Day 114: The Fork in the Road

Reading: Psalm 50:16-23

We all choose what put attitudes toward Christ will be. Some people may think they are strong followers of Christ and even follow the rituals and know the rules, but when it comes down to it, they still reject His ways when the tests of life come. This world is full of temptations and influences that reject God's ways. I've seen it over and over with teens and young adults who think thy are standing firm and standing up for their faith, but as soon as something else comes by, like a new crowd of friends to hang out with, or attraction for a guy or girl, suddenly their faith isn't so important, and frankly, they have rejected God and His ways by doing things to fit into the crowd that pleases them. 

When we give thanks and truly realize what God has done for us, and be grateful that He has chosen us to carry out His tasks on this earth, we show a high volume of honor. 

Where is your attitude when it comes to living for Christ?

Reading: Luke 22:39-62

We see three paths play out as we read on through Luke. 

First, we see Jesus' part of the story. Jesus prayed to His Father, asking for the burden to be removed, but that His Father's will stay in tacked. Jesus was willing to suffer in anguish for us because He wanted to please His Father, and because He felt love and compassion for us. Following God's will in our lives may seem tough and we may beg and fight to not go down the path He leads us, but if we want to please Him and end up with the best choice for our lives, we need to take it. God always works through the tough stuff, and going through the tough stuff in life will accomplish so much for Him and us. 

Next, we see Judas' path. Judas gives into the temptation of 30 pieces of silver to betray the One he followed, learned from, and worked with. We can see the two ends of the spectrum here, as Jesus prayed for God's will and Judas went against it. Jesus had an angel that came to strengthen Him, and Judas reigned in the power of darkness (vs. 53). Judas, like many of us, screwed up, but maybe to just a more extent than most of us screw up. We know we can never measure up to Jesus, and we will screw up again and again. But the question is, what will you do with your mess ups?

The difference we see between Judas and Peter is just that. When Judas messed up, he ran and ended up hanging himself. But when Peter actually does as Jesus predicted and denies Him 3 times, he feels remorse. He runs away, weeping bitterly. Later, we will go on to read of how Peter had a big hand in the church and getting that going. He takes his mess up and makes it a message. He becomes a huge asset to the church and it's start. He followed the path God wanted him on, even after his mistakes. Judas ran. 

Which paths will you take? Will you do God's will, no matter how hard it might seem? And when you mess up in life, will you do all you can to get back on the path and learn from it, or will you run?

Reading: Joshua 5:13-7:29

It is easy for some of us to compartmentalize in life. Though it feels like an easy coping mechanism, it can be a dangerous one as well. Joshua gets the wonderful opportunity to stand on holy ground and fully worship his Lord. We may even experience those times in life when we feel so close to God that we just have to lift our hands, kneel down, or display emotion in His presence. It is quite an honor to be in His presence and have the privilege of removing your sandals for Him, so to speak.
But we also have times in life where we stow away our sins. We read about Achan and how he stole silver and gold, risking a curse upon the entire camp. We can be like Achan in many cases. When we mess up, we may cover our sins, or hide them, then put on a face around others that convinces them you are innocent. Compartmentalizing your life in this way is certainly a dangerous path to take. When you are one, perfect person at church, but hide the fact you partied all Saturday night with people who would laugh at the fact to show up to church the next morning, that seems a little fake. It is important to be real with yourself, so you can be real around others. God knows the truth all around, so why hide it? Decide this day to carry a sense of integrity with you everywhere, being as real at church as you are with your friends.


Where do you find yourself when you meet the forks in the road? When you have the choice to accept or reject God with your words and actions, where do you lean? When you mess up, as we all do in life, do you run from it, or face it and grow from it? When you sin, do you hide it or confront it? Are you the same person at church as you are around your friends? Choose today which side of fork in the road you will walk down, then stand firm in it everywhere you go.   

Day 113: Our Part, God's Part

Reading: Psalm 50:1-15

Everything in this world belongs to God. All of the animals, all of our resources, and even the possessions we have acquired with the money God has blessed us with- His money, in fact. God is in control of everything, as He placed the sun and tells it when to set. 

God does, however, give us a role in praising Him, as He asks us for thankfulness and gratitude, acknowledging His provision in our lives. 

He also asks that we honor Him, and praise Him for how wonderful and mighty He is. Displaying this type of worshipful awe will only draw us nearer to Him. 

And God asks us to call on Him when we face troubles. Relying and trusting in Him will help you carry your burdens and guide you throughout. 

Though God owns everything and has power over everything, we still have a role to play in praising Him, as He did not create us to be robots that are forced to praise and follow Him. 

Reading: Luke 22:1-38

There has always been a question about predestination vs. free will. And in this reading alone, we can pick out 3 examples of how God does His part, and we have our parts. 

Judas- though he was chosen to be one of Jesus' disciples, we read that "Satan enters him" and he is tempted in betraying Jesus. Though Jesus' death was a prophesied event, the fact that Judas was the betrayer was how Satan thought he was getting the upper hand. Judas decided on his own to follow that temptation and take the actions to betray Jesus for the pay off. No one, not even Jesus' closest followers, is immune to temptation.

Simon Peter- we see how strong and loyal Simon Peter is to Jesus, as he is convinced that he would never let Jesus down. But Satan sure has a sneaky way of getting into the most loyal followers, as Jesus tells Peter that he will deny Him that very night. This can be a tough thing to grasp, as we see how this plays our in terms of free will and predestination. Jesus knew that Peter would deny Him, but Peter made that choice, and Jesus knew that would be his choice. 

We can also see a powerful example of prayer here, as Jesus prays for Peter's faith to not fail. And we go on to read later on in our study the mighty work Peter does for the church. Prayer is powerful, and Jesus practiced it wholeheartedly. God has a role, a big one, in our lives, but we also have the role of taking action and how we will proceed. 

Jesus- Jesus Himself is a prime example of free will vs. predestination. Jesus knew His fate and His Father's will. Though He could always ditch the plan, as we will read later, how He asks His Father to take away this burden, He knows that He must carry out this huge plan for all of humanity, as He is the only One suited to do so. That is why there is an unfailing, immense love here. 

Though all of the topics on free will vs. predestination are hard to grasp, we can clearly see that God has a role in our lives, and we do as well. We are always given free will and the opportunity to choose for ourselves the actions we will take, but God sees e big picture, and knows how things will turn out. Stand firm on what you know, and don't get hung up or agonize over the things we don't quite know. God is good and that is all that matters.

Reading: Joshua 3:1-5:12

There is a balance in preparing and providing for ourselves and counting on God's preparation and provision. We read here how Joshua prepared the Israelites for crossing the Jordan, and told them to prepare themselves. We have seen this theme throughout their journey as they needed to set themselves apart for The Lord and His instruction. We need to prepare ourselves since we are living in a culture that doesn't always follow the ways of The Lord, by sticking to His direction only, and indulging in the delights of Him. Because of our security and trust in Him, we will be provided for in mighty ways. God provided just enough manna for the people, and never over indulged them. The view of materialism in our culture and having all we want makes it hard to grasp the concept of "just enough" and feeling satisfied in what we have. 

Lean on God's security. Forget about the security of others and of things. God's love and provision is enough, just enough. Prepare yourself to indulge in His direction and path. 

There is a balance between our part and God's part in life decisions. To an extent we need to consider our part in preparing ourselves for God's will. We also need to make decisions for ourselves, as God didn't create us as robots that do everything He says and asks of us. When we open our hearts to Him, that is something we decide to do. God's part will come into play when we do our part and stay open to Him.


(Photo Credit: http://gdwm.org/index.php/2012/03/our-privileged-responsibility-2/)

Day 112: Word Power

Reading: Proverbs 10:11-20

There is great power in the words that come out of our mouths. This reading in Proverbs has much to say about the power of words, in both good words and in bad ones. Words have the ability to both destroy a relationship and to build it up in mighty ways. Words can express all ends of the spectrum, like love and hatred. Words of hatred lead to destruction, rumors, violence and ruin. But words of love cover all wrongs and are like silver, building up even the most broken relationships.

Choose your words carefully and know what power they have. 

Reading: Luke 21:5-38

Sometimes we face situations in life that are hard to find words for. In this reading, however, Jesus tells us that we will have words when we face those times of persecution and hardship in His Name. This reading sure tells us some scary things that will happen, but also empowers us to stand strong and aware. Jesus spoke with such authority, that large crowds came to hear Him daily. Using His powerful words to empower His followers, Jesus promises to give us the power of words when we need them. We can look at ourselves now and feel so incapable of answering to persecution, but we will be sent the words and power when the time comes. Though many things will pass away, Jesus says His words will never fade. 

We need to also be on our guard for false words that claim they are the returning Messiah and to ignore their speculations on what will happen. Don't find yourself deceived by what Jesus has warned you about. And though we must love all, including our enemies, we need to realize we will be hated by all. 

So stand very aware and strong in your faith, preparing how you will answer opposition. Don't get distracted by the parties and impulses of this world, when the best party of all awaits you in heaven.

Reading: Joshua 1:1-2:24

It is highly important for followers of God to meditate on His words. When Joshua becomes leader, God reiterates to him to follow all of the commands He has given, as well as meditate on them, apply them, practice them, and speak them. Great leaders in Christ need to especially heed the words of God since they are the example and authority figure. God promises a couple things to Joshua and the people: rest and His presence. 

Joshua will find rest as they take the land, and we all will find rest through Jesus' coming. When Jesus came, He call all the weary and burdened to come to Him, allowing them to rest in Him. We have that same opportunity today through Jesus. 

And just as Joshua was promised God's presence, we can still heed those words today. "Be strong and courageous...for The Lord your God is with you wherever you go." We can find encouragement in these words as well, knowing that we have nothing to fear when we play on God's side.

A great example of this is when we read about Rahab, who protected the spies. By knowing that God had chosen these people to overtake the land, she worked with them, by protecting them. And in return the spies agreed to protect her and her family. When we bless and work for God, we too, will be blessed and find ultimate rest and presence in Him. 

Heed His words. Meditate on them. Be encouraged by them.

Words are a powerful thing. They can tear down or build up in mighty ways. Jesus spoke some hefty words and promised to empower His followers with words they need to face opposition. The words that Joshua receives are for all the people to obey and follow. Be encouraged and empowered today by God's words and let your focus be on them.

Day 111: Possession Perception

Reading: Psalm 49:1-20

When we read this Psalm, it is blatant that riches and wealth are meaningless after leaving this earth and being finished with this life. Though they may gain recognition and applause from others in this life, that recognition is also meaningless. When we they and live life without God, we turn to wealth, success, riches, recognition, and reliance on ourselves. These things, however, can make live very heavy, as pressure keeps building to be the best, to get more, to have more than the next guy. Ten when life is all said and done, you are left with nothing. These things can't go to the grave with you. Putting confidence in these things is misleading.

When we put all our confidence and reliance on God, though, it's a whole different ball game. Suddenly life is lighter, and you don't need to keep up with anything. God works in and through you, and you have no pressures to succeed when you lean on Him. Making God your wealth and priority is a wise move indeed. After this life is said and done, there is an eternity of wealth with Him. 

Just today I read a status update on Facebook from one of my favorite artists, Lecrae: "There is no reward at the end of life for wealth, fame, accomplishment, or beauty. There is reward for faithfulness. Hang on." 

Don't fall into the traps of this life to get rewarded temporarily now, when there is an eternity of rewards waiting when we stand firm and faithful to God. Hang tight to His promises. 

Reading: Luke 20:27-21:4

As people living on this earth, surrounded by earthly things and customs, it can truly be hard to grasp what life in heaven will be like. When the religious leaders once again challenge Jesus in asking how a woman with seven husbands will be married in heaven, Jesus explains that those worldly customs and needs will be diminished. This concept can surely be hard to grasp and the point the religious leaders were trying to catch Jesus on was about resurrection and whether it existed, as they only focused on the legalistic side of the scriptures. Jesus cleverly talks about Moses and how he believed in resurrection, as he would call on the living God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 

Another example of clinging to worldly riches is when the widow puts all she has into the offering, as others only put in a small portion of what they have. When we cling to things of earth, we have a harder time letting go with the more we have. Our attitudes about possessions are very hard to change when life is all about acquiring stuff and keeping up with the latest. It's hard to have a mindset on heaven when we have to have more. When we have less, we have less to lose. This widow had nothing, so giving when she got a little was what she knew to do. 

Don't cling to your stuff. As we read before, it is meaningless.

Reading: Deuteronomy 33:1-34:12

As Moses prepares for his death in the final chapters of Deuteronomy, he blesses each tribe with comforting and encouraging words. We can follow Moses' example when it comes to pouring out your life for what God's plan is. Moses lived each day doing right by God. He started by sticking up to Pharaoh in Egypt, demanding the people be let free, then right on through crossing the Red Sea and seeing God's faithfulness as they wandered in the wilderness. Moses stayed loyal to God's commands and His directions, though the people he led at times drove him crazy and always complained. But because of the leadership and selflessness Moses displayed throughout his life, his legacy was huge. Moses never cared about riches or wealth, but about doing what God asked of him. Though he faced his own fears and falls, he still led the people to the Promised Land, relying on God the whole time.

How do you sacrifice your own path for what God calls you to do? Moses could have easily given up at anytime when he led the people to go do what he wanted, but stayed the course God laid out for him. Don't put your trust in worldly things, but in the directions God sends you. You can see the legacy it will leave in this world, but more importantly, the legacy it creates in the life to come. 

The way you look at wealth will determine the way you go all out for God. In plain text, Jesus tells us in the gospels that if we cling to our lives (our possessions, wealth, dreams, jobs, etc), we will lose them, but if we lose those things for Him, we will find ultimate life in Him. When we cling to our stuff, it's harder to live with less or with nothing, and give it to those in need. But when we have nothing, it's easier to give. Careful how you value your wealth and blessings.

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.