An American Missionary

What do AARP and Pentecost have in common? Nothing really, except the number fifty and their impact on American culture. AARP is an organization for people fifty years old and up. It's also a powerful group with tremendous influence in American culture. Pentecost was an important social and religious event for the nation of Israel. Under the Law of Moses it was always celebrated fifty days after Passover, and also has tremendous impact on American culture. 
 
The Law required all males to go to Jerusalem three times a year: Passover, Pentecost and Tabernacles (Deuteronomy 16:16). The feasts of Passover and Tabernacles started on very specific days of the month. Passover, celebrating the deliverance from Egyptian bondage, began on the fifteenth day of the first month of the year regardless of the day of the week (Leviticus 23:6). Tabernacles, celebrating the end of harvest, began on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, regardless of the day of the week (Leviticus 23:34). 
 
In sharp contrast Pentecost began on a very specific day of the week by starting a fifty day count on the day after the Sabbath during the Passover feast and ending seven weeks later on the fiftieth day, also after a Sabbath. That meant the count began and ended on the first day of the week - our Sunday. 
 
Before creation God had planned those special days for two very special events. On that Sunday during Passover Jesus rose from the dead (Mark 16:2). Fifty days later, on Pentecost Sunday, the Holy Spirit came with power and the church began (Acts 2). Ever since then Sunday has been a special day of worship for God's people - long before AARP. It’s even more special because everyone's invited to worship God, long before turning fifty.

What do AARP and Pentecost have in common? Nothing really, except the number fifty and their impact on American culture. AARP is an organization for people fifty years old and up. It's also a powerful group with tremendous influence in American culture. Pentecost was an important social and religious event for the nation of Israel. Under the Law of Moses it was always celebrated fifty days after Passover, and also has tremendous impact on American culture.

The Law required all males to go to Jerusalem three times a year: Passover, Pentecost and Tabernacles (Deuteronomy 16:16). The feasts of Passover and Tabernacles started on very specific days of the month. Passover, celebrating the deliverance from Egyptian bondage, began on the fifteenth day of the first month of the year regardless of the day of the week (Leviticus 23:6). Tabernacles, celebrating the end of harvest, began on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, regardless of the day of the week (Leviticus 23:34).

In sharp cont

The Feast Of Tabernacles Deuteronomy 16:16

Should I get my ear pierced? Occasionally someone suggests I get an earring, and I seriously ponder the question for the whole half second it takes me to say, “NO!” It's just not a pressing issue for me. I'm not afraid of the pain, or the inevitable (irritating?) questions and comments, I simply have no interest. It has no meaning or value to me. 
 
The OT has no prohibition against earrings, with several accounts of Israelite men and women taking off their earrings and other gold ornaments to collect as an offering. Once was when they rebelled against God at Mt. Sinai and gave them to Aaron to build an idol (Exodus 32:2-3). Another was for the Tabernacle furnishings (Exodus 35:22). Neither time was there an issue with them wearing earrings, though there was a huge difference in their use. Moreover, the NT doesn't ban them, though it does emphasize internal adornment (1 Pet 3:3-4). 
 
A new and increasingly popular religious song raised the question with a fresh perspective. Called "Pierce My Ear" by Steve Croft, it looks at the matter of complete surrender to God from the text we saw yesterday. If an indentured servant loved his master and did not want to be released after seven years he could make a lifelong commitment by having his ear pierced at his master's door (Deuteronomy 15:16-17). The song beautifully builds on that passage to illustrate the Christian's lifelong commitment to God. 
 
So, what do you think? Should I get my ear pierced?

Should I get my ear pierced? Occasionally someone suggests I get an earring, and I seriously ponder the question for the whole half second it takes me to say, “NO!” It's just not a pressing issue for me. I'm not afraid of the pain, or the inevitable (irritating?) questions and comments, I simply have no interest. It has no meaning or value to me.

The OT has no prohibition against earrings, with several accounts of Israelite men and women taking off their earrings and other gold ornaments to collect as an offering. Once was when they rebelled against God at Mt. Sinai and gave them to Aaron to build an idol (Exodus 32:2-3). Another was for the Tabernacle furnishings (Exodus 35:22). Neither time was there an issue with them wearing earrings, though there was a huge difference in their use. Moreover, the NT doesn't ban them, though it does emphasize internal adornment (1 Pet 3:3-4). 

A new and increasingly popular religious song raised the question with a fresh perspective. Called "Pierc

Pierce My Ear Deuteronomy 15:16-17

Titles are far too important to too many people. Pride drives them to demand their full due by being called by some important sounding title. People who rely on God don’t depend on some title – they depend on God himself? Today’s TBT post looks back to an October 1983 article on the subject of dependence on God by Robert F. Turner in PLAIN TALK Magazine. 
 
Robert discussed the Israelite’s desire for a king and points out the real problem wasn’t the title of their ruler or form of their government. No, the real problem was their decision to stop depending on God. They were asking for an earthly king because they were rejecting God as their king (1 Samuel 8). In the same way the Jewish reliance on their “chosen” status failed to see it was to bring Christ to the world (Romans 9). Their pride got in the way of seeing it was all about God and his offer of salvation in Christ. 
 
Ultimately we need to shun the ego driven desire for titles and cast ourselves on the mercy of God as offered in Jesus. We receive a gift, salvation, that can only be received by faith in the Christ. For the believer Christian is the only title that matters.

Titles are far too important to too many people. Pride drives them to demand their full due by being called by some important sounding title. People who rely on God don’t depend on some title – they depend on God himself? Today’s TBT post looks back to an October 1983 article on the subject of dependence on God by Robert F. Turner in PLAIN TALK Magazine.

Robert discussed the Israelite’s desire for a king and points out the real problem wasn’t the title of their ruler or form of their government. No, the real problem was their decision to stop depending on God. They were asking for an earthly king because they were rejecting God as their king (1 Samuel 8). In the same way the Jewish reliance on their “chosen” status failed to see it was to bring Christ to the world (Romans 9). Their pride got in the way of seeing it was all about God and his offer of salvation in Christ.

Ultimately we need to shun the ego driven desire for titles and cast ourselves on the mercy of God as offered in Je

Dependence On God – Deuteronomy 17:14-20

Tear down or touch up? Repair or replace? Keep or throw away? These are common questions we ask ourselves when dealing with broken things in our lives. My parent's generation grew up in time when most people could only touch up, repair, and keep because they didn't have the resources to tear down, throw away and replace. Now a days it seems as if the situation is completely reversed in that we can't touch up, repair, or keep anything. This is a great metaphor for our spiritual lives because there are some things that must be torn down, thrown away, and replaced. 
 
When Israel was preparing to enter the Promised Land Moses told them that when they arrived certain things needed to be torn down, thrown away, and replaced. Specifically they were to destroy every idol, every temple, and every place where the pagan inhabitants had worshiped their false gods (Deuteronomy 12:1-3). Then they were to wait for God to reveal His chosen worship site as the sole replacement for the ones they had destroyed (12:5-7). Failure to obey would be an insulting self-willed act of rebellion against God (12:8). 
 
Of course it's the sin in our lives that must be torn down, thrown away and replaced. Every sin is a self-willed act of self-worship, and every single one is insulting to God. Whether it is our own ways of "worship" that do not come from God's word, or our rejection of God entirely to go chasing after the world, both are rebellion against God. God's warning to Israel is worth hearing again: "Do not do...what is right in your own eyes" (12:8). So let's get busy finding the sin in our lives to tear it down, throw it away and replace it with obedience to God.

Tear down or touch up? Repair or replace? Keep or throw away? These are common questions we ask ourselves when dealing with broken things in our lives. My parent's generation grew up in time when most people could only touch up, repair, and keep because they didn't have the resources to tear down, throw away and replace. Now a days it seems as if the situation is completely reversed in that we can't touch up, repair, or keep anything. This is a great metaphor for our spiritual lives because there are some things that must be torn down, thrown away, and replaced.

When Israel was preparing to enter the Promised Land Moses told them that when they arrived certain things needed to be torn down, thrown away, and replaced. Specifically they were to destroy every idol, every temple, and every place where the pagan inhabitants had worshiped their false gods (Deuteronomy 12:1-3). Then they were to wait for God to reveal His chosen worship site as the sole replacement for the ones they had dest

Tear Down Every Idol Deuteronomy 12:8

Fig tree theology, another name for the prosperity gospel, is probably more prevalent than we prefer. "Preposterous" you say? Possibly, but ponder how often the gospel is presented for its earthly benefits, particularly in America. Every generation has a prominent preacher who promotes a prosperity gospel. Currently it's Joel Osteen in Houston. Previously it was Robert Schuller with his Crystal Cathedral in California. 
 
Let's examine that issue today on Sensual Service Saturday. What happens is we read about God's promised prosperity for Israel if they would love and obey Him and try to extend that same promise to the church of our day. God said he would give the nation rain for grain, wine, oil, and for large flocks and herds – if they obeyed him (Deuteronomy 11:14-15). Obedience would lead to God driving out their enemies and giving them long life in the land (11:21, 23). 
 
That's clearly a message of prosperity for those who trust and obey God, but was the same message intended for the Christian today? In an undeniably Messianic passage Micah said that every man would sit "under his vine and under his fig tree" (Micah 4:4). There are many other similar messianic prophecies that use physical language to describe the messianic kingdom. 
 
So the question is not whether or not God promised prosperity. Rather, it's this, what kind of prosperity is promised: material or spiritual? In order to answer that let's ask ourselves some questions. Did Jesus die on the cross so we could live in $10,000,000 mansions like Joel Osteen, or even $100,000 houses? Or did he die to free us from the bondage of sin (Romans 6:4)? Were the first century Christians looking for a new Cadillac or their next meal? In Matthew 6:11 we're taught to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread.” Were they promised prosperity or problems? 1 Peter 4:12 says “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you;” Do we pray for goodies or Godliness (1 Timothy 6:6-10). Do we serve our savior or ourselves? Some questions to consider on Sensual Service Saturday.

Fig tree theology, another name for the prosperity gospel, is probably more prevalent than we prefer. "Preposterous" you say? Possibly, but ponder how often the gospel is presented for its earthly benefits, particularly in America. Every generation has a prominent preacher who promotes a prosperity gospel. Currently it's Joel Osteen in Houston. Previously it was Robert Schuller with his Crystal Cathedral in California.

Let's examine that issue today on Sensual Service Saturday. What happens is we read about God's promised prosperity for Israel if they would love and obey Him and try to extend that same promise to the church of our day. God said he would give the nation rain for grain, wine, oil, and for large flocks and herds – if they obeyed him (Deuteronomy 11:14-15). Obedience would lead to God driving out their enemies and giving them long life in the land (11:21, 23).

That's clearly a message of prosperity for those who trust and obey God, but was the same message intended for t

Fig Tree Theology Micah 4:4

"Walk a mile in their shoes" is a familiar saying urging us to be very careful before we criticize others. It's certainly a good life principle. More importantly it's a fundamental Biblical principle. At Mt. Sinai one of the basic laws was not to mistreat or oppress strangers because Israel had walked more than a mile in those shoes (Exodus 22:21). 
 
God also approached it from the positive side. Beyond understanding others before criticizing them we should walk the extra mile and love the stranger (Deuteronomy 10:19), which is a variation of what Jesus called the second greatest commandment (Mark 12:31). This is a very important OT theme that’s frequently repeated. "Do not oppress a foreigner (Exodus 23:9), "Do not defraud or rob your neighbor" (Leviticus 19:13), "Love them (strangers) as yourselves" (Leviticus 19:34), just to name a few. 
 
In the many passages about properly treating others God gave several reasons, but they all tie back to God's own nature. In one passage warning against oppressing the stranger God included a ban on oppressing orphans and widows because He's their champion (Exodus 22:22-24). Leviticus 19:24 simply stated "I am the Lord your God" as sufficient reason for them to love the stranger. 
 
We should recognize the principle having seen it powerfully demonstrated in the life of Jesus. The Son of God came to earth and “was made a little lower than the angels" to call us His "brethren" and be made "perfect through suffering" so He could deliver us from the bondage of sin (Hebrews 2:9-18). So when God tells us to love our neighbor, including the stranger, He knows it can be done because He has walked more than a mile in our shoes.

"Walk a mile in their shoes" is a familiar saying urging us to be very careful before we criticize others. It's certainly a good life principle. More importantly it's a fundamental Biblical principle. At Mt. Sinai one of the basic laws was not to mistreat or oppress strangers because Israel had walked more than a mile in those shoes (Exodus 22:21).

God also approached it from the positive side. Beyond understanding others before criticizing them we should walk the extra mile and love the stranger (Deuteronomy 10:19), which is a variation of what Jesus called the second greatest commandment (Mark 12:31). This is a very important OT theme that’s frequently repeated. "Do not oppress a foreigner (Exodus 23:9), "Do not defraud or rob your neighbor" (Leviticus 19:13), "Love them (strangers) as yourselves" (Leviticus 19:34), just to name a few.

In the many passages about properly treating others God gave several reasons, but they all tie back to God's own nature. In one passage warning agai

Love The Stranger Deuteronomy 10:19

NOCIRC (National Organization of Circumcision Information Resource Centers) was formed in 1986 to promote what its acronym suggests - the prevention of non-therapeutic circumcision of children. Started in California it soon became an international organization with a goal of educating parents so that circumcisions were only done for medically necessary reasons and by fully informed parents. 
 
Whatever one may think about the group, there is a sense in which it is correct. There is a type of circumcision that is necessary and should be done by fully informed adults - circumcision of the heart. Today's Morning Minutes in the Bible on Throwback Thursday looks back nearly 40 years to a January 1981 Plain Talk Magazine article for a discussion of circumcision of the heart. 
 
Vital Circumcision By Robert F. Turner 
 
Baptism is often compared to the physical circumcision of the covenant with Abraham and his descendants. The assertion was often intended to compare the two in order to negate the necessity of baptism. However, literal fleshly circumcision was not a type of baptism in water. Rather, it typified the "cutting away" of sin from the thoughts and intents of our hearts, preparing us for baptism. Baptism is necessary, but meaningless without a circumcised heart.

NOCIRC (National Organization of Circumcision Information Resource Centers) was formed in 1986 to promote what its acronym suggests - the prevention of non-therapeutic circumcision of children. Started in California it soon became an international organization with a goal of educating parents so that circumcisions were only done for medically necessary reasons and by fully informed parents.

Whatever one may think about the group, there is a sense in which it is correct. There is a type of circumcision that is necessary and should be done by fully informed adults - circumcision of the heart. Today's Morning Minutes in the Bible on Throwback Thursday looks back nearly 40 years to a January 1981 Plain Talk Magazine article for a discussion of circumcision of the heart.

Vital Circumcision By Robert F. Turner

Baptism is often compared to the physical circumcision of the covenant with Abraham and his descendants. The assertion was often intended to compare the two in order to negate the n

Heart Circumcision Deuteronomy 10:16

"Just tell me what you want!" is every husband's plea at some point in marriage. As simple minded creatures it’s often difficult for us men to understand the signals our wives are sending. One book describes it as speaking two languages, Martian and Venutian. Wouldn't it be easier if our wives would translate their words into our native cave man language? Actually, the translation is available, but we seldom listen. 
 
Moses asked that same question of God in a little different format. Instead of “just tell me what you want” Moses asked "What does Jehovah your God ask of you?" and then immediately gave the answer (Deuteronomy 10:12-13). 
 
First we must fear God. Do you realize the simplicity of that statement? Fear means to be afraid, to be overwhelmed by the power and majesty of the Creator. Fear, properly applied, leads to walking in His ways and keeping His commandments. This is where we often prove we have no fear - because we refuse to obey. Many call themselves followers of Christ, and claim to love Him, but reject the whole idea of the need to obey. We need to learn that obedience leads to love and love leads to obedience (Deuteronomy 10:12-13; John 14:15; 15:10; 1 John 2:5). God has told us what He wants. Will we listen?

"Just tell me what you want!" is every husband's plea at some point in marriage. As simple minded creatures it’s often difficult for us men to understand the signals our wives are sending. One book describes it as speaking two languages, Martian and Venutian. Wouldn't it be easier if our wives would translate their words into our native cave man language? Actually, the translation is available, but we seldom listen.

Moses asked that same question of God in a little different format. Instead of “just tell me what you want” Moses asked "What does Jehovah your God ask of you?" and then immediately gave the answer (Deuteronomy 10:12-13).

First we must fear God. Do you realize the simplicity of that statement? Fear means to be afraid, to be overwhelmed by the power and majesty of the Creator. Fear, properly applied, leads to walking in His ways and keeping His commandments. This is where we often prove we have no fear - because we refuse to obey. Many call themselves followers of Christ, 

What Does God Want? Deuteronomy 10:12

"Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime." An ancient proverb of uncertain origin it makes an important point about the need for teaching people how to be independent and self-reliant. There are any number of sayings and proverbs that support and supplement that concept. Philosophers and wise folk from Solomon (Proverbs 12:27) to Aeschylus to Emerson have spoken of this idea in very strong terms, History has shown them to be correct. There is something good in our nature that grows when we learn to stand on our own two feet and provide for ourselves. 
 
However, self-reliance and independence are self-destructive in our relationship with God. An equally ancient proverb is found in our text for today: "man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD" (Deuteronomy. 8:3). There are several lessons in this text that we'll explore in the next few days, but today let's look at the danger of losing sight of eternity. 
 
Whether talking about fish or bread, caviar or cake, we're talking about a basic need of life - food. Notice that the text says "alone" indicating that bread is an important thing, but not the only thing, for life. We live in a world that has thrown off the pursuit of eternal things thinking itself satisfied with temporal things. It isn't new to 21st century America as escapism theology seems to think. It dates back to the garden when Adam and Eve thought eating the forbidden fruit was more important than honoring God. This world has rejected the Creator and worships the creation. 
 
The world has convinced itself that life is better without God. But, their foolish hearts refuse to admit that if there is nothing beyond this world then this world is nothing either. More and more people accept the irrational, while denying that it is irrational. So irrationality prevails, which is why our world is constantly spinning out of control in a whirlwind of self destruction (Romans 1:22-25). 
 
By running away from God we are running away from the bread of life, the only thing that can truly satisfy our souls.

"Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime." An ancient proverb of uncertain origin it makes an important point about the need for teaching people how to be independent and self-reliant. There are any number of sayings and proverbs that support and supplement that concept. Philosophers and wise folk from Solomon (Proverbs 12:27) to Aeschylus to Emerson have spoken of this idea in very strong terms, History has shown them to be correct. There is something good in our nature that grows when we learn to stand on our own two feet and provide for ourselves.

However, self-reliance and independence are self-destructive in our relationship with God. An equally ancient proverb is found in our text for today: "man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD" (Deuteronomy. 8:3). There are several lessons in this text that we'll explore in the next few days, but today let's look at the danger of losin

Live On The Word Of God Deuteronomy 8:3

What are you afraid of? What phobias influence and shape your behavior? The sad reality of life is we all have them to some degree or another and sometimes they cripple our lives by preventing us from doing things we would otherwise enjoy. But the saddest reality of life is that the one fear or phobia that would best shape our lives is mostly missing – the fear of God. Today's Morning Minutes in the Bible on Throwback Thursday reaches back nearly 41 years to July, 1979. Listen and learn from one who, “though dead still speaks.” 
 
From PLAIN TALK magazine "Fear God, And ... " by Dan S. Shipley 
 
All twenty years of PLAIN TALK are available online at http://www.wordsfitlyspoken.org/plain_talk/. A true treasure of knowledge.

What are you afraid of? What phobias influence and shape your behavior? The sad reality of life is we all have them to some degree or another and sometimes they cripple our lives by preventing us from doing things we would otherwise enjoy. But the saddest reality of life is that the one fear or phobia that would best shape our lives is mostly missing – the fear of God. Today's Morning Minutes in the Bible on Throwback Thursday reaches back nearly 41 years to July, 1979. Listen and learn from one who, “though dead still speaks.”

From PLAIN TALK magazine "Fear God, And ... " by Dan S. Shipley

All twenty years of PLAIN TALK are available online at http://www.wordsfitlyspoken.org/plain_talk/. A true treasure of knowledge.

A Heart That Fears God Deuteronomy 5:29

"See? See? He wants it for himself" was the gleeful comment of Gollum as he succeeded in turning Frodo against Sam near the end of the third LOTR movie. Sam was a threat to Gollum because he knew Gollum intended to kill them both, so the best way to get rid of him was to have Frodo order him away. And the only way to do that was to use the power of the ring (a symbol of the power of sin) to poison Frodo's mind against Sam. 
 
 
 
That’s why God tells the people of Israel not to marry into the families of the land (Deuteronomy 7:3-4). It was a strong prohibition against marrying their sons or daughters, because God knew where it would lead: a rejection of Him. Close connections to pagan idolaters would poison their minds and lead them away from God, just like Gollum was able to poison Frodo's mind and turn him against Sam. 
 
 
The New Testament has a similar warning about the danger of believers being bound to unbelievers. Though not explicitly about marriage, 2 Corinthians 6:14-16 lists a series of questions: what do righteousness and sin, light and dark, Christ and Belial, believers and unbelievers, or God's temple and idols have in common? The obvious answer is nothing. The rest of the text is about the need for purity and separation from sin (6:17-7:1). 
 
 
If you've seen the movie you remember Sam's broken heart as he turned back; rejected, separated from his friend. Imagine then how Jesus feels when we let the Gollums of this world persuade us to send Him away. His heart is broken because He wants us for ourselves (Hebrews 2:9-18).

"See? See? He wants it for himself" was the gleeful comment of Gollum as he succeeded in turning Frodo against Sam near the end of the third LOTR movie. Sam was a threat to Gollum because he knew Gollum intended to kill them both, so the best way to get rid of him was to have Frodo order him away. And the only way to do that was to use the power of the ring (a symbol of the power of sin) to poison Frodo's mind against Sam.



That’s why God tells the people of Israel not to marry into the families of the land (Deuteronomy 7:3-4). It was a strong prohibition against marrying their sons or daughters, because God knew where it would lead: a rejection of Him. Close connections to pagan idolaters would poison their minds and lead them away from God, just like Gollum was able to poison Frodo's mind and turn him against Sam.


The New Testament has a similar warning about the danger of believers being bound to unbelievers. Though not explicitly about marriage, 2 Corinthians 6:14-16 lists a se

God’s Call For Moral Purity Deuteronomy 7:3-4

Is it true that "All you need is love"? So says the 1967 song by John Lennon that was a number one hit for The Beatles. It was a simple song with a simple message designed to promote the idea of love as a uniting power. But is it really true? While I'm not a fan of the Beatles I have to agree with the sentiment because of what Jesus said in Matthew 22:37-38. 
 
After recounting the giving of the Ten Commandments Moses launched into a beautiful sermon on the importance of obeying Jehovah. Building on the need for a healthy spiritual heart he continued by confirming that connection to God is inseparable from obedience (Deuteronomy 6:1-3). Then he reminded them of the unity of Deity, and followed it with the explanation that they need to love God with our whole heart, soul, and strength (Deuteronomy 6:4-5). 
 
But it didn't stop there, like the Beatles' song the message was quite repetitive. Moses continued urging them to keep God's commandments on their hearts and impress them on their children by talking about them when they were sitting, walking, lying down, and getting up. They were to bind them to their bodies and homes in order to be constantly aware of God's word (Deuteronomy 6:6ff).. 
 
You have the same need today. Will you love God with all your heart?

Is it true that "All you need is love"? So says the 1967 song by John Lennon that was a number one hit for The Beatles. It was a simple song with a simple message designed to promote the idea of love as a uniting power. But is it really true? While I'm not a fan of the Beatles I have to agree with the sentiment because of what Jesus said in Matthew 22:37-38.

After recounting the giving of the Ten Commandments Moses launched into a beautiful sermon on the importance of obeying Jehovah. Building on the need for a healthy spiritual heart he continued by confirming that connection to God is inseparable from obedience (Deuteronomy 6:1-3). Then he reminded them of the unity of Deity, and followed it with the explanation that they need to love God with our whole heart, soul, and strength (Deuteronomy 6:4-5).

But it didn't stop there, like the Beatles' song the message was quite repetitive. Moses continued urging them to keep God's commandments on their hearts and impress them on their child

Loving God Deuteronomy 6:5

100,000 times is how often the average heart beats every day as it pumps life giving blood through the human body. That's 36,500,000 times in a year and about 2,555,000,000 by age 70. No bigger than a fist it is the most important muscle in our body. We're constantly reminded to eat right, exercise, and watch our weight so we'll have a healthy heart. Life is difficult if it is weak or damaged. And, we know that life ends when it stops beating. 
 
No wonder the Bible uses it as a metaphor for our attitude toward the true life giver - God. When Moses reviewed the giving of the Ten Commandments in Deuteronomy 5 he reminded them that God wanted them to be fully given to Him. Moses included God's exclamation of hope that Israel would have a "heart" that feared Him and would always keep His commandments so that it would be well with them in the land (Deuteronomy 5:29). 
 
Let's look at a few ways our spiritual heart is like our physical heart. First is the Proper Attitude. We must be concerned enough to protect it. Spiritually we need to be just a little bit afraid of God. Second is Proper Diet. Our spiritual hearts must feed on God’s word; “keep all My commandments". Next is Proper Outlook. We need to rejoice in God’s blessings. For Israel of old it was the good life in the Promised Land: "that it might be well with them, and their children forever". For the Christian it is the eternal inheritance (Ephesians 2:4-6). 
 
So, when was the last time you looked into God's word and had a heart checkup?

100,000 times is how often the average heart beats every day as it pumps life giving blood through the human body. That's 36,500,000 times in a year and about 2,555,000,000 by age 70. No bigger than a fist it is the most important muscle in our body. We're constantly reminded to eat right, exercise, and watch our weight so we'll have a healthy heart. Life is difficult if it is weak or damaged. And, we know that life ends when it stops beating.

No wonder the Bible uses it as a metaphor for our attitude toward the true life giver - God. When Moses reviewed the giving of the Ten Commandments in Deuteronomy 5 he reminded them that God wanted them to be fully given to Him. Moses included God's exclamation of hope that Israel would have a "heart" that feared Him and would always keep His commandments so that it would be well with them in the land (Deuteronomy 5:29).

Let's look at a few ways our spiritual heart is like our physical heart. First is the Proper Attitude. We must be concerned e

A Heart For God Deuteronomy 5:29

“Lord, we cleared this land. We plowed it, sowed it, and harvested it. We cook the harvest. It wouldn’t be here and we wouldn’t be eating it if we hadn’t done it all ourselves. We worked dog-bone hard for every crumb and morsel, but we thank you just the same anyway Lord for this food we’re about to eat, amen.” Those were the proud words of Charlie Anderson (Jimmy Stewart) in the movie Shenandoah shortly before he was humbled by the Civil War. It was a sad movie because of the harshness of the humbling that came his way, but his prayer was a premonition of how far he was going to fall (Proverbs 16:18). 
 
How many of us have that attitude about our stuff and place in life? Do we think like Charlie in our private moments? Do we forget that despite working "dog-bone hard" for what we have it is all still a gift from God? When Moses recounted the forty years of Wilderness wandering he spoke frequently (20 times in Deuteronomy 1-4) about God giving them the Promised Land, but guess what was required - taking it! It was a war that required the Israelite army to go up and fight. The cooperation is best stated in one verse "And Jehovah our God delivered him up before us; and we smote him" (Deuteronomy 2:33). 
 
Our deliverance from sin and inheritance of eternal life in Jesus is much the same. The NT makes it clear salvation is a gift but we still have to repent and obey (Acts 2:38). Peter went even further in the text urging those Jews on Pentecost to "save yourselves from this crooked generation" (Acts 2:40). We must believe and obey, just don't brag about it because salvation is still a gift.

“Lord, we cleared this land. We plowed it, sowed it, and harvested it. We cook the harvest. It wouldn’t be here and we wouldn’t be eating it if we hadn’t done it all ourselves. We worked dog-bone hard for every crumb and morsel, but we thank you just the same anyway Lord for this food we’re about to eat, amen.” Those were the proud words of Charlie Anderson (Jimmy Stewart) in the movie Shenandoah shortly before he was humbled by the Civil War. It was a sad movie because of the harshness of the humbling that came his way, but his prayer was a premonition of how far he was going to fall (Proverbs 16:18).

How many of us have that attitude about our stuff and place in life? Do we think like Charlie in our private moments? Do we forget that despite working "dog-bone hard" for what we have it is all still a gift from God? When Moses recounted the forty years of Wilderness wandering he spoke frequently (20 times in Deuteronomy 1-4) about God giving them the Promised Land, but guess what was 

Taking God’s Gifts Deuteronomy 2:33

"I get no respect" was the frequent lament of comedian Rodney Dangerfield. Considering some of his routines and movies, he didn't deserve any. But, in reality, none of us do, at least no more than anyone else. One of the most powerful pronouncements in the Law of Moses was that all judgment was supposed to lack any respect for persons. In Deuteronomy 1:16-17 Moses repeated the account of selecting judges to hear cases and make judgments that took place at Mt. Sinai (Exodus 18:25-26). In the Exodus account he stated these judges were to "fear God" and be "men of truth" who "hate unjust gain" (Exodus 18:21). In Deuteronomy he says something similar. "You shall not respect persons in judgment; but you shall hear the small as well as the great; you shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment is God's:” (Deuteronomy 1:17). 
 
The best designed law allows no one to be above the law in its application. That was true of the Law of Moses and of any good legal system. American law was built on that principle. Unfortunately, the application can be twisted by judges choosing to give respect to select individuals. It has happened throughout history. We know that men pervert the law to their own benefit. 
 
Even in the church it continues to be a problem (James 2:1) because we fail to meet the high standard of God's holiness (Romans 3:23). Let's not look around at the world and condemn it for perverting justice when we fail to treat each other with perfect holiness. Remember, only God is perfect in judgment and no respecter of persons; a hard learned lesson for Peter (Acts 10:34). Let's give our brethren, all of them, some respect.

"I get no respect" was the frequent lament of comedian Rodney Dangerfield. Considering some of his routines and movies, he didn't deserve any. But, in reality, none of us do, at least no more than anyone else. One of the most powerful pronouncements in the Law of Moses was that all judgment was supposed to lack any respect for persons. In Deuteronomy 1:16-17 Moses repeated the account of selecting judges to hear cases and make judgments that took place at Mt. Sinai (Exodus 18:25-26). In the Exodus account he stated these judges were to "fear God" and be "men of truth" who "hate unjust gain" (Exodus 18:21). In Deuteronomy he says something similar. "You shall not respect persons in judgment; but you shall hear the small as well as the great; you shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment is God's:” (Deuteronomy 1:17).

The best designed law allows no one to be above the law in its application. That was true of the Law of Moses and of any good legal system. American law was

No Respecter Of Persons Deuteronomy 1:17

For a while succession planning was all the rage in the corporate world. Companies often asked their current leadership to identify and target current employees as their successors. Even more important was replacement planning for the CEO. The selected candidate would follow the current CEO around, sometimes for years, to get ready to take over. 
 
Imagine a replacement planning that took forty years. It’s inconceivable in our day, but it’s exactly how long Joshua was in training to take over for Moses. Joshua was with Moses on Mount Sinai right after the covenant was sealed (Exodus 24:13). A year later he was one of the twelve spies sent out to see how to attack the inhabitants of the Promised Land. Of the twelve only he and Caleb had the faith to say it could be done (Numbers 14:6-9). Thirty nine years later he was chosen by God to take over from Moses and lead Israel into the Promised Land (Numbers 27:15-23). 
 
Joshua was also a foreshadowing of Jesus. Numbers 27:17 noted Joshua would be the shepherd for Israel. Jesus is our Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4). No corporate succession comes close to the planning God did for Joshua to lead Israel. And that doesn’t touch his planning needed to prepare Jesus to lead us into heaven.

For a while succession planning was all the rage in the corporate world. Companies often asked their current leadership to identify and target current employees as their successors. Even more important was replacement planning for the CEO. The selected candidate would follow the current CEO around, sometimes for years, to get ready to take over. 

Imagine a replacement planning that took forty years. It’s inconceivable in our day, but it’s exactly how long Joshua was in training to take over for Moses. Joshua was with Moses on Mount Sinai right after the covenant was sealed (Exodus 24:13). A year later he was one of the twelve spies sent out to see how to attack the inhabitants of the Promised Land. Of the twelve only he and Caleb had the faith to say it could be done (Numbers 14:6-9). Thirty nine years later he was chosen by God to take over from Moses and lead Israel into the Promised Land (Numbers 27:15-23).

Joshua was also a foreshadowing of Jesus. Numbers 27:17 noted Joshua would

Succession Training For Joshua Numbers 27:15-23

“I see dead people.” With that line the plot of the fascinating movie Sixth Sense began to unfold. It was a story about a boy who saw ghosts. As usual the story relied on the idea that ghosts stick around on earth because of “unfinished business”. Of course it’s all made up nonsense. 
 
With the death of Aaron at the end of the wilderness wanderings a long series of deaths began that left unfinished business – just without the ghost nonsense (Numbers 33:38-39). His priesthood was incomplete and inadequate for several reasons that are explained at length in the NT book of Hebrews. Its temporary nature was implied by the declaration of an eternal priesthood like Melchizedek’s and confirmed by the death of each Aaronic High Priest. 
 
In contrast the High Priesthood of Jesus is eternal and complete. It is eternal because Jesus is eternal. It’s complete because he offered himself as the perfect sacrifice. Because he was sinless he came back to life and now lives eternally as our High Priest. As our High Priest Jesus offers life to those who will come to him in faith. Forget about dead people and seize the eternal life offered by the eternal High Priest.

“I see dead people.” With that line the plot of the fascinating movie Sixth Sense began to unfold. It was a story about a boy who saw ghosts. As usual the story relied on the idea that ghosts stick around on earth because of “unfinished business”. Of course it’s all made up nonsense. 

With the death of Aaron at the end of the wilderness wanderings a long series of deaths began that left unfinished business – just without the ghost nonsense (Numbers 33:38-39). His priesthood was incomplete and inadequate for several reasons that are explained at length in the NT book of Hebrews. Its temporary nature was implied by the declaration of an eternal priesthood like Melchizedek’s and confirmed by the death of each Aaronic High Priest. 

In contrast the High Priesthood of Jesus is eternal and complete. It is eternal because Jesus is eternal. It’s complete because he offered himself as the perfect sacrifice. Because he was sinless he came back to life and now lives eternally as our High Priest.

The Aaronic Priesthood’s Was Finished By Jesus Numbers 33:38-39

Edge of Tomorrow, the interesting sci-fi action flick starring Tom Cruise, has him stuck in a time warp. Living the same two days over and over until he stops making the same mistakes and figures out how to “reset the clock” and end the endless loop. 
 
Israel was stuck on the edge of tomorrow in the Wilderness Wanderings because of their lack of faith in God (Numbers 14:33-35). Repeating and reliving the same sins over and over until the unbelieving generation died off and a faithful one arose. Their faith was such that even the tribes who wanted to settle east of the Jordan promised to send their fighting men to stand with the others until all had received their inheritance (Numbers 32:16-18). 
 
Christians live beyond the edge of tomorrow in the dawn of eternity. Knowing we’re not confined to the here and now keeps us from getting stuck in an endless loop of the monotony of a meaningless life. No, we look ahead by faith to the eternal promised land of heaven (Hebrews 11:13). How are you living: stuck on the edge of tomorrow or pressing forward to the dawn of eternity?

Edge of Tomorrow, the interesting sci-fi action flick starring Tom Cruise, has him stuck in a time warp. Living the same two days over and over until he stops making the same mistakes and figures out how to “reset the clock” and end the endless loop.

Israel was stuck on the edge of tomorrow in the Wilderness Wanderings because of their lack of faith in God (Numbers 14:33-35). Repeating and reliving the same sins over and over until the unbelieving generation died off and a faithful one arose. Their faith was such that even the tribes who wanted to settle east of the Jordan promised to send their fighting men to stand with the others until all had received their inheritance (Numbers 32:16-18).

Christians live beyond the edge of tomorrow in the dawn of eternity. Knowing we’re not confined to the here and now keeps us from getting stuck in an endless loop of the monotony of a meaningless life. No, we look ahead by faith to the eternal promised land of heaven (Hebrews 11:13). How are you

Faith Sees The Dawn Of Eternity Numbers 32:16-18

The siren song of sensual service is nearly impossible to resist. Moab and Amon used it to entice the Israelite men into violating the will of God (Numbers 25:1-8). Rather than face them on the battlefield with swords and shields they fought for their hearts by sending women to lure the men into idolatry. Because their worship of Baal was about fertility and power their ‘worship” included ritual fornication. An act in which far too many Israelite men were more than willing to participate. 
 
For us good ol’ church going Americans that’s not the kind of sensuality I’m talking about. Instead, our temptation is much more subtle and complex. I’m talking about all or our senses: hearing, sight, taste, touch, and smell. If we’re not careful we will turn our worship into an appeal to our ears, eyes, tongue, skin and nose. Don’t think so. Well stay tuned for Sensual Service Saturday as I start a new series to explore how we fall for the Siren Song Of Sensual Service.

The siren song of sensual service is nearly impossible to resist. Moab and Amon used it to entice the Israelite men into violating ...

The Siren Song Of Sensual Service Numbers 25:1-8

Have you ever bought “a pig in a poke”? Probably not literally since it’s a phrase going back to the middle ages when people would go to the market and buy a piglet from a traveling merchant. The merchant would offer to hold the pig until their shopping was done. When they came to pick it up it would be tied up tight in bag (poke). The unwitting buyer would get home, open the bag and find a cat instead (source of “let the cat out of the bag”). By the time they got back to the market the seller was long gone. 
 
Balak certainly thought he bought a pig and got a cat instead. He hired the prophet Balaam to curse Israel, but they were blessed every time Balaam spoke. It made Balak so mad he refused to pay Balaam. See Balak thought God (or more properly for him – gods) were for sale. They did whatever the buyer wanted. He didn’t understand Yahweh or true prophecy. 
 
Like it or not often we’re not any better. If our religious discussion begin with I then we worship a small g god. If worship is about what I like or don’t like as opposed to what God said then we’re just like Balak. If we bought into a God who lets us do what we want when we learn he demands full obedience we probably won’t even open the bag.

Have you ever bought “a pig in a poke”? Probably not literally since it’s a phrase going back to the middle ages when people would go to the market and buy a piglet from a traveling merchant. The merchant would offer to hold the pig until their shopping was done. When they came to pick it up it would be tied up tight in bag (poke). The unwitting buyer would get home, open the bag and find a cat instead (source of “let the cat out of the bag”). By the time they got back to the market the seller was long gone.

Balak certainly thought he bought a pig and got a cat instead. He hired the prophet Balaam to curse Israel, but they were blessed every time Balaam spoke. It made Balak so mad he refused to pay Balaam. See Balak thought God (or more properly for him – gods) were for sale. They did whatever the buyer wanted. He didn’t understand Yahweh or true prophecy.

Like it or not often we’re not any better. If our religious discussion begin with I then we worship a small g god. If worship is 

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