Day 126: Loyal vs. Disloyal

Day 126
Judges 9-10; 1 Corinthians 10-11:1

There is quite a difference between being a leader who is loyal and one that is disloyal. I'm sure you've had bosses that were both great and not so great. Today, we read about a leader who was disloyal to God, his family and to the people he led. We also read the words of a famous leader, Paul, who looks to his example in Christ.

Abimelech was a terrible leader. He weasled his way into leadership and then proceeded to kill 70 of his half-brothers with his trouble-making soldiers. Abimelech's younger brother, Jotham, managed to escape the attacks and shares some words about leaders. It is about more than the power and reputation - it is about being loyal to your people and to God. A leader who is in it for themselves, such as Abimelech will be a crummy one. Because of Abimelech's insecurities and lack of faith, he killed off his brothers and was disloyal to the people he was supposed to be leading. As a result, he was killed by them in a violent way. Check your priorities as a leader. Are you in it for your own glory, or for God's and the good of the people you are in essence, serving?

The people of Israel themselves seemed to struggle staying loyal to God. Again, they had fallen away. Again, God had allowed oppression over them so they might learn their lesson. Again, the people ended up crying out to God when they realized they needed Him. As we read here, however, God was fed up with them, stating these facts of repeated offense to Him. I think many times we stop and ask God "why me?" In reality at times, however, we need to be open to what He is trying to tell us. Perhaps you are hitting your head on a wall over and over in disloyalty to God like the people of Israel. Look at your life and ask God, "what do you need to teach me, Lord?"

Paul's words as a leader to the church of Corinth are pretty well laid out in terms of loyalties to God and resisting temptations. He even uses the Israelites from long ago to prove his point. (Talk about a crummy reputation as grumblers, complainers, and falling into idolatry.) Paul tells the people to be careful when they think they are standing strong. Temptations and ways to fall away from Christ are lurking everywhere. Paul wants us to be a unified people in Christ, working toward building the Kingdom and resisting the things that take away from that mission. He tells us that in everything we do, do it all for the glory of God - even in what you eat and drink. This may seem daunting, but looking to leaders who look to the Lord to walk with you through this life can help.

Loyal leaders look to Christ. Paul tells the people to imitate him, just as he is imitated Christ. Leaders who value Christ in their lives will first and foremost lead you in the way of Christ. They want you to look to Him before looking at them. Paul is saying here, I am looking to Christ, and so should you. As a leader (because you all are one in some sense), are you directing those who look up to you to Christ, or are you beckoning them to look at you? Loyalties that lie in Christ are ones that can't be shaken.

A disloyal leader will have disloyal "followers". A loyal leader will have followers that want to support them. First and foremost, however, our loyalties are to lie in Christ, as we strive to be good leaders to those who look up to us. Check your life out today, and ask if you are like the Israelites, constantly hitting the wall, and wondering when God will show up. Ask yourself, "what are you trying to tell me, Lord?" Then pay attention to the answer He gives you - not the one you make up in your head that sounds ideal to you. Be loyal to His following and fall into His leadership over your life, so that you in turn can be a leader for Him.

Day 125: Standing Up to Yourself

Day 125
Judges 6-8; 1 Corinthians 9

Whenever we go on a trip to the Dominican Republic for our missions outreach with a group, we always get the same questions from females: "Why can't I wear a tank top in the community?" "Why can't I wear a bikini?" Why do I have to wear a skirt to the church services?" Paul wrestles with the concept as why we "become all things to all people" in order to reach some for Christ. Today, we'll look at how Gideon found courage to carry out Christ's commands and Paul's words on why our own desires can actually become a distraction to those around you when trying to be a light for Christ.

Stand up to your desire to do it yourself. We once again see the Israelites have turned away from God, (I'm seeing a pattern here) and are once again crying out to Him. When they finally realize that they are in trouble once again because they have leaned on the side of their desires, rather than His, they do the right thing in crying out to God and God hears them. Are you too stubborn to cry out for help when you know you are in trouble? God is with you when you cry out to Him, and maybe this is against your selfish desire as well, but He wants to rescue you. You only need to seek Him.

Stand up to your desire to be the strongest. One thing I struggle with is always feeling weak. I am most definitely a Gideon, and feel looked down on because I am always the sick one, the weak one, the emotional one. It's a hard pill to swallow, but eventually you just come around and accept it, as Gideon had. Gideon had all sorts of excuses, but God had all sorts of power to match them. God uses the weak to move His mission. This is a common theme throughout the Bible, though it is not a common theme throughout the world. Be encouraged by Gideon's story and allow God to work mighty plans through you!

Stand up to your self-confidence. I think so many times we rely on how confident we are feeling in whether or not we are willing to stand up to a task. In reality, we need to be relying on God's confidence in us. God had Gideon do many things that were huge risks. Yet, Gideon did them and as a result, Israel able to see God's hand once again. Never rely on your own understanding, but on what God's understanding is of you  We read how Gideon did not stay confident in the Lord, even after his victories that were brought only by the Lord. He fell into the snare of reward and got too confident in himself, separating from God and making poor choices at the end of his life.

Stand up to what you think you deserve. Paul's words here are really gold here for a Christian that wants ultimate impact for Christ. Paul has a list of things that are "perks" in this world or as one who shares the gospel message, like marriage and financial support for sharing the gospel. Yet Paul says that though these things are not wrong as a Christian, he doesn't want them to hinder God's work through him. He sees his call to singleness as a way of taking advantage of the opportunities to move more for Christ. He doesn't suggest marriage is wrong, as other apostles were married, but that he was perfectly fine as a single man, working for Christ, because Christ is his first obligation, as He should be for married folks as well. Paul took a second job so the gospel could be shared for free to all. He wanted to stay above reproach and be an example of Christ without hindering others to seeing Him. Rather than wasting time worrying about a spouse or a living from God's work, he did what it took to stomp out worldly desires for God's desires.  "We would rather put up with anything than be an obstacle to the Good News about Christ." (vs. 12) Are you willing to put up with anything to move the Kingdom?

Stand up to your point of view. As Americans, I've seen so many instances of shock as to how other cultures behave or how they conduct themselves in certain situations. As I opened today's reading, I brought up how many question the dress code in the Dominican outreach trips we do. This is something that is hard to explain, but Paul does a stellar job of it here. To reach certain groups of people, you need to form a mutual respect. If the women in the Dominican Republic view Christians as being modest, than that is what we'll be. If our clothes are a distraction to those we have come to be examples of Jesus to, than we will not wear those revealing clothes, because we know that Christ is worth more than a bikini or a tank top. We will become whatever we need to become to not be a hindrance to Christ's work through our attitudes, our clothes, our actions, etc. That is why we don't allow those clothes. Paul will become all things to all people so that many can be brought to Christ without the distraction of his own point of view. This does not mean we are uncomfortable or that we change anything that changes the gospel, but we meet people where they are.

What desires and points of view are you gripping on to that can be a hindrance to others when trying to see Christ in you? Gideon was able to stand up to his weaknesses and accept God's power in his life so that God's work could be carried out. Paul tells us to be all things to all people so that we are not a hindrance to sharing the gospel. If we can't wear a tank top because it will be too distracting in a culture, than we won't wear it. The gospel is more important than our desires and our points of view. Consider your desires as way less than what God desires for you.

Day 124: Trading Comforts

Day 124
Judges 4-5; 1 Corinthians 8

Lately, we as people have felt the limitless boundaries of using our words and even our actions however we wish. We as people have actually felt the need to use our words and actions however we wish. I wish I could completely agree with all and say that you are free to say what you want, when you feel like it, even if you are a Christian. However, Paul lays out some thoughts here that may change your mind in saying and doing whatever you want with your freedom in Christ. We'll also see how well-respected Deborah was as a judge and how she carried herself in this manner.

The root of it here is arrogance. You can have all the knowledge you need to be a "good Christian" and know all of the rules and the words of Scripture, but Jesus laid it out for us. Love. Love. Love. Love God. Love your neighbor. Arrogance is not loving. In fact, Paul tells us that it can cause another believer to stumble, especially one who is still growing and learning, and is new to the faith. Paul says he is willing to sacrifice comforts for the sake of the kingdom expanding. Are you?

Deborah, a judge of Israel, who also happened to be a woman is an example to us that God can and will use you, no matter your status in this world. Obviously, women weren't very respected as leaders in that time, but Deborah and Jael shattered that illusion when they stepped up to win Israel back from it's oppressor. No arrogance. No boasting. Only faith and knowing God was on their side. They willingly did what it took to rescue Israel from its oppressor. Deborah tried to call on Barak to lead the army, but he insisted she come with him, and she did. Are you fearful of what God is calling you to? Who do you have in your life that can walk with you in that fear?

Think of the contrasting testimonies here. If you are arrogant in your freedoms and are busy judging new believers or those who aren't "to your standards", you may succeed in driving them away, which leaves dirt on your hands. But, if you lead by example, looking to Christ and working by His power, rather than your knowledge, the glory is His and in turn, others will see it. Deborah worshiped God after their victory. She knew her strength and victory came from God.

Do your best to wipe arrogance and boastfulness from your character. There is no love in those. Trade in your comforts and even your freedoms so that God's Kingdom will be exalted to all people, and so new believers can truly see what the bottom line is. Boasting and arrogance take away from that example and give Christianity a bad reputation. Do your best to live a life glorifying God and what He has done for you.

Day 123: Don't Be A Fool

Day 123

Psalm 52-54

I feel foolish a lot. Some days are more foolish than others for me. I tend to be awkward and introverted, and that tends to lead to some awkward conversations with people I don’t know well. However, we’ll read about the worst way to be foolish – foolish in our faith. We can be the wisest people in this world in everything else, yet we are completely foolish if we fail to boast in Christ and allow Him to be our vision and deliverance. Let’s check out how David documents the foolish people in his life.  

The foolish have selfish vision. They strive to tear others down so they can be built up. They are so busy looking at what they can gain, that they don’t see that pleasing God is the only way to ultimate happiness. They’ll betray and boast about it. However, we can be wise in putting our vision in God’s hands and trusting Him to give us the best plan of all. David knew God was on his side and he put his trust in Him, praising Him in all circumstances.

None of us are truly good, but those who know there is a good are smart indeed. Only fools believer there is no God, and go about trying to save themselves. You can know the smartest person in the world, but they are only smart by the world’s terms and this lifetime’s terms. They are eternally foolish and don’t consider the power that God has to save them. A foolish person will think they have it all together, only to find out that only God has their lives together. Don’t be a fool. Lay your life in the hands of your Savior.

We can withstand attacks from fools. God will deliver you from the words of those who think you are the fool. You can praise Him right now for the deliverance He will provide you in the future, because you know He will come for you. If you seek Him, you will find Him. If you cry out to Him, He will deliver you. Be smart in Who can ultimately deliver you from the worries of this world and remember His mercy and sovereignty in your life. No matter how much you are attacked by those who don’t fully understand the answer for your Hope, you have that Hope.

You can be the wisest person in this world, but still be the most foolish in God’s eyes. Don’t compromise your faith for your worldly wisdom. Because of God’s mercy and hope in your life, you can experience deliverance, peace, and great vision that comes only from placing your eyes on God. 

Day 122: Dangers of 'What If'

Day 122
Judges 1-3; 1 Corinthians 7

How often do you entertain an idea that starts out with "what if..."? The phrase in it of itself is not a bad one. In fact, you need to ask "what if" sometimes to set goals and dream. But saying "what if" in the mindset of falling into temptation and truly thinking the grass is greener elsewhere than with God is a dangerous road indeed. Another phrase that can stand as a dangerous one is "if only". We'll see the dangers, and even some benefits, of these phrases play out in today's reading.

As the Israelites continued to fight and try to drive out the other nations that were in the Promised Land after Joshua's death, we read that they weren't so successful anymore in totally driving out the people. The reason is unknown as to why they couldn't successfully drive them all out, but there could be many reasons - tired, would rather compromise than fight, didn't have a solid leader anymore, etc. The Lord was still with them, however, and they were able to live with the people rather than lose the battle completely. Not fully completing the work God leaves for you can be something that causes you to ask "what if" and say "if only." He intends good for you, yet you also need to work for it.

We see the generation of Joshua die out and the people growing up forget what God had done for their ancestors and begin to find other means of happiness outside of God. Speaking in terms of "if only" or "what if" can lead us down some dangerous roads. We can be like these people who forget what God has done for us in the past and start exploring more exciting ways to experience life. While those things may seem exciting at the time, they lead to devastating circumstances. Because of our "what if" we can fall into the trap of what this world says makes us happy and forget what truly makes us holy and ultimately happy.

Many people play the "if only" game when it comes to their relationship status. Paul devotes an entire chapter of 1 Corinthians on this. It is an issue for many now, as it was an issue then. His advice - stay single. As a married woman, I can say I am very happy God placed a husband in my life. However, there is this delusion that many young people (I'm guessing mostly women) don't see through until they are married. They think marriage will solve all of their problems, when in reality there comes a whole new slew of more complicated problems. This is fine and all, but if you marry before you realize only God can fulfill that loneliness, you are in for rocky road ahead in your marriage, and you'll be more miserable than you were when you were single.

The good news is if we fall into the "what if" trap, God will deliver us if we cry out to Him and turn away from the things we thought were better than Him. As promised in Deuteronomy, God comes back to the people when they cry out for deliverance. Despite us betraying Him and putting other things first, like a spouse, child, or other idols, we can give God His spot in our lives back, and He'll come open to us and give you grace. He delivered Israel through the judges He sent in Othniel and Ehud to get Israel back on track. Even though Israel continued to turn away, in the time of those judges, they were on the right track because those judges respected God. Keep God first, and all else will fall into place.

Beware of the traps that come with the "what if" and "if only" statements we make. Those are statements that cause us to be discontent, regretful, and questioning God's place in our lives. Put God first in your life and all else will fall into their spots. Even if you turn away and forget God's place in your life, He is there waiting for you to come back.

Day 121: We Will Serve the Lord

Day 121
Joshua 20-22; 1 Corinthians 6

You have a choice in this life as to whom you will serve. Your actions will speak volumes of where your allegiances lie. Making wise decisions and solving conflicts in a Godly way are huge in speaking of your Christian life.

Joshua pushes the people as he gets ready to die, telling them that they will choose this day whom they will serve. Joshua states that famous statement, "as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." This is such a grander statement than a plaque on your living room wall, however. The way you carry yourself and raise your family attest to this statement. This may be a hard thing to do, but that is why being in tune with God's Word and voice are crucial in your daily life. Things seem right by the standards of this world, but until you truly know what is right by the standards of God, you can't fully embrace the service in Him.

Joshua tells them to choose THIS day. We tend to be so wishy-washy in our commitment to God. When we can fit Him in, we will. When He can do us a favor, we'll talk to Him. Rather than spending those off times from God pursuing your own desires and doing what's best for you, choose this day who you will serve. Be bold in being in service to Him and allow your life to reflect His standards and His ways, rather than avoiding conflict with the world and agreeing with it.

The way we resolve our conflicts is one way we look differently from this world. The Old Testament example with the tribes of Reuban, Gad, and half of Manasseh building the alter before crossing back over to their land. The Western side of Israel assumed the worst and were ready to go to war against them. They assumed they were building an alter for foreign gods. Luckily, representatives were sent to investigate before the people reacted. They received the full and very acceptable story of them building it as a reminder of Who their God is for their descendants. Because of this, they knew the Lord was with them because of the way their conflict was handled (22:31).

Paul talks about how to solve conflicts among each other too, suggesting to just take the loss. (vs. 7) This may seem counter-intuitive, but the testimony of it will create ripples. God will bless you and use it to spread His Name, because you look differently from the world. We live in a world that wants fairness for oneself, or one's group of people. There isn't anything wrong with that, but consider what Paul is suggesting here. What statement would it make if you simply gave up what you wanted to reveal that you have something so much bigger and greater in your life in Christ?

Paul also challenges the people of Corinth for taking each other to court, even worse to court with secular judges. It is very frowned upon to dispute in front of unbelievers. That is an opposite testimony of Who God is - humble, loving, all-providing... When we fight for what we want, we are essentially saying we don't have enough in Christ. Why would an unbeliever want to even get involved in a place where their foundation wasn't enough for them? Why would an unbeliever want to bring more conflict into their lives in stepping into the church? A secular judge wouldn't know God's ways - only the world's. If you need to settle a dispute, look to one who knows God's way of settling these things.

Serve the Lord with your bodies, your actions, and your motives. The sins we fall into can not only affect you today, but they can affect you in the future and affect the people around you. God wants you to stay pure in testimony and look to Him when things fall out. We will fall and fail, but cleanse yourself in Christ and move forward, being a testimony to others who are struggling in the areas you had struggled in.

Choose this day whom or what you will serve. Don't be lukewarm in your faith, only using God when He is convenient for you. Serve Him in your actions, your motives, and your daily living. Make it greater than what you believe you need to be happy. Live a life serving Christ and doing what makes Him happy. You will find the greatest happiness in return.

Day 120: When Emotions Fly

Day 120
Joshua 19-21; 1 Corinthians 5

Things seem so gray today, as we decide what is right and wrong. We do things because it feels good, or because our heart tells us to, or because we are so angry, emotions take over. Today, we'll read about how we need to stand up to our emotions and hearts sometimes and follow what is right in God's eyes.

Sometimes, we can get so angry at someone that we jump to conclusions about the situation before we hear the entire story. This is why cities of refuge were created. When someone does something offensive to us, whether it's something as serious as murdering a loved one, or standing on the wrong side of the political arena in someone's opinion, emotions tend to fly. Rants are posted on Facebook. People want revenge. They call names. It's messy in general if someone can't handle emotions. The same was true when someone accidentally killed someone in Old Testament times. In order for the person who accidentally killed someone to be protected, there were the cities of refuge they could hide out at until it was all settled.

Sometimes our hearts and minds tell us to seek revenge and hurt someone like they have hurt us. When people face judgment and need to state their case, it is important to create space for them to do that without someone talking over them or someone who is too on the warpath to listen. Sometimes it's time to back away and let the other side cool down. If it's an argument that you know you will never win, perhaps it's time to back away for good from that conversation and call it an area you don't agree on. Don't ever allow emotions to get in the way of common sense. Emotions will get you into trouble. Your heart and it's "feelings" will get you into trouble, whether those feelings are good or bad. Listen to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and rely on God's leading - not yours.

1 Corinthians today talks about a different viewpoint of emotions and allowing them to rule you over God's ruling. We walk through this world thinking we deserve it. We deserve to find love with that person, no matter how moral it is. We deserve to be "happy". We deserve what our heart wants right now, no matter how against it God speaks on it. Then we twist His words to say it the way we want it said so we are fulfilled and not ridden with guilt. "Since God loves me, He means to say..." We put ourselves ahead of God because we think this world will fall apart without those things we want, that person we want, that lifestyle WE want. But the God who created you and knows your heart and what can fulfill it is shoved out for what you think you need. This is a harsh topic - I get it. We can twist words all we want to make it fit our life.

Paul is quite clear here. If a person living in sin has no intention of turning, they need to be removed from the protection of the church. They are still welcome in the church, but their sin will not be endorsed, no matter how "right" they think it is. As harsh as this idea sounds, it's in the Word. God wants all to ultimately come to Him. A church family is not to applaud the sin and accept the open-mindedness, then pat themselves on the back for being so accepting. They are to be loving, but not supportive of the sin. We are to encourage each other to live with pure lives, repenting for the sake of our eternity with Christ and living in a testimony to the power He has in our lives. We are not to come to church, living the way WE want, by OUR rules, not seeing anything wrong with it, and insisting we get a say in how the church is run. We need to see our need for a Savior. We can claim we WANT Him in our lives, but we need to also recognize our NEED for Him in it, and strive daily to put Him there.

The other side of the coin here is we need to be open to the correction of trusted friends in our church family. Don't deny the sin in your life, then call others judgmental when they lovingly try to steer you. God is the ultimate judge, and your friends will warn you, but God can make that final call and surely will. Be open, humble and in tune with God's direction - not yours.

Don't ever follow your heart or emotions. Those tend to cover your ears, your judgment, and your eyes to God's Word. Don't twist His Word to fit your heart. Do the hard things of making necessary changes in your life so that God is put at the front of your decisions - not your feelings. This is hard and harsh, but remember what is possible with the power of God.