Outside the Camp
Thank You for a good night’s sleep, Father. May this day of preparation be guided by Your hand. Fill my heart and mind to overflowing with what You want to be communicated to Your people. May I be the conduit for Your love and wisdom.
Hebrews 13:10-14 (<<click here)
Reading through these verses I had a general understanding of the background of what the writer was referencing to by the old sacrificial system but my study Bible* brought it into focus.
“It may be necessary to leave the ‘camp’ and suffer with Jesus. To be outside the camp meant to be unclean – in the days of the Exodus, those who were ceremonially unclean had to stay outside the camp. But Jesus suffered humiliation and uncleanness outside the Jerusalem gates on [our] behalf. The time [has] come for [us] to declare [our] loyalty to Christ above any loyalty, to choose to follow the Messiah whatever suffering that might entail. [We need] to move outside the safe confinement of [our] part, [our] traditions, and [our] ceremonies to live for Christ.”
Lord, in today’s culture may I stand with You “outside the camp.” And this is not just a wishful statement. I truly believe that at some point in the not too distant future, we will all have to take a stand – we will all have to make a choice, sitting on the fence will no longer be an option. Either we stand with Christ or we don’t.
Lord, strengthen me, embolden me, fortify me that I may stand with You and not falter.
July 14th, Thurs, 6:57 am
*Life Application Study Bible New Living Translation
Consistentcy
Father, as we meet this morning I am so grateful for Your rock-solid consistency. As I think back over the last several months, I have been all over the place. I feel like a teenager in love. It sounds odd but at times I’ve been firmly committed, I wavered some here and there, too. I’ve felt closer to You than ever before and I’ve felt distant. You’ve been right here and I’ve been here, too, but I’ve bounced around a lot, too. Thank You for not giving up on me (not that You would) and for Your never failing love. Help me to love You deeper every day!
Hebrews 13:8-9 (<<click here)
Lord, there You go again! Reading vs. 8 made me chuckle. You continue to work in me (for which I am grateful) even when I’m clueless. My opening thoughts tie in so well! I am wishy-washy but Your word once again reminds me that You are “the same yesterday, today, and forever.” What assurance there is in that statement!
As human beings, we have a bent toward inconsistency. We’re hot, and then we’re cold. We are just all over the place. And this permeates every relationship in which we find ourselves – in families, our workplaces, churches, you name it and we experience a multitude of ups and downs. It makes it hard to navigate. It’s smooth sailing when out of nowhere there’s an iceberg – we’re “king of the world” and then we’re thrust into the icy cold waters of rejection.
Not so with You! You are never changing. Scripture is replete with statements of Your never-ending love (Psalm 136, Psalm 100:5, 1 Chronicles 16:34 to name a few). You’re always there when we need You – You will never leave us or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6).
Lord, this day may I be more like You. Help me win the battle against inconsistency. You are the example worth striving for!
July 12th, Tue, 6:42 am
Super Leaders
There is no better place to begin this week, Father, than here at Your feet. May I find the treasure You have in store for me today and once found may I embrace it and live it out.
Hebrews 13:7 (<<click here)
Lord, this verse admonishes me to “remember the leaders who taught me the word of God.” Wow! That’s a lot to remember! There have been so many in my life. Numerous family members, Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teachers, Caravan leaders, Bible Quiz volunteers, Camp speakers, denominational and revival speakers, college professors, radio preachers and, oh, so many friends and fellow churchmen over the years. Some names and sometimes just faces come to mind but I can’t even remember them all. I may falter but, Lord, You know every single one of them. Bless those who are still walking this old earth today and hug those who are with You in glory!
It is overwhelming to think of all those who have impacted me for Your kingdom, Lord. May I take the very best of all of them as I walk my pilgrim journey. May I live it out in such a way that You are lifted high, that You are shown for the wonderful Savior that You are. May I lift the standard high so that others may see and “follow the example of my faith,” as well.
July 11th, Mon, 6:32 am
Vacation!
Father, it has been ten days since we have sat down like this together. Taking some time to be with Massey, as well as, the Texas Youghs was wonderful! We had the opportunity to see and experience lots of things together. I truly cherish the time I get to spend with family.
Father, I cherish my time with You as well. And even though sitting down with You each morning wasn’t a part of the last few days routine, we have been together. I didn’t take a vacation from You. What a precious opportunity to have Your presence with me throughout each day, Holy Spirit! You guided my steps, You directed my thoughts. You enabled me to stand true to You. I may have left my home and routine for a few days but I didn’t leave You and I had the blessed assurance You’re not leaving me , as well. Thank You, Lord, for Your great love and for watching over me and my family…
I’ve enjoyed my time away, Lord, but it’s now time to step back into the routine. Help me in this day to be who You need me to be – to stand as a lighthouse in a dark and stormy world. May all lovers of You do so today. There seems to be more evil each day and we are desperately needed. May we humbly walk with You. I acknowledge that You are our only hope. Without You in our lives everything we touch is doomed to failure. Fulfillment is found only in You. Amen – so be it!
July 8th, Fri, 6:33 am
Love of Money
This is a big day, Father, things to be wrapped up this morning then a drive to the airport as we head out to see our boy! Be with us as we travel. Please, keep us safe. Lay Your hand upon our shoulders that we follow Your leading each day; that though we are away for some time off that we would continue to attune ourselves to how You would have us live. Fill us with love, may we be considerate, may we be compassionate. May the children shine forth their Father’s influence and do You proud.
Hebrews 13:5-6 (<<click here)
Lord, I think our tendency is to play these concepts down. If someone were to ask me if I loved money, I would say, “no.” I just want to make sure our needs are met for the here and now and to assure that we can make it when we can no longer punch the time clock, I wouldn’t say I loved money… but I am quite fond of security. Are they the same thing? Maybe not technically but it’s sure easy for them to control my life.
A lot of it has to do with our attitude about it all. Am I so intent concerning my security that I care little about the needs of others? Am I so diligent in securing my future that I neglect to put my faith in God’s ability to meet my needs? And even if I do trust You to meet those needs, am I not really satisfied with what I receive. “Oh, God, I wanted the green one not the red one!” We can be pretty shallow and selfish.
Lord, help me to trust You more. As Your Word says, You “own the cattle on a thousand hills.” Psalm 50:10 And as I am well aware that is a very all-encompassing statement. There is absolutely, no need that You cannot meet. Help me to be diligent in my labors and enable me to be a good steward with the resources You have so generously bestowed. May I be “satisfied with what I have.” vs.5
June 28th, Tue, 5:17 am