Luke 13:22-30
22 Jesus went through the towns and villages, teaching as he went, always pressing on toward Jerusalem. 23 Someone asked him, “Lord, will only a few be saved?”He replied, 24 “Work hard to enter the narrow door to God’s Kingdom, for many will try to enter but will fail. 25 When the master of the house has locked the door, it will be too late. You will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Lord, open the door for us!’ But he will reply, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.’ 26 Then you will say, ‘But we ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.’ 27 And he will reply, ‘I tell you, I don’t know you or where you come from. Get away from me, all you who do evil.’28 “There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, for you will see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets in the Kingdom of God, but you will be thrown out. 29 And people will come from all over the world—from east and west, north and south—to take their places in the Kingdom of God. 30 And note this: Some who seem least important now will be the greatest then, and some who are the greatest now will be least important then.”
People who think they are saved will be lost. This is so sad - and it won't be until heaven that they finally find out they were lost.
Last Sunday I didn't do a quiet time, I justified that to myself because very few other people do a quiet time on Sundays (But Drason did his, which made me feel even worse)
I have stressed to others the importance of doing a quiet time ever day - especially Sunday, and I need to practice what I preach - this section of scripture is why.
My weeks are pretty limited. Monday through Saturday I have a very limited interaction with other people. I will see my husband and kids, maybe talk to my friends, even on Wednesday evenings I see no more than 15 or 20 people that we go to church with, the most I might have to interact with others might be talking to a school administrator or teacher, or paying a bill over the phone. Living out here is peaceful - but it really limits your interaction. This isn't a bad thing! I needed to learn - or re-learn, how to keep my focus on what is really important to me. But I also need to see my mission field for what it is.
On Sundays I see 500 people. I know maybe - MAYBE - 150 of their names, I know maybe 20 of them well enough to suspect they are telling the truth about being Christians, the rest??? Who knows.
When I go to church I tend to think about me and my family as the first priority - teach my children to understand about God, be fed myself, feel close to my husband because we are learning this stuff together. The other people at the church, unless I recognize them as a first time visitor - (which I probably wouldn't sitting where I sit) I typically greet with a smile and then move on.
I know nothing about the lives of these people, If I spend an hour in Sunday School I feel like I have done my duty for the week in the "connecting with other Christians" department - which by the way, has a lot to do with me having some friends.
If I am really honest - I could not tell you the last time I went to church and spoke to anyone(more than a quick "hi there, welcome to our church) that I didn't already know.
The Lord has convicted me over this this morning.
It started with the need to do my quiet time - but why do that on a Sunday? Because Sunday is the day I am most likely to cross paths with a lost person. I know my husband and children are saved, but out of 500 people - how many will think they are saved, or maybe just not even know, and go to hell because I never said anything to them, I never acted much like a Christian - always putting myself and my family first.
The day with the most opportunity for me to share Jesus - is the day that it never even crosses my mind. The thing is - these people are already at church - how open do you think the school administrator is to hearing about Jesus and how He is working in my life - as apposed to the people at church?
I am certainly not saying that all the people at our church are lost - but according to this passage of scripture, odds are - some are. I need to be living in a way that reflects Christ EVEN at church - and of all the days I need to have talked to God about what the day holds - Sunday is the day that I need it the most.
Amanda
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Friday, May 15, 2009
More Prayer
(The following [ ]is adapted from The Power of a Praying Wife - by Stormie Omartian)
[Have you ever observed someone who is all talk and no action? There are those who spend more time bragging about what they are going to do than actually doing it. They typically never get anywhere. "A dream comes through much activity, and a fools voice is known by his many words." (Ecclesiastes 5:3) Dreams don't come true when more time is spent talking about them than praying and working towards achieving them.
Have you ever been around someone who is angry, crass or ungodly in their speech? Their bad language gives the listeners a sick uncomfortable feeling and they don't want to be around them. "Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamour and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice." (Ephesians 4:31) The good things of life seem to overlook those who have nothing good coming out of their mouths.
Have you known someone who complains all the time? No matter what's happening they find something negative to grumble about. "Do all things without murmuring and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world. (Philippians 2:14-15) Negative words bring negative results and seldom turn out right for a person who continually uses them.
Are you acquainted with someone who is quick to speak yet does not seriously consider what they are saying. They blurt out words without weighing the effect of them. "The heart of the righteous studies how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil" (Proverbs 15:28) "Do you see a man with hasty words? There is more hope for a fool than for him." (Proverbs 29:20) Much grief is in the future of anyone who doesn't consider the consequences of their spoken words.
Have you seen a person speak discouragement and pain into someone - a spouse, a child, a friend, a co-worker? "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat it's fruit."(Proverbs 18:21) That person will bring destruction into their own life because of it.Our words can justify or condemn us (Matthew 12:37) They can bring us joy (Proverbs 15:23) or corrupt and dishonor us (Matthew 15:11) What we say can either build up or break down the soul of whomever we are speaking to. (Proverbs 15:4) The consequences of what we speak are so great that our words can lead us to ruin or save our lives. (Proverbs 13:3)Everyone has a choice about what he or she says, and there are rewards for making the right one. "Whoever guards his mouth and tongue, keeps his soul from troubles" (Proverbs 21:23)
Listen to the way you, your spouse, your children, and your friends talk . What comes out of their mouths has to do with the condition of their hearts. "For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks." (Matthew 12:34) If you hear yourself, or these others, complaining, speaking negatively, talking like a fool, or speaking words that bring destruction and death, you(they) are suffering from negative heart overflow. Pray for the Holy Spirit's conviction, and to fill up that heart with His love, peace and joy and to teach the speaker a new way to talk.
Prayer
Lord, I pray your Holy Spirit would guard (my mouth and Drason's)mouth, so that we (he/she) will speak only words that edify and bring life. Help us (me/them) not to be grumblers, complainers, users of foul language, or people who destroy with our words, but be disciplined enough to keep our conversation godly. Your word says a man who desires long life must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit. (Psalms 34:12-13). Show us (me/them)how to do that, fill us (me/them)with Your love so that out of the overflow of our hearts will come words that build up and not tear down. (Work that in my heart as well)May Your Spirit of love reign in the words we speak so that we don't miscommunicate or wound one another. Help us to show each other respect, speak words that encourage, share our feelings openly, and come to mutual agreements without strife. Lord, you've said in Your word that when two agree, you are in their midst. I pray that the reverse be true as well, - that You will be in our midst, so that we two can agree. Let the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, our strength and our redeemer. (Psalms 19:14) ]
[Have you ever observed someone who is all talk and no action? There are those who spend more time bragging about what they are going to do than actually doing it. They typically never get anywhere. "A dream comes through much activity, and a fools voice is known by his many words." (Ecclesiastes 5:3) Dreams don't come true when more time is spent talking about them than praying and working towards achieving them.
Have you ever been around someone who is angry, crass or ungodly in their speech? Their bad language gives the listeners a sick uncomfortable feeling and they don't want to be around them. "Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamour and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice." (Ephesians 4:31) The good things of life seem to overlook those who have nothing good coming out of their mouths.
Have you known someone who complains all the time? No matter what's happening they find something negative to grumble about. "Do all things without murmuring and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world. (Philippians 2:14-15) Negative words bring negative results and seldom turn out right for a person who continually uses them.
Are you acquainted with someone who is quick to speak yet does not seriously consider what they are saying. They blurt out words without weighing the effect of them. "The heart of the righteous studies how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil" (Proverbs 15:28) "Do you see a man with hasty words? There is more hope for a fool than for him." (Proverbs 29:20) Much grief is in the future of anyone who doesn't consider the consequences of their spoken words.
Have you seen a person speak discouragement and pain into someone - a spouse, a child, a friend, a co-worker? "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat it's fruit."(Proverbs 18:21) That person will bring destruction into their own life because of it.Our words can justify or condemn us (Matthew 12:37) They can bring us joy (Proverbs 15:23) or corrupt and dishonor us (Matthew 15:11) What we say can either build up or break down the soul of whomever we are speaking to. (Proverbs 15:4) The consequences of what we speak are so great that our words can lead us to ruin or save our lives. (Proverbs 13:3)Everyone has a choice about what he or she says, and there are rewards for making the right one. "Whoever guards his mouth and tongue, keeps his soul from troubles" (Proverbs 21:23)
Listen to the way you, your spouse, your children, and your friends talk . What comes out of their mouths has to do with the condition of their hearts. "For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks." (Matthew 12:34) If you hear yourself, or these others, complaining, speaking negatively, talking like a fool, or speaking words that bring destruction and death, you(they) are suffering from negative heart overflow. Pray for the Holy Spirit's conviction, and to fill up that heart with His love, peace and joy and to teach the speaker a new way to talk.
Prayer
Lord, I pray your Holy Spirit would guard (my mouth and Drason's)mouth, so that we (he/she) will speak only words that edify and bring life. Help us (me/them) not to be grumblers, complainers, users of foul language, or people who destroy with our words, but be disciplined enough to keep our conversation godly. Your word says a man who desires long life must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit. (Psalms 34:12-13). Show us (me/them)how to do that, fill us (me/them)with Your love so that out of the overflow of our hearts will come words that build up and not tear down. (Work that in my heart as well)May Your Spirit of love reign in the words we speak so that we don't miscommunicate or wound one another. Help us to show each other respect, speak words that encourage, share our feelings openly, and come to mutual agreements without strife. Lord, you've said in Your word that when two agree, you are in their midst. I pray that the reverse be true as well, - that You will be in our midst, so that we two can agree. Let the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, our strength and our redeemer. (Psalms 19:14) ]
Amen!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Life is all about perspective - do you see the master piece or a little swatch of the picture? I wonder sometimes how much we miss because we are so focused in on our little swatch. One of the hardest things to do is to see something from someone else point of view. I am so glad that someone had enough love and mercy for me to try to see things from my point of view.
I no longer paint my door posts with the blood of lambs because:
1 Corinthians 5:7b Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed for us.
I need not strike a rock in the wilderness for water because: John 7:38: Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.
I don’t need to climb out of bed and hunt for manna anymore either because: John 6:51: I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever; and this bread, which I will offer so the world may live, is my flesh.”
And finally I don’t need priests to carry the ark, to mediate between me and God any longer because: Hebrews 7:20-22 This new system was established with a solemn oath. Aaron’s descendants became priests without such an oath, 2 but there was an oath regarding Jesus. For God said to him, “The Lord has taken an oath and will not break his vow “‘You are a priest forever.’” Because of this oath, Jesus is the one who guarantees this better covenant with God.
I am so thankful that God took Himself from His throne - humbled Himself beyond compare - and gave everything for me. While I was yet a sinner Christ died for me.
If you have been around a church for very long you have probably gotten a forwarded email including this little story:
There once was a little girl who needed a blood transfusion - the doctors test the family to find a suitable match and discover that her big brother is that perfect match - They talk to the boy and explain to him the procedure - until finally he agrees to help. He dutifully lays down on the hospital bed - donates a pint of blood and then solemnly turns to the doctor and asks how much longer he has left to live.
Sort of funny - often used as an example of God's grace - but in fact God's grace is so much greater than that.
The book I've been reading gives this example -
Instead of a blood transfusion - imagine it is a heart transplant - and that the recipient is a death row inmate. Not anyone that is remarkable - no one worthy of anything - this man is going to die not because of an illness or condition but because of his iniquity. But moments after his technical death - he will receive a heart transplant and continue to live his life, having the price paid for his debt to society - as a free man. This transplant will come from a living donor- who need not give his heart and will die as a result of the gift - but on top of all that the donor is the father of the child that the death row inmate killed.
That is a better picture of God's grace.
We are so undeserving - and yet we are often so proud of ourselves. We would do well to remember that we were all death row inmates at one time - and to extend to others a measure of the grace that has been extended to us. Not because we are righteous and they are not - not because they need it and we don't, but because of the great gift that was given to us.
For Mother's Day Drason got me the "Alive and Transported" Toby Mac CD - odd, yes I know, but it was what I wanted =]
It is a live CD so several times you hear Toby Mac talking to the crowds. In one instance he says this
"It's not our words. Our words aren't going to be what stops the world in their tracks. Our words will not change the world. They've heard it all. It's not normally our music, normally we make our music for us, for the body, so we can sharpen each other, edify the body, glorify our God. Once in a while one crosses over , but it's not typically our music that's gonna stop the world in their tracks. Our music's not going to change the world, more than likely. It's not our buildings, as grand and beautiful as some of our church buildings are. It's not the architecture that's gonna change the world. But I believe what will change the world is when we begin to love each other.... When the world sees that kind of love, undeniable love, I believe they'll stop in their tracks and say '... whatever you people have over there, I want some of that..... I want some of that for me...' When the world sees that kind of love, real love, they are gonna stop in their tracks"
I no longer paint my door posts with the blood of lambs because:
1 Corinthians 5:7b Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed for us.
I need not strike a rock in the wilderness for water because: John 7:38: Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.
I don’t need to climb out of bed and hunt for manna anymore either because: John 6:51: I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever; and this bread, which I will offer so the world may live, is my flesh.”
And finally I don’t need priests to carry the ark, to mediate between me and God any longer because: Hebrews 7:20-22 This new system was established with a solemn oath. Aaron’s descendants became priests without such an oath, 2 but there was an oath regarding Jesus. For God said to him, “The Lord has taken an oath and will not break his vow “‘You are a priest forever.’” Because of this oath, Jesus is the one who guarantees this better covenant with God.
I am so thankful that God took Himself from His throne - humbled Himself beyond compare - and gave everything for me. While I was yet a sinner Christ died for me.
If you have been around a church for very long you have probably gotten a forwarded email including this little story:
There once was a little girl who needed a blood transfusion - the doctors test the family to find a suitable match and discover that her big brother is that perfect match - They talk to the boy and explain to him the procedure - until finally he agrees to help. He dutifully lays down on the hospital bed - donates a pint of blood and then solemnly turns to the doctor and asks how much longer he has left to live.
Sort of funny - often used as an example of God's grace - but in fact God's grace is so much greater than that.
The book I've been reading gives this example -
Instead of a blood transfusion - imagine it is a heart transplant - and that the recipient is a death row inmate. Not anyone that is remarkable - no one worthy of anything - this man is going to die not because of an illness or condition but because of his iniquity. But moments after his technical death - he will receive a heart transplant and continue to live his life, having the price paid for his debt to society - as a free man. This transplant will come from a living donor- who need not give his heart and will die as a result of the gift - but on top of all that the donor is the father of the child that the death row inmate killed.
That is a better picture of God's grace.
We are so undeserving - and yet we are often so proud of ourselves. We would do well to remember that we were all death row inmates at one time - and to extend to others a measure of the grace that has been extended to us. Not because we are righteous and they are not - not because they need it and we don't, but because of the great gift that was given to us.
For Mother's Day Drason got me the "Alive and Transported" Toby Mac CD - odd, yes I know, but it was what I wanted =]
It is a live CD so several times you hear Toby Mac talking to the crowds. In one instance he says this
"It's not our words. Our words aren't going to be what stops the world in their tracks. Our words will not change the world. They've heard it all. It's not normally our music, normally we make our music for us, for the body, so we can sharpen each other, edify the body, glorify our God. Once in a while one crosses over , but it's not typically our music that's gonna stop the world in their tracks. Our music's not going to change the world, more than likely. It's not our buildings, as grand and beautiful as some of our church buildings are. It's not the architecture that's gonna change the world. But I believe what will change the world is when we begin to love each other.... When the world sees that kind of love, undeniable love, I believe they'll stop in their tracks and say '... whatever you people have over there, I want some of that..... I want some of that for me...' When the world sees that kind of love, real love, they are gonna stop in their tracks"
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Prayer
Prayer is something that I struggle with. I know that doesn't make much sense, but it is true. I tend to have prayer spurts - like I will feel able to pray for a couple of weeks- and then not able to pray for a couple of weeks. I am reading a book called "Grace gone wild" and it gives an example of a young man who goes out drunk driving, wrecks the family car, and then comes home like nothing is wrong, gets up the next morning and tries to start a conversation with his dad - guess what - While sonny boy isn't kicked out of the family - he finds it difficult to talk to dad. Why? Hmmmm
I know that the reason I have trouble talking to God is because of sin in my life. I'm not out drunk driving! but I do struggle with my attitudes and my own personal favorite sins - like laziness, selfishness, and lack of self control (come to think of it lack of self control might be the same as the sin of drinking and driving)
The point is this - sin keeps me from talking to God - it also keeps me from hearing God.
I wonder what I am missing out on - I wouldn't go a day without watching the news in some form or another - but to go a day without having a real prayer? That might happen.
Let me be clear, I am not talking about the two minute - thanks for this and that - help me get through the day - I'm sorry about this or that - and thanks for everything - Amen -type of prayer. I am talking about the kind of prayer that is a conversation, that is meaningful - not just checking in with God.
Everyday I see Drason - we say good morning, get a kiss before he goes to work, maybe talk on the phone about what is for dinner, where the kids are, what bills need paid, he gets home, we eat, we watch a little tv, we go to bed. - these are the kinds of things that while important - they do not keep a relationship together. But we try to spend some time every afternoon or evening - usually when he gets home from work - before Marshal and Mason are home (So don't call me between 3 and 4pm!) Where we talk about anything, except bills, kids, dinner - and just spend some time together. This simple act has blessed our relationship beyond imagination!
(If you are reading this - and you are the one who suggested this - THANKS!)
This is what I want in my prayer life too! Yes all the small prayers are important, necessary - but I need to spend time just talking to God. Part of this happens in my quiet times - and that usually leads to some good prayer time.
I need to be more faithful in prayer - even when I don't feel like it - because that not "feeling" like praying is just simply rebellion - me saying I like my sin more than I want to talk to you. What if I said that to other people in my life - I don't feel like talking to you - that would have devastating results!
So today I diverged from Luke, and I read a little bit out of "The Power of a Praying Wife."
I find that as I read these I am praying for more than just Drason - I am also praying for myself.
**"A man’s walk is the way he journeys through life—his direction, his focus, the steps he takes. The way he walks affects every aspects of his being—how he relates to other people, how he treats his family, how people view him, even how he looks. Men can change radically as they learn to walk with the Spirit of God. The Bible reveals much about the kind of walk we should have. We are to walk: with moral correctness (Psalm 84:11), without fault (Psalm 28:18), with godly advisors (Psalm 1: 1), in obedience (Psalm 128: 1), with people of wisdom (Proverbs 13:20), with integrity (Proverbs 10:9), most of all, we are to walk a path of holiness (Isaiah 35:8). The best part about walking on the Highway of Holiness is that even if we end up doing something dumb, we still won’t get thrown off the path.There is a godly husband who would not be considered a foolish person. However, he did make an impulsive investment of a large sum of money which in perception after the fact proved to be a very foolish move. All that money was lost, and more, because there were added expenses as a result. This matter could have destroyed their finances and possibly even their marriage and health but because he had a solid walk of obedience and holiness before the Lord, they were spared. The fact that he ran ahead on the path and foolishly didn’t wait for God’s direction got him into trouble but not to his destruction.Jesus said the way that leads to destruction is wide and broad and many choose to go that route. But “narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matthew 7:14). Pray that your husband is guided by the Holy Spirit to find it and that he stays on the path by having faith in God’s Word, a heart for obedience and deep repentance for any actions he takes that are not God’s will for his life. Faith and obedience will get him on the Highway of Holiness; walking in the Spirit and not in the flesh will keep him there. God desires that your husband’s every step be led by Him (Galatians 5:25), so He can walk with him and grow him into His image. A man who walks with God is very desirable indeed.
Prayer
“O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man who walks to direct his own steps” (Jeremiah 10:23). Therefore, Lord, I pray that You would direct my husband’s steps, and my steps. Lead us in Your light; teach us Your way, so we will walk in Your truth. I pray that we would have a deeper walk with You and an ever progressing hunger for Your Word. May Your presence be like a delicacy we never cease to crave. Lead us on Your path and make us quick to confess when we strays from it. Reveal to us any hidden sin that would hinder us from walking rightly before You. May we experience deep repentance when we don’t live in obedience to Your laws. Create in us a clean heart and renew a steadfast spirit within us. Don’t cast us away from Your presence and may we not grieve Your Holy Spirit (Psalm 51:10-11).
Lord, Your Word says that those who are in the flesh cannot please You (Romans 8:8). So I pray that You will enable (Drason and I) to walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh and through Your mercy, keep us “from the paths of the destroyer” (Psalm 17:4). As we walk in the Spirit, may we bear the fruit of the Spirit, which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Keep us on the highway of Holiness so that the way we walk will be integrated into every part of our lives."
I find that as I read these, as I pray through these - I am most often praying We and us - not he and him =] Funny how that works!
Amanda
**Adapted from The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian
I know that the reason I have trouble talking to God is because of sin in my life. I'm not out drunk driving! but I do struggle with my attitudes and my own personal favorite sins - like laziness, selfishness, and lack of self control (come to think of it lack of self control might be the same as the sin of drinking and driving)
The point is this - sin keeps me from talking to God - it also keeps me from hearing God.
I wonder what I am missing out on - I wouldn't go a day without watching the news in some form or another - but to go a day without having a real prayer? That might happen.
Let me be clear, I am not talking about the two minute - thanks for this and that - help me get through the day - I'm sorry about this or that - and thanks for everything - Amen -type of prayer. I am talking about the kind of prayer that is a conversation, that is meaningful - not just checking in with God.
Everyday I see Drason - we say good morning, get a kiss before he goes to work, maybe talk on the phone about what is for dinner, where the kids are, what bills need paid, he gets home, we eat, we watch a little tv, we go to bed. - these are the kinds of things that while important - they do not keep a relationship together. But we try to spend some time every afternoon or evening - usually when he gets home from work - before Marshal and Mason are home (So don't call me between 3 and 4pm!) Where we talk about anything, except bills, kids, dinner - and just spend some time together. This simple act has blessed our relationship beyond imagination!
(If you are reading this - and you are the one who suggested this - THANKS!)
This is what I want in my prayer life too! Yes all the small prayers are important, necessary - but I need to spend time just talking to God. Part of this happens in my quiet times - and that usually leads to some good prayer time.
I need to be more faithful in prayer - even when I don't feel like it - because that not "feeling" like praying is just simply rebellion - me saying I like my sin more than I want to talk to you. What if I said that to other people in my life - I don't feel like talking to you - that would have devastating results!
So today I diverged from Luke, and I read a little bit out of "The Power of a Praying Wife."
I find that as I read these I am praying for more than just Drason - I am also praying for myself.
**"A man’s walk is the way he journeys through life—his direction, his focus, the steps he takes. The way he walks affects every aspects of his being—how he relates to other people, how he treats his family, how people view him, even how he looks. Men can change radically as they learn to walk with the Spirit of God. The Bible reveals much about the kind of walk we should have. We are to walk: with moral correctness (Psalm 84:11), without fault (Psalm 28:18), with godly advisors (Psalm 1: 1), in obedience (Psalm 128: 1), with people of wisdom (Proverbs 13:20), with integrity (Proverbs 10:9), most of all, we are to walk a path of holiness (Isaiah 35:8). The best part about walking on the Highway of Holiness is that even if we end up doing something dumb, we still won’t get thrown off the path.There is a godly husband who would not be considered a foolish person. However, he did make an impulsive investment of a large sum of money which in perception after the fact proved to be a very foolish move. All that money was lost, and more, because there were added expenses as a result. This matter could have destroyed their finances and possibly even their marriage and health but because he had a solid walk of obedience and holiness before the Lord, they were spared. The fact that he ran ahead on the path and foolishly didn’t wait for God’s direction got him into trouble but not to his destruction.Jesus said the way that leads to destruction is wide and broad and many choose to go that route. But “narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matthew 7:14). Pray that your husband is guided by the Holy Spirit to find it and that he stays on the path by having faith in God’s Word, a heart for obedience and deep repentance for any actions he takes that are not God’s will for his life. Faith and obedience will get him on the Highway of Holiness; walking in the Spirit and not in the flesh will keep him there. God desires that your husband’s every step be led by Him (Galatians 5:25), so He can walk with him and grow him into His image. A man who walks with God is very desirable indeed.
Prayer
“O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man who walks to direct his own steps” (Jeremiah 10:23). Therefore, Lord, I pray that You would direct my husband’s steps, and my steps. Lead us in Your light; teach us Your way, so we will walk in Your truth. I pray that we would have a deeper walk with You and an ever progressing hunger for Your Word. May Your presence be like a delicacy we never cease to crave. Lead us on Your path and make us quick to confess when we strays from it. Reveal to us any hidden sin that would hinder us from walking rightly before You. May we experience deep repentance when we don’t live in obedience to Your laws. Create in us a clean heart and renew a steadfast spirit within us. Don’t cast us away from Your presence and may we not grieve Your Holy Spirit (Psalm 51:10-11).
Lord, Your Word says that those who are in the flesh cannot please You (Romans 8:8). So I pray that You will enable (Drason and I) to walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh and through Your mercy, keep us “from the paths of the destroyer” (Psalm 17:4). As we walk in the Spirit, may we bear the fruit of the Spirit, which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Keep us on the highway of Holiness so that the way we walk will be integrated into every part of our lives."
I find that as I read these, as I pray through these - I am most often praying We and us - not he and him =] Funny how that works!
Amanda
**Adapted from The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian
Friday, May 8, 2009
News from Africa
Below is another letter from Greg and Lisa, they are helping with an orphanage in Kenya.
"Dear Family and Friends, ((this is from THe first of April Trying to send again)
Another day, another adventure! School started at 9:00, with a short game for the early birds (on time).We have tried to find games that a. don’t cost money b. don’t require any supplies we don’t have HAHA c. doesn’t cause the kids to roll in the dirt, or get sweaty d. don’t require them to “line up”. (Lines seem to be an impossible concept.) So this morning we played “Button button, who has the button?” I secretly slipped it into one child’s hand and they all tried to guess who, then we took turns- they LOVED it. They want to play again! They also like racing by passing objects on spoons. Last week we raced with beans. As the beans fell off the spoons, everyone “helped” put the beans back on-Our side Your side-it didn’t matter. The 2 lines blurred into a blob as the beans made it to the end. Everyone cheered the beans journey, never did get the concept that they were on 2 teams. All were happy, so that is what matters.
Last Sunday we had visitors. About 30 children and youth from a neighboring church came with special music and dancing. Then our children sang and danced for them. Then the lesson, then juice and cookies. (they are called biscuits here). Everyone had a great time, they participate really well with question and answer time, so we know they are listening and understanding the lesson. We counted between 130-150 children last week.
We were to begin at 10:00; we got rolling about 10:45. Today was special, we were absolutely packed. They mostly sit on low wooden benches. Today they were 5-6 on a bench, average of 3 nursing babies per bench. The benches were so close together that the person seated in back of you had their knees in your bum, and your knees were in the bum in front. Good thing they spend a lot of time standing and singing and dancing! The plastic lawn chairs were brought in and added to the end of the rows. About 5 rows up from the back they switched the chairs from the right side to the left side.(no I don’t know why) So as we walked up to give, and walked back to our seats (simultaneously)there was a big jam up at the crossing place. We are beginning to observe without being too surprised. I had the luxury of a plastic chair today. I like to sit on the benches with the other women, but there was NO room. Then the children’s choir came in adding 31 more people. I guestimated about 150 in the building, at least 50-75 standing at the windows outside. Next a baby dedication, with vows from the parents like a marriage, very solemn and serious. Then fundraising for the upcoming trip. First the call for all to contribute (almost a game show atmosphere) as the members brought up donations (amount announced publicly!) to put in the basket. Then the most fun started. The members had brought items to be “auctioned”. They had coconuts, bananas, and a chicken! I was catching enough words to figure out the prices. 20 shillings for the coconuts (1.00US =78 KS)I think the bananas went for 65 shillings (KS) Then the chicken- Harrison said in English “OK, I am coming with the basket and I am not stopping until I have come to all of the pockets!” Then he said “We are giving the chicken as a gift to Lennox(the dedicated baby) to start him off, the chicken will give and give, and the child will be cared for!” Everyone was clapping. Then he came with the basket and collected change. They exceeded the goal of 5,000 shillings by 2,000! All during the fundraising the 1980’s style keyboard was playing in the background. The music was presets I am guessing, old classics, show tunes, carousel music, some old 1970 detective show themes. Little snippets of all kinds of music I recognized. It must have been 100 degrees, with Swahili mixed with English, time warp music, people laughing and cheering, It was fun, but I was feeling really bizarre! Our trip is this Wed through Sunday, about 20 miles away in bush country in an area called G********. . It is in the middle of G****** (tribe) A country with a lot of alcohol problems. Crusades (like an old fashioned tent meeting) are very well received. We have a generator, TV and “The Movie” in Swahili. So pray for us and I will tell you all about it when it’s over. I do know we have a school building to sleep in with toilets and good water. Elvis and Andersons people are also going. We are not sure what to expect, everyone here is really looking forward to the trip.
This week has been the week of injuries. (Not us) First Isaac (kitchen help, about 18 years)cut into his shin with a panga (smaller than a machete). He was in the shamba cutting weeds to prepare for planting. Then Nixon (maybe 8 years) cut into his left middle finger with a panga. Almost took the end of it. He was cutting (whacking) coconuts open. Nixon is Pst Andersons brother Issa’s son. Then Fredrick came in one morning and said “Lisa, can you come with me to see about a woman who has fallen and injured her arm ? They say it is just like this” (visualize an arm at a strange angle) I am thinking fracture. She was across the family yard in a hut with no mud (frame and roof, and window openings) I haven’t quite figured out why they divide a hut into rooms with a framed wall when there is no “wall” I walked in behind Fred, and cracked my head on the door frame! It is at about 5’5 and I am 5’7. Fortunately I was not moving fast. She was on a cot (their version of a bed). Fred spoke to her in Swahili, then turned to me and said, “Alright, she is a drunkard, and she was walking like this(demonstrate a stagger)and she just fell on her arm, so we need to look at it, then you need to come back and talk to her about it.” So we iced it (it was muscle not bone) I gave her an Ibuprofen, and she slept it off. (she is some relative)Then later another family member was working on her with deep heat massage. She was really shaking, and I don’t think it was all the arm. So I need to go talk to her. Then yesterday Shauri (Boy about 8) came with a nasty looking finger, said it was a boil. Doctored and bandaged. I think we are the only ones with band-aids and antibiotic ointment. (John and Sandy were really disappointed when they opened their new first aid kit and it was mostly band-aids. It looks like that is what we have a great need for-imagine that!)They all keep coming back to have it redressed. Nothing really tragic, I am sure that is coming. Fredrick said everyone knows to come to him for help. He asked me last week “Have you delivered babies?” I posed the same question to Greg HaHa! I got just the reaction I wanted! He better get ready! Something really comical happened with all of this band-aid stuff. We were called out on the porch one evening after dinner by Isaac. He had a friend who “needed” a plaster. (band-aid).There was a group of very hopeful teenage boys standing around, and one brave one showed us his “injury”. Greg says “THAT!!!!!” It might have been a slight scratch 3 days ago! Greg was beginning to gear up for a version of “Man Up! You don’t get a band/aid for ……..” about that time he got a wifely elbow in the side-he is getting good at responding quickly to the message. I said very quietly, “They are just boys who want a cool looking band-aid like Isaac. Remember how little kids love band-aids?” Well these were really big kids (16-18) but they really wanted that great looking band-aid. So Mr. Greg simmered down and explained how we will have to save them for bad cuts like Isaac’s leg. They were pretty disappointed!
Monday morn.
Yesterday was Greg’s birthday, we had a family dinner with all 9 children to celebrate. It was eagerly anticipated all day with the children whispering about “Mr. Greg’s Birthday.” (pronounced Gregie, don’t forget to really roll the r!)They sang in Swahili and English. Franklin prepared a mango “pie”. The crust was like very thin short bread. It was in a casserole dish to serve all. The closest thing I could find to peaches, quite tasty!
Well I just reread this letter, some of the grammar could be better! I’ve had several little beginning readers with me, all practicing on a different page. Some in English, some in Swahili. They are very quick learners, I enjoy having them, and they like to practice on us. (My concentration is suffering HAHA)The two little girls who were so afraid of us are now shaking our hands to say “Jambo” and can at least be in our presence without screaming in terror.
Watch for our newsletter in the next few days for some FANTASTIC news about the orphans! We love to hear news from home (please no forwards or attachments! Thanks). Email us if you get a minute! strausz@fbcho.com
Tues morn.
We are well and healthy, really getting attached to the children, seeing growth in all the areas of our work and learning from our mistakes!
Please pray that we learn Swahili quickly so we can better communicate with the people here. Fredrick is a wonderful teacher, it feels like my progress is slow, but this week I realized how many words I was picking up, and how many songs I can sing with. I have several individual words, and can tell the children to “back up!” HA !Remembering to roll my r’s takes concentration.
This is going out this morning! Still no rain.
Love to all of you, Greg and Lisa"
"Dear Family and Friends, ((this is from THe first of April Trying to send again)
Another day, another adventure! School started at 9:00, with a short game for the early birds (on time).We have tried to find games that a. don’t cost money b. don’t require any supplies we don’t have HAHA c. doesn’t cause the kids to roll in the dirt, or get sweaty d. don’t require them to “line up”. (Lines seem to be an impossible concept.) So this morning we played “Button button, who has the button?” I secretly slipped it into one child’s hand and they all tried to guess who, then we took turns- they LOVED it. They want to play again! They also like racing by passing objects on spoons. Last week we raced with beans. As the beans fell off the spoons, everyone “helped” put the beans back on-Our side Your side-it didn’t matter. The 2 lines blurred into a blob as the beans made it to the end. Everyone cheered the beans journey, never did get the concept that they were on 2 teams. All were happy, so that is what matters.
Last Sunday we had visitors. About 30 children and youth from a neighboring church came with special music and dancing. Then our children sang and danced for them. Then the lesson, then juice and cookies. (they are called biscuits here). Everyone had a great time, they participate really well with question and answer time, so we know they are listening and understanding the lesson. We counted between 130-150 children last week.
We were to begin at 10:00; we got rolling about 10:45. Today was special, we were absolutely packed. They mostly sit on low wooden benches. Today they were 5-6 on a bench, average of 3 nursing babies per bench. The benches were so close together that the person seated in back of you had their knees in your bum, and your knees were in the bum in front. Good thing they spend a lot of time standing and singing and dancing! The plastic lawn chairs were brought in and added to the end of the rows. About 5 rows up from the back they switched the chairs from the right side to the left side.(no I don’t know why) So as we walked up to give, and walked back to our seats (simultaneously)there was a big jam up at the crossing place. We are beginning to observe without being too surprised. I had the luxury of a plastic chair today. I like to sit on the benches with the other women, but there was NO room. Then the children’s choir came in adding 31 more people. I guestimated about 150 in the building, at least 50-75 standing at the windows outside. Next a baby dedication, with vows from the parents like a marriage, very solemn and serious. Then fundraising for the upcoming trip. First the call for all to contribute (almost a game show atmosphere) as the members brought up donations (amount announced publicly!) to put in the basket. Then the most fun started. The members had brought items to be “auctioned”. They had coconuts, bananas, and a chicken! I was catching enough words to figure out the prices. 20 shillings for the coconuts (1.00US =78 KS)I think the bananas went for 65 shillings (KS) Then the chicken- Harrison said in English “OK, I am coming with the basket and I am not stopping until I have come to all of the pockets!” Then he said “We are giving the chicken as a gift to Lennox(the dedicated baby) to start him off, the chicken will give and give, and the child will be cared for!” Everyone was clapping. Then he came with the basket and collected change. They exceeded the goal of 5,000 shillings by 2,000! All during the fundraising the 1980’s style keyboard was playing in the background. The music was presets I am guessing, old classics, show tunes, carousel music, some old 1970 detective show themes. Little snippets of all kinds of music I recognized. It must have been 100 degrees, with Swahili mixed with English, time warp music, people laughing and cheering, It was fun, but I was feeling really bizarre! Our trip is this Wed through Sunday, about 20 miles away in bush country in an area called G********. . It is in the middle of G****** (tribe) A country with a lot of alcohol problems. Crusades (like an old fashioned tent meeting) are very well received. We have a generator, TV and “The Movie” in Swahili. So pray for us and I will tell you all about it when it’s over. I do know we have a school building to sleep in with toilets and good water. Elvis and Andersons people are also going. We are not sure what to expect, everyone here is really looking forward to the trip.
This week has been the week of injuries. (Not us) First Isaac (kitchen help, about 18 years)cut into his shin with a panga (smaller than a machete). He was in the shamba cutting weeds to prepare for planting. Then Nixon (maybe 8 years) cut into his left middle finger with a panga. Almost took the end of it. He was cutting (whacking) coconuts open. Nixon is Pst Andersons brother Issa’s son. Then Fredrick came in one morning and said “Lisa, can you come with me to see about a woman who has fallen and injured her arm ? They say it is just like this” (visualize an arm at a strange angle) I am thinking fracture. She was across the family yard in a hut with no mud (frame and roof, and window openings) I haven’t quite figured out why they divide a hut into rooms with a framed wall when there is no “wall” I walked in behind Fred, and cracked my head on the door frame! It is at about 5’5 and I am 5’7. Fortunately I was not moving fast. She was on a cot (their version of a bed). Fred spoke to her in Swahili, then turned to me and said, “Alright, she is a drunkard, and she was walking like this(demonstrate a stagger)and she just fell on her arm, so we need to look at it, then you need to come back and talk to her about it.” So we iced it (it was muscle not bone) I gave her an Ibuprofen, and she slept it off. (she is some relative)Then later another family member was working on her with deep heat massage. She was really shaking, and I don’t think it was all the arm. So I need to go talk to her. Then yesterday Shauri (Boy about 8) came with a nasty looking finger, said it was a boil. Doctored and bandaged. I think we are the only ones with band-aids and antibiotic ointment. (John and Sandy were really disappointed when they opened their new first aid kit and it was mostly band-aids. It looks like that is what we have a great need for-imagine that!)They all keep coming back to have it redressed. Nothing really tragic, I am sure that is coming. Fredrick said everyone knows to come to him for help. He asked me last week “Have you delivered babies?” I posed the same question to Greg HaHa! I got just the reaction I wanted! He better get ready! Something really comical happened with all of this band-aid stuff. We were called out on the porch one evening after dinner by Isaac. He had a friend who “needed” a plaster. (band-aid).There was a group of very hopeful teenage boys standing around, and one brave one showed us his “injury”. Greg says “THAT!!!!!” It might have been a slight scratch 3 days ago! Greg was beginning to gear up for a version of “Man Up! You don’t get a band/aid for ……..” about that time he got a wifely elbow in the side-he is getting good at responding quickly to the message. I said very quietly, “They are just boys who want a cool looking band-aid like Isaac. Remember how little kids love band-aids?” Well these were really big kids (16-18) but they really wanted that great looking band-aid. So Mr. Greg simmered down and explained how we will have to save them for bad cuts like Isaac’s leg. They were pretty disappointed!
Monday morn.
Yesterday was Greg’s birthday, we had a family dinner with all 9 children to celebrate. It was eagerly anticipated all day with the children whispering about “Mr. Greg’s Birthday.” (pronounced Gregie, don’t forget to really roll the r!)They sang in Swahili and English. Franklin prepared a mango “pie”. The crust was like very thin short bread. It was in a casserole dish to serve all. The closest thing I could find to peaches, quite tasty!
Well I just reread this letter, some of the grammar could be better! I’ve had several little beginning readers with me, all practicing on a different page. Some in English, some in Swahili. They are very quick learners, I enjoy having them, and they like to practice on us. (My concentration is suffering HAHA)The two little girls who were so afraid of us are now shaking our hands to say “Jambo” and can at least be in our presence without screaming in terror.
Watch for our newsletter in the next few days for some FANTASTIC news about the orphans! We love to hear news from home (please no forwards or attachments! Thanks). Email us if you get a minute! strausz@fbcho.com
Tues morn.
We are well and healthy, really getting attached to the children, seeing growth in all the areas of our work and learning from our mistakes!
Please pray that we learn Swahili quickly so we can better communicate with the people here. Fredrick is a wonderful teacher, it feels like my progress is slow, but this week I realized how many words I was picking up, and how many songs I can sing with. I have several individual words, and can tell the children to “back up!” HA !Remembering to roll my r’s takes concentration.
This is going out this morning! Still no rain.
Love to all of you, Greg and Lisa"
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
The Right Mindset
Leviticus 10
The Death of Nadab and Abihu
1 Aaron's sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense; and they offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, contrary to his command. 2 So fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died before the LORD. 3 Moses then said to Aaron, "This is what the LORD spoke of when he said: " 'Among those who approach me I will show myself holy; in the sight of all the people I will be honored.' " Aaron remained silent.4 Moses summoned Mishael and Elzaphan, sons of Aaron's uncle Uzziel, and said to them, "Come here; carry your cousins outside the camp, away from the front of the sanctuary." 5 So they came and carried them, still in their tunics, outside the camp, as Moses ordered.6 Then Moses said to Aaron and his sons Eleazar and Ithamar, "Do not let your hair become unkempt, [a] and do not tear your clothes, or you will die and the LORD will be angry with the whole community. But your relatives, all the house of Israel, may mourn for those the LORD has destroyed by fire. 7 Do not leave the entrance to the Tent of Meeting or you will die, because the LORD's anointing oil is on you." So they did as Moses said.16 When Moses inquired about the goat of the sin offering and found that it had been burned up, he was angry with Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's remaining sons, and asked, 17 "Why didn't you eat the sin offering in the sanctuary area? It is most holy; it was given to you to take away the guilt of the community by making atonement for them before the LORD. 18 Since its blood was not taken into the Holy Place, you should have eaten the goat in the sanctuary area, as I commanded."19 Aaron replied to Moses, "Today they sacrificed their sin offering and their burnt offering before the LORD, but such things as this have happened to me. Would the LORD have been pleased if I had eaten the sin offering today?" 20 When Moses heard this, he was satisfied.
It is important to be in the right mindset before we worship God. Before I read anything in the Bible for my quiet time I pray that God will show me what I need to read that day. I pray that I will get wisdom and knowledge and understanding. Do I do that for God’s benefit? No. I do it to prepare my heart, to soften it, so that I am ready to hear what He is saying. He will show me what He wants to whether I ask him or not. The problem is with me. I may not always be willing to hear what He is saying. That is what Aaron is saying here.
Aaron’s sons got lazy. And I may have been able to understand it if they had been doing this awhile and were getting tired of it. We see people get burnt out everyday and do something foolish. But this was right at the beginning. They were told what coals to use to burn the incense, but for whatever reason chose not to. Why would they do that? I don’t know. They had to know there would be some consequence. They were supposed to be the examples for the rest of the Israelites. They were supposed to be above the standard. They were supposed to be what others aspired to. Instead they couldn’t even do a simple task. How disrespectful was that to God? It was the same as if they had spit in His face. That is where His presence was and they used what they weren’t supposed to. They are lucky He only killed them and not the rest of their family. As priests they were responsible for more than themselves. They were responsible for the people of Israel. And by acting as they did they could have really messed them up.
Some people say, “Did God really have to kill them?” Yes. If He didn’t it would show that you didn’t have to do what God said, that you didn’t have to be reverent when you worshipped Him. Aaron got the message. That is why he didn’t eat the offering. He was mad that his sons had been killed and he knew his attitude wasn’t right to worship God. It was actually more reverent for him not to eat the offering. It showed respect for God.How many times do we go to church with the wrong attitude? I have to go so I’ll go, but don’t expect me to be happy about it. For a long time I looked at church kind of like an AA meeting. It was for people who couldn’t be good on their own. As such I resented having to go. I am a good person, I thought. I don’t need to be around sinners. What if I do bad by because I have been around them. Thankfully I have learned that is not the case. Or maybe it is. Just not the way I thought about it. Church is like AA. It is full of sinners. But I am one of them. Being around other Christians won’t help me make bad decisions. It will help me make good decisions. It is like AA because all humans are addicted to sin. We are addicted to it straight from the womb. It is our nature. Just like an alcoholic likes to drink, all humans like to sin. It feels good to sin, at least at first. We need to be around others that will support us and in turn we can support so that we don’t take that drink of sin.
Wasn’t I doing the same thing Aaron’s sons were? I was coming to church to worship with the wrong fire in my incense. I was coming with the wrong attitude. It definitely hurt my relationship with God. It probably hurt Amanda’s relationship with God. It probably hurt the boys’ relationship with God. Aaron, although mad at God for killing his sons, knew that God was God, and that what He had done was right. He was angry at Him but still recognized the need to be respectful. That is why he didn’t eat the offering. It would be better not to worship than to do it with the wrong attitude. He knew he would just be going through the motions and that God wouldn’t accept that. I need to apply that to my life. If I don’t have the right attitude, then one of two things need to happen. Either I get the right attitude, either through prayer or talking or whatever, or I don’t go worship. There have been many time I have thought, I’m not singing that, I don’t like that song. I’m not doing that, I don’t like that. That is entirely the wrong attitude to have. If it is worship I need to put my whole heart into it and do it completely, the right way, no strange fire, no eating when I don’t feel like it, no just going through the motions. Worship, as God wants me to, with the right attitude. There are times when Amanda and I pray at night that I feel like the Holy Spirit says that we should kneel as we are praying. I do it. To not would be the same as Aaron’s sons.
I always focused more on actions than attitude. I have a personality type that stresses actions over intent. As long as the job gets done who cares how the person felt about doing it. But we show God our love by worshipping Him. It is hard to show your love if your attitude isn’t right. How can I go to God with an attitude that is less than reverent, less than completely worshipful, less than everything that is good in me? I can’t.
Drason
The Death of Nadab and Abihu
1 Aaron's sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense; and they offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, contrary to his command. 2 So fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died before the LORD. 3 Moses then said to Aaron, "This is what the LORD spoke of when he said: " 'Among those who approach me I will show myself holy; in the sight of all the people I will be honored.' " Aaron remained silent.4 Moses summoned Mishael and Elzaphan, sons of Aaron's uncle Uzziel, and said to them, "Come here; carry your cousins outside the camp, away from the front of the sanctuary." 5 So they came and carried them, still in their tunics, outside the camp, as Moses ordered.6 Then Moses said to Aaron and his sons Eleazar and Ithamar, "Do not let your hair become unkempt, [a] and do not tear your clothes, or you will die and the LORD will be angry with the whole community. But your relatives, all the house of Israel, may mourn for those the LORD has destroyed by fire. 7 Do not leave the entrance to the Tent of Meeting or you will die, because the LORD's anointing oil is on you." So they did as Moses said.16 When Moses inquired about the goat of the sin offering and found that it had been burned up, he was angry with Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's remaining sons, and asked, 17 "Why didn't you eat the sin offering in the sanctuary area? It is most holy; it was given to you to take away the guilt of the community by making atonement for them before the LORD. 18 Since its blood was not taken into the Holy Place, you should have eaten the goat in the sanctuary area, as I commanded."19 Aaron replied to Moses, "Today they sacrificed their sin offering and their burnt offering before the LORD, but such things as this have happened to me. Would the LORD have been pleased if I had eaten the sin offering today?" 20 When Moses heard this, he was satisfied.
It is important to be in the right mindset before we worship God. Before I read anything in the Bible for my quiet time I pray that God will show me what I need to read that day. I pray that I will get wisdom and knowledge and understanding. Do I do that for God’s benefit? No. I do it to prepare my heart, to soften it, so that I am ready to hear what He is saying. He will show me what He wants to whether I ask him or not. The problem is with me. I may not always be willing to hear what He is saying. That is what Aaron is saying here.
Aaron’s sons got lazy. And I may have been able to understand it if they had been doing this awhile and were getting tired of it. We see people get burnt out everyday and do something foolish. But this was right at the beginning. They were told what coals to use to burn the incense, but for whatever reason chose not to. Why would they do that? I don’t know. They had to know there would be some consequence. They were supposed to be the examples for the rest of the Israelites. They were supposed to be above the standard. They were supposed to be what others aspired to. Instead they couldn’t even do a simple task. How disrespectful was that to God? It was the same as if they had spit in His face. That is where His presence was and they used what they weren’t supposed to. They are lucky He only killed them and not the rest of their family. As priests they were responsible for more than themselves. They were responsible for the people of Israel. And by acting as they did they could have really messed them up.
Some people say, “Did God really have to kill them?” Yes. If He didn’t it would show that you didn’t have to do what God said, that you didn’t have to be reverent when you worshipped Him. Aaron got the message. That is why he didn’t eat the offering. He was mad that his sons had been killed and he knew his attitude wasn’t right to worship God. It was actually more reverent for him not to eat the offering. It showed respect for God.How many times do we go to church with the wrong attitude? I have to go so I’ll go, but don’t expect me to be happy about it. For a long time I looked at church kind of like an AA meeting. It was for people who couldn’t be good on their own. As such I resented having to go. I am a good person, I thought. I don’t need to be around sinners. What if I do bad by because I have been around them. Thankfully I have learned that is not the case. Or maybe it is. Just not the way I thought about it. Church is like AA. It is full of sinners. But I am one of them. Being around other Christians won’t help me make bad decisions. It will help me make good decisions. It is like AA because all humans are addicted to sin. We are addicted to it straight from the womb. It is our nature. Just like an alcoholic likes to drink, all humans like to sin. It feels good to sin, at least at first. We need to be around others that will support us and in turn we can support so that we don’t take that drink of sin.
Wasn’t I doing the same thing Aaron’s sons were? I was coming to church to worship with the wrong fire in my incense. I was coming with the wrong attitude. It definitely hurt my relationship with God. It probably hurt Amanda’s relationship with God. It probably hurt the boys’ relationship with God. Aaron, although mad at God for killing his sons, knew that God was God, and that what He had done was right. He was angry at Him but still recognized the need to be respectful. That is why he didn’t eat the offering. It would be better not to worship than to do it with the wrong attitude. He knew he would just be going through the motions and that God wouldn’t accept that. I need to apply that to my life. If I don’t have the right attitude, then one of two things need to happen. Either I get the right attitude, either through prayer or talking or whatever, or I don’t go worship. There have been many time I have thought, I’m not singing that, I don’t like that song. I’m not doing that, I don’t like that. That is entirely the wrong attitude to have. If it is worship I need to put my whole heart into it and do it completely, the right way, no strange fire, no eating when I don’t feel like it, no just going through the motions. Worship, as God wants me to, with the right attitude. There are times when Amanda and I pray at night that I feel like the Holy Spirit says that we should kneel as we are praying. I do it. To not would be the same as Aaron’s sons.
I always focused more on actions than attitude. I have a personality type that stresses actions over intent. As long as the job gets done who cares how the person felt about doing it. But we show God our love by worshipping Him. It is hard to show your love if your attitude isn’t right. How can I go to God with an attitude that is less than reverent, less than completely worshipful, less than everything that is good in me? I can’t.
Drason
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