Faith Walk

[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Exodus 16-18 Matthew 18:1-20

All Together Now

Exodus 16-18, Matthew 18:1-20
Key Verse: Matthew 18:15

One of the toughest things a Christian is called upon to do is confront a believer about sin in his life. Part of what makes this hard is the reaction we anticipate. Yet because we love Christ and the other Christian, we do what is right.

Another thing that makes it difficult is the rejection we anticipate. "That's just your opinion," might be the response.

Here, then, is the beauty of verses 15-17. First we go as an individual. If our efforts are rejected, we return with one or two others. No longer is it just the opinion of one but the shared concern of a small group. If the efforts of the group are rejected, then the church as a whole is brought into the situation-not as a matter of reporting but of enlisting.

As a church, we together lovingly confront. The brother or sister is then met with the fact that the church family sees the wrong. All together now we express our concern in hope that there will be change.

We do not live in isolation but as part of the Body of Christ. At times this body works together for the good of the individual.

Is there someone you need to confront? If sometime you are on the receiving end of confrontation, how will you respond?

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Matthew 18:21-35 Exodus 19-20

From Slow Burn to No Burn

Exodus 19-20, Matthew 18:21-35
Key Verses: Matthew 18:32-33

We live an angry world. Too often there is not even time for the proverbial "slow burn." For example, road rage is typically an immediate response. Another driver's actions cause not an equal but usually greater reaction. Obviously, forgiveness has no place in road rage. Revenge is the preferred route.

Jesus, however, told His followers that forgiveness is the only route to take. In this parable, He pointed out how much we want to be forgiven and not held accountable. The servant fell on his knees and begged, "Be patient with me and I will pay back everything" (v. 26). The remarkable aspect of the story is that the debt was forgiven.

If you have accepted Jesus as your Savior, your debt of sin has been forgiven. You are like the servant in the parable.

There is more, though. That same servant was not willing to forgive another. When the master heard about it, he confronted the servant, saying, "I canceled all that debt of yours .… Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?" (v. 32-33).

To be forgiven like the servant is good. To be unforgiving in return is wrong.

Ask God if you are failing to forgive someone. If in your heart you know that is true, then forgive that person now.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Matthew 19 Exodus 21-22

What's in It for Me?

Exodus 21:22, Matthew 19
Key Verse: Matthew 19:27

The struggle to keep oneself in check can rear its head at the most inappropriate times. A young man came to Jesus asking what he needed to do to get eternal life. He was wealthy and probably thought that, like success, eternal life was something he could achieve or buy.

This man's soul hung in the balance. His seeking had forced him to look at his own values. At that point in his life, however, things meant more than the life Christ offered. Then the discussion turned to the question of who can be saved. Seemingly out of nowhere came Peter’s inquiry, "We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?" (v. 27).

Christ's response was most gentle considering the conversation had turned away from salvation to a question of rewards. There are rewards coming. But Jesus cautioned, "Many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first" (v. 30).

Those who try to be at the head of the line ultimately will find themselves at the end. Our service is not to be done with a "what's in it for me attitude" but out of love for Christ.

Next time you have the opportunity, go to the end of the line. Ask Jesus to help you let others go first because you love them.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Exodus 23-24 Matthew 20:1-16

In It for the Short Haul

Exodus 23-24, Matthew 20:1-16
Key Verse: Exodus 24:3

The children of Israel had a phenomenal opportunity in the desert. True, they ultimately would be in the wilderness for 40 years, but at this point consider what was happening to them.

God had delivered them from Egypt and was leading them in an unmistakable way. Moses had received the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20), and Israel saw the glory of the Lord on top of the mountain. It looked like a consuming fire.

In chapter 24 the people responded to Moses' instruction by saying, "Everything the Lord has said we will do" (v. 3). The next day, after offering sacrifices and reading the Book of the Covenant, the people again responded, "We will do everything the Lord has said; we will obey" (v. 7).

Unfortunately, they were in it only for the short haul. Before 40 days had passed, they were worshiping a golden calf that was described as the gods who had brought Israel up out of Egypt (32:4).

Commitments are easier made than kept. One month of daily readings is almost concluded. Perhaps you are starting to waver on your commitment to read the Bible through this year. Don't quit; stay in it for the long haul.

Help me, God, to be a person who keeps commitments, especially the ones made before You.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Matthew 21:1-22 Exodus 27-28

Essential for Worship

Exodus 27-28, Matthew 21:1-22
Key Verses: Exodus 28:36-37

The tendency is to think the details of these chapters hold little significance for today. But God put the details in for a reason. One reason is to vividly remind us of the necessity of holiness in our worship of Him.

The garments for the high priest were sacred, or holy, garments. Holy simply means "separated." Specifically, it speaks of something set aside for divine use.

A plate of pure gold was attached to the turban. On it was engraved the words, "Holy to the Lord." This was the most conspicuous feature of the turban. It was a reminder of the importance of holiness in worship and service.

Holiness is a recurring theme in the Bible. God is holy. We are to be holy. Our lives in their entirety are to be set aside for divine use. Holiness is not a negative concept as some would have us think. It is not just a list of "don'ts."

If we are to live lives of holiness there will be "don'ts," things that we must not do. At the same time we must remember that holiness is a positive concept-it is what we do. We live separated to God.

Are there any "don'ts" that you do? If you are to be a holy person, those "don'ts" must stop.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Exodus 25-26 Matthew 20:17-34

Poor Timing

Exodus 25-26, Matthew 20:17-34
Key Verse: Matthew 20:23

Sometimes you have to wonder what in the world is going on in the heads of some people. In this chapter is one of those times.

Jesus was again predicting His death, noting that it would involve betrayal, condemnation, mocking, flogging and a crucifixion-but it would end in resurrection.

Then the mother of James and John came to Jesus with a request: "Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom" (v. 21). When word got out about her request, the other disciples were indignant with the brothers.

This was an amazing misdirection of focus. Jesus was talking about a humiliating death and they were positioning themselves for prestige!

Jesus corrected their focus when He said that He Himself "'did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many'" (v. 28).

Jesus did not live for Himself but for others. We are not to live for ourselves either. Pride often tempts us to be self-serving. But Jesus points us to the cross, not to a throne.

Pride affects our focus. Remember the suggestion to be at the end of the line? Pride will keep you toward the front.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Exodus 29-30 Matthew 21:23-46

Who Do You Think You Are?

Exodus 29-30, Matthew 21:23-46
Key Verse: Matthew 21:23

Do you ever question authority? Think about it before you answer "no." Are you sure that there are no times when you might say, "Who do you think you are?" Perhaps you do not say those exact words, but do you ever ignore a sign, like a speed limit sign or one that says "No U Turns" right where you want to turn? We may have a habit of questioning authority and not even notice it.

When Jesus' authority was questioned in the temple courts, it was obvious. The chief priests and elders asked Him in a straightforward way, "By what authority are you doing these things? And who gave you this authority?" (v. 23).

Do you ever question Jesus' authority? Perhaps you don't in a manner as blatant as these religious leaders did, but in other ways.

Like ignoring a traffic sign, a person can ignore the instructions in God's Word. It really is a questioning of Jesus' authority when we know what He says and choose not to obey. It is as if we are saying to Him, "Who do you think you are?"

He knows who He is and He has the authority. The real question is, "Do you obey?"

To know what is right and not do it is sin. To know what is wrong and do it is sin. The issue of authority is significant. Do you do right and not wrong, or are you in charge?

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Exodus 31-33 Matthew 22:1-22

Right God, Wrong Way

Exodus 31-33, Matthew 22:1-22
Key Verses: Exodus 32:7-8

When we talk about worship, one phrase that is not true is, "Anything goes." It is possible to worship the right God in the wrong way, as today's reading indicates.

The incident of the golden calf typically is remembered as a time when the Israelites worshiped the wrong God. Aaron did say, "These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt" (32:4). But what he said could be translated, "This is a god, O Israel." This verse at times is translated, "This is thy God, O Israel, who brought thee out of Egypt."

Notice the next verse carefully. It says, "Tomorrow there will be a festival to the LORD." When the word lord is in capital letters, that indicates the Hebrew word for "Jehovah."

Put it together. The golden calf represented Jehovah. The people were worshiping the right God, but in the wrong way. God had said, "You shall not make for yourself an idol" (20:4), but the people did.

Give careful attention to your worship. At times people worship the right God in the wrong way.

It is tempting to worship in a self-pleasing way. Ask God if your worship is acceptable to Him.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Matthew 22:23-46 Exodus 34-35

Law and Love

Exodus 34-35, Matthew 22:23-46
Key Verse: Exodus 34:6-7

Critics of the Bible sometimes speak negatively about the God of the Old Testament, stating that the God of the New Testament is preferred. One of the most obvious problems with that viewpoint is that the God of the Old Testament and the God of the New Testament are the same.

In the Old Testament God describes Himself as "'the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin'" (34:6-7). Those who reject the God of the Old Testament must not have read these verses. When Moses heard these words, however, he worshiped.

The context of this statement adds to its poignancy. Moses had brought a new set of stone tablets upon which God would write the commandments. This was the second set of tablets; Moses had broken the first when he saw how the people had so quickly forgotten their commitment to God's law. After the golden calf incident, God proclaimed Himself compassionate and forgiving.

God is the unchanging God of grace, in both testaments. Be thankful that He does not change.

Think for a moment about how God has forgiven you. Then thank Him for His abundant mercy.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Exodus 36-38 Matthew 23:1-22

Enough Already!

Exodus 36-38, Matthew 23:1-22
Key Verses: Exodus 36:4-5

Today's reading includes one of the few times in history that a fund-raising effort was too successful.

Exodus gives great detail to the construction and furnishing of the Tabernacle. In almost an incidental way, the funding of the project is mentioned (36:3). The Israelites brought so many freewill offerings that Moses finally had to say, "Enough already!" The people had to be restrained from giving more.

While we marvel at the generosity of the people, we are embarrassed by the lack of generosity in God's people today. Far too often, a work of God struggles with being underfunded.

It is said that God's work, done God's way, will never lack God's supply. A key element in that is the obedience of God's people in their giving. The prevailing attitude is to work hard to get in order to have. But the biblical perspective on finances is that we get in order to give. Paul's specific instruction to us is, "Each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income" (1 Cor. 16:2).

Giving is for all of God's people to do that His Work might move forward unhindered by financial needs.

Do you give to support God's work? Generously or begrudgingly? When we think about all He has given us, our hearts should want to give.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Exodus 39-40 Matthew 23:23-39

They Did It His Way

Exodus 39-40, Matthew 23:23-39
Key Verses: Exodus 39:42-43

Everyone knows that repetition aids learning. With that in mind, read these two chapters again, looking for what is repeated. When you do, the phrase "as the LORD commanded" will keep coming to your attention. Midway through the chapters, Moses records that "the Israelites had done all the work just as the Lord had commanded Moses" (39:42).

They paid attention to the details and to the procedures they were to follow. They paid attention to what God wanted. Exodus concludes with verses describing the glory of the Lord filling the tabernacle, the one built and furnished exactly as He had commanded.

As one reads the history of the people of Israel, it is readily apparent that they did not always do everything as the Lord commanded. God records both the successes and the failures so that we might learn from their lives. He can teach a good lesson from even a bad example. Here, then, is a positive lesson from a good example: The people "did everything just as the LORD commanded Moses."

A popular song years ago proclaimed, "I did it my way." Our song should be, "I did it His way!"

"It is so easy for me to get in the way. God, help me to do it Your way."

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Matthew 24:1-28 Leviticus 1-3

Stay True

Leviticus 1-3, Matthew 24:1-28
Key Verse: Matthew 24:45

Every generation has had the sense that it could be the last one before Jesus comes. That is the reality of the imminent return of Jesus. As Jesus spoke of the end times in this passage, what He described sounds like the day in which we live.

False prophets appear and deceive many people (v. 11). The false can be recognized by comparing what they say with the truth of the Bible. The better we know the Bible, the better we will be able to recognize what is true and what is false.

There will be an increase in wickedness (v. 12). Not a hard point to prove today! Among other things, consider how technology has made wickedness more accessible than ever. No need to go to a bookstore to buy pornography or to a seedy movie theater. Today those things are just a few clicks of the mouse away.

The love of most will grow cold (v. 12). Family breakups and the increase of violent crimes indicate a lessening of love for others.

So Jesus tells us to stay true to His Word. Those who do will be saved.

Stay true. It's as simple and as challenging as that.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Leviticus 6-7 Matthew 25:1-30

Opportunities Knock

Leviticus 6-7, Matthew 25:1-30
Key Verse: Matthew 25:19

The parable of the talents is one of opportunities seized and lost. If talent is understood as it is used today, one thinks of skills or abilities. This train of thought can lead to identifying talents as spiritual gifts. However, the amount given was "according to his ability" (v. 15). That establishes that spiritual gifts are something different than a person's capabilities.

Some look to a literal rendering of the word and think in monetary terms. In Jesus' day, a talent was a significant sum.

Another view is that they represent opportunities. As the master leaves, he gives a portion of his goods to these servants. They now have the opportunity to increase his holdings. Two of the servants do well with what is entrusted to their care. Their rewards, given for their faithfulness, are the same. One servant does not do well and is not rewarded.

The challenge of the parable is very plain. Jesus, the master, is gone and will one day return. It is our responsibility to advance the kingdom.

The challenge of the parable is also very personal. Each servant is judged individually. Are you a good steward of the opportunities you have to serve Jesus?

What opportunities is God giving You to serve Him today? What will you do? Decide now that you will be a good steward.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Leviticus 8-10 Matthew 25:31-46

By the Book

Leviticus 8-10, Matthew 25:31-46
Key Verse: Leviticus 10:3

Once again we find that people "did everything the LORD commanded" (8:36). The sad thing to note in this situation, however, is that the commitment did not last one week.

Two of Aaron's sons, Nadab and Abihu, decided to make some changes. The changes may have been minor, at least in our eyes. What harm could there be in adjusting what they put in the censers? There was a problem. It was not what God had commanded.

The judgment was swift and fatal. They died.

It is tempting to try to improve on God's way. A little fire and incense mix sounded appealing, but it was wrong. This temptation continues to plague God's people.

Another temptation is to do it our way instead of God's way. He had commanded how things were to be done and the people had followed. But there came a point where Nadab and Abihu decided to make a change.

Do everything God's way. Determine to live according to His Word. These chapters show His displeasure when His people fail to live by the book.

Commit to put God's way in front of your way today.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Leviticus 11-12 Matthew 26:1-25

Got the Point

Leviticus 11-12, Matthew 26:1-25
Key Verses: Matthew 26:12-13

Mary's act of worship is a scene of beauty in many ways. First is the extravagance of it- the perfume is described as being "very expensive" (v. 6). From John's account we learn that she then wiped Jesus' feet with her hair, a touching picture of both love and humility. The fragrance that hung in the air was an unmistakable testimony to her devotion to Jesus.

Her act of worship also was a point of controversy. Judas not only thought of other uses for the perfume but voiced his opinion. In what may have been a ruse to cover his real intent, he suggested that the profit could be used to benefit the poor (John 12:5-6).

Sometimes overshadowed by the giving and the contrasting greed is the fact that Mary was the one who got the point. Jesus said that He was going to be crucified; she understood and prepared Him for burial. But the disciples missed the point. They did not understand what was taking place in the anointing and the rush of events that were heading to Calvary.

Watch your heart, its values and receptiveness to God's truth. The sweet scent of worship lingering in your soul will be the blessing. Do not miss the point.

We may sing, "Open our eyes, Lord, we want to see Jesus," but do we mean it? Ask God to help you have a receptive heart.

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