Joshua 21:1-45
Although they did not own land, the Levites were given land and cities to live in. I see this as God showing that those who, like the Levites, were called and completely dedicated to serving Him would be provided for. As a retired evangelist I can affirm that through my years of service God did provide for my 'needs', but not my 'greeds'.
Note: v.41 - the Levites lived amongst the other tribes. It is important for God's servants to be amongst the people, keeping the focus on God.
Verse 45 sums up what God has done; from delivering the people from slavery in Egypt; providing for them during their desert wanderings; helping them to overcome the foes in their way; and finally seeing them settled in their new homes. All of this was promised by God, and all that was promised has now happened. God never fails to take care of us! There will always be trials designed to strengthen our faith and build our character; we must accept them as being for that purpose. But once past the trials all His promised blessings will kick in. Hallelujah!
Joshua 22:1-20
The promises of God to the Israelites were conditional; meet the conditions and the promises kicked in. In v.5 we have the conditions. Obeying them is vital. There is no limit to what God can do with you if you meet His conditions. (NB: It's not about what you can do for God!)
In the 1830's a sixten year old boy made a serious commitment: 'The Lord shall have all that there is of William Booth'. After years of trials and training, God had prepared him for the development of The Salvation Army. We all have the same opportunity to be used by God. He might not use us to start a world-wide ministry, but at least we should serve our community well. Don't worry about having a lot of ability or talent. Look how well Jesus used the young boy's five loaves and two fish (John 6:9), or how impressed He was with a small donation, but not with the large ones (Mark 12:41-44)! Whatever we have and are, He can make good use of!
Luke 20:1-26
The chief priests and the scribes wanted to confound Jesus, but had no answers themselves. They did perceive that the parable Jesus told them was aimed at them, the leaders in Israel (v.19) who had been mistreating the prophets of God. They did not believe that they would kill God's Son (vv.13, 16) but were already, albeit unwittingly, preparing to do just that. They did not understand the scriptures then, and many sincere Jews have not understood them since. Fortunately God is merciful; as He hung on the cross He prayed that the Father would forgive them 'for they do not know what they are doing'.
God's mercy is still freely available to all who will acknowledge that they are sinners and need Jesus as Saviour and Lord. Those who need Him include the very 'religious' amongst Jews, Muslims, Hindus, and so-called Christians who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus. If they did have, they would have the confirmation that the Holy Spirit of God indwells them, and would readily testify to this (Romans 10:10).
Psalm 89:1-13
Years ago the first two verses were in a chorus that I still enjoy singing. Truly, for ever I will make known the mercies of the Lord! For ever I will praise Jesus, the 'seed of David' (v.4) Who will reign for ever. Like the psalmist, I also believe God has the power to take care of me and protect me from anything that threatens me. It started when I made a decision to get right with God. Have you not tried it? It works! Try it for yourself!
Proverbs 13:15-16
It pays to think things through. I know that, but there are still times when I make quick decisions that I am afterward sorry about. As there is no point in crying over spilt milk, I have learned to be somewhat philosophical about the mistakes. What makes it easier to bear is Paul's suggestion that we forget the past matters, and move on (Philippians 3:13). It makes sense. If I keep on dwelling on the past I make myself miserable and become poor company. By striving to live a positive life that pleases Jesus, I find my own spirit being lifted.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Devotion Thoughts - 20/04/2011
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Devotion Thoughts - 19/04/2011
Joshua 19:1-51
Last, but not least! When Joshua had completed his mission - leading the people into Canaan, conquering the inhabitants and settling the tribes in their conquered territories, he was given his reward- Timnath-serah, his own city.
God will reward us for our service to Him. Some Christians enjoy better material blessings in this life than others. However, our real reward is not here on earth (John 14:2). Just as Joshua trusted God and was faithful in service, so must we continue to be faithful believers. Finally, in Glory, we will have a wonderful home - forever!
Joshua 20:1-9
At present provision has to be made on earth for the sins that men commit. The cities of refuge were one such provision . There will not be any need for such provisions in heaven. Revelation 21:4 gives the reason: there will never be any tears in heaven because death, sorrow, crying, pain and other undesirable ills that we have on earth do not exist there! Hallelujah!
Luke 19:28-48
Jesus, as prophesied, rode into Jerusalem sitting on a donkey, to the adulation of the people, including a 'multitude of His disciples' (v.37). Some Christians believe that the crowd that praised Him as He rode into Jerusalem was the same crowd baying for His blood at His trial. I question that a crowd that included many of His disciples could be so fickle. If His disciples ran away at His arrest then, logically, the 'multitude' did likewise. It was a crowd that followed the priests that clamoured for Him to die.
My Point: I have heard preachers say it was the same crowd. We need to read the Scriptures with care! The priests who studied the scriptures misread them, ending up by crucifying the Messiah!
Psalm 88:1-18
This is another prayer uttered in desperation. I'm sure that, at one time or another, whether for healing of someone in spiritual, physical or mental danger, we have felt the same way as the psalmist. It takes much seeking after God (Matthew 6:33) to reach the point where we trust Him so completely that, no matter what happens to us or our loved ones, we believe He is doing what is best for us. It is an objective worth pursuing.
Proverbs 13:12-14
Here's a kind of paraphrase:
- v.12: it gives a good feeling when we achieve goals. However,
- v.13: some goals, for example the pursuit of wealth, do not bring happiness; those who believe God's Word will know this.
- v.14. Good teaching about God's Word, for example that He wants to save us, will help us to find God and the joy He gives.
Devotion Thoughts - 18/04/2011
Joshua 17:1-18
Neither of the tribes of Joseph, Ephraim and Manasseh, drove the Canaanites completely out of their land. Although they served the Israelites, the Canaanites' worship of idols affected the Israelites adversely. An analogy: if Canaan represents our spirit, and the Canaanites the carnal nature within us that drive us to sin, vigilance is needed against that ever-present, sinful nature. If not kept under control it will cause us to sin.
By God's command (Joshua 17:4) the daughters of Zelophehad were given equal status with the men, indicating that women should have equality with men in Christian (or any other) society. Although there are verses in the Bible that could be construed as teaching that women are inferior to men (as well as verses that imply the opposite!), we should never confuse function and status. Women had equal opportunity in Israelite society. That is why married females could be judges in Israel (Judges 4:4; 2Chronicles 34:22) and prophetesses (Acts 21:9) in the early church.
That some societies treat women as inferior points to a lack of obedience to what God intended. He is consistent, so there is no way He would agree to differing treatment for women in different societies.
Joshua 18:1-28
The first worship centre for the Tabernacle was Shiloh. The remaining division of Israel was by lot. Many believe in 'chance' or 'luck'. But when it comes to the lot by which many matters were decided in Israel, I believe that God 'spoke' through the lot. That is how Achan was caught (Joshua 7:14). So the division of the land was by a lot influenced by God, as is the great events in history (for example Jeremiah51:11). That is why I don't believe gambling is a 'chance' thing. God uses them to direct or test us.
Luke 19:1-27
Zacchaeus, a sinner, went out of his way to meet Jesus. Because of his determination he succeeded and became a changed person, as do all who sincerely seek after God. He was a Jew, but that does not mean automatic salvation. Convicted of sin, part of which was stealing (taken by false accusation - v.8), and realising that money was neither the key to happiness nor a sign of God's favour, he was ready to make restitution. Jesus said of him that he was now a saved man (v.9). That is how to get right with God!
Then Jesus follows up with a parable that contains the message that God gives His servants the necessary abilities to honour Him with diligent service. When they apply themselves He is ready to reward them. For those who don't apply themselves there will be no reward.
Psalm 87:1-7
Nothing escapes the notice of God; He knows everything about each one of us from before we were born; in fact, from before He made the universe! Think about it. Given that God does not waste His time, the fact that He chooses to take notice of us has to be very encouraging. Say 'Hallelujah'!
Proverbs 13:11
'Wealth gathered by vanity' could refer to money made through any special employment, such as the entertainment industry. The huge wealth earned by some singers virtually overnight can be frittered away in drugs and alcohol.
Living for self is a vanity choice, and none of the wealth gained will follow into the next life.
Following the Lord will mean a lifetime of daily service, but the rewards that will definitely be gained are heavenly and out of this world!
Devotion Thoughts - 17/04/2011
Deut 15:1-63
The boundaries for the tribes were clearly delineated. In some cases, as for Caleb, the tribe or clan had still to drive out the Canaanites who lived there. As for the Jebusites who lived at Jebus (the earlier name for Jerusalem), they clung there until defeated by David.
Believers also have to fight for their place in heaven (John 14:3), but this fight takes place here on earth before we die, and is against spiritual, not earthly, foes (Ephesians 6:12). Jesus has a home waiting for us, adding that He will come back for us and take us to live there. All we need to do for it to happen is to trust Him.
Luke 18:18-43
Jesus did not say He was not good; He simply stated that only God is good. The point He made was that no man is good; all are sinners, even those who thought they kept all the commandments. Two commandments are implied in the Ten Commandments: love for God; and, love for neighbours.
Paul wrote that the love of money causes sin (1 Timothy 6:10). Because the rich young ruler loved his money, he neither kept all the commandments (as he thought) nor did he love God and his (poor) neighbour. Take care how we rate ourselves, for we might also be falling short of God's demands.
Many prayers are too vague, such as, 'Lord, have mercy on me'. With God we must be specific. It is not enough to hope that God will 'have mercy' at the Judgment; we must ask Him to forgive our sins and be our Saviour. That request will be granted, and we will then not have to fear the Judgment!
Psalm 86:1-17
David could refer to himself as holy because, with all his heart, he called on God daily for forgiveness, and wanted God to teach him to walk in truth.
If we are as determined and passionate as David was in seeking to live for God we will also be people 'after God's own heart' (1 Sam 13:14; Acts 13:22).
Proverbs 13:9-10
Put another way: righteousness shall reign and wickedness shall be stamped out. Pride makes us fight for our 'rights'; it is about self-righteousness, not righteousness.
Devotion Thoughts - 16/04/2011
Joshua 13:1-33 and Joshua 14:1-15
God knew that if the inhabitant's of Canaan were not wiped out they would become a problem for Israel. At the end of Joshua's life much of Canaan was still unconquered because the fighting had stopped. The unconquered nations began mingling with the Israelites, influencing them away from God.
God wants us to defeat the carnal (sin prone) nature within us; if not defeated (as is the case with many believers) this nature continues to fight against the control of our lives that should be given to the Holy Spirit.
Joshua did not hesitate to give Caleb the land promised to him by Moses. As Christians, we are also to make good on promises we make.
Luke 18:1-17
After much importuning for justice, an earthly judge might give it, albeit reluctantly, if only to save himself from ongoing hassles. God, however, willingly and quickly sees to it that His chosen ones receive justice, even when it appears questionable that they have the faith to believe for it.
We must take care to not have a superior attitude towards others. A simple, childlike faith and attitude will please God.
Psalm 85:1-13
The psalmist reminds the Lord of previous occasions when He restored backslidden Israel. He pleads once again for restoration, ending on a note of optimism that God will hear, and restore them.
For backslidden believers restoration starts with the acknowledgment that they have sinned, followed by a request for God to forgive, the final stage being a firm faith in God's promise that He will restore them.
Proverbs 13:7-8
For their own purposes, many around us are deceivers.
Devotion Thoughts - 15/04/2011
Joshua 11:1-23
It's amazing! Although Jabin heard how God had helped Israel to conquer their enemies, he still tried to get together allies to help him fight against Israel. In spite of the blessings God gives to believers, others who see the blessings - family, friends, acquaintances - sometimes still choose to resist Him.
The only enemies of Israel who survived were the Gibeonites (v.19). So here we see three kinds of people: those who resist God completely (like Jabin and allies); those who believe He is God but still prefer their way of life (like the Gibeonites); and believers who face life by trusting in the strength of the Lord (like Joshua and the Israelites)!
Joshua 12:1-24
The parable of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16) states that the rich man 'opened his eyes in Hades and saw Lazarus with Abraham enjoying heaven'. Sadly, the kings who fought against Israel will be amongst those in 'torment'.
Jesus taught that 'few' will be on the highway to heaven (Matthew 7:14). Those unwilling to confess their sins and be cleansed will not be allowed to carry unconfessed sin into heaven, so will spend eternity in Hades.
Luke 17:11-37
We must always remember to thank God for answers to prayers.
The Kingdom of God is where God the King is. He indwells believers, so His Kingdom is within us!
It is up to us to allow God to fully reign from within us, as is His right. As believers filled with God we don't have to run around looking for signs and wonders; right where we are we're in fellowship with God! What's more, with God indwelling us, we don't have to worry about being taken by surprise at His return. He will prepare us for it!
Psalm 84:1-12
The psalmist wrote: 'O Lord of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in You!' (v.12). Having committed his life into God's care he is enabled to write about a life enjoyed in God's presence; a life that even makes otherwise bad situations feel good (v.6)!
Proverbs 13:5-6
Those who tend towards sinfulness will ultimately be undone by it; but those who habitually choose the way of righteousness will automatically do what is right under trial, ensuring God's pleasure at their blameless behaviour. In preparation for the Judgment, the practice of righteous living is to be recommended!
Devotion Thoughts - 14/04/2011
Joshua 9:3-27
'There are many deceivers come into the world...' How can we detect them? Don't do what Joshua and his elders did - they relied on their own abilities! The result? The Gibeonites deceived them. They worshipped idols, but that did not stop them from speaking about 'the name of the Lord' for their own ends. We can know deceivers 'by their fruits' - sometimes too late. When we are not sure about something, we must wait on the Lord to reveal the truth. This takes patience.
Joshua 10:1-43
Having been duped into accepting responsibility for the Gibeonites, the Israelites were obliged to protect them against their enemies. We can also be duped into having to fulfill obligations that we should not have taken on in the first place. Thankfully, even when we make mistakes, God can turn it to our good. The destruction of the Gibeonites' enemies required a miracle in the form of the sun being stayed for 'about' a whole day.
When we are obeying God's orders He will give us success (v.42), no matter how daunting the obstacles.
Luke 16:19-31
There are a number of lessons to be learned from this parable, especially about eternity. But one salient lesson stands out, the one encapsulated in v.31: "If they do not listen to God's Word ('Moses and the Prophets') then they will not be convinced [about God and the Good News of salvation] even if someone returned from the dead". The Bible, the Word of God, contains all we need to know about being right with God. If we don't heed its message we, like the rich man, will also end up in torment.
Luke 17:1-10
In these verses, the Lord gives his disciples and hearers some common sense about being in God's good books: do not cause anyone to sin; no matter how many times people sin against you, forgive them every time they repent; believe it or not, every one of us has enough faith to become great achievers in life; and, don't ever kid yourself into thinking that you have done your share for God!
Psalm 83:1-18
What's new about Israel's enemies trying to wipe them out (v.4)? That Arab nations are at it again shows that:
- They are not led by the Almighty God, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, for God will not fight against Himself. Therefore Allah is not God.
- Almighty God is Israel's Protector; they are His people; which is why, for all their bluster, Israel's enemies have not wiped them out.
Proverbs 13:4
In the approximately 1000 years that the Arabs ruled Palestine the place was unproductive. With Israel re-established as a state, the land has blossomed. This not only shows them to be diligent, it also confirms that God is blessing the land of Israel because He promised it to them.