September 13 -- "Israel: The Land of No Lack"

 Today’s Reading: Judges 18

"Israel: The Land of No Lack"

Today’s Israel, the only Jewish nation in the world, is a small country on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. For its relatively small size, the country has played a large role in global affairs. The country has a strong economy, vibrant farming, and is still known to this day as a land of plenty.  It truly has “no lack” of anything that is in the earth.  This is no mistake or chance happenstance.  This is by the design and hand of God. God has blessed this Nation above all others – just as He said He would.

Israel is the only country in the world that has succeeded in reviving a dead language (Hebrew) and using it as a national language. Because their land produces so bountifully, Israelis consume more fruits and vegetables relative to the population than any other nation in the world.  Israel is the only country in the world that has more trees today than it had 50 years ago.  Life expectancy in Israel is among the highest in the world at 82 years.  Coffee and cafés are so good in Israel that it’s the only country where Starbucks failed trying to break into the local market.

Despite the tough neighborhood they live in, numerous studies rank Israelis among the happiest people among the nations of the world. If you mail a letter addressed to “God”, it will be forwarded to Israel and placed in the Western Wall where over one million notes are placed every year.

Israel is also a fertile place for human achievement.  Cell phone technology was invented in Israel.  So was voice mail. The Israeli Defense Force (IDF) has the most sophisticated technology in the world and is a leader in saving people trapped by natural and man-made disasters including earthquakes, train wrecks, collapsed buildings, and terrorist attacks. Israel’s “Iron Dome” missile defense system is the most advanced military defense system in the world.

This amazing country has something for everyone.  Israel offers scenic desert landscapes, lush forests, breathtaking beaches, majestic rivers, and some of the most important Biblical and historic sites in the world.  Travelers from around the world visit Israel every year, visiting such places as Old Town Jerusalem, Via Dolorosa, Bethlehem, Masada, Caesarea, the Jordan River, the Dead Sea, The Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, and the Sea of Galilee.

Today’s Israel is confirmation of the words in Judge 18:10, that it is a place where there is “no lack of anything that is in the earth.”  God’s word is truth and can be trusted.  God does not change and His word does not change. Because it comes from God, who Himself is Truth, His word is true.

September 12 -- "A Broken Moral Compass"

Today’s Reading: Judges 17 

"A Broken Moral Compass"

The ways of the LORD are right.  When we follow His ways, we are right and we are doing rightly.  The prophet Hosea told us, “Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them; for the ways of the Lord are right, and the upright walk in them” (Hosea 14:9).  Psalm 19:8 says, “The precepts of the Lord are right.”  And Psalm 33:4 says, “For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. ... the King of heaven, for all His works are true and all His ways are just.”

Those who follow the word of the LORD are right.  Inversely, those who follow the ways of man or humanity are not always right.  Even when those ways may “seem” right in their own eyes. Rather than following the moral compass presented in God’s word, they follow the wrong moral compass: their own opinion. Tragically, the Israelites had forsaken the word of the Lord and everyone began doing what was right in their own eyes.  And, tragically today, this is the story of so many who choose the ways of humanity rather than the ways of God.  Our society has brainwashed millions/billions of people into thinking that everyone has “their own truth” and can decide for themselves what is “right for them.”  They teach that there is no real objective standard of right and wrong.  There is not a single “right way.”  Sadly, their moral compass is broken.

Jesus vigorously disagreed with this “existential” philosophy when He said, “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.”  Judges 17:6 is an insightful verse, giving us a look behind the scenes of Israel’s failure as a nation.  This verse is an insight into the moral degeneracy of a Nation. They had lost the fact that God was to be their king. They had lost the consciousness of that fact that God’s ways were the right ways. And everyone, rather than being ruled by God, was doing that which was right in their own eyes. It was a period of anarchy. And this was what led to Israel’s downfall and defeat at the hands of their enemies. And, if our society doesn’t reverse course, it will lead to the same for us. 

How about you?  Is there an area of your life where you have let humanity set the standard of “right” rather than letting God’s word prescribe the true standard.  Is there some attitude in your heart or action in your life that is “right in your own eyes” but truth be told, God is not on board?  Take some time today and seek God on this matter. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you any area of your heart or life that needs to be brought under His rulership.  Give that area to Him.  Turn from it.  Always keep in mind that God’s ways are not man’s ways.  “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” (Proverbs 14:12) Be sure to rid yourself of any such way.  

September 11 -- "When The Spirit Departs"

Today’s Reading: Judges 16

"When The Spirit Departs"

Yesterday, we read of the amazing moment when the Spirit of God miraculously and powerfully came upon Samson. Today, we read of the tragic moment when that same Spirt left him.

In spite of Samson’s amazing gift from God, he had little respect for either his Nazirite vow or the Israelite law. He handled a dead lion, married a Philistine woman and joined in the customary wine-drinking feasts of the Philistines. As a result of his carelessness with the things of God, the Spirit’s power was removed from him.  “But he did not know that the LORD had left him.”  He was blind to the departure of God’s Spirit.  And it ended tragically for him.

This presents us with a powerful life lesson about presumption - a self-confidence that can cause a person to presume that God is still with them when, in fact, He has departed. There is a spiritual kind of a blindness that afflicts people especially if they are fooling around in the enemy's territory, trying to play around with sin, playing games on the enemy's field. It is possible for you to stray from God and to get out and isolated, away from God. You can get so caught up in your activities that you're not really aware of the fact that anointing, that power of God is no longer upon your life.

Samson was blind to his own spiritual state. It is possible to be self-deceived about your own spiritual state. Samson had the potential of going down in the history books as one of the mightiest and most glorious of all the deliverers of Israel. His name could've been alongside of David's and Samuel's, the marvelous deliverers of Israel. But he could not conquer his own passions, his own lust.  And it led to the LORD removing His anointing.

This is why we are exhorted repeatedly in Scripture to humble ourselves before God and constantly be on the lookout for pride and presumption creeping into our lives. “Keep thy heart with all diligence; For out of it are the issues of life.” (Proverbs 4:23) Never presume upon God.  And never handle the gifts and callings of God carelessly.

September 10 -- "When The Spirit Rushes In"

 Today’s Reading: Judges 15

"When The Spirit Rushes In"

Verse 14 says, “The Spirit of the LORD rushed upon him.”  In other translations, this phrase “rushed upon” is translated as “came powerfully upon” (NIV); “came mightily upon” (KJV); “took control of” (HOL); “came over” (GW).  No matter how you say it, this was a phenomenal and powerful move of God’s Spirit upon Samson granting him astounding physical strength.

When the Spirit of the Lord rushes upon someone, some pretty amazing things begin to happen.  Here in Judges 15, the Spirit enabled Samson to break the ropes off his hands like they were powder and strike down an army of Philistines with a donkey’s jawbone.  Elsewhere in Scripture, we see the Spirit’s rushing power enabling people to do amazing supernatural feats: Saul mustered three hundred thousand Israelites for battle (1 Samuel 11:6-8); David was anointed as Israel’s king (1 Samuel 16:13); Azariah preached a powerful sermon (2 Chronicles 15:1); Balaam prophesied (Numbers 24:2); Jahaziel pronounced great words of encouragement (2 Chronicles 20:14). Every one of these actions were beyond the “natural” abilities of the person. Every one of these actions were enacted by a supernatural power that can come only from God.

Everywhere in Scripture where we read of the Holy Spirit coming upon people, we see unusual and unexplainable events take place.  In the New Testament we read, “And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.” (Acts 2:2-4)  Unusual and unexplainable - the sound of rushing wind. Wildfire. Speaking in tongues. And an unexpectedly bold Gospel presentation by a coward, the Apostle Peter.  Wow! What unusual and unexplainable phenomenon. 

That’s what happens when God’s Spirit comes upon a person.  They are enabled to do things that they could not do in their human strength.  This is how God enables people to accomplish His great purposes. And when His Spirit rushes in – watch out!  Unusual and unexplainable events will arise.

What is that “thing” that God has put on your heart to accomplish for His kingdom? What ministry is calling you? Don’t attempt that thing in your own strength or human effort.  Instead, listen to what Jesus told you to do, “wait for the promise of the Father.”  Wait upon Him and in His perfect timing “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you” (Acts 1:8). You, too can experience the Spirit rushing upon you resulting in unusual and unexplainable power happening in your life.

September 9 -- "Clueless Parents"

 Today’s Reading: Judges 14

"Clueless Parents"

His father and mother had no idea that God was behind Samson’s attraction to a young Philistine girl.  His parents very “properly” opposed Samson’s marriage to this Pagan woman. "Aw come on, Samson, there are plenty of beautiful Israeli girls around here, why do you have to go down and fall in love with a Philistine?"  But the Scriptures tell us that God was in it and Samson’s parents had no clue.  The Lord had an agenda to achieve and He would use Samson’s marriage to this Philistine girl to further His plan.

It is not unusual for God to leave parents “out of the loop” when He begins to move in their children’s lives.  And sometimes the child’s actions may seem “improper” to the parents when they don’t recognize the hand of God in the situation. 

I know someone who was raised in a “proper” church setting. Her parents were devoted church-goers and they always attended the same denominational church.  They were heavily involved in the life of their church – volunteering for many ministries and participating in virtually every church activity.  When their (now 18-year old) daughter came home and told them she was now attending another church in a nearby city, they were shocked and dismayed. They had no idea that God was behind this.  It all seemed so “improper” to them. Especially because this church was new in town and didn’t follow all of the prescribed doctrines and practices of their denomination. They did their best to discourage this change in their daughter’s life, but God was up to something and they just couldn’t see it.

As their daughter attended this new church, her life changed dramatically as the Holy Spirit began a new work in her life. She was “born again” after accepting Christ (a practice her parents’ church frowned on).  She began to study the Scriptures.  She got involved in ministry.  And she got to be part of what we now call “the Jesus movement” – one of the greatest moves of God in our generation. God was behind this girl’s decision to “change venues.”  But her parents had no idea. So stuck in their “proper” ways, they failed to see the handiwork of God right before their eyes. 

Parents, it is indeed your job to raise your child in the ways of the Lord and to protect them from being led astray. But don’t put God in a box and falsely believe that He will always work the “proper” way you’re used to. Sometimes He does new things – in a new way. It may just be His plan to keep you “out of the loop” as He begins an amazing work in your child.  So, if you’re a parent - engage in prayer asking for God’s discernment.  You may just find that God is on the move.  And if you’re the child – don’t be afraid to move in the direction God is leading, even if your parents may find it improper.  Just be sure you are following the leading of the Spirit of God.

September 8 -- "When God Stirs"

 Today’s Reading: Judges 12 & 13

"When God Stirs"

What a blessing this must have been for Samson’s mom and dad.  They had sacrificed for him, and prayed for him before he was born and as he grew up.  And now, they could see the blessing of the LORD begin to come upon him.  The Spirit of the LORD began to stir him.  Oh, what joy this brings to any Christian parent!  Watching their child be stirred by the Holy Spirit.  There comes a time in every child’s life when his/her parents can only stand back and watch as God’s Spirit begins to move in their child’s life.

Samson was a man who was born into a godly family, whose miraculous birth was announced by a visit from an Angel, and upon whose life was a specific calling from the Lord.  So, in His perfect timing, God began to stir him. The Hebrew word for “stir” here is “pa’am” which literally means “to agitate; to thrust; to push.” God’s Spirit began to “thrust” Samson.  He was pushing Samson into ministry, urging him to step up and assume the Divine calling upon his life. 

It is a blessed thing to have the Spirit of the Lord stirring in your life. You can’t describe it, but you can feel it – sense it.  It is a spiritual sense that comes upon you that you cannot ignore.  It is a sense of unrest that pushes you to say, “It is time to start. It is time to move forward. It is time to get things done!”  This sense of stirring happened when you first accepted Christ at the urging of the Holy Spirit upon your soul. As the Holy Spirit convicted you, your heart was stirred and you, by faith, were born again into a new life in Christ.  What an amazing and precious day that was!

This same sense of stirring happens again when the Holy Spirit is calling you to do a work for His kingdom.  In His perfect timing, He will urge you, agitate you, and push you forward to a new service for Him.  Don’t ignore the stirring of God. (Actually, you couldn’t even if you tried.) Think of it!  God loves you and has a wonderful purpose for your life.  Everything that has happened to you has led you to this point.  And now, God stirs you.  Listen to that persistent tugging on your heart that just won’t go away. Get up and do it!  It is time!  Let God thrust you into fulfilling His purpose for your life.

September 7 -- "Jephthah's Foolish Vow"

 Today’s Reading: Judges 11

"Jephthah's Foolish Vow"

It is a tragic story.  Jephthah made an impulsive vow to God. It was a vow that was not required by the Law of Moses. Nor was it a vow that God would accept.  It was a rash and foolish vow. “Lord, if you give me a clear victory in battle, then I’ll sacrifice to you whatever comes out of the door of my house to meet me when I return."

Jephthah went off to fight the Ammonites. And God gave him victory in battle. He beat them soundly.  When he returned home and saw his only daughter come out of the door of his house, he suddenly realized the foolishness of his vow.  What had he done!?!  He realized in that moment the thoughtlessness of his promise.  It was careless.  It was hasty.  It was contrary to God’s heart.  And it resulted in a dreadful situation.

Jephthah, believing that he must now keep his vow, proceeded with plans to carry it out.  But, was he actually required to keep this thoughtless vow?  I am convinced that God did not require this vow from him in the first place, nor would God require him to fulfill it. Tragically, Jepththah carried out his word.

So, how does this ancient account apply to our lives today?

First, think before you speak: Jephthah's vow was made in the heat of the moment, without careful consideration of the consequences. Let us learn to take a step back and think before we make any commitments to God or others. Seek counsel from wise and mature believers if necessary.

Seek God's will: It is essential to seek God's guidance before making any significant decisions or promises. Instead of impulsively vowing something, spend time in prayer, seeking God's direction and asking for His wisdom.

Be slow to vow, but quick to fulfill: Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 advises us to be careful when making vows before God. If we do make a promise, we must honor it diligently. God takes our words seriously, and our integrity is on the line.

Grasp the significance of commitment: Vows are not to be taken lightly. Understand that God holds us accountable for what we promise to Him. Therefore, it is better not to make a vow than to make one and fail to fulfill it.

Understand the impact of our promises on others. Tragically, in Jepththah's case, it was his daughter who paid the price for his foolish vow. His impetuous promise deeply affected other people he loved. We must never let our actions impact negatively on others.

Lean on God's grace: We will all make mistakes and may have previously made hasty vows. In those moments, turn to God's grace, seek forgiveness, and learn from the experience. God is merciful and understanding and if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins.