Read: 1 Sam 14:23-
God saved Israel on one day, but the next day they had a new battle. This time the battle was in Beth-aven. Beth-aven means "house of vanity" so I looked up "vanity" in the dictionary. (Vanity - any thing or act that is vain, futile, idle, or worthless.) That about sums up what we read next. Saul goes on a power trip and decides no one can eat anything till he is avenged of his enemies. (When did they become his enemies and not their enemies?) They had to pass through woods that were dripping from honey. Notice how everytime you decide to go on a fast you get invited out to your favorite restaurant, or your mom invites you over for your favorite meal? So we feel their pain. Saul probably felt a little weakness in the ranks, so he puts a death curse on anyone who eats anything. Boy did that backfire. Jonathan, his son, wasn't around when Saul made this vow so when he saw the honey, he ate some and was immediately strengthined. Someone got up the nerve to tell Jonathan about the curse. Jonathan gave his opinion about his father's snap decision. He said they all would have fought better if they had eaten.
They did fight well that day, even though they were very weak. At the end of the day the people were famished and attacked the spoil, eating the meat uncooked; a total no-no in God's law. Saul attempts to right their wrong and brings over a rock for an altar and tells the people to bring their oxes for a huge sacrifice. At the bar-b-que Saul comes up with another vain plan. He wants to sneak down to the Philistine camp and slay the rest of them that night. His men have just fought all day on an empty stomach, gorged themselves on uncooked meat and now, he wants them to finish off the night with more war. This time the priests come to the rescue and suggest they ask God what to do. God is not speaking so they decide to find out why. It goes back to the vain vow Saul made about eating. Jonathan is chosen as the culprit and admits he ate honey since he didn't know about the foolish vow. His father has to keep his word, after all he is the king who has all the power so why should he repent. The people take up for Jonathan and get his life spared. God must have been pleased because he sent the Philistines home for a while.
The opposite of 'vanity' is purpose which translates to "God's will". If we walk in God's purpose for us evey moment we won't be making those vain decisions. Sounds good, but we all find ourselfs in the House of Vanity at some time. Next time instead of going to the next room hoping it will get better, I'm going to look for the door I came in and go out! There are no back doors in the house of vanity; Saul surely didn't find one.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Wed Devo - Today, We Fight!
Read 1 Sam 14: 7-22
Jonathan and his armorbearer are having this great discussion: The armorbearer pledges his life to Jonathan and then Jonathan reveals his ridiculously dangerous plan. (paraphrased) "We are going to go expose our position to the Philistines. If they say, 'stay there, we're coming down to get you', then we'll just stand here and wait for them. If they say, 'Come up here to us', then we will go up to them. It doesn't matter what they say because God has delivered them into our hands." Now that's a plan!
The Philistines call them up, so up they go on hands and feet. I bet it tired them out just getting there. But, since the battle was the Lord's, he never gets tired. They slaughtered 20 men. The rest of the army started trembling with fear. This supernatural fear spread throughout the garrison and then, even the ground started trembling. Saul's watchmen watched from afar as the Philistines ran away fighting themselves. When they reported this to Saul, he called a meeting to find out who might have instigated this. The roll-call showed that only Jonathan and his armorbearer were missing. Saul was fixing to bring in the ark, but was distracted by the sound of the battle. Instead, he told his men to go fight. Not only did they fight, but Israelites that had joined the Philistines turned to fight with the Israelites. The Lord saved Israel that day.
Saul almost missed his opportunity. Had he brought in the ark and had the priests sacrifice, he would have missed the salvation God wanted to bring about that day. God was moving in the battlefield so they needed to get where God was moving and join God. "There is a way that seems right unto a man, but the end are the ways of death." Pro. 16:25. There are many good things to do, but where is God and what is he doing? It is always best to be with him.
Lord, show us where you are today and invite us to join you!
Jonathan and his armorbearer are having this great discussion: The armorbearer pledges his life to Jonathan and then Jonathan reveals his ridiculously dangerous plan. (paraphrased) "We are going to go expose our position to the Philistines. If they say, 'stay there, we're coming down to get you', then we'll just stand here and wait for them. If they say, 'Come up here to us', then we will go up to them. It doesn't matter what they say because God has delivered them into our hands." Now that's a plan!
The Philistines call them up, so up they go on hands and feet. I bet it tired them out just getting there. But, since the battle was the Lord's, he never gets tired. They slaughtered 20 men. The rest of the army started trembling with fear. This supernatural fear spread throughout the garrison and then, even the ground started trembling. Saul's watchmen watched from afar as the Philistines ran away fighting themselves. When they reported this to Saul, he called a meeting to find out who might have instigated this. The roll-call showed that only Jonathan and his armorbearer were missing. Saul was fixing to bring in the ark, but was distracted by the sound of the battle. Instead, he told his men to go fight. Not only did they fight, but Israelites that had joined the Philistines turned to fight with the Israelites. The Lord saved Israel that day.
Saul almost missed his opportunity. Had he brought in the ark and had the priests sacrifice, he would have missed the salvation God wanted to bring about that day. God was moving in the battlefield so they needed to get where God was moving and join God. "There is a way that seems right unto a man, but the end are the ways of death." Pro. 16:25. There are many good things to do, but where is God and what is he doing? It is always best to be with him.
Lord, show us where you are today and invite us to join you!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Tuesday's Devo - Get off your Booty!
Read 1 Sam 14:1-6
The Bible is full of dualities and contrasts. Today's reading is no different. We have Jonathan sneaking over with his armor bearer to the Philistine camp while Saul is sitting down on a precipice resting under a pomegranite tree with his 600 men. The grandson Ahiah is the priest now. His name means "worshipper". His dad's name means "brother of goodness" because his dad's brother's name means "where did the glory go?" (Sounds like Cain and Abel all over again). Jonathan has to pass through this narrow place on his way to the Philistine camp. On one side of the pass is a huge sharp rock that has been named Bozez which means "surpassing white; glistening". It is pointing northward to Michmash. "Northward" means "hidden" which always has to do with the spiritual, and "Michmash" means "hidden in the memory". The other rock is "Seneh" which means "thorns", pointing southward to Gibeah. "Southward" has to do with the natural and means "parched" (without spirit). Gibeah means a "hill".
What does all this mean? We can be "safe" and sit where we can see what's coming and be shaded and comfortable. That seems like the practical way and the best one but we aren't going to kick any booty from there. Jonathan chose the "unsafe" way; undermanned, and walking straight toward the enemy. He is going to confront danger face to face. He takes his faithful armor bearer who is just as dangerous and impulsive as he is. Good choice of friends if you want to do damage to Satan's realm. They come to a place where they are faced with the Word of Blessing (Bozez) and the Word of Curses (Seneh). The blessing is holy and hidden in the memory of what God has said in his Word. The curse is set up high and leaves you dry. It is at this juncture that Jonathan makes his proclamation: "God is All Powerful so it doesn't matter if we are a few or many."
God, we want to be dangerous and do exploits! May we never use incompetent excuses but remember Jonathan and his armor bearer as our examples.
The Bible is full of dualities and contrasts. Today's reading is no different. We have Jonathan sneaking over with his armor bearer to the Philistine camp while Saul is sitting down on a precipice resting under a pomegranite tree with his 600 men. The grandson Ahiah is the priest now. His name means "worshipper". His dad's name means "brother of goodness" because his dad's brother's name means "where did the glory go?" (Sounds like Cain and Abel all over again). Jonathan has to pass through this narrow place on his way to the Philistine camp. On one side of the pass is a huge sharp rock that has been named Bozez which means "surpassing white; glistening". It is pointing northward to Michmash. "Northward" means "hidden" which always has to do with the spiritual, and "Michmash" means "hidden in the memory". The other rock is "Seneh" which means "thorns", pointing southward to Gibeah. "Southward" has to do with the natural and means "parched" (without spirit). Gibeah means a "hill".
What does all this mean? We can be "safe" and sit where we can see what's coming and be shaded and comfortable. That seems like the practical way and the best one but we aren't going to kick any booty from there. Jonathan chose the "unsafe" way; undermanned, and walking straight toward the enemy. He is going to confront danger face to face. He takes his faithful armor bearer who is just as dangerous and impulsive as he is. Good choice of friends if you want to do damage to Satan's realm. They come to a place where they are faced with the Word of Blessing (Bozez) and the Word of Curses (Seneh). The blessing is holy and hidden in the memory of what God has said in his Word. The curse is set up high and leaves you dry. It is at this juncture that Jonathan makes his proclamation: "God is All Powerful so it doesn't matter if we are a few or many."
God, we want to be dangerous and do exploits! May we never use incompetent excuses but remember Jonathan and his armor bearer as our examples.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Monday's Devo - Bring on the Blacksmiths
Read 1 Sam. 13 -
The key to me to this whole chapter is at the end in verses 19-22. No wonder they are shaking in their boots. They have no swords or spears. Only Saul and Jonathan had weapons. The reason they didn't have weapons was that they had been under the rule of the Philistines who hadn't allowed them to have a blacksmith to make weapons. The Philistines had swords, spears, shields, chariots, and horses. What the Israelites forgot was that they had God, whose weapons were fire, thunder, rain, lightning, bees, hornets, and a few more ideas they hadn't seen yet.
So the Philistines came in multitude with all their weapons and Israel ran and hid. Samuel had told Saul to meet him in 7 days to offer a burnt offering. Saul got there, but Samuel was late. All the people were panicking and leaving so Saul decided to take manners in his own hands. He offered the burnt offering. As soon as he had finished Samuel appeared. When he saw what had happened he told Saul he had acted foolishly; now the kingdom would be taken from him and given to man whose heart would be after God's.
Saul goes back and numbers his men. The 3,000 has now become 600. Meanwhile the multitude of Philistines are dividing their troops into 3 groups to surround the Israelites.
The interesting thing about the "no weapons" thing is that God's Word is our sword and shield. It is not enough for the pastor or leader to have the sword because they don't always make the right decision. The people needed their own sword. We are responsible for our own growth in God. When we don't sharpen our swords with use, we are terrified when the devil attacks us. We hide wherever we can find a place just like the Israelites did.
Lord, your Word is a 2-edged sword that pierces and divides the soul from the spirit, the bone from the marrow, and the thoughts from the intents of our hearts. We put our trust in your Word.
The key to me to this whole chapter is at the end in verses 19-22. No wonder they are shaking in their boots. They have no swords or spears. Only Saul and Jonathan had weapons. The reason they didn't have weapons was that they had been under the rule of the Philistines who hadn't allowed them to have a blacksmith to make weapons. The Philistines had swords, spears, shields, chariots, and horses. What the Israelites forgot was that they had God, whose weapons were fire, thunder, rain, lightning, bees, hornets, and a few more ideas they hadn't seen yet.
So the Philistines came in multitude with all their weapons and Israel ran and hid. Samuel had told Saul to meet him in 7 days to offer a burnt offering. Saul got there, but Samuel was late. All the people were panicking and leaving so Saul decided to take manners in his own hands. He offered the burnt offering. As soon as he had finished Samuel appeared. When he saw what had happened he told Saul he had acted foolishly; now the kingdom would be taken from him and given to man whose heart would be after God's.
Saul goes back and numbers his men. The 3,000 has now become 600. Meanwhile the multitude of Philistines are dividing their troops into 3 groups to surround the Israelites.
The interesting thing about the "no weapons" thing is that God's Word is our sword and shield. It is not enough for the pastor or leader to have the sword because they don't always make the right decision. The people needed their own sword. We are responsible for our own growth in God. When we don't sharpen our swords with use, we are terrified when the devil attacks us. We hide wherever we can find a place just like the Israelites did.
Lord, your Word is a 2-edged sword that pierces and divides the soul from the spirit, the bone from the marrow, and the thoughts from the intents of our hearts. We put our trust in your Word.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Saturday's Devo - Pentecost is Costly
Read 1 Sam. 12 -
Samuel is old and gives one last warning to the people about the king they asked for. He reminds them that as their prophet, he never once cheated them or received a bribe. Then he takes the people through the history lesson of their past. He reminds them of all the times they sinned, were given over to their enemies, called out to God, and God delivered them from their enemies. The OT cycle. Even though they have asked for a king, if they obey the voice of the Lord, then, they and the king will follow the Lord.
He reminds them of the season they are in: wheat harvest, which means Pentecost. On the first Pentecost God spoke to his people from Mt. Sinai with thunderings and lightnings and thick smoke and a loud trumpet. All the people were afraid. On this first Pentecost God betrothed himself to the Jewish nation.
In the New Testament on the day of Pentecost, God sent a sound from heaven like a mighty wind. Cloves of fire were on their heads. God rained down his Holy Spirit and every man's mouth became a trumpet, as he proclaimed God in the people's languages. On this Pentecost, God betrothed himself to the Church.
On the day Samuel called out to God, he sent thunder and rain so that they could perceive and see how great their wickeness was for asking for a king. All the people were afraid. The reason why God was so upset with them was that He was their king. Was He not enough? He was allowing them to willfully disobey and it was going to cost them dearly. This thunder and rain was judgment not blessing.
Once again, I am glad I am living in the New Testament. But, with the blessing of the New comes the responsibility of honoring it. God is going to do new things through those who are reaching out and daring to do something new. We have the responsibility of stewarding what God has given us. Lord, do something "new" in our hearts. Give us holy boldness to do something "new" in our lives.
Samuel is old and gives one last warning to the people about the king they asked for. He reminds them that as their prophet, he never once cheated them or received a bribe. Then he takes the people through the history lesson of their past. He reminds them of all the times they sinned, were given over to their enemies, called out to God, and God delivered them from their enemies. The OT cycle. Even though they have asked for a king, if they obey the voice of the Lord, then, they and the king will follow the Lord.
He reminds them of the season they are in: wheat harvest, which means Pentecost. On the first Pentecost God spoke to his people from Mt. Sinai with thunderings and lightnings and thick smoke and a loud trumpet. All the people were afraid. On this first Pentecost God betrothed himself to the Jewish nation.
In the New Testament on the day of Pentecost, God sent a sound from heaven like a mighty wind. Cloves of fire were on their heads. God rained down his Holy Spirit and every man's mouth became a trumpet, as he proclaimed God in the people's languages. On this Pentecost, God betrothed himself to the Church.
On the day Samuel called out to God, he sent thunder and rain so that they could perceive and see how great their wickeness was for asking for a king. All the people were afraid. The reason why God was so upset with them was that He was their king. Was He not enough? He was allowing them to willfully disobey and it was going to cost them dearly. This thunder and rain was judgment not blessing.
Once again, I am glad I am living in the New Testament. But, with the blessing of the New comes the responsibility of honoring it. God is going to do new things through those who are reaching out and daring to do something new. We have the responsibility of stewarding what God has given us. Lord, do something "new" in our hearts. Give us holy boldness to do something "new" in our lives.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Fridays' Devo - Go Low!
Read 1 Sam 11
Saul has been anointed king by Samuel and gone home where business is usual, until the Ammonites come to challenge Jabesh-gilead. It seems like we always need confrontation to get us to take that next step toward our calling. We are much too comfortable with status-quo. Ever notice how God hates status-quo? So Nahash, the Ammonite (which by the way, Nahash means "snake") tells them the only way he won't kill them is if they cut our all their right eyes. He is doing this as a sign to all Israel that he is greater than them. The people ask for 7 days reprieve to see if anyone will come to their aid. The threat went out to all Israel and when Saul heard it the Spirit of God came upon him and he got very ticked. He took a pair of oxen and cut them into pieces (at least it wasn't a concubine) and sent the pieces throughout Israel with this message: If you don't come out and fight with me this is what is going to happen to your oxen. The fear of the Lord fell on the people and they came to help; 330,000 of them to be exact! On the 7th day Saul divided the troops into 3 parts and attacked the Ammonites until they were all scattered. Well, this solidified Saul's kingship. Everyone was behind him and wanted to go kill those men who had not wanted him to become king. Saul wouldn't let them harm them and instead gave the credit to the Lord. (Saul started out humble....they all do.) The people take Saul to Gilgal and made Saul king.
It seems to be a pattern: God gives man a promotion, then he gives him a situation where his promotion is tested and put on display, then man promotes him. True promotion must start with God, and He confirms it through man. My friend and I have a saying we always use, "Go low". Which just means when you think you have a reason to be proud, don't take it. Choose humility. It is a conscious choice.
Lord, let your promotions lead us back to humility not to pride.
Saul has been anointed king by Samuel and gone home where business is usual, until the Ammonites come to challenge Jabesh-gilead. It seems like we always need confrontation to get us to take that next step toward our calling. We are much too comfortable with status-quo. Ever notice how God hates status-quo? So Nahash, the Ammonite (which by the way, Nahash means "snake") tells them the only way he won't kill them is if they cut our all their right eyes. He is doing this as a sign to all Israel that he is greater than them. The people ask for 7 days reprieve to see if anyone will come to their aid. The threat went out to all Israel and when Saul heard it the Spirit of God came upon him and he got very ticked. He took a pair of oxen and cut them into pieces (at least it wasn't a concubine) and sent the pieces throughout Israel with this message: If you don't come out and fight with me this is what is going to happen to your oxen. The fear of the Lord fell on the people and they came to help; 330,000 of them to be exact! On the 7th day Saul divided the troops into 3 parts and attacked the Ammonites until they were all scattered. Well, this solidified Saul's kingship. Everyone was behind him and wanted to go kill those men who had not wanted him to become king. Saul wouldn't let them harm them and instead gave the credit to the Lord. (Saul started out humble....they all do.) The people take Saul to Gilgal and made Saul king.
It seems to be a pattern: God gives man a promotion, then he gives him a situation where his promotion is tested and put on display, then man promotes him. True promotion must start with God, and He confirms it through man. My friend and I have a saying we always use, "Go low". Which just means when you think you have a reason to be proud, don't take it. Choose humility. It is a conscious choice.
Lord, let your promotions lead us back to humility not to pride.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Thurs. devo - Now is the Time
Happy New Year!!!
Every year I ask God for a word. This year's word is "suddenly". After looking up all the "suddenly's" in the Bible I realized they had to do with warfare. Either Satan was attacking suddenly or God was moving suddenly. Last year's word was "arise". It looks like this year the church of God will arise and fight and get back some things the enemy has stollen.
Suddenly Hezekiah sanctified the temple to sacrifice to God. God will suddenly come to his temple. At the mount of transfiguration they looked around suddenly and just saw Jesus. Jesus is coming back suddenly. The angels came suddenly to pronounce Jesus's birth. The man that was demon possessed suddenly cried out and was delivered. The Holy Spirit came suddenly on the day of Pentecost. Paul was stopped by a light from heaven suddenly. Suddenly an earthquake released Paul and Silas from prison.
So Satan attacks suddenly, but God brings deliverance suddenly. Jesus comes on the scene to rescue us suddenly. He can stop us in our tracks and turn us around suddenly.
In today's reading Saul is suddenly brought out to be the king. Even though he tried to hide, God knew where he was. It wasn't Saul's fault the people had rebelled and wanted a king. He was chosen with a destiny. God gave him a group of men to support him and walk with him. God never calls us to do something alone. We need each other.
Lord, in this year of great harvest, suddenly deliver your people from habits, generational curses, oppression, depression, fear, intimidation, hopelessness, and sin. Suddenly fill them with your Holy Spirit of fire and power. Suddenly come to your temples. (1 Co. 6:19)
Every year I ask God for a word. This year's word is "suddenly". After looking up all the "suddenly's" in the Bible I realized they had to do with warfare. Either Satan was attacking suddenly or God was moving suddenly. Last year's word was "arise". It looks like this year the church of God will arise and fight and get back some things the enemy has stollen.
Suddenly Hezekiah sanctified the temple to sacrifice to God. God will suddenly come to his temple. At the mount of transfiguration they looked around suddenly and just saw Jesus. Jesus is coming back suddenly. The angels came suddenly to pronounce Jesus's birth. The man that was demon possessed suddenly cried out and was delivered. The Holy Spirit came suddenly on the day of Pentecost. Paul was stopped by a light from heaven suddenly. Suddenly an earthquake released Paul and Silas from prison.
So Satan attacks suddenly, but God brings deliverance suddenly. Jesus comes on the scene to rescue us suddenly. He can stop us in our tracks and turn us around suddenly.
In today's reading Saul is suddenly brought out to be the king. Even though he tried to hide, God knew where he was. It wasn't Saul's fault the people had rebelled and wanted a king. He was chosen with a destiny. God gave him a group of men to support him and walk with him. God never calls us to do something alone. We need each other.
Lord, in this year of great harvest, suddenly deliver your people from habits, generational curses, oppression, depression, fear, intimidation, hopelessness, and sin. Suddenly fill them with your Holy Spirit of fire and power. Suddenly come to your temples. (1 Co. 6:19)
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