Feb. 2, 2010 Devotions

Just to clarify, I am on the One Year Bible reading schedule.  I am reading the OT & NT daily, in addition to BSF.  I will figure out Psalms and Proverbs later.

 

Exodus 16:32 – the Lord commanded to keep a pot of manna to show to future generations so that they would know what He had done for His people.  I need to show my children what the Lord has done for our family.

God will always provide for His children.  A tree made the waters sweet.  Moses’ rod brought water from the rock.  Manna fell to the earth daily.  Why take ye thought for the morrow?  Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.

Matthew 22:31-32 “… have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying,  32 I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.”  Praise the Lord that He has made me alive in Christ!

February 1, 2010 Devotions

The Red Sea Miracle

Exodus 14:10-14  “And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the LORD.  11 And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt?  12 Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness.  13 And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.  14 The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.”

When my circumstances seem impossible, and I cannot see the way out, when my heart is fearful and I feel alone, let me cry out to the LORD.  Only let me not cry with a complaining spirit and a heart critical of God’s design as Israel did.  Let me cry out in dependence and trust.  And let me take my hands off, let me stand still, and let God show His saving arm as He fights for me.

Exodus 14:31  And Israel saw that great work which the LORD did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD, and his servant Moses.

Exodus 15:11  Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?

Matthew 21:23-46 – The Parable of the Wicked Husbandman

The unbelief of Israel always amazes me.  I know it shouldn’t, because so many times I am unbelieving also.  But the words of Jesus here caught my attention -
vs. 37: “ But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son.”  How it must hurt the heart of God when anyone rejects Him!  But especially one of His chosen people.  He had given them the promises.  His prophets.  His words.  And last of all He sent unto them His Son, and they did not reverence Him.  They rejected Him.  Then vs. 45-46:  “And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them.  46 But when they sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they took him for a prophet.”   In the end, they realized that Jesus was speaking of them.  That He was offering them the Kingdom, but because of their rejection He was going to take it away and offer it to the Gentiles.  Even then they hardened their hearts and rejected Him the more.  How tragic.  Do I do this in my life?  Not with salvation perhaps, but with His gifts?  His Word?  His promises?  His expectations?  His fellowship?  How many times do I reject Him, and yet expect Him to continue to offer these things? 

January 31, 2010 Devotions

Exodus 13

Exodus 13:3  for by strength of hand the LORD brought you out from this place:

Exodus 13:8  And thou shalt shew thy son in that day, saying, This is done because of that which the LORD did unto me when I came forth out of Egypt.

Exodus 13:9  And it shall be for a sign unto thee upon thine hand, and for a memorial between thine eyes, that the LORD'S law may be in thy mouth: for with a strong hand hath the LORD brought thee out of Egypt.

Exodus 13:14  By strength of hand the LORD brought us out from Egypt, from the house of bondage:

Exodus 13:16  And it shall be for a token upon thine hand, and for frontlets between thine eyes: for by strength of hand the LORD brought us forth out of Egypt.

The LORD does so much for us by strength of hand, to show Himself strong on our behalf.  Do I even notice when His hand is working around me?  Or am I blind, until I am overwhelmed and finally come to Him, laying my burden at His feet.  In weakness I cry, “Lord, work on my behalf.  I cannot do it alone.  I need you.”  And then He tenderly responds, “I have been working.  Didn’t you see my hand in your circumstances?  I have been waiting for you to bring this to me.  Why did you try to bear it on your own?  Stand back, and watch me work in strength, and do not forget what I do for you.  Teach it to your children.”  Oh, I pray that my children will recognize His hand sooner and easier than I do!

Matthew 21:22 ties right in with this - “And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.”

Specific prayer requests -

1. Unmistakable Holy Spirit guidance regarding NYC – for me and for Ben.
2. Wisdom regarding dropping our health care coverage, or that Ben can add us to his policy without a waiting period.
3. Health, especially for Elaine, during the month without health care coverage.

January 30, 2010 Devotions

Exodus 10:2  “And that thou mayest tell in the ears of thy son, and of thy son's son, what things I have wrought in Egypt, and my signs which I have done among them; that ye may know how that I am the LORD.”

We are supposed to tell our children the things which God has done in our lives, so that they can see and believe that He is God.  What an awesome responsibility!  Even a child as young as Elaine can intake the Scripture and the things of God.  What a great opportunity I have – a sponge in my own home!  I get to saturate her and shape her world view from God’s eyes.  I must ask the Lord to guide me and Ben as we raise our children for the Lord.

Matthew 20:1-20 – the parable of the workers in the vineyard.  The ones who had worked all day were upset that they were paid the same amount as those who worked but an hour.  But is not God just in all that He does?  Do I have any right to look at others around me and say, “That’s not fair.”  Or, “Why were they chosen and not me?”  Or, “Why do they get the spotlight?  I’m a better person.”  I know I struggle with this at church many times.  It used to be about piano playing, but I learned not to be jealous over that in my Hymn Playing class at ABC.  Now I am jealous for my husband, because I think he is a better person or more qualified than some other men in the church.  And yet the others seem to get recognized by the Pastor or commended from the pulpit, or lifted up as godly.  I must trust that the Lord knows what He is doing, and if others seem to get more honor or opportunity, it is because He has designed it so.  I must not complain that He is not fair and just, for He is.

January 29, 2010 Devotions

 

Exodus 8:10 b: “…that thou mayest know that there is none like unto the LORD our God.”  How true it is that I serve a God unlike any other!  He is good, loving, patient, kind, yet He is holy, just, and true.  I want it to be true, as did Moses, that those around me can know – by looking at my life – that there is none like unto the LORD my God.

While I'm sure it was hard for the Israelites to be in bondage in Egypt, God was using even that for good.  Had they not been in bondage, there would have been no signs before Pharaoh as Moses entreated for their release.  But what was the purpose of the signs before Pharaoh?  To show that there is none like Him in all the earth!  He showed Himself to Pharaoh and gave him the opportunity to repent, but Pharaoh hardened His heart.  I may be going through something unpleasant, or undesirable, or even tragic, but the LORD can and will use it in the lives of those around me to show that there is none like Himself.  What an awesome God I serve!

But sometimes the trials and circumstances in my life may be for my own benefit, as in Matthew 14:23-34.  The disciples were sent into the storm to test and prove their faith.  Jesus showed His power and then asked, “O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?”  They had forgotten so soon Who their Master was, but He came to them walking on the water.  Even in the darkest times of life, Jesus is there beside me, watching over me, protecting me, and growing my faith.

Exodus 8:19 b: “…This is the finger of God…”  What an awesome thought.  The Egyptian magicians looked at what God had done, and they knew it was God who had done it.  They saw the finger of God at work around them.

Exodus 8:23 – there should be a notable difference between the people of God and the people of the world.

Matthew 16:24-26  “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.  25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.  26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”

Ebenezer Memorials

In my daily devotions I have been reading on a schedule that will take me through the Bible in a year by reading portions from the Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs each day.

I am currently in Exodus, and I have recently noticed how many times the Lord instructed the Israelites to "remember" something. As I did a quick word study on the Hebrew word zacar (to remember) I came across some interesting passages.

In Exodus 13:3 the children of Israel are instructed to remember what God in bringing them out of the bondage in Egypt. It was by the strength of the Lord's hand that Israel was released by Pharaoh.

In Joshua 1:13 they were instructed to remember what Moses had said: it was God who gave the Promised Land. Man could not do it - God did. They were to remember...don't forget...God did this.

Judges 8:34 tells us to remember the Lord and His deliverance. This comes in the form of the sad commentary "...The children of Israel remembered not the LORD their God."

1 Chron. 16:12, 15 give instructions to remember the marvelous works of God, and His covenant.

Isaiah 46:9-10 really caught my attention. It reads "Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, 10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure." It seems that we would not need to be reminded that the LORD is God, or to recall to mind the marvelous miracles He has wrought. Yet there are many instructions to remember. Don't forget. God did this.

In my reading today in Exodus 17 I was struck by the fact that God told Moses to write down what He had just done to deliver Amalek into Israel's hand (vs.14ff). It was to be a memorial, and to be rehearsed in the hands of Joshua, Moses' successor. God knows that we will forget His wonderful works and strong hand on our behalf - many times we forget sooner than we like to admit. Should we not also have a book of remembrance - a memorial to the great things which our God has done?

In 1 Samuel 7:12, Samuel erected a memorial to God and called it "Ebenezer" (stone of help) because he said, "Hitherto hath the LORD helped us." Samuel wanted a physical, tangible reminder of what God had done on their behalf. That is what the stone memorial represented - a reminder of what God had done. I am reminded of the familiar hymn, Come Thou Fount. The second verse reads,

Here I raise mine Ebenezer; (some versions say my sign of victory)
Hither by Thy help I'm come;
And I know, by Thy good pleasure,
Safely to arrive at home.
Jesus sought me when a stranger,
Wand'ring from the fold of God;
He, to rescue me from danger,
Interposed His precious blood.

I want to start writing down those things which God does for my family. I want to record the miraculous answers to specific prayers, so that I can look back and see what God has done. Then I will remember. I won't as easily forget. God did this.

Polished Palaces, Part 3

Good morning! Now that we have looked at the polished palace, the cornerstone, and the building materials, we need to consider some questions regarding our motive to be a polished palace.

1. Who is the palace for?

1 Chronicles 29:1 Furthermore David the king said unto all the congregation, Solomon my son,

whom alone God hath chosen, is yet young and tender, and the work is great: for the palace is not for man, but for the LORD God.

This verse refers to the building of the temple. David was told by God that he would not be allowed to build the temple because he was a man of war, and he had blood on his hands. God chose David’s son, Solomon, to build the temple. In this verse David makes the point that the work was great, because the temple (palace) was for the LORD God. This was a special building designated for the worship of the One True God. It was special, holy, dedicated, and set apart.

Just as the temple was for the Lord, we must realize that the palace of our lives is for the Lord.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

Our motive to be a polished palace cannot be the praise of others, or pride in ourselves, or to "keep up appearances". We must seek to live a life pleasing to God because He is our Lord and Master. The fashioning of our spiritual lives must be to please the Lord and not men

Ephesians 6:6-7 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; 7 With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:

Psalm 45:6-11 Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre. 7 Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. 8 All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad. 9 Kings' daughters were among thy honourable women: upon thy right hand did stand the queen in gold of Ophir. 10 Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline thine ear; forget also thine own people, and thy father's house; 11 So shall the king greatly desire thy beauty: for he is thy Lord; and worship thou him.

What a beautiful description of our God! I want to be beautiful for my God.

Consider also: The King has free reign in his palace – He was not banned from any part. Does God own every room in your heart? Is there a nook, cranny, or closet that you have blocked Him out of?

2. Why is the palace beautiful?

A. Because of the building materials that were used. We discussed this in Polished Palaces, Part 2.

B. Because it is maintained. A palace may be beautiful when it is first unveiled. But if no maintenance is ever performed, it quickly becomes a run-down disgrace.

In the same way, our relationship with God requires maintenance. Just as you cannot physically live on one meal per week, or month, so you cannot live on one to two Bible readings a week. To develop intimacy with God requires effort and consistency. Sporadic Bible reading and prayer will accomplish very little. How is your spiritual palace? Do you need to do some maintenance to get it back into shape? Daily communication and Bible reading and quiet is essential to maintaining your polished palace.

C. Because of what is on the inside. The picture of the outside of the Alcazar de Segovia (at the beginning of this post) is impressive enough, but I would venture that the inside was even more spectacular in its day. The outside merely reflects what is on the inside.

1 Peter 3:1-4 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; 2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. 3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; 4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

Matthew 23:27-28 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. 28 Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.

These verses demonstrate that what is on the inside is of prime importance. Our beauty should start inward and work outward. Does your appearance and behavior before others in public match what you are in private? Do you only in conformation to certain standards or expectations, or do you have Biblical convictions that are motivated by your personal relationship with Christ?

D. Because of their size. Just as babies need to grow in order to mature, so Christians need to continue to grow and mature, becoming “larger” in their likeness to Christ

1 Peter 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

Hebrews 5:12-14 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. 13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. 14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

E. Because of their location – usually beautiful palaces are not built in the slums or where their beauty does not match their landscape. The grounds are usually nicely manicured to match the edifice. Our location is “in Christ” if we are built on the cornerstone.

F. Because of the riches and wealth associated with the owners/inhabitants of the palace. Who indwells us? The risen Christ, who owns the cattle on a thousand hills, and who has given us all things that pertain unto life and godliness

2 Peter 1:3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

Our Owner and Master, who dwells in us from the moment of salvation, makes us beautiful by His very presence. Can He be seen in your life? Do others know that you belong to Him?

I hope you have enjoyed these posts on the Polished Palace. The theme verse first caught my attention as my Pastor summarized Psalm 144 on a Wednesday night, and made some brief comments. As I meditated upon the verse, and mulled it over in my head, I began to draw some conclusions. As a Resident Advisor in charge of a ladies dormitory in college, I chose Polished Palaces as our dorm theme for the year. The devotionals I brought during that year were centered on the theme, and I have further developed some of those devotionals in this blog. May you become more of a Polished Palace for Christ each day!