BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave woman and one by a free woman. But the son of the slave was born according to the flesh, while the son of the free woman was born through promise.” Galatians 4:22-23 ESV

As Paul continues to write about the bondage under the law and the freedom in Christ, it is like he is saying, “You were born free, so live free.” “…When we were children we were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world. But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law,  to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.” (Galatians 4:3-5 ESV)

Paul is making the point that you are adopted by God to be His sons and daughters, live that way. Don’t live by the principles that bring slavery. Don’t live believing you are able to do the right thing, live the right way, and please God through your own efforts and standards; live according to the promise of freedom, live as a child of God embracing adoption in Christ.

Paul then makes reference to Hagar and Sarah as an allegory contrasting two ways to achieve the purposes of God. One is man’s way, the other is depending upon God to fulfill His promise in His way and His time.

The Lord had promised Abraham that he would be the father of many nations with his seed out numbering the stars. When it seemed the promise was not being fulfilled, Sarah grew impatient and came up with her own plan to fulfill God’s promise. Hagar, her Egyptian servant, gave birth to Ishmael.

Later Sarah gave birth to Isaac in fulfillment of the Lord’s promise. The conflict represented in those two brothers continues down to day, both politically and spiritually.

There remains the temptation to secure the promises of God through our own efforts and in our own way. God promises an abundant life and an eternity with Him. Mankind embraces that, but want to achieve the promise through other means and ways than what the Lord has not designed.

Human efforts continue to bear more “Ishmaels” – the Lord’s ways produce Sons and daughters of promise. These are those who find their identity in the Jerusalem “above” not the earthly, temporal Jerusalem of Mount Sinai.

Embracing the promise of God requires submission to His ways and His timing. I like Paul’s question, “Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?” (Galatians 3:3 ESV)

In our life we need to avoid the, “thank-You-Lord,-I’ll-take-it-from-here” attitude.

Prayer for today…. Lord how true it is, “there is a way that seem right to a man…” (Proverbs 14:12) But Lord we don’t know how to truly help ourselves. Give us faith, patience and obedience to follow You and not revert to our own efforts and our own wisdom and our won way. May we follow and trust you completely.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for ‘The righteous shall live by faith.’….But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.” Galatians 3:11,22 ESV

Under the old covenant, the law was the standard that measured conduct acceptable to God. Even though it was recognized that all fell short at some point, the law was still revered as that which was to guide lives and what would determine ones status in God’s eyes.

Today, people use an interesting mix of standards. Some borrow from the Bible, some just arrive at their own standard of what it means to live a “good life.” Many believe that God judges human conduct and determines who is and who is not acceptable to Him.

As Paul writes to the Galatians who were struggling with reverting to the “law” as a standard of salvation, he ask some penetrating questions. The first is, “…Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified.” (Galatians 3:1 ESV) Some may have seen Christ crucified. Others would have heard the gospel message that focused on the cross and the resurrection. It is like Paul is asking, “What part of ‘Christ has died for you to make you right in God’s eyes’, don’t you understand?”

Paul goes on and states that salvation is by faith. Miracles take place by faith. Abraham was declared righteous because of his faith, not his works.

Not only are works and self righteous standards inadequate, they actually bring a curse. We read, ^“For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written,“Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.” (Galatians 3:10 ESV)

So, that which people believe is bringing them life, is actually bring death and judgment, for the “righteous shall live by faith.”

One of the greatest claims for Jews was that they were of the seed of Abraham. But Paul says that by faith even Gentiles become the children of Abraham. Consider the following…

“…those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith….in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit^[ through faith…if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.” (Galatians 3:9.14,29 ESV)

The confidence we have in God’s eyes does not come from our own effort or any human standards. It comes by being “in Christ” through faith.

Prayer for today…. Lord, thank You that we can have assurance of being accepted by You through simple faith. Faith that brings connection to You. Faith that brings miracles into our life. You have set us free from unattainable standards and reveal that simply surrendering to You and Your provision brings peace and life.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY….   “I went up because of a revelation and set before them….the gospel that I proclaim among the Gentiles, in order to make sure I was not running or had not run in vain.” Galatians 2:2 ESV

Outside of being willing to speak “hard truth” the willingness to be accountable to others and to hold others accountable is a great challenge. It can be difficult to be told that you need to change an attitude or behavior. But we see this is a vital function of healthy people and of mature believers.

As Paul confronts the Galatians that were being swayed by legalistic zealots, he recounts his own life and conversion and experiences. He points out that after sharing the gospel for a time among the Gentiles, he went to Jerusalem with Barnabas and Titus to meet with the leaders of the Church.

Paul points out that while Titus was a Greek, he was not compelled by the leaders to be circumcised. He also wanted to let them know the message he was proclaiming to make sure it was in agreement with the leaders of the Church. The result was a recognition of God’s call and favor and a commissioning to release Paul to continue his ministry among the Gentiles.

Paul was an educated individual, a strong leader, a man with a reputation among the people. But he was willing to submit to the wisdom and seek the confirmation and approval of those he held in high regard. Even though Paul and the leaders had pressure from some legalistic, they held their ground and acted with wisdom.

“Yet because of false brothers secretly brought in—who slipped in to spy out our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might bring us into slavery— to them we did not yield in submission even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you….they [The Apostles] gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me, that we should go to the Gentiles….Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.” (Galatians 2:4-5; 9-10 ESV)

Then later we see Paul holding Peter accountable for his actions when they were in Antioch. “I opposed him [Peter] to his face,  because he stood condemned. For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party.” (Galatians 2:11,12 ESV)

Even though Peter is referred to by Paul as a “pillar in the Church” he was willing to point out and confront his hypocrisy.  Paul was very clear in pointing what was happening and the inconsistency, “When I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?” (Galatians 2:14 ESV)

For Paul, it was the truth of the gospel, that was important. Not being right. Not the traditions of man. While being held accountable and holding others accountable, regardless of who they are, accountable is challenging; it is necessary. Personal integrity and maturity and the cause of the gospel are important factors that rise above personal agendas or status.

Prayer for today….. Lord always help us keep our motives and attitudes right when it comes to accountability. Our desire should not be to “catch people in the wrong” but help steer people in the right path. A path that is right before You eyes and one that results in growth and unity.

I am finding myself pushing forward in my physical recovery. I had been trying to use a cane, instead of my crutches to walk at least around the you and some short distances around the community. Today, was tax day for me. I spent most of the day getting my tax return finished. I didn’t think I would have time until the election is over,  so its good to mark that off my list.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10 ESV

As Paul opens his letter to the Galatians he gets right to the point. “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel…” (Galatians 1:6 ESV) Paul quickly explains that there is no other “gospel.” There is only one message of goods news. That message is what the Apostles preached, what Paul declared and what Paul came to know. That salvation is by grace through faith.

The opposing “gospel” message was related to obeying the law as a condition of salvation. After Paul spends a considerable amount of time sharing his own story and background he declares,  “…we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.” (Galatians 2:16 ESV)

As Paul was addressing this issue, he knew that he was going to be in a position of speaking a word of correction. A word that to many would not be readily accepted. No one likes to be told they are wrong. But Paul makes it clear that he has a duty to obey God more than appease people. It is interesting that he uses the words, “If I were still trying to please man…”

As Saul of Tarsus,  he was a hero of the Pharisees because of his persecution of believers in Christ. He had status among his peers and was feared by the Christians. But now as a follower of Christ and as Paul the Apostle, his allegiance and obedience was to Christ alone.

But Paul knew that truth must be mingled with love for people. His delight was not in telling people they are wrong, but he was being protective of the sincere faith of those who would follow Christ. He wrote these words to the Ephesians, “…speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ….” (Ephesians 4:15 ESV)

The aim of the faithful follower of Christ is to please the Lord not people. When our desire for stature in the eyes of people is greater than our desire to please Christ we cease to become a servant of Christ and we become enslaved to the “fear of man.” Solomon said, “Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the LORD means safety.” (Proverbs 29:25 NLT)

Prayer for today…. Lord, allow us to focus on You, so that we can fully obey You. Help us when needed to “speak truth in love” that we might be Your faithful servants.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY….. “By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.” Proverbs 24:3,4 ESV

Life can be filled with a variety of challenges and opportunities. But none is greater than building a “house.” This metaphor reminds us of the importance of the family unit in God’s eyes. God created the family. He did so in creation when He declared, “It is not good for man to be alone.” From man Eve was created and she was called “Eve” because she would be the mother of “all living.” So the Lord envisioned the offspring of husband and wife and centrality of the family in the conception of His divine and sovereign plan.

In history God called Abraham and created a family of families that formed a nation. The promised land was given as a possession to family units. When God sent His Son to the earth, He sent Him into a family. We those who place their faith in Christ described as the “family of God.”

Building a natural family, building a spiritual family is hard work. That is why infant “dedication” is more like family “consecration.” It is a recognition of parents that God’s protection and guidance is needed, not just on a child but on parents.

What is needed is summarized in this Proverb; knowledge, understanding, wisdom. Each of these is needed and is inter-related. Knowledge is the process of learning. It involves the accumulation and awareness of a topic or issue. As I go through interviews as part of the candidate process, I am occasionally “stumped” by being asked about a specific policy or plan on record for the city about which I have no “knowledge.”

What you don’t know you can learn. But knowing doesn’t equate to understanding. I would at times make statements to legal staff at the Capitol, “I know what this bill says, but what does it mean?” In other words, how is someone going to apply these provisions to a specific situation, what is it going to permit or prevent that is not obvious based on the words? Knowing words, doesn’t equate into a full understanding. It is like listening to my grandchildren read and then asking, “do you know what it means?”

Wisdom is traditionally viewed as the judicious application of knowledge or understanding. How do I use what I know and understand to make decisions that impact my life and the future. Today, I was in a meeting where a presentation was made on demographic trends for our area. I can have knowledge about the various inter-related pieces of information and even understand what it means for the future of a community. Wisdom, however, creates a plan of action based on that knowledge and understanding.

This proverb doesn’t lay out these three qualities in a sequential order like I have explained them. It begins with wisdom, because wisdom is related to the big picture, the “dream” or “vision.” Knowledge is seen as “filling the rooms” because we are to be continually learning and growing as Peter said, “in grace and in knowledge of the Lord.” (2 Peter 3:18) We continue to learn what we don’t know and that equates to growth and maturity.

In these changing and challenging days we need wisdom, understanding and knowledge to build strong, families and strong communities of faith.

Prayer for today…. Lord, thank You that You are able to grant to us the wisdom, understanding and knowledge that we need in our life and in our families. Give us eyes for the future and the path to take as we trust in You.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. And Moses said to Aaron, “Take your censer, and put fire on it from off the altar and lay incense on it and carry it quickly to the congregation and make atonement for them, for wrath has gone out from the Lord; the plague has begun.”  ….A he put on the incense and made atonement for the people. And he stood between the dead and the living, and the plague was stopped. Numbers 16:46-48 ESV

The Lord summons the people to gather. He tells them to separate themselves from Korah and those joining him in rebellion. Moses announces that, “if these men die of natural causes, the Lord has not sent me, but if something never seen before takes place….like the ground opening up and swallowing them; then you know it is the Lord who has called me to lead this people.”

As soon as Moses ends his statement the earth opens and Korah and his followers are “swallowed” by the earth, never to be seen again. How would you react? Would you run in fear? Would you bow in worship? The people did neither of these; instead they accused Moses of “killing the Lord’s anointed!” I guess you can say, “some people just don’t get it!”

As a result, the Lord brings judgment on the people with a plague and people begin to fall dead like being shot in battle. Once again we see Moses, man of mercy, interceding for the people by instructing Aaron to take incense from the altar as a prayer of intercession for the sins of the people. When he does the plague is stopped.

The compelling statement is, “he stood between the living and the dead.” I believe this is an important picture of those who intercede for others, especially those under God’s judgment. Compassion calls us to prayer for the guilty and to “rescue the dying.” Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” 

The incense that Aaron held is symbolic of prayer going up before the Lord. As the plague is moving through the congregation Aaron with censor of incense in hand “stands in the gap” between the dead the living. The living that were “next” to be judged by the plague.

This reminds me of the saying related to, “cursing the darkness, or lighting a candle.” Moses and Aaron were not willing for death to be the order of the day. While what was taking place was a natural consequence of the sin, hard hearts and rebellion of the people, they were not willing to just be “innocent bystanders” content in their own righteousness.

They took action and were used to end death and protect the lives of God’s people. The blind hymn writer of old Fanny Crosby, wrote these words,

Rescue the perishing,
  Care for the dying,
Snatch them in pity from sin and the grave;
  Weep o’er the erring one,
  Lift up the fallen,
Tell them of Jesus the mighty to save.

I took note of the first words of the second verse,

Though they are slighting Him,
  Still He is waiting,

Christ died for us when, “we were still sinners.” The Lord challenges us to “stand before the dead and living.” To be those who will care for those, who show little concern for their own lives and continually “put God to the test.”

As I write this I think of my friend Snow Peabody of Teen Challenge of Arizona, (and many like him) who for decades have been willing to stand between the “dead and the living” for those whose lives have been ravaged by addiction.

The challenge though, is for us all. The sins and judgment of some are more pronounced than others. But all those alienated from Christ face a day of judgement. We are called to intercede, to intervene and be those who promote true life, abundant life, found only in Jesus Christ.

Prayer for today…. Lord grip our hearts with the call of being those who will stand, “between the dead and living.” Help us to offer the incense of our prayers and to take action when and where we can to be those who, “rescue the perishing and care for the dying.”

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Now Korah…rose up before Moses, with a number of the people of Israel, 250 chiefs of the congregation, chosen from the assembly, well-known men. They assembled themselves together against Moses and against Aaron and said to them, “You have gone too far! For all in the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the Lord is among them. Why then do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the Lord?” Numbers 16:1-3 ESV

Here we go again. As if Moses had not faced enough challenges, tests and rebellion, now comes another. We don’t know what motivated the actions, perhaps an accumulation of events. Moses had faced the challenges of Miriam and Aaron. There was the grumbling about meat, there was the conflict over the report of the spies who surveyed the promised land and the rebellion of the people.

This group is not just the “rabble” or the easily disgruntled. These were some of the most influential individuals and leaders among the tribes. This was not just rebellion, but betrayal of trust as well. Their complaint? “We are all equal, we are all the same. God is among us as he is with you, Moses. So, why do you think you are special?”

This is Moses, the meek. This is Moses who took on God’s call as the reluctant leader. Moses, sees into the situation and addresses it for what it is. To Korah and his followers his asks,  “….is it too small a thing for you that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself, to do service in the tabernacle of the Lord and to stand before the congregation to minister to them, and that he has brought you near him, and all your brothers the sons of Levi with you? And would you seek the priesthood also?” (Numbers 16:9,10 ESV)

Moses points out to them that the Lord had called them to a unique and special role from the congregation. So Moses calls all of them to come with a censor in hand in which is an offering of incense. The offering the Lord accepts will be known as chosen by the Lord and not their own initiative.

Moses calls these 250 to step forward from the congregation and addresses all of them, “If these men die as all men die, or if they are visited by the fate of all mankind, then the Lord has not sent me. But if the Lord creates something new, and the ground opens its mouth and swallows them up with all that belongs to them, and they go down alive into Sheol, then you shall know that these men have despised the Lord.” (Number 16:29-30 ESV)

As Moses spoke these words it is like God “picked up on the suggestion” and immediately the ground opened and swallowed Korah and all his followers.

It is interesting how in our day, we see cries for “equality.” To many equal means the same status, the same outcomes for everyone. In this text we see the Korah spoke some truth. God’s Spirit was among all of His people. But that was not to be taken for granted and viewed as an irrevocable privilege. As God’s people they were to honor the Lord through their faith and obedience. They were to recognize those chosen for special purposes.

In God’s economy, there is equality and there are special gifts and callings for different individuals. Moses was chosen to fill a unique role for a special time. Joshua would succeed him and his role and calling would be different. After Joshua was gone the leadership role would be dispersed among the leadership of the various tribes. Finally Kings would rise up to lead and rule the people.

Unity and progress is achieved through a focus on a common purpose. Each contributing according to unique gifts and callings in the role in which the Lord has placed us. That was a concept that Korah and the Levities failed to understand and it cost them dearly and it impacted the entire congregation.

Prayer for today…. Lord, contentment with our calling and role can be a great challenge. Discontentment is the tool Satan uses to bring unrest and division and to disrupt God’s work. Help us to be mindful and on guard. When we prove ourselves faithful where we are at, it is You, Lord, who is the One who brings added responsibilities and opportunities in Your time.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “…none of those who despised me shall see it. But my servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit and has followed me fully, I will bring into the land into which he went, and his descendants shall possess it.”  Numbers 14:23,24 ESV

It is easy to blend in and go along with the crowd. But to stand against the tide of the masses requires conviction and courage. That is what we see in Joshua and Caleb.

Caleb is specifically commended by the Lord as one who has a “different” spirit and has followed the Lord fully. Caleb was one who was able to see God above the obstacles. He took the Lord at His word and had a “the-bigger-they are-the-harder-they-fall” kind of attitude.

Ten of the spies looked at big people and became discouraged and fearful. Joshua and Caleb looked to a big God and was confident and eager.

Because Caleb had a “different” spirit, he received a different destiny than the rest of those who rebelled and refused to enter the promised land. Although he had to wait for forty years, he would enter the land the Lord had promised to his ancestors and his descendants would possess their inheritance.

It would actually be 45 years before Caleb received the promise. But he was as eager as the day when he spied out the land.

“I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the Lord sent me from Kadesh Barnea to spy out the land, and I brought back word to him as it was in my heart….And now, behold, the Lord has kept me alive, as He said, these forty-five years, ever since the Lord spoke this word to Moses while Israel wandered in the wilderness; and now, here I am this day, eighty-five years old. As yet I am as strong this day as on the day that Moses sent me; just as my strength was then, so now is my strength for war…Now therefore, give me this mountain of which the Lord spoke in that day…” (Joshua 14:7,10-11 ESV)

There you have one feisty octogenarian. We read this conclusion and fulfillment of the Lord’s promise. “Hebron therefore became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite to this day, because he wholly followed the Lord God of Israel.” (Joshua 14:14 ESV)

Hebron became a prominent city in Israel. It was a city of refuge. It was the city in which David ruled before he became King over a united nation. This city would be of significance because of the man who was willing to fully obey the Lord and to wait for the promise he had be given to come true.

Prayer for today…. Lord place in us a “spirit” that sets us apart from others. Help us to always fully obey You, knowing that as we do, it is the gateway to receiving great things from You. Grant us as well the patience until Your promise is fulfilled in our lives.