Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his love endures forever.
Psalms 107:1
Seems like an AWESOME note to end the week on!!
Friday, July 31, 2015
Sing Praise
Scripture:
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his love endures forever.
Psalms 107:1
Seems like an AWESOME note to end the week on!!
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his love endures forever.
Psalms 107:1
Seems like an AWESOME note to end the week on!!
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
The Lord's Patience
Scripture: The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. ... So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction. Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. 2 Peter 3:9,14-17
Observation: Peter is saying something here that I believe many people - myself included - have misinterpreted.
Verse 9 states that the Lord is being patient in his return because he wishes that none should perish but come to repentance. Most interpret this to mean that the end times are waiting until the most possible non-believers have been reached ... that God does not want non-believers to perish and wants them to accept Jesus. However ... Peter says that the Lord is being patient "with you" ...
Verse 14-17 fine-tunes this. Speaking to believers, he tells them to be spotless, blameless, and at peace with God, as the Lord's patience means salvation. He refers to Paul's teachings and the fact that many believers have failed to understand and observe that teaching as well as the Scriptures, calling them "ignorant and unstable". He says such believers are doing so "to their own destruction" and warns them not to also do so and "fall from your secure position."
In other words, the Lord is NOT being patient with NON-believers, but rather ... he is being patient with BELIEVERS and waiting for us to get it right so that we can receive salvation.
Application: Without revisiting the faith vs. works conversation, what am I an and the Church getting "wrong" right now that requires Jesus to withhold his second coming until we address our shortcomings? There are two possible answers to this.
One is simply continued sinful practices. Many Christians struggle with true repentance from certain sins, and this impacts their relationship with God. I'm not pointing fingers - I'm part of that "many". We need to address this in our lives, truly repent from sin, and begin adopting a completely different lifestyle that is better aligned to Jesus' teaching.
The second answer is that the Church is too aligned to worldly culture. Contrary to some thoughts, this isn't new. The fact that Church drove worldly culture at one time doesn't change the fact that it was too closely aligned to that culture (and it doesn't help that the culture the Church created often wasn't in line with God). This has become more obvious in recent years, and the Church is now starting to go through a winnowing process that may actually be good, as believers who are unstable and distorting scripture are starting to do so obviously and boldly, and the true Church is effectively reorganizing in alignment with this change.
I can do two things, then, with these answers. First, I can ensure that I am in a local church that is not distorting scripture and thus not be "carried away by the error of the lawless". Second, I can repent and correct my behavior. This is hard, as it will mean setting myself up as someone who is "different" from others. However, I am already in that position anyway ... it's time to take that all the way, repent in my mind, clean up my thought life and behaviors entirely, and place my feet upon Jesus' path daily.
Prayer: Lord, I do not seek forgiveness of my sins - I seek a full change in my heart to entirely repent of those sins, and never to return to them. I despise my bad behavior, and I want the thoughts of it completely removed from my way of thinking. I am too weak to do this alone - I need your power and strength working in my, through the Holy Spirit, to transform me entirely. Please make me a Godly man, walking in your way daily and at all times. Amen.
Observation: Peter is saying something here that I believe many people - myself included - have misinterpreted.
Verse 9 states that the Lord is being patient in his return because he wishes that none should perish but come to repentance. Most interpret this to mean that the end times are waiting until the most possible non-believers have been reached ... that God does not want non-believers to perish and wants them to accept Jesus. However ... Peter says that the Lord is being patient "with you" ...
Verse 14-17 fine-tunes this. Speaking to believers, he tells them to be spotless, blameless, and at peace with God, as the Lord's patience means salvation. He refers to Paul's teachings and the fact that many believers have failed to understand and observe that teaching as well as the Scriptures, calling them "ignorant and unstable". He says such believers are doing so "to their own destruction" and warns them not to also do so and "fall from your secure position."
In other words, the Lord is NOT being patient with NON-believers, but rather ... he is being patient with BELIEVERS and waiting for us to get it right so that we can receive salvation.
Application: Without revisiting the faith vs. works conversation, what am I an and the Church getting "wrong" right now that requires Jesus to withhold his second coming until we address our shortcomings? There are two possible answers to this.
One is simply continued sinful practices. Many Christians struggle with true repentance from certain sins, and this impacts their relationship with God. I'm not pointing fingers - I'm part of that "many". We need to address this in our lives, truly repent from sin, and begin adopting a completely different lifestyle that is better aligned to Jesus' teaching.
The second answer is that the Church is too aligned to worldly culture. Contrary to some thoughts, this isn't new. The fact that Church drove worldly culture at one time doesn't change the fact that it was too closely aligned to that culture (and it doesn't help that the culture the Church created often wasn't in line with God). This has become more obvious in recent years, and the Church is now starting to go through a winnowing process that may actually be good, as believers who are unstable and distorting scripture are starting to do so obviously and boldly, and the true Church is effectively reorganizing in alignment with this change.
I can do two things, then, with these answers. First, I can ensure that I am in a local church that is not distorting scripture and thus not be "carried away by the error of the lawless". Second, I can repent and correct my behavior. This is hard, as it will mean setting myself up as someone who is "different" from others. However, I am already in that position anyway ... it's time to take that all the way, repent in my mind, clean up my thought life and behaviors entirely, and place my feet upon Jesus' path daily.
Prayer: Lord, I do not seek forgiveness of my sins - I seek a full change in my heart to entirely repent of those sins, and never to return to them. I despise my bad behavior, and I want the thoughts of it completely removed from my way of thinking. I am too weak to do this alone - I need your power and strength working in my, through the Holy Spirit, to transform me entirely. Please make me a Godly man, walking in your way daily and at all times. Amen.
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
A Brief Interlude
Scripture:
Seek the Lord while he may be found;
call on him while he is near.
Let the wicked forsake their ways
and the unrighteous their thoughts.
Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them,
and to our God, for he will freely pardon.
Isaiah 55:6-7
Observation: This evangelistic call is - structurally - an interlude. Chapter 54 was a full chapter of the prophesy of the Messiah, and Chapter 55, verses 1-5 are the invitation of God calling people to receive the free gift of salvation. ("Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat ...") Then, verses 8-13 address the question of why God would even offer the free gift of salvation and mercy by making it clear that he does so for his purposes and his ways. ("For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts ...")
However, verses 6-7 are not quotes of God - they are not in quotations, they are instead a transitional interlude between these two thoughts of God, written by the prophet. They are not the invitation to salvation, they are the instructions on what to do ... to seek the Lord now, forsake wicked ways and unrighteous thoughts, and turn to the Lord. These verses also include the promise - the Lord will have mercy and forgive.
Application: Even when God's word is clear and pleasing, God also wants to work with us - believers - to guide others to him. In this case, in the midst of God's own words, he allows Isaiah to add a "human touch" to the call to repentance and salvation.
In this example, we see that we can add a "practical" element to the message of salvation. Isaiah gives the "how to" message, but in a positive, constructive way.
This is likely an important element to remember. I love to tell people "Jesus loves you", and there are times when I want to tell people "stop doing those things." However, perhaps what I should be telling people is "God wants to bless you, so repent of what is wrong and believe in Jesus as your savior." That's the example of the clear message Isaiah's interlude provides.
In other words ... maybe it really is as simply stated as John 3:16.
Prayer: Lord, I love reading the prophesy of Isaiah, for it makes it so clear and obvious that salvation through Jesus was always your intention and your plan. It is comforting to see it all in black and white. May I be your instrument to help others see this as well. As you lead me, give me simple words to offer loving guidance to others that will help them discover your truth ... that will lead them to the richest food and choicest wine, that they can buy without money. Amen.
Seek the Lord while he may be found;
call on him while he is near.
Let the wicked forsake their ways
and the unrighteous their thoughts.
Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them,
and to our God, for he will freely pardon.
Isaiah 55:6-7
Observation: This evangelistic call is - structurally - an interlude. Chapter 54 was a full chapter of the prophesy of the Messiah, and Chapter 55, verses 1-5 are the invitation of God calling people to receive the free gift of salvation. ("Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat ...") Then, verses 8-13 address the question of why God would even offer the free gift of salvation and mercy by making it clear that he does so for his purposes and his ways. ("For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts ...")
However, verses 6-7 are not quotes of God - they are not in quotations, they are instead a transitional interlude between these two thoughts of God, written by the prophet. They are not the invitation to salvation, they are the instructions on what to do ... to seek the Lord now, forsake wicked ways and unrighteous thoughts, and turn to the Lord. These verses also include the promise - the Lord will have mercy and forgive.
Application: Even when God's word is clear and pleasing, God also wants to work with us - believers - to guide others to him. In this case, in the midst of God's own words, he allows Isaiah to add a "human touch" to the call to repentance and salvation.
In this example, we see that we can add a "practical" element to the message of salvation. Isaiah gives the "how to" message, but in a positive, constructive way.
This is likely an important element to remember. I love to tell people "Jesus loves you", and there are times when I want to tell people "stop doing those things." However, perhaps what I should be telling people is "God wants to bless you, so repent of what is wrong and believe in Jesus as your savior." That's the example of the clear message Isaiah's interlude provides.
In other words ... maybe it really is as simply stated as John 3:16.
Prayer: Lord, I love reading the prophesy of Isaiah, for it makes it so clear and obvious that salvation through Jesus was always your intention and your plan. It is comforting to see it all in black and white. May I be your instrument to help others see this as well. As you lead me, give me simple words to offer loving guidance to others that will help them discover your truth ... that will lead them to the richest food and choicest wine, that they can buy without money. Amen.
Friday, July 17, 2015
The Illusion of Illusions
Scripture:
For these are rebellious people, deceitful children,
children unwilling to listen to the Lord’s instruction.
They say to the seers,
“See no more visions!”
and to the prophets,
“Give us no more visions of what is right!
Tell us pleasant things,
prophesy illusions.
Leave this way,
get off this path,
and stop confronting us
with the Holy One of Israel!”
Isaiah 30:9-11
Observation: This prophesy concerns God's people who do not want to listen to the truth. They place reliance on human endeavors and earthly strength, instead of placing their trust in God. Their greatest sin is in the refusal to listen to the correction and teaching - they don't want to hear the truth from the prophets, they want to instead instruct the prophet to quit confronting them with God. They want to hear pleasant lies, not harsh love. They want the hear illusions, and fail to recognize that doing so does not improve their lives, but instead it warrants their doom.
Application: As Isaiah talks about the downfall of Israel, the parallels to the world today are too obvious. There are large sections of the Church that are taking this exact position now - they no longer want to observe the message of the prophets written in the Bible, and instead want to find a different "path" that leads to harmony with the worldly culture. This is the reason I am no longer a member of the PCUSA - the denomination in which I was raised and in fact ordained as an elder, yet they chose a path that has taken them away from God's truth, and onto a path that focuses on only 'pleasant things'.
Ironically, it is this entire quote I see the members of many churches thinking. They know what is "right" but don't want to talk about it - no more visions of what is right! - and instead want their church experience to be about pleasant, happy things that help them enjoy life. After all, since God loves them, shouldn't he only want them to be joyful and happy when they learn about him?
Isaiah would say the opposite ... that these people are attempting to not be "confronted with" God. If you can't be confronted with God, then you can't know God. And if you can't know God, you can't have a relationship with God. Therefore, a healthy church - with thriving members - must be talking about the truth and the way that truth is juxtaposed against culture.
Prayer: Lord, I am so happy I am in a thriving church, as defined by this benchmark. While we seek to serve you and reach others in the name of Jesus, please protect Pastor Phil and our church leadership, keeping them focused on confronting our members with your truth every day. Show us you and your wisdom so we may know and serve you even more. Amen.
For these are rebellious people, deceitful children,
children unwilling to listen to the Lord’s instruction.
They say to the seers,
“See no more visions!”
and to the prophets,
“Give us no more visions of what is right!
Tell us pleasant things,
prophesy illusions.
Leave this way,
get off this path,
and stop confronting us
with the Holy One of Israel!”
Isaiah 30:9-11
Observation: This prophesy concerns God's people who do not want to listen to the truth. They place reliance on human endeavors and earthly strength, instead of placing their trust in God. Their greatest sin is in the refusal to listen to the correction and teaching - they don't want to hear the truth from the prophets, they want to instead instruct the prophet to quit confronting them with God. They want to hear pleasant lies, not harsh love. They want the hear illusions, and fail to recognize that doing so does not improve their lives, but instead it warrants their doom.
Application: As Isaiah talks about the downfall of Israel, the parallels to the world today are too obvious. There are large sections of the Church that are taking this exact position now - they no longer want to observe the message of the prophets written in the Bible, and instead want to find a different "path" that leads to harmony with the worldly culture. This is the reason I am no longer a member of the PCUSA - the denomination in which I was raised and in fact ordained as an elder, yet they chose a path that has taken them away from God's truth, and onto a path that focuses on only 'pleasant things'.
Ironically, it is this entire quote I see the members of many churches thinking. They know what is "right" but don't want to talk about it - no more visions of what is right! - and instead want their church experience to be about pleasant, happy things that help them enjoy life. After all, since God loves them, shouldn't he only want them to be joyful and happy when they learn about him?
Isaiah would say the opposite ... that these people are attempting to not be "confronted with" God. If you can't be confronted with God, then you can't know God. And if you can't know God, you can't have a relationship with God. Therefore, a healthy church - with thriving members - must be talking about the truth and the way that truth is juxtaposed against culture.
Prayer: Lord, I am so happy I am in a thriving church, as defined by this benchmark. While we seek to serve you and reach others in the name of Jesus, please protect Pastor Phil and our church leadership, keeping them focused on confronting our members with your truth every day. Show us you and your wisdom so we may know and serve you even more. Amen.
Wednesday, July 15, 2015
Holy Peacekeeping
Scripture: Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14
Observation: Interactions with non-believers are marked by two personality traits - being a peacekeeper, and being holy. Holiness has a special qualification, as it is the means through which others will see God.
Application: I think often on the need to be a peacekeeper, as my job brings me into conflict with many people. As the PMO director, every unresolvable issue on every IT project escalates to me, and it is my job to "fix" the situation ... which usually involves talking to another manager about why their refusal to support a project needs "correction." Even my "good" work involves implementing change, which itself creates conflict with people who resist change for many reasons. The bottom line is that almost every conversation I have for nine hours a day every weekday involves either referring some disagreement, or engaging in a disagreement with someone in order to overcome the situation and make progress.
This makes the "peacekeeper" objective difficult. As a result, I'm interested in the "holy" side of this direction. In my daily professional life, holiness takes the form of ... integrity, honesty, trustworthiness, appropriate language, to name a few. These are all things I strive for all the time at work.
As I consider this, I realize there may be a way of blending these ideas, and that would be through patience and kindness and gentleness. These too are "fruits of the spirit" that represent holiness, but at the same time can keep the peace with others. Sometimes these may be difficult to exhibit - it is pretty hard to be patient when there's a critical deadline - but blending these characteristics into confrontational situations can keep the peace and exhibit holiness.
Since we are working through a difficult time regarding resources over the next 90 days at work, this would be a good lesson for me to take to heart now.
Prayer: Lord, again I pray about how I can better exhibit fruit of the spirit ... how I can be peaceful, patient, kind and gentle toward others in the midst of a stressful and confrontational day. Please guide me in these things - bring your spirit to rest upon me in times of stress and conflict so I may be holy and thus glorify you to others. It is for you and your work in the lives of others that I wish to kindly serve them. Thank you for your love and your spirit. Amen.
Observation: Interactions with non-believers are marked by two personality traits - being a peacekeeper, and being holy. Holiness has a special qualification, as it is the means through which others will see God.
Application: I think often on the need to be a peacekeeper, as my job brings me into conflict with many people. As the PMO director, every unresolvable issue on every IT project escalates to me, and it is my job to "fix" the situation ... which usually involves talking to another manager about why their refusal to support a project needs "correction." Even my "good" work involves implementing change, which itself creates conflict with people who resist change for many reasons. The bottom line is that almost every conversation I have for nine hours a day every weekday involves either referring some disagreement, or engaging in a disagreement with someone in order to overcome the situation and make progress.
This makes the "peacekeeper" objective difficult. As a result, I'm interested in the "holy" side of this direction. In my daily professional life, holiness takes the form of ... integrity, honesty, trustworthiness, appropriate language, to name a few. These are all things I strive for all the time at work.
As I consider this, I realize there may be a way of blending these ideas, and that would be through patience and kindness and gentleness. These too are "fruits of the spirit" that represent holiness, but at the same time can keep the peace with others. Sometimes these may be difficult to exhibit - it is pretty hard to be patient when there's a critical deadline - but blending these characteristics into confrontational situations can keep the peace and exhibit holiness.
Since we are working through a difficult time regarding resources over the next 90 days at work, this would be a good lesson for me to take to heart now.
Prayer: Lord, again I pray about how I can better exhibit fruit of the spirit ... how I can be peaceful, patient, kind and gentle toward others in the midst of a stressful and confrontational day. Please guide me in these things - bring your spirit to rest upon me in times of stress and conflict so I may be holy and thus glorify you to others. It is for you and your work in the lives of others that I wish to kindly serve them. Thank you for your love and your spirit. Amen.
Monday, July 13, 2015
Salvation vs. Relationship
Scripture: The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming—not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship. Otherwise, would they not have stopped being offered? For the worshipers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer have felt guilty for their sins. But those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins. Hebrews 10:1-3
Observation: There is an interesting logical statement here about The Law - The evidence that it was never designed to sanctify humans is that is was commanded to be repeated over and over. If it worked, it wouldn't be needed again!!
As part of the "new covenant", there are also things that are to be repeated. However, there are other elements that are designed to be done only once, and the interesting thing is that there is a clear difference in purpose between these two types of instructions from Jesus.
The items that are intended to sanctify us - and thus mark us as believers in Jesus - are the sinners prayer, profession of faith, and baptism. As private and public pronouncement of our faith in Jesus, and the fact Jesus' sacrifice is sufficient for all time, doing these items once secures our salvation.
The items we repeat regularly - the lords supper, prayer and confession, worship - are items that are part of a relationship with Jesus. We do these things not to declare faith, but rather as a result of that faith in order to draw into relationship with the living God.
Application: Especially when it comes to confessing my sin in prayer, I think I think like many other Christians ... that it is something we must do regularly to ensure our salvation, and maybe even that unconfessed sin has ramifications regarding our eternal life. However, it seems more accurate to state that confession is much more about our relationship with God. If we cannot engage honestly with God, we have a relationship issue.
This would therefore be true of all elements of the Christian life. Things I should be doing regularly are evidence of my relationship with God. Whether that's loving and serving others, or praying, or reading the Bible, or worshiping ... doing these things strengthens my relationship with God, and failing to do them distances that relationship. It isn't a matter of losing my salvation, it's a matter of enjoying this life now through my closeness to God.
The place I need to work most on this is prayer. I pray irregularly, and usually only briefly. I need to dive deeper into conversational prayer with God - praying continuously - and regarding all matters of my life.
Prayer: Lord, I will focus more time on you in prayer. I wish to speak with my father, Abba, and strengthen my relationship with your through conversation. I will seek you earnestly. Thank you so much for the sacrifice of Jesus, the one-time all-sufficient sacrifice in which I fervently believe and trust. Amen.
Observation: There is an interesting logical statement here about The Law - The evidence that it was never designed to sanctify humans is that is was commanded to be repeated over and over. If it worked, it wouldn't be needed again!!
As part of the "new covenant", there are also things that are to be repeated. However, there are other elements that are designed to be done only once, and the interesting thing is that there is a clear difference in purpose between these two types of instructions from Jesus.
The items that are intended to sanctify us - and thus mark us as believers in Jesus - are the sinners prayer, profession of faith, and baptism. As private and public pronouncement of our faith in Jesus, and the fact Jesus' sacrifice is sufficient for all time, doing these items once secures our salvation.
The items we repeat regularly - the lords supper, prayer and confession, worship - are items that are part of a relationship with Jesus. We do these things not to declare faith, but rather as a result of that faith in order to draw into relationship with the living God.
Application: Especially when it comes to confessing my sin in prayer, I think I think like many other Christians ... that it is something we must do regularly to ensure our salvation, and maybe even that unconfessed sin has ramifications regarding our eternal life. However, it seems more accurate to state that confession is much more about our relationship with God. If we cannot engage honestly with God, we have a relationship issue.
This would therefore be true of all elements of the Christian life. Things I should be doing regularly are evidence of my relationship with God. Whether that's loving and serving others, or praying, or reading the Bible, or worshiping ... doing these things strengthens my relationship with God, and failing to do them distances that relationship. It isn't a matter of losing my salvation, it's a matter of enjoying this life now through my closeness to God.
The place I need to work most on this is prayer. I pray irregularly, and usually only briefly. I need to dive deeper into conversational prayer with God - praying continuously - and regarding all matters of my life.
Prayer: Lord, I will focus more time on you in prayer. I wish to speak with my father, Abba, and strengthen my relationship with your through conversation. I will seek you earnestly. Thank you so much for the sacrifice of Jesus, the one-time all-sufficient sacrifice in which I fervently believe and trust. Amen.
Friday, July 10, 2015
What the Lord Requires
Scripture:
With what shall I come before the Lord
and bow down before the exalted God?
Shall I come before him with burnt offerings,
with calves a year old?
Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams,
with ten thousand rivers of olive oil?
Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression,
the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.
Micah 6:6-8
Observation: Micah rhetorically speaks for Israel as they beg for God's forgiveness from their impending punishment. Israel asks what they can do ... what acts they can perform ... what rituals they must execute ... what wild, outrageous, impossible sacrifice they can surrender. Then Micah answers - the Lord has shown them what is good, and it has nothing to do with ritual sacrifice, but instead has everything to do with their attitude. They are to love God, and love others, and if they had humbly done those things certainly everything else would have been sufficient.
Application: While Micah 6:8 is one of my life verses, in context these verses tell a deeper lesson. I know the lessons of what God wants me to do. However, in the full context this is also about the fact that NOTHING we do, NOTHING we have, NOTHING we are ... even NOTHING we don't have and could never possibly have ... is what God wants from us.
This is good, because I have been reminded in the last 24 hours about how little I have to bring to God. Even myself - giving my sinful self to him - isn't really good enough without my love, and without humility where I learn that I can do nothing without him.
Prayer: Lord, I humbly bow my head before you now. I cannot do even the most basic things without you guiding my life. I am not strong enough to accomplish good, avoid evil, love others, hold my tongue, or serve joyfully, without your strength and spirit. Please do not withhold from me, Lord, but place your spirit upon me at all times, but especially when I am weak and struggling. Show me the way to humbly walk with you, my Lord, in love and faith. Amen.
With what shall I come before the Lord
and bow down before the exalted God?
Shall I come before him with burnt offerings,
with calves a year old?
Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams,
with ten thousand rivers of olive oil?
Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression,
the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.
Micah 6:6-8
Observation: Micah rhetorically speaks for Israel as they beg for God's forgiveness from their impending punishment. Israel asks what they can do ... what acts they can perform ... what rituals they must execute ... what wild, outrageous, impossible sacrifice they can surrender. Then Micah answers - the Lord has shown them what is good, and it has nothing to do with ritual sacrifice, but instead has everything to do with their attitude. They are to love God, and love others, and if they had humbly done those things certainly everything else would have been sufficient.
Application: While Micah 6:8 is one of my life verses, in context these verses tell a deeper lesson. I know the lessons of what God wants me to do. However, in the full context this is also about the fact that NOTHING we do, NOTHING we have, NOTHING we are ... even NOTHING we don't have and could never possibly have ... is what God wants from us.
This is good, because I have been reminded in the last 24 hours about how little I have to bring to God. Even myself - giving my sinful self to him - isn't really good enough without my love, and without humility where I learn that I can do nothing without him.
Prayer: Lord, I humbly bow my head before you now. I cannot do even the most basic things without you guiding my life. I am not strong enough to accomplish good, avoid evil, love others, hold my tongue, or serve joyfully, without your strength and spirit. Please do not withhold from me, Lord, but place your spirit upon me at all times, but especially when I am weak and struggling. Show me the way to humbly walk with you, my Lord, in love and faith. Amen.
Thursday, July 9, 2015
Stuck on the Basics
Scripture: Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from useless rituals, and of faith in God, instruction about baptism, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And God permitting, we will do so. Hebrews 6:1-3
Observation: The author is laying out three levels of Christian understanding:
-- Non-belief, which for Jews would mean commitment to the old laws (i.e. repentance from sin through performing rituals).
-- Elementary teaching, which is the absolute basics for simple belief ... repentance through faith, baptism, receiving the Holy Spirit, and salvation into eternal life.
-- Maturity, which is ... something more.
As the author says, God permitting it is time for their discussion to move onto mature Christian discussions - to begin discussing "meat" and not "milk" (end of Chapter 5). However, at this point he is a little frustrated that some believers are stuck on the basics.
The question is, why haven't these believers moved on into a more mature faith? I believe the author of Hebrews is answering this question, and providing the solution.
The reason is that the immature believer is 'stuck' on one of these basic elements. They don't have faith, have not accepted their born-again baptism, have not received the Holy Spirit, or do not believe the promise of eternal salvation. The solution is that these people need someone to lead them through this stuckness.
In this case, he has identified the issue as a lack of belief in salvation, as he moves into discussing that promise. He says, "Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are convinced of better things in your case—the things that have to do with salvation. God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them." (verses 9-10) In continuing to discuss God's promise, he says, "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek." (verses 19-20)
Application: The author of Hebrews is modeling what I should be doing in my church. I often get frustrated with people who are "stuck" - who don't get truths that are being taught, or who embrace worldly concepts because they just can't understand why those things are opposed by God. Instead of being frustrated, or worse lecturing them on some 'truth', I need to engage in their understanding of the basics and help them get "unstuck" from some core tenant. I need to come along side them and feed them some "milk".
Where are people "stuck" today? If I had to generalize, I'd say it's often in two of the areas outlined above. One is faith - the core idea that God can do all things. I think many Christians do not fully embrace that concept, some going so far as to think God doesn't even engage these days. Another area is baptism - that their life should be completely different now than it was. Even I sometimes get hit with that idea. Many Christians would not identify that their baptism triggered a change in their behavior.
Prayer: Lord, please continue to give me patience with other believers - my brothers and sisters in Christ. May I aid them in understanding when necessary, instead of being frustrated and maybe even speaking harshly about them or criticizing them. Even long-time believers can get 'stuck' on the basics, so instead of force-feeding them the advanced lessons, may I help them to embrace the basics and thus be prepared to mature. Amen.
Observation: The author is laying out three levels of Christian understanding:
-- Non-belief, which for Jews would mean commitment to the old laws (i.e. repentance from sin through performing rituals).
-- Elementary teaching, which is the absolute basics for simple belief ... repentance through faith, baptism, receiving the Holy Spirit, and salvation into eternal life.
-- Maturity, which is ... something more.
As the author says, God permitting it is time for their discussion to move onto mature Christian discussions - to begin discussing "meat" and not "milk" (end of Chapter 5). However, at this point he is a little frustrated that some believers are stuck on the basics.
The question is, why haven't these believers moved on into a more mature faith? I believe the author of Hebrews is answering this question, and providing the solution.
The reason is that the immature believer is 'stuck' on one of these basic elements. They don't have faith, have not accepted their born-again baptism, have not received the Holy Spirit, or do not believe the promise of eternal salvation. The solution is that these people need someone to lead them through this stuckness.
In this case, he has identified the issue as a lack of belief in salvation, as he moves into discussing that promise. He says, "Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are convinced of better things in your case—the things that have to do with salvation. God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them." (verses 9-10) In continuing to discuss God's promise, he says, "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek." (verses 19-20)
Application: The author of Hebrews is modeling what I should be doing in my church. I often get frustrated with people who are "stuck" - who don't get truths that are being taught, or who embrace worldly concepts because they just can't understand why those things are opposed by God. Instead of being frustrated, or worse lecturing them on some 'truth', I need to engage in their understanding of the basics and help them get "unstuck" from some core tenant. I need to come along side them and feed them some "milk".
Where are people "stuck" today? If I had to generalize, I'd say it's often in two of the areas outlined above. One is faith - the core idea that God can do all things. I think many Christians do not fully embrace that concept, some going so far as to think God doesn't even engage these days. Another area is baptism - that their life should be completely different now than it was. Even I sometimes get hit with that idea. Many Christians would not identify that their baptism triggered a change in their behavior.
Prayer: Lord, please continue to give me patience with other believers - my brothers and sisters in Christ. May I aid them in understanding when necessary, instead of being frustrated and maybe even speaking harshly about them or criticizing them. Even long-time believers can get 'stuck' on the basics, so instead of force-feeding them the advanced lessons, may I help them to embrace the basics and thus be prepared to mature. Amen.
Tuesday, July 7, 2015
Coveting the World
Scripture:
But as for me, my feet had almost slipped;
I had nearly lost my foothold.
For I envied the arrogant
when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
But as for me, my feet had almost slipped;
I had nearly lost my foothold.
For I envied the arrogant
when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
They have no struggles;
their bodies are healthy and strong.
They are free from common human burdens;
they are not plagued by human ills.
their bodies are healthy and strong.
They are free from common human burdens;
they are not plagued by human ills.
Psalms 73:2-5
Observation: The author is in danger of breaking the tenth commandment - thou shalt not covet. He envies those who "have it all" ... health, relaxation, and wealth. However, he then observes that these are the people who perpetrate all kinds of evil.
Application: Coveting is a sin I have not always understood. It is a sin without action - it occurs only in our minds and hearts. We want something - an object, a lifestyle, a characteristic - and God calls that sin. There are two reasons for this, I believe:
1) Coveting is the first act of the other sins. When we want something, we may steal it, or lie to get it. We may sleep with a woman we lust after, hate our parents for us not having something, or kill to get it. We may even begin to love that object more than we love God. Coveting triggers all evil.
2) The only way God can grant us salvation through "faith, not works" is if he has always valued our hearts as much as our act. By identifying sins of the mind/heart, he later allows for the faith of our hearts in Jesus to redeem and justify us. If sin were only an act, then redemption too could only be earned through deeds.
Coveting is a trap I fall into often. I want things ... from material objects, to relaxation, to honor. I often think there is no harm in just 'wishing' I had something, or daydreaming about something (like living in a mansion on the beach in Maui ... as a random example). I need to start turning aside from coveting.
I need to start focusing on my daily life - my practical work and my mindset that keeps my meditations on the word of God - instead of on cool stuff I could have. It is NOT to my credit with God that I do not commit sins by attempting to acquire those things ... I need to turn my heart to God, release those daydreams, and repent from covetousness.
Prayer: Lord, I wish to be like a prosperous tree planted by a stream ... not prosperous as the world defines prosperous, but as you do - healthy, growing, producing fruit, and fed by you and your word. Please forgive me of my covetous ways, and help me turn my meditations to you every day - in my sleeping and my waking, in my conversations around the dinner table and at work. In all ways, let my only ambition be to glorify you. Amen.
Monday, July 6, 2015
Three Kinds of People
Scripture:
What can I do with you, Ephraim?
What can I do with you, Judah?
Your love is like the morning mist,
like the early dew that disappears.
Therefore I cut you in pieces with my prophets,
I killed you with the words of my mouth—
then my judgments go forth like the sun.
For I desire mercy, not sacrifice,
and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.
Hosea 6:4-6
Observation: Hosea is primarily prophesying about Israel (Ephraim), which by this time has been so wicked that it is already being carved apart and is about to be destroyed. While he has said Judah still loves God, he knows that will change too and thus Judah is also part of the mix. As a result, Hosea is talking about two kinds of people:
1) Those who have completely turned away from God, who either completely ignore his laws or outright hate him (Israel).
2) Those who still profess their love for God and try to do good, but who have intermixed false doctrine and teaching that is undermining their actions and will eventually overtake their beliefs (Judah).
However, this is a third actor ... the prophets and unnamed remnant of people who do still love God. We know they will be spared - not from the destruction of the nations, but from eternal wrath from God. These people are doing at least three things. They are speaking strong truth, showing mercy, and acknowledging God.
Application: I see some alignment of the people in the world today. There are those who either ignore or even hate God. There are those who think they are following God through worship and prayer but have compromised major pieces of God's truth to align to their current culture. And there are those who are in right alignment with God and with Jesus as their true Lord.
Proper alignment to God often comes down to these three elements, and I need to consciously keep them central in my life. First is truth, or justice - having a clear understanding of right and wrong in God's eyes and behaving and speaking on the side of right. Second is mercy - loving others as Christ loves them. Third is relationship - acknowledging God, and humbly walking with him daily.
Prayer: Lord, guide me to be the "third" kind of person all the time. May I keep your truths firmly in front of me and in my mind, sealed in my heart, so that I may follow your teaching, laws, and love every day. Amen.
What can I do with you, Ephraim?
What can I do with you, Judah?
Your love is like the morning mist,
like the early dew that disappears.
Therefore I cut you in pieces with my prophets,
I killed you with the words of my mouth—
then my judgments go forth like the sun.
For I desire mercy, not sacrifice,
and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.
Hosea 6:4-6
Observation: Hosea is primarily prophesying about Israel (Ephraim), which by this time has been so wicked that it is already being carved apart and is about to be destroyed. While he has said Judah still loves God, he knows that will change too and thus Judah is also part of the mix. As a result, Hosea is talking about two kinds of people:
1) Those who have completely turned away from God, who either completely ignore his laws or outright hate him (Israel).
2) Those who still profess their love for God and try to do good, but who have intermixed false doctrine and teaching that is undermining their actions and will eventually overtake their beliefs (Judah).
However, this is a third actor ... the prophets and unnamed remnant of people who do still love God. We know they will be spared - not from the destruction of the nations, but from eternal wrath from God. These people are doing at least three things. They are speaking strong truth, showing mercy, and acknowledging God.
Application: I see some alignment of the people in the world today. There are those who either ignore or even hate God. There are those who think they are following God through worship and prayer but have compromised major pieces of God's truth to align to their current culture. And there are those who are in right alignment with God and with Jesus as their true Lord.
Proper alignment to God often comes down to these three elements, and I need to consciously keep them central in my life. First is truth, or justice - having a clear understanding of right and wrong in God's eyes and behaving and speaking on the side of right. Second is mercy - loving others as Christ loves them. Third is relationship - acknowledging God, and humbly walking with him daily.
Prayer: Lord, guide me to be the "third" kind of person all the time. May I keep your truths firmly in front of me and in my mind, sealed in my heart, so that I may follow your teaching, laws, and love every day. Amen.
Thursday, July 2, 2015
Not What I Want to Talk About
Scripture: Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people. Jude 1:3
Observation: 2,000 years ago, Jude was writing a letter, wanting to talk happily with fellow believers about the joy of their salvation. Instead, he was "compelled" to write an open letter about individuals who were using faith as a "license for immorality", denying Jesus ... ungodly people who were polluting their bodies - scoffers following their own desires.
Application: This is happening every day! On Sunday, our pastor scrapped his entire sermon and wrote a new one starting at 3:30 a.m. that very morning. Even for me today ... I have SO been looking forward to Isaiah, wanting to see the prophesies about Jesus, and there they are at the beginning of chapter 4 ("in that time" being a new time ... seven women wanting to take one husband being the church as the bride of Jesus and aligned to the seven lampstands of Revelation ... the beautiful branch of the lord being the shoot/branch of Jesse, Jesus ... the lord will bring a spirit of fire into Jerusalem being the holy spirit arriving at Pentecost ...). But instead, we're back to focusing on the issues of the day.
Why? Well, to follow Jude's example, we don't get to always revel in the joy of our salvation, but sometimes we have to do the work to which we are called. Jude was called to write a letter, but instead of addressing the joy he wanted to discuss, he addressed sins of the flesh that were occurring within the church and thus corrupting a right understanding of forgiveness, salvation, and faith.
We may want to retreat as a church, enjoy fellowship, and pray for Jesus to come. However, we are probably called to continue to witness to society about the love of Jesus. We are called to be strong in faith, but gentle in language. We want to resign others to hell while we worship with joyful hearts, but we are called to be slow to judge, slow to anger, abounding in love. We are to be peacemakers who will be persecuted anyway, and we can't do either of those closed away in a sanctuary.
It has been a week, and I am ready to engage in conversations when the need arises. I am ready to answer questions with love, patience, and kindness. I am ready to correct without judging, focused on the singular message of Jesus as Messiah and savior through faith alone. I am ready to be scoffed and scorned, while I return humble kindness mixed with truth.
This is NOT what I want to talk about, but I will do whatever I am called to do.
Prayer: Lord, not mine by thy will be done! I would so love to be able to wash my hands and move on from this place and from these people. However, I doubt that my work here is done, for I know you have placed me here for your work. So I will abide in this place, claiming it for you, and ready to be an ever-brightening light in this ever-darkening corner of the world. Thy will be done!! Amen.
Observation: 2,000 years ago, Jude was writing a letter, wanting to talk happily with fellow believers about the joy of their salvation. Instead, he was "compelled" to write an open letter about individuals who were using faith as a "license for immorality", denying Jesus ... ungodly people who were polluting their bodies - scoffers following their own desires.
Application: This is happening every day! On Sunday, our pastor scrapped his entire sermon and wrote a new one starting at 3:30 a.m. that very morning. Even for me today ... I have SO been looking forward to Isaiah, wanting to see the prophesies about Jesus, and there they are at the beginning of chapter 4 ("in that time" being a new time ... seven women wanting to take one husband being the church as the bride of Jesus and aligned to the seven lampstands of Revelation ... the beautiful branch of the lord being the shoot/branch of Jesse, Jesus ... the lord will bring a spirit of fire into Jerusalem being the holy spirit arriving at Pentecost ...). But instead, we're back to focusing on the issues of the day.
Why? Well, to follow Jude's example, we don't get to always revel in the joy of our salvation, but sometimes we have to do the work to which we are called. Jude was called to write a letter, but instead of addressing the joy he wanted to discuss, he addressed sins of the flesh that were occurring within the church and thus corrupting a right understanding of forgiveness, salvation, and faith.
We may want to retreat as a church, enjoy fellowship, and pray for Jesus to come. However, we are probably called to continue to witness to society about the love of Jesus. We are called to be strong in faith, but gentle in language. We want to resign others to hell while we worship with joyful hearts, but we are called to be slow to judge, slow to anger, abounding in love. We are to be peacemakers who will be persecuted anyway, and we can't do either of those closed away in a sanctuary.
It has been a week, and I am ready to engage in conversations when the need arises. I am ready to answer questions with love, patience, and kindness. I am ready to correct without judging, focused on the singular message of Jesus as Messiah and savior through faith alone. I am ready to be scoffed and scorned, while I return humble kindness mixed with truth.
This is NOT what I want to talk about, but I will do whatever I am called to do.
Prayer: Lord, not mine by thy will be done! I would so love to be able to wash my hands and move on from this place and from these people. However, I doubt that my work here is done, for I know you have placed me here for your work. So I will abide in this place, claiming it for you, and ready to be an ever-brightening light in this ever-darkening corner of the world. Thy will be done!! Amen.
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