Scripture:
Why should I fear when evil days come,
when wicked deceivers surround me—
those who trust in their wealth
and boast of their great riches?
No one can redeem the life of another
or give to God a ransom for them—
the ransom for a life is costly,
no payment is ever enough.
Psalm 49:5-8
Observation: This psalm focuses on the fate of those who love and trust in money, and specifically that their money will never be the source of their salvation, redemption, or eternal life. They will die just like beasts do, and their graves - not their rich homes - will be their permanent dwelling place. While the psalmist trusts in their own salvation in the Lord, they do not address how that salvation will be achieved. They instead focus on the fact that all who trust in early riches, be they wise or foolish, will simply die.
Application: At the heart of this sentiment, it is clear that faith in the Lord ... Yahweh, Adonai, Jehovah, El Shaddai, Elohim, Hashem ... is the hope of ones life, and specifically that faith in riches is a path to distraction and false hope. No one can buy their salvation, or pay for the ransom of their sin. Money will never, ever bring one closer to God, and reliance upon money to provide comfort actually drives a wedge between us and God.
I am overly blessed. It is clear I need to have less, and bless others through our plenty. This is a message I will continue to take to heart.
Prayer: Lord, I thank you for your love, a love I do not deserve but which by your very nature you have chosen to pour out upon my family. May we pay it forward. Help us to be a blessing by your blessing. Amen.
Friday, March 31, 2017
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
Personal and National Timelines
Scripture: Then the land had peace forty years. Judges 5:31b
Observation: Doing some math ... the time of Deborah was 40 years, there were 20 years between her and Ehud, who was the judge for 80 years after himself 15 years of oppression, after Othniel who was judge 40 years. So at the end of Judges 5, we are 195 years into the judges era. Since Joshua died at age 110 and likely was a man of ~30 when he was first a spy, the Moses/Joshua era therefore lasted at least 80 years. Thus we are over 275 years removed from the Exodus at this time.
Application: We may be very quick to denounce Israel's fall, however in the passage of human history 275 years is a very long time. That significantly exceeds the current age of the U.S. ... a nation that has utterly lost its identity, faith, and founding principles.
That said, Israel had God as an active participant in their world. Stories about his presence, heroics, and miracles were very much alive. Any straying is not really acceptable.
Therefore, how much more so when I struggle to obey God when he has performed miracles and shown love in my life ... earlier this week! Or at the very least, within the last several years. God has done many things I see and acknowledge, so how dare I doubt even a little bit.
Prayer: Again today, Lord, I say thank you for your love, patience, and mercy. May I return that love to you through faith, honor, obedience, and service to others. Please guide me in my daily walk again today. Amen.
Observation: Doing some math ... the time of Deborah was 40 years, there were 20 years between her and Ehud, who was the judge for 80 years after himself 15 years of oppression, after Othniel who was judge 40 years. So at the end of Judges 5, we are 195 years into the judges era. Since Joshua died at age 110 and likely was a man of ~30 when he was first a spy, the Moses/Joshua era therefore lasted at least 80 years. Thus we are over 275 years removed from the Exodus at this time.
Application: We may be very quick to denounce Israel's fall, however in the passage of human history 275 years is a very long time. That significantly exceeds the current age of the U.S. ... a nation that has utterly lost its identity, faith, and founding principles.
That said, Israel had God as an active participant in their world. Stories about his presence, heroics, and miracles were very much alive. Any straying is not really acceptable.
Therefore, how much more so when I struggle to obey God when he has performed miracles and shown love in my life ... earlier this week! Or at the very least, within the last several years. God has done many things I see and acknowledge, so how dare I doubt even a little bit.
Prayer: Again today, Lord, I say thank you for your love, patience, and mercy. May I return that love to you through faith, honor, obedience, and service to others. Please guide me in my daily walk again today. Amen.
Monday, March 27, 2017
Becoming Your Own God
Scripture: After that whole generation had been gathered to their ancestors, another generation grew up who knew neither the Lord nor what he had done for Israel. Then the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord and served the Baals. ... Then the Lord raised up judges, who saved them out of the hands of these raiders. ... Whenever the Lord raised up a judge for them, he was with the judge and saved them out of the hands of their enemies as long as the judge lived; for the Lord relented because of their groaning under those who oppressed and afflicted them. But when the judge died, the people returned to ways even more corrupt than those of their ancestors, following other gods and serving and worshiping them. They refused to give up their evil practices and stubborn ways. Judges 2:10-11,16,18-19
Observation: After the death of Joshua, we see what will happen with Israel. First, Judah succeeds in driving out other nations, but other tribes fail. From there, the book of Judges tells us what will happen next before it even happens ... a cycle of sin that angers God, followed by God's redemption through a Judge, followed by a time of protection, followed by a new cycle of even worse sin. This cycle begins because the people no longer know and trust in God, and are influenced by the worship of others whom they failed to expel from the land. However, the continuation of the cycle is summarized by one final sentence: The people of Israel refuse to give up their evil practices and stubborn ways.
In other words ... in their stiff-necked stubbornness, they are quick to lose sight of God's love and resulting teaching, however they refuse to let go of their own selected practices even from generation to generation. They prefer their own wisdom over God's wise instruction. They become ... their own god.
Application: This is the nature of self-worship: Deciding your actions based on your own thoughts, wishes, and desires, while ignoring God's loving teaching. I do this ... daily.
I repeatedly make decisions without consulting God (at best), or while determining that maybe what I'm going to do isn't in line with God's word but it is what needs to be done at this time. This is the worst act of all - it is the act of serving another God, named 'me'. This is a practice that must stop in my life first, before I could ever expect others to stop such a practice. I must remember what God has done for me and prior generations - sacrificing his son Jesus for my salvation - and own the fact that his wisdom is so superior to mine that whatever I think may be right must only be done in the context of God's word, teaching, and love.
I am not a god. And I must stop serving myself as if I were.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you this day for your love, your wisdom, and your teaching. May I embrace your word as a light unto my feet, and humbly walk in your ways this day. Please take my hand, daddy, and be my guide. I ask forgiveness for my sins and my failings, which too often are the product of pride. I serve you, and you alone. Amen.
Observation: After the death of Joshua, we see what will happen with Israel. First, Judah succeeds in driving out other nations, but other tribes fail. From there, the book of Judges tells us what will happen next before it even happens ... a cycle of sin that angers God, followed by God's redemption through a Judge, followed by a time of protection, followed by a new cycle of even worse sin. This cycle begins because the people no longer know and trust in God, and are influenced by the worship of others whom they failed to expel from the land. However, the continuation of the cycle is summarized by one final sentence: The people of Israel refuse to give up their evil practices and stubborn ways.
In other words ... in their stiff-necked stubbornness, they are quick to lose sight of God's love and resulting teaching, however they refuse to let go of their own selected practices even from generation to generation. They prefer their own wisdom over God's wise instruction. They become ... their own god.
Application: This is the nature of self-worship: Deciding your actions based on your own thoughts, wishes, and desires, while ignoring God's loving teaching. I do this ... daily.
I repeatedly make decisions without consulting God (at best), or while determining that maybe what I'm going to do isn't in line with God's word but it is what needs to be done at this time. This is the worst act of all - it is the act of serving another God, named 'me'. This is a practice that must stop in my life first, before I could ever expect others to stop such a practice. I must remember what God has done for me and prior generations - sacrificing his son Jesus for my salvation - and own the fact that his wisdom is so superior to mine that whatever I think may be right must only be done in the context of God's word, teaching, and love.
I am not a god. And I must stop serving myself as if I were.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you this day for your love, your wisdom, and your teaching. May I embrace your word as a light unto my feet, and humbly walk in your ways this day. Please take my hand, daddy, and be my guide. I ask forgiveness for my sins and my failings, which too often are the product of pride. I serve you, and you alone. Amen.
Friday, March 24, 2017
Complete Faith is Patient
Scripture: When they had finished dividing the land into its allotted portions, the Israelites gave Joshua son of Nun an inheritance among them, as the Lord had commanded. They gave him the town he asked for—Timnath Serah in the hill country of Ephraim. And he built up the town and settled there. Joshua 19:49-50
Observation: While the tribes of Israel all get an allotment of the land, two individuals received a personal allotment - Joshua and Caleb. This is their reward for being the only two spies back 40+ years ago who were willing to trust God and enter the promised land when they first went their after the exodus.
However, there is a difference in how the get their allotment. When the tribes first start preparing to allocate the land, Caleb comes forward and insists on his reward. It is granted and thus he is the first to receive an allotment. By contrast, Joshua waits until every tribe has their rewarded land, and then selects a location for himself. In both cases - whether first or last - Joshua and Caleb get their selected venue at which to build a town for themselves.
Application: The contrast between Joshua and Caleb is interesting. Both get what they ask for, but Caleb almost argues for his reward while Joshua simply waits and then gets his reward. They were both men of faith in God as evidenced by the fact they were the spies willing to trust God. However, Caleb clearly didn't trust his fellow Israelites to honor God's promises, while Joshua did (or at least had little choice given his leadership position).
Faith in God and faith in mankind are very different things. However, true faith in God means we understand God can provide despite mankind's lack of trustworthiness.
As I proceed daily - seeking to walk humbly with my God - I come upon very untrustworthy people. These are people of deception, anger, and arrogance. I need to trust that their actions will not be the final word when it comes to my service to God. I am under God's direction, and he will make straight my paths despite the human obstacles.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I thank you for your provision and your love. Please forgive me of my failings, for my times of lack of trust, of sinful thoughts, or of anger-filled emotions. Fill me with your spirit today so I may have patience and gentleness toward others, regardless of their actions and response toward me. And praise be the name of Jesus my Lord and savior. Amen.
Observation: While the tribes of Israel all get an allotment of the land, two individuals received a personal allotment - Joshua and Caleb. This is their reward for being the only two spies back 40+ years ago who were willing to trust God and enter the promised land when they first went their after the exodus.
However, there is a difference in how the get their allotment. When the tribes first start preparing to allocate the land, Caleb comes forward and insists on his reward. It is granted and thus he is the first to receive an allotment. By contrast, Joshua waits until every tribe has their rewarded land, and then selects a location for himself. In both cases - whether first or last - Joshua and Caleb get their selected venue at which to build a town for themselves.
Application: The contrast between Joshua and Caleb is interesting. Both get what they ask for, but Caleb almost argues for his reward while Joshua simply waits and then gets his reward. They were both men of faith in God as evidenced by the fact they were the spies willing to trust God. However, Caleb clearly didn't trust his fellow Israelites to honor God's promises, while Joshua did (or at least had little choice given his leadership position).
Faith in God and faith in mankind are very different things. However, true faith in God means we understand God can provide despite mankind's lack of trustworthiness.
As I proceed daily - seeking to walk humbly with my God - I come upon very untrustworthy people. These are people of deception, anger, and arrogance. I need to trust that their actions will not be the final word when it comes to my service to God. I am under God's direction, and he will make straight my paths despite the human obstacles.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I thank you for your provision and your love. Please forgive me of my failings, for my times of lack of trust, of sinful thoughts, or of anger-filled emotions. Fill me with your spirit today so I may have patience and gentleness toward others, regardless of their actions and response toward me. And praise be the name of Jesus my Lord and savior. Amen.
Thursday, March 23, 2017
Truly Possessing Knowledge
Scripture: Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that “We all possess knowledge.” But knowledge puffs up while love builds up. Those who think they know something do not yet know as they ought to know. But whoever loves truly knows. 1 Corinthian 8:1-3
Observation: In Paul's teaching about eating food sacrificed to idols, he begins with this statement about knowledge, meaning a right understanding of God's teaching. In so doing, he contrasts knowledge to love, describing love as a better form of knowledge. For all, knowledge falls short ... we can never possess knowledge to the point where we fully know God's mind. However, those who love in in possession of full understanding, as their love will guide them to the right actions and thoughts toward God and others.
It is in that mindset Paul teaches the rest of the lesson, stating that knowledge about the truth related to idol worship is uncertain and uneven amongst everyone, therefore the proper way to associate with others when it comes to food practices is through love of each other, and that will produce the right results.
Application: For me, Paul's lesson is this: It is very difficult to "know right from wrong" in some situations, but if you behave in a manner that puts others first it is guaranteed you will be doing the right thing.
This applies directly to my actions at work. Do I want to show up others, or let their insults roll off my back? My knowledge is significantly superior compared to my attacker. My resulting actions based on that knowledge ... are probably meaningless if not mean-spirited. Actions based on love - of non-action that therefore leaves room for grace - is the right thing to do.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for your direct word and guidance today. Amen.
Observation: In Paul's teaching about eating food sacrificed to idols, he begins with this statement about knowledge, meaning a right understanding of God's teaching. In so doing, he contrasts knowledge to love, describing love as a better form of knowledge. For all, knowledge falls short ... we can never possess knowledge to the point where we fully know God's mind. However, those who love in in possession of full understanding, as their love will guide them to the right actions and thoughts toward God and others.
It is in that mindset Paul teaches the rest of the lesson, stating that knowledge about the truth related to idol worship is uncertain and uneven amongst everyone, therefore the proper way to associate with others when it comes to food practices is through love of each other, and that will produce the right results.
Application: For me, Paul's lesson is this: It is very difficult to "know right from wrong" in some situations, but if you behave in a manner that puts others first it is guaranteed you will be doing the right thing.
This applies directly to my actions at work. Do I want to show up others, or let their insults roll off my back? My knowledge is significantly superior compared to my attacker. My resulting actions based on that knowledge ... are probably meaningless if not mean-spirited. Actions based on love - of non-action that therefore leaves room for grace - is the right thing to do.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for your direct word and guidance today. Amen.
Tuesday, March 21, 2017
Our Lord the Consultant
Scripture: The Israelites sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the Lord. Then Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the assembly ratified it by oath. Joshua 9:14-15
Observation: While all other citystate kings will come out to fight Israel, the Gibeonites seek a peace treaty by deception, and Israel agrees to it. The problem is not that they made a peace treaty, as they could still destroy the gods of Gibeon. The problem is that they took action without consulting God about the situation. As a result, the fell victim to a ruse. Once confronted with their error, Joshua is left with a difficult situation ... either fail to carry out God's original orders about purging the other nations from the land, or break an oath he made in the name of God. He chooses not to break the oath.
Application: In every difficult or confusing situation, the proper action is to consult God. This is the place I sometimes succeed, and sometimes fail. What I know - for I have seen it over and over - is that when I consult God my next steps almost always work out. That is not to say I receive instructions, but that God engages in the situation as organizer and orchestrator. He may not guide my steps, but he makes straight the path.
So ... why would I ever fail to consult God? Just like Joshua, I do fail from time to time, and never to my benefit or advancement. And just like Joshua, it is totally unclear as to why I overlook that step in the decision process. For Joshua, he has been advancing with direct guidance and clear word from God, and in this matter something clearly does not seem right. Yet he exercises personal judgment, evaluates the situation, and acts without God's input.
This is the key for me - when I believe I have the information I need to make a personal judgment. Sometimes that information is a collection of data or financial information. Sometimes it is as flimsy as the word of a single individual. I take that input, apply my earthly wisdom, and take action. Instead of that, what I need to do is pray - ask God for guidance, clarity, and to know his will, with his support in the outcome - then take action.
I will keep this in mind more and more as I navigate this challenging time here at work.
Prayer: Lord, I thank you for your guidance and assistance in all things yesterday. May I keep you in the forefront of my actions and decisions today and every day. Show me your will in all matters, including those of the mind as well as those of the heart and soul. May I follow your will, as you aid me in aligning my actions to your ways at all time. Amen.
Observation: While all other citystate kings will come out to fight Israel, the Gibeonites seek a peace treaty by deception, and Israel agrees to it. The problem is not that they made a peace treaty, as they could still destroy the gods of Gibeon. The problem is that they took action without consulting God about the situation. As a result, the fell victim to a ruse. Once confronted with their error, Joshua is left with a difficult situation ... either fail to carry out God's original orders about purging the other nations from the land, or break an oath he made in the name of God. He chooses not to break the oath.
Application: In every difficult or confusing situation, the proper action is to consult God. This is the place I sometimes succeed, and sometimes fail. What I know - for I have seen it over and over - is that when I consult God my next steps almost always work out. That is not to say I receive instructions, but that God engages in the situation as organizer and orchestrator. He may not guide my steps, but he makes straight the path.
So ... why would I ever fail to consult God? Just like Joshua, I do fail from time to time, and never to my benefit or advancement. And just like Joshua, it is totally unclear as to why I overlook that step in the decision process. For Joshua, he has been advancing with direct guidance and clear word from God, and in this matter something clearly does not seem right. Yet he exercises personal judgment, evaluates the situation, and acts without God's input.
This is the key for me - when I believe I have the information I need to make a personal judgment. Sometimes that information is a collection of data or financial information. Sometimes it is as flimsy as the word of a single individual. I take that input, apply my earthly wisdom, and take action. Instead of that, what I need to do is pray - ask God for guidance, clarity, and to know his will, with his support in the outcome - then take action.
I will keep this in mind more and more as I navigate this challenging time here at work.
Prayer: Lord, I thank you for your guidance and assistance in all things yesterday. May I keep you in the forefront of my actions and decisions today and every day. Show me your will in all matters, including those of the mind as well as those of the heart and soul. May I follow your will, as you aid me in aligning my actions to your ways at all time. Amen.
Monday, March 20, 2017
Thursday, March 16, 2017
The Strengthening Word of Prophesy
Scripture:
I waited patiently for the Lord,
and He turned to me, and heard my cry.
He also brought me up out of a horrible pit,
out of the miry clay,
and set my feet on a rock,
and established my steps.
He has put a new song in my mouth,
even praise to our God;
many will see it, and fear,
and will trust in the Lord
...
Sacrifice and offering You did not desire;
You have opened up my ears to listen.
Burnt offering and sin offering
You have not required.
Then I said, "Behold, I have come;
in the scroll of the book it is written of me,
I delight to do Your will, O my God;
Your law is within my inward parts."
Psalm 40:1-3,6-8
Observation: This is a psalm explicitly about the Messiah. It is the Messiah - Jesus - who was brought out of the pit of death, had himself established by God as the rock and foundation of the world, pronounced a new message, became the embodiment of ritual sacrifice, pronounced his coming directly from the scriptures themselves, and in whom many now trust in the Lord.
Application: Last week I was part of a group discussion about reading the Bible. I remain perplexed by people who doubt the authenticity of the Bible when it is so clearly prophetic. Perhaps it is because of a symbiotic relationship between what the book says, and what occurred historically ... and the ability to question either. Even this psalm might not be a messianic prediction - it might be a prayer of thanks by any author who felt supported after a period of oppression. And certainly if you don't believe Jesus existed - and thus didn't defeated death nor read of his own mission from the book of Isaiah - then this cannot predict something that never occurred.
As for me, I LOVE discovering passages like this one! Fulfilled prophesy does for me exactly what God wanted it to do ... it encourages and strengthens my thoughts, faith, and hope. As I prepare for a VERY hard day ahead, this alone gives me all the strength I need, remembering that this life is fleeting, but God's love is eternal. God's love, and the grace resulting from Jesus Christ, is the new song, and I praise and trust in the Lord.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for renewed strength today! You knew I needed it before I could ask, and in your love provided it. Thank you again I say!! You are my Lord, my God, my hope, my father. Amen.
I waited patiently for the Lord,
and He turned to me, and heard my cry.
He also brought me up out of a horrible pit,
out of the miry clay,
and set my feet on a rock,
and established my steps.
He has put a new song in my mouth,
even praise to our God;
many will see it, and fear,
and will trust in the Lord
...
Sacrifice and offering You did not desire;
You have opened up my ears to listen.
Burnt offering and sin offering
You have not required.
Then I said, "Behold, I have come;
in the scroll of the book it is written of me,
I delight to do Your will, O my God;
Your law is within my inward parts."
Psalm 40:1-3,6-8
Observation: This is a psalm explicitly about the Messiah. It is the Messiah - Jesus - who was brought out of the pit of death, had himself established by God as the rock and foundation of the world, pronounced a new message, became the embodiment of ritual sacrifice, pronounced his coming directly from the scriptures themselves, and in whom many now trust in the Lord.
Application: Last week I was part of a group discussion about reading the Bible. I remain perplexed by people who doubt the authenticity of the Bible when it is so clearly prophetic. Perhaps it is because of a symbiotic relationship between what the book says, and what occurred historically ... and the ability to question either. Even this psalm might not be a messianic prediction - it might be a prayer of thanks by any author who felt supported after a period of oppression. And certainly if you don't believe Jesus existed - and thus didn't defeated death nor read of his own mission from the book of Isaiah - then this cannot predict something that never occurred.
As for me, I LOVE discovering passages like this one! Fulfilled prophesy does for me exactly what God wanted it to do ... it encourages and strengthens my thoughts, faith, and hope. As I prepare for a VERY hard day ahead, this alone gives me all the strength I need, remembering that this life is fleeting, but God's love is eternal. God's love, and the grace resulting from Jesus Christ, is the new song, and I praise and trust in the Lord.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for renewed strength today! You knew I needed it before I could ask, and in your love provided it. Thank you again I say!! You are my Lord, my God, my hope, my father. Amen.
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
People Free to be Cursed
Scripture: However, if you do not obey the Lord your God and do not carefully follow all his commands and decrees I am giving you today, all these curses will come on you and overtake you ... Deuteronomy 28:15
Observation: What follows this sentence is ... horrific. It starts with the simple reversal of blessings. God's favor will be removed, and life will be hard. However, then the land will be barren, families will struggle, diseases and plagues will come, manual work will not be productive, cattle and resources will be stolen, spouses and children will die, and enemies will successfully attack. The final images - which can be summarized as desperate cannibalism - are truly hard to even read. These are the curses God called upon Israel if they were to abandon him as Lord.
It all comes to pass.
This of course means these are not contingent curses, but the judgment against the future actions that God already knows.
Application: It is passages like this that I struggle with understanding free will. Israel had free will, but God knew what they as a nation would eventually do. Therefore, his curses are a future judgment. Likewise, God knows the judgment of hell, and has provided us with a means for eternal salvation through faith in Jesus as the alternative to hell. But even now, he knows what every person will choose.
Israel had free will, and chose their path. Within the context of Israel, every individual also had free will, and many chose not to follow the path of Israel but rather to remain faithful to God. This may or may not have improved their situation in the short term, but I believe and trust that it improved their long-term outcome when it comes to living a life with God.
As many in our time follow their own free will, I too will follow my free will ... that of following Jesus, obeying his commands, improving in that obedience daily, and pursuing a new, tender, loving heart that reflects God's love. I doubt that will improve my situation in the short term, but I believe and trust that it will dramatically improve my long-term outcome when it comes to eternal life with God.
Prayer: Abba, my dad in heaven, you name is precious to me. May your kingdom abide on earth as your ways are lived out and obeyed by your believers here on earth. Please provide for me today, and help me to live a life of love and grace as I walk in the shadow of your amazing blessing and love. Take my hand and help me to avoid sin. You are great and awesome, and I do seek justice and mercy this day. Amen.
Observation: What follows this sentence is ... horrific. It starts with the simple reversal of blessings. God's favor will be removed, and life will be hard. However, then the land will be barren, families will struggle, diseases and plagues will come, manual work will not be productive, cattle and resources will be stolen, spouses and children will die, and enemies will successfully attack. The final images - which can be summarized as desperate cannibalism - are truly hard to even read. These are the curses God called upon Israel if they were to abandon him as Lord.
It all comes to pass.
This of course means these are not contingent curses, but the judgment against the future actions that God already knows.
Application: It is passages like this that I struggle with understanding free will. Israel had free will, but God knew what they as a nation would eventually do. Therefore, his curses are a future judgment. Likewise, God knows the judgment of hell, and has provided us with a means for eternal salvation through faith in Jesus as the alternative to hell. But even now, he knows what every person will choose.
Israel had free will, and chose their path. Within the context of Israel, every individual also had free will, and many chose not to follow the path of Israel but rather to remain faithful to God. This may or may not have improved their situation in the short term, but I believe and trust that it improved their long-term outcome when it comes to living a life with God.
As many in our time follow their own free will, I too will follow my free will ... that of following Jesus, obeying his commands, improving in that obedience daily, and pursuing a new, tender, loving heart that reflects God's love. I doubt that will improve my situation in the short term, but I believe and trust that it will dramatically improve my long-term outcome when it comes to eternal life with God.
Prayer: Abba, my dad in heaven, you name is precious to me. May your kingdom abide on earth as your ways are lived out and obeyed by your believers here on earth. Please provide for me today, and help me to live a life of love and grace as I walk in the shadow of your amazing blessing and love. Take my hand and help me to avoid sin. You are great and awesome, and I do seek justice and mercy this day. Amen.
Monday, March 13, 2017
The Weak Old Ways
Scripture: Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. But now that you know God - or rather are known by God - how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again? Galatians 4:8-9
Observation: As Paul instructs the church, he mixes his metaphors. He starts by indicating that, as non-believers, people were slaves to those who are not gods. However, if they return to their old ways, they are returning to become slaves to forces (or principles). Paul mixes the idea of being slaves to other people, with returning to ideals. However, this is clearly intentional in describing how the church members in Galatia are being weakened in their faith. The weakening is coming from other people seducing them with their "old ways" of life.
Church members were slaves to the enticements of worldly pleasure as represented by other people. Now they are being seduced back into those behaviors by those same people.
What are the behaviors in question? Based on other passages, at least they are partially the old testament laws, which Paul has argued are not required for salvation by faith for gentiles. However, in this chapter Paul is silent about the "weak and miserable forces" because, frankly, it doesn't matter what they are.
Application: Paul's universal message has always been clear ... salvation is a free gift from God provided by faith in Jesus alone, and once redeemed a believer is a new creation with a new mission, which is belief, faith, and devotion to Jesus Christ through oneness with the Holy Spirit. Regardless of the "old ways" of a person - from obedience with old testament purity laws, to pagan worship, to ambivalence, to sexual immorality, and everything in between - the "new way" is to love one another and obey the teaching of Jesus.
My "old ways" are found in daydreams of fantasy life that remove me from reality. Whether it's living as a medieval knight, or a soccer star, these thoughts take me away from the real world where real people deserve my time. I need to focus my attention on being a follower of Jesus right here, right now, in service to the people around me every day. Everything else is a "weak force" with no value.
Prayer: Lord, please guide me this week in service to you, and by my service to others. May I serve your people, your beloved people that you created in your own image for your purposes here on your earth, as you would have me do. In the name of Jesus I pray, amen.
Observation: As Paul instructs the church, he mixes his metaphors. He starts by indicating that, as non-believers, people were slaves to those who are not gods. However, if they return to their old ways, they are returning to become slaves to forces (or principles). Paul mixes the idea of being slaves to other people, with returning to ideals. However, this is clearly intentional in describing how the church members in Galatia are being weakened in their faith. The weakening is coming from other people seducing them with their "old ways" of life.
Church members were slaves to the enticements of worldly pleasure as represented by other people. Now they are being seduced back into those behaviors by those same people.
What are the behaviors in question? Based on other passages, at least they are partially the old testament laws, which Paul has argued are not required for salvation by faith for gentiles. However, in this chapter Paul is silent about the "weak and miserable forces" because, frankly, it doesn't matter what they are.
Application: Paul's universal message has always been clear ... salvation is a free gift from God provided by faith in Jesus alone, and once redeemed a believer is a new creation with a new mission, which is belief, faith, and devotion to Jesus Christ through oneness with the Holy Spirit. Regardless of the "old ways" of a person - from obedience with old testament purity laws, to pagan worship, to ambivalence, to sexual immorality, and everything in between - the "new way" is to love one another and obey the teaching of Jesus.
My "old ways" are found in daydreams of fantasy life that remove me from reality. Whether it's living as a medieval knight, or a soccer star, these thoughts take me away from the real world where real people deserve my time. I need to focus my attention on being a follower of Jesus right here, right now, in service to the people around me every day. Everything else is a "weak force" with no value.
Prayer: Lord, please guide me this week in service to you, and by my service to others. May I serve your people, your beloved people that you created in your own image for your purposes here on your earth, as you would have me do. In the name of Jesus I pray, amen.
Friday, March 10, 2017
A Poor Man's Contradiction
Scripture: However, there will be no poor among you, for the Lord will greatly bless you in the land which the Lord your God has given you for an inheritance to possess, if only you carefully obey the voice of the Lord your God, by carefully observing all these commandments which I command you today. For the Lord your God will bless you, just as He promised you, and you will lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow. You will reign over many nations, but they will not reign over you. If there be among you a poor man, one of your brothers within any of your gates in your land which the Lord your God has given you, you must not harden your heart or shut your hand from your poor brother. But you shall open your hand wide to him and must surely lend him what is sufficient for his need, in that which he lacks. Deuteronomy 15:4-8
Observation: In his instructions about the sabbatical year every seven years, God states an apparent contradiction. He says "there will be no poor among you," and two sentences later says, "If there be among you a poor man". Why give instructions about how to support the poor immediately after stating there will not be any poor? There are two possible explanations for this:
1) The statement there would be no poor was contingent on obedience - "if only you carefully obey the voice of the Lord your God" - and God knew they would fail. Thus, he needed further instructions.
2) God's instructions were always about caring for the poor, and stating there would be no poor would have been more accurately worded as "if you follow my instructions about how to care for the poor, then they won't be poor for long."
Under either concept, the message from God is clear: God is going to bless Israel, and therefore as individuals and as a nation they will not be poor; if one individual goes through a tough time, others will have plenty enough to uplift them for a season.
Application: We were just talking about a related topic last weekend ... the obligation of caring for the poor, balanced with the determination of how best to aid the poor. In these instructions from God, there are a couple points to inform modern conversations. First, aid is given in the form of a loan. That implies conversation, obligation, and intent on the part of the recipient to recover from their situation. Second, loans are periodically forgiven. That implies that, as the giver, you might not get paid back from time to time, and that's okay.
I am hesitant about how to apply this to our lives today. We see the poor and homeless, and it is so dangerous to judge which are those who would seek to repay society by recovering, and which are making a choice to exit society through addiction of their choosing.
Prayer: Lord, I don't know what more to say about this, so I seek your guidance. You know my heart, and you know of our conversations. You know I have said it is best to care for the poor through trusted institutions than to hand money direct so that there can be a vetting process. This may align to this concept of a 'loan'. However, you are also clear about the generosity of the rich in caring for the poor, and clear about judgment. It is difficult to discern your direction in this matter. I ask for guidance. Please show us, my family and my region and my nation, how to best care for the least of those among us in a way that aids, uplifts, supports, recovers, and returns them to prosperity. And may all this be done in a manner that uplifts your holy name, and the name of Jesus. Amen.
Observation: In his instructions about the sabbatical year every seven years, God states an apparent contradiction. He says "there will be no poor among you," and two sentences later says, "If there be among you a poor man". Why give instructions about how to support the poor immediately after stating there will not be any poor? There are two possible explanations for this:
1) The statement there would be no poor was contingent on obedience - "if only you carefully obey the voice of the Lord your God" - and God knew they would fail. Thus, he needed further instructions.
2) God's instructions were always about caring for the poor, and stating there would be no poor would have been more accurately worded as "if you follow my instructions about how to care for the poor, then they won't be poor for long."
Under either concept, the message from God is clear: God is going to bless Israel, and therefore as individuals and as a nation they will not be poor; if one individual goes through a tough time, others will have plenty enough to uplift them for a season.
Application: We were just talking about a related topic last weekend ... the obligation of caring for the poor, balanced with the determination of how best to aid the poor. In these instructions from God, there are a couple points to inform modern conversations. First, aid is given in the form of a loan. That implies conversation, obligation, and intent on the part of the recipient to recover from their situation. Second, loans are periodically forgiven. That implies that, as the giver, you might not get paid back from time to time, and that's okay.
I am hesitant about how to apply this to our lives today. We see the poor and homeless, and it is so dangerous to judge which are those who would seek to repay society by recovering, and which are making a choice to exit society through addiction of their choosing.
Prayer: Lord, I don't know what more to say about this, so I seek your guidance. You know my heart, and you know of our conversations. You know I have said it is best to care for the poor through trusted institutions than to hand money direct so that there can be a vetting process. This may align to this concept of a 'loan'. However, you are also clear about the generosity of the rich in caring for the poor, and clear about judgment. It is difficult to discern your direction in this matter. I ask for guidance. Please show us, my family and my region and my nation, how to best care for the least of those among us in a way that aids, uplifts, supports, recovers, and returns them to prosperity. And may all this be done in a manner that uplifts your holy name, and the name of Jesus. Amen.
Wednesday, March 8, 2017
Holy War, Defined
Scripture: And when the Lord your God delivers them before you and you strike them down, then you must utterly destroy them. You shall make no covenant with them nor show mercy to them. What is more, you shall not intermarry with them. You shall not give your daughters to their sons or take their daughters for your sons. For they will turn your sons away from following Me to serve other gods. Then the anger of the Lord will be inflamed against you, and He will quickly destroy you. But this is how you shall deal with them: You shall destroy their altars and break down their images and cut down their Asherim and burn their graven images with fire. For you are a holy people to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you to be His special people, treasured above all peoples who are on the face of the earth. Deuteronomy 7:2-6
Observation: There has always been confusion about God ordering the death by war of multiple nations. This passage is key to understanding the instructions.
First is a clear contradiction that shows God is not ordering killing. God orders Israel to "utterly destroy" the other nations, then immediately follows that with instructions not to intermarry with them. You cannot marry dead people. Therefore, "utterly destroy" cannot mean "kill" ... but what does it mean?
That is answered in verse 5. Israel shall "destroy their alters" and "break down their images" and "cut down their Asherim" and "burn their graven images". In other words ... they shall "utterly destroy" their gods, their worship, and their faith system. Israel will kill the false gods.
Application: My God - Yahwah, the creator of the universe, father of Jesus, God of Israel - is a loving God who cares for all people. However, he hates sin. Therefore, it becomes clear that sending Israel to "conquer" seven other people-groups is not a bloody attack intended to kill people. It is a holy war intended to obliterate idol worship.
Today, God will not orchestrate the killing of people-groups even to defend believers. Instead, we are to stand against and opposed to idol worship. What would that look like in a non-invading-nation kind of scenario? It would probably look like simply getting people to look toward Jesus.
Prayer: Lord, I am opposed to the Hindu temple in Bothell, but I know that the proper response to it is not violent action against a building, a statue, or people who bow to it. The proper response is communication about Jesus, the son of you, the one true God and creator, and about eternal salvation through faith in Jesus. Please continue to aid our calling in this. Amen.
Observation: There has always been confusion about God ordering the death by war of multiple nations. This passage is key to understanding the instructions.
First is a clear contradiction that shows God is not ordering killing. God orders Israel to "utterly destroy" the other nations, then immediately follows that with instructions not to intermarry with them. You cannot marry dead people. Therefore, "utterly destroy" cannot mean "kill" ... but what does it mean?
That is answered in verse 5. Israel shall "destroy their alters" and "break down their images" and "cut down their Asherim" and "burn their graven images". In other words ... they shall "utterly destroy" their gods, their worship, and their faith system. Israel will kill the false gods.
Application: My God - Yahwah, the creator of the universe, father of Jesus, God of Israel - is a loving God who cares for all people. However, he hates sin. Therefore, it becomes clear that sending Israel to "conquer" seven other people-groups is not a bloody attack intended to kill people. It is a holy war intended to obliterate idol worship.
Today, God will not orchestrate the killing of people-groups even to defend believers. Instead, we are to stand against and opposed to idol worship. What would that look like in a non-invading-nation kind of scenario? It would probably look like simply getting people to look toward Jesus.
Prayer: Lord, I am opposed to the Hindu temple in Bothell, but I know that the proper response to it is not violent action against a building, a statue, or people who bow to it. The proper response is communication about Jesus, the son of you, the one true God and creator, and about eternal salvation through faith in Jesus. Please continue to aid our calling in this. Amen.
Tuesday, March 7, 2017
Owning the Covenant
Scripture: The Lord heard the sound of your words when you spoke to me, and the Lord said to me, "I have heard the sound of the words of this people which they have spoken to you. They have done well in all that they have spoken. O that there were such a heart in them that they would fear Me and always keep all My commandments, that it might be well with them and with their children forever!" Deuteronomy 5:28-29
Observation: As Moses recollects the delivery of the ten commandments, the memory includes the great fear and honor the Jews held for God, and God's joy in seeing that honor. Of course he knows what will come, for he immediately laments that they will not always retrain this honor and thus keep the commandments. God knows the Jews, as he knows the heart of mankind. We will all fail.
Yet the very next thing that happens is that ... God proceeds with giving Moses all of his commands and teachings. He dismisses Israel, and calls Moses to join him on the mountain where he can teach him all the laws. Back in Exodus, while that is happening the Jews immediate violate the second commandment they JUST heard from God's own words and build a golden calf. So we see that ... God is pleased with our worship and honor, he knows we will not continue in his ways and will violate his teachings, yet he still provides us with those teachings and with his love.
Application: I cannot imagine the number of times I have broken God's heart, only to have him forgive me and guide me, knowing full well that I will absolutely break his heart again. I can't imagine why he puts up with me. Surely there are others more worthy of his love, and surely I have long proven that I am unworthy of his patience.
This is the true miracle of salvation through Jesus ... that an all-powerful God - creator of the universe - even cares about me when I have done nothing but failed him almost continually, and at least daily. He can very easily do without me in his life, and yet he pursues me, forgives me, and sacrificed his son to create a way for me.
I need to start responding better. I need to "own" the presence of God, as Moses told Israel that this memory did not make the covenant "with your fathers" but with them. They were to own it. And God made the new covenant with me. It is time I upheld my end of the bargain.
Prayer: Lord, my God, my master, my redeemer, my father. I own the covenant promise of your grace and salvation. I will seek to uphold your laws, your teachings, and your ways. I will love others as you have loved me. When I fail, I will seek correction and new strength. I am a changed man, different than I once was. Please continue to work on the new heart within me. Amen.
Observation: As Moses recollects the delivery of the ten commandments, the memory includes the great fear and honor the Jews held for God, and God's joy in seeing that honor. Of course he knows what will come, for he immediately laments that they will not always retrain this honor and thus keep the commandments. God knows the Jews, as he knows the heart of mankind. We will all fail.
Yet the very next thing that happens is that ... God proceeds with giving Moses all of his commands and teachings. He dismisses Israel, and calls Moses to join him on the mountain where he can teach him all the laws. Back in Exodus, while that is happening the Jews immediate violate the second commandment they JUST heard from God's own words and build a golden calf. So we see that ... God is pleased with our worship and honor, he knows we will not continue in his ways and will violate his teachings, yet he still provides us with those teachings and with his love.
Application: I cannot imagine the number of times I have broken God's heart, only to have him forgive me and guide me, knowing full well that I will absolutely break his heart again. I can't imagine why he puts up with me. Surely there are others more worthy of his love, and surely I have long proven that I am unworthy of his patience.
This is the true miracle of salvation through Jesus ... that an all-powerful God - creator of the universe - even cares about me when I have done nothing but failed him almost continually, and at least daily. He can very easily do without me in his life, and yet he pursues me, forgives me, and sacrificed his son to create a way for me.
I need to start responding better. I need to "own" the presence of God, as Moses told Israel that this memory did not make the covenant "with your fathers" but with them. They were to own it. And God made the new covenant with me. It is time I upheld my end of the bargain.
Prayer: Lord, my God, my master, my redeemer, my father. I own the covenant promise of your grace and salvation. I will seek to uphold your laws, your teachings, and your ways. I will love others as you have loved me. When I fail, I will seek correction and new strength. I am a changed man, different than I once was. Please continue to work on the new heart within me. Amen.
Monday, March 6, 2017
I Will Lift My Voice
Scripture:
Your mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens,
and Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.
Your righteousness is like the great mountains,
Your judgments like the great deep;
O Lord, You preserve man and beast.
How excellent is Your lovingkindness, O God!
Therefore mankind
seeks refuge in the shadow of Your wings
Psalms 36:5-7
Today ... instead of thinking deep and critically on Moses' final words, or Jesus' lessons about the destruction of Jerusalem and the end times ... let's just sing a psalm.
Your mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens,
and Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.
Your righteousness is like the great mountains,
Your judgments like the great deep;
O Lord, You preserve man and beast.
How excellent is Your lovingkindness, O God!
Therefore mankind
seeks refuge in the shadow of Your wings
Psalms 36:5-7
Today ... instead of thinking deep and critically on Moses' final words, or Jesus' lessons about the destruction of Jerusalem and the end times ... let's just sing a psalm.
Friday, March 3, 2017
A Matter of Trust
Scripture: Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, "How hard it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!" The disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again, "Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." Mark 10:23-25
Observation: In explaining about what appears to be a warning against being rich, Jesus makes an important clarification that often goes unobserved. Jesus is not saying that wealth prevents access to God or forgiveness or eternal life. Jesus is not just focusing on an impossible metaphor like a camel passing through a needle. And Jesus is not being critical of rich people.
Jesus is saying this: To enter the kingdom of God, one must trust in God. Those who trust in their own means and thus themselves, are daily exhibiting a lack of faith by that misplaced trust.
Riches is only one form of self-sufficiency. In the case of this young man, there is an implication that, since he is young, his riches are an inheritance. Therefore, he trusts that that money is what protects him from any unplanned event or contingency. If anything goes wrong, he has money to fall back on. That includes ... if following Jesus doesn't work out as he hopes, he can always return to his money and be perfectly okay.
So to paraphrase Jesus' instruction to the young man, he is saying, "To receive eternal life, you must trust in me as your safety net. Get rid of your wealth, and then you will be dependent on only your faith in God and Messiah. And that is the way to eternal life."
Application: What are the worldly things I "trust" as my safety net? I know one thing for certain - I do not trust any part of my eternal life to anything other than God. However, it is true that I consider my wealth - my retirement funds, my savings, my home, and my ability to earn money - to provide for me as I grow old. I fully and completely acknowledge that ALL those things are given to me by God's grace ... that he has blessed me beyond what I deserve, and that my circumstances are by his hand and grace, and not of my own actions. I must not boast about myself, as I have achieved nothing.
I believe Jesus is my trust. My faith is in him as my Lord and savior, and in God as my loving father whose mercy and judgment is upon me. I might have ideas about the next 35 years of my life, but I trust God for those 35 years, and for the 10,000 more - and all eternity - to come.
Prayer: Abba, my dad in heaven, you are my provider. You have formed me, loved me, nurtured me, guided me, saved me, helped me, uplifted me, recovered me, restored me, and blessed me. All I have is yours, even to my own body. I place it all in your hands. You are my only safety net, and in you I happily trust knowing how secure I am in your hands. Amen, and amen.
Observation: In explaining about what appears to be a warning against being rich, Jesus makes an important clarification that often goes unobserved. Jesus is not saying that wealth prevents access to God or forgiveness or eternal life. Jesus is not just focusing on an impossible metaphor like a camel passing through a needle. And Jesus is not being critical of rich people.
Jesus is saying this: To enter the kingdom of God, one must trust in God. Those who trust in their own means and thus themselves, are daily exhibiting a lack of faith by that misplaced trust.
Riches is only one form of self-sufficiency. In the case of this young man, there is an implication that, since he is young, his riches are an inheritance. Therefore, he trusts that that money is what protects him from any unplanned event or contingency. If anything goes wrong, he has money to fall back on. That includes ... if following Jesus doesn't work out as he hopes, he can always return to his money and be perfectly okay.
So to paraphrase Jesus' instruction to the young man, he is saying, "To receive eternal life, you must trust in me as your safety net. Get rid of your wealth, and then you will be dependent on only your faith in God and Messiah. And that is the way to eternal life."
Application: What are the worldly things I "trust" as my safety net? I know one thing for certain - I do not trust any part of my eternal life to anything other than God. However, it is true that I consider my wealth - my retirement funds, my savings, my home, and my ability to earn money - to provide for me as I grow old. I fully and completely acknowledge that ALL those things are given to me by God's grace ... that he has blessed me beyond what I deserve, and that my circumstances are by his hand and grace, and not of my own actions. I must not boast about myself, as I have achieved nothing.
I believe Jesus is my trust. My faith is in him as my Lord and savior, and in God as my loving father whose mercy and judgment is upon me. I might have ideas about the next 35 years of my life, but I trust God for those 35 years, and for the 10,000 more - and all eternity - to come.
Prayer: Abba, my dad in heaven, you are my provider. You have formed me, loved me, nurtured me, guided me, saved me, helped me, uplifted me, recovered me, restored me, and blessed me. All I have is yours, even to my own body. I place it all in your hands. You are my only safety net, and in you I happily trust knowing how secure I am in your hands. Amen, and amen.
Thursday, March 2, 2017
Meting God's Judgment
Scripture: And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, "Avenge the children of Israel on the Midianites. Afterward you will be gathered to your people." Numbers 31:1-2
Observation: Before being released to the promised land, Israel will fight and kill the Midianites. God says this is an act to "avenge" Israel. A question is ... for what does Israel need vengeance again Midian? The answer is in Moses' response to capturing of the female survivors of the war. This action relates to how the Midianites seduced Israel into Baal worship. For this, Israel was punished with several deaths, and only now we see God's punishment for the Midianites.
Application: In the last few days, I have been reading and hearing more about God's patience. That patience surely applied to Israel's lack of covenant faithfulness, and it applies to all of us today, and it personally applies to me and my sin-filled life. However, we should never mistake patience for a lack of judgment from God. God may not smite people real-time, but he does judge after people have processed and proven their decision to not repent.
In the case of the Midianites, he killed all their men as a direct response to their worship of other gods. He did this after first punishing Israel in their presence, then waiting to see if Midian would respond. Midian responded with opposition, not repentance, and were thus punished.
Thank goodness God does not immediately smite us for our failures ... I would have died a LONG time ago!! It is also wonderful that God accepts our repentance, forgives our sins, and provided Jesus for our salvation! However, what happens if I do not turn away from a sin? I will, clearly, be punished some day. So of what do I need to turn away from? Again the answer is clear ... all sin that I persist in without a change in my behavior despite my words to the contrary.
I was reminded this weekend that this changed heart needs to begin with the fruits of the Holy Spirit. I need to pursue patience, kindness, peace, and self control first. With these characters embedded, my heart will be changed in other ways. However, these characteristics - especially patience - I find SO difficult to obtain. Impatience strikes me early and often every day, maybe even continually. I need a concerted effort, supported by the Holy Spirit, to obtain this change in my life. This is my focus and drive today and over the next several weeks.
Prayer: Lord, I pray and ask for your Spirit's assistance in obtaining a peaceful balance in my life. May I please become a man of patience. I desire this as a path toward changing my heard and truly becoming a changed person that receives your grace, not your righteous and rightful judgment. I cannot make this change alone. I ask that you aid me in this pursuit. Give me a new heart. Please give me your Spirit as a counselor and guide toward patience, peace, and love. Amen.
Observation: Before being released to the promised land, Israel will fight and kill the Midianites. God says this is an act to "avenge" Israel. A question is ... for what does Israel need vengeance again Midian? The answer is in Moses' response to capturing of the female survivors of the war. This action relates to how the Midianites seduced Israel into Baal worship. For this, Israel was punished with several deaths, and only now we see God's punishment for the Midianites.
Application: In the last few days, I have been reading and hearing more about God's patience. That patience surely applied to Israel's lack of covenant faithfulness, and it applies to all of us today, and it personally applies to me and my sin-filled life. However, we should never mistake patience for a lack of judgment from God. God may not smite people real-time, but he does judge after people have processed and proven their decision to not repent.
In the case of the Midianites, he killed all their men as a direct response to their worship of other gods. He did this after first punishing Israel in their presence, then waiting to see if Midian would respond. Midian responded with opposition, not repentance, and were thus punished.
Thank goodness God does not immediately smite us for our failures ... I would have died a LONG time ago!! It is also wonderful that God accepts our repentance, forgives our sins, and provided Jesus for our salvation! However, what happens if I do not turn away from a sin? I will, clearly, be punished some day. So of what do I need to turn away from? Again the answer is clear ... all sin that I persist in without a change in my behavior despite my words to the contrary.
I was reminded this weekend that this changed heart needs to begin with the fruits of the Holy Spirit. I need to pursue patience, kindness, peace, and self control first. With these characters embedded, my heart will be changed in other ways. However, these characteristics - especially patience - I find SO difficult to obtain. Impatience strikes me early and often every day, maybe even continually. I need a concerted effort, supported by the Holy Spirit, to obtain this change in my life. This is my focus and drive today and over the next several weeks.
Prayer: Lord, I pray and ask for your Spirit's assistance in obtaining a peaceful balance in my life. May I please become a man of patience. I desire this as a path toward changing my heard and truly becoming a changed person that receives your grace, not your righteous and rightful judgment. I cannot make this change alone. I ask that you aid me in this pursuit. Give me a new heart. Please give me your Spirit as a counselor and guide toward patience, peace, and love. Amen.
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