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GOD WORKS IN MYSTERIOUS WAYS

 Judges 14:4 “However, his father and mother did not know that it was of the Lord, for He was seeking an occasion against the Philistines. Now at that time the Philistines were ruling over Israel.”

HARD TO UNDERSTAND

The saying “God works in mysterious ways” does not appear anywhere in Scripture, but it does reflect several passages’ basic meaning.  What does it mean?  It means God doesn’t think like we think.  He doesn’t act like we act.  His ways are way beyond our ways. Sometimes the way He works makes absolutely no sense to us.

Samson’s parents were just like us in that they wanted their son to marry a good and godly young woman.  But who does he pick out?  A Philistine woman!  The enemy of Israel!  Why would God allow this?  To prepare Samson to defeat the Philistines.  Mom and Dad, God will use our children in ways we can’t imagine.

TEACHING MOMENT

 Our job, then, is to get our children ready for WHATEVER God chooses to do with them.  We can’t force our desires and wishes on our children, even if we think they are godly plans.  We have to love them enough to let God have them.  Wow!  I know!  That is hard, but it is the right thing to do.

God may ask your little Elrod to do something that makes no sense.  He may struggle with it.  Your task is to stand beside him as he follows the Lord.  When others, even in your own family, mock him and you, stand firm.  Trust God’s wisdom and direction.  Just look at how God used Samson to deliver Israel for 20 years.

Are you fighting against the Lord right now?  You may not even see it as fighting, but if you are not yielding, you are fighting.  We have only one right choice – to surrender daily.  Anything else is just…well…disobedience.  Do the mysterious thing with God.

God of mystery, surprise me today.  Liven up my life in a way I can’t even imagine.  But Lord, when You do, let me point only to You.

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JUST DO WHATEVER

 Judges 10:15 “The sons of Israel said to the Lord, ‘We have sinned, do to us whatever seems good to You; only please deliver us this day.’”

 CONFESSION

When someone says, “I don’t care, just do whatever,” that usually implies they really just don’t care or they are just tired of arguing about the issue.  Right?  Well, this is NOT the case here.  In the pattern in which the Israelites had fallen, they had once again begun worshipping pagan gods, had been given into the hands of an enemy for judgment and now were crying out to God for deliverance.

But look at their words. “Do WHATEVER seems good to You.”  Those are dangerous words.  I have prayed those words before.  Desiring brokenness and humility, I have prayed, “Lord, do whatever You need to to do to bring me where You want me.”  I am not sure I understood those words.  I am sure I meant them, but did I understand them?

TEACHING MOMENT

Your child may throw those words at you.  Like the Israelites, they have done something wrong, and you have to discipline them.  They get mad, rather than sorrowful, and say, “I don’t care.  Just do whatever.”  That is the perfect time to pull out this verse.  Show them what those words could mean.  Asking someone to “do whatever” can be a good thing or it can be a bad thing.  But when they ask God to do that, He can literally turn their world upside down.  Is that what they want?

When we discipline our children it is not to break them.  But it should lead to brokenness and confession.  We should see repentance and a desire for deliverance.  As bad as we want it, however, we can’t force this on anyone.  That has to be desired and asked for by the person.  We just set the table.

I don’t know about you, but I truly desire for a contrite heart.  I want to be vunerable enough to be used by God and not be seen in the process.  I want others to just see Jesus.

O Lord my God, as dangerous as it sounds, break me.  Make me into Your perfect image.  Let others ONLY see You in me.

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A WORD TO THE WISE

 Psalm 75:4-5 “‘4 I said to the boastful, “Do not boast,” and to the wicked, “Do not lift up the horn; 5 Do not lift up your horn on high, Do not speak with insolent pride.”’”

WATCH YOUR TONGUE

 This is my prayer most days.  “Lord, help me to not be arrogant or boastful this day.”  Honestly, I don’t try to be arrogant.  It just comes naturally.  I can get big-headed and proud.  But I know these words from the Psalms are true.  God is talking to me here.

There seems to be two extremes in the world today.  People are prideful, or they have no pride at all.  No in between, no middle ground.  But look at our Savior. He exuded pride without being prideful.  He showed humility without being slothful.  He commands us to be like Him, so it is possible.  But, of course, it starts with dying to ourselves daily.

TEACHING MOMENT

 As parents, we are to teach our kids to be proud of who they are.  We want them to stand up for themselves and carry their name with respect.  But we don’t want cocky kids who look with disdain on those they think they are better than.  No one wants kids like that.  God gives us pretty clear instructions here.  Look at it again.

The “horn” was a symbol of power, strength and glory.  God is telling us to not use our position to put down someone else.  If God has blessed us with the “horn” it is to be used to lead, not destroy.  Our children should learn that early.  If they are the champions in a sport, act like a champion – lead by example.

Are you “lifting your horn” over someone?  We can do it so easily.  We do it at work, in the home and even in church.  Examine your life and make sure you are not using your opportunities to lead as a chance to “raise your horn” over someone.

Father God, Your horn is the only horn that matters.  I bow in obedience to your strength, glory and power.  Remind me daily to lead as You lead.

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THE HANDS OF A WOMAN

 Judges 4:9 “She said, ‘I will surely go with you; nevertheless, the honor shall not be yours on the journey that you are about to take, for the Lord will sell Sisera into the hands of a woman.’ Then Deborah arose and went with Barak to Kedesh.”

GOD WILL USE US

 I can’t help but wonder what would have happened if Barak hadn’t asked Deborah to go with him to fight against Sisera.  I bet he thought she was referring to herself, and he was pretty sure he could outfight her.  Nope, Deborah was referring to another woman, Jael.

You really need to read the rest of the chapter.  Jael tricks Sisera, who had fled from the battle, and then killed him with a hammer and tent peg while he slept.  Pretty gruesome.  She must have been some woman.

TEACHING MOMENT

“Come on, Carl, how in the world do I apply this verse to my kids?”  Well, think about it.  Do you think for a second that Sisera ever considered Jael a threat to his safety?  God can use ANYONE He desires to accomplish His will.  He chose to use Jael to be the one to kill Israel’s chief enemy at the time.  Your sons and daughters might just be the one to accomplish His will in some way no one expects.

What are your desires and wishes for your children?  I am sure you have them.  Ask the Lord to expand those.  Ask the Lord to use them to accomplish incredible feats of faith to lead thousands to Christ.  Wouldn’t that be the best answered prayer ever?  Teach your children to submit and trust.

What does the Lord want to use you for?  Are you willing to pick up the hammer and tent peg to defeat His enemies?  Are you willing to lay down your life for your God?  He will lead you if you trust Him.

O God, I know you can use anyone if we will allow You to do so.  Help me to yield.  Help me to teach others to trust Your leading.

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HOW QUICKLY WE FORGET

 Judges 2:10 “All that generation also were gathered to their fathers; and there arose another generation after them who did not know the Lord, nor yet the work which He had done for Israel.”

 ONE GENERATION

 Isn’t it sad?  One generation!  After all the struggles of the Israelites in Egypt and then the wilderness, one generation after entering the Promised Land, they forget God.  The verse actually says, “did not know the Lord.”

This is why I am always harping on the fact that we, as parents, have to be so diligent to teach our children and lead them to the saving knowledge of Christ.  If we don’t, it takes just one generation for the church to die.  Our calling as parents also involves advancing the kingdom of Christ here on earth.

TEACHING MOMENT

 Share this verse with your children today.  Explain to them that they have the same mandate from God as you.  They must teach their children about the Lord.  They must make sure their children don’t just know about God, but that they know God.  Knowledge without personal experience does not cut it.  They must truly know Jesus as Lord and Savior.

Your little Gertrude and Elrod, once they believe in the Lord and are saved, become missionaries to the next generation.  They have the responsibility to share the gospel with their family and friends.  Nothing is more exciting than to see your own children follow the Lord.  A parent can rest in the joy of kingdom growth through their own children.  Rejoice!

Have you done that?  Does your life draw your children to Christ or repel them?  Everything we do as parents must model Jesus so our children will want to model, not us, but Christ is us.  Be His reflection and image today.

You are the generation builder, O Lord.  I know if I rely on You for my strength, You will give me the ability to reach my children and grandchildren for Christ.  Thank You, Lord.

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A MISUNDERSTANDING

Joshua 22:34 “The sons of Reuben and the sons of Gad called the altar Witness; ‘For,’ they said, ‘it is a witness between us that the Lord is God.’”

 ED

 Isn’t it amazing how fast we can jump to conclusions?  For some people that is the only exercise they get.  In this chapter, the tribes of Reuben, Gad and half tribe of Manasseh have crossed the Jordan back to the land which was given to them.  They build an altar, not for use of sacrifices, but for a symbol to future generations that they are part of the Israelites.

But the other tribes hear about it and think they are setting up their own altar.  So, they take off to confront and wage war, if necessary.  The altar was called “Witness,” which in Hebrew is “ed.”  An altar called Ed.  Pardon me, but I just think that is funny.

TEACHING MOMENT

 I promise you that your children are going to be the cause of or the victim of misunderstandings.  There is just no way to avoid it.  People see and hear what they want to.  Teaching our children to deal with these is an important skill to master.  How should they react when they are falsely accused?

Peace and calm must reign.  They should ask themselves if they have indeed wronged someone.  If they are living to please the Lord, most of the time that is easily avoided.  But sometimes, no matter what they do, people will get upset.  Continue to love and obey the Lord.  Let Him fight the battles for you.  That’s the lesson they need to learn.

Are you dealing with false accusations?  I’ve dealt with that in the past.  Sometimes, though, I have actually wronged someone and didn’t know it until I was confronted.  I am thankful for accountability.

O Lord, thank You for showing me when I sin against others.  Protect me when I am doing good and am accused by those who would do me harm.  And thank You for letting me be an example to others.

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WHAT IS GOOD?

 Joshua 21:45 “Not one of the good promises which the Lord had made to the house of Israel failed; all came to pass.”

 ONLY THE BEST FROM GOD

 I have written several times about the promises of God and Him being a promise keeper.  So, there is no need to do that again.  But look at the adjective which describes the promises.  It says, “good promises.”  I assume that is in contrast to a bad promise, but who wants that, right?

This word “good” is the Hebrew word “towb,” pronounced “tobe.”  But what is “good.”  Well, this is the same word used to describe creation.  God made the light and said it is good.  He made the trees and said it is good.  You get the picture.  Everything and anything God makes is good.  That includes His promises.

TEACHING MOMENT

We have to remind our children of that, don’t we?  Our teaching about God must include that He is all good, no matter what He allows to come our way.  His work in our lives is good.

Let me encourage you to do a word study on this word “tobe.”  It has so many more meanings that your child needs to know.  It can mean precious, beautiful, better and best.  All these words describe our God, too.  He is all those things.  AND since He made you and your children, they describe you, too.

Do you see yourself as “tobe” in God’s eyes?  If you don’t, you are calling God a liar.  Why?  Because everything that God creates is good, including you.  Live like it.

Creator of all good, remind me daily of Your goodness.  Whisper in my ear that I am good.  Remind me that I am commanded to do good and be good because of Your goodness, not mine.

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SHOULDA, COULDA, WOULDA

Joshua 15:63 “Now as for the Jebusites, the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the sons of Judah could not drive them out; so the Jebusites live with the sons of Judah at Jerusalem until this day.”

 REGRETS

 What did God tell them to do?  Destroy the people. Don’t leave one alive?  Why?  He didn’t want them to get pulled into idolatry and heathen living.  If the inhabitants of Canaan were to be left to live among them, there would be confusion and moral failures.

But here we see that the Jebusites lived among them.  Stupid!  And what happened later?  Intermarriage, rebellion, strife.  The same is true for us.  When we allow our past “pagans” to live among us, our walk with Christ is hampered.  We can’t focus on righteous living as long as we allow our past to influence us.

TEACHING MOMENT

Does your child have that special item which it seems will never leave their side?  Do they have habits that belong to their life before Christ?  We need to show them the blessings that await to a totally surrendered life.  They need to see how those unhealthy paths lead to destruction.

What do I mean?  I am referring to anything in their lives that does not point them to Jesus.  Idolatry can be seen in a lot of seemingly innocent things.  Our children need to be reminded of that covenant they cut with God at salvation.  This covenant demands total surrender.

What are you dragging along in your walk with Christ?  Whatever it is, lay it down.  Let the love of Christ fill you to overflowing so there is no room for any “wrong” thing.

Lord, I know You are holy and demand whole-hearted devotion.  Thank You for the reminder that I, too, am holy in Your eyes.  Help me to live that way each day.

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FOLLOWING ORDERS

 Joshua 11:23 “So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the Lord had spoken to Moses, and Joshua gave it for an inheritance to Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. Thus the land had rest from war.”

PEACE

We don’t know exactly how long it took Joshua and the army to accomplish this task.  They fought a lot of battles.  We only have a record of one defeat, at Ai.  Pretty impressive.  In fact, the loss of life by the Israelites was minimal compared to the pagan nations. God had promised through Moses that they would have a “land flowing with milk and honey” if only they would obey him.  They did, and now they had the land.

Do you believe God when He gives you a promise?  Let me challenge you to google “promises of God” and claim them.  Now, I am not talking about “name it and claim it” or “blab it and grab it” theology.  I am simply pointing you to the promises of God through the Scriptures.  Just don’t forget – you have to keep your part.  You have to obey.

TEACHING MOMENT

 Promises!  Promises!  They can either build a relationship or tear it down.  Don’t let your children make silly promises that you know they can’t keep.  It is your responsibility as a parent to teach them this. The best way to teach them this is through God’s Word.  Show them the promises God made to His people and how He kept His promise.  Rash and silly promises do nothing to build character or reputation.

You can make some promises to them also which require some input from them.  This will model God’s promises to us which require our obedience.  Of course, the biggest promise God makes is salvation that requires us to surrender our life and heart to Him.  You can’t promise that, but you make other reasonable promises.  But you must keep the promise if they fulfill their end of the deal.  Remember, you are always teaching.

What are you NOT obeying right now, in regards to the promises God has made?  God wants to bless you.  Don’t let your disobedience be the reason He doesn’t.

God of all promises, I praise You for being the faithful keeper of Your Word.  Teach me through my obedience to rest in Your promises.  Help me show others the truth of Your Word.

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BEWARE OF FALLING ROCK

Joshua 2:15 “Then she let them down by a rope through the window, for her house was on the city wall, so that she was living on the wall.” 

SAFE ZONE

A lot of people miss the point that when the walls of Jericho fell, one section didn’t.  Rahab’s home stood safe and sound.  Rock and timbers and gates were falling around her, but she was (please excuse the pun) rock solid.  The two spies had promised her safety if she tied the scarlet thread out her window.

Now, you have to remember that the spies had no idea of the plan of attack on Jericho.  They assumed it would be a normal siege.  “Mark your window, Rahab, so we won’t come into your home and kill you.”  They didn’t know her home would be the only one standing on the wall when they came into the city.

TEACHING MOMENT

This would be a great story to teach your kids using building blocks or Legos.  (You may want to hold off explaining the harlot part until later.)  Build a wall of a city, designate one section as Rahab’s and then act out the battle with all the walls falling down.  I bet when you do that it will be hard to avoid knocking down that section.

God tore down this massive wall around Jericho as He promised, but He also honored the promise of the two spies to keep Rahab safe.  The point for your children is this.  If we are obedient, even if the world seems to be falling down around us, we are safe in God’s promises.  We may get a little dusty and shake a little, but we are safe.

Is your life shaking all around you right now?  Do you feel like the walls are collapsing?  Turn to Him.  Place your life firmly in His powerful hands.  He can protect you.  He loves His children and will only allow what is going to make you more like Him to touch your life.

Lord, when everything seems to be exploding around me, remind me to stop and pray.  I don’t need to tie a scarlet thread outside my window for You to know where I am.  I place my family in Your capable, strong hands.

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