Holidays are wonderful, but they can also be busy and distracting times of the year. Add a little snow and ice to the mix and things get downright chaotic at our house. All that to say, I'm finding it difficult to post new entries this month. To any faithful readers out there, please check back after the New Year. I promise to get back on track when our schedule is normal again.
Hope you have a very merry Christmas and happy New Year. :)
Jennifer
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Moving Forward
"However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him." 1 Corinthians 2:9
We've seen how God works in our hearts during wilderness seasons. He cultivates humility, purity and faith in us as well as a deep hunger for His presence and power. Now we are ready to approach the banks of the Jordan river and consider the Promised Land ahead. For this, we will begin studying the book of Joshua which recounts the Israelites' journey across the river and into Canaan. We will not go through every verse, but try to draw out the most important concepts from each chapter. It is an exciting journey ahead!
Joshua Chapter 1 begins with the death of Moses, who we have already described as a picture of the "Law". Joshua's name was orginally Hoshea (Numbers 13:8) which means "salvation". But Moses changed it to Joshua, which means "Jehovah is Salvation". As "Jehovah's salvation", Joshua is also a picture of Jesus - the only one who can take us into the Promised Land.
God speaks to Joshua in Ch. 1 vs. 2-4 saying, "Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all the people, to the land which I am giving to them - the children of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses. From the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as the great river, the River Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and to the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your territory." (emphasis mine)
First, note that God did not say, "I will give you the land". He said "I have given it to you." Jon Courson says, "The same is true today. Concerning the things of God, whenever you choose to step out and engage your "sole", that land is already yours. It's a matter of possessing your possession. It's a matter of appropriation. Where do you want to put your soul? Where do you want to plant your foot and say "I believe you for this, Lord. I'm stepping out in this. I'm going after this"?" To me, this is a decison point where we stop wandering and start taking ground in our spiritual lives. It's a recognition of who God is and what He has for us if we will step out and engage our souls with purpose.
Next, God describes the scope of the promised territory in verse 4. For those like me who aren't good at geography, the Promised Land covers about 30,000 square miles! So how far did the Israelites get? Courson states that in Solomon's reign, at the height of their power, the Israelites claimed 3,000 square miles. They only took one-tenth of what God had already given to them! Then he says, "Isn't that like us? We strive for peanuts when the Lord has grapes for us the size of bowling balls. The Lord says, "I've already given you the land. It's already a done deal. It's just a matter of how much of it you want. I won't take you any farther than you choose. But I'll take you as far as you want to go."
Courson continues, "Concerning the Spirit-filled life and the appropriation of the power of the Holy Ghost, many people say, "If the Lord wants to empower me and baptize me, I'm open." But in Genesis 8, we see Noah on the ark, with the dove - a symbol of the Holy Spirit - circling overhead. Noah stretched out his hand and brought the dove in unto him. I believe the Spirit of God is looking for a person, a people, a congregation to land upon. But this will not happen through passivity. Rather, like Noah, He responds to those who see the opportunity and extend their hand to pull Him in unto them. Here in Joshua 1:3, the Lord says, "The land is already yours. It's up to you how far you want to go, how deep you want to be."
This journey is all about allowing God to reign in our hearts and His Spirit to flow freely through us. It is about His power and strength, not ours. But we cannot be passive in the process. God is looking for hearts that are prepared and seeking; hearts that are tired of wandering and hungry for more of Him; hearts that desire to possess all He has already given us.
Thought Question: Think of an area in your life where you are desiring spiritual progress or breakthrough (could be an attitude, relationship, career pursuit, etc.). Are you working in your own strength or the power of God's Spirit? Thank God that He has already given you the land if you will pursue it in Him. Does it change your perspective to know that He wants more for you than you want for yourself?
We've seen how God works in our hearts during wilderness seasons. He cultivates humility, purity and faith in us as well as a deep hunger for His presence and power. Now we are ready to approach the banks of the Jordan river and consider the Promised Land ahead. For this, we will begin studying the book of Joshua which recounts the Israelites' journey across the river and into Canaan. We will not go through every verse, but try to draw out the most important concepts from each chapter. It is an exciting journey ahead!
Joshua Chapter 1 begins with the death of Moses, who we have already described as a picture of the "Law". Joshua's name was orginally Hoshea (Numbers 13:8) which means "salvation". But Moses changed it to Joshua, which means "Jehovah is Salvation". As "Jehovah's salvation", Joshua is also a picture of Jesus - the only one who can take us into the Promised Land.
God speaks to Joshua in Ch. 1 vs. 2-4 saying, "Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all the people, to the land which I am giving to them - the children of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses. From the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as the great river, the River Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and to the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your territory." (emphasis mine)
First, note that God did not say, "I will give you the land". He said "I have given it to you." Jon Courson says, "The same is true today. Concerning the things of God, whenever you choose to step out and engage your "sole", that land is already yours. It's a matter of possessing your possession. It's a matter of appropriation. Where do you want to put your soul? Where do you want to plant your foot and say "I believe you for this, Lord. I'm stepping out in this. I'm going after this"?" To me, this is a decison point where we stop wandering and start taking ground in our spiritual lives. It's a recognition of who God is and what He has for us if we will step out and engage our souls with purpose.
Next, God describes the scope of the promised territory in verse 4. For those like me who aren't good at geography, the Promised Land covers about 30,000 square miles! So how far did the Israelites get? Courson states that in Solomon's reign, at the height of their power, the Israelites claimed 3,000 square miles. They only took one-tenth of what God had already given to them! Then he says, "Isn't that like us? We strive for peanuts when the Lord has grapes for us the size of bowling balls. The Lord says, "I've already given you the land. It's already a done deal. It's just a matter of how much of it you want. I won't take you any farther than you choose. But I'll take you as far as you want to go."
Courson continues, "Concerning the Spirit-filled life and the appropriation of the power of the Holy Ghost, many people say, "If the Lord wants to empower me and baptize me, I'm open." But in Genesis 8, we see Noah on the ark, with the dove - a symbol of the Holy Spirit - circling overhead. Noah stretched out his hand and brought the dove in unto him. I believe the Spirit of God is looking for a person, a people, a congregation to land upon. But this will not happen through passivity. Rather, like Noah, He responds to those who see the opportunity and extend their hand to pull Him in unto them. Here in Joshua 1:3, the Lord says, "The land is already yours. It's up to you how far you want to go, how deep you want to be."
This journey is all about allowing God to reign in our hearts and His Spirit to flow freely through us. It is about His power and strength, not ours. But we cannot be passive in the process. God is looking for hearts that are prepared and seeking; hearts that are tired of wandering and hungry for more of Him; hearts that desire to possess all He has already given us.
Thought Question: Think of an area in your life where you are desiring spiritual progress or breakthrough (could be an attitude, relationship, career pursuit, etc.). Are you working in your own strength or the power of God's Spirit? Thank God that He has already given you the land if you will pursue it in Him. Does it change your perspective to know that He wants more for you than you want for yourself?
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Preparations of the Heart
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." Matthew 5:8
We've been taking a hard look at God's purposes in the wilderness. I think it all boils down to preparation of the heart. After 400 years of slavery, the Israelites needed to rediscover their God and learn to follow Him. They experienced His miraculous deliverance from Egypt and the parting of the Red Sea. But they also needed to experience Him in the wilderness before they would be ready to enter the Promised Land. God wanted them to have a right picture of Him so they would follow with whole hearts into the new land. Unfortunately, as we've seen, many of them still missed it. We don't want to make the same mistakes. So how did God reveal Himself in the wilderness?
1. He led and protected His people. Exodus 13:21 says "And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night." The pillar of cloud gave the people something visible to follow and provided shade to protect them from the hot sun. The pillar of fire at night provided light to their path. He was always with them. All they needed to do was follow in the shade or light of His presence.
2. He provided for their needs. Psalm 78:15-16 says, "He split the rocks in the wilderness, and gave them drink in abundance like the depths. He also brought streams out of the rock, and caused waters to run down like rivers." And verses 23-25, "Yet He had commanded the clouds above, and opened the doors of heaven, had rained down manna on them to eat, and given them the bread of heaven. Men ate angels' food; He sent them food to the full." This not only speaks of God's ample provision for physical needs, but spiritual as well. Jesus is the "living water" and "bread of life" that we so desperately need.
3. He purified their hearts. Psalm 78:32-35 says, "In spite of this, they still sinned, and did not believe in His wondrous works. Therefore, their days He consumed in futility, and their years in fear. When He slew them, they they sought Him; and they returned and sought earnestly for God. Then they remembered that God was their rock, and the Most High God their Redeemer." God allowed them to experience the consequences of their sin and many died. But some turned from their sin, sought the Lord and remembered who He was.
In summary, God was preparing His people to enter the land of destiny by revealing His character and purifying their hearts in the desert. We, too, need to prepare our hearts so we don't miss what God has for us.
My Tuesday morning Bible study at church is going through the book of Matthew. When we reached Chapter 3, I got a new perspective on verses 11-12. John the Baptist is speaking to the the Pharisees and Sadducees - religious leaders of the day. He says, "I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He (Jesus) who is coming after me is mightier than I , whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire." I had always thought this passage was talking about judgment, but it is really about purification. The definition of chaff is "worthless residue". God wants to clean out the residue that's clogging up our hearts and lives. While "chaff" can be sin, it can also just be worthless worldly stuff that clouds our vision and keeps us from seeing God clearly. Jesus wants to purify us and gather the "wheat" from our lives - the part that is useful and has eternal value. According to Scripture, this is connected to the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Jon Courson says, "Many people want the power of the Spirit, but they are not interested in the fire, the purity. The baptism of Jesus in the Spirit is a baptism of fire - which speaks of purity. It's a dying to self, a cleansing of motives. Many folks want that power, but they don't want a changed lifestyle." Whoa - how's that for a convicting statement?
In the wilderness, God proves to us that He is our Pathfinder, Protector, Provider and Purifier. We can trust Him to take us into new spiritual territory, even if we don't know exactly what that looks like. We don't need to have all the answers, but we do need to fully follow Him and not settle for the familiar side of the river. Then we will be ready to cross the Jordan.
We've been taking a hard look at God's purposes in the wilderness. I think it all boils down to preparation of the heart. After 400 years of slavery, the Israelites needed to rediscover their God and learn to follow Him. They experienced His miraculous deliverance from Egypt and the parting of the Red Sea. But they also needed to experience Him in the wilderness before they would be ready to enter the Promised Land. God wanted them to have a right picture of Him so they would follow with whole hearts into the new land. Unfortunately, as we've seen, many of them still missed it. We don't want to make the same mistakes. So how did God reveal Himself in the wilderness?
1. He led and protected His people. Exodus 13:21 says "And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night." The pillar of cloud gave the people something visible to follow and provided shade to protect them from the hot sun. The pillar of fire at night provided light to their path. He was always with them. All they needed to do was follow in the shade or light of His presence.
2. He provided for their needs. Psalm 78:15-16 says, "He split the rocks in the wilderness, and gave them drink in abundance like the depths. He also brought streams out of the rock, and caused waters to run down like rivers." And verses 23-25, "Yet He had commanded the clouds above, and opened the doors of heaven, had rained down manna on them to eat, and given them the bread of heaven. Men ate angels' food; He sent them food to the full." This not only speaks of God's ample provision for physical needs, but spiritual as well. Jesus is the "living water" and "bread of life" that we so desperately need.
3. He purified their hearts. Psalm 78:32-35 says, "In spite of this, they still sinned, and did not believe in His wondrous works. Therefore, their days He consumed in futility, and their years in fear. When He slew them, they they sought Him; and they returned and sought earnestly for God. Then they remembered that God was their rock, and the Most High God their Redeemer." God allowed them to experience the consequences of their sin and many died. But some turned from their sin, sought the Lord and remembered who He was.
In summary, God was preparing His people to enter the land of destiny by revealing His character and purifying their hearts in the desert. We, too, need to prepare our hearts so we don't miss what God has for us.
My Tuesday morning Bible study at church is going through the book of Matthew. When we reached Chapter 3, I got a new perspective on verses 11-12. John the Baptist is speaking to the the Pharisees and Sadducees - religious leaders of the day. He says, "I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He (Jesus) who is coming after me is mightier than I , whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire." I had always thought this passage was talking about judgment, but it is really about purification. The definition of chaff is "worthless residue". God wants to clean out the residue that's clogging up our hearts and lives. While "chaff" can be sin, it can also just be worthless worldly stuff that clouds our vision and keeps us from seeing God clearly. Jesus wants to purify us and gather the "wheat" from our lives - the part that is useful and has eternal value. According to Scripture, this is connected to the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Jon Courson says, "Many people want the power of the Spirit, but they are not interested in the fire, the purity. The baptism of Jesus in the Spirit is a baptism of fire - which speaks of purity. It's a dying to self, a cleansing of motives. Many folks want that power, but they don't want a changed lifestyle." Whoa - how's that for a convicting statement?
In the wilderness, God proves to us that He is our Pathfinder, Protector, Provider and Purifier. We can trust Him to take us into new spiritual territory, even if we don't know exactly what that looks like. We don't need to have all the answers, but we do need to fully follow Him and not settle for the familiar side of the river. Then we will be ready to cross the Jordan.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Who Do You Follow?
"He (Jesus) said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Matthew 16:15
I keep planning to move on, but it seems God has more to teach me about the wilderness - perhaps because it's hard to move forward unless we understand what's holding us back. In previous posts, we have looked at sins that keep us from "wholly following" the Lord. While it's good to acknowledge and confess sin, I feel like there's more beneath the surface - kind of like treating the symptoms of a disease without addressing the cause. Maybe there's something deeper God wants us to see.
I keep planning to move on, but it seems God has more to teach me about the wilderness - perhaps because it's hard to move forward unless we understand what's holding us back. In previous posts, we have looked at sins that keep us from "wholly following" the Lord. While it's good to acknowledge and confess sin, I feel like there's more beneath the surface - kind of like treating the symptoms of a disease without addressing the cause. Maybe there's something deeper God wants us to see.
Why did Joshua and Caleb "wholly follow" the Lord when the rest of the congregation did not? My guess is that they knew WHO they followed and caught His vision for their lives. Wholly following implies complete trust. In order to have complete trust you have to know the person in whom your trust is placed. I've heard it said that our image of God is the most important thing in the world. Most of us don't have a very accurate picture of God. It's easily distorted by our own background and biases. So how can we follow a God we don't know very well into a new land? The answer is, it's hard and many of us opt to stay in the wilderness.
I just finished reading a book called The Shack, which I highly recommend. But watch out - it might just blow the walls off the box that you've placed God in, or at least push them out a bit. One principle it reaffirmed to me was rules vs. relationship; it's easier to live by a set of rules than in a dynamic relationship. At one point, the main character is having a discussion with God about this very thing. Mack says "It feels like living out of relationship - you know, trusting and talking to you - is a bit more complicated than just following rules". He goes on to describe "rules" as things like doing good, going to church, reading the Bible, etc. God affectionately chides him saying, "Mackenzie...the Bible doesn't teach you to follow rules. It is a picture of Jesus. While words may tell you what God is like and even what he may want from you, you cannot do any of it on your own. Life and living is in him and in no other." And later God says "it is true that relationships are a whole lot messier than rules, but rules will never give you answers to the deep questions of the heart and they will never love you." (excerpts from pg. 197-198). I would also add that they will never lead you to the promised land. Only Jesus can do that.
The Israelites experienced this first-hand. In Exodus 20, the Ten Commandments were given to Moses. Jon Courson says that as "a representative, a picture, a type of the Law, Moses brought the people to the edge of the Promised Land, but it would be Joshua, whose name is the Old Testament name for Jesus, who would actually bring them into the Promised Land." Galatians 3:24 says, "Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ that we might be justified by faith." We will never enter a life of abundance by trying to follow the "rules". That leads to self-effort and legalism. Living by the Spirit is being in constant relationship with God. It is following a living person - Jesus Christ. Granted, God is mysterious and His ways are unpredictable at times, so this can be scary for us control freaks. But He is so wonderful. Where's our sense of adventure?
Side note: Last week I said that pursuing the abundant life requires purpose and discipline. By that I did not mean that it depends on our works. A better word for discipline would have been "self-control" because we have seen how sins of self-gratification can shut out the Holy Spirit. And without a sense of purpose (an idea of where we're going and setting goals to get there) we are prone to wander. I saw a bumper sticker the other day that said "Not all who wander are lost". To which I say, that may be true, but you're still not going anywhere.
God does not force Himself upon us. We have to open ourselves to His vision and leading. To trust Him we need to know Him.
Thought Questions: What is your picture of God? Take some time to write it out. As Graham Cooke would say, "Is it time for an upgrade?" Allow the Holy Spirit to reveal any misconceptions you might have. Let Him speak to you about what He's really like. This may require a new perspective on some "old" Scriptures.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Wilderness Wisdom
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled." Matthew 5:6
I promise we will get to the banks of the Jordan soon, but we can't afford to miss the lessons of the wilderness. Sometimes God allows - even designs - dry, difficult times in our lives for a purpose. Why did the Israelites have to journey through the wilderness on the way to the Promised Land? Why not arrive instantly after deliverance from Egypt? Granted, God did not intend for them to wander in the desert for 40 years, but He did want them to experience it for a time. What was the purpose?
I believe Deuteronomy Chapter 8 answers this question. In 1999, God gave me this chapter during a difficult season in my Christian walk. In 2006, He brought me back to it during a women's retreat and spoke to me about the "promised land" in my own life. Looking out over the beautiful mountain scenery at the Applegate retreat center, I realized how different God's ways and timing can be from ours. I would not have chosen to wait seven years. A lot of the time, it felt like "wandering", but God was accomplishing a deeper purpose.
Here are a few passages from Deuteronomy 8 that will give us a picture of His heart for us in the wilderness:
"Every commandment which I command you today you must be careful to observe that you may live and multiply, and go in and possess the land of which the Lord swore to your fathers. And you shall remember that the LORD your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not. So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the LORD." Deut 8:1-4 (emphasis mine).
The chapter goes on to describe the abundance of the promised land and warns the people not to forget who brought them there. There's a tendency when we come into a good place to think "My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth." (Deut 8:17). This is very dangerous. God says "And you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covanent which He swore to your fathers , as it is this day." (Deut. 8:18) Of course, this is not just referring to material wealth, but any type of richness and blessing in our lives.
So what are God's purposes in the wilderness, the dry, difficult times in our lives? Based on the scriptures above, I believe it is to:
I promise we will get to the banks of the Jordan soon, but we can't afford to miss the lessons of the wilderness. Sometimes God allows - even designs - dry, difficult times in our lives for a purpose. Why did the Israelites have to journey through the wilderness on the way to the Promised Land? Why not arrive instantly after deliverance from Egypt? Granted, God did not intend for them to wander in the desert for 40 years, but He did want them to experience it for a time. What was the purpose?
I believe Deuteronomy Chapter 8 answers this question. In 1999, God gave me this chapter during a difficult season in my Christian walk. In 2006, He brought me back to it during a women's retreat and spoke to me about the "promised land" in my own life. Looking out over the beautiful mountain scenery at the Applegate retreat center, I realized how different God's ways and timing can be from ours. I would not have chosen to wait seven years. A lot of the time, it felt like "wandering", but God was accomplishing a deeper purpose.
Here are a few passages from Deuteronomy 8 that will give us a picture of His heart for us in the wilderness:
"Every commandment which I command you today you must be careful to observe that you may live and multiply, and go in and possess the land of which the Lord swore to your fathers. And you shall remember that the LORD your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not. So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the LORD." Deut 8:1-4 (emphasis mine).
The chapter goes on to describe the abundance of the promised land and warns the people not to forget who brought them there. There's a tendency when we come into a good place to think "My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth." (Deut 8:17). This is very dangerous. God says "And you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covanent which He swore to your fathers , as it is this day." (Deut. 8:18) Of course, this is not just referring to material wealth, but any type of richness and blessing in our lives.
So what are God's purposes in the wilderness, the dry, difficult times in our lives? Based on the scriptures above, I believe it is to:
- Humble us
- Test us (show us what's in our hearts, whether or not we will obey)
- Create a deep hunger in our hearts
- Teach us that only God Himself can satisfy our hunger
As Jon Courson says, "Too often, we don't crave the Bread of the Word or the Bread of Life because we're not hungry. There's a progression seen here: My reaction in the wilderness makes me hungry for righteousness. So I go to church once again, have devotions once more, exchange Newsweek for the Word, turn off talk radio and listen to teaching tapes. But this doesn't happen until I'm hungry. And I don't know I'm hungry until I'm in the wilderness. It's all part of the program."
A life of abiding and advancing in the Spirit will not just fall into our laps. We will not get there by wandering aimlessly and refusing to take steps of faith. It requires purpose and discipline. We need to get HUNGRY for God. He designs it this way. Otherwise, we have the tendency to take the credit. When we are humbled, tested, hungry and seeking, we know that we live by the words of the Lord. Then He can bless us, empower us, and move through us. His glory is safe with us.
Thought Questions: Mentally review wilderness seasons in your own life. What did God teach you? Did it bring you to a place of greater hunger for Him? Did you allow that hunger to propel you towards the promised land or let it fade with time? Where are you on the journey now?
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Wholly Following
My apologies for jumping around a bit, but I want to take a deeper look at what happened when the Israelites first came to the banks of the Jordan and refused to enter the Promised Land. The Lord had instructed Moses to send spies into Canaan and report back to the people. Among the spies were Joshua, Caleb and a leader from each of the other tribes. Upon returning, they described it as a land that "truly flows with milk and honey" and displayed samples of the giant fruit. But they also reported that the people who dwelt in the land were strong and had large, fortified cities. It was the land of the "ites" (Amalekites, Hittites, Jebusites, Amorites, Canaanites) as well as the descendants of Anak, otherwise known as the "the giants".
These were the facts of the situation. Caleb and Joshua had faith that the Lord would bring them into the land and conquer their enemies. But the rest of the spies gave a bad report and their fear was contagious. They said, "We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we" (Numbers 13:31). "The congregation wept and complained against Moses saying things like "Why has the Lord brought us to this land to fall by the sword, that our wives and children should become victims? Would it not be better for us to return to Egypt"? (Numbers 14:3). Then they actually started making plans to return to Egypt! Wow- talk about a skewed perspective! What's going on here?
Why was it so difficult for them to enter the land of promise? Perhaps after 400 years of slavery it was hard for them to operate differently. They were used to being to being controlled by others. Even though it was miserable, perhaps that was easier than following the Lord into unchartered territory. Wandering in the wilderness also seemed safer and easier than going into battle, even if there was huge fruit at stake. We can shake our heads at their mistakes, but don't we often do the same things? Let's be honest..."wandering" is easier than "taking ground".
These were the facts of the situation. Caleb and Joshua had faith that the Lord would bring them into the land and conquer their enemies. But the rest of the spies gave a bad report and their fear was contagious. They said, "We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we" (Numbers 13:31). "The congregation wept and complained against Moses saying things like "Why has the Lord brought us to this land to fall by the sword, that our wives and children should become victims? Would it not be better for us to return to Egypt"? (Numbers 14:3). Then they actually started making plans to return to Egypt! Wow- talk about a skewed perspective! What's going on here?
Why was it so difficult for them to enter the land of promise? Perhaps after 400 years of slavery it was hard for them to operate differently. They were used to being to being controlled by others. Even though it was miserable, perhaps that was easier than following the Lord into unchartered territory. Wandering in the wilderness also seemed safer and easier than going into battle, even if there was huge fruit at stake. We can shake our heads at their mistakes, but don't we often do the same things? Let's be honest..."wandering" is easier than "taking ground".
- It's easier to "walk according to the flesh" (letting those desires control us) than to "walk according to the Spirit" (Romans 8:1).
- It's easier to let our thoughts wander than to bring "every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ" (2 Cor 10:5b).
- It's easier to do whatever feels good than seek God for His purposes and allow Him to order our days.
- It's easier to turn to food, entertainment or people to satisfy our needs rather than to the true Source.
- It's easier to sleep than to spend time with the Lord
- You get the point
But oh....what we miss by opting for what's easiest or most comfortable. Joshua and Caleb had their eyes on the fruit of the promised land, and more importantly, the Lord of the Land.
"But Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes; and they spoke to all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying "The land we passed through to spy out is an exceedingly good land. If the Lord delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us, a land which flows with milk and honey. Only do not rebel against the Lord, nor fear the people of the land, for they are our bread; their protection has departed from them and the Lord is with us. Do not fear them." (Numbers 14:6-9).
Joshua and Caleb knew that it was not about their strength, but God's. It was not about what they would give up, but what they would gain. They had faith to "wholly follow the Lord". That phrase has been echoing in my head all week. What does it mean? A couple ideas:- They followed Him with whole hearts - their hearts were totally His. They were completely surrendered to His desires and purposes.
- They obeyed completely - no changing their minds at the banks of the Jordan when things looked difficult. They said "Bring it on! If God is on our side, we will be victorious!"
Thought Question: Are there areas of your life where you are "wandering" or even trying to "go back to Egypt" (the ways of the world)? What are you afraid of? Begin to ask the Lord what the promised land looks like in your life. Let Him speak to you about the amazing victories and fruit He has in store for you and your family, if you will wholly follow Him.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Wilderness Wanderings - II
We're examining sins that the people of Israel committed while wandering in the wilderness. 1 Corinthians 10:6 warns that "these things became our examples", and they will keep us from entering into the abundant life that God has for us.
2. Idolatry - "And do not become idolaters as were some of them. As it is written, "The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play". 1 Corinthians 10:7
The reference is to Exodus 32:1-8 when the Israelites crafted a golden calf to worship in place of the living God. Idolatry is defined as "the worship of images as divine or sacred", or "paying divine honors to any item of human fabrication" (Wycliffe Bible Dictionary). The Israelites were impatient because Moses had not returned from his mountaintop meeting with God, so they asked Aaron to made them "gods that shall go before us". God wasn't showing Himself to them in the way or timing they desired, so they created their own god that was more tangible. Any time we exalt something or someone above God in our hearts, it becomes an idol.
Thought Question: What has priority in your thought-life and schedule? Is God on the throne of your heart or are you consumed with lesser things?
3. Immorality - "Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell" 1 Corinthians 10:8
Numbers 25 begins, "Now Israel remained in Acacia Grove, and the people began to commit harlotry with the women of Moab. They invited the people to the sacrifice of their gods and the people bowed down to their gods. So Israel was joined to Baal of Peor and the anger of the Lord was aroused against Israel". It's interesting that the Israelites' sexual immorality with people of the "world" also joined them to their false gods. Suffice it to say that immorality on any level is very dangerous and will lead us astray from the Lord.
4. Testing God and Complaining - "nor let us tempt Christ...nor complain" 1 Corinthians 9a & 10a
This refers to more situations where the Israelites were dissatisfied with God's provision and complained bitterly against Him.
Rather than dwell on the negative, let's flip these around and see what a heart ready to enter the Promised Land would look like:
1. Content with God's provisions
2. Worshipping God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength
3. Pure in body and mind
4. Trusting God and expressing thankfulness in all circumstances
I'm guessing these were characteristics of Caleb and Joshua, who are described in Numbers 32:12 as the only ones from that generation who "wholly followed the Lord".
Thought Question: What would it look like to "wholly follow the Lord" in your own life"? Do you have any sin that needs to be confessed and forgiven in order to move forward?
2. Idolatry - "And do not become idolaters as were some of them. As it is written, "The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play". 1 Corinthians 10:7
The reference is to Exodus 32:1-8 when the Israelites crafted a golden calf to worship in place of the living God. Idolatry is defined as "the worship of images as divine or sacred", or "paying divine honors to any item of human fabrication" (Wycliffe Bible Dictionary). The Israelites were impatient because Moses had not returned from his mountaintop meeting with God, so they asked Aaron to made them "gods that shall go before us". God wasn't showing Himself to them in the way or timing they desired, so they created their own god that was more tangible. Any time we exalt something or someone above God in our hearts, it becomes an idol.
Thought Question: What has priority in your thought-life and schedule? Is God on the throne of your heart or are you consumed with lesser things?
3. Immorality - "Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell" 1 Corinthians 10:8
Numbers 25 begins, "Now Israel remained in Acacia Grove, and the people began to commit harlotry with the women of Moab. They invited the people to the sacrifice of their gods and the people bowed down to their gods. So Israel was joined to Baal of Peor and the anger of the Lord was aroused against Israel". It's interesting that the Israelites' sexual immorality with people of the "world" also joined them to their false gods. Suffice it to say that immorality on any level is very dangerous and will lead us astray from the Lord.
4. Testing God and Complaining - "nor let us tempt Christ...nor complain" 1 Corinthians 9a & 10a
This refers to more situations where the Israelites were dissatisfied with God's provision and complained bitterly against Him.
Rather than dwell on the negative, let's flip these around and see what a heart ready to enter the Promised Land would look like:
1. Content with God's provisions
2. Worshipping God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength
3. Pure in body and mind
4. Trusting God and expressing thankfulness in all circumstances
I'm guessing these were characteristics of Caleb and Joshua, who are described in Numbers 32:12 as the only ones from that generation who "wholly followed the Lord".
Thought Question: What would it look like to "wholly follow the Lord" in your own life"? Do you have any sin that needs to be confessed and forgiven in order to move forward?
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Wilderness Wanderings - I
"Moreover, brethren, I (Paul) do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ. But with most of them God was not well pleased, for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness. Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted." 1 Corinthians 10:1-6 (emphasis mine).
In a future post, we will delve into the purpose of journeying through the wilderness for a time. But journeying is very different from wandering. The Israelites allowed fear and unbelief to keep them from entering into everything God had for them. Hebrews 3 uses phrases like "hardened hearts", "testing the Lord", "going astray in their hearts", "not knowing His ways", and concludes with "So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief". I've heard it said that "unbelief = missed blessing". Indeed, an entire generation missed out on experiencing the Promised Land. I believe there is a figurative "Promised Land" in each of our lives. It is not a place where things are easy and perfect, but a place where we are living in vibrant faith and communion with the Lord. What keeps us from abiding and advancing in this "land"? Probably the same sins that beset the Israelites. 1 Corinthians 10 goes on to describe these sins.
1. Lust - "...we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted." 1 Cor 10:6b
Numbers 11 describes a time when the Israelites tired of the manna God provided for them daily and lusted after meat instead. Psalm 116:13-15 says "They soon forgot His works; they did not wait for His counsel, but lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tested God in the desert. And He gave them their request, but sent leanness into their soul." Even though we are saved, lust can be a problem. We are often unsatisfied with what God has given us and constantly wanting something else. Even if God grants our requests, it brings a "leanness to the soul". In this case, the Israelites were complaining that manna (God's provision) wasn't good enough and longing for the food of Egypt (the world). Their lust caused them to lose sight of how bad things had been when they were in bondage. So too, our perspective can become skewed and result in an ungrateful, complaining attitude. This is a definite hindrance in the journey to the Promised Land.
Thought Question: Can you identify ways that lust has crept into your life? If so, confess it to the Lord and ask Him for a thankful heart. Maybe spend some time today thanking Him for specific provisions and blessings in your life.
In a future post, we will delve into the purpose of journeying through the wilderness for a time. But journeying is very different from wandering. The Israelites allowed fear and unbelief to keep them from entering into everything God had for them. Hebrews 3 uses phrases like "hardened hearts", "testing the Lord", "going astray in their hearts", "not knowing His ways", and concludes with "So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief". I've heard it said that "unbelief = missed blessing". Indeed, an entire generation missed out on experiencing the Promised Land. I believe there is a figurative "Promised Land" in each of our lives. It is not a place where things are easy and perfect, but a place where we are living in vibrant faith and communion with the Lord. What keeps us from abiding and advancing in this "land"? Probably the same sins that beset the Israelites. 1 Corinthians 10 goes on to describe these sins.
1. Lust - "...we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted." 1 Cor 10:6b
Numbers 11 describes a time when the Israelites tired of the manna God provided for them daily and lusted after meat instead. Psalm 116:13-15 says "They soon forgot His works; they did not wait for His counsel, but lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tested God in the desert. And He gave them their request, but sent leanness into their soul." Even though we are saved, lust can be a problem. We are often unsatisfied with what God has given us and constantly wanting something else. Even if God grants our requests, it brings a "leanness to the soul". In this case, the Israelites were complaining that manna (God's provision) wasn't good enough and longing for the food of Egypt (the world). Their lust caused them to lose sight of how bad things had been when they were in bondage. So too, our perspective can become skewed and result in an ungrateful, complaining attitude. This is a definite hindrance in the journey to the Promised Land.
Thought Question: Can you identify ways that lust has crept into your life? If so, confess it to the Lord and ask Him for a thankful heart. Maybe spend some time today thanking Him for specific provisions and blessings in your life.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
History Lessons
To set the stage for the Promised Land/Spirit-Filled Life illustration, I think it would be helpful to begin with a brief history of the people of Israel.
In Genesis 12, God called Abram (later renamed Abraham) out of his country and promised to make him into a great nation. He was destined to be a blessing to all the families of the earth. In Genesis 13, God promised to give the land of Canaan to Abram and his descendants forever. In Old Testament times, this referred to all the territory west of the Jordan River (Wycliffe Bible Dictionary). Throughout the generations, God maintained his covanent with Abraham and reiterated it to his grandson Jacob, renamed Israel in Genesis 35:9-15. Jacob had 12 sons and his descendants became known as the children of Israel.
Jacob's son, Joseph, was sold by his jealous brothers to be a slave in Egypt and rose to power to save the nation in a time of great famine. As a result, Jacob and his family settled in a territory of Egypt called Goshen. The children of Israel grew in number and might in the land of Egypt and a new king came to power who enslaved them out of fear. After 400 years had passed, God raised up a deliverer named Moses who led the people out of Egypt and through the miraculous parting of the Red Sea.
Jon Courson highlights the symbolism of these Old Testament events. The Israelites' deliverance from Egypt is a picture of salvation. Passing through the Red Sea symbolizes water baptism. But there is more. The Israelites were supposed to travel from Egypt and enter the Promised Land - an eleven day journey. But when they got to the land, they failed to enter in. In their unbelief and disobedience, they got stuck wandering in the wilderness for 40 years, until that entire generation passed away (with the exception of Joshua and Caleb).
What did the Promised Land represent to the Israelites? It represented fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham - a land of their own where they could rest, thrive, serve God and be an example to the nations around them. And eventually bring forth God's ultimate gift - Jesus Christ - the Savior of the world. Similarly, I believe there is place that we are called to as New Testament Christians where we are living in the power and abundance of the Spirit and fulfilling God's purpose for our lives. Yes, we receive the Spirit at salvation, but there is still a journey to maturity in Christ and fullness of His Spirit. What happened to the Israelites? Why didn't they enter into the land when first given the chance? The crux of the journey occurs on the banks of the Jordan river. It's a decision to cross to a land that holds great promise, but unknown challenges, or stay on the safe (if a bit dry) side. We can learn much from their experiences.
In Genesis 12, God called Abram (later renamed Abraham) out of his country and promised to make him into a great nation. He was destined to be a blessing to all the families of the earth. In Genesis 13, God promised to give the land of Canaan to Abram and his descendants forever. In Old Testament times, this referred to all the territory west of the Jordan River (Wycliffe Bible Dictionary). Throughout the generations, God maintained his covanent with Abraham and reiterated it to his grandson Jacob, renamed Israel in Genesis 35:9-15. Jacob had 12 sons and his descendants became known as the children of Israel.
Jacob's son, Joseph, was sold by his jealous brothers to be a slave in Egypt and rose to power to save the nation in a time of great famine. As a result, Jacob and his family settled in a territory of Egypt called Goshen. The children of Israel grew in number and might in the land of Egypt and a new king came to power who enslaved them out of fear. After 400 years had passed, God raised up a deliverer named Moses who led the people out of Egypt and through the miraculous parting of the Red Sea.
Jon Courson highlights the symbolism of these Old Testament events. The Israelites' deliverance from Egypt is a picture of salvation. Passing through the Red Sea symbolizes water baptism. But there is more. The Israelites were supposed to travel from Egypt and enter the Promised Land - an eleven day journey. But when they got to the land, they failed to enter in. In their unbelief and disobedience, they got stuck wandering in the wilderness for 40 years, until that entire generation passed away (with the exception of Joshua and Caleb).
What did the Promised Land represent to the Israelites? It represented fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham - a land of their own where they could rest, thrive, serve God and be an example to the nations around them. And eventually bring forth God's ultimate gift - Jesus Christ - the Savior of the world. Similarly, I believe there is place that we are called to as New Testament Christians where we are living in the power and abundance of the Spirit and fulfilling God's purpose for our lives. Yes, we receive the Spirit at salvation, but there is still a journey to maturity in Christ and fullness of His Spirit. What happened to the Israelites? Why didn't they enter into the land when first given the chance? The crux of the journey occurs on the banks of the Jordan river. It's a decision to cross to a land that holds great promise, but unknown challenges, or stay on the safe (if a bit dry) side. We can learn much from their experiences.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Life Abundantly?
"I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." (John 10:10b)
"On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water." (John 7:37-38)
These are amazing promises from our Lord! But how many of us can honestly say we are experiencing this kind of fullness in our Christian lives? I often feel like something is lacking. Instead of "rivers of living water" flowing from my heart, I have a trickle (or on some days a stagnant pond). Instead of having "life abundantly", I'm just trying to survive the day. Many Christians believe in God, go to church, try to have devotions and serve in ministry, but something is missing. There's a lack of purpose, wisdom, joy, boldness and true, agape love in our lives. It becomes all too easy to please people, rather than the Lord (Hebrews 6:10). Instead of burning with passion for God, we burn out. What's wrong with this picture? This cannot be what God intends for His children. Sometimes I think it breaks His heart more than it does ours.
For years, I had a sense that there was more; that God was calling me to a new way of living in Him, but I didn't know how to get there. One day I came across some teaching by Pastor Jon Courson (Applegate Christian Fellowship) through the book of Joshua. The premise is that the Old Testament journey of the Israelites from captivity in Egypt to possession of the Promised Land is a type, or example, of New Testament Christian life. It is an illustration that gives us understanding of how to enter into the Spirit-filled life. Pastor Jon points out that the Promised Land is not a picture of heaven, as many suppose. There are still battles to be fought and wars to be won in the Land. But it holds the promise of abundant life, filled with the giant fruit of the Spirit. That's where I need to go. But first I have to cross the Jordan.
"On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water." (John 7:37-38)
These are amazing promises from our Lord! But how many of us can honestly say we are experiencing this kind of fullness in our Christian lives? I often feel like something is lacking. Instead of "rivers of living water" flowing from my heart, I have a trickle (or on some days a stagnant pond). Instead of having "life abundantly", I'm just trying to survive the day. Many Christians believe in God, go to church, try to have devotions and serve in ministry, but something is missing. There's a lack of purpose, wisdom, joy, boldness and true, agape love in our lives. It becomes all too easy to please people, rather than the Lord (Hebrews 6:10). Instead of burning with passion for God, we burn out. What's wrong with this picture? This cannot be what God intends for His children. Sometimes I think it breaks His heart more than it does ours.
For years, I had a sense that there was more; that God was calling me to a new way of living in Him, but I didn't know how to get there. One day I came across some teaching by Pastor Jon Courson (Applegate Christian Fellowship) through the book of Joshua. The premise is that the Old Testament journey of the Israelites from captivity in Egypt to possession of the Promised Land is a type, or example, of New Testament Christian life. It is an illustration that gives us understanding of how to enter into the Spirit-filled life. Pastor Jon points out that the Promised Land is not a picture of heaven, as many suppose. There are still battles to be fought and wars to be won in the Land. But it holds the promise of abundant life, filled with the giant fruit of the Spirit. That's where I need to go. But first I have to cross the Jordan.
A New Idea
Well, I'm finally getting on the blog bandwagon...in a manner of speaking. My wise husband, Tim, suggested that I start one as a spiritual outlet where I could post devotional thoughts. I'm one of those people who learns best when I'm teaching or writing for others. So even if no one reads it, I think it will be worthwhile for me personally.
I've had a certain topic on my heart for the past two years - abiding in the Spirit-filled life. At one point, I started writing a Bible study on the topic. But it's been a challenging season for our family with the addition of our son Cole (11 months) to join sister Sophie (age 4). During the pregnancy and subsequent sleep-deprived fog, I lost focus and studying fell by the wayside. After Tim's blog suggestion, the two ideas merged in my head. So I'm going to try to post, hopefully weekly, devotionals on this topic. Perhaps it will help me, and others, to discover the amazing abundance of the Spirit-Filled life that is available to every believer.
I've had a certain topic on my heart for the past two years - abiding in the Spirit-filled life. At one point, I started writing a Bible study on the topic. But it's been a challenging season for our family with the addition of our son Cole (11 months) to join sister Sophie (age 4). During the pregnancy and subsequent sleep-deprived fog, I lost focus and studying fell by the wayside. After Tim's blog suggestion, the two ideas merged in my head. So I'm going to try to post, hopefully weekly, devotionals on this topic. Perhaps it will help me, and others, to discover the amazing abundance of the Spirit-Filled life that is available to every believer.
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