Life or Death Bless or Curse
Pastor Ken Trevithick
Deuteronomy 30:15-20
“See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil, 16in that I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments, His statutes, and His judgments, that you may live and multiply; and the Lord your God will bless you in the land which you go to possess. 17But if your heart turns away so that you do not hear, and are drawn away, and worship other gods and serve them, 18I announce to you today that you shall surely perish; you shall not prolong your days in the land which you cross over the Jordan to go in and possess. 19I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; 20that you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days; and that you may dwell in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.”
Observation
Moses notes there is a choice for Israel, and thus for mankind, “life and death, blessing and cursing.” Moses also declares his preference for Israel, “therefore choose life.” As Moses looks at the Promised Land, and he realizes the blessings which God wants to bestow on His people, the desire of his heart is for them to experience the fullness of life that God intends. The key to this blessing is “to love the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments, His statutes, and His judgments.” Neither God, nor Moses wants to leave His people without direction or hope for the future. It should be noted that Israel is already in relationship with God; they are His chosen people. Obedience to His commands or loving Him were not requirements to belong to Him, but rather the pathway of blessing and life for those He had already chosen.
Application
I am so thankful to be in the family of God. I have come to understand that God’s moral law is to the soul of man as His natural law is to creation. It is God’s desire for me to choose life, but He leaves that choice up to me. I am learning that the blessings of God flow from an active relationship with Him where I participate by responding to the principles He established for life. I have come to understand that God’s moral code is not only written in His Book, but is also born witness to by His Spirit. My conscience, if I listen to it is able to keep me from the curses of life. Truth originates in God; the choice to live in truth and have relationship with Him must come from my heart.
Prayer
Father, I want to thank-you for the relationship I have with You through Your Son, Jesus Christ. I want to thank-you also for the truth of Your word. Help me to love You from my heart, and to walk in the principles of Your word. I so much appreciate the interactive relationship we share.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
A Blessed Life
A Blessed Life
Tami Lambertson
Scripture: Deuteronomy 10:12-13
And now, O Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord's commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?
Observation:
Once again, Moses is laying it out plain and simple on how the Israelites can have a blessed life. This is what God wants from them.
Application:
This is what God wants from me! I try to make things so complicated. I over-think my life, mission, service, and ministry. I feel guilty for not doing more, I worry that I'm not hearing God's voice and obeying the Holy Spirit. I just have the urgency that I'm not DOING enough. All God has commanded me to do is:
1. Fear Him.
2. Walk in His ways - know the Word and keep it.
3. Love Him.
4. Serve Him from my heart.
5. Keep His commands.
If I am LIVING like this, my LIFE will be the testimony. He will do the work. That's the way it's meant to be. My relationship with Him will be obvious to others. That's what will draw people. I need to let go of the guilt, quit trying, and let God orchestrate. I realize I'm just along for the ride, but it's so hard to let God stay in control. I keep wanting to do things and force things in my own strength.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I love you. I fear you. I try daily to keep your commands, walk in your Spirit, and obey. Forgive me for feeling guilty. Forgive me for worrying. Forgive me for trying to do things in my own strenth. Lord, I pray that you would guide my steps and direct my conversations today. As I live, according to Your plan and purpose, draw others to your grace and power. Surround me with Your presence today. In Jesus' Name.
And now, O Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord's commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?
Observation:
Once again, Moses is laying it out plain and simple on how the Israelites can have a blessed life. This is what God wants from them.
Application:
This is what God wants from me! I try to make things so complicated. I over-think my life, mission, service, and ministry. I feel guilty for not doing more, I worry that I'm not hearing God's voice and obeying the Holy Spirit. I just have the urgency that I'm not DOING enough. All God has commanded me to do is:
1. Fear Him.
2. Walk in His ways - know the Word and keep it.
3. Love Him.
4. Serve Him from my heart.
5. Keep His commands.
If I am LIVING like this, my LIFE will be the testimony. He will do the work. That's the way it's meant to be. My relationship with Him will be obvious to others. That's what will draw people. I need to let go of the guilt, quit trying, and let God orchestrate. I realize I'm just along for the ride, but it's so hard to let God stay in control. I keep wanting to do things and force things in my own strength.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I love you. I fear you. I try daily to keep your commands, walk in your Spirit, and obey. Forgive me for feeling guilty. Forgive me for worrying. Forgive me for trying to do things in my own strenth. Lord, I pray that you would guide my steps and direct my conversations today. As I live, according to Your plan and purpose, draw others to your grace and power. Surround me with Your presence today. In Jesus' Name.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Salt is Good
Salt is Good
Pastor Tyson Lambertson
Scripture: Mark 9:50 “You must have the qualities of salt among yourselves and live in peace with each other.”
Observation: If the qualities of salt are not among God’s people there will be no peace. If salt looses its flavor, there is no recovering it, it becomes good for nothing.
Application: As salt can loose its saltiness, so a Christian can loose its “flavor.” As salt is good for preserving meats, and making them tasty, so it is good that we be seasoned with grace, for the purifying your hearts and lives, and for spreading the taste of my knowledge, both in your own souls, and wherever ye go. But as salt if it loses its saltness is fit for nothing. If we lose your faith and love, we are fit for nothing.
Prayer: Father, I pray that I never loose flavor. Help me be a person who is seasoned with your word and the Holy Spirit. In Jesus Name…Amen
Pastor Tyson Lambertson
Scripture: Mark 9:50 “You must have the qualities of salt among yourselves and live in peace with each other.”
Observation: If the qualities of salt are not among God’s people there will be no peace. If salt looses its flavor, there is no recovering it, it becomes good for nothing.
Application: As salt can loose its saltiness, so a Christian can loose its “flavor.” As salt is good for preserving meats, and making them tasty, so it is good that we be seasoned with grace, for the purifying your hearts and lives, and for spreading the taste of my knowledge, both in your own souls, and wherever ye go. But as salt if it loses its saltness is fit for nothing. If we lose your faith and love, we are fit for nothing.
Prayer: Father, I pray that I never loose flavor. Help me be a person who is seasoned with your word and the Holy Spirit. In Jesus Name…Amen
Monday, February 16, 2009
“If” – Our Choice
Leviticus 26
Ken Trevithick
3 ‘If you walk in My statutes and keep My commandments, and perform them,”
14 ‘But if you do not obey Me, and do not observe all these commandments,
15 and if you despise My statutes, or if your soul abhors My judgments, so that you do not perform all My commandments, but break My covenant,”
18 ‘And after all this, if you do not obey Me, then I will punish you seven times more for your sins”
21 ‘Then, if you walk contrary to Me, and are not willing to obey Me, I will bring on you seven times more plagues, according to your sins.”
Observation
Here in Leviticus I am reminded of the choices that God offers. As I read through the entire passage, the “If”, or contingent statements in this passage, I was reminded of our responsibility as we make a choices to the commands of God. These choices will have consequences. I realized throughout history as God has dealt with the nation of Israel they were called upon to make choices. In Deuteronomy 30:19 God states of Israel, as they were ready to enter the Promised Land, “I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live.”
Application
Here in Leviticus, but also in Deuteronomy 30, there is stated the reality of our choices. From the passage in Deuteronomy I see the heart of God for His people, “…therefore choose life…” God gives His commands to His people in order for them to find life in Him. To choose otherwise has consequences, as I have found in my own life. The number of times I have said to myself, “I know I shouldn’t do this!” only later to say to myself, “I knew I shouldn’t have done that!” God’s Word is given to be a lamp to our feet, and a light to our path, but God leaves the choice up to us.
Prayer
Father, I want to thank-you for the gift of Your Word. I ask that You remind me of the power of the choices I make, and the reality of the consequences to these choices. Help me to choose the wise path.
Leviticus 26
Ken Trevithick
3 ‘If you walk in My statutes and keep My commandments, and perform them,”
14 ‘But if you do not obey Me, and do not observe all these commandments,
15 and if you despise My statutes, or if your soul abhors My judgments, so that you do not perform all My commandments, but break My covenant,”
18 ‘And after all this, if you do not obey Me, then I will punish you seven times more for your sins”
21 ‘Then, if you walk contrary to Me, and are not willing to obey Me, I will bring on you seven times more plagues, according to your sins.”
Observation
Here in Leviticus I am reminded of the choices that God offers. As I read through the entire passage, the “If”, or contingent statements in this passage, I was reminded of our responsibility as we make a choices to the commands of God. These choices will have consequences. I realized throughout history as God has dealt with the nation of Israel they were called upon to make choices. In Deuteronomy 30:19 God states of Israel, as they were ready to enter the Promised Land, “I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live.”
Application
Here in Leviticus, but also in Deuteronomy 30, there is stated the reality of our choices. From the passage in Deuteronomy I see the heart of God for His people, “…therefore choose life…” God gives His commands to His people in order for them to find life in Him. To choose otherwise has consequences, as I have found in my own life. The number of times I have said to myself, “I know I shouldn’t do this!” only later to say to myself, “I knew I shouldn’t have done that!” God’s Word is given to be a lamp to our feet, and a light to our path, but God leaves the choice up to us.
Prayer
Father, I want to thank-you for the gift of Your Word. I ask that You remind me of the power of the choices I make, and the reality of the consequences to these choices. Help me to choose the wise path.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Holiness to the Lord
Holiness to the Lord
Pastor Ken Trevithick
Leviticus 10:3
“By those who come near Me
I must be regarded as holy;
And before all the people
I must be glorified.’”
Observation
As Nadab and Abihu, sons of Aaron, approached the altar of God in an inappropriate way fire went out from the Lord and consumed them. Some have speculated different offenses to ritual. But to me, it appears that God is setting off His Holiness, and the fact that His people must take holiness seriously. It is in the Holiness of God, exemplified in His people, God wants to be demonstrated within the family of God and to the world. There is the statement, “I must be regarded as holy;” a declaration of how His people should approach Him. It is in this approach to God that we will be demonstrating truth consistent with His nature.
Application
It is important to understand the seriousness of our service to the Lord, and His commitment to a “holiness” that exemplifies who He is. It is important that I, and all who serve God remember this important principle. Some might say, “That is in the Old Testament.” But I was reminded of a similar incident recorded in the New Testament. It took place when Ananias and Sapphira attempted to lie to the Holy Spirit. I am reminded of Peter’s exhortation to “Be holy, for I am holy,” a quote from Leviticus 11:44. May we be encouraged to demonstrate His holiness as we serve Him in the world today.
Prayer
Lord, I ask that you help me to take “holiness” as seriously as You do. I invite Your reminder to my heart and mind to the importance of this reality to You.
Pastor Ken Trevithick
Leviticus 10:3
“By those who come near Me
I must be regarded as holy;
And before all the people
I must be glorified.’”
Observation
As Nadab and Abihu, sons of Aaron, approached the altar of God in an inappropriate way fire went out from the Lord and consumed them. Some have speculated different offenses to ritual. But to me, it appears that God is setting off His Holiness, and the fact that His people must take holiness seriously. It is in the Holiness of God, exemplified in His people, God wants to be demonstrated within the family of God and to the world. There is the statement, “I must be regarded as holy;” a declaration of how His people should approach Him. It is in this approach to God that we will be demonstrating truth consistent with His nature.
Application
It is important to understand the seriousness of our service to the Lord, and His commitment to a “holiness” that exemplifies who He is. It is important that I, and all who serve God remember this important principle. Some might say, “That is in the Old Testament.” But I was reminded of a similar incident recorded in the New Testament. It took place when Ananias and Sapphira attempted to lie to the Holy Spirit. I am reminded of Peter’s exhortation to “Be holy, for I am holy,” a quote from Leviticus 11:44. May we be encouraged to demonstrate His holiness as we serve Him in the world today.
Prayer
Lord, I ask that you help me to take “holiness” as seriously as You do. I invite Your reminder to my heart and mind to the importance of this reality to You.
Seek And Search
Kirk Wells
2-10-09
Scripture: Acts 17:11
And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those of Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth.
Observation:
Don’t let your own personal doctrine get in the way of God’s truths.
Application:
This is the way everyone of us should approach Christianity, with an eagerness and open-mindedness. Let God reveal those things He deems necessary for us to know.The only way He can reveal them is through the Scriptures. That’s where our commitment comes in, to find the truth by reading the Bible everyday, seeking out our unanswered questions. Everytime someone speaks about the Gospel we don’t understand, and in order to not be deceived, we must find the truth ourselves. Never completely put your faith in man, he will let you down. But, the Word of God has and will remain faithful forever!
Prayer:
Father help me to be eager, open-minded and always in your Word. In Jesus’ name. AMEN
Kirk Wells
2-10-09
Scripture: Acts 17:11
And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those of Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth.
Observation:
Don’t let your own personal doctrine get in the way of God’s truths.
Application:
This is the way everyone of us should approach Christianity, with an eagerness and open-mindedness. Let God reveal those things He deems necessary for us to know.The only way He can reveal them is through the Scriptures. That’s where our commitment comes in, to find the truth by reading the Bible everyday, seeking out our unanswered questions. Everytime someone speaks about the Gospel we don’t understand, and in order to not be deceived, we must find the truth ourselves. Never completely put your faith in man, he will let you down. But, the Word of God has and will remain faithful forever!
Prayer:
Father help me to be eager, open-minded and always in your Word. In Jesus’ name. AMEN
Thursday, January 29, 2009
1-27-09
Kirk Wells
Can’t Do It Alone
Scripture; Exodus 17:12
Moses’ arms soon became so tired he could no longer hold them up.So Aaron and Hur found a stone for him to sit on. Then they stood on each side of Moses, holding up his hands. So his hands held steady until sunset.
Observation;
The strongest, most physically fit human is limited when he tries to do anything under his own power.
Application;
In Proverbs it tells us a three strand cord isn’t easily broken. The strands work together for strength. This is the way our Christian life should be also, each one of us standing with a brother or sister, ready to lift them up when they start to weaken from the battle. And the more of us there are, the more strength we have, and the longer we can endure. God created us one for another! That’s one reason God said it wasn’t good for man to be alone.We all need lifted up at times, and encouraged!!!
Prayer;
Lord, help me to not pass by a brother or sister that needs me to stand with them and lift them up, when they are weak. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Kirk Wells
Can’t Do It Alone
Scripture; Exodus 17:12
Moses’ arms soon became so tired he could no longer hold them up.So Aaron and Hur found a stone for him to sit on. Then they stood on each side of Moses, holding up his hands. So his hands held steady until sunset.
Observation;
The strongest, most physically fit human is limited when he tries to do anything under his own power.
Application;
In Proverbs it tells us a three strand cord isn’t easily broken. The strands work together for strength. This is the way our Christian life should be also, each one of us standing with a brother or sister, ready to lift them up when they start to weaken from the battle. And the more of us there are, the more strength we have, and the longer we can endure. God created us one for another! That’s one reason God said it wasn’t good for man to be alone.We all need lifted up at times, and encouraged!!!
Prayer;
Lord, help me to not pass by a brother or sister that needs me to stand with them and lift them up, when they are weak. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
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