August 26 -- "Up!"

 Today’s Reading: Judges 4

"Up!"

Inciting someone to good works is a practice that is honored and encouraged throughout the Bible.  Hebrews 10:24 commands us to “consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.” There are moments for all of us when we get down and discouraged or when we draw back when confronted by a strong enemy (sin, the flesh, the devil).  In those moments, we need someone to incite us to get up! 

In today’s reading, we have one such exhortation.  Barak, the commander of the Lord’s armies, was down.  He was discouraged and was drawing back because Jabin, the king of Canaan, had amassed an intimidating military arsenal.  We are told that Jabin had cruelly oppressed Israel with his nine hundred iron chariots for twenty years.  Barak was intimidated by this show of force, and was down – really down. It is likely that he was suffering some form of depression or, at least, despair.  His sadness had led to hopelessness and dejection.

Deborah was a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth. She was judge over Israel at that time.  She sent for Barak and said to him, “Get up!  It has become clear that God, the God of Israel, commands you to go to Mount Tabor and prepare for battle against Sisera, the leader of Jabin’s military forces.”  This appeal to Barak was Deborah’s way of inciting him to pull out of his discouragement and get back to doing what God had called him to do.  Barak, still feeling down and discouraged, said to Deborah, “If you go with me, I’ll go. But if you don’t go with me, I won’t go.”  Oftentimes, it is easier to pull out of our periods of discouragement when a fellow believer is by our side supporting us and keeping our head in the game.  This was one of those times. “I can’t do this alone,” says Barak, “I need your support.”  Deborah, moved by her faith in God, assured him that she would be with him.

Deborah’s word to Barak was, “UP!”  You’re down, but get UP.  You’re faith is waning, but get UP. Deborah reminded Barak that the LORD would be marching before them.  By faith, she declared, “This very day God has given you victory over Sisera.”  At the moment when Barak was at his lowest, when he thought defeat was certain, God was exhorting him to get UP and trust Him for the victory.

We all face downturns.  We all go through times of sadness and discouragement.  We are sometimes intimidated by the forces against us.  Sin will flex it’s muscles and say, “you’ll never defeat me.”  But we should never give up. Don’t yield yourself to despair.  Don’t listen to the lies of darkness.  Right at those moments when your defeat seems certain, the LORD says to you - “Up! This very day I have given you victory!”

August 25 -- "A Deliverer Rescues Israel"

Today’s Reading: Judges 3 

"A Deliverer Rescues Israel"

The Lord allowed Israel to be defeated by an enemy nation and taken into servitude.  The people of Israel were in servitude to Cushan-Rishathaim for eight years.

Then, the people of Israel cried out to the LORD and He raised up a deliverer who rescued them, Caleb’s nephew Othniel, son of his younger brother Kenaz. The name “Othniel” means lion of God.  We don’t know much about Othniel, except that “the Spirit of God came upon him” and he rallied the nation.  They went to war and the LORD delivered Cushan-Rishathaim into their hand and they were freed from servitude. This was God’s doing.  "The Spirit of Yahweh" came upon Othniel’s human spirit, enabling him to accomplish what his natural strength could not. After that, the Nation had peace for the next forty years.

It was in answer to Israel's cry that the LORD raised up Othniel as their "savior."  Not only did Othniel lead the people to military victory, he led them back into a right relationship with God. They once again honored the LORD.  The corruption of the people had led to their oppression, and now their repentance leads to their rescue. 

Othniel became the first of some fifteen “Judges” that would govern the Nation over the next 400 years.  These were not judges in the sense of a magistrate or one who presides over courtroom judicial proceedings.  These judges were temporary and special deliverers, sent by God to deliver the Israelites from their oppressors.  Each time the Israelites came to the “end of themselves” and turned back to God for deliverance, they called upon Him and – consistent with His character and promise - He sent a rescuer to deliver them. 

There are two lessons we can learn from this.  The first is that even the most corrupt nation is eligible for God’s mighty deliverance.  If any society will humble themselves and pray, and turn from their wicked ways, the Almighty Deliverer will send deliverance and victory to that society.  As God promised, “Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I shall rescue you, and you will honor Me." Psalm 50:15  The second lesson is that God can do mighty things through only one person upon whom is His Spirit.  Jesus said, “apart from Me, you can do nothing” (John 15:5) but when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, you can do “all things through Him who strengthens us.” (Philippians 4:13)

If you are open to it and allow God’s Spirit to take control, you too can do mighty works – perhaps even deliver a nation! 

August 24 -- "A Generation Without God"

Today’s Reading: Judges 2 

"A Generation Without God"

They started out so well!  

Under Joshua’s leadership, the people of Israel had committed themselves to fear God, worship Him in total commitment, shun idols, follow the commandments, and serve only the LORD.  Joshua had even given them a clear choice – serve God or serve the false gods of the society around them.  They chose the LORD!  Even after Joshua’s death, the very first thing they did was to inquire of the LORD, seeking His wisdom and guidance for their nation.  The people worshipped God throughout the lifetime of Joshua and the time of the leaders who survived him, leaders who had been in on all of God’s great work that he had done for Israel. It all seemed to be going so well.

Eventually that entire generation died and was buried. Then another generation grew up that didn’t know anything of God or the work He had done for Israel.  And that’s when it all came crashing down!  The younger generation strayed from their commitment to God and began a downward progression toward apostasy. They began to do evil.  They served the Baal-gods and the Ashtarte-goddesses.  They deserted God and their parents. They took up the worship of the “gods” of the people around them.  At eventually, their true God, Yahweh, was provoked to anger.  So much so, that He removed His hand of protection from them and they became helpless before their enemies.

Thus begins a cycle of faith-deteriorating-to-apostasy that would repeat itself within the Nation for the next 400 years. And it all seems to begin with a “new generation” that didn’t know anything about the LORD or His relationship with Israel.  Somewhere along the way, the parents and grandparents failed to impart to their children the truth of God.  So, the children grew up being influenced by the cultural “norms” of the society around them.  Rather than “bringing them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4), the parents allowed the influences of the world to get into their children’s souls and minds.  The results of this are predictable – they end up going after “other gods” and bowing down to them and worshipping something – or someone – other than the LORD.

It has been said, “We cannot continue to send our children to Caesar for their education, and be surprised when they come home as Romans” (Pastor Voddie Baucham). The society around us will influence our children and, if we’re not diligent, will lead them away from God.  Oh, how important it is for each generation to protect their children from the secular influences of the society around them.  Failure to do so can lead to a course of action that ultimately leads to spiritual defeat.  

The enemy is after our children and we must stand in his way!

August 23 -- "Inquiring of the Lord"

 Today’s Reading: Judges 1

"Inquiring of the Lord"

The beginning of a new era has arrived for Israel. The book of Joshua ended with the people settling in the land, but there were still many areas left unconquered. Some enemies remained, and they had yet to claim all the territories that God had promised them. Sadly, Joshua, their leader, passed away, leaving them to continue without his guidance. Now, they must complete the task of occupying the Land, as God had pledged to them.

Before Joshua's passing, he passionately urged the people to fear God, worship Him wholeheartedly, reject idols, obey His commandments, and serve only the LORD. It was an exciting time filled with anticipation and hope. Imagine, a society chosen by God, founded on His principles and laws, and fully devoted to His leadership. This could be the start of something incredible.

The people began well. The very first verse of Judges tells us that they sought guidance from the LORD. They wanted to know the strategy for the upcoming battles and who should lead them in driving out the remaining people in Canaan. They had observed Moses and Joshua doing this for years – seeking God's guidance and wisdom. So, they followed the example of their late leaders and humbly asked God for direction.

Seeking God's guidance is crucial for those who follow Christ. Whenever we need to make a decision, big or small, it is essential to turn to God for His wisdom and direction. Sometimes, we may think a particular course of action is right, but when we seek God's guidance, He may show us a different path. We must learn that correct decisions are not always based on human reasoning, emotions, or passions. Even if we feel strongly about something, God's will may differ from ours.

Inquiring of the Lord involves more asking and seeking His heart rather than simply making requests for ourselves. While petitioning is telling God what we want Him to do for us, inquiring is asking God what is on His heart, what He wants us to pray for, and what His will is. Praying in this way honors God and helps us understand His desires. By humbly inquiring of the Lord, step by step, point by point, we can sense His leading and follow His direction.

August 22 -- "Who Ya Gonna Serve?"

Today’s Reading: Joshua 24

"Who Ya Gonna Serve?"

Many historical figures have certain phrases or quotes closely associated with them. Alfred Lord Tennyson, for example, is credited with saying, “Tis better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all.”  Wayne Gretzky said, “You miss 100 percent of the shots you never take.”  Forrest Gump said, “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re going to get.”  

Each of these memorable quotes have a way of sticking with us and defining our view of the person who said them.  In today’s key verse, we come to the most memorable and defining quote of Joshua’s life and legacy, “Choose this day whom you will serve… but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”  This quote is remembered today as one of the most important and most defining quotes in the entire Bible.

These are Joshua’s final words to Israel before his death at the age of 110 years old.  This defining quote sets before all of us a choice.  Will we serve the LORD, and Him alone?  Or will we continue to serve other so-called “gods.”   Joshua called together all the tribes of Israel at Shechem. Then Joshua addressed all the people. He reminded them that their ancestors were idol worshippers.  But the LORD rescued them when He took Abraham out of his pagan society and led him to a new land.  

The LORD rescued them again when He sent Aaron and Moses to deliver them from slavery in Egypt.  He rescued them again during their long sojourn in the middle-eastern desert.  Once again when He parted the Jordan River.  And again when He granted them victory over the enemies in the land.  God handed them a land for which they did not work, towns they did not build, and vineyards and olive groves they did not plant.

But in spite of all the LORD’s mighty works in reaching down and saving this nation, they were still vulnerable – still in danger of – falling back into their old idol-worshipping ways. So Joshua warns them and presents them with a clear choice: If you decide to worship God, then get rid of the gods and idols your ancestors worshiped on the far side of the river –or-- if you decide that it’s a bad thing to worship God, then choose a “god” you’d rather serve.  Choose one of the gods your ancestors worshiped from the country beyond the river, or one of the gods of the Amorites, it’s up to you.  But whatever you do, CHOOSE – do it TODAY.

There’s no time to dawdle with this matter.  They must choose their path TODAY!  Don’t put it off any longer.  Don’t think you can sit on the fence.  You must make a choice and you must make it right now.  When the people heard the choice laid out for them, they proclaimed, “We’d never forsake God! Never! We’d never leave God to worship other gods. The LORD is our God!” Today, you are faced with the same choice.  Will you abandon the false “gods” and idols in your life and follow fully after God?  Anything that you love, treasure, prioritize, identify with, or look to for need fulfillment outside of God, can be acting as an idol in your heart and life.  Do you serve success? Or wealth? Or your image?  Or social acceptance?  Or work?  Or some pet sin in your life?  If so, you have a choice to make: “Choose this day whom you will serve.”  Serve God - and Him alone – or stick with your lifeless idols.  

There’s no time to dawdle or delay – you must choose TODAY!  But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD!

 

August 21 -- "Be Very Careful"

 Today’s Reading: Joshua 23

"Be Very Careful"

Three of the most prevalent sins in modern Christianity are prayerlessness, sharelessness, and carelessness.  We commit “prayerlessness” when we do not obey His command to “pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)  We commit the sin of “sharelessness” when we fail to “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation” (Mark 16:15).

Most often, however, Christians are guilty of “carelessness” with regards to their relationship with God.  Carelessness means to become negligent; show a lack of consideration; to not pay attention.  Christians at all ages and stages of spiritual growth can become complacent about the things of God.  Skipping daily devotions, because “I’ve been so busy.”  Skipping church gatherings, because “my kids have soccer games.”  Skipping prayer time, because “something good was on TV.”  Watch out, dear Christian, for the sin of carelessness.

God’s people are commanded over 200 times in the Bible to “be careful.”  Here in chapter 23, as part of Joshua’s farewell address, he tells the people to “be very careful to love the LORD your God.”  Loving God was not something that Joshua ever wanted the people to take for granted or be careless about.  He wanted them to give full consideration and attention to their love for God.

As followers of Christ, we are exhorted in the New Testament to: “be careful lest the light in you be darkness” (Luke 11:35) and to “be careful to devote yourselves to good works” (Titus 3:8). The opposite of carelessness is carefulness, or diligence.  We must be diligent in our relationship with God because “he that comes to God must believe that He is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.”  Not half-heartedly, but diligently.  Not carelessly, but intentionally.

The end result of prolonged carelessness is tragic.  Jesus described it in Revelation 2:4 by saying “that you have left your first love.”  So, take a little inventory of your life:  If you can go hours or days without having more than a passing thought of Him; if You don’t have a strong desire to spend time with Him; If you don’t have a strong hunger for His Word or Bible reading is a “chore”; if Your worship is formal, dry, lifeless, merely going through the motions; or if you crave human companionship more than a relationship with Christ, then be certain that the sin of carelessness has crept into your life.

How do you fix carelessness?  It’s as simple as realizing your sin, remembering where God wants you to be, and returning to your first love – Jesus.  He is waiting with open arms for you to diligently seek Him.  Be very careful, therefore, to love the Lord your God.

August 20 -- "What God Requires of You"

 Today’s Reading: Joshua 22

"What God Requires of You"

What does the Lord require of you?  According to Joshua’s words, quite a bit. 

In today’s reading, Joshua is releasing the eastern tribes (Reuben, Gad, and half-tribe of Manasseh) to return to their lands on the eastern side of the Jordan river. Before they go, he gives them an exhortation regarding what God will require of them once they have arrived.  In verse 5, Joshua mentions five requirements: (1) keep the commandments; (2) love the Lord; (3) walk in His ways; (4) cling to Him; and, (5) serve Him with all your heart and soul.

This is a very daunting list.  How is it possible for any individual (let alone an entire community) to meet these requirements?  If you try to observe and do all these things you’re in for huge disappointment (if you attempt in your own strength, that is). If you attempt to earn God’s favor by any form of human effort or determination you will always fall short.  

Keeping God’s commandments and laws is an impossible task for any human being to undertake.  In fact, the New Testament tells us that all have sinned and fallen short of God’s requirements (Romans 3:23).  There is no one righteous, no not one. (Romans 3:1)  If you are attempting to become righteous by your own efforts to keep God’s commandments and love Him and walk in His ways and cling to Him and serve Him with all your heart, you have fallen short.  You cannot earn your own righteousness by doing these things.

Later on, the prophet Micah seems to lighten the burden somewhat when he says, “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what the Lord requires of you: but to do justice, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)  At first glance, this list seems much easier than Joshua’s list.  But truth be told – none of us have lived up to Micah’s list either.  We have not always done justly.  We haven’t always been kind and merciful.  And our pride has kept us from truly walking humbly with God. 

That’s where the GLORIOUS news of the Gospel pierces our soul.  The Son of God, Jesus Christ, reveals to us that God’s only requirement is that we believe in Him.  And by doing so, our failures will be wiped off our record and we will be declared righteous in God’s sight. At the cross Christ absorbed the judgment of God that was due to us because of our sin and failure.  Now, by faith we are made righteous in His sight.  Think of it!  All your sins and failures are washed away and you are right with God!

Does that mean we no longer keep God’s commandments and love Him and walk in His ways and cling to Him and serve Him with all our hearts?  Of course not.  It means that we no longer do these things to try and win His acceptance.  We have already been accepted based on our faith in Christ.  We do these things now, not to earn His favor, but because His favor has been graciously bestowed upon us.  And, we do these things – not in our own power – but by the power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in us!