Judges 9
Abimelech, Gideon's son, decides to be King. He kills his 70 brothers, except Jotham, so that no one can claim the throne. God eventually gets vengeance by killing him after allowing Abimelech to slaughter those in an evil city.
All of the good that Gideon left behind, his 70 sons and his legacy, are smashed by the son of his slave girl. This is a perfect example of how storing up treasures on earth is pointless, because it can so quickly be taken away.
What is on earth is not permanent. If I put more store in the legacy I leave behind than in what I store up with my Father in Heaven, then I've missed the entire point. What is here today has every chance of being gone tomorrow, but what I do for Jesus is never wasted.
God, thank you that you have already set up a place for me where I can be safe from rust and decay. You've given me life abundant, but this isn't when I'm meant to store my worth. Thank you for how you've made me. I don't understand your thoughts, I can't even pretend to, but thanks for giving me a glimpse.
Amen.
2/20/09
2/19/09
Day 30 - February 19/09
Judges 8
Gideon defeats the Midianites, and in return Israel asks him and his family after him to rule over the country. He humbly rejects their offer and says that only God rules, but instead takes gold from his army and from the kings they defeated in payment. He had the gold melted down into an idol that his family struggled with, because they were inclined to worship it.
Gideon was trying to be so noble and bring honour to God instead of himself, and he ended up failing miserably. He turned to value money more than God, and brought his family into temptation as well.
I don't like to think that I put money in front of God. I am so thankful that He has given me a heart that does not hold on to wealth, but is eager to give to Him. I never want this to change. And I always want all the glory to go to Him.
God, forgive me when I put other things before you. Help me to walk in Your will and not to fall in love with money. You're the only one I want to live for.
Amen.
Gideon defeats the Midianites, and in return Israel asks him and his family after him to rule over the country. He humbly rejects their offer and says that only God rules, but instead takes gold from his army and from the kings they defeated in payment. He had the gold melted down into an idol that his family struggled with, because they were inclined to worship it.
Gideon was trying to be so noble and bring honour to God instead of himself, and he ended up failing miserably. He turned to value money more than God, and brought his family into temptation as well.
I don't like to think that I put money in front of God. I am so thankful that He has given me a heart that does not hold on to wealth, but is eager to give to Him. I never want this to change. And I always want all the glory to go to Him.
God, forgive me when I put other things before you. Help me to walk in Your will and not to fall in love with money. You're the only one I want to live for.
Amen.
2/17/09
Day 29 - February 17/08
Judges 7
God takes Gideon's army and sends nearly everyone home so that he is only left with 300 men. They defeat the Midianite camp, and all the glory goes to God because such a small number could ever defeat such a large army without His help.
God asks for incredible trust. What seems foolish to men is wisdom to God. He can see the end from the beginning, and He is asking Gideon to trust His words. In the end, once again, God comes through. He is even willing to give Gideon another sign before attacking!
I need to trust Him! Even when I don't hear His voice, I need to look to His Word and let that be enough. I don't know what else I can do.
God, I need faith! I need to believe Your words and take them as truth, even when they sound crazy to me. Help me to see the wisdom in Your words.
Amen.
God takes Gideon's army and sends nearly everyone home so that he is only left with 300 men. They defeat the Midianite camp, and all the glory goes to God because such a small number could ever defeat such a large army without His help.
God asks for incredible trust. What seems foolish to men is wisdom to God. He can see the end from the beginning, and He is asking Gideon to trust His words. In the end, once again, God comes through. He is even willing to give Gideon another sign before attacking!
I need to trust Him! Even when I don't hear His voice, I need to look to His Word and let that be enough. I don't know what else I can do.
God, I need faith! I need to believe Your words and take them as truth, even when they sound crazy to me. Help me to see the wisdom in Your words.
Amen.
2/16/09
Day 28 - February 16/09
Judges 6
Again, the Israelites are sinning and God has brought an oppressor upon them: the Midianites. In response to their cries, God first sends an unnamed prophet to speak words of judgment, and then an angel to the house of Gideon. "The Lord is with you" (6:12) is the angel's greeting, and Gideon immediately goes into a complaint typical of people today: if God is with us, why are all these bad things happening; why don't we see miracles like in Moses' day (this is less than a few hundred years later); and, how can I do anything when I am so weak? So Gideon asks for a sign that it's really God, and so God burns up His offering before his eyes. In response, Gideon, on God's commands, destroys the alter of Baal and the Asherah pole. The men want to kill him, but his father convinces them that Baal can seek his own revenge. So God sends Gideon to lead His army, and Gideon again asks for two signs with the fleece on the ground. Every time God comes through.
The Lord was with Gideon. The first words he ever hears from God, and he doubts. Gideon is following God's orders, but under cover of dark or only after many signs and wonders. He doubts when he should be confident in the God who has said He is with him. Gideons' faith is fickle and waivering, but God still uses him.
Somehow, God still uses me. How and why and for what purpose? Who knows. But just as He used Gideon despite his flaws, God can still take my life and make something beautiful come from the wreckage.
God, help me to hear you and trust you without the miracle wonders. Where I have lack of faith, give me more than I could ever dream of. Help me to trust in you, even when it seems impossible.
Amen.
Again, the Israelites are sinning and God has brought an oppressor upon them: the Midianites. In response to their cries, God first sends an unnamed prophet to speak words of judgment, and then an angel to the house of Gideon. "The Lord is with you" (6:12) is the angel's greeting, and Gideon immediately goes into a complaint typical of people today: if God is with us, why are all these bad things happening; why don't we see miracles like in Moses' day (this is less than a few hundred years later); and, how can I do anything when I am so weak? So Gideon asks for a sign that it's really God, and so God burns up His offering before his eyes. In response, Gideon, on God's commands, destroys the alter of Baal and the Asherah pole. The men want to kill him, but his father convinces them that Baal can seek his own revenge. So God sends Gideon to lead His army, and Gideon again asks for two signs with the fleece on the ground. Every time God comes through.
The Lord was with Gideon. The first words he ever hears from God, and he doubts. Gideon is following God's orders, but under cover of dark or only after many signs and wonders. He doubts when he should be confident in the God who has said He is with him. Gideons' faith is fickle and waivering, but God still uses him.
Somehow, God still uses me. How and why and for what purpose? Who knows. But just as He used Gideon despite his flaws, God can still take my life and make something beautiful come from the wreckage.
God, help me to hear you and trust you without the miracle wonders. Where I have lack of faith, give me more than I could ever dream of. Help me to trust in you, even when it seems impossible.
Amen.
2/15/09
Day 27 - February 15/09
Proverbs 2
How to attain wisdom and fear of God:
- store up the commands of Proverbs in your heart
- turn your ear to wisdom
- apply your heart to understanding
- call out for insight
- cry aloud for understanding
God gives wisdom to those who ask for it. When we cry out for it, long for it, and apply it when given, God graciously gives it. He does not require much, just a willing heart and the humbleness to ask.
Wisdom is something I have always sought after, but I've never really been sure how to gain it. Over time I've found verses that point toward it, but this is pretty clear. Getting myself to a place of fearing God is another thing that's been on my mind a lot, so this is giving me lots of ponder.
God, I don't know how to fear You. I don't even know what it would look like. Show me?
How to attain wisdom and fear of God:
- store up the commands of Proverbs in your heart
- turn your ear to wisdom
- apply your heart to understanding
- call out for insight
- cry aloud for understanding
God gives wisdom to those who ask for it. When we cry out for it, long for it, and apply it when given, God graciously gives it. He does not require much, just a willing heart and the humbleness to ask.
Wisdom is something I have always sought after, but I've never really been sure how to gain it. Over time I've found verses that point toward it, but this is pretty clear. Getting myself to a place of fearing God is another thing that's been on my mind a lot, so this is giving me lots of ponder.
God, I don't know how to fear You. I don't even know what it would look like. Show me?
2/14/09
Day 26 - February 14/09
Psalm 8
"When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him...?" (8:3-4a).
God made everything. Everything we see, everything we touch, everything we take in through our God-given senses are His handiwork. He took the time to form every star, every galaxy. His fingerprints are on everything.
I am His handiwork. He loves me. Yet who am I that He's mindful of me? That's been my biggest internal struggle lately. I can comprehend Him dying for the world and wanting to be in relationship with all of mankind...but not with me. How crazy is that. But He made all these things, and He calls me the pinnacle of His creation. Me. Crazy.
God, help me comprehend your love. I cannot do it on my own.
"When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him...?" (8:3-4a).
God made everything. Everything we see, everything we touch, everything we take in through our God-given senses are His handiwork. He took the time to form every star, every galaxy. His fingerprints are on everything.
I am His handiwork. He loves me. Yet who am I that He's mindful of me? That's been my biggest internal struggle lately. I can comprehend Him dying for the world and wanting to be in relationship with all of mankind...but not with me. How crazy is that. But He made all these things, and He calls me the pinnacle of His creation. Me. Crazy.
God, help me comprehend your love. I cannot do it on my own.
2/13/09
Day 25 - February 13/09
Judges 5
This chapter is a song sung by Deborah and Barak after their victory. They talk about the entire battle and all that happened. At the very end, it switches back to narrative and we are informed that "the land had peace for forty years" (5:31b).
This song is a tribute to all God has done. Once again, everything foretold has happened and God has come through for His people. He never fails them! They become upset with Him and cry out for help when they're in trouble, but EVERY TIME it's in response to their turning from Him. At the end of this ordeal, only again they see His power and turn back to Him, with forty years of resulting peace. My guess is that the next chapter will reveal why it was only forty years.
I'm always so grateful when God releases me from bondage, but then I forget what He has done. It doesn't take me a full lifetime to turn from Him again. I look at the three steps from yesterday, and see them again in my own life. I need to work on breaking the cycle and allowing my life to be holy before Him.
God, please help me break this cycle. Kill this thing inside me that lets me continue to go on sinning, even when I see your great mercy and redemptive powers. I should be so thankful that I never turn from You again! Help me. I cannot do this on my own.
This chapter is a song sung by Deborah and Barak after their victory. They talk about the entire battle and all that happened. At the very end, it switches back to narrative and we are informed that "the land had peace for forty years" (5:31b).
This song is a tribute to all God has done. Once again, everything foretold has happened and God has come through for His people. He never fails them! They become upset with Him and cry out for help when they're in trouble, but EVERY TIME it's in response to their turning from Him. At the end of this ordeal, only again they see His power and turn back to Him, with forty years of resulting peace. My guess is that the next chapter will reveal why it was only forty years.
I'm always so grateful when God releases me from bondage, but then I forget what He has done. It doesn't take me a full lifetime to turn from Him again. I look at the three steps from yesterday, and see them again in my own life. I need to work on breaking the cycle and allowing my life to be holy before Him.
God, please help me break this cycle. Kill this thing inside me that lets me continue to go on sinning, even when I see your great mercy and redemptive powers. I should be so thankful that I never turn from You again! Help me. I cannot do this on my own.
2/12/09
Day 24 - February 12/09
Judges 1-4
These first four chapters begin a pattern that will continue through most of Israel's history.
1. The Israelites do evil in the sight of the Lord.
2. God becomes angry and hands them over to a foreign nation.
3. The people cry out, and God redeems them (usually through a judge or king).
Then, as long as the redeemer is alive, the people abide by God's laws and live devoted to Him. As soon as new generation rises up who does not know what God has done, the pattern starts again.
Somehow, the problem seems to come when all who lived during the time of God's redemption die and a new generation is alive. Somewhere along the way, the mightiness of God is not passed down through the generations. As long as Israel obeys, God allows them to live in the land, but the second they don't He has them removed or occupied. You'd think they would learn.
You'd think I would learn. How many times have I disobeyed and had to live with consequences, only to go back and do the same thing the second I'm forgiven? Thankfully, God is merciful and forgives me time and time again.
God, please help me to learn from these passages. Don't let my heart be hardened to the truth you're trying to reveal to me. I am pathetic at living up to Your calling, but I'm asking for You to be my strength every single day. I need it to be the person You want me to be.
Amen.
He loves me where I'm at, but refuses to leave me there. What an amazing God.
These first four chapters begin a pattern that will continue through most of Israel's history.
1. The Israelites do evil in the sight of the Lord.
2. God becomes angry and hands them over to a foreign nation.
3. The people cry out, and God redeems them (usually through a judge or king).
Then, as long as the redeemer is alive, the people abide by God's laws and live devoted to Him. As soon as new generation rises up who does not know what God has done, the pattern starts again.
Somehow, the problem seems to come when all who lived during the time of God's redemption die and a new generation is alive. Somewhere along the way, the mightiness of God is not passed down through the generations. As long as Israel obeys, God allows them to live in the land, but the second they don't He has them removed or occupied. You'd think they would learn.
You'd think I would learn. How many times have I disobeyed and had to live with consequences, only to go back and do the same thing the second I'm forgiven? Thankfully, God is merciful and forgives me time and time again.
God, please help me to learn from these passages. Don't let my heart be hardened to the truth you're trying to reveal to me. I am pathetic at living up to Your calling, but I'm asking for You to be my strength every single day. I need it to be the person You want me to be.
Amen.
He loves me where I'm at, but refuses to leave me there. What an amazing God.
2/11/09
Day 23 - February 11/09
Joshua 23 & 24
Joshua is now very old and knows that he will soon die. He sends for all the leaders of various kinds from all over Israel and gives them instructions on how to live. Joshua brings up once again all the ways God has kept His promises to them, and how, if they continue to abide in His law, they will have life to the fullest in the land and their enemies will continue to fall before them. However, if they do not obey the Lord, their enemies will trap them into worshiping other gods and will bring God's wrath down upon them. Then Joshua calls all the people to him, speaks a brief message of God's faithfulness, and asks the people if they will enter into covenant with Him. The people choose to throw away their other gods and only serve God. A list of laws is drawn up, a stone is set to remind them of their words, and the people are sent back to their land. At this time Joshua dies and is buried in the Promised Land.
At one point Joshua is telling Israel that they have their choice who they will serve. After all God has done for them, they can either choose Him or any god they want, but it is on them. His final statement, however, is: "But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord" (24:15b). It's a strong proclamation to declare allegiance from his entire family, but Joshua does it. He is being an example to the people of how to live before God: recklessly abandoned.
I want to live reckless before God! I want to be abandoned to His will and stop thinking about my own wants. He is so much bigger than me and has so many plans, yet I don't fully let Him in. He took care of Israel even in their times of greatest rebellion. I'd like to think He'll still look out for me too.
I like this praying-typing thing. I think I'll keep it up for a bit and see how it goes.
Dear God, give me the perseverance to always put You before me and to trust that you will take care of me through the rough times. Just as the man with a son who was full of evil spirits cried out: "I do believe, help my unbelief!" (9:24), please give me the faith to go on believing in you during the dry times. Please show me how to walk in Your ways. For Israel, it was only serving you. Help me to turn away from the things that would keep me from drawing near to you.
Amen.
Joshua is now very old and knows that he will soon die. He sends for all the leaders of various kinds from all over Israel and gives them instructions on how to live. Joshua brings up once again all the ways God has kept His promises to them, and how, if they continue to abide in His law, they will have life to the fullest in the land and their enemies will continue to fall before them. However, if they do not obey the Lord, their enemies will trap them into worshiping other gods and will bring God's wrath down upon them. Then Joshua calls all the people to him, speaks a brief message of God's faithfulness, and asks the people if they will enter into covenant with Him. The people choose to throw away their other gods and only serve God. A list of laws is drawn up, a stone is set to remind them of their words, and the people are sent back to their land. At this time Joshua dies and is buried in the Promised Land.
At one point Joshua is telling Israel that they have their choice who they will serve. After all God has done for them, they can either choose Him or any god they want, but it is on them. His final statement, however, is: "But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord" (24:15b). It's a strong proclamation to declare allegiance from his entire family, but Joshua does it. He is being an example to the people of how to live before God: recklessly abandoned.
I want to live reckless before God! I want to be abandoned to His will and stop thinking about my own wants. He is so much bigger than me and has so many plans, yet I don't fully let Him in. He took care of Israel even in their times of greatest rebellion. I'd like to think He'll still look out for me too.
I like this praying-typing thing. I think I'll keep it up for a bit and see how it goes.
Dear God, give me the perseverance to always put You before me and to trust that you will take care of me through the rough times. Just as the man with a son who was full of evil spirits cried out: "I do believe, help my unbelief!" (9:24), please give me the faith to go on believing in you during the dry times. Please show me how to walk in Your ways. For Israel, it was only serving you. Help me to turn away from the things that would keep me from drawing near to you.
Amen.
2/10/09
Day 22 - February 10/09
Joshua 22
Now that the land of Israel has been completely occupied, the men from Reuben, Gad and Manasseh have been released from their duties and are being sent home to their families with the spoils of war. As soon as they cross the Jordan River, the three tribes immediately set about building an altar. The other tribes, thinking their brothers had turned to foreign gods, set after them to declare war. They were so upset by the apparent betrayal of the Lord, that they went as far as to say that if it was the land causing Reuben, Gad and Manasseh to stumble, the rest of Israel would gladly give them part of their own inheritance to stop them from sinning. Thankfully, the three tribes were able to respond and explain how the altar was meant to represent their allegiance to God, not to present offerings to other gods.
The Israelites may have jumped to quick conclusions about their brothers, but they had just concern. If we sent missionaries off to another country and the first thing we hear is about them building altars, we'd probably be a little bit concerned. So, in the fashion of the day, the Israelites made plans to go to war. They felt that they were defending God, and were even willing to go so far as to kill their own family.
For me, this brings up two issues.
1. Jesus tells us in the New Testament that we must love Him more than parents, siblings, spouses and children. Here we have an equivalent example from way back in the day. These men, despite their allegiance to family, were willing to kill nearly 10% of their entire country off because they felt that strongly about God. What a way to live, with that much passion!
2. This is also an excellent example of giving others a chance to speak before assuming the worst. Although Israel was assuming that Reuben, Gad and Manasseh were worshipping other gods, they allowed them to defend themselves before going to war and probably condemning all of them to death. I know that in my own life I need to not be so quick to judge.
So someone suggested that I actually type out my prayer to God. I figure I'll give it a go.
Dear God, please give me the wisdom to know when I actually need to call someone out on something, and when I'm completely blowing the situation out of proportion. Patience to listen to their defense and open ears would be awesome, too. Also, continue to help me to have the perseverance to see these devotions through every day, even when life gets crazy. Help me to get the most out of Your Word that I possibly can, and give me insight so that I can help others with the things I'm learning.
Amen.
Now that the land of Israel has been completely occupied, the men from Reuben, Gad and Manasseh have been released from their duties and are being sent home to their families with the spoils of war. As soon as they cross the Jordan River, the three tribes immediately set about building an altar. The other tribes, thinking their brothers had turned to foreign gods, set after them to declare war. They were so upset by the apparent betrayal of the Lord, that they went as far as to say that if it was the land causing Reuben, Gad and Manasseh to stumble, the rest of Israel would gladly give them part of their own inheritance to stop them from sinning. Thankfully, the three tribes were able to respond and explain how the altar was meant to represent their allegiance to God, not to present offerings to other gods.
The Israelites may have jumped to quick conclusions about their brothers, but they had just concern. If we sent missionaries off to another country and the first thing we hear is about them building altars, we'd probably be a little bit concerned. So, in the fashion of the day, the Israelites made plans to go to war. They felt that they were defending God, and were even willing to go so far as to kill their own family.
For me, this brings up two issues.
1. Jesus tells us in the New Testament that we must love Him more than parents, siblings, spouses and children. Here we have an equivalent example from way back in the day. These men, despite their allegiance to family, were willing to kill nearly 10% of their entire country off because they felt that strongly about God. What a way to live, with that much passion!
2. This is also an excellent example of giving others a chance to speak before assuming the worst. Although Israel was assuming that Reuben, Gad and Manasseh were worshipping other gods, they allowed them to defend themselves before going to war and probably condemning all of them to death. I know that in my own life I need to not be so quick to judge.
So someone suggested that I actually type out my prayer to God. I figure I'll give it a go.
Dear God, please give me the wisdom to know when I actually need to call someone out on something, and when I'm completely blowing the situation out of proportion. Patience to listen to their defense and open ears would be awesome, too. Also, continue to help me to have the perseverance to see these devotions through every day, even when life gets crazy. Help me to get the most out of Your Word that I possibly can, and give me insight so that I can help others with the things I'm learning.
Amen.
2/9/09
Day 21 - February 9/09
Joshua 21
The Levites are being presented with their pieces of land, a few of them being cities of refuge, just as God promised. Rather than being given a large territory of land like the other tribe, the Levites had towns within the other tribes' areas. At the end of the list of cities is the declaration that all things that God promised had been fulfilled.
God keeps His promises. What I've been learning is that even when I don't hear Him in the moment, that doesn't make His promises from the past any less true. It's in those times that I need to hold onto them; full of hope that He will fulfill what He has promised.
Also read today: Luke 1
The Levites are being presented with their pieces of land, a few of them being cities of refuge, just as God promised. Rather than being given a large territory of land like the other tribe, the Levites had towns within the other tribes' areas. At the end of the list of cities is the declaration that all things that God promised had been fulfilled.
God keeps His promises. What I've been learning is that even when I don't hear Him in the moment, that doesn't make His promises from the past any less true. It's in those times that I need to hold onto them; full of hope that He will fulfill what He has promised.
Also read today: Luke 1
2/8/09
Day 20 - February 8/09
Joshua 20
This chapter is about the cities of refuge set up throughout Israel so that if someone accidentally kills another, he can flee to one of those cities. By their law, if he does not flee and someone thinks he is guilty, they have the right to murder him.
When I was younger I used to go to this camp during the summer, and two of our cabins, Hebron and Bezer, were named after cities of refuge. I'm sure this wasn't by accident.
God always provides a way out for us in temptation and, from the looks of it, He also provides a way out for those who are falsely accused or genuinely did something wrong without meaning to. It's so fascinating to me how trials were done by prayer, and God, unless the High Priest was corrupted, had the final say in all matters. So if they were following the right protocol, whatever that may be, to find out what He wanted, then there should never have been false convictions.
Right now, I don't hear God's voice, and it's the strangest thing for me to not have His voice in my head all the time. But life isn't lived in the high times; life is all about when we're down in the dumps, "up to our knees in mud...." I need to persevere through this season and trust in who I know He is, even when I can't hear Him right now. I'm standing at the gate of the city, waiting to be let in so that I can sit in His refuge.
This chapter is about the cities of refuge set up throughout Israel so that if someone accidentally kills another, he can flee to one of those cities. By their law, if he does not flee and someone thinks he is guilty, they have the right to murder him.
When I was younger I used to go to this camp during the summer, and two of our cabins, Hebron and Bezer, were named after cities of refuge. I'm sure this wasn't by accident.
God always provides a way out for us in temptation and, from the looks of it, He also provides a way out for those who are falsely accused or genuinely did something wrong without meaning to. It's so fascinating to me how trials were done by prayer, and God, unless the High Priest was corrupted, had the final say in all matters. So if they were following the right protocol, whatever that may be, to find out what He wanted, then there should never have been false convictions.
Right now, I don't hear God's voice, and it's the strangest thing for me to not have His voice in my head all the time. But life isn't lived in the high times; life is all about when we're down in the dumps, "up to our knees in mud...." I need to persevere through this season and trust in who I know He is, even when I can't hear Him right now. I'm standing at the gate of the city, waiting to be let in so that I can sit in His refuge.
2/5/09
Day 19 - February 5/09
Psalm 130
This psalm is so humble and full of praise and awe. The author is crying out for mercy from the depths...of despair? of depression? of possible death? There is thanksgiving for God's grace and forgiveness of sins, because otherwise no one on earth would ever be able to stand before the Lord. The psalmist's soul is waiting on God, and in the meantime putting his hope in the Word. Israel is told to put all her hope in God, because He is the only one who can redeem her from her sins.
So many of the words and phrases are interesting, in choice and in placement. Verses three and four state that BECAUSE God is forgiving, He is feared. At first this didn't make sense to me, but the best I can gather is that because He is the forgiving One, we should live in holy awe of Him because He has the power to give and withhold forgiveness. Verse six is about the soul waiting for God "more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning." My guess is that these watchmen would probably be exhausted from lack of sleep and waiting desperately for the sun to rise; yet, we are called to wait on God with even more fervor than those who have nothing to live for except the morning sunlight spilling over the mountain tops.
I need to ask God for a desire to wait on Him. I need the holy fear of God put inside of me. When did I stop waiting on Him for every decision, even down to the smallest choice? There is a lot missing when I stop living my life for Him. Breathing for myself is doing nothing but wasting air.
This psalm is so humble and full of praise and awe. The author is crying out for mercy from the depths...of despair? of depression? of possible death? There is thanksgiving for God's grace and forgiveness of sins, because otherwise no one on earth would ever be able to stand before the Lord. The psalmist's soul is waiting on God, and in the meantime putting his hope in the Word. Israel is told to put all her hope in God, because He is the only one who can redeem her from her sins.
So many of the words and phrases are interesting, in choice and in placement. Verses three and four state that BECAUSE God is forgiving, He is feared. At first this didn't make sense to me, but the best I can gather is that because He is the forgiving One, we should live in holy awe of Him because He has the power to give and withhold forgiveness. Verse six is about the soul waiting for God "more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning." My guess is that these watchmen would probably be exhausted from lack of sleep and waiting desperately for the sun to rise; yet, we are called to wait on God with even more fervor than those who have nothing to live for except the morning sunlight spilling over the mountain tops.
I need to ask God for a desire to wait on Him. I need the holy fear of God put inside of me. When did I stop waiting on Him for every decision, even down to the smallest choice? There is a lot missing when I stop living my life for Him. Breathing for myself is doing nothing but wasting air.
2/4/09
Day 18 - February 4/09
Joshua 19
This is the chapter where the rest of the tribes receive their inheritance. The remaining tribes are, in order of the casting of lots: Simeon, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali and Dan. Simeon's land was interesting because it was taken out of the land already allotted for Judah, because Judah had more than enough territory. Once all the tribes have been assigned to their land, Joshua is given his own town.
God is faithful. He doesn't let them forget any of the small stuff. No one is unaccounted for. God does not misplace anyone on this earth, including me. Even if I don't notice someone, God still does. I need to be more aware of those around me. God loves them, so why don't I?
This is the chapter where the rest of the tribes receive their inheritance. The remaining tribes are, in order of the casting of lots: Simeon, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali and Dan. Simeon's land was interesting because it was taken out of the land already allotted for Judah, because Judah had more than enough territory. Once all the tribes have been assigned to their land, Joshua is given his own town.
God is faithful. He doesn't let them forget any of the small stuff. No one is unaccounted for. God does not misplace anyone on this earth, including me. Even if I don't notice someone, God still does. I need to be more aware of those around me. God loves them, so why don't I?
2/3/09
Day 17 - February 3/09
Joshua 18
At this point in the story, there are still seven tribes that have not received their land. Joshua sends out three men from each remaining tribe to scout out the land and divide it into seven equal parts. Once they return with the descriptions of the land and their new borders, Joshua casts lots for which tribe will live where. The first tribe to be picked was Benjamin, which received the territory between Joseph and Judah. Benjamin's territory included the city of Jericho.
At first when I started reading this passage, I got the impression that the men would go out from each tribe and choose where they wanted to live. As I continued to read, however, I realized that they had to actually divide up the land evenly because they did not know to which tribe each plot of land would go.
I hate the entire idea of casting lots. This is probably because I like to have control over situations, especially something as serious as the location of my people for, what I at the time perceive to be, forever. Although I have become fairly good at giving things up to God once I wrap my head around the idea of Him knowing what's best for me, but leaving it up to Him by lots just seems so...I don't know. Maybe I just don't trust Him enough yet.
At this point in the story, there are still seven tribes that have not received their land. Joshua sends out three men from each remaining tribe to scout out the land and divide it into seven equal parts. Once they return with the descriptions of the land and their new borders, Joshua casts lots for which tribe will live where. The first tribe to be picked was Benjamin, which received the territory between Joseph and Judah. Benjamin's territory included the city of Jericho.
At first when I started reading this passage, I got the impression that the men would go out from each tribe and choose where they wanted to live. As I continued to read, however, I realized that they had to actually divide up the land evenly because they did not know to which tribe each plot of land would go.
I hate the entire idea of casting lots. This is probably because I like to have control over situations, especially something as serious as the location of my people for, what I at the time perceive to be, forever. Although I have become fairly good at giving things up to God once I wrap my head around the idea of Him knowing what's best for me, but leaving it up to Him by lots just seems so...I don't know. Maybe I just don't trust Him enough yet.
2/2/09
Day 16 - February 2/09
Joshua 16 & 17
These two chapters consist of the land disbursement of Ephraim and Manasseh, the two half-tribes deriving from Joseph. The first story that struck me was that of the five daughters of Zelophehad who, because they had no brothers, asked for their own portion of land and it was given to them. Second, the sons of Joseph came before Joshua and said that even though they were one tribe, they were a numerous people who did not have enough room in the land they were given. Because of their request, Joshua also permitted for them to have the entire hill country as well.
I also found some challenging parts in this passage. The men of Ephraim failed to drive the Canaanites out of the land, so they were made laborers instead. Once again, they do not have enough faith to follow through and trust that God will take care of them and give the victory. Then, when they are given the hill country, Joseph's tribe complains that the Canaanites living there have chariots and will never be driven out. Joshua tells them to get their act together and fight for their land.
In both of the first situations I mentioned, the people asked and they received. God never withholds good things from His children who love and obey Him! Sometimes it may seem like He isn't giving us what we want, but that's only because He knows far better than we do what will be good for us. I suck at trusting that He has better things coming for me. And I'm terrible at asking for what I really want. I think I need to start praying a lot more.
These two chapters consist of the land disbursement of Ephraim and Manasseh, the two half-tribes deriving from Joseph. The first story that struck me was that of the five daughters of Zelophehad who, because they had no brothers, asked for their own portion of land and it was given to them. Second, the sons of Joseph came before Joshua and said that even though they were one tribe, they were a numerous people who did not have enough room in the land they were given. Because of their request, Joshua also permitted for them to have the entire hill country as well.
I also found some challenging parts in this passage. The men of Ephraim failed to drive the Canaanites out of the land, so they were made laborers instead. Once again, they do not have enough faith to follow through and trust that God will take care of them and give the victory. Then, when they are given the hill country, Joseph's tribe complains that the Canaanites living there have chariots and will never be driven out. Joshua tells them to get their act together and fight for their land.
In both of the first situations I mentioned, the people asked and they received. God never withholds good things from His children who love and obey Him! Sometimes it may seem like He isn't giving us what we want, but that's only because He knows far better than we do what will be good for us. I suck at trusting that He has better things coming for me. And I'm terrible at asking for what I really want. I think I need to start praying a lot more.
2/1/09
Day 15 - February 1/09
Psalm 105
This passage is all about remember how wonderful God is, and being glad that He is so good. The psalmist recounts the plagues of Egypt and how God redeemed His people and made His name known throughout the land. At the end, it says that He gave the land that was promised to the Israelites "so that they might keep His statutes and observe His laws" (105:45a).
God didn't deliver the Israelites into a land of their own so that they could worship false gods, do as they pleased, or be "happy." He is concerned with a life lived in obedience and reverence for Him.
I've finally faced up to the convictions God has been laying on my heart. He did not give me breath in my body to use it for however I deem fit; He has such amazing plans for me, if I will only surrender to His will and let go. Unless my hands are open, how can He put anything into them? But that means letting go of what I was holding onto so tightly and letting Him have the steering wheel.
This passage is all about remember how wonderful God is, and being glad that He is so good. The psalmist recounts the plagues of Egypt and how God redeemed His people and made His name known throughout the land. At the end, it says that He gave the land that was promised to the Israelites "so that they might keep His statutes and observe His laws" (105:45a).
God didn't deliver the Israelites into a land of their own so that they could worship false gods, do as they pleased, or be "happy." He is concerned with a life lived in obedience and reverence for Him.
I've finally faced up to the convictions God has been laying on my heart. He did not give me breath in my body to use it for however I deem fit; He has such amazing plans for me, if I will only surrender to His will and let go. Unless my hands are open, how can He put anything into them? But that means letting go of what I was holding onto so tightly and letting Him have the steering wheel.
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