor are never enjoyed.

I know there is a time and a season for reaping and a season for sowing, but to be strapped in walking in circles doing hard labor while having our mouths forced shut so as not to graze is dangerous to our walk with God.

I believe more than anything this is a stab at pastoral care. I know I was born with a call on my life and will serve in a pastoral capacity soon. This is a wonderful lesson on how NOT to treat those serving under me. I should NEVER shut them up only to arduously work over and over with no return.

Devotion
Lord, thank you for such a wonderful revelation. I pray this be engraved in my spirit so that when I do have others serving under me I will have their interests in mind. You and your Will, will always come first, you cared for your people when you were on this earth and still do today. May I too do the same , and never muzzle the ox as it treads the grain. Amen.

Like Me, Not Them

Word
When you enter the land your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there. -- Deuteronomy 18:9

Observation
This is my second journal in a row where the word ‘detestable’ is uttered by God—granted I’ve “accidentally” skipped two days worth of reading. But in any case the LORD God is very adamant about keeping his people holy in His sight. Many times I’ve read in the bible where the Israelites did the opposite and moved into a new land and adopted its customs and religious rituals. They would mix their one true God with other gods and somehow think it was all going to be okay. But of course the more you read on you discover how these very actions would bring about their destruction.

Revelation
This is no new revelation for me, but rather a confirmation that the LORD God almighty detests sin. Modern Christianity, in many circles, looks nothing like Christ and completely like the world it’s supposedly trying to save. This idea of ‘Cultural Relevancy’ is spoken against clearly here in Deuteronomy by God Himself. God said DO NOT imitate surrounding nations. In essence, look nothing like them. And yet today I find it very difficult to walk down the street and discern a believer from a non-believer.

My hope is this isn’t coming across as judgment, because I’m simply quoting the Word of God. It’s time we wake up as the people of God and distinguish ourselves as such. I must somehow bare the unmistakable mark as a Son of Glory. How do I do that? Well for starters, I DON’T blend in with the culture surrounding me but rather stand out like a soar thumb. So how do I not do that? Prayer, fasting, spending time in the Word, communing with God’s Spirit—these are the keys to unlocking this *big* mystery of how to save the world. After all, that’s what He died and resurrected for—so that I might have relationship with the Father and make disciples like myself.

Devotion
Thank you for your grace God for a people that walk away and back again so much. Wake us up LORD. Take the words culturally relevant out of our vocabulary and make us different. Set us apart from this nation surrounding us so that we might truly fulfill your Great Commission.