Will a man rob God?

As many of you know, this is one of my favorite parts of scripture.  I've written about it in the past.  It's one of the scriptural subjects that I am very passionate about. 

I've highlighted the relevant parts but let me summarize.  We steal from God by not tithing (not only tithing our money but our time as well!).  God dares us to tithe and He tells us that if we tithe He will bless us beyond measure.  God even goes so far as to say "try Me now in this".  It's like God is saying I dare you, I double dog dare you!

One of the things that I just love about studying God's Word is that you get new meanings all of the time.  As I read over this chapter today, a chapter I've read dozens of times, I got something new out of it and I'd like to share that with you.

Malachi 3:8-10(NKJV)

8    “Will a man rob God?      Yet you have robbed Me!     But you say,     ‘In what way have we robbed You?’     In tithes and offerings.

9    You are cursed with a curse,     For you have robbed Me,     Even this whole nation.

10    Bring all the tithes into the storehouse,     That there may be food in My house,     And try Me now in this,”     Says the Lord of hosts,     “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven     And pour out for you such blessing     That there will not be room enough to receive it.

Why exactly are we to bring the tithes into the storehouse?  "That there may be food in my house,".  I had never noticed this before.  What is God's house?  The church.  And what food is God talking about?  How about God's Word?

There are many places in the Bible that equates God's Word to food and nourishment.  So not only does God dare us to tithe but He tells us why it is so important that we tithe.  It is so the church has the resources to spread God's Word far and wide to provide spiritual nourishment.  Pretty cool!

Now let's take a look at another verse from chapter 3.

Malachi 3:12(NKJV)

12    And all nations will call you blessed,     For you will be a delightful land,”     Says the Lord of hosts.

Not only will we be blessed individually by tithing but we will be blessed as a nation the more we tithe.  "For you will be a delightful land".  Just think what it would be like if our whole country was so giving oriented that they all tithed.      Let's pray for that to occur!

You shall discern between the righteous and the wicked. Isn't that judgmental?

Malachi 3:18(NKJV)

18    Then you shall again discern     Between the righteous and the wicked,     Between one who serves God      And one who does not serve Him.

One of the most misunderstood quotes in the Bible is "Thou shall not judge".  You hear people use this all the time to try and excuse bad or evil behavior.  But is that what it really means?

Well as I've written many times, the Bible is a book of balance.  Sometimes we have to search for the true meaning of things.  God doesn't always spell things out for us.  Sometimes we have to read between the lines so to speak.  God even warned us that it would be this way.

Exodus 34:27(NKJV)

27Then the Lord said to Moses, “Write these words, for according to the tenor of these words I have made a covenant with you and with Israel.”

The verse above from Malachi tells us to discern between the righteous and the wicked.  Well what exactly does discern mean?

dis·cern

[dih-surn, -zurn] Show IPA

verb (used with object)

1. to perceive by the sight or some other sense or by the intellect; see, recognize, or apprehend: They discerned a sail on the horizon.
2. to distinguish mentally; recognize as distinct or different; discriminate: He is incapable of discerning right from wrong.

verb (used without object)

3. to distinguish or discriminate.

Pasted from <http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/discern?s=t>

If we are to discern between the righteous and the wicked, doesn't that require us to make a judgment?  Of course it does. 

Let's look at another verse.

John 7:21-24(NKJV)

21Jesus answered and said to them, “I did one work, and you all marvel. 

22Moses therefore gave you circumcision (not that it is from Moses, but from the fathers), and you circumcise a man on the Sabbath. 

23If a man receives circumcision on the Sabbath, so that the law of Moses should not be broken, are you angry with Me because I made a man completely well on the Sabbath? 

24Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.”

In other places Jesus talks about good fruit verses bad fruit.  Again, doesn't that require a judgment?  Of course it does.

So the next time someone tries to intimidate you by telling you not to judge them, ask them to explain what  these two verses mean and sit back and enjoy the show!

"And none shall appear before Me empty-handed"

Exodus 34:19-20(NKJV)

19“All that open the womb are Mine, and every male firstborn among your livestock, whether ox or sheep. 

20But the firstborn of a donkey you shall redeem with a lamb. And if you will not redeem him, then you shall break his neck. All the firstborn of your sons you shall redeem. “And none shall appear before Me empty-handed. "

Here's a question.  How often do we appear before God empty handed?

I've written many times in the past about the importance of giving God our first fruits.  The first fruits of our time.  The first fruits of our efforts.  The first fruits of brainpower, and the first fruits of our finances.  Why is the first fruits so important?  I think this verse from Malachi gives as good an explanation as any.

Malachi 1:8(NKJV)

8    And when you offer the blind as a sacrifice,     Is it not evil?     And when you offer the lame and sick,     Is it not evil?     Offer it then to your governor!     Would he be pleased with you?     Would he accept you favorably?”     Says the Lord of hosts.

(Please note that He is referring to blind and lame animals, not people)

Ok, so I think we are clear on the first fruits aspect.

But what about this second concept?  "And none shall appear before me empty-handed".  God is telling us that He expects all of us to contribute.  Unlike the US tax code which has reached the point where 49% of the people don't even pay taxes, God says "Oh no, all of you are required to have some skin in the game". 

Every time we appear before God we need to have something to offer Him.  What are you going to offer God today?

Thank You Warriors on this Memorial Day Weekend!

I first wrote this on Veterans Day 2011 but it is just as applicable as ever.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

On this 2012 Memorial  Day Weekend I would like to salute all of our military service people, past and present and thank you and your families for the sacrifices you make on our behalf.  There are many in this country who still value and honor your service.

I hope you know that according to God's word, you hold a special place in His heart as well.         If you look through the Bible, God has accomplished many great things though His use of warriors.  Let's take a look at some of God's favorite warriors .

Joshua - After Moses had led the Jewish people through the desert for 40 years, who did God choose to lead His people to take possession of the land God had promised them?  Joshua.  Why?  Because they were going to have to go in and take the land that God had promised them and Joshua was one of only two people that  actually thought they could do it because God had promised them that they would succeed.

Here is what God had to say about Joshua.

Numbers 27:18(NKJV)

18And the Lord said to Moses: “Take Joshua the son of Nun with you, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him; 

God saw Joshua, a warrior, as a man in whom is the Spirit.

Gideon - Gideon was another warrior who found favor with God.  Although reluctant at first, once he was convinced that he was indeed called by God, Gideon threw himself into serving God as a warrior.  Gideon went on to win many victories for God.

One of the other great things about Gideon is that he never lost his focus on God.  Even though Gideon had achieved great success on the battlefield he didn't let it go to his head.  When the men of Israel tried to convince Gideon to rule over them, he told them no and that they needed to look to God.

Judges 8:22-23(NKJV)

22Then the men of Israel said to Gideon, “Rule over us, both you and your son, and your grandson also; for you have delivered us from the hand of Midian.”

23But Gideon said to them, “I will not rule over you, nor shall my son rule over you; the Lord shall rule over you.” 

King David - King David started out as a simple shepherd boy who had the audacity to actually believe that God would help David defeat the Philistine giant Goliath, in order to uphold God's honor. 

Here is what God had to say about King David. 

1 Samuel 13:14(NKJV)

14But now your kingdom shall not continue. The Lord has sought for Himself a man after His own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be commander over His people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you.”

That's right, God called David - a warrior, a man after God's own heart.

I particularly love the way David looks to God for his strength, guidance and safety. 

Psalms 18:1-3(NKJV)

1    I will love You, O Lord, my strength.

2    The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;     My God, my strength, in whom I will trust;     My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

3    I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised;     So shall I be saved from my enemies.

Psalms 18:17-19(NKJV)

17    He delivered me from my strong enemy,     From those who hated me,     For they were too strong for me.

18    They confronted me in the day of my calamity,     But the Lord was my support.

19    He also brought me out into a broad place;     He delivered me because He delighted in me.

Psalms 18:29-35(NKJV)

29    For by You I can run against a troop,     By my God I can leap over a wall.

30    As for God, His way is perfect;     The word of the Lord is proven;     He is a shield to all who trust in Him.

31    For who is God, except the Lord?      And who is a rock, except our God?

32    It is God who arms me with strength,     And makes my way perfect.

33    He makes my feet like the feet of deer,     And sets me on my high places.

34    He teaches my hands to make war,     So that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.

35    You have also given me the shield of Your salvation;      Your right hand has held me up,     Your gentleness has made me great.

Psalms 18:50(NKJV)

50    Great deliverance He gives to His king,      And shows mercy to His anointed,     To David and his descendants forevermore.

Even though King David had many faults and weaknesses, God thought so highly of this warrior King  that God's ultimate plan of salvation through Jesus Christ was descended from King David's lineage.

So warriors, you stand in good stead in God's plan.  My prayer is that God will continue to wrap His protective arms around you.  Thank you again for your service!

Moses told them to do what?!

Exodus 32:26-29(NKJV)

26then Moses stood in the entrance of the camp, and said, “Whoever is on the Lord’S side—come to me!” And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together to him. 

27And he said to them, “Thus says the Lord God of Israel: ‘Let every man put his sword on his side, and go in and out from entrance to entrance throughout the camp, and let every man kill his brother, every man his companion, and every man his neighbor.’” 

28So the sons of Levi did according to the word of Moses. And about three thousand men of the people fell that day. 

29Then Moses said, “Consecrate yourselves today to the Lord, that He may bestow on you a blessing this day, for every man has opposed his son and his brother.”

What the heck?  Didn't Moses just come down off of the mountain with the 10 Commandments inscribed on tablets?  And what was one of the ten?  Thou shall not murder! 

Now Moses did nothing more than relay an order from God.  So God told the sons of Levi to go kill these people for the sin that they had committed.  They had worshipped other gods.  Then after they were done God blessed them for doing it!

Now did God just contradict himself here?  Did He just order all of these people murdered?  Did God just reward them for doing evil?  Or is there a distinction here that we need to understand?      Unless you think God condones and blesses evil then there has to be another explanation.

I think that the difference is killing carried out as part of righteous judgment from God is not considered murder or evil in His eyes.  In other words there is a distinct difference between murder and punishment in God's Word.

Oh but that is just the OT, it's different now.  Is it?

Matthew 10:34-37(NKJV)

34“Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. 

35For I have come to ‘set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’; 

36and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.’ £ 

37He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. 

Notice the similarities?  In both cases it was about choosing sides.  Are you on God's side or not? 

Dude, I can't do that!

Has God called you to do something that is just really really beyond your comprehension as to how you will accomplish it?  You don't have the know how.  You don't have the skills.  You don't like to speak and organize things.  You don't…….you fill in the reasons.

Here's the deal.   Doesn't matter.  What have I written over and over and over again?  When God calls, ANSWER THE CALL! 

If you do, here is one of the promises that God makes to you.

1 Corinthians 1:5-7(NKJV)

5that you were enriched in everything by Him in all utterance and all knowledge, 

6even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you, 

7so that you come short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, 

When you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, as heirs with Christ you are able to tap into some mighty promises from God.  As you can see above, "you are enriched in everything by Him in all utterance and all knowledge" and "so that you come short in no gift". 

How cool is that?  If God calls and you answer the call, you can absolutely count on the fact that God will provide you with all of the knowledge, utterances, and gifts (skills) that you need to successfully answer His call.

Don't know where to start?  God will provide you the knowledge.  Don't have the gifts?  God will provide them.  Don't like to speak?  God will provide the utterances.  What other excuses did you fill in above?  Based on this Scripture do you think God has that covered as well?

Now does God promise this to everyone?  Nope.  Only those who have accepted Jesus Christ, God's son, as their personal Lord and Savior.  Listen to your heart.  Is God calling you?  Then answer the call.  You can start by asking Jesus to become the Lord of your life.  It's easy to do.  Just close your eyes and talk to Jesus.  "Dear Jesus, …….."

If it is possible...

Ran across these two verses recently.  Thought they made a nice pair.  I think the two verses together answer a question that someone asked on Facebook.  How far do you go in trying to keep peace and build a relationship with someone?  Let's start with the verse from Romans first. 

Romans 12:18(NKJV)

18If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 

This verse seems to be saying to do all you can to live peaceably with others but that even though you do all you can, there will be some people that it will not be possible to live peaceably with.  

Another way to put it is that although we are taught to turn the other cheek, we don't need to keep turning our cheek back and forth while someone beats us to death. 

Now for the second verse.

Zechariah 11:9(NKJV)

9Then I said, “I will not feed you. Let what is dying die, and what is perishing perish. Let those that are left eat each other’s flesh.” 

Sometimes you have to just recognize a situation for what it is, cut your loses and move on.  You've done all you can, "as much as depends on you", and that is all that God asks.  Doesn't mean that you can't still pray for the person or situation, but you don't need to carry that burden through life.  "Let what is dying die and what is perishing perish". 

It's kind of hard to do but that's probably why it goes by another name.  Tough love. 

If you find yourself in a situation like this, pray about it and if God is clearly telling you that it is a Zechariah 11:9 situation, then move on.  Don't let anyone try and guilt you into continuing.  You know, like saying "that isn't very Christian.  You're supposed to love me and put up with me regardless".  Nope!  God clearly says that if you've done all you can do then move on!

Reality Show Idea - God's Gifts, Pick Two!

What if God started His own reality show, what would it be like?  I have an idea.  How about God's Gifts, Pick Two!  The premise would be that you have to take stock of all of the gifts that God has given you in life.  Got them all in your mind?  Now you have to start life all over and you only get to pick two of the gifts to start life over with.

What would your two picks be?  Think about that.  No do overs.  You have to pick wisely.  Would you like to know what my two picks would be?

The first one is easy and doesn't take any thought.  It would be my salvation through Jesus Christ.  Hands down, automatic choice.  But what would my second pick be?  Read the following Scripture for a clue.

Romans 15:13(NKJV)

13Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Not too subtle for you there was I?  HOPE!  If you've got God and you've got hope, what more do you need?  There are so many examples down through history of people that have gone through incredible situations and survived because they had hope. 

Now how much hope should we have?  God, who Scripture tells us is the God of hope, says that we "may abound in hope".  What exactly does abound mean?  I'm sure we all have a general idea but I want to look at the definition.

a·bound

1. to occur or exist in great quantities or numbers: a stream in which trout abound.

2. to be rich or well supplied (usually followed by in ): The region abounds in coal.

3. to be filled; teem (usually followed by with ): The ship abounds with rats.

Pasted from <http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/abound?s=t> 

So not just a little bit of hope but so much hope that we are filled with it.  We have hope in rich supply!  How can we be so sure in our hope?  Because it comes from God through the power of the Holy Spirit who we get when we accept Jesus Christ for our salvation!   Don't you just love how the two are connected?

So can you see why I chose the two gifts I did?  What about you?  Do you have hope?  If not, why not try a proven formula.  Ask Jesus to take over your life as your personal Lord and Savior.  Just surrender to Him.  Then get ready to experience hope like never before!

If Indeed We Suffer With Him

Romans 8:16-17(NKJV)
16The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 
17and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

Romans 8:18(NKJV)
18For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 

I've written several times about the need to bear our tribulations with joy.  I've written about the growth that comes from going through things.  But this Scripture gives us yet another reason it is necessary.

We are heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him.
So the way I read that, if we don't suffer with Christ then we aren't joint heirs with Him. 

Now you might be inclined to think "Wow, that really sucks.  I thought Christ paid the price so I wouldn't have to?"  Well that is true as far as Christ paying the ultimate price for our sins goes.  However it doesn't mean we can't pitch in and help carry some of the load.

Now the second verse above is the promise that should make it a piece of cake to bear our tribulations joyfully.  the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory

God promises that it will be way more than worth whatever we are going through.  So no matter how bad things may get, keep a smile on your face because God has promised that the reward will always far exceed what you are going through!

Fishing For a Meaning

Getting a late post in today.  I was up at 3 AM for a fishing trip and so this was just one of those days where as much as I try to have my time with God in the morning, I just have to be flexible.  It may also explain the bad pun in the headline and my inability to understand this verse.  I'm a bit tired and when I read this passage from Zechariah it just left me stumped.

Zechariah 8:18-19(NKJV)

18Then the word of the Lord of hosts came to me, saying, 

19“Thus says the Lord of hosts:      ‘The fast of the fourth month,     The fast of the fifth,     The fast of the seventh,     And the fast of the tenth,     Shall be joy and gladness and cheerful feasts     For the house of Judah.     Therefore love truth and peace.’

Can you understand my confusion?  These four fasts shall be cheerful feasts? 

Well I'm going to take a shot at making sense of this but I'm really guessing here so if someone else has a better explanation I'd love to hear it.

Here's my thoughts.  When we fast we are giving up or limiting our food intake  as part of a spiritual journey to draw closer to God.  When people fast, many of them get grouchy, they complain that they are fasting, and it's almost like their attitude defeats the whole fast.

What I think this means is that if we are going to fast then do it with a cheerful heart.  After all it is a form of an offering or gift to God and we are told to be cheerful givers.  And if we do that we will have a "cheerful feast".  

What could God mean by a feast?  How can we eat and have a feast when we are fasting?  That's the part that doesn't make sense correct?  Let's just go one step beyond fast to the point of the fast.  The point is to draw closer to God.  I think what is meant here is a feast of spiritual blessings from making that effort and actually drawing closer to God.  Does that make sense?

Let me know what you think.  I'd love to hear other ideas on this o

So Am I An Arm or a Leg?

Romans 12:4-8(NKJV)

4For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 

5so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. 

6Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 

7or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 

8he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

I've always loved this passage. 

Witnessing has always been the hardest thing for me to do.  I used to feel bad about that.  Until I read this passage that is.  We've all been given different gifts.  Some are more outgoing than others.  Some are more organized then others, etc.  It's our duty to take the gifts that we have been given and use them in service to God. 

We don’t all have to be preachers.  We don't all have to be prophets.  We don't all have to be teachers.  We just have to be what we are.  Whatever gifts that God gave us to use, use!

Here's what's cool about God.  The more you use the gifts He gave you in His service, the more new gifts He'll bestow upon you.  And before you know it, you'll be doing things for God that you never imagined.  Like witnessing on this blog.  I've been a computer geek for years.  I've used that gift for God over the yeas and so He took that strength-computers, married it up with a weakness-witnessing, and gave me a new skill to be used for Him.  How cool is that?

So what gifts has God given you?  Are you using them in His service?  If so then be prepared to be incredibly blessed!

Who's Helping You Win Your Battles?

We all have battles that we have to fight in life.  Why?  Because that is just part of life.  And while we face many different kinds of battles, there is one principal that we can use in all of the battles.  What is that principal?

Exodus 17:8-13(NKJV)

8Now Amalek came and fought with Israel in Rephidim. 

9And Moses said to Joshua, “Choose us some men and go out, fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in my hand.” 

10So Joshua did as Moses said to him, and fought with Amalek. And Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. 

11And so it was, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. 

12But Moses’ hands became heavy; so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. And Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. 

13So Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.

That principal is don't fight the battles alone!  Chose a team and fight the battles as a team.  In the Scripture above Moses tells Joshua to "chose some men" and go fight the battle.  Then Moses chips in and does his part.  But he tires so Aaron and Hur also chip in as part of the team and together they prevail. 

So who do you chose for your team?  Remember when you were kids and you would chose up sides to play a game?  It was always advantageous to go first because you got to choose the best player.  Well guess what, in this case you always get to go first and you always get to choose the best player. 

What am I talking about?  You get to choose God.  No matter what battles you are fighting in your life you don't have to face those battles alone.  You can choose to have God as part of your team.  When you're so tired that you can't keep your arms up, God will be right there beside you, supporting you just like Aaron and Hur supported Moses. 

So as you face your battles in life, don't go it alone.  You get to pick first.  Pick God!

Is All That Bible Reading Necessary?

Romans 10:1-4(NKJV)

1Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for £Israel is that they may be saved. 

2For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. 

3For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God. 

4For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.

Why is it so important to be in the Word?  Because that is where we gain our knowledge about God and His will for our lives.  While it is important to be excited about God, that's not enough.  We need to get to know Him and learn about Him.

Have you ever seen people that are saved and they are on fire for God.  But then pretty quickly they go off on their own tangent?  I think that is what the highlighted part of the verse above is talking about.

By being in the Word daily if possible, it helps you learn and gain knowledge which you can then use in your own life as you strive to fulfill God's purpose in your life as well as pass on to others.

So if you don't have a daily Bible reading habit yet, please give it a try.  You'll be amazed at how your relationship with God will blossom!

Consider Your Ways! Why? Did I Do Something Wrong?

Haggai 1:5-6(NKJV)

5Now therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts: “Consider your ways!

6    “You have sown much, and bring in little;      You eat, but do not have enough;     You drink, but you are not filled with drink;     You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm;     And he who earns wages,     Earns wages to put into a bag with holes.”

What a great passage.  When things just aren't going according to plan, consider your ways.  I want to offer a slightly different take on this.

I think for most of us when we read this passage we read it as a warning from God that we are sinning greatly and need to consider our ways.  While that may be the case for some, I would suggest that this passage has a wider meaning than that.

"The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results."  This quote has been attributed to Einstein and Benjamin Franklin as well as others.  I couldn't find a definitive answer so I will just attribute it to anonymous.   

But isn't it saying the same thing?  If things aren't working out like you had expected, consider your ways.  It doesn't necessarily mean you are doing anything wrong, sinful, or evil.  It could simply mean that you need to evaluate things and make a course correction.  Do something differently. 

Negative feedback in the form of things not working out the way we wanted can be incredibly helpful if we will take this simple  advice.  Don't fear the negative feedback.  It's just telling you to consider your ways so that you can make changes that will better your situation!

And just in case you haven't done it yet, one of the ways you can change for immediate impact is to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior.  Would you like Jesus to help?  Then ask Him for it today!

Extreme Makeover, God Style

Have you ever watched any of the extreme makeover shows?  With a wife and a daughter I have to admit that I've seen more than my share.  I was quite often amazed at the transformations that took place.  Whether buildings or people, these makeovers could be life changing events. 

One of the shows I found interesting was the one where a woman was nominated for a makeover.  Now the person that was nominated may not have even wanted or thought she needed a makeover.  She was perfectly happy and contented in her life.  But her friends recognized the need and nominated her.  By the end of the show, even the ones who perfectly content and didn't think they needed a makeover, were overjoyed at the results.  It was a life changing event.

I was reminded of all that when I read this scripture.

Zechariah 3:1-5(NKJV)

1Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to oppose him. 

2And the Lord said to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you, Satan! The Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is this not a brand plucked from the fire?”

3Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and was standing before the Angel.

4Then He answered and spoke to those who stood before Him, saying, “Take away the filthy garments from him.” And to him He said, “See, I have removed your iniquity from you, and I will clothe you with rich robes.”

5And I said, “Let them put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head, and they put the clothes on him. And the Angel of the Lord stood by.

What a great way to illustrate the extreme makeover God can bless each and every one of us with.  When we accept Jesus as our Savior it's as if God is stripping away the filthy garment that is our life without Jesus.  In its place we are clothed with the rich robes of a life lived for Christ!  How cool is that?  Extreme makeover, God style!

Have you had your extreme makeover yet?  Have you asked Jesus to come into your life?  It's easy to do.  Just close your eyes and say a little prayer and ask Jesus to be the Lord of your life.  If you do that then you too can be clothed in the rich robes of a life lived for Jesus.

Remember above where I mentioned that some of the women didn't even think they wanted or needed a makeover?  Remember that the next time you are hesitant to share the Gospel with someone because you don't think they would be interested because the already have it all together.  Our job is to nominate them so to speak.  It's up to them to decide if they want to accept the makeover.

Where do great ideas come from?

Where do great ideas come from?  As a spirit filled Christian we want to be led by God.  We study Scripture and pray, seeking God's will for our lives.  We ask Him for direction.  So does that mean that we should only adapt ideas that come directly from God?

I don't think so.  Read this excerpt from Exodus 18 and then I will give you my reasoning.

Exodus 18:13-23(NKJV)

13And so it was, on the next day, that Moses sat to judge the people; and the people stood before Moses from morning until evening. 

14So when Moses’ father-in-law saw all that he did for the people, he said, “What is this thing that you are doing for the people? Why do you alone sit, and all the people stand before you from morning until evening?”

15And Moses said to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to inquire of God. 

16When they have a difficulty, they come to me, and I judge between one and another; and I make known the statutes of God and His laws.”

17So Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “The thing that you do is not good. 

18Both you and these people who are with you will surely wear yourselves out. For this thing is too much for you; you are not able to perform it by yourself. 

19Listen now to my voice; I will give you counsel, and God will be with you: Stand before God for the people, so that you may bring the difficulties to God. 

20And you shall teach them the statutes and the laws, and show them the way in which they must walk and the work they must do. 

21Moreover you shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. 

22And let them judge the people at all times. Then it will be that every great matter they shall bring to you, but every small matter they themselves shall judge. So it will be easier for you, for they will bear the burden with you. 

23If you do this thing, and God so commands you, then you will be able to endure, and all this people will also go to their place in peace.”

The first lesson I would like to point out is the value of being humble and willing to take advice from others.  Now think about this.  Here you have Moses.  A guy who has a direct line of communication to God (as do we through the Holy spirit).  Knowing human nature as I do you might expect someone who talks directly to God to maybe be a bit arrogant about taking advice from others.  But not Moses. 

His father in law observes that Moses is over working himself.  The father in law explains the concept of delegating authority to Moses.  He lays out what to look for in those you delegate that authority to.  He talks about training those you are delegating authority to.  The benefit is that their society will run more efficiently and will avoid on person having to do too much of the work and getting burnt out.

 

Because Moses was humble and willing to take advice from others, society benefited. 

Lesson number two is vital if lesson number one is going to be successful.  Hear is what Moses' father in law said

"23If you do this thing, and God so commands you, then you will be able to endure, and all this people will also go to their place in peace.”

Lesson number two is it's OK to take advice from others, provided you check that advice with God before implementing it.   There are a lot of places to find good ideas.  God gave us an intellect and He expects us to use it.  However, before implementing ideas that we find elsewhere, always check them with God.  As long as you do that I don't think you can go wrong.