Testing the Heart

Scripture:
The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold,
    but the Lord tests the heart.
Proverbs 17:3

Observation: There is only one way to know the purity and sincerity of the heart, and that is to submit it to God. In evaluating either your own heart and desires, or attempting to judge others' hearts, our worldly tools are not valid. With precious metal, melt them down in order to see and remove impurities, and with the ways of man we often consider similar tests such as lines of inquiry, or analysis of a person's intent. However, these are invalid. Only God can judge the purity of the heart and thus the sincerity of the intents of man.

Application: This certainly relates to judgment. It is one thing to observe and therefore judge the actions of a man, but it is quite another to judge his heart and his inner intentions. This is a type of judgment that is explicitly reserved for God. However, this proverb goes a step further, implying it is impossible for any other to even perform the task - only God has the ability to test and know the purity of another's heart.

Yet I judge people all the time. I judge not their actions, but their motives. I look at conflict and believe they are bad people who are making conscious decisions motivated by pride or envy. I look at poor results and believe they are incompetent people who should be removed from their tasks. But the truth is I have no idea what is going on in their heart. I do not know if they are bad, or if they are stressed, ill, saddened, burdened, distracted. It doesn't matter if I am rightly judging them ... mine is not to judge at all. That is to be left to the tests of God.

Prayer: Dear Lord, please forgive me for the times I sin by judging others. That is a prideful act, placing myself in your judgment seat. Again, please forgive me. May I show grace and kindness to others today and every day, blessing them out of my own blessing from you, and showing kindness in all times. Amen.

I Can't Lose God

Scripture: No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:37-39

Observation: If we love Jesus, nothing can distance us from God. Death, satanic manipulation, the passing of time, location ... nothing can distance us from God if we love Jesus.

Application: Like many Christians, I worry about the idea that I could do something to "lose God". I don't mean some intentional act like renouncing Jesus or blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, but I could do something bad that would cause God to give up on me. I fear God could just finally say with a heavy sigh, 'Geez, I've tried so long with this one and he just doesn't get it. I quit, cut him loose.'

This part of Romans is why I find this book so comforting. It isn't just instructional, but it is reassuring. It is clear and direct - Paul cut through many nebulous elements of faith to simply define what faith means. And what it means is a two-way relationship. There is God's great love for us; then our love for Jesus and acceptance of him as Lord and Savior; then God's Spirit poured on us for guidance, comfort, instruction, assistance, and ultimately salvation to eternal life; then our lives offered in service and worship as our holy offering to God.

It really is that easy ... God loves us, we believe in Jesus, God provides salvation, we serve as obedient children.

Or I should say ... God loves me, I believe is Jesus, God provides me with salvation, and I serve him as an obedient adopted son. Forever.

Prayer: I do worry about losing you, God. I know I can't but I worry. So today, thank you for making it all so simple and personal. I need that. I need you. I love you. Amen.

Universal Slavery

Scripture: Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness. Romans 6:16-18

Observation: In his discussion of avoiding sin, Paul uses the metaphor of slavery (even saying he is speaking "in human terms" so others can understand the concept). He effectively states there are two forms of slavery - one in which we serve sin, or one in which we serve righteousness. In this, he is very clear ... everyone is a slave, and whatever you choose to give yourself over to on a daily basis is your master. As believers in Jesus, we are to give ourselves over to obedience in Jesus and thus be slaves to that righteous behavior. Those who are not believers give themselves over to the pursuits of sins, and become slaves to their lifestyle.

When I read things like this, I am haunted by conversations I have had with others. One type of conversation is from Christians who believe they used to be bound by sin but are now "free". Some of them reject the idea that they are now "slaves" to Christ - they are simply free - and thus easily stray. This is more of a maturity of faith issue and they will eventually grow and embrace Christ. The other conversation that truly chills me, though, is when a non-believer hates the "Christian lifestyle", stating that they are right now "free" in their lives and don't want to live under any ancient rules.

In society today, we see what that kind of "freedom" looks like: Terrible drug addictions that blow up lives, moral failings that destroy families, racial hate that tears apart communities, financial pursuits that removes self worth, ugly political fighting that erodes trust. The people who engage in this are truly slaves to it ... they structure their days to incorporate behaviors that align to these activities/attitudes/beliefs/interests/desires. They are slaves to a lifestyle, and don't even know it.

Application: I was once like that. Everything I did was done so that I could enjoy earthly pleasure and relax. It wasn't until that lifestyle started to erode as friends drifted away that I sought something better. I have tried, and I don't know how to communicate to others that they are in the same boat - that they are slaves to a lifestyle. Especially when I, too, am a slave to a lifestyle ... just one with a better payoff at the end and an awesome master! When they don't value that payoff, there is no useful discussion about the lifestyle.

And so again it comes down to a base belief by non-believers in whether or not they believe there is a God in heaven. Without that core tenant, there is not a lot of common ground to discuss slavery and freedom. So this is where so many conversations need to begin.

Prayer: Lord, I pray for non-believing friends, and specifically for them to be exposed to a basic understanding in your existence and the reality of life and death. From there, Lord, I am here to talk to them, and willing to be your mouth with your words. Please, send me. Amen.

Unheeded Warnings

Scripture: And this house will become a heap of ruins. Everyone passing by it will be astonished and will hiss, and they will say, ‘Why has the Lord done thus to this land and to this house?’ Then they will say, ‘Because they abandoned the Lord their God who brought their fathers out of the land of Egypt and laid hold on other gods and worshiped them and served them. Therefore the Lord has brought all this disaster on them.’ 1 Kings 9:8-9

Observation: God gives a clear, black and white decision to Solomon - if he observes God's teaching as David had, his kingdom will be secure; if he turns away, his kingdom and all of Israel and the new temple will be destroyed. Keep in mind David wasn't perfect, so this isn't about doing the impossible by living a sinless life. This is about keeping God in the center of your life and in your heart, and striving to follow the law.

We know what happens. Solomon fails, upon his death the kingdom divides, and like that the descendants of David lose the nation. Eventually, his kingly line is ended, the temple is destroyed, the nation completely lost, and the people thrown into exile.

Application: God doesn't ask trick questions. God doesn't create a riddle for us to figure out and guess wrong. Instead, God gives us very clear options. For Solomon, it was "choose to follow me and prosper, or turn away and be destroyed." Solomon (and the people of Israel) chose the latter. For me, it is "believe in Jesus following his teaching and receive eternal life, or do not believe and receive eternal damnation."

I believe, but does my behavior reflect that? I don't mean I need to be perfect, but am I improving in my following of the teach of Jesus? Am I increasing in love for others, being merciful to others, seeking justice for all, showing humility in the site of God, at reflecting all these things in a spirit of faith and hope in order to show others the truth of Jesus? Am I going to others to show them Jesus?

For the first time in my life, I think the answer is "yes, I'm improving." I am making progress. I am not there yet! However, I am on the path, running the race, keeping my eye on the prize, focused on Jesus in my daily walk, and listening to the holy spirit in daily decisions.

Prayer: Lord, I know I need to clean up parts of my life. I know I sin daily ... hourly. Please forgive me for those sins, and continue to help me develop a right heart. At the same time, thank you for aiding me in developing new attitudes, capabilities, skills, and understanding of your ways. I genuinely enjoy succeeding in your eyes! Your ways bring joy to my heart. May I remember that in all ways when I have black-and-white choices to make about what to do next every day. Amen.

Come Running

Where ever you are,
Whatever you did,
It's a page in your book
But it isn't the end!

Your father will meet you
With arms open wide.
This is where your heart belongs ...

A Light Unto my Feet

Scripture: For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. 1 Thessalonians 5:2-5

Observation: The "thief in the night" metaphor spoken here has a double meaning. The meaning we often hear is the coming of Jesus will be a surprise - an act people are not ready for - and therefore Christians are to remain vigilant and prepared. However, the second meaning here is specific to night ... the coming of Jesus will occur when the people of the world are living in darkness, but Christians are informed and live in the light of faith.

Application: God's light is his word, and the truth of Jesus Christ. Therefore, the "second coming" is never a scary thing - I actually pray for it. Clearly the way to be at peace with the coming of Jesus and the impending end times is, therefore, to cling to God's word as the light and lamp of our lives.

Two years ago, I lamented because I couldn't get into a bible reading routine. Today, it is something I do about five times a week. I have SOAP journaled about the reading over 280 times. I look forward to it most days, and am happy for it every day. God has blessed me with this discipline. I do NOT mean he has blessed me because I keep this discipline; The opportunity and discipline to read his word is the blessing of God. I look forward to continuing to see how God's light guides my life on earth.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for your love, your guidance, and your truth. And please ... come, lord Jesus. Amen, and amen.

Understanding Justice

Scripture: So David said to Joab and the commanders of the army, “Go, number Israel, from Beersheba to Dan, and bring me a report, that I may know their number.” ... But God was displeased with this thing, and he struck Israel. And David said to God, “I have sinned greatly in that I have done this thing. But now, please take away the iniquity of your servant, for I have acted very foolishly.” ... So the Lord sent a pestilence on Israel, and 70,000 men of Israel fell. 1 Chronicles 21:2,7-8,14

Observation: I had to do research to understand what is really going on here, because it isn't obvious. On the face of it, David takes a census, God gets angry, so he sends a pestilence that kills men of Israel not David. However, in studying I discovered there are elements that are dependent on other verses and very related to understanding specific parts of God's law.

This starts because God is angry with Israel (stated in 2 Samuel 24:1). In this, taking the census is a test to see if the people will redeem themselves following the law stated in Exodus 30 ... when the people of Israel are counted, each is to pay a sum to redeem their lives and "avoid pestilence". They failed and thus pestilence was brought upon them. However, taking the census was also a test of David. Also by the law, one is to only count those things that belong to them ... one does not count their neighbor's money, for example, but only their own, as doing otherwise only fosters greed or pride. Israel belongs to God, not to David. Therefore, David had no right to count them under the law. Doing so was an act of foolish pride.

Application: In reading this section, my first thought is "wait, David took a census just like ... oh ... EVERY king does, and that was bad?" Then my next thought was "so God killed 70,000 men NOT named King David??" It isn't until all the dots are connected that it makes sense. Then, when you study the facts, it makes perfect sense.

So where am I doing what David did in my daily walk with God? Where am I failing to connect the dots and thus not understanding - or even knowing - basic truths about God, his laws, his teachings, his love? And so where am I failing to walk with God due to my ignorance? One word jumps out at me right now, immediately:

Justice.

I don't understand this concept. I feel, perhaps, humans have corrupted the term to turn it into the concept of a "cause" ... while justice is clearly good and something we should strive for, it has become a concept about the relationships by and toward any classification of people who want specific recognition. This cannot be the definition of justice. I think it must be something more basic, and at the same time something more perfect. It isn't equity, fairness, equality, or accountability. And it isn't compassion and mercy. I think it starts with value and respect.

Justice starts when we see someone else as a person God loves, thus we attribute to them intrinsic value in the context of God's great love, and therefore interact with them out of that base understanding. I need to meditate on this more.

Prayer: Dear Lord, I know I have not been a man of justice in the past. I am trying to learn what that means, and how I can mature into a life a justice, mercy, and humility. I get the other two, even when I fail to practice them. Please do continue to work within my heart as it relates to justice toward all mankind. Amen.

These Three Verbs Remain

Scripture: We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3

Observation: This is not the famous "faith, hope and love" passage of Paul, but it reflects the same three elements of our walk with Jesus. In this case, he ascribes to them active elements as well. Faith is a 'work', love is a 'labor', and hope is a 'steadfastness'.

In this way, Paul is delineating a Christian walk that is not about words or thoughts or emotions. Love isn't about an emotion toward others, it is about working for others. Faith isn't about praying and believing something will happen, it is about going out and doing that something knowing it pleases God. And hope isn't about sitting in the dark wishing on a star, it is about actively and visibly placing your hope with Jesus.

Application: The other night, Laurie and I were talking about service in the church, and wondering why more people didn't "do" stuff. Paul clearly teaches that Christians act in accordance with their faith, love, and hope. I learned that this is part of knowing God - that sitting around reading and praying limits our understanding of God to just the voice of the Holy Spirit, but doing God's work brings us into a relationship with God and his creation.

Paul said as much to the Thessalonians, pointing out that they were well known throughout Asia Minor for their faith primarily due to their outward pouring of that faith. I would like to be known for my faith and love and hope through my actions. At the same time, I would like my actions to not be honored by men, but to please God. May I continue to find work that glorifies God, expresses my faith, practices love, and strengthens my hope in Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Father, abba, I have nothing you want except for myself. This I give you. I am here, send me, be it across the world, or across the room. Amen.

Sacrificial Leadership

Scripture: The king covered his face, and the king cried with a loud voice, "O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son!" Then Joab came into the house to the king and said, "You have today covered with shame the faces of all your servants, who have this day saved your life and the lives of your sons and your daughters and the lives of your wives and your concubines, because you love those who hate you and hate those who love you. For you have made it clear today that commanders and servants are nothing to you, for today I know that if Absalom were alive and all of us were dead today, then you would be pleased." 2 Samuel 19:4-6

Observation: While David believes he is grieving over the death of his son, Joab councils him differently. Joab calls out the fact that David is actually grieving the death of the traitor killed in battle, and thus by that grief is shaming all the loyal men who defeated Absalom. In other words, David is creating a scenario where he is actively shaming those people who sacrificed everything to support him. As Joab tells David, he must set aside his emotions. As king, David must support those who have supported him, or else he will drive them away.

Application: Leadership always involves setting aside personal feelings and placing the needs of others ahead of yours. For David, the faithful followers needed to be honored and rewarded for defeating a traitor. The fact David needed to mourn his son didn't matter.

I keep a piece of paper taped to my PC monitor at work. It is titled 'Leadership Concepts'. The entire paper is less than 3x4 inches and has only 51 words on it. The most poignant points are laid out thusly:

Quit Worrying About What is Fair
          Surrender your advancement
          Sacrifice for others
          You cannot have comfort

This is the lesson Joab is telling David. David doesn't get to care about himself, he must care for those who care for him. This is what I think about every day - my leadership position means I can't care about myself, but must care about others. I can do this because I know another truth ... God will take care of me when I care for the flock he has placed in my care. My care for others is my faithful love of God personified in love for others.

Prayer: Lord, again I am reminded that my relationships on earth are really about my relationship with you. I am reminded that loving others more than I love myself is simply a way of loving you. May I keep everyone in an elevated place of importance today, and may I serve them with your love, so that they may see the results and worship their father in heaven. Amen.

Kingdom is a 'How' Not a 'Where'

Scripture: Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.” Matthew 26:26-29

Observation: In the first eating of the Lord's Supper, Jesus states that he will not drink wine again he does so with the disciples in God's kingdom. This reference to the kingdom of God is always confusing because it is used many, many time by Jesus, but is never really quite explained. Also interestingly, it is often described not as a place, but as actions ... "the kingdom of God is like" ... a man who scatters seed; or one who finds a pearl; or one who buys a field to own the hidden treasure; or a woman looking for a lost coin; or a rich man who invites strangers to a wedding. So when Jesus says he won't drink wine until he is in God's kingdom, when and where is that?

Based on other contexts - and not based on any study of this section - I'd say the kingdom is the beginning of the church. It is with the founding of the church, and the first actions of the original disciples, that they will start scatting seed, sacrificing to bring others to God, seeking lost souls, and reaching out to the Gentiles in the name of Jesus. In other words, God's kingdom is about how we live, not where we live.

Application: This is the second time in two days that I have considered the idea that the kingdom of God already exists on earth. It doesn't always feel that way, that's for sure. However, this is the "age" whereby we can fully understand God throughout the entire earth. This is the time when there is the most conflict in opinions related to God, with most people on earth truly choosing what they believe one way or another. And this is the age where the church of Jesus exists across all boundaries of land, nations, and people.

So in this - God's kingdom - may I focus on living in that context. May I live as if I truly am ruled by God, as my King, living in his kingdom, with his rules, and his protection. And may I behave as one who is therefore bringing the kingdom into existence, by loving others, reaching others, seeking others, rejoicing in salvation, reaping where others sow, scattering seed, sacrificing for one treasure, and awaiting patiently and diligently for heaven on earth to return.

Prayer: Lord, thy kingdom come, and thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. May we serve you as our great king and Lord, which you are, and bask in the blessing of your gracious rule and strong protection. And with your kingdom established, may heaven come to earth soon. Amen.

Justice, Mercy, Faithfulness

In today's woes to the Pharisees, Jesus again elevates three things as the true law of God - justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Over the past few years, I have been convicted of the true nature of these commands, and in faith I will try to walk humbly with God every day. May I daily be the man of God he desires me to become.

Selling Christ Short

Scripture: Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them a question, saying, “What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is he?” They said to him, “The son of David.” Matthew 22:41-42

Observation: In the passage where the Pharisees are attempting to trap Jesus with questions - and are amazed repeatedly by his answers - Jesus turns the tables and asks them a very simple question. They get it wrong. Jesus is able to prove that the Christ is not the son of David, as David himself calls Christ "Lord".

However, it is in the response that we discover the true misunderstanding of those who fail to believe in Jesus as Christ. The root cause of their disbelief is not just about Jesus, but it is actually a complete misunderstanding of God and his promise of a Messiah savior. They are waiting for a descendent of David to come along and lead the people as a unifying king. They expect a man who can come into earthly power, become authority over the Jews, and lead them as a national, political, and spiritual leader. The Pharisees can clearly see Jesus is not that person, thus they cannot come to terms with Jesus as Christ.

Jesus isn't that person because that person isn't the Christ. Christ was to be the spiritual son of God - sent by God from heaven with all spiritual power and authority to demonstrate love for mankind, lead all people unto a unified faith and understanding of God, and create the way for everyone to be restored to God ... not just for the Jews to have their nation restored on earth.

Thus, this misunderstanding of Christ - and therefore their misunderstanding of the nature of God and his love, of the promise God has made through the prophets, and of God's overall redemptive plan for mankind - makes resisting Jesus a forgone conclusion for the Pharisees. And they have this misunderstanding because ... they love their position, conclusions, and vision (i.e., they love themselves), more than they love God.

Application: Two quick thoughts for meditation.

First, this is the exact same reason so many people reject Jesus today! They love themselves - and all the trapping of their lives they have adopted - more than they love Jesus or respect God. They love their earthly treasures, activities, homes, hobbies, comforts, etc., more than they love the promise of eternal life in heaven with their holy father and creator. They misunderstand that promise, so they reject it in favor of their own earthly decisions.

Second, are there ways I sell Jesus short? Are there daily situations where I misunderstand the nature of the Christ, and thus decide on myself and my ways ahead of Jesus and his teaching. Of course there are - I'm a sinner. However, beyond that, am I understanding the true nature of God and his love, and the redemptive sacrifice of Jesus, and thus the life that is to be lived in the shadow of that love and sacrifice?

I can worry about others, but I need to also make sure I embrace all there is about the truth of God, his love and justice, and the teachings of Jesus.

Prayer: Dear Lord, your ways are difficult to understand. They are so far above our understanding. However, you have made the core of your ways simple for us - that we are to love you by loving others, and to obey you by obeying Jesus. These things are to be done without consideration for myself, as I must always put myself out of the equation, and in so doing I can trust that you will absolutely care for me in amazing ways, now to some degree, but in the eternal future for certain. Help me to avoid self love - self worship - and never make myself an idol and stumbling block in my daily walk. Please, Lord, command your spirit that lives within me to direct my steps so that I put your work and your will at the forefront of everything I do, every day. Amen.

The Concept of Authority

Scripture:
The kings of the earth set themselves,
    and the rulers take counsel together,
    against the Lord and against his Anointed, saying,
“Let us burst their bonds apart
    and cast away their cords from us.”

He who sits in the heavens laughs;
    the Lord holds them in derision.

Psalms 2:2-4

 

Observation: The psalmist is directly discussing the thoughts of earthly kings. Kings make plans, discuss schemes, negotiate with each other, identify other sources of authority that are a threat to them, then look to attack and break those sources of power. Meanwhile, God laughs at them. He 'holds them in derision' - not even concerned about what they are plotting.

 

The reason for this is fairly clear when you consider the Lord who commands the entire universe. The plots of kings are so limited to issues of power and authority over earthly matters - matters of relative insignificance often even to earthly people - that to consider those kings powerful is laughable. Not to go all Hemingway here, but to God it would be like watching a small child plot and plan about how to destroy an ant hill. In the short term, it is actually a sign a weakness and smallness of thought to consider such power to be important, and in the long term it is meaningless and utterly insignificant to both the child and the world regardless of the outcome.

 

Application: This is a relevant question as we watch the overtly bitter presidential election swirling around us ... What is earthly authority?

 

As I tick through ideas in my head - from ruling nations, to fearmongering, to conquering I war, to even good ideas like inspiring employees and preaching powerfully - I am left with the idea of how completely empty all of these are. In ever single case, they are at best temporary, and usually they are meaningless in the context of the entire world but even often in the long-term lives of those affected by them. However, there was one thought I left off that list, because as I thought about it I believe it does hold authority.

 

Love.

 

Love possesses power and authority. Giving someone your live also gives them authority to control you, to guide you, to join you, and to affect you forever. When you love someone, you listen to their ideas, and change according to their values.

 

This is why human love is so volatile and dangerous. Improper love - given to the wrong person, or abused by others - creates SO much pain! Misunderstood love is a core issue undermining society today. Self love is the force that literally destroys people, families, and communities. However, the love of Jesus creates power. That love creates communities, drives miracles, inspires action, and changes lives. The love of Jesus - and directing that love toward others as commanded by Jesus - can actually alter the direction of wide swaths of humans for generations. That is power.

 

As I shake my head in sadness over the prospects of the coming presidential election - this wildly misguided quest for power and authority - I will choose to foster my love for Jesus as a way of affective the lives around me.

 

Prayer: Lord, please guide me. Thy kingdom come, and thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Please keep your spirit within me to guide me and strengthen me - not on worldly power, but in the love of Jesus that is heavenly power. All authority on heaven and earth belongs to Jesus, so may my love for Jesus produce results worthy of that authority. Amen.