Hungry for God

Sunday

Are You a Philistine or a Rahab?

The Philistines.

I often think of them as big, dumb oafs. Goliath is probably the most well-known of this Cromagnum race. I picture him as a cross between Arnold Schwarzenegger and the Hulk with a little Andrae the Giant thrown in for good measure.

The sixth chapter of 1 Samuel tells us about them. The Philistines and the Israelites were at war. God wasn’t about to bless the Israelites in battle while they were dead-set (pun intended) on handling the war in their own strength. When things got dicey and it looked like they might lose, the wicked sons of Eli the priest pulled out their lucky rabbit’s foot—the ark of God—and carried it into battle. The Philistines defeated the Israelites and captured the revered Ark of the Covenant, the symbol of Israel’s might and power.

This is when the story really gets interesting. In every city where the ark was housed, plagues broke out. Thousands died from painful tumors, and cities were overrun with rats (probably carrying the Bubonic plague.)

And while the Philistines were known more for their brawn than their brains, it didn’t take them long to connect the dots. “The ark of the God of Israel must not remain with us, for His hand is harsh toward us and Dagon our god” (1 Sam 5:7). Even their wise men agreed—the ark had to go. To continue to deny that the true God, the God of Israel, was behind these events was simply foolish. “Why then do you harden your hearts as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened their hearts? When He did mighty things among them, did they not let the people go . . . ?” (1 Sam. 6:6).

Unfortunately, even though the light bulb turned on for the Philistines, they didn’t apply their understanding to their personal lives. Although they acknowledged that the God of Israel had done mighty things among them, they didn’t take the next logical step and place their faith in Him for their salvation.

In contrast, citizens of another pagan city, Jericho, also had the opportunity to hear of and see the God of Israel at work. Listen to the testimony of Rahab, one of the city’s less-than-upstanding citizens, “I know that the Lord has given you the land. . . For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt. . . and as soon as we heard these things, our hearts melted.”

Unlike the Philistines, however, Rahab didn’t just acknowledge that God was mighty, powerful, and able to do miracles, she went a step further. She applied the truth about God to her own life: “. . . For the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath.”

She heard and saw what God could do, and she acknowledged him as her Savior. She moved from head knowledge to heart knowledge, from intellectual assent to wholehearted acceptance.

And then, as is always the case with a true faith experience, she staked her life on the truth she had accepted. She tied the scarlet cord the spies gave her to her window, turned her back on her pagan lifestyle, and waited with her family in faith and trust for God’s deliverance.

Today, which type of hearer are you?

Are you a Philistine—one who has heard about God and acknowledged his work in the world, but has never wholeheartedly committed your life to him? Or are you a Rahab—one who has seen what God has done in the world, repented of your sins, and placed your faith and trust in him for your salvation?

The Philistines were eventually annihilated as a race. In contrast, one of the descendants of Rahab became the Messiah, the Savior of the world.

Saving faith always demonstrates itself by action. What would your actions demonstrate about the state of your faith? Don’t be a Philistine – one who watches God work from a distance but never knows him personally. Be a Rahab—one who experiences how God wants to use us, change us, and give us life and purpose.

If you liked this post, you might also enjoy "Have You Put Your Hand on the Goat?"

If this post encouraged you, you might enjoy Lori's new book, Joy in the Journey ~ Encouragement for Homeschooling Moms.

Homeschooling is HARD!

With a devotion for every week of the school year, Joy in the Journey helps remind you that God wants to be a vital, active part of your homeschool. Each chapter contains devotions specific to what a homeschooling mom encounters each month, application questions, an action step, and a prayer. It's suitable for personal devotions or for use by your support group for meeting topic ideas.
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To read more about Joy in the Journey and what other homeschooling moms are saying about it, click here.

To order a paperback copy, click here.

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Thursday

My Doctor Was Wrong

Woosha woosha woosha woosha. Woosha woosha woosha woosha.

It was one of my favorite parts of my monthly doctor’s visit. Even before I felt pregnant, and certainly before I looked it, I’d raise my shirt and expose my non-existent belly so the doctor could listen to my baby’s heartbeat.

After a pregnant pause, the ultrasound device he used would begin its rhythmic sound projection, and I would smile. “That’s a good strong heartbeat on that little boy,” my doctor would pronounce. A month later he’d listen again. “That little girl sounds like she’s exercising in there,” he’d say, completely oblivious to the fact that he’d just contradicted his earlier prediction. I realized that while the Doppler device was very helpful to confirm that my baby’s heart was beating, it was almost useless for other diagnostics.

As I look back on those doctor visits, I think about my own heart. And about yours. If someone listened to our hearts, what would he hear?

Would he hear a heart that is sold out to Jesus? Paul had one. He often referred to his love for God, whom he served “with his whole heart.”

Would he hear a heart that is sensitive when God convicts us of sin? The Jews at Pentecost had one. “When they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37). Would he hear a heart that is pure? Jesus said the pure of heart would see God (Mat. 5:8).

Would he hear a heart that deeply pondered the things of God? Mary had one. She “treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart” (Luke 2:19).

Would he hear a heart that is willing to invest some of this world’s resources to gather eternal ones? Jesus observed, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” Mt 6:21. Would he hear a heart committed to peacemaking and unity? The believers of the early church were of “one in heart and mind” (Acts 4:32).

Would he hear a heart that speaks with gentleness, kindness, goodness, and self-control? “For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks” says Matthew 12:34.

Would he hear a heart that is good and noble, eager to learn God’s word, apply it, and let it work its way out through our lives? “But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop” (Luke 18:15).

Would he hear a heart that doesn’t despair when difficulties come, but rests in whom it has believed? Those suffering for the gospel’s sake had hearts like this. “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day” (2 Cor. 4:16).

And finally, would he hear a heart so full of God’s love that it bubbles out for all to hear? Paul encouraged the Ephesians to have this kind of heart. “Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord” (Eph. 5:19).

How's your heart today? If you're missing some of the most important components of spiritual heart health, go to the Great Physician. Confess your need, and commit to do what he tells you.

“Let us, therefore, draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water,” (Hebrews 10:22).

And above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life” (Proverbs 4:23).

If you liked this devotion, you'll enjoy When I Realized I Didn't Love God.

If you enjoyed this devotion, you'll love Lori's devotional book for homeschooling moms, Joy in the Journey.
Mardel.com is has an end of school special -- 25% off! Click HERE to order.
With a devotional for every week of the school year, JITJ has application questions, an action step, and a prayer. It's suitable for your own devotional reading or for use by a support group for meeting ideas.

Don't start your new year without it!

For more information and to read what other homeschooling moms are saying about Joy in the Journey, click here.
To order a paperback copy, click here.

End of School Special Ebook: $1.99 -- see ordering info in the sidebar.

Sunday

Beautiful Eyes

I knew what my husband was going to say before he said it.

We had just spent a few hours with our new neighbor and her live-in boyfriend. I invited her to our church, and she and her boyfriend had surprised me by coming. Wanting to get to know them better, we asked them to join us for pizza after the service.

Whitney is a beautiful woman about my age. She has wide, tawny eyes with long lashes. Her teeth are straight and white. As I sat across from her while we talked, I watched her, thinking again how attractive she was. That’s how I knew what my husband was going to say before he said it.

“I was thinking about Whitney,” he said later, and the little worm of jealousy and insecurity wiggled inside me. “I was watching her eyes.”

“She has very beautiful eyes,” I acknowledged.

“. . . but they’re not like yours,” he said. “They don’t smile.”

David saw what I had missed that day. He echoed the observation of the old English proverb that says, “The eyes are the windows to the soul.” Unlike me, he had looked past Whitney’s outward beauty and peered into her heart, which was empty without Jesus.

When we encounter beautiful people, it’s easy to forget that what we see on the outside doesn’t always reflect what’s going on on the inside. Hollywood actors and actresses are a good example of this, but so are our friends and neighbors.

As we talked about spiritual things with Whitney and her boyfriend over pizza that day, I hope it was the first of many conversations we’ll have with them. I pray, in time, Whitney will come to know God personally as her Savior. Then she can experience what the writer of Proverbs describes: “A happy heart makes the face cheerful.”

And there’s nothing that makes a heart happier than knowing Christ as Savior.

Today I’m praying for Whitney. What about you? Whom has God brought into your life that needs to experience the joy that only comes from knowing God? Not superficial happiness, but the deep-down-inside joy that only Jesus can give? Pray for them today, and then take a step toward building a relationship that will one day grant you the opportunity to share the reason for the hope that lies within you.

If you enjoyed this post, you might like Why My Husband Took the Cold Shower.

If you enjoyed this devotion, you'll love Lori's devotional book for homeschooling moms, Joy in the Journey.
Mardel.com is has an end of school special -- 25% off! Click HERE to order.
With a devotional for every week of the school year, JITJ has application questions, an action step, and a prayer. It's suitable for your own devotional reading or for use by a support group for meeting ideas.

Don't start your new school year without it!

For more information and to read what other homeschooling moms are saying about Joy in the Journey, click here.
To order a paperback copy, click here.

End of School Special Ebook: $1.99 -- see ordering info in the sidebar.

Thursday

When Someone You Love Is Struggling Spiritually

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They’ve been a pillar of spiritual strength. A source of biblical wisdom. A prayer warrior who’s bolstered others with their faith and love.

But now they’re struggling.

A health crisis has entered their lives. Or a wayward child, or a job loss. Perhaps a mountain of unanswered prayers are weighing them down. Ministry is difficult, unappreciated, or non-existent.

Instead of speaking words of faith and hope, they’re drowning in a sea of questions and disappointment. They’re struggling spiritually, and you don’t know how to help.

What can we do when someone we love is struggling spiritually?

1. Be Patient. The deeper the hurt, the longer it can take to heal. When someone’s been through a serious personal, financial, or spiritual crisis, we can’t expect them to reorient immediately. If you’ve ever experienced grief, you know that oftentimes the process involves two steps forward and one step back.

2. Resist the urge to set them straight theologically. If they say “God doesn’t love me,” don’t quote John 3:16 to them. They already know it, and deep inside they believe it. John Piper, in A Godward Life, says,” How quickly we are given to defending God—or sometimes the truth—from words that are for the wind alone. There are enough words, premeditated and studied, that need our rebuttal, but not every despairing heresy blurted out in the hour of agony needs to be answered. If we had discernment, we could tell the difference between the words with roots and the words blowing in the wind.”

3. Recognize the source of their words. When they speak foolish, faithless words, recognize that the source of these words is pain and hurt, not true disbelief. When someone is hurting, they have a tendency to strike out at those closest to them. For men and women of faith, that Someone is God. When they fling hurtful, faithless accusations at the One they know could have spared them from the crisis, they speak from their humanity. Even David did this as he penned the words of Psalm 22, “My God. My God. Why have you forsaken me?”

4. Pray often and intensely for them. Consider fasting. While it’s ok to pray that God will lift their burdens, pray also for them to accept and live in the grace God has provided. Ask God to strengthen their faith and give them a vision for how they can glorify him in their circumstances. Pray that God will reveal himself to them in personal, intimate ways that demonstrate his love and care.

5. Trust the Holy Spirit. Pray for God’s Spirit to speak truth to their hurting hearts and break through the pain. Rest confidently that He will take the truth they know and apply it to their situation.

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6. Do what you can to restore their bodies and souls. When Elijah alternated between despair and depression while hiding from wicked Queen Jezebel, God ministered to his physical needs first. He fed him and encouraged him to rest. It was only after his physical needs were met that Elijah was ready to hear the “still, small voice” of God (1 Kings 19).

For us, this might mean taking them a meal, babysitting their kids, or inviting them out for a fun, lighthearted afternoon. Send them a silly card that makes them smile, text an encouraging Bible verse, or share a Youtube video like Mandisa’s “He Is with You” or Third Day’s “Cry Out to Jesus.” Invite them over for dinner with a few close friends and end the evening by laying hands on them and praying.

Piper gives wise insight into how to minister to someone whose spirit is hurting: “Let us learn to discern whether the words spoken against us or against God or against the truth are merely for the wind—spoken not from the soul, but from the sore. If they are for the wind, let us wait in silence and not reprove. Restoring the soul, not reproving the sore, is the aim of our love.”

What about you? Has there been a time when you were struggling spiritually and someone ministered to you? I’d love for you to share your story in the comment box below. If you’re reading by email, CLICK HERE to leave a comment.

If you enjoyed this post, you might like “When Life Chews You Up and Spits You Out – How to Banish the Dark Night of the Soul.”

Monday

The Taser in my Pocket

I seldom walk without a Taser in my back pocket.

I’ve discharged it a few times, too. Only at dogs, but I’m prepared to zap a human attacker if I need to. So far the sound alone has been enough to make a menacing canine think twice about coming any closer. The intimidating electric crackle has stopped every dog in its tracks; most turn tail and run. It’s been an effective defensive weapon to protect my dog, Winston, and me as we take our morning walk.

Sometimes, though, I forget to slip it into my pocket as I leave the house. When I reach for it, it’s not there. Other times I’ve neglected to charge it, and when I need it, it’s useless.

After a dog attacked Winston one morning a year ago, I became more aware of the need for protection. Unfortunately, I’m not always as conscious or as careful about protecting myself against another type of attack—a spiritual one.

I suspect I’m vulnerable physically as I walk the streets of my neighborhood, but I know with certainty I’m vulnerable spiritually. The book of First Peter describes Satan, the enemy of my soul, as a roaring lion, prowling about, seeking whom he might destroy. He’s the ruler of this world and has buried IEDs everywhere. These destructive weapons have the capability to hurt, maim, and kill my family, my marriage, my witness, my ministry, and even my soul.

And you are equally vulnerable.

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The good news is that just like I have a Taser for physical protection, I also have an arsenal of spiritual weapons.

I have:

The helmet of salvation (Eph 6:17). This protects my soul from spending eternity separated from God.

The breastplate of righteousness (Eph. 6:14). The moment I surrender myself to him, Christ drapes his mantle of righteousness over my filthy rags of self-effort. My responsibility from this point on is to walk in righteousness by yielding myself to God (Romans 12). Righteous living protects me from sinful behavior and its consequences.

The shield of faith (Eph 6:16). Faith is believing in God based on his character and what he has done in the past. Faith protects me from despair and hopelessness. Faith is also an offensive weapon with which I can storm the gates of hell on behalf of Kingdom work.

The sword of the Spirit (Eph. 6:17). A sword is always an offensive weapon, and with the sword of the Spirit I can battle the forces of darkness. The Spirit prays for me when I don’t know how, teaches me God’s truth, and fills me with courage.

The belt of truth (Eph 6:14). Truth is every Word that comes from God. Truth helps us advocate for the helpless, champion for right, and understand how we should live in this crooked and perverse generation. Truth speaks difficult things boldly yet tenderly, and is always governed by God’s love.

Shoes fitted with the readiness of the Gospel (Eph. 6:15). Everywhere we go, the Gospel should mark our steps, determine our course, and govern our actions. When we wear Gospel shoes, we notice where God is at work and join him.

But like my Taser, left behind on the table, these weapons can’t protect us unless we carry them with us.

How do we do this?

We put on the helmet of salvation by acknowledging our sin, turning from it, and giving Christ control of our lives. (For more information on how to have a relationship with Christ, CLICK HERE.)

We wear the breastplate of righteousness by accepting that Christ has given us new natures and seeking to behave as Jesus did.

We lift the shield of faith by believing God’s Word, living in light of his promises, and praying for God’s work in the world.

We buckle on the belt of truth by studying the Bible and basing our lives on the words it contains.

We lace up the Gospel shoes by learning how to share the good news of Jesus Christ and telling others.

It’s an impressive cache of weapons – and they are all ours for the taking.

I invite you to ask yourself, Am I adequately prepared for the spiritual battle that rages around me?

Which weapons do I regularly leave behind?

Why?

I challenge you – don’t begin another day without gearing up with God’s weapons of protection. It’s a matter of life or death.

If you enjoyed this "The Taser in my Pocket", you might like Almost Devoured - 7 Ways to Fight Satan.