Crossing the Red Sea - Exodus 13:17-14:31

Crossing the Red Sea - Exodus 13:17-14:31

"...though that way was shorter..."

I'm struck by these words, early on in today's reading.  Even though it would have been shorter to go through Philistine territory, God chose to take the Israelites by the scenic (desert) route.  He takes them the long-way-round!

Why?  Certainly not because God was afraid of the Philistines.  In the readings to come, we'll discover that God is perfectly capable of defending His children, without their military expertise (or lack thereof).

Scripture tells us that God said, "If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt."  We also know that by taking them toward the Red Sea, God was ultimately preparing for an awesome display of His power, and justice for the Israelites.  God had his reasons for taking them on the desert road.

When's the last time God took you the long-way-round? 

It's easy to be frustrated when we think that there's an easier path to take.  It's easy to lose our patience when it seems like it is taking far to long for God's will to be accomplished in our lives.  We sometimes wonder why it seems like we are suffering in the desert.

But this lesson reminds us that God has his reasons for the scenic route--and often it's so He can teach us something, or because He has something better in store for us.  What has God taught you on the desert road?

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord.
“As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts."
                                   - Isaiah 55:8-9

Passover and Exodus - Exodus 12:1-42

Passover and Exodus - Exodus 12:1-42

 "Celebrate this day as a lasting ordinance for the generations to come."
  
The Exodus account is the central event of Old Testament history.   It is the event that defines Israel as a nation, and the series of events that demonstrates God's unfailing faithfulness to His children.  The Israelites cried out from under the yoke of their oppressors, and God heard them and took action.  For generations, the Passover feast celebrates and reenacts the moments when God reached out with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm.


I find it fascinating that God's instructions for that first Passover included the idea that this would be a lasting feast for generations to come.  God hasn't actually delivered them yet... Pharaoh hasn't actually let them go yet... and they haven't yet crossed the Red Sea.


And yet, God is not only promising deliverance, but He is outlining a yearly celebration of the deliverance that is yet to come.  Before they have been delivered, they are to celebrate the deliverance... and God tells them that this feast is to be a lasting ordinance, a celebration for generations to come.


If you've ever skipped ahead to the last chapter of a suspenseful book, you know that you read the story differently if you already know the ending.  In a very real sense, God is allowing Moses and the Israelites to read the last chapter!  They know that they'll make it through this night of terror because God tells them that they'll have children and grandchildren with whom they'll celebrate the feast for years to come.


In the midst of whatever difficulty you're going through this week... take a moment and flip ahead to the end of the Book... because we know how that Story ends too!

Jesus shall reign where'er the sun
Does his successive journeys run;
His kingdom spread from shore to shore,
Till moons shall wax and wane no more.
                                   - Isaac Watts

The Ten Plagues - Exodus 6:28-11:10

The Ten Plagues - Exodus 6:28-11:10

Saying "no" to God

Yesterday we read about Moses, and although he was reluctant, Moses eventually said "Yes, Lord, Yes."

Today, we learn about Pharaoh, who not only consistently said "no" to God, but whose heart became increasingly hardened through the process.  In addition, we discover that though Pharaoh occasionally relented and said, "yes," he quickly changed his mind and became even more rebellious against God.

When you compare Moses and Pharaoh, you realize that obedience is a process.  It took practice for Moses to get to the point where he could not only say, "yes," but could actually obey and confront Pharaoh.  At the same time, we see Pharaoh growing more and more disobedient, shaking his fist at God until the horrific consequences are finally applied.

As a result of the fall, none of us are predisposed to faithful obedience... we have to learn it.  With every decision we make, we're either becoming more or less obedient to God.  If we desire to have the faith of Abraham or Moses, then we must be willing to practice faithful obedience with each moment and each day.

Take my life and let it be
consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Take my moments and my days--
Let them flow in ceaseless praise;
Let them flow in ceaseless praise.

                       - Frances R. Havergal

The Burning Bush - Exodus 3:1-4:17

The Burning Bush - Exodus 3:1-4:17

But Moses said, “O Lord, please send someone else to do it.”  - Genesis 4:13

If we're not careful, we read the story of Moses, glossing over these words.  We jump to the exciting parts: snakes in Pharaoh's court, the Nile turning to blood, repeated confrontations with Pharaoh, and the parting of the Red Sea.  And as we read those stories, Moses becomes so much "larger-than-life" in our minds that we can't possibly identify with him.

And yet, here at the beginning of the story is something we can all identify with - Moses' own reluctance to accept the call of God on his life.  Was it insecurity?  Fear of Pharaoh?  A desire and longing for the comfortable familiarity of sheep-keeping?

When we're honest with ourselves, most of us realize that we're more like Moses than we wish.  I suspect that most of us have, at one time or another, turned down the opportunity to fulfill God's calling--whether it was teaching a Sunday School class, inviting someone to church, or serving in one of our local ministries.  The reasons are numerous: we feel inadequate, we're afraid we will fail, there are other things we'd rather do, and quite frankly--we think someone else could do it better.


Instead of following Moses' example of offering excuses and objections, let us be more like Isaiah, who said, "Here am I.  Send me." (Isaiah 6:8)

I'll say yes, Lord, yes to Your will and to Your way.
I'll say yes, Lord, yes; I will trust You and obey.
When Your Spirit speaks to me, with my whole heart I'll agree,
And my answer will be yes, Lord, yes.

                                                 - Lynn Keesecker

Birth of Moses - Exodus 1:1-2:25

Birth of Moses - Exodus 1:1-2:25

But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and spread - Exodus 1:12a

If you didn't know that this verse was found in the Old Testament, you might assume that it was from the book of Acts, describing the spread of the Early (yet persecuted) Church.  Indeed, one of the themes throughout scripture is the idea that when God's people are persecuted, they only become strengthened in resolve and number.

We are particularly inspired by the actions of the midwives, Shiphrah and Puah.  In an effort to thwart the murderous intent of the Pharaoh, they allowed the boys to live, crediting it to the strength of the Hebrew women who (according to the midwives) didn't need their help!  Their act of subversion gives us an example of what it means to submit to the higher calling as a subject in the Kingdom of God.

It's interesting to note that while we don't know the name of the Pharaoh who was in power, the names of these two women are carefully preserved in scripture.  In an ironic twist, God reminds us that our understanding of significance is backwards and upside-down.  Historical significance is not determined by power or influence, but by the resolve to do the right thing in the face of oppression. Not only do Shiphrah and Puah find their names recorded for all of humanity to learn... but they are granted the blessing of having children of their own.

What pressures do you face each day?  How do the kingdoms of this world attempt to press you into their molds and agendas?  How can you be more like Shiphrah and Puah, subverting the kingdoms of this world with the Kingdom of God?

⁷ But we have this treasure in jars of clay
to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. ⁸ We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair;
⁹ persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 

                                          - 2 Corinthians 4:7-9 

Joseph Reveals His Identity - Genesis 45:1-46:7

Joseph Reveals His Identity - Genesis 45:1-46:7

Before we look at this next part of Joseph's story, let's think back to last Friday's lesson.  Jacob was preparing to meet his brother Esau, loading up all sorts of gifts in order to sweeten his apology.  And yet, it was Esau, the brother who was most wronged, who ran to Jacob and embraced him.

It is similar to Jesus' story of the Prodigal Son.  The Son was returning home and rehearsing his speech, asking his father for a job as one of the hired hands.  And while he was still a long way off, the father ran to him and embraced him.

In a yet another similar move, Joseph does the same thing.  He doesn't wait for his brothers to discover who he is and to make their confessions or to beg for forgiveness.  Instead, in one move, he not only reveals his identity, but he begins the process of reconciliation and forgiveness, pointing out how God used the situation for good.

Is there someone who has wronged you?  Are you waiting for them to come to their senses and apologize?  Perhaps that's not the biblical model at all... perhaps you should go to them and offer them grace and forgiveness.  After all, when we were still sinners, Christ died for us.  When we were unable to reach out to Him, He reached out for us and called us by name.

He called me long before I heard,
Before my sinful heart was stirred;
But when I took Him at His word,
Forgiv'n He lifted me.
From sinking sand He lifted me;
With tender hand He lifted me.
From shades of night to planes of light--
O praise His name--He lifted me!
                                  - Charles H. Gabriel

The Brothers Return - Genesis 43:1-44:34

The Brothers Return - Genesis 43:1-44:34

The games people play...

I suppose we could give Joseph a "pass" on this.  After all, his brothers had done him wrong, and he may have wanted to see if they had changed at all.  Would they give up on Benjamin as easily as they had given up on him?  Perhaps Joseph's behavior is justified.

At the same time, we also recognize a great deal of deception that takes place in this story.  Joseph does not provide us an example of honesty and transparency... and his behavior would seem to lack integrity.  Instead, Joseph wears a mask to cover his true self.  He runs off to hide so his brothers don't see him cry.

And then he proceeds to play this game of power and manipulation with his brothers.  He puts their silver in their sacks, adding a special cup in Benjamin's sack... only to send the guards after them to arrest them and bring them back... demanding that Benjamin stay as his servant instead of returning to his father.

But Joseph isn't the only one who plays relationship games of power and manipulation.We're quite capable of hiding behind our masks and keeping people from seeing our authentic selves.  And we certainly have tendencies toward playing games... testing people to see how they respond, or creating unnecessary drama.

What mask do you wear?  What are the ways you are less than authentic with those around you?  Is there anything that prevents you from being in pure and unbroken fellowship with your brothers and sisters?

Let us break bread together on our knees;
Let us break bread together on our knees;
When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun,
O Lord, have mercy on me.

                                      - Spiritual

Ten Brothers Go to Egypt - Genesis 42:1-38

Ten Brothers Go to Egypt - Genesis 42:1-38

"Although Joseph recognized his brothers, they did not recognize him."

It happens to me all the time.  Just the other day I was at the mall, and a clerk called out to me. "Jon Twitchell," she said... as I stood there and stammered, trying to subtly catch a glimpse of her name tag in hopes that it would help me determine how I knew her.  She identified that she had gone to one of our teen camps, and slowly I began to put her face together with her name and figure out who she was.

Not two hours later, I ran into someone in the grocery store.  We each recognized the other and exchanged greetings... but I could tell from the expression on his face that he was as puzzled about my identity as I was puzzled about his!  As I walked away, I realized that I had performed a funeral for someone in his family... I suspect he didn't recognize me because I wasn't in my clerical garb!

The wrong place... the wrong clothes... the wrong context... and it's easy to fail to recognize someone.

But to not recognize your own brother?

I get it... they thought Joseph was long gone.  They had probably told their father the lie about the wild animals so many times that they believed it themselves.  And never in their wildest dreams did they imagine that Joseph might survive the slave auction and somehow become a powerful ruler in Egypt.

And yet, here they were, unable to recognize the brother that they had wronged.

Before we can experience reconciliation we have to not only recognize our brother, but the wrong that we have done.  True reconciliation can only happen after confession and repentance.

Are there wrongs in your life that you have failed to recognize?

Search me, O God, and know my heart today.
Try me, O Savior; know my thoughts I pray.
See if there be some wicked way in me;
Cleanse me from ev'ry sin, and set me free.

                          - J. Edwin Orr

Prison and a Promotion - Genesis 39:1-41:57

Prison and a Promotion - Genesis 39:1-41:57

"Life's not fair!"

"No... you're right.  It's not."

That sounds like a typical exchange between a child and a parent, doesn't it?  Somewhere along the way we all discover that life doesn't seem fair.  Our internal sense of justice doesn't always line up with the reality in the world around us.  It's pretty easy to name situations and circumstances where the just, right, and fair thing simply doesn't happen.

Joseph clearly has been dealt a bad hand.  First he was sold into slavery by his brothers.  Then, after doing well for his master and being made the head of the household, he was wrongfully accused by his master's wife, and subsequently thrown into prison.

In prison, Joseph he met a cupbearer and a baker, and (through God's help) interpreted their dreams.  And even though the cupbearer promised to tell Pharaoh about Joseph and the false accusations, the cupbearer got busy with his responsibilities, and forgot.

Life's not fair, is it?

But what we discover is that Joseph continues to hear the voice of God, even in the midst of the injustice of his circumstances.  This was an opportunity for Joseph to grow in his faith, and to hone his ability to hear God give him the interpretation of dreams.

How can you use the moments of injustice and seeming "unfairness" to draw you closer to the heart of God?

There is a place of quiet rest, Near to the heart of God;
A place where sin cannot molest, Near to the heart of God.
O Jesus, blest Redeemer, Sent from the heart of God,
Hold us, who wait before Thee, Near to the heart of God.
                                                       - Cleland B. McAfee

Sold into Slavery - Genesis 37:1-36

Sold into Slavery - Genesis 37:1-36

This week we get to look at one of the most colorful (literally!) characters in the Old Testament, Joseph. Joseph is world-famous for his "Technicolor Dreamcoat," and his story of brokenness, slavery, integrity and reconciliation that will unfold as you read the texts this week.

Clearly, Joseph's family is not the model of healthy family relationships.  Jacob shows favoritism (v. 3), Joseph displays arrogance (vv. 2-9), and the brothers demonstrate jealousy (vv. 4, 11) and hatred (vv. 4, 5, 8).  The progression of events from Joseph boasting to his brothers selling him into slavery and lying to their father is the stuff that reality TV shows are made of today!

As much as we might like to pin the blame on someone, Joseph's story reminds us that broken relationships usually require the participation of more than one person!  In other words, "it takes two to tango!" (And in this case, there's plenty of tango for the whole family!)  While we might easily see ourselves as the victim, it's important for us to recognize our own participation in the problems that led to fractured fellowship.

At the same time, this story reminds us that God can even use our broken situations to bring glory to His Name.  As we will see this week, Joseph's story doesn't end in the bottom of that well.  Instead, God brings about reconciliation in Joseph's family, and food for many people on earth.  While God is not the source of all our pain, we can trust that God will never waste a hurt, but can use it for His glory.

How has God redeemed the brokenness in your life and family?

Plenteous grace with Thee is found,
Grace to cover all my sin.
Let the healing streams abound;
Make and keep me pure within.
Thou of life the Fountain art;
Freely let me take of Thee.
Spring Thou up within my heart;
Rise to all eternity.

                         - Charles Wesley

Jacob and Esau Reconcile - Genesis 32:1-33:20

Jacob and Esau Reconcile - Genesis 32:1-33:20

Reconciliation Requires more than Bribery!

In the first part of this story, Jacob reminds me of a divorced parent who continually tries to buy the love of their child through extravagant gifts. If you've ever watched a child get spoiled by the increasingly expensive gifts bought by one (or sometimes both) parents, you know exactly what I mean.

It seems as though the story begins with Jacob trying to protect his assets, thinking that Esau may attack one group and then leave the other group alone.  Then it progresses to Jacob trying to buy forgiveness by offering the livestock and servants as gifts.

But finally all of this foolishness is broken... not by Jacob, but by Esau--the party that had been most wronged.  Jacob starts bowing before his brother in hopes of mitigating the damage--but Esau runs to Jacob and embraces him.

Reconciliation requires true confession and forgiveness.  We can't simply "be sorry that we were caught," or try to buy our way into someone's heart.  We have to be willing to go to them and offer confession and receive forgiveness, in hopes of beginning again with a fresh slate.

But I also notice that the story really changes when Esau makes the first move and offers forgiveness.  Often we find that it is the party that was wronged that has the most power to bring about reconciliation, simply by forgiving the other person.

Is there someone you can forgive today?  Are there ways that you can more fully live as one who's been forgiven?

I then shall live as one who's been forgiven;
I'll walk with joy to know my debts are paid.
I know my name is clear before my Father;
I am His child, and I am not afraid.
So greatly pardoned, I'll forgive my brother;
The law of love I gladly will obey. 
                                     - Gloria Gaither

Jacob and Esau Compete - Genesis 27:1-28:22

Jacob and Esau Compete - Genesis 27:1-28:22

We live in a competitive world where we are taught to do whatever it takes to get ahead.  If you've seen one of those news stories about competitive parents at children's sporting events, you know exactly what I'm talking about!  We want the best for ourselves... but we especially want to make sure that our children and grandchildren will be able to fend for themselves... and to attain what's "rightfully" theirs!

This drive to get ahead goes all the way back to Jacob and Esau.  If you read the account of their birth in Genesis 25, you learn that they even scrapped about who would be the first to take a breath!  And that moment seemed to define the rest of their relationship; a relationship based on competition, trickery, and deceit.

Not every story in Scripture is an example of how we ought to live our lives!  This story is clearly an example of how NOT to live our lives.  We are reminded that God is relational by nature, and He cares about our relationships and how we treat each other.

And yet, as we'll discover tomorrow, God can even bring about reconciliation in broken situations.

Are there broken relationships in your life?  Are there ways that you have contributed to the brokenness?  What steps can you take toward reconciliation?

O Lord, our God, our homes are Thine forever!
We trust to Thee their problems, toil, and care.
There bonds of love no enemy can sever
If Thou art always Lord and Master there.
Be Thou the Center of our least endeavor.
Be Thou our Guest, our hearts and homes to share.

                                           - Barbara B. Hart

Isaac's Birth and "Sacrifice" - Genesis 21:1-22:19

Isaac's Birth and "Sacrifice" - Genesis 21:1-22:19

Trust and Obey

Did you ever do "trust falls"?  Maybe it was in a gym class... or a leadership development program... or at a team-building activity.  The idea is that you fall backwards into the arms of the people on your team, who promise to catch you.  When you're standing on the edge of a platform, prepared to fall backwards into the arms of the 6-8 people standing on the ground behind you, you are confronted with the idea of what it means to really trust someone.

In today's lesson, God asks Abraham (this is Abram's new name) to exercise a profound amount of trust.  After all, God has promised land and offspring, and the promise is finally coming true.  But here the promise is about to be challenged in an unbelievable way.  God asks Abraham to make the ultimate sacrifice, to offer his only son Isaac as an act of worship and devotion to God.

Not only is Abraham asked to give up his only son whom he loves, but Abraham is essentially asked to trust God to continue to fulfill the promise.  And yet, in a an act of trusting obedience, Abraham takes the steps necessary to follow God's command, and God proves Himself trustworthy.

Have you fully learned that you can trust God?  Are you able to fall backward into His loving and powerful arms, trusting Him to do what is best?

But we never can prove
The delights of His love
Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favor He shows
And the joy He bestows
Are for them who will trust and obey.

                                        - John H. Sammis

God's Covenant with Abram - Genesis 15:1-21

God's Covenant with Abram - Genesis 15:1-21

Promises, Promises

Probably the two most important items of wealth and security in the ancient world were children and land.  Flocks and herds may have been a close third, but unless you had land upon which the livestock could graze, and unless you had children to care for those livestock, then those flocks didn't really provide much security at all.

Abram has neither children nor land... and yet, that is precisely what God promises him.  In fact, God promised it to him back in chapter 12, and the promise still had not come true.

I wonder if Abram was tempted to doubt as God made these seemingly impossible promises.  Certainly they were promises that Abram had no hope of fulfilling on his own.  And yet, God enters into a covenant with Abram, confirming to Abram that he can trust God to keep his promises.

What promises are you standing on today?

Standing, standing,
Standing on the promises of God, my Savior;
Standing, standing,
I'm standing on the promises of God.
                                   - R. Kelso Carter

The Call of Abram - Genesis 12:1-20

The Call of Abram - Genesis 12:1-20

 go to the land I will show you


I recently heard someone say that they pray "for just enough light so they don't trip."  It might not be enough to see all the way down the pathway, but enough to get to the next bend.

Like Abram, we are usually only given enough light to get around the bend.  Abram is called to go to the land that God will show him.  He's not given all the stops along the way.  He's not even given the final destination.  Instead, he has to step out in faith, trusting God to get him to the next fork in the road.

I think that God's directions for our lives often look more like a GPS than a road map.  What I mean by this is that we rarely get to spread the map out in front of us and see the final destination with all the twists and turns along the way.  Instead, we get a little 3x5 display and a voice that simply tells us what the next turn is.

The difference, of course, is that while our GPS units aren't always accurate, we can always trust God to lead us along.

Are you trusting God to show you the next turn?  Or are you simply staying still... waiting and expecting Him to unfold the whole road map?

Some thro' the waters, some thro' the flood,

Some thro' the fire, but all thro' the blood.

Some thro' great sorrow, but God gives a song

In the night season and all the day long.

                                              - G. A. Young

Sermon Podcast - June 10, 2012

Sermon Podcast: E100 #2: "Living Stones"
Text: Genesis 11:1-9

In addition to the daily email devotionals, you're invited to listen in each week through the sermon podcast that is connected to our E100 Challenge.

As we begin our journey through the Grand Narrative of Scripture, we explore what it means to be created in the Image of God, and how humanity has continued to live out a tarnished reflection of that Image. This week, Pastor Jon looks at the Tower of Babel, exploring the nature of the particular sin which led to the building of the tower. Instead of building a tower to our own glory, we are exhorted by the words of the Westminster Shorter Catechism - that "the chief end of man is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever."

Tower of Babel - Genesis 11:1-9

Tower of Babel - Genesis 11:1-9

so that we may make a name for ourselves

The people try to build a tower to the heavens, and God confuses their speech.  I find it interesting that God chooses this particular consequence.  After all, at first glace, the punishment doesn't seem to fit the crime.  Why not fireballs from heaven, destroying the tower?  Why didn't He give the builders boils and sores on their arms, preventing them from doing constructions again?  Why did He choose to affect their speech?

But then I am reminded that the people were trying to make a name for themselves.  It appears as though they hadn't learned the Westminster Shorter Catechism, which says, "Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever."  (Well, of course they hadn't learned the Westminster Shorter Catechism... it hadn't been written yet!)

In other words, instead of using their mouths to praise and glorify the Name of God, they were more interested in making a name for themselves.  Suddenly, it begins to make sense that God would confuse their language.  Unable to build up their own reputations and glory, they would have to relearn why it was that God gave them the gift of language in the first place.

Take a moment today to consider the words of your mouth.  Do they build you up?  Or are they words that bring glory to God?  Do they declare the praises of Him who brought you out of darkness into His wonderful light (I Peter 2:9)?

O for a thousand tongues to sing

My great Redeemer's praise,

The glories of my God and King,

The triumphs of His grace!

                           - Charles Wesley

God's Covenant with Noah - Genesis 8:1-9:17

God's Covenant with Noah - Genesis 8:1-9:17

Covenants and Contracts.

Certainly there are elements of modern-day contracts which reflect the ancient practices of covenants.  And yet, at the same time, there are some significant differences.

For starters, contracts typically exist for the purpose of self-protection.  A contract is a legal transaction that spells out the agreement as well as the consequences. While there are certainly exceptions, contracts often imply a lack of trust between two parties.  For instance, a prenuptial agreement may signify an expectation that the relationship will someday come to an end, so it spells out the terms and consequences of misbehavior in the marriage.

On the other hand, covenants are eternal promises that are not designed to be broken.  They don't have termination clauses.  They are built upon love and trust, and bind the two parties together.  A covenant isn't about self-preservation, but about looking out for the interests of others.  And in covenants with God, we often find that God not only makes and keeps the covenant, but that He pays the penalty if we fail to keep the covenant.

In this particular case, the covenant appears to be completely one-sided. Other than the repeated call to "be fruitful and multiply," God doesn't lay out expectations of Noah.  This covenant is all about what God promises to do... and not to do.  God loves His creation so much that He binds Himself to it in an everlasting covenant.

Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,

Sun, moon, and stars in their courses above,

Join with all nature in manifold witness

To Thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love.

                                                      - Thomas O. Chisholm

The Flood - Genesis 6:5-7:24

The Flood - Genesis 6:5-7:24

The First Zoo

I love zoos and animal parks... at least the ones where the animals are well cared for!  A few years back, the church graciously provided us with a one-month sabbatical for rest, reading, and renewal. One of the highlights of our time was being able to visit wildlife parks and zoos.  I remember spending hours (at least it seemed like it) watching the tigers at Busch Gardens in Tampa!  Zoos play an important role in conservation efforts... and in protecting species from endangerment and extinction.

I know that there are probably some greater theological truths in this scripture passage than what I'm about to say... but I'm going to say it anyway:

God cared about the animals too!

He could have started over with the animals.  He could have saved Noah a lot of time and energy by letting Noah build a much smaller boat... one that didn't also function as a floating menagerie.  But He didn't.

As we read through the Creation accounts this week, we are reminded of the great care that God took in the creation of the world, the plants, the animals, and humanity. If we are going to reflect the Image of God to the world around us, then probably we also ought to exemplify care in the way we treat the creation.

This is my Father's world.

The birds their carols raise.

The morning light, the lily white
Declare their Maker's praise.

This is my Father's world.

He shines in all that's fair.

In the rustling grass I hear Him pass;

He speaks to me ev'rywhere.

                                       - Maltbie D. Babcock

The Fall - Genesis 3:1-24

The Fall - Genesis 3:1-24

Who do you listen to?

One of the early problems for humanity was deciding whose voice was authoritative.  God said one thing... the serpent said another.  Who should a mere human believe?

It appears as though God told Adam one thing, which he diligently passed along to Eve.  However, the serpent told Eve another thing, and she was faced with the question of believing the serpent or believing Adam.  When she told Adam what the serpent had said, he was then faced with the question of believing God, or believing what Eve had heard from the serpent.

Adam and Eve only had 2 voices to hear in the discernment process.  We have hundreds of voices clamoring for our attention!  Which one will you listen to?

It occurs to me that this is one of the reasons Bible reading and church attendance is so important.  We must practice recognizing the right Voice.  As we are better able to recognize that Voice, then we can determine which other voices are consistent with God's will for our lives... and which voices should be disregarded.

Teach me Thy way, O Lord; Teach me Thy way!

Thy guiding grace afford; Teach me Thy way!

Help me to walk aright--More by faith, less by sight.

Lead me with heav'nly light; Teach me Thy way! 
                                                  - B. Mansell Ramsey

Creation - Genesis 1:1-2:25

Creation - Genesis 1:1-2:25

in the image of God

For me, these are probably the most important words in the Creation account.  They don't mean that God looks like humans in some anthropomorphic sense.  But they do remind us that we were created with the capacity for love, and creative, and authority.  Each of those attributes (and the many others like them) are reflections of the Love, Creativity, and Authority of God.

We are patterned after the God who created us.  Every good thing that might be said about humankind is simply a reflection of its Creator.  And every bad thing that might be said about humankind is a distortion or a tarnished reflection of its Creator.  Among other things, the work of redemption is the restoration of the Image of God within us.

As we journey through Scripture over the next few months, we'll read stories of those who (to various degrees) reflected the Image of God to a waiting world... and we'll read stories of those who (to various degrees) failed to reflect that Image.  And yet, throughout Scripture, we continue to find God's grace at work, redeeming even those who fail to complete the role that God has given them to play.

In what ways are you shaped in the Image of God?  How will you reflect His character today?

O to be like Thee!

O to be like Thee,
Blessed Redeemer, pure as Thou art!

Come in Thy sweetness; come in Thy fullness.

Stamp Thine own image deep on my heart. 
                                 - Thomas O. Chisholm 

Sermon Podcast - June 3, 2012

Sermon Podcast: E100 #1: "A Peculiar Story: The Story that Shapes Us"
Text: 2 Timothy 3:10-17

In addition to the daily email devotionals, you're invited to listen in each week through the sermon podcast that is connected to our E100 Challenge.

This week, Pastor Jon talks about the Story that shapes us, and cautions us against simply reading scripture in informational ways, instead of formational ways.  As we begin this journey together, we realize the importance of reading scripture to help us practice listening to the voice of the Shepherd.

Bible Reading Method

If you've never sat down to read the Bible, you might not be sure where and how to begin!  After all, it's a mighty big Book... and its contents are supremely important!

By using E100, we've taken care of where to begin. The passages are chosen for you, helping you to navigate your way through the texts that are central to the messages of redemption and reconciliation.

But you might still have questions about how to begin.  The following article, The Scripture Union Bible Reading Method, is adapted from the E100 website, and can be found here.

The Scripture Union Bible Reading Method

Now that we’ve reviewed the basic steps needed to establish a successful daily appointment with God—you’ve decided on a time, a place and a plan—you’re ready to “dig in” to the Bible itself. The Scripture Union Bible Reading Method is a simple, 5-step method that has been used by millions of people around the world for over 100 years. It’s a time-tested, effective way to help you get the most out of reading the Bible. Here’s how it works.

PRAY
Prayer is the starting point; remember, you’re beginning a dialog. Before you read the Bible, ask God to help you understand the passage for the day. God, through the Holy Spirit, is the “author” of the Bible (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21). He’s given us his written Word to communicate his eternal truth. So ask God to speak to you as you read. As the boy Samuel was taught to pray “Speak Lord, for your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:9), so let that be your prayerful attitude as you start your time with God.

READ
Next, read slowly and carefully through the Bible passage. Sometimes, you’ll want to read the passage more than once. You may also find it helpful to read the preceding or following passages to get the context. Take the time to read it as thoroughly as you can, expecting God to answer your prayer for understanding of his Word.

REFLECT
This is a key part of the process, reflecting or meditating on what you have just read. First, ask these questions: What does this passage say? What is its main point? What does it reveal about God, or about me? What does it require of me now, in thought, word or action? These questions will help you “dig deeper” into the meaning of the passage as you study and reflect. Many people find it helpful to write their answers in a journal or notebook. Next, it helps to read the thoughts of someone else who’s studied the same passage, or to bring your questions and thoughts to your small group or class.

APPLY
God gave us his Word for “teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). Its purpose is not only to give us information about God, but, also to help us live in the proper relationship to him and others. If we are willing, the Holy Spirit can use God’s Word to shape our lives in the direction of greater godliness. That’s why this step is so important. After you’ve reflected on the meaning of the passage, ask yourself this: How can God’s Word apply to my life today; my situations at home, at work, school or church? Your goal is to use what you’ve learned to become more like Jesus. The application questions and exercises suggested in your Challenge Guide are very helpful for this.

PRAY
End your time in God’s Word as you began, in prayer. Make your discoveries from the Bible the basis of your prayer time. Ask God to help you live out and apply what you learned that day. Thank God for meeting with you and sharing his Word with you. There are other suggestions for prayer each day in your Challenge Guide.

As you can see, the Scripture Union Bible Reading Method is simple, but it’s also effective. In the worldwide Scripture Union network, we have a phrase that sums up our approach to Bible reading: Pray it in; live it out. That’s the way to make God’s Word come alive every day.