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- Herausgeber: BooxAi
- Kategorie: Religion und Spiritualität
- Sprache: Englisch
Ever wanted to learn more about God's story or your story where God is concerned? Come along on the journey of a lifetime, your lifetime. As you read the Bible from cover to cover, your relationship with God will reach a new level as you experience life together. You will read familiar stories, unfamiliar ones walking hand in hand with a loving God who desires a relationship with you, his child.
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Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2022
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CROSSING YOUR BRIDGE
A YEAR LONG JOURNEY WITH JESUS AND THE BIBLE
EDWARD BEAM
Edward Beam
Crossing Your Bridge
All rights reserved
Copyright © 2022 by Edward Beam
No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.
Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV, Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com the “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.
Scripture taken from THE MESSAGE Copyright 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.
Published by BooxAi
ISBN: 978-965-578-022-2
Contents
Introduction
Reading Plan
JOURNEY
Bibliography
Introduction
Are we there yet? How many times have you heard that in the family car coming from a bored child in the backseat? How many times were you that bored child? We want to be at our final destination, don’t we? So God, are we there yet? Are we at the place you want us to be?
We are all on a journey with a loving God. It is a journey of a lifetime–your life. It doesn’t matter how long you have been on this journey with your creator. It doesn’t matter if you attend church or not. See, the journey you are on with God is not about religion. It’s about a relationship and being on a journey with the God who created you and loves you to death, literally. You may never get to a point where you are there. That’s why you are on this journey of a lifetime.
At the center, the heart of this journey you are about to undertake is time. A successful relationship involves spending time with the other person. Your relationship with God is no different. If you spend time in this relationship, at least two things will happen. First, you will hear, see and learn God’s story. If you’ve never heard it or read it, God’s story is one of creation, redemption, covenant-keeping, covenant-breaking, forgiveness and above all, love. The second thing that will happen is that you will draw closer to God. You will hear and experience God in a new way, and that is what this book is all about.
Have you ever read the Bible from cover to cover before? It is estimated that eight percent of Americans read the Bible on a daily basis. How can we learn about God and his story if we don’t spend time in the Bible? That is what Crossing Your Bridge is all about. It’s about spending time with God. It’s about trying to apply what you are reading to your life. It’s about spending time in conversation with God; we call that prayer. Parts of this journey may seem familiar to you. Other parts will not be familiar. Other parts will demand action on your part. It will be life-changing.
So how can we draw closer to God? Let’s look at just one part of scripture to gain some clarity on that question. We find the Great Commandment in Matthew 22, and it states, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor and yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”
Jesus in the Great Commandment gives us two resolutions that will draw us closer to God. The first is to love God with “all”, not a portion, not more than half, but with all of your heart, soul and mind. This involves putting God first in your decisions, your attitudes, and your thoughts. There is to be no part of your life that should not be God-centered. The second resolution is to love your neighbor as yourself. This involves putting God and others first and ourselves, maybe third. As we do this, we can bless others as God has blessed us. We become salt and light and let a dark world see the light, God’s light, in and through us.
It was theologian Johnathan Edwards who began each day with these two commitments, “Resolution One: I will live for God. Resolution Two: If no one else does, I will.” Edwards sparked a great awakening. May Crossing Our Bridge spark a spiritual revival in our homes, churches, workplaces, schools wherever life leads us.
HOW THIS JOURNEY WORKS: What follows is a study, maybe unlike others you have done in the past. There are 365 (an entire year’s worth) of what is called Journey Notes to read along with the scripture to go along with it. The journey begins in Genesis and continues through Revelation.
The journey you are embarking on will have its peaks and valleys, as does our journey with God. Not everything you read or hear will be positive. I designed it that way to encourage you, to spur you on, to cause you to answer some of life’s tough questions. The journey will be different for each person as each person’s walk is different, but I can guarantee that as you go through it, your faith and your walk will grow, and you will learn things you never knew before.
As we journey together, I hope you will hear my heart and my story as well. As you read the scripture associated with the notes, you will probably wonder why is this section or that section highlighted and not others? It is a fair question. All I can say is that I am looking to encourage you, and as you experience these stories, you will grow in your faith. Not all stories will be highlighted, and you can dig into them at your leisure.
Maybe I should introduce myself and explain why I believe reading the Bible is so important to your spiritual development. My name is Ed Beam and I am from Harrisburg, PA, having worked in state government for 30 years and Hersheypark for 12 year. Maybe you’ve heard of it. I have also worked in youth ministry for 26 years in a variety of volunteer and staff positions. I currently live in Fort Mill, SC, a suburb of Charlotte.
God loves me even though I am not a seminary graduate and has directed my path since day one. I have seen and experienced too much to keep it to myself. I don’t know what your experience with God is, but I know mine has forged my life. Is my story unique? Probably not, but it is mine, and I lay claim to it. I started studying the Bible quite a few years ago because I wanted to draw closer to God and Jesus. I hope that is one of your intentions as we start this journey together. My goal in all of this is simple. I want to encourage you to challenge your journey with God. Are you ready?
Before we head out into the unknown, I have some people to thank. Foremost, I have to thank God for godly parents and a church family that all they knew how to do was surround people with love. I have to thank pastors and other spiritual mentors for encouraging and inspiring me. People who joined me on this journey with God. I can’t forget young people who challenged and inspired me. The list can go on and on. You will hear some of their stories on our journey.
Why did I choose the symbol of a bridge? As I said, I am from Harrisburg, PA, home of the Rockville Bridge. Ever heard of it? It is the longest stone masonry arch railroad bridge in the world. They built it starting in 1900, and it is 3,820 feet in length. This bridge had a small part in my upbringing as I attended Rockville UMC, oddly enough in the bridge's shadow, and I got to cross the Rockville bridge several times as I moved from Sunday School class to another one (okay, it was a replica).
The symbol of a bridge is important in our journey together, not just because of a church, but it is also a concept we experienced years later at Youth For Christ events. The concept is simple: Jesus Christ serves as a bridge between ourselves and God. He is the only way to get to where God is. We will do a lot of bridge-building and crossing this year, and I hope you will grow deeper in your relationship with a living and loving God because of this.
As we embark on this journey together, know that I pray blessings over you and your family as we together grow in knowledge, understanding, and desire for God’s will to be made known to us. Are you ready? Let’s journey with God and let him speak to us. As one of my spiritual mentors who you will meet would say, LET'S GO!
Reading Plan
This reading plan is aggressive, to say the least. It is not for the faint of heart. If you are a serious Disciple (student) of Jesus, you will understand the importance of reading the scripture. What follows is the reading plan for both book editions, which is where the year long study is developed from. I know what you are going to ask, how much time is involved in reading? Personally, I would budget a half hour to 40 minutes over your six days of reading, but you can work on a schedule. Understand that your time with God is important, and this schedule helps keep you on track.
JOURNEY
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JOURNEY NOTE # 1
AT THE CENTER OF IT - GOD
Genesis 1
In the beginning, there was God. He created the world simply by speaking. What words did he say? There were no scientific equations or theories, there was God. Nothing else was needed. It wasn’t by coincidence that God created what he did; he did so with a purpose. As we journey together, hopefully, we find out what that purpose is.
God’s creation was and is not just okay, like the Geico commercial suggests. God was pleased with it and deemed it good. He takes the same approach with us — he pronounces us good. What words to hear to start our journey that we are good.
I remember Christmas Eve 1968 when Apollo 8 became the first manned mission to circle and enter lunar orbit. As they completed their first revolution, they showed the first pictures of the earth from the moon. Frank Borman, Jim Lovell and William Anders read Genesis 1 to the largest TV audience. If you are interested, you can YouTube Apollo 8 and view it for yourself.
The reading of Genesis 1 was not well received here on the big blue, but that stuck with me because I believe God created what he said. I don’t need scientific data or equations. God said it, and I believe it. God loved me so much that he did what is written in Genesis 1 for me and for our enjoyment, pleasure, and use. May the creating and sustaining God go with us on our respective journeys that we are starting today.
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JOURNEY NOTE # 2
MULTIPLICATION PRINCIPLE
Genesis 1:28
Perhaps the most important verse in the Bible, to me anyway. God blessed what he created, especially Adam and Eve. They were told to be fruitful and multiply, and that’s exactly what happened. But those were Bible times. That type of stuff doesn’t happen today. One thing you will find is that I have a wealth of stories that I will share from my experience and journey. What follows is probably the best in my collection.
The story goes that back in 1959, there was a fire at my church. I wouldn’t know I hadn’t arrived yet. This was before the big contractors and the people of the church would help others build each other's houses, and rebuilding the sanctuary from the fire was a task they felt they could handle. 12 couples started on this journey. Little did they know. Midway through the project, they realized that the church was at a crossroads. There were no children in the nursery, and they knew that if the church was going to survive, there needed to be a new generation. Being the godly people they were, they took Genesis 1:28 literally and went forth and multiplied.
Over the next 18 months, 11 children were born into this nursery, and a new generation was born into the church. Me being one of them. All the couples were in their 40s when we arrived, which was not common practice back then. Our journey with God literally began before our birth. We are called the painting party kids and what a story we have. The neat part of this entire story is to this day, many of us remain close friends.
Church has always been a part of my life. It’s in my DNA, literally. For us, painting party kids, the church has always been important. The church is more about the people than it is about the building. We played together, grew up together, and just embraced a church and people who embraced us right back. We were not looked down on because of our age but encouraged, welcomed, prayed for, and accepted. Chapter 1 of my story is a testimony to this one verse, and these few words have changed how many lives.
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JOURNEY NOTE # 3
A PERFECT 10
Genesis 2
After this busy work week, God rests on the seventh day. Contrary to the movie All the Right Moves, football was NOT created on the seventh day. I don’t care if Tom Cruise said it or not; it did not happen. God took time to rest and admire his creation. Our hectic world doesn’t practice Sabbath or rest much anymore. Sunday is just another day of shopping, games, work, etc. Not that long ago, though businesses were not open, restaurants closed, no child sporting events to go to, it was a much simpler time.
Sunday used to be devoted to relaxing, recharging, and, of course, eating. For us painting party kids growing up, we spent a lot of time at each other’s houses. That was when playing did not involve a gaming console. We actually played games and activities while our parents were in the other room talking. Sunday was a special day. In some ways, I miss that rather than the hectic pace we have now.
God made the Garden of Eden, and he and Adam were in a perfect relationship with each other. God would come to the Garden and he and Adam would just hang out. It was a relationship that both of them treasured. Who wouldn’t treasure and look forward to spending time with God? Everything was perfect, just as God had created it. What could go wrong?
God created perfection with Adam and the Garden of Eden. His creation of perfection extends to each one of us, as we are created in God’s image and that image is perfect. What ruined God’s perfection? I know what some of you skeptics are going to say about God's soulmate for Adam. What happened, though, is our human condition — sin. We live in a fallen world which takes the place of God’s perfection.
* * *
JOURNEY NOTE # 4
THE DEVIL MADE ME DO IT
Genesis 3
We know the story of Adam and Eve in the garden all too well. It’s probably played out in our own lives. Satan, in the form of a serpent, has a conversation with Eve and convinces her that if she eats the fruit, she will be like God. Of course, she falls for it, gets Adam to eat some and we are off the races. The finger-pointing begins shortly thereafter, and the perfection that God created lies in shambles because of their disobedience. The fall of man, as this event is called, introduces sin into the world, and we now live in a fallen world separated from God and his perfection.
This separation we experience from God is not something we can fix. We will continue to sin, or as the translation goes, miss the mark. But even in this fallen, mixed up, perverse world, there is hope, and that is through Jesus. But more about him much later in our journey.
The world, and God’s world, are always going to be at odds. That is because Satan has authority to rule this world, but again, there is hope. The world promises a temporary fix, but God’s fix and solution is eternal, and the choice is ours as to whose side we are going to take. It’s not a decision to make lightly because it has everlasting consequences.
While sin separates from God, Jesus serves as the bridge we can cross to get to God. Is it going to be smooth sailing? Of course not, but God will go with us. He will be right there in the middle of everything, making tunics if necessary to get us through. God loved Adam and Eve, even though they made poor choices and were thrown out of the garden because of them. The same with us. God loves us even though we make poor choices that disappoint him, but does he give up on us — no way? I, for one, am thankful for a God that offers second, third, and fourth chances.
* * *
JOURNEY NOTE # 5
WE ARE FAMILY
Genesis 4-5
Yes, a throwback to the disco days. After being thrown out of Eden, Adam and Eve set about to be fruitful and multiply, and even here, there was drama as Cain killed Abel over an offering that was brought to the Lord. Talk about a dysfunctional first family. God punishes Cain rather severely for his actions as he becomes a fugitive and a vagabond on the earth.
What is important here is Cain’s response to God when asked what happened. God already knew the answer to that question but wanted to hear it from Cain himself. But Cain denied responsibility, responding, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” Am I responsible for him? As we journey together, you will find that the answer to this question is YES. You are responsible for those around you. You are responsible for those in need. You are responsible for sharing the story of a living and loving God with others.
Meanwhile, back with the misfits Adam and Eve, God blessed them with another son Seth who brought about change as people called on the name of the Lord again. This is an ongoing theme, particularly in the Old Testament, a remnant that God uses to reach a generation. Chapter 5 is the family tree of Adam and Eve from which man came. They had some longevity genes back then. These people lived long, and they prospered or multiplied. There is longevity in those genes.
* * *
JOURNEY NOTE # 6
THAT’S THE WAY IT IS
Genesis 6-8
We know the story of Noah pretty well. What we gloss over is what caused God to flood the earth. God was sorry that he made man. What could cause that to happen? The answer is what we have been discussing the past few days — sin. Man had become so wicked and forgot about God.
Matthew 24:37 states, “But as in the days of Noah, so also will be the coming of the Son of Man be.” We know Noah built the ark, but that was only part of the story. Noah then had to warn the people of the coming destruction. God dealt with the evil in Noah’s day, and as he sure as he did, then he will do with the evil around us today. Are you ready for that?
There should be no disputing the fact that the world is a really dark place right now as evidenced by millions of babies being slaughtered for the name of convenience, the turning away from traditional marriage, and the compromising of God’s word in so many ways. We have turned our collective back on God and this is what existed back in the days of Noah.
I grew up with newscaster Walter Cronkite who would end each newscast with the phrase, “and that’s the way it is.” We see evil all around us, and what do we do about it? Oh, that’s just the way things are. How displeased God must be with us for our acceptance of evil as commonplace.
* * *
JOURNEY NOTE # 7
REFLECTION
On day seven of our readings, we will stop and reflect on what we read this week and how it pertains to us. Here we go for week #1.
Did you learn anything new about the creation story this time you read it?How is this story in conflict with the worldview of creation?How are you made in God’s image? Who is referred to in this passage?Do you practice a Sabbath or a day of rest? Would you be willing to commit to doing this for the rest of this study?Do you often feel separated from God? Why do you suppose that happens?Do you feel we are living in the last days of Noah today?Have you ever wondered what the purpose of Creation is?The purpose of God’s creation is simple: to worship him.
* * *
JOURNEY NOTE # 8
THE BLESSING OF NOAH
Genesis 9-10
God blessed Noah for his faithfulness and told his family to “be fruitful, multiply and fill the earth.” Does that sound familiar? God is in the habit of blessing people. It’s not just an Old Testament thing, either. How have you been blessed by God?
Genesis 9: 5 – 6 is an important verse. It says from each man or person, God will demand an accounting for the life of his fellow man. It goes back to the notion we explored last week about being my brother’s keeper. This is a good verse to do some self-reflection. How am I showing others a glimpse of God in and through my life? How am I reflecting God through my actions, through my behavior and how I treat people?
God makes a covenant with Noah that he would not again flood the entire earth. There was no quid per quo. God did not say if you do this, I will do that. God loved his people and still does, and this covenant is one way he shows his love. We understand the rainbow to be the sign of this covenant.
Meanwhile, back at the fruitful and multiply aisle, Noah’s sons Sham, Ham and Japeth were doing their best to fill the earth. Chapter 10 is called the Table of Nations and is a wonderful chronology of who is responsible for what. Shem produced the Hebrews, Chaldeans, Assyrians, Persians and Syrians. Ham produced the Canaanites, Egyptians, Philistines, Hittites and Amorites. Japeth produced the Greeks, Thracians and Scythians.
That’s diversity. For at least a little while, creation was pleasing God again the way it was intended, as people had a relationship with their creator, and life was good. It wouldn’t last long.
* * *
JOURNEY NOTE # 9
ONE BIG JENGA
Genesis 11
The good life with God was short-lived. Eventually, the people challenged God again, this time by building a tower. They thought they were making a name for themselves, wanting to be like God. They thought God was keeping them back from their destiny. What a lie that was. Does it sound vaguely familiar, though? Isn’t that the same thing the serpent told Eve?
God did not take kindly to any of this activity, though. He comes down to earth and knocks the tower over with a mighty crash and scatters the people, giving them all different languages. He doesn’t kill everyone this time, but he uproots things.
Fast forward to today. Do we build towers of monuments and want to be like God? We may not build towers in the town square, but ours are just as fake with our enormous homes, fancy cars, power, authority and important jobs. We idolize sports stars, celebrities, politicians and even have idol TV shows when in fact, we should honor God and not man’s accomplishments. If your identity is found in the stuff, you have accumulated or the powerful position you have attained, maybe your tower needs to come crashing down so that you can give honor, thanks and praise to God.
What are the towers you have constructed in your life? Are you prepared to have them scattered? I hope that your hope and trust are rooted in something everlasting rather than something as temporary as what this world offers.
* * *
JOURNEY NOTE # 10
ALTAR BUILDING
Genesis 12-15
The people continued to test God’s patience much like any child tests their parents. But God continued to show mercy, compassion, and love and was looking for a new leader to bring the people back to him. This time he does it through the father of many nations - Abraham.
God tells Abraham in Chapter 12 to “Leave your country, your people, and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you. I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse, and all people on the earth will be blessed through you.” Abraham had a choice to make, and he made it by giving up everything and banking on God and his blessing.
Would you be up for that challenge? If God told you to leave everything and just follow him, would you? We have instances of this command leaving everything and following happening again, as that is how Jesus called 12 ordinary men to become his disciples. Would you be willing to do that, though, leave everything and not look back?
For Abraham, his journey to Canaan was long and not without peril. Through it all, though, Abraham remained steadfast in his faith even to the point of being willing to sacrifice his son Isaac. Everywhere he went, though, Abraham would build an altar to God, reminding himself of God’s promise of blessing. The altar was at the center of Abraham’s relationship with God. So it should be for us. What altars do you need to build to remind you of God’s presence and his desire to bless you as Abraham?
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JOURNEY NOTE # 11
AS THE COVENANT TURNS
Genesis 15-17
Abraham understood God’s promise of being a Father. His wife Sarai could not have children. She was so desperate that she arranged for her maidservant to play the role of his wife. Instead of believing God and his promise, she took matters into her own hands, and Ishmael was born. This could have been an episode of the Jerry Springer show. For 13 years, Abraham believed Ishmael to be the son God promised when he was not.
God eventually delivered on his promise. At the tender age of 99, Abraham and his wife became fruitful and multiplied. Can you imagine the neighborhood gossip on that one? How do you think Ismael felt as his half-brother Isaac assumed his rightful place? He could not accept this and paid a harsh price for his non-acceptance.
The covenant between God and Abraham is detailed in Chapter 17. God would give Abraham many descendants, and these people would form many nations or people groups. As long as they followed God, he would bless them. Eventually, God would give these people a promised land in Canaan to live in. As long as the people followed God, they were rewarded for their obedience.
If only we had the same level of faith and devotion to God that Abraham did. If only we believed God would bless us. The same blessing God gave Abraham to bless him and make him a father of many is still available. We need to put God first and follow him. No matter what happens around us, our eyes must remain fixed on God and his love for us.
* * *
JOURNEY NOTE # 12
GOD OF THE POSSIBLE
Genesis 18:10-15
God was living up to his end of the covenant. Sarah, as she is now called, thought this was impossible, but God had other ideas. She thought she was too old, but again, God stepped in and told Abraham, “Is there anything too hard for the Lord?”
Today, what do you need God to do for you? Have you asked for his help in solving whatever you are going through? Ask yourself this question: Is this too hard for the Lord? What in your life have you tried to fix yourself and not been able to? Have you given it to God and believed that he could fix it?
Nothing is impossible for God. I mean, come on; he created everything and everyone; he has sustained his creation. He wants to be in a relationship with you. Why not ask him to step into your situation? The God of the impossible to Sarah and Abraham became very possible, and he is ready to do that for you.
Spend some time today asking him to do what you consider impossible in your life and give it to the God of the possible. Ask for healing, ask for restoration, ask for a miracle, ask and believe that you will receive. Be ready, though, because God might just do the impossible in your life, and when he does, be ready to praise him for it.
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JOURNEY NOTE # 13
TEMPER, TEMPER
Genesis 18-19
A recurring theme in the Old Testament is that God punishes wickedness, and this loving father we have has quite a temper. Such is the case with Sodom and Gamorra, two cities that Abraham intercedes for on his journey. The people were immoral, and that is probably complementary. It was a sinful place, to be honest, probably not a lot different from today. Abraham went to bat for these sinners, though and wanted God to spare them. God promised to if there were 50, 40, 30, 20, 10, 1 righteous people. Could the righteous be found? No, and the towns were destroyed because of their wickedness.
How does this apply to us today? So, often we think we get away with something, but there are consequences for our actions. There will be judgment and wrath of God for our sin. Do not think that God is unaware that 4,000 of his creations are killed daily through abortion. How God’s heart must be broken by this, and this is just one example.
While God is merciful and that is something to be grateful for, God is also just and must punish sin. The test of finding 50, 40, 30, 20 and so on is an example of God’s mercy and compassion. In the end, though, both towns were destroyed because they would not repent of their wickedness.
What about you? Would God find you faithful and righteous? Part of this journey we are on is messy, isn’t it? These are tough questions to answer that attempt to develop your character and draw you closer to God, who has shown mercy, compassion and love to you.
* * *
JOURNEY NOTE # 14
REFLECTION
* * *
JOURNEY NOTE # 15
CASTING LOT
Genesis 20
Our character today is Lot. While he believed in God, he did not want to leave the comfort of what he had. He enjoyed many things, wealth, position, but was unwilling to give them up. When confronted and being told to leave everything like Abraham, he took time to think about it, weighed his options, and, in the end, reluctantly left. He didn’t want to go though, and so unwilling was his wife that she turned into a pillar of salt because she looked back instead of focusing her gaze forward to a new land that God was giving them. Her past cost her everything.
Do you know people whose past has haunted them and prevented them from going maybe where God wants them to? One person who really changed my life is Reggie Dabbs. Our youth group crossed paths with him way back in the stone ages, 1997, I think it was. He speaks to teens all over the world with this simple message - you can not change your past. You can change your future, but not what’s happened to you or the choices that you have made. Hear those words today, and focus attention on your present and future, not your past.
As we conclude our look at Sodom and Gomorrah, it is easy to conclude that the sins of people destroyed them, and they will destroy us as well. At some point, even God’s mercy and compassion may run out, and when that happens, all hell will break loose literally. Until then, though, be like Abraham and stand in the gap for our hurting world, so in need of God. Intercede for your friends, your family, and those in authority, and believe that God has you here for such a time as this.
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JOURNEY NOTE # 16
THE PROMISE FULFILLED
Genesis 21-23
God delivered on his promise to Abraham with the birth of Isaac. Despite the doubt and uncertainty, God remained faithful, even though Sarah showed a lack of faith. God is not only a Promise Maker but the original Promise Keeper. The covenant was intact.
This is not the end of the story, though. We know all too well the level of commitment that God wanted as he challenged Abraham to sacrifice his son, something he loved more than life itself. How many of us would do that? Here’s my point though, God calls us to give things up in pursuit of him. Are we willing to do that? Obeying God is more than a Sunday morning commitment. It is one we take with us to our homes, to our jobs, to our schools, to our workplaces. God wants us to follow him no matter the cost.
The trials in our lives have a place and a purpose. The intent is to strengthen your relationship with God. It’s easy to follow God when things are going your way. Wait until the storms come, and that is a test of your faith and commitment.
Abraham received the blessing that God promised. His children and grandchildren were a blessing to God. Thousands of years later, we can be a blessing to God by honoring him, living godly lives and reflecting light to a really dark world. The blessing of God was on Abraham and it can be on us as well.
* * *
JOURNEY NOTE # 17
SON OF LAUGHTER
Genesis 24-26
Abraham died at the ripe age of 175 and left everything to Isaac. This included the promise from God to make his descendants into a great nation. The word Isaac translated means “he laughs” and that reflected Abraham and Sarah’s attitude, as they were scoffed at for not having children and became parents at a later age.
Like Abraham’s wife, Rebekah who was Isaacs’s wife, could not conceive. Unlike his father, Isaacs believed God would be true to his promise. God told him in Genesis 26, “I will make your descendants as many as the stars in the sky and will give them all these lands and through your offspring, all nations of the earth will be blessed.”
Eventually, Isaac and Rebecka have twins, Jacob and Esau. Jacob was blessed by God and is considered the father of the 12 tribes of Israel. He had several close encounters with God, and though not perfect, he had a solid relationship with his creator. His name was later changed to Israel, meaning “he struggles with God.”
Have you struggled or wrestled with God, wondering or questioning why he lets stuff happen to you? A pastor told a story about a certain wrestling match he had one weekend in a hotel room. He believed God wanted him to pastor a church and did everything he could to resist. At the final bell, though, only one was left standing. God won the match, and the man became a pastor at one of the first megachurches.
God has a purpose, direction, and assignment for you and your life. Instead of fleeing or wrestling with God, why don’t you work together to figure it out and instead of walking out, giving up, let God’s will be done in your life?
* * *
JOURNEY NOTE # 18
A FATHER’S BLESSING
Genesis 27
Isaac was old and had little eyesight, so he gathered his sons to bless them. It was the last thing he would do, and even this was full of controversy as he blessed the wrong son.
What was this blessing? Genesis 27: 28-29 states, “May God give you of heaven’s dew and of earth riches — an abundance of grain and new wine. May nations serve you and people bow down to you. Be lord over your brothers, and may the sons of your mother bow down to you. May those who curse you be cursed and those who bless you be blessed.”
Jacob wanted this father’s blessing and received it, although deceitfully. There were consequences to Jacob’s action that he wasn’t expecting. Like the fact that he would never see his mother again, Esau wanted to kill him. He was exiled from his family. But God used Jacob in this situation to bless him as he is considered the father of the 12 tribes. Esau founded a nation too, one that was Jacob’s enemy.
Fast forward to today. Fathers need to bless their children and speak their love over them. Growing up, I never heard that. I understood it and saw it but never heard it. Speaking love or God over your children was not a manly thing to do. The legacy passed down from my father had to deal with his work ethic and his willingness to help people, normally without the expectation of payment. I knew my dad loved me, but he did not verbally say that. The moral of the story is husbands bless your wives and children. Let them know not just by doing things, but by speaking a blessing to them and dedicating them to God and letting them know they matter to you and to God.
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JOURNEY NOTE # 19
JACOB: IT’S PERSONAL
Genesis 28-36
Jacob was not a perfect person by any means, but it shows that God will use anyone. He deceived his brother to gain his birthright and his father Isaac to get his blessing. He wrestled with an angel and ended up working in slavery for 14 years to marry the woman he loved.
Jacob eventually received God’s promise and blessing, not because it was offered to his grandfather, but because he had a personal relationship with God. It was not enough for Jacob to share the faith of his family. He had to have faith and a relationship for himself. Thousands of years later, the fact remains that God does not have grandchildren, only children.
I grew up in a Methodist church and they use the phrase “Claim the Name” for this process of your faith becoming yours, not your parents, not anyone else’s. It must be yours. For me and my journey, the church was always an important part, and it is not somewhere it forced me to go or take part in. I wanted to be there. My “Claim the Name” moment occurred at Highland Park youth camp in my junior year when I walked to the altar, committing my life to one of service in some capacity or another. I never gave it another thought until recently when I remembered that decision I made and how that started my journey on a different path.
Can you recall your “Claim the Name” moment? A time in your journey when you personalized your faith as it became yours and no one else’s. Today, be thankful for that experience.
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JOURNEY NOTE # 20
A LIFE OF MANY COLORS
Genesis 37-49
Joseph is another major character in the narrative. He was the youngest of Jacob’s sons but also was his favorite. Because of this, his brothers hated Joseph, and they voiced their displeasure in rather dramatic ways. They betrayed and deserted him, thrown into a pit, sold him into slavery and worse by these siblings who hated him and what he stood for. And you thought you had a dysfunctional family?
What did Joseph stand for? If you study his life, Joseph’s life, it was centered on one thing — God. While we probably would have thrown a pity party for ourselves, Joseph remained true to God. Even that got him into trouble. His relationship with God is centered not on what can you do for me but on what can I do for you, God, in my situation? He ended up in jail because of his integrity.
What did God see in Joseph? He saw a willing vessel and blessed him. One of Joseph’s many talents was interpreting dreams, which was a big thing back then. As Pharaoh believed what Joseph was telling him, he quickly rose from the prison to the palace. At 30, Joseph was governor of Egypt after spending 13 years as a slave and in prison.
One of Joseph’s first tasks was also one of his most difficult, as he had to come face to face with his brothers. What a reunion that must have been. But God was at work even then and not only did Joseph forgive his brothers, but he blessed them. Why would he do that? God told him to, and he knew that as God forgives, he needed to forgive as well. Who do you need to forgive today?
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JOURNEY NOTE # 21
REFLECTION
One of the ongoing themes in Genesis is how people were blessed by God. This week, we have characters like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and others who put God first in their lives and are rewarded or blessed by their commitment. Let’s hit the fast-forward button a few thousands of years.
Do you consider yourself blessed by God? In what specific ways, list them.What issues are you struggling with or wrestling with God about right now? Are you winning?How does the blessing in Genesis 27 pertain to you today?Do you remember your “claim the name” experience? Why is it important to remember your roots and where you come from?* * *
JOURNEY NOTE # 22
A FINAL BLESSING
Genesis 49-50
The book of Genesis ends with the death of Jacob. He calls his sons around him to not only bless them but also make a prediction about their future. This was a fitting end for his sons, some of whom were God's followers, while others did not learn their lesson. Reuben, the oldest, should have received a double inheritance but did not because of his behavior. All he got was a sandwich named after him. Simeon and Levi got nothing because their swords were weapons of violence. Judah, who helped to sell Joseph into slavery and defrauded his daughter-in-law, got the double inheritance. This may have had to do with Judah’s change in behavior that came out of a personal relationship with God.
As we look for lessons from this passage, we need to go no further than how God rescued Joseph. No matter the circumstance, Joseph trusted not only in God but because God would deliver and he did. God helped Joseph out of impossible situations. The same can be said for God today because he hasn’t changed. What in your life needs fixing? What areas in your life need to have peace? What choices are confronting you today?
The God that got Joseph out of the pit, out of slavery and into the house of Pharoh stands ready to help you today. Won’t you be like Joseph and put your faith and trust just in him?
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JOURNEY NOTE # 23
THE BOOK ACCORDING TO CHARLTON
Exodus 1-2
I’m sorry, but whenever I read anything from Exodus or even hear the name Moses, I visualize Charlton Heston. So this is Charlton’s book, although his alter ego Moses wrote it thousands of years ago. We know many of these stories very well, so we will move quickly through them, looking for what they mean to us today.
The descendants of Jacob had moved to Egypt and Pharaoh had become afraid of their ever-growing numbers and the potential to overthrow the kingdom, so they made slaves out of the Hebrews. Enter our hero, Charlton, ready to let God’s people go. Well, maybe not yet. Pharaoh grew increasingly nervous, so he had this grand scheme to kill all male children. Of course, we know Charlton survived and was plucked from the waters by the Pharaoh’s daughter. How ironic is that? Charlton grew up the son of Pharaoh, privileged and always at odds with Rameses. I mean Yul Brynner. Not much is documented about Moses’ upbringing. Cecil B. DeMille took some liberties with this section of the movie.
Eventually, Charlton kills an Egyptian, and this comes with consequences as he would not see the Promised Land because of this sin. He also gets thrown out of Egypt when they find out that Charlton is a Hebrew. All he has is the staff that Pharaoh gives him, and this comes back to bite the Egyptians, sort of like the snake it is turned into. God led Charlton on a journey to lead three million people out of slavery. Did Charlton go willingly? No. What do you think God might be preparing you for?
In my story, I knew God’s plan, but he threw some roadblocks in there to challenge and grow me. There were some detours that seemed huge, but with God’s help, I traversed and was the better for it. Spend some time today asking God to reveal himself to you. You may be wandering through a desert right now where you have lost sight of God. Spend some time asking for direction.
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JOURNEY NOTE # 24
STANDING ON HOLY GROUND
Exodus 3
We know the story of the burning bush found in Exodus 3 well. Charlton has a life-changing face-to-face encounter with God and ages like 100 years. In this exchange, God says, “do not come closer. Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.”
Let’s talk about holy ground today. Do you have a slice of holy ground you can call your own? I do and let me tell you about this special place. God designated a space around a campfire circle at Camp Penn in South Mountain PA as my holy ground. There should be a plaque or something, but there isn’t. I had several opportunities to lead campfires at our district youth retreat and God showed up every time. One time, three of us prayed for the weather, and the rain stopped, stars appeared and it remained that way until we were back in our dorms and it rained the rest of the weekend. Around this campfire, we saw everything as God showed up every time, blessed his kids, and we all experienced God in such a personal way. One time, I threw the other leader's notes into the fire, because he didn’t trust me that God would take charge. That place is so special that a marriage proposal was even made one year, but you would have to ask my wife about that one. Praying for campfires became a rule, and it worked every time.
I encourage you today to find your holy ground and lay claim to it. No matter where it is, with God standing on, makes it holy. Where have you experienced God coming face to face with him like Charlton did? A place where you felt God’s presence so strong that you knew there was no coming back? In all honesty, I have a couple of holy grounds where God has met me and my life has changed. Be on the lookout today for your holy ground and lay claim to it.
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JOURNEY NOTE # 25
GOD SPEAKS AND MOSES STUTTERS
Exodus 3
At the burning bush, God gives Charlton his life mission–to deliver the people of Israel. So what does Charlton do? He makes excuses and whines about why he is not the right man for the job. The list was long, but God wasn’t buying any of these excuses. Nor does God buy any of our excuses.
While we do everything we can to change God’s mind, he is not buying our excuses. Our arguments are about as successful as Charlton’s. Today’s devotion has a specific purpose — to tell you to stop making excuses and get into the game. Trust that God knows what he is doing and with him going with you, there is no telling what can be accomplished.
Charlton wanted some explanation from God, who was sending him to deliver the people and from this part of the conversation, God reveals one of his many names, I AM. It is probably my favorite name given to God. Through this name, God reminds all of us who he is and that his promises will be fulfilled.
What has God done for you? Don’t you think others might benefit from your burning bush story? Do more than think about it, but act on it.
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JOURNEY NOTE # 26
SO LET IT BE WRITTEN
Exodus 4-10
A reluctant Charlton comes down off the mountain glowing with radiance not because he was near a nuclear power plant but because he has seen God. He and his brother Aaron begin their journey down the yellow brick road to see Pharaoh with the booming decree, “Let my people go.” Of course, Yul did anything but let the people go. He made it increasingly more difficult for them.
Charlton’s road trips were a failure, and it did not thrill the people. There was talk of stoning, but God intervened and spared him. We know what’s next. The dreaded plagues of Egypt. There was blood, frogs, gnats, flies, livestock death, boils, hail, locusts and darkness. Each time Pharaoh's entourage says, let the people go, Charlton arrives, but Pharaoh's heart is hardened and he changes his mind. While the visual effects may be outstanding, Egypt is suffering. The gods that they worshiped were no match for Charlton and his God.
The God of Charlton, of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob was up to every challenge Pharaoh would decree. God was going to defeat Pharaoh, but it was to take something enormous and spectacular for that to happen. Luckily, our God specializes in the big and the dramatic. Is there something in your way today keeping you from the relationship that God wants to have with you? Have you asked for his divine intervention? Make today the day you let God do battle for and with you.
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JOURNEY NOTE # 27
THE FOG RUSHES IN
Exodus 11-12
The drama concludes when Pharaoh issues another decree to kill the firstborn of the Hebrews. God, however, intervenes and turns Pharaoh’s own curse against him, killing the firstborn of the Egyptians, including Pharaoh’s own son. Can you imagine the shock and dismay?
The Hebrews were spared through the celebration of Passover. This celebration is of special significance as it celebrates Israel’s deliverance from Egypt and reminds the people of what God has done. The instructions on celebrating Passover were quite specific, with the blood of an unblemished lamb on the doorframes of the homes. The menu included the lamb that was sacrificed along with bitter herbs and bread without yeast.
At midnight, the plague of death arrived in Egypt and claimed the firstborn of every household not having the blood over the door. Can you imagine what the scene would have looked like to have all these people just dropping over dead? There was not a house without a victim of the plague of death. The only ones surviving were the Jews.
Why was the blood significant? At that time, offerings had to be made to God, a price had to be paid for the sins of the people. Animals were used. Jesus became the sacrifice for the people back then and for the generations to follow. The blood of Jesus serves as the sacrifice, the atonement for our sins.
The Passover proved to the Hebrews who God was and what he would do for his people. Do you know what God did for you? So often, we take it for granted, but we should not. Today, know that God is all about your Passover, your deliverance from sin and darkness to a future of hope with the blood of Jesus not on your doorposts, but in your heart.
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JOURNEY NOTE # 28
REFLECTION
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JOURNEY NOTE # 29
BLOW THE TRUMPET
Exodus 12:3-13
Finally, Yul Brynner let Charlton and his people go. He has seen the power of God and lost dearly because of his hardened heart. He was a broken man. How broken were we when he realized the power of Charlton’s God? What did we lose before coming to our senses and committing our lives to this God? Never thought of it this way before?
When has nothing left, Yul tells Charlton to get out. Take what you want, who you want and get out. Can you imagine the scene as two million people, their belongings and the spoils of Egypt, stand ready to leave, looking for the direction they need? Can you imagine what Charlton was going through? If he was reluctant at the burning bush, he sure was now. The Hebrews had been slaves for 430 years and now they were free. Free to do what, though? No Cecille B. DeMille movie can do this scene justice as the people wait for direction. This is one of a couple of historical scenes I would have liked to have seen, if even from a distance.
As the journey began, the Lord went with the people, taking the form of a pillar of cloud through the day and a pillar of fire at night. Talk about an eternal GPS. What form of help does God provide for us today? I wish it were as easy as a cloud or fire, but God reassures us through something the Hebrews do not have yet - his word as the Bible. We can use God’s word as reassurance that he is with us in the journey as he was guiding the Hebrews. He will fight for us as he did for them, and he will save us as he did them. All we have to do is worship.
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JOURNEY NOTE # 30
YOUR RED SEA MOMENT
Exodus 14
The next chapter in the drama is not a thrill ride at Universal, but it was a sight to behold as God parted the Red Sea. As Charlton led, the people ended up by the Red Sea. By chance, I think not. Little did the Hebrews know, but Yul Brynner had yet another change of heart and took some 600 chariots to finish them off.
The people panicked when they saw these chariots closing in and doubted Charlton’s plan. There was even talk of stoning Charlton yet again, but his response to the whining is one we can learn from. In Exodus 24, Charlton booms, not stuttering, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you, you need only to be still.” Of course, the Lord did battle for Charlton and the people of Israel by parting the Red Sea.
Fast forward to today: are you camped by the sea, needing God to part the waters for you? What seas do you need to part? As he did for Charlton, he will do for us. All you need to do is to be still and let the Lord fight for you. All you need to do is to be still and let the Lord fight for you. Is there something going on in your life that there appears to be no solution to, no way out of what you are going through? Every now and again, we need a path opened through the sea or storm in our lives. Be still and let God do battle for you today. The tough part is being still and letting God handle it. Today, won’t you be still and let God handle your storm?
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JOURNEY NOTE # 31
SING A NEW SONG
Exodus 15
So what happens once the Red Sea swallows up Yul’s army? The people broke into song. I mean, what else could they do? They had just seen God deliver them and wipe out the Egyptians. Charlton and his tambourine playing sister had led millions out of slavery and into what they had absolutely no idea. One thing they figured, though, was the God that delivered them through the raging sea would not abandon them here. All they could do was rejoice at what God had done for them. It was the first recorded song, and it was one of victory and praise.
So what is your song today? What do you want to praise and worship God for? What seas or storms has God brought you through? You don’t have to be a musician, but you are called to make a joyful noise to the Lord in whatever fashion that takes.
Today is a good day to work on your song of praise and thanksgiving for what God has specifically done for you, and rejoice that the Lord has done, is doing, and will continue to do battle for you in your situation. Today, make a joyful noise. The Lord has done battle for you.
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JOURNEY NOTE # 32
LET THE WHINING BEGIN
Exodus 16-19
You would think that the people who had just witnessed God part the sea would be grateful to Charlton for leading them as he had. But no, their discontent and whining only began because there was no food or water in this new land. They protested, and some even wanted to return to their life in Egypt. God provided yet again with manna and quail. Do you ever think God tires of providing for his children? I think not. There were specific instructions on how to collect this, and the people again drew close to God because of his provision. It didn’t last long, though and before long stones were gathered for Charlton’s execution.
What can we take from this? The people were so interested in the temporary; they failed to see the big picture that God was making them into a nation and his people. The people all too quickly forgot how God had provided and will continue to provide and make a way when there seems to be no way. All the people were interested in themselves, and their actions had consequences, as he will soon find out.
Charlton had a tough job, as he tried his best to lead the Hebrews in God’s direction, of course. He spent much of his time hearing the complaints of the people that he often overlooked the spiritual mentorship and development of the people. He neglected to teach the people about God and their mission. What was that mission? To become a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.
This plan, God’s plan, almost got obliterated at Mount Sinai. As Charlton left to receive the commandments, all hell broke loose as the Hebrews went back to their sinning, godless ways of worshiping idols and doing everything they were forbidden to do, led by Aaron, the coward. Aren’t we like these people? While we may know who God is and profess to follow him, we sway back and forth like the wind and do what we know we are not supposed to do. Maybe we don’t worship a golden cow, but we worship other things that take the place of God.
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