Know that he Knows

Growing up I had this great fear that God was always looking over my shoulder. Because he knew everything, I worried that I somehow had to never make a mistake. When I grew older, I decided that since there was no way I could be perfect in my thoughts or actions, I might as well give up on thinking about God altogether. It never occurred to me that God may have been wanting to relate with me rather than obscurely observe and scrutinize my every thought and word. The simple truth of the matter is that God knows what is in our hearts and yet he chooses to love and embrace us. Consider the Daily Moravian Texts...
Psalm 109:1-7: 1 Samuel 14:41-15:23; John 2:12-25 


Just like the clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand. Jeremiah 18:6 (NASB) 

It is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Philippians 2:13 


Even though Jesus knew what was in the hearts of men, he still chose to embrace and challenge us. Unlike Saul, the first King of Israel who built a monument to himself, and disguised people pleasing and greed as worship, Jesus obeyed for our sake. He challenges us today still for our sake, lovingly disciplining those in the orbit of his grace so that we might demonstrate his character to the world. 

Jesus is the answer to the question; "What is God like?" Because of this, I can see in Jesus actions and words a God who is not looking over my shoulder, but walking alongside me through daily life. The fact that this God knows what is in my heart has become a source of comfort rather than fear, for the work on my character is his and not my own. May you know that he knows you, and in the knowing, be freed from shame in relationship born of his continual love for you.

Moravian Daily Prayer:
Work in us, dear Lord. Shape us into the vessel of your will as we do your works of grace. Bend us into your likeness, Lord Jesus and may the Holy Spirit complete in us all your gifts. 

In Jesus' name,
Amen 

Invitation & Response

I can't stand RSVP's. When I want them from others, I never seem to get them and when I'm asked to give one, I feel like someone is asking for my firstborn child (though to be honest, there are days I might actually be tempted to offer him up). The point is this, invitation requires response. We live in "facebookified" where invitations often go unanswered. Even now as I type there are several in my facebook inbox... glaring at me... wanting my attention. Rather than say no with our words we simply ignore them, like many other things in our culture. 


The same phenomena occurs with the dreaded "check engine" light. I remember fondly our Toyota Camry, which I brutally murdered on the way to a wedding I was officiating by simply neglecting the oil pressure light. Don't' fret, a good friend picked me up so I made it in time to bind the young couple in marital bliss.

 Have you ever paused to consider that our lives, the core our our soul, receives invitations as well. Not just for social gatherings or family events, but for remembrance  and rest, love and acceptance, forgiveness and grace.  Sometimes our stress level gives us "check engine" lights, like the sty I'm fighting off in my right eye now. If we choose to ignore them we face burn out and illness, or worse. 

God loves to invite us to himself and gives us "check engine" reminders when we don't RSVP. Consider the Daily Moravian Texts...

Psalm 107:33-43; 1 Samuel 11,12; John 1:29-42 

In the end of Samuel 12, Samuel invites God's people to "consider the great things he (God) has done..." Even in their disobedience in crying out for a human king God does not abandon them. He uses Samuel to continue his invitation to relationship, a "check engine light" for their souls. 

When Jesus turned to confront two students of John the Baptist  following him, he asked "what do you want?" and invited them to come and see. This is the question Jesus asks us as well.  So... What do you want? Today? Right now? Jesus' invitation to you is to come and see how he lives, to "consider the great things he has done for you." And, when confronted with the check engine light of our honest state, we might trust that his invitation is not one we should ignore. May you confirm and RSVP for the life God has for you.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Bonus Verses & Prayer:
Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines forth. Our God comes and does not keep silence. Psalm 50:2-3 

And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” Mark 1:9-11 

Lord God, you shine forth your word and call us to express ourselves in worship to you. Cleanse us and bless us as we offer our lives in dedication to you. We love you Lord and are grateful for your unconditional love. We lift our voices to you and sing your wondrous grace. Your word amazes us, verse after verse baptizing us into your truth. With a thankful heart, we pray. Amen.

Words Matter

In my vocation words are all around me. Words in old languages, the words of people's stories, hopes, fears, anger, etc... Words that are written, spoken, and sung. Words said and left unsaid. My life is full of conversations and I have learned of myself that my ability to listen well serves me far better than my ability to use the "right words." 

While this is true in my church life, I am finding it especially important in my family life. As Gabriel comes home from school each day he desires to tell me all the things that happened to him. He wants to tell me about his friends and the stories they read and games they payed. I tend to get caught up on his behavior, whether he "clipped up" (a good thing) that day or if he "clipped down." And while his behavior is important, it is not the most important. I found that in focusing on one aspect of his experience I was missing all the relational things my son wanted to share with me in his words. My words were about behavior and his were about the whole of his life. Consider the Moravian Daily Text...

Psalm 107:23-32; 1 Samuel 10; John 1:14-28 

I the Lord will speak the word that I speak, and it will be fulfilled. Ezekiel 12:25 

The centurion said to Jesus, “Only speak the word, and my servant will be healed.” Matthew 8:8 

The Word of God is for the whole of our lives, not just behavior. God wants to live life with us, that is why he came to live among us, to overcome our behavior with relationship. God wants to know the whole of your life as he wants you to know his. May we be people who listen. May our words come from our listening to God, one another, and our own souls. May they be words of the whole life, of healing, of grace and love.

Daily Prayer:
Speak Lord, your servants are listening. Let your voice resound, fulfilling all your purposes in the world today. Just as you spoke light into darkness and healing into pain, speak your word of truth again to an unbelieving world. Whisper your compassion and mercy, giving us ears of faith to hear. 

In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Morning Light

Ever had an ordinary day begin only surprise you as the fresh start of a new life season? There is something about the hopefulness of the morning light that has inspired generations of writers, sings, poets, and artists to reflect to us hope in a new day.  While every morning may have the seeds of these opportunities, it seems that only a few times in a life will these seeds break through and bloom into something beautiful. Consider the Moravian Daily Texts...

Psalm 107:17-22; 1 Samuel 9; John 1:1-13 

Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! For the Lord is a great God. Psalm 95:2-3 


Jesus said, “Give to God what is God’s.” Mark 12:17 

God has this way of surprising us, while in the midst of the ordinary, with the extraordinary. He calls out ordinary men and women to become leaders of peoples, he breaks into our messy lives and brings order. Sometimes it breaks in at what would seem like the darkest point in our lives (here is a great song about that very idea on a cosmic scale). 

The Gospel of John introduces Jesus in just this way. Light breaks into a dark world that can't comprehend who has come to bring life to us all. Jesus breaks into every life in the same way. Maybe it happens little by little as dawn begins to give perspective to the shadow-monsters of the night. This is the way faith broke into my life, a little at a time. Or maybe its like the shock of doors swinging open, releasing the full light of day, to flood a dark room. No matter how, it is the light that ushers in the new season. It is the light for which we are grateful.

Today is a new day and with it comes the seeds for a new season in your life. May you be mindful of the one who holds in Himself life that is the light of mankind. And may we all be expectantly grateful of the new season just around the corner because He loves us.      

Daily Prayer:
You alone are good, O God. We give you all thanksgiving and praise! You alone are great, O Christ. We bow before you in humble adoration! May the joyous sound of grateful hearts never end as the strains of truth and trust resound in you, our Savior. 

In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

But the Other Kids...

My son Gabriel has reached the age where the actions and thoughts of othera matter... a lot. He just started a pre-kindergarten year at a local public school. After a few days of waking up at the creak of dawn, stumbling over to the counter and trying to pack him a lunch while making myself a cup of coffee, he says to me; "Daddy, I want to buy lunch at the school restaurant like every other kid." I wasn't sure if I wanted to laugh or cry. Partially because of the temptation to free myself from the entire lunch making process, but mostly because I know a fundamental change is coming. From now on, Gabe will give a certain attention to the actions, words, and possessions of others in his peer group.
I wonder if god feels the same way about us at times? Consider the Daily Mornavian Texts...


Psalm 107:10-16; 1 Samuel 7:2-8:22; Luke 24:36-53 

When the wicked turn away from the wickedness they have committed and do what is lawful and right, they shall save their life. Ezekiel 18:27 


Regard the patience of our Lord as salvation. 2 Peter 3:15 


Even when Samuel warned God's people about the dangers of having a king "like every other nation" they still whined for one like ungrateful children. I am glad that God is patient with us. Despite our childish tendencies he is steady and consistent. He knows when what we want isn't good for us and, if we are open, will use the experience to teach us about ourselves and Him. May we be willing to gratefully embrace the "packed lunch" God has prepared for us rather than clamoring to be like all the other "kids."

Daily Prayer:
How patient you are with us, O God. Even while we were yet sinners, your salvation was won according to the fullness of time through our repentance and faith. Help us to be patient with one another and with the world, knowing that by your grace others will turn away from evil and come to you, good Lord. Amen.

Open Eyes & Burning Hearts

Have you ever had an epiphany? Its an old Greek word that simply means an appearance. Sometimes it one can come when you are doing the dishes, on a run or walk, or studying a problem. You never know when something you have been turning around in your mind or heart will "click," connecting you to some greater reality or discovery. 

For me, they often happen after I have gotten myself stuck trying to solve a problem on my own with no success. While I'd like to say my first response to any given problem is prayer and reflection, often it is not. This is a discipline God is working out in my life and some days I'm better at it than others. I'm in good company however, many of Jesus disciples had the same tendency. Consider the Moravian Daily Texts...

Psalm 107:1-9; 1 Samuel 5:1-7:1; Luke 24:28-35 


The Lord lives! Blessed be my rock. Psalm 18:46 


Come to Jesus Christ, a living stone, though rejected by mortals yet chosen and precious in 
God’s sight. 1 Peter 2:4 

The two disciples on the road to Emmaus had mulled over the events of the week, in Greek , literally debating or "tossing back and forth" the conversation. They had turned this over in their mind over and over with no luck in figuring it out. It Jesus himself opening their understanding of the scriptures as he walked with them on the road as a stranger. 

When did they recognize him? Not when he gave them amazing teaching, or challenged their understanding.  It was when the "were at table," sitting down for a meal as friends, when he began his regular practice of taking bread, giving thanks, breaking and passing it. It was here that the epiphany happened and their eyes were opened.

There are times when God wants to remind us that he with with us in the most intimate of spaces. A simple meal with a deep and rich significance. In order for the burning of our hearts to be recognized, our eyes must be opened to this simple truth.... God loves us and wants to be in the everyday life with us. From this place of trust we can see that the entire journey has not been one we have taken alone. Whatever you may be mulling over or thinking about, may you be mindful of God's presence with you and his ability to help you carry any load.

Daily Prayer:
Lead us to the rock that is higher than us, O Lord! Let our lives be forever in you. We come to you Jesus, our foundation and strength. Upon you we will build our lives. May we be steadfast in faith and the assurance of life unending. 

In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Right Peace

Did you know that there is a wrong kind of peace? Whether it be a peace ushered in by political oppression or the uneasy peace that happens when two sides are just too tired to fight any longer, the result us the same; hate and distrust fester. Consider the DailyMoravian Texts...

Psalm 106:40-48; 1 Samuel 3,4; Luke 24:13-27 

Surely his salvation is at hand for those who fear him. Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other. Psalm 85:9,10 


Therefore, beloved, while you are waiting for these things, strive to be found by him at peace, without spot or blemish. 2 Peter 3:14 

This morning I am mindful and mournful at the status of our world. Some here in the US have misused the beautiful gift or free speech in such a way as to rouse the uneasy tension in the Middle East, a place that has lived under oppression and in violence for the entirety of history. All politics aside, and from having watched the film in question; I can say my heart breaks at its content. Not because of any personal opinion about Islam or the "prophet," but simply because this incident has become an opportunity for those who hate the US to vomit hate in such a way that Innocent champions for freedom are murdered. 

I was listening to an Imam on the radio condemn the attack saying that Islam teaches that the blood of the innocent should not be shed for someone else's action. By that reasoning any offended party would be just in killing the makers of the film. It was at this point in the program that I shut it off and thought long and hard. 

I am grateful for Jesus. He has taught me not to return evil for evil, but to love my enemies and pray for those who persecute me (Matt 5-7). I am free, if I choose to be, from the cycle of hate and revenge that consumes the world. Jesus also taught me that I need not fear this world for he has overcome it (John 16). It is in this place that His Righteousness and His Peace "kiss" and I am free to live and love standing for justice without doing evil myself. 

My prayer for all of us this morning is that we would learn to trade the uneasy peace and tainted self-righteousness of this world for the eternally secure peace and freely given righteousness that Jesus offers us. 

Daily Prayer:

You are our salvation, righteousness and peace, O Christ. While we await your coming, fulfill in us your holiness so others may see and know that you are God. The time is now for faith and a holy fear that binds us resolutely to you. O spotless Lamb, take away the sin in us as you have taken away the sin of the world. 

In Jesus' Name,

Amen.

Not My Best Day

Ever had one of those weeks where you just can't muster up the best version of yourself? This week has been one of those for me. The stress of everyday life can sap us of our ability to listen, reflect, and live the way we would want. The fruit of the spirit in our lives can seem small. But God has this way of reminding us he is in it for the long hall. Consider the Moravian Daily Texts...

Psalm 106:32-39; 1 Samuel 2:12-36; Luke 24:1-12 

The days of our life are seventy years, or perhaps eighty, if we are strong; even then their span is only toil and trouble. Psalm 90:10 

What can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18 

I have found that most of the issues that weigh me down are not eternal in nature... Money will come and go, people will sometime treat me poorly at work, I will have family fights. These things are unavoidable parts of a life that full of messy people, my own mess included. As a pastor the OT text for today reminded me that while Eli's sons had become self-serving, God had not forgotten his people. It also reminded me that a couple dropped administrative tasks are nothing in comparison to the mistakes these guys made. Maybe there is hope for me yet. 

In the last line of the Gospel text we find Peter, after having made the biggest mistake of his life in denying Jesus, runs to the empty tomb. Jesus Came back  for the Peter's of the world. Jesus came back for you and I so that we would know that even on our worst days, even when we are not the best versions of our self, he still has a plan and a place for us. May you have the best day, and even if it is not your best, know that tomorrow is another opportunity to love as Jesus loves and serve as Jesus serves.
  
Daily Prayer:
Our love for you, Lord Jesus, shall never die; nor shall we fall again under the curse of the enemy. Though now we see only in part, one day we shall see and know in the fullness of eternity. Through our belief, we live now and forever in your sustaining presence. 

In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Making Justice

It is the 11th remembrance of 9/11 today and it occurs to me that Justice is not found in revenge, nor is it found in destroying an army. Justice is found in stopping the cycle of violence and hate, oppression and systemic poverty. Consider today's Moravian Daily Texts:

Psalm 106:13-23; Ruth 4; Luke 23:32-43 

Even before a word is on my tongue, O Lord, you know it completely. Psalm 139:4 

The good works of some are clearly evident, and those that are otherwise cannot be hidden. 1 Timothy 5:25 (NKJV) 

Ruth and Naomi needed an intercessor to stand on their behalf and do what was right. They found such a man in Boaz. Though he was not first in-line to reclaim their property and set things right, he was willing to do what was right. He offered the first right to another who refused out of fear that his wealth would be shared. Boaz married Ruth, a woman disdained for her ethnicity, because it stopped the cycle of poverty in her life.

Jesus, while on the cross, gave forgiveness to a criminal that recognized the cycle and his own need to step out of it. God'd grace consistently brings God's Justice; the end to destructive human patterns.

In Afganistan we can defeat an enemy with bullets and drone strikes. The measure of our success however, will be in the number of schools we build, life improvements we make, and freedoms we bring. Theses are the weapons the stop the cycles. As a Christian, I am aware of God's work around me. I am also invited to change to world around me with how I live and love. May you be challenged today to love a Jesus loves and serve as he serves 

Prayer of the Day:
Lord, in you alone we are an unstoppable force. Even when we think you are far away, you are so close. Even when we have hidden from you or run away, you are always there. We will not deny you any longer, but spread the word of your glory and goodness. Let our works magnify you among the peoples. Amen.

Oh, the Places You'll Go!

Sometimes when I look at my kids, I see the adventures that they may have. I'd like to think that they will all be full of fun and joy, but the truth is... life is rough and the journey has "valley's of the shadow of death" (ps 23) strewn along the way. I don't know all the places my children will go? I don't know even know all the places I will go. Consider the daily Moravian texts... 

Psalm 106:1-5; Ruth 1; Luke 23:1-12 

For me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, to tell of all your works. Psalm 73:28 

Those who serve well gain a good standing for themselves and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. 1 Timothy 3:13 

Naomi (pleasant in Hebrew) didn't know that she would have to go the the country of Moab. She didn't know that her husband and two sons would die there, even though her sons names meant "sickly" and "weak." Okay, maybe she knew something was up. Noami had made a friend in Ruth (means friendship), a steady companion. In the same way Jesus went to the dark places in Herod's palace, and ultimately to the cross that we might be adopted into his family.

Jesus is our steady companion. No matter where we choose to go, or are taken by other forces, we are not alone. Today, as I consider the path of my children I need not worry for God has promised to be with them in sunlit fields or dark valleys. My job is simple, show them by the way I speak, live, pray, and love that Jesus is real and alive in our lives. May you have the courage to trust in God no matter what your circumstances are in this season.

Daily Prayer:

Let us be strong and courageous as we witness to your truth and grace, O God. No matter where we find ourselves, may we always abide in you. Jesus, as you went boldly to the cross, send us with confidence into the everyday places of life. Grow our faith as we serve and share. 

In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Furrowed Brow

I have always had a love hate relationship with discipline, especially when it is directed at me. Self discipline is even worse! Yet, I have found it an uneasy friend and guide in a course in wisdom. Consider the Moravian Daily Texts...


Psalm 105:37-45; Judges 20:32-21:25; Luke 22:63-71 

In the path of your judgments, O Lord, we wait for you. Isaiah 26:8 

When we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world. 1 Corinthians 11:32 


Now, as a parent, I discipline my children out love and the desire to see the best for them. I see the bigger picture of their lives even as they see only now and what they desire. This has also helped me understand God's posture towards us.

Oh, my children... Gabriel, nearing 5, often voices his protest in a flurry whining and logical arguments for the injustice of my actions which, can be quite convincing and unsettling as I see the near future when he will be able to out-debate me like his mother. Neriyah on the other hand, more like myself in this manner, will turn inward. Her bottom lip will swell until double its normal size and her eyes will focus an intense beam of disappointment at either the ground or my face. Then using her supper-powered eyebrow furrow she will try to crush my resolve of correction with her extreme cuteness. Both Gabriel and Neriyah are a unique combination of traits I see in Michelle and I, sometimes coming together for the better while  at other times, not so much.

How are you with God and his loving hand of discipline? The scripture is clear that God disciplines those he loves (Pr 3:11-12; Heb 12:6). This means that there are times that all of us will need a little pruning (Jn 15:2).  Even as I am a sinful and selfish father, my love for my children wants the best for them. How much more is the love and care of our perfect and heavenly father? No matter how we whine, cry, or "stare down" God's discipline it is a tool for our good. Today, may you be blessed with the courage to embrace God in encouragement and in discipline.

Daily Prayer:
When you see fit to judge us, God, help us to remember your love and grace. Call to our minds the redemptive purposes of your discipline and the promise of eternal life. Thank you for training us so we shall forever be your children. Amen.

Cut Off (Reflection from Moravian Daily Texts)

Psalm 105:16-22; Judges 19; Luke 22:39-51 

The daily text this for this morning reminds me that violence begets violence. The violence I am thinking of may not alway be physical. A word can be just as violent as a rock or a stick. "Sticks and stones break my bones, but a word can never hurt me." Really? Tell that to the young girl who's reputation is ruined by a false rumor. Or, to the young man who takes his life because of the bully at school.

Have you ever notices that conflict tends to escalate? An insult today becomes tomorrows gossip, gossip gives birth to bitterness, leading to a long chain of "one-uping" each other until we are completely divided. It takes someone to break the cycle, someone to proverbially "take the bullet." In the OT text for today an entire tribe was "cut off" because of a single act of violence. 
   
Even when Jesus' disciple cut off the ear of the servant, Jesus would not give way to escalating the violence. Jesus says "No more of this!' He healed in the face of his own arrest, torture, and murder. 

Today, let us put away the violent escalation of the world around us and put on the attitude of Christ (phil 2). Whether we are cut off on the freeway or in a conversation, let us have the courage to release the debt and have a healing touch as Jesus has first healed us.

Reflection Texts for the Day:

Noah did all that God commanded him. Genesis 6:22 

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds. 
Ephesians 4:22-23 (NIV) 

Daily Prayer:
Give us the courage to obey you, Lord, even when others don’t understand. Wash away the filth of this world in us, refreshing us with newness of life and purpose. As we put away our old selves, renew our minds by your presence and power, living joyfully in your grace. Amen.

Faithfulness

From the Moravian Daily Texts

Psalm 105:8-15; Judges 18; Luke 22:24-38

The earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord. Psalm 33:5

You know the generous act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9 

This morning I am mindful of how God is faithful in our lives even when we are not. Faithfulness is listed among the Fruit of the Spirit in Gal 5:22 because it is a characteristic of God that he wants us to share. As I reflect on the daily Moravian texts I see that Jesus prayed for Peter even before he was to deny him. His encouragement to Peter is... 

"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers." LK 22:31-32

Jesus took on the lowest of places and yet he was able to pray for those who would soon fail him. Even when we fall on our face, God is waiting to lift, strengthen our faithfulness, and send us out again to "strengthen our brothers."

No matter how your week, day, or hour has been God wants to use you to live out his faithfulness. Who are you going to strengthen today?

Moravian Prayer of the Day

How unshakeable are your ways of love and truth, O God. The earth abounds with your goodness and grace. As beggars we come, as kings we depart; richly blessed and filled with all good things from your hand. Amen.

Barbs & Thorns

I have always wrestled with the violence of the Old Testament. It seems like someone is always getting killed, whether it be impaling by spear, or hacked with a Ass’s Jaw bone, or hit in the head with a rock, it’s a bloody story. It’s not even just the deaths that are gruesome, as the losing side may have their thumbs cut off or their eyes gouged out.  I often Joke with people who talk about reading the bible to their children “quite before Gen 34.” You have to read to find out what I mean. When my wife, Michelle, reads the children’s Bible stories to my Son, Gabriel, I am often nudged into silence for grimacing or mumbling the exact details under my breath. Much like…

Michelle: “And Goliath fell on his face, and the people cheered for David.”

Me (whispering… of course): “… as he cut off Goliath’s head with his own sword.”

Gabe: “What Daddy?”

Me (after nudge):”oh I was just telling mommy something.”

I often do the same thing with Bible songs… email me for renditions.

The underlying question is this; How can God promote the kind of violence we see in the OT as he commands his people to “drive out” (involving a great deal of killing) nations? I am not talking about all of the OT violence. Most of the it, like that found in Gen 34 for example, is not “God approved.” These are simple the honest stories of stupid, and violent, things God’s people often do… still true today by the way.

Coming to this question as a parent has given me quite a different perspective. I would do anything to protect my children. God often speaks in parental terms to and about Israel. At times he disciplines them as a parent, and other times he protects them as a parent. His end goal however, was not just Israel but the whole world through Israel. God knows that we are easily distracted children who love to worship whatever is in front of us at the time. This is not good for us.

“But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you, then those of them whom you let remain shall be as barbs in your eyes and thorns in your sides, and they shall trouble you in the land where you dwell.” Num 33:55

It seems to me that God has a great deal of patience in the scriptures for a multitude of hang-ups. There is one however that gets his “nostrils flaring” (the Hebrew word for anger), idolatry. He made us in his image and yet in idolatry we worship the image of something else. We make ourselves less than he made us to be leading us down any number slippery slopes, all ending badly for us. God’s parental protection and correction of Israel, which includes acts of Great violence, holds the eternal picture in focus. Eighty years of life may seem like a long time to us but to God and his plan, it is a mere blip on the screen.

What is it in our lives that God wants to completely “drive out” so that we might not fall into idolatry? God cares more about our character than our comfort. He is constantly calling us to drive out what is not of him and live out of the promised land, our new self in relationship with him.

God give us courage to life from the new, not allowing our old selves to become barbs and thorns in our ability to love you and reflect you to the world around us.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen