Life Journal 07-31-2008 Cleaning Filthy Rags

Cleaning Filthy Rags
(S) Scripture
Isaiah 64:6 (NASB77) 6 For all of us have become like one who is unclean, And all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment; And all of us wither like a leaf, And our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.
1 John 2:1-2 (NASB77) 1 My little children, I am writing these things to you that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; 2 and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world.

(O) Observation
Isaiah paints an accurate and tough picture of the people. They are unclean and their righteous acts are like filthy rags before God. This is a picture of our sinfulness and our sin nature. But John gives us hope - Jesus, who is righteous pleads with the Father on our behalf. Cleansing in our lives comes from faith in Christ (1 John 1:9). Our sins are covered by the blood of Jesus.

(A)Application
Just when, in mt arrogance, I think I have got things in order and down pat, I read this passage. My righteousness, as good as it might be, is like a filthy rag before God. Nothing I can do can ever measure up to his standard. On my own I am at best like the lepers of the New Testament crying out, "unclean, unclean" and my clothes are filthy and infected. But thanks be to God for the cleansing I have in Jesus. He has healed me and clothed me in His righteousness so that I am not left on my own.
Today I will not rely on my pride filled righteousness but rather trust in the One who makes me righteous. I will seek to do what God impresses on me. Today I will follow Jesus.

(P) Prayer
O God, forgive me when my pride gets the best of me. Teach me to trust and follow you. Remind me that the only thing that pleases you is obedience. Thank you for cleansing my sin and clothing me in Christ. Amen

Life Journal 07-30-2008 Walking in the Light

Walking in the Light

(S) Scripture
1 John 1:7 (NASB) 7 but if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.

(O) Observation
God says that when we walk in the light we have fellowship with Him and we are cleansed from our sins by Jesus.

(A) Application
So often I have read this verse and thought the fellowship was with other Christians, but a close reading indicates that the fellowship is with God. It seems so simple when you take time to read and meditate on a passage. Although unity and fellowship among Christians is important that is not the emphasis here but rather the byproduct.

What does it mean for me to have fellowship with God? How incredible is it that God would even desire to have fellowship with me? And in addition to this fellowship my sins are also cleansed. Now that is a place I want to be and God offers it to me as I walk in the light as He is in the light. To walk in the light means my life will reflect the life of Jesus. I will be living with others in mind rather than just myself.

If God offers this fellowship how can I reject it. Today I will continue to invest myself in deepening this relationship with God.

(P)Prayer- My prayer today is found in the words of the hymn "O Master Let Me Walk With Thee"

O Master, let me walk with Thee,
In lowly paths of service free;
Tell me Thy secret; help me bear
The strain of toil, the fret of care.

Help me the slow of heart to move
By some clear, winning word of love;
Teach me the wayward feet to stay,
And guide them in the homeward way.

O Master, let me walk with Thee,
Before the taunting Pharisee;
Help me to bear the sting of spite,
The hate of men who hide Thy light.

The sore distrust of souls sincere
Who cannot read Thy judgments clear,
The dullness of the multitude,
Who dimly guess that Thou art good.

Teach me Thy patience; still with Thee
In closer, dearer, company,
In work that keeps faith sweet and strong,
In trust that triumphs over wrong.

In hope that sends a shining ray
Far down the future’s broadening way,
In peace that only Thou canst give,
With Thee, O Master, let me live

O God my heart's desire is to walk with you. Amen

Life Journal 07-29-2008 Fasting

Fasting

(S) Scripture
Isaiah 58:3-11 (NIV)
3 'Why have we fasted,' they say, 'and you have not seen it? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you have not noticed?' "Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please and exploit all your workers.
4 Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife, and in striking each other with wicked fists. You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high.
5 Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for a man to humble himself? Is it only for bowing one's head like a reed and for lying on sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the LORD?
6 "Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?
7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter-- when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
8 Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.
9 Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. "If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk,
10 and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.
11 The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.

(O) Observation
Isaiah makes clear God's design and desire for fasting. Here he explains what it is and what it is not. Fasting is not just for the individual but it is accompanied by action that benefits others. Fasting should produce action on behalf of the poor and oppressed - those less fortunate than ourselves.

(A) Application
"How do you make a slow horse fast? Don't feed him." Most people think fasting is just that - not eating. It is much more and in this passage Isaiah gives God's perspective by describing their experience and his expectations. Fasting is not just for the individual's self gratification. Here the Word says it should bring me to a place of action on behalf of the poor and oppressed. Fasting leads me to a place where I no longer condemn others but spend myself in helping those in need. It is then that my light will rise in the darkness and I will receive God's direction and protection in my life.
I have missed the purpose of fasting so often by thinking it was for my personal spiritual enrichment when in fact God wants to use fasting to prepare me to do His work with those in need. Today I will look for opportunities to help those in need and not think only of myself.

(P) Prayer
Lord, forgive me for being so self-centered and thinking that it is always about me. I ask that you make me sensitive to the needs of people around me and help me to take the steps to help them. Prod me out of my complacency. Amen

Life Journal 07-28-2008 Enslaved

Enslaved

(S) Scripture
2 Peter 2:17-20 (NIV) 17 These men are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them. 18 For they mouth empty, boastful words and, by appealing to the lustful desires of sinful human nature, they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error. 19 They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity--for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him. 20 If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning.

(O) Observation
Peter is addressing the problem of false teachers in the church. This is a vivid description of them - "springs without water" and "mists driven by a storm" - all talk and no substance. They are empty and bankrupt of anything helpful or fulfilling for our lives in fact they are enslaved to their own desires and passions.

There is one phrase here that is true for all of us. "A man is a slave to whatever has mastered him." We are enslaved by those things that master us. Freedom from this kind of slavery only comes from knowing and following Jesus. Many are enslaved to things like drugs, alcohol, food, sex and gossip to name just a few. Our freedom comes from Jesus and nothing else can set us free. Not just free of the behavior but also free from the enslaver.

(A) Application
I have fought a weight problem all my life. As I observe people at the mall and other public places I see that we are getting heavier and heavier as a nation. We are enslaved by food. It may be that we eat in response to other issues but we sure are eating. Regardless of the reasons we eat freedom will come from a spiritual solution. If I am to continue to lose the weight I want and need to lose then I must ask the Lord to set me free from the slavery to food. I must follow Jesus more closely and allow Him to direct my life and especially what I eat.

(P) Prayer
Lord, I cannot break this slavery on my own, I need your help, power and strength. Let me eat to your glory and help me achieve the goals I have set. Amen

Life Journal 7-27-2008 An Instructed Tongue

An Instructed Tongue

(S) Scripture
Isaiah 50:4 (NIV) 4 The Sovereign LORD has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught.

(O) Observation
The idea of an "instructed tongue" is an intriguing one. My words are given to me by God. What words are they? Words that sustain the weary. This is instruction with a purpose. It is to give encouragement and courage to the weary to continue. This "instructed tongue" though comes from listening to God. "To listen like one being taught," implies a focused attention to what the Lord is saying. I cannot be distracted by all the other voices that cry for my attention. I cannot be talking I must be listening.

(A) Application
This is an incredible statement. To think that I can have a tongue instructed by God is quite daunting. God does nothing without a purpose and the purpose of an "instructed tongue" is to sustain the weary. Sometimes I avoid those who are weary, I want to be with upbeat and positive people. It is easier to be drawn down by the weary than to pump them up. Here God does not tell me to pump up the weary but rather to give them the words that will sustain them.

Today I will look for ways to give God's encouragement to those who are weary.

(P) Prayer
Lord help me to be aware of the weary around me. Let me share with them your word that will sustain them. Let me listen to you intently and then do what you call me to do. Amen

Life Journal 07-22-2008

Specificity

(S) Scripture
Isaiah 37:21 (NIV) 21 Then Isaiah son of Amoz sent a message to Hezekiah: "This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: Because you have prayed to me concerning Sennacherib king of Assyria,

(O) Observation
When Hezekiah prayed he recounted to God all of Sennacherib's taunts and insults toward God. Sennachrib's pride was recounted in his claim to be greater and more powerful than God.

Hezekiah tells God what God already knows. God is aware and not surprised but it was important for Hezekiah to be specific in his prayer. It is to Hezekiah's specificity that God responds.

(A) Application
When I pray I must be specific about things and verbalize them to God even though He already knows everything about the situation or need. This specificity is for me not Him. It is for me to realize what I am asking of God and so I might get an honest, Godly perspective on what I am asking.

Today I will be specific in my prayer and in what I am asking God to do.

(P) Prayer
Lord help me to learn to pray specifically. Let me gain your perspective on what needs to happen. Teach me to trust you more and more. Amen

Life Journal 07-20-2008 My Call

My Call

(S) Scripture
2 Chronicles 29:11 (NIV) 11 My sons, do not be negligent now, for the LORD has chosen you to stand before him and serve him, to minister before him and to burn incense."

(O) Observation
As King Hezekiah purifies the temple he brings the priests and Levites together. He encouraged them and then reminds them that they were chosen by God for to do God's work. they were to consecrate the temple.

(A) Application
Sometimes it is easy to lose sight of the fact that it is God who chose me for this work as pastor. It is His call in my life. I am to faithfully live out that call. I am to set an example for the people to follow. If I am not consistent in my walk with the Lord how can I ever expect the people to be.

I am to consecrate this worship center so that it is a place where people can worship the Lord. I am to remove those things that hinder our worship. That is a task only God can direct. Today I will seek to do just that as we meet to worship.

(P) Prayer
Lord make clear to me what needs to be removed or consecrated to you so that we all might worship you as we should.
Amen

Life Journal 07-16-2008 Perfect Peace

Perfect Peace

(S) Scripture
Isaiah 26:3 (NIV) 3 You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.

Isaiah 26:3 (KJV) 3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

(O) Observation
Isaiah in this song of praise gives a great promise to the people. God keeps those, whose focus and trust are on Him, in perfect peace. Restlessness may be a sign of a wandering mind and lack of trust in the only One worthy of it.

(A) Application
The emphasis is on the work God does, keeping us in perfect peace, for those who are trusting and focused on Him. I quoted both the NIV and KJV here because I memorized this verse in the KJV a long time ago. I still like the visual image that " whose mind is stayed on Thee," gives. There is a stable enduring quality to the word "stayed". My task is to stay focused on God continually and to trust Him fully. When I am restless I know that my focus has wandered. Today I want to focus on Him and to trust Him. I want to experience His perfect peace.

(P) Prayer
Lord take my life and use me. Make me into the person you want me to be. When I am restless call this verse to my attention. Let me sense your peace.
Amen

Life Journal 07-15-2008 - God's Discipline

God's Discipline

(S) Scripture
Hebrews 12:5-6 (NIV) - And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son."

(O) Observation
The writer has just encouraged the people to run with perseverance the race set before them with their eyes fixed on Jesus. The problem is that we struggle against sin. In these verses he reminds us of God's faithfulness and His purpose in disciplining us. The discipline should encourage us. It may not be pleasant but it reminds us that we are his children

(A) Application
Sometimes I see God's discipline only as punishment and not for any greater purpose. I forget that it is only because I am his child that he bothers to discipline me. Rather than sulk or pout I should thank God for loving me enough not to allow me to stray without addressing it.

Today I will not sulk or pout but will look for the lesson God is teaching me in the discipline. As long as I continue to sin, seems like it is never ending, I need God's discipline. Today I will be thankful.

(P) Prayer
Lord, I thank You for loving me enough to discipline me. Please do not stop. Make the lessons clear and let me grow into the person you want me to be. Amen

Life Journal 07-14-2008 The Hall Of Fame

The Hall Of Fame

(S) Scripture
Hebrews 11:13 (NIV) All these people were still living by faith when they died...

(O) Observation
The writer gives a brief listing of the heroes of the OT, both men and women. The common thread was that they lived by faith in the Lord God. They lived lives that made the world unworthy of them. They were Hall of Famers

(A) Application
Someone called this chapter "The Bible's Hall of Fame." Halls of Fame are reserved for the best of the best. In a recent Sports Illustrated a poll was taken asking whether Roger Clemens and Pete Rose belong in the Baseball Hall of Fame. The result was a resounding "YES". Both of these men have scandals attached to their names, one admitted (Rose's gambling) and one denied (Clemens steroid use). Their accomplishments on the field certainly qualify them but it is character issues that keep them out.

The Hall of Fame in this passage is reserved for those who lived by faith. Their lives form the time they met the God of Israel were lived by faith in Him. Some were not the type you and I might choose for a hall of Fame: Rahab was a prostitute and Moses was a murderer. They are in this list because they understood that we please God by living by faith and not by sight or duty.

As I think about this I want my name on a similar list some day. I know that it comes only when I live consistently by faith until I die. I cannot achieve it by my own efforts but I can by trusting God moment by moment and living by faith.

(P) Prayer
Lord teach me to trust you more and to walk each step by faith. Let me live like a Hall of Famer. Amen

Life Journal 07-13-2008 I'm Perfect?

I'm Perfect?

(S) Scripture
Hebrews 10:14 (NIV) 14 because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.

(O) Observation
The old sacrifices made yearly were not permanent. They only reminded the people of their sin. Jesus came and in one sacrifice made that forgiveness permanent and made us perfect before God forever.

(A) Application
WOW what a thought, "I'm perfect." I must admit that I put a question mark behind that statement. This is not like the song, "O Lord it's hard to be humble when you're perfect in every way..." I know that I have not stopped sinning, I don't get 100's on all my tests, and I still have tough times. What does it mean to be perfect? It means to stand before God clothed in Christ. Because of the sacrifice of Jesus I am forgiven and made perfect. It has nothing to do with my performance but everything to do with my Savior. Today I will seek to live for Him. I cannot imagine doing anything else. How could I receive this forgiveness and then live contrary to the One who died for me.

(P) Prayer
Lord, I know that I am not perfect in myself. I know that left to myself I am sinful and rebellious. Today I want to live for you and experience again your forgiveness and power to live life to its fullest. Amen

Life Journal 07-12-2008 Destined to Die Then Judgment

Destined to Die Then Judgment

(S) Scripture
Hebrews 9:27-28 (NIV) 27 Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, 28 so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.

(O) Observation
We are all destined to die once and then face judgment but Christ was sacrificed only once to take a way our sins and will come again to bring us eternal life.

I heard an easy explanation of this idea from a preacher a long time ago. Born once (physical birth) die twice (Physical and spiritual) but born twice (birth and becoming a Christian) only die once (physical).

(A) Application
I have been born twice and I know that my sins have been forgiven and that Jesus will come again to take me with Him. I know that someday I will die, unless Jesus comes back first, and then I will face judgment. This is the destiny of all humankind. At this judgment, as a child of God, I will be clothed in Christ. He will plead my case before God and I will then be ushered into my eternal home in heaven.

As I think about all that God has done for me in Christ I cannot help but to do my best to live faithfully for Him.

(P) Prayer
Lord, thank you for the promise of eternal life in Jesus. Thank you for forgiving my sins and making me your child. Let me live for you today. Amen

Life Journal 07-10-2008 No Shallow Sacrifices

No Shallow Sacrifices

(S) Scripture
Micah 6:6-8 (NIV) 6 With what shall I come before the LORD and bow down before the exalted God? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? 7 Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? 8 He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

(O) Observation
Micah has just delivered the Lord's case against Israel. He then expresses the desire of the people to please God. they are not sure and offer some alternatives. They wonder what it will take to please God. All their thoughts seem like they want to do something and "check it off their list" so God will be pleased with them. Micah reminds them that they know what God requires and it is not shallow sacrifices but rather it is a lifestyle of faithful living that God requires.

(A) Application
I find myself at times wanting to substitute a shallow sacrifice or act of obedience for a life of faithful living. The shallow acts come on my terms but God requires faithfulness. God's requirements are much more stringent and too often I look for the easy way. God does not want my shallow sacrifices. He wants my life. Today I want to be aware when I try to substitute empty shallow sacrifices for the integrity of faithful living. Today I will focus on doing what God requires and making that the norm in my life.

(P) Prayer
Lore, I need your strength and power to faithfully follow and live for you. Teach me not to play games with you but to trust you fully. I want my life to please and glorify you. Amen

Life Journal 07-09-2008 Perils of Lazy

Perils of Lazy

(S) Scripture
Hebrews 6:12 (NIV) 12 We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.

(O) Observation
The writer has just warned the people about persevering in their walk with the Lord. He tells them here not to get lazy but to press on in faith and patience.

(A) Application
It is easy for me to get lazy in my walk with the Lord. To become comfortable and then lax in the disciplines required to grow. To miss a daily devotion is one thing but to miss a week or month is another and we suffer from our laziness.

Patience is required because God is not on our schedule. It is tough to wait on Him. Sometimes when He doesn't work as quickly as we want we get discouraged and walk away. We get lazy and miss so much. Today I will exercise the disciplines I need to grow.

(P) Prayer
Lord it is easy to get lazy. Grant me the energy and will to do what I must to grow in you. Keep me exercising my spiritual muscles so I can be strong for you. Amen

Life Journal 07-08-2008 Sin Is Our Downfall

Sin Is Our Downfall

(S) Scripture
Hosea 14:1 (NIV) 1 Return, O Israel, to the LORD your God. Your sins have been your downfall!
(O) Observation
Hosea has delivered a message of judgment from God to the Israelites. He has described their sins and God's judgment on them. This verse is his cry for repentance - the way for forgiveness. "return to the Lord your God" He reminds them that they are where they are because of their sins.

(A) Application
When I feel far from God the reason is my sin. That is my downfall. When I am not succeeding in my life by God's standards it is because of my sin. Sin is my downfall and separates my fellowship with the Father. My sin becomes like a cloud that blocks my clear view of God. The solution is to "return to the Lord your God" - I do that by Spiritual Breathing (confession of sin and appropriating the power of the Holy Spirit in my life). This is a concept I learned from Bill Bright of Campus Crusade for Christ. It is the way we can experience God's love and forgiveness on a moment by moment basis.

Today I will practice spiritual breathing and experience God's love and forgiveness anew in my life. I want to live constantly in His favor.

(P) Prayer
Lord, forgive me when I stray. Keep me from falling. Let me "return to you" and follow you alone. Amen

Life Journal 07-07-2008 Jesus Knows

Jesus Knows

(S) Scripture
Hebrews 4:13 (NIV) 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

(O) Observation
The writer is reminding the people that God sees and knows everything and we will each have to give and account of our behavior to Him.

(A) Application
My mother-in-law quite often says, "Jesus Knows" when she is correcting the behavior of her grandchildren or great grandchildren or children or son-in-law. It is her reminder that even if no one else saw the deed, Jesus Did.

Today I want to live in such a way that it does not matter who sees me because I will be doing what the Lord desires.

(P) Prayer
Lord, forgive me when I try to sneak and hide my behavior. I want to do what you desire. Le me walk unashamed before you and others. Amen

Mini-Vacation at the Soo

My wife and I left Wednesday evening (right after the hail storm) for a couple of days in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. What a beautiful area. We both were glad to go when it is green and not white. We visited Whitefish Point, known as a "Shipwreck Graveyard,"where the Edmund Fitzgreald sunk in the 1970's. Here we visited the museum and other buildings related to the Coast Guard Station and rescue center there. The The temperature was in the mid 60's and with the wind it was quite chilly. My devotion that mrning was from Hebrews 1:3 where the writer says that Jesus is superior to everything. Although Lake Superior is spectacular and upredictable and fierce it still is nothing compared to Jesus.

From there we went to Tahquamenon Falls. We visited both the lower and upper falls. These were spectacular. The sound of the water was relaxing. The water is a copper color but it is not from mineral ores like we thought but from decaying trees. IT was a great day as we enjoyed God's creation on the walks to the falls. We ate in the restaurant at the falls and had the mandatory "pastie." We ended a great day in Sault Saint Marie across the St. Mary's River from Canada.

On Friday we did the tourist things. We visited the Bushplane Museum in Sault Saint Marie, Ontario, and then took the boat ride through the Soo Locks. The Soo Locks opened trade from the ports on Lake Superior to the Atlantic Ocean by way or the other Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River. It was an experience to have the boat lifted 21 feet to the level of the river on the west side of the locks. The sun was bright and warm and it was a great day on the water, so relaxing that we both snoozed sometime during the cruise. We ate in two local restaurants, Antlers (hundreds of antlers on the wall and an experience in Yooper hospitality) and the Lockside Restaurant where we had fresh whitefish and it was wonderful. We ended the evening by going back to see the fireworks over the locks. It was not what we expected. They lit them one at a time for 30 minutes and as we left they apparently began the finale and what we expected but we missed it because we had already left.

It was a great time away and refreshed our souls.

Life Journal 07-06-2008 The Power Of Encouragement

The Power Of Encouragement

(S) Scripture
Hebrews 3:13 (NIV)
But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.

(O) Observation
As the writer warns against unbelief he gives this antidote to the people. "Encourage each other" - We are in this together and need each other. We are to encourage and build each other up rather than to tear or put down.

(A) Application
I have been an encourager most of my life. I tend to look for and believe the best in people. As a young man I was also sarcastic and what I thought was humor really hurt many others. As a pastor my role now is especially to be an encourager. Sometimes I still revert back to that critical spirit that puts people down. Today I will look for the best in people. I will seek opportunities to encourage. I will watch what I say to be sure it pleases the Lord.

(P) Prayer
Lord, thank you for the encouragement I have I Christ. Let me encourage others. Forgive me when I am critical and sarcastic - make me aware so I can apologize and let me encourage others to be like You. Amen

Life Journal 07-01-2008 Redemption After Hypocrisy

Redemption After Hypocrisy
(S) Scripture"Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. Isaiah 1:18 (NIV)

(O) Observation
Isaiah has just delivered a litany of sins the people had and were committing. He declares that God is not pleased with their hypocrisy in worship (saying one thing with lips and living to the contrary). Isaiah then comes to this word of hope and reconciliation. Forgiveness is available if the people will turn to the Lord. Their sin will be covered and taken away.

(A) Application
I may not be committing the overt sins described in this passage but I wonder how often I am guilty of a similar hypocrisy. Sometimes worship gets to be routine or done out of duty and in my own efforts. That is not what God wants. He does not want empty promises or sacrifices. God wants my whole heart focused o Him and not just on what looks good or feels good. Today I will take inventory of my own life. Does my walk match my talk. Where I am deficient I will trust God. I want to experience his grace and love and power in my life.

(P) Prayer
Lord, today was a tough day. I decided not to go to Kenya. I am not sure you are in it and so I declined the invitation. I sensed that you were not in it at this time. It is difficult to disappoint people but I must do what I believe you are leading me to do. Thank You for your direction in my life. Let me live in a way that brings glory to you and points people to your Son. Amen