TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Peter 2:1-12
There were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. - 2 Peter 2:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
The health of a tree faces two significant dangers. On the one hand, a tree can be severely damaged from external forces: wind, hail, lightning, and ice can all injure or kill a growing tree. On the other hand, a tree that looks perfectly healthy from the outside may in fact be dead or dying on the inside from a festering disease in its roots or trunk. A good gardener will be cautious and proactive about both dangers.

In this month's study, we have seen much pastoral wisdom and encouragement about the external dangers the Christian community faces in trials and sufferings. In today's study, Peter turns his attention to the internal danger: false teachers. Just as the people of God in the past had their false prophets, so should the Christian community beware of false teachers (v. 1). Peter spends some time detailing their characteristics.

First, their teaching is false. They introduce “destructive heresies” (v. 1), proclaim invented stories, and even speak of things they do not understand. In essence, they reject God and His redemption offered in Christ. Second, their conduct is false. Their ways are “shameful” (v. 2),and instead of living in godly obedience, they “follow the corrupt desire of the sinful nature” (v. 10). Third, their motives and attitudes are false. They are motivated by greed, “despise authority” (v. 10), and carry an attitude of arrogance. We don't get much specificity about the identity of these particular teachers, but one thing is clear: everything about them mars the gospel message.

Peter also wants his audience to be confident about the final outcome: “condemnation” and “destruction” (vv. 3, 12). Peter gives a series of biblical examples where disobedience finally met its judgment: fallen angels, Noah's flood, and Sodom and Gomorrah. Conversely, Peter reminds us of Lot as an example of God's rescue of the righteous. It may appear that the false teachers and disobedience prevail, but in the end, God will set it right.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today's message calls us to a two-fold response. First, given Scripture's seriousness about false teaching in the church, we pray for our church leaders. Pray today that they would stand firm for the truth of Christ and avoid false teaching. Second, Scripture encourages those who may find themselves in churches (or denominations) into which false teaching has infiltrated. Scripture urges these people to stand firm, confident that all-seeing God will one day set it right, judging the disobedient and rescuing the righteous.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Peter 2:13-22
Of them the proverbs are true: “A dog returns to its vomit,” and “A sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud.” - 2 Peter 2:22
TODAY IN THE WORD
We all have pet peeves, minor annoyances at people who drive poorly, mispronounce words, or always forget to close the door. But what really gets us upset? What motivates us to say or do something in objection to something we think is wrong? Many of us are irritated by silly and inconsequential annoyances rather than by the things that truly matter.

Today's reading continues with yesterday's theme on false teachers, and one thing becomes glaringly clear: Peter is extremely upset by these teachers. So far in our study, we have seen Peter's concern about trials and persecution, and have read his constant encouragement to those who suffer. But throughout, Peter has remained calm. Now, however, it's different. In the face of false teaching in the church, Peter is angry, and he wants his readers to be aware of their danger!

As in yesterday's passage, Peter again highlights the dangerous and improper behavior and teaching of these false instructors. They revel in pleasures and lusts; they are full of adultery, and “never stop sinning” (v. 14). Peter describes them as “slaves of depravity,” entangled in a life of sin (v. 19). Likewise, their teaching is empty and boastful, it works only to entice young Christians away from the truth. Perhaps worst of all, these teachers were in the church. They knew of Jesus Christ, but they have “left the straight way and wandered off” (v. 15).

Notice also the way Peter describes these teachers in animalistic terms. He references the Old Testament account of Balaam and the donkey. When Balaam tried to gain profit and curse God's people, he had to be corrected by a donkey (see Numbers 22)! Peter's point: these false teachers are lower than brute beasts. Again, at the end, Peter describes their activity in terms of a dog returning to its vomit and a pig returning to the mud. The possible destruction of Christ's church moves Peter to extreme action.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Perhaps the harshness of Peter's language shocks or offends you. Is this really a Christian attitude? It's useful to remember Christ's commission to Peter to “feed my sheep” (John 21:15-17). Peter is acting to protect Christ's flock, and he wants us to be clear about the danger of false teaching in the church. Do you have the same zeal for the gospel truth? Is God perhaps calling you to stand publicly against those who wish to devour the church? Pray for the courage to speak against false teaching when called to do so.

[nChrist]

I'm new here.  I wanted to find a place where like minds come together in Christ to edify one another.  I also wanted to pass along a good book, It's called the "hiding place" by corrie ten boom.  It's primarily a book about the love of Christ, and the peace he provides that surpasses all understanding.  It'll also make you realize that a good portion of us have no idea not only what love is, but what suffering in his name is.  For some reason, we acknowledge His death on the cross and then continue living our hate filled lives.  And when I say hate filled I don't necessarily mean the obvious hate.  I mean the subtle hate.  The cursing under our breath in traffic.  The vengence we wish upon others who do evil to us.  The frustrations our children cause us.  The loss of our temper toward our spouses.  Our lack of patience. Well, anyways, it's something I feel every Christian should read. Our easy lives of television, food, shopping, and excess are put into percpective.

Hello Melisnmatt,

WELCOME!

I hope that you enjoy Christians Unite, and I look forward to having fellowship with you. YES, the story of Corrie Ten Boom is moving and powerful. It's so moving and powerful that one of my nieces named her baby girl after her.

By the way, I also agree completely that we all fail miserably at love often.

Love In Christ,
Tom

"Anger is a short madness. The less we do when we go mad the better for everybody, and the less we go mad the better for ourselves." - C. H. Spurgeon

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Peter 3:1-10
With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years is like a day. - 2 Peter 3:8
TODAY IN THE WORD
The church today witnesses no shortage of opponents who vehemently attack traditional Christianity and the notion of God's existence. For example, Richard Dawkins's 2006 work, The God Delusion, which attacks the idea of a supernatural Being, reached #2 on the Amazon.com bestseller list and #4 on the New York Times list. Likewise, Christopher Hitchens's recent book, God is Not Great, reached #1 on the New York Times bestseller list. Both authors have enjoyed huge success from their scathing critique and mockery of religion in general and Christianity in particular.

In light of today's passage, figures like Dawkins and Hitchens should come as no surprise. Peter declares that “in the last days scoffers will come” (v. 3). In particular, Peter mentions those who mock Christians because of the seeming delay in Christ's return. “Where is this ”˜coming' he promised?” Everything continues as it was since the creation of the world, they say (v. 4). In short, they ridicule the Christian hope and declare God a liar.

Peter responds with a clear message: don't forget God's word through the prophets and Christ; it really is trustworthy. Just as God's word was powerful to create the world and then send the flood of judgment, that same word is powerful to one day bring judgment on the “ungodly” (v. 7). God's Word is true; the world has not simply gone on the same since creation. God both sees and acts in due time.

In fact, says Peter, it's important to remember that God's time is not our time. Echoing Psalm 90:4, Peter reminds us that “with the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years is like a day” (v. 8). What may seem like slowness on God's part is in fact a demonstration of His patience and merciful desire to see more people come to repentance (v. 9). But make no mistake, that day will come. And when it does, like a thief without warning, there will be a universal upheaval, and everything will be laid bare before the judgment of God (v. 10).

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Notice that Scripture avoids two common responses to Christ's seeming “delay”: to either become obsessed with trying to predict when exactly He will come or to waste that time by selfish living. How will you use this time? Will you pursue hedonistic pleasures or use it to develop “wholesome thinking” and living (v. 1)? Will you grow impatient and suspicious of God's timing or use it to speak to others of God's mercy? Reflect on these questions; then commit to use God's gift of time to serve Him and others today.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Peter 3:11-18
Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? - 2 Peter 3:11
TODAY IN THE WORD
As the man drove away from a refreshing week-long vacation in the Rocky Mountains, he found himself constantly glancing up at the mountains in his rearview mirror, and then down at his lap where the panoramic pictures of his trip now lay. The only problem was that with all his backward and downward gazing, he didn't see the car ahead of him that had come to a full stop. The subsequent accident was the inevitable result of his failure to look ahead.

Today's reading also admonishes us to continue looking ahead. In fact, three different times Peter urges his audience to “look forward.” The future is so important because we are awaiting the “day of God” when we will enjoy “a new heaven and a new earth” (vv. 12-14). Troubles may lie around us in the form of suffering and false teaching; but Peter reminds us where we are headed: that cosmic end when God will establish our “home of righteousness” (v. 13). There should be great comfort in reflecting on the promises that await us in the end.

Yet, Peter's concern moves beyond comfort and encouragement to the pressing exhortation toward proper living in the here and now. Peter suggests that knowledge of the coming end should affect the way we live today, or as Peter says: “what kind of people ought you to be” (v. 11).

On the one hand, echoing yesterday's message, God's patience in delaying the end allows for the salvation of more people (v. 15). Yet the primary focus here is the opportunity for growth in holiness and godliness. Peter urges us “to live holy and godly lives” (v. 11), “to make every effort to be found spotless, blameless, and at peace with him” (v. 14), and to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (v. 18).

Knowing that the end is coming means we can guard against false teaching not so that we can remain stagnant, but precisely so that we can continue to grow in our relationship with Christ. That's true living with the end in mind.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
As we come to the end of our study of 1 and 2 Peter, and to the beginning of a new calendar year, what better time to spend a moment “looking forward” and taking steps to live in response to Christ's imminent return. Whether or not you typically make New Year's resolutions, take time to make a list of spiritual goals for the coming year, and consider the appropriate spiritual disciplines to help you live as the kind of person you ought to be, awaiting that future day of glory!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Genesis 2:8-17
You must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die. - Genesis 2:17
TODAY IN THE WORD
The title of Fyodor Dostoevsky's novel Crime and Punishment conjures images of police interrogation, courtroom drama, and prison escapes. But the real struggle of Rodion Romanovich Raskolnikov, the story's main character, is not against the traditional powers of justice and law enforcement but within his own mind and the natural consequences of his actions.

God's first rule and warning for mankind had a similar nuance. It sounded very simple: do not eat the fruit of the forbidden tree, or you will die. But as we all know, the ramifications of disobedience were incredibly complex. Death was indeed part of the punishment, but this month we'll explore the intricate web of consequences woven throughout the human experience. The punishment for Adam and Eve's crime, imputed to all of mankind, was not so swift as a lightning bolt from heaven. Death by sin is neither quick nor painless.

Today's passage focuses on God's command and the consequences for disobedience about which Adam was warned. The tree that draws our attention most forcefully is the forbidden tree, the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. It is the only tree named by God in His command to Adam—the acceptable trees were lumped into one description, “any tree in the garden” (v. 16). But the forbidden tree wasn't the only one in the middle of the Garden of Eden.

The tree of life was planted there as well. What a curious pair those trees must have made. One was named for the knowledge of right and wrong, good and evil; but, given God's warning, it could have been called the tree of death. The other was the tree of life. Adam was free to eat of it, which would have enabled him to live forever (Gen. 3:22). Given the choice between life or death, or the choice of knowing only good or evil as well, which would you have chosen?

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The defeated say, “After the Fall, we have no choice but sin.” The choice Adam and Eve faced in the Garden isn't hypothetical, it's something we face every day. Will we choose to obey God's commands, or ignore warnings that we consider oversimplified or old-fashioned? What we will see in God's Word this month is evident in our lives as well—the consequences of sin reach deep into our minds, hearts, and lives. The grace of God and the power of His Spirit offer those who belong to Christ another option: we can choose to obey.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Genesis 3:1-10
“You will not surely die, ” the serpent said to the woman. - Genesis 3:4
TODAY IN THE WORD
“Name and Shame” is a common but often controversial approach taken by governments or civil action groups to use embarrassment as a tool for reform. Sex offenders, money launderers, juvenile criminals, and e-mail spammers have all been subject to the penalty of seeing their crimes publicized on a list or “Wall of Shame.” The United Nations even adopted a resolution to name and shame nations or groups who used warfare tactics that harmed or killed children.

Criminals (and common sinners) almost always fail to consider shame as an immediate natural consequence of their actions. We become distracted, as Eve did, by the deceptive glamour of sin.

Someone playing devil's advocate might argue that the serpent didn't lie to Eve at all. According to Genesis 5:5, Adam lived a total of 930 years; neither he nor Eve faced execution. And the serpent's argument in verse 5 of today's reading echoes God's later statement in verse 22 almost verbatim. The key to the serpent's deception was not simply how much truth he included in his words. His lie came from goading Eve to set her eyes on what God had forbidden and by portraying God as a selfish overlord who was withholding the very best from mankind.

Scripture doesn't tell us how much time, if any, elapsed between the serpent's conversation with Eve and her decision to eat the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (the only tree in the middle of the garden that Eve mentioned). She ate the fruit because of its appeal and gave some to Adam, and immediately their shame prompted them to cover their nakedness. The wisdom Eve sought turned out to be guilt, shame, and fear. Instead of desiring to be with God, they were frightened by His presence and hid when they heard Him coming. The death that the serpent promised did indeed show up in the form of a swift and devastating separation from the Lord.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
As the saying goes, “A clear conscience is the world's most comfortable pillow.” The feelings of shame and guilt that accompany wrongdoing—and the sudden need to hide our sin from others—cause disunity, separation, and loneliness. Is there anything you are hiding from people you respect or from God? You will suffer under the weight of concealed sin. Confess it, and flee from the temptation to repeat it. Is anything this world offers worth the inevitable stress and loss of divine intimacy?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Romans 5:12-21
Sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men. - Romans 5:12
TODAY IN THE WORD
Approximately 90 percent of an iceberg is submerged under-water and invisible to the naked eye. If the effects of sin were an iceberg, yesterday's reading about the immediate results—Adam and Eve's shame and fear—would have represented a few cubes above the surface. The rest of Genesis 3 detailed the curse pronounced against the serpent, Adam, Eve, and their offspring. But even beyond what was presented in Genesis, the effects of that initial sin are buried in the icy waters of sin and death imputed to future generations.

Adam introduced sin and death to all of his descendants, even those who had not yet been given any direct command to break. Such people sinned and died all the same. Was it fair that people with no explicit law or command still died? As a matter of fact, it didn't improve matters when God gave His Law; it amplified the sin reigning in the flesh of those who heard it (v. 20). There's nothing fair or just about sin.

What a beautiful expression of grace it is that God would provide an act of righteousness that could bring life to all! And it's important to note that the grace of God through the righteousness imparted by Christ's sacrifice isn't merely equal to the burden of sin—the gift is not like the trespass (v. 15). It is, in fact, much greater. Grace versus sin is not a fair fight but a lopsided victory.

This will be a pattern throughout our study this month: the command of God, the sin of man, the consequences of rebellion, and the forgiveness that comes by God's gift of grace in Jesus Christ. While most of the effects of sin come as the practical extension of the sinful act itself, forgiveness and redemption come as the logical conclusion of God's love. As criminals against God's nature and His commands, we deserve much worse than we get. By His love and through His Son, we are permitted to escape the penalty to which we are entitled.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
People can spend their whole lives disputing the theoretical implications of imputed sin and death (and many have done just that). But for all the knowledge of good and evil imparted by the tree to Adam and Eve, there is still much we don't understand. To get lost in those discussions is to sit in the shadow of the wrong tree. Instead, we should pay the bulk of our attention to the tree of life, the saving work of Jesus Christ provided for us at Calvary.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Genesis 9:1-7
You shall not murder. - Exodus 20:13
TODAY IN THE WORD
Derrion Albert, an honor-roll student at Christian Fenger Academy High School in Chicago, was killed just outside the Agape Community Center on the city's south side. As inexplicable and deplorable as all such tragedies are, this particular murder triggered national outrage and disgust because the brutality was captured on video and shown on countless newscasts for all to see.

Seeing lethal violence with our own eyes—not dramatized or glorified in an action film—disturbs us to the very core of our being. We may grow callous to news reports and statistics, but we mustn't lose our appreciation for the value of a human life. We all bear the image of our Creator.

God delivered this message denouncing murder after annihilating all of humanity, with the exception of Noah's family. The Flood was not an endorsement of violent vindication; rather, it was the punishment for such acts. The level of violence on the earth had increased to such a wicked state that it grieved the heart of God (Gen. 6:6,13). As Noah and his family left the ark, God presented them with a new world order where violence was expressly prohibited and the punishment for murder was clear (v. 6).

Verses 4 and 5 make for a somewhat cumbersome direct translation from Hebrew, but all translations carry the same basic meaning that God was keeping account of every individual life. Couched in this warning is an encouraging truth: God values everything that breathes, especially the life of people, all of whom are related to each other and all of whom are made in God's image. There is no such thing as a worthless life.

God's warning to Moses may have been a new proclamation against bloodshed, but that doesn't mean God's hatred of violence was a new development. The commandment to preserve life was an expression of the eternal righteousness of God, and mankind bore His image from the moment God formed Adam and breathed life into him.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Refraining from murder is one thing—ridding our hearts of hate is not so easy. But according to God's Word, harboring inward hate is equivalent to outwardly taking a life (1 John 3:15). We live in a world where physical violence is still less prevalent than divisive speech and hateful attitudes, so we need to remember that if we are guilty of hatred toward anyone we are guilty of ignoring the image of God imprinted on another human being. In prayer, commit your heart to loving those you find less than lovely.

[May]

Pastor Roger,
Welcome in the name of Jesus for the year 2010,WISH YOU ALL THE BEST OF THE BEST IN Jesus
First of all with a grateful heart i do thank you for your blessing in 2009 for all Christians
as your topic is TODAY IN THE WORLD
Knowing that we are living in these last days before the return of JESUS
Days will be difficile but God will take care of his people
As in the days of Moses,Daniel,Esther
May God help us to keep our dress white till he returns
One thing that we may stand LOVE GOD & ALL MANKIND

SISTER MAY

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Genesis 4:1-16; Exodus 2:11-15
Sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it. - Genesis 4:7
TODAY IN THE WORD
Off the shore of San Francisco, Alcatraz Island offers a stunning panorama of the city, the bay, and all the natural and cultural beauty surrounding it. But when Alcatraz was used as a prison, it was the proximity to civilization that made it so torturous. Inmates could hear the sounds of music and parties and fun just beyond their prison walls, but steel bars and icy, swirling waters kept them hopelessly separated from the merriment that taunted them.

Cain and Moses knew that suffering all too well. They aren't traditionally considered as a tandem—Cain was the jealous murderer who killed his brother over the matter of a sacrifice; Moses was the vaunted spiritual leader of Israel who delivered his people from Egypt and to the doorstep of the Promised Land. But both committed murder, and both were exiled after their crimes were discovered.

The circumstances surrounding the two murders were quite different. Cain premeditated his assault on Abel, stewing over the favor given to his brother's sacrifice and denied for his own. Moses acted in the heat of the moment, retaliating against an Egyptian for beating one of Moses' own people. God warned Cain not to let his anger consume him and gave him the opportunity to do what was right for acceptance and freedom (Gen. 4:6). Moses, however, thought no one was watching and acted without anyone's counsel (Ex. 2:12). But both of them violated the will of God, and both of them were forced to flee.

It's also interesting that neither Cain nor Moses paid for their bloodshed with their own lives. God protected Cain, and Moses escaped formal punishment as well (Moses outlived the men who wanted to kill him; see Ex. 4:19). The price of their sin was separation from the societies in which they had lived. This penalty, while harsh, still represented God's tremendous grace. In tomorrow's reading we'll see that God does not always withhold His wrath, but it is worth noting just how willing God is to give His people second chances to obey Him.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
God is much more gracious than society. We can ask forgiveness from God, but we can't escape the reality that sin separates us from the people we love. This is especially true when we commit sins of anger, hatred, or violence. We can all relate to God's warning to Cain—when we are angry, sin is crouching with desire at the door to our hearts. How can we master it? Do what is right and seek acceptance from the Lord. If He'll show grace to a murderer, how much more will He give to those who obey?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Judges 9:1-24
Do not set foot on their paths; for their feet rush into sin, they are swift to shed blood. - Proverbs 1:15-16
TODAY IN THE WORD
Gideon is known mostly for his service as a judge over Israel. He tore down the altar of Baal and cut down the Asherah, a wooden idol representing a female deity the Midianites worshiped (Judges 6:26-27) which earned him the name Jerub-Baal, meaning “Let Baal contend against him” (Judges 6:32). He defeated the Midianites with his army of 300 men (Judges 7-8). Gideon's legacy to Israel was his belief that God, not man, should reign as King over Israel (Judges 8:23).

But Gideon's legacy was short-lived. He had over 70 sons, only two of which survived. Abimelech, the son of Gideon by a concubine, rallied his mother's relatives in the city of Shechem to make him their king and then slaughtered the sons of Gideon by execution (v. 5) Only Jotham, Gideon's youngest son, escaped the scourge. This wasn't a crime of passion or an angry outburst. Abimelech used selfishness, hatred, fear, and division to manipulate people and to seize power for himself. And God used those same qualities to exact His wrath upon Abimelech and the entire city of Shechem. The sword by which he lived would become the sword by which he died.

It's disconcerting to read about God sending an evil spirit or demon to invoke His will (v. 23). But it reminds us that even evil spirits cannot elude God's sovereignty. Everything is under His control, and He can direct as He pleases. Secondly, God wasn't turning anyone against the desires of their heart or the nature of their wills. He was provoking their wickedness to avenge sins they had already committed.

The rest of the chapter chronicles the rebellion of Shechem, Abimelech's destruction of the city, and the woman who crushed Abimelech's head with a millstone. But the lesson of the passage goes beyond the details of the battles. God administered His justice by allowing Abimelech's thirst for violence and power to destroy him and his collaborators. Abimelech's crimes brought natural consequences in the hands of a supernatural Lord.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
For the rest of this day (or in any day) reconsider the word natural. Remember that God created this world, and nothing in it is independent of His control. The systems, rules, and results that are so familiar within the natural world are still the handiwork of our Lord. The food we eat, the warmth of the sun, and the practical consequences of our actions don't come from “Mother Nature.” They come from God. Praise Him for the wonders big and small that He provides in every moment.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Isaiah 9:1-7
Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. - 2 Peter 1:2
TODAY IN THE WORD
On Christmas Eve in 1914, German and British soldiers on opposite sides of the fields of Flanders during World War I received a surprise in their trenches—Christmas gift boxes from their respective governments. Some German soldiers erected small Christmas trees, lit candles, and sang carols. The British soldiers joined in the celebration. They celebrated Christmas with gifts, camaraderie, and impromptu soccer matches—and without violence. The Great War raged on for four more years, but in that moment those men understood the true meaning of peace.

Isaiah's messianic announcement came during a time of great trouble for Israel. The Northern Kingdom had been conquered by Assyria, and Judah would later be taken captive by Babylon. Peace was an unrealistic expectation at that time, and no one knew that better than Isaiah (39:6). Yet today's passage speaks of a king who reigns in peace with justice and righteousness forever—as if His rule had already begun. The great light in the darkness had been seen, the child had been born, and the source of peace had arrived.

But the birth of Christ was still about seven centuries away. Isaiah was speaking prophetically, and the assurance of a coming Savior brought hope and peace to the hearts of God's people. Political peace was a far-off wish and peace with God wasn't imminent either—Isaiah devotes much of his prophecy to proclaiming judgment against the faithlessness of Judah. Such was the product of a world that ignored God's standards of love and obedience. But the coming peace didn't depend on the hearts of men or the mercy of foreign kings; it would be delivered by God.

For all the military imagery in the passage, the focal point is the birth of a child who didn't become a soldier, hold a sword, or command an army. And though He would commit no crime, He would take the punishment a violent world deserved and bring peace everlasting.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Isaiah looked ahead from a troubled time to the birth of the Prince of Peace. Even thousands of years after that miraculous event, the climate of unrest in our world hasn't changed much. We still look forward to seeing Christ eradicate all violence from the earth. But we can glimpse His kingdom. By the power of His Holy Spirit, His peace reigns in our hearts and in our relationships. Whatever battles rage around us, the end to crimes of violence and hatred begins with the peace we have in Christ.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Numbers 15:38-41
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. - Psalm 51:10
TODAY IN THE WORD
Human minds and moods are greatly affected by visual cues. A restaurant decorated with bright colors can raise diners' energy levels and shorten their visits, while more subdued colors and softer textures promote relaxation and the desire to stay put. Decreased exposure to sunlight can cause Seasonal Anxiety Disorder in many people, while the display of festive Christmas decorations can lift people's spirits. What we see dramatically affects how we feel and what we think.

God was not unsympathetic to the plight of the Israelites and their need for visual reminders of a God they could not see. To remind them of His guidance, He led them with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night (Ex. 13:21). To remind them of His presence and holiness, He instructed them to make a tabernacle where He would dwell (Ex. 25:8). To remind them of His provision and protection, He had them celebrate three annual festivals (Ex. 23:14-16). And, as we read today, He told them to stitch reminders of His commands into the very fabric of their clothes.

The logistics were fairly simple. A blue cord on the corner of their garments would remind them of God's commandments. But the importance of this custom had nothing to do with fashion and everything to do with the spiritual well-being of God's people. One of the most dangerous threats to Israel lay in their own desires that would lead them into unfaithfulness. God didn't want them to do whatever they felt was right in their hearts (see Judges 21:25). He wanted them to remain pure.

And purity was not without reward. By obeying God's commandments, Israel would be consecrated unto God, His holy people (v. 40). God's demand for faithfulness showed the significance of Israel's relationship with Him. It was more than an example of God saying, “Obey, because I said so.” It was based on relationship: “Obey, because you are my people, and I am your God.”

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Do you keep visual reminders of God's Word around you at all times? It helps to have Bible verses posted where you can see them, to carry around a packet of Scripture references, or (for those who spend a lot of time on the computer) on your desktop. Even a more subtle cue (like the once popular What Would Jesus Do? bracelets) can be extremely helpful in reminding us that we belong to God and we need to obey Him, especially when our eyes and hearts are tempted by worldly desires.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Genesis 19:30-38
For from within, out of men’s hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery. - Mark 7:21
TODAY IN THE WORD
A survey in the United Kingdom showed that 66 percent of adults thought the morality of children had declined from previous generations. Bob Reitemeier, the chief executive of the Children's Society that conducted the study, found that such opinions can be part of the problem. “It is easier to criticize children than to invest in them,” he said, adding, “We reap what we sow when it comes to teaching children values.”

Proactive involvement in the personal morality of younger generations should be paramount. Today's reading begins where the existence of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah had ended. Despite the judgment of wrath God delivered to that wicked civilization and the demise of Lot's wife after looking back (v. 26), Lot's daughters continued the legacy of immorality.

Lot and his daughters fled to the same mountains the angels had recommended as a retreat (v. 17). He had been afraid of them initially, but he grew even more frightened by the town of Zoar, his first choice (v. 20). Lot's fears were probably justified, since his choices in neighborhoods generally led him to frightening places. Unfortunately, he didn't realize he wasn't even safe with his own daughters.

The motivation behind the daughters' plot was to preserve their family line, but their understanding of family was depraved. They bemoaned not the absence of suitable husbands and fathers, but rather the lack of men who could get them pregnant (v. 31). Their coarse language reveals that they were products of their culture rather than disciples of the faith of Abraham. They may have preserved their physical family line, but they abandoned their spiritual roots.

The two nations born to those women would be thorns in the side of Israel. Moab and Ben-Ammi's names suggest the incest that preceded them (“from father,” and “son of my people,” respectively). Given the family history and example of their parents, their level of morality is not surprising.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Lot's daughters are the extreme case of a common occurrence. Without intervention, solid relationships, or a community with strong moral values, children are likely to make poor or even wicked choices in their lives. The crime in today's reading rested on a deep foundation of sin. When we neglect God's wisdom, we lower the standards of those who observe us. Just as a love for the Word can be passed down to generations, so too can our sin. We owe it to each other—and to God—to stay pure.