Ruth 3 “Patience”

Ruth 3 – Brandon Hatmaker “Patience”
Austin New Church – South Austin Cares
Tuesday, September 30th, 2008

Patience. Since that’s a topic I need as much work on as anyone, I’ll just share something I wrote from someone better qualified. I was encouraged. Hopefully you will be as well.

“Ruth had done all that was fit for her to do, she must patiently wait the event. Boaz, having undertaken this matter, would be sure to manage it well. Much more reason have true believers to cast their care on God, because he has promised to care for them. Our strength is to sit still, Isa 30:7. This narrative may encourage us to lay ourselves by faith at the feet of Christ: He is our near Kinsman; having taken our nature upon him. He has the right to redeem. Let us seek to receive from him his directions: Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? He will never blame us as doing this unseasonably. And let us earnestly desire and seek the same rest for our children and friends, that it may be well with them also.”

My favorite part is “HE will never blame us as doing this unseasonably.” When we wait on the Lord, and when our seeking is truly of Him, His timing is perfect and we will not be found guilty of getting ahead of him.

Ruth 2 “Refuge and Favor”

Ruth 2 – Brandon Hatmaker “Refuge and Favor”
Austin New Church – South Austin Cares
Monday, September 29th, 2008

“At this, she bowed down with her face to the ground. She exclaimed, "Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you notice me—a foreigner?"

Boaz replied, "I've been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband—how you left your father and mother and your homeland and came to live with a people you did not know before. May the LORD repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge."

"May I continue to find favor in your eyes, my lord," she said. "You have given me comfort and have spoken kindly to your servant—though I do not have the standing of one of your servant girls." – Ruth 2:10-13

I simply love this dialogue. There is a great correlation to God’s favor and refuge. Even more so, how we find it, and how we should respond to it. In verse 10, Ruth’s blatant humility is evident, this is no coincidence, it’s requirement. Then Boaz tells her why she has found favor with him. It is not only her heart, but her sacrifice and action. Her response? Thanksgiving and more humility. The more grace and favor he lavished on her, the more thankful she was.

This is a great word picture of our heart and posture of worship. We simply cannot do it with out the right heart and perspective. Can you imagine feeling this kind of refuge before God while worshipping Him? It would change everything.

A good friend of mine (And fellow staffer of Austin New Church) Micah Caswell, wrote in his BLOG this morning some great stuff on Ruth 2. I thought I’d share it as well:

“Naomi’s family had sought refuge under the Moabite gods. She saw the error of her ways and returned to find refuge under Yahweh. Even though Ruth had to cross many cultural barriers she also chose to find refuge under Yahweh. We all need a covering to hide under. We need someone to protect us and care for us and provide for us. Yahweh is our refuge.

Notice HOW Yahweh provides “refuge” for Ruth and Naomi, it is via the man Boaz. This is key, God provides refuge through his people! Boaz seemed to understand this and I pray that the Church would grab this. God’s primary agent for refuge is his Bride the Church. This means that the Church needs to embrace this call and care for those who need a covering.”

Ruth 1 “It Still Hurts”

Ruth 1 – Brandon Hatmaker “It Still Hurts”
Austin New Church – South Austin Cares
Friday, September 26th, 2008

"Don't call me Naomi," she told them. "Call me Mara, because the Almighty has made my life very bitter. I went away full, but the LORD has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi? The LORD has afflicted me; the Almighty has brought misfortune upon me." – Ruth 1:20

It’s so easy to skip over Naomi's pain in chapter one and go on to the story of Ruth and Boaz. Naomi had lost her husband and both of her sons. No one should have to outlive a child, needless to say both of them. I cannot imagine the grief that would cause. But don’t forget her husband had died as well… Naomi had no person to heal with but her daughters-in-law. This was real pain.

But we know how the story goes, right? We know how God literally redeems the situation and a son was born whose lineage just two generations later would birth King David, and eventually Jesus. Although those victories were born out of extreme pain, Ruth would have never married Boaz with out the death of a son and husband.

It’s so easy to look at someone else’s pain and say, “Just trust God, He is faithful”. It’s easy because it’s true, and especially when it’s someone else’s pain. But although we know God will be proven faithful… it still hurts and we should never forget that.

So Today I'm thinking of all those I know who are in pain. I think of all of those who are suffering in this moment who have lost a loved one, are from broken homes, have broken relationships, are jobless, maybe homeless, are living under circumstances that are from things that are out of their control or even those that are from personal mistakes, for those experiencing consequences of others actions, the list goes on…

May God comfort you in your season of need. Forgive me if and when I have ever neglected your feelings. Forgive us as the church when we are not understanding or worse for not responding to your pain. May God teach each of us how to humble ourselves and care for one another. May God give us compassionate and empathetic hearts as we wait for His rescue and healing.

Judges 21 "Still no King"

"In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit" Judges 21:25

This was stolen from a friend today. He wrote... "If people did not die in Judges 21, you would almost have to laugh in disbelief. Israel makes a silly oath that threatened the future of one of the tribes of Israel; then they attack an unsuspecting people to try and rectify the situation…then they craft some ruse to try and get around their promise. I am sure that none of us have ever done that. Once again, through it all they did not test their actions against any type of standard, against any compass."

I look at the actions contained within the border of verse 17:6 and verse 21:25, where the same words are used ‘Israel had no king and everyone did as he saw fit’. In between these verses are actions that just make us shake our head in disbelief; false idols, betrayal, bombastic oaths unable to be filled, twisted reasoning, individual satisfaction over the needs of the group. With no King, there is no Rock, no Standard, no Compass. We are just adrift with no bearings, traveling on instinct, living without really living.

Jesus be our King.

Judges 19 “Blind Leading...”

Judges 19 – Brandon Hatmaker “Blind Leading the Blind”
Austin New Church – South Austin Cares
Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008

“In those days Israel had no king.” – Judges 19:1

The following verses are simply horrific. Over the next three chapters we see the condition of man and nation without a king, the life that becomes the norm (a Levite taking a concubine, etc.), and the gruesome form of vengeance that results.

Israel needed a king. In our depravity, so do we.

Psalm 72 gives the following purpose for the leader: "May he defend the cause of the poor of the people, give deliverance to the needy, and crush the oppressor" (v. 4). It is a task that is identified as the work of justice (1-3, 7). Leaders in power should deliver the economically weak and guarantee the "rights of the poor" (Amos 5, Jeremiah 21 & 22)

In essence, Biblical leadership acts as and ensures a moral compassing more than anything. Keeping on point the things that are good, pure, and right… the things of God.

Prophecies about the coming Christ continue to develop the picture of the ideal ruler: Isaiah writes that with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth. He will act like a good shepherd, taking responsibility for the needs of the people: "He shall feed them and be their shepherd" (Ezekiel 34:23). Ezekiel 34:4 denounces the failure of the shepherds of Israel to "feed" the people. Throughout the scriptures we see leaders called to restrain evil. (Romans 13)

But just having a leader doesn’t mean they are a good leader. Matthew 15:14, both reminds us and warns us that, “If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.”

The scriptures are full of stories of oppressive kings and over-powerful, evil leaders and the damage they can do. History shows us that this can be as bad of a situation (if not worse) as not having a leader at all. God's sovereignty challenges all earthly leadership. The Pharisee’s and teachers of the law held governing positions in biblical times. Jesus reminded them regularly that they were missing the mark. At his trial, Jesus directly reminded Pilate and Caesar that their authority came from God. This was in the middle of a time when Roman emperors were claiming to be gods themselves. Jesus reminds them that they are servants of God, not gods.

As leaders, this is a lesson to all of us. It’s a reminder. It’s all about God and our dependence on Him, even more so as we lead others.

Father, I often want to take over and do things my way. That’s a confession of guilt, not a plea. So here is the plea: please give me the strength, the faith, and the desire to trust your ways in all things as I both lead and follow. Amen

Judges 17 “Mediator”

Judges 17 – Brandon Hatmaker “Mediator”
Austin New Church – South Austin Cares
Friday, August 19th, 2008

“So he returned the silver to his mother, and she took two hundred shekels of silver and gave them to a silversmith, who made them into the image and the idol. And they were put in Micah's house.” Judges 17:4

It would do us good to stop reading for a moment and think what it might have been like to live under the Old Covenant. The people knew the needed a mediator between themselves and God. It's amazing what they’d do to fill that gap. Anything really. Idol worship was one of the biggies.

We do the same thing. If you think about it, every void we have is designed to be filled by God or His ways. Yet the world offers a substitute for it all. Whether it’s relational, physical, or emotional. The substitutes are temporary, self-focused, and inadequate…. Yet mostly tangible, so we chase after it. They are idols. They are the “mediators” between us, and the completeness we crave.

God is everything that is good. He is everything that is pure and righteous. He is everything that is complete. I’m thankful today that under the New Covenant, we have a mediator. We don’t have to make it up and hope it honors God. We already know the answer.

“For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” – 1 Timothy 2:5

Judges 16 “Trouble”

Judges 16 – Brandon Hatmaker “Trouble”
Austin New Church – South Austin Cares
Thursday, August 18th, 2008

“One day Samson went to Gaza, where he saw a prostitute. He went in to spend the night with her. The people of Gaza were told, "Samson is here!" So they surrounded the place and lay in wait for him all night at the city gate. They made no move during the night, saying, "At dawn we'll kill him." – Judges 16:1-2

Anyone see the problem here? Verse 1… he did what? That’s not a good start. Listen, sometimes we bring trouble on ourselves. Consequences are a huge part of the real world. This is a big reminder for me today. We spend way to much time blaming God or even just wondering what happened when things go bad… we need to spend more time asking Him to forgive us and being thankful instead of feeling self-righteous and entitled.

So let’s put this in eternal perspective. God is just. He truly is. In no way do we deserve heaven. His justice required payment so Jesus took our place. I just don’t understand how anyone can biblically argue against substitutionary atonement or the depravity of man. Thank you, God, for Jesus and the cross.

Judges 15 “Jawbone”

Judges 15 – Brandon Hatmaker “Jawbone”
Austin New Church – South Austin Cares
Wednesday, August 17th, 2008

“As he approached Lehi, the Philistines came toward him shouting. The Spirit of the LORD came upon him in power. The ropes on his arms became like charred flax, and the bindings dropped from his hands. Finding a fresh jawbone of a donkey, he grabbed it and struck down a thousand men.” Judges 15:14-15

Quick thought for today: I’m so tired from this week’s festivities. In light of the recent Hurricane in Houston, we’ve been hosting dozens of people in our homes… making supply and relief trips to the coast… and I’m simply spent. It’s funny how I feel a little useless today (I know it's just cause I'm tired... I can be honest too, right?). I'm feeling a little overwhelmed with the journey in thinking about all there is to do in our community, world, and even our church… yet I found encouragement in these words.

Surely if God can use the Jawbone of an ass to do his work, he can use any of us. That’s a pleasant thought, huh?

Judges 14 “Amazed Again”

Judges 14 – Brandon Hatmaker “Amazed Again”
Austin New Church – South Austin Cares
Tuesday, August 16th, 2008

“The Spirit of the LORD came upon him in power so that he tore the lion apart with his bare hands as he might have torn a young goat.” Judges 14:6

I’ve never tried to tear a young goat apart with my bare hands. Probably none of us could do that. I saw a guy on the “power team” tear a phone book in half once… looked pretty hard to do (and pretty ridiculous, especially in those pants). Yet when the power of the Lord came upon Samson, even the tearing of a lion was a simple task. It was a brilliant picture of both protection and power.

Just as God’s “foolishness” is wiser than our wisdom, his “weakness” is also stronger than our strength.

After spending yesterday just east of Houston delivering supplies to those impacted by the hurricane, my mind is stuck on the mightiness and the protection of God. I can’t help but think about his sovereignty in how He led specific evacuating families to our home and eventually to the homes of others at ANC that we might be a part of their lives… if anything, for this moment (and hopefully beyond). Our lives are forever changed. I think about His divine intervention in allowing us to worship together through our first “interpreted” service last Sunday. I consider His strength when I see the affects of a hurricane literally bringing a city to it’s knees, yet I see the same level of strength in the children of God rallying to help one another in times of crisis.

Neighborhoods that you and I would never go into after dark were transformed into places of humility and thanksgiving over the gift of water and diapers. I’ve never seen canned tuna and a bag of ice bring so much joy. It’s just a glimpse of the many facets of God’s power. And I’m amazed.

The surprising emotion each time is fulfillment. I don’t know why I’m always surprised to feel it, yet I’ve never felt so complete as when I get the chance to serve along side other people who are serving those who can’t help themselves. Especially when it comes with personal sacrifice.

I know this is a long way from the story of Samson, but I don’t really care. God is amazing. I just wish more of us would chase after this side of Him. Jesus told us from the beginning to do so.

Judges 13 “Looking Back”

Judges 13 – Brandon Hatmaker “Looking Back”
Austin New Church – South Austin Cares
Monday, September 15th, 2008

“Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD, so the LORD delivered them into the hands of the Philistines for forty years.” – Judges 13:1

Often we go to God for deliverance from situations that are overwhelming. At times we feel like we are a “victim” of our circumstance. There are other times we blame God and wonder where He went.

The thing we often forget is where our hearts were and where our affections were placed at the beginning. We easily place them on God in tough times. We easily place them on ourselves when things are going good. We’ve all seen the cycle in ourselves. We consult God so often when we are seeing the fruit of bad decisions, but in looking back would often see a lack of seeking his counsel in the making of the decision… the tragedy is when we then blame God for the consequence of our poor decision and miss the lesson to be learned. While God certainly allows consequence, He may have even created the initial crossroad, but we still have great responsibility and ownership in our response.

I would imagine there were some of the Israelites who were just thinking, man, God how could you abandon us right now? We need you… after all we’ve been through… why are we under the oppression of the Philistines. But from the very first verse of Chapter 13, the Bible clearly tells us, that “Again” they did evil in the eyes of the Lord.

God, I cast blame too much. I need to be spending more time figuring out were I’m off base and confessing. Search my heart, God. Help me to see YOUR ways in times of ALL decisions.

Judges 12 – “Truth/Perception”

Judges 12 – Brandon Hatmaker “Truth/Perception”
Austin New Church – South Austin Cares
Friday, September 12th, 2008

This is kind of a random thought for today...

"The men of Ephraim called out their forces, crossed over to Zaphon and said to Jephthah, "Why did you go to fight the Ammonites without calling us to go with you? We're going to burn down your house over your head." Jephthah answered, "I and my people were engaged in a great struggle with the Ammonites, and although I called, you didn't save me out of their hands. When I saw that you wouldn't help, I took my life in my hands and crossed over to fight the Ammonites, and the LORD gave me the victory over them. Now why have you come up today to fight me?" - Judges 12:1-3

Sounds like the first case in history of "Screening" a call. People got ticked!

So let’s talk about that… I’ve done it. Not to any of you reading this of course (smile). But, I’ve screened others I just didn’t want to talk to at the time. But typically (majority... maybe even 98% of the time) if I don't answer a phone call, there is a reason for it. Sometimes I just don’t hear the phone. I often forget to take it off silent. But when I do intentionally “screen”, it's usually because I'm in the middle of something important, a conversation, project or task, I might even be resting for a moment or spending time with my family, etc... Most of the time it's because I want to make sure I am not rushed when I DO talk with that person, especially if it's important and they need my attention.

However, It's amazing how easily frustrated I can get when I think someone is intentionally screening me. I should get frustrated with myself (because that's a telling event), but my nature is to be skeptical and quickly assume stuff about that person and relate it to how they feel about me. And honestly... I shouldn't assume anything... you know what they say about assuming.

This is just a minor issue of life that we deal with… but when you “know” you’ve been screened, the emotion you feel is a great example of a reality: There are two sides to every story. Whether it's reality or perception, our perception IS our reality, even if just for the moment. That doesn't make it TRUTH, but it makes it personal.

So just a quick relational thought for the day: As believers we should work on this through putting ourselves in others shoes more often. Whether it's our kids, our wives, friends, co-workers, other church members... and what about the homeless, abandoned, lonely, hurting, sick (the list goes on and on). Jesus told us to live for God and live for others... they all count.

We should “consider” one another more often. This doesn’t mean we have to take every phone call, but we should learn from how we feel when certain situations, attitudes, and neglect are point our way… and learn from them.

Just one more way to put others first. I’ve got a long way to go.

Judges 11 “Making Stuff Up”

Judges 11 – Brandon Hatmaker “Making Stuff Up”
Austin New Church – South Austin Cares
Thursday, September 11th, 2008

“And Jephthah made a vow to the LORD : "If you give the Ammonites into my hands, whatever comes out of the door of my house to meet me when I return in triumph from the Ammonites will be the LORD's, and I will sacrifice it as a burnt offering." – Judges 11:30-31

The first “thing” out of the door to meet him after his “triumph” was his only daughter. What a tragic story. It’s one of great debate as well. Many feel it’s a story of unconditional commitment and loyalty to a pledge, some feel that there is no evidence that Jephthah actually took the life of his daughter, and some believe he truly did.

Scripture tells us that it’s better to never make an oath, than to make one, and break it.

For me, I see a man that (at least in this chapter) we see no evidence that God asked him to do what he did. It appears to be an offering of his own doing. The consequence was great pain. This story has caused and still causes people to question the heart of God.

My greatest takeaway today is to carefully and prayerfully consider what God is definitely asking me or calling me to do and to consider what things I am doing that might be of my own initiative. Many times we get so concerned about the things God has never put on our agenda that we forget about or neglect the things He has. Makes me wonder what pain could have been avoided and what opportunities could have been realized.

Father, teach us to be more concerned and willing to do what You’ve actually told us to do. Teach us to eliminate our man-made pursuits and fabricated ways of showing you our appreciation and loyalty. You already know our hearts God. Teach us to find contentment and peace through simply doing what You say. Amen.

Judges 10 “Bad Publicity”

Judges 10 – Brandon Hatmaker “Bad Publicity”
Austin New Church – South Austin Cares
Wednesday, September 10th, 2008

“After the time of Abimelech a man of Issachar, Tola son of Puah, the son of Dodo, rose to save Israel. He lived in Shamir, in the hill country of Ephraim. He led Israel twenty-three years; then he died, and was buried in Shamir. “He was followed by Jair of Gilead, who led Israel twenty-two years. He had thirty sons, who rode thirty donkeys. They controlled thirty towns in Gilead, which to this day are called Havvoth Jair. When Jair died, he was buried in Kamon.” – Judges 9:1-5

They say there is no such thing as bad publicity. That it doesn’t matter if someone says or writes bad things… as long as your name is out there, it’ll do you some good. While that may be true for the business world, I don’t think it translates to the people of God.

Publicity is about fame and being known. Our goal is to make His name famous and His name known, not our own.

I’m both encouraged and challenged today as I read the beginning verses of chapter 9. Chapter after chapter we read about the selfish conquests of corrupt leaders. Then in a couple of quick verses, we quietly hear about two men, one who scripture claims literally “saved Israel”. They led for a combined total of 45 years. And that’s it. No fame. No glory. It just says they led, where they led, how many sons and donkey’s they had, and then where they were buried.

Although he was only mentioned in two verses, I think I’d rather be known as Tola than I would Abimelech who was mentioned throughout chapters.

One more thought from this chapter:

Even after 45 great years, once again Israel turned to other Gods. Scripture shows us that God had literally had enough, “ The LORD replied, "When the Egyptians, the Amorites, the Ammonites, the Philistines, the Sidonians, the Amalekites and the Maonites oppressed you and you cried to me for help, did I not save you from their hands? But you have forsaken me and served other gods, so I will no longer save you. Go and cry out to the gods you have chosen. Let them save you when you are in trouble!”

Yet His love and mercy endures. Although the Israelites begged God to rescue them, the kicker was when they put God back on the throne of their lives and got rid of what had become their gods. When that happened… it simply unlocked God’s compassion.

“Then they got rid of the foreign gods among them and served the LORD. And he could bear Israel's misery no longer.”

We can learn a lot from that move.

Judges 9 “Evil Pursues...”

Judges 9 – Brandon Hatmaker “Evil Pursues”
Austin New Church – South Austin Cares
Tuesday, September 9th, 2008

It’s easy to mistake the progress of selfish pursuit and even sinful gain with true success. When we see it in others, we are often left wondering why God would allow it. In our weakness, we might even covet that success and allow images of our own personal plights to flood our minds.

Such can be the case with Abimelech. He had experienced much advance. But when God had had enough and his time came, it simply came. Vs. 52-53 reminds us of how quickly it can end, “Abimelech went to the tower and stormed it. But as he approached the entrance to the tower to set it on fire, a woman dropped an upper millstone on his head and cracked his skull.”

He even begged his armor-bearer to run him through with his sword so that a “woman” didn’t take his life. How pathetic. Quite an ending to his journey, huh?

The chapter closes with a reminder of what really happened: “Thus God repaid the wickedness that Abimelech had done to his father by murdering his seventy brothers. God also made the men of Shechem pay for all their wickedness. The curse of Jotham son of Jerub-Baal came on them.”

Abimelech’s ways eventually caught up with him. I read in a commentary today about Judges 9 that, “Evil pursues sinners, and sometimes overtakes them, when not only at ease, but triumphant.”

I had a conversation with a friend recently about success in the church and how we measure it. Wow is it a slippery slope. I guess one of the reasons we should be thankful that God allowed Abimelech success for so long is because of the precedence of His patience and grace. Thank God He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He often extends the same Grace to us... even at times when our successes are from our own pursuits. The question is, how long before we listen?

Judges 8 “Be the Man”

Judges 8 – Brandon Hatmaker “Be the Man”
Austin New Church – South Austin Cares
Monday, September 8th, 2008

“Zebah and Zalmunna said, "Come, do it yourself. 'As is the man, so is his strength.'” Judges 8:21

What makes a man? Better yet, what are we defined by? Throughout history man has been defined by his accomplishments, by what he has done. It was the same for Gideon. And while it quickly led to their death, Zebah and Zalmunna, called him out on it. They essentially said, “Hey, if you’re the man you say you are, do it yourself”

I think that’s some pretty challenging words to all of us. We talk so much about what we should and are going to do yet so many times our minds remain unconvinced, and we do nothing (or worse, give a lame effort).

While we know that everything starts with heart and motive, our words that come from our intentions often lie in contrast to our actions. But actions speak louder than words. Honestly, they’re more productive as well... for everyone, especially on our faith journey. After finally taking action on a thought or a conviction that we’ve wrestled with for seasons, we typically either see immediately it’s error and can correct it, or sense clearly its affirmation. The experience in itself offers insight, confidence, and direction. The journey moves us from “wondering and wandering” to “knowing and showing”. We experience a new way of knowing that creates amazing life change, a new way of experiencing Christ, and a new way of living.

And it starts with action. I think Nike had it right when they said, “Just do it”. Even when we don’t want to, it just works.

Or as Richard Rohr, author of “Simplicity” put it, “You cannot think your way into a new kind of living. You have to live your way into a new kind of thinking.”

I think that’s one of the main reasons Jesus commissioned us to be a “sent” people and challenged us to “do”, especially for the “least of these”. While it certainly can make a tangible difference in the life of others to take action for them… I’m always amazed at the difference it makes in us. In our effort to turn our attention and affections away from ourselves, through the power of Christ, we end up receiving even more than we give. In the words of Tommy Boy, “That’s a Mystery”.

Jesus knows what He’s doing. He always has.

Judges 6 “Prove It”

Judges 6 – Brandon Hatmaker “Prove It”
Austin New Church – South Austin Cares
Thursday, September 4th, 2008

“Gideon replied, "If now I have found favor in your eyes, give me a sign that it is really you talking to me. Please do not go away until I come back and bring my offering and set it before you." And the LORD said, "I will wait until you return." – Judges 6:17-18

I can identify with Gideon. So funny. Many times I ask for God to prove that He’s really there. I forget the past so easily and I’m fearful that he’ll stop moving in the future. As if one time wasn’t enough, Gideon even pushes his luck…

“Then Gideon said to God, "Do not be angry with me. Let me make just one more request. Allow me one more test with the fleece. This time make the fleece dry and the ground covered with dew." That night God did so. Only the fleece was dry; all the ground was covered with dew.” – Judges 6:39-40

We all seek evidences of God’s hand at times. He also knows when we’re seeking it for the wrong reason. God knew Gideon’s heart and motives… that’s why He chose him (and also probably the reason God didn’t turn him into a pillar of salt). Once again we see the significance of the inward verses the outward. I’m reminded today how we should check our own hearts… not quarterly or monthly… but probably daily. It’s so easy to even deceive ourselves.

"You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of men, but God knows your hearts. What is highly valued among men is detestable in God's sight.” – Luke 16:15

Judges 5 “Worship”

Judges 5 – Brandon Hatmaker “Worship”
Austin New Church – South Austin Cares
Wednesday, September 3rd, 2008

“On that day Deborah and Barak son of Abinoam sang this song: When the princes in Israel take the lead, when the people willingly offer themselves, praise the LORD! Hear this, you kings! Listen, you rulers! I will sing to the LORD, I will sing; I will make music to the LORD, the God of Israel.” – Judges 5:1-3

Scripture clearly says that there is a time for everything. Here, it is obviously a time for giving thanks and praise for all that God had done. While we all know that worship has many forms from singing, to study, to living… I’ve never really thought of the fact that it has many purposes as well. Here we see that it accomplishes multiple tasks (1) EXALTING and thanking God (2) it’s a REMINDER to us that it’s through God’s provision and strength that the task was accomplished or the blessing was had and then there is the less obvious (3) it presents an opportunity for a committed leader to LEAD others to know, remember, and do the same.

When we think about the church and equipping, as pastors, we typically think about bible study and traditional discipleship methods (which are all great)… but we need also to remember that LEADING others to reflect on the greatness and provision of God through worship and to encourage others to serve outside of themselves, are not just “extra-curricular” activities of church, but are necessary and biblical elements of disciple making.

“No time should be lost in returning thanks to the Lord for his mercies; for our praises are most acceptable, pleasant, and profitable, when they flow from a full heart. By this, love and gratitude would be more excited and more deeply fixed in the hearts of believers; the events would be more known and longer remembered. Whatever Deborah, Barak, or the army had done, the Lord must have all the praise. The will, the power, and the success were all from Him.”

Judges 4 “Favor”

Judges 4 – Brandon Hatmaker “Favor”
Austin New Church – South Austin Cares
Monday, September 2nd, 2008

“Barak said to her, "If you go with me, I will go; but if you don't go with me, I won't go." – Judges 4:8

This is a common theme for me right now. I can’t help but think about when Moses said the exact same thing to God after he was told that Israel was too “stiff necked” and they would have to move forward without God’s presence. Moses simply knew the cost of going without God.

Barak didn’t want Deborah to go because she was a mighty warrior. He wanted her to go because she walked with the Lord and He knew she had His favor. He wanted that, and more so, realized that he needed God’s presence by his side.

At first this made me think about my desire to be like Barak, to be the one called out, and have others around me who seem to walk in the presence of the Lord. Seems like the most obvious sentiment after reading this story. But the more I reflect on it, the greater I realized my desire is instead to be the one walking with others in courage because I’ve heard a convincing Word from God. This is the kind of word that would only come to one who was abiding in Him and experiencing His favor. This is my desire not because of who that would make me, but because I would then know I was walking and leading in His light. My greatest fear, is to be leading absent of His hand.

Father, this morning I pray for your wisdom and leading. I pray for continued “revelation” that I might lead and live with a Spiritual posture. I ask that you would continue to reveal your ways, your direction, and your timing. I pray for your underserved favor. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Judges 3 “Cut to the Core”

Judges 3 – Brandon Hatmaker “Cut to the Core”
Austin New Church – South Austin Cares
Friday, July 29th, 2008

“The Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD; they forgot the LORD their God…” Judges 3:7

Chapter three tells the story of Ehud who made a “Double Edged” sword to take the life of Eglon, the King of Moab. Ehud was clearly the man called of God to deliver the Israelites from the oppression of the Moabites, in fact vs. 15, called him a deliverer.

The images we can capture from this passage are astounding. The double edged sword is a significant image used throughout the NT to describe the word of God, in fact in Revelation it is used to describe the tongue of Jesus. I can’t help to see the intentionality of the description of the “fatness” of Eglon and relate it to how God repeatedly accuses us through the prophets of our gluttonous efforts and worship while we neglect the things that are important.

My mind goes immediately to Amos 4 that says, “Hear this word, you cows of Bashan on Mount Samaria, you women who oppress the poor and crush the needy and say to your husbands, "Bring us some drinks!" Throughout scripture Bashan is referenced as a plush land with rich pastures, thick forests, and beautiful extensive plains. It was literally known for having the fattest cows.

I can’t help but think about how the words and life of Christ simply cut through our self-bloating faith and pride.

Today I’m just wondering how it came to this. Verse 7 gives us two indictments (1) they did evil in the eyes of the Lord and (2) they simply forgot the Lord. But what came first, the doing of evil or the forgetting of their Lord? Probably both.

I can see how when we do “evil” in the eyes of the Lord, that the result would be a distance between us and our God. This most certainly would create a sense of “Forgetfulness”. I’m certain that this is just one of the reasons Jesus called us to obey His commands and to live as He lived. That we might not forget.

But when it starts with a distancing or a drifting away, when we forget, it can result in evil as well. This reminds me how important it is that we stay in God’s Word, remain in in prayer, and that we stay close. This is why Jesus said to “remain” in Him. This is why we are called to “hide” God’s Word in our hearts, “that we might not sin against him.”

Either way… it’s a double-edged action as well. One we should seek to understand and fight. With everything we’ve got.

God, I sit hear and think, “After all you’ve done, how in the world could the Israelites forget you?” Then I remember how I do it every day when I loose my temper. I forget you every day when I choose my selfish ways and deny yours. I do it when my pride takes credit for your work. I do it when I care more about myself than I do others. I do it every day when I think more about my plans than I do your plans. Forgive me, father.