Title: From Hero to Zero/ Topic: Relationships

Today’s Reading: Leviticus 4; Leviticus 5; Leviticus 6; Acts 14

Scripture: Acts 14:11-13, 19-20
11When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in the Lycaonian language, "The gods have come down to us in human form!" 12Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes because he was the chief speaker. 13The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought bulls and wreaths to the city gates because he and the crowd wanted to offer sacrifices to them.
19Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. 20But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe.

Observation: As Paul and Barnabas are preaching the Word, a man is miraculously healed. The people are so impressed that they think Paul and Barnabas are gods and they want to sacrifice to them. Paul and Barnabas have a heck of a time stopping this and trying to explain that it is God who gets the glory. Just a short while later, some Jews come and convince the crowd that these two servants of God are worthy of death! They go from “hero to zero” in almost no time at all.

Application: There are several lessons for me here. First, people are fickle and their feelings toward me can turn on a dime. I must never look to people for my sense of approval or I will constantly be on an emotional roller-coaster. My sense of purpose and approval must come from God; he is the only Person who is constant. Second, I notice that even though Paul and Barnabas are so badly treated, they pick themselves up and keep going on. This experience doesn't stop them from continuing to love people and to reach out to them so that they can know God. They hold nothing back from others as they continue their mission. I need to have that same resolve. I cannot let negative experiences with people make me cynical or reticent to get involved and continue ministering to others.

Prayer: Father, I have had a tendency in my life to pull back from others after being mistreated by them. May I become more and more like my friends Paul and Barnabas. My hope and trust are in You, Lord, and I want to continue to be completely open with others and love them with a full heart even when I go from hero to zero with some.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Prizing His Presence/ Topic: Reverence

Today’s Reading: Exodus 39; Exodus 40; Psalm 15; Acts 12

Scripture: Exodus 39:30,31
30 They made the plate, the sacred diadem, out of pure gold and engraved on it, like an inscription on a seal: HOLY TO THE LORD. 31 Then they fastened a blue cord to it to attach it to the turban, as the LORD commanded Moses.

Observation: This entire chapter goes into great detail about all the priestly garments and the furnishings of the tabernacle. Everything was ornate and costly. On the diadem was a phrase that summed up what the priest and the people were supposed to remember about the purpose of all of this. It was all “HOLY TO THE LORD”.

Application: I think in our present day of emphasis on comfort and a “come as you are” casualness when we meet together with our fellow believers and with God, we can lose the sense of awe and reverence that was engendered by the grandness of the tabernacle worship. The rich surroundings and the designer clothing of the priest must have inspired the idea that meeting with God was a very special event and that God's presence was to be prized. I truly believe God is fine with us “coming as we are”, but we must never lose a reverence for His Presence in our midst. We may come dressed in casual clothing but we must never be casual about the purpose of our gathering together.

Prayer: Father, I never want to take your Presence for granted. I also want to treasure the brothers and sisters you have given me in the Body of Christ. The Church you have created and purchased with your own blood is an awesome thing. May I demonstrate proper reverence always when I am together with them. And be with us by the power of your Spirit every time we meet together. May we honor you in all we do.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: The Greatest Treasure/ Topic: Word of God

Today’s Reading: Exodus 37; Exodus 38; Psalm 19; Acts 11

Scripture: Psalm 19:9-14
9 The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous.
10 They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.
11 By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
12 Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults.
13 Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression.
14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Observation/ Application: The Word of God is a sure foundation for my life. These words promise me great reward if I keep them. I will be warned about things that could derail my life, and they also help to reveal even my hidden faults. The last verse gives me a huge key to spiritual growth and success in life; to make sure that my thoughts and words please the Lord. I can do this by intentionally examining my thoughts to see if they line up with the Word of God. If they do not, I need to “take them captive” and make them obedient to Christ, as it says in 2 Corinthians 10:5.

Prayer: Father, I echo David's prayer: Forgive my hidden faults and keep me from willful sins. May my thoughts and words always please you. Thank you for your precious Word which instructs me in all wisdom. Your Word truly is the most valuable possession in my life.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.