Choices have consequences

New Guest: Like this one, most posts are devotional; those related to CAR BIZ can be found by searching the blog archives for that title. You might start with 'Welcome,' the first post, dated November 12, 2008, where I introduce myself and the blog. As you read, I encourage you to record any reflections or comments you may have, for the entries here serve best as the first remarks in a conversation.

Blessings and best wishes,
Dr. Will

Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Devotions: Ps 49; 119:49-72; Josh 8:30-35; Rom 14:13-23; Mt 26:57-68

Let everyone hear this! I have no reason to fear in times of trouble. The ungodly surround me with iniquity and boast in their riches. But no mortal is rich enough to purchase eternal ransom or pay God for his life. Everyone dies, just like the animals. But God will ransom my soul and receive me to Himself. So let the rich enjoy their wealth for now, if they are foolish enough to prefer temporary advantage to eternal security. Lord, You have helped me to hope in You and to abide in Your word. I am comforted by Your truth; YHWH is my Portion, and I am content. I hurry to do Your will; I turn back from sin and error. I pray during the watches of the night, and find You and Your peace. I am friend to all who follow God. Teach me good judgment and godly knowledge. God is good, and all He does is good. Lord, Your word is worth more to me than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.

After Israel conquered Ai (on their second try, with God’s help this time), Joshua built an altar to YHWH on Mount Ebal, following the instructions God had given Moses. The community offered ritual sacrifices as the law directed. Joshua copied the Torah of Moses onto stones. All the community of Israel, including sojourners, stood around the ark across from the Levitical priests—half in front of Mt. Gerizim and half in front of Mt. Ebal. Joshua read the words of the law, the blessings and the curses, and everyone in the community heard.

Paul continues his counsel for community life among Christians: We must stop judging one another, and commit never to hinder the way of our brothers and sisters. I am certain in the Lord that nothing is unclean in itself; but anything is unclean for someone who believes it to be unclean. If your neighbor is injured by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. Don’t let your freedom cause the ruin of one for whom the Messiah died. Nor let your good be spoken of as evil. God’s kingdom is about righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, not about food and drink. Anyone who observes these principles is acceptable to God and will be approved by men. Let us devote ourselves to what makes for peace and mutual edification. Do not let your dietary scruples destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean; but it is wrong to make anyone fall by what you eat. It is right not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that makes your brother stumble. Keep your faith between yourself and God. Happy is the one who has no reason to judge himself for what he approves. But the one who doubts is condemned, if he eats what he believes unclean, because he is violating his own faith. Whatever does not proceed from faith is sin!

The mob who seized Jesus took Him to Caiaphas the high priest; the scribes and elders had gathered at his house. Peter followed at a distance, as far as the high priest’s courtyard, and sat with the guards to see the end of the matter. The chief priests and entire Jewish council sought false testimony against Jesus, seeking grounds to put Him to death. Though many false witnesses came forward, no convicting evidence was found. Two came forward and reported that Jesus had said, ‘I Am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it again in three days.’ Jesus remained silent. The high priest said to Him, ‘I charge you by the living God, tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.’ Jesus replied to him, ‘You have said so. But I tell you, hereafter you will see the Son of man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.’ The high priest tore his robes and said, ‘He has uttered blasphemy! What is your judgment?’ And the council responded, ‘He deserves death!’ They spat in Jesus’ face and struck Him; some slapped Him and jeered, ‘Prophesy to us, you Messiah! Who is it that struck you?’