Faith Walk

[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Numbers 15-16 Mark 6:1-29

Who’s in Charge?

Numbers 15-16, Mark 6:1-29
Key Verse: Numbers 16:11

Follow this sequence. In Numbers 11:1, the people complained. In 12:1, Miriam and Aaron began to talk against Moses. In 14:2, all the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron. In 16:3, they came as a group to oppose Moses and Aaron.

See a pattern? Leadership is not all privileges and perks. It is also a position of problems. People at times deal with their difficulties by attacking a person rather than by solving the problem.

Now follow this sequence. In Numbers 11:1, the Lord's anger was aroused. In 12:9, the anger of the Lord burned against them. In 14:12, the Lord said He would strike them down. In 16:11, Moses told the complainers that they had banded together against the Lord.

See another pattern? Attacking God's appointed leadership is a serious offense. When His appointed leader is opposed, God takes notice.

Submission to God's appointed leadership is clearly commanded. If there is a time of discontent with leadership in a church or with the direction of a ministry, consider your actions carefully. Do not follow the crowd. Follow the Word and determine to approach the problem in a way that pleases God.

Sadly, God's leaders can be easy targets. Consider what you say about your pastor and other leaders in the church. Is God pleased with what you say?

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Numbers 17-19

Pray To Choose

Numbers 17-19
Key Verse: Numbers 17:8

Numbers gives interesting insight into the relationship between God's people and His appointed leaders. On numerous occasions Israel failed. They grumbled and rebelled against Moses. In fact, their actions were against God.

In Numbers 17 God made it very clear for the nation that Aaron was His choice. His staff sprouted, giving the people a sign. It was to be kept as a sign to the rebellious, to put an end to their grumbling.

This passage does not give God's people today a practice to follow. Churches do not choose their leaders by bundling sticks to see which buds. But we are given some very important principles.

Do not miss the seriousness with which God views rebellion. He made clear His choice of Aaron to keep the people from judgment. In addition, the choosing of leaders must be taken seriously.

The practice of choosing leaders in the New Testament emphasized prayer. Jesus prayed before choosing the Twelve. The disciples prayed in Acts 1 before choosing Matthias. The choosing of the seven in Acts 6 included prayer.

Receiving an objective sign made it easy for Israel to know God's choice. Today, the process of choosing leaders must include prayer.

Pray for the leaders in your church by name. Ask that God will bless and guide so that you may see His name glorified in your church.

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[nChrist]

Title: It’s About Time!
Devotion: Faith Walk
Scripture References:
Numbers 20-22
Mark 7:1-13
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Title: It’s About Time!

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Tony Beckett
Numbers 20-22, Mark 7:1-13
Key Verse: Numbers 21:7

Do you ever get frustrated to the point of saying, "It's about time"? Maybe you have tried to get something across to another person but were unsuccessful. Then, finally, he got it and you uttered those words in exasperated relief. Actually, those would be words of hopeful relief. If the person got it now, hopefully he will get it later too.

In Numbers 21 there is such a scenario. It starts with a déjà vu of sorts. "The people grew impatient on the way; they spoke against God and against Moses" (vv. 4-5)-again, we might note. They spoke against God and Moses again.

And God dealt with them for their rebellion-again. This time venomous snakes bit people and many died. Their grumbling rebellion again had resulted in judgment.

This time, though, something different happened after the judgment. The people came to Moses and confessed, "We sinned" (v. 7 ). They acknowledged their wrong and also asked Moses to pray for them. It was not the first time he had intervened on their behalf. This time, though, he was asked to do so. It was about time!

Too often the people of God fail to come to grips with the reality of their wrong actions. In such times we need to confess, seek God's forgiveness and quit doing what is wrong.

Is there a sin you need to confess? If so, confess it now.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Mark 7:14-37 Numbers 23-25

How Low Can One Go?

Numbers 23-25, Mark 7:14-37
Key Verse: Numbers 25:3

The opening verses of Numbers 25 describe a scene of immorality, idolatry and judgment. When the entire story is known, the scene is even sadder than it appears.

Earlier, Balak had sought to hire Balaam to curse Israel. When initially rebuffed, Balak upped the ante and made the offer too good to refuse. He tried, but Balaam could not curse those whom God had determined to bless.

But Balaam still wanted the gold. If he could not get it by cursing, he would try to get it by counseling. He counseled Balak to entice Israel to immorality and idolatry (Num. 31:16). Then they would bring God's judgment on themselves. By so doing, Balaam accomplished the task for which he was hired.

Balaam's "epitaph" in the New Testament is that he "loved the wages of wickedness" (2 Pet. 2:15). He went for the gold and is remembered for it. In Jude 11 there is another New Testament reference to Balaam. Jude writes of those who "have rushed for profit into Balaam's error."

The error of Balaam continues today. A person may not be hired to curse another, but the willingness to put personal gain over others remains. The world places its emphasis on getting. The Christian's worldview should emphasize giving. Do not follow the way of Balaam.

How important are material things to you? Don't let possessions distort your values. Some things are not worth the cost-a lesson Balaam did not learn.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Mark 8 Numbers 26-28

Whose Side Are You On, Anyway?

Numbers 26-28, Mark 8
Key Verse: Mark 8:29

Never forget that the Christian life is lived on the battlefield. We are in a war. The line is clearly drawn and the sides are diametrically opposed. It is the people of God versus Satan and his emissaries.

Never forget which side you are on, either! Sometimes we can inadvertently aid the enemy, especially when we are not thinking biblically.

What Peter said in Mark 8 is one of the greatest confessions of faith of all times. While some said Jesus was John, Elijah or one of the prophets, Peter said, "You are the Christ" (v. 29).

Then when Jesus began to teach the disciples about His anticipated death, Peter rebuked Him. With that rebuke, he was aiding the enemy. In turn, Jesus rebuked Peter, "Get behind me, Satan!" (v. 33). His words must have startled Peter.

The crux of the matter was that when Peter no longer had in mind the things of God, he was aiding the enemy.

Our views are not to be those of man or of our own reasoning. Our views, attitudes, reasonings and beliefs must be molded by the Word of God. When our thinking turns to minding the things of men instead of the mind of God, we aid the cause of Satan.

Learn to see things God's way. This will come as you learn His Word, pray and allow His Spirit to guide you.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Mark 9:1-29 Numbers 29-31

As Good As Your Word

Numbers 29-31, Mark 9:1-29
Key Verse: Numbers 30:2

Although today a Christian is not under responsibility to fulfill the ceremonial law, the New Testament emphasis on the moral law is strong. We may not make vows as is referenced in Numbers 30:2, but we are to be truthful people. Moses commanded the Israelites that a man "must not break his word but must do everything he said."

In the course of a year, a person makes many more "vows" than is probably realized. For example, each credit card slip we sign is a vow. Don't sign unless you intend to pay. A tax form will ask if the answers given were truthful. Don't sign unless they were. A code of conduct may be included in the regulations for a student or an employer. Don't sign unless you plan to live by it.

Then there are the other slips-not of paper, but of tongue. "I'll get back to you about that." "The check is in the mail." "We will get together for a meal while you are in town."

Jesus said, "Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one" (Matt. 5:37).

How good is your word? And are you as good as your word?

Think before you speak today. Ask yourself, "Will I do what I am about to say?" Keep your word.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Mark 9:30-50 Numbers 32-34

Discouraging by Default

Numbers 32-34, Mark 9:30-50
Key Verses: Numbers 32:6-7

"Looking out for number one" is an old saying, but its sentiment is as popular as ever. We have been taught that we can have it our way and that we deserve a break today.

Too often a Christian can be subtly sucked into thinking about self with little regard for others. The follower of Christ, however, must remember that every believer is part of the Body and must consider how individual actions affect others.

This is not a new problem. The Reubenites, Gadites and half the tribe of Manasseh liked the look of the land east of the Jordan. It was suitable for livestock. Their request to stay there seemed reasonable.

But Moses saw the effect it would have on Israel: "Shall your countrymen go to war while you sit here? Why do you discourage the [nation]?" (31:6-7).

To their credit, when reminded of similar past situations and when made aware of how their action would affect others, these tribes did not choose to be discouragers. Yes, their families and livestock remained, but the men went to war with the rest of Israel.

Too often people in the church think of themselves and not how their choices might discourage others. Determine to encourage others by your actions as well as your words.

You can be an encourager or a discourager. Putting your interests first can discourage others. Choose to be an encourager.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Mark 10:1-31 Numbers 35-36

Hard-Hearted

Numbers 35-36, Mark 10:1-31
Key Verse: Mark 10:5

More than ever, the prefix "step-" is a part of our vocabulary. Sometimes due to death but more often due to divorce and remarriage, one may speak of a stepparent, stepbrother, stepsister or stepchild. The prefix "ex-" has become a word that can stand alone in a sentence. A former spouse is often referred to as one's "ex."

At first glance, the prevalent use of these terms is probably because of the high divorce rate. That is one cause, but it is not really the heart of the matter.

The heart of the matter is, in fact, the heart. Skip the debate over whether the Bible allows for divorce. Instead, cut to the chase with the words of Jesus: Moses permitted divorce "because your hearts were hard" (v. 5). Without the law of Moses, a husband could impulsively divorce his wife, discarding her, as Warren Wiersbe writes, "like an unwanted piece of furniture."

In reality, divorce does not solve the problem. It just removes the people a step or two from the situation. But the hard heart-the heart of the problem, according to Jesus-stays with the person.

The bottom line for Christians is that our hearts are not to be hard. Keep yours teachable, open and responsive to God's Word and work. Too often the problems we face remain and worsen because our hearts are hard.

Help me have a teachable spirit, a heart that is open and responsive to You, O God."

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Mark 10:32-52 Deuteronomy 1-3

We Have Met the Enemy . . .

Deuteronomy 1-3, Mark 10:32-52
Key Verse: Mark 10:38

The old cartoon character Pogo rephrased the words of Admiral Perry: "We have met the enemy and he is us." The struggles and failures so many people experience have as their root nothing other than self. In today's reading, self-focus clashes with the kingdom agenda.

Jesus gave the agenda. "We are going up to Jerusalem," he announced (v. 33). He spoke of His upcoming betrayal, condemnation, mocking, death and resurrection.

Having heard this agenda, James and John made a request-to sit on either side of Jesus in His glory. The clashing of agendas occurred as they shifted focus from Christ's passion to their desired positions of honor.

Just as the request in the Numbers 32 reading (March 5) affected the nation as a whole, so this request affected the disciples as a group. The others became "indignant with James and John" (v. 41). Jesus had to call them together to calm them down.

Consider James 4:1. "What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you?"

Choose to focus on the kingdom agenda. Take the focus off yourself.

Try to see others before yourself. Perhaps today you will be able to put someone in front of you. Learn to live for others.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Mark 11:1-18 Deuteronomy 4-6

The Peril of Prosperity

Deuteronomy 4-6, Mark 11:1-18
Key Verse: Deuteronomy 6:12

When things are going well, it is very easy to forget God. He knew that this temptation lay in the path before the people of Israel.

The way had been rough. For 40 years the people had endured the difficulties of being desert nomads, literally burying a generation (see Deut. 1:35). Only the young, along with Caleb and Joshua, were spared from the judgment of God. Now Moses was preparing them to move into the Promised Land.

God was giving them cities that they did not build, houses filled with good things, wells that were in place, and vineyards and olive groves that they did not plant.

With blessing, however, comes a peril. The peril of prosperity is that we sometimes forget God and His blessings. Instead, we rely on self, enjoying the ease. The words of Moses ring true for us today. He said, "When you eat and are satisfied, be careful that you do not forget the LORD" (6:11-12).

Solomon's prayer also is vital in this regard: "Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the LORD?'" (Prov. 30:8-9).

Write out a list of God's blessings, and then add to it each day for a week. It will keep you from forgetting the goodness of God.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Mark 11:19-33 Deuteronomy 7-9

Forget Him!

Deuteronomy 7-9, Mark 11:19-33
Key Verse: Mark 11:25

It's easy to dismiss the person with whom you disagree or have had a disagreement. A simple, "Forget him!" and you can get on with your life.

Not really. In fact, not at all! Be careful not to get infected with an attitude condoned by this world but condemned by the Word.

Consider what that attitude can do to your praying. Failing to forgive another is one of the things that the Bible says will hinder your prayers. The reason for this is that forgiving others is evidence that we are right with God.

God commands us to forgive. Failure to obey is sin, and sin hinders our prayers. God's will is not followed when we hold a grudge or dismiss another with a "Forget him!" The unforgiving person is then placed in the position of being an unforgiven person. He does not lose his salvation but his fellowship with God is affected.

Commenting on the beginning of the Lord's Prayer, one person noted that the words "Our Father" are significant. They remind us that we may pray in private but never alone. We are part of a family, and together we come before God.

Want your prayers to be effective? Check both your relationship with God and with others.

Yesterday you made a list of blessings. Today list those people whom you should forgive, then cross off each name as you forgive them.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Mark 12:1-27 Deuteronomy 10-12

Backhanded Compliment

Deuteronomy 10-12, Mark 12:1-27
Key Verse: Mark 12:14

Not everyone liked Jesus. Some were very open in their opposition. They schemed for opportunities to turn people away from Him. One tactic was to use His own teaching against Him. To accomplish that, they would at times ask trick questions.

In today's reading, a representative group from the Pharisees and Herodians tried to catch Jesus in His words. Part of their strategy was to compliment Jesus first and then hit Him with the question. The compliment speaks volumes. Delivered perhaps with tongue in cheek, these men gave a picture of the One whom the believer is to emulate. We are to be like Jesus, who was a man of integrity and not swayed by men, particularly those of "position." He was a true teacher of the way of God.

Even tongue in cheek, these men spoke the truth. To have said anything else would have precluded the possibility of asking their question. If they had made a misstatement about Jesus, it would have been challenged. They did not want to get sidetracked from their purpose.

Take this description of Jesus. Acknowledge that it is true. Then remember that you are to be like Him. How do you measure up in your integrity, respect of persons and teaching? Are you like Jesus?

Do an integrity check, not of others, but of yourself. Would others say of you what these people said of Jesus?

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Mark 12:28-44 Deuteronomy 13-15

This Is a Test

Deuteronomy 13-15, Mark 12:28-44
Key Verses: Deuteronomy 13:1-3

It is not uncommon to read of a police department, working on a baffling case or disappearance, to consult a psychic. The "just the facts" approach to crime moves to an "I have a feeling" process of investigation. Sometimes it works! The psychic leads the police to a key piece of evidence.

How should a Christian respond to those times when the paranormal is portrayed as normal?

First, realize that sometimes they will get it right. God's Word tells us that and gives examples of prophets and magicians whose advice was taken and signs believed. Deuteronomy 13:2 says, "And if the sign or wonder of which he has spoken takes place . . . ."

Second, refuse to follow that path. God's specific instruction is "you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer" (v. 3). In other words, do not add Tarot cards to your daily reading. Skip the horoscope.

Third, recognize that it is a test. Our hearts are tested through these seemingly inexplicable happenings. But God explains them. He says they are a test to see if you love Him with all your heart.

Stay true to God. Do not let appearances deceive you.

The better we know the Word, the better we can discern truth and error. Review your commitment to read and learn the Bible.

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[Shammu]

Stay true to God. Do not let appearances deceive you.

The better we know the Word, the better we can discern truth and error.

AMEN and AMEN brother!!

[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Mark 13:1-20 Deuteronomy 16-18

In Proportion

Deuteronomy 16-18, Mark 13:1-20
Key Verse: Deuteronomy 16:17

Bring up the subject of giving and some reactions are standard. The negative person says, "The church is always asking for money." The self-justifying person says, "I tithe." The evading person says, "I gave at the office."

In the midst of instructions for the "Pilgrim Festivals," annual events that all male Israelites were supposed to attend, is a statement on giving.

First, notice the context is one that emphasizes rejoicing in the Lord (16:11, 14-15). These were times of celebration. Our hearts should be filled with the joy of the Lord.

Second, notice that they were not to come empty-handed (v. 16). Words are cheap, but giving costs. The gifts brought reflected the reality of the heart. To give with joy demonstrates the genuineness of our worship.

Third, notice the gift was to be in proportion to the way they had been blessed (v. 17). Yes, this was a tithe. This, however, was not a percentage gift but a proportionate one. In the same way, our giving is to be as "God has blessed" or "in keeping with [our] income" (1 Cor. 16:2).

Some people find joy as they gain and keep. But followers of God have joy, and from their gain, they give.

Does your giving to the Lord's work follow this pattern? Today you can begin to give as God teaches you to give.

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