“Put me on trial, LORD, and cross-examine me. Test my motives and my heart.” Psalm 26:2 NLT
Like many of us here in the United States I have been summoned to serve a turn in jury duty. Most of my experiences have been sitting around waiting to see whether or not I would be called to sit on a trial. But there were several occasions that I had the privilege to participate as a juror in a criminal trial. One of the most tense and informative aspects of a trial is the cross-examination, either by the prosecutor or the defense attorney. It is during that questioning that previous testimony is either substantiated or debunked as truthful. You might say it gets to the heart of the matter.
In the 26th Psalm, King David seems anxious to get to the heart of the matter of his own life, and the many accusations made against him. He asks the LORD to put him on trial and cross-examine him. David asks that his motives and his heart be put on display for God to see. David writes, “Declare me innocent, O LORD, for I have acted with integrity” (Ps. 26:1a) David is not claiming he is perfect or without sin, but that he is innocent of the false charges against him, and is not afraid to stand before the justice of God in these matters. It is quite revealing of David’s confidence to have the Lord God cross-examine him.
Would we be able to say the same thing to the Lord? “Put me on trial, LORD, and cross-examine me. Test my motives and my heart.” We can if we are confident of our innocence in a certain matter, but what about our motives and what is truly lying beneath the surface of our hearts. There are some things that even a well-informed attentive jury cannot get to the root of, but we can be certain that an Almighty God who knows all will get into those deepest crevasses of the heart for the truth. We cannot hide it from God. May we live in such a way that we will never be afraid to say “Lord cross-examine me!”
“I am warning you ahead of time, dear friends. Be on guard so that you will not be carried away by the errors of these wicked people and lose your own secure footing.” 2 Peter 3:17 NLT
This morning we experienced the first snow that covered the ground in our area. Although it didn’t amount to much as I write this in the afternoon it is all but gone. But during that brief time there was caution on the roads when driving and secure footing was needed while walking to not slip and fall. In Peter’s final words from the book of 2 Peter, he gives us a warning to be careful not to lose our secure footing. He is not referring to the slippery conditions cause by wet snow, but to the slippery slope of listening to false teachers that can easily persuaded us to abandon the truth of the gospel.
Peter noted that many will be persuaded by their teaching, “They will cleverly teach destructive heresies and even deny the Master who bought them. In this way, they will bring sudden destruction on themselves. Many will follow their evil teaching and shameful immorality. And because of these teachers, the way of truth will be slandered. In their greed they will make up clever lies to get hold of your money.” (2 Peter 2:1b-3a NLT) There is plenty of false teaching in the name of Christ occurring in our day. A secure footing is required as we walk in slippery conditions.
If you are inclined to be persuaded easily, understanding of the scriptures is a must to remain steadfast in your faith and not lose your footing. A careful study of the Bible with the guidance of the Holy Spirit is where you start. As you immerse yourself in the Word you will be begin to connect the dots observing the entire Bible is about Jesus Christ and God’s plan of Salvation for those who trust in His Son. The apostle John gives us the best advice on fact checking a Pastor, evangelist, or teacher if their message is the truth of God’s Word. John writes, “Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world.” (1 Jn. 4:1 NLT) Test (fact check) them with what God says in His Word and be not easily persuaded to error, but steadfast with secure footing.
“Don’t put your confidence in powerful people; there is no help for you there. When they breathe their last, they return to the earth, and all their plans die with them. But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper, whose hope is in the LORD their God.” Psalm 146:3-5 NLT
The year 2023 is rapidly coming to a close. There is truth to the old sayings, ‘time flies’ and ‘time waits for no man, or woman.’ It is also true the older you get the faster it goes and I’m now on that fast moving train. Time flies. With time moving on as it does, where is your hope for the future? In whom do you place your trust and hope? Whom do you have confidence in to lead you and help you in this world we are living in and ultimately in the next world? The Psalmist of Psalm 146 says this, “But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper, whose hope is in the LORD their God.” (146:5 NLT)
As 2024 rolls in so does another Presidential election year in the United States. What was once a very exciting time for me every four years being intrigued with politics has become a time of frustration and disappointment in the political process. I have learned over the years that putting your trust in people over God also adds to this frustration and disappointment. Our trust is to be in God who “controls the course of world events; he removes kings and sets up other kings.” (Dan. 2:21 NLT) People no matter how noble, honest, sincere, humble, smart, or tenacious they are, will fail and disappoint you, even the most powerful people.
As Christians our trust and hope is to be in God, and God alone. Our current culture is crumbling in the United States and seemingly out of control. One can easily be overcome with frustration, disappointment, and depression. Therefore, the words of the Psalmist written many years ago are here to comfort us today as we head into 2024, “Don’t put your confidence in powerful people; there is no help for you there….. But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper, whose hope is in the LORD their God. “(Ps. 146:3, 5 NLT)
“Cursed is the cheat who promises to give a fine ram from his flock but then sacrifices a defective one to the Lord.” Malachi 1:14a NLT
Successful athletes sacrifice much in striving to achieve the best they can be. When reaching the pinnacle of being able to perform at a high level, they do not slack off, but continue to give their best. Their desire is to see the results of heavy training, a healthy diet, and the sacrificing of creature comforts. Giving their best is self-satisfying and pleasing to teammates in a team sport. When one does not give their best in the sporting world it is very noticeable. Teammates and fans alike recognize it immediately and one’s individual statistics cannot hide the fact. Giving a lackluster performance when one is more than capable to step it up by giving their best is, well let’s say, cheating.
God accused Israel of cheating by not giving their best sacrifice. They had it in their power to do so, they had their best, and even promised to do so, but chose to not give it. God demanded the very best, an unblemished animal, for sacrifice. Israel thought they would get by offering a less than stellar performance but they did not get away with it.
Christians today will also not get away with not giving their best in serving the Lord. God is holy and He demands the best that each one of us is capable of doing. He will call us out. We cannot hide or get away with it. The talents and gifts the Lord has given to us are to be used for His honor and His glory to the best of our ability. Although I am a sports enthusiast I was never much of an athlete, but the Lord has given me other talents that I am to use in serving Him. All of us have the opportunity and capability, with the Lord’s help, to give our best. Give your best to the Lord!
“There has never been a day like this one before or since, when the LORD answered such a prayer. Surely the LORD fought for Israel that day!” Joshua 10:14 NLT
Moving into a new stage in life is difficult as we have been examining for several weeks now. Adjustments need to be made, accepted, and adhered to. Wisdom in determining your priorities are essential in on-going decision making as you proceed through your new territory. All these under the direction of God who is leading you through it with your faith, courage, obedience and trust in Him. Managing through the tough times with the Lord’s help is such an encouragement and motivates us to keep going as well feel His blessings. We are thankful for His help and guidance for even the small things, for even the small things add up to a big thing. And sometimes a big thing can be so overwhelming you cannot imagine or see your way through it. But God has not stopped leading you and is about to see you through as only He can.
Joshua and the nation of Israel had been under the Lord’s guidance through a miraculous crossing of the Jordan River, conquering the city of Jericho and Ai after a second attempt due to their sin. They had partaken of the fruit of the land as the manna stopped once settled in the Promised Land. They were beginning to feel confident and comfortable in their position leading them to make the mistake of not seeking the Lord in a matter they deemed a small thing. That small thing of making a treaty with Gibeon turned out to be a big thing. We at times begin to get over confident when things go well for us forgetting that it is the Lord who is accomplishing His work through us. Although this gets us into a mess at times, the Lord has not abandon us and will see us through as He did for Joshua and Israel.
In Joshua chapter 10 we learn that five surrounding cities have allied together to attack Gibeon who made the treaty with Israel. Gibeon fearful of the outcome sought Joshua and Israel for their help in this battle. But now instead of fighting one city at a time, Israel was faced with the five armies of the Amorite kings at once. Overconfidence by trusting in ourselves does not always work to our advantage as Israel is about to find out.
Our Lord is gracious to us even in our downfalls. He was gracious to Joshua and his fighting men as they approached the battle scene. A message from the Lord that was very familiar was spoken once again, “’Do not be afraid of them,’ the LORD said to Joshua, ‘for I have given you victory over them. Not a single one of them will be able to stand up to you.’” (Jos. 10:8 NLT) Once again Joshua is assured victory with the Lord’s help. The Bible says God threw the invading armies in a panic and Joshua and his men slaughtered them in great numbers. The Lord God also sent a hail storm upon the retreating Amorite armies killing more of them than were killed in battle with Joshua. The Lord indeed was fighting for Israel. As much as a miracle that was, Joshua receives another miracle as an answer to his prayer marking this as his miraculous day.
Joshua prayed, “’….Let the sun stand still over Gibeon, and the moon over the valley of Aijalon.’ So the sun stood still and the moon stayed in place until the nation of Israel had defeated its enemies.” (Jos. 10:12b-13a NLT) What a spectacular event! The sun stood in its place allowing Joshua’s army additional daylight and time to defeat their enemies. There are several theories as to the meaning of the sun standing still. Some say an eclipse of the sun occurred providing them with shade, others view it as language of observation in that Joshua’s army only felt the day was longer as they were able to accomplish the victory, and then others as myself, claim that the sun did indeed stand still. It was a miracle by the creator God who spoke the universe into existence now suspended the earth from rotating in its normal pattern for a day.
If you are currently in a bad place in your new territory by your own doing and see no way out way of the tunnel you drove yourself into, ask the Lord to help you see the His light at the end of that tunnel. Ask Him to extend the daylight in your battle, whatever it is, long enough for you to see clearly His direction and allow Him to continue to fight your battles. Do not get overconfident in trusting yourself and end up in bad place, but if you do ask the Lord to extend to you, ‘your miraculous day.’
Something of worth is defined as having a material value, especially in terms of money. Also something deserving of importance or merit is also considered valuable or worthy. Some things of worth range from jewelry, automobiles, real estate, furniture, fine china, and many others pieces of material worth, even money itself. Achievements such as receiving a college degree from a highly respectable university is very valuable when presented in the job market.
Worthless things would be the opposite of worthy things. Old rusted cars, run down property, broken china, worn down stained furniture, even the university degree if the holder devalued it by regrettable acts would now be useless. But even worthless things can be restored, just attend an antique automobile show, or visit an antique shop and you will see restoration. Real estate developers can turn unseemly property into luxurious residential areas, and many individuals have restored their reputation with the help of caring organizations.
The psalmist wrote in Psalm 119:37, “Turn my eyes from worthless things.” In this section of Psalm 119, the psalmist desires to be instructed in God’s laws. He asks God to help him to turn away from worthless things. Taking our definition of worthless things, it would seem quite easy to turn away from those things, unpleasant as they are. But that is not what the psalmist had in mind. He really wanted to turn away from the worthy things. In comparison to God’s Word even the things of worth are worthless. He writes, “…..give me life through your word.”(119:37b) His desire was to look upon things of the greatest value, the Word of God.
Having the proper perspective on who and what is worthy will go a long way in living our lives according to God’s Word. It will help us grow in our relationship with Him, and we will have a better understanding of what is of value and what is not. May we ask the Lord to turn our eyes from worthless things.
“God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies.” 1 Peter 4:10-11a NLT
Fear of not being qualified or talented enough has kept many Christians from serving the Lord in their local church. There are also other, not so legitimate, reasons for not serving and you most certainly cannot serve if you do not attend church, but that is for another day. Today, be encouraged the Lord God has gifted you to serve Him in His church. If you are a child of God you have been given a spiritual gift, maybe even a combination of serval gifts, but one in particular to serve God within His church.
The gifts that God bestows upon us at our conversion are spiritual gifts of a supernatural nature. They are gifts we did not possess before, nor could we achieve them on our own. They are also not to be confused with natural God given abilities which can and should be used to bring glory to God. These are gifts given to us by God to serve Him and our brothers and sisters in Christ where we gather together as a body of believers.
It is also important to note not everyone has the same gift. Oh, there may be others who have similar gifts, but a variety of gifts works best for the church to function orderly and for all to be taught, encouraged, cared for, and blessed. Whether you have the gift of teaching, administration, leadership, hospitality, serving, exhortation and caring, or a hands on where needed, used the gift God has given you for His glory. You are qualified and talented enough so do not fear. Do you have the gift? Yes, you do!
“Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.” 1 Peter 2:17 NIV
Life as a Christian is not an easy task. It has never been without the Lord’s help. We live in a world that is dominated by Satan’s influence and any rejection of that influence is met with resistance. However we are called to be a light in this dark world and salt for a preservative to prevent the spoilage cause by evil. The apostle Peter reminds us of our responsibilities as Christians as a way to work this out. And our Lord expects us, with His help, to live in such a way as to bring glory to Him.
We begin by showing proper respect to everyone. Yes, even those we do not agree with and those who do us harm. Every person is made in the image of God and for that they deserve respect. Allow everyone to see Jesus in us and be transparent by being obedient to His Word.
Love the family of believers. Unfortunately our love for fellow Christians is, at times, not what it should be. Apparently it was also true in Peter’s day. Jesus addressed our duty to love our Christian brothers and sisters by saying, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35)
Christians are also to fear God. Fear in the sense of a “reverential awe” for who He is; Holy, the creator of all things, the sustainer of life, merciful, gracious, just, all powerful, all knowing, and a loving God.
Lastly, Peter instructs us to “honor the emperor”, those in authority over us. The Roman emperor in Peter’s day was Nero. Peter tells his readers to honor Nero. Honor is to “highly regard” with “inner respect.” We are to be obedient to the governmental authorities, except when the law goes against the law of God according to scripture. (Acts 5:29)
Yes, life as a Christian is not an easy task and we cannot do it in our strength. But with the Lord’s help we can “Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor” and fulfil ‘Our Christian Responsibilities.’
“Once when Zechariah’s division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense.” Luke 1:8-9 NIV
In early Jewish history the Temple had incense burning continually in front of the veil that divided the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. There were twenty-four divisions of temple priests who each ministered for one week twice a year. Their job was to keep the incense burning by a lone priest entering the Holy Place and offering the incense every morning and evening. Their selection to perform this duty was chosen by lot. Due to the number of priests within each division and the fact they only served twice a year, it was indeed a rare privilege to serve in this capacity. Most priests never had the opportunity for this duty and no one was to serve more than once.
Zechariah, a priest from the division of Abijah, had the once in a lifetime privileged to enter into the Holy Place to burn incense. His division was on duty and he was chosen. Some would argue he was chosen by chance of the lot, the luck of the straw, or even coincidence. But this was perfectly planned by God. For as he was performing his duties an angel of the Lord appeared before him. He declared to Zechariah that Elizabeth, his wife would have a child in her old age. His name would be John, John the Baptist, and he was to be the forerunner to the Messiah, Jesus. Six months later, the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary announcing that she will be overshadowed by the Holy Spirit and will conceive and bear a Son and His name would be Jesus.
God’s planning and timing is perfect. He is never late, but always on time. His plans always work out according to His schedule. A lesson for us in our impatience to wait on the Lord and trust His plan for our lives, for it is ‘perfectly planned.’
“So the Israelites examined their food, but they did not consult the LORD.” Joshua 9:14 NLT
In a fallen world there are many forms of deception. I believe in the 21st century where we are living, we have seen the most ingenious methods to deceive even the most intelligent unsuspecting candidate. Most, if not all, scammers are one step ahead of many of their victims. They have nothing to do all day but to plan their next great deceptive scheme. There have been tragic results over the years of people losing everything they ever own by deception. Some were naïve in trusting what they thought they knew, others were taken in by scams that gave the impression they are from creditable, even official government sources, and then there are those who are taken in by their own greed looking to make that fast buck in a ‘guaranteed’ investment. The greatest tragedy is not having consulted the Lord God in prayer about any decision no matter how small it is, or think you can handle it on your own. The Lord wants you to confide in Him in prayer as He continually directs you in your new territory.
Joshua and the leaders of Israel failed to consult the Lord on a matter they thought they were able to handle without His guidance. They forgot the Lord God was leading them, and He was the one in charge. Joshua was leading the people, but God was leading Joshua and the nation of Israel as a whole. Perhaps overconfidence played a part due to their recent victory at Ai when they were approached by a delegation from Gibeon six miles down the road presenting themselves as coming from a foreign nation in a far distant land. They had come to seek a peace treaty with Israel after Jericho and Ai were destroyed and figured they were next. Their deception was well thought out. Joshua 9:12-13 describes the great lengths they went to deceiving Israel, “This bread was hot from the ovens when we left our homes. But now, as you can see, it is dry and moldy. These wineskins were new when we filled them, but now they are old and split open. And our clothing and sandals are worn out from our very long journey.” (NLT) Israel fell to the deception by what they saw. They felt no need to ask God for His guidance after observing their clothing, food rations and speaking with the delegation. However, not everything is as it seems.
Failure to pray about every situation that comes into our lives will have devastating consequences, especially when we are still adjusting to our new space. Don’t forget, God brought you to your current place and He is not done leading you, nor will He ever be. Israel forgot that and made a treaty with the people of Gibeon who they were to destroy. “Then Joshua made a peace treaty with them and guaranteed their safety, and the leaders of the community ratified their agreement with a binding oath. Three days after making the treaty, they learned that these people actually lived nearby!” (Jos. 9:15-16 NLT) Israel was deceived.
After Joshua found out the truth of who the Gibeonites were and they were neighbors, he made them servants tending to carrying water and woodcutting. Since the treaty was made in the name of Jehovah, it was sacred and could not be broken. Joshua honored the treaty allowing them to live.
Some Bible passages are hard for us to understand, but if we ask for the Lord’s help as we search the scriptures He will give great insights. We have seen many insights we can apply to our lives from Joshua and Israel conquering their new territory. Today see the importance of praying for everything. There are a lot of matters we handle ourselves without falling into a trap of deception. With that being said, in conclusion I leave you with an excerpt from a yesteryear devotional from the late Dr. Robert A. Cook;
“Pray your way through the day. Pray when you wake up so you won’t greet the family with a snarl. Pray on your way to school or to work. Pray before you tackled the first job of the day, whatever it may be. Pray before you answer the phone…. .Pray before you open a letter…… Pray before you make a decision. Pray before you hire a person and before you fire one, if you have to. Pray before you enter a business deal……Pray your way through the day.” (1)
Praying our way through the day makes good sense, that way we cover everything both large and small. Remember you haven’t been here before, allow God to make decisions for you. ‘Pray for everything’. He will make it clear what to do and you won’t be deceived.
