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Can We Follow Jesus While Scrolling Endlessly?

4/25/2025

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I rarely pre-order books purely based on the title, cover art, and publisher, but Scrolling Ourselves to Death is different. It comes from names like Joe Carter, Brett McCracken, Samuel James, etc. These authors have consistently written compelling articles on social matters from a Christian worldview, and Scrolling Ourselves to Death shines brightly among Christian books on the topic of technology and the Christian life. This book fits nicely among The Tech-Wise Family, 12 Ways Your Phone Is Changing You, Digital Liturgies, and others in the Christian publishing arena.

Scrolling Ourselves to Death is a unique book because it’s a reflection on Neil Postman’s prescient Amusing Ourselves to Death. This is not a rewrite of Postman’s book. Rather, it’s a reflection—and expansion—on his thoughts and ideas from a Christian worldview in the age of the smartphone. The contributors of this volume do a fantastic job of interacting with Postman’s ideas without flattening, disparaging, or dismissing his insights when they conflict with the Christian worldview.

A Weighty Argument

As I read (and re-read) this book, I couldn’t help but feel the weightiness of the arguments from both Postman and the TGC contributors. Barely an ’80s baby (born in 1989), I’ve personally felt the negative impacts of unwittingly embracing technology over the past three decades. I grew up in the era of knob TVs, dial-up internet, and cordless phones. Before the days of unlimited internet, I used to wait until 7 p.m. to make use of free night and weekend minutes on my mom’s cell phone. We’ve come a long way since middle school!

I walked away from Scrolling Ourselves to Death with a healthy dose of conviction and necessary soul-searching. I can see why Postman viewed technology more like Aldous Huxley than George Orwell. Orwell, in 1984, warned us that technology would control us through fear, coercion, and surveillance. While we certainly see traces of this today, Huxley saw something very different—and alarmingly more sinister. In A Brave New World, he foresaw that technology would control us by constantly entertaining us. We will give up our freedom and security for bite-sized nuggets of pleasure hundreds and thousands of times per day—hence why TikTok was banned in America!

In reflection on this book, I’ve got many questions to answer. Why do I use my phone? How has technology shaped the way I think? The way I worship? The way I fellowship with other believers? I am convinced that I have wasted precious years of my life passively allowing media and technology to shape my way of thinking and interacting with God, my family, my local church, and my neighbor. As a writer, musician, and content creator, I’ve even felt the pull to contribute to content that teeters on amusing entertainment for the sake of getting clicks and views. Yet, as I ponder the seriousness of the Christian faith and the present age we live in, I can’t continue following the trends and perspectives of this world.

Technology Can Help Or Harm Us 


Technology is not neutral. It doesn’t merely have the potential to harm—it actually does hurt people. From increasing rates of depression and anxiety in teens to shortened attention spans among adults, we are watching smartphones and unlimited internet access dominate our lives. But we don’t have to sit back aimlessly and watch. Scrolling Ourselves to Death reminds us very poignantly that we don’t have the option to carelessly embrace every new technology thrown at us. If Postman’s thoughts in 1985 seem prescient now, a mere 40 years later, imagine how terrifying they will be in another 15–20 years if the Lord tarries. 2007—the year we saw the first smartphone—seems so distant and yet so close. It’s tough to fathom what technology will look like in 2040 if we live to see it.

Scrolling Ourselves to Death is not a doom-and-gloom book at all. It’s not a call to throw away smartphones or toss our routers out the window. Rather, it’s a call to “count the cost” of discipleship (Luke 14:28). It’s a call to reflect on gospel hope and bring the gospel to our unbelieving friends and neighbors who are quite literally scrolling themselves to death. It’s a clarion call for the church to be reinvigorated with flesh-and-blood ministry that doesn’t flow through text messages, video cameras, screens, or glowing metal boxes. Will we use our phones like the world and become like the world? Or will we live otherworldly lives that point people away from the screens toward a glorious Savior?

Scrolling Ourselves to Death is a book every Christian should read—especially Christian leaders. The mission hasn’t changed. We are called to make disciples of all nations. But we have unique challenges in this technopoly we live in. We will either control our technology, or our technology will control us. The choice is ours. By God’s providence, Christians are uniquely suited to bring the gospel and God’s Kingdom to bear in these technology conversations. Grab yourself a copy and be ready to share these powerful insights with other saints!

For a more in-depth review of this book, check out this video on the Dwell With Christ Youtube Channel! 

I received a free copy of this book. I was not compensated nor was I required to leave a positive review.

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I (Almost) CAn't Read Anymore

12/12/2024

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I used to love reading. It was one of my favorite things to do. I’d go through 30 to 50 books a year—everything from my Bible to Christian living books, Puritan classics, fiction, and even books on health. Mornings started with coffee and a book. Evenings ended the same way. I’d squeeze in reading during lunch breaks or any spare moment.

But now? It feels like I’ve almost forgotten how to read. Sure, I can still read, but focusing is a struggle. I’ll sit down with my Bible or a book, and before I know it, my phone is in my hand, or I’m off doing something else. Even when I try to focus, I can hardly make it through more than a few pages without losing steam.

When I think about what changed, it all seems to go back to 2020. Working from home during the pandemic threw my routines out the window. Suddenly, I was glued to screens all day—my phone and my computer. And then the short videos came. YouTube Shorts, Facebook Reels, Instagram Reels—they sucked me in. I’d tell myself, “Just one video,” but 30 minutes (or more) would disappear before I even realized it.

Here’s the thing: I know I’m wasting time. I know it’s not what I want to be doing. But it keeps happening. My attention span has taken a hit, and it’s harder to focus or think deeply like I used to.

As a Christian, this hits even harder because reading is such a big part of my faith. Romans 10:17 says, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Whether it’s listening to sermons, listening to an audio Bible, or reading Scripture, I need that time in the Word. But more and more, I find myself distracted, skimming a few verses before my mind wanders back to my phone or something I have going on around me.

And then there’s Ephesians 5:15-16: “Make the best use of your time because the days are evil.” Can I really say I’m doing that when I’m watching shorts or scrolling through social media for hours? Probably not. I think about all the time I could be spending with God, with my wife, or with my kids. Instead, I’m stuck in a cycle of distractions.

I don’t want to live like that. I don’t want my life to be defined by short, silly videos or endless scrolling. I want to live with spiritual depth and purpose. I don't want to be a shallow Christian. I want to read again, to think more deeply, and to grow in my faith and understanding of God and His Word.

So, I’ve started making some changes. I’ve added limits to my phone. I’ve grayscaled my screen to make it less appealing. I even downloaded apps that block scrolling feeds on social media. But more than that, I’m working on rebuilding my reading habit. I’ve set small goals—5 minutes of reading, then 10, then 15, and so on. If I can waste an hour on my phone, I can spend an hour reading something that matters. I just have to build the muscle memory back up.

My daughters are a big inspiration. Two of them love reading and will curl up in their bunk beds with books for hours. I want to join them—to read alongside them and show them how valuable it is. In fact, my oldest has been staying on me about reading throughout the days and evenings. It's been helpful to to have her prodding me to read more. 

Now is the perfect time to start. It’s Advent season, so I’ve picked up Paul Tripp's Advent devotional to help me refocus and prepare for the new year.

What about you? Are you ready to put your phone down and make space for something better? Let’s do this together. Find a book, start a devotional, or even just set a timer for 5 minutes to read something meaningful. Let me know in the comments how you’re making changes—I’d love to hear your ideas!

​Photo by Dom J: https://www.pexels.com/photo/assorted-books-45717/
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Don't Waste Your Christmas

12/3/2024

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"Don’t waste your Christmas. Use this season to deepen your understanding of Christ, nurture your family’s faith, and share the joy of salvation with others. By focusing your heart and mind on Jesus, you’ll find a sense of peace and joy that surpasses the chaos of the season."

If you'd like to watch a video version of this article, click the photo above or click this link. 

If you click on my affiliates/advertisers links, I am going to receive a small commission to support my family and ministry. AND… you will either receive an offer or a high quality product. It's a win/win! I only advertise companies and products that I believe in.

Don’t waste your Christmas.

Christmas often gets too wrapped up in hustle and bustle—shopping, gatherings, and endless to-do lists. What if you took a step back this year instead of rushing through the motions? What if you started a new tradition—one that centers your heart and family on God?

This Christmas, don’t let the joy of the season be overshadowed by stress and busyness. Slow down. Make time to reflect on God’s love and the true meaning of Christmas: the birth of Jesus Christ.

How to Make Christmas Meaningful
Here are some ideas to help you focus on Christ this Christmas:

1. Start a Devotional Tradition
Take time to read a devotional, either alone or with your family. For example, a few years ago, my family began reading A Jesus Christmas by Barbara Reaoch. Every evening during dinner, we would light candles and read together. This tradition has evolved over the years to include Better Than Anything Christmas and even Good Kind’s Advent blocks that guide us through the Gospel story leading up to Christ’s birth. 

We make it special by adding candles and oil lamps along with our devotional reading. As my kids have gotten older, they now do the Advent reading and prayer. It’s been really cool to hear them read, pray, and ask questions about the reading. It’s a good reminder that none of this is in vain.

2. Sing and Pray Together
This year, we’ve added songs like Joy to the World or Silent Night to your family’s evening routine. We find a youtube video of Christmas songs with lyrics and sing together. We know some songs very well. There are other songs we are just learning this year. It’s a lot of fun.
Praying together strengthens our connection to God and each other. Whether our devotional has a prayer or not, we slow down and make sure to pray together. It’s important to teach them to pray and support them when they make the effort. 

3. Join a Church Devotional
This year, our church is reading Everyday Gospel together. It’s a wonderful way to connect with fellow believers, knowing they are reflecting on the same scriptures and truths. It’s cool to see other church members sharing good quotes on their Facebook page! It brings me great joy to know that our church is on the same page, literally, for our devotional lives.

4. Use Reading Plans
Explore Advent reading plans in apps like Logos or the Youversion Bible App, or find one online. These plans provide daily reminders to keep Christ at the center of your thoughts. The readings each day don’t have to be long. In fact, shorter readings can be better for meditation.

The Importance of Slowing Down
Slowing down during the Christmas season allows you to focus on what matters most: Jesus. It’s easy to get caught up in the rush of shopping, gatherings, and activities, but making time for scripture and prayer helps us remember the joy, peace, and hope that Christ brings.
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Christmas is about celebrating the birth of Jesus, who came to Earth to save us. It’s a time to reflect on the incredible gift of salvation and the depth of God’s love. If we let the season’s distractions overshadow this truth, we lose the heart of what we’re celebrating.

Resources to Get You Started
Here are some devotional recommendations to guide your reflections:
    •    A Jesus Christmas by Barbara Reaoch
    •    Better Than Anything Christmas by Barbara Reaoch
    •    Love Came Down at Christmas by Sinclair Ferguson
    •    The Dawn of Redeeming Joy by Sinclair Ferguson
    •    The Christmas We Didn’t Expect by David Mathis

A Season to Cherish
While Christmas isn’t a biblically mandated celebration, it is a wonderful opportunity to focus on the Incarnation—the profound mystery of God becoming man. Take time to reflect on the richness of Christ’s coming, not just during Advent, but all year long.

Don’t waste your Christmas. Use this season to deepen your understanding of Christ, nurture your family’s faith, and share the joy of salvation with others. By focusing your heart and mind on Jesus, you’ll find a sense of peace and joy that surpasses the chaos of the season.

Let this Christmas be the beginning of traditions that bring you closer to God.

Photo by Any Lane: https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-a-person-s-hands-cutting-wrapping-paper-5727927/​
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An Attitude of Gratitude

11/28/2024

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An Attitude of Gratitude

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." (Colossians 3:16-17)

Every year, Thanksgiving arrives, and I’m filled with joy and gratitude. There’s nothing particularly special about the day—though I do love the final days and weeks of autumn. For me, Thanksgiving is special because it serves as a signpost, reminding me to be thankful.

As Christians, we need those reminders to be thankful. In fact, throughout the New Testament, we’re repeatedly urged to have hearts full of gratitude and to pray with thanksgiving to the Lord. One of my favorite passages, Colossians 3:16-17, has been etched on my heart since the earliest days of my faith. It reminds us to let the Word dwell in us richly. It also calls us to use the Word in the everyday life of the local church—talking and singing with thankfulness in our hearts. Finally, it directs us to live with one overarching purpose: the glory of God.

In doing everything in the name of the Lord and for His glory, we are commanded to do so with thanksgiving in our hearts. Later, in Colossians 4:2, we see that even our prayers should overflow with thanksgiving. Whether we read, sing, pray, or live, gratitude should fill our hearts and flow from our lips.

Mature Christians walk through life with an attitude of gratitude. Richard Sibbes expresses this masterfully in Divine Meditations:

“The whole life of a Christian should be nothing but praises and thanks to God; we should neither eat nor sleep, but eat to God and sleep to God and work to God and talk to God, do all to His glory and praise.” (Richard Sibbes, Works Vol. VII, 185)


As we enjoy our turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, and all the other delicious dishes served at our holiday feasts, let’s remember to be thankful. Let’s pray together for thankful hearts. Let’s ask God to cultivate in us an attitude of gratitude. Let’s allow the meditations of our hearts to overflow with thanksgiving so that the words from our mouths will follow suit.

Do everything with an attitude of gratitude.

Photo By: Kaboompics.com: https://www.pexels.com/photo/roasted-turkey-on-white-ceramic-plate-5718104/
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Transform Your Bible Study with Logos

11/26/2024

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If you click on my affiliates/advertisers links, I am going to receive a small commission to support my family and ministry. AND… you will either receive an offer or a high quality product. It's a win/win! I only advertise companies and products that I believe in.

Take Your Bible Study to the Next Level

Have you ever wanted to go deeper in your Bible study but felt stuck? Maybe you’ve been asked to lead a study or preach a sermon and didn’t know where to start. I’ve been there—overwhelmed by a sea of resources and unsure which ones were worth the investment.

That’s when I discovered Logos Bible Software, and it has been a game changer in my study of God’s Word.

Why I Love Logos

For years, I struggled to justify the cost of a full commentary or reference book for just one study. But with Logos, I have access to:
    •    Word Study Tools: Instantly look up the original meaning of words.
    •    Comprehensive Commentaries: Explore trusted insights on any passage.
    •    Bible Dictionaries and More: Everything you need for in-depth study in one place.

Whether you’re a pastor, teacher, or someone who simply loves the Bible, Logos equips you with the tools you need to grow in your faith.

My Logos Journey

I first heard about Logos at a conference. The demo blew me away, but the price tag held me back. For a few years, I made do with physical books and free online resources. But then, my wife gracious blessed me with the Logos Gold package, and I haven't looked back.

Now, I use Logos every time I prepare a message. From quick word studies to in-depth commentary research, it has become my most-used Bible study tool. Whether I'm at home or on the road, Logos is has everything I need to study God's Word. It even has an AI assistant to help me dig through all my resources for a specific answer. With Logos, I can perform hours of research in seconds!

Beyond Bible study, I can also use Logos to:
  • Plan my sermon calendar
  • Write my sermons
  • Create Presentations
  • Use a Bible reading plan
  • Organize my prayer life

Affordable Options for Everyone

The good news? Logos is more accessible than ever:
    •    Subscription Options: Start for as little as $10–$12 per month.
    •    Free Books Monthly: Expand your library without extra cost.
    •    Mobile Access: Study anywhere with the Logos app.

And right now, you can start a free trial to see if Logos is right for you.

Why It’s Worth Trying

For the cost of two coffees a month, Logos gives you a personal theological library at your fingertips. Whether you’re preparing for ministry or personal study, Logos is an investment in your spiritual growth.

Ready to Get Started?

Don’t just take my word for it—experience the power of Logos yourself.
Click here to start your free trial and access a free suite of tools to deepen your understanding of God’s Word.

When you keep your subscription, you’ll not only bless your Bible study but also support my ministry. It’s a win-win!
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Desperate TImes, Desperate Measures

11/21/2024

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Desperate Situations and Desperate Decisions

When is the last time you were in a tough situation that caused you to make a bad decision? So often, situations feel desperate, and we make choices in the moment that we may regret later. Over the years, I’ve found myself in seemingly desperate situations that have cost me lots of time and money.

One time, I paid someone $250 for a consult to be on a music production team only to be forgotten, discouraged, and more broke than when I started. I proceeded to purchase music production courses, cheat sheets, and more. I never made a dime, but several people profited from my desperation. What was supposed to bring me money actually ended up costing me more money in the long run.

The Allure of Quick Fixes

Maybe you’ve been in a similar situation. Multilevel marketing schemes come and go. Get-rich-quick schemes tempt you to invest your hard-earned cash only to leave you behind. That too-good-to-be-true job opportunity turns out to be untrue after all. It’s frustrating—especially when we’re genuinely striving to glorify God in everything we’re doing.

Sometimes we pray, seek God’s answer, and think we’ve received a “yes” when really, He was calling us to hold on.

We’re not alone.

In Genesis 16, Abram and Sarai found themselves in a similar situation. God promised Abram land and offspring, but it didn’t seem like His plan was unfolding. In his mid-80s, Abram had no children, and his wife was barren. Infertility plagued their marriage, and it didn’t seem like God was going to use Sarai’s womb to fulfill His promise.

Sarai decided to help God along. Instead of waiting, she gave her servant Hagar to Abram, assuming this was God's intended plan.

That must’ve been what God wanted, right?

Wrong!

Instead of fulfilling God’s will, they walked their own path. It cost them far more than they imagined.
    •    Hagar was misused and abused by her masters.
    •    Sarai was provoked to anger and contempt toward Hagar.
    •    Abram and Sarai’s marriage was strained.
    •    Hagar fled, alone and pregnant, heading for Egypt.

It was a huge mess! Impatience and sin led to dire consequences for the aging couple and their young servant.

God’s Mercy and Healing

Yet, God is a healing and merciful God.

God saw Hagar and allowed her son, Ishmael, to live. Though his life would be challenging (“a wild donkey of a man”), God demonstrated mercy by hearing Hagar’s cries and meeting her in her distress (Genesis 16:11-13).

God also brought healing to Abram and Sarai. Instead of punishing them for their doubt and pride, He fulfilled His promise by giving them a son, Isaac, through Sarai’s womb (Genesis 21:1-3). Their marriage was healed, and Isaac became the fulfillment of God’s covenant with Abram.

But they had to wait another 14 years to see the promise fulfilled.

Maybe God is Calling Us To Wait

We may feel that we’re in a desperate situation requiring urgent change. However, God often urges us to slow down and wait for His answer. In Psalm 46:10, He says, “Be still, and know that I am God.”

When we focus on Jesus, we begin to look like Him. Perhaps the desperate situation is pushing us out of our comfort zone so we can find true comfort and spiritual peace in God.

Whatever you’re going through right now is not too big for God. He’s strong enough to carry you through. But we must remind ourselves to trust God’s timing and plans rather than rushing to make our own way.

When you're in a desperate situation, take time to pray, seek His will, and trust His perfect timing. What feels desperate to us is fully within His control. Waiting may be hard, but God’s promises are always worth it.

​How can you lean into God’s plans for your situation in this season?
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Conduct Yourself As A Worthy Citizen

11/16/2024

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Does God ever get your attention in ways that you simply can't miss? Do you ever read something or ponder an idea, only to have it show up in your reading, conversations, or social media feed? This morning, God got my attention. He reminded me of a reality that has been reverberating in my mind for at least a few weeks: As American citizens, we can't let our identity be driven more by our national citizenship than by our heavenly citizenship.

In my study of Philippians 1:27-30 this week, I came across a powerful quote from Hywel Jones. He was defining Paul's meaning behind "let your manner of life be worthy," and he said this:

"The verb which Paul uses to describe the kind of life which is appropriate to the gospel would have been very meaningful for the Philippians. It is the term from which our word 'politics' is derived. It means something like 'to conduct oneself as a citizen.' Doubtless, Paul chose this term deliberately, knowing how conscious and proud the Philippians were of their citizenship."
Philippians: For the Sake of the Gospel (2016), p. 62.

As an American, citizenship and "politics" have been on my mind—and in my conversations—a lot lately. I have been pondering and writing about how American Christians can live and vote in a way that magnifies Christ and preserves unity among believers. It's fascinating that, in God's providence, I am studying a passage that basically says, "conduct yourselves as citizens worthy of the gospel of Christ."

This statement from Paul speaks volumes to Christians today. Notice what Paul didn't say. He didn't say: "Conduct yourselves as citizens worthy of the Republican or Democratic parties." He also didn't say: "Conduct yourselves as good citizens worthy of American values." Paul's aim is far higher than earthly citizenship. He says, "Conduct yourselves as citizens worthy of the gospel of Christ." In other words, the way you live your life should reflect the reality that you have trusted in the gospel work of Christ.
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Contrary to popular belief, the world is not friendly to Christians—at least not forever. Non-Christians may be sympathetic to our beliefs, but when push comes to shove, they will oppose Christ and His followers rather than stand side by side for the faith of the gospel. They may cater to our desires to win our votes or gain something from us, but they will never ultimately stand on the side of Christ. As Paul says here, they are on the path to destruction (Phil. 1:28).
Are you living as a citizen worthy of the gospel? Let's keep striving with our eyes on Christ to stand firm together for the sake of the gospel!
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Atomic Habits Can Become Atomic Bombs

11/12/2024

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Tiny choices can destroy our lives.

“Ugh. Not again.” That’s what I murmured under my breath as I looked at the scale and saw that I’d gained three pounds since late last week. I knew it was coming, too. We had a family get-together with “finger foods,” and I absentmindedly ate tortilla chips, creamy homemade cheese dip, chemical-free chocolate chip cookies, and a platter of other tasty but unhealthy foods. Little by little, I consumed 100 to 300 portions of calories throughout the day until I reached 3,000 or more calories.

Imagine doing this every day for a year. If my body’s caloric need is 2,000 calories per day, and I eat 1,000 to 1,500 extra calories, that adds up to 550,000 extra calories per year. While I don’t eat like that every day, even an extra 250 calories (a few handfuls of M&Ms or Cheez-Its) would mean an additional 91,000 calories over the year. 250 calories doesn’t seem like much, but 91,000 is massive. While I don’t fully trust the math, that adds up to an extra 12 pounds per year. I’ve certainly seen my weight fluctuate by 5 to 10 pounds in a year. That’s scary.

Small Habits, Big Consequences
Atoms are tiny, but atomic bombs make massive impacts. So it is with our habits. The smallest habits can bring great catastrophes or great gains. James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, says it this way: “You should be far more concerned with your current trajectory than with your current results.” In other words, where are your habits leading you?

The way we eat can have significant long-term impacts on our physical, mental, and emotional health. Imagine how our spiritual health is impacted by small habits. A few lustful glances, an impure thought, and some unrepentant anger every day, and we are on the path to patterns of sin, and perhaps a spiritual crisis. Even if we don’t have a huge fall into some major public sin that ruins our reputation, we may just be drifting, drifting slowly away from Christ. Just 5 minutes of compromise every day adds up to nearly a work week’s worth of choosing sin.

Habits for God
Let’s imagine a better way forward. What if we stole 15 minutes per day from our habitual phone use and gave it to God? Those 15 minutes would not only be more fruitful, but they’d also bring us closer to God. He’s not adding up the minutes to make sure we hit a certain amount. But if eternal life is to know God (John 17:3), then we would certainly benefit from spending more time with Him. If we want to suffer with bold confidence and say, “I know whom I have believed,” we must spend time getting to know the Lord we believe in. In other words, small habits of reading, praying, meditating, or conversing about the gospel could pay great spiritual dividends over time.

“Yes. I’ve done it again!” I want to be able to utter these words after fighting hard to stick to healthy eating habits over the long haul. I also want to say, “Lord, thank you for that truth you revealed to me again!” after spending 10-15 minutes reading and meditating on His Word. Just as we don’t drift toward weight loss and a healthy body, neither will we grow in our faith simply by waking up and doing what we naturally do. We also can’t treat spiritual disciplines and habits like we do our diet and exercise. We can’t willpower or muscle our way to deeper faith. We must submit our souls to the Spirit of Christ and watch for Him to do spiritual work in us (Rom. 12:2).

How are tiny habits impacting your life? With the help of the Holy Spirit, our hearts can be trained to love God. Our habits will follow our hearts and help shape our hearts to be more Christlike!


***This post contains an affiliate link to Amazon. If you purchase Atomic Habits,  a portion of the proceeds will be given to me to help Dwell With Christ stay up and running!***
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No, Donald Trump Is Not Just Like King David

11/8/2024

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As a Bible reader and pastor, I often encounter memes, gifs, and perspectives that misuse the Bible. Participating in No-Scroll November, I’ve been checking social media occasionally to view notifications and see whatever post is at the top of my feed. Instead of scrolling for more, I look at that post and then log off. This practice has been good for my soul, allowing me to stay updated with at least a few perspectives from those around me.

One perspective that has shown up in my comments, as well as at the top of my feed, reads:

​“To think that God ordained a filthy-minded, adulterous, wealthy man with evil in his heart to preside over a nation challenges my self-righteous understanding. But He did, and that sinful man, by grace, gave us the Psalms. #KingDavid"

Some Truths from the Post
To be fair, I want to highlight some helpful aspects of the post before addressing its half-truths. I’ll keep my comments brief, but I feel it’s necessary to address this viral post.

1. God Uses Wicked Men to Glorify Himself

Anyone who has read more than a few pages of the Bible knows that God uses sinful people to bring glory to Himself. From Abram to King David, the Apostle Paul to Peter, God has used sinful men to be the forefathers of our Savior, write large portions of the Bible, and spread the gospel of Christ throughout the world. Look at what Paul said about himself: “The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.” (1 Timothy 1:15).

2. God Has Allowed Wicked Men to Rule His People

One truthful aspect of this post is that God used King David to rule over Israel. When David was a young shepherd, Scripture describes him as a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14 and Acts 13:22). As a king in Israel, David’s reign was characterized by justice and fairness (1 Chronicles 18:14). Yet, his life was marred by grievous sins: lust, adultery, murder, and a cover-up. His affair with Bathsheba would have made headlines, and his scandal would have circulated globally. Still, God used him.

3. We Need Our Self-Righteousness Challenged

Anyone who struggles with self-righteousness needs that attitude challenged, and God often appoints that challenge in our lives. The most self-righteous people in Scripture put our Savior on the cross, and apart from Jesus Christ, our “righteous” deeds are filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). Regardless of the presidential candidate, God hates our self-righteousness and will appoint ways to destroy it in our hearts—sometimes through the sins of a political leader.

Some Half-Truths We Need to Discuss
Despite the truths in this viral post, some half-truths must be addressed to properly compare King David with Donald Trump. After such a comparison, we’ll see that these men actually stand in stark contrast.

1. David Grieved Over His Sin; Trump Appears Indifferent to His Sins.
While David may be described as a “filthy-minded, adulterous, wealthy man with evil in his heart,” this is an unfair assessment of his character and life’s trajectory. We’ve already seen David described as a man after God’s own heart. Psalm 51 shows us David’s grief over his affair with Bathsheba:

“For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment.” (Psalm 51:3-4)

In stark contrast, Donald Trump has expressed a different perspective on his sins. When asked in a 2015 interview if he’s ever asked God for forgiveness, Trump said, “I am not sure I have. I just go on and try to do a better job from there… I don’t bring God into that picture.” This perspective does not align with a biblical understanding of sin or forgiveness and reflects a sense of self-righteousness that relies on personal performance to be right with God. In this sense, Trump is not similar to King David.

2. David’s Writings Contradict This Post’s Claims
This post is crafted to make us think it’s about Trump before revealing it’s about David. This “gotcha” moment can catch us off guard, but digging deeper, we see the differences between their lives. It may not even be fair to define Trump’s life like this. I am not a Trump scholar, and I haven’t read his biography, so I won’t speak on the overall patterns of his life. However, he has made several incriminating statements about women, minorities, immigrants, and even God (by publicly taking His name in vain).

Was David a filthy-minded, evil man? David wrote:

“Depart from me, all you workers of evil, for the Lord has heard the sound of my weeping. The Lord has heard my plea; the Lord accepts my prayer.” (Psalm 6:8-9)

and also:

“If a man does not repent, God will whet his sword; he has bent and readied his bow; he has prepared for him his deadly weapons, making his arrows fiery shafts.” (Psalm 7:12-13)

David also took forgiveness very seriously, as seen in passages like:

“Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.” (Psalm 32:1-2)

What I’m Not Saying
I’m not saying that God isn’t using Donald Trump to challenge our self-righteousness. God’s ways are beyond our understanding (Isaiah 55:8-9). However, we must be careful when making unhelpful—and potentially false—comparisons between Donald Trump and King David. Prior to the 2016 election, Trump was not considered a Christian leader or model of righteousness. In fact, many political and Christian leaders spoke critically of him leading our nation.

King David, however, is often invoked in discussions of abuse, adultery, and immorality. He sinned grievously, and we shouldn’t defend or minimize his sins—the Bible doesn’t, and neither should we. But we can’t define David or his reign by a single sinful situation when the Bible doesn’t either. In our modern cancel culture, it’s common to write someone off for sins they have long repented of. Yet, the Bible is clear that David repented of his sins, and he accepted the consequences for that sin.

We must never defend or minimize sin. Christ laid down His life to bring justice for sin, proving that God takes it seriously. Nor should we make others feel guilty if they are grieved by a “filthy-minded, adulterous, wealthy man with evil in his heart” presiding over our nation. If Trump doesn’t fit this description, that’s one thing. But if he does, we shouldn’t bring the reputation of a godly leader into question to defend such a man. Doing so causes more harm than good. It also doesn't help us to weep with those who weep.
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The Election Is Over...We Still Have Hope

11/7/2024

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Election season has come and gone, and we have our next president-elect in America.

​When Donald Trump was put forward as the Republican presidential candidate, I was in utter disbelief. He’s been embroiled in controversy since the 2020 election and the January 6, 2021 insurrection at the Capitol building. When he discussed his comeback, I figured it was a silly ploy to get his social media platform and followers riled up. But it wasn’t a joke. He was here for real.

Though I wasn’t surprised by a Kamala Harris ticket, I was intrigued that Biden would step down so late in the game. Harris shared similar stances and policies to Biden, and his presidency hasn't been very popular, so I figured the Democratic party would struggle to rally enough new voters to maintain a president in office. Nonetheless, many polls showed Harris as the favorable candidate in many of the swing states, and it looked as though she might become our new president.

Divided Responses and Uncertain Futures

Many Americans felt as though neither option was ideal. Others felt strongly that their party’s candidate would be the best option during a pivotal election. With our economy reeling from the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and massive inflation that followed, many people were ready for a change. Key issues, like abortion, put single-issue voters in a bind because the Republican party made a significant shift on abortion during the RNC. It’s not to say that the two parties were equal on the issue. Rather, Evangelicals who had once claimed allegiance to the Republican party for its stance on abortion now had to deal with a candidate who is much less pro-life than they once realized.

Regardless of how we got here, we are here now. Donald Trump has been elected as the 47th president in United States history.

The responses to this news have been manifold and complex. Many of my friends who are Democrats have been lamenting this news and grieving the prospect of another Trump presidency. They are especially nervous for women and minorities due to the potential social ramifications that would come from such an election. Many of my friends who are Republicans are rejoicing and thanking God for this election. They see it as God’s provision and protection from "woke" and far-left ideology in America.

Others of my friends who, like me, are not aligned with a political party are struggling, too. How do we guard against unbiblical and unhelpful far-left ideologies threatening our churches and families? At the same time, how do we guard against the godlessness and unhelpful rhetoric that spews from far-right politicians seeking to woo Christians into secular forms of nationalism and conservatism? There’s a lot to process here.

A Sobering Picture of Human Kings

As a Christian, these times aren’t without hope. By God’s providence, I’ve been reading about some of the corrupt kings in Israel’s history while also preparing to teach on Melchizedek in Genesis 14. God has reminded me that His word is always relevant, especially in times like these.

As I read about Israel’s kings just prior to their exile to Babylon, I am struck with a real sense of sinful depravity. Even under a theocracy with the Word of God coming directly to them through prophets, Israel’s kings foolishly disobeyed the LORD. There were some cases where the prophet  basically said, “Do exactly this and you will be spared. Do otherwise and you will die” (see Jer. 38:14-28). Despite these clear and vivid warnings from God, the kings disobeyed Him. Through their disobedience, the nation of Israel would be handed over into the grip of their enemies and into exile.

We need Someone far greater than an earthly king who merely promises to do things for our good. We need God's King who isn’t stained by the power and death of sin.

A Hopeful Picture of God's King
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As I read about Melchizedek and how he foreshadowed Jesus (Genesis 14), I am struck by the glory and goodness of Jesus. Melchizedek, the king of Salem and the king of Righteousness (the meaning of his name), was a priest before the Levitical priesthood existed. He foreshadowed Christ, the ultimate King of Righteousness. Jesus is the King of Peace who reigns over Zion and all the universe. He is a Priest after the order of Melchizedek—a priest greater than every Levite. His sacrifice for His bride and sheep is a once-for-all payment for sin that is unmatched by any priestly sacrifice. His blessing to believers is the promise and hope of having a secure anchor in the face of persecution, threats, and the storms of life.

In Christ, we have a King and Leader who is far greater than Donald J. Trump or Kamala Harris. We have a sinless, holy, and righteous King who never errs or has a lapse in judgment. We have a King who died on the cross and rose again to give peace and righteousness to all who trust in Him. More importantly, He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Rev. 17:14;19:16). Every earthly leader—president, monarch, high priest—will have to kiss the son or perish (Ps. 2:12). Every leader of every nation will have to bow the knee and confess that Jesus is Lord (Phil. 2:10-11).

A Christ-Centered Perspective Amidst Uncertainty

Whether you were devastated or overjoyed by the results of this election, keeping a Christ-centered perspective is vital for us as we walk through coming days and months. The world is throwing a lot of chaos at us, and we have no idea how this presidency will affect our lives. But we can rest assured that Christ is still King and He ever intercedes for His people. Our hope goes far beyond this world and its political figures.

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An Election Day Prayer

11/4/2024

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 This week, I felt that it was important to pray for our congregation and our nation in light of the upcoming election. Regardless of how you're voting—if you're voting at all—I think this prayer could be as beneficial to your soul as much as it was to mine. It's not often that I pray written prayers during corporate worship, but I benefited from slowing down, thinking through the implications of this election in light of 1 Peter 2:13-17, and writing out my heart. 

You may benefit from just reading the prayer. You may also benefit from praying through the prayer directly. Personally, I think reading through the prayer and stopping to pray in light of what I prayed can help personalize the prayer even more for you. Either way, I hope this prayer is a blessing as we approach the 2024 election.

Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 2:13-17 (ESV)
13 Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution,[a] whether it be to the emperor[b] as supreme, 14 or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. 15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. 16 Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants[c] of God. 17 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.

Prayer: 

Heavenly Father,

We come to You humbly and in awe of Your power. When we look out at creation, we see Your divine power as the ruler and creator of the whole universe. We see Your upholding hand that keeps the earth spinning while maintaining the right distance from the sun. We see the signs and seasons you’ve created as reminders that though the seasons come and go, You have given order to Your creation.

Lord, we pray this morning that You would prepare our hearts for the upcoming election. Every four years, we vote for the supreme human leader of our nation. We know that You are our highest authority, and yet You have called us to be subject, for Christ’s sake, to every human institution. As much as we are able, without abandoning Your righteousness, help us to truly be subject to our governing authorities.

You have put them here to punish those who do evil and praise those who do good. Help them to do that with justice and righteousness. Bring our government leaders into Your glorious family and save their souls so they can lead from Christlike hearts. But even if they reject the gospel, guide their hearts like a stream of water in Your hands. As the Lord of all, convict and steer them by Your mighty hand even when they don’t want to follow You.

It is Your will that Your people silence foolish people by our good deeds and godly living. By the power of Your Holy Spirit and through the gospel, lead us in those good works. Let our actions and words reflect the righteousness of Christ rather than the recklessness of this current cultural moment. Don’t let us get wrapped up in the bondage of cultural and political agendas. We are free people. Help us to live in that freedom and not use our freedom as a cover-up for evil.

Holy Father, train our hearts to live as Your servants. Like Paul, let us find our identity as true servants of God rather than slaves of men and their agendas. Don’t let us be pawns caught in a game of political chess. We know that no earthly kingdom will ultimately stand. Even the greatest kingdoms have risen and fallen. Let us never forget that! Help us to honor everyone, love the brotherhood, fear God, and honor our president-elect—whoever that may be.

Help us keep our eyes on Christ in this election. Four years won’t come close to comparing to the eternity set before us. Help us to remember that, Lord! Thank You for Your grace and mercy. May we behold and reflect the glory of Christ in this election season.

It’s in the name of Jesus Christ that we pray. Amen.


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Wanna Try "No Scroll November"?

11/1/2024

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Is it possible to stop scrolling for a month? What if you could be more engaged, less stressed, and actually present during the upcoming holiday season? Try No Scroll November with me!

Why No Scroll November?

For most of the last decade, I’ve participated in No-Shave November. In honor of bearded men, I’ve made a commitment to let my winter beard growth start in the month of November. It’s pretty amazing how much beard I finish with at the end of the month, and it has me thinking: What if I skipped out on No-Shave November and tried out No Scroll November instead? I’m not sure if someone has already come up with this idea, but I promise I didn’t steal it. It’s something that has been on my mind for a long time, but I haven’t really taken the time to fully implement the plan. Plus, if I come up with a catchy name and invite some friends, maybe I’ll have some extra accountability.

Why No Scroll November in the first place? What does it even mean? Scrolling is the smartphone phenomenon where we open our phones or internet browsers, pull up Facebook or YouTube, and disappear into a black hole for 30-60 minutes at a time. Personally, I know it’s happening, but the algorithm knows EXACTLY which food videos to intersperse with those crazy dunk videos to keep me hooked for just one more video! Scrolling causes my kids to ask me why I care so much about my phone when I get home from a grueling day of work. No Scroll November says “No!” to scrolling for the next thirty days. It says “Yes!” to more important priorities while simultaneously removing a low-priority energy drain from my life.

Scrolling Is a Thief

Scrolling robs me of hours of Bible reading, prayer, family time, fellowship, discipleship, and much more. If I spent my scrolling time reading a book or spending it with my children, I’d be much happier and much less anxious and overwhelmed by the amount of work I have in front of me. I’d be more present with my wife, children, extended family, friends, congregation, and everyone in my life. It’s impossible to pay attention to others when I’m watching a silly one-minute video of a guy reacting to another one-minute video he watched. The day of the Lord comes like a thief in the night (1 Thess. 5:2). It’s easy to get robbed when we’re stuck in a hypnotized trance staring at a glowing light box all the time.

Scrolling Blinds Us to Eternity

Since becoming a pastor, I’ve officiated more funerals than I had ever anticipated this early in my ministry. Death reminds me that eternity is just around the corner. One day you’re talking with someone; the next day, they’ve entered eternity. Perhaps “the next day” is actually a few months or years that passed by far quicker than we realized. Studies show that dopamine changes how we perceive time. And if we are constantly inundated with rises in dopamine from scrolling, it’s easy to see how time moves quicker than we perceive it. Time flies when we’re having fun—or when we’re wasting it looking at our phones. This life is already a vapor (James 4:14), and scrolling vaporizes our time even faster.

Scrolling Manipulates Our Emotions

Social media algorithms know us better than we know ourselves—literally. These complex computer systems track our hand movements, our clicks, and how long we look at an image or video before moving on to something else. Some app developers are trying to build products that could use our biological markers and facial expressions to make content suggestions based on our emotions. Even without such sophisticated technology, anger and fear get more clicks. Strong emotions elicit more views. The most inflammatory videos from the political “bad guys” will show up in our newsfeeds. The saddest or most heartwarming skits will show up on feeds pretending to be true stories. It’s all a game that plays with our emotions. It’s a lot harder to “be angry and not sin” when anger is intentionally being shoved in our faces all day and night.

Let’s say no to the scroll for the month of November. Maybe—just maybe—it will bleed into our December and perhaps even into the new year. Earlier this week, I shared some thoughts about how shifting back to standard time can truly bless our morning routines and help us seek the Lord earlier in the day. Imagine if we woke earlier, stopped scrolling, and spent more time with the Lord to finish out 2024! Perhaps our lives and this holiday season will be radically transformed as we spend more time beholding Christ!
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Fall Back into devotional rhythms with the time Change

10/30/2024

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Have your devotional rhythms been lacking lately? Now is the perfect time to "fall back" into those healthy rhythms that draw you closer to Christ.

This morning, I stumbled across an article about spiritual disciplines and daylight saving time. In it, Glenna Marshall makes a compelling point that I’ve been pondering over the past few weeks: daylight saving time is the perfect time to start waking up earlier. For me, there’s always a secret longing in my soul for the shorter days, earlier evenings, and darker mornings. It’s a secret longing because I rarely talk to people who look forward to the sun setting at 5:30 each night. It’s a true longing because I love slowing down earlier in the day, lighting oil lamps, and spending time with my family before we head to bed early. Plus, those Friday night bonfires are amazing!

In her article, Glenna says: “When we ‘fall back’ in autumn, we ‘gain’ an hour, so to speak, which most of us earmark for an extra bit of sleep. However, I’ve learned that the end of daylight saving is the best time to begin the habit of reading the Bible first thing in the morning.” I completely agree with her. If we’re already used to waking up at 6:30 am, when the clocks roll back, we can easily wake up at 5:30 am and gain an extra hour each morning. The best part is that we don’t have the added sleep inertia—that super groggy feeling we get when we wake up an hour earlier. Our body clock is already set, and with minimal effort, we can keep it that way.

You may be thinking, “I was excited about getting an extra hour of sleep!” I’m a huge proponent of aiming to get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep each night to take care of your mind, body, and soul. And if you need the extra sleep, then it’s a perfect time to get it. However, if you set your clock back on Saturday night and get to bed at your normal time, you’ll still get plenty of sleep—unless your current sleep schedule is not sufficient.

But I want to offer you something else to think about. This could be a game changer for our devotional lives if we use the time wisely. If you’re able to wake up an hour earlier and spend time with the Lord, will you regret it?

I’ve never met a Christian who said they spend too much time with the Lord. I haven’t encountered a Christian who says, “My devotional life is perfect, and I don’t need to spend more time reading and meditating on Scripture.” Perhaps you’re the anomaly. I’m definitely not! If anything, an extra hour each morning would allow me to pray for people in my local church, read a few books I’ve been wanting to read, or meditate on some passages in the Bible that I haven’t thought about in a while.

Even if we don’t use the entire hour to improve our devotional lives, we could certainly incorporate some new spiritual disciplines during that time. Maybe you’ve always wanted to start journaling. Perhaps you’ve wanted to memorize a long passage of Scripture or a book of the Bible. Do you long for extended times of silence and solitude to quiet your mind and soul and be still before the Lord (Ps. 46:10)? An extra 30 to 60 minutes a day would be perfect to give them a try. An extra hour per day could change your life for the next fifty years. If you develop a strong morning routine in this season, it can pay dividends for decades.

Instead of rolling your eyes at another time change, take some time to give thanks to the Lord. Ask Him to help you see the blessedness of rising early and preparing your heart to offer Him praise (Proverbs 3:5). Consider the benefits of revamping or updating your morning routine to spend it with the Lord. You’re not more loved by God simply because you spend more time doing devotional activities. The aim is not to check a box or merely go through the motions. Eternal life is knowing God (John 17:3). Give yourself to knowing God more.

Oh, and don’t forget to set your clock back!

Leave a comment and let me know some ways you plan to use your extra hour each morning.
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Is Fat Loss A spiritual Journey?

8/17/2024

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​Losing weight—especially body fat—is a long journey, and it won’t necessarily be easy. However, several simple steps can help get the ball rolling and lead to long-term success. I watched a video about burning body fat, and they brought up some great ideas. From a Christian perspective, there was one piece advice that really caught my attention, and I spent some time chewing on that thought.

Ultra-Processed Christians?

The first and most important step is to limit ultra-processed foods. This is the toughest area for most people, including myself. However, by reducing ultra-processed foods, we can reap the following benefits:
  • We consume fewer overall calories.
  • We consume fewer harmful chemicals that negatively affect our glucose levels, hormones, and other blood markers.
  • We can eat more food volume without adopting a restrictive mindset toward our diet.
  • We fill ourselves with nutrient-dense foods rather than eating sparsely nutritious food in low volumes to “cut weight.”

As a Christian, cutting ultra-processed foods can be a spiritual matter. These foods are crafted by food companies to be ultra-palatable, keeping us coming back for more. For example, it would be tough to eat several boiled potatoes with sour cream and onions in one sitting. Yet, in a matter of moments, we could easily devour a whole bag of sour cream and onion potato chips. In those moments, we are being controlled by our appetites.

I'll readily admit that I had several handful of sour cream and onions chips, Takis, three slices of Dominos pizza, and Cocoa Pebbles yesterday afternoon. I had been meticulously cutting out ultra-processed foods from my diet, but my appetite got the best of me. Is it addiction? Is it ADHD and dopamine seeking? Is just a cheat day that shouldn't bother me? That's what I'm pondering this muggy Saturday morning on my back porch.

What does the Word of God teach us about addictive behaviors?

In 1 Corinthians 6:12–13 (CSB), we read:

‘“Everything is permissible for me,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible for me,” but I will not be mastered by anything. “Food is for the stomach and the stomach for food,” and God will do away with both of them.’

Paul’s naysayers were arguing from a flawed perspective about Christian liberty. But the punchline is clear: we shouldn’t be mastered by anything. Whether we are free to eat certain foods or not, God will do away with the stomach and the food. It's not a sin to eat hot dogs or boneless wings. But at what point am I being "mastered" by my appetite and desires for food? That's what I'm seeking to understand for myself.

I’m not arguing that it’s a sin to eat a Dorito, donut, or Debbie cake. However, if we desire to take better care of our bodies, which are temples of God, it’s worth considering whether we are addicted to ultra-processed foods. If we find ourselves unable to avoid multiple trips to the pantry to grab handfuls of chips or a piece of candy from the dish every few hours, perhaps we have been mastered by the processed food experts.

Perhaps we aren’t in need of more willpower—we are in need of grace for repentance to put the fork down.

I am setting out to write micro essays. These are intentionally short articles written primarily for the purposes of my meditation and learning. If they are fitting for the blog, I plan to share them here with anyone who wants to read them. These aren't meant to be full exegetical articles or even my deepest thoughts on any topic. They are micro essays, with an intentionality on being micro.
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Does Your Prayer LIfe Need a Boost?

3/18/2024

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On too many mornings, I find myself feeling scatter-brained and distracted from the most important habits and disciplines of life. I crave a robust prayer and devotional life, yet without a structured plan for reading and praying, I often end up accomplishing little of value. Instead of cherishing communion with God during my "quiet time," I spend most of it trying to figure out what to do.

Even with a plan in place, I sometimes delve into an in-depth study or long meditation on a passage before I have to get ready and head out the door. While there is undeniably great value in meditating on the Bible — as the great Puritan divines and many other devotional heroes of the past would remind us — making those meditations into prayers is equally crucial.

Transitioning from Bible Reading to Prayer

This transition from reading, studying, and meditation to prayer can be challenging at times. I am familiar with the idea that the blessed man meditates day and night (Psa. 1), yet believers are also urged to "continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving" (Colossians 4:2). As vital as Bible reading and meditation are, prayer stands as an extremely vital aspect of Christian life and faith as well. In the words of E.M. Bounds, "To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing!" He couldn't be more right.

So, how do we shift from Scripture to prayer? There are numerous methods for this, and one of my favorites is actually Bible journaling. For me, journaling serves as a tool to rein in my wandering thoughts and focus on one or two key insights from my reading and meditating to specifically take to God in prayer. Taking the time to write out my thoughts, expressions of gratitude, and plans for the day can really shape my hours, days, and weeks. In fact, when I invest thoughtful energy into prayer and planning, I find myself much more productive and far less frantic, in general.

Discovering the Daily Prayer Journal

Recently, I was thrilled to learn about the Daily Prayer and Gratitude Journal from The Christian Journal Company. It’s a simple and practical way to incorporate Bible journaling into your everyday life. As you navigate your devotional rhythms, this journal can help guide your thoughts and prayers. Each day features a morning and evening time of journaling, which allows you to both plan your day and reflect on it. This journal not only encourages prayer but also promotes "being watchful in it with thanksgiving" (Col. 4:2).

In the morning section, you have space to write out a specific prayer request, three things to be thankful for, and a way you’ll make the day great. Additionally, there's a daily affirmation from Scripture. These affirmations are drawn directly from Scripture. For example, an affirmation from Isaiah 49:15 says, “I am not abandoned. Christ accepts me as I am.” The passage from Isaiah, amid prophecy about God’s wayward children, serves as a powerful reminder that God won’t abandon us; He accepts us as we are and transforms us into who He has created us to be.

In the evening section, you have space to write three blessings that occurred each day. While I can’t speak for anyone else, I know how crucial it is to count my blessings. Naming and writing them down helps me stay grounded and grateful. Taking the time to reflect on my day and list the blessings can be transformative, especially during challenging times. Even on the best days, it's a reminder that God is constantly at work for my good and His glory.

A Legacy to Share

This hardback journal is high quality and feels sturdy in my hands. It’s a book that will stand the test of time on the bookshelf. You’ll be able to carry it until you’ve filled the pages with journaling, and then you’ll be able to look back on how you prayed and how God showed up over the year. Even better, you’ll be able to pass on your prayer journal to the believers of the next generation. Whether you have children or you’re mentoring a young believer, this journal can provide a glimpse into the marvelous and mighty work of God in your life that will be sure to bless and encourage a younger saint.

If you're searching for a catalyst in your devotional life or simply something to slow you down and foster more prayerfulness and reflection, the Daily Prayer and Gratitude Journal could be the boost you've been seeking! Give it a try, and feel free to share your thoughts by leaving a comment. Your feedback is invaluable!


I received a free copy of this journal in exchange for an honest review. I do not receive any affiliate sales or profits when you purchase this journal. ​
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I Am The Light of the World (Advent Devotional)

11/26/2023

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This post is a part of our Advent series. If you'd like a PDF version of the full Advent devotional,click here!
As we celebrate Advent, the darkness of late autumn and winter begins to set in. When we rise from our slumber each morning, we are greeted by dark, starlit skies. Shortly after we pull into the driveway from a hard day's work, the darkness creeps back in and quickly ushers us back into our nightly slumber. Some days, the clouds are so dense and the gray so heavy that a shadow of darkness is cast over the entire day. We begin to long for brighter days, earlier dawns, and later dusks. Spring sunlight brings relief after a winter season of darkness. 

After Adam and Eve ate the fruit in the Garden of Eden, darkness set in. It's a darkness we can all feel. To our dismay, as dark as those early days were, there would be darker days coming. The days of Noah were dark. Despite God's pillar of fire, Moses and the Israelites couldn't help but feel the darkness. In the days of the judges, the darkness seemed to reach its peak. Yet, in the days of Israel's corrupt kings, we see some of the darkest days in human history. Sin, idolatry, and darkened hearts gave way to the exile, famine, death, and desolation of God’s chosen people. 

Yet, into the darkness came a great light! "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone" (Isa. 9:2). What did they see? Who was this great light? It was the promised Savior and Messiah. It was the Son of God who caused the light to shine when His Father said, "Let there be light" (Gen. 1:3). He is the Light who came into the world (John 1:9; 3:19). The darkness of sin and death could neither comprehend nor overcome the light of Christ (John 1:5). 

Jesus wasn't shy about this reality, either. He stared Pharisaical darkness directly in the face and said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life." (John 8:12). As further evidence of His true nature and power, just prior to making a blind man see, Jesus declared, "As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world." (John 9:5). In pitch darkness, the light of a candle can illuminate a room. Yet, Jesus wasn’t a flickering candle, He came like a blazing, glorious sun, bursting onto the scene with immeasurable glory. 

The Light of the World reveals the darkness that resides in all of our hearts. He also exposes the deepest needs of those He interacts with, some for their salvation and others for their judgment. His teachings pierce the most learned scholar as well as the ignorant and unlearned (Acts 4:13). Greatest of all, Jesus shined the light of salvation, illuminating the gospel for all who would receive and believe in Him (2 Cor. 4:6).  

This is what Advent is all about. This is why we string up lights and enjoy the glowing flame of the Advent candles each Lord’s Day throughout this wonderful season. The true Light has come into the world. As you meditate on the blazing glory of our Savior, remember this: 

"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:14-16) 

When Jesus ascended into heaven, the Light didn't leave the world. He shines through us. As the full moon lights up the night sky, we “shine as lights” in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation (Phil. 2:15). Shine bright, dear brothers and sisters! The world needs to see His glory. ​
Kids' Version
The kids' version of this article has been edited and rewritten with kids in mind. Feel free to share this with your kids or read it to them during family worship. You can also find a video version of this article read by my children, here.
Advent is upon us! As we celebrate, the days become shorter and the nights longer. When we wake up in the morning, we see a dark, starlit sky. It seems like right after school the darkness comes back, and we go to sleep. Sometimes, the clouds are thick and the gray sky makes the day feel gloomy. We start to wish for brighter days with earlier mornings and later evenings. Spring sunlight brings relief after a long winter. 

Long ago, after Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden, darkness filled the world. We all feel this darkness. Sadly, even darker days were yet to come. The days of Noah were dark. Despite God's pillar of fire, Moses and the Israelites also felt the darkness. In the days of the judges, things seemed to be at their darkest, but they got worse in the days of Israel's corrupt kings. Those were some of the darkest times in Israel’s history. Sin, idol worship, and hard hearts led to exile, hunger, death, great sadness, and emptiness. 

However, into this darkness came a great light! "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness, light has shone on them" (Isa. 9:2). Who was this great Light? It was the promised Savior and Messiah. He's the Son of God who brought light to the world when God said, "Let there be light" (Gen. 1:3). The darkness of sin and death couldn't understand or overcome the light of Christ (John 1:5). 

Jesus wasn't shy about this truth. He looked right into the darkness of the Pharisees and said, "I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't walk in darkness but will have the light of life" (John 8:12). Then, just before making a blind man see, Jesus said, "As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world" (John 9:5). In complete darkness, a candle's light can brighten a room. Jesus was even bigger and even better! Jesus was like the blazing sun bursting into your room on a bright, summer morning! 

The Light of the World shows us the darkness in our hearts. He also shows us what we need most. His teachings reached all kinds of people, whether they were super smart teachers or regular little kids like us. Most importantly, Jesus showed the light of salvation, explaining His good news to all who would receive and believe in Him.  

This is what Advent is all about. It's why we decorate with Christmas lights and light Advent candles on Sunday mornings. Light has come into the world. If you’ve placed your faith in Jesus, He has some amazing words for you: 

"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:14-16). 

Did you hear that?! If you’re a Christian, you get to carry the light of Jesus with you everywhere you go! When Jesus went to heaven, the Light didn't leave the world. He shines through us. Just like a full moon brightens the night sky, we “shine like lights” in a sinful world (Phil. 2:15). Shine brightly, kiddos! The world needs to see His glory! ​
Daily Readings 

Day 1: Read John 8:12-30 
  • How does the darkness of the Pharisees’ and Jews’ responses prove that they did not have the Light of Christ? 
  • Why do you think Jesus chose to use darkness and light imagery? How does the metaphor light connect with the idea of knowing Him? 
Day 2: Read Isaiah 9:1-7 
  • How were the days leading up to Christ’s coming described by Isaiah in this passage? 
  • What are some of the ways Jesus is described in this passage? How do these words give hope about the One who was to come? 
Day 3: Read Revelation 21:22-27 
  • How will the New Temple and New City be lit up after the return of Christ? How does this give us hope and anticipation of Christ’s second Advent? 
  • Who will walk in the light of Christ in the days after Christ’s coming? How does this help us understand that Jesus was the light of the world? 
​
Song
We The Kingdom - Light of the World (Sing Hallelujah)​
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I Am The Bread Of Life (Advent Devotional)

11/18/2023

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​Advent encourages us to pause and contemplate the arrival of Jesus as a man, offering eternal life to sinners in need of a Savior. However, amidst the holiday rush, we often lose sight of this vital focus. The glory of Christ is often overshadowed by the hustle and bustle of shopping, event planning, travel arrangements, and meal preparations. While desiring newer and nicer things is not inherently wrong, these desires can offer only temporary satisfaction, causing us to misplace our hope and joy. 

The core message of Advent, however, is that Jesus descended from heaven to provide eternal satisfaction. John 6:47-51 illustrates this: 

"Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.” 

Jesus proclaims Himself as the "Bread of Life." Before this declaration, He had performed miracles among the sick, drawing a large, eager crowd proving His Divine nature and power. Jesus' compassion led Him to feed thousands, and they rejoiced, but they sought Him for earthly gain and were disappointed when He didn’t want to be their earthly king and slipped from their grasp to obscure Himself. 

Later, the crowds returned for more food, missing the point of Jesus’s miraculous works. Jesus redirected them, urging them to believe in Him for eternal sustenance. Many had anticipated a Messiah who would provide manna, much like Moses did in the desert, but Jesus corrected their understanding, emphasizing that God sent the true bread that grants life (v. 33). He declared, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst" (v. 34). Many of the people grumbled, just like their forefathers of old. 

In the Bible, bread symbolizes life. Jesus used this metaphor to emphasize that He is the source of true life. Just as the ancient Israelites needed manna to survive, the people of Jesus' time needed spiritual nourishment from Him. He emphasized that their hope lay not in material possessions, an earthly Messiah, or good deeds. Rather true hope was in Him, the Bread of Life. 

This Advent, consider where you seek life and hope. While the Sunday School answer may be "Jesus,” self-examination is essential. In moments of distress, where do you turn for solace? During this holiday season, do you find more joy in Jesus or the gifts and festivities. 

The good news is that Jesus sympathizes with our needs and desires. He extends the offer of eternal life, even amidst doubt and confusion. This year, keep giving gifts, singing hymns and carols, and celebrating with loved ones, but prioritize feasting on the Bread of Life. Dedicate time to read His words, meditate, and talk with Him. Create an Advent tradition centered on shared meals, discussions about Jesus, and communion with Him. He calls out, saying, "I am the bread of life. Whoever feeds on this bread will live forever" (v. 58). 

Kids’ Version 
The kids' version of this article has been edited and rewritten with kids in mind. Feel free to share this with your kids or read it to them during family worship. You can also find a video version of this article read by my children, here.
Advent is a special time when we celebrate Jesus, who gave us the best gift ever—eternal life! But sometimes, we get busy with gifts and parties and forget what's important. We might even dream about cool stuff, but those things don't make us truly happy. They definitely don’t keep us alive. Jesus is the one who gives us real joy and life. 

Jesus came from heaven to give us eternal life and show us that real happiness is in Him. Let's learn from what Jesus said in John 6:47 and 51: “I am the bread of life… If anyone eats this bread, they will live forever”. Before saying those amazing words, Jesus did mighty miracles and healed sick people. He showed them that He is God. Lots of people followed Him, hoping He'd be their king, but Jesus wanted them to understand that He was far more than that. 

Later, the crowd came back, not to learn from Him but to get more food. Jesus said they should work for something even better than yummy food. They should work for eternal life by believing in Him. Just by believing they could live forever. Even after seeing miracles, some folks wanted more signs. They thought Jesus might give them manna like Moses did. But Jesus said, "I am the true bread from heaven, giving life to the whole world” (John 6:33). 

When they asked for this special bread, Jesus said: "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never be hungry or thirsty. (John 6:35). Some people didn't like this message, just like their ancestors in the desert didn’t like Moses’ words. Jesus said only those God draws can come to Him. This was a hard truth, but they needed to hear it. 

In the Bible, they needed bread to live. We also need food and water to live, just like we need Jesus for eternal life. If we don't believe in Him, we can’t live forever with Him. Long ago, God gave manna to hungry Israelites, but they didn’t live forever, and they didn’t even trust God after He took care of them. 

People in Jesus's time need to feast on Him with their hearts to really live. We need to do the same thing. They needed to know that toys and stuff can't make them happy. Jesus, the Bread of Life, gives us true joy and life forever if we love Him. 

During Advent, think about where you look for happiness. It's easy to say "Jesus," but do you really believe it? Do you really mean it? When you're upset or confused, where do you go? Does Jesus bring you more joy than the toys and fun stuff at Christmas? 

Jesus knows what you need. He's the gift of eternal life, even when you're grumpy. He's saying, "I am the bread of life. Anyone who loves Me will live forever" (John 6:58). 

This Advent, have fun giving gifts, singing songs, and being with family. But don't forget to enjoy the Bread of Life—Jesus. Spend time reading about Him, thinking good about Him as much as you can, and talking to Him. Ask your parents to start special traditions with your family, and make them all about Jesus. He's calling you right now and offering you eternal life! 

Daily Readings 
Day 1: Read John 6:22-59. 

How does the surrounding context help you better understand Jesus as the Bread of Life? 

How does Jesus being the Bread of Life impact your life today? 

Day 2: Read Exodus 16:1-36.  

How does this passage make us anticipate the coming of the Savior who is the true Bread of Life? 

How does the gospel provide a greater hope than the physical manna from heaven? 

Day 3:  Read 1 Corinthians 11:17-34. 

How and why is the Lord’s supper greater than the manna in the wilderness? 

What is the importance of the Lord’s Supper in the life of the church today? How does it point us to the gospel? 

Song: 
“On and On” – Trip Lee ​
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Finding Grace in Suffering (Exodus 15:22-27)

9/30/2023

8 Comments

 
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Despite the abundance of material wealth and goods we have in America, discontentment is a major temptation for God’s people. We know we should be thankful, but we can’t seem to shake the temptation to want things to be more comfortable, less difficult, and better suited to our desires. Grumbling is so common in America, we greet people with it. They ask, “How are you doing?” We respond, “Doing fine. Busy. Wish this weather would cool down… I wish work would slow down… I wish I didn’t have such a hectic schedule.” Okay, maybe it’s just me.

This isn’t to say that we don’t have real struggles. Rather, it’s how we handle them that matters. Moms are busy and exhausted. Dads are drained and in need of a nap. Teachers are burning out. Students are overburdened with homework and sports. Shift workers are in a sleep-deprived daze. We all face hardships on a regular basis, yet most of us have all of our basic needs and many of our wants met.

If we struggle with grumbling with all of this abundance, how will we survive a test of our faith? This is one of my biggest struggles. Fear often sets in. I wonder to myself, “If I can’t be content and stop complaining with all the blessings I currently have, how will I respond to a crisis or a test of my faith?” That’s what Moses and Israel show us in Exodus 15.

Testing and Grumbling

In Exodus, the Israelites found themselves tested at the most basic level of human needs: thirst. After escaping from Egypt and journeying into the wilderness, they went three days without finding any water. Imagine the desperation they must have felt, knowing that they needed water not only for themselves but also for their families. When they finally found water at Marah, their relief quickly turned to disappointment as it was too bitter to drink. Their response was a mixture of a valid question and a sinful attitude: "What are we going to drink?" (v. 24). It was a legitimate question given their circumstances, but their grumbling against Moses revealed their sinful attitude.

Grumbling is common to us all when we face difficulties. We complain about our circumstances, question God's provision, and often direct our frustration at others. However, Scripture warns us against grumbling, emphasizing that it is a sinful attitude. It rejects God as our Provider, expresses discontentment and pride, and reveals a lack of faith and joy. Grumbling reveals eyes that aren’t fixed on Jesus, leading us further away from God's face.

The first lesson we can draw from this story is the importance of seeking God in the midst of our tests. Instead of grumbling, we should turn to Him with our concerns and questions. We must acknowledge that the LORD is the ultimate provider and trust that He can either change our situation, grow us in the situation, or do both. 

Praying for God's Gracious Answer

The Israelites' experience at Marah teaches us not only to avoid grumbling but also to pray earnestly for God’s gracious answer. Moses didn't argue, fight, or defend himself when the people grumbled; instead, he cried out to the Lord. He prayed with earnest emotion and sought God’s power and help.

This response serves as a powerful lesson for us today. When we face challenges or when others grumble against us, our first instinct should be to pray. Prayer could prevent a lot arguments, fights, defensiveness, or grumbling. God's response to Moses was both tangible and powerful: He showed Moses a log, instructing him on what to do with it. Moses obediently followed God's guidance, though even Moses may have wondered how this tree would purify the undrinkable water. As a result, the bitter water turned sweet, demonstrating God's miraculous power.

From this, we learn three essential aspects of prayer during tests. First, we should pray earnestly, using the appropriate emotions to match our circumstances. Second, we should look for an answer, expecting God to step in, even when His ways don't align with our understanding (Isa. 55:8-9). Third, we must obey God's instructions when He answers our prayers. Sometimes, obedience is the key to experiencing the transformational power of God's grace, and the power to obey comes by the grace of God.

Committing to Grace-Driven Obedience

This scene at Marah also highlights the importance of obedience in our walk of faith. In response to their testing, God gave the Israelites a rule and a statute, setting out four "ifs" that outlined His expectations. He called them to listen to His voice, do what was right in His eyes, give ear to His commandments, and keep all His statutes. If the Israelites obeyed, they would be spared from God's judgment and know Him as their healer.

It's crucial to understand that God's laws are not given to harm us but to help us thrive. They reveal the righteousness of God and our need for Christ's perfection. The commands of God ultimately point us to Jesus’ active obedience and perfection on our behalf. When we recognize our inability to keep the law perfectly, we can turn to Christ, who lived a perfect life and paid the price for our sins. He created the world, passed the test we couldn’t pass, took our penalty for failing, rose again, and will return to make the world perfectly new. One day there will be no more testing and no more bitter water because He will make all things new.

Grace-driven obedience, then, is the natural response to God's grace in our lives. We were once slaves to sin, but God set us free through His grace. We have been redeemed and purified for the purpose of good works. This gospel transformation leads us to seek God's will in every aspect of our lives, striving to obey Him joyfully.

Abiding in the LORD and His Abundance

After the test at Marah and the command to obey, God led the Israelites to Elim, a place of abundance. Elim was named for its towering terebinth trees, offering not only twelve springs but also seventy palm trees. It was a place of perfection and plenty, a stark contrast to the waterless journey and the bitterness of Marah on the way.

Elim serves as a reminder to us that God provides for His people both physically and spiritually. He meets our physical needs, ensuring that we lack no essential needs. Of eternal importance, He offers spiritual rest and restoration, inviting us to come to Him and find rest for our souls (Mt. 11:28). Elim teaches us to rest in God's abundant provision and to abide in His presence, recognizing that He is our Shepherd who leads us beside still waters (Psalm 23:1-6).

What Will We Choose?

In times of testing, we can either grumble in despair or cry out to God in faith, trusting in His grace to meet us in our need. The story of Marah in the book of Exodus illustrates the transformative power of God's grace when we seek Him in our trials, pray earnestly for His guidance, commit to grace-driven obedience, and rest in His abundance.

No matter what challenges we face, we can take comfort in knowing that God's grace is sufficient. His grace can make the bitter sweet and give rest to those who are exhausted. So, as we encounter tests of our faith, let us remember the lessons from Marah and trust that when we seek God, He will indeed meet us with His grace.

Reflection Questions: 

1. How can we turn moments of suffering into opportunities for seeking God's grace and guidance? How might this help us move from grumbling to gratitude?
2. In what ways can we practically cultivate a habit of grace-driven obedience in seasons of difficulty? How can we put off grumbling as we obey God in times when obedience is tough?
3. What practical steps can we take to rest in God's abundant provision and find contentment, even in the midst of life's trials and challenges?

Prayer Points:
  1. Confess the times that you've grumbled against God or others for your circumstances. Pray that God would help you see grumbling as He sees it. Ask for the transforming grace to turn away from it.
  2. Are you in a time of testing? If yes, pray earnestly for the LORD to provide for you and comfort you. If no, pray earnestly for someone else who is going through a trial.
  3. Seek the Spirit's power for obedience. Ask Him to reveal at least ONE specific way that you can be more obedience, and commit to obedience with God's help.
  4. Abide in the presence of Christ. Take some time to acknowledge God's presence. Be still in the presence of God and enjoy a few moments of solitude. Don't rush away. Don't let your thoughts linger. Focus your heart and soul on God. 
Photo by Michiel: https://www.pexels.com/photo/desert-2411705/
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A Salvation Song (Exodus 15:1-21)

9/26/2023

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Do you ever wake up singing? Perhaps you had a great day the previous day, or maybe you were in a season of great joy and success. Whatever the cause of your rejoicing, a song spontaneously bursts from your lips. Children do this effortlessly, as they create melodies and sing lyrics that may not rhyme but express their sheer delight in whatever they're singing about. As God's people, we need this childlike singing not only in our theology but also in our practice. That's precisely what we see in Exodus 15. The Israelites' present hope was anchored in the LORD, who worked salvation in the past and would display His great glory and power among them in the future.

God's Work in Past Salvation (v. 1-12)

The song bursts onto the scene with a victorious battle cry: "I will sing to the LORD for He has triumphed gloriously. The horse and its rider He has thrown into the sea" (v. 1). After witnessing the LORD's overthrow of Egypt, it becomes clear who won the war—the LORD, the "man of war" (v. 3). God is the Divine Warrior who fought on behalf of Israel. There are numerous words and phrases throughout Scripture to describe Him, and "man of war" is a powerful name that signifies His willingness to enter the ring and fight for His people. Our culture doesn’t jive with this sort of language, but we need a God who can actually defend us. The Faithlife Study points out that this Divine Warrior motif reverberates throughout the Bible (see Deut 28:7; Neh 4:20; Isa 42:13; Zech 14:3).

The Israelites, or at least the genuine believers among them, clung to God as their strength and song because He became their salvation (v. 2). The proper response to God's work in our lives is faith, and the natural outflow of that faith is expressed by rejoicing in and glorifying God: "This is my God, and I will praise Him; my father's God, and I will exalt Him" (v. 2). Throughout the song, we see expressions of worship interwoven among the works of God (v. 2, 6, 11, and 18). It's almost as if Moses couldn't narrate the story without sporadic outbursts of praise and worship! He tells the story, and he gives the glory.

We, too, have a song to sing. We who are in Christ have a God who fought to the point of death to bring us salvation. Notice that Israel's present hope—"the LORD is my strength…this is my God"—stems from His work in the past. We have a present hope today rooted in the finished work of Christ on the cross. The Father chose us and sent His Son to rescue us. By the Spirit, we have been regenerated and brought to new life. That’s all God! Tell the story and give Him glory! God did a mighty work against a mighty foe! Who is like the LORD among the gods? Who can do what He does? None! Not Buddha, not Muhammad, not mindfulness, not self-worship. All idols are obliterated.

God's Work in Future Salvation (v. 13-21)

God's past work leads to present faith and hope in God's future work. Notice the shift. God has guided the people out of Egypt and toward God's holy abode. They are a people headed to the land promised to Abraham. The inhabitants of the promised land have heard of God's glory against Egypt, and they "trembled," "pangs seized them," they all "melted away," 'terror and dread" fell upon them, they were "still as stone" (v. 13-16). Why such a response? Because of the greatness of God's arm. God's mighty hand struck and destroyed Egypt, and His arm would lead them through to the promised land as well.

The power of God gave the Israelites great confidence. The inhabitants of Canaan would face their Divine Warrior until the Israelites passed by. God Himself purchased Israel, would bring them into the land, and would one day plant them on His mountain, where His presence would abide among Israel. This land was God's chosen sanctuary and was established by His hands. Moses knew that the LORD would reign forever, and this was the final line of His glorious song. The Divine Warrior was also their Divine King.

Like the Israelites, Christians today have present faith and a future hope. If God did all of this for the Israelites, many of whom eventually rejected Him, how much more will He do this for those who truly trust in His Son and are His adopted children (Eph. 1:5, Rom. 8:15-16)? If the believing Israelites had hope in Christ, whom they had not yet seen or fully grasped, how much more should we hope in Christ, knowing the power He displayed on the cross as He obliterated sin and death at the cross before rising again with power? We also have the book of Revelation, which gives a clear, authoritative, faithful glimpse into the future work and hope of God. We have something to sing about each and every day. We know that the LORD will bring us home, and He will reign forever and ever (v. 17-18)!

Reflection Questions:
  • In what has God proven to be a "man of war" in your faith walk? How does that strengthen your faith today?
  • What are some specific ways God has worked in your story that cause you to praise Him and rejoice in His power? What are words you've used to express that joy and worship to God?
  • How does God's past work and present power give you assurance for the future?

Prayer Points:
  • Pray for remembrance. Ask the Spirit to bring to your remembrance God's mighty work in your salvation.
  • Praise God with your words. Write a song, pen some prose, or simply pray some words of worship and rejoicing to God.
  • Remember Christ's coming. Plead the promise of Christ's second coming to God in prayer. Ask the Spirit to bring to mind passages of hope and security in the second coming of Christ.
Photo by Luis Quintero: https://www.pexels.com/photo/monochrome-photo-of-woman-singing-2774575/
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Faith, Obedience, and the Power of God (Exodus 14:15-31)

9/16/2023

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Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you knew the path of obedience but continued praying? Sometimes we know precisely what God wants us to do, but we persist in prayer as if we expect a new answer. God has made promises and issued calls in our lives, but we sometimes mistakenly believe He might alter them if we persist in prayer. I am not attempting to discourage prayer, especially persistent prayer. However, occasionally we mistake persistence for procrastination. When God is actively working on our behalf, we need to pray, take obedient action, and observe His powerful work.

Moses's Faithful Obedience

Moses cried out to God after the Israelites grumbled against him in fear of the Egyptians (Ex. 14:11-14). God summoned him to faithful action, requiring a fundamental step toward obedience. This step didn't demand genius or expertise on Moses' part. He simply had to lift up a staff, stretch out his hand over the water, and divide the sea. Those last three words should slow us down a bit. Divide the sea. Still, the action took great faith because it was impossible for Moses to accomplish in his own strength. How could waving a stick over water possibly part the sea? With man it is impossible, but with God, all things are possible.

God's work against Egypt required Moses's faithful obedience. God hardened the Egyptians’ hearts, leading them to chase the Israelites and enter the sea to their doom. God did this so He could get glory over Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen (v.18). This faithful obedience didn't require great wisdom, strength, or insight. Yet, it did require Moses to trust his mighty, powerful, and all-wise God. God's mission was glory, and God's means was Moses.

The Presence and Power of God

Notice God's presence in this scene. The Israelites were afraid, and impending doom seemed inevitable, but the Angel of God—perhaps even Jesus himself before taking on human flesh—was among them! He stood before them and then moved behind them, along with the pillar of cloud, shielding and guiding them throughout the night! How comforting is the presence and power of God and His Angel? How much more amazing it is to know that God is with us, even when his call to obedience seems impossible. When we are His and we walk according to His will, we never will be left alone to fend for ourselves.

This night became unforgettable for those Israelites. Moses obeyed God and stretched his hand over the sea. The Lord and His miraculous power over creation brought a strong east wind and made the waters of the Red Sea (Heb. Sea of Reeds) wall up and form an area of dry ground for the Israelites to walk upon. This was no leisurely stroll! The Egyptians were still in hot pursuit, and the Israelite people still needed to move with haste as Egypt's Army pursued them with horses, chariots, and horsemen.

God’s Glory and Power on Full Display

Just around 6:00 a.m. or so, during the morning watch, the Lord looked down on the Egyptians and sent them into a panic. What in the world was happening?! What was God doing among the Egyptians? Why were they so panicked? He was winning the battle. He clogged (Heb. bound) their chariot wheels, though it likely wasn't mud since the ground was dry. This was the power of God! The Egyptians said, “Let us flee from before Israel for the Lord fights for them against the Egyptians” (v.25).

After the Lord got Egypt where he wanted them, He commanded Moses to stretch out his hand again over the sea. We can imagine that it was much easier to obey God this time since he had just seen the waters part and the Egyptian Army sent into disarray. This time there was a great reversal. The waters began to flow like normal. No wall. No wind. No work. Just water. Yet our children's Bibles and Sunday school memories don't serve us too well. The Egyptians didn't just drown because the water returned. No, “the Lord shook off (threw) the Egyptians into the midst of the sea” (v. 27; see ESV footnote). The Egyptians were like those annoying sticky plants that cling to your clothes when you're out for a walk in the woods. God shook them off to keep them away from Israel.

God's Glory and Our Hope of Redemption

Israel won because God won! Egypt lost because God fought the battle! The glory doesn't go to Moses or the Israelites. Israel walked on dry ground while Egypt drowned in the waters of judgment! Israel saw God's wonders and rejoiced. Egypt saw God's wrath and received the full cup. Thus the Lord saved Israel that day from the hand of the Egyptians (v. 30). As the Egyptian bodies washed up on the seashore, Israel remembered the promises of God. They saw his mighty works firsthand. His great power drew them to fear him, and they believed in the Lord and Moses that day!

The Lord's work in this great Exodus points to hope for Christians today. Jude 4-5 teaches that Jesus, our only Master and Lord, saved a people out of Egypt. “The LORD” in Exodus 14:30 is the three-in-one God we worship. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit worked together to rescue Israel from Egypt. This is why Jude can attribute this work to Jesus. God has the power to rescue us as well. He can rescue us from any sin, any trial, or any temptation. The powerful God who showed up in Egypt shows up as a very present help in our time of need today (Ps. 46:1). A mighty fortress is our God! Take your trials to him and trust him to fight for you! Greater is He who is at work in us than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4).

Reflection Questions
  • How can we discern between persistent prayer and obedient action in our lives? How do fellow believers in our local church help us with this discernment?
  • How does Moses’s obedience help us to obey God when He calls us to seemingly impossible tasks?
  • How does God’s presence and power in Egypt help us trust Him more today?
  • How can we apply these truths about the presence and power of God practically in our lives today?

Prayer points
  • Thank God for His continued presence. Thank Him that the Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead is in us to help us bear spiritual fruit and put to death the deeds of the body.
  • Praise God for His glorious work in rescuing us from the greater enemies, sin, and death. Glorify God for His power displayed against Egypt, and glorify Him for doing the same to sin and death in our lives. 
  • Ask God to give you strength to obediently do His will. Confess your inability and fear (if applicable), and ask God to give you the desire and strength to live obediently for His glory.​
Photo by Ricky Esquivel: https://www.pexels.com/photo/ocean-wave-splashing-on-dock-1683492/
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God Knows the Way (Exodus 13:17-14:14)

9/6/2023

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Parents can often foresee danger and protect their kids from getting injured. Kids grumble and complain that they don’t have enough freedom, and that our boundaries are too restrictive. Yet, skating down the driveway toward a main road could prove deadly. A fall from a flimsy branch can lead to a shattered arm. A slip on the icy sidewalk might land them in the emergency room. In it all, we know the consequences of dangerous decisions, and we try our best to shield them from serious consequences.

Sometimes, we put our children in challenging situations to protect them. We know if they don’t apply themselves in grade school, they could grow up to be sluggards. If we give them every comfort they desire, they’ll become pleasure-seeking adults who might end up addicted to entertainment. If they never have to push through an assignment that frustrates them, they may never wrestle with the difficult passages of Scripture. Like us, our children almost always want comfort, but we know the easy path often rolls out the red carpet and then pulls the rug from underneath us.

God Plans Our Path

God often brings us through hard places to protect us from a destination that would ruin us and prepare us for places that require more of His preparation. In Exodus 13:17-18, God planned for Israel to go to Canaan, but not by the easy route. He led them “around the way by the way of the wilderness” to preserve their hope. Yet, as we will soon see, even on this rough path, God left provisions on the way for His people. 

As they went, the Israelites had a log to sweeten bitter waters, manna to eat every day, water from a rock, and God fighting for them. God prepared all of this ahead of time, perhaps hundreds or thousands of years before they even set foot on their journey. His aim was to keep them from war with the Philistines and to get glory over Pharaoh and Egypt (13:17, 14:4).

Similarly, God orders our steps and numbers our days—even the difficult days. This can be disorienting when we are in the moment, but it can also comfort us because He is not surprised by the hardship. He prepares beforehand to help through it. Though we don’t see Him with our physical eyes, the God of the pillar and fire is the God leading our way today.

Through the Holy Spirit, we have the full presence of our three-in-one God with us at every moment. He leads us by the Word of God. He encourages us through the people of God. He convicts us through the truth of God. He comforts us with the love of God. He is real and He is with us right here and right now, groaning on our behalf when we have no words (Rom. 8:26). The same Spirit that led Jesus into the wilderness just prior to His ministry sometimes leads us to the wilderness to prepare us for the calling God has placed on our lives.

God Walks With Us Through the Hard Places

God led Israel on a difficult journey into the wilderness. They went the long way to Canaan, and as they traveled, they looked up and saw Pharaoh with his dreadful army. They were filled with great fear and cried out to the LORD while at the same time blaming Moses for their calamity. They ultimately blamed God for bringing them to a grave in the wilderness, even wanting to turn back to serve the Egyptians in peace rather than die at the hand of Pharaoh. They knew they were in a pinch and their faith was weak.

Yet, as they went, they had God’s powerful presence. Christ Himself was present, possibly in the pillar of fire and cloud, leading Israel and remaining with them throughout their journey (Jude 5). 1 Cor. 10:9, in warning against grumbling like Israel, also mentions that they put Christ to the test in the wilderness. He took them on a tough route that looked impossible to overcome, but He was with them the whole way. He preserved the lives of those who believed in Him and didn’t reject Him in faithless rebellion.

Perhaps God is leading you on a difficult path. If not now, you’ve endured trials before. Remember that God doesn’t leave His children without hope and help. He is present with us through faith. In His fiery, glorious presence, God met Moses, and in the same way, He also met Israel. In the wilderness, God seemed far, and improvement seemed impossible, but He was with them and He still with us. Christ is God with us.

Though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we don’t have to be afraid because God will work for us today as He worked among the Israelites. He collects our tears in His jar, and He fights for us. Christ ended the power of sin and death over His people at the cross. One day He will decimate all sin, suffering, and death completely and eradicate the whole universe of the far-reaching effects. We need to remember Christ’s finished work when we are facing trials and remind ourselves that “Those whom Christ brings into a wilderness he will not leave nor lose there, but will take care to lead them through it.” This is the blessed hope we have in Him!

God Shows Mercy Even in the Hard Places

God brought Israel on a hard journey to protect them from a harder journey. War with the Philistines would’ve been too much for the fleeing nation. After wearing down Egypt, He would not only get an easy victory, but Pharaoh, the Egyptians, and the rest of the world would know that God is the LORD (14:4). God’s glory over Egypt would actually serve to protect Israel later as those nations would also know and fear the power of the LORD when He fought on their behalf. This story has God’s mercy written all over it!

God also showed Israel mercy by reminding them that they would never fight alone if they trusted in Him. If God could destroy the mighty Pharaoh and his mighty army, He could also wipe out their enemies in Canaan. If God could devastate the greatest military on the planet without Israel uttering a single whisper or wielding even one sword, there’s nothing too hard for the LORD (14:14). They were secure in their journey, and God was letting them know long before they saw the first military threat in Canaan.

Sometimes a path of travail protects us from a seemingly easy journey that would have ruined us. Think about how many times you could have wrecked your life, but God led you on a different journey. You know the situations that leave you reeling and thinking to yourself, “What if I had left me to myself?”. This doesn’t mean we don’t face hardships or make trainwreck decisions. But God even uses our mistakes and failures to build contentment, avoid folly, and dodge useless tragedy later on.

Usually, we only see one path that makes sense to us—an easy path that just makes sense. However, what if the “easy” path actually leads you down a path to destruction? What if, like Christian and Hopeful, in The Pilgrim’s Progress you walk the easy path that led others into a pit of destruction? What if you tread lightly and then as night falls you fall into a trap? What if the lush grass of the easy path causes you to fall asleep and not continue the journey toward Christ? God often uses trials of various kinds to build perseverance, character, and hope for a harder, deeper place of suffering. All of this gives us a longing for eternal hope (Romans 5:3-5).

God knows the way, and He sent the Way, the Truth, and the Life to guide us on our pilgrimage to the promised land.

Discussion Questions:
  • How do trials and tough seasons protect us from dangers that we don’t know about or foresee ahead of us?
  • How can we, as a group (and as a local church), remind one another that we aren’t alone in our trials and suffering? List at least three ways and commit to applying them this week.
  • In what ways have you personally been guided down difficult paths that have ultimately been for your good and God’s glory? How did you feel in the midst of it, and how do you feel about it now?
  • When thinking about the Pilgrim’s Progress illustration of straying from the right path by choosing the easy one, how do you see this temptation show up in your life? In what ways does it seem easy to walk with the world rather than walk with God?
  • As a group, what are some ways we can cultivate more earnest conversations about our trials and sufferings with one another? How does reading, singing, praying, and living life together help suffering Christians persevere.

Prayer Points:
  • Thank the LORD for his wise plans. Confess that you often think you know best, but He is the all-wise God whose plans are perfect. Thank Him for not leaving you to your own ways.
  • Ask the Holy Spirit to remind you of His presence in your suffering. Pray that the Spirit would give you a real sense of presence in your dark days and trials. Pray that He would give you moment-by-moment reminds of Scripture, the peace of God, and joy. Ask for eyes to see and ears to hear God’s Word.
  • Thank God for His mercy in the hard places. Thank Jesus for going to the hardest place, the cross, on your behalf. Thank the Father for mercifully showing you His power in and through the difficult journey. Thank the Holy Spirit for His merciful conviction and assurance of God’s love in tough times.​​
Photo by DANIEL AKASHI: https://www.pexels.com/photo/desert-58535/
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The Passover: The Lord's Feast Day For Us

8/19/2023

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Think back to Sunday, August 22, 1993. What do you know about that day? Perhaps nothing at all. Most of us were alive, but we have little to no recollection of that day unless it's a birthday, anniversary, or a significant day in our life stories. Now think about July 4th, 1776. What do you know about this day? How do you know it? Why does it stick in your brain? Though you weren't alive then, you probably know important people, places, and names from that epoch in America’s history. We memorialize significant days so we won't lose sight of the weightiness of those days.

We need spiritual memorial days, too. God magnifies Himself in life-altering ways, but everyday life often pushes those memories to the back of our minds. When our hands are in a soapy sink full of dishes or we’re moving car parts down the assembly line, we can lose sight of the mighty days of God's power. We may not feel prone to wander, but we know we're prone to forget what God has done for us. This is one of sin's impacts on all of our lives.

The Passover is the LORD’s Day 

There's much to be said about the Passover, but as we journey through Exodus 12, one phrase practically leaps off the page: "It is the LORD’s Passover" (12:11). The Passover belongs to the LORD, and for good reason! He was poised to strike Egypt with their version of the shot heard around the world. This day marked the downfall of Egypt's gods because God executed His judgments on them, reiterating "I am the LORD" (12:12). Can you imagine if Taiwan raised up enough military power to overthrow China’s regime?

Beneath the surface of the Passover lies something deeper than mere military triumph. Similar to many preceding signs and wonders, God drew a distinction between Israel and Egypt. However, there's a marked difference in God's instructions. The LORD vowed to claim the firstborn of people and animals throughout Egypt. Israel would only be spared if they displayed blood as a sign on their doorposts and lintel. In essence, failure to obey God's Word would lead to the loss of their firstborn sons, subjecting them to God's just wrath. Notice that His wrath is just even in punishing Israel.  They, too, required a substitute.

Some speculate that the Israelites might have faced judgment for aligning with Egypt's idolatries, and we need not look beyond ourselves to recognize the alluring temptation of assimilating with the prevailing culture. However, even if none of the Israelites had engaged in idolatry, they were still descendants of Adam, and since "in Adam all die", they were subject to God’s just judgment apart from a substituting sacrifice (1 Cor. 15:22). Once again, God's mercy toward His "firstborn son" shines through, much like the initial rays of sunlight after a tempestuous storm (Ex. 4:22). Truly, this is a reason to celebrate with a feast!

The Passover is Israel’s Feast

The Passover held such significance that the LORD commanded a perpetual feast "throughout [their] generations, as a statute forever" (12:14). Every year, an entire week was dedicated to rest, purging of leaven, and congregating to worship God as Israel commemorated His wondrous work among the Egyptians. This Feast of Unleavened Bread involved consuming bread without yeast, which prevented it from rising.

The focus on unleavened bread seems to extend beyond the texture of soft, airy bread and delve into the broader concept of God's people. Leaven, or yeast, often carries negative symbolism in Scripture. During the Exodus, waiting for the dough to rise would have impeded the Israelites' progress. Subsequently, leaven was prohibited in Israel's sacrifices to God and was not permitted for consumption in sacred spaces (Lev. 2:11; 6:17). In Amos 4:5, sacrificing with leaven exemplified Israel's disobedience and disregard for God's Law.

Much like sin, leaven permeates all the flour it touches. It takes time to rise, and once it infiltrates the flour, its presence becomes evident. This is why Jesus cautioned His disciples to beware of the "leaven of the Pharisees" (Matt. 16:6). In 1 Corinthians 5, the Corinthian church was instructed to discard the old leaven of sin and embody the purity of God's unleavened people (vv. 6-8). This mandate applied to both personal actions and the excommunication of unrepentant sinners from the church. Paul similarly cautioned the Galatians against the influence of "a little leaven" of legalism, as it can ruin the whole lump (Gal. 5:9).

The Passover Foreshadowed Jesus’ Day 

LORD willing, it will soon become more evident that the Passover foreshadows the day of Jesus’ great shedding of blood. It was then that the universe witnessed the Lamb who bore the sins of the world (John 1:29). For now, though, let us recall that the Passover carries a significance beyond being a festival for only Israel to remember God's actions on their behalf. We, too, can contemplate God's work within the context of the Passover. Even in the days of Exodus, people need the blood of Christ to be liberated. The author of Hebrews states it well when he says, "For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins" (Heb. 10:4).

In essence, the Passover exemplified their present forgiveness while simultaneously pointing to the ultimate Substitute who would bring them forgiveness once and for all. Beyond the blood on their doorposts, those Israelites required faith in the Savior whose blood "proclaims a better message than the blood of Abel" (Heb 12:24). They needed blood that proclaimed their innocence and freedom before a holy God, and only Jesus’ blood can make us innocent.

They were in need of the blood of Jesus, just as we are. The Passover indeed stood as a remarkable act of mercy in its time. Nevertheless, it is the once-for-all merciful action of Jesus that granted forgiveness to the faithful Israelites back then. And that very act of mercy is what the world urgently requires today. Israel’s anticipation was fixed on the most significant Passover of all, while we now look back upon it. In the words of Shai Linne, they were saved on credit, and we’re saved on debit. Yet we all behold the same Lamb of God who is worthy of our heartfelt worship and allegiance.

Reflection Questions
  • How does understanding the Passover as a symbol of forgiveness and redemption in the Old Testament deepen your appreciation for Jesus' role as the Lamb of God in the New Testament?
  • In what ways does the concept of leaven in the Passover connect to the idea of sin and its influence in our lives? How can we apply the principle of removing leaven to address sin in our own hearts and our local church? What are some specific ways the gospel confronts the leavening in our hearts?
  • As you reflect on the Passover, how did it celebrate the present mercy of God toward Israel? How does it point us to a future Savior. How do we hear the Passover’s echo in the new testament?

Prayer Points
  • Thank God for His justice and mercy. Thank God for His justice in not sweeping sin under the rug—both the sin of oppressors and those who are oppressed. Thank God also that He extends mercy to those who will repent and trust in Christ.
  • Celebrate in the presence of God. Take a few moments to smile and rejoice in your salvation in the presence of God. Enjoy Him in adoration for His power among Israel and Egypt as well as in your own life.
  • Ask God to bring the gospel to the forefront of your mind. Seek the Lord’s help in keeping the gospel always before us, especially when we are under the weight of affliction and oppression.

Photo by cottonbro studio: https://www.pexels.com/photo/traditional-jewish-matzo-4034017/
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God’s War on Our Idols (Exodus 7:14-10:29)

8/15/2023

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Far too often we miss our idolatry. We are often blind to the ways that cultural idols have crept into our lives. Sometimes we unwittingly welcome cultural idols 0into our lives without any resistance at all. John Calvin once wrote that the human heart is a perpetual idol factory. Timothy Keller in his book Gospel for Life gave this list of contemporary idols:
  • Power
  • Approval
  • Comfort
  • Control
  • Helping (“people need me”)
  • Dependence (“I can’t survive without you”)
  • Independence
  • Work
  • Achievement
  • Material
  • Religion
  • Individuality
  • Irreligion
  • Racial/Cultural
  • Inner ring (a desire for belonging)
  • Family
  • Relationship
  • Suffering (embracing unnecessary drama)
  • Ideology
  • Image

Keller then organizes them into four overarching categories: power, approval, comfort, and control. We may not worship a pantheon of idols who oversee the sky, the grass, and fertility, but idols are everywhere in our culture.

God Hates Idols

Idolatry can be simply defined as placing other gods before our God (Exodus 20:1–3). This definition may evoke visions of people bowing before statues or totem poles. As we delve deeper into the book of Exodus and Egypt’s culture, we learn that people indeed believed in sky gods or pestilence idols for protection. We even see people bowing in total submission to Pharaoh who was considered to be a keeper of order between heaven and earth. All of these instances illustrate idolatry, but the scope goes beyond them.

Tim Keller's list reveals that we tend to prioritize many things over the LORD, and such a course of action carries devastating consequences. A recurring theme in Exodus 7–10 is the declaration, "You shall know that I am the LORD" (Exo. 7:17; 8:10,22; 9:14,29; 10:2). Knowing the Lord inevitably drives us to set aside our idols and worship Him. Whenever we place something above God, it's evident that we lack a true understanding of Him. This displeases God because He despises idolatry.

As we read about the signs and wonders God worked in Exodus, we have to avoid the modern Western tendency to overlook our own idols as we mock at the idolatry of Egypt. Were God to show up and judge America today, He could bring plagues and pestilence that would shatter our idols as well. As we understand God’s war on Egypt’s idols, we need to realize that God wars against our idols as well. 

Idols and Desolation

At times, we find ourselves toying with idols. We pay lip service as we recognize these idols and our struggle against them. Yet, we allow them to persist. Although we recognize our battle with them, we hesitate to eliminate them completely. Sometimes God steps in, letting us experience the utter devastation that idols bring. To borrow from the Egyptian servants, there are moments when we are left ruined and obliterated due to these idols (Exo. 10:7).

How does this manifest in our everyday lives? We pursue power or control, only to realize that we can't even master ourselves. We bow down to the idol of relationships, only to face betrayal and abandonment. We invest our hopes and efforts into our work, only for someone else to outperform us and get the promotion. We fervently embrace a political or theological ideology only to bulldoze some of our most cherished relationships. The examples are too numerous to count, and we’ve all felt them.

If we're not careful, these idols can deceive us to the point of hardened hearts. Instead of being moved to repentance, we stubbornly cling to our sinful ways. We offer worldly sorry, uttering phrases like "just this once, forgive me" (Exo. 10:17). Deep inside, however, we harbor a reluctance to part ways with our idols. This is undoubtedly a sorrowful and unsettling predicament. It’s a reminder that being church people doesn’t mean we can’t be “hardened by the deceitfulness of sin” (Heb 3:12-13).

Jesus is greater than idols

The gospel's great news is that Jesus arrived and shattered our idols. We fail to realize that idols are cruel masters. They dangle promises of life, joy, hope, and peace, only to forsake us when we need them most. When we're in the heart of trouble our idols offer no assistance. They always fail to deliver on their promises. Just as Egypt's magicians and idols couldn't shield Pharaoh and his nation, our idols likewise cannot shield us from God’s just judgment on our sin.

But Jesus can. He did. He will. 

Jesus sacrificed himself on the cross to annihilate our idols. He became a plague on our behalf, sparing us from the plague of his wrath. He bore the curse so we wouldn't have to. After slaying our idols, he paraded them in a triumphant celebration (Col. 2:15). This is the power of our Savior. This is the work of our God!

Although Pharaoh never repented, we still have the chance to. If you're already in Christ, repentance has been granted to you through faith. God has equipped you with all you need to live a life of faith that continuously obliterates idols. In His strength, we can labor every day to worship Him instead of idols. This isn't reserved solely for the super-spiritual Christians either—it's for all of us. If you're in Christ, you are an idol slayer. You're demolishing the cultural idols hidden within your heart. By His grace!

Start demolishing the idols in your own heart before you focus on everyone else’s. Examine Tim Keller’s list and identify the idols you might be concealing. Add to that list any idols that may be lurking below the surface of your heart. Confess your sin and put it to death (Rom. 8:13). Don't play with idols—crush them! God is waging war against idolatry in our lives!
Photo by Wendelin Jacober: https://www.pexels.com/photo/wrecked-home-furnitures-interior-1411392/
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God's Power in Signs and Wonders (Exodus 7:1-13)

8/4/2023

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As children, we sometimes hear the story of Moses and the plagues without the context of Exodus 3-6. We read of a baby boy lifted from a basket and adopted into Pharaoh’s family, meeting God at the burning bush, and immediately bursting into Pharaoh’s palace making demands. Yet there's a lot missing when we read Exodus that way. We miss God’s preparation of his prophet, Moses. We also lose sight of the plan and purposes of God in the plagues.

God’s Purpose

Throughout the previous chapters, we've learned of God’s plan to free the Israelites and work mightily in the presence of Pharaoh. In chapter 7, God reiterates his purpose in this way: “I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, lay my hand on Egypt and bring my people out of Egypt by great acts of judgment. The Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I stretch out my hand against Egypt and bring out the people of Israel from among them.” (paraphrase of v. 3-5). 

The Exodus became one of the most monumental acts in the history of Israel. When the Israelites spied out Jericho, Rahab said that all the inhabitants of the land melted away before them because they heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt. (Jos. 2:9-10. In Israel’s songbook, they sang that “In the sight of their fathers he performed wonders in the land of Egypt… He struck down every firstborn in Egypt. (Psa. 78:12, 51) The early church recounted the Exodus in their global gospel mission speaking of Moses as the man who “led them out, performing wonders and signs in Egypt and at the Red Sea and in the wilderness for forty years. (Acts. 7:36). Even Jude powerfully states that it was Jesus who “saved a people out of the land of Egypt” (Jude 5). 

The immediate purpose was that Pharaoh and Egypt could know that God is LORD. Yet, the greater purpose is that the world, including you and I, could know the power of the LORD, the God of Israel. We must ask ourselves this question: Do I know Him? This is one of the greatest questions we can ask ourselves. Apart from a true knowledge of God and His knowledge of us, we have no hope of eternal life (John 17:3).

God’s Prophet

As we’ve already seen, God prepared Moses to be the prophet who would speak “as God” to Pharaoh (v. 1). Aaron was like a prophet of Moses, but God gave ultimate prophetic authority to Moses. He and Aaron had spent time in God’s presence and, at the right time, “did just as the LORD commanded them” (v. 6) 

Though some will try to argue against a historical Moses and Exodus, we’ve already seen a genealogy as well as the specific ages of Aaron and Moses at the time of the Exodus. Moses is two-thirds of the way through his life, and now it’s go-time! We have no good reason to doubt the historical reality of an event that echoes throughout all of Scripture. Not only should we believe that the Bible is faithful and has no errors, but we should also trust that God penned these details as historical truth for His people through the ages.

Is God preparing you for something in this season? Some of us are still in the firs third of our lives. We may be in Egypt learning the ways of the world around us while consciously feeling the urge to separate and be with the people of God. Others of us are in the middle third of our lives, arguing with God that we are not strong enough or suited for the job He has called us to. Yet still, others of us are in the final third of our lives doing precisely what God has prepared us for. We may not spend literal 40-year periods or thirds of our lives in these seasons, we should seek the LORD for His guidance in the season we’re in.

God’s Power

The obedient prophet and his brother went before the face of Pharaoh. He met them with a challenge, “Prove yourselves,” just as God told them he would (v. 9). The proof is in the pudding—or the staff in this case! 

At first, it seems as though Moses and Aaron lose the fight against Pharaoh’s wise men and sorcerers. Aaron threw down his staff and it turned into a serpent. This was incredible! Then the wicked magicians of Pharaoh did the same by their secret, occult, arts. Just like the cross of Christ, all hope seemed lost in that moment. If they can do the same as God’s prophet, how does God win? Yet, “Aaron’s staff swallowed up their staffs” (v. 12)! God allowed them an inch of satisfaction to harden Pharaoh’s heart, but He would win this battle. Just as the LORD told them, Pharaoh didn't listen because his heart was fortified in disobedience.

The signs and wonders Moses and Aaron displayed point us to the power of God in the gospel (Rom. 1:16). This mighty power was on full display when Jesus rose from the dead on the third day (Rom 1:4). God powerfully redeemed Israel from Egypt and this redemption foreshadowed his glorious work to redeem us from sin and death. The book of Revelation shows even greater signs and wonders than these being poured out on all who reject God’s Son and Kingdom in the last days.

We, too, deserve to face such judgment from (Rom. 3:23). Our great hope against facing the wrath of God is the One who took the wrath for us (Isa. 53:4-6). As we will soon see, all who are not for God are against Him, yet God will shield His people from wrath, even as they live in the midst of great acts of judgment. In Christ, we may face tribulation, but we will never be on the receiving end of God’s fierce wrath. Ah, what a relief it is to be in Jesus!

Reflection Questions
  • How did the LORD’s hardening of Pharaoh’s heart help make the LORD known in Egypt and throughout the world? How is this challenging to our view of God? How does it bring you comfort?
  • How does the power of God in Israel give you hope today amid your trials and difficult circumstances? In what ways does God’s power in Exodus point you to the gospel?
  • How is God at work in your life right now? If you’re not saved, do you feel God drawing you to Himself? If you’re a believer, how do you sense God preparing you to fulfill your calling? If you’re confident that you’re fulfilling your calling presently, how do you see God’s power at work in your life and relationships?

Prayer Points
  • Seek God’s mind. It can be tough to discern God’s purposes in the face of persecution or trials. Ask God to reveal His mind to you through His word. Ask Him to help you obey even when you don’t understand.
  • Pray for patience. Sometimes God doesn’t work in ways that seem efficient in our eyes. Pray for patience and trust as you continue to walk by faith. Ask the Spirit to help you discern specific ways He’s helping you grow in this season.
  • Rely on His power. As you share the gospel, do the work of the ministry, or live out your calling in everyday life, thank God for His power in you. Confess your weaknesses, and express your inability to change hearts. Seek His strength and power for every moment.
Photo by David McEachan: https://www.pexels.com/photo/gray-pyramid-on-dessert-under-blue-sky-71241/
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Redemption and Reliance

7/29/2023

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Unfulfilled dreams remind us just how tiny we are. We sense a call and decide it’s time to take action. We put one foot in front of the other as we step toward obedience, but we end up stepping in a hole and rolling an ankle—maybe that’s just me! The sense of independence and strength flies away like a flock of birds at the sound of a shotgun. We stagger to our feet only to wonder, “Is this really what I was meant to do?”. Whether it’s marriage, parenting, ministry, or fill-in-the-blank, most people have faced a moment where life doesn’t seem to make sense at all.

However, God does some of His most powerful work when we realize we are powerless. Jesus made this point when He told His disciples, “Apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). Moses and Aaron learned this early in their redemptive ministry, and we need to learn it in our everyday lives as well.

The LORD at Work
After Pharaoh outright rejected Moses and made him a stink to the Israelites, Moses cried out, asking God why He made things worse instead of rescuing the Israelites. Things had gone from bad to worse, but God had a plan: “Now you shall see what I will do to Pharaoh; for with a strong hand, he will send them out, and with a strong hand, he will drive them out of his land” (Exo. 6:1).

Moses and Aaron were instruments in the hand of the redeemer, but YHWH is the hero of this story, and He made that clear early on. Four times we read “I am the LORD” (Exo. 6:2, 6-8). YHWH is here to take action. The covenant-keeping God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob remembered His covenant—though He had never forgotten it—and came to give the promised land to Israel. “I will” reverberates throughout God’s speech with unspeakable power and glory (Exo. 6:6-8). I will deliver you from slavery! I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great acts of judgment! I will take you to be my people! I will be your God! I will bring you into the land that I swore to give to your fathers. I will give it to you—I am the LORD!

Slow down and re-read those words. Let the power land on you. The Almighty God, El Shaddai, is now making Himself known as YHWH. He is not only the powerful, discerning, law-giving protector. He is also the self-existent, covenant-keeping, redeeming God. As Boaz came and bought Ruth and Naomi’s freedom when they had no next-of-kin, so YHWH came to be the redeemer (Heb. go’el) who would carry the burdens of poverty-stricken, sin-sick people like us (Ruth 4:9-10, 13). In all of His redemptive work, He had a clear purpose: to make Himself known (Exo. 6:2, 7). Jesus came and redeemed us with the same glorious goal in mind (John 17:3).

Weary People
We might expect that such words be met with a hearty amen and awe-inspiring worship. Yet, how often do the burdens of life keep us from reverent awe and joy? Perhaps even now as you peruse the contents of this devotional, your heart isn’t singing with praise to God. Maybe you’re too burdened, too distracted, or too worn down to fully appreciate the LORD’s words to Israel. The Israelites struggled because their broken spirits and harsh slavery were too heavy (Exo. 6:9). Perhaps like the Israelites, you struggle to believe God’s Word simply because you’re beaten down and worn out.

There’s good news for you. Christ came for weary, heavy-laden people (Matt. 11:28). Even when we meet God with apathy, fear, and unbelief, He doesn’t stop working. Just as God told Moses and Aaron to keep going and not lose sight of their mission, so He sent Christ to rescue His sinful enemies to reconcile us to God (Rom. 5:6-11). Weary saints, come to the cross of Christ! Lay your burdens down at His feet and rejoice with genuine hope that you are freed from bondage to sin and death. In Christ, you can truly say, “Pharaoh No! You cannot hold me back!”

Pastors and church leaders, there’s a specific lesson in the lives of Moses and Aaron. Many days we are overworked. Our labor is often overlooked. Our burdens are forgotten. Our frustrations and failures are broadcast for all to see. Yet, God is relentless in carrying out the plans He has for His Kingdom. 

When we are at our wit’s end, we stop relying on our own knowledge and lean on the wisdom of God. When we are ignored, we recognize that our eloquence is unable to change hearts (1 Cor. 2:1). When we feel that our lips are “uncircumcised” and wonder how anyone would listen to us, God has us right where we need to be (Exo. 6:30). In these moments, we can rest in two powerful words, “I will”. When we can’t do what God has called us to do, His strength is made perfect in our weakness (2 Cor. 12:9). Leaders, we must strive to be people who find power in God’s sufficient grace. He will establish our ministries and give us the validity we need to be effective (Exo. 6:14-30).

Reflection Questions
  1. Is your relationship with the LORD growing and thriving? Or is it shriveling and languishing? How is God at work in your struggles? 
  2. How has Exodus 6 encouraged you to trust the LORD in your trials? 
  3. How can we pray for and support our leaders in the challenges they face in ministry? What are some gospel encouragements you can offer our leaders this week?

Prayer Points
  1. Confess your prayerlessness to the LORD. Ask Him to give you a greater desire to know and trust Him, even when times are stressful and difficult.
  2. Seek God's perspective on your trials. Beyond asking Him to deliver you, ask Him to show you specific ways He is at work in you and your circumstances.
  3. Worship God for His power and promises. Celebrate His power over the world and our leaders. Rejoice and receive His gracious promises. Thank Him for being the faithful, covenant-keeping God of His people today and of our forefathers in the faith.
  4. Ask God to strengthen our leaders for ministry. Specifically, pray for our pastors as they prepare to preach the Word, lead the congregation, and guard us from evil influences. Pray for their devotional lives and their families, knowing that they can't faithfully minister to us if they don't first know the LORD and lead their homes well.





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Photo by Guy Seela : https://www.pexels.com/photo/clouds-over-dune-on-desert-17183002/​
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Dwell with Christ exists to encourage people from all walks of life to give their lives to fervent devotion to Jesus. For eternity, God's dwelling place will be with man, and we can experience a taste of the eternal glory now on this pilgrimage we call life.
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