We want to welcome all our new brothers and sisters from Harvest America to Hillside! If you prayed to receive Jesus on Sunday night, click here to receive a free new Christian growth pack (if you did not already receive one). Come by Sunday morning at 9am for Bible study and 10:30am for worship. Tell the greeter you are from Harvest America and they will show you where to go and introduce you to Pastor Brian. Your decision is great news! We want to celebrate with you!
Today we start reading through the book of Deuteronomy. You might notice as you go that some of the things you are reading seem familiar. That’s because they are. Deuteronomy serves as a summary and reaffirmation of the covenant God has made with his Exodus people. Continue reading
I hope you’re still reading and enjoying the Bible in a year church reading plan. My college minister used to say, “Every time you read the Bible, it should change your life.” Some of our members have told me that they are having a difficult time believing this in the book of Numbers. One woman flat out asked me, “Would you please write a devotional that explains why we have to read the book of Numbers?” Yes, that’s easy.
Proverbs 12:1
Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,
but he who hates reproof is stupid.
Ain’t that the truth.
Today’s reading involves seduction, adultery, and an expensive sensual one-night stand. Some people say there is no excitement in the Bible. Those people have obviously never read it.
In Proverbs 7 we have the instruction of the wise father training his son to be a good man. Part of that instruction is knowing how to control and channel his sexual energy. We do our own children a disservice when we act like any knowledge of worldly ways will corrupt their tiny souls. A wise parent instructs his children at appropriate times and in appropriate ways to understand the trials and temptations they are likely to face in the world, fallen as it is. Continue reading
Our reading plan chapters today are Exodus 32-34 and Proverbs 6 (although I am going to smuggle in John 15 & 16). God had saved the Israelites, walked them through the Red Sea, guided them in the desert, and provided for them in the wilderness. Yet as soon as Moses is gone for more than a few hours, everybody panics and decides to build an idol of gold.
It is hard to overestimate the severity of rebellion against God. We see the people drunk, dancing in idol worship, and possibly (probably) fornicating — and yet we tend to say, “They just made one mistake. Why did so many have to die?” Then we tend to wonder if God is really as good as we have assumed all along. This is exactly what sinners think.
What do you do when no one in your life understands the plans of God? …when no one understands you? …when everyone is against what is right? …when their opposition makes it harder to even get the basic tasks of life done?
You trust God. Seriously, what else do you think we can do?
