Author: Aaron Hufty

Aaron Hufty is the Associate Pastor for Worship and Music at FBCSA.

Want

Re:Verse reading—Psalm 23 (day two) I shall not want. vs. 1b

 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry,whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:11-13

One of the things we teach our children is the difference between need and want. Recognizing a desire from a necessity is not always easy when our emotions get involved. One of the by-products of dwelling with Jesus is a way to help clearly differentiate the two. Being content is not about being apathetic, it is about understanding a dependency upon Christ for our source of fulfillment. Ultimately we will want what he wants for us. That leads to a restored soul.

Methods of Miracles

Re:Verse reading–2 Kings 5 (day two)  But Naaman was furious and went away and said, “Behold, I thought, ‘He will surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, and wave his hand over the place and cure the leper.’ vs. 11

Naaman was a leper. How much worse could it get? His affliction would have been a constant aggravation a source of revulsion from others. Even so, when offered a cure Naaman is displeased with the method of miracle. He had it in his head that Elisha would stand over his head and utter the magic words. It never occurred to him that he had no idea how the cure would come, Naaman was sure he knew how the whole thing would play out.

Sounds ridiculous, doesn’t it? And yet…how often do we miss the forest for the trees? We get an idea in our heads and hold on so tightly that we simply cannot, or will not open our minds to the best way forward. What gave Naaman the idea that he knew how to cure leprosy? Why wouldn’t he be open to any remedy offered to him? Why aren’t we? This is surely one of this times where we should let go of preconceptions about God and his sovereignty, and allow his Spirit to do the work in our lives.

Reward

Re:Verse reading–Ruth 2:1-12, 17-23; 4:1-14 (day two)

May the Lord reward your work, and your wages be full from the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to seek refuge. vs. 12

 Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men…Colossians 3:23

Can you think of a more beautiful blessing for your labors than what Boaz gave to Ruth? Word of her faithfulness to her mother-in-law had reached the ears of many. Ruth’s commitment to Naomi was not for financial reward or gain. She did not seek to “get ahead” by a political alliance. She did what was right. Her focus was not on herself. The Lord honors that. Not always financially, but in kingdom-sized investments that cannot be measured. Where is your heart? Where is your treasure? Find your reward where the Lord is waiting.

Easy Sin – Hard Life

Re:Verse reading–Genesis 37:14-28, 50:15-21 (day two) When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph bears a grudge against us and pays us back in full for all the wrong which we did to him!” 50:15

Jacob/Israel had been the buffer between Joseph and his brothers. At least, that is what the brothers had come to believe. Years had passed, but they had never moved past that violent and heinous act against Joseph. Although God had used and shaped Joseph’s life since being sold to the Ishmaelites, the brothers were caught forever in that moment. It had likely shaped everything they did since that moment of sin. It surely impacted their relationship with their father. They had to lie to him and watch him grieve the loss of a child.

Sin is often easy, but truly never is. The sin of Joseph’s brothers would shape most of their adult lives. How you you ever expect to live, really live if you are haunted by your choices. We are not perfect. Joseph was not perfect, but Jesus is. Wouldn’t you much rather have your life shaped by Jesus, than by your sin?

God First

RE Verse reading–Genesis 22:1-19 (day two) 

He said, “Take now your son, your only son, whom you love, Isaac, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I will tell you.” vs. 2

Our RE:Verse study this quarter begins similarly to the beginning of our last study in 1 Samuel. A parent after desperately longing for a child, gives that child back to the Lord.

 For this boy I prayed, and the Lord has given me my petition which I asked of Him. So I have also dedicated him to the Lord; as long as he lives he is dedicated to the Lord.” And he worshiped the Lord there.  1 Samuel 27-27

Hannah and Abraham understood the role of God in their lives. Once we have children we often order everything in our lives around them, not so for Samuel and Isaac. Everything was surrendered unto God’s plan and authority. How would our children characterize our actions surrounding them? How have we given the Lord a preeminent place in their lives, or have we put our children ahead of him?

Comfortless Ghosts

Re:Verse reading–1 Samuel 28:3-20; 31:1-6 (day two) 

Samuel said, “Why then do you ask me, since the Lord has departed from you and has become your adversary? vs. 16

There was a time when Samuel had a good word for Saul. A time when the words of the prophet brought comfort to the king, but those days were long past. Saul, so desperate for a word of comfort again, was willing to evoke Samuel’s spirit via a seance. And Samuel, as true to the work of the Lord as ever, was clear: the Lord had departed from Saul. If Samuel had ever spoken peace to Saul, it was at the bidding of the Lord, and if had ever been cold toward the king, that too was from the Lord.

If we don’t hear what we want, how low are we willing to go? Saul cried out to the Lord, and his did not respond. It should have ended there. Are we sometimes so desperate to have our plans vindicated that we will summon the dead? Probably not a good idea.

Samuel’s Example

Re:Verse reading–1 Samuel 25:1-34 (day two) Then Samuel died; and all Israel gathered together and mourned for him, and buried him at his house in Ramah. vs. 1a

Samuel: prayed for before birth, dedicated to the service of the Lord, clearly discerned the voice of the Lord as a child, lived a life with unwavering faith.

Much of what we read about Samuel deals with his frustration regarding Israel. He was often encountering roadblocks or stubborn hearts. Rarely do we hear of Samuel celebrating a triumph of faith, or rejoicing in the nation’s obedience to God. Through it all, however, Samuel is undeterred. His commitment is not based on the approval of men. Even as the people around him ran counter to the will of God, he was faithful. How do we measure our effectiveness for the kingdom? What happens if things don’t turn out the way we plan? Samuel continued to chase after God. Whether kingdoms rise or fall on our watch is not so much the point as how we serve.

Timing

Re:Verse reading–1 Samuel 24 (day two)

“Now, behold, I know that you will surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel will be established in your hand.” vs. 20

…and the next day David became the King of all Israel. Nope, that’s not how it happened. David’s obedience did not produce the immediate effect that most of us would expect. In fact it would be some time before David ruled over a united Kingdom. David was not in it for his own glory, rather he clearly discerned the timing was in God’s hands. Isn’t that an incredible lesson? If we hear from the Lord, our expectation needs to be that he will see us through on his timing alone. Every moment until then is about preparation for the task. Submit your calendar to God today.

Anointed Humility

Re:Verse reading— 1 Samuel 20:1-17, 30-42 (day two)  “Therefore deal kindly with your servant, for you have brought your servant into a covenant of the Lord with you. But if there is iniquity in me, put me to death yourself; for why then should you bring me to your father?” 20:8

Only a righteous man could make such a statement. David knew the stakes and what he was asking of Jonathan. The anointing that David received was not a free pass to an easy life, and it was not a get out of sin card either. David was not perfect, but he was righteous. David was putting Jonathan in an almost impossible position, so his request had to come from a place of humility. God still asks his chosen to endure trials. He still anoints men and women to be instruments of his peace. Are you submitted to that call, and willing to endure whatever that may mean?

Ten Thousands

Re:Verse reading–1 Samuel 18:1-16, 19:1-7 (day two) 

Then Saul became very angry, for this saying displeased him; and he said, “They have ascribed to David ten thousands, but to me they have ascribed thousands. Now what more can he have but the kingdom?” 18:8

How can we expect our children or those in our care to flourish and grow if we refuse to let them succeed? Saul had done nothing to bring down Goliath, so why should he have expected any sort of acclaim for the act? We who are driven, type-a people spend most of our time getting ahead. At some point we have to stop and ask what are we getting ahead of? There ought to be some point at which we bring someone alongside to nurture, build up, and encourage to succeed. Our hope should be that they even outshine us. Insecurity is ugly for people in leadership. It never ends well. If you find yourself trapped in that cycle pray for God’s wisdom to lead you to a healthier understanding of success.