Tag: Marcia Railton

And He Did So.

Isaiah 18-22

Isaiah 20 is an incredibly short though (at least for me) difficult chapter to read. And it is one I definitely don’t remember learning in Sunday School class growing up. We learned about Isaiah, the faithful servant of God who had a powerful calling from God. When he saw a vision of God’s majesty he crumbled in unworthiness and guilt, but then God cleansed him with a burning coal to his lips and Isaiah boldly declared, “Here am I. Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8). We knew Isaiah wrote lots of chapters with many warnings and some beautiful passages of the promised Messiah. But, we didn’t know about the humiliation of chapter 20.

Today we read, “At that time the Lord spoke through Isaiah son of Amoz. He said to him, ‘Take off the sackcloth from your body and the sandals from your feet.’ And he did so, going around stripped and barefoot.” (Isaiah 20:2 NIV). No, argument is recorded. Just obedience. “And he did so.” And, it wouldn’t just be for the day or even a week – but for three years! Commentaries kindly mention he would still have had a loin cloth (a.k.a – underwear). But that’s not too reassuring to Isaiah, his family, or his readers today.

It is natural to ask WHY, God? There has to be a reason why a loving God would ask His faithful servant to go through this embarrassing and painful object lesson for three long years. In this case I believe God was having Isaiah dramatically get the people’s attention to remind them just how degrading and dehumanizing their lives would be as prisoners of war (who were often marched around in such fashion). And, that is what they will become if they choose to forsake the Lord and put their trust instead in foreign ungodly allies like Egypt and Cush.

It makes me wonder – what am I willing to do for God? What amount of personal pain, sorrow, and humiliation am I willing to endure in order to be doing what God has asked of me? Am I more concerned about what men will think of my service to God, or what God would say? Certainly Isaiah would have never lasted for three nearly naked years if he held in greater regard the approval, understanding or encouragement of his peers over pleasing God.

Could I have done what Isaiah did? I think when faced with God’s awesome majesty I could say, “Here am I. Send me!”. After all, it sounds like pretty good resume material to be a messenger for God – I bet it’s a job that comes with some great benefits, too. I would even name my baby boy Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz (meaning quick to the plunder, swift to the spoils) just as Isaiah did for God. That is an object lesson I feel I would willingly participate in, even though others might laugh and ridicule my choice. But, is there a cut off line where my loyalty and devotion to God would end? Is there a job He could ask of me that I would say ‘no’ to? I hope not.

Too often when we sign on for a position working for the Almighty, we try to choose what it will look like. “I will go here for God and do this for God.” And everyone will be amazed. But, sometimes, God has different plans. Bigger plans. Sometimes, more confusing plans. Sometimes, plans that will take you far out of your comfort zone and even into the midst of personal pain, loss, turmoil, and ridicule.

While the apostle Paul never faced the exact same jobs Isaiah endured, he also gained a lot of experience facing trials and difficulties, misunderstanding and persecution while following God, and His Son Jesus. He wrote in Colossians 3:17 “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” We can learn a thing or two from both Paul and Isaiah about serving the Lord.

What would you do for God?

-Marcia Railton

(Originally posted for SeekGrowLove Sept 12, 2021. I apologize the devotion wasn’t emailed out earlier today.)

Reflection Questions

  1. What do you think God wanted the people of Isaiah’s day to know about Him and His plans?
  2. What do you think God wants people today to know about Him and His plans?
  3. What would you do for God?

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The 40 Day Worship Conference

Exodus 31-33

This week my husband is attending a four day technology conference where attendees are being introduced to the absolute newest innovations in the world of technology. They get to hear keynote speakers who are the experts in their field. He is loving exploring all the new and improved gadgets and gizmos. He also made sure he left a little extra wiggle room in his suitcase to bring home some conference souvenirs from the show floor exhibits.

As we’ve been reading in Exodus these last few days, it struck me that Moses was experiencing a somewhat similar event. With a few important differences of course. Moses’ conference wasn’t 4 days but 40. His wasn’t in Spain or Florida, but on Mount Sinai. His conference souvenir was much more impressive (and heavy) than anything Jason has come home with. And, the topic of Moses’ conference wasn’t technology but worship.

I think if you asked most people what Moses was doing on Mount Sinai, if they had any idea at all, they might say God was giving him the Ten Commandments on stone tablets. And they wouldn’t be wrong, as we see that did occur in the final verse of Exodus 31, which is part of our Bible reading today. However, there is much much more to the story. First of all, one should have asked – which visit to Mount Sinai – because it appears there could have been up to 7 or 8 trips up and down the mountain for Moses. (Similarly, if you asked me how many times Jason has been to technology conferences, I lost count a long time ago.) But, this was definitely a special place and Moses and God spent some special time together on this mountain.

It is interesting that this particular 40 day worship conference began way back at the tail end of Exodus 24 “Moses entered the cloud and went up on the mountain. And Moses was on the mountain forty days and forty nights.” (Ex 24:18 ESV) Thus begins 7 detailed chapters (Exodus 25-31) in which Moses tells us exactly what was really going on on Mount Sinai for 40 days and nights. And it really wasn’t about the law and the Ten Commandments, this time. In fact, these were given back in Exodus 20-23 (just 4 chapters for the giving of the law, though we will get to some more soon in Leviticus). Also, in Exodus 24 Moses had written down God’s rules for living. He read them to the people and they agreed that they would obey.

Next, God was moving on to the next BIG thing – How will you WORSHIP me? If you’ve been following along this week in Exodus you’ve read over and over again, “The Lord said to Moses…”, and “You shall make…”. And then you’ve read many, many detailed directions on how God wanted the people to make a tabernacle where they would meet and worship God. Contributions, curtains, ark of the covenant, bread table, golden lampstand, bronze altar, outer court, lamp oil, the priests’ clothing and consecration, incense altar, census tax, bronze basin, anointing oil, incense…no wonder it took 40 days! I wonder if Moses had to pass a written test at the end so God was sure He remembered the perfect incense recipe and the dimensions of the curtains. Maybe Moses took notes and made sketches which would become the rough draft of Exodus 25-31.

It’s important to remember these were not just suggestions given for one possible way they could create a space for God to dwell with them. These were precise directions from the Creative Maker of the Universe. The All-Knowing Keynote Speaker at this Worship Conference knew what He wanted and why. There was only one right way to do it God’s way. Perhaps He was giving them valuable experience in doing things God’s way. Thankfully, He was making it known, every detail, so they wouldn’t have to guess and get it wrong over and over again. Also, as we see if Exodus 31 He was not only giving this information to Moses, but He was also giving His Spirit and ability, intelligence and knowledge to others who would lead the work of crafting. They didn’t have to figure it out on their own! They could follow the God-given directions and God would provide the skills and abilities and knowledge and Spirit they needed! But, what if Moses or Bezalel or Oholiab (the gifted craftsmen) or the people decided green and yellow yarn would be much brighter and cheerier than blue, purple and scarlet? What happens when we disregard God’s directions and decide to do it our own way instead?

One example is given in Exodus 32. Just as I have my biggest technology emergencies when my tech expert is at the technology conference, when Moses is at the worship conference, the Israelites experience a very big worship emergency. They not only try changing the color of the yarn, they change their god. Fearing what has happened to Moses (apparently they didn’t get the advertisement that this worship conference would last 40 days), they take matters into their own hands and decide it’s time to make a new god to lead them. It sounds so ridiculous – but perhaps if we are honest we have sometime also gotten tired of waiting on God, and fearing the worst, took action in the wrong direction. Unfortunately, Aaron followed along with their ideas, maybe scared of the people, maybe eager to get his chance to be in charge?

At Moses’ 40 day Worship Conference he got to receive first hand from the Lord the unveiling of all the latest and greatest features of how God wanted the Israelites to prepare to worship the Almighty. How can you attend a worship conference with God today? What does He want to reveal to you about how to worship Him?

-Marcia Railton

Reflection Questions

  1. Why do you think God gave Moses so many specific directions for how the Israelites were to worship Him? Do you think there is a connection between His rules for how we live and how we worship?
  2. I don’t think there is just one type of music God wants to be worshiped with, or just one color of carpet God wants to see in every church, but what are some worship rules you think God wants us to remember when we worship Him today?
  3. What can we learn from Moses about Christian leadership? And from Bezalel and Oholiab? And from Aaron?
  4. Have you ever created a new god to worship and follow when you became fearful or impatient. How do we guard against falling into the golden calf trap?
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God at Work

Exodus 13-15

In our devotion yesterday Jeff Fletcher was describing the Dark Night of the Soul when it seems like God is distant. Certainly being enslaved for 400 years in a foreign land could have that effect. I wonder if even through all those years of painful toil if many or some Hebrew parents were still faithfully telling their children of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob who had promised Abraham that his descendants would come out of that land of slavery after 400 years with great possessions and God’s judgment upon their former masters (Genesis 15:13). Was anyone still counting the years in anticipation? Were they talking to God about how He would show up? Were they watching to see how God might be acting on their behalf day after day while in slavery? I don’t know. But I hope so. In our reading today, there can be no doubt, God is at work and He shows up in some major ways – and also in some small surprising ways, too – but always faithful.

I will assume that you already have some knowledge of these events from Exodus 13-15. So, you already know of the amazing way God chose to lead the Israelites on their journey out of Egypt – with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night – spectacular! And you already know of God’s strong east wind that split the Red Sea with a wall of water on their right and a wall of water on their left as His cherished people crossed on dry land – astounding!

So, today I will focus on two of the smaller things – wheels and logs.

I don’t know about you – but I take great delight (maybe a little too much) in the picture of God at work in Exodus 14:25. Here the great God of the universe who has been directing the winds to create great mountains of water is watching from the pillar of fire/cloud which He specifically moved from in front of the Israelites where it had been guiding to the rear where it was protecting. So this great all-powerful God of the universe reaches down from on high to clog the chariot wheels of the advancing Egyptians who want to take back their slaves. Is there an adversary chasing you who wants to make you or someone you know a slave again? God is good at protecting His children, sometimes in ways I wouldn’t even think of. In big and small ways. God so loved the world. But we know everyone is not going to listen and play on His side. Some will play the role of adversary, but do not fear, our God knows how to clog their chariot wheels. Oh, and, make sure you are playing on the right team because the God who clogged their wheels also sent the mountainous walls of water crashing down on the Egpytians and none survived. His judgment is right and sure and coming at God’s perfect time not ours. And the whole world will know He is the Lord.

The second little example of God at work even in small ways in His big plans comes at the end of our reading today. The Egyptians are no longer a problem. Now, thirst is. They have traveled three days and have not found water. And when they finally reach water at Marah, they find the water is bitter, not just unpleasant to drink but likely unhealthy and perhaps deadly as well. The people grumble, Moses cries out to the Lord, and the Lord answers by showing Moses a log.

Thanks, God. This will help – if we want a campfire or need to start building a log cabin. But we really need water now. The Bible doesn’t record that Moses questioned God, but I might have. I love the partnership between Moses and God. God could’ve fixed the problem any way He wanted to. And if He wanted to sweeten the water with a log He could have easily picked up the right log and thrown it in himself – after all we just saw Him displace how many gallons of water and clog chariot wheels without any help from human hands. But more to His “normal” working – He shows Moses which log – and Moses simply steps up, pitches it in the water and God makes the waters sweet and healthy and life-giving.

Today, whether God is displacing the sea for you to walk through on dry land or clogging some chariot wheels to protect you, or showing you which log He wants you to pick up to sweeten your bitter surroundings – follow Him. He is at work, in big and small ways, guiding and protecting and sustaining.

-Marcia Railton

Reflection Questions

  1. What inspiring words did Moses have for the people at the edge of the Red Sea in Exodus 14:13 & 14? Which phrase do you need to hear today? What words does the Lord God have for Moses in Exodus 14:15? Where do you think God is calling you to go forward?
  2. Exodus 15 includes the first recorded hymn of the Hebrew people. If you were to create a hymn or worship song praising God for who He is and what He has done for you what would you include?
  3. Where do you see God at work – in big and small ways? Like Moses picking up the log God showed him – what might God be showing you to do to change bitter to sweet and help sustain the weary, thirsty children of God?
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Be with My Mouth

Exodus 4-6

Oh Dear Lord, please be with my mouth and teach me what I shall speak! Because my mouth is not eloquent.

Sometimes it is downright rude. Sometimes it lies. Sometimes it gets angry. Sometimes it hurts people.

Oh Dear Lord, please be with my mouth and teach me what I shall speak! Sometimes it stays shut when it should open to speak your words. Sometimes it forgets to give you praise. Sometimes it prefers to be grouchy or selfish instead of thankful.

Oh Dear Lord, please be with my mouth and teach me what I shall speak! Sometimes it doesn’t speak up for the oppressed. Sometimes it misses opportunities to spread joy and hope and your love. Sometimes…

Oh Dear Lord, please be with my mouth and teach me what I shall speak!

In Exodus 3 & 4 Moses is giving God lots of reasons (excuses) why He should pick someone else for the job of delivering God’s first-born child (the Israelites) out of slavery in Egypt.

  • I am nobody special
  • I don’t even know your name
  • The elders won’t believe me
  • I am not eloquent
  • Somebody else can do it better

God has answers for it all. I love the Lord’s words in Exodus 4:12 (ESV): “Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.” What a beautiful promise! Yet, Moses still pleaded with Him to just send someone else! God got angry at that one. How many times does this child of God need to be reassured that his God is bigger than any fear that comes with doing His Work. The maker of your mouth can teach you how to use it – when you step up and GO where He wants you to GO! Did you notice that little two letter word at the start of God’s promise to be with Moses’ mouth and to teach him what to say? You’ll never know what words God is waiting to teach you to say if you say no and don’t go.

God graciously compromised with Moses and rather than sending someone else instead of Moses, He sent someone else to go along with Moses, his brother Aaron who was not ‘coincidentally’ coming out to the wilderness to meet Moses.

Maybe it’s time I spend less time on my excuses and instead say YES, step out and GO and trust God to do what He says He will do – be with my mouth and teach me what I shall speak!

-Marcia Railton

Reflection Questions

  1. What excuses have you tried giving God for not stepping out to do a job He wants you to do? How do they stand up to your GREAT BIG GOD?
  2. How can you be someone’s Aaron and come alongside him/her to do a job for God that perhaps neither of you would feel you could do “on your own”? Though, you are of course never “on your own” when you are doing the Lord’s work!? What are some other instances that God used the buddy system and what were some advantages to having a partner?
  3. So – the big question is – where does God want you to go? If you aren’t sure yet, be praying. And then, thank Him for being with your mouth and teaching you what you shall speak.
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Family Isn’t Everything

Genesis 20-23

I have never seen a beautiful piece of wall art with the words “Family Isn’t Everything”.  I’ve never seen it on a Mother’s Day mug or bookmark, t-shirt, keyring or tombstone.  Rather, we are all very familiar with the motto “Family IS Everything”.  Whether it’s from the Walmart aisles, Etsy and Pinterest sites or President Biden’s farewell address, we’ve seen it, we’ve heard it, we’ve lived it.  It’s a societal norm or expectation.  Those who can’t say Family Is Everything might have really really bad families or really screwed up priorities.  OR – they just might be listening to and obeying God and working hard at keeping God and God alone first place in their life.  I have a feeling we wouldn’t find Abraham wearing the “Family is Everything” t-shirt.  And God blessed him for it. 

No doubt Abraham loved and cherished the family that God gave to him.  Can you imagine waiting 100 years for the child you could keep?  Today’s reading also describes his heartache over losing/sending away his firstborn son Ishmael.  Being a parent is hard.  Being a godly parent is also not easy.  But I am reminded, perhaps as Abraham was, of the purpose God had in giving Abraham a child which was recorded in yesterday’s reading.  In Genesis 18:19 God said, “For I have chosen him, that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing righteousness and justice, so that the Lord may bring to Abraham what he has promised him.”  In teaching Isaac to keep the way of the Lord, Abraham needed to live it out himself – not by doing what the world says is right (“family first”), but listening to and following through with what God says, even when we don’t understand why. 

And Abraham did.  When God said “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you” – Abraham did – “and he rose early in the morning” and got moving. (Genesis 22:2,3 ESV).  I admire not only his actions but his speed and timing in listening and obeying.  He got going and followed through.  He also had a three day journey in which he could have changed his mind, turned around and decided family is everything.  But he didn’t.  He continued onward to the exact place that God told him to go.  At the start he knew he was heading toward the region of Moriah and God would tell him which mountain to go to.  I read online that some say the mountain God sent Abraham to was Golgatha, in case you are looking for more foreshadowing and similarities between what God was asking Abraham to do and what He Himself (the loving, righteous and just God) would do for us with His only son whom He loved.  Thankfully God did not let His perfect love for His perfect Son keep Him from offering Jesus up to save the guilty condemned, you and I.  God’s t-shirt would not say “Family is Everything” but maybe more along the lines of, “I gave everything for my adopted family”. 

But, one more point about this mountain that God sent Abraham to…for it was there that God had a great surprise hiding – a ram caught in the thicket by his horns.  And it was there that God provided for Abraham and Isaac in a very big way. If you haven’t read Genesis 22 yet today, please do. I am guessing God didn’t place a ram stuck on every mountain nearby just in case Abraham decided to end up at a different mountain than the one God told him to go to.  Similarly, if we are looking for God to provide – let’s show up on the mountain He tells us to go to. 

-Marcia Railton

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it look like when we live by “Family is Everything” and put family before God? What does it look like when we love the family God gave us dearly and set an example for them of being righteous before God and putting God first?
  2. Is there anything you have tried to withhold from God? What does it mean to you that God did not withhold His Son?
  3. Have you ever been upset God didn’t provide as you wanted Him to – and then realized you were in the wrong place to receive what He had all prepared and ready to give? Does it count to do most of what God says if you aren’t prepared to do all of what God says?
  4. What do you think of Abraham? How do you think he earned the title “Friend of God”? Would you like to be known as a friend of God – could you honestly wear the “Friend of God” t-shirt? What specifically can you do today, this week, month and year to grow more and more like a true friend of God?
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He Sees and He Can

Genesis 16-19

Husbands – don’t always listen to your wife – she doesn’t always know.  Younger sisters – don’t always listen to your big sister – she doesn’t always know.  What trouble we can get into when we follow the advice and direction of those who are trying to solve matters on their own without patiently relying on God’s perfect way and timing.  Our reading today of Genesis 16-19 both opens and closes with women deciding how to take matters into their own hands (or into their maidservant’s hands) when they felt there were no other options available to get what they wanted – a child to carry on the family line and receive the family inheritance.  Perhaps Sarai figured God needed her help to fulfill the promise God made that Abram would have a son.  Maybe she thought she was wiser and knew the best way to get to the desired end result on her timetable.  I don’t even want to guess about Lot’s daughters. 

At the same time, I realize I am sometimes quick to judge and point fingers, when I sometimes don’t know the whole story and I am not chosen by God to be the judge and jury.  For example, Lot’s willingness to offer up his virgin daughters to the lewd and dangerous mob at the door has always bothered me greatly.  And maybe it should.  And yet…in his second letter Peter writes that God, “rescued righteous Lot, greatly distressed by the sensual conduct of the wicked (for as that righteous man lived among them day after day, he was tormenting his righteous soul over their lawless deeds that he saw and heard)” (2 Peter 2:7.8).  Peter is giving Lot a bit (or a lot) more credit than I would have.  And then I just read a study note in my ESV Archaeology Study Bible that “Lot may have been attempting to bring down the law on the heads of the culprits” (p39) as in many cultures of that day the punishment was death for a man caught lying with a betrothed virgin.  I certainly hadn’t considered that possibility before. 

Perhaps sometimes I am not as smart as I thought I was.  Perhaps sometimes I work a little too hard to find a bad guy in the story?  And yet, I DO need to try to be discerning.  I do need to read God’s word to know more and more about who God is and who He wants me to be.  So, what are some take aways that can help me know God and who He wants me to be? 

Sodom and Gomorrah are destroyed as an example of what happens to the ungodly.  (Peter says that, too, in 2 Peter 2).  Don’t be Ungodly.  There is a right way and a wrong way to live and there are consequences for both which God will bring about in His time and His way. 

Humble Hospitality is Huge.   Old man Abram is running to get dinner prepared with the finest ingredients for the visitors and then stands while they eat (your guests might think that part is weird – you can sit).  Lot won’t take no for an answer and brings the visitors to his home to spend the night and is prepared to protect them with all he’s got.  How can you practice some humble hospitality? 

Our God is a God who sees.  Hagar is right.  God not only sees her and hears her but He speaks to her, He encourages her and He shows mercy and care for her AND for her unborn child.  I do find it interesting it is not recorded that He tells Sarai what she did wrong (like I did) but there are several verses here devoted to making sure we know that God saw, heard, encouraged, directed and cared for Hagar and her child.  Maybe the lesson for myself is don’t be so busy finding the wrong that you don’t do the right.   Who does God want me to see so I can encourage, care for and point them in the right direction?

God’s promise to Abram which we talked about yesterday continues to grow – now it is added that from Abram will come nations and kings, and even better, God will be their God and also Sarah (notice the little name change) will be blessed and from her will come her very own son and nations and kings. There is also that part about circumcision and Abraham walking faithfully, and being blameless and chosen to command his children and household to keep the way of the Lord by doing righteousness and justice. These are tied to God’s promises to His people. What does God want you to do to show that you are His?

Perhaps MOST importantly in these chapters and in our lives is the realization and understanding that there is NOTHING too hard for the Lord!  In this case they are talking about 90 year old Sarah having a child with 100 year old Abraham.  It seems impossible, because normally it is, but our God is not a human, He is not normal.  He specializes in the impossible!  Your needs are not too big for Him.  Your case is also not too insignificant for Him.  He is the God who sees and the God who has never and will never run into a project too hard for Him. 

– Marcia Railton

Reflection Questions

  1. When have you felt seen by God? When did He show that nothing is too hard for Him? What problems are created when we don’t believe God sees or God can?
  2. What does God want you to do to show that you are His? What does He promise to do for you?
  3. Who does God want me to see so I can encourage, care for and point them in the right direction?
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Show Me the Land

Genesis 12-15

The first 9 verses of Genesis 12 hold SO much promise!  In fact, we’ve all heard of a lie that starts out small but just grows and grows – that’s bad.  But, what about a TRUE promise from the Lord Almighty that starts out in verse one and just grows and grows and becomes one of the largest and very best promises in the world?  Sometimes this is referred to as the Abrahamic Covenant. 

In Genesis 12:1 the Lord calls Abram (whose name will be changed to Abraham in chapter 17) to leave his country and father’s house and family to go to a land that God himself will show to Abram.  God is telling Abram to leave the known and comfortable and so much of what has been important to him thus far.  But God says when Abram does this, God Himself will show Abram the land that God has already picked out and reserved for Abram.  In the next two verses we see 7 promises given to Abram:

  • I will make of you a great nation
  • I will bless you
  • And make your name great
  • So you will be a blessing
  • I will bless those who bless you
  • And him who dishonors you I will curse
  • And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.     (Genesis 12:2-3 ESV)

That’s a lot of promising promises!  He is going to bless Abram in some big ways so that Abram can be a blessing to others, even to all the families of the earth!  And God’s not done – He’s got even more good news for Abram.  But first, Abram has to get moving.  He has to believe the promise enough to start acting on it. 

And he does.  75 year old Abram leaves his comfortable couch in Haran and starts out, not knowing where he is going or what the land will look like or when he will get there or what he will have to pass through to get there, but believing that when the Almighty gives His Word He is good for it and good will come of it.  So, he moves out in search of the land God will show to him.  I love that part!  Sometimes decision making is hard and we find ourselves overthinking or second guessing so we don’t move at all.  But God told Abram you get moving and I will show you the land!  Maybe that means you go through some lands that aren’t the right fit and isn’t what God is saving up for you, maybe you try some ministries that give you more experience and empathy but aren’t where God is going to plant you.  It is okay.  It is part of the journey.  You keep moving.  You keep trusting your faithful God to show you when THIS is the land He chose for you.

Can you imagine all the feelings old, childless Abram who got moving and has just travelled about 550 miles from Haran and was now passing through the land of Canaan would experience in verse 7?   “The Lord appeared to Abram and said, ’To your OFFSPRING I will give THIS land.’”  The promise just exploded and got so much larger!  Not only was he now SEEING the land God had said He would show him, but now he also heard that he would somehow, someway yet have offspring?!?  Abram’s response – he built an altar to worship the Lord, which also acts as a witness to others.

Sometimes we question God’s timing of the fulfillment of His promises.  Is it now, God?  When God showed Abram that this was WHERE, the question became WHEN.  It wasn’t time for him to settle there, yet.  But it was then also promised to his offspring, yet another great part of the promise. 

It is good news for us that God does not take back his promise from Abram when Abram is less than perfect (telling less than the truth to try to protect himself in Egypt).  In fact, it is after this that the promise has yet another amazing addition with some incredible implications for you and I.  Genesis 13:14-16 (ESV) says:  “The Lord said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him, ‘Lift up your eyes and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward, 15 for all the land that you see I will give to you and to your offspring forever. 16 I will make your offspring as the dust of the earth, so that if one can count the dust of the earth, your offspring also can be counted.’”   Did you catch the NEW piece of the promise?  It’s a little 7 letter word that never ends!  This land would be given to Abram and his (as of yet non-existent) offspring that would become as numerous as the dust of the earth FOREVER!  Abram’s response – he builds an altar to worship and witness and he settles into the land that God had promised and God had shown! 

As beautiful as those chapters are – don’t miss chapter 15.  Abram is having some doubts.  How could all this be?  Sure, it sounds great, but he still doesn’t have any offspring! How long God until your promise is fulfilled?  The word of the Lord comes to Abram and it is the first recorded time the beautiful, comforting, often repeated phrase, “FEAR NOT!” appears in the Bible.  Why do we fear not?  Because God tells us HE is our shield and our very great reward!  HE has given a very great promise and He is working out the details.  He has chosen the land and He will show it to those who believe enough to get moving and in His perfect timing we will settle there and in His perfect timing we will see and cherish our offspring as numerous as the stars.  Verse 16 is quoted 3 times in the New Testament:  “And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness.” He believed.  It doesn’t say he understood.  He didn’t have to engineer the plan.  He had to believe, and move, and let God show him the land. 

Dear Lord, thank you for your promises that are always true and that just keep getting bigger and bigger. Please show me the land You have chosen for me to settle in – both now and when Jesus returns to set up Your Kingdom on this land. Help me get moving in the direction You have laid out. Thank you for the offspring you have blessed me with, help me also see and care for the spiritual offspring you have given. Help me worship You and be a witness to all You have already done and all You have yet to do. Thank you for being my shield and very great reward! Help me remember this so I do not fear but always believe in you and Your great Son. Thank you for your Word, and for keeping it FOREVER!

-Marcia Railton

Reflection Questions

1.When was the last time you made a covenant, a promise, or gave your word?  Can your word be trusted?  Can God’s word be trusted?  How do you know?  (Notice that God gave an example in Gen 15 of how trustworthy His word would be when he foretold the 400 years in Egypt and the exodus.  Who do you think God included this information for?)

    2. In what ways has God blessed you so that you can bless others?

    3. What might have happened if Abram would have declined God’s offer and promise to show him a new land?  Maybe he was just too comfortable in Ur, and then Haran?  Maybe he had a project he wanted to finish?   What if he loved his family too much to leave?  What might be holding us back from setting out to find the land (or purpose or ministry or Kingdom) God has reserved for us?  What might we miss out on if we stay where we are known and comfortable? 

    4. What similarities and differences can you find between God calling  Abram which begins the Abrahamic Covenant and 2,000 years later Jesus calling the disciples at the start of the New Covenant?  How are the two covenants connected?  Now, 2,000 years after Jesus’ call, what do you feel you are being called to do?  What part(s) of the Abrahamic and New Covenants are still being worked out by a faithful God?  What land has God already shown you and what land are you waiting for your shield and very great reward to show you? 

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    Just Discipline and Then Restoration

    OLD TESTAMENT: Jeremiah 46-48

    POETRY: Psalm 119:81-88

    NEW TESTAMENT: Revelation 4

    Today we remember that God is not just the God of the Jews – but the God of the world – all the nations.  And as God has watched the sins of these nations – so will He exact discipline on these nations.  Jeremiah writes what God tells him to write regarding the coming destruction that God will oversee and orchestrate against Israel’s neighbors.

    Jeremiah uses vivid imagery to describe these events:

    “The sword will devour till it is satisfied, till it has quenched its thirst with blood.”  (Jeremiah 46:10 NIV)

    “Moab is disgraced for she is shattered.” (Jeremiah 48:20 NIV)

    His descriptions show not only how scary and total the destruction will be – but also what a sad state of affairs these societies had become.  The most powerful passage that got my attention was in the message against the Philistines, “Terrified fathers run madly, without a backward glance at their helpless children.” (Jeremiah 47:3b NLT).  Where have the strong, brave protectors and defenders of their families gone?

    We would do well to pay special attention to the passages that point to the reasons for this judgment.  All of these neighbors are being punished for their mistreatment of God’s chosen people, as well as for their own sins. “Since you trust in your deeds and riches, you too will be taken captive…We have heard of Moab’s pride – her overweening pride and conceit, her pride and arrogance and the haughtiness of her heart…In Moab I will put an end to those who make offerings on the high places and burn incense to their gods…Moab will be destroyed as a nation because she defied the LORD” (Jeremiah 48:7, 29, 35, 42 NIV).   How many similarities do you have to Moab, which was just one of the countries that would feel the burn of God’s discipline?  How do you treat God and His people?  Is your pride in check?  Where do you put your trust – in your job, your finances, your teachers, your doctors, yourself – or in God?  When have you defied the Lord God? Do you offer your best and first time, talents and resources to God or to selfish pursuits and false gods?

    After 46 verses of judgment against Moab, the final verse of chapter 48 says, “Yet, I will restore the fortunes of Moab in days to come.”   Hope and restoration is coming – at least for those judged worthy.  Amongst all the condemnation of these chapters, Jeremiah includes a beautiful word from God for Israel as well,

    “But do not be afraid, Jacob, my servant;
        do not be dismayed, Israel.
    For I will bring you home again from distant lands,
        and your children will return from their exile.
    Israel[f] will return to a life of peace and quiet,
        and no one will terrorize them.
    28 Do not be afraid, Jacob, my servant,
        for I am with you,” says the Lord.
    “I will completely destroy the nations to which I have exiled you,
        but I will not completely destroy you.
    I will discipline you, but with justice;
        I cannot let you go unpunished.” (Jeremiah 46: 27-28 NLT)

    God sees and will not let the guilty go unpunished.  But His deepest desire is to find and reward faithfulness in His children so He can live with them in peace.  God still judges in His love today – as a wise and caring parent.  There will yet be a time of unequaled punishment for those who appeared to get away with evil with a proud heart, relying on themselves and turning their backs on God.  This is discipline with justice.  And, then, there will be restoration and peace for those faithful to God.  Which camp will you be in? Come Lord Jesus Come – may he find us faithful.

    Marcia Railton

    (Originally posted Aug 21, 2020 for SeekGrowLove)

    Reflection Questions

    1. Just as last week we asked if you could see yourself in any of the 7 churches in Revelation, today we ask, can you see any little bit of yourself in the descriptions of the sins of Israel and her neighbors during the time of Jeremiah?
    2. As asked above, how do you treat God and His people?  Is your pride in check?  Where do you put your trust – in your job, your finances, your teachers, your doctors, yourself – or in God?  When have you defied the Lord God? Do you offer your best and first time, talents and resources to God or to selfish pursuits and false gods? What other similar questions can you create from the sins and offenses given in today’s reading?
    3. What might God’s just discipline look like? Why is it just?
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    He Made Them All

    Old Testament: 2 Chronicles 29 & 30

    Poetry: Psalm 104

    New Testament: Titus 2

    Our family loves camping and traveling and finding new places to hike or kayak through God’s beautiful world. The variety of his creation is truly amazing! Desert, forest, plains, mountain, ocean. We love them all and the chance to explore a new little corner of His world we haven’t seen yet. And, along the way, trying to capture a photo to remind us of the beauty and creativity we had the privilege to see.

    Psalm 104 is a beautiful poem of creation. I would love to make a photo book or photo wall with pictures from our family hikes and travels depicting each verse and phrase.

    “he stretches out the heavens like a tent” (vs 2) – expansive blue sky from horizon to horizon

    “He makes the clouds his chariot” (vs 3) – white and multi-shades of gray amazing textured rolling clouds with shafts of sunlight shining through with the brilliant blue sky behind

    “He makes springs pour water into the ravines” – hot springs bubbling from the ground and flowing down the mountain side

    You get the idea. There would be photos of waterfalls, lightening, mountaintops, ocean waves on the shore, rainstorms, the moon, plants and animals, sunrises, sea creatures, and people. Each one accompanied with God’s text.

    I recently taught a unit on creation to the adorable children in children’s church. And it was so much fun spending a week (or often more) on each aspect of God’s amazing creation. We brought in shells and rocks and leaves and bird feathers to touch and play with. We matched plant photos to foods we eat and counted plant products in ingredient labels. (Do you know how many plants are in a box of Cheerios or mac’n cheese?) We classified plants and animals and brought in a bird expert. We watched videos and explored books on clouds and planets and sea creatures and the animal kingdom and the incredible human body. And all the things that we take for granted everyday.

    Not only is God’s world a beautiful world – but so incredibly functional, too! He thought of EVERYTHING! The more I learn of science and the human body in particular, the more I am amazed at His creation.

    I have never made anything nearly as intricate or useful as the smallest, tiniest, most simplistic, most ‘insignificant’ part of God’s creation. But, I do like to create quilts – little scraps of colored fabric (which came from a cotton plant) sewn together in patterns to make a cozy cover to bring comfort and warmth. I can’t imagine how I would feel if I were to meet someone who explained that those quilts just came to be one day – that it grew from nothing and became strings that wove themselves together and the fabrics cut themselves into the perfect shapes and even stitches magically formed just as they were needed to piece the top together and the materials used to create the final layered project appeared at just the right time and space and lined up just so to automatically go through the final steps to create my quilt. Foolishness. It is foolishness that leaves out the thought, intention, desire, creativity, vision, purpose and ability of me, the quilt creator. Or, equally painful – maybe they would give all the credit for the making of the quilt to another.

    It makes sense that the Creator of the Heavens and Earth wants us to enjoy and admire His creation – and give Him all the credit He so much deserves. But, what happens when people don’t? What happens when they take away the glory that belongs to God and call it chance instead or give it to another? What happens when they refuse to listen to God’s words – His first recorded words being – “Let there be light”? What happens when they attribute God’s creation to another? We see in the book of Jeremiah. “These wicked people, who refuse to listen to my words, who follow the stubbornness of their hearts and go after other gods to serve and worship them, will be like this belt—completely useless!” Jeremiah goes on in today’s reading to describe the drought, famine and sword that will be used in judgment of those who have stubbornly turned from God. Jeremiah 14 ends with God telling Jeremiah to speak to the people, telling them to acknowledge their guilt and wickedness and sins against Him and ask God to remember His covenant. The final verse of chapter 14 says,

    “Do any of the worthless idols of the nations bring rain?
        Do the skies themselves send down showers?
    No, it is you, Lord our God.
        Therefore our hope is in you,
        for you are the one who does all this.” (vs 22 NIV)

    Not only did Our Great God create this world for us – He made a covenant with us – He has power still today – and He holds out a blessed hope for those who acknowledge and worship Him for all He has done, is doing and will do.

    Thank you God for your incredible Creation – help me see and appreciate each amazing part!

    Thank you God for the rains today – help me see you at work today!

    Thank you God for the hope you set before those who believe and worship you alone – a New Heavens and Earth that will be beyond all we can ever dream or imagine!

    You are our hope – for you are the one who does all this!

    -Marcia Railton

    (taken from a devotion originally posted here on Oct 12, 2021)

    Reflection Questions

    1. What do you love most about God’s creation? What do you often take for granted in His creation? In your opinion what are some of the most useful things He created? What are some of the most creative things He created?
    2. What have you created? Has anyone ever disregarded your creation or the part you played in its creation? What are the biggest problems with the theory of evolution?
    3. Looking at the final verses of Psalm 104 (verses 31-35), what response to all that God has done does the psalmist have – and also ask for? What response does he expect, ask or look for from God? What response do you have to God’s creation?
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    Take Your Child to Work Day

    Old Testament: 2 Chronicles 27 & 28

    Poetry: Psalm 103 (5th day)

    New Testament: Titus 1

    Today is our fifth and final day of our questioning look into Psalm 103. So far we have spent some time looking at God’s character, love, compassion, righteousness, justice, forgiveness and eternal qualities as well as mankind’s sin, gifts from God, frailty, brief existence, and duty to praise, fear and obey God. We have been looking at God’s relationship with man, and man’s relationship with God, here on earth, which is the view of God we are most familiar with. But today we have an interesting conclusion to Psalm 103 as the focus of our eyes shifts and looks up and up and up and up…

    VERSE 19 – Where is God’s throne? How far is heaven above the earth? (Oh, never mind, we already covered that two days ago when David had us asking how deep is the Father’s love for those who fear Him.) What does the Bible teach us about heaven? What does the world tell us about heaven and how are the two views very different? (You might be interested in doing a word study on heaven in the Bible and see what you find.) Who established the Lord’s throne? What does God’s kingdom rule over? Have you ever participated in a Take Your Child to Work Day? Consider how it could open the eyes of the child to see this whole new side of Dad and what he can do, and does do, and the associates he works with, and who listens to him, and what he spends his day doing when he goes off to work. How could this same thought apply to you and I getting a glimpse of God in His heavenly throne room? How might your view of God change if you witnessed His throne room, everything He did at work, and the authority He has over the heavenly host?

    VERSE 20 – Who is instructed to praise God in this verse? What does the Bible teach us about angels? What does the world tell us about angels and how are the two views very different? What description is used for the angels in this verse? What are the angels doing, besides being told to praise? What are some Biblical examples of angels doing God’s bidding? How often do you pause to consider what is going on in heaven right now? What jobs might God be handing out to His angels today? What other verses can you find about the work God’s angels do for God?

    VERSE 21 – Do we have any new information in this verse or is David saying the same thing as the previous verse using different words? What is the parallel between mighty ones (in verse 20) and servants (in verse 21)? What is the parallel between obeying His word (in verse 20) and doing His will (in verse 21)? Do you think this applies to human servants of God and God’s will for humans as well as for angelic servants?

    VERSE 22 – Who is told to praise the Lord in this verse? Who and what does that include? What are God’s works? Does it include you? What is His dominion? Does it include you? How does this psalm end? How did it begin? How will you praise the Lord today? What will you be envisioning as you praise the Lord? Why are you praising the Lord?

    What thoughts and feelings or other questions do you have after reading verses 19-22? What is the value of picturing God in the heavens? Why do you think David included these 4 verses as the conclusion of Psalm 103?

    What is your biggest take away from Psalm 103 as a whole? Have you gained anything from your time in Psalm 103? What might God want to show you in Psalm 104?

    -Marcia Railton

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