Unexpected Opportunity - Embracing an Outreaching Lifestyle

Overcoming Obstacles to Fulfill God's Purpose (Insights in Prophets)

11/28/2011

Everyone encounters obstacles when they seek to fulfill God's purposes for their lives. Lies, curses and bad decisions from others can get you off track. To get you back on track, pray for discernment, be humble and teachable, allow friends to support you and trust God's sovereignty. Let's examine how David dealt with these obstacles so he could fulfill the will of God. Note: David was gullible and didn't pray in the first episode.

Pray for Discernment
Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth met David deceitfully with donkeys and supplies to meet the needs of his supporters. Ziba said that Mephibosheth, Saul's son, would come to power after David and Absalom destroyed each other. David told Ziba to receive all that "belongs to Mephibosheth" (2 Sam. 16:1-4). Be on guard for those who try to take advantage and cause discord with friends through deceptive lies.

Humble and Teachable
Shimei, related to Saul, cursed David continually by throwing stones at him, his servants, the people and his mighty men. He said that the Lord returned all the bloodshed of Saul's house upon him and gave the kingdom to Absalom (2 Sam. 16:5-8). Expect curses from enemies when you follow God's plan for your life.

David said the Lord told Shimei to curse him. He said that "perhaps the Lord will look on my affliction and return good to me instead of his cursing this day." David and the people went their way weary and he refreshed himself (2 Sam. 16:9-14). Be humble and seek to learn truth from critics.

Allow Friends to Support Your Interests
Hushai, David's friend, told Absalom, "Long live the king!" Absalom asked why he didn't show loyalty to David. Hushai said he would serve Absalom alone (2 Sam. 16:15-19). Let friends support your interests.

Trust God's Sovereignty
Ahithophel's advice to Absalom was to go into David's concubines to strengthen Israel, which he did in the sight of all Israel. Ahithophel's advice was like inquiring of God's word (2 Sam. 16:20-23). Trust God's sovereignty even when people make ungodly choices to hurt others.

Rate yourself on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being lowest and 10 highest) on ways to overcome obstacles in fulfilling God's purpose for your life:
1. I pray for discernment when someone says something negative about a friend
2. I am humble and teachable when I hear criticism
3. I allow friends to support my interests instead of me
4. I trust God's sovereignty even when people make ungodly choices to hurt others

Wait Before Work (Insights in Law)

11/25/2011

A Fuller Seminary survey of 1050 Reformed and Evangelical pastors in 2005-06 showed only 26% of pastors regularly had personal devotions and felt they were adequately fed spirituality. We get the idea that the model of success is to make something happen with programs and work hard to make people happy. Henri Nouwen said the main obstacle to love for God is service for God. We can’t really serve Him unless we love Him. We make room for God by taking time to be with Him. We wait before work.

God sets aside the priests for His purpose as they take one young bull, two rams without blemish, unleavened bread, cakes and wafers mixed with oil to be put in one basket. He instructs them to wash Aaron and his sons with water at the doorway of the tent of meeting. "Put the tunic, robe of ephod, breastpiece and turban on Aaron. Take anointing oil and pour it on his head, while anointing him along with his sons as a perpetual priesthood (Ex. 29:1-9)." True fellowship with God comes as you place your faith in Christ's sacrifice and become washed by the word of God in the power of the Holy Spirit.

"Sacrifice the bull and pour its blood on the horns of altar. Burn its flesh and offer it up in smoke outside the camp as a sin offering (Ex. 29:10-14)." Christ's sacrificial death that restores your relationship with God should lead to humility, dying to self and confessing sin.

"Offer a whole ram on the altar to be a soothing aroma, an offering by fire, as a burnt offering to the Lord (Ex. 29:15-18)." Give your all to God by surrendering your heart and life to Him.

"Slaughter the other ram, take its blood and put it on the lobe of Aaron's and his sons' right ears, thumbs of their right hands, big toes of their right feet. Sprinkle anointing oil on Aaron and his sons’ garments to be reserved exclusively for God. Take the bread and wafer in the hands of Aaron and his sons as a wave offering before the Lord (Ex. 29:19-25)." Christ's life through His blood transforms how you hear, work and walk.

"The wave offering was to be cooked and eatened by the priests for their ordination. Heave offering was to be a tax to support the Levites. The peace offering signified thanksgiving and sense of wholeness (Ex. 29:26-28)". Christ brings wholeness as you sense your need of Him, feed upon Him continually and trust His provision.

"The holy garments of Aaron will be for his sons in future generations so they can be anointed and ordained. For seven days he shall put them on when he enters the tent of meeting to minister in the holy place (Ex. 29:29-30)." Being in God's presence for long periods of time provides grace to serve Him.

"Boil the ram in a holy place so Aaron and his sons could eat its flesh along with the bread in the basket by which atonement was made. Burn any of the flesh and bread that remains until morning instead of eating it (Ex. 29:31-34)." Meditate on God's word while in His presence.

"Ordain Aaron and his sons through seven days. Each day offer a bull as a sin offering and purify the altar (Ex. 29:35-37)." Remind yourself daily how Christ restored your relationship with God so you will die to self and confess your sins.

"Offer two one-year-old lambs daily in the morning and at twilight with a grain offering and drink offering as a soothing aroma. It would be a continual burnt offering throughout all generations at the tent of meeting where He met with Israel. God consecrated the tent of meeting, the altar and Aaron and his sons to minister as priests to Him. He would dwell among them and be their God so they could know He is Lord (Ex. 29:38-46)." Your total surrender to God determines your success and takes priority over your ministry.

Are you taking time to be with God or always busy serving Him? Spend one hour this morning or evening to just listen and bask in God's love for you. If a Scripture comes to mind, meditate on it. Thank God for His various attributes and tell how much you love Him in response to His love for you.

God is Doing a New Thing with Those Outside the Church (Insights in NT)

11/24/2011

Joining our local human services federation showed me that people of the world often show more compassion than church people. Public school teachers and staff rival and often exceed the passion of the church in seeing children and their parents prosper. The director of after-school programs in low-income (Title One) schools in my city asked me for help in getting churches involved in serving their families. The irony is that city and school officials often have a greater desire for churches to serve people in the community than the congregations themselves. However, believers are awakening to the call for community service. The religious leaders in Jesus' day saw blindness in one man and questioned how he was healed. Similar, believers often don't consider their own blindness on how God is working outside the four walls of the church to bring healing and restoration. Let's see how religious leaders grapple with the healing of a blind man in John 9.

Jesus saw a man blind from birth as He passed by. The disciples asked Jesus if the reason he was born blind was because of the man's or his parents' sin. He answered that it was so God's works could be displayed in him since we must do His works everyday to show that Jesus is the light of the world. He applied clay to the blind man's eyes and told him to wash in the pool of Siloam. Controversy arose how his eyes were opened. The man said that Jesus made clay, anointed his eyes, told him to go to Siloam and wash, and then he received sight (John 9:1-12). Doing God's works everyday shows that Jesus is the light of the world.

The Pharisees asked the formerly blind man how he received sight. He said this man applied clay to his eyes, washed them and now he sees. A division came between those who didn't believe Jesus was from God because He healed on the Sabbath and those who believed because of His healing. Under further questioning, the formerly blind man said Jesus was a prophet. The parents of the formerly blind man wouldn't tell the Jews how he now sees because they feared being put out of the synagogue for confessing Jesus as the Messiah. They said to ask their son so he could speak for himself (John 9:13-23). Confessing Jesus as the Messiah leads some to believe in Him and others to reject you.

The Jews asked the former blind man a second time to glorify God and say Jesus was a sinner. He said, "Whether He is a sinner, I do not know, one thing I do know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see." The Jews asked him again how He opened his eyes. The formerly blind man said they weren't listening and then asked whether they wanted to be His disciples. The Jews reviled him because they knew God spoke to Moses as his disciples, but were unsure where Jesus came from. The formerly blind man challenged the Jews to look at the evidence concerning his healing. He said that "God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is God-fearing, and does His will, He hears him. . . . If this man were not from God, He could do nothing." The Jews put him out saying if wasn't appropriate for a man born in sin to be teaching them (John 9:24-34). Sharing your personal testimony and God's word boldly often leads to religious people rejecting you.

When Jesus heard that the formerly blind man had been put out, He asked if he believed in the Son of Man. He answered, "Who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?" Jesus said that he had seen Him and that person was talking to him now. The formerly blind said he believed and then worshiped Him. Jesus said it was for judgment He came into the world so the blind may see and those who see may become blind. When the Pharisees asked if they were blind, Jesus said they would have no sin by being blind, but saying, 'We see,' proves their sin remains (John 9:35-41). God uses spiritually blind and not religious people to show He is the light of the world.

We ask people to believe in Christ before they do the works of God, but the formerly blind man challenged the Pharisees to do His will first to hear Him. Could this be the way that God is working in our world today by speaking to those outside the church walls who are doing works of compassion? How could you join God in His work by working alongside a social service agency, volunteering at your child's school or team with others for a particular cause like homelessness, child abuse, etc.

Successful Volunteer Recruitment (Insight in Psalms)

11/23/2011

Experts in volunteer recruitment say that you should get to know your segments, target interactive communications to move volunteers from one level of engagement to the next and speak directly to the wants of each segment in order to convert shoppers to committed leaders. One key strategy missing is prayer, especially for kingdom ministry. Psalm 108-110 shows that seeking God determines success in volunteer recruitment.

"I will praise and thank God with my soul among the nations. Exalt Him since His lovingkindness, truth and glory is great above the heavens. God delivers and saves His beloved with His right hand (Ps. 108:1-6)." Praise God for His love, truth, glory and deliverance.

God spoke in holiness and measured out Shechem and the valley of Succoth. He owns Gilead and Manasseh while Ephraim is the helmet of His head, Judah His scepter and Moah His washbowl. Over Edom He will throw His shoe and shout aloud over Philistia (Ps. 108:7-9). God owns and is sovereign over the world.

"Who will bring me into the besieged city or lead me to Edom? Has God rejected us and not gone with our armies? Provide help against the adversary since man's deliverance is vain but through Him we shall do valiantly and crush our enemy (Ps. 108:10-13)." God provides everything needed to defeat spiritual enemies.

"The wicked speak deceit and lies as they fight against me without cause. They repay evil for good and hatred for love, but I am in prayer (Ps. 109:1-5)." Prayer is your greatest resource against deceit, lies, evil and hate.

Let the wicked be guilty and his days be few so another can take his office. Let the creditor seize all he owns so his posterity be cut off and his name removed in future generations (Ps. 109:6-13)." God removes unrighteous leaders and replaces with them new ones.

"Remember their fathers' sin so God can cut off their memory from the earth. Instead of love, they persecuted and put to death the afflicted, needy and despondent in heart. Cursing clothed him like a garment so he didn't experience blessing (Ps. 109:14-20)." God remembers and responds to persecution of the afflicted and needy.

"Let God deal kindly and deliver me for His name's sake because I am afflicted and needy with a wounded heart. My knees are weak from fasting and my flesh has grown lean because I'm a reproach to the wicked (Ps. 109:21-25)." God delivers the afflicted and needy for His name's sake.

"Save and help me, loving God, so the wicked will know that You deliver. They curse and are ashamed, but You bless so your servant is glad. My accusers will be clothed with dishonor and covered with shame like a robe (Ps. 109:26-29)." God saves and blesses His servants so the wicked know He delivers.

"I give thanks and praise God abundantly in the midst of many. He stands at the right hand of the needy in order to save them from those who judge his soul (Ps. 109:30-31)." God protects the needy from those who judge them when they praise God with others.

"The Lord says to sit at His right hand until He rules and makes your enemies a footstool for His feet. People volunteer freely in the day of Your power through the splendor of holiness. Youth are to Him as the dew (Ps. 110:1-3)." Volunteer recruitment comes by seeking God's power in prayer.

"You are a priest according to the order of Melchizedek. The Lord is at your right hand to overthrow kings in the day of His wrath so you can lift up your head (Ps. 110:4-7)." Exaltation comes through diligent prayer.

In praying for increased number of volunteers, consider the following:
1. Praise God for His attributes of love, truth, glory, sovereignty and deliverance
2. Remember that God provides everything you need to overcome obstacles, including spiritual enemies, lies, deceit, evil, hate and unrighteous leaders
3. God saves the needy from persecution so people will know He delivers
4. Praise God with others for protection from those who judge you
As a result of prayer, volunteers will serve in kingdom ministry and God will exalt you.
In closing, consider Matt. 9:37-38: "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest."

Responding to Dangerous Offenses (Insights in Prophets)

11/20/2011

Those who nurse an unforgiving spirit risk their credibility and integrity. David refused to forgive and even see his son, Absalom, after he killed his half-brother, Amnon. You will see a case example of an offended and disrespected Absalom lie, seek revenge and rebel against David's authority as king. Those who don't forgive experience heartache like David and must respond boldly to overcome the consequences caused by offenses like with Absalom. Let's observe the consequences and dangers caused by offenses and how to respond in a God-honoring way.

Consequences
Absalom ruled positively on all judgments saying that David wasn't listening to David's subjects. Absalom said that someone should appoint him judge so he could bring justice. Absalom stole away the hearts of Israel (2 Sam. 15:1-6). The offended party seeks respect and position at the expense of the one who wouldn't forgive him or her.

He asked permission from David to pay a vow in Hebron. Instead, Absalom sent spies throughout Israel to proclaim him king in Hebron. The conspiracy became strong when he sent for Ahithophel, David's counselor, while many people followed Absalom (2 Sam. 15:7-12). The offended party uses lies, plots and conspiracy to overthrow the one who wouldn't forgive him or her.

Response
When a messenger informed David of the conspiracy, he left Jerusalem except for 10 concubines to keep house. All his servants passed on beside him, including 600 men from Gath (2 Sam. 15:13-18). Forceful action and support of faithful friends protect you from conspiracy.

Ittai the Gittite wanted to stay with David regardless of the consequences. Israel wept with loud voices as all the people passed over toward the wilderness (2 Sam. 15:19-23). Mourning and weeping provide emotional support during a conspiracy.

Zadok and the Levites carried the ark of the covenant of God. David told Zadok to return the ark to Jerusalem figuring that if he found the Lord's favor, he would be back, but could trust Him to do good. He told Zadok to return while David would wait by the wilderness for his word of guidance (2 Sam. 15:24-29). Listen to God's word for direction in the midst of a conspiracy.

David and all the people wept and covered their heads as they ascended the Mount of Olives. David prayed that the Lord would make Ahithophel's counsel foolishness. As David came to the summit where God was worshiped, Hushai met him. David told Hushai that by returning to Jerusalem, he could thwart Ahithophel's counsel by pretending to be Absalom's servant. He would report everything to Zadok and Abiathar the priests. Their two sons would be messengers for David (2 Sam. 15:30-37). Pray for God's intervention to thwart a conspiracy.

Is someone offended because you have an unforgiving spirit toward them? Forgive them. Is someone rebelling against your authority because you have disrespected them? Listen to God and the counsel of trusted friends to know what to do and pray together for an outcome that glorifies Him.

Putting on the Armor of God (Insights in Law)

11/16/2011

Your circumstances are more than what you experience in the natural. There's a supernatural dimension with an enemy, Satan, who hates you. He kills, steals and destroys. Everyday you face a spiritual battle. Like any war, soldiers must wear protective armor to stay alive and prosper. The clothing of the priests in Ex. 28 alludes to the armor of God described in Eph. 6:10-18.

"Bring Aaron and his sons to minister as priest to God. Have skillful persons endowed with the spirit of wisdom to make holy garments for glory and for beauty. Breastpiece, ephod, robe, tunic of checkered work, turban and sash would be holy garments to consecrate Aaron and his sons" (Ex. 28:1-5). Put on the armor of God to be glorified with the beauty of holiness.

The ephod would be made of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet material and fine linen with two shoulder pieces joined to its two ends. Two onyx stones would be engraved with the names of the sons of Israel. They would be set in filigree settings of gold on the ephod's two shoulder pieces joined by its two ends. Aaron would bear their names before the Lord on his two shoulders for a memorial (Ex. 28:6-14). Clothe yourself with Christ with the names of people on your heart.

The breastplate of judgment would be the work of skillful workman using similar types of material as the ephod's, folded double with four rows of valuable stones mounted and set in gold filigree. The stones would be according to the 12 tribes of Israel like the engravings of a seal. Bind the breastplate by its gold rings to the ephod's rings with a blue cord as a skillfully woven band of the ephod so they won't come loose. Aaron would carry Israel's names in the breastplate of judgment over his heart along with the Urim and Thummim when he enters the holy place for a memorial before the Lord continually (Ex. 28:15-30). Put on the breastplate of righteousness and belt of truth so you can maintain a pure heart and hear God's word to minister to the church.

The robe of the blue ephod would be made of pomegranates of blue, purple and scarlet material and bells of gold all around its hem. Its tinkling would be heard when Aaron entered and left the holy place before the Lord so he wouldn't die (Ex. 28:31-35). Draw near to God to receive grace and mercy.

A plate of pure gold would have, 'Holy to the Lord,' engraved and fastened on the front of the turban with a blue cord. It would be on Aaron's forehead to take away the iniquity of the holy things that the sons of Israel consecrated to be acceptable before the Lord (Ex. 28:36-39). Put on helmet of salvation to guard your mind.

Aaron's sons would have tunics and sashes with caps for glory and for beauty. They would be anointed, ordained and consecrated to serve God as priests. Linen breeches would cover their bare flesh that reached from the loins to the thighs when they entered the tent of meeting or when they approached the altar to minister in the holy place so they don't incur guilt and die (Ex. 28:40-43). Put on the shoes of the gospel, shield of faith and sword of the Spirit so peace, faith and God's word can defeat the works of the evil one.

The following scriptures can be used as examples of how to “pray on” the Armor Of God (Jim & Linda Warren, Work of His Hand):

The Belt Of Truth

Around my waist I put the belt of truth. Father, I commit myself to Jesus as the foundation of my life today. With your strength Lord, I will resist the temptation to stand on any worldly foundation. Jesus, you alone are my foundation for any situation that will arise today. (John 14:6)
The Breastplate Of Righteousness
On my heart I put the breastplate of righteousness. I can fight any battle today because of the righteousness of Jesus, not my own! Jesus I declare that you are my righteousness and that though the victory of the cross I can stand victorious against temptation, sin and the attacks of our enemy. (2 Corinthians 5:12)
The Shoes Of Readiness and Peace
On my feet, I put the shoes of the gospel. Father, prepare me by helping me know Jesus in a deeper way. Let your word become the guiding light for every step I take today and let the knowledge of the good news of Jesus’ death and resurrection be my source of peace. (Romans 5:1)
The Shield Of Faith
In my hand I take up the shield of faith. Father, by faith, connect me to the power of Jesus. My desire is to trust in you and your strength alone. Protect me from the arrows of the enemy today as I rely on your power. Give me faith so I may go forward doing your will. (Hebrews 11:33–34)
The Helmet Of Salvation
On my head, I receive the helmet of salvation. Jesus, you are my salvation. You are my deliverance. Deliver me from all sins and weaknesses – spiritual, physical, and emotional. Cover me with strength, peace and anointing and bring me to complete wholeness in you. (1 Thessalonians 5:8–9)
The Sword Of The Spirit
In my hand I take up the sword of the Spirit, the powerful word of God. Jesus, you are the living version of God’s Word. May God’s Word give me wisdom to apply the Word to life’s situations and today’s troubles. (Hebrews 4:12)

Balancing the Christian Life (Insights in NT)

11/13/2011

Great confusion reigns on how to experience fullness of life in our relationship with God. We have a tendency to be unbalanced or over-emphasize one area like unconditional relationship, following Jesus, understanding instructions, abiding in God's word and obeying Him instead of letting these ingredients build upon each other as observed in John 8.

Unconditional Relationship
As Jesus taught the people in the temple, the scribes and Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery to test Him. They asked whether they should stone her as the Law stated. Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with his finger. He said the first to throw a stone at her was one without sin. After He wrote on the ground again, they left. Jesus said to the woman that no one condemned her and neither would He, but "from now on sin no more" (John 8:1-11). God's unconditional relationship with you encourages you to live in a godly manner.

Following Jesus
Jesus said, "I am the light of the world, he who follows Me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life." The Pharisees said His witness was untrue. Jesus responded that His witness was true for He knew where He came from and where He was going, but they didn't know those things since they judged according to the flesh. Jesus' judgment is true since it is in agreement with God who sent Him. Even the Law states the testimony of two men is true. The Pharisees asked Him, "Where is Your Father?" Jesus said if they knew Him, they would know His Father (John 8:12-20). Following Jesus produces life.

Understanding Instructions
He told the Pharisees they would die in their sins since they couldn't come where He was going not being of this world. Unless they believed He was God, they would die in their sins. Jesus spoke the truth He heard from God to the world. The Pharisees didn't understand He was speaking about the Father. "By lifting up the Son of Man, someone will know that He is God since Jesus does nothing on His own initiative but speaks the things the Father taught Him, always doing what pleases Him. Many came to believe in Him" (John 8:21-30).
Don't be self-directing, but please God by listening and understanding His instructions first.

Abiding in God's Word
Jesus said to the believing Jews that they become free as His disciples by abiding in His word in knowing the truth. Those who commit sin are slaves of sin, but the Son makes them truly free. Seeking to kill Him proves the word has no place in them. People do the things they hear from their father. If God was their Father, they would love Jesus for God sent Him since He didn't come on His own initiative. The reason they can't bear His word is because they want to do the desire of their father, the devil, a murderer and father of lies. His lying originated from his nature. Why don't they believe Jesus and the truth? He who is of God hears the words of God, but they can't hear them because they aren't of God (John 8:31-47). Abide in God's word to be free and become His disciple.

Obeying God's Word
The Jews said Jesus was a Samaritan with a demon. Even though they dishonored Him, He honored His Father by not seeking His own glory. He who keeps His word will never see death. The Jews were now convinced Jesus had a demon since Abraham and the prophets died. Jesus said His glory was nothing, but the Father glorified Him "of whom you say, 'He is our God'" The Jews don't know Him, but Jesus knows Him and keeps His word. Abraham rejoiced to see Jesus. The Jews questioned how someone less than 50 years old could see Abraham. Jesus said, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am." They picked up stones to throw at Him, but Jesus hid Himself "(John 8:48-59). Obey God's word to experience eternal life.

Consider how you are doing with the following cumulative ingredients in balancing the Christian life:
1. God's unconditional relationship with you encourages you to live godly.
2. Following Jesus produces life.
3. Don't be self-directing, but please God by listening and understanding His instructions first.
4. Abide in God's word to know the truth and become His disciple.
5. Obey God's word to experience eternal life. Which one is your weakest? Ask God to develop it.

God's Great Society Program (Insights in Psalms)

11/12/2011

The current financial crisis is considered by many economists to be the worst since the Great Depression of the of the 1930s. It resulted in the collapse of large financial institutions, the bailout of banks by national governments, and downturns in stock markets around the world. In many areas, the housing market had also suffered, resulting in numerous evictions, foreclosures and prolonged unemployment. It contributed to the failure of key businesses, declines in consumer wealth estimated in the trillions of U.S. dollars, and a significant decline in economic activity, leading to a severe global economic recession. Psalm 107 has application not only to the economic welfare of a nation, but the quality of life for its people. Government policy can help, but true vitality and a great society come from one's relationship with God.

Give thanks to the Lord for His goodness and eternal lovingkindness. He redeemed us from the adversary and gathered us from the lands (Ps. 107:1-3). God redeems you from the adversary because He is good and loving.

The Lord delivered them out of their distresses when they cried out to Him while wandering in the wilderness with hungry souls. He led them by a straight way to an inhabited city. Let them give thanks to the Lord for His lovingkindness in satisfying their thirsty and hungry souls, which He filled with what is good (Ps. 107:4-9). God delivers, guides and satisfies you with goodness.

Some lived as prisoners in misery, darkness, chains and shadow of death since they rebelled against God's words and counsel. When He humbled their heart with labor, they cried out to the Lord in their trouble and He saved them out of their distresses. He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death while breaking their bands apart. Let them give thanks for He shattered gates of bronze and cut bars of iron (Ps. 107:10-16). God breaks bands of bondage and removes darkness and death.

God afflicted fools because of their rebellion and iniquities. Because their soul abhorred food, they drew near to death. They cried out to the Lord in their trouble and He saved them out of their distresses. He sent His word, healed them and delivered them from their destruction. Let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving and tell of His works with joyful singing (Ps. 107:17-22). God sends His word to heal and deliver you from destruction.

Those who do business in ships saw the Lord's works when storms arose, their soul melted away in misery, staggered like a drunken man and were at wits' end. They cried out to the Lord in their trouble and He brought them out of their distresses. He stilled the storm and guided them to their desired haven. Let them extol Him in the congregation and praise Him at the seat of the elders (Ps. 107:23-32). God stills the storm and brings you to your desired destination.

He changes rivers into a wilderness, springs of water into thirsty ground and fruitful land into a salt waste because of wickedness of those living there. He changes the wilderness into a pool of water and dry land into springs of water so they can gather a fruitful harvest and multiply greatly after sowing fields and planting vineyards (Ps. 107:33-38). God brings fruitfulness to business, economy and the land.

When they are diminished and bowed down through oppression, misery and sorrow, He pours contempt upon princes and makes them wander in a pathless waste. But He sets the needy securely on high, away from affliction, and makes his families like a flock. All unrighteousness shuts its mouth, but the wise give heed to these things and considers the Lord's lovingkindness (Ps. 107:39-43). God exalts and protects the needy from affliction when they consider God's ways.

Consider the benefits of God:
1. He redeems you from the adversary
2. He delivers, guides and satisfies you with goodness
3. He breaks bands and removes darkness and death
4. He sends His word to heal and deliver you from destruction
5. He stills the storm and brings you to your desired destination
6. He brings fruitfulness to business, economy and the land
7. He exalts and protects the needy from affliction when they consider God's ways
Which one is most meaningful to you and why?
In response, praise and thank God for His lovingkindness.

Unforgiveness Destroys Relationships (Insights in Prophets)

11/11/2011

One ministry leader concluded that 90 percent of all health, marital, family and financial problems came from unforgiveness. In David's family, unforgiveness destroyed relationships by causing isolation, distance, desperation and acting out. Like David, God brings people in your life to convict you of sin and provide wisdom so you can discern between good and evil in doing the right thing.

Joab brought a wise woman to David so he would be encouraged to forgive his son, Absalom, who killed his brother, Amnon. While mourning for the dead, she told a story about her family wanting to take revenge by killing a son who murdered his brother (2 Sam. 14:1-7). God brings people in your life to convict you of sin.

The woman said iniquity was in her house. David made an oath that she would be protected. She told David to "remember the Lord his God, so that the avenger of blood may not continue to destroy, lest they destroy my son" (2 Sam. 14:8-11). Satan uses the sin of unforgiveness to destroy family relationships.

She asked David why he wouldn't bring back and forgive Absalom. The woman encouraged David that like the angel of God, he was able to discern good and evil. She admitted that Joab arranged for her to see David, described as wise like the angel of God who knew everything in the earth (2 Sam. 14:12-20). God provides wisdom for discerning between good and evil in doing the right thing.

David told Joab to bring back Absalom, but was forced to stay in own house without seeing his father (2 Sam. 14:21-24). Unforgiveness causes isolation and distance in relationships.

No one was more handsome than Absalom with no defect and long hair. He had three sons, including one beautiful daughter named Tamar. Absalom lived two years in Jerusalem without seeing David. Because Joab didn't come after Absalom sent for him, his servants set Joab's fields on fire. Joab finally came so Absalom could see David. Absalom prostated himself and David kissed him (2 Sam. 14:25-33). Unforgiveness causes the one sinned against to be desperate and act out.

Is there anyone that you must forgive for something they did against you or someone close to you?
Confess your unforgiving spirit as sin and forgive from your heart.

Creative & Beautiful Media to Teach God's Word (Insights in Law)

11/10/2011

Bob Briner, author of Roaring Lambs wrote, "We have created a phenomenal subculture with our own media, entertainment, educational system, and political hierarchy so that we have the sense that we’re doing a lot. But what we’ve really done is create a ghetto that is easily dismissed by the rest of society." It's about stories and not lectures, engagement and not boycotts. Previous chapters in Ex. 24-25 demonstrated the priority of a mentoring ministry to younger adults. The passage in Ex. 26-27 provide guidelines in its construction and focus. Media that teach God's word should reflect the creativity, handiwork and beauty of God.

Skillful workman made the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twisted, blue, purple and scarlet linen and cherubim. They joined five curtains each to one another using 50 loops and 50 clasps so the tabernacle could be a unit. They made 11 curtains of goats’ hair for a tent over the tabernacle with length of 30 cubits and width, 4 cubits. Five curtains were joined with the other six by themselves. A covering was made for the tent of rams' skin dyed red and a covering of porpoise skins above (Ex. 26:1-14). Skillful workmen demonstrate God’s creativity in media to teach His word.

The boards of acacia wood were overlaid with gold and silver for the tabernacle. They made rings of gold as holders for the bars and erected the tabernacle according to its plan shown in the mountain. A skillful workman made a veil of blue, purple, scarlet material and fine twisted linen with cherubim. The ark of testimony was brought within the veil and the veil served as a partition between the holy place and the holy of holies. They put the mercy seat on the ark of testimony in the holy of holies. They set the table outside the veil and the lampstand opposite the table on south side and table on the north side (Ex. 26:15-37). Christ’s sacrificial blood allows you to break through the veil of sin so you can draw near to God and experience His forgiveness.

They made the altar of acacia wood that was five cubits long, five cubits wide and three cubits high. They made all the utensils bronze. They made poles of acacia wood to be inserted in rings and hollow with planks as shown on the mountain. They made the court of the tabernacle with hangings of fine twisted linen 100 cubits long and 50 cubits wide. For the gate of that court consisted of a 20 cubit screen with blue, purple and scarlet material of fine twisted linen, the work of a weaver . Pillars around the court would be furnished with silver bands (Ex. 27:1-19). Craftsmen working with brilliant colors reflect God's beauty and handiwork.

"Charge the sons of Israel to bring you clear oil of beaten olives for light to make the lamp burn continually. In the tent of meetings outside the veil that is before the testimony, Aaron and his sons shall keep it in order from evening to morning before the Lord as perpetual statute throughout their generations (Ex. 27:20-21). Continuous and sacrificial prayer before God allow His light to shine brightly throughout all generations forever.

How does creative and beautiful media draw you closer to God? Pray continually and sacrificially to His light can shine brightly in our dark world.