Scripture: When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to Him, “They have no wine.” Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.” John 2:3-5
Observation: In this strange exchange, it almost appears Jesus and Mary are having two different conversations, not listening to each other. Mary seemingly 'hints' that Jesus should do something about the lack of wine, Jesus clearly says 'no', and Mary obviously ignores that and initiates the work of others to assist in whatever way Jesus says. It is as if May has decided Jesus is going to take care of this situation - which, by the way, was a rather trivial issue in the first place - even if Jesus says 'no'.
Mary is the only person who truly knows Jesus is Messiah, the son of God, God incarnate. Therefore, it can be summarized that Mary is ordering God to take care of a minor issue in her life ... her friends may be embarrassed because they ran out of wine at their wedding. She refuses to allow God to be passive or non-committal. God (Jesus) did NOT say "no", he only implied that this issue did not involve himself, and Mary simply refuses that non-response and proceeds with the assumption that God will assist.
Application: When God gives us a 'passive' response to prayer, how do we proceed? Are we more likely to respond with hesitation, doubt, and withdrawal of our request, or are we more likely to double down and believe that an unclear answer means God is testing our resolve before agreeing?
Mary did the latter. I think I am more likely to do the former. At the very least, I am prone to accept God's "timing" and maybe think something will happen later. Even Jesus' argument was about timing! However, Mary provides a different model for me to consider. In her model, the lack of a "no" isn't a conundrum, it is instead an opportunity for personal faith to influence an earthly situation and aid in another person's life. Asking God for something, and him cocking his head sideways and effectively saying, "Really? Now?" is a chance for us to be more bold and truly engage God in showing mercy, love, and grace to another person, and changing their lives.
Mary's confidence ultimately solidified the faith of those first disciples, and initiated the process for the belief of others. It is a model to study.
Prayer: Lord, in this spirit, I ask that you give Garrett complete success today. We both understand certain doors are closed to him, but today is the day for resolving the other opportunities and providing him with a new path. Yes, today. I ask that his path not only be laid out and made plain, but initiated. May he have resolution of purpose, peace in his heart, and clarity in his mind, following the full measure of faith we all have in you and your love. Amen.
Monday, July 31, 2017
Friday, July 28, 2017
God Gave the Witness
Scripture:
Incline your ear, and come to Me.
Listen, so that your soul may live,
and I will make an everlasting covenant with you,
even the sure mercies of David.
See, I have given him as a witness to the people,
a leader and commander to the people.
Surely you shall call a nation that you do not know,
and nations that did not know you shall run to you
because of the Lord your God,
even the Holy One of Israel;
for He has glorified you.
Isaiah 55:3-5
Observation: While the first two verses of Isaiah 55 are more famous - a call to follow the Messiah and receive the bread of life instead of food and drink that does not satisfy - these next three verses dig deeper into the Messiah's mission. His words will provide an everlasting promise of life. He will lead people who are called from nations far away, and those nations will come to understand and glorify God.
Application: My faith is firm on this foundation - the Lord God almighty, maker of heaven and earth, provided his son Jesus as the Messiah and savior, so that by faith alone I may have eternal life. This is my hope, my joy, my praise, my peace, my understanding, and my belief.
I am that person from a nation they - the Israelites, or anyone else of that era - did not know. But I listened, and found Jesus, he who is God's witness, and my leader whose commands I seek to obey.
This is, again, what I must improve. I must soften my heart toward the Lord, while hardening and fixing my mind on his word. I must find a way to love those who contend against goodness, whether that is directed at me, my family, or just random things. My way should be about meditating on the word, and seeking those things above. I wish to listen - more and more - so that my soul may live.
Prayer: Lord, I continue to pray continually for my son. However, I do wish to do so constructively and in your way, discerning your will. I trust in you, by faith that will not be shaken. I will praise you in this storm. Amen.
Incline your ear, and come to Me.
Listen, so that your soul may live,
and I will make an everlasting covenant with you,
even the sure mercies of David.
See, I have given him as a witness to the people,
a leader and commander to the people.
Surely you shall call a nation that you do not know,
and nations that did not know you shall run to you
because of the Lord your God,
even the Holy One of Israel;
for He has glorified you.
Isaiah 55:3-5
Observation: While the first two verses of Isaiah 55 are more famous - a call to follow the Messiah and receive the bread of life instead of food and drink that does not satisfy - these next three verses dig deeper into the Messiah's mission. His words will provide an everlasting promise of life. He will lead people who are called from nations far away, and those nations will come to understand and glorify God.
Application: My faith is firm on this foundation - the Lord God almighty, maker of heaven and earth, provided his son Jesus as the Messiah and savior, so that by faith alone I may have eternal life. This is my hope, my joy, my praise, my peace, my understanding, and my belief.
I am that person from a nation they - the Israelites, or anyone else of that era - did not know. But I listened, and found Jesus, he who is God's witness, and my leader whose commands I seek to obey.
This is, again, what I must improve. I must soften my heart toward the Lord, while hardening and fixing my mind on his word. I must find a way to love those who contend against goodness, whether that is directed at me, my family, or just random things. My way should be about meditating on the word, and seeking those things above. I wish to listen - more and more - so that my soul may live.
Prayer: Lord, I continue to pray continually for my son. However, I do wish to do so constructively and in your way, discerning your will. I trust in you, by faith that will not be shaken. I will praise you in this storm. Amen.
Thursday, July 27, 2017
Praise in the Midst of Pain
Scripture:
It is good to give thanks to the Lord,
and to sing praises unto Your name, O Most High:
to declare forth Your lovingkindness in the morning
and Your faithfulness in the night,
on a ten-stringed lute and on the harp,
and on the lyre with a solemn sound.
Observation:
Application:
Prayer: Lord ... yes it is good to give thanks to you and to praise you ... and yes you have created amazing things ... your works are amazing, your promises awesome, and your thoughts and ways above everything. But I do not understand this thing you are doing with my son. He is a man of love, patience, peace, and goodness, now being crushed by physical ailments and personal disappointments. You never promised us a fair life, but this is unfair. My life was a wreck of misguided actions and unknown directions, but I know these issues were of my actions. I was the wandering rebel. My son is sure in you, and in his path. He is faithful, strong in faith, abiding in kindness. And his reward is a broken path, shattered hopes, and total confusion. Do you know how hard it is to praise you while you turn away from my son? Yes, I guess you do. So I will praise you, even while I weep this day for the heartbreak of a young man who is losing his dreams even while he looks to you and asks 'why'. I will contain my rage, bottle my anger, rebuke my inclinations, and will instead look to you. I know that, through my complete and total lostness, you guided me to an excellent life. I will find it in me to trust that, through my son's complete and total faith and kindness, you will guide him through this confusion and frustration and anger and disappointment. Please show us all the way, your way. Soon. Amen, and amen.
It is good to give thanks to the Lord,
and to sing praises unto Your name, O Most High:
to declare forth Your lovingkindness in the morning
and Your faithfulness in the night,
on a ten-stringed lute and on the harp,
and on the lyre with a solemn sound.
For you, O Lord, have made me glad through Your work;
I will sing joyfully at the works of Your hands.
O Lord, how great are Your works!
Your thoughts are very deep!
Psalm 92:1-5I will sing joyfully at the works of Your hands.
O Lord, how great are Your works!
Your thoughts are very deep!
Observation:
Application:
Prayer: Lord ... yes it is good to give thanks to you and to praise you ... and yes you have created amazing things ... your works are amazing, your promises awesome, and your thoughts and ways above everything. But I do not understand this thing you are doing with my son. He is a man of love, patience, peace, and goodness, now being crushed by physical ailments and personal disappointments. You never promised us a fair life, but this is unfair. My life was a wreck of misguided actions and unknown directions, but I know these issues were of my actions. I was the wandering rebel. My son is sure in you, and in his path. He is faithful, strong in faith, abiding in kindness. And his reward is a broken path, shattered hopes, and total confusion. Do you know how hard it is to praise you while you turn away from my son? Yes, I guess you do. So I will praise you, even while I weep this day for the heartbreak of a young man who is losing his dreams even while he looks to you and asks 'why'. I will contain my rage, bottle my anger, rebuke my inclinations, and will instead look to you. I know that, through my complete and total lostness, you guided me to an excellent life. I will find it in me to trust that, through my son's complete and total faith and kindness, you will guide him through this confusion and frustration and anger and disappointment. Please show us all the way, your way. Soon. Amen, and amen.
Tuesday, July 25, 2017
Give Them Up
Scripture:
Do not fear, for I am with you;
I will bring your descendants from the east,
and gather you from the west;
I will say to the north, “Give them up,”
and to the south, “Do not keep them back.
Bring My sons from afar,
and My daughters from the ends of the earth,
even everyone who is called by My name,
for I have created him for My glory;
I have formed him, and I have made him.”
Bring forth the blind people who have eyes,
and the deaf who have ears.
Let all the nations be gathered together,
and let the people be assembled.
Who among them can declare this,
and show us former things?
Let them bring their witnesses, that they may be justified;
or let them hear and say, “It is true.”
Isaiah 43:5-9
Observation: As Isaiah continued to predict the future recovery of the Israelites, he goes beyond the "they will return to the land" prophecy, and dives into "all the nations". All nations will be gathered together. This will include the blind who have eyes and the deaf who have ears ... those who do not believe in God but are open to seeing and learning. Those people - "all the nations" - will come forward. They will gather together and be assembled, and themselves will bring their witness about God. They will hear of salvation, declare "it is true", and believe.
And they will come from east, west, north, and south.
Application: We pray this often at church ... "give them up" ... facing in the cardinal directions. Isaiah is clear about this prayer - we are to say to the directions to give up the people and let them come to faith in God. I did not know that this routine of ours was biblical instruction.
When praying this, I have often prayed for specific people - many different people. I have asked for them to come to church, to events, to Alpha. I have asked that they just open their eyes, see the truth of the world we live in, and for once in their lives understand the truth. However, that lands me on the metaphor of the blind and the deaf. Isaiah has a qualification to these descriptions ... that they have eyes and ears. In other words, they are ignorant, but open to the truth. Thus, one of my prayers when I ask to "give 'em up" has often been to let people be at least open to the good news of Jesus. However, this is my fear, that they simply are not open.
I know this is their free will. God has loved them so much that he has granted them the quality and ability to choose whatever they like. This is an "image of God" quality. And so there are sons and daughters who will refused to cross the street, let alone come from afar or the ends of the earth, in order to see and hear about Jesus.
Israel was SO lost that they had people that turned sin into a calling (idol makers), so God destroyed them, going so far as formally blessing the king of Babylon has his chosen destroyer of nations. Yet he had a good plan for them. Today, I know people SO lost that they turn sin into a calling, and I pray God won't destroy them or raise up a power to destroy the nation. Yet either way, I know he has a good plan.
Prayer: This is my prayer today, or Lord, my God, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, God of David, father of Jesus, Lord of hosts, Lord the creator, God almighty, Lord my provider ... please give them up. Release all from the grip upon their hard hearts, and give them all at least a moment of softness so their eyes will see and their ears will hear. Give them another chance to witness your love, and determine again if they believe it is true. You are the God of second chances. You love, and you never give up on anyone. Please do not give up on the millions in this region, or on the many millions in this nation. Please give them up from their lost lives, misguided missions, and material dreams. Return them to you, the source of their origin, and the void they seek but cannot find. Call them once again to return from their distant places. Bring them from afar, from the ends of the earth, where their hearts have wandered. You formed them and made them. And you love them. Please give them up, for your truth and your son. Amen, and amen.
Do not fear, for I am with you;
I will bring your descendants from the east,
and gather you from the west;
I will say to the north, “Give them up,”
and to the south, “Do not keep them back.
Bring My sons from afar,
and My daughters from the ends of the earth,
even everyone who is called by My name,
for I have created him for My glory;
I have formed him, and I have made him.”
Bring forth the blind people who have eyes,
and the deaf who have ears.
Let all the nations be gathered together,
and let the people be assembled.
Who among them can declare this,
and show us former things?
Let them bring their witnesses, that they may be justified;
or let them hear and say, “It is true.”
Isaiah 43:5-9
Observation: As Isaiah continued to predict the future recovery of the Israelites, he goes beyond the "they will return to the land" prophecy, and dives into "all the nations". All nations will be gathered together. This will include the blind who have eyes and the deaf who have ears ... those who do not believe in God but are open to seeing and learning. Those people - "all the nations" - will come forward. They will gather together and be assembled, and themselves will bring their witness about God. They will hear of salvation, declare "it is true", and believe.
And they will come from east, west, north, and south.
Application: We pray this often at church ... "give them up" ... facing in the cardinal directions. Isaiah is clear about this prayer - we are to say to the directions to give up the people and let them come to faith in God. I did not know that this routine of ours was biblical instruction.
When praying this, I have often prayed for specific people - many different people. I have asked for them to come to church, to events, to Alpha. I have asked that they just open their eyes, see the truth of the world we live in, and for once in their lives understand the truth. However, that lands me on the metaphor of the blind and the deaf. Isaiah has a qualification to these descriptions ... that they have eyes and ears. In other words, they are ignorant, but open to the truth. Thus, one of my prayers when I ask to "give 'em up" has often been to let people be at least open to the good news of Jesus. However, this is my fear, that they simply are not open.
I know this is their free will. God has loved them so much that he has granted them the quality and ability to choose whatever they like. This is an "image of God" quality. And so there are sons and daughters who will refused to cross the street, let alone come from afar or the ends of the earth, in order to see and hear about Jesus.
Israel was SO lost that they had people that turned sin into a calling (idol makers), so God destroyed them, going so far as formally blessing the king of Babylon has his chosen destroyer of nations. Yet he had a good plan for them. Today, I know people SO lost that they turn sin into a calling, and I pray God won't destroy them or raise up a power to destroy the nation. Yet either way, I know he has a good plan.
Prayer: This is my prayer today, or Lord, my God, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, God of David, father of Jesus, Lord of hosts, Lord the creator, God almighty, Lord my provider ... please give them up. Release all from the grip upon their hard hearts, and give them all at least a moment of softness so their eyes will see and their ears will hear. Give them another chance to witness your love, and determine again if they believe it is true. You are the God of second chances. You love, and you never give up on anyone. Please do not give up on the millions in this region, or on the many millions in this nation. Please give them up from their lost lives, misguided missions, and material dreams. Return them to you, the source of their origin, and the void they seek but cannot find. Call them once again to return from their distant places. Bring them from afar, from the ends of the earth, where their hearts have wandered. You formed them and made them. And you love them. Please give them up, for your truth and your son. Amen, and amen.
Monday, July 24, 2017
A Prepared Heart
Scripture: But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts. Always be ready to give an answer to every man who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you, with gentleness and fear. Have a good conscience so that evildoers who speak evil of you and falsely accuse your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. 1 Peter 3:15-16
Observation: As Peter is giving instructions to the early believers about their thoughts and behavior, this collection of verses summarize a specific theme. That theme is that faith begins in our hearts, exhibited by how we treat others. Those "others" may include our spouses, other believers, non-believers, strangers, and even those who lash out and attack us.
However, if we love God - sanctify the Lord in our hearts - then we will behave rightly toward others. This behavior will carry into our words. We will be able to respond to those who challenge our faith, whether they do so through simple questioning of our hope in life, or even if the challenge us in a menacing and aggressive manner. The faith in our hearts will guide our conscious thoughts, our gentle demeanor, and prepared words.
Application: Sanctifying the Lord in my heart seems a lot like meditating on his word day and night. This is about thinking about God, and preparing ourselves through simply studying his teachings. When we are prepared, we a calm and can respond calmly to others, without anxiety and stress.
In my times of contemplation, I do wish to turn to God more often. This is a practice I fail at ... but at least I think about it more often. I would love to go from "failing" to "succeeding sometimes". I would like to turn my nighttime thoughts away from alternative lives and my failings, to the word of God and his love, instruction, guidance, and examples. I think Peter is providing one concrete way of doing this - to think on how you will respond to people who ask about your faith. There are many other daily activities I could think through and apply God's word in my mind. This could be a good method of introducing God's words into my meditations.
Prayer: Oh Lord my God, may my heart and mind be filled with you this day and every day. Your beauty and majesty surrounds me this day. May my mind be fixed upon your, your love, and your word. I may get questioned, I may get attacked, or I may get maligned. May I in return have patience, kind words, and a disposition worth of you. Amen.
Observation: As Peter is giving instructions to the early believers about their thoughts and behavior, this collection of verses summarize a specific theme. That theme is that faith begins in our hearts, exhibited by how we treat others. Those "others" may include our spouses, other believers, non-believers, strangers, and even those who lash out and attack us.
However, if we love God - sanctify the Lord in our hearts - then we will behave rightly toward others. This behavior will carry into our words. We will be able to respond to those who challenge our faith, whether they do so through simple questioning of our hope in life, or even if the challenge us in a menacing and aggressive manner. The faith in our hearts will guide our conscious thoughts, our gentle demeanor, and prepared words.
Application: Sanctifying the Lord in my heart seems a lot like meditating on his word day and night. This is about thinking about God, and preparing ourselves through simply studying his teachings. When we are prepared, we a calm and can respond calmly to others, without anxiety and stress.
In my times of contemplation, I do wish to turn to God more often. This is a practice I fail at ... but at least I think about it more often. I would love to go from "failing" to "succeeding sometimes". I would like to turn my nighttime thoughts away from alternative lives and my failings, to the word of God and his love, instruction, guidance, and examples. I think Peter is providing one concrete way of doing this - to think on how you will respond to people who ask about your faith. There are many other daily activities I could think through and apply God's word in my mind. This could be a good method of introducing God's words into my meditations.
Prayer: Oh Lord my God, may my heart and mind be filled with you this day and every day. Your beauty and majesty surrounds me this day. May my mind be fixed upon your, your love, and your word. I may get questioned, I may get attacked, or I may get maligned. May I in return have patience, kind words, and a disposition worth of you. Amen.
Friday, July 21, 2017
Fair Weather Faith
Scripture: But the envoys came from the officials of Babylon who were sent to him to inquire about the sign that had been given in the land. God left him alone in order to test Hezekiah, to know what was in his heart. 2 Chronicles 32:31
Observation: The Assyrians, who just destroyed and exiled Israel, were about to attack Judah and Jerusalem. Instead, God intervened, killed much of the Assyrian army without any battle, and caused them to retreat. This was a sign promised to Hezekiah - that the Lord would "put a hook into his nose" and a "bridle into his mouth" and turn the king of Assyria back the way he came and home. All is well again in Judah.
And then ... Babylon arrives on the scene.
We know Babylon will become the sword God uses to deal with the rebellious Judah. We also know that, before that happens, Babylon will wipe out Assyria and become the largest and strongest empire in the world. So what are they doing in Jerusalem now? They have come to "inquire about the sign". This easily has two meanings. First, they wanted to understand the devastation to the Assyrian army so they could determine how it had been weakened. Second, they wanted to asses the power of Judah to determine how they had inflicted such damage on Assyria.
And what did they find? They found Hezekiah, a servant of the Lord, successful in all he does, yet exuding pride and without any obvious power at the moment (as God has "left him alone"). Out of that pride, they certainly found the facts about Assyria's weakness and the death of their king - also part of the "sign". In other words, Babylon found encouragement ... they found that Assyria was weakened, and that Judah - without the presence of the Lord - was nothing special.
As always, the downfall for Judah would be consistency. When Hezekiah lead the people in faith, they prospered and were protected. When they turned away (and they would again of course), they were not. And even when the great Assyrians left, that didn't mean they would now be safe.
Application: Judah was like me - and others - who turn to God in trouble but abandoned him once delivered. Hezekiah did that in a big way, with the issues concerning Assyria. He also did it in a small way, with his health and healing giving way to pride.
We all do this, and I do this. I pray for wisdom at work, then think how wonderful the solution "I" discovered is. I pray for my family, then marvel at their talent.
Well, we are going through stress right now. I know we are all praying. I do not think we ever relented in our prayers, but I know I could be better during the easier times. This, again, is a theme I see right now, repeated to me over and over.
Prayer: Lord, please to aid my family in this time. But likewise, I seek to continue to drive myself closer to you every day, in my struggles and in my times of peace. I wish to always walk with you daily. Amen.
Observation: The Assyrians, who just destroyed and exiled Israel, were about to attack Judah and Jerusalem. Instead, God intervened, killed much of the Assyrian army without any battle, and caused them to retreat. This was a sign promised to Hezekiah - that the Lord would "put a hook into his nose" and a "bridle into his mouth" and turn the king of Assyria back the way he came and home. All is well again in Judah.
And then ... Babylon arrives on the scene.
We know Babylon will become the sword God uses to deal with the rebellious Judah. We also know that, before that happens, Babylon will wipe out Assyria and become the largest and strongest empire in the world. So what are they doing in Jerusalem now? They have come to "inquire about the sign". This easily has two meanings. First, they wanted to understand the devastation to the Assyrian army so they could determine how it had been weakened. Second, they wanted to asses the power of Judah to determine how they had inflicted such damage on Assyria.
And what did they find? They found Hezekiah, a servant of the Lord, successful in all he does, yet exuding pride and without any obvious power at the moment (as God has "left him alone"). Out of that pride, they certainly found the facts about Assyria's weakness and the death of their king - also part of the "sign". In other words, Babylon found encouragement ... they found that Assyria was weakened, and that Judah - without the presence of the Lord - was nothing special.
As always, the downfall for Judah would be consistency. When Hezekiah lead the people in faith, they prospered and were protected. When they turned away (and they would again of course), they were not. And even when the great Assyrians left, that didn't mean they would now be safe.
Application: Judah was like me - and others - who turn to God in trouble but abandoned him once delivered. Hezekiah did that in a big way, with the issues concerning Assyria. He also did it in a small way, with his health and healing giving way to pride.
We all do this, and I do this. I pray for wisdom at work, then think how wonderful the solution "I" discovered is. I pray for my family, then marvel at their talent.
Well, we are going through stress right now. I know we are all praying. I do not think we ever relented in our prayers, but I know I could be better during the easier times. This, again, is a theme I see right now, repeated to me over and over.
Prayer: Lord, please to aid my family in this time. But likewise, I seek to continue to drive myself closer to you every day, in my struggles and in my times of peace. I wish to always walk with you daily. Amen.
Thursday, July 20, 2017
Moving Away from the World
Scripture: You adulterers and adulteresses, do you not know that the friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. James 4:4
Observation: James is further refining the "faith verses action" conversation to include daily life, and the manner by which we are to separate ourselves in faith by our actions. We are not to covet anything of the world. Greed itself is a form of adultery. That greed is always of "earthly" items, be it riches, luxury, adultery, fame. He even goes on to say that just planning for the future - creating a plan for how you will acquire wealth in the future - is part of the pattern of earthly greed.
All of this is being a "friend of the world". James instead is driving to the point that faith involves drawing close to God, which again is an action. In all of this faith is reflected by actions and words, not just feelings in our hearts and thoughts in our heads.
Application: There are two sides to this coin. Drawing close to God is half of it. Actively moving away from and rejecting the world is the other half. I often think about if I am working to draw closer to God. However, am I actively working to move away from the world?
In my life, that would look like ... ceasing any planning about a comfortable retired, as God may have a radically different plan for my later life that I need to be open to. It would also look like ... rejecting concerns about image at work, for as long as I am doing the right things for God like seeking to care for others and demonstrate that care, anything related to my image is superfluous. It might also look like ... serving my family more in the evenings and weekends, for while I am tired in the evenings that is not an excuse to set aside my greatest calling.
I must not be a friend of the world. I must set aside things like person comfort and future plans, and allow God to truly care for me. This would certainly create more room for God near me.
Prayer: Dear Lord, your ways are above my thoughts. I see and understand that the ways of the world interfere with our relationship. In many ways, the world has taught me the value of self sufficiency, yet you would teach me the value of total surrender. I surrender my future to you. While I may seek your will in this matter, I am open to your guidance and not my own goals. Amen.
Observation: James is further refining the "faith verses action" conversation to include daily life, and the manner by which we are to separate ourselves in faith by our actions. We are not to covet anything of the world. Greed itself is a form of adultery. That greed is always of "earthly" items, be it riches, luxury, adultery, fame. He even goes on to say that just planning for the future - creating a plan for how you will acquire wealth in the future - is part of the pattern of earthly greed.
All of this is being a "friend of the world". James instead is driving to the point that faith involves drawing close to God, which again is an action. In all of this faith is reflected by actions and words, not just feelings in our hearts and thoughts in our heads.
Application: There are two sides to this coin. Drawing close to God is half of it. Actively moving away from and rejecting the world is the other half. I often think about if I am working to draw closer to God. However, am I actively working to move away from the world?
In my life, that would look like ... ceasing any planning about a comfortable retired, as God may have a radically different plan for my later life that I need to be open to. It would also look like ... rejecting concerns about image at work, for as long as I am doing the right things for God like seeking to care for others and demonstrate that care, anything related to my image is superfluous. It might also look like ... serving my family more in the evenings and weekends, for while I am tired in the evenings that is not an excuse to set aside my greatest calling.
I must not be a friend of the world. I must set aside things like person comfort and future plans, and allow God to truly care for me. This would certainly create more room for God near me.
Prayer: Dear Lord, your ways are above my thoughts. I see and understand that the ways of the world interfere with our relationship. In many ways, the world has taught me the value of self sufficiency, yet you would teach me the value of total surrender. I surrender my future to you. While I may seek your will in this matter, I am open to your guidance and not my own goals. Amen.
Wednesday, July 19, 2017
Putting an End to It
Scripture: Then the king of Assyria went throughout all the land, went up to Samaria, and besieged it for three years. In the ninth year of Hoshea, the king of Assyria seized Samaria and exiled Israel to Assyria. He put them in Halah, in Habor by the River of Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes. 2 Kings 17:5-6
Observation: And ... there it is, the end of Israel. As predicted by every prophet, Israel as a people is purged from the land, taken away into captivity, and in truth to never fully recover. Even when restored from exile, they will not be the same - Samaria itself will be considered by their own people to be populated by a contemptible version of themselves - and today the northern kingdom is primarily the contested west bank mostly comprised of Palestinian cities. Israel, and the nine tribes that once comprised it, is gone.
This final act did not happen through some massive event, either. Assyria - to whom Israel was already a vassal nation - simply got tired of their lack of compliance, made one attack on their capital, and that was it. Israel capitulated. They were taken away, and people from other countries brought into to take over their cities, homes, and land.
Application: I think I will see major events coming. I believe I will see the moment God turns his back on America, or disaster is about to strike my family. That isn't really how God works. Sure, sometimes that happens, but those events are typically human or Satan made. God is more likely to simply get fed up and move people out. Or have a child born in a suburban barn. Or have an old man poor oil on a young shepherd boy standing in his own living room. Or talk to a lone herdsman climbing on a mountain.
This is the power of God - to change the direction of the entire earth through a small and even secret act that ripples beyond explanation. I wonder if that ripple has already begun. Whether it is in motion or yet to come, I will (try to) not be afraid.
Prayer: Lord, your judgment will come upon defiant people. May I and my family be numbered with you! I love you, and do seek to do your will day by day in this place you have put me, and in this time of your choosing. You yourself determined where I would live, where I would work, and where I will go. May thy will be done. Amen.
Observation: And ... there it is, the end of Israel. As predicted by every prophet, Israel as a people is purged from the land, taken away into captivity, and in truth to never fully recover. Even when restored from exile, they will not be the same - Samaria itself will be considered by their own people to be populated by a contemptible version of themselves - and today the northern kingdom is primarily the contested west bank mostly comprised of Palestinian cities. Israel, and the nine tribes that once comprised it, is gone.
This final act did not happen through some massive event, either. Assyria - to whom Israel was already a vassal nation - simply got tired of their lack of compliance, made one attack on their capital, and that was it. Israel capitulated. They were taken away, and people from other countries brought into to take over their cities, homes, and land.
Application: I think I will see major events coming. I believe I will see the moment God turns his back on America, or disaster is about to strike my family. That isn't really how God works. Sure, sometimes that happens, but those events are typically human or Satan made. God is more likely to simply get fed up and move people out. Or have a child born in a suburban barn. Or have an old man poor oil on a young shepherd boy standing in his own living room. Or talk to a lone herdsman climbing on a mountain.
This is the power of God - to change the direction of the entire earth through a small and even secret act that ripples beyond explanation. I wonder if that ripple has already begun. Whether it is in motion or yet to come, I will (try to) not be afraid.
Prayer: Lord, your judgment will come upon defiant people. May I and my family be numbered with you! I love you, and do seek to do your will day by day in this place you have put me, and in this time of your choosing. You yourself determined where I would live, where I would work, and where I will go. May thy will be done. Amen.
Tuesday, July 18, 2017
Dwelling in Peaceful Justice
Scripture:
Then justice shall dwell in the wilderness,
and righteousness will abide in the fruitful field.
The work of righteousness shall be peace,
and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever.
My people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation
and in secure dwellings
and in quiet resting places;
and it shall hail when the forest comes down,
and the city shall be utterly laid low.
How blessed are you
who sow beside all waters,
who send out freely the ox and the donkey.
Isaiah 32:16-20
Observation: Isaiah describes the life of a faithful believer - someone who lives by righteousness in the ways of the Lord. The primary quality of such a life is a secure peace. Such a person shall live in a peaceable and secure house, with quite around them. They shall receive blessing like one whose fields are watered by nearby streams in the woods, and they will be able to send out their livestock unguarded from troubles.
Again, the entire picture is peaceful. This is the blessing of God - peacefulness, which comes from righteousness and justice from God.
I find I wish to meditate on the peacefulness of God. I love the idea of a "peaceable habitation" and "secure dwelling" and "quiet resting places. In fact, this very verse - Isaiah 32:18 - is my designated "location" on Twitter! However, it is unavoidable to point out that verse 16 includes a key to that peace ... that God's justice and righteousness will unlock this peace.
That said, the instruction is that God's justice will reside there, and those who come under that righteous judgment will receive peace - quietness and assurance forever. It is submission to God's justice that earns us this peace. It is our willingness to humbly bow and submit to the Lord, then, that allows God to place his cloak around us, place his arm around our shoulders, and give us rest.
Application: Laurie and I are so in need of rest right now. Especially Laurie. We are struggling with work, and especially she cares so much for the results of her efforts. We both care about doing well in our tasks, and it weighs on us when it seems our teams and work are falling short. We need God's rest.
We think we will find that rest in Maui. In truth, we will find that rest in the cloak of God's justice. We will be in our peaceful and secure dwelling, with quiet rest, when we submit to the Lord and allow room for his instruction. We will really be blessed when we cease attempting to do everything right, and instead attempt to do everything as God would wish us to do it.
Prayer: My Lord, you do know that we seek to do your will. I pray this day for Laurie and I, but especially for Laurie. May she find your peace today and every day. May we both seek only your work and will, and trust that will produce success in your eyes regardless of the world's work that is before us. We serve others only to serve you. Let your justice prevail upon our lives. Amen.
Then justice shall dwell in the wilderness,
and righteousness will abide in the fruitful field.
The work of righteousness shall be peace,
and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever.
My people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation
and in secure dwellings
and in quiet resting places;
and it shall hail when the forest comes down,
and the city shall be utterly laid low.
How blessed are you
who sow beside all waters,
who send out freely the ox and the donkey.
Isaiah 32:16-20
Observation: Isaiah describes the life of a faithful believer - someone who lives by righteousness in the ways of the Lord. The primary quality of such a life is a secure peace. Such a person shall live in a peaceable and secure house, with quite around them. They shall receive blessing like one whose fields are watered by nearby streams in the woods, and they will be able to send out their livestock unguarded from troubles.
Again, the entire picture is peaceful. This is the blessing of God - peacefulness, which comes from righteousness and justice from God.
I find I wish to meditate on the peacefulness of God. I love the idea of a "peaceable habitation" and "secure dwelling" and "quiet resting places. In fact, this very verse - Isaiah 32:18 - is my designated "location" on Twitter! However, it is unavoidable to point out that verse 16 includes a key to that peace ... that God's justice and righteousness will unlock this peace.
That said, the instruction is that God's justice will reside there, and those who come under that righteous judgment will receive peace - quietness and assurance forever. It is submission to God's justice that earns us this peace. It is our willingness to humbly bow and submit to the Lord, then, that allows God to place his cloak around us, place his arm around our shoulders, and give us rest.
Application: Laurie and I are so in need of rest right now. Especially Laurie. We are struggling with work, and especially she cares so much for the results of her efforts. We both care about doing well in our tasks, and it weighs on us when it seems our teams and work are falling short. We need God's rest.
We think we will find that rest in Maui. In truth, we will find that rest in the cloak of God's justice. We will be in our peaceful and secure dwelling, with quiet rest, when we submit to the Lord and allow room for his instruction. We will really be blessed when we cease attempting to do everything right, and instead attempt to do everything as God would wish us to do it.
Prayer: My Lord, you do know that we seek to do your will. I pray this day for Laurie and I, but especially for Laurie. May she find your peace today and every day. May we both seek only your work and will, and trust that will produce success in your eyes regardless of the world's work that is before us. We serve others only to serve you. Let your justice prevail upon our lives. Amen.
Friday, July 14, 2017
Right Beside You
When the world is on your back
And you think that you will never last ...
When the walls are closing in
And you think you'd rather sink than swim ...
And you think that you will never last ...
When the walls are closing in
And you think you'd rather sink than swim ...
Thursday, July 13, 2017
Trying to Trust the Promises
Scripture: Therefore, brothers, we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way that He has opened for us through the veil, that is to say, His flesh, and since we have a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse them from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us firmly hold the profession of our faith without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:19-23
Observation: The next verses of Hebrews discuss unity in the church - everyone continuing to have unity, meeting together, and having fellowship through their common bonds of both faith and faithful suffering they have endured together. However, these first verses are the personal foundation of that fellowship. The foundation is our faith and trust in the promises of salvation. Those promises are:
-- Salvation means entering eternity in heaven, the presence of God.
-- That salvation is secured by faith in Jesus as the messianic son of God.
-- The security of faith comes from belief in the promises associated with the messiah.
-- In times of trouble, we should reflect and trust even deeper upon those promises.
Application: I have yet to claim my "promises" in the bible. This I need to do.
Many people I know have such promises they hold onto ... some for their lives, and some for just a season. I tend to focus on instructions more than the promises. I look at corrections and guidance and contemplate how I must improve. The author of Hebrews is showing a better model. By this model, I should reflect on the promise of salvation, by those promises better understand my faith and trust in Jesus, and with that faith and trust obey his commands.
The key for me is trust. I have belief. I have faith. I even have joy. I struggle with trust. By claiming a promise, I would need to declare a trust in that promise. And the truth is, since I cannot see myself worthy of the promises, I can't claim them.
Prayer: My Lord and my God, I do not know why I struggle with this so greatly. I have received your blessings and help and healing and love so often. So why I struggle with trust, I do not know. I will begin looking for promises in your word that I can tie my hopes to, and seek to grow my trust in you. Please be patient with me, and please provide me with renewed strength. Amen.
Observation: The next verses of Hebrews discuss unity in the church - everyone continuing to have unity, meeting together, and having fellowship through their common bonds of both faith and faithful suffering they have endured together. However, these first verses are the personal foundation of that fellowship. The foundation is our faith and trust in the promises of salvation. Those promises are:
-- Salvation means entering eternity in heaven, the presence of God.
-- That salvation is secured by faith in Jesus as the messianic son of God.
-- The security of faith comes from belief in the promises associated with the messiah.
-- In times of trouble, we should reflect and trust even deeper upon those promises.
Application: I have yet to claim my "promises" in the bible. This I need to do.
Many people I know have such promises they hold onto ... some for their lives, and some for just a season. I tend to focus on instructions more than the promises. I look at corrections and guidance and contemplate how I must improve. The author of Hebrews is showing a better model. By this model, I should reflect on the promise of salvation, by those promises better understand my faith and trust in Jesus, and with that faith and trust obey his commands.
The key for me is trust. I have belief. I have faith. I even have joy. I struggle with trust. By claiming a promise, I would need to declare a trust in that promise. And the truth is, since I cannot see myself worthy of the promises, I can't claim them.
Prayer: My Lord and my God, I do not know why I struggle with this so greatly. I have received your blessings and help and healing and love so often. So why I struggle with trust, I do not know. I will begin looking for promises in your word that I can tie my hopes to, and seek to grow my trust in you. Please be patient with me, and please provide me with renewed strength. Amen.
Wednesday, July 12, 2017
On a Golden Morning Mist
Scripture: In that day you shall say:
Observation: Isaiah provides a great worship song that declares the praise of Yahweh, his deeds, his love, his creation, and his faithfulness.
Application: This morning, sunrise was awesome. I commented aloud, alone in my car, that the Cascades - bathed in golden light, yet obscured by morning mist rising from the local valley farms and forests - were like the most beautiful painting. I then noted that our perception of 'beauty' is a gift and revelation of God. His creation is even our standard of beauty and perfection ... we judge wonders based on an understanding granted to us completely through God's wonders.
God's deeds, love, creation, and faithfulness are the perfection against which we understand all other things. He is to be greatly praised for the gift of creation and life!
Prayer: Abba, father, you are greatly to be praised. May I sing to you, pray to you, speak to you, and marvel in you, every moment of every day. Amen.
Praise the Lord, call upon His name,
declare His deeds among the peoples,
make them remember that His name is exalted.
Sing to the Lord, for He has done excellent things;
let this be known in all the earth.
Cry out and shout for joy, O inhabitant of Zion.
For great is the Holy One of Israel in your midst.
Isaiah 12:4-6declare His deeds among the peoples,
make them remember that His name is exalted.
Sing to the Lord, for He has done excellent things;
let this be known in all the earth.
Cry out and shout for joy, O inhabitant of Zion.
For great is the Holy One of Israel in your midst.
Observation: Isaiah provides a great worship song that declares the praise of Yahweh, his deeds, his love, his creation, and his faithfulness.
Application: This morning, sunrise was awesome. I commented aloud, alone in my car, that the Cascades - bathed in golden light, yet obscured by morning mist rising from the local valley farms and forests - were like the most beautiful painting. I then noted that our perception of 'beauty' is a gift and revelation of God. His creation is even our standard of beauty and perfection ... we judge wonders based on an understanding granted to us completely through God's wonders.
God's deeds, love, creation, and faithfulness are the perfection against which we understand all other things. He is to be greatly praised for the gift of creation and life!
Prayer: Abba, father, you are greatly to be praised. May I sing to you, pray to you, speak to you, and marvel in you, every moment of every day. Amen.
Tuesday, July 11, 2017
Progression of Systemic Sin
Scripture: For all this His anger is not turned away,
and His hand is stretched out still.
Isaiah 9:12b/17b/21b/10:4b
Observation: This recurring statement is at the end of four passages spoken against Israel. In the first, God speaks out against the arrogant independence of Israel who believe they have built themselves up by their own hands. In the second, God speaks out against the false leaders of Israel, both elders and false prophets, who have led the people in error. In the third, God speaks out against the nation itself, and how the people will be driven to despair. In the fourth, God speaks out against those to deprive the poor and the widows of justice and care.
In these four categories of woes to be brought on Israel, the progression is that the wrongdoings began with leaders, but filtered down to all people. National leaders and regional leaders created a false doctrine outside of God's law, which the nation as a people-group adopted in general, ultimately resulting in people who failed to care for their own brothers, for the poor and needy, and for the widows and orphans.
Application: Welcome to the progression of the United States. We are a land where government is driving an agenda outside of the law of God and the love of Jesus, which is passed through leaders to large groups of people who accept it as enlightened progress, and which then manifests in ... anger, hatred, rhetoric, and violence against and between people groups across all walks of life.
Our nation seeks to address issues like race relations, homelessness, and political dysfunction. However, we never call out the cause of all of this ... our total rejection at the leadership level of our nation of God's love and direction. In Isaiah 10, the next section is God's punishment of Assyria for being arrogant when God will use it to destroy Israel.
I fear God's anger will not be turned away. Will a future chapter of our story be God's wrath against North Korea or ISIS for their arrogance in destroying the U.S.?
I fear God's hand will be stretched out still. When it starts, will China or Russia finish the job until our nation becomes a simply a large land mass?
Prayer: Dear Lord, thy will be done! We are a nation in decline, and it is a decline predicated on our decisions to turn away from your teachings and love. May your salvation and mercy reign in the dark places of our country, and in your message of hope may renewal be found. However, if our nation, in it's current form or in totality, is to pass, may you be with your faithful remnant. I love you and seek to obey your will. Please give us strength to do your will. Amen.
and His hand is stretched out still.
Isaiah 9:12b/17b/21b/10:4b
Observation: This recurring statement is at the end of four passages spoken against Israel. In the first, God speaks out against the arrogant independence of Israel who believe they have built themselves up by their own hands. In the second, God speaks out against the false leaders of Israel, both elders and false prophets, who have led the people in error. In the third, God speaks out against the nation itself, and how the people will be driven to despair. In the fourth, God speaks out against those to deprive the poor and the widows of justice and care.
In these four categories of woes to be brought on Israel, the progression is that the wrongdoings began with leaders, but filtered down to all people. National leaders and regional leaders created a false doctrine outside of God's law, which the nation as a people-group adopted in general, ultimately resulting in people who failed to care for their own brothers, for the poor and needy, and for the widows and orphans.
Application: Welcome to the progression of the United States. We are a land where government is driving an agenda outside of the law of God and the love of Jesus, which is passed through leaders to large groups of people who accept it as enlightened progress, and which then manifests in ... anger, hatred, rhetoric, and violence against and between people groups across all walks of life.
Our nation seeks to address issues like race relations, homelessness, and political dysfunction. However, we never call out the cause of all of this ... our total rejection at the leadership level of our nation of God's love and direction. In Isaiah 10, the next section is God's punishment of Assyria for being arrogant when God will use it to destroy Israel.
I fear God's anger will not be turned away. Will a future chapter of our story be God's wrath against North Korea or ISIS for their arrogance in destroying the U.S.?
I fear God's hand will be stretched out still. When it starts, will China or Russia finish the job until our nation becomes a simply a large land mass?
Prayer: Dear Lord, thy will be done! We are a nation in decline, and it is a decline predicated on our decisions to turn away from your teachings and love. May your salvation and mercy reign in the dark places of our country, and in your message of hope may renewal be found. However, if our nation, in it's current form or in totality, is to pass, may you be with your faithful remnant. I love you and seek to obey your will. Please give us strength to do your will. Amen.
Monday, July 10, 2017
God's Response to Our Response
Scripture:
But as for me, I watch for the Lord;
I await the God of my salvation;
my God will hear me.
Micah 7:7
Observation: Micah has outlined the fault of Israel, defined their judgment and punishment from Assyria, and is now describing their exile. It will be a time of slavery - they will do work like pressing olives and grapes, but will not partake of oil and wine. They will grow weary and angry, and the surviving remnant will turn on each other in anger and frustration. However, Micah concludes with this statement of his own faith ... he will watch for the Lord, and God will hear him.
It is logical to assume the conclusion is just the last five words ... "my God will hear me." That is a declaration of hope. However, it is also God's response to the first part of the sentence ... Micah will actively watch for the Lord, wait on his timing, and anticipate his salvation. Micah has faith that God's salvation will come, but he will prepare for that salvation by himself taking the action to watch and wait patiently.
Application: I have previously observed that in the case of love, God acts first. God grants his love to all of us while we are still sinners. However, after showing us his love, God then further responds to our actions. These actions take the form of prayer and faith. This has been true back to ... forever. God loved Adam, but Adam's active response was failure. Others faired better, like Noah and Abraham. From Job to Daniel, we see many examples of this pattern ... God loves, we respond with action, and God further responds to our situation.
I seek to continually respond to God. I have said before that I need to be better and more persistent in my prayer life. This is critical, as I do wish for a deeper relationship with God and I know this - my lack of engagement in prayer - is a roadblock that I control. I see God's love, and I will seek to respond to it more and more, in faith and in prayer.
Prayer: Lord, I thank you for your love that you pour on me and my family. I love you, as I know you first loved me, and I will continue to engage with you daily. May I seek you in both hard times, and in simply daily life. You are my source of life, my source of love, and my source of hope, and I will watch for your, Lord, every moment. Amen.
But as for me, I watch for the Lord;
I await the God of my salvation;
my God will hear me.
Micah 7:7
Observation: Micah has outlined the fault of Israel, defined their judgment and punishment from Assyria, and is now describing their exile. It will be a time of slavery - they will do work like pressing olives and grapes, but will not partake of oil and wine. They will grow weary and angry, and the surviving remnant will turn on each other in anger and frustration. However, Micah concludes with this statement of his own faith ... he will watch for the Lord, and God will hear him.
It is logical to assume the conclusion is just the last five words ... "my God will hear me." That is a declaration of hope. However, it is also God's response to the first part of the sentence ... Micah will actively watch for the Lord, wait on his timing, and anticipate his salvation. Micah has faith that God's salvation will come, but he will prepare for that salvation by himself taking the action to watch and wait patiently.
Application: I have previously observed that in the case of love, God acts first. God grants his love to all of us while we are still sinners. However, after showing us his love, God then further responds to our actions. These actions take the form of prayer and faith. This has been true back to ... forever. God loved Adam, but Adam's active response was failure. Others faired better, like Noah and Abraham. From Job to Daniel, we see many examples of this pattern ... God loves, we respond with action, and God further responds to our situation.
I seek to continually respond to God. I have said before that I need to be better and more persistent in my prayer life. This is critical, as I do wish for a deeper relationship with God and I know this - my lack of engagement in prayer - is a roadblock that I control. I see God's love, and I will seek to respond to it more and more, in faith and in prayer.
Prayer: Lord, I thank you for your love that you pour on me and my family. I love you, as I know you first loved me, and I will continue to engage with you daily. May I seek you in both hard times, and in simply daily life. You are my source of life, my source of love, and my source of hope, and I will watch for your, Lord, every moment. Amen.
Friday, July 7, 2017
The Mystery of Scripture
Scripture: For the word of God is alive, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
Observation: As the writer expounds on the idea of entering into God's rest - an idea he quotes from both Genesis and Psalms - he then gives this more well-known summary of God's word. Having explained how parts of scripture written many hundreds of years in the past fully apply to the present situation of the believers, he then indicates this is because the word of God itself is alive and active. The word of God enters into our bodies in a physical way, not just a logical way, to affect our hearts and minds and soul and spirit, as a sword would affect our bones and body.
Application: Just in today's reading, I connected with passages from Hosea and Psalms and Hebrews. In the most practical sense ... Hosea was written over 2,500 years ago specifically to idol worshipers in Israel who were about to be destroyed by Assyria ... the specific Psalm was written ~2,800 years ago (I'm guessing) as songs that aligns to the wisdom of Ecclesiastes ... Hebrews was written 1,950 years ago to Jesus-believing Jews who had been exiled and were attempting to figure out their new personal identity in faith in light of their lost national identity in which their belief system had been intertwined.
In other words, none of this was possibly written for a 21st century American technology executive to "blog" about. Yet it speaks to me. God's anger about to engulf a sinful Israel, yet how he loves them as a father who raised them and therefore will not totally destroy them nor leave them without hope, as he yearns for faith to renew. The faithful singer who is jealous of the prosperity of those who are unfaithful and struggles with the emotions of envy and justice. The need for encouragement as someone who often feels exhausted by the current life and situation, and needs a reminder that true rest is found in God through faith in his perfect son Jesus.
Words written thousands of years ago in dead languages are still alive, relevant, and insightful today! This is the mystery of the scriptures. It is also the manifest love of God, that he would care enough to provide his guidance and teaching and counsel and love in a manner that can touch billions of hearts and souls over the course of millennia, and can also speak into my own mind right here and now.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for your word. It is by your love that you chose to engage with me, and with everyone. I wish you would continue to unfold your word in my life, so I may meditate on it day and night and thus find rest and hope in only you. Amen.
Observation: As the writer expounds on the idea of entering into God's rest - an idea he quotes from both Genesis and Psalms - he then gives this more well-known summary of God's word. Having explained how parts of scripture written many hundreds of years in the past fully apply to the present situation of the believers, he then indicates this is because the word of God itself is alive and active. The word of God enters into our bodies in a physical way, not just a logical way, to affect our hearts and minds and soul and spirit, as a sword would affect our bones and body.
Application: Just in today's reading, I connected with passages from Hosea and Psalms and Hebrews. In the most practical sense ... Hosea was written over 2,500 years ago specifically to idol worshipers in Israel who were about to be destroyed by Assyria ... the specific Psalm was written ~2,800 years ago (I'm guessing) as songs that aligns to the wisdom of Ecclesiastes ... Hebrews was written 1,950 years ago to Jesus-believing Jews who had been exiled and were attempting to figure out their new personal identity in faith in light of their lost national identity in which their belief system had been intertwined.
In other words, none of this was possibly written for a 21st century American technology executive to "blog" about. Yet it speaks to me. God's anger about to engulf a sinful Israel, yet how he loves them as a father who raised them and therefore will not totally destroy them nor leave them without hope, as he yearns for faith to renew. The faithful singer who is jealous of the prosperity of those who are unfaithful and struggles with the emotions of envy and justice. The need for encouragement as someone who often feels exhausted by the current life and situation, and needs a reminder that true rest is found in God through faith in his perfect son Jesus.
Words written thousands of years ago in dead languages are still alive, relevant, and insightful today! This is the mystery of the scriptures. It is also the manifest love of God, that he would care enough to provide his guidance and teaching and counsel and love in a manner that can touch billions of hearts and souls over the course of millennia, and can also speak into my own mind right here and now.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for your word. It is by your love that you chose to engage with me, and with everyone. I wish you would continue to unfold your word in my life, so I may meditate on it day and night and thus find rest and hope in only you. Amen.
Thursday, July 6, 2017
There's Hope for Sinners Like Me
Now I'm just a beggar
In the presence of a King.
I wish I could bring so much more.
But if it's true
You use broken things,
Then here I am Lord, I'm all yours.
In the presence of a King.
I wish I could bring so much more.
But if it's true
You use broken things,
Then here I am Lord, I'm all yours.
Monday, July 3, 2017
Belief is Not Faith
Scripture: Moreover the Lord spoke again to Ahaz, saying: Ask for a sign from the Lord your God. Make it either as deep as Sheol or as high as heaven. But Ahaz said, I will not ask, nor will I tempt the Lord. Then he said, "Hear now, O house of David. Is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will you weary my God also? Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign: The virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." Isaiah 7:10-14
Observation: One of the famous pronouncements of Messiah - the prophesy that he will be born of a virgin and named Immanuel - is pronounced because Ahaz does not have the courage to respond to God's offer of assistance. Through Isaiah, God has offered to Ahaz whatever sign he wishes, and Ahaz refuses to ask for fear of asking the wrong thing and thus bringing God's anger against him.
This very decision is at the paradox of Ahaz. Ahaz's lineage had remained faithful to the Lord, with both Uzziah (his grandfather) and Jotham (his father) doing what was right in the sight of the Lord, despite some typical exceptions. However, Ahaz turns to Baal worship and thus away from God. Yet Isaiah is sent as a messenger to Ahaz to tell him that Jerusalem will not fall to the upcoming Israel attack, and offers him a sign as evidence. In refusing, Ahaz is professing a fear of the Lord, yet has turned to other gods already. He believes in Yahweh's power and authority, yet in daily life has already determined not to worship and obey his teaching.
The paradox is this: Ahaz believes in the Lord, but rejects faith in the Lord.
Application: A friend once told me he believed in God, but had no intention of being a Christian. I do not understand this. Even when I went through my darkest times, I arrived at the conclusion that the existence of God was the only decision that mattered ... that if God existed, it is necessary to pursue an understanding an relationship with him, but if God did not exist that settled the matter. I do not understand how my friend, or Ahaz, can reach the fixed decision that God exists, and simultaneously decide that that realization does not inform their behavior.
The fact that God responds to Ahaz's paradox by immediately introducing the Messianic promise is wonderful. However, all of this only highlights the fact that belief in God does not always lead toward a faithful life - let alone faith in Jesus. One can believe in God - in fact, one can believe in God so strongly that they fear him and are convinced in his power and authority over life and events - and yet choose not to obey his word, follow his instructions, receive his love, worship his glory, or have faith in his son.
Prayer: Lord, I continue to pray for all my friends, and even those I do not know. Please help me to be a light over the next 36 hours, revealing your love to friends, neighbors, and strangers. Even more importantly, help all of us on the team figure out how to bring Jesus into the mix of those conversation, as it is not enough for people to simply acknowledge your existence, but rather I hope we help many on their way to faith. Amen.
Observation: One of the famous pronouncements of Messiah - the prophesy that he will be born of a virgin and named Immanuel - is pronounced because Ahaz does not have the courage to respond to God's offer of assistance. Through Isaiah, God has offered to Ahaz whatever sign he wishes, and Ahaz refuses to ask for fear of asking the wrong thing and thus bringing God's anger against him.
This very decision is at the paradox of Ahaz. Ahaz's lineage had remained faithful to the Lord, with both Uzziah (his grandfather) and Jotham (his father) doing what was right in the sight of the Lord, despite some typical exceptions. However, Ahaz turns to Baal worship and thus away from God. Yet Isaiah is sent as a messenger to Ahaz to tell him that Jerusalem will not fall to the upcoming Israel attack, and offers him a sign as evidence. In refusing, Ahaz is professing a fear of the Lord, yet has turned to other gods already. He believes in Yahweh's power and authority, yet in daily life has already determined not to worship and obey his teaching.
The paradox is this: Ahaz believes in the Lord, but rejects faith in the Lord.
Application: A friend once told me he believed in God, but had no intention of being a Christian. I do not understand this. Even when I went through my darkest times, I arrived at the conclusion that the existence of God was the only decision that mattered ... that if God existed, it is necessary to pursue an understanding an relationship with him, but if God did not exist that settled the matter. I do not understand how my friend, or Ahaz, can reach the fixed decision that God exists, and simultaneously decide that that realization does not inform their behavior.
The fact that God responds to Ahaz's paradox by immediately introducing the Messianic promise is wonderful. However, all of this only highlights the fact that belief in God does not always lead toward a faithful life - let alone faith in Jesus. One can believe in God - in fact, one can believe in God so strongly that they fear him and are convinced in his power and authority over life and events - and yet choose not to obey his word, follow his instructions, receive his love, worship his glory, or have faith in his son.
Prayer: Lord, I continue to pray for all my friends, and even those I do not know. Please help me to be a light over the next 36 hours, revealing your love to friends, neighbors, and strangers. Even more importantly, help all of us on the team figure out how to bring Jesus into the mix of those conversation, as it is not enough for people to simply acknowledge your existence, but rather I hope we help many on their way to faith. Amen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)