Monkey Business!

Scripture: 

Numbers 32:7-9 Why do you discourage the Israelites from going over into the land the LORD has given them? (8) This is what your fathers did when I sent them from Kadesh Barnea to look over the land. (9) After they went up to the Valley of Eshcol and viewed the land, they discouraged the Israelites from entering the land the LORD had given them. 
Observation: 

Wherefore discourage ye the heart of the children of Israel.... Which he suggests it would, should they settle on that side Jordan, since they would lose the assistance of two of their tribes, even two thirds of one of their standards in fighting with their enemies and subduing their land; and besides it might be thought that this request of theirs not only proceeded from selfish views and a love of ease, which might set a bad example to others, but carried in it a distrust of ever being able to enter into, at least to conquer and possess, the land of Canaan, and so might have a tendency to discourage their brethren. 

Application: 
Four monkeys were placed in a room that had a tall pole in the center. Suspended from the top of that pole was a bunch of bananas.One of the hungry monkeys started climbing the pole to get something to eat, but just as he reached out to grab a banana, he was doused with a torrent of cold water. Squealing, he scampered down the pole and abandoned his attempt to feed himself. Each monkey made a similar attempt, and each one was drenched with cold water. After making several attempts, they finally gave up. 

Then researchers removed one of the monkeys from the room and replaced him with a new monkey. As the newcomer began to climb the pole, the other three grabbed him and pulled him down to the ground. After trying to climb the pole several times and being dragged down by the others, he finally gave up and never attempted to climb the pole again. 

The researchers replaced the original monkeys, one by one, with new ones, and each time a new monkey was brought in, he would be dragged down by the others before he could reach the bananas. In time, only monkeys who had never received a cold shower were in the room, but none of them would climb the pole. They prevented one another from climbing, but none of them knew why. 

Perhaps others have dragged you down in life. They’ve discouraged you from dreaming. Maybe they resented the fact that you wanted to move up or to do something significant with your life. Or maybe they were trying to protect you from pain or disappointment. Either way, you’ve been discouraged from dreaming.Take heart. It’s never too late to start dreaming and pursuing your dreams. 

Prayer: 

"Lord, help me to not allow discouragements to keep me from dreaming. There are always people around who just want to maintain status quo and never go forward. They will attempt to pull anyone down who begins to dream. They will pull down through gossip, backbiting, tale toating...Lord, I want to be smarter than the monkeys that we looked at today. Help me to encourage, not discourage. In Jesus name, amen!" 

Bitterness is lethal

Scripture:

2 Samuel 17:1-4 Now Ahithophel urged Absalom, “Let me choose 12,000 men to start out after David tonight. I will catch up with him while he is weary and discouraged. He and his troops will panic, and everyone will run away. Then I will kill only the king, and I will bring all the people back to you as a bride returns to her husband. After all, it is only one man’s life that you seek. Then you will be at peace with all the people.” This plan seemed good to Absalom and to all the elders of Israel.

Observation:

King David is being run out of the palace and place of authority by his own son. Absalom covets his dads authority and position. He also has anger and bitterness towards his dad.  He had gone to a great effort to act on his bitterness and hatred towards his dad.  He had horses and chariots, runners, and an entourage. 

It is possible that having a chariot and horses and an entourage of fifty runners could be construed as official language for status as either a king or the heir to the throne. The chariots featured two yoked horses with one or two others harnessed beside. Two spoked, wooden wheels on a rear axle supported a small platform occupied by a driver and rider equipped with bow and spear. The sides only went up to midthigh on the standing occupants. The word used here suggests an ornamental chariot of the sort used both in Egypt and Mesopotamia. The luxury transportation of the day, these were typically gilded with all variety of gold, lapis lazuli and precious stones.

Those who run before chariots proclaim the presence of the king or prince and protect his person. In Hittite texts the gods are said to run before the king's chariot leading to victory. The men who run before the king's chariot function as heralds. Fifty was a regular unit within the military. Having such an entourage gave Absalom a bodyguard as well as the rank of captain. Wherever he went, his fifty runners would have raised attention and given credence to his claim to his status as heir apparent.

When a prince wishes to displace his father the king, it is inevitable that he will attempt to undermine the king's authority with public statements about corruption or governmental malpractice. For example, the Ugaritic king Keret is denounced by his son for not hearing the cases of widows, the poor or the oppressed. Absalom employs this same strategy, taking advantage of a lack of leadership on David's part (failure to appoint judges) and of growing discontent among the northern tribes. In addition to offering them a model of efficient administration of justice, Absalom also plays the “common man,” not allowing supplicants to bow to him but kissing them as an equal or friend.

Application:

Bitterness, covetousness, unforgiveness and anger are very dangerous and can be lethal to relationships. It is hard to imagine that Absalom was so full of bitterness that he approved his own dad being murdered. 

Prayer:

"Lord, please help me be aware of any and all areas of unforgiveness and bitterness in my life. Search me oh God, and know my thoughts I pray. See if there be any wicked way within me. In Jesus' name, amen"

Receiving more than we ask for

Scripture:
But Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!” (Acts 3:6 NLT)

Observation:

Peter and John were going into the temple to pray as was their usual custom. On the way into the temple, a lame man began to beg for some money. Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said to the man, "look at us". The Bible says the man looked expecting to receive some money.

Peter told the man we do not have any money for you, but I have something that I will give you, and Peter reached out his hand to the man and said rise and walk. The man reached out his hand grabbed Peter's hand, and began to walk.

Observation:

Peter had to have something before he could give it. He didn't have money to give to the man, but he had something much, much better...a miracle. This beggar no doubt got up that morning hoping that he would receive some money to help him buy some food, or whatever else he may have needed. But instead he received a healing, where he could walk and work without having to beg anymore. He received much more then he asked for.

James says that we have not because we ask not. May we not be afraid to ask the Lord for whatever we have need of, regardless of how large and impossible it may seem to us.

Prayer:

"Lord, thank you for this lesson from your word today. May I be like Simon Peter and always have something greater than money to give to people. May I walk in your blessing, favor and anointing. I want to always ask in spite of how large or impossible my situation may seem to me. Lord you are the God of the impossible. Thank you for this word of encouragement that has lifted my faith and given me hope. In Jesus's name, amen!"

Whose in charge?

Scripture: 

Mark 4:37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 

Observation: 

The "lake" is the Sea of Galilee, a body of water 680 feet below sea level and surrounded by hills. Winds blowing across the land intensify close to the sea, often causing violent and unexpected storms. The disciples were seasoned fishermen, who had spent their lives fishing on this huge lake, but during this squall they panicked. 

The Christian life may have more stormy weather than calm seas. The disciples needed rest, but they encountered a terrible storm. As Christ's follower, be prepared for the storms that will surely come. Do not surrender to the stress, but remain resilient and recover from setbacks. With faith in Christ, you can pray, trust, and move ahead. When a squall approaches, lean into the wind and trust God. 

Application: 

I would like to share with you some thoughts from Max Lucado on this subject: 

When the restaurant waiter brings you a cold hamburger and a hot soda, you want to know who is in charge. When a young fellow wants to impress his girlfriend, he takes her down to the convenience store where he works and boasts, "Every night from five to ten o’clock, I’m in charge." We know what it means to be in charge of a restaurant or a store, but to be in charge of the universe? This is the claim of Jesus. 

There are many examples of Jesus’ authority, but I’ll just mention one of my favorites. Jesus and the disciples are in a boat crossing the Sea of Galilee. A storm arises suddenly, and what was placid becomes violent—monstrous waves rise out of the sea and slap the boat. Mark describes it clearly: "A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped" (Mark 4:37 NIV). 

It’s very important that you get an accurate picture, so I’m going to ask you to imagine yourself in the boat. It’s a sturdy vessel but no match for these ten-foot waves. It plunges nose first into the wall of water. The force of the waves dangerously tips the boat until the bow seems to be pointing straight at the sky, and just when you fear flipping over backward, the vessel pitches forward into the valley of another wave. A dozen sets of hands join yours in clutching the mast. All your shipmates have wet heads and wide eyes. You tune your ear for a calming voice, but all you hear are screams and prayers. All of a sudden it hits you—someone is missing. Where is Jesus? He’s not at the mast. He’s not grabbing the edge. Where is he? Then you hear something—a noise … a displaced sound … as if someone is snoring. You turn and look, and there curled in the stern of the boat is Jesus, sleeping! 

You don’t know whether to be amazed or angry, so you’re both. How can he sleep at a time like this? Or as the disciples asked, "Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?" (Mark 4:38 NIV). 

The very storm that made the disciples panic made him drowsy. What put fear in their eyes put him to sleep. The boat was a tomb to the followers and a cradle to Christ. How could he sleep through the storm? Simple—he was in charge of it. 

He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples,"Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" (Mark 4:39–40 NIV) 

Incredible…Is it any wonder the disciples were willing to die for Jesus? Never had they seen such power; never had they seen such glory. It was like, well, like the whole universe was his kingdom. 

It’s only right that they declare his authority. It’s only right that we do the same. And when we do, we state without question: The ruler of the universe rules our hearts. He truly is the Master of not only the wind, but of the universe! 

Prayer: 

"Lord, I am so thankful that You are not only the Master of the wind, but of every situation that I face. I choose to stay close to You today through prayer, Bible study, and meditation. Help me to remember this Word and story as I face whatever this day holds. In Jesus' name, amen!" 

But God...

Scripture:

2 Corinthians 1:8-9 We don't want you in the dark, friends, about how hard it was when all this came down on us in Asia province. It was so bad we didn't think we were going to make it. (9) We felt like we'd been sent to death row, that it was all over for us. As it turned out, it was the best thing that could have happened. Instead of trusting in our own strength or wits to get out of it, we were forced to trust God totally--not a bad idea since he's the God who raises the dead!

Observation:

Paul does not give details about their hardships in Asia, although his accounts of all three missionary journeys record many difficult trials he faced (Acts 13:2-14:28; Acts 15:40-21:17). He does write that they felt that they were going to die and realized that they could do nothing to help themselves—they simply had to rely on God.

We often depend on our own skills and abilities when life seems easy and only turn to God when we feel unable to help ourselves. But as we realize our own powerlessness without him and our need for his constant help in our lives, we come to depend on him more and more. God is our source of power, and we receive his help by keeping in touch with him. With this attitude of dependence, problems will drive us to God rather than away from him. Learn how to rely on God daily.

Application:

Paul said he went through somethings where he didn't know if he was going to make it through or not. There were times where he was imply in the dark when it came to when, where or how he was going to make it through this dark time in his life. Dark times...dark nights...are tough. Our faith is challenged. Our trust in God is tested. Paul's words and testimony show once again that even when we are in the dark about our situation, God, who is Light, knows exactly where we are. How often do we read in God's Word that it seemed like there was no way out, BUT GOD....

Are you in the dark about the direction God seems to be leading you?

Jon Walker says, "The choice to do His will before we know the specifics... develops trust of His character. This is where many people get into a battle of wills, wanting Him to reveal His plan first. That's not how He works. God wants you to decide in advance to trust Him, believing that His will is best for your life. He knows your hesitancy. He won't be surprised if you say, 'I don't know that I'm willing to step out in faith without knowing everything that's going to happen, but I'm willing to be made willing.' One reason God doesn't give you the full picture... is you may be overwhelmed... it may appear impossible... but that's the point - there's no way you can fulfil your mission without Him."

When Joseph was reunited with his brothers in Egypt, he told them, '... do not be angry with yourselves... it was not you who sent me here, but God... ' (vv. 5-8). Joseph's brothers sold him out, 'but God' used it to preserve the Jewish race. The Israelites were in slavery, 'but God' sent Moses to lead them to the Promised Land. Jesus died on the cross, 'but God' used His death to save a lost world. Oswald Chambers calls God 'The Great Engineer, creating circumstances to bring about moments... of divine importance, leading us to divine appointments'. Think back; can't you recall some 'but God' moments of your own where you'd reached the end of your rope and He came through for you?

Prayer:

"Lord, you know exactly where I am today, even if I do not. There are times that I am in the dark but I know you are not. I am facing a situation today that is testing my faith and trust. I am so thankful that I have seen time and time again YOU come through for me. I have many "but God" testimonies in my life. This will be another one! In Jesus name, amen!"

Crushed by words

Scripture:

Job 19:1-3 Then Job replied: (2) "How long will you torment me and crush me with words? (3) Ten times now you have reproached me; shamelessly you attack me.

Observation:

Violence begets violence. Job expected his friends to help him. Instead, they turn into his tormentors. The issue is between him and God, not between him and them. Why do they add to his torture?

With all of the supports of the past and the present taken from him, Job can appeal only to the future. If only he could engrave his case in stone, he knows that ultimately he will be vindicated. Suddenly, in a flash of prophetic insight, Job knows that God is alive and will be his redeemer as well as his mediator and vindicator. While he is yearning for that moment, the reality of his torment takes over again. Turning back to his friends, he warns them that they too are open to God's wrath because of their cruelty toward him. The initiative now belongs to Job.

Application:

As I read the text this morning, verse two troubled me, "how long will you torment me and crush me with your words?"

Job is going through a crisis like very few have ever known. All of his children had died, he had lost all of his wealth, as well as his health. His wife was blaming God and telling him that he should just "curse God and die!"

At least he had friends...but his friends who had come to comfort him are not being very comforting. They are tormenting him and crushing him with their words. They weren't very symphathetic, nor were they encouraging.

The Japanese have a saying: "One kind word can warm up three winter months." In the book of Acts, Barnabas speaks words of encouragment to a young man by the name of John Mark. He reached out to him to encourage him. Don't we all need that?

So many times God can use you to reach out to somebody. You know all of us find stress and difficulty in life and you can speak a word to a person, do something for them, believe in them, reach out and meet a physical need.

Sometimes, just a note. You know a written thing is sometimes better than a verbal one and I'll tell you why. Because when you write it you'll probably express your feelings better and the recipient will have it to go back to when he needs it and read it again. I know when you get a written word of encouragement, you keep it. When you get a note that tears you up, you tear it up. The human heart needs encouragement and Barnabas was a man who knew how to do it. Job's friends had no idea how to do it. Quite the contrary actually.

What a contrast. Job being tormented and crushed by the words of his "friends" and John Mark receiving booster shots of encouragment from Barnabas early in his career.Mark had a problem and Barnabas said, "Let me help you fix it."

My question today is, "Are you a Barnabas type of person, or a Job's comforter type of person?" Do people feel refreshed after being around you, or drained? Are you careful with your words or careless?

I pray that no one will ever say of me that my words have "crushed them" or "tormented them" because of my lack of compassion. I want to be an encouragement to everyone that God brings my way today. As you read this, why not ask the Lord, "who can I encourage today" through a text message, facebook, or email. Being careful applies to Facebook and Twitter as well. 

Help us Lord!

Prayer:

"Lord, forgive me for the times that my words have tormented or crushed. That is not Your purpose or will for my life. Help me today to be an encouragment to someone. In Jesus' name, amen!"

Focusing on the Giver and not the gift

Scripture: 

Judges 8:27 "Gideon made a sacred ephod from the gold and put it in Ophrah, his hometown. But soon all the Israelites prostituted themselves by worshiping it, and it became a trap for Gideon and his family."

Observation:

Gideon was asked to be the ruler over the Israelites and he refused saying that the Lord would rule over them. He asked everyone to bring gold to him. Gideon made an ephod but before long, the Israelites began to worship the ephod.

Those who were very wealthy put ornaments on their camels as a way of displaying their riches. Women wore vast amounts of jewelry as well, often up to 15 pairs of earrings. Jewelry was also worn for good luck. After Gideon's rise to power, he seems to have become carried away with this accumulation of wealth. Eventually it led the Israelites to idolatry.

An ephod was a linen garment worn by priests over their chests. It was considered holy (Exodus 28:6-35; Exodus 39:2-24; Leviticus 8:7-8). Gideon probably had good motives for making the ephod (a visible remembrance commemorating the victory). Unfortunately, the people began to worship the ephod as an idol. Sadly, many decisions that stem from good motives produce negative results. Perhaps no one stops to ask, "What might go wrong?" or "Is there a possibility of negative consequences?" In your plans and decisions, take time to anticipate how a good idea might lead to a potential problem.

Application: 

It is so easy to began to think more of the blessings from God and rarely think of the God from whom the blessing flows. what if Dorinda celebrated the wedding band I gave her but never talked about me, her husband, the one who gave her the ring? I am thankful for the blessings but I must always remember the One who blessed me. Worship the Giver not the gift. The Healer not the healing. The Savior not salvation. The Restorer not restoration. The Deliverer not deliverance. The Joy giver not joy. The Prince of peace not the peace. The Reconciler not renconciliation. The Baptisizer not the baptism. The Lover not love. The Life giver not life. The Rescuer not the rescue. The Conqueror not the conquer. The Forgiver not forgiveness. The Supplier not the supply. The Commander not the commands. The Soon coming King not the second coming. 

Prayer:
"Help me Jesus to always worship You and not the things You bless me with.  To stay focused on the GIVER and not the GIFT. In Jesus' name, amen"