Aaron Hufty – Page 53 – The Everyday Prayer

Get Fit

Re: Verse reading–Ephesians 5:21-33 (day two)

“After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does for the church–for we are members of his body.” vs. 29-30

American culture has an obesity problem, this is a fact. The institution of marriage is in danger of becoming a mockery in our society. Sadly, this too, is a fact. Are the two in any way related? It can’t be as easy as loose weight-save your marriage, can it? Probably not, but this scripture cannot be ignored in light of our growing issues with health and marriage. When you think about it why would you concern yourself with another if you won’t take the fundamental steps to care for yourself? A body and mind that function at their peak have the energy and strength to care for others, specifically a spouse. Paul’s assertion is that it would be ridiculous that someone wouldn’t care for their own body, but here we are. It seems odd to find some biblical mandate to be fit, but to use the body as a starting place for relationships is indeed good wisdom. God’s gift of life to us is precious. Take care of yourselves, and by extension each other.

Bound to Freedom

Re: Verse reading–1 Samuel 16:1-7; Psalm 139 (day two)

“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?” Psalm 139:7

Have you ever heard someone speak about a relationship being smothering? Someone might lament that the relationship can be suffocating, and that they need space. So why is the text from Psalm 139 so comforting? Post-modern thought would not support the idea of a relationship that is so comprehensive, and yet the Christian finds great peace in knowing the Lord is already where they have ever thought about going. Consider the third verse to the beloved hymn Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing:

O to grace how great a debtor daily I’m constrained to be! Let Thy grace, Lord, like a fetter, bind my wand’ring heart to Thee: Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love; Here’s my heart, Lord, take and seal it, seal it for Thy courts above.

The second half of the verse answers why such strong language is needed in the first half. Knowing that God is all around us helps us find freedom in yoking ourselves to his perfect will. Left alone we wander, bound to him we are sealed.

(Shameless Dad moment ahead)

A God that knows us, forms us, and knits us together is certainly worthy of our allegiance.

Create

Re: Verse reading–Genesis 1:26-31; Romans 5:1-11 (day two)

So God created…one of the fundamental characteristics of God is that of creator. The first chapters of the Bible are filled with the infinite creativity of our maker. Every shade of green, every variation of plant or animal. The minute differences that separate similar looking things, and the vast canvas of mountains and deserts. Our God is an artist. And we are in his image. Therefore, one of the distinguishing traits that God gave us and no other creature is the ability to create. Although we do not share God’s ability to create ex nihilo (out of nothing), each time we paint, write, sing, construct, or engineer we reflect part of his amazing nature. It was this scripture, and this reason that we have named our Arts Academy Imago (Image). We are helping foster this love of creativity with our church and the community, and to help them see that all these gifts are given by God, and they all reflect part of him. It is a joy to see these gifts develop.

Wherever He Leads, I’ll Go

Re: Verse reading–Exodus 39:32, 42-43; 40:1-2, 16-17, 32-38 (day two)

And when the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the children of Israel went onward in all their journeys: But if the cloud were not taken up, then they journeyed not till the day that it was taken up. For the cloud of the Lord was upon the tabernacle by day, and fire was on it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys. (‭Exodus‬ ‭40‬:‭36-38‬ KJV)

When the Lord was calling me to full-time ministry this part of the Exodds story spoke the most to me. Whatever the season of life, career, family you may be in when the Lord moves, it’s time to go. What gave me the most peace about this is that the Israelites may come to a wonderful oasis on their journey where they felt they could stay indefinitely, but when the cloud moved they knew it was time. It is rarely about our comfort or convenience, but always about his plan. I didn’t have a cloud to see, but I relied on the Holy Spirit to guide me, the Word to instruct me, and the assurance that God heard my prayers for guidance. Wherever he leads, I’ll go.

Majestic Creativity

Re: Verse reading–Exodus 35:4-10; 20-35; 36:2-7 (day two)

Take from among you a contribution to the Lord; whoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it as the Lord’s contribution: gold, silver, and bronze, 6 and blue, purple and scarlet material, fine linen…35:5-6

Then Moses called Bezalel and Oholiab and every skillful person in whom the Lord had put skill, everyone whose heart stirred him, to come to the work to perform it. 36:2

This passage not only declares how generous believers can/should be, but it also proclaims boldly that our God is the creative, imaginative, and beautiful designer of the Universe. He didn’t stop “creating” when the world was finished. His majesty and creativity are seen in every sunset, canyon or mountain vista, and especially in the miracle of a newborn’s face. We are to love him beautifully and creatively as well. We must all find our gifts and give them generously to the Lord and his work, and marvel at the creative majesty of our God.

Give ’em What They Want

Re: Verse reading–Exodus 32:1-19, 30-33; 33:12-17; 34:1-7 (day two)

“Come, make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who brought us up out of Egypt, we don’t know what has happened to him.” Aaron answered them, “Take off the gold earrings that your wives, your sons and your daughters are wearing, and bring them to me.” 32:1-2

Aaron is a leader. He has demonstrated that he has the ability to communicate even under very difficult decisions. He also seems, for the most part, to be more even-keeled than his brother Moses. So what happened? Now that the people are looking to him, asking hard questions, and his brother is still on the mountain his leadership skills take a nosedive.

The mob will always take the path of least resistance. The people had been uprooted, but protected. It seems interesting that they acknowledged God’s provision to bring them out of captivity, but are unwilling to trust for 40 days. They demanded action, answers, and only on their terms. This isn’t surprising, this is what we do.

Aaron knew better. Aaron’s proximity to Moses and to God should have given him the courage to tell hard truths to a hostile audience. Leaders must do this. Leadership isn’t about giving folks what they want, it’s about seeing a greater vision and holding a people accountable to that dream.

Your Temple

Re: Verse reading–Exodus 25:1-11, 17-18, 23-24, 31-32; 26:1-2, 7-8; 27:1-2; 29:43-46 (day two)

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? 1 Corinthians 6:19

Such detail. From the dimensions to the colors and fabrics there is an excruciating amount of detail contained in these passages. All of these elements that were designed to honor the Lord must have been exquisite. Nothing was left to chance, and only the best would do to honor the Lord.

We no longer have a tabernacle or arc, but we have the Holy Spirit which has decided to take up residence in us. So how does all those details from Exodus apply to this “new” tabernacle? Everything matters! Our speech, our thoughts, and actions all reflect our character which should show the character of Christ. Our lives should honor the Lord in every aspect. If the Lord took such care with a physical structure, how much more will he care for an eternal being? For we are created to follow the Lord through eternity. Let us maintain beautiful temples for him while we are here.

Who Will You Follow?

Re: Verse reading–Exodus 24 (day two)

When Moses went and told the people all the Lord’s words and laws, they responded with one voice, “Everything the Lord has said we will do.” vs. 3

When was the last time that you believed so strongly about something that you were willing to make a statement like that? Whatever _____ asks of me, I will happily do it. That requires much trust on our part. Consider the reasons someone would make a statement like that. Perhaps a track record of honesty and integrity engendered that kind of devotion. Personal connection always makes a difference too, doesn’t it? If you know the individual or organization intimately you are more likely to follow without reservation. Perhaps it has more to do with a strong belief in where they are going that develops trust. While some of us trust more easily than others, making a claim to obey every word or command is a bold one.

Now look back over that list and put Jesus’ name. Above any other organization or individual Jesus will fulfill every requirement of trust. His track record, his desire to have a close relationship with him, and his future is a bright as they come. If you are looking to follow anyone or anything…consider Jesus.

Rule of Law

Re: Verse reading–Exodus 21:1-2, 7-17, 22-27; 22:21-31; 23:1-12 (day two)

We are a nation of laws. We believe and affirm them as guides to a civil society. Most organizations from the largest corporations to the smallest club have some type of regulations, rules, or laws that people are expected to follow if they want the rights and privileges that come from belonging to that organization. Although much of the language and spirit of the laws we are reading about today refer to a culture that is no longer around, they do inform us that God understands our bent to structure. We need guidelines and parameters to function well. In order to know where we can go, we must also know where we cannot. Beyond the do’s and don’ts how can obeying the laws of the land, and more importantly God’s laws bring honor to him? Law need not be a burden, but an opportunity to show obedience and commitment to our calling.

Barriers and Views

Re: Verse reading–Exodus 20:1-17 (day two)

What shall we say, then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! Indeed I would not have known what sin was except through the law. Romans 7:7

So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous, and good. Romans 7:12

If you heard Pastor Don’s children’s sermon this week you will remember the picture of a boy looking over a cliff at the ocean waves crashing against the rocks hundreds of feet below. You will also remember the gate that was put up to protect people from going over the edge. If you have been to many monuments or parks like these you know these barriers exist. If done well they will protect you, but not hinder the majesty of the view. You are aware of their presence by the way the guard you from danger or intrusion. God’s law is like this. By it we know where sin is, and what we ought to be wary of, but it does not hinder our view of God. Like any warning or barrier, they serve to articulate what is not good for us and how we should monitor our choices. In the end our view is spectacular and we are safe.