Author: BJ Armstrong

Exodus 27; John 6; Proverbs 3; Galatians 2

I have ruminated on Jillian’s most recent post since reading it on Saturday. She talks about being thirsty.  Specifically, Jesus promises to help quench our thirst in John 4. He says “but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:11-14) Today, Jesus expands on this teaching, explaining that once we have tasted the nectar of salvation, life becomes us. He says,

“If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” (John 7:37-38 ESV)

Two questions arise when I consider this text. First, what exactly do rivers of living water look like and second am I drinking the right water?

When you think of a river, which one comes to mind? The Illinois is the first to mine, I suppose because of its proximity. The second is the Mississippi in no small part because of Chevy Chase (here’s the clip). Why is the Biblical imagery of a river so important? Think for a minute about the volume of water flowing through them. A quick Google search reveals that more than 33 million people rely on the Mississippi river as their primary water source. Multiply that by the average 100, or so, gallons used daily by each person and we are talking about 3.3 billion gallons of water.  That is a lot of water! Isn’t this exactly what Jesus is promising? He literally tells us that he will give us a river of living water that will flow out of our hearts.

While trying to grasp the concept of a river of water flowing from my heart, two things strike me. The first is that the water is flowing. As opposed to a stagnate pool, flowing water, is vibrant. It carries energy.  In fact, big, flowing rivers of water provide enough power to light up entire cities! Not only is the water flowing, it is living. This life is not just its own, the water itself sustains countless creatures. In fact, the water is teaming with life.  Life lives in, above and around the river. In other words, the life given to me, flows out of me.  When it does, it nourishes and replenishes everyone around me. Said another way, if we truly have the life promised by Jesus, it will flow out of me. Enriched by the Holy Spirit, this life affects everyone around us. Jesus explains this further, telling us how we know it is the right water in John 13:35,

“Everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Does this make you want to live by the river? As you know, a constant source of water is the only way to ensure life.  Make no mistake, Jesus Christ is the only source of this pure water.

Finally, I cannot leave you without sharing one of my favorite scriptures from Jeremiah 17.

““But blessed are those who trust in the Lord
and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.
They are like trees planted along a riverbank,
with roots that reach deep into the water.
Such trees are not bothered by the heat
or worried by long months of drought.
Their leaves stay green,
and they never stop producing fruit
Jeremiah 17:7-8 NLTse

Exodus 21; Luke 24; Job 39; 2 Corinthians 9

Have you ever watched the show Undercover Boss? If you have, you know that business owners and CEO’s participate in the inner workings of their businesses, in disguise so that they get an accurate and unfiltered view of what people think and do. Jesus does something similar today in Luke 24 when he joins two of his followers on the road to Emmaus. Starting with yesterday’s reading, you will recall that we experienced Jesus’s crucifixion. While many people faithfully followed him there, there are two in particular that this story covers. After painfully witnessing his death these two patiently waited for further news. They both knew Jesus and trusted him. They spent enough time with him to easily recognize him. A few days after Jesus death, however, evidence was mounting that it was over. The time had come for them to re-engage in their old lives, reconnect with their families and get back to work. The hope that they so desperately followed was now a memory. Let’s go home, back to Emmaus.

Walking side by side, the conversation is passionate. The two men cannot help but discuss what had happened over the last several days.  About a month ago, This man, Jesus, promised them a better life, offering them freedom and hope.  They dropped everything to follow him; the greatest man they had ever met.  And now, he was gone. Upon hearing the news that his body was no longer in the grave, they were literally, “amazed” (Luke 24:22). This report was so shocking that they were dumfounded and bewildered with no idea how to respond. In fact, the prophecy found in Psalm 88:8 describes the events as “a horror” to them. This is where our story turns and Jesus enters as the Undercover Boss. Joining them in their walk, Jesus wanted to remain anonymous. So, he “kept their eyes from recognizing him” (v16).  For what its worth, I have a picture of Jesus in my head with pork chop sideburns and fake teeth (kind of like this guy), but that’s not part of scripture’s description.

Being undercover allows Jesus inside the conversation. He gets to hear their unfiltered accounting of past events as well as their thoughts about the future. What he discovers is disappointing. These two men were only focused on the past. They had quickly forgotten that the Scriptures promised more. My quick review of the prophecies clearly shows that “his chastisement brings us peace, we are healed because of his wounds, and that his death removes our iniquity, (Isaiah 53).” Surely, these men had this knowledge.  But, they were anything but peaceful. They showed nothing of the freedom and healing that Jesus grants us. Instead, they lost hope (Luke 24:21). How does Jesus respond? Jesus leads them back to the Truth. He points to the promises of the scriptures and lovingly guides them back to himself.  Not just who he was, but the discovery of his resurrection as his living self.  This occurs with simple act of communion. Jesus took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them.   And their eyes were opened and they recognized him.” (Luke 24:30-31).

If Jesus showed up in your life today as an Undercover Boss, what would he find? Do you display evidence of the hope and life he promises from his resurrection or are you still floundering with doubt like the two walking toward Emmaus?

Exodus 14; Luke 17; Job 32; 2 Corinthians 2

As we have seen throughout the story of Exodus, the Israelites are stuck. Stuck in part from their circumstances of slavery and partly stuck because of fear. How so? Consider their choice in living a life of slavery, making bricks for an oppressive ruler over a life of freedom. This choice often led them to death. As we read through Exodus 14, we see that they finally choose differently. They choose freedom. The result? They become trapped; hemmed in by the Red Sea in front of them and the entire Egyptian army not far behind. Not only that, the Egyptians were on horses and in chariots, brandishing spears, arrows, sharp swords and all other life removing apparatuses. They could feel their impending slaughter. It would be easy.

What do the Israelites do? Chicken out! Reverting to their old behaviors, they rely on their own, severely limited, understanding. These limitations create fear, causing them to regress to their old ways. They discard the hope they received, replacing it with the relative comfort of what they know; slavery. Thankfully, God intervenes in their weakness. He really is patient and has a deep desire to see all of us live a free life in Him (2 Peter 3:9)

The rest of the story is obvious. God steps up in a way that nobody else could, performing the life-saving and  mind-blowing miracle of dividing the Red Sea. This act enables the Israelites to walk to freedom on dry ground. Now, if you are like me, you will give a quick shout out for the Israelites and a fist pump for an awesome victory. But… it doesn’t really impact my life today. Or does it? This is precisely where our journey collides with the Israelites.

In many ways, I find myself standing around waiting for God to move between me and the enemy, so that I can live the life that I have always wanted. He waits; patiently. I am allowed to remain in slavery, maintaining the habits and lifestyle that I have always tolerated because I fear the unknown. Today, I am sure that the hitch in my Spirit is God telling me that He has something more if I will only follow. He tells me that I can be freed from my slavery in an instant, but it’s not the way that I expect.   In fact, I have been looking for a 12-step plan or a 21-day program. Instead, he provides my own life-giving and mind-blowing miracle. This miracle, however, is bigger and better than the parting of the Red Sea. God sent his only son to suffer, die and rise again. Why? So that I might be free to live life abundantly (John 10:10).  Re-reading Exodus 14 with my miracle in mind, I see:

the Lord saved ME (Israel) that day from the hand of slavery (the Egyptians), and I (Israel) saw the enemy (Egyptians) dead on the seashore. I (Israel) saw the great power that the Lord used against my enemy (the Egyptians). (Exodus 14:30-31 ESV)

Do you see it too?  Can you hear God calling you to the Cross? Remember, He has risen! It is time. Move forward. “Why do you cry to me? Tell the people of Israel to go forward. His promise gives firm footing, not in mud, but on dry ground. True Freedom! (Exodus 14:15 ESV)

Where He Leads Me ~ Twila Paris

Exodus 8; Luke 11; Job 25–26; 1 Corinthians 12

Have you ever read a Bible story from the other point of view? I am betting that when you read today’s Word, you chose one, or two of the characters to identify with. Take Exodus 8, for example. When I read it, I am Aaron or Moses, of course. Why? Because Pharaoh is an idiot. He intentionally sabotages the work of God for his own gain. I want to be on God’s side, so I stay as far away from Pharaoh as possible. Until, I intentionally read the story as Pharaoh.

Like Pharaoh, all of us will experience pain and discomfort in our lives. Now, we probably will not experience the stink of dead frogs gathered in heaps, or swarms of flies, but we will have something from which we need relief. What do we do? We turn to God. We ask him for relief, for help and for provisions. When real desperation shows up, we begin to offer God anything that he wants. We will do whatever it takes, if he would just take it away. And then it’s gone.  The pain subsides.

The true test of our lives shows up not just in the time of distress, but also in the time of relief. Like Pharaoh, it is easy for me to commit to God when I need something.  I know deep down that he can provide it. The hard part is maintaining that faith when I don’t need him. This is exactly what happens in verse 15. As soon as there was relief from the frogs, Pharaoh moved his own direction and worked toward his own gain.

So am I like Pharaoh or Aaron and Moses? I know what I want the answer to be, but I am afraid of what the answer is. The realization that there is darkness in my heart leaves me with two options. The first leads to a dark place that I’d prefer not to talk about, the other is filled with grace and love. It is at the foot of the cross. It is a reminder that even though I have sinned, I have hope. I have hope, I am given new life, because of one sacrifice that was perfect and complete.

Exodus 1; Luke 4; Job 18; 1 Corinthians 5

Have you ever noticed the use of the word “bread” in the Bible? It’s everywhere.   I began thinking about it as I read through Luke 4 today when the Devil tempts Jesus to eat after forty days of fasting in the desert. In response to Satan’s offer to turn rocks into bread, Jesus quickly quotes Deuteronomy 8:3 telling Satan that, “man does not live on bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”   When I am honest, I have to admit that I would not have responded the same way. Instead, I would have likely been eating rocks. How is it that I can avoid such temptation in the future? The easy answer is found by considering three things that ruled Jesus’ life.

Jesus understood the scriptures. A deep understanding of Deuteronomy 8:3 allows him to quickly and confidently retort Satan. We must also have this knowledge close at hand. Paul gives evidence to this conclusion in Ephesians 6:17. He calls the Word of God “the sword of the Spirit.” When we know it, it will cut down the enemy, allowing us to stand strong.

Jesus understood his true needs. I cannot imagine how great a piece of bread would feel in my stomach after not eating for forty days! Jesus could. In fact, he knew that it would not compare to the life-giving bread that he was already receiving from God himself. Jesus clarifies this in John 10:10, explaining that he came to us so that we can have abundant life. Now, I am positive that he was not talking about food, as American’s, we already have that! No, instead he is talking about spiritual renewal and growth that comes from feeding on His bread, “the bread of life” (John 6:53).   When we eat it, we receive His fruits, which look like love, joy, peace patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.   (Galatians 5:22-23)

Jesus understood God’s way.  He would not waver even though he was capable of producing food from rocks.  He refused to circumvent God’s plan for his own comfort. I find it noteworthy that he didn’t even flinch. I would have at least asked God for a quick nibble. Instead, Jesus was sold-out. Nothing could make him choose his own will over God’s.

I am thankful today for the opportunity and freedom to study and know God’s word. BibleJournal is an excellent way for all of us to sharpen our swords, deepen our dependence and understand God’s His way. Thank you for following along!

Genesis 45; Mark 15; Job 11; Romans 15

Wednesday was Ash Wednesday, marking the first day of Lent. Since I do not come from a tradition that celebrates or promotes Lent, I needed to do a little research.  What I knew is that Lent is an opportunity to grow closer to God.   It starts on Ash Wednesday, 40 days before Easter with the forty days mirroring the time that Jesus spent in the wilderness. (Matthew 4:1-11).  What I did not know is that the ashes, on that Wednesday are to remind us of our sin and mortality.  Despite my non-participation in Lent, I fully agree with taking time to remember Jesus’ sacrifice. Ironically, today we read from Mark 15, which details the story of Jesus death. While this is a morbid and depressing topic, it is right that we become intimate with it.

To be honest, I find that I have become desensitized to it. Jesus crucifixion is talked about so often that the conversation has become routine. In fact, how many of you glossed over the terrible circumstances surrounding Jesus’ death march? Take a moment to digest these words that Mark uses to describe it:

Mocked

Reviled

Bound

Accused

Struck

Spit Upon

Derided

Forsaken

Betrayed

Do you hear the malice and hatred in these words? I can feel it. While I want to elevate myself above Jesus’ assailants, I cannot. I am compelled to ask, who am I? Have I not done this to him myself? Think about it, every lie (even the little white ones) every selfish ambition, each time I try to position myself a little higher, I aggravate his suffering. I am the betrayer. The benefit of studying Jesus death is that I must confront my own actions. Doing so takes me straight back to Peter at the end of chapter 14, “and he broke down and wept.”

 

Genesis 39; Mark 9; Job 5; Romans 9

How do you define God’s favor? When I think about it, words like success and honor come to mind. Mostly because these are things that make me feel good. Surely that would be Gods favor, right? Today, we read about Joseph, which is one of my favorite stories and Job which is one of the most confounding to me. As I consider why, I can see that both challenge my thinking about God’s favor.

We see in Genesis 20 that “God was with Joseph.” The results are obvious. Joseph was successful, an overseer, and charge of Potifer’s house. Good things were happening to Joseph because of God’s favor. Of course, bad things happen to good people and because of a lie told by Potifer’s wife, Joseph gets fired and thrown in jail. But, according to verse 21, God still favored him. Even in prison, Joseph enjoyed Gods favor. Once again it showed up as being in charge. In fact, the warden gave him complete control over the entire prison.   Now, when I consider God’s favor relative to Joseph, I see something I want.

Compare the favor that God shows Joseph with that of Job. We see that God clearly loves and favors Job through the words he uses to describe him. God calls him the finest man in all the earth, blameless, marked with complete integrity, fearful of God and obedient. (Job 2:3). Surely this warrant’s God’s full blessing. Unlike Joseph, the words used to describe Job’s life are destruction, terror and grief. Not only does Job have to endure great loss, he must also suffer the scathing rebuke of his best friends. Do you see why this is confounding to me? Who would want that?!

Here lies my dilemma. I want God in my life because of who I know him to be. He is our creator, eternal father, counselor and guide. Being true to my belief requires that I put all of my hope in him, no matter what. I cannot choose him only if my life looks like Joseph; I must also accept the possibility of Job. Paul brilliantly describes this true faith in Romans 9:20. He says,

who are you, a mere human being, to argue with God? Should the thing that was created say to the one who created it, “why have you made me like this?”” (Romans 9:20)

Far more than I care to admit here, I often reject the favor that God is currently showing me. I do this because my focus is inward, based on my own understanding, rather than the Kingdom.

When we have a kingdom focus, we are able to endure all things, as Job did. Our proper perspective of God allows us to embrace Paul’s description of what God wants for us, which is “to make the riches of his glory shine even brighter on those to whom he shows mercy, who were prepared in advance for glory.” (Romans 9:23). When I ponder the riches of his glory shining on me, I get goose bumps. As remember that Jesus’ death makes me worthy, I feel God’s favor in a powerful way. I believe that Job must have had similar understanding.

Father, I confess that I want to determine the way you work on my behalf. Today, I again surrender to your will, whatever it is. I trust that your way is higher and better than my own. I accept that you are for me and not against me. I believe; help my unbelief!

Genesis 32; Mark 3; Esther 8; Romans 3

Bandwagon is a term that is often thrown around in our society.   Plan to hear it soon with Super Bowl 50 right around the corner. We all know what it is. Bandwagoner’s identify themselves with a group or a team to be on the winning side. They are marked by outward appearances only.   Unfortunately, this is not a new phenomenon. Esther experienced it, as we will see.

Esther 8:15 reads, “And many from the peoples of the country declared themselves Jews, for fear of the Jews had fallen on them.” Do you hear bandwagon in this? I do. Because of the king’s edict, the Jewish people were revered, honored and protected. They became popular.  People from all over clambered for the same attention. But were they really Jews? As I consider that question, I am compelled to ask, “Are we really Christians?” How exactly should we define that relationship?

In his book, Not a Fan, Kyle Idleman defines Christ-Followers. He says, “It may seem that there are many followers of Jesus, but if they were honestly to define the relationship they have with him I am not sure it would be accurate to describe them as followers. It seems to me that there is a more suitable word to describe them. They are not followers of Jesus. They are fans of Jesus.” Do you see how this parallels the bandwagon Jews of Esther 8? When we choose Christ because of what he can do for us, we are similar to bandwagoner’s.  The same people that Paul and Jesus are railing on. In fact, we fit perfectly Paul’s description in Romans 3

 

“None is righteous, no, not one;
no one understands;
no one seeks for God.
All have turned aside; together they have become worthless;
no one does good,
not even one”
(Romans 3:10-12 ESV)

 OUCH! Those words sting! We have exactly two choices to alleviate the pain. One is to renounce Christ, which is clearly a bad choice. The other is to receive, by faith, the justification and redemption that is in Christ Jesus whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood to be received by faith. (Romans 3:24,25). When we finally surrender to Christ, our salvation becomes “a matter of the heart, by the Spirit and His praise is not from man, but from God.” (Romans 2:29). NOT a bandwagon Christian.

Family: Genesis 26; Matthew 25. Secret: Esther 2; Acts 25.

I am humbled today by the patience and steadfastness of Isaac. This starts in the beginning of Genesis 26 when there was a famine in the land. As he is deciding where to go, presumably so that he can take care of his family, God has an interesting message for him. In effect, he says, “hey, don’t go to Egypt. Instead, stick around here and hang out in this land. If you stay, I will be with you and bless you. In fact, remember the promise that I gave your father, Abraham? I told him that he would be the father of nations. If you hang out with me here, you will be the one that helps me establish my promise to him.” Wow! That is a pretty serious honor. Isaac does, what any of us would do with such huge prospects ahead of us. He settles in the land God suggested, Gerar.

According to the scripture, God made Isaac very wealthy, very quickly. Yet, that same year, king Abimelech demands that he leave the valley. Now, I don’t know about you, but if I had just become rich I would be doing everything in my power to hold on to what is mine. Moreover, I would be even more pugnacious because God himself promised me. Isaac, on the other hand, doesn’t seem to mind. Without delay, he packs up and moves on, displaying incredible patience.

Perhaps Isaac is bolstered his patience with the prospect of using his father’s old wells? Surely he considered these to be part of God’s plan.  I certainly would have. Unfortunately, he would quickly discover that the old wells were no longer useful. They would need to be re-dug because the Philistines had spitefully filled them in. To his credit, he was not deterred by the extra work and effort. Not only would he rebuild the wells, he would show honor and gratitude for them, reestablishing the name of each, in homage of his father’s legacy.

Isaac endured trouble steadfastly. Every time he rebuilt a well, finding water, the neighboring people would come over and quarrel with him, claiming it for their own.   What did he do? Nothing. He moved on and did it again. This perplexes me greatly. Everything in me wants Isaac to fight for what is his.   Not only did Abraham establish these wells, God promised to provide for and prosper him. I want him to fight! Instead, Isaac moves forward, steadfastly, knowing that God will provide.  It pays off. He finally digs a well and there are no quarrels. How does he respond?   Not with a single thought or inkling that he had finally received his due, as I may have. Rightfully, Isaac responds with full thanks and gratitude to God. It was pure worship.

As I read through this story of Isaac, God reminds me that His promises are good, trustworthy and guaranteed. Unfortunately, God’s good promises can become feelings of entitlement and presumption. When they do, be reminded that the object of our affection has shifted to ourselves. Isaac never considered his own gain as a victory. Instead, all glory, honor and praise were for the Giver.

 

 

 

Family: Genesis 20; Matthew 19. Secret: Nehemiah 9; Acts 19.

Am I the only one that gets a little anxious when reading Matthew 19? There is something about verse 25 that scares the snot out of me. As I ponder the reasons why that may be the case, I am confronted with a stark reality.

In reality, I am just like the rich young ruler (I’m speaking more about my heart than my bank account). That is to say that when God asks me to give something up in order to better serve him, I leave in sorrow, just as the rich young ruler did. Sometimes, I just don’t want to give up what I want!  It doesn’t matter what you call it ambition, wealth, money, possessions or fortune. At the end of the day, these things entangle our hearts. The rich young ruler chooses death. I really do not want to choose the same!

This reality is driven home for me in Nehemiah 9. Starting with verse 35, we are reminded of the great land that God had given his people. It is described as large and rich and surrounded by God’s great goodness. But, of course, the people did not serve God, or turn from their wicked works.  As in Nehemiah 9:36, I realize that I am nothing more than a slave. I become so surrounded and submerged in American culture that I often cannot see the goodness of God. No longer do I care that we have been given a great and rich land. When called upon to use a portion of it for His purposes, we reject him and live for our own passions and desires.

So what are we to do? Is there no hope? It would seem that we are all doomed to live as slaves, replaying this scenario over and over again. Thankfully, the disciples were on to this same question. It appears that they are just as freaked out as I am when they ask, “in astonishment, who can be saved?” (Matthew 19:25). I can hear the desperation in the question. They sense the impending doom. But, it is not. As long as we can keep an eye on Jesus there is hope. Jesus replies, “with man this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible.”   When we focus on him, nothing else matters.

Father, remember us as you have remembered those before us. Even though we turn away and forsake your goodness, you are great in mercies.   You did not make an end of them or forsake them, for you are a gracious and merciful God. (Nehemiah 9:31 ESV)