Tag: Marcia Railton

A Day Evil Triumphs

Old Testament: Numbers 29 & 30

Poetry: Job 21

New Testament: Mark 6

Each day’s new reading through the gospels brings more “favorites” from the life and teachings of Jesus. So it is with today’s – too many great stories to choose what to write about. We will focus today on Herod, his wife (and former sister-in-law) Herodias, her dancing daughter and the head of John the Baptist.

It is a difficult story to stomach. So much evil. Perhaps we have gotten used to questionable leaders or too much violence, and the familiarity of this short passage on Herod and John the Baptist can make it quick to read and pass over. But imagine knowing these people, living amongst them, and hearing of these events for the first time. Imagine sitting down to your morning cup of coffee, opening the newspaper and reading of the events that transpired just last night.

Of course you would have known King Herod was having his birthday party last night – everyone could hear the sounds from his palace. And, yes, the newspaper calls him King Herod, since that is what he loves to be called, even though everyone knows his dad had been the last King Herod (yes, the one responsible for killing all the baby boys of Bethlehem about 30 years ago). In reality, now Herod Antipas was just a “tetrach”, ruling over just one quarter of his father’s territory, all the while being watched over by the real Roman authorities.

Herod had divorced his wife in order to marry his half-brother’s wife, Herodias. The only trouble was this prophet of God known as John the Baptist had been speaking out against this marriage, saying it was unlawful. Unlawful for who? Who’s law was it anyway? God’s? Herod wasn’t one to try to follow all those outdated laws – it was so much easier to just make new laws instead (similar to today’s society which is very good at ignoring God’s law and replacing it with their own).

His wife, Herodias, was not one to stand idly by while a prophet pointed out the sins of her family. Something had to be done. Herod (prompted by his wife) had John arrested, bound and put in prison. But, that wasn’t enough. While Matthew records that Herod wanted to kill John, Mark has a slightly different interpretation of Herod and perhaps digs a little deeper into his motives, relationships and thoughts. Mark says that it was Herodias who, “nursed a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she was not able to, because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard John, he was greatly puzzled; yet he liked to listen to him” (Mark 6:19-20) which I am sure made his wife even more livid.

So, we come to the night of Herod’s birthday party and the entertainment for the evening – Herod’s dancing step-daughter (unnamed in the gospels, but Jewish historian Josephus records her name to be Salome). We aren’t told the details (thankfully), but we can guess that this was not a 5 year old girl performing her latest ballet or tap recital pieces for her father’s dinner guests. Whatever the dance included, it seems likely she was being exploited by her mother and ogled (or worse) by her step-father and all his male guests. These men liked her dance so much Herod thought it fitting to offer this dancing wonder anything she wanted (up to half his kingdom).

That’s a lot for a girl to think on – so she goes running out to get her mother’s advice. Herodias is prepared for this moment and she has no trouble involving her “innocent” daughter in getting what she has been waiting for – the death of John the Baptist, in the most gruesome way she could imagine – his head on a platter for her daughter.

Herod is in conflicted agony but sees no way out. The execution is ordered and completed. The head is delivered.

Can you imagine the varying emotions of each and every participant and those who will hear of these events.

What are John’s last thoughts?

Does Salome have nightmares? What does she become?

What do Jesus – and his 12 Disciples feel? If this is what comes of the one who prepares the way of the Messiah, what is the future of the Messiah – and of his followers?

Herod will be mentioned just once more in the gospels – when Jesus is arrested, bound and brought before Herod on trial. Jesus remains silent – but quite likely he is remembering Herod and John as well as looking into his future.

Some days it just looks like evil triumphs.

But God is still at work. This is not where the story ends.

Herod will go to war and suffer defeat at the hands of the angry father of his first wife, whom he had divorced to marry Herodias. Later, Herod and Herodias will be sent into exile, where it is recorded Herod dies.

But, that’s not really the end, either.

A resurrection day is coming. A day when John the Baptist will rise from the dead. Can you imagine the reunion he will have with Jesus? I want to see that!

And, a judgment day is coming. Herod and Herodias will appear before the judge. At that time there is only one law that will matter – God’s. And, only one way to salvation – to accept the Lord Jesus Christ.

Some days it looks like evil triumphs – but that’s not how it ends!

-Marcia Railton

(Originally posted Oct 16, 2020 for SeekGrowLove)

Reflection Questions

  1. When have you seen a day it appears evil triumphs? How might God still be at work in that situation?
  2. What is your response when someone tells you that you are wrong or have sinned? Have you ever tried to update God’s laws to fit your wishes and desire?
  3. What thoughts and feelings arise when you think of the coming day of judgment?
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Watch Out for Those Thorns!

Old Testament: Numbers 23 & 24

Poetry: Job 18

New Testament: Mark 4:1-25

It’s getting close to planting time in northern Indiana, so it seems a great time to look again at the Parable of the Sower – one of my favorite parables. And I love how I still find new thoughts and ideas in this teaching from Jesus. I remember how this parable ministered to me when I was a young youth worker experiencing heartache over a youth who had received the word but was going in a different direction. This parable encouraged me. Jesus didn’t expect that every seed we helped to sow would grow into a healthy, whole, fruit-bearing plant. But, he did, and does, expect us to keep sowing the seed. And, we never know which of the seeds we sow will indeed grow, bloom, and produce beautiful, life-giving fruit.

Today I want to zero in on the seed among the thorns, but first a quick review of the other three types of soil and Jesus’ explanation of each to provide contrast.

Seed 1 – fell along the path – birds came and ate it – as soon as they heard the word Satan (the birds) came and ate it

Seed 2 – fell on rocky places – not much soil – not much root – sprang up quickly – when sun comes up plant is scorched and withers – receive the word with joy – but lasts only a short time – trouble and persecution comes and the plant falls away

Seed 3 – fell among thorns – thorns grew up and choked the plant – plants did not bear grain – hear the word – but worries of this life, deceitfulness of wealth, and the desires for other things comes in – the plant is choked out, making it unfruitful

Seed 4 – fell on good soil – came up and grew and produced a crop, multiplying 30, 60, or even 100 times – hear the word, accept it and produce a crop

It is important to remember that in each of these scenarios the seed is all the same. There is nothing inferior to seed 1, 2 or 3. It is the same as seed 4. It is the perfect word of God being sown into the world. What creates the difference is where in the world it lands. Some people will accept it and do all that is necessary to make it grow in their lives and even produce fruit to give life to others. Some people will not. But, either way, the seed is still good and perfect.

The new thing I saw when I read the parable this time is that the plant from seed 3 that fell among the thorns did not necessarily die. Seed 1 never had a chance at life. Seed 2 enjoyed life for a short time but withered/fell away. I think in my mind I was giving a death sentence to seed 3 already as well. But, that’s not exactly what the Scriptures actually say. Both in the original parable and Jesus’ explanation it says the plant was choked by the thorns – it does not say killed by the thorns – at least not yet.

It is not down and out, yet. It is still alive – it might be sitting in your pew with you at church or it might be your neighbor across the street. It has a pulse. It might be a family member – it might be you. It is not dead, yet. It is alive – but it is not healthy. A healthy plant doesn’t have thorns wrapped around its neck. Jesus tells us the result of being choked by the thorns was that it did not bear grain – it was unfruitful. It is alive – but it is not experiencing the abundant life that Jesus spoke of. It is not producing and displaying the life-giving fruit of the Spirit. It is not reproducing and giving new life to others. It is alive but it isn’t passing along life. It is a sad place to be – whether you are a plant or a Christian.

Who needs a vegetable garden with no vegetables? Or an orchard with no apples? Or a wheat field with no wheat? Or a Christian with no fruit?

What can be done for such a plant? Is there any hope for the plant choked by thorns? I say yes! Cut off the thorns! Sometimes when I am gardening I am not sure what needs to be pruned and what needs to stay. What would kill the plant and what would help it grow healthy? I love that Jesus tells us exactly what the thorns are so we know what to cut out. He tells us the thorns are “the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth, and the desires for other things” (vs. 19). And if you aren’t cutting them out, be sure that they are choking new life out of you. A worried Christian. A greedy Christian, or a Christian relying on his own bank account. A Christian with other priorities. It is not a healthy place to be. And it certainly doesn’t promote new life.

Examine your plant carefully. Being alive is good. But are you bearing fruit? What does your fruit look like? What does it smell and taste like? Where are you giving new life to others? If you aren’t sure if you are bearing fruit now – what do you want your fruit to look like? What do you need to get rid of first?

What thorns might be creeping up toward your neck? What are you worried about? Do you think your problems are too big for your God? What are you putting your trust in? God or yourself or your job or your paycheck? Do you hoard, are you always striving for the next big toy, is it hard to be generous? Have you bought any of the ‘deceitfulness of wealth’? Is pleasing God the most important thing in your life? Or are there other things you desire more? What have you made the number one priority in your life?

Cut out the thorns so you can have life – and bear fruit – which will in turn give life.

-Marcia Railton

Questions above – and what other questions would you add?

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How will your story end?

Old Testament: Numbers 14

Poetry: Job 13

New Testament: Acts 27

One of our readings today has a very good ending. One of our readings today has a very bad ending. The story with the very good ending could have ended very differently and many lives could have been lost at sea, including Paul’s. The story with the very bad ending could have ended very differently and many lives could have been saved including the ten spies who died in a plague and all those over twenty years of age who died in the wilderness.

I won’t retell the stories here. Make sure you read the account of the grumbling Israelites who listened to the ten scared spies instead of the two faithful ones in Numbers 14, and see what the consequences were for their actions and especially their attitudes. It is a powerful chapter that would have a huge devastating effect on the lives of every single Israelite young and old.

And also read the detailed account of Paul’s voyages towards Rome which included hurricane strength storms that went on for days with no sun or stars. Read of God’s promise to Paul in the midst of the storm.

God could have saved all onboard Paul’s ship by simply stopping the storm. But He didn’t. He let them endure the storm that raged for days. Maybe He was building character and perseverance and teaching the other 275 onboard to listen to Paul and Paul’s faithful God. Perhaps He was preparing the Malta islanders to receive all the castaways who would miraculously survive as well as receiving the good news of the God that saves. Maybe he was giving Paul one more great adventure and answer to prayer before arriving in Rome.

God could have sent earthquakes, fire or plagues to instantaneously wipe out the Amalekites and Canaanites so the Israelites wouldn’t need to face opposition and could just march in and take the land God promised to them. But He didn’t. We don’t always get to hear the mind of God and reasons He has for doing it His way, but in this case we do get one interesting reason I wouldn’t have thought of in Deuteronomy 7:21-24.

Do you believe the promises of God? Do you trust Him enough to not grumble against Him when there are obstacles in the way? Do you believe that safety and rest are on the other side of those storm clouds? When you face storms, trials and opposition it is not because God doesn’t care or He is not powerful or smart enough to have avoided the speed bump. Can we trust God knows more than we do and the troubles we face are not too big for Him? We tend to get into pretty big trouble when we decide we know more than God and we want to do it our way instead or we are too scared to go where He guides. Will we listen to the Joshuas, Calebs and Pauls who remind us of God’s promises and His power to provide, when we obey? Or will we grumble against our God in fear of what is in front of us?

How will your story end?

It depends on your view of God and what you do in the storms. Will you believe Him? When the easy way is enticing, when the opposition is scary, when the storm is big, will you remain faithful to God remembering the promises He has given? Will you remember how big and great your God is?

-Marcia Railton

Reflection Questions:

  1. What promises has God given to you? How do they help you when you are scared or unsure of the future?
  2. What obstacles have you encountered on the way? How have you grumbled against the Lord which leads to rebellion?
  3. How can you build your trust in Him so you aren’t tempted to join the masses when they grumble and rebel and try to jump ship but you stand strong with the Joshuas and Calebs and Pauls.
  4. How do you see your story ending?
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An Exhausting Book

Old Testament: Numbers 10

Poetry: Job 9

New Testament: Acts 23

I don’t know about you, but I find reading the book of Job to be a bit (or downright) exhausting. I’m not saying I don’t like the book, but it takes some work. This year might be the first year I have tried reading just one chapter of Job a day. Perhaps it is not as tiring when taken in small chunks. Though I also am considering finding a chunk of time (estimates say about 3 hours) to read the book as a whole to more clearly see the big picture, including the progression of thought and the conversational back and forth between Job and his friends which takes up so much of the book.

I think I have decided what makes the book of Job more exhausting for me than any of the other 65 books of Scripture. Partly, sorrow is hard, whether it is your own or someone else’s. And Job has a lot of good reasons to be sorrowful. In the first two chapters Job was struck with monstrous trials: the loss of his material goods and livelihood, the death of all of his 10 children at once, a painful disease that affects his entire body with sores from his head to his toes, and a wife who tells him to curse God and die.  We know that these ordeals were not a result of God’s judgment on Job for some large, grievous, hidden sin because in Job 1:8 we heard God’s own description of Job – “he Is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.”

I admire his friends, Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar, for coming alongside their suffering friend.  Job 2:11-13 says when they heard of Job’s distress they made a plan to meet together to visit Job to sympathize and comfort.  When they saw him they wept – and then they sat with him in silence for seven days and seven nights.  To think, how often do I have trouble making the time to just send a card to a hurting friend?  And here they are starting out with spending 7 days hurting with their grieving friend. These friends had the best intentions and were certainly giving of themselves in a time of crisis.  But, good intentions are not always enough. We will hear many conversations between Job and his friends who came to console him, but then turned to some questionable counseling instead.

Along with their good intentions, they also were armed with some very true and accurate knowledge of God.  Throughout the passages of Job there will be many times when Job’s friends – and Job himself – will share solid truths about God, His majesty, sovereignty, power, love, justice and faithfulness.  In today’s chapter 9 Job is speaking (wisely and correctly) of the truth of God’s majesty and power.  Some of my favorites from this chapter are:

vs 4 – “His wisdom is profound, his power is vast.”

vs. 8-10 – “He alone stretches out the heavens
    and treads on the waves of the sea.
9 He is the Maker of the Bear and Orion,
    the Pleiades and the constellations of the south.
10 He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed,
    miracles that cannot be counted.”

I can learn a lot from Job and his friends as they relay to one another the awesome qualities of God that we sometimes casually dismiss or even forget. He is the Maker of Heaven and Earth! Nothing compares to His wisdom and power! He is in control of nature, and wonders and miracles. We can not understand all He is and all He can do. Our God is greater than anything. He is the Greatest!

But sometimes, even starting with good intentions and a knowledge of the truth (or some truth), is not enough. Sometimes we can start with a true view of God and still come up with false conclusions.  And I think that is the biggest reason the book of Job is mentally exhausting for me. It’s a little bit like playing a game of two truths and a lie – always questioning where the lie might slip in. As I read beautiful descriptions of God’s power and love I nod, smile and agree. I have the same big God. But then, sometimes in the very next verse or stanza the same speaker continues saying, “He would crush me with a storm and multiply my wounds for no reason” (9:17). Wait. No. I do not agree. I shake my head as my brows furrow. YES, God is powerful, that is true. But NO, God does not use His power to crush and wound for no reason.

As we read through Job let’s look for instances where his friends (and Job) begin with their good intentions and a truth about God and mankind – but come up with false conclusions. One example repeated many times over will be – God is just – so if you are suffering you must have done a terrible sin for which He is paying you back with trouble. 

Also, while we search for those truths that were then twisted in the ancient book of Job, let us also search our society, our community, our church, ourselves. Where do we find true descriptions of God (such as, God is love) leading to false, twisted conclusions (so His love for sinners means He won’t punish sin)? What songs do we sing, books do we read, people we listen to, that we agree with the first verse/page/post/thought, but then find untruth in the next? It can be exhausting keeping our guard up. The lies can be hard to discern when they are buried amongst truth. Stay on your guard. Don’t buy the lies and untrue conclusions the world has accepted about God. Keep seeking Him and the truth of who He is and what He does.

-Marcia Railton

(parts of today’s devotion were originally posted on January 5, 2020 for SeekGrowLove)

Reflection Questions

  1. Sometimes people start with complete untruths about God (He doesn’t exist, He exists but has no power, etc…). Those can be easier to spot as false. Where have you seen a true description of God but then a false conclusion?
  2. One thing that bothers me about the book of Job is the large part Satan plays in chapters 1 & 2, but Job and his friends seem completely unaware of Satan’s presence and power and responsibility. Are we as clueless, too? What role do you think Satan plays today?
  3. Don’t miss out on the wonderful foreshadowing found in Job 9:32 & 33. Who is able to “lay his hand upon us both” (vs 33 original NIV)? What difference could that have made for Job? What difference can it, or has it, made for you?
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Make it Spread and Grow

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Old Testament: Numbers 3 & 4

Poetry: Job 5

New Testament: Acts 19

What stands in the way of you living completely committed to God?  Time management problems, a secret (or not-so secret) sin, a preoccupation with _______, a friend taking you in the wrong direction? Many in the early church in Acts were living out a completely committed relationship with God and His Son, Jesus. And the results are exciting to watch as we read through the book.  Their faith was living and active and daily – and tested regularly.

I wonder if today too many people who carry the label ‘Christian’ use their faith as a once-a-week booster shot, if they can make it to church that week.  But then are quite content to spend the week surrounded by (and sometimes covered in) the germs and sicknesses of worldly living and priorities.

When you read Acts 19 search for all the sold-out characteristics and examples; and while you’re at it – spot the imitations as well (those exist today, too).  I particularly like the passage in verses 18-20 where the believers were confessing their practices and bringing their (expensive) magic books to be burned.  They had heard about Jesus and they believed and they were excited and ready to change!  It’s not that they had heard about Jesus and kind of believed and were sort of interested and wanted to add in some Jesus/church/faith to their already full lives.  See the huge difference?  They were radically changing their lives because they wanted to follow Jesus well.

Do you have anything in your life to add to the bonfire?  Anything that is keeping you from being totally committed to God and His Coming Kingdom?  Anything that doesn’t mix well with Jesus’ message that you need to give up?

The believers burned 50,000 drachmas worth of obstacles to living sold-out lives (a drachma was a silver coin worth about one day’s wages) – that’s a lot of obstacles they eliminated!  The very next thing Luke wrote was: “In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power” (Acts 19:20).  Sacrifice and true change brought growth. Are you ready to grow?

-Marcia Railton

(Original devotion posted for SeekGrowLove on April 19, 2018)

Reflection Questions

  1. In your reading of Acts what do you find impressive about the early church?
  2. What in your life is keeping you from living totally committed to God and His Coming Kingdom? What do you have to confess? What do you have to add to the bonfire?
  3. What changes can you make in your life that would help the word of the Lord to spread and grow in power?
  4. What does your church already do that is similar to the actions of the early church? How can you help your church look more like the early church?
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Closed Doors

Old Testament: Leviticus 24 & 25

Poetry: Job 2

New Testament: Acts 16

Have you ever gotten your fingers pinched, or crushed in a door? Ouch. That stings. Have you ever watched as someone walked (or ran) right into a closed door, falling backwards? I watch a lot of preschoolers – it’s a regular thing. Some handle it well, and dust themselves off as they go on, sometimes even laughing. Others need to take some time on the floor (and sometimes in my arms) to get over the shock and pain.

Have you ever been excitedly making plans of how your day, your trip or your life would go – only to find closed or closing doors. Maybe your fingers gets pinched in the process, or maybe your whole body and spirit are totally knocked out from a closing opportunity you were planning on and excitedly anticipating?

There are a lot of closed and closing doors in Acts 16. Paul and his companions (including Silas and Timothy at this point) were at the beginning of Paul’s second missionary journey. It is helpful to look at a map as you read Acts 16:6-10 to see what is really going on with Paul’s travel plans. (I also found William Schlegel’s Satellite Bible Atlas handy). Verse 6 says the Holy Spirit kept them from preaching the word in the province (not continent) of Asia. This indicates that they had wanted to, were planning on, and would have taken the gospel message to the province of Asia. That sounds like a very good thing! But, Asia became a closed door – because of the Holy Spirit. The map shows that the province of Asia would have been to their west as they were traveling. The very next verse says that at the border of Mysia (indicating that they did indeed continue traveling after their first way was blocked), “they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to” (Acts 16:7 NIV). Bithynia would be to their east. Closed door, again! Can’t go west, then, further down the road they can’t go east.

It would be interesting to know what these closed doors looked like. Maybe government red tape and passport issues that prevented travel to certain areas. Maybe a prophecy or just plain “bad feeling” about proceeding in the intended direction. Maybe advice from others regarding weather or disasters or unrest ahead. Maybe we will know one day what their closed doors were. Probably you can see what your closed doors are. What has kept you from the day, the trip or the life you envisioned? Maybe you have become discouraged because of all the things you were planning on doing, that aren’t working out right now as you had planned. If so, keep reading Acts.

It’s easy to ask, “What’s up, God? Don’t you want these on-fire evangelists to carry your word to the world?” How many closed doors are we supposed to come across and still keep going? It is so easy to let road blocks and closed doors defeat us, but Paul kept traveling, wherever he could. Can’t go to Asia, can’t go to Bithynia, let’s try heading to Troas. He was rewarded with a vision of a man from Macedonia calling out for help. The Bible tells us, when Paul received the vision, “We got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.”

So off to Macedonia they went. And what adventures – and lots of open doors – awaited them in Macedonia! There were new churches and hearts God was preparing in Philippi and Thessalonica and Berea (all cities of Macedonia). But God had planned that they would hear the message from Paul and his companions. He just needed to get Paul to them. If God had allowed Paul to enter Asia or Bithynia when they had wanted to, Lydia and the Philippian jailer and so many others would have been left waiting.

God’s plans were better than Paul’s . God’s plans are better than ours. His open doors are the best. His closed doors are closed for a reason – and that is okay – even good – even when it pinches a bit or throws us to the ground for a spell. Get up and try another door. Keep traveling and testing doors. The one He wants you to go through will indeed open. And behind THAT door are adventures and blessings that He has prepared for you – and people that He has prepared for you to carry the good news to. Don’t miss out on finding the open doors because you are sulking at the closed ones.

(Note on Holy Spirit and the Spirit of Jesus: both of these spirits were blocking Paul’s way at different times. I think it is not saying these are the same – but they did have the same purpose which was to get Paul to where God wanted him by keeping Paul from going other places, at least for now (later he would travel to Asia and work with the people who God had prepared at that time). Just as God and His Son are two side by side in heaven right now, they are active in the same spiritual battle for saving lives by sending their spirits to guide, empower, and close and open doors. It’s kind of like getting two superheroes on your side instead of just one.)

-Marcia Railton

Reflection Questions:

  1. Do you sometimes tell yourself that your plans are better than God’s? How can you trust Him more?
  2. What doors have been closed that you were anticipating traveling through? How did you handle it?
  3. What doors have been opened that you hadn’t been anticipating or planning? What blessings would you have missed out on if you had taken the closed door route instead?
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Tell Me Again

Old Testament: Leviticus 14 & 15

Poetry: Psalm 38

New Testament: Acts 11

I love that right after Luke wrote about Cornelius and Peter’s God-orchestrated visit (in yesterday’s reading of Acts 10) he spends the bulk of the next chapter telling all the events again. This time Peter is explaining his actions to the circumcised believers in Jerusalem who were criticizing him for going into the home of an uncircumcised man and and even eating with them. This story is obviously near and dear to the writer’s heart. In Luke’s gospel and his sequel book of Acts how many times did Luke write of the events of the birth of Jesus? Once. How many times did Luke recount the events of Jesus’ death and resurrection? Once. But Luke, the Gentile doctor, perhaps the only Gentile writer of the New Testament (depending on who wrote Hebrews), takes the opportunity to tell this story twice.

For this story – this true factual account complete with times and locations – opened up a new way for Jews and Gentiles. This story had the power to change ministry, to change lives, to save lives – a lot of lives. Now God’s overwhelming love, forgiveness, salvation through the blood of his Son – the Jewish Messiah – and the newly poured out gifts of the Spirit were not just for the circumcised Jews who believed but for anyone in the whole world who would listen and accept and do what is right. God in His mercy and grace can and will and has cleaned up what was thought could never be clean. This is BIG NEWS worthy of retelling.

Did you catch what Luke reports the Gentile named Cornelius was doing when God’s angel appeared to him with a message, that when followed, had the potential to change his life and the lives of his family and the lives of all Gentiles to come? If you aren’t sure, check out Acts 10:30. Did you catch what Luke reports the Jew named Peter was doing when he received the vision (3 times, because once wasn’t enough) that would completely change the brand new life of the early church and Christian movement? If you aren’t sure, it’s recorded in Acts 11:5. I don’t think it is mere coincidence that both of these devout men were praying AT THE TIME when God gave them directions that would change their world.

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8).

What might have happened if Cornelius and Peter had been too busy to pray? I don’t doubt that God’s amazing plan would have proceeded, but perhaps through the actions of someone else. What would have happened if either of these men had not followed the directions given to them when they prayed? What if they had just come to God in prayer to quickly deliver their most recent “God Please Do” list and then get on with their day as they had planned? What if Peter had continued with his, “Surely not, Lord” protests because the directions he was receiving weren’t what he expected?

Might there be times we have missed out on God’s life-altering blessings and messages because we didn’t take the time to pray to draw near to God? Are there times when we steal Peter’s line and tell the Almighty, “Surely not, Lord”? Are there people and situations we doubt God can clean? Have you ever tried to stand in God’s way? Are there times we haven’t followed the Lord’s direction because it doesn’t line up with what we were expecting? Maybe we need to hear this story again?

-Marcia Railton

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this account in Acts 10 and 11 mean to you? What do you find amazing about it?
  2. Is your prayer time drawing near to God, not just turning in your most recent “God please do” list? When you pray are you ready to really receive direction from God?
  3. Have you tried telling God, “Surely not, Lord”? Have you tried to stand in His way? Do you more often stand in His way or follow His way?
  4. Is there anything you think God can not clean?
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As the Lord Commanded

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Old Testament: Exodus 39 & 40

Poetry: Psalm 36

New Testament: Acts 3

One of my favorite pastimes is sewing simple bags and quilts and occasionally even clothes. I love looking at fabrics and dreaming about what could be made with it. Yesterday I even drove four hours for a really good fabric sale – and lunch with mom -thanks mom! I can spend hours on the internet researching what people are making with their fabric, how did they do it and who has the best detailed directions to help me make what I want to make.

So, pretty much, Exodus 39 was written for people like me. The rest of you might not be too interested in the detailed step-by-step directions of what the fiber and gold artisans created for the priests to wear when they were ministering in the tabernacle. You might not be curious how they fastened the gold filigree settings which held the precious onyx stones to the shoulder pieces. You might not have nodded knowingly when they explained that a band was added around the neckline to prevent it from tearing because you saw the same need on the Nativity costumes.

But there is something big in this chapter that anyone can notice and appreciate – even those who have never in their life held a needle in their hand or contemplated making clothes. And that is the number of times the phrase, “as the Lord commanded him/Moses” is repeated. Seven times it is used just in the sections of chapter 39 regarding the priestly clothes. Additionally, the same or very similar phrases are used eleven more times in the rest of this chapter and the next as Moses inspects and then assembles in place all the final pieces of the tabernacle created by the craftsmen: the magnificent ark of testimony with its stately gold cherubim, the altar for burnt offerings, the altar for incense, the intricate lampstand, the wash basin, the courtyard curtains, bases and stands, and coverings, the garments and all the other pieces, right down to the ropes and tent pegs. When all these pieces are put together – just as the Lord commanded – then, they finally have a place where God’s glory would dwell. So why is it recorded 18 times in these two chapters that the work was done as the Lord had commanded? Perhaps because it matters to God if the work is done as He commands.

If I want to make an outfit I can find countless books and blogs, patterns, tutorials and videos showing me the steps I can take. Some create clothes I am just not interested in or wouldn’t fit me at all. Others have glaring errors, or sometimes even little mistakes that end up making a big difference in the end: missed steps, mismeasurements, or sloppy work. It can be a big challenge finding the best directions I can truly trust that will help me create the final product I desire.

Similarly, there are countless sets of directions for how to make the life you desire. You can find directions for life everywhere: TV commercials, movies, self-help books, classrooms, churches, parents, peers, and endless online sites to name a few. Some directions I know I am not interested in at all: the end product wouldn’t fit me, just isn’t my style or not what I am looking for. Others look like they would create a life that would be perfect for me. But, it turns out the directions have errors: they don’t include all the proper steps, they add in steps that trip you up, they don’t give the correct measurements, they use materials that won’t stand up to the wear and tear life brings, they lead to sloppy work and sloppy lives. If I follow those directions my finished product will not be what I intended to create.

God alone has the best detailed directions for making what I want to make – a life devoted to Him, ready for His Son’s return, and ready to dwell in His glory forever and ever. While I wait for His full glorious kingdom on earth, I want to make a place – my life – where a sliver of God’s glory dwells in me and shines through. In order to create this project I need all the pieces created just as He commands. I need to use all the proper materials and resources and carefully follow the step by step tutorial I trust. The directions God gives in His Word tell me every step I need to take, and those I don’t need and those I definitely don’t want. Following God’s directions and commands will keep me from creating a sloppy life with fraying edges. God knows the best way to do life, will I listen and do as the Lord commands?

God knows. How often I forget. God knows the best way. His commands can be trusted. In Exodus 39, this seamstress loves that God even knows how to keep the neckline from fraying – and he tells us – add a band. Do it right. Follow the Lord’s commands and the end product will be a thing of beauty that brings glory to Him.

We have work to do. Will we do it the way God commands?

-Marcia Railton

Reflection Questions

  1. As I considered all the gold and ornaments and details God chose for the priests I had two thoughts regarding our worship today. 1 – While our pastor’s roles are different from the priests of Moses’ day, I wonder if God wants us to show more honor and respect to their position than we do, even if they no longer wear jewels on their breastpiece. 2 – Maybe God cares a bit more than we previously thought about our own attire when we come before Him. What do you think?
  2. Why do you think it mattered to God what the priests wore? Why do you think it mattered to God what the tabernacle looked like?
  3. What kind of a life are you working to create? Whose directions are you following or are you making up your own? What bad directions have you already decided you won’t be using? What does following God’s directions look like?
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God’s Gift

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Old Testament: Exodus 37 & 38

Poetry: Psalm 35

New Testament: Acts 2

In yesterday’s reading of Exodus 35 God filled the tabernacle craftsmen (Bezalel, Oholiab and others) with his Spirit providing them with the skill, ability and knowledge to do the work the Lord desired them to do for Him. In today’s reading of Acts 2 God pours out His Holy Spirit on Jesus’ followers and they, too, are enabled to do the work the Lord desired them to do for Him. This time the Spirit was not delivering the ability to create beautiful gold cherubim and lampstands or embroidered curtains. God had a different job in mind for these workers.

In the Old Testament we see the Spirit given, or described as “in” various leaders so they are able to carry out the work that God wants them to do. Joshua is chosen to succeed Moses due to “the spirit” in him (Numbers 27:18). Gideon receives the Spirit of the Lord, and he blows a trumpet to assemble an army to go up against the Midianites (Judges 6:34). Ezekiel records that the Spirit came into him as he heard God call him to be a prophet to carry God’s words to the rebellious and obstinate nation of Israel (Ezekiel 2:1-4). And there are other instances found in the Old Testament. Sometimes the spirit was given to provide gifts of leadership and skills (including but definitely not limited to craftsmanship). Sometimes the spirit was given to embolden and provide power and strength to overcome the enemy. Sometimes the spirit was given to the one chosen to carry God’s precious words and warnings of His judgment to God’s people, whether they listen or not. The Spirit was a special gift to those leaders willing to do what He says and do His work.

Fast forward to the beginning of Acts and we find Jesus’ followers who had witnessed Jesus’ death and the empty tomb now get the privilege of 40 days with the risen Christ as he tells them all about the kingdom of God. He also tells them his Father has a gift for them – but they can’t have it quite yet – they have to wait for it in Jerusalem (Acts 1:4). Can you imagine their excitement! They are ready to see this kingdom start. They are ready for their gift. They might even be thinking the hard part was now behind them. They had followed Jesus for 3 years. They had watched him die. But now Jesus is alive and by their side and the kingdom is around the corner. Little kink in their plan, Jesus tells them only the Father knows when it will begin; but he encourages them with these words: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses…” (Acts 1:8). THEN, Jesus leaves, again! He isn’t dead, he is very much alive this time, raised in the clouds to heaven and the men in white assure them that this same Jesus will return the same way. What should the disciples do next? Probably obey. Go to Jerusalem and wait for that gift Jesus mentioned.

They do what Jesus told them to do and in Acts 2 they are waiting in Jerusalem. Perhaps receiving the gift requires obedience first. Approximately ten days later, on the Day of Pentecost, the gift was delivered – and what a delivery it was. Much more dramatic than a singing telegram or balloon delivery, the gift was accompanied with the sound of a violent blowing wind. I have never heard a tornado myself, but it is often described as the sound of a freight train getting closer and coming at you. Imagine hearing these violent winds coming into the room you are in. And what you hear is only surpassed by what you see: a ball of fire suspended in the air which then separates as a tongue of fire comes to rest on each one of you! God was definitely getting their attention with this gift delivery! I think He wanted them to always remember this moment and never doubt that He had indeed delivered what Jesus had promised his Father would deliver.

In fact, Jesus was not the first one to promise the delivery of this gift. Many years earlier the prophet Joel had foretold of a time when God would, “Pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy…even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days and they will prophesy.” (Joel 2:28-32 and Acts 2:17-21). This was now a pouring out of God’s Spirit! It was not just for a few select leaders who had a job to do. Now everyone seems to have a job to do! The sons and daughters, young and old, even on my servants, both men and women, Joel says God says. So pour that Spirit on – they are going to need it! They are going to prophesy and speak for God. Prophecy is sometimes thought of as just foretelling the future but it actually includes hearing and speaking for God whatever message He sends.

And this time He sent His message in many foreign languages, all at once, to the disciples who had previously not known or understood or spoke these foreign languages, but now their words were heard and understood by the Jews gathered from many foreign lands and tongues. “All of them (the Jesus followers gathered in Jerusalem who had just heard the wind and saw the tongues of fire land on each of them) were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them” (Acts 2:4). Turns out God not only wanted to get the disciples’ attention – but also the attention of all the Jews from many foreign lands and tongues who were in Jerusalem for the Day of Pentecost celebration. The people each hear their own language from these Galileans and they are amazed and perplexed – and listening!

So Peter stands up and speaks for God – with an amazing sermon in Acts 2 you don’t want to miss! This is the same Peter who approximately 53 days earlier denied Jesus three times. He wouldn’t even admit to the servant girl that he had been with Jesus. This is the same Peter who wept at his weakness. Now he is preaching to the multitude to tell the Jews of every nation about Jesus whom God has made both Lord and Christ. The Spirit makes a difference -a big difference. Peter explains from Joel, to the man Jesus. He explains to the Jews how they put Jesus to death and God raised him to life, freeing him from death. He explains how David is in the grave, but Jesus is not. When the people hear, understand and are convicted they ask what they must do. Peter replies, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). Obey these steps – and the gift is ready for you.

God’s gift of His Spirit is no longer just for the Bezalels, Joshuas, Gideons, and Peters. It is no longer just for the disciples who physically walked with Jesus. Now, if you repent and are baptized, this gift is for you! Are your ready to obey and do the work God has for you? You, too, can receive the gift of God’s Holy Spirit to do the work that God has for you to do. The gift is not always delivered with the sound of violent winds and tongues of fire. What the gift enables you to do still depends on what job the Lord has for you to do. Without it, you are weak. With it, comes power, words, skills, and energy you are not capable of on your own. Are you ready to receive God’s gift?

-Marcia Railton

Reflection Questions

  1. What are your thoughts on God’s Spirit? What does Scripture teach about God’s Spirit?
  2. What work do you think God has for you to do? Are you already using His Spirit to do this work?
  3. What does one have to do to receive God’s gift of His Spirit?
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Gold and Goat Hair

Exodus 35:5a NIV

Old Testament: Exodus 35 & 36

Poetry: Psalm 34

New Testament: Acts 1

Gold and goat hair. Silver and sea cow hides. Bronze metal and blue yarn. Onyx stones and olive oil. These all were great offerings to do the work of God. These were just some of the precious, as well as the more common, everyday items that were brought as offerings to create the very first tabernacle.

God had given Moses some very specific plans for what He wanted for His tabernacle including the furnishings and priestly garments. The creative Creator who designed heaven and earth and fashioned all sorts of lands, plants, fish, birds, animals and unique human beings was now showing His flair for architecture (albeit tent-like architecture that would travel well), interior decorating (including specific dimensions, materials and details for the furnishings and surfaces), and even fashion designing (of the stunning priestly wardrobe).

God gave the precise plans – and He also gave His Spirit. God gave His Spirit to fill these craftsmen (Bezalel, Oholiab and other skilled persons) with skill, ability and knowledge so they would know how to create His masterpieces in gold, silver, bronze, stones, wood and “all kinds of artistic craftsmanship” (Exodus 35:33). And the Bible records that God also gave both Bezalel and Oholiab the ability to teach others these skills. What a creative and masterful and wise Spirit of God, which God still gives today! Have you received any of His crafty, skilled Spirit? If so, how are you using it to do His work? Are you able to teach others what God has given you? How can teaching others your skills and abilities further God’s work?

God gave the plans and His Spirit with the skills, it was up to the people to give the resources. ”All the Israelite men and women who were willing brought to the LORD freewill offerings for all the work the LORD through Moses had commanded them to do.”  (Exodus 35:29) These offerings were not required (as other offerings were), but these were voluntary offerings. ”Everyone who was willing and whose heart moved him came and brought an offering to the Lord for the work.” (Exodus 35:21) And they did give! They donated their gold jewelry to the cause. Those who had acacia wood, bronze, spices and oil gave what they had. The skilled willing women got to work spinning the colorful yarn, linen and goat hair. There was no gift too large and no gift too small. It was all given with a willing heart and would be used for the Lord’s work. They even gave and gave until they were told to stop because they had given more than enough to complete the sanctuary. 

I am not sure your church would find a good use for your donated goat hair today…um, wait, correction, my quick internet search just now revealed several common uses for goat hair including paintbrushes, rugs, carpet, and even Mohair or cashmere (different from rabbit cashmere) to be used in making sweaters or even fine pants for your pastor. So, go ahead keep collecting your goat hair for God, if that is what you have and your willing heart is telling you to give it to Lord’s work. 

And also consider, what do you have, or could you acquire with what you have, to provide for God’s work today. I’m guessing God’s not planning on building a tabernacle in your backyard, but do not doubt He has many, many plans that you can be an exciting part of with your participation and your offerings. What is your church doing that you can be a part of, contributing your time, talents and what you have to a larger extent than ever before? Could the children’s ministry use new crayons or is the kitchen running out of coffee cups? Would a tray of cookies be useful after church or could you help provide a spring cleaning spruce-up? What needs can you provide? Do you have a crafty skill to create a piece of artwork or functional thing of beauty (furniture or banner or blanket) for God’s church or even for His work outside of the church (perhaps a donation for a non-profit organization). Where is God’s work around the world in need of what you have? Sometimes the need is as simple as highlighters, glasses, or flat frisbees. Sometimes it’s Bibles, bikes and fertilizer. Sometimes it’s larger, like a church building – a new tabernacle. What do you have (given to you by God), that He would love to see you use to further His work with one of your neighbors in need – your means of transportation, your coffeepot, you sharing a skill? 

What is your heart moving you to offer to God’s work? Consider both your valuable and precious resources as well as your common and everyday items? What gold and goat hair will you offer to God with a willing heart? 

-Marcia Railton

Reflection & APplication

  1. What do you have (or have the means to acquire) that could be used to do the work of the Lord? How is your heart moving you to give offerings to the Lord’s work? 
  2. Pray about it and do it.
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