Joshua 24 - the end of the journey

Seems fitting that the history of the move from captivity to freedom ends with the Lord giving the Israelite leaders a history lesson of what was, what is and what is to come. They, as do I, needed to be reminded of the Lord's benefits and faithfulness to His promises. The Gospel is about choices - God chose to send, Jesus chose to come and die to save us. Now the Israelites were given their choices but Joshua, even after stating the famous v. 15, gave them the option to choose to follow the Lord. How prophetic that while they said yes, they ultimately said no. Let the Judges begin....

The chapter ends with the Promised Land being the final resting place of the forefathers of the faith. I guess that will be something to ponder further about. Oh well, preparing for the New Year. I am praying that this will be a blessed and "robust" one!

Joshua 23 A Farewell to Arms

Just as there was a break between the last post and this, so there is a break between the narrative between 22 and 23. Christmas was good, despite what some feel was a setback in the food. I thought it was ok. The presents were also good - it hit needs and wants. The people I shared it with was great! Nearly 40 people came and hopefully enjoyed themselves and were blessed. On the eve, I got to meet my niece's prospective in-laws and that was a good and meaningful time. Good people.  The service on Sunday was good since the whole family participated. Prayer service was good and dinner at Juniors was good (especially the dessert). West Side Story was fair but the snow was NOT good. We got 25 inches and made it home Sunday night with the Lord's providence - the last train to Edison and the truck did the rest. I praise God for the family bonding and our efforts to clean the driveway and be Jesus to our neighbors.

Joshua's reminder to the Israelite leaders comes at the end of his life. Keep on the narrow and hold fast to the Lord and his ways. Anything else will be disastrous. He reminded them that one can defeat a thousand if the Lord is on your side. Very similar to Jesus when he said if we had the faith the size of a mustard seed, we can move mountains. How true yet how distant...

As I heard someone say over the radio, it's not just about believing, Jesus wants your heart as well.

Joshua 22 - You can't judge a book by its cover

What a chapter!!! Joshua sends out the three tribes to possess the land that they were given, and upon doing so they erect an altar between the lands of the remaining Israelites. The remaining tribes feel that this is a slap in the face to them and God and want to go to war. They send an emissary to see what is going on with them and to rebuke them if they see if they have turn their backs to the Lord. To their delight, they found that they were not only practicing the laws and the sacrifices that Moses laid down, but their "altar" was to be used as a memorial for the purpose of "A WITNESS BETWEEN US THAT THE LORD IS GOD".

How often do I mistake good deeds and intentions for evil? Thank you Holy Spirit for giving me a discerning heart to listen and not talk, to see things through the eyes of Christ. I pray that I will always heed that.

Joshua 21

The Levites were the last of the 12 tribes to be allotted a place to dwell. As it turns out, they didn't have a specific region but were given towns and pasturelands by all of the tribes. Of course, they had to be given for the most part - the cities of refuge as well. The sprinkling of the Levites were supposed to flavor God's people with His holy tribe. As the last of the tribes to receive their due, the Lord fulfilled his promises. Not only did He give them the land, He gave them rest on all sides and no one opposed them.

Seems like a fairy tale but it was true. How I wish that we were like this today...

More prayers for Hannah Joy, last post didn't sit well with me.

Joshua 20

I have always been intrigued that the Lord set up "cities of refuge" - to protect those who unintentionally and accidentally kills someone. I see that as a place where mercy lives and justice will prevail without fear of retribution. There were 6 in all and were scattered so someone may flee to there. I see that churches are and can serve the same function since we all need to follow Micah 6:8.

I have been following a blog for several months http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/rodgers4/ and the journey of the Rodgers family and their soon-to-be 3 month old daughter, Hannah Joy who has gone through hell in a hospital since birth. Working with Joe for about 15 years, I have seen him step up to the plate and hold this family together while trusting in the Lord during this season. All I can do is pray daily for them and lift them up to the Father that will give them their refuge and strength.

Joshua 18: 1-10

6 and 1/2 tribes were yet to received their land (no Levites) and thus Joshua asked them why and why not? A part of me thinks they lacked initiative or direction but a part of me also thinks that they were waiting for it so they would offend God or Joshua. Anyway, the system was divised and the lots were drawn (I guess that's the God aspect) and thus the land was distributed according to their tribal divisions.

The balance of the chapter and 19 will talk about the clans getting what so we'll see...

All in all, a good day at church yesterday and an interesting class on Worship, in particular worship songs. While I agree in principle to most of what Dr. Geisler said, I still use Phil 4:8 and Col. 3:16 as guidelines. Good observations about the 1 Cor passage and the Psalms as well. It is all about Him and not about me...

Joshua 17

There is so such thing as a free lunch. That was a lesson that I learned a long time ago in the working world. The reason you get something is to give something. God gave, through Joshua, land to the Manassites according to the tribes and the heads of households. They felt cheated and wanted more, even though they got what they were promised. In reality, they as we deserve nothing. We are given it by grace and love from a Father that provides all that we need. Remember the Canaanites from the last chapter? Well, they were so determined to live in that region that they could not be driven out but rather, over time became laborers for the Manassites. In turn, that was a reason for them to ask for more land. If you don't want to hear the answer, don't ask the question. Joshua told them to go and fight for it. Despite the odds that they thought they were against, Joshua convinced them that they were capable to take the land they need.

We all think we are due something. Whether it is a job, career, possessions and "certain unalienable rights". If we got what we deserved, God wouldn't have sent His Son for us. There is a price for everything and things will never always go our way. That tests us and challenges us. That prepares us and directs us. We need to seek God daily as we "walk and talk" with Him.

Joshua 16

A historical perspective of the inheritance of the land by the descendants of Joseph (of Genesis fame). 2 sons - Ephraim and Manasseh had their descendants and they were allotted the land starting from Jericho. The Bible is very specific about which clan got what, I guess that it was easier to do this to make everything equitable. The interesting verse of 16 comes at the end when the Canaanites (who I guess had that part of the land first) were not dislodged and remained as workers "to this very day"

I guess to me a dry part of Scripture as will be the next few chapters of the subdivisions of the land...

Still much to be thankful for yet still very tough to get back into the swing of things after a long time away in FL. Trying to fight a cold/cough and getting slowly back into the early morning wakeup. At least this vacation I proved to myself that I can sleep longer than 6 hours a day. Who woulda thunk?

Joshua 15

Sorry for the delay but this was actually read and pray for a few days ago... Finally back in the swing of the AM devotionals after a few days on the road.
The details of the split of the land for the Judah tribe to me reveal the importance of Judah to God. Caleb's children were the major benefactors of their father's obedience to God. This was especially true for his daughter who asked for and got the springs of water to go along with the prime real estate. The telling verse that ends the chapter was that they were stuck with the Jebusites and couldn't get rid of them.
So... what does this mean to me? To me it means that if God is honored and obeyed, his people will be blessed. The entrenchment of Israel in the land and the settlement of the people in their cities and towns could have lasted for all eternity if Dt 6:5 was obeyed and followed. I can only do the same...

Joshua 14

This continues the division of the land that was promised to the 12 tribes (actually 11 since the Levites did not take part of in this). A new twist came to pass since Joseph's tribe was actually split betwen in half - Manasseh and Ephraim. I guess they just couldn't get along. Still, they were allowed to and were given their allotment of land.
Perhaps the man of the chapter was Caleb who spent half of under Moses and the balance under Joshua. He was the faithful who was sent to spy as recorded in Dt. 1:19 and God told him in Dt 1 :36 that only he would rewarded. God always keeps his promises even though it took 45 years in this instance to receive it. Not only was he rewarded but he was able to enjoy it given the peace that ensued.
The lesson: God will answer and reward in His time and He will never give us second-best if we are faithful and true.

Joshua 13

This chapter re-emphasizes the need of more land to be taken and how the land that they have was to be divided among the 9 1/2 tribes (Manasseh's tribe was split in half). It goes through who had the land before and who got it now. It seems that the prior holders were simply a bookmark for the Israelites whom the Lord loved and gave them the land. It still reminds me of how much the Israelites they had and ultimately how much they lost through their disobediance and defiance. God is still remindful that the Levites got no land since the Lord was their inheritance.

We are now the Lord's inheritance, I pray I never lose it!

Joshua 12

This was more of a chapter of recounting the kings (31) that were defeated so that the land could be Israel's. Time seems to stand still when reading the Bible but it really was a long time (snuck a peek at 12). Throughout all of these battles, God was victorious not only in His battles against the enemies of Israel but in the hearts of Israelites. He would never give them the victory if they were not in one mind and in one heart with God. Seems like good times....

I could get use to getting up late and not having to go to work but for now, that is not my calling. Still enjoying my place down here in FL, my wife and my life.

Joshua 11

From a historical standpoint, this is truly significant - the last obstacle between Joshua/Israel and peace. God had promised them this land and the ONLY way that this had to be accomplished was to destroy every person so that God's people would remain pure. God stiffened the hearts of the Northern kings so that they banded together to fight against the Lord and his people. v.18 states that Joshua waged war against these kings for a long time. Victory while obtainable was not cheap, nor was it easy. It rarely is and in this case the result was a fulfilled promise and an inheritance to Israel divided according to what Moses had been directed by God.

Irene and I are grateful for God's providence as we trekked down to FL this past weekend. His mercies are new every morning, great is His faithfulness. His timing and direction to get the car fixed was truly divine and for that we are thankful.

Yesterday, we witnessed a new beginning in a church that started in a movie theater in town. When we first came to Celebration, this church was introduced to us by our friend Andy Chrisman. We have been attending when we come down here and have become friends with Pastor Joe Saragusa and his wife Carol. We have seen this church seek different places as they sought a permanent home. They left the movie theater and went accross the road to the Ramada and from there to the Omni and now to the Reunion complex during the course of their lifetime. While the location moved, the leadership was pretty much intact. Joe was the lead pastor and guided them through some difficult times and misguided personnel yet he remained faithful and like Moses was not a part of their next phase.

They have now been morphed into a larger entity and they are now a satelite campus of The Crossing - Tampa. Joe has now been a part of the Tampa group and will assume an entirely different role. The Celebration campus has a new pastor but the two campuses will all received the same "Sunday morning" message (actually Sat night) via video for all of their services from the Tampa pastor. Conceptually there is consistency but for me as I view it on a long term basis - very shallow and almost like a television service. While from a finance and resource basis this had pumped in the necessary assets for the Celebration group to survive, is the heart and essence of the people pumping stronger? Only time will tell. Next week, we for now are planning to go there and worship.

Joshua 10: 29-43

God is giving Joshua and the Israelites all the land and the kingdoms of the Southern cities. When God is with you like He was in this instance, it seems too easy and almost story-book since this was all done in one campaign. I guess there was no dissention, second-guessing and above all deviation from God's purpose by the Israelites. The same-page mentality gave them all that God had stated without incident. Verse42 really states it all.

In this season of Thanksgiving, I am truly blessed and pray that I too can be like-minded to the Spirit of God.

Now off to Florida and relaxation with my bride!

Joshua 10:16-28

What is recorded here is complete and utter anihilation of the opponents of the Lord and His people. How I wish that "leaders" would fight rather than hide behind others to do their dirty work and let them take the brunt of the fighting and even death. So many wasted lives due to poor leadership and pride. God will not be mocked. My prayers are for those who are serving this country whether here or abroad and will not be home with their families during this Thanksgiving season.

I want to especially lift up the Rodgers family and their baby, Hannah Joy. Her surgery went extremely well and she is recovering. This 2 month old has been loved over and cared for by the Ultimate Physician. I pray that they may be able to enjoy this Thanksgiving season a little better.

Joshua 10: 1-15 The sun stands still

Miracles upon miracles... the story behind the title was two fold. First, the 5 kings of the Amorites joined forces to combat the "threat" and the second was the response of Joshua to protect and honor the treaty that he had made with the Gibeonites. I can see both sides and what was done. I perhaps wondered why the kings didn't collectively or individually take the route of the Gibeonites and at least live. They saw the history that was laid before them and how no living person survived. They saw how few men died on the other side to secure their victory. While they don't know the reason the few died, they must have realized something greater than the Israelites were propelling them to victory. And the the hail storm which destroyed more men than the sword - that must have been a sight to behold.

The miracle of the hail storm was soon to be topped by the longest day ever recorded in that part of the world. Our God is truly a God of miracles.

I, at this time want to offer my prayers to the Tse family and especially for their beloved one who is facing severe recovery time from her car injury. May this bring them closer and nearer to You - the Ultimate Healer.

Joshua 9 - the Gibeonite deception or "bad breath is better than no breath at all"

The reputation and the intent of the Israelites continued to grow stronger by the day. If God is for us, who can be against us? I guess that is what drove the Gibeonites to deceive the leaders of Israel. They say the necessity is the mother of invention and the ruse they devised was second to none. The only catch was if the leaders were smart enough to ask the Lord if they were legit. To use an other cliche, you can't judge a book by its cover and the same with bread. They had nothing to lose and everything to gain so they pull out all of the stops, and bought their lives with their deception.

To say that all you will be is laborers for the rest of your lives is better than being totally eliminated. I guess it's a foreshadowing of Psalm 27. It is a small  price to pay it the grand scheme of things.

Also glad to see that my follower's sister is recovering from her car injury. I will pray for her this morning...

Joshua 8: 30-35

What a sight that must have been! A phase of the commands that was given to Moses was made reality. The destruction of Ai and its king was history and over. Possession of the Promised land was a reality. I could imagine the altar of uncut stones and Joshua carving the 10 Commandments on a stone in front of the entire nation.

I think the way Ch 8 ends is very fitting - the reading of the blessings and the curses that would come if true obediance is adhered to. I know that how we and especially myself need to be reminded that "we reap what we sow".

I want to acknowledge the rough season that Joe and Erika Rodgers are going through with the recent addition of Hannah in their lives. The child has never seen the outside of a hospital yet she fights and fights and fights. My prayers are with them all...

Joshua 8:1-29

Here God has laid out for Joshua a different plan to take the city and its possessions. This was a more conventional way of fighting but one that masterful. The city that was to be protected was left abandoned and destroyed. The men of Ai left their fortress to be vulnerable and destroyed. God gave the Israelites the plunder of the city as a reward for their obedience.

The lesson? If God is for you, who can be against you? Safety is not in your surroundings but in the One that protects and leads.

Joshua 7: 13-26 Consecration

I think the main point of the story comes from trust. Trust that God will provide everything that we need to be within the center of His will. Trust that He will protect us each day until He is ready to call us. Trust is easier said than done. I think that for me that I need to supplement what God gives me what I need because my wants are greater. The things that God wants me to have, He will allow for me to have. Many times I cross the bounds of wants versus needs and that is due to coveting and pride. I have witnessed those who can't even get their needs met and rarely even have a hope for a want to be met.

If God ever dealt with me according to my desires perhaps I would be penniless and destitute. The other point is holiness and obediance. Still a choice between needs versus wants.

As I enter the seasons of Thanksgiving and New Life, I want to be that vessel for others. Lord remind me of that each day.

Joshua 6

Actually this was read on 11/11 but never got the chance to post. I still enjoy hearing and reading how our God is able to do things that defy convention to prove his omnipotence. Logically this plan of a attack makes no sense and seems even bizarre when we look at our military and the ways that wars were fought. It really does say that if God is for us, who can be against us.

This past weekend we had our 7th annual Missions weekend with our initiators - Brad and Tina Reynolds from Toulouse, France. They really showed us how they trust in faith not just for God's provision for them and their ministry but in actually how lives can and will be changed when the Gospel is preached.

Faux pases? Yes this past week and this weekend I've made a few and hopefully I have learned and will correct the errors of my ways....

Joshua 5: 13-15

I never understood how the chapters of the Bible are laid out and this was no exception. This was a true departure from the rest of 5 and was really a big point in the life of Joshua. Here he met the Lord's anointed and the commander of the Lord's army. To be a soldier the way Joshua was and now to be in the presence of this person was amazing. No ego, just humility.

Maybe when we know it all or think we do, God will show us a better way. The main thing is to be holy. Moses had to be, Isaiah had to as well. 1 Peter implores us to be holy because He is holy.

In this day of remembering our Veterans, no words can come close to their sacrifice just be silent and humble in gratitude.

Joshua 5: The Pain

The chapter begins with the kings of the Amorites and the Canaanites feeling defeated. How can you stop a people that are chosen by an incredible God.?
The next part is all I can call - PAIN! especially if you are a guy. I was very surprised to read that the act of circumcision was not carried out when the male child was born so that a whole nation had to do it before they proceeded. Not that they had sterile or machined honed knives - they had used knives made of flint! OUCH!. I wonder how long the healing process was.... Interesting about the name of Gilgal - "rolled". Didn't Jesus roll the stone away to show that He lived?
Also, the manna stopped and they ate off the land - awesome!
So many things going on today and tomorrow. Hope I can do it all.

Joshua 4

Wow! What a thrill to see God work in His own way and time. To stop the waters so the whole nation could cross through the Jordan River and then see the waters crest again after they set the memorial had to be a sight to behold. God rewards faithfulness! v. 14 is such a key verse. To be affirmed by God and man - what a special relationship. 4Him sang a song about being a man that people would talk about - one that could hear the voice of God and be faithful to act and live according to it.

It's been a while since I had to "carry a stone on my shoulders".  To be reminded through the weight and physical enormity of the obstacle of the what I was called to do is truly a blessing rather than a curse. God wants us to build bridges between Himself and other people, one stone at a time. I pray that I can do that...

Joshua 3 - Continued

Actually, I had lost my cable/internet/phone service when I was away last week. I just got my service restored early this evening. I reread Ch 3 this morning since it was such a pivotal chapter in the lives of the Israelites. To see a miracle and be silent about it just amazes me. Maybe because I take life very seriously. I hate waiting on lines, wasting unrecouped time (airports, theme park lines, etc) since those moment will never be recovered again. When I was 25, it was one thing but at my age, time is precious.

I am finally starting to regain my mojo in this time zone. Got in a little more at the gym especially since I didn't have the computer or the tv to distract me. Working more with weights which I have neglected for the most part since I've gotten older. I hate "heavy metal" but more and more people are convincing me that it is as essential to my conditioning. Who knows? Needless to say, I am easing on down the road with this one.

Joshua 3

It seems amazing that in all that we see, hear and do - we are  not confident in God's leading. We need something tangible and mind-boggling to rest our faith upon. In the last chapter, Rahab was betting on a sure thing when she placed her faith, life and her family on the lives of two strangers but she was aware of the greater good. Joshua was confirmed in front of Israel by the Lord when the waters of the Jordan ceased from flowing so they could cross. Nothing is more visual than that since all of them didn't see the parting of the Red Sea.

What do I need to confirm my faith? Do I need to see the miraculous to believe? I read a blog daily about a co-worker's young daughter who hasn't seen the outside of a hospital since she was born a few weeks ago. God has performed a miracle in sustaining her life as a testimony to all who read that blog. I am reminded today of a friend that I went to college that is undergoing tests to see what the next steps are in curing his heart condition. I pray that in this instance, I can share the love of a Saviour that will heal is wounded heart.

What type of faith do I have? Hopefully, I have the faith that can sustain me day to day so that I can seek Him daily. My prayer is that my family in their own way seeks Him daily as well. Unfortunately, I can't do that for them nor they for me. Faith is an individual relationship with God. I can pray for someone but ultimately it's the relationship between God and the person that can heal and save.

We are coming home today after a week long trip to LA and FL. I can stay in FL forever... However, there is still things to be done and bills to pay. I really look forward to seeing my son tonight to share and pray with him.

Joshua 1 & 2

Ok, actually this was started a few days ago. When I was at a church in the Reseda area, CA - the pastor was using this passage as a springboard for the whole church planting thing. Clearly his church situation was much different than ours, ( 2 services and they were requested by the CM&A to step in to bail out this church) but still the concept of faith is similar.

Still not convinced that this is the route we should go... but God calls us to be "strong and courageous". Stepping in the shoes of a giant is tough and few even get the chance to do so. I look at similar situations of a church in SI and the Crystal Cathedral in the LA area. The CC is on the verge of bankrupcy while the SI church has had some issues of their own but is still vibrant. Nevertheless, are we ready?

Dt: 34 The Death of Moses

Not only does this chapter end the book of DT but end of the life of Moses and what the Jewish faith considers the Law. Luckily for us and me, that doesn't stop God's love for all people. Moses was shown the PL and was a 120 years old when the Lord "took" him. The Word said that he was still vibrant and healthy yet he died there, maybe still at the prime of his life. He went out on top when he passed the mantle to Joshua.

How similar is that for me in my work situation. I've been doing this gig for over 37 years and while I still think of myself at (or near the top) of my game, I realize that this will not last forever and there will come a day when I will leave a profession and career and pass the mantle to the next one. I've been saying "5 more years" for the last 5 years mostly due to the downturn in the economy. There is still some unfinished business to do around the NJ home and if the 401k and my stocks didn't take it on the chin I perhaps would be a lot closer. Still, I and my family have been blessed well beyond from a gloious and generous God. I don't know if I have it in me to do it more after 2015 but we'll see. I don't have my life as neatly planned as God has told Moses but I do trust Him completely (a la Twila Paris' song). I hope that my sons will be well on their way to be self-sufficient and career-wise to realize their dreams.

Who knows what will be the next book I will go through....

Dt 32: 48 to 33: 5

What it must have been for Moses to deliver God's indictment upon the people and yet because of his one lapse in judgement be denied to partake of the final act. From a human standpoint, it is tough to swallow. Here was a man that did all that was asked and even in 33:1 was called the "man of God", yet he was denied to see the goal realized. I can only go back to Isaiah where God says that His ways and thoughts are higher than ours. I perhaps will never fully comprehend Moses's denial due to one act but again that is the mystery of God. How important for us never to lose sight of the end game and to go full tilt for God.

As I started to read Ch 33, I couldn't help but wondering how bittersweet Moses' words were. His heart ached for the people and yet even after being told what to say to chastise them, he still loved them enough to bless them. I wonder when it is my turn to pass will I find the right words to say to the ones that mean the most to me. Sometimes just  a look or a touch is enough when words cannot express my thoughts. Alas, will I be prepared?

Dt. 32:19-47 The Song (pt.2)

The recitation of this song is one that hits all parts of the Israelites' history. Key verses for me: v. 20, 28-9, 35 (a la Romans), 36, 39 and 47. A man at the crossroads of his life has nothing to gain by being anything but truthful. Sometimes we need to be "brutally honest" with each other and especially with ourselves. 1 Cor 13 talks about putting childish things aside and looking at ourselves to gain a true reflection. Wayne Watson in his song, Would I Know You, pleads with us and himself not to fool ourselves to think that God is not in EVERY situation and circumstance. We need to acknowledge and recognize Him so He can direct our paths. Some games are just not worth playing...

Dt. 32: 1-18 The Song of Moses Pt. 1

Wow! Moses spoke to the "whole" assembly of Israel. At his age and without a sound system! I wonder how that would happen today?

 His words are initially of praise for his God and then the mood swings hard the other way as he addresses Israel. As Andre Crouch used to say, "how can I say thanks for all the things He has done for me"? Sometimes I feel like Moses was talking to me as I pursued, and sometimes still do, the things that please me rather than God.

We all indulge in sensual things - maybe some more than others. Things sometimes pleasant at first but we pay the price afterwards. We distance ourselves from God because we think He's not there or too busy to care. We have the "that's Manny being Manny" mentality (sorry for the baseball analogy) in our own lives and for that sometimes we need to be challenged and confronted and ultimately reconciled to the Rock.

Dt. 31: 14-29

Quick thoughts: Moses - "well done my good and faithful servant", Joshua - "be strong and courageous" and Israel - a tiger can't change his stripes. For Israel, the indictments against their resolve to "love the Lord with all their hearts, mind and strength" will continue. God will force them to remember through their disobediance. Purity is something you are by remaining unsoilled. If you play in the mud, expect to get soiled. Moses put it well, in v.27. 
Everytime I read this passage, I can't help but think of Raiders of the Lost Ark.
Prayers today - schedule resolution and of course, be salt.

A Great Sabbath

I found today a true blessing. It is a rare and special occasion when we are able to worship at church as a total family. My youngest son has a job that doesn't allow him to come to church on Sundays. The leisure industry is "on" when we are "off". Having worked a killer schedule on Saturday (14 hour day), he wasn't scheduled to go in to work until 1PM. A normal person would have rested and slept in after a such a grueling day. He is not a normal person. His love for God and to worship with the ones he truly loves at GFC  overcame his desire to sleep in. Our recent sharing/prayer time allowed us to catch up and pray for each others' needs. He is sharing his faith with his boss and my prayer is that his boss will return to that relationship with our Savior. I am very, very proud of my son.

The other blessing has been to see/hear my cousin-in-law and his wife share their hearts at our service today. I've known him since birth and am grateful for his mom who was instrumental in bringing him to Christ. He is now working for Campus Crusade for Christ in the NY-Metro area alongside his wife. God has blessed him with a great wife and helpmate. My prayers are for my other cousin-in-law who is struggling through the loss of her daughter (109 days of life and prayerfully eternity with my Father). I pray that she may accept God's sovereignty through this both for her daughter and for her as well.

The ministry update of our After-School and Community Center was necessary and essential. Well done!

DT 31: 9-13 The Reading of the Law

When I read this, I am amazed how God tried to ensure that His Word would never be far or long from the people's heart. Every 7 years, they would have to read it to the children who were born and didn't have the opportunity to hear it. How blessed we are in this day and age not only to have His Word in print but in audio and electronically. We have so many ways to get it and yet we don't. It's easier to memorize a song than a word of Scripture. When we are face with the Enemy, I'd rather have a passage of Scripture than a song. Why bring a knife to a gun fight?

Reading God's Word has become habitual, and that's not a bad thing either. For me, it's like a daily routine. For sin will keep you from this Book or this Book will keep you from sin.

My prayer is that others may be loaded with ammo when the Enemy strikes!

Dt. 31: 1:8 Joshua to succeed Moses

How I can relate to this passage. I am getting on in my life - maybe not to the tune of 120 years old, but still coming to the home strech of my working career. I've been doing the same thing since 1979 and working at the same place since 1973. I have been blessed since neither the boys or I have any debt from their schools and I still have my retreat place called Celebration.
There are so many things that I want to do and be yet on the same token I want to be there for my sons - emotionally, physically and financially. They and Irene are my world. I would die for each of them - no questions asked. However, this passage talks about turning over the baton to those who will succeed me. I love each of them - David and Daniel passionately. I wish I were a better communicator of that and that they would know. How to go about that is the tricky part.
Being 3 states away for 5of 7 days is a bummer. I wish I could greet them when I got home, talk and catch up with them every day and encourage and most of all LISTEN to them and their hearts. This distance has taken a toll on my family and me more than I would have expected. We are all needy people. v. 8 is the motivation and the reason, I do what I do.

Dt.30: 11-19 The offer of life or death

When I read this, I think of the simplicity of God's commands and the logic in which it is presented. He doesn't ask us to do the impossible but what it is that will give us life. The words of God should be on our lips in praise and adoration. Easier said than done, though. v. 16 and v.19b and 20a - are the major truths that I take away from it today. Choose life! Who doesn't want that, knowing we have something and someone to live for?

Just started last night the Adult Ed class that I will be leading this Sunday on Hosea. Man! haven't done something like this in a while.... Too much typing! rather do the HS class anyday! No gym today since I went for the last 2 days in the AM. Nice to get some some sleep (6 AM v 5:15 AM). Ready to do my thing now. Sorta wished the NYY won last night but even happier that the Sillies lost.

DT 30:1-10

Trust and Obey for there's no other way, to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey. That seems to be resounding as I ponder this passage. Seems so logical to want to be in the center of God's will but I can be so illogical, can't I? As I am in this place, away from my family and home - it seems like I need to finish the task here strong so that I can obtain the blessings in v. 5. But when will that ever end?
My prayer is for each member of my family to strive to gain what can happen in v. 6 - so that we all can live and live life abundantly. I can honestly say that I hate this arrangement being away from home and not being a part of their lives. It makes the end of the tunnel that much more worth striving for.

Deut 29:16-29

So... I usually try to start my day reading through a portion of Scripture and asking God for the major truth behind that which I can draw from. Some days are repetitive, meaning that I can draw the same conclusion as prior days but some days are different. Since I've been reading the Bible a good part if not more than 2/3s of my life, my prayer is that God will give me a new truth each time I read his word.
Reading Dt, has been exceptionally good since I've been able to see God dealing with his original people and ultimately it is about "doing the right thing" between you and others. Being fair and equal (esp the Jubilee part) yet keeping in mind that God is holy and wants all of us.
v18 - wow! we must be sure not to create a situation that will make people (or us) bitter towards God. 19. Do we know what we want better than our Creator? No! nothing but heartache!. 20 Extreme! Sounds like turning your back on the HS. v29 So that WE ALL...
My prayer today is and always will be for my fam- my wife and two sons - safety and that God will bless them. Enjoyed the prayer time yesterday and for the sharing! Sorry so many people missed out.

Genesis

I've never kept a blog before or even formulated my thoughts in a systematic manner. I hope that the thoughts and meditations that I have may be pleasing in His sight.
It is my hopes and dreams that my family will read this and in turn gain greater insight into what makes me tick. I will at times journalize the thoughts of my devotionals and other things...