PASSING UP ON PLEASURES
“[Moses] chose being mistreated along with God’s people rather than enjoying the passing pleasures of sin.”
Hebrews 11:25

Yesterday I shared some with you concerning the discipline of fasting. Today I want to in some degree continue on it that thought, but relate it also to a sacrifice made by Moses. It is in Hebrews 11 that we read the list of those who advanced in God’s ways because of their faith. Although it is not a complete list, we find ourselves reacquainted with the faith of Noah, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to name but a few. But then we also read about Moses. Starting in verse 24 we read that by faith, after Moses had grown up, he refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. We know that per the account of Moses in Exodus 2:15, because of the murder he had committed, Pharaoh was wanting to kill Moses, causing Moses to escape. This then seems to work in tandem to show us how indeed Moses refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, giving up all of Egypt in his escape.
In Hebrews 11:25, however, we read that Moses chose to be mistreated alongside God’s chosen people instead of enjoying the pleasure of sin. At his encounter with the burning bush, God called Moses to return to Egypt and deliver His people. Moses’ going back was the fulfillment on Hebrews 11:25, where he chose to be mistreated along with God’s people. Following on in the Exodus account we find that the people of Israel were delivered from Egypt and eventually made it to the Promise Land.
However, I want to focus more on what Moses gave up. The Exodus account does not give us all the details of what Egypt was like at that time. History, though, informs us that Egypt was the happening place. I am assuming that in this Moses had everything at his beckoning when he was in Egypt. If he wanted a woman, he could have a woman. When he wanted a meal, he was served a meal. On and on and on this idea could go. But when he escaped the hand of Pharaoh he left these pleasantries behind.
So why do I point this out? I point this out for one reason alone. As I have been taking inventory of my life this past year and preparing for what is ahead, I have begun to realize that there are ‘pleasures of sin’ that I have not forsaken. Yes I have given up many things that so called made me happy, but I cannot say I have forsaken all of them. And what does this have to do with fasting, as I referenced in the beginning of this devotional? Well as I stated yesterday in looking up the key words of Isaiah 58:6, the type of fast that God elects for His people encompasses the complete freedom of His people and the complete ceasing of attacks from the enemy. If I am still embracing as opposed to forsaking these pleasures, then am I not still in bondage and allowing the attack of the enemy? Quite honestly, yes I am.
I posted the following questions of my Facebook page today, and I write them again here now. What pleasures of sin are we enjoying? And isn’t it time we choose different? I do not want to enter 2013 still chained to the same junk that bound me in 2012. I do not want these momentary pleasures that promise the world to still be my ruin in the near and distant future. So how do I rid this chance? I fast and pray. Again, it was Jesus who told His disciples that some spirits come out only in prayer and fasting (Mk 9:29). So then, what better time than now to begin? Let us enter this new year free of the chains that bound us last year. Let us be like Moses who forsook the pleasures of sin and received greater riches from God.

IS GOD NOT AWESOME?
“In the morning [Pharaoh] found himself so upset that he summoned all the magicians of Egypt and all its wise men. Pharaoh told them his dreams, but no one there could interpret them for him.”
Genesis 41:8

Have you ever stopped to consider all the times that the enemy worked to take out God’s people? We know this to be the case in the 1940s and such when Hitler worked to take out the Jews in any way possible. And if we go back in time we can see how this was even the case concerning Esther and the rise of Haman. But I would like us to focus on the times found within the book of Genesis today. For the past few months I have been walking once more through Genesis, verse by verse, allowing God to speak to me and show me truths that are so easily missed by my quick reading. And while I have seen this trend in reading about the fathers of our faith, it wasn’t until I saw a piece from the account of Joseph that it really jumped out at me and made me question the awesomeness of this truth.
I start with the account of Abraham. We all probably know the story about how God promised Abraham that his descendants would be as numerous as the sand and stars. From there, we read that Abraham took matters into his own hands and based on the counsel of his wife, produced a child with a servant girl. Why? Abraham did this because he and Sarah both felt they were growing old in years. Truth be told, Sarah’s womb was closed up. But here is the awesome thing. Just when it seemed as though all hope for children was gone, God allowed her to birth Isaac. The promise could have ended before if both Abraham and Sarah had not gone through a heart, and a faith, revamping.
But let us move on in this thought. When Isaac married Rebekah, he had no idea that she was barren. The promise could have ended here as well. The enemy could have won and proved God a liar concerning the number of descendants that would follow. Yet, we read that Isaac prayed for his wife and her womb was opened. The promise lived on. The twins, Jacob and Esau, grew up and soon we read that Esau sold his birthright. This would come back to haunt him as Jacob stood before his father, dressed and smelling like Esau, taking the blessing destined for the oldest child. In rage, Esau spoke of killing his brother. Again, the promise given could have ended here. With no Jacob there would be no twelve tribes of Isra’el. Still, God proved He was in control.
Time continued on and Jacob had twelve sons. However, his son Joseph was sold into slavery and then later placed in prison for a sin he did not commit. He could have wasted away there, yet God was still in control. As is God’s way, He provided the means by which Joseph was made free again. This is the point the hit me between the eyes as I read it. Pharaoh called on the magicians of Egypt to interpret the dreams that troubled him in the night. The word in Hebrew for magician is derived from the root word ‘engraver’ or ‘writer’, and refers to ones trained in occult knowledge. Notice how even these trained followers of the occult could not interpret these two dreams. Coincidence? Not at all. But what if these magicians had been able to interpret the dream? If that was the case, then Joseph and all of Isra’el would have died out. The famine would have taken the descendants of Jacob and Joseph would be a mere memory.
Is God not awesome? Look at what He has done in just these few chapters. God allowed a child to a couple aged 90 and 100. God opened a barren womb. God protected a son by letting Him escape the hands of his brother. God housed an innocent man until the time was right for his promotion. And God prevented the magicians from knowing the truth of the dream so that His man for the hour may rise and save a nation. Again I ask, is God not awesome?
These truths are just within one book found within the Bible, and even still are not all of what God did do for His people in Genesis. But are not these accounts alone enough for us to look at our situation and stand in full faith that God will preserve us, His people, as well? I encourage you to not lose faith. While the enemy will continue to work to take God’s people out, know that God is in control. Even when we are old, barren, hunted, and forgotten, God is in control. Is God not awesome?

CHRISTIANS
“…So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.”
Acts 11:26b

I have been called many things during my life time. The best ones have been son, boyfriend, husband, dad, friend, and brother. But I have also been called stupid, idiot, loser, selfish, greedy, unable, and a host of others I don’t care to remember. A name can bring honor or a lack of self-esteem, value or pain, worth or worthlessness. Funny isn’t, how names can hold so much weight? While it is true that ‘hey you’ can sound better than ‘hey stupid’, it can never sound as good as ‘hey buddy’. Yet where would we be without a name?
The Bible tells us here in Acts 11:26 that it was not Saul/Paul and Barnabas that called themselves ‘Christians’ first, but rather the people in Antioch that first called them by this name. But why would they call them this? It was because of their reflection. The disciples were being watched, and as the people in Antioch watched, they found the disciples to reflect what they had seen in Christ Himself. What were the characteristics of Christ? They were love, compassion, servanthood, faith, joy, and the like to name only a few. Christ was an example to these men that they didn’t just blow off, but rather embraced with everything in them.
I have heard many definitions of the word ‘Christian’ growing up. I think the best definition I can recall is ‘a mini Christ’. Now according to Strong’s Concordance, the word is defined as CHRISTIANOS, a follower of Christ. Three times this word is used in the New Testament, and in each use it is never the person calling themselves that, but rather others calling them that. This is important to note. How many times do we throw this word out to describe someone who simply goes to church or does good things? Not everyone who goes to a Christian church is a ‘Christian’ based on this definition because not everyone follows Christ. Is this not one of the reasons why Martin Luther nailed his 95 Thesis on the door, because ‘Christianity’ had become about rules and not about relationship?
When we are with someone we become like someone. A great example of this is when married couples begin to finish each other’s sentences. They spend such a great deal of time with that person that they begin to foresee what their spouse will say. Or let us think about children. Some of the behaviors that my children do are a result of things they have watched me do. It all goes back to the reflection in the mirror.
The disciples were not ‘Christians’ because they knew of Christ, they were ‘Christians’ because they knew Christ. They knew His ways and reflected them. They knew His words and lived by them. They transformed themselves into His image, and people saw it and called them ‘Christians’. The question then begs, could someone look at my life, or your life, and see Christ so evident in us that they would give us the title of ‘Christian’?

PUT ON THE ARMOR
“Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”
Ephesians 6:11

It may be safe to say that one of the greatest known accounts within the pages of the Bible is that of David and Goliath. This is such an underdog story. The Hebrew boy named David, who probably is no more than sixteen years old, and no taller than 5’8”, takes on the mammoth giant of over nine feet. Armed with only a slingshot and five rocks, the boy pegs the giant in the forehead and the battle is over. Rejoicing flood the Israeli camp and the army rushes to advance on the Philistines. That is the story, right? Well yes and no. Let us look at a few pieces of this story in detail.
First, opening to I Samuel 17, we read that the battle was set within the Valley of Elah, with the Philistines on one hill and the army of Israel of another hill. The Philistine’s champion warrior, Goliath, had come out each morning for the past forty days (v16) and uttered his words of defilement against the One True God. But why the morning? In Jewish culture, a prayer known as the Shema (Deut 6:4) is spoken each morning. It was Goliath’s plan to interrupt the prayers of the Jews and work early to bring fear and intimation into the hearts of the people. But what is more, Goliath also looked to bring fear into the Israelites based on his appearance. We know he was tall and well built, and based on the size of his armor and weapons we know that little stood in his way. But did you know that even still, for a person to get to Goliath he would first have to get past his armor bearer? In verse 7 we are told of this person.
Going on, however, I feel we need to clear up a few more items about this account. While it is possible that Saul’s offer of his armor to David could be looked at as a nice and caring jester, could it also be that it was part of a hoax? The king was known in battle by his armor, and it was normally the king who led the charge. That said, Saul should have been the one to take on the giant. But he too was fearful. When David came along and felt the spirit on him to take the giant out, Saul found his chance to rally the troops disguising David in his armor. But David passed on the armor. Armed with his staff, sling shot, and five stones, David walked out on the playing field. The five stones had five purposes. It wasn’t that David thought he would miss, it was because Goliath had brothers. Each stone, so to say, had an intended target in each of the brothers’ heads.
David slung his stone and SMACK!, a target was found in Goliath’s head. But the stone did not kill him. The stone only stunned the giant, bringing him to the ground (v49). On Goliath’s body was the armor, but still there was a place where the giant was unprotected. The stone found that place. Yet moreover, the giant left himself unprotected when he defiled the name of God Almighty. And, according to Deuteronomy 15:10 and 17:5, anyone speaking against God and urging the belief of a false god was to be stoned. Coincidence? Probably not. So then, with the stunned giant passed out on the floor, David took Goliath’s sword and finished the job.
So now with perhaps a little clarity on this account let me leave you with this thought. Going back to I Samuel 17:7 we see that the enemy has an armor bearer. The enemy has an armor bearer yet we don’t even wear our armor. Why did David have to take the sword of Goliath? Could it be that the army of Israel did not think this was their lucky day? Verse 24 tells us that they ran in fear when Goliath came out for his normal defilement. King Saul wasn’t even dressed in his armor if so easily he offered it to David. How do we expect to win a battle if we are naked? God has given us armor for a reason. It isn’t supposed to just be hanging in the closet like an old suit or wedding dress. It is to be worn – because the enemy is engaging us constantly. No wonder we are getting beat up like rag dolls. We have no protection. As bluntly and urgently as I can say this, I am saying to you – put on the armor. It is our turn to advance, take out the giant with a stun, and finish him off with a sword.

STEP UP
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
Ephesians 5:25

Today’s thought is aimed mostly towards the men, but in the end I think you will see there is a point made for all. In a past writing I found of mine, I had made the following comment concerning pride. “It was the deception of pride that tricked Eve to bite. The serpent taunted, ‘Why should you not be as wise as God?’” This thought has been playing in mind repeatedly since reading it last night. As such, this story in Genesis 3 is where I opened my Bible to start reading this morning.
We read in Genesis 3:1 that the serpent asks the woman, “Did God really say you cannot eat from any tree?” Eve’s reply was that God allowed them to eat from any tree except the one in the middle, for it would bring death. Being the crafty snake that he was, the serpent worked to manipulate the conversation his way. He spoke to Eve again and said that death was not the final result, rather that God was fearful that they would be as smart as God Himself, and God didn’t want competition. So Eve took the fruit and ate it.
I think we read this story and place blame on the wrong person. Yes it is true that Eve ate first, but within this verse is a point we need to consider. “When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it” (Gen 3:6). Did you catch it? Adam was right there with her. He was probably close enough to hear the serpent talk, close enough to hear Eve’s reply, and obviously close enough for her to reach out and give some fruit to him. But where in this verse does it say that he resisted? Where does it say that he stepped up as a man to protect his wife from the serpent and prevent her from acting against God’s will? It doesn’t. I cannot help but wonder if he was waiting purposefully to see what would happen to her before trying himself, like how scientists test on animals before testing on humans.
But as the story goes on, Adam’s attitude does not change. A few verses later, God returns to the Garden of Eden. Now God, all knowing, is already aware of what has happened, but He asks anyway. As a parent, I can understand this. There are times when I see my kids do something wrong yet they are unaware I am watching. I question them about what just happened and hope to hear the truth. Sadly enough, I hear a fib or excuse that I know is not true. But I want to give them that chance to be honest. Perhaps that was God’s method when He asked, “Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?” (Gen 3:11).
It is here again we see Adam dodging. Adam replies to God, “The woman you put here with me – she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate” (Gen 3:12). In essence, Adam was blame-shifting. He knew that he had violated God’s command just as well as she did, but he did not want to take the blame for his own action. I have been there. When my wife at the time caught me looking at porn, my excuses came flowing. We’re never intimate because we’re never together. The baby takes all your time. You do not love me, you tolerate me. On and on I could go. But when all the excuses were exhausted, the truth came down to the fact that I was unwilling to take the responsibility of my actions. I, like Adam, found it easier to shift the blame onto my wife and circumstances.
Closing today, I want to look at Ephesians 5:25. “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” This is not always easy. This is where our pride gets in the way. We want the wife to submit to us, but we do not always want to love our wife the way we should. And this is where Adam needed to step up. Seeing the serpent luring his wife to eat, Adam should have stepped up and demand he be gone. Why not, he had authority over every animal (Gen 1:28). But he stood by and did nothing, nothing except extend his arm out to grab the fruit she offered.
Men, let us step up and take the place of honor that God has given to us. Our duty now is to love our wives as Christ loved the church. Jesus gave of Himself, and gave Himself, as an act of love. I speak as one who has learned the hard way in hopes that my past may in some way may prevent this same mistake in others. Let us take our place as men, fathers, and husbands, and love like Christ. No more blame-shifting, no more dodging the bullet, no more pointing fingers. It is time to step up.

WALKING THE PATH
“There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.”
Proverbs 14:12

Not too long ago I was out walking on a trail over by my home. There is a place where, about a mile in or so, the road splits. Now it doesn’t split for a long stretch, but there is a difference in the terrain at the split. If one goes to the left the path remains steady and even. But if one goes to the right there is an extra curve or two, as well as both a down slope and a climb back up to meet with the even path. Back a few years ago when Nashville suffered from a flood, however, the path to the right was not a choice. The path was underwater. While the water may not have been deep enough to drown a person, I dare say the mud and muck that had washed up over the trail may have caused some issues that would have at least posed a threat to any who risked taking the road to the right.
We read in Proverbs 14:12 that there is a road that seems right at first but in the end leads to death. In other words, there is a road that people take, thinking carelessly will be alright and still work out in the end. In a way we see this thought in the Bible around the time of the Judges, and in many cases following. The people began to do what was right in their own eyes, forsaking the ways that God had established. But each time the people moved out from under God’s established ways and paths, the people found themselves in a pickle. How many times do we see this very detail in the Torah? Better yet, how many times do we see this very concept in following history and seeing the captivity of God’s people? It was never God’s intention that His people become the property of Babylon, but their lack of following His ways opened the door for path to death.
Recently I started dating and have found myself falling head over heels for a special someone. I venture to say boldly that she is a gift from God and that we are in a true state of love. In our meetings we find ourselves kissing and holding hands quite frequently. Now I would be untruthful if I said that I did not want more, but I know that path. I know that choosing to forego the commands of God in relation to intimacy outside of marriage is wrong. And I say this not only because her mother reads my devotionals and I want to look like the good guy. I say this because the desire is there to do what is right in my own eyes, but the command of God overrides desire. I can go the way of the world and share physical love before it is time, but will it not in time end in death? Sure, probably not a physical death, but something will die. I am reminded of a quote I heard from Larry Huch who said, “We curse marriage by having sex before marriage, and we curse marriage by taking sex out of marriage.” I am not sorry for this, but I must agree. And because I agree, I cannot risk the pleasure of sin knowing that it will lead to death.
Am I sharing this to be a saint? No. I am sharing this because I am saddened by how many of us call ourselves followers of God, yet do not do His will. That includes me. Praying and seeking His guidance these days seems like the negative thing to do – especially in a society where we are supposed to care only for ourselves. We are blinded. We are blinded by the shiny, by the bling, by the dollar signs, and as a result we follow our own desires. But I warn you, as God has been warning me, that our ways will lead in death. I do not want to see us on that path. I urge you then, in light of Proverbs 14:12, to forsake the way that seems right to you, and instead go the way that is right according to God. His way is the way of life.

“A DATE WHICH WILL LIVE IN INFAMY”
“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith…”
I Peter 5:8-9a

Seventy-one years ago today, America was attacked. Do you remember this from history class in school? According to former President Franklin D. Roosevelt, this date would live in infamy. It was on this day in history when the Empire of Japan brought a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor which then was the basis for the United States entering into World War II. But what was the intent of the Japanese? Their main mission in this action was simply to cripple America from being the strong force that it was. History shows that Japan had intentions to wage war against the United Kingdom, Netherlands, and the United States, and by wounding our military they could ensure defeat. So then, with 353 of its bombers and torpedo planes, the Japanese military set out for Pearl Harbor. In the end Japan would manage to destroy 188 U.S. aircraft, kill 2402 Americans, wound 1282 more, and take out or damage 16 vessels in comparison to the 29 aircraft and 65 men America took in return from Japan. The next day, the United States declared war on Japan.
Isn’t that just like the enemy, to plot in secret the destruction of their foe? This attack on Pearl Harbor came as a surprise to the American people, and as such the surprise brought about such a great loss. But our enemy is no different. In I Peter 5:8 we are told of him. We are told that our enemy prowls around like a roaring lion. In the Greek, this wording for ‘prowls around’ is PERIPATEO, and means to walk, progress, and look purposefully for opportunities. Reports indicate that the Japanese did just this, checking weather conditions and such so as to attack at just the right moment, with deliberate purpose in mind. Be it the Japanese or the enemy we ourselves face, the mission is the same. Our enemy wants to KATAPINO us. Our enemy wants to devour or swallow us down.
It is for this reason we must look at the beginning of I Peter 5:8 and again of 5:9. The key to our victory rests in these words. We are warned to be self-controlled and alert. In the Greek these words take on a different meaning. We are first told to be NEPHO, sober and circumspect. The clarity of this word makes sense in terms of a person drunk on alcohol. Their motor skills are impaired, therefore making it hard for them to stand against an enemy, much less stand at all in some cases. And we are also told to be GREGOREUO, cautious and giving strict attention to. I have found that when I am clumsy and not paying attention fully that I miss the attacks that come my way. But Peter doesn’t leave us with just these two words. We see in verse 9 he also encourages us to resist and stand firm. The word for resist here is ANTHISTEMI, from where we get antihistamine. The encouragement is to oppose the enemy, just as with the antihistamine we look to oppose the sickness attacking us. And finally we are to be STEREOS, meaning strong and firm, or immovable.
It is no secret, the enemy is plotting our demise. But when he attacks we must take our stand against him. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, President Roosevelt gave a speech titled, “A Date that will Live in Infamy.” His closing words begin, “As commander in chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense.” It is my hope that we make the same stance. It is my hope that we rise up again the enemy who is bombing us and instead stand in defense against further onslaughts. Will we too rise up, become sober and alert? Will we become those who resist with firm footing the enemy’s attack?

FOOLISH OR WISE?
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.”
Proverbs 1:7

The first time I ever read this verse, I read it literally. I thought that what this verse meant was to be afraid of the LORD. If I was afraid of the LORD, then I was on the right track to wisdom. In some ways I was already there, then, as I did have a growing fear that at any moment God was going to smite me for my wrong behaviors. But since those days I have come to understand the true meaning of this verse, and the true meaning of the word “fear”.
There is more than one meaning for the word fear. My previous understanding was the meaning of being afraid. The meaning here is not quite the same, though. In the Strong’s, the word is YIR’AH, which is defined as respect or reverence. The reverence of the LORD is the first stage for DA’ATH, which is knowledge, understanding, and discernment. It is possible to be book or street smart, but in Solomon’s writings in Proverbs, he is explaining to us how to be filled with a knowledge that only God can give. That knowledge starts with respect.
The first time we are introduced to YIR’AH is in Genesis 20:11. It is here that Abraham asks his wife, Sarah, to tell Abimelech that she is his sister. This action was requested because Abraham was afraid that he would be killed for his wife. When questioned by Abimelech later, Abraham’s response was, “I said to myself, ‘There is surely no YIR’AH of God in this place, and they will kill me because of my wife.’” Abraham’s concern of the respect and reverence for God in the land of Gerar, and the concern for his own life, prevented him from telling the full truth.
I think it is wise at this point to also draw attention to Proverbs 1:29 that warns us that if we are against knowledge and choose not to YIR’AH God, then we will eat the fruit of our ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes (Prov 1:31). The only way to dodge the schemes of the enemy is to draw close to God. It is in our closeness with God that our eyes are opened and discernment is obtained. James 4:8 secures for us the truth that as we draw close to God, He in turn draws close to us. And as we seek God, we find Him (Matt 7:7-8).
Continuing on in our Proverbs 1:7 passage, we read that a fool will despise this wisdom that comes from respect for God and His ways. The word for fool here is ‘EVIYL, and it simple means one who despises wisdom. There is a difference between the words knowledge and wisdom in this verse, however. While knowledge is understanding and discernment (DA’ATH), wisdom is skill (CHOKMAH). And as look at the final word in this verse, we find the term discipline. Discipline is translated from the word MUWCAR, and means correction and chastisement.
If we put the whole verse together, now with our Hebrew understanding of what each word means, then we read the verse as so:
The respect and reverence of the LORD is the first stage of understanding and discernment, but the foolish one will despise wisdom, skill, and correction.
I pray that the beginning portion of this verse defines us, that we are those who respect and reverence God. In so doing, we open ourselves to the correction and discernment given by God to us. But, if in reading this you find that maybe you are defined more by the second portion, and that you have been foolish and neglecting of a holy fear for God, then I would encourage you to repent and begin today to honor God in your life. Let us move forward in the fear of the LORD, and not forward in foolishness.

FIRSTBORNS
“’Then you are to tell Pharaoh: “ADONAI says, ‘Isra’el is my firstborn son. I have told you to let my son go in order to worship me, but you have refused to let him go. Well, then, I will kill your firstborn!’”’”
Exodus 4:22

I was listening to a minister’s CDs recently where this verse was read. I had read it before but I guess I had read it so quick that it didn’t stick in my head. So when I heard it again, I knew I had to go back and read it. In a way, I was surprised something so blunt could be missed by me. But then again, even the simple truths seem to get hidden every now and then. They normally have to do with the lessons I either fail to learn, or the issues God has been sharing with me recently. Despite all that, this verse stuck out this time around.
In reading this verse in context, we find Moses has returned from the burning bush in the desert and has shared this new mission with his father-in-law, Jethro. Moses has asked his father-in-law if he can have permission to return to Egypt. He uses the phrase, “return to my kinsman in Egypt, to see if they are still alive.” I question if that is a piece that we miss from the burning bush, or was Moses not fully telling Jethro the truth and reason of his trip to Egypt. Nevertheless, Moses obtains the permission desired and takes his wife and sons with him.
After the granted permission and the departure, however, is Exodus 4:22. It is here that God speaks to Moses to do before Pharaoh all the wonders he has been and will be enabled to do. Knowing though that Pharaoh will resist, God tells Moses that he is supposed to tell Pharaoh what will happen if resisted. As Israel is God’s firstborn, failure to allow the firstborn to go will result in Pharaoh himself losing his firstborn. We see this played out later in Exodus 11 where the warning of this death coming is spoken of again. We also see the death angel resting over Egypt in Exodus 13:15. In all we see that God is a God of His Word.
But the part that chokes me up in reading this is that we are considered God’s firstborn. For years growing up I was raised Christian, mainly of the Charismatic denomination. Only less than ten years ago was it explained to me that I was Jewish. As such, I grew up with the mentality that I was a part of God’s family, but never that I was within the firstborn. To see these words now as a Jewish person, I find myself gleeful. While it is true I have been grafted and adopted in from my Gentile ways, I now find myself having a different outlook. God calls us His bride, His beloved, and His chosen one. But here we see that the nation of Israel is also His firstborn. Being a father of two, I know that pride that still swells in me concerning my firstborn son. I picture God the same way. There is nothing He will not do for us, but there is also a line concerning us that He draws. It is that line that God was telling Moses about. The people would go away from Egypt one way or another, but the way was already known to God. It would come down to a drawl, but God would win.
In light of all that is happening within Israel now, this same prophecy still stands. Israel has never moved from being God’s firstborn. As such, God has never moved from protecting His children. Fight as Palestine may, they will not win. God’s hand is on His child, and the end is already known.

YOUR SIN WILL FIND YOU OUT
“When [Tamar] was brought out, she sent this message to her father-in-law: ‘I am pregnant by the man to whom these things belong. Determine, I beg you, whose these are – the signet, the cords, and the staff.’”
Genesis 38:25

I would like to begin today by admitting that in the past I have done some very stupid things. I know it is hard to believe, right? Okay, maybe not so much. I will admit, I have broken things on accident and blamed the dog. I have played one too many times with matches and almost burned things down or blown things up. And I have blatantly gone against God’s word on numerous occasions. This is not something I want to just look back and laugh at, however. It is these things, these stupid choices I have made, that in many ways can prevent me from receiving the full blessing God wants to pour out on me. We see this is the life of Jacob’s son Judah and how one night with a prostitute cost him part of his blessing.
Judah was the forth son of Jacob and born to him from Leah (Gen 29:35). The Bible explains to us that he had three sons, ‘Er, Onan, and Shelah. ‘Er married Tamar, but the two were unable to conceive prior to his death. His death, however, was brought about by God because of his evil lifestyle. As was the custom, if no children were born, the second son would be wed to the first son’s wife. Soon enough, Onan became the husband of Tamar. Knowing that if he aided to her conceiving that the child would still be considered ‘Er’s, he did not release himself within Tamar. This action angered God and God put him to death as well. Now with only one son left, Judah feared his final son being killed and postponed giving him to her right away.
While out with his sheep-shearers in Timnah, Judah saw a prostitute. He made an offer and she accepted. A moment of lust and passion would cost him only one kid from his many goats. However, since he didn’t have the goat on hand, a guarantee was made. Giving her his seal, cord, and staff, and with the agreement to exchange it all for the goat later, the two engaged in passion. The next day, when he went to pay her with the goat and take back his items, the prostitute was nowhere to be found. Not wanting to make too much of a scene, he let it pass. But little did he know it would come back around.
A few months after his trip to Timnah he received word that Tamar was pregnant. Knowing he had not given his last son to her, he assumed that she had been frolicking. She was questioned in great detail as to whom this man was who had impregnated her, and her answer was stated clearly. “The owner of this signet, cords, and staff is the man I was with.” As Judah looked over these items he immediately knew they were his own. Although she had tricked him, she was also more righteous than he was as he had kept his son from her.
This story speaks many lessons. When I read it, however, I see one main point. My sins are not hidden. I understand Judah’s fear and the waiting the keep his final son from death as he had that fear. I understand Tamar wanting to make a point. But I also see clearly how what Judah thought he could dismiss was exposed. There is not one thing we can hide from God, yet it is funny how we continue to try over and over again. I want to remind you, as I myself have again been reminded, that God watches over all we do – not to smack us upside the head with a stick every time we do something wrong, but to bless us when we do right. But if we are not living right, how can He bless us? In the knowledge once more that my sins will indeed find me out, I want to review my life in full detail and end the areas in my life where I am still hoping to hide my actions from God. How about you?

NOW IS…
“For [God] says, ‘In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.’ I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.”
II Corinthians 6:2

Have you ever felt trapped by the enemy? Have you ever felt like he has you pinned down, or pushed up against the wall, or confined into a corner? Have you ever felt that no matter what you do, you can never get ahead? You pay your tithes, you give to the needy, and you keep the commandments, but still you are no better off like God’s word promises. Or how about this, do you ever feel molested by the enemy? Your wallet is molested, your health is molested, in every area you are molested? I know that feeling. I know what it feels like to at a place where nothing seems to go right, and that the more good you do, the worse your situation becomes. In those moments I find myself calling out to God, “Why? Why can’t I see a breakthrough, why can’t I get ahead, why do I find myself spinning in circles and forever attacked by the enemy?”
For those very questions, II Corinthians 6:2 was written. But let us step back a second and look at the context of this verse. It starts out saying that He, God, says something to us. The words that follow are a quote of something God has already said. “For he says, ‘In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.’” These words are quoted of God from Isaiah 49:8, and go on not only to state that in the time of His favor He hears, and in the day of salvation He helps, but also that He will keep the people Judah and make them a covenant people, restoring the land and reassigning its desolate inheritances. It is here in the letter to the Corinthians that Paul quotes these words, and offers hope. Paul adds, “I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.”
The context is great, but what does that have to do with me? Well I am glad you asked. Do you realize that God’s promises never go void? In Isaiah, these words were prophesied. In the Corinthian letter these words find their timing. Now is the time and day for favor and salvation to be found. Yet do we know what this means? Now is pretty simple, meaning NOW! Right now, at this moment, at this present spot is found the favor and timing. Now is the EUPROSDEKTOS, the well received and acceptable due period, the opportunity translated as favor. But now is also the day of SOTERIA. Soteria is Greek for deliverance, preservation, safety, and salvation. Soteria is the deliverance from the molestation of the enemy. On God’s watch, this moment is the moment for His opportunities to us and His deliverance from the enemy.
So I ask you again, have you ever felt that no matter what you do, you can never get ahead? Or do you ever feel molested by the enemy? It is time to bank on the words God first spoke to Judah through Isaiah, and Paul later spoke to us. Now is the time for it all to end. Right now is the time for your freedom. I urge you to pray. Pray the curse, known or unknown, off your life. Pray the breaking of the enemy’s schemes to keep you down. And pray in faith that though you were once down, you will no longer stay down. Right now God is reaching out to deliver you. When is the best time for this? Now is.

POWER OF PRAYER
“Isaac prayed to Adonai on behalf of his wife, because she was childless. Adonai heeded his prayer, and Rebekah became pregnant.”
Genesis 25:21

I remember well the first miscarriage that I endured. It was in August of 2000. Just a month before I was looking at a pregnancy test handed to me and trying to make sure I was reading it correctly. The idea of being a father was making me the happiest man in the world. But the joys were short lived. Soon she began to have pains and we found ourselves at the doctor’s office only to find that the baby would not be coming after all. The days that followed the miscarriage went from bad to worse as we worked through an array of emotions, even after just a month of expectancy. Since this time I have had the joy of a son, the pain once again of another loss, and the joy again of a daughter. I look at my children, though, and view them as answers to prayer. It was back in college that I began to have a strong desire to be a dad, and after many prayers I have come to walk out the answer to that prayer.
For Isaac and Rebekah, I feel it might have been the same. Instead of dealing with miscarriage, however, they dealt with a barren womb. The two did not have a chance to date and learn about each other’s past. They didn’t have the ability to learn of one another’s medical past. When they were introduced to each other, following the servant bringing Rebekah back from the homeland, they went into the tent and wed. But now, shortly after, they found themselves in a position where children were not coming. So what was the action taken? Isaac prayed.
Isaac had seen the faith of his father, Abraham. He had seen God work His miracles as he himself had been a miracle. So in learning that they would be unable to have children, Isaac prayed to God on behalf of his wife and asked that her womb be opened. God heeded his prayer. Soon after Rebekah became pregnant and gave birth to not one child, but two. But I want you to notice something in this fact. The enemy was at work. Abraham had been promised that he would be the father of many. Abraham had in all eight sons with three different women. But only one of those sons was the true promised son. But now the true promised son from whom the promise would continue was faced with the fact that his wife was barren. Right there the promise could have ended, the devil could have won, and God could have been named a liar. But, Isaac prayed.
This speaks to me because there have been times when I have been told a promise and only have seen a small portion of it come to pass. It has created in me doubt at first, but also the desire to continue to pray for the completion of the answer. As God is not one who will go back on His word and be made into a liar, it would serve us to do well to pray for the completion of what He has said. There is power in prayer, so let us not forget to lift a prayer up to Him and see what barren places in our life He will also restore.

WALK BY FAITH
“Trusting (faith) is being confident of what we hope for, convinced about things we do not see.”
Hebrews 11:1 CJB

I have shared in the past that growing up my parents were very strict in the music that they allowed us to listen to. If it didn’t praise God, it didn’t belong in the home. Well in many ways I have kept this same principle in my own home, and as such, found a song stuck in my head over the weekend. One of the many artists I listened to while growing up was Crystal Lewis; and one of my favorite songs of hers was Rock Solid. Now when I first heard this tune in 1990, rap was still cool, so I immediately feel in love with it. This weekend, though, as it played over and over in my head, the rap was the only part I could remember – and maybe for good reason. God has been speaking to me about faith recently and these lyrics address just this point. “Hold on tight / You’re almost through the night / You gotta walk by faith and not by sight. / From dusk to dawn your name will be exalted / Man what you call it, rock solid.”
So even with a cheesy line or so in rap’s early day, the message still fits for today. God is looking for those who walk by faith. The Bible records a whole chapter of men and women who walked by faith. They were honored because of this lifestyle. And it is this same lifestyle that I feel God is wanting to increase in me. Now I know that I spoke of the story of Isaac and Rebekah recently, but think back again with me on this account. Not knowing anything about Isaac but instead following the leading of God, Rebekah agreed to go with the servant to the home of Isaac. To me, that speaks of faith. By faith, Joseph saw the greater potential of his being sold into slavery by his brothers. His trust and belief in God never left but instead he kept clinging to the fact that something greater was being worked out in the background. And by faith, Joshua marched around a city whose walls were so thick that they held chariot races on top, and blew the shofar and gave a shout. Stepping out on what may have looked like insanity, the army Joshua led was victorious.
The truth is that God’s ways are not always sensible. In fact, many times they are crazy. I remember a time back in my childhood when I was at church. The minister was on the stage praying over people and invited those who had a word to come up and share. I remember feeling this nudge in my spirit to go up and say something. I fought it till finally I could no longer. I remember turning to my mom and saying, “I think I got something,” and her urging me to go up. So I spoke it to the leader. “I think someone here has athlete’s foot and God wants to heal you.” I didn’t even know what athlete’s foot was. But sure enough, people came up. In what felt like a crazy moment, God used it to build my faith in Him.
So I find myself in a place again where I hear Him speaking to me, but I am afraid to move. The words He speaks do not make sense to me. I have too many unanswered questions about what He is asking. It was for this reason I went walking yesterday. I needed time away from the TV, away from the computer, and away from all distractions so I could hear His voice once more. In some ways I was hoping to talk God out of what I felt He was saying. But instead, all I heard were these words. “Walk by faith.” It might not make sense, but His response is to walk by faith. It might not be the way I expected, yet He says to walk by faith. And I may not know the full final outcome, and still He says walk by faith. There is no point arguing any longer with God. It is time to walk by faith.

NO GO
“But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, ‘Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them.’”
Numbers 20:12

If you are like me, you have probably seen a movie or two where there is some sort of testing or launch taking place. From the control room someone says, “We have a go for take-off,” or even the opposite about having a no go. These terms of ‘go’ and ‘no go’ refer to a pass or fail principle. A boundary is being tested, a system is being reviewed, or in the case of Moses, a person’s obedience is being looked at. From the beginning of Exodus when Moses comes on to the scene, we see him as the leader who will take the masses into the Promise Land. Yet later on, we see that Moses was told he would not enter. Well I don’t know about you, but that causes me to wonder what may have happened to change God’s mind from a ‘go’ to a ‘no go’ concerning Moses. So let us a minute to take a look.
The Bible equates this mystery to a sin of Moses. In Numbers 20 we see the community had arrived at the Desert of Zin, staying at Kadesh. It was in this place that the sister of Moses and Aaron, Miriam, has passed away. I am sure that the brothers were still grieving the loss of their sister when they were approached by the people of the community that there was no water. But it wasn’t only that the people announced there was no water, it was how they announced it. In whining and complaining they made it clear there was no water, asking why they were taken from Egypt into the forsaken desert with no luxuries only to die of thirst. Moses had heard it all before and I can only imagine how this time grated him once more.
As a parent I have been there. How many times have I heard my kids not only make me aware of something, but continue to make it known in whines, sarcasms, and threats? After a while it begins to take a toll on me. I promise I am not deaf and heard the first time, but the consistent manner in which my kids make it known in these times puts me over the edge…and I snap. I snap, much like Moses did. Understand please, that Moses went and sought the LORD in this manner and was told to speak to the rock in order for water to flow. Yet when Moses got to the rock, he did not speak. Add together these two things and you see why. His sister was recently deceased and the people were speaking out their frustrations. Moses had had enough. He approached the rock, gave a smart-mouthed comment to the people, and then struck it.
God was faithful and provided water nonetheless, but in Number 20:12 He also banned Moses and Aaron from entering into the promise. Suddenly everything changed and it all hinged on the fact that Moses disobeyed God. So there you have it, mystery solved. But I would like to suggest something a little deeper for you to think on. This was not the first act of disobedience for Moses. He too had sinned and been forgiven of. The greater lesson here is in the anger of Moses. It was his anger that kept him out of the Promise Land. Look back with me. Early in his life, while still in Egypt, Moses saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew man and killed the Egyptian in anger. Later on while on Mount Sinai Moses received the Ten Commandments. Because of his absence the people thought something had happened to him and they fashioned the golden calf. Coming down the mountain, hearing the party, Moses looked and saw them worshipping a false god and in anger chucked the tablets so hard they broke. And now again, in anger, he hit the rock as opposed to speaking to it. The man had an anger problem.
I do not want to find the same fate as Moses. Knowing that the curse of anger prevented Moses from his blessing, I do not want this to be the same for you or me. Moses came right up to the border of the Promise Land but never got to go in. When he should have heard ‘go’, he heard ‘no go’ instead. Let us not have the same ending as Moses. Let us do away with anger, break the curse of anger on us and those after us. Let us do it now before we explode even once more, and that once more be our final time. Anger is a trap – do not let it catch you.

THE VOICE part 4
“But the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven, ‘Abraham! Abraham!’
“’Here I am,’ he replied.”
Genesis 22:11

I have a Jewish mentor that I have been speaking with the past couple weeks. Now while we do not see eye to eye in every part of the Jewish lifestyle, this past conversation proved to be beneficial. We found ourselves discussing the story of Abraham sacrificing Isaac, a well known story indeed. In speaking with him, however, I came to realize that there is more to this account than I originally thought. But I also realized that this account revolves around a voice – His voice, and whether or not both Abraham and Isaac would obey. I will do my best to explain what I mean.
We all know the story. Isaac, the promised child, finally made his debut into the world. Yet not too long after we read that God was asking Abraham to sacrifice his son. Now if I put myself in Abraham’s shoes I am more likely to perhaps understand some of his feelings and emotions. The first one that comes to mind is disbelief. My gut asks, “Did I hear you right? You want me to do what?” For so long Abraham had held to this promise that he would be the father of many, he would have children as numerous as the sand and stars, and now having only one son he was being asked to lay him down. But then I think my disbelief would soon give way to frustration. I think I would find myself becoming angry with God, almost as if for so long He had taunted me and was now taking away that which was close.
I give credit to Abraham, though, because I think he was a better man than I. Even with all these thoughts racing through his head, he still decided to follow after God’s command. Now while I consider myself one to want to do as God says, I cannot say I would have laid my child on the altar. And I must also give credit to Isaac. Despite what we want to believe, Isaac was in his twenties when this event happened. He grew up already knowing the details of the sacrifice. And even as such, he asked where the lamb was as they walked up the hill. Perhaps at that moment he realized the extent of what was about to happen. We give credit Abraham for being faithful, but we also need to realize the faith Isaac had. In my eyes this makes Abraham’s words to his servant, “We will both return,” even stronger. Both the men had to place their full faith in Adonai.
Now, with Isaac on the altar, I picture Abraham once more pleading with God to let this moment pass. With frustration still in his countenance, however, he proceeds to give his son over to God. Then, at what may have seemed like the last minute, God’s voice boomed onto the scene and called out, “Abraham! Abraham!” Although there may have been relief in that moment, it is possible there may have been more frustration. What else was God about to ask Abraham to do? Who else would need to be laid on the altar? But instead of giving another task, God commended Abraham for his obedience.
There will times when God asks us to do what seems impossible. I cannot imagine giving up one of my children on the altar. But there have been things that in my life have seemed just as huge. When we hear His voice calling, will we obey? Sure it is easy in the simple things, the little things that do not take a great deal of faith or effort. But what about in the big things? Will we obey His voice? I wish I could tell that I have mastered it. I wish I could you that I am “Dan the faith Man”. But I cannot because I am not. I am one, though, who wants to hear His voice, wants to obey, and wants to master. It all starts with knowing His voice.

THE VOICE part 3
“The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’
“Then Samuel said, ‘Speak, for your servant is listening.’”
I Samuel 3:10

I have been a father now for ten years and I must admit, I love it. I love the hugs, the homemade gifts and drawn pictures, the way they call my name and need my help. This list could go on and on. But with the good times come the bad. There are a few pieces I do not like about fatherhood as well. I am not a big fan of cleaning up their toys, not a big lover of de-germing the bathroom after a stomach bug spell, and I’m not big on how disciplining them makes me feel afterward. Those things honestly do hurt me more than it hurts them. Yet still, I wouldn’t trade my role as their father. There is nothing that compares to my children coming to me asking for advice, or to have me read a book to them, or just to snuggle. It is in these times I am able to share with them and they are quiet enough to listen. But it takes the being quiet to hear. Trust me, this is a lesson I have learned firsthand.
In I Samuel 3, Samuel as well learned the value of listening. This book in the Bible starts out with Hannah, a barren woman, seeking to have a child. While visiting the city of Shiloh for the family’s yearly sacrifice, Hannah was met by the priest, Eli, who in the end advised her that God had heard her prayer for a son. Keeping her word to God, once Samuel was weaned she took him to Eli as promised. The child began ministering under the direction and leadership of Eli and continued on for some time. Now the Bible points out in I Samuel 3:1 that in those days the voice of God rarely spoke. Perhaps that reason alone is what makes this account so awesome, because God chose to speak to Samuel.
Now at first, Samuel did not know the voice of God verses the voice of man. When Samuel heard a voice calling his name, he quickly got up and ran to Eli’s side, thinking it was he who had called. But it wasn’t. Samuel then left Eli’s side and went back to bed. But the voice was heard again, and again Samuel got up and went to Eli’s side, asking why he called. Again the old priest stated he had not called for the boy. A third time Samuel was awakened by the voice, and a third time he rushed to Eli only to be told that Eli was not calling him. It was then, however, that the light bulb came on. Eli realized that the voice Samuel was hearing was the voice of God. Giving instruction to Samuel of how to respond should it happen again, the boy went back to lie down.
God called out a fourth time to Samuel, and at this beckoning Samuel responded, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” It is in this back and forth that I find myself. How so, you may wonder? Well like Samuel I hear a voice calling to me, but I am not always sure where the voice is coming from. I am getting better at discerning the voice, but I am still not the greatest at it. There are times I will hear a voice and think it is God when really it is my flesh, and there are times when I hear a voice and think it is my flesh only to learn later it was God prompting me. Back and forth I go when in reality I just want to hear from God without myself getting in the way. Is this possible? I believe so, if…
In John 10:22-27, as Jesus was celebrating Chanukah (the Feast of Dedication), the Jews gathered around Him and asked that He plainly tell them if He was or was not the Christ. His response to them was He had told them and they did not believe. He then explained that His sheep listen and follow. That is the answer. Is it possible to hear from God without me getting in the way? Yes, but only when I as his sheep know his voice. I can’t know of His voice, or be told via someone else what He said. I, me, Dan, need to know His voice for myself. You need to know His voice yourself. Every other voice is hot air.

THE VOICE part 2
“After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.”
I Kings 19:12

Yesterday I shared with you concerning the voice of the blind man who, when hushed, only cried out louder. The point I wanted us to see was that his being blind was only part of the story, and I venture to say the part we get stuck on. But the deeper truth is that Bartimaeus made himself known. He yelled, hollered, and screamed in order for Jesus to hear him. Yet I want to contrast this story with another one having to do with a voice. You see, there is nothing wrong with us being loud in order to get His attention, but are we being quiet enough to listen as well? While God sometimes speaks in the booms, He also speaks in the still small voice.
This is probably a story we all know, and honestly is one I find myself camping out at often. Through a series of events in his dealings with King Ahab and Queen Jezebel of Israel, Elijah finds himself fleeing to Mount Horeb. After attended by an angel, he traveled for forty days and nights before reaching his destination. When he got there, God questioned, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” It was at this point that Elijah pleaded his case. To put it frankly, Elijah was a wanted man. The ruling parties of Israel were looking to do to him as they did to the other prophets – kill him. Elijah was running for his life. Now maybe he was freaking out, maybe he had a meltdown, maybe the stress of being a prophet was getting to him, but despite the reason, he was running. God heard his reason and then told him to stand on the mountain and wait for His presence.
A series of events took place once Elijah got to the top of the mountain. First, a great and powerful wind swept over the mountain. Now let us not breeze (pun intended) over this piece. The Bible records in I Kings 19:11 that this wind was so strong that it tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks. I don’t know about you, but that to me sounds like some pretty strong wind. And yet, God was not in wind. Following the wind came an earthquake. As one who grew up in southern California, I have been through my share of earthquakes. Of all the natural disasters that could come, it is the earthquake I fear the most. Why? Because it is the one disaster you never know is coming. And still we read that God was not in the earthquake. The next to follow was a fire. This fire could have been a result from the earthquake I guess, but I choose to believe it was more of a supernatural fire that started in Elijah’s sight. Yet still we read that God was not in the fire.
After the blowing, after the shaking, and after the burning, then came the non-expected. Following all the great powerhouse, eye-catching, moments came the still small voice. Defined in Hebrew, it was the calm yet fine whispered sound of God. This small voice, though, had such an impact. Elijah then covered his face with his cloak, his prophet’s garment, as he stood at the mouth of the cave he had once rested in. It is in this place I want to find myself. I do not want to get so confused with the voices that speak in the wind, the earthquake, and the fire when God’s voice is not in them. Instead I want to bypass these and find God speaking in the quiet whisper. But perhaps I am the wind, for I blow enough hot air. Perhaps I am the earthquake, for I shake my hands in frustration when His answer doesn’t come. And perhaps I am the fire, for in my frustration I also find anger. It is only when these disasters subside, and I calm myself in His presence, that I can truly hear His voice. He is not silent, but am I listening?

THE VOICE part 1
“When [Bartimaeus] heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’”
Mark 10:47

When the first season of The Voice came on television, I was an avid watcher. I didn’t miss a single show, and many times would re-watch them on demand. This time around, however, I have just not gotten into the show. Nothing against the singers, the host, or even the judges, it just hasn’t grabbed my attention this season. But in reading my Bible more and more these days, I am concerned with voices I read of. Over the next few days I want to camp out on a few voices written within the pages of God’s Word, and perhaps see how they relate to me.
Today I want to look at a well known story in the book of Mark. We know of Bartimaeus as the blind beggar, sitting by the roadside. As Jesus is coming up to Jericho with his disciples and a large crowd, the blind man called out. But I don’t want us to get stuck on the fact that he was blind. I do, however, want us to get stuck on the fact that he called out. Upon hearing that Jesus was coming he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Yet for calling out for his miracle he was instantly hushed by the people, rebuked and told to be quiet. That could have been the end of the story, but it is not. Instead he shouted out even louder, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” And then something happened. Jesus stopped. Imagine the look on the people’s faces when the very ones that had just told the blind man to shut up were now being asked to bring the man to Jesus. Imagine their thought process when they realized Jesus wanted to see him.
For years I have read this story and casually thought, oh blind Bartimaeus got his sight back, but there is so much more here. Yes that is one part, but how did he get his sight back? He first had to get Jesus’ attention. And how did he get Jesus’ attention? He called out. And when he was told to hush, he called out louder than before. When he was told to shut up, he spoke up. When he was rebuked, he refused. He continued and continued, not swayed by the crowd, not swayed by the comments they made. Their response only made him cry out louder.
So how does this relate to me? Well I find myself in a pivotal position right now, questioning a next move in my life. In all honesty, I am fearful of making a wrong choice. I have been like Bartimaeus and called out, “Jesus, I need direction.” I have shared my crossroads with a few people and already I have heard the comments of how I do not need to pray about that, but rather should just go for it. But here is the thing, I no longer want to be blinded. I do not want to be wandering aimlessly in life. I want to see. The words of the crowd hushing me only work the opposite direction; they make me cry out all the more, “Jesus, I need direction!” And continue to call out I will until He stops and calls for me, asking what I need and opening my eyes.
Are you in the same place? Are you on the roadside also, calling out to Him? Then do not stop. In fact, raise the volume of your voice. Cry out all the more. Scream at the top of your lungs. When the crowd tells you to be quiet, yell louder! Call out until He stops and calls for you, asking you what it is you need.

IT WAS SO WORTH IT
“Come near to God and he will come near to you.”
James 4:8a

I have decided this morning that I am going to be completely honest with you about an event in my past. Now it is true that some of you know me personally, while others of you only know me through my writings and Facebook interactions. But either way, I hope that as I share just briefly today you get to know the real me. With that said, I invite you to travel back in time with me to December 27, 2007.
This was the day when life changed for me, both good and bad. Just days before December 27, I had celebrated the holiday with my children and wife. But on this day I was finding myself leaving. What had happened? Well, weeks before my wife of nine plus years had filed for divorce, and I was asked to move out. It had been a hard marriage and I will be the first to admit that early on I had been the biggest problem. Yet even after trying to work differences out, visiting numerous counselors, and doing anything that may change her mind, the gap in differences was never filled. Do I blame her for this split? No, and this is not meant to be a devotional that brings her shame. Again, I take full responsibility for my wrongs. And while I hate re-living this negative part of my life, it is only from this part that I find the joy I want to share today.
It was in the moving out that I was able to find myself again. It was in the divorce that I learned who my friends were. But it was through all this pain and questioning that I made an even greater discovery. It was in this depth that I once again found my Savior. I had heard it said in my DivorceCare class that following divorce people do one of two things – they either run from God or to God. I was determined to run toward Him. With boxes scattered all over my new apartment, with little to no furniture, and with snow falling outside, I opened my Bible for Him to speak. I needed to know it was going to be alright. I needed to know He was with me when it seemed like so many had cast me off. And I needed to know I was still loved.
James 4:8 states bluntly, “Come near to God and He will come near to you.” I took this verse literally. I made a point to seek His face and listen for His voice. Daily I was in the Word, taking notes, looking up the Greek and Hebrew in my Strong’s Concordance, and praying. Am I saying this so that you can applaud me? By no means. I am saying this because in this dark time God moved from being my crutch to being the reason I am who I am now. In this time He became my God, my healer, my redeemer, my shepherd, and my provider. In no way do I ever want to re-live the pain of divorce, but just the same I would never trade my past. Why? Because believe it or not, it was so worth it.
I do not know your situation, but I can bet you are in one of two positions right now. First, you may be able to relate to this story of my past because you too have lived through the pain and are now defined by the growth made in this time. Or second, you are in the trenches of the pain now, wondering when it will end and what it will look like on the other side. I encourage you with this truth, dive in to Him. Take the plunge and draw near to Him. He knows all the answers, relates to all the feelings, and can handle all the emotions and questions you have for Him. Draw close to Him. He longs to move from your crutch to your God, but it takes your moving.
It was three months after my divorce; three months in the trenches when I heard His voice as clear as day tell me, “The pain of which you are in will be the platform from which you will speak.” When I was in deep I never thought I would see the end. But it was so worth it, and today my pain and my drawing near to Him is used for His glory. Know this, your pain also is worth it, you’ll see.

KINGS OR PRINCES
“’I will bless [Sarah]; moreover, I will give you a son by her. Truly I will bless her: she will be a mother of nations; kings of people will come from her.’”
Genesis 17:16

If you follow also with the Torah readings at all, you will note that this week’s reading comes from the Parashah (portion) titled Lech Lecha, meaning to “go out” or “leave”. This section of reading begins in Genesis 12:1 where we see God speaking to Abram to leave the country he has know and move to the country he will be shown by God. Now outside of the faith that it took for Abram to make this move in the first place, we also see his faith challenged in his dealings with the ruler of Egypt and calling Sarai his sister as opposed to wife, his faith in dealing with Lot, and his faith in trusting God for offspring. The portion drips with faith and is where honestly I find myself at times. As one who wants to trust God in every area, I have no problem confessing to you that I struggle. Life has not been the smooth sailing ride that I hoped and planned that it would be, but just because life isn’t wonderful does not mean I have been abandoned. In fact, as I am learning, it just means His clock and my clock are not set to the same time. Nonetheless, the promises God has given to me, as He also gave to Abram, will come about. Let us look forward.
The promise made to Abram was that he would be the father of many nations. This is a portion of Abram’s life we know well. However, a promise was also made of Sarai. In Genesis 17:16, as God is speaking to Abram, we read concerning Sarai, “’I will bless Sarai, moreover, I will give you a son by her. Truly I will bless her: she will be a mother of nations; kings of people will come from her.’”
Abram’s son, Ishmael, was born not only of Hagar as opposed to Sarai, but also born when Abram was not yet circumcised. It wasn’t until later when he was 99 that he and Ishmael, as well as all the other males within the camp, were circumcised. It was also at this time that Adonai changed Sarai’s name meaning mockery, to Sarah meaning princess. As with Abraham, so also it was with Sarah that a name change meant a pivot in the direction of her life. It was also at this time that God spoke that another son would be born to Abraham. This time the son would be birthed by Sarah, and his name would be Isaac.
As I was reading this portion in the Bible, a light bulb came on. In Genesis 17:16, God states that through Sarah’s birth to Isaac, she would become the mother of nations. It was declared that following this line, kings of peoples would come from her. We know that further on down the line the twelve tribes of Israel were birthed. Following these lines further, especially those of Benjamin and Judah, we see the kings that were promised in Saul, David, Solomon, and those who would come after. Compare this to Genesis 17:20 when Abraham is concerned with what will become of Ishmael. Although Ishmael is also his son, a promise from God is given, but not quite to the same extent. God declares that this line too will be great, but as opposed to kings, Ishmael’s line will see twelve princes. Did you catch that? To one will come kings while to the other only princes. Does this mean that God doesn’t care as much for the line of Ishmael? Not at all. But what it does state, or rather prove, is that the plans of man fail in comparison to the plans of God.
I am learning to be cautious. I am learning more so these days to stop and seek God’s ways. Too many times I have already stepped out in what I thought were good ideas only to find out that I made huge mistakes. I am learning the hard way that my plans are not always right. Instead of stepping out and hoping that God blesses my ideas, I need instead to wait, seek Him, and step where He says to step. In His path is the blessing that I desire to have fall over my life. But the minute I become out of sync with Him, the minute I step out from under His cover, that is when I find myself like Abram instead of Abraham.
Perhaps our biggest challenge is simply that; simply trying to not step ahead of God. I am grateful that there is a whole book full of others like me who have done this. I am grateful that their lessons are recorded for me to read and take into consideration. But it is not enough just to read it. I must apply these lessons. Oh God, how I pray that your words become the lessons I live by as opposed to the stories I read. I pray that I would stop stepping ahead of You and expecting you to bless my ways. May I always find myself walking in Your ways instead.

WHO AM I?
“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.”
I Peter 2:9

The last few days, maybe even the last week or so, I have found myself in a few interesting situations. No I am not talking crazy situations, but interesting. It seems as though I have been finding myself in places where God is using me more. For example, I was at the grocery store over the weekend and someone came up next to me and, from looking at my clothing, began asking me a few questions about my faith. I have even seen it via facebook and other chat room type settings, where people are approaching me and asking me questions. Now the normal person on the street who doesn’t know me from Adam has no idea about the fact that I have a theology degree, yet they approach me. Is there a vibe I put out, is it truly the clothes that I wear, or is it something more? Who am I that people are drawn to me? And maybe more so the correct question, who am I at all?
I know the Bible says in I Peter 2:9 that I am a peculiar person, and trust me, I have my moments of being peculiar. But this ‘peculiar’ definition of me is way beyond just my dressing strange or eating weird food mixtures. In fact, this word ‘peculiar’ in the Greek is PERIPOIESIS and it means to be preserved and possessed, to be a property of. Now hold on, that is pretty deep; so deep that I think we need to look at the entire verse. We first learn that we are a chosen generation. We are EKLEKTOS, meaning specifically picked out, elected as if by God, and selected as best in class. Then we are told we are a royal priesthood. In the Greek the words are BASILEIOUS, meaning kingly and regal, and HIERATEUMA, meaning holding of the office of priest. Lastly Peter describes us as a holy nation. Holy here is HAGIOS, meaning the most holy or saintly thing.
When we put it all together, we see that Peter is writing that we are a hand-picked, best in class people, regal and priestly, upholding to a high degree of holiness, and specifically preserved and possessed. This is what we are said to be, but is this what we believe? Do you believe that this is who you are? The question of ‘who am I?’ may be a question that you have been asking yourself. And to the best of my ability, I think I am coming to grips with an answer to this question. Would you like to hear it?
The me I see is not the me that God sees me as. God sees me as a person who He wanted to create, who He wanted to have a relationship with, and that He is so proud of that He wants to show me off. God sees me as kingly and priestly even though He knows that at times I act like the street bum who lives in the sewer of sin. God sees me as one who is holy because I am trying hard to walk in His steps of holiness. And God sees me as one who He wants to be with so much that He continues to preserve me from the enemy, and reclaim His possession of me in His love. Who am I? I am His!
So why is it that people approach me in the store, or ask me questions in facebook chats and such? I hold nothing more than a humble opinion of who I am. I choose to believe it is because people see Him in me, shining forth, and they are drawn to Him in me. They see that I really am ‘peculiar’, preserved and possessed, and they want that same sense of being wanted. The good news is that it can be theirs, just as it can be yours. So how about it? Are you ready to be peculiar also?

BUBBLE BURSTING
“Of every clean animal you are to take seven couples, and of the animals that are not clean, one couple.”
Genesis 7:2

Over the weekend I found myself talking with my kids about some realities in life. I love how my kids are still at that innocent age where they believe everything ends as happy as an 80’s episode of Full House. But as we were chatting Saturday night after watching the movie, October Baby, I had to explain to them what an abortion was. As I explained, I watched their faces grow sad and tearful. Thought that a parent would not want a child had such a great impact on them both. With hesitancy in his voice, my son asked, “Were we wanted?” My response in the grandest of hugs was, “Yes! I wanted you both so badly.”
The statement is filled with truth, as even now I watch my children getting ready for school. I wanted them more than they will ever understand. But as I recall our conversation and movie, I cannot help but wonder something else. How many other bubbles need to be popped? I do not mean this in a rude fashion. I simply mean that as their understanding of a parent not wanting a child was popped, so I question also other realities. For example, as one who has grown up in the church, I wonder how many things I take as fact that really aren’t fact. How many things have been preached from a pulpit that sound good but carry only slight, if any, truth? Sadly, one only has to look at Genesis 7 to a major flaw in preaching, a bubble bursting so to say. That said, I feel I may need to burst your bubble a bit as we move forward.
I grew up in a Baptist church as a young lad, and then later in a non-denominational church from about ten years of age and all through college. With that said, I grew up hearing the story of Noah and the ark and with the image of cuteness when thinking on the story of Noah. I mean, honestly, when we hear the story of Noah we automatically think of the cute baby backdrops of cartoon drawn animals bundled together, giraffes extending their long necks out the windows, and a bird perched on the top of the ark. What we do not think of, however, is that the story of Noah has a grim plot. Only eight people survived. We focus on the animals but fail to remember all those who were not righteous and perished. That easily could have been us had we lived in the time of Noah. Sure, we all say we are living right for God, but are we? Are we living our version of righteous (TZEDEKAH) or His? Noah was saved because his lifestyle matched God’s definition, because he was blameless (TAMIM). Let us come to a simple understanding here by agreeing that Noah was not perfect. No one is perfect. But he walked in the aspects of keeping God’s commands. So already, I am sure I have changed your opinion on the account of Noah and his family. But, there is more. Allow me to continue before you chose to stone me.
In Sunday School growing up it was always taught that the animals went in to ark in pairs. With this idea it always seemed as though only two animals of each kind went in the ark. So there was a male and female lion, male and female kangaroo, and male and female aardvark, and so on and so forth. But having read this passage again, the true story is different. While the animals did go in perhaps two by two, there were not two of every animal. According to Genesis 7:2, some breeds of animals came in sevens, and per Genesis 7:3, the birds of the air also came in sevens. Did I just change your theology? It was these clean animals that were used in sacrifices and for food while Noah and his family were on the ark. I realize that this may not be the way you learned it either, but this is coming directly from God’s Word. But maybe the question you have is what makes an animal clean verses unclean? The word for clean is TAHOR and means ritually fit. An unclean animal (TAMEI) denoted the animal as ritually unfit for both sacrifice and food.
But here is the challenge I find myself facing, and maybe the same challenge you are facing. For so long, being raised in a standard Christian church, I have found myself believing what was taught to me as opposed to what I read for myself. I recall the flannel board cutouts that showed the ark and the animals in pairs walking up the ramp to it. I never challenged if I was being taught right information. Still, of how many other lessons have I just taken someone’s word as truth without searching it out for myself? And how many other words have I listened to as opposed to listening only to the voice of God? The challenge for all of us today should be in seeking out or hearing God’s Word for ourselves as opposed to letting another’s word dictate our understanding. He is speaking, and He has left all the answers. Are we listening and looking for the truth?

THE GOOD MAN
“So God created humankind in his own image; in the image of God he created him: male and female he created them.”
Genesis 1:27

I returned from my vacation with the kids on Sunday and worked hard to return to life as I knew it before leaving. I was happy to see the house clean as I had left it before going, but I made two discoveries. First, as I went to turn on the hall light, it would not come on. I had just replaced the light bulb about two weeks before leaving, yet still in my absence it had burnt out. The second discovery took me a little longer to notice. Late in the evening, when my daughter asked what time she should return from playing with her friends, I looked at the clock and spoke a random time. I looked again, though, not thinking it as late as the clock said, and noticed that the clock had stopped. During our trip the battery in the clock also had died. Both my hall light and clock were missing their connection. They weren’t missing in and of themselves, but something was missing that was preventing them from performing their action. This was not, in my eyes, good.
If we were to look back over the first few days of creation we would notice that at the close of the first five days God looked over His work and declared it good. We see this in Genesis 1:4, 10, 12, 18, 21 and 25. Up until this time all that God had created was good. But on day six when God added man as part of His creation, He looked over what He had made and declared it very good (1:31). What was it that allowed this piece of creation to move away from the good category to that of the very good? While the world and animals and plants were all made within the spoken command of God, man was made within His image. It is this single difference that separated man from anything else, and it is this difference which defines man’s relationship with his Creator. You see, from the Torah’s perspective, human life is a miracle from God. The creation of humans was a deliberate act, which in and of itself gives human life dignity and purpose.
In Hebrew, ADAM means man. Taking only the dirt, God created something more. He breathed life into dirt, or in Hebrew, He did what is called NESHAMAH, He gave man a soul. Adam only became a man when God breathed into his nostrils the neshamah of life, the soul of existence. While we are physically a gathering of chromosomes, we are more importantly vessels containing a spark of God’s breath. Perhaps likening it to a light bulb or battery makes more sense. The hall light or clock needing the bulb or battery will not come alive without the new bulb or energized battery. So God’s breath is to us. His breath in our soul allows us to come to life.
So if we are in the image of God, then how are we in His image? Like Him, we are a thinking, reasoning animal, with free will and self-determination. Yet, from the beginning man has had a hole that only God can fill. This hole desires God, but in many areas is filled with others items or idols. The problem, however, is that these other things cannot fill it correctly because they do not represent God correctly. Have you ever heard the phrase of putting a square peg in a round whole? This void and desire are much the same. The hole is the round hole, but the idol is the square peg. Sure, it can be jammed in there, manipulated, or cut smaller so as to fit, but the true fit only comes with a round peg in a round hole.
We are made in His image. We are made in the reflection of God and for His joy. Why then do we walk around feeling as though we hold no value? Our creator has declared us very good. But then why also do we so casually run from our Creator and seek other things that will not bring us the fulfillment in life that only our Creator can? Isn’t it time we start seeing ourselves as His reflection and allow Him to be the peg that fills our hole?

DON’T TOUCH
“…but about the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden God said, ‘You are neither to eat from it nor touch it, or you will die’”
Genesis 3:3

As I shared a few days back, I have been spending this past week with my family. I have noticed over the last few days that there are a few different rules between my mom’s house and my house. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but my kids are learning a whole new idea of respect. When at grandma’s house, they must obey grandma’s rules. Now since grandma has many items that are valuable, easily breakable, and sentimental, they have to be aware of what they can touch and should not touch. At my home my children know what to touch and what not to touch, but here they are learning all over again what is safe verses what is not. For instance, while it is safe for them to use my dishes at home, I would not let them just grab grandma’s dishes from the cabinet, especially her fine china. Even playing the piano at grandma’s house, which has been in the family since grandpa was a boy, needs to be touched in caution and under supervision as my kids like to pound the keys.
But the fact of being cautious in what we do and do not touch is nothing new. Truth be told, it was the touching of things early on that got mankind into trouble. After creating the earth and everything in it, God then made man and woman. While mankind was made in God’s image, they were still given rules. Taking care of the land was a requirement given to man, but the ability to eat of almost any tree was just as well. God commanded His people to eat of any tree in the garden except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The rule was given and known by both Adam and Eve, yet…
I know this story full well even in my own life. Even though the sign says stay out, keep off, or don’t touch, I find myself wanting to do the opposite. Now in Eve’s case, we read in Genesis 3 that the crafty serpent lured her. In my life, I do not have a crafty serpent hanging from a tree slithering his secrets in my ear, but I nonetheless hear his words. And they make me doubt what God has said. They make me want to touch. And they make me want to do the opposite of all I know is right. I, just like Eve, take the fruit.
While we all know the story of Eve taking the apple from the tree, biting into it, and passing it to Adam to enjoy, I wonder if we overlook a fraction of the story. The command from God was not to eat it only, but also not to touch it. I think we equate the bad of this story with the fact that they both ate of the fruit and that this action caused their death, their being removed from the Garden and such. But after reading this account again I see the word ‘touch’ glaring at me. They were told to not “…eat from it nor touch it, or you will die.” It doesn’t matter if they ate it, they were not even supposed to touch it. Even if they had not shared bites, they still would have had the same fate for simply touching it.
So let me ask this, what are you touching that God has said no to. I think in regards of dating. God has told us to not have sexual relations before marriage. This is a sin and it brings a curse on the marriage. This in many ways is like the eating of the fruit. But is it possible God never wanted you to date that person from the beginning? By dating a person God does not give us permission to date, we are in essence touching the forbidden fruit also. Let us not get so concerned with only the biting when the truth of God’s command includes the touching also. I challenge you to reconsider what you are touching that God has told you not to touch. Obviously the consumption is wrong, but it may be time to get our hands off the things we are touching as well, confess the sin, and step away from the tree altogether.

THE DONUT SHOP
“Therefore, let us confidently approach the throne from which God gives grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace in our time of need.”
Hebrews 4:16

My children are on Fall Break this week, and as such we have taken a journey to grandma’s house a couple states away from home. It is usually while on these vacations that the normal life is pushed aside and vacation life takes over. This normally includes extras like fun attractions, food, and lots of shopping. Today was no exception. Before anyone else was awake this morning, my kids began conspiring a way to get me to take them to the donut shop. Hearing them in the background with my eyes closed pretending I was asleep, I heard them debate the proper way to ask me, or better yet convince me, that donuts were needed. Little did they know that I too had just the night before thought about getting a donut and pretty much had already had a trip to the shop planned out. As I listened to their words, however, I was reminded of the days when I too would work to convince my parents that donuts were needed. Oh how it all comes back around.
But I was reminded of something else as well, on a deeper and spiritual level. It is in Hebrews 4:16 that we are told to come boldly before the throne of God. You see, my children were working out a way to convince me that donuts were needed instead of simply just asking, “Dad, can we get donuts?” Now they had no idea that I would say yes, but they choose not to boldly ask. Does that sound like anyone we know? Does that sound like us? I know that for myself, I still suffer with believing I have the right to approach God boldly and ask Him for something. I struggle with believing I have the right to ask, and that He wants to bless me with the things I ask for.
Let us take a minute, though, and look at the word ‘confidently’, or as other translations write, ‘boldly’. In the Greek it is the word PARRHESIA and means to have a freedom in speaking, without concealment, confidence, assurance, and in courage. It means a little more than what I always thought it meant. It isn’t just coming before God without fear in asking, but more in depth it means to come before God without holding anything back in our words, not being timid, and speaking in the assurance that what we are asking of God He will give us in our time of need. Now be honest, is that how your have been coming before God?
Before I close, though, I want to look at a couple more verses related to this passage that may help us to come in boldness before God. In looking at Hebrews 4:14 we read that we have a great High Priest, Jesus Christ, who has passed through heaven, and because of Him we are to hold fast to our profession. Then in verse 15 we read that He empathizes with us in our weaknesses and in our temptations. Therefore He can relate. And because He can relate, He wants us to come with boldness before Him.
I encourage you today to come in boldness before Him. He understands and He wants to bless. We do not need to come up with some sly way of tricking Him into giving us what we need, because He already knows what we need and already wants to give us what we need. So whether you want a donut, or something far greater, all that is required is to come boldly before Him with your request. Go ahead, ask Him even now, and watch as in due time His hand of blessing opens over you.
With that said, I’m off to the donut store with my kids.

THE BETHLEHEM SUKKAH
“So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.”
Luke 2:4-5

A few days back I shared with you that many believe Sukkot could indeed be the true time of Yeshua's birth. I shared with you that if we consider this was a time when people from all over would return for the celebration as commanded, then it would makes sense that the Romans would use this gathering for their benefit, in the calculation of the people. So then, today I want us to look at a few details, outside of what I have already shared. Based on my previous entry, the time of John the Baptist’s birth was around Shavout (Pentecost). As the Bible records, when Mary visited Elizabeth, Elizabeth was in her sixth month (Lk 1:36) and Mary stayed for about three months after just finding out the news of her own pregnancy (Lk 1:56). This then places Yeshua’s birth during the days of Sukkot. And it is Sukkot that is known as the holy day commemorating Adonai's dwelling with His people. But let us consider a few things about a sukkah that also point this event and season together
For those of you who have never seen a sukkah, I will do my best to explain one. A sukkah is a temporary shelter that can be built with 2 ½ sides, 3 sides, or 4 sides covered. That may not seem like anything special, but it does play a part. Maybe to understand the sukkah better we still need to travel back in time a little further. In jumping over to Genesis 33:17, we read that Jacob traveled to Succoth where he built for himself and his livestock, shelters or sukkot (the plural for sukkah). He made a makeshift hut for himself, as well as his animals. Now skip back to where we left off in Luke, and the infamous Christmas story, and where was the Messiah born? He was born in an animal makeshift covering. He was born in a sukkah. And why? He was born in a sukkah because there was no more room in any of the inns in Bethlehem.
Is it beginning to make more sense now? With so many people coming into Bethlehem for the Feast of Tabernacles, as was commanded by God as one of three times the people were to return home, there was nowhere else to stay. The hotels of their day were full. But I wonder why Joseph was looking for a hotel room during Sukkot. Surly he knew the Feasts, and knew this one was celebrated by the people by living in these temporary shelters as God commanded in Leviticus. My mind can only wrap around the fact that because of her pregnancy he wanted something a little more private and comfortable for her and the baby. Yet God had other plans.
Allow me to throw one more thought out there for you. On Sukkot, we build the sukkah not only for our family, but also to host guests and friends, and anyone else who may wish to join in the celebration. If Joseph had gotten a hotel room, would the shepherds been able to come? The angels welcomed the shepherds to the sukkah to join in the celebration. Because of this, the Bible records that they spread the word about what they had seen and been told about the child. Who would have done this if the shepherds had not been allowed in the hotel room?
The scripture is true in saying there was no room in the inn, but that is because God had bigger plans. Not only did He want His command fulfilled about living in the sukkah during this time, but He also wanted to invite the world into the sukkah. He wanted to invite the world to tabernacle with Him in this great time. And He still is inviting people to the sukkah. I encourage you to come. All are welcome as the door of the sukkah is always open. Will you come? Will you spend this Feast with us, and look upon the one who has saved the world? The door is open.