Day 110: Sources of Guidance

Reading: Psalm 48:11-14

In this Psalm, we read a promise that God will guide us forever. This is a pretty encouraging promise, especially when the paths of life can seem overwhelming and indecisive. We need to take initiative sometimes and get that guidance however. In this reading, it talks about meditating in the temple, or worshiping in church. Sometimes we need to be surrounded by others who are walking alongside God as well to help us make decisions. God places the church in our lives to spread the missions and carry out His work, but He also places it there for us to seek accountability and advice from other believers. A community of people who stove to stay on the path God has carved out for them is a tangible place to go when you're seeking Godly counsel. 

I loved working at a Bible camp in the summers because I always surrounded by that community. We would attend chapel services twice a day, as well as engage in staff devotions each morning, and we formed relationships with other strong believers that carried beyond my summers on staff. We always had a fellow staff member to turn to who was on the same journey. Seeking advice from them was always reassuring and full of God's Word. Seek guidance from Godly people.

Reading: Luke 19:45-20:26

We are also guided by God's Word, as we've seen Jesus apply it many times throughout the New Testament. In this case, we see Him react to the sales in His Father's house by turning over the tables and stating that the Scriptures say that "My temple will be a house of prayer." By the Scriptures declaring this, Jesus has this backing from His Father, though He is God as well. This is an example to us, however, showing us how God's Word helps us decipher right and wrong as we encounter different situations in life. 

We also see how the Holy Spirit serves as guidance to Jesus in this reading. The answers Jesus has for the religious leaders when His authority is challenged as well as when they ask Him about the taxes is so clever, that you could only imagine the Holy Spirit sending that guidance. When we are stuck for an answer or direction, we can rest assured that the Holy Spirit is there for all who follow Christ. Though at times it can feel so intangible and hard to feel Him, those promptings and words still come at the perfect times. 

We also read here that even though we have guidance from God in different ways, we will still face hardships and struggles. Jesus is constantly challenged by the religious leaders and faces crucifixion, though He is God's Son. We are guaranteed struggles in this life, though we have the guidance. Jesus lays this out in His parable about the evil farmers, as He really makes the religious leaders uncomfortable. 

We can guarantee struggles as we walk our paths, but we can also count on guidance when the time is right.

Reading: Deuteronomy 31:30-31:52

Guidance sometimes comes from past circumstances we have been through. Sometimes we fall into sin and once we climb out of it with God's help, we look back at it and realize how stupid we may have been, and how we would never want to be in that situation again. Though sin and hardships are tough, we can definitely grow and learn from them, as well as help others learn from our mistakes and hardships. Take this dark places in your life, as the Israelites had to do, and learn from them. Don't find yourself falling back into those things and situations. Moses has to remind his people of this, and we need to be reminded as well.

We also see how the people used plain old common, sense to guide them. Sometimes common sense is formed by past circumstances, as we read about above, but many times we can have the mind to see ahead of a decision and know that the outcome probably won't be that great. Moses tells his people to take wisdom, and to have sense when they face those decisions. We, too, and learn from these words and be empowered by them.

When we are scrambling for Godly guidance, we can turn to many places which God provides for us. The people of church who carry Godly advice is a good tool for us to use, as well as the Bible. We can also wait on prompting from the Holy Spirit and on God's timing. We also read that we can take our past sin and hardships and apply them to future decisions, and use good, ol'fashioned common sense. Remember, though we have many amazing resources for guidance in life, there will still be hardships and struggles. You have these this to turn to in those times, though. 

Day: 109: Humble Leaders

Reading: Psalm 48:1-8

There is something so powerful and majestic about some cities. If you have been to a city that held so much culture and so many aspects to it, then try to picture God's city, I'm sure the thought would be overwhelming. This Psalm particularly is referring to Jerusalem, which is "the city of our God". There is an even greater city in heaven, that we can't even fathom. There is importance to having a secure and protected city, and God's city is most protected in the greatest power. The church is the new Jerusalem, shining light to the dark places and bringing joy and beauty to the earth. May we as a church take the initiative to be a city, shining for God - Humble, Godly leaders, shining light for God's mission.

Reading: Luke 19:11-44

We see just how much responsibility can come out of the smallest things. Though a city isn't as small when we picture it from our point of view, it is quite small in the grand scheme of the world. And though the money in the teaching didn't seem like such a small sum, it turned into a greater responsibility when used right. Jesus tells us the story of the servants and their money because it can relate back to us and our talents and gifts. When we are given what seems like an insignificant and small talent, God wants us to use those gifts to do great things for Him. When we apply them wisely, as the first servants did with the money, they get more responsibilities over cities. The same goes for when we apply our gifts to further God's kingdom. The more we use them for God, the more ways He'll have us take responsibility in that area. 

We also read about Jesus riding into Jerusalem, the city of God, on a simple donkey colt. This should tell you just how willing He is to use you in His majestic plans. If Jesus can use a colt to carry Him into a beautiful entrance to the city, He can certainly use you to make His name shine. Let Him use you and the gifts He has blessed you with. Whatever you're good at, and whatever you love to do, use it for Him! Don't waste them, or hide them or you might lose them. 

Though many kings ride into cities to show their reign and rule over it, Jesus rode into Jerusalem to show compassion over it, as He wept over it's fate. When we look at the fate of our cities today, and think about the lost people there, how do we react? A city can shift a culture. When we bring Jesus and His news to a city, we can work to alter that culture and then spread it to other cities, until all have heard about Jesus. Do you feel compassion over your cities? How do you use your gifts to further God's kingdom?

Reading: Deuteronomy 30:11-31:29

We have seen a great characteristic of leadership in Moses up to now, and here we see it again. It takes a great leader to truly run a nation in a strong, Godly way, and Moses is a wonderful example of this kind of leader. Through many ups and downs and times of failure, Moses still clung tight to his faith and carried his people to the Promised Land, which he himself would not even get to cross into. Despite this disappointment and let down, Moses continues to lead his people and prepare them before they enter into the land, telling them "be strong and courageous, do not be afraid. For The Lord, your God is with you. he will never leave you or forsake you." Moses knows full well that the people he has brought here by God will face hardship of the heart, mind and body in this new land. He uses this time to put out last warnings, reminders and words of encouragement before they enter without him. In a way this is Moses' final legacy as his death is near. 

Many great things will happen in this Promised Land, and though much it happens beyond the generations of the people under Moses' leadership, the fact is God uses these people to bring greatness to the world. Good leaders may not always see the reward of their work, but the fact that God has used them to create the next link in the story is huge. Following God's will as a leader is important and honorable as He uses them to do His mighty work now and years down the road. 

There is something to be said about a good, Godly leader, such as Moses. Tough he faced his ups and downs and even messed up at times, God still uses him to do great things during and after his time. Jesus uses the most humble people to help Him carry out His work, as he rides a simple donkey colt into the city, where His Name is praised. We can see the rewards of our Godly leadership now and in eternity. Allow Him to use you in His work, whether you believe you're a leader or not. 

108: Choosing Transformation

Reading: Proverbs 10:1-10

When we make decisions in life, being able to have the vision of whether or not we'll regret them or not would be a nice gift to have. However, it is laid right out in the Bible the sorts of decisions to say "no" to. Right here in this reading are a lot of wise concepts and thoughts, that can help you decipher certain decisions that come your way. There is a lot of talk about being honest and living a clear, honest life, full of integrity. That goes with gossip, malice and laziness. Deciding to do these things will not mark your life with honesty or integrity. Why risk giving yourself a bad reputation and lack of trustworthiness when you can simply walk away from those situations? Work hard and do everything as if you are doing it for The Lord, because you are. 

Reading: Luke 18:31-19:10

When we decide to be transformed by Jesus and His power, we make a very important decision that changes our lives forever. Jesus tells the disciples how He will die and rise again, and though this is over their heads, we realize now how this is the biggest transformation for humankind ever. Through this, every human being is given the opportunity to accept redemption and eternity. 

We also see how a man is physically transformed because of his faith. As Jesus enters Jericho, and a blind begger hears He is there, he begins to shout for Jesus to come and have mercy on him. Though people hush him and tell him to be quiet, he shouts louder, proving he just doesn't care what people think. Jesus, recognizing this man's faith and courage, heals him, and this man's life is changed. He goes on praising God, and passing on that praise.

We also get to see an instance of transformation with a man named Zacchaeus, a despised chief tax collector. In this culture at this time, tax collectors were very despised. As he sat up in a tree to see Jesus, Jesus again knew his faith and asked to be a guest in his home that day. You could imagine the reactions from around town. But by Jesus going to spend time with this man, who was curious about Him and what He was about, this man was able to have a transformation. Zacchaeus tells Jesus he is going to give the money back and hen some to the people he cheated. 

From this, we see that God loves imperfect people. We all have our downfalls, our quirks, our pasts. But that doesn't separate us from the love and opportunity we have in Christ. We can't hide our sins from God, but we can take them to Him and repent. Be transformed by this power of Christ. 

Reading: Deuteronomy 29:1-30:10

Determining the course of the rest of our lives is dependent upon whose path we follow. There are many things laid out for us in the Bible, like making wise choices and following the example of Jesus. But there are also unclear things, and as this passage quotes:"The Lord God has secrets known to no one. We will not be accountable to them, but we and our children are accountable forever for all that He has revealed to us..." (29:29) We need to focus on what is laid out for us, and not worry about what is not disclosed. The Lord knows what we need to live successfully under His terms, and He knows what we don't need to burden ourselves with. Deep theological discussions, though fun for some, can be hard to grasp for others. This verse helps with that. Live life out the best way you know how through the words Fod has given to us. Decide to follow His transformation in all areas of your life, for the rest of your life. 

Life can sure be heavy with rules and things that we don't even know how to handle. God lays out some great advice in His Word, showing us how to decide on transforming our lives for Him. We see examples of how faith transformed lives in today's reading, and we read about letting go of the things we don't need to know. Let yourself be loved and transformed by a perfect God, Who loves imperfect people.

107: Centered on Him

Reading: Psalm 47:1-9

Living a God-centered life requires heartfelt worship. When we read this Psalm, we can see the words that express a strong, exuberant worship to God. When you devote all you are to God through worship, surrendering your cares and worries to Him, that is the expression of trust and true praise to Him. I love the words to "The Stand" by Hillsong that go "I'll stand with arms high and heart abandoned, in awe of the One Who gave it all. I'll stand, my heart Lord, to You surrendered..." A true expression of worship requires a full abandonment to God, showing how devoted your life is. The music doesn't need to move you in a worship song. Simply in everything you do should reflect your devotion to God. Your work should be for Him. Your daily tasks and the way you handle money are all testaments to Him. Let us never be ashamed to praise God, and may we always find ourselves with arms high and hearts abandoned for Him, giving our all to Him. 

Reading: Luke: 18:1-30

Living a Christ-centered life takes prayer and full reliance on Him. When we come to God with our worries and requests, we must never give up asking Him. Jesus tells us a story about a persistent widow asking an injust judge for justice in a dispute. And though the judge turned her down again and again, the widow kept coming to him with her request, and finally the judge gives in, being driven crazy by the widow. 

If this widow can go to an injust judge for her single problem, how much more will a just God listen to our prayers? We must remember, however, that God's answer for us may be yes, no, or not right now. He does after all, know what's best for us. 

We also read that living a God-centered life requires humility. Much of what we do will show our humility. When we pray like the Pharisee and think of ourselves better than others, treating our faith as more than a ritual and almost as if we think God needs us more than we need Him, our hearts are in the wrong place completely, and things aren't going to end up the way you expect. However, we also get a view of the heart of a tax collector praying. Though the Pharisee sees himself as higher than him, the tax collector's heart is in a better place, as he sees his faults and bows before Fod, begging for forgiveness and grace, knowing he is a sinner. This tax collector knows he needs God. He doesn't put himself at the mercy of rituals and earning God's grace. He doesn't compare himself to others' short-comings. We are to have a heart like this man, knowing full well how much we need a Savior. 

Jesus expresses the importance of having faith like a child in this reading. When we are children, we don't worry about tomorrow. We have full reliance on our parents. Children don't judge. They are humble and full of love. When we build our lives more around the faith like a child, we will find ourselves focused on Him, and not our own worlds. We don't have a set of set foresteucture on our own stubborn views of faith. Seeing Christ and the faith through a child's eyes may be just what some followers need.

Finally this section of reading shows us that a Christ-centered life requires full devotion to Him. We need to surrender everything to Him, and devote our lives to living and following His direction. This means we give up our own dreams, plans and possessions to Him. When we live lives with the focus of acquiring the success and stuff we will lose sight of our main focus. Being rich doesn't make entering heaven impossible, but it makes it higher risk to get the heart right. Check your motives and make sure you're following Christ fully, without any distractions in your life.

Reading: Deuteronomy 28:15-68

As we read about he disasters that can take place when we choose not to follow God, we can begin to realize why having a Christ-centered life is so crucial when it comes to obeying and serving Him. When we choose our own paths, it can spiral out of control and lead us down a road of destruction and separation from God. When we choose the world, we will get just the world and all the chaos it comes with. A life opposite of peace and joy. Perhaps we'll find temporary peace and joy, but never any that measure up to that we get from living God-centered lives. Choosing our own path is dangerous, and though we will end up choosing in the end, may we always choose the path God intends for us.

Living a God-centered life can sure be tough in a self-centered world. Remembering that we are not to make our goals and focus on things of this earth, but to place our emphasis and all that we are on God and His ways can take some work. Allow Him to guide you each day as you encounter each twist and turn. Keep Him the center, the focus, and the passion of your life.

Day 106: In His Presence

Reading: Psalm 46:1-11

Sometimes it's hard to realize that God is closer than we think. He is there ready to protect us when hardships and temptations loom around the corner. He is there to comfort us when the troubles and devastation hit. He is to be our security over all else and over all others because He knows us inside and out. He is always there to give us peace at life's most overwhelming moments. He is also there to give us inexplicable joy and delight as we walk in the light with Him. 

This Psalm calls us to be still and know that He is God. Realize His unbelievable measure and His everlasting resources. God wants you to be in His presence forever, and to feel His when life is at all circumstances. Be still. Know Who He is.

Reading: Luke 17:11-37

The Kingdom of God is present through God's reign and rule in our lives. We are able to follow Him daily because of the Holy Spirit in us and the words He has left for us. However, in the visible sense, the kingdom of God is not yet here, but Jesus urges us to be ready for His return. It is eery to think about how people were just living day to day life, eating, buying, selling, attending social occasions, when God sent the flood to wipe out the human race. This also occurred when God poured His wrath out on Sodom and Gomorrah. People were living life, though many not so innocently, when God came. Jesus warns us to remember that He is coming back. His presence will be ever so visible as we see Him face to face. It is important that we don't just carry on with life, doing everything we can to be fulfilled and happy on this earth, but focused on what is to come after this life and when we get to live the ultimate and eternal life with our Maker. 

We are to be the man who came back after the ten were healed of their leprosy, to thank Jesus and to remember Him in all we do and in all we encounter. Living a life focused on Him and His presence both in His rule and reign in our lives now, and in the physical, visible presence we will experience later on, is where our goals should be.

Reading: Deuteronomy 26:1-28:14

Doing everything in the presence of The Lord sure changes the way you may do things. Moses reminds his people about the way they were rescued from Egypt, and how their people were blessed greatly, even before Egypt oppressed them. Now that the people are getting ready to enter the Promised Land, God is reminding them to remember their blessings and to obey His commands. Remembering God's presence in both the good times and bad is important. We may run to him when the path gets rough and troubles come our way, or we might feel like He's not there during those times. We may feel His presence full on when life is going great and everything is looking up, or we may forget about Him because we have no need for Him at the moment. The truth is that we are always in need of God's presence, no matter what are lives are like in the moment. 

The Israelites are reminded of this as they are about to enter a wonderful, but unknown land. They need to be reminded that no matter how wonderful life is at any moment, they still need to remember what God has done for them and obey His commands. When they face battles and troubles, the same goes. 

Remember God's presence in all circumstances of life. Obey His commands and lean on Him. 

We are always to be ready for Christ's return. Thinking back to the normal lives people were living in Noah's time, as well as in Sodom and Gomorrah when God came to them out, we will never see it coming, thus we must always be ready. Though we need to remember in all circumstances God's presence is always with us now, it will be a glorious day when we can be in His full, physical presence. Hold tight to these truths and promises today.

Day 105: In Remembrance...

Reading: Psalm 45:10-17

Remembering Jesus throughout generations is the feel of this reading. Many times throughout the Bible, the church and God are compared to the bride and the bridegroom. We can see how much God loves and cherishes the church, and He wants it to thrive on remembering His mission, His work, and His ways. Verse 17 says that the church (bride) will bring honor and remembrance to the name of Jesus forever and ever. May we do our part in the church to bring honor and remembrance to the name of Jesus and all He has done for us. May every nation come to bow down to Him. 

Reading: Luke 16:19-17:10

We are called to remember the poor. This parable that Jesus shares is not only a little unnerving, but it is also from the Bible, which means it's true. We live in a nation surrounded by wealth and everything we could ever need and even want. Our pets live on more food and resources than over half of the people in our world. We are also surrounded by great poverty, not only throughout our world, but in our very own communities. Jesus makes it hauntingly clear that we are not to turn a deaf ear to the poor. When we come across someone in need to food or necessity, we are to assist them and help them get back on their feet. 

It is a scary image of the rich man in eternal death and Lazarus, who begged this man daily in heaven with Abraham. We know that this concept isn't attacking the rich people themselves, but the hearts. Abraham, himself was a very rich and blessed man, but he was in heaven. However, he was a faithful follower of God. He put complete faith and trust in God, though like everyone else, he had his rough days. But he never feared what would happen to his riches and his possessions. He never put his faith in those things. 

When we base our lives around "the next big thing" and keeping up with our neighbors and peers, depending on them for our well-being and our status, than we are living lives like that rich man. With this mentality, we will cling to those things and do everything we can to keep them and upgrade them. 

Jesus goes into a teaching on faith and forgiveness from this section of the reading. Just like our possessions and riches, we need to be willing to give up our grudges and pride to mend relationships. Forgiveness is a big topic for Jesus as He tells us to forgive over and over. Faith is a big part of these things. When we truly have faith and we are willing to put everything we are about and own into our faith in Christ, then we can have hearts that fully embrace God and His mission. But clinging to grudges and possessions and riches will sink you. 

If we can't believe the seriousness of God through His Word and His teachings, or even knowing that Jesus rose from the dead, then we may never repent, as Abraham told the rich man. Have the priorities of your heart in order.

Reading: Deuteronomy 23:1-25:19

Remembering what God has done for us is important, especially when we are extending the same grace towards others, as well as facing hardships. This reading goes through many rules for the Israelites, but also serves as a reminder of the grace and provision they have been given, thus they are asked to treat each other and foreigners alike with the same grace. Being reminded of how they were once also foreigners and slaves, and of how God provided them with guidance and protection through the wilderness, they are asked to do the same for others. When it comes to remembering the grace and love poured out on us, we too are asked to extend such service to our neighbors. A remembrance of what God has done in our life is portrayed by how we take it and use it. When we serve God by helping others and showing them the same patience God shows us all the time, we are proving how grateful we are for that patience. The same goes with grace, forgiveness, love, etc. Remember what God has done for you by serving others with the same loving actions.

Remembering what God has called us to do on a daily basis is important, so that we can keep the focus on Him and living our lives in thankfulness for Him. We remember His name so that it will be proclaimed from generation to generation, and across all nations. We remember to take care of the poor around us because when we neglect them, God has every right to neglect us. And we remember what He has done so that we may extend the same grace to those around us. May we never forget why we are here.

Day 104: Integrity

Reading: Proverbs 9:13-18

Integrity is important when we face temptations, especially the ones that we know we struggle with and have to avoid. This Proverb refers to a woman calling out to men, and tempting them. We need to be careful, as temptation lurks everywhere and can pop up at any moment. It's easy enough to stand firm in the forefront of our lives, we need to work harder to stand firm behind the scenes, when nobody sees us. When we are the same person in front as we all behind the scenes, dealing with temptations as they come, and realizing all Christians deal with them, it can be easier to have integrity. Though the thing that lures you in secret may seem like it would be more enjoyable and taste sweeter, it certainly is a lie. Things done in secret that come out always end up harming. Don't lie to yourself and fall into that trap.

Reading: Luke 16:1-18

When it comes to money and possessions, Jesus has much to say about them. In this instance, Jesus is teaching of integrity with your money. Jesus points it out that if we are unfaithful in little things, we will be in big things, and if we are dishonest in little things, we are not to be trusted with big things. Money is an instance of this, among many other circumstances in life. We need to realize that money is a threat and can take away from the main focus and priorities in life. We are to give it generously and remember that it is measly a tool. Jesus says that no one can serve both God and money, and that the desires and things that look good in the eyes of the world are very detestable to God. We are to care about the things He cares about, as we discussed in our study a couple days ago. Don't let money and possessions hold you back from serving the true God. Serving both is not an option, and is impossible. Keep your heart on what matters most.

Reading: Deuteronomy 21:1-22:30

When it comes to the way we live, God is quite clear what we are to not do to maintain our integrity. Many of these rules were temporary of the time, but many still are important, Biblical concepts today that are reiterated in the New Testament. Obviously God stands very strongly against rape, premarital sex, and any promiscuous behavior. When we observe our lives, can we honestly say that we live perfect, clean lives, rid of any mark or sin. Absolutely not. That is why Jesus came! To wipe out the rituals of cleansing yourself before God in order to be set apart for Him. The rules of love still apply. When we love God, and we love our neighbor, we need to question the decisions we make, as to whether or not they will harm yourself, others, or sadden God. When we analyze our desires against God's will, we need to wait for Him to tell us to move. Having integrity in the way you live can be tough in a society that makes everything so socially acceptable. We may go through life with habits we don't even realize are wrong because that is what everyone does. But it is important to match up your life with the words of the Bible. That is the only sure way to know God's plan and will. Do your best to honor Him and His commands, because He loves you enough to keep you from harm.

Living a life of integrity is important across the board. When we do when temptations come our way behind closed doors will define your integrity. What you do with money and how you use it will say a lot about where your passions lie. And how you live daily life, either following the ways of the world because it is socially acceptable, or doing your best to stay in the Word and knowing what is acceptable to God will grow you in a certain way. What kind of example are you leaving in the forefront? What kind of example would you be leaving if people saw you behind closed doors, or if your "church friends" saw what you do with your other friends? Someone always sees you.