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Which One Would You Choose? –Exodus 20:19

Today’s Scripture Reading:  Exodus 22:16 through Exodus 24:18

As I read today’s reading, I thought it was very interesting that the Israelites did not want God to speak directly to them (Exodus 20:19).  This was right after God gave the people the Ten Commandments.  I wonder how different things would have been if the Israelites would have chosen to hear directly from God.  I see a similarity in today’s world.

If there were two options to being a Christ follower and you could choose, which one would you pick?

  1. Be in constant communication with God so that you know His ways, His thoughts, His Word and His desires
  2. Get a onetime list of all the dos and don’ts and follow that list each day

The Israelites definitely chose option 2.

I think they thought it was the easiest way.

But before we’re too hard on the Israelites, don’t many of us just want to go to church on Sundays and have the pastor “hear from God” and give us an executive summary.

Let’s go one step further, don’t we sometimes want a pastor, teacher, friend or even a stranger to pray for us or someone we love, before we  whisper a prayer to God for ourselves.

Dear Lord help us to never settle for a second-hand experience with you!  Holy Spirit, draw us to your Word each day!  Strengthen our desire to communicate with you through prayer and meditation. Jesus, Make us more like you!  Amen and Amen!

Here is my favorite rule in today’s reading:  “Take no bribes, for a bribe makes you ignore something that you clearly see.  A bribe makes even a righteous person twist the  truth.”   ~Exodus 23:8

Could we open the Bible to this page and have all of our politicians swear to live by this scripture?  **I’m sorry, but I just couldn’t resist  :-)

Have a great week-end!

Let’s Have a First-hand Experience with God!

 

 

©2013, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow Scripture Reading:  Exodus 25:1 through Exodus 28:43

When’s the Last Time You Took a Risk?—Mark 15:42-43

Today’s Scripture Reading: Mark 15:42-47, Matthew 27:57-61, Luke 23:50-56, John 19:38-42, Matthew 27:62-66, Mark 16:1-8, Matthew 28:1-7, Luke 24:1-12, Mark 16:9-11,  John 20:1-18, Matthew 28:8-15

Two years ago I was in full-on risk mode.

  • Stepping of my comfort zone
  • Going on an adventure
  • Taking a chance

I was doing what I believed God had spoken to me to do.

But my risk was nothing compared to the risk of Joseph of Arimathea…

This all happened on Friday, the day of preparation] the day before the Sabbath. As evening approached,  Joseph of Arimathea took a risk and went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. (Joseph was an honored member of the high council, and he was waiting for the Kingdom of God to come.) -Mark 15:42-43 (emphasis mine)

Up until this point Joseph had been a secret disciple of Jesus.  He was a wealthy member of the Sanhedrin (the supreme council and tribunal of the Jews headed by a High Priest and having religious, civil, and criminal jurisdiction). But on the day of Jesus’ crucifixion he gathered his courage and went to Pilate boldly. His action was risky because:

  • He was not related to Jesus
  • His request was a favor that would likely be denied on principle since Jesus had been executed for treason
  • He risked ceremonial defilement in handling a dead body
  • His request amounted to an open confession of personal loyalty to the crucified Jesus which would doubtless incur his associates’ hostility

(The Bible Knowledge Commentary)

He was a secret disciple no longer…

Joseph was part of God’s plan.  He didn’t just “suddenly” get the idea to do this, it demanded much preparation.  Had Joseph not acted boldly, the body of Jesus might have been disposed of like rubbish.

It was important that Jesus’ body be prepared for burial so that the empty grave-clothes could be left behind in the tomb (John 20:1–10). Also, the way He was buried fulfilled prophecy (Isa. 53:9). The fact that He was buried is proof that Jesus actually died on the cross, for the Roman officials would not have released the body without proof that Jesus was dead.  (The Bible Exposition Commentary)

The Holy Spirit prompted Joseph to go to Pilate and ask for Jesus’ body, but at some point he had to step up and do it.  It’s the same with us today.  The Holy Spirit will urge or nudge us  to step out or speak out for Jesus, but it will never happen unless we act on it.

Two and a half years ago I received an email from an organization I’ve been a part of for over fifteen years.  This email was announcing the 2010 Writer’s Conference.  When I read the announcement, something inside of me said, “You should go.”

I dismissed the thought for several reasons:

  • I’ve only been writing for a couple of years
  • It’s a big financial investment
  • This is a professional writer’s conference and I’m just a beginner
  • I’m not really clear on God’s plan for me beyond this year
  • I’m not even sure God wants me to be a “writer”

A month or so passed and I mentioned it to my husband, who is my greatest fan and cheerleader.  He said, “You have to go!”  For a few weeks I tried to talk him out of it; told him every reason I could think of why I shouldn’t go…

I prayed about it and asked the Lord to dismiss it from my mind if I wasn’t supposed to go.  Just the opposite happened.  It was constantly on my mind.  I really felt like God spoke to me to go.  So I registered, paid my money, and bought a plane ticket.

As I shared my plans with family and friends I kept apologizing for going. Saying things like:

  • I don’t know why I’m going
  • I’m not a real writer
  • I shouldn’t be spending the money

I heard the Holy Spirit speak loudly, “Dianne, you need to stop saying and thinking these things.  I set this up.  It’s a divine appointment.  Go with excitement and expectation!”

So that it what I did!  I took a risk.  But is not really a risk when God encourages you.  It’s an act of obedience.

God used that Conference to point me in the direction of my next season of ministry. It changed my life.  I’m so glad I took a risk and said, “yes” to God.

Joseph took a risk that fulfilled prophesy that is still talked about today.

What risk is God calling you to take today?

Step out in obedience and take it, it could change the world forever!

Heavenly Father, use us for Your Glory and Your Kingdom.  Speak loudly Holy Spirit.  Give us the boldness and confidence to step out!

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen!

 

© 2012 Dianne Guthmuller
Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Luke 24:13-43, Mark 16:12-13, John 20:19-23, Mark 16:14, John 20:24-21:25, Matthew 28:16-20, Mark 16:15-18, Luke 24:44-49


I Want My Family in “The Family”–Matthew 16:13-17

Today’s Scripture Reading: Mark 8:22-30, Matthew 16:13-20, Luke 9:18-20, Mark 8:31-9:1, Matthew 16:21-28, Luke 9:21-27, Mark 9:2-13, Matthew 17:1-13, Luke 9:28-36

I want everyone I love and care about to be a part of the Family of God! I want them to have the free gift of eternal life!

Do you have family members, friends, or co-workers who don’t know Jesus Christ as their Savior?  I know I do.  I was having a conversation this past week-end with some of our family.  We were discussing our great desire for our all our family, friends and loved ones to “know Him.”

We were wondering

What we could say…

What we could do…

To help them to know Christ;

…maybe we could give them a DVD, a song, or a book.

Or maybe getting someone to talk with them,

yea, maybe that’ll  work!

After reading today’s scriptures it seems we should spend more time praying and asking God to reveal Himself to our loved ones in the method He thinks is best, and less time fretting, scheming and plotting to “get them saved.”

When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”  “Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.”

Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?”

Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah the Son of the living God.”

Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. –Matthew 16:13-17 (emphasis mine)

The apostle John also reminded us how we come to Jesus:

For no one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them to me, and at the last day I will raise them up. –John 6:44 (emphasis mine)

Less than twelve hours after that family conversation, God confirmed His Word by allowing us to witness a divinely orchestrated “God moment” in the lives of the very family members we were discussing.  Did they accept Jesus as their Savior?  I don’t know, we didn’t see any visible signs of interest.  But after what we saw, we KNOW God is working in their lives!

I’m still in awe of the way our God moved in this situation.

Let’s make a pact to pray more, worry less, and believe God to draw our loved ones to Himself.  Let’s take the God point of view rather than the human point of view.

Jesus turned around and looked at his disciples, then reprimanded Peter. “Get away from me, Satan!” he said. “You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.” –Mark 8:33 (emphasis mine)

Heavenly Father, we want our family, friends, co-workers, and the whole world to know You.  Help us to continually pray for their salvation and then expect You to orchestrate it!  We ask You to work in their lives so that they will come to accept You as their Savior.

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen.

 

 

© 2012 Dianne Guthmuller
Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Mark 9:14-29, Matthew 17:14-21, Luke 9:37-43a, Mark 9:30-32, Matthew 17:22-23, Luke 9:43b-45, Matthew 17:24-27, Mark 9:33-37, Matthew 18:1-6, Luke 9:46-48, Mark 9:38-41, Luke 9:49-50, Mark 9:42-50, Matthew 18:7-35

Lord, I Want That Job — Matthew 5:3-12

Today’s Scripture Reading: Mark 3:7-19; Luke 6:12-16; Matthew 5:1-12; Luke 6:17-26; Matthew 5:13-48; Luke 6:27-36; Matthew 6:1-4

Lord, I want to be Your disciple.  I want to serve You.  I don’t just want to “know” about You, I want to really know You and I want to cause others to know You.

But, where do I start?

Can you give me an idea of what one of Your representatives looks like?

One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him, and he began to teach them.

The Beatitudes

“God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him,

      for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

 God blesses those who mourn,

      for they will be comforted.

 God blesses those who are humble,

      for they will inherit the whole earth.

God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice,

      for they will be satisfied.

God blesses those who are merciful,

      for they will be shown mercy.

God blesses those whose hearts are pure,

      for they will see God.

God blesses those who work for peace,

      for they will be called the children of God.

God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right,

      for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.   –Matthew 5:1-10

Yes, Lord.  I want to be this kind of person.  Make me more like You today.

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen!

 

© 2012 Dianne Guthmuller

 

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Matthew 6:5-7:6; Luke 6:37-42; Matthew 7:7-20; Luke 6:43-45; Matthew 7:21-29; Luke 6:46-49

What’s Your Tagline? 1 Chronicles 23:14

Today’s Scripture Reading:  1 Chronicles 23:1 through 1 Chronicles 25:31

Wisegeek.com defines a tagline  as “a slogan (short, attention-getting phrase) which succinctly, memorably, and descriptively sums up a company or product.”

Taglineguru.com lists these as the top five taglines of all time:

  1. Got Milk  (1993)  ———————————–  Calif. Milk  Board
  2. Don’t leave home without it  (1975)————-  American Express
  3. Just do it  (1988) ———————————-  Nike
  4. Where’s the beef  (1984)————————–  Wendy’s
  5. You’re in good hands with Allstate  (1956)—–  Allstate Insurance

In today’s scripture reading I found Moses’ tagline:

As for Moses, the man of God, his sons were included with the tribe of Levi.   –1 Chronicles 23:14

Moses…the man of God

Think about it, when anyone said “the man of God” they would all say, “that’s Moses!”

When your family, friends, neighbors or coworkers describe you, what “tagline” do they use?  What’s the first thought that runs through their head about you?

When my son was a teenager and young adult he used a tagline when he tried to “explain” me to his friends.  I think he stills uses it.  I guess he wanted them to be on their best behavior when they were around me so that he would not get a lecture about his choice in friends.  Jeremy would say, “My Mom is real churchy.”  With that one word Jeremy hoped they would understand:

  • My Mom talks about God
  • There are Bibles on our coffee table
  • She doesn’t like profanity; matter of fact she thinks dumb, stupid and shut up are curse words
  • We say the blessing before we eat
  • She prays for me before I go to school–out loud!
  • She’ll probably pray for you too

While I really don’t want to be known as churchy; even though it has become a term of endearment when Jeremy says it… I would love to be described as “the woman of God” by my Heavenly Father and have something about me point others to Him.

Moses certainly didn’t start out as “the man of God.”  He was insecure, full of guilt and reluctant to step out, but God  coached him day-by-day until he became God’s man.

Coached by God?

Can we be coached by God to become His man or woman?

I believe we can, if we check in with Him on a regular basis through

  • reading and meditating on His Word
  • talking and listening to Him
  • obeying Him

I want to be that woman of God!  I’m going for it!  How about you?

Heavenly Father, I know I’m no Moses, but I am loved by You as much as Moses!  I want to be one of Your women of God.  Please teach me and coach me!  Use me for Your Glory!

In Jesus Name.  Amen and Amen!

 

©2012, Dianne Guthmuller


Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading:  1 Chronicles 26:1 through 1 Chronicles 28:21

What Did Serving God Cost You Today? 2 Samuel 24:24


Today’s Scripture Reading: 2 Samuel 24:1-9; 1 Chronicles 21:1-6; 2 Samuel 24:10-17; 1 Chronicles 21:7-17; 2 Samuel 24:18-25; 1 Chronicles 21:18-22:19

So David went up to do what the Lord had commanded him. When Araunah saw the king and his men coming toward him, he came and bowed before the king with his face to the ground.  “Why have you come, my lord the king?” Araunah asked.

David replied, “I have come to buy your threshing floor and to build an altar to the Lord there, so that he will stop the plague.”

“Take it, my lord the king, and use it as you wish,” Araunah said to David. “Here are oxen for the burnt offering, and you can use the threshing boards and ox yokes for wood to build a fire on the altar. I will give it all to you, Your Majesty, and may the Lord your God accept your sacrifice.”

But the king replied to Araunah, “No, I insist on buying it, for I will not present burnt offerings to the Lord my God that have cost me nothing.” So David paid him fifty pieces of silver for the threshing floor and the oxen.  –2 Samuel 24:19-24

David had just made a mistake that cost 70,000 lives.  He was in deep distress as he asked the angel of the Lord to allow His anger to fall on him and his family.  So when the time came to offer a sacrifice and prayer to ask God to stop the plague there was no way David was going to let anyone else “pay” for this offering.

How does this fit in today’s world?

Should our worship and service to our God cost us something?

Now that we’re on our third trip through the Bible, I feel safe in saying, it costs to truly serve God.  Here are three examples of the many that come to mind:

God required Abraham to leave his homeland and family. (Genesis 12:1)

God allowed Satan to test Job.  He lost everything, except his wife. (Job 1)

God gave his only Son Jesus to die for the sins of man. (John 3:16)

What has serving God cost you lately?

What offerings are you giving?

What sacrifices are you making?

    • Your time
    • Your talent
    • Your treasure

Are you enjoying someone else’s offerings and sacrifices rather than actively worshiping yourself?

Heavenly Father, we just want to please You.  If there are prices to be paid, show us.  If there are costs to be incurred make us willing. Help us to know when You want sacrifice and when you want obedience.

But Samuel replied,“What is more pleasing to the Lord: your burnt offerings and sacrifice or your obedience to his voice?

Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.  –1 Samuel 15:22-23

Lord, teach us.  We give ourselves to You.

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen!

 

©2012, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: 1 Chronicles 23:1-25:31

Leave Your “Stuff” at Home—Mark 6:7-9

Last year this time I was  packing for a trip.  I was going to be gone a couple of weeks.  As I read Jesus’ instructions to the disciples as He sent them out to minister I thought, “Lord, could I ever be that obedient, trusting, and full of faith?

And he called his twelve disciples together and began sending them out two by two, giving them authority to cast out evil spirits.  He told them to take nothing for their journey except a walking stick—no food, no traveler’s bag, no money. He allowed them to wear sandals but not to take a change of clothes. Mark 6: 7-9

Today’s Scripture Reading: Matthew 9:27-34, Mark 6:1-6, Matthew 13:53-58, Matthew 9:35-38, Mark 6:7-13, Matthew 10:1-42, Luke 9:1-6

No suitcase, no money, no clothes????

In my 21st century, western thought process that’s just not acceptable.  I was only spending a couple of weeks at my daughters (new grandson was the way!), who had a closet full of clothes I could wear, but I was still carrying a carload MY stuff!

I’ve always been an over packer; whether it was diaper bags, skin care class supplies during my years as a Mary Kay Sales Director, or corporate training tools and tricks, I’ve always carried too much.

I want to be prepared, ready for anything!  I guess my ‘stuff” is my security.  I feel in control when I have it.  Maybe that’s the reason Jesus wanted HIS disciples to leave their “stuff” at home; so they would depend on God and not their own resourcefulness.

This may have been a test for the disciples.  Jesus knew what faced them, it wasn’t for the faint-hearted.  If they couldn’t give up their stuff, they would be in real trouble when they were…

  • Handed over to the courts to be flogged with whips in the synagogues (Matthew 10:17)
  • Forced to stand trial before governors and kings because they were Jesus’ followers (Matthew 10:18)

Do your material possessions ever get in the way of being obedient to and dependent on God?

Do things like houses, cars, new furniture, technology, or the latest fashion take a higher priority than your relationship with your heavenly Father?

Could you walk away from your “stuff” if the Lord asked you?

I don’t think God is opposed to us having “stuff,” He just wants us to be able to leave it at home if He asks us.

Heavenly Father, help us to put our “stuff” in the proper perspective, Your perspective. We want to bring Glory to You.  Teach us how to be less materialistic.

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen!


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©2011, Dianne Guthmuller

Today’s Scripture Reading: Luke 9:7-9, Mark 6:14-29, Matthew 14:1-21, Mark 6:30-44, Luke 9:10-17, John 6:1-15, Mark 6:45-52, Matthew 14:22-23, John 6:16-21, Mark 6:53-56, Matthew 14:34-36


Lord, I Want to be Your Disciple–Matthew 5:3-12

Today’s Scripture Reading: Mark 3:7-19; Luke 6:12-16; Matthew 5:1-12; Luke 6:17-26; Matthew 5:13-48; Luke 6:27-36; Matthew 6:1-4

Lord, I want to be Your disciple.  I want to serve You.  I don’t just want to “know” about You, I want to really know You and I want to cause others to know You.

But, where do I start?

Can you give me an idea of what one of Your representatives looks like?

One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him, and he began to teach them.

The Beatitudes

“God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him,

      for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

 God blesses those who mourn,

      for they will be comforted.

 God blesses those who are humble,

      for they will inherit the whole earth.

God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice,

      for they will be satisfied.

God blesses those who are merciful,

      for they will be shown mercy.

God blesses those whose hearts are pure,

      for they will see God.

God blesses those who work for peace,

      for they will be called the children of God.

God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right,

      for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.   –Matthew 5:1-10

Yes, Lord.  I want to be this kind of person.  Make me more like You today.

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen!


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©2011, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Matthew 6:5-7:6; Luke 6:37-42; Matthew 7:7-20; Luke 6:43-45; Matthew 7:21-29; Luke 6:46-49

If God has ever Answered a Prayer for You Press Like—John 2:23-25

Today’s Scripture Reading:  Mark 1:12-13; Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-15; John 1:19-2:25

This morning on Facebook I saw a group to join:

If God has ever answered a prayer for you press like…

I guess this is the new way of testifying in today’s world of social networking.

The explosion of communications devices and technology in the past decade has substantially expanded the amount of public dialogue related to all kinds of issues, including religion. Yet, even though Americans spend lots of time discussing and debating religious beliefs and spiritual practices, a new survey by The Barna Group shows that all of that interaction has translated into very little change in people’s faith life.

Of all the adults randomly sampled for the nationwide survey, just 7% said they could think of any religious beliefs, practices, or preferences they had altered during the past five years. (Click here for full article)

The majority of people in our country are willing to admit that God has answered a prayer for them, but they’re not willing to live for Him or change for Him.

When Jesus was on the earth He came across the same problem:

Because of the miraculous signs Jesus did in Jerusalem at the Passover celebration, many began to trust in him.  But Jesus didn’t trust them, because he knew human nature.  No one needed to tell him what mankind is really like. John 2:23-25

Have you ever seen a miracle?  How did it affect you?

Did you get caught up in the emotion of the moment and make promises you couldn’t keep?

That’s exactly what happened at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry.

  • Jesus performed miracles in Jerusalem at the Passover celebration
  • Many began to trust in Him

There’s nothing wrong with beginning to trust Jesus because of a miracle; the problem begins when we “trust the miracle instead of Jesus.”

There’s another piece to the story…

Some of the people in Jerusalem were probably trusting Jesus “to get a miracle.”

Lord, I’ll serve you if…

Lord, I’ll believe you if…

Lord, I’ll change my behavior if…

Lord, I’ll trust you if…

The word trust in John 2:23 and trust in John 2:24 are the same Greek word—pisteuo, which means believe. These people believed in Jesus, but He did not believe in them! They were “unsaved believers”! It was one thing to respond to a miracle but quite something else to commit oneself to Jesus Christ and continue in His Word. (The Bible Exposition Commentary)

Friends, it time to be forever changed from seeing Jesus.  Jesus told us exactly what He expected in John 8:30-32.

Then many who heard him say these things believed in him. Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. (Emphasis mine)

Heavenly Father, forgive us for not being trustworthy.  Help us to live a life that reflects our belief and trust in you.  Show us the areas that You want us to change.  Help us to grow in our desire to serve you each day and to remain faithful to Your teachings.

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen.


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©2011, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading:  John 3:1-4:45; Luke 3:19-20

2 Things God Wants From Us–Hosea 6:6

Today’s Scripture Reading: Hosea 2:14-8:14

Some things never change.  Hosea’s prophesies to the Israelites could just as easily be a message for today’s world.  Just like Israel, God’s chosen people, many of today’s Christians think all God wants is our sacrifices of time (one hour on Sundays) and money (a $20 in the offering plate)–Once these two things are done, we’re good to go!

Unfortunately, we’re mistaken.

But there are two things God wants from us:

I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices.
I want you to know me more than I want burnt offerings.  –
Hosea 6:6

  1. Show Love
  2. Know God More

These two things aren’t a task-oriented “to-do list” like weekly church attendance and offerings; they’re key elements of a different kind of lifestyle.

The more we know Him the more He will teach us how to love.

We can’t love unless we know Him.

Heavenly Father, teach us.  Speak loudly to us.  We want to know You more.  We want to love like You love.  Forgive us for our failures, shortcomings, and humanness.  Forgive us of our sins.  Help us to become more like You, Jesus.

In Your Name we pray.  Amen and Amen!


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©2011, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Hosea 9:1-14:9

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