Tag: Marcia Railton

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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What Have You Done with It?

Old Testament: Exodus 25 & 26

Poetry: Psalm 30

New Testament: Matthew 25:14-30

Have you ever been given a huge gift of money, equal to say, 20, 40 or even 100 years of wages? I am going to guess your answer, like mine is “No!” So instead I will ask, what would you do if you were given a huge gift of money like that? Houses, cars, boats, RV’s, college, investments, and even some donations. I can dream up a few things and I am sure you can, too. 

But what would you do if you were entrusted with a huge amount of money worth 20, 40 or 100 years of wages? It’s a totally different question. The money isn’t yours. But you are responsible for it. The owner has put it in your care (whether you wanted it or not). And he is going to be returning (sometime) to see what you have done with it. 

You have some options. You could totally screw up and spend it all as yours and have nothing for the master when he returns. But that would be totally unwise because of what the master would do when he returns. You could hide it under your mattress and just keep it safe so you can return it when the master comes. This option is ruled by fear: fear of losing, fear of the master, fear of things not turning out right, fear of trying. Only trouble is, the master has a few different words for the fearful afraid servant who hid his alloted resources: wicked, lazy and worthless. Well, that’s not really the only trouble because the LARGER trouble is what becomes of that fearful, afraid, wicked, worthless and lazy servant: the master orders him to be  thrown, “into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Matthew 25:30). His eternal destination is decided because he was too afraid to try to use what the master entrusted to him. 

In order to please the master, everyone needs a ministry in which they are putting to work what God has entrusted to him or her. Your ministry doesn’t have to look like your neighbors or pastors or parents. God has given each one of us different resources, bags of gold and talents and spiritual gifts and skill sets. But he didn’t give them to us for us to foolishly squander on ourselves or fearfully hide away. In fact, he didn’t give them to us for us to keep. But he entrusted them to us for us to put them to work for him. He expects us to grow them. And when we do, he welcomes us to come share in his happiness and even gives us more. 

Which words will you hear from the master? It depends on what you have done with what he has entrusted to you. 

-Marcia Railton

Reflection Questions

  1. What resources, talents, gifts, skills and passions has God entrusted to you? How are you putting them to work for him? 
  2. Are there times when you have allowed fear to keep you from investing God’s talents He’s given you?
  3. Which words will you hear from the master? 
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Ready for the Day. And Ready for the Night.

Old Testament: Exodus 23 & 24

Poetry: Psalm 29

New Testament: Matthew 25:1-13

Are you ready for the day? Do you have clean clothes to wear, you have your keys, phone and wallet, your homework is done, you have prepared for the meeting or test, and you remembered to brush your teeth before leaving the house. It’s a good feeling to be ready. 

When was the last time you were caught unprepared? You scrambled to put together a clean (maybe matching) outfit because the dirty hamper was overflowing, the teacher gave a pop quiz, visitors found a messy house, you didn’t have the project complete when the boss wanted it, the bill wasn’t paid by the due date, and in the rush to get out the door you forgot to brush your teeth. It’s no fun not being ready. 

In Matthew 25 today we read of the Parable of the Ten Virgins, or Bridesmaids, depending on which version you read. They are all anxiously waiting for the bridegroom’s arrival and they all have a lamp/torch/light with them as it is day now but they don’t know when he might come, so they (seem) prepared to wait even if it grows dark. And it does. 

Jesus tells us five of the virgins (typically referring to purity) were wise and five (still, pure virgins) were foolish. And since they all had their lamps with them and were anxiously awaiting the bridegroom’s (Jesus’) arrival I feel it is safe to say that all ten would call themselves “Christians” or Jesus followers. The five foolish aren’t chasing after the world and doing immoral, evil things. They have their lights and are waiting, right along with the five wise.  I think they are even sitting in the church pew and doing all the right things right along with the wise, all day long.

And then it grows dark. BOTH the wise and foolish get drowsy and even begin to sleep. BOTH are wakened with the great news, “The Bridegroom is coming!” But now we run into trouble. Well – half of them/us do. 

Five of them didn’t bring oil to keep their lamps burning, their lights are going out, and they haven’t seen the bridegroom yet. They desperately demand to get some oil from the five wise who brought oil with them, but the wise know they don’t have enough oil for both their light and another light. In the final moments the foolish run off scrambling to go buy more oil. And it is in those final moments that the long anticipated arrival of the bridegroom takes place. He finds the five wise waiting with their lights burning bright and he ushers them into the wedding feast. The door is shut and the party begins. 

In the previous chapter Jesus had just warned of the darkness that would proceed his second coming: increased wickedness, love of most growing cold, many deceived by false prophets and false christs, war, famine, earthquakes, and persecution. He warned that during that time of darkness many Jesus followers will fall away. They are the 5 foolish. They are the ones who won’t have enough fuel to keep their light burning through the darkness. They are the ones who will miss the party and be left out in the dark and will hear the Savior say, “I don’t know you.” 

Each person needs to be prepared – and stay prepared – even in the final dark days/moments/hours. Just having a light in the daytime is not enough. Just walking with the wise, right crowd is not enough. It won’t work to get into the Kingdom with a spouse, parent, grandparent, pastor, or friend who is prepared. You need your own light – AND the oil to keep it burning bright all night long if needed. 

Which half will you be a part of? Are you prepared? Are you ready? Do you have your light with you? That’s a good first step! But are you also prepared for the coming darkness that will indeed come before the Savior arrives? Do you have enough fuel to keep your light burning bright until you are ushered into the great wedding feast? Are your ready for the day? Are you ready for the night?

-Marcia Railton

Reflection Questions

  1. First off, are you a Jesus follower, waiting for his return, prepared with a light?
  2. Are you prepared to keep your light burning in the darkness?
  3. What part of the darkness scares you most (wickedness, deception, natural disasters, famine, persecution)? How can you work on strengthening your stand now and preparing for the darkness so you won’t fall away in the darkness? 
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Fight-Pray-Watch-Write

Old Testament: Exodus 17 & 18

Poetry: Psalm 26

New Testament: Matthew 22:15-46

Sunday I said I love a good underdog story. It just so happens I also love a good battle story – and the Bible does not disappoint. There are many great battle stories in God’s word, including one in today’s reading in Exodus 17 of young Joshua (this is the first time he is mentioned in Scripture) battling the Amalekite army that attacked the Israelites.

My favorite kind of story though are the faith stories. How did God come through and save the day – again? What was needed and how did God deliver? Who was praying, where, and who witnessed the answer to prayer? And, how did they praise God for the answers sent? And – once again – the Bible does not disappoint. 

In fact, the battle story of Joshua vs. the Amalekites is also a great faith story. For while we have Joshua leading his very first battle with an army he put together in a day, we also have Moses holding the staff of God on the top of a hill overlooking the battle below. The action on the battlefield is just part of the story. It is the intercession on the hill which is pivotal in the outcome below. ”As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were wining, but whenever he lowered his hands the Amalekites were winning.” (Exodus 17:11) 80 year old Moses wasn’t on the battlefield but he was so important in the events of the day!

The trouble is – fatigue and weariness set in and his arms were getting heavier and heavier. He couldn’t hold up his arms any longer. He couldn’t do it alone. Intercession for the army below was not a one man job. Luckily, Aaron and Hur were on hand, saw the need, and stepped up. They provided a stone for Moses to sit on and with Aaron on one side and Hur on the other, they propped up Moses’ weary arms so that his hands remained outstretched toward heaven. 

And at the end of the day (and it did take all day) the Israelites beat back the Amalekites. And it wasn’t just because of the Joshua and his soldiers. And it wasn’t just because of the steadfast intercession of Moses, Aaron and Hur. It was a direct result of all of those AND mostly due to a mighty God who gave the victory. Moses realized this and he gave the glory to God as he built an altar to God and called it, “The LORD is my Banner.”

Does your prayer matter? Yes! There is great power in prayer and too often we take it much too lightly. We might mumble off a few sentences about, “Dear God please be with _____ and help her with ______ today.” But, when was the last time we let prayer and intercession order the events of our day, inconvenience us, or even cause a bit of pain? 

What could be changed if we take more seriously the job of lifting our hands to the throne of God? Realizing that prayer is not a one man job, who can we involve in praying with us? If you are currently on the battlefield, who can you ask to lift up hands in prayer for you and the victory you are fighting for? And how will you give the glory to God for sending answers and showing his goodness, power and love. 

I am thankful these stories have been written down to for us to learn and remember. And, I love that God told Moses to write the events of that day long ago down for Joshua to remember. How often do we forget how God displayed His goodness and power in our own lives and through the intercession of others? What great faith stories have you witnessed – perhaps as the warrior on the battlefield or perhaps as the intercessor on the hill? Will you write it down?

-Marcia Railton

Reflection & APPLICATION

  1. It is not recorded what specific words Moses may have been praying aloud or silently. In fact the word pray is not included in this passage. Do you think we might focus a bit too much on what words we say in prayer when God is more interested in our heart and arms uplifted to him (not just physically, but spiritually lifting needs to him with a devoted heart)? 
  2. There were a lot of questions in the devotion to contemplate. Which ones do you want to spend more time on?
  3. This has been on my mind for awhile now – so today is the perfect day to ask for your help! I would love to compile a collection of written faith stories from warriors and intercessors who have seen the One True God provide the victory – in both big and small ways: the keys were found, the prodigal son returned, the need was met in unexpected ways. Do you have a story you would write down to be shared? If so, please reach out to me so I can read and share your story! You can leave a comment below or find me on facebook or email me at grow16br@gmail.com. 
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Your Royal Wedding Banquet Invite

Old Testament: Exodus 15 & 16

Poetry: Psalm 25

New Testament: Matthew 22:1-14

What was the best party you have ever been to? How did you get invited? What was your relationship with the host? With the guest of honor? Who else was there? What did you wear?

Or, maybe there was a party you were invited to that you didn’t make time for? Perhaps you didn’t really know the guest of honor that well so you weren’t too interested. Or maybe you were mad at the host so you stayed away? Or you figured it would be boring since they didn’t have (insert hobby/entertainment/person of interest). But then, come to find out – you missed out on the party of the century.

Jesus knew we like to talk about parties. Wedding receptions are particularly exciting – and royal wedding parties top the charts. So what a perfect parable and analogy for the Kingdom God is preparing. God is the King – and as host of the party he decides who to invite to this event of all events which will honor His Son – Jesus.

The guest list starts out somewhat small and elite which is very fitting for a royal party. The Jews were the first to be invited to the party. They could trace their heritage back to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob – the fathers of the faith. But, they ignore their invite and the God who sent it. They don’t even RSVP. God sends his servants out as messengers (the prophets and those who speak for God) to remind God’s people of the graciousness of their host and the splendor of the party. But, the potential guests of the party are too deep into other things – their fields, their businesses, their homes, their selfish pursuits, their false gods. Most just ignore God’s messengers – but some decide the best way to decline the invite is through violence. In rage they attack God’s messengers, even killing some. For a time they may have thought they got away with it. But, God knows and delivers judgment.

The guests didn’t show but the party isn’t cancelled. God sends his messengers again. They hit the streets with new invitations. “Invite them all,” says the host. It no longer matters who your great great great grandfather was. It doesn’t matter who you were or what you did. Old, young, rich, poor, men, women, children, black, white, and every color in between. You are invited! And all your neighbors in the world are invited! Let the party begin.

But, wait – that’s not yet the end of the parable or God’s expectations. The host has indeed invited all and is ready to receive all into His Kingdom Party. But, you must come dressed appropriately for the party so you aren’t tossed out. No, God won’t check to see if you have a designer label – but He will check to make sure you have clothed yourself with salvation. To accept your invitation accept God’s Son as the only way to salvation. And then put on the robes of righteousness – seek to live the life that will bring glory to the Father and the Son. There are many passages that continue the analogy of being properly clothed with righteousness, not stained with sin (some are Job 29:14, Isaiah 61:10, Jude 23, Revelation 3:4 and 19:8).

The greatest party ever to come is about to begin and you and all your neighbors are invited. Don’t turn down the invite because you are mad at God or don’t know Jesus well or are busy at home and work. Accept His invitation. Come to the party. But don’t make the fatal error of trying to sneak in unprepared. Accept His Son and clothe yourself with righteousness. Make sure your neighbors know they are invited and help them select their proper attire.

And then – let the party begin!

-Marcia Railton

(originally posted for SeekGrowLove on January 22, 2021)

Reflection Questions

  1. Some of the people invited to the wedding banquet in Matthew 22 paid no attention because they were too busy with other pursuits. In your own life what vies for the time and attention it will take to accept the wedding banquet invitation? What do you value most? Are you making plans and preparations now to attend the wedding banquet? 
  2. Are you already clothed in the proper garments? Have you accepted Jesus as the only way to salvation from the Father? Are your deeds, words and attitudes reflecting your desire to live a righteous life? What are you still lacking? 
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The Long Way Around

Old Testament: Exodus 13 & 14

Poetry: Psalm 24

New Testament: Matthew 21:33-46

I love a good underdog story. And there aren’t many better than the slaves overcoming Pharaoh. 

There are SO MANY phrases that stick out to me as I am reading Exodus 13 & 14 that make this story stand out as a grand and glorious experience of what God can do and why it is worthy of being remembered. 

The Israelites have JUST left behind their lives as slaves. And God says – let’s remember this event, every year, in fact, for 7 days every year let’s celebrate my power and goodness and these events unfolding now. And why? So you and your future generations can be reminded “that the law of the Lord is to be on your lips; for with a powerful hand the Lord brought you out of…” (Exodus 13:9)?  What reminders and signs and symbols do you have on your calendar and in your home and in your life that remind you and the future generations to speak of God’s power and rescue and goodness? 

Do you ever get frustrated when the GPS sends you the long way around when you know the area just well enough to know there is a shorter way which is generally quicker? Or, maybe you can relate to when God doesn’t send the quick and easy answer you had in mind, but sends you on a completely different path in life, perhaps even through the desert. God did the same for the Israelites – for a very good reason. We don’t always get to see, hear or understand WHY the GPS sent us this way instead of that. Perhaps there was an accident ahead or a bridge out and so a better route was selected. Similarly, we don’t always get to see, hear and understand God’s reasoning on why He chooses which path to send us on. But in this particular case Moses writes that God knew the quickest route to the promised land would be through the Philistine country. But, he also knew they weren’t ready for war and if they faced war now they might get scared and return to Egypt. ”So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea.” (Exodus 13:18). Can we trust that God knows best, even better than our GPS? He knows which road is best for you, too.

Even when it seems to end at the Sea.

Because, at the edge of the water God does some pretty amazing things! Well, actually, He doesn’t wait til we get to the edge. He was sending a pillar of cloud to guide them during the day and a pillar of fire to guide by night – that sounds like a pretty cool night light to follow. God was showing His protection and guidance, but can you imagine the fear they must have felt when they looked up and saw the Egyptians coming after them, as they were at the edge of the Sea. Terrifying fear that leads to anger and outrage directed toward Moses and the Lord. But Moses says, “Do not fear! Stand firm and see the salvation of the Lord that he will provide for you today; for the Egyptians that you see today you will never, ever see again. The Lord will fight for you, and you can be still.” (Exodus 14:13,14 NET). What fearful situations have we found ourselves in where our fear turns to anger toward God and men? Could it be God is telling us to stand firm to see how He will deliver us, save us, and fight for us? 

I love how it says the angel of God and the pillar of cloud which had been leading the way now moved to the rear, positioning themselves between the scared Israelites and the powerful Egyptians and all night the cloud brought darkness to the Egyptians and light to the Israelites. 

Now the stage is set and God acts – again – in a mighty way! He sends a strong east wind all night long. We’ve all seen some amazing and terrifying things wind has done. But this beats them all. A wind strong and long enough to drive the sea back and turn it into dry land, with a wall of water on the right and a wall of water on the left. Typically people don’t survive well in hurricane force winds that create walls of water. But on this miraculous night, the people, young and old as well as all their flocks and herds all walk across the sea on that dry land! Can you imagine the amazement and awe and dream-like experience that must have been! I wonder if it was difficult to walk upright? I wonder how wide the dry path was for the 600,000 men (and women and children)? I wonder if there were children on the edge of the dry path trying to run their fingers through the wall of water while their mothers were urging them ahead. I wonder what the Egyptians thought as they followed in their chariots, still in the dark. 

Exodus 14:24 says, “During the last watch of the night the Lord looked down from the pillar of fire and cloud at the Egyptian army and threw it into confusion.” Some versions say He made the wheels come off the chariots, others translate it that He jammed their wheels so driving the chariots was difficult. Either way, it seems to me a bit humorous – as long as I am not an Egyptian. We love to remember the God who saves His people – as long as we are one of His people. It would be wise for us to also remember He can and has and will frustrate and confuse the way of His enemies, and make sure we are not in that category. 

Don’t find yourself still in the dark – walking on the wrong side of His cloud of protection and guidance. God is providing light on the other side. Seek Him and what pleases Him. And Stand Firm and watch His salvation. 

-Marcia Railton

Reflection Questions

  1. In what ways have you seen God provide favor, protection, guidance and sometimes even miraculous intervention to save His people? 
  2. Is there a time God may have led you on the longer, indirect route to save you from an unknown pain on a shorter more direct route? 
  3. How will you seek to remember and share with future generations what God has done – both during the time of the Israelites and in your life as well? 

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Will it Stand or Fall?

Old Testament: GENESIS 19 & 20

Poetry: Psalm 7

New Testament: Matthew 7:24-29

There has been a lot of talk and anticipation over widespread storms this week. Much of the United States has been impacted in one way or another and depending on where you live that could mean changing travel plans or school closings due to snow, ice, wind, limited visibility, heavy rains, and flooding or even tornadoes. And sometimes, like today in parts of lower Michigan, just the threat of poor conditions which could produce dangerous situations is enough to alter course for many. 

Jesus too, warns of storms with such driving rains and rising waters which have the power to totally destroy and wipe out homes if we don’t take the proper actions beforehand. Storms are coming – and in some cases they have already begun. Jesus tells us, some houses will stand, some will not. It depends on their foundation. Is the house built on rock - or on sand – which is determined by how wise – or how foolish – the builder is. Both builders listen to the words of Jesus – good first step. The wise builder proceeds to “put it into practice” – and his house endures the storm. The foolish builder with his house built on sand has heard the words of Jesus but does not put them into practice. And when the storm comes, his house is destroyed.

Hear the words of Jesus. And then, put it into practice. It is not enough to sit at his feet listening every week or even every morning – if you don’t then spend your days DOING what he says. We have just spent the last seven days reading and looking at Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). Now, what will we do with oit? What will it look like to put it into practice today and tomorrow and every day of 2024 and the rest of our lives – however long or short that may be?Both houses will experience the winds and the rain. Will your house stand?

-Marcia Railton

Reflection Questions

  1. What shape is the foundation of your life/house in right now? Have you built on rock or on sand? Are there some cracks to be filled in before the storms start or worsen or are you in need of a totally new foundation re-do?
  2. What are some reasons people who have heard what Jesus said then don’t put it into practice? Which of these have been the biggest issues in your own life? 
  3. Look back over the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). How can you put these words of Jesus into practice? What would he like to see you do today? What steps will you do to put it into action?
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Two Gates, Two Roads and One Big Surprise

Old Testament: Genesis 17 & 18

Poetry: Psalm 6

New Testament: Matthew 7: 13-23

Many surprises are really good surprises: birthday parties, just because flowers or gifts, snow days, finding bacon in the fridge (said my husband), a check in the mail, your daughter coming home from college 4 days early. But, the surprise in our short New Testament passage today would have to be one of, if not the total WORST surprise ever. But, that’s no place to start a good devotion – let’s save that surprise for the (fitting) end and start with the two gates. 

I am a visual learner (though not too artistic) so I made a simple little chart in my journal of the two gates in Matthew 7:13 & 14- two simple little verses with a very big lesson.

It brings to mind the repeated refrain of the desperate teenager arguing with his or her parents to be allowed to ___ (fill-in-the-blank with whatever popular but not always wise pursuit kids are into at the time), “But, everyone else is doing it!” Unfortunately, even as adults we too often strive to fit in with what everyone else is doing, saying, watching, thinking, and even being. When will we learn that “what everyone else is doing” is not a good argument for joining in but actually should raise giant red flags and make one consider reversing course immediately. MANY are on the road leading to destruction. It is popular, easy, fun, attractive, politically correct and what everyone else is doing. It is where your friends and neighbors and co-workers are and likely some family and church members, too. It is where the majority live and work and play, where entertainment and media, social and otherwise, hang out, and where influencers thrive. Why wouldn’t anyone want to join in? Just one reason. It. Leads. To.

Destruction.

Not just a bad day, not just a mistake, not just a lesson learned, but destruction, final and ultimate and forever destruction. Many are headed there now. Many are on that road. And you know them. You might be them. This popular road is also the road with the teenager (and now even younger) tragically contemplating and committing suicide. This is the road with the pregnant hopeless woman planning an abortion. This is the road that is raising way too many of our world’s children and youth. This is the road with ferocious wolves dressed up as harmless sheep. This is the road with hatred and despair and deception grotesquely mixed in amongst the glittery fun popularity. This is the overflowing road that leads to destruction.

Who will find the way out? Just. A. Few. Will I? Will you?

Remember that surprise we were saving for the end? The WORST surprise ever? Jesus said that MANY (where did we see that word recently?) who appear to know Jesus and speak in his name – who even drive out demons and perform miracles in his name – will be told by Jesus, “Away from me, you evildoers!” as he denies them entrance into the kingdom. And if you aren’t going into the kingdom the only other option is that wide slippery slope of a road that drops you straight into destruction. 

This is one of those many times in the Scriptures where I want more information to answer all my burning questions starting with, who are these (many) people? Yeah, I want names, Jesus, but if you can’t give me that, at least some more details… What denomination(s) are they? What hidden sins? Who do they believe Jesus is? Are they wrong? Is that why they are denied? What role does pride play? Are these different from the wolves in sheep clothing? They kind of seem to be “better” good and effective “Christians”- are they? Do they think they are? It seems they look really good on the outside, could something be wrong on the inside? Have they fooled even themselves? 

But the most important question is: How can I make sure I, and the ones I love and care for, are not in this group? And Jesus does give us that answer. Do the will of His Father in heaven. ONLY the people who DO the WILL of GOD will be allowed into eternal life anew in the Kingdom of God. Just wearing the Christian name is not the ticket. Merely calling Jesus Lord is not enough. Even driving out demons and performing miracles – which do appear to be convincing signs of doing the will of God – is not enough to prove one is actually doing God’s will. GOD always knows who is and who isn’t doing His Will. And Jesus isn’t fooled either. It is indeed much harder for us to see and always know who Is and who Isn’t doing the will and work of God. We are told that false Christs and false prophets and even a powerful beast of the earth will come with great signs and wonders in order to deceive. (Matthew 24 and Revelation 14).

Don’t be deceived. Don’t deceive yourself. Don’t set yourself up to receive the worst surprise in the world. Don’t join them on that wide road. Don’t let your last words be, “But everyone else was doing it.” Don’t be tricked into believing you have to stay on that wide road if that is where you are now. Get off. Change your course. Change your destiny. Fight against that loud crowd and find your way to the unpopular narrow road.  Do His Will. And in order to DO that – you need to study to know Who God is and what His Will actually is so you won’t be tricked into thinking you are good and safe and got your ticket in. Be one of the few heading toward the narrow gate doing God’s will. It is the only way to life. 

-Marcia Railton

Reflection Questions

  1. What do you think makes the wide road so popular? 
  2. Do you find the narrow road appealing? Why or why not? 
  3. Which road do you think you are on now? What evidence do you have? Is this where you want to stay? Why or why not?
  4. With the information you have right now, what do you think doing God’s will would look like for you today? Are you doing it? How can you learn more about what God’s will is for you? What’s the danger in not learning more about God’s will?
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