Aaron Hufty

Chosen

Re:Verse reading–1 Samuel 9 & 10 (day two) As Saul turned to leave Samuel, God changed Saul’s heart, and all these signs were fulfilled that day. 10:9

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. John 15:16

Make no mistake when the Lord calls you, he changes you. There is never an indication that we get our hearts right, or that we initiate the act of redemption. When God calls, he equips. We are wise to recognize this so that we can return the glory due him as we see his will accomplished in our lives and in the lives of others. He can take you from wherever you may be and transform you into royalty.

Exhausting Repentance

Re:Verse reading–1 Samuel 7 (day two)

Then Samuel spoke to all the house of Israel, saying, “If you return to the Lord with all your heart, remove the foreign gods and the Ashtaroth from among you and direct your hearts to the Lord and serve Him alone; and He will deliver you from the hand of the Philistines.” vs. 3 (emphasis added)

Repentance can be exhausting. Particularly if you have traveled so far from the Lord that your life bears little resemblance to the place he had called you. We build walls, make excuses, take shortcuts and then wonder why he has removed his blessing from us. When you finally clean house it takes a LOT of effort, but effort for the Lord is never mis-spent. God did hear and deliver Israel, and he will do the same for you. There is not amount of distance that repentance cannot bridge.

He is Still Speaking

Re:Verse reading–1 Samuel 3 (day two)

And word from the Lord was rare in those days, visions were infrequent. vs. 1b

Samuel was a boy whose life had been dedicated before his birth to the service of the Lord, but he was born into a people who were not attuned to the voice of God. Even Eli the priest was unaware of all the movement, or lack of movement by the Lord among the people. It was a time when God was silent. Or was he? Clearly, God keeps his own counsel and know the plans set out before the foundations of the world, but we cannot become dull to his voice. If a word from the Lord is infrequent in our lives that is likely more to do with our own heart condition. When we dull ourselves to the work of the Lord it would appear that he is uninvolved. Nothing could be further from the truth. If we stop hearing from the Lord or sensing his leadership it is time to examine what is hindering us from hearing him clearly. Beyond that how are we teaching our children to discern the voice and leadership of the Lord? He still speaks.

This Child

Re:Verse reading–1 Samuel 1 (day two)

For this boy I prayed, and the Lord has given me my petition which I asked of Him. vs. 27

How many of us have this scripture somewhere in our house? Hanging in our kids room perhaps, or in a picture frame on a shelf. Hannah is our clear example of preparing for our children. Not only does she pray for a child, but she commits him to the Lord. What an act of faith! Knowing our children are a blessing is generally accepted, but committing them to the service of the Lord takes a heart that is certain of the Lord’s promises. No matter what we have planned for our kids, the Lord has more. We will spend years training, teaching, encouraging, and correcting them when necessary, but to what end? We are not in this for vocational training. We are stewards of the next line of defense for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Be encouraged and courageous. Even if you have no children of your own, you can invest in this journey with others.

Details Matter

Re:Verse reading–Luke 24:1-12, 33-49 (day two)

While they still could not believe it because of their joy and amazement, He said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” vs. 41

I am constantly amazed at how much God cares about details, and how the writers of the Gospels were able to capture the small nuances that helped relate those details to us. Whether it be what the rich man was wearing, the kind of robe they placed upon Jesus and how it was divided, or simply that he was hungry after the resurrection-details matter. They matter because they are the small things that we can get our minds around. We may struggle with the the hows and whys of God’s plan, but we understand small symbols that add up to the tapestry God is weaving. Jesus knew that. That is why he told stories. That is why he used bread and wine. Jesus’ hunger was another sign that this walking miracle was alive. Re-read his stories. Marvel at the small things and how they point to the big ones.

Lent

Re:Verse reading–Luke 23:1-27, 32-49 (day two)

When they came to the place called The Skull, there they crucified Him and the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left. vs. 33

Tomorrow is the first day of Lent. This word actually means “Spring” but is most closely associated with the days leading up to Easter. As with other “seasons” of the church, Lent is designed to help think about and to aid in telling the story of Jesus. When we consider Jesus’ life and ministry we are amazed at his wisdom, insight, integrity, and divinity. When you put that into the context of his suffering and the atonement we received as a result you get an even greater picture of the sovereignty of Jesus. As we prepare for the glorious celebration of Easter, I would like to encourage you to consider the cross. Consider this gentle lamb who willingly placed himself there for each of us. It is truly overwhelming, and it should be. Thanks be to God, however, the story doesn’t end there. Will you join me as we lead up to the resurrection and consider how we can love Jesus more?

What Matters

Re: Verse reading–Luke 16:19-31 (day two)

“Now there was a rich man, and he habitually dressed in purple and fine linen, joyously living in splendor every day.” vs. 19

It was clear from both chapter 15 and 16 of Luke’s gospel that he had an affluent audience. The parable of the prodigal son also told of an excessive lifestyle that ultimately led to destruction. What is clear in these texts is not the size of their bank account, but the size of their hearts. Remember the words from Matthew that say: Where your treasure is, there your heart is also. Ultimately everything we have is a gift and resource for God’s kingdom work here on earth. How are you choosing to use your time for him. Are you spending it with your kids telling them the truth of Jesus? Are you dedicating energy towards helping our community realize the beauty of Christ as Lord? Does your checkbook reflect a life focused first on Heavenly things? These are thing matters that matter to God.

Wrong Path

Re:Verse reading–Luke 15:1-2, 11-32 (day two)

But when he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired men have more than enough bread, but I am dying here with hunger! vs. 17

It happens at some point to all of us. We come to that moment where we realize our inability to go on. We have done all we can do on our own, and we are struck with the truth that it will never be enough. For you it may not be the absolute rock bottom like the prodigal son in this story, but we all get to the point where we look up and ask “why have I been on this path for so long?”

The story doesn’t end there. In what is becoming a familiar narrative for Dr. Luke the son’s first words to his father are complete contrition and humility.

And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ vs. 21

When we experience that moment of brokenness and confess our utter need and dependence upon Jesus he does something very unexpected. He celebrates our return. We never get what we deserve when we submit to Jesus.

Worship

Re:Verse reading–Luke 7:36-50 (day two) And standing behind Him at His feet, weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears, and kept wiping them with the hair of her head, and kissing His feet and anointing them with the perfume. vs. 38

Here we have another personal encounter with Jesus that completely shatters our need to be anything other than broken before him. Like Peter in chapter 5 this woman has recognized Jesus as Lord, and likewise, her insufficiency. What I find most beautiful about this story is her focus and attention on Jesus. Luke does not record her complaining or asking him to fix something. This encounter is absolute devotion. Worship at its most beautiful. Worship that completely adores our savior. This is where we need to be. We bring nothing to him. His has been and will ever be our all. Consider acknowledging that as you pray today. Let this inform how you worship next Sunday.

Well Done

Re:Verse reading–Luke 6:17-45 (day two)

Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for their fathers used to treat the false prophets in the same way. vs. 26

Words of affirmation. That has always been my greatest love language. More than time, touch, gifts, or service; I have always responded best to words of affirmation. The older I have become, however, I see the danger in putting too much stock in what others say. Luke’s account of Jesus’ sermon is a clear illustration of this. If we only ever seek approval from men then that will be the end of it.

Can you see the danger inherent when we seek men’s approval or justice alone? At best, we will be judged by human standards. We will receive the praise of men. Is that really our highest aim? Is our standard only that of this world? Surely we have been shown a higher aim, a sweeter reward, and a greater goal.

It is great to hear ‘job well done’ from others, and that affirmation can be a great motivator, but take great care that this isn’t all you hunger for. The sweet ‘well done’ of Jesus will far out shine any award or praise we get from others.