No Scheduled Reading

On Discipleship Journal’s “Book-at-a-Time Bible Reading Plan” there are no assigned readings after the 28th of each month. Use this time to meditate more deeply on something that was significant in the past month, to catch up on any missed readings, or to revisit favorite or recently read passages.

I’m going to see if I can catch up on some of the reading and posts that I have missed and will post again on the first of next month.

Grace and peace to you!

What I Aspire To

Scripture

⁷ But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. ⁸ What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ ⁹ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. ¹⁰ I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, ¹¹ and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. (Philippians 3:7-11)

Observation

I marvel at this worshipful passage. Where Paul uses verbs like, ‘consider’ I can only say, ‘I want to consider.’ I want what Paul has – that closeness, that understanding of righteousness, the humble perspective of a surrendered life. I want it… but I am not there yet (which Paul confesses, too, in the next verse) 

Application

Application seems tough here – because I know that I am not able to attain this life that Paul describes by working harder (like a righteousness that comes from the law). I guess, I do what Paul says: “I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:12-14)

That sounds like a really good start!

Prayer

Precious Jesus, I take Paul’s words as my own: I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, ¹¹ and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. I ask that you would give me the grace to live into and up to them. Amen.

The Importance of Modeling

Scripture

¹⁹ Servants cannot be corrected by mere words; 
       though they understand, they will not respond (Proverbs 29:19)

Observation

I have seen this in my own life – both on the giving and receiving ends: I don’t respond to words alone – but an example of how to do what is right or expected is so much more important. Talk is cheap – people need to see words lived out, especially when it comes to discipleship and right living.

Application

Today, as I have occasion, I will not only correct with words, but seek to illustrate with my life.

Prayer

God, give me the strength and wisdom to say with Paul, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.”Amen.

The Enemy of My Enemy

Scripture

¹ David left Gath and escaped to the cave of Adullam. When his brothers and his father’s household heard about it, they went down to him there. ² All those who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered around him, and he became their commander. About four hundred men were with him. (1 Samuel 22:1-2)

Observation

David gave these people hope that a stronger, more godly leader was coming and they followed him because of their common adversary. There is an old adage that says, “the enemy of my enemy is my friend.” I am sure that David appreciated having support of family and friends in this time when he was in exile but it’s not always the best thing to be surrounded by people “in distress or in debt or discontented.” He knew that these people had no love for King Saul, and he could trust them – but how long? And, are these the sort of people who would be best to start his base of support?

Application

The point that is standing out to me is that a leader  cannot choose who follows. David, by being who God had created him to be, was attractive to others – and people followed him. His role, after that point was to continue to lead in God-honoring ways. I will work to do the same.

Prayer

Thank you, God, for the gifts of leadership you have given me. Continue to develop them for the sake of your kingdom and your glory –  not mine. Help me to lead well those who follow, as I say with the Apostle Paul, ‘follow my example as I follow Christ.’ Amen.

Day of Rest

There is no assigned reading for the Book-at-a-Time Bible Reading Plan.

Each seventh day, and some days at the end of the month the plan has provided a day of reflection. Please use these days to meditate more deeply on something that was significant in the past week, to catch up on any missed readings, or to revist favorite or recently read passages.

Faith not Fear

Scripture

⁴¹ Meanwhile, the Philistine, with his shield bearer in front of him, kept coming closer to David. ⁴² He looked David over and saw that he was little more than a boy, glowing with health and handsome, and he despised him. ⁴³ He said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come at me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. ⁴⁴ ”Come here,” he said, “and I’ll give your flesh to the birds and the wild animals!”

    ⁴⁵ David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. ⁴⁶ This day the LORD will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. ⁴⁷ All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.” (1 Samuel 17.41-47)

Observation

David must have known enough to be afraid when he should have been; surely this Philistine warrior was a more formidable adversary than a lion or a bear – but the young shepherd stands firm in his faith and knowledge of God! David comes across as brash, confident – even cocky. But his confidence is not in himself, his armor, or his sling – it is in the LORD.

Application

As I face uncertainties and frightening scenarios, I want to meet them head-on, like David. He knew God, and saw Goliath as he was. God gave him success and David’s faith was proved to have substance!

Prayer

Dear Lord, Help me to have the faith of David to face the giants that confront me. I will strive to remember who fights and wins the battles; it is not I, but the LORD! Amen.

Sacrifice or Obey? Both? Neither?

Scripture

¹⁹ Why did you not obey the LORD? Why did you pounce on the plunder and do evil in the eyes of the LORD?”

    ²⁰ ”But I did obey the LORD,” Saul said. “I went on the mission the LORD assigned me. I completely destroyed the Amalekites and brought back Agag their king. ²¹ The soldiers took sheep and cattle from the plunder, the best of what was devoted to God, in order to sacrifice them to the LORD your God at Gilgal.”

    ²² But Samuel replied: 
       “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices 
       as much as in obeying the LORD? 
       To obey is better than sacrifice, 
       and to heed is better than the fat of rams. (1 Samuel 15:19-22)

Observation

I wonder if Saul realizes that he’s wrong – I don’t think he does. The prophet Samuel’s response gets to the heart of the issue. Saul would rather be able to sacrifice and be seen doing it rather than coming home without plunder. For Saul, giving the offering and making the ritual sacrifices weren’t nearly as difficult as obeying God.

Application

Is that true for me, too? Is going through the motions really all that I do, or do I really desire to obey God’s requests? When questioned in the New Testament about what was most important, Jesus responded with these words, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. ³⁹ And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” 

I have heard what God requires – what Jesus asks of us, now I need to heed and obey.

Prayer

Precious Jesus, I want to be a man after your own heart. I know what you expect – help me to live that way… make me into the kind of person who desires to love you with all of who I am. Give me your strength to obey, some days I don’t have enough of my own. Amen. 

A Fine Farewell

Scripture

²⁰ ”Do not be afraid,” Samuel replied. “You have done all this evil; yet do not turn away from the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart. ²¹ Do not turn away after useless idols. They can do you no good, nor can they rescue you, because they are useless. ²² For the sake of his great name the LORD will not reject his people, because the LORD was pleased to make you his own. ²³ As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right. ²⁴ But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. (1 Samuel 12:20-24)

Observation

In this farewell address Samuel sets the record straight. He is honest and loving. Here is the summary:

• Don’t turn away from the LORD
• Don’t turn to idols
• Serve the LORD (with all your heart)
• Fear the LORD
• Consider (remember) what he has done for you
• The LORD will not reject his people
• The Lord has made you his own

Here, the Israelites have a clear list of clear dos and don’ts as well as reminders of God’s character. Samuel, the prophet, who was dedicated by his formerly-barren mother served the LORD faithfully for a long time – and ended well.

Application

As I prepare to finish my time at Bloomington Covenenant Church I could only pray to finish as well as Samuel. I hope to remind my brothers and sisters of the ways we have seen God move, and combine this with admonitions to put into practice all that we have learned.

Prayer

God who calls and anoints, bless me with the words that these, your people, need to hear as I leave BCC. I ask that you would give me the grace that I might speak with the eloquence of your prophet, Samuel. Use even this time of sadness to reveal your glory, your goodness, and your plan for this church. In Jesus’ name and for his sake, Amen.

Sometimes It’s Not Good to Get What You Want

Scripture

⁶ But when they said, “Give us a king to lead us,” this displeased Samuel; so he prayed to the LORD. ⁷ And the LORD told him: “Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king. ⁸As they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you. ⁹ Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will claim as his rights.” (1 Samuel 8:6-9)

Observation

God grants the request of the Israelites and they will not like what they have received. The Israelites want a king because everyone else has a king… but God sees it also as a rejection of his authority and leadership. How much easier is it to follow a human being than to follow God. The Prophet Samuel warns the people solemnly, and they are okay with the consequences enumerated. God then allows them to receive what they want; it will lead to their suffering, and maybe even to their destruction… but after all, it is what they wanted.

Application

I think the application here is readily apparent: I need to want what God wants and what will be best for me – not just what I want, or what everyone else has. I need to listen to the divine warnings that are given, and trust that when a person of God relays possible consequences that these will come to pass.

Prayer

Father,
I abandon myself into your hands; do with me what you will.
Whatever you may do, I thank you:
I am ready for all, I accept all.
Let only your will be done in me, and in all your creatures.
I wish no more than this, O Lord. 

Into your hands I commend my soul;
I offer it to you
with all the love of my heart,
for I love you, Lord,
and so need to give myself,
to surrender myself into your hands,
without reserve,
and with boundless confidence,
for you are my Father. Amen.

Prayer of Abandonment by Charles de Foucald

Learn from the Past – even if it’s not your own

Scripture

Why do you harden your hearts as the Egyptians and Pharaoh did? When Israel’s god dealt harshly with them, did they not send the Israelites out so they could go on their way? (1 Samuel 6:6)

Observation

Notice, even the Philistines knew of what the LORD had done to deliver Israel from the hands of the Egyptians. The Philistine priests and diviners expected the leaders to learn from a history that was not their own. The offering that was eventually given was accepted and the plague was lifted.

Wise men, those priests – even out of pagan Philistine!

Application

I will look for wisdom and the presence of God wherever I find it… even when it seems to come from an unlikely source!

Prayer

God, thank you that since the creation of the world your invisible qualities—your eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen. I ask that you give me eyes to see it when I stumble across it, no matter where I find myself! Amen.