Scripture: Then He said to me, “Have you seen this, O son of man? Is it a light thing to the house of Judah that they commit the abominations which they commit here? For they have filled the land with violence and have continually provoked Me to anger. And they put the branch to their nose. Therefore I will indeed deal in fury. My eye shall not spare, nor will I have pity. And though they cry in My ears with a loud voice, yet I will not listen to them.” Ezekiel 8:17-18
Observation: God has shown Ezekiel what is happening in the temple - the fact that the Israelites have placed idols throughout, worshiping other gods, and even creating hidden chambers to worship them in secret. And God is revealing what will happen next - his spirit is being withdrawn from the temple, and Jerusalem will fall.
This part of the vision ends with this statement from God. He notes that these terrible sins - the act of the people to completely turn away from himself and from his righteousness - is a "light thing" for the Jews. They consider doing this as a regular, easy act, every day. The nature of the sin, then is not just in the performance of that sin, but rather in the fact they have adopted the sin into their normal, everyday life. This was the purpose of the instruction for Israel for what to do with God's law! They were to adopt the law into their lives, to review it with children at their waking and their going to bed, to discuss it while walking and eating and chatting with friends.
Instead, worship of all these other gods has become their daily habit. They do it lightly, without deep thought, as a matter of routine.
Application: Our modern society is not generally rebellious against God when we question the teaching of Jesus. Rather, we are at our worst when we lightly adopt activities, beliefs, and practices into our daily lives that are in conflict with God, and do so as a matter of habit with little or no thought of the relationship between those practices and God's righteousness.
I am sure I do this. I do not think about the relationship between my actions and God's expectations when I get frustrated at work, lie to others to get my way, or show anger. As a people, we now write laws and boast of "progressive" thinking when we institutionalize sinful practices.
God will "deal in fury" I am certain. My hope, then, is not to reverse the universal trend of this country. It is instead to simply address my life and my ways in a manner that does not align to the culture. I must align to God's instructions. I must lean into the Holy Spirit and be kind, gentle, and patient, while others are aggressive, angry, and manipulative. I must love others, while not conforming to sinful practices. I must make the ways of God my daily habit, despite how that may run in contradiction to society.
Prayer: Lord, you have always been right and just in your judgment of people. You are slow to anger, patient in your love. You also see all things, even those done in secret, and you will eventually take action to correct us all. I yield to your judgment. You are the one with authority over my life, in all ways, at all times, over all things. May my deeds serve you, and may my ways attempt to align to your teachings and instructions every day. Amen.
Wednesday, August 30, 2017
Tuesday, August 29, 2017
The First and Best Lesson
Scripture: To the angel of the church in Sardis write: "He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars says these things: I know your works, that you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain but are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfected before God." Revelation 3:1-2
Observation: This message to the church at Sardis is the fear of all churches ... you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. It is better than not being alive in Christ, but those churches are often not self-aware enough to understand the life of the spirit.
Sardis was likely a vibrant and active group of believers. It had likely grown well. However, as is the case with the Holy Spirit, it likely was no longer growing. John is warning it that its early reputation still is known, but it has lost its way. In this, he gives them three specific instructions: Remember what they were first taught; Cling fast to that truth; Repent of all other distractions and false paths.
Application: What was I first taught as a Christian? I was taught that Jesus is the son of God, and he loves me.
It is possible that all else is irrelevant. Not irrelevant, per se, but certainly to be evaluated and taken in as an influence in my life only upon inspection. However, this first truth is enough to guide every subsequent worthy action. Understanding the truth about God and Jesus clarifies activity, language, attitude, and knowledge. It should define me as a child of God. It should also be the core of any message I give to anyone else.
This is the message to Sardis - remember that first teaching, hold fast to it, and set aside any other superfluous stuff that doesn't align to that truth. As such, my daily walk should be embedded in this same instruction.
Prayer: Lord, I do know you love me. I know of your great love, and the love of Jesus even going to death for my salvation. I will live within the promise of that love, and cling to it today and every day. Amen.
Observation: This message to the church at Sardis is the fear of all churches ... you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. It is better than not being alive in Christ, but those churches are often not self-aware enough to understand the life of the spirit.
Sardis was likely a vibrant and active group of believers. It had likely grown well. However, as is the case with the Holy Spirit, it likely was no longer growing. John is warning it that its early reputation still is known, but it has lost its way. In this, he gives them three specific instructions: Remember what they were first taught; Cling fast to that truth; Repent of all other distractions and false paths.
Application: What was I first taught as a Christian? I was taught that Jesus is the son of God, and he loves me.
It is possible that all else is irrelevant. Not irrelevant, per se, but certainly to be evaluated and taken in as an influence in my life only upon inspection. However, this first truth is enough to guide every subsequent worthy action. Understanding the truth about God and Jesus clarifies activity, language, attitude, and knowledge. It should define me as a child of God. It should also be the core of any message I give to anyone else.
This is the message to Sardis - remember that first teaching, hold fast to it, and set aside any other superfluous stuff that doesn't align to that truth. As such, my daily walk should be embedded in this same instruction.
Prayer: Lord, I do know you love me. I know of your great love, and the love of Jesus even going to death for my salvation. I will live within the promise of that love, and cling to it today and every day. Amen.
Monday, August 28, 2017
Rejecting the Message, not the Messenger
Scripture: And as for the impudent and obstinate children, I am sending you to them. And you shall say to them, “Thus says the Lord God.” As for them, whether they listen or not (for they are a rebellious house), they shall know that there has been a prophet among them. Ezekiel 2:4-5
Observation: As God commissions Ezekiel, he repeatedly warns him that the Israelites will not listen to him. Yet in this passage, he provides one critical clarification ... that they shall know that there has been a prophet among them.
In other words, when the Israelites reject the warnings, instructions, and guidance from Ezekiel - and they will - they will do so with the full comprehension that Ezekiel is a prophet and thus they are rejecting the word of God. The Israelites will reject God, not Ezekiel, in this manner, and their rejection will be upon their heads and not upon any shortcoming of Ezekiel.
Application: I have seen friends reject God, while having an apparent understanding that there is, in fact, one God of the universe. I have been told by others "I believe there is a God" as they explain why they don't believe in God. It is a mystery to me how that works. I know that was my turning point - when I had to reconcile the fact that either there was or wasn't a God, and if there was I needed to respond to that fact accordingly. How someone knows there is a God and won't then live their life in a manner consistent with that fact is strange.
And yet, God knows it happens. He warned Ezekiel of it - the people would know he was sent from God, and wouldn't listen anyway. And these were people now destroyed by God's wrath! How much more will people living "comfortable" lives, with money, position, children, and comfort, ignore the word of God even while believing he exists?
Prayer: Dear Lord, your patience is so great, and your love so amazing. You know the ways of us all, and forgive us even while knowing we will rebel again. You go so far as to labor and call others to reach people who you know in advance will reject, ignore, and scorn the teaching. This is a sign of such love. I will look for opportunities to serve you this day in the midst of that great love. Amen.
Observation: As God commissions Ezekiel, he repeatedly warns him that the Israelites will not listen to him. Yet in this passage, he provides one critical clarification ... that they shall know that there has been a prophet among them.
In other words, when the Israelites reject the warnings, instructions, and guidance from Ezekiel - and they will - they will do so with the full comprehension that Ezekiel is a prophet and thus they are rejecting the word of God. The Israelites will reject God, not Ezekiel, in this manner, and their rejection will be upon their heads and not upon any shortcoming of Ezekiel.
Application: I have seen friends reject God, while having an apparent understanding that there is, in fact, one God of the universe. I have been told by others "I believe there is a God" as they explain why they don't believe in God. It is a mystery to me how that works. I know that was my turning point - when I had to reconcile the fact that either there was or wasn't a God, and if there was I needed to respond to that fact accordingly. How someone knows there is a God and won't then live their life in a manner consistent with that fact is strange.
And yet, God knows it happens. He warned Ezekiel of it - the people would know he was sent from God, and wouldn't listen anyway. And these were people now destroyed by God's wrath! How much more will people living "comfortable" lives, with money, position, children, and comfort, ignore the word of God even while believing he exists?
Prayer: Dear Lord, your patience is so great, and your love so amazing. You know the ways of us all, and forgive us even while knowing we will rebel again. You go so far as to labor and call others to reach people who you know in advance will reject, ignore, and scorn the teaching. This is a sign of such love. I will look for opportunities to serve you this day in the midst of that great love. Amen.
Friday, August 25, 2017
Love for the Sake of Truth
Scripture: The elder, to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth, and not I only, but also all those who know the truth, for the sake of the truth, which remains in us, and will be with us forever. 2 John 1:1-2
Observation: John writes this short letter to a woman and her children. She is a fellow believer, and the point of this letter is simply to remind her to be alert to false teachings, and to rebuke/avoid any false message about Jesus. In this familial greeting, John provides a purpose for this letter and the need to write it. His purpose is not for his convenience, for he later states he hopes to travel to see the woman. Also, the letter is not for the explicit benefit of the woman and her children. Instead, John writes this letter "for the sake of the truth."
John writes because he is compelled to tell and protect the truth about Jesus. He cares about and loves the other believers, but his actions are compelled not (or at least not exclusively) by that love. Rather, John acts because of his love for Jesus and his heart to ensure the true gospel is communicated and spread throughout the world. John acts to communicate the truth to others, but for the benefit of the kingdom of God.
Application: What does it look like when all actions are motivated by one driving force - serving God and benefiting his kingdom on earth? My actions would still look like love and assistance to others. More importantly, then, is he fact that my actions would NOT include extraneous work, deeds, and words that failed to align to God's kingdom and instructions.
I would drive to work, but without frustration. I would aid others in daily efforts, but without competitiveness or judgment. I would care for my family, without exhaustion or the desire for selfish rest. I would be much more relaxed and happy in my own heart.
John's model is plain ... he acts in love toward others, not for their benefit but rather as an extension of his commitment to Jesus. This is the model to emulate.
Prayer: Lord, again I say it today, may I walk humbly with you in all my work today. I seek to serve your purposes, in this place you have put me, and in this time you have defined for me. I would love to follow John's model of performing my daily tasks within only the framework of service to you and your truth. Please hold my hand so that I may walk with you, my daddy, on today's path. Amen.
Observation: John writes this short letter to a woman and her children. She is a fellow believer, and the point of this letter is simply to remind her to be alert to false teachings, and to rebuke/avoid any false message about Jesus. In this familial greeting, John provides a purpose for this letter and the need to write it. His purpose is not for his convenience, for he later states he hopes to travel to see the woman. Also, the letter is not for the explicit benefit of the woman and her children. Instead, John writes this letter "for the sake of the truth."
John writes because he is compelled to tell and protect the truth about Jesus. He cares about and loves the other believers, but his actions are compelled not (or at least not exclusively) by that love. Rather, John acts because of his love for Jesus and his heart to ensure the true gospel is communicated and spread throughout the world. John acts to communicate the truth to others, but for the benefit of the kingdom of God.
Application: What does it look like when all actions are motivated by one driving force - serving God and benefiting his kingdom on earth? My actions would still look like love and assistance to others. More importantly, then, is he fact that my actions would NOT include extraneous work, deeds, and words that failed to align to God's kingdom and instructions.
I would drive to work, but without frustration. I would aid others in daily efforts, but without competitiveness or judgment. I would care for my family, without exhaustion or the desire for selfish rest. I would be much more relaxed and happy in my own heart.
John's model is plain ... he acts in love toward others, not for their benefit but rather as an extension of his commitment to Jesus. This is the model to emulate.
Prayer: Lord, again I say it today, may I walk humbly with you in all my work today. I seek to serve your purposes, in this place you have put me, and in this time you have defined for me. I would love to follow John's model of performing my daily tasks within only the framework of service to you and your truth. Please hold my hand so that I may walk with you, my daddy, on today's path. Amen.
Thursday, August 24, 2017
A Quest for Hope
Scripture:
In those days and at that time,
I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David;
and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the earth.
In those days Judah will be saved,
and Jerusalem will dwell safely.
And this is the name by which he will be called:
Observation: This is the second time Jeremiah has declared this name for a future savior of Judah, from the line of David. The name is Yahweh Tsidkenu, and is not one that I have heard often claimed in various "names of God" discussions. Yet Jeremiah is pretty clear that it is by both his lineage - from the line of David, which is a family promise never to be broken - and also this righteous nature, that some future generation should recognize Messiah.
This has often been the confusion about what the Jews were really looking for in Messiah, and yet that is addressed by these same two verses. In hindsight, we see a description of righteousness. However, the Jews focused on other words ... "execute justice" and "saved". They looked for a Messiah who would take action against the conquering empires - first Babylon, and later Rome - execute justice against those oppressors, and save them.
Of course, this interpretation fails to address a key element, and that being the failings in their own nature. Through their interpretation, the Jews are looking externally at others as sinful, and not recognizing their own errors. It is for their sin that they are about to be destroyed (one specific issue Jeremiah addresses in detail in the very next chapter). The Jews are slow to see that "executing justice" may mean to directly confront their own injustice, and "saved" may mean to correct their own sinful actions and thus create the reconciliation needed between the entire earth and God.
Application: I have begun to look for promises in God's word that I can adopt for myself. However, I fear falling into this same trap ... that I will interpret a promise as applying to some other person or situation, and failing to see that I myself am the problem/issue. I fear thinking "yes, I need that protection or promise or safe haven or love" when the truth is the promise is for someone else, who needs to be protected or loved due to my failures.
I don't know how to overcome this fear. I often see corrections for my life in the bible. I struggle to see hope and promise. I am pretty certain this is because I am a terrible person, full of anger and pride, with massive failings in my life. I cannot find hope. I do trust in eternal salvation through my absolute faith in Jesus, and I am confident God blesses and protects me and my family today and every day. These are promises, and critically important ones. But they seem general to all believers. I wish I could find something personal other than correction and instruction. Some day.
Prayer: Lord, I do absolutely know and trust in your love, forgiveness, mercy, and righteous justice. I know you will take my hand when I am better at walking humbly with you every day. I will seek you every day. Amen.
In those days and at that time,
I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David;
and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the earth.
In those days Judah will be saved,
and Jerusalem will dwell safely.
And this is the name by which he will be called:
THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.
Jeremiah 33:15-16Observation: This is the second time Jeremiah has declared this name for a future savior of Judah, from the line of David. The name is Yahweh Tsidkenu, and is not one that I have heard often claimed in various "names of God" discussions. Yet Jeremiah is pretty clear that it is by both his lineage - from the line of David, which is a family promise never to be broken - and also this righteous nature, that some future generation should recognize Messiah.
This has often been the confusion about what the Jews were really looking for in Messiah, and yet that is addressed by these same two verses. In hindsight, we see a description of righteousness. However, the Jews focused on other words ... "execute justice" and "saved". They looked for a Messiah who would take action against the conquering empires - first Babylon, and later Rome - execute justice against those oppressors, and save them.
Of course, this interpretation fails to address a key element, and that being the failings in their own nature. Through their interpretation, the Jews are looking externally at others as sinful, and not recognizing their own errors. It is for their sin that they are about to be destroyed (one specific issue Jeremiah addresses in detail in the very next chapter). The Jews are slow to see that "executing justice" may mean to directly confront their own injustice, and "saved" may mean to correct their own sinful actions and thus create the reconciliation needed between the entire earth and God.
Application: I have begun to look for promises in God's word that I can adopt for myself. However, I fear falling into this same trap ... that I will interpret a promise as applying to some other person or situation, and failing to see that I myself am the problem/issue. I fear thinking "yes, I need that protection or promise or safe haven or love" when the truth is the promise is for someone else, who needs to be protected or loved due to my failures.
I don't know how to overcome this fear. I often see corrections for my life in the bible. I struggle to see hope and promise. I am pretty certain this is because I am a terrible person, full of anger and pride, with massive failings in my life. I cannot find hope. I do trust in eternal salvation through my absolute faith in Jesus, and I am confident God blesses and protects me and my family today and every day. These are promises, and critically important ones. But they seem general to all believers. I wish I could find something personal other than correction and instruction. Some day.
Prayer: Lord, I do absolutely know and trust in your love, forgiveness, mercy, and righteous justice. I know you will take my hand when I am better at walking humbly with you every day. I will seek you every day. Amen.
Tuesday, August 22, 2017
Sin is Always Against God
Scripture: For this is the message that you heard from the beginning: We should love one another, not like Cain, who was of the wicked one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s works were righteous. 1 John 3:11-12
Observation: The lesson of Cain has more to it than the fact that Cain killed Abel because God accepted Abel's offering. It is true that both presented offerings, and God selected Abel's. However, God did not accept Abel instead of Cain, or over Cain, or as simply preferable to Cain. God rejected Cain's offering because it was substandard. Cain's offering was not a sincere offering to the Lord, but rather comprised of his leftovers, and thus God rejected Cain's offering.
Thus, there are two parts to the "Cain killed Abel" narrative. It is only the second part of the narrative that says Cain killed Abel because he was jealous of his brother. However, as John points out, the first part of the narrative is that Cain killed Abel because he himself was evil. And by this he clearly means Cain was living a life in opposition to God. John takes this to its logical conclusion - that if you love one another, and thus do not sin against each other, it is a sign that you are not sinning against God.
Application: As I read the other day, sin is so wrong not because it hurts others, but because sin is an act in direct opposition to God. I don't sin against other people, or against society, or against the world ... I sin against God when I disobey his instructions or violate natural moral truth.
If I am failing to love others, it is a sign that I am sinning against God in my life. My lack of humility, impatience, and anger toward other is the human manifestation of my failure to obey God's will in my life.
And what would God have me do? To seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with him every day.
Prayer: Lord, may I do these three things, and only these three things, this and every day. May I renew my call to serve you in this land, in this place and time, in a manner that advances your purposes and not my own. I know I am blessed to be a blessing. May I have the strength, patience, endurance, and love to live into that call. Amen.
Observation: The lesson of Cain has more to it than the fact that Cain killed Abel because God accepted Abel's offering. It is true that both presented offerings, and God selected Abel's. However, God did not accept Abel instead of Cain, or over Cain, or as simply preferable to Cain. God rejected Cain's offering because it was substandard. Cain's offering was not a sincere offering to the Lord, but rather comprised of his leftovers, and thus God rejected Cain's offering.
Thus, there are two parts to the "Cain killed Abel" narrative. It is only the second part of the narrative that says Cain killed Abel because he was jealous of his brother. However, as John points out, the first part of the narrative is that Cain killed Abel because he himself was evil. And by this he clearly means Cain was living a life in opposition to God. John takes this to its logical conclusion - that if you love one another, and thus do not sin against each other, it is a sign that you are not sinning against God.
Application: As I read the other day, sin is so wrong not because it hurts others, but because sin is an act in direct opposition to God. I don't sin against other people, or against society, or against the world ... I sin against God when I disobey his instructions or violate natural moral truth.
If I am failing to love others, it is a sign that I am sinning against God in my life. My lack of humility, impatience, and anger toward other is the human manifestation of my failure to obey God's will in my life.
And what would God have me do? To seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with him every day.
Prayer: Lord, may I do these three things, and only these three things, this and every day. May I renew my call to serve you in this land, in this place and time, in a manner that advances your purposes and not my own. I know I am blessed to be a blessing. May I have the strength, patience, endurance, and love to live into that call. Amen.
Monday, August 21, 2017
Choosing God's Choice
Scripture: Thus says the Lord the God of Israel: Like these good figs, so I will acknowledge those who are carried away captive of Judah, whom I have sent out of this place into the land of the Chaldeans for their good. For I will set My eyes upon them for good, and I will bring them again to this land. And I will build them up and not pull them down. And I will plant them and not pluck them up. I will give them a heart to know Me, that I am the Lord; and they will be My people, and I will be their God, for they will return to Me with their whole heart. Jeremiah 24:5-7
Observation: Even before the Babylonians wiped out Judah and Jerusalem, the Lord provides a message of guidance. He tells Judah who among them will be saved, and how that will work. He later tells even the ones who remain in Jerusalem how to avoid death through service to Babylon.
Those who have been taken away - or vacated to - Chaldea, will be eventually returned to the land and restored as the people of God. However, anyone remaining in the land to fight against Babylon will be destroyed like rotten figs. The choice is clear. The people can escape to Chaldea, likely to live a difficult life, but eventually return to Israel as the people of God ... or they can stay and resist Babylon, and be killed and destroyed while suffering horribly. Yes, the "best case" being offered isn't ideal, but it is a lot better than the alternative.
Application: How often do I and others "reject" an instruction or direction from God because it doesn't fit with my plan? Do I seek God's instructions, and then determine they can't quite be 'right' because they take me in a direction I don't want to go?
Even in the end, God gave Judah a way out. It wasn't necessarily pleasant, but it was a way and it included long-term blessing. Most of them chose to seek a different path. That ended badly.
I need to look for God's guidance and instructions, and seriously follow them. Even if they do not align to my plans or my intended location/destination, God's plans are better than the alternatives.
Prayer: Lord, you have provided for me in great ways, throughout my life. As I return to work, may I be especially aware of your direction and instruction. I seek to follow your path in my life, in both the short and long terms. Amen.
Observation: Even before the Babylonians wiped out Judah and Jerusalem, the Lord provides a message of guidance. He tells Judah who among them will be saved, and how that will work. He later tells even the ones who remain in Jerusalem how to avoid death through service to Babylon.
Those who have been taken away - or vacated to - Chaldea, will be eventually returned to the land and restored as the people of God. However, anyone remaining in the land to fight against Babylon will be destroyed like rotten figs. The choice is clear. The people can escape to Chaldea, likely to live a difficult life, but eventually return to Israel as the people of God ... or they can stay and resist Babylon, and be killed and destroyed while suffering horribly. Yes, the "best case" being offered isn't ideal, but it is a lot better than the alternative.
Application: How often do I and others "reject" an instruction or direction from God because it doesn't fit with my plan? Do I seek God's instructions, and then determine they can't quite be 'right' because they take me in a direction I don't want to go?
Even in the end, God gave Judah a way out. It wasn't necessarily pleasant, but it was a way and it included long-term blessing. Most of them chose to seek a different path. That ended badly.
I need to look for God's guidance and instructions, and seriously follow them. Even if they do not align to my plans or my intended location/destination, God's plans are better than the alternatives.
Prayer: Lord, you have provided for me in great ways, throughout my life. As I return to work, may I be especially aware of your direction and instruction. I seek to follow your path in my life, in both the short and long terms. Amen.
Wednesday, August 9, 2017
We're Not Waiting for Permission
Based on some time out of my normal routine, it may be about two weeks before I blog again. Therefore, my best thought is about looking to the Lord with confidence and strength, without fear ...
If we're going to fly
We fly like eagles, arms out wide
If we're going to fear
We fear no evil. We will rise.
If we're going to stand
We stand as giants.
If we're going to walk
We walk as lions!
If we're going to fly
We fly like eagles, arms out wide
If we're going to fear
We fear no evil. We will rise.
If we're going to stand
We stand as giants.
If we're going to walk
We walk as lions!
Tuesday, August 8, 2017
Trusting the Rebuilding Process
Scripture: Then the Lord put forth His hand and touched my mouth. And the Lord said to me, “Now, I have put My words in your mouth. See, I have this day set you over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out and to pull down, to destroy and to throw down, to build and to plant.” Jeremiah 1:9-10
Observation: As the spirit of God commissions Jeremiah, the purpose of his mission is clearly stated. He will prophesy in order to tear down and destroy the nations and kingdoms. His is to be the message of final destruction for Judah and Jerusalem. However, the construction of this commission has a twist. The word of Jeremiah will completely kill these nations - it will not only topple them but even pull them out by the root so they can never live again. His words will completely destroy Judah. And yet, his words will also ... build and plant.
In other words, while his mission will be about destroying Judah, out of this destruction will come an entirely new thing. It will be replanted anew, and rebuilt from the ground up.
Application: I have seen God - for whatever reason - allow things to be destroyed. This may not be violence, like the destruction of a life, but only the destruction of someone's hopes, or a relationship. And I know God uses these to events to renew the future into someone's life. I have seen it.
However, right now I'm struggling to trust it. I want to trust it, OH how I want to, Lord. In my heart I know, and in my mind I remember. The fear of the unknown future, though, sits on my heart. That is the stress that cripples my family and causes anxiety, arguments, discord, pain, and labors.
My failing is that, right now, when I see the rooting out of pulling down of my son's intended plans, I do not trust in the building and planting of his future results.
Prayer: Lord, please forgive me for my fear. I have surrendered this situation to you, and I do again this day. Please prepare for the future planting of my son's life. Thank you. Amen.
Observation: As the spirit of God commissions Jeremiah, the purpose of his mission is clearly stated. He will prophesy in order to tear down and destroy the nations and kingdoms. His is to be the message of final destruction for Judah and Jerusalem. However, the construction of this commission has a twist. The word of Jeremiah will completely kill these nations - it will not only topple them but even pull them out by the root so they can never live again. His words will completely destroy Judah. And yet, his words will also ... build and plant.
In other words, while his mission will be about destroying Judah, out of this destruction will come an entirely new thing. It will be replanted anew, and rebuilt from the ground up.
Application: I have seen God - for whatever reason - allow things to be destroyed. This may not be violence, like the destruction of a life, but only the destruction of someone's hopes, or a relationship. And I know God uses these to events to renew the future into someone's life. I have seen it.
However, right now I'm struggling to trust it. I want to trust it, OH how I want to, Lord. In my heart I know, and in my mind I remember. The fear of the unknown future, though, sits on my heart. That is the stress that cripples my family and causes anxiety, arguments, discord, pain, and labors.
My failing is that, right now, when I see the rooting out of pulling down of my son's intended plans, I do not trust in the building and planting of his future results.
Prayer: Lord, please forgive me for my fear. I have surrendered this situation to you, and I do again this day. Please prepare for the future planting of my son's life. Thank you. Amen.
Friday, August 4, 2017
About Bread, Body, and Belief
Scripture: Then they asked Him, “What shall we do that we may work the works of God?” Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.” Therefore they said to Him, “What sign do You show then, that we may see and believe You? What work will You perform? Our fathers ate manna in the desert. As it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’” Then Jesus said, “Truly, truly I say to you, Moses did not give you the bread from heaven, but My Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” John 6:28-33
Observation: This large passage eventually culminates with many disciples turning away from Jesus, as his teaching is too difficult. The interesting thing is that this teaching is actually quite simple, but uses a metaphor that is confusing, and the metaphor was originated by the followers.
The simple message is this: The true "work" or service to God is to simply believe in the Messiah. However, the believers in response ask for another sign from Jesus, and bring up manna, which leads Jesus to talk about the bread of life and the true bread of heaven - metaphorically, the Messiah - and thus "eating" of THAT bread ... belief in Messiah. It isn't all that difficult.
Therefore, this is what is difficult, that they must have faith. They cannot just go 'do' something, and as a reward be handed some miracle that will provide sustenance in their lives, be that the manna their ancestors received or the bread they were fed just yesterday. Instead, they must have faith, and the result of that faith will be the presence of Jesus, which of course in their minds does not provide for their daily needs. They see total intangibility in this equation ... their faith is not visible work performed by their body, and the reward does not fulfill their bodily needs. (This attitude Jesus addresses in verse 63, saying, "It is the Spirit who gives life. The flesh profits nothing.")
Application: The "hard" part of Jesus' teach has always been this ... we are all body-centric when it comes to our thinking, and Jesus was always spirit-centric. We think we should do physical work for physical rewards. Jesus wants us to do spiritual work for spiritual rewards.
Spiritual work is faith in Jesus, love of God, and through that love bestowing justice and mercy on others. Spiritual reward is peace of mind, gentleness of heart, and joy in life come what may. God will provide our daily bread, not as a reward for physical work but because he loves us. Working for it is superfluous.
I am probably getting half of this 'spiritual work' right - the faith in Jesus and love of God. And I am probably getting half the spiritual rewards - occasional joy and peace. Maybe the teaching is hard after all, because I can't seem to fully live into it yet.
Prayer: Lord, please do give me this daily my daily bread, and forgive me of my sins. At the same time, guide me in your will and your way toward others. I will seek mercy, kindness, and justice, as a reflection of your love. Amen.
Observation: This large passage eventually culminates with many disciples turning away from Jesus, as his teaching is too difficult. The interesting thing is that this teaching is actually quite simple, but uses a metaphor that is confusing, and the metaphor was originated by the followers.
The simple message is this: The true "work" or service to God is to simply believe in the Messiah. However, the believers in response ask for another sign from Jesus, and bring up manna, which leads Jesus to talk about the bread of life and the true bread of heaven - metaphorically, the Messiah - and thus "eating" of THAT bread ... belief in Messiah. It isn't all that difficult.
Therefore, this is what is difficult, that they must have faith. They cannot just go 'do' something, and as a reward be handed some miracle that will provide sustenance in their lives, be that the manna their ancestors received or the bread they were fed just yesterday. Instead, they must have faith, and the result of that faith will be the presence of Jesus, which of course in their minds does not provide for their daily needs. They see total intangibility in this equation ... their faith is not visible work performed by their body, and the reward does not fulfill their bodily needs. (This attitude Jesus addresses in verse 63, saying, "It is the Spirit who gives life. The flesh profits nothing.")
Application: The "hard" part of Jesus' teach has always been this ... we are all body-centric when it comes to our thinking, and Jesus was always spirit-centric. We think we should do physical work for physical rewards. Jesus wants us to do spiritual work for spiritual rewards.
Spiritual work is faith in Jesus, love of God, and through that love bestowing justice and mercy on others. Spiritual reward is peace of mind, gentleness of heart, and joy in life come what may. God will provide our daily bread, not as a reward for physical work but because he loves us. Working for it is superfluous.
I am probably getting half of this 'spiritual work' right - the faith in Jesus and love of God. And I am probably getting half the spiritual rewards - occasional joy and peace. Maybe the teaching is hard after all, because I can't seem to fully live into it yet.
Prayer: Lord, please do give me this daily my daily bread, and forgive me of my sins. At the same time, guide me in your will and your way toward others. I will seek mercy, kindness, and justice, as a reflection of your love. Amen.
Thursday, August 3, 2017
What is Really Important
Scripture: An oracle for Nineveh, a writing of the vision of Nahum, the Elkoshite. Nahum 1:1
Observation: This short book that condemns and curses Assyria is introduced this way, as being from Nahum the Elkoshite. I looked it up, and "Elkoshite" is ... almost meaningless. It is not a tribe or clan of Israel or Judah. It might be a place, though no such place ever existed. Scholars think that it refers to a now-lost village, but there are ~5 different options for such a village ... two in Judah, one in Israel, two in Babylon, and none of them really make sense.
Assuming the author of this is Nahum himself - that he wrote out the prophetic word about the downfall of Nineveh and Assyria himself - it would seem this designation was important to him. Nahum picked one word as the only descriptive characteristic of himself, and that word was ... a place so insignificant that it is not recorded in any other historical document anywhere, and no one can figure out where in the world it is.
Nahum thought the fact he was an Elkoshite was important. It turns out to be insignificant. Instead, it is the power of his words that were all-important. The importance of Nahum is not his background or home town, but it is the word of God that pronounced judgment and warning on the nation that had destroyed Israel. The fulfillment of Nahum's faithful pronouncement would echo through time; The most important attribute of Nahum himself would be muted by historical oblivion.
Application: There is something about me - some trait, character, or personal attribute - that I think is vitally important to my identity ... and which God knows is absolutely meaningless.
If I had to guess, like Nahum I would say it is my last name. To me, my last name connotes both historical identity and current position. It makes me the head of a household. It also makes me unique due to its rarity. And it implies a source of nationality. On the other hand ... it isn't even really a last name! It is a common Finnish first name, and I am not in any way Finnish. It is confusing to strangers, oddly difficult to spell, and (when I was young) easily twisted into a half dozen nicknames. In other words, I regard it with a sense of pride, but for clearly no reason whatsoever. It is only important to me ... not to anyone else, and not to God.
God cares FAR more about how I connect with him, listen to his Spirit, honor Jesus, and conduct my life by faith, than he could possibly care about any meaningless characteristic like four random letters that represent my last name. God cares that I love others, not that I find pride in a lineage. God wants me to be firm in my knowledge that, through faith and belief in Jesus as my Lord and savior, my future home is heaven, not that my familial past home was Holland.
What is really important is this: My identity is Child of God.
Prayer: Abba, thank you. I cannot praise you enough for your amazing love. I seek you this day. Please provide me with my daily bread, and allow me opportunity to serve you in your work on earth. Amen.
Observation: This short book that condemns and curses Assyria is introduced this way, as being from Nahum the Elkoshite. I looked it up, and "Elkoshite" is ... almost meaningless. It is not a tribe or clan of Israel or Judah. It might be a place, though no such place ever existed. Scholars think that it refers to a now-lost village, but there are ~5 different options for such a village ... two in Judah, one in Israel, two in Babylon, and none of them really make sense.
Assuming the author of this is Nahum himself - that he wrote out the prophetic word about the downfall of Nineveh and Assyria himself - it would seem this designation was important to him. Nahum picked one word as the only descriptive characteristic of himself, and that word was ... a place so insignificant that it is not recorded in any other historical document anywhere, and no one can figure out where in the world it is.
Nahum thought the fact he was an Elkoshite was important. It turns out to be insignificant. Instead, it is the power of his words that were all-important. The importance of Nahum is not his background or home town, but it is the word of God that pronounced judgment and warning on the nation that had destroyed Israel. The fulfillment of Nahum's faithful pronouncement would echo through time; The most important attribute of Nahum himself would be muted by historical oblivion.
Application: There is something about me - some trait, character, or personal attribute - that I think is vitally important to my identity ... and which God knows is absolutely meaningless.
If I had to guess, like Nahum I would say it is my last name. To me, my last name connotes both historical identity and current position. It makes me the head of a household. It also makes me unique due to its rarity. And it implies a source of nationality. On the other hand ... it isn't even really a last name! It is a common Finnish first name, and I am not in any way Finnish. It is confusing to strangers, oddly difficult to spell, and (when I was young) easily twisted into a half dozen nicknames. In other words, I regard it with a sense of pride, but for clearly no reason whatsoever. It is only important to me ... not to anyone else, and not to God.
God cares FAR more about how I connect with him, listen to his Spirit, honor Jesus, and conduct my life by faith, than he could possibly care about any meaningless characteristic like four random letters that represent my last name. God cares that I love others, not that I find pride in a lineage. God wants me to be firm in my knowledge that, through faith and belief in Jesus as my Lord and savior, my future home is heaven, not that my familial past home was Holland.
What is really important is this: My identity is Child of God.
Prayer: Abba, thank you. I cannot praise you enough for your amazing love. I seek you this day. Please provide me with my daily bread, and allow me opportunity to serve you in your work on earth. Amen.
Tuesday, August 1, 2017
Born of the Spirit
Scripture: Jesus answered Nicodemus, “Truly, truly I say to you, unless a man is born again,* he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly I say to you, unless a man is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” John 3:3-8
* Or 'born from above'.
Observation: The term "born again" can be confusing. It was even confusing to Nicodemus, a Pharisee and future believer in Jesus, however it may be confusing for different reasons. In a simple reading, Nicodemus took it literally wondering how an old man could be born again. However, if it is understood that the term "born again" means to be born of the spirit - as the rest of the text and the footnote allude to - then the rest of the discussion between Jesus and Nicodemus examines the method of receiving the Holy Spirit.
In that context, Nicodemus is legitimately curious. He wonders about how to receive the spirit when one is "old", and even jumps onto Jesus' metaphor and uses it to ask whether an old man can actually get a second change ... if he wasn't touched by the Spirit by God's will when he was young, can he really try to receive the Spirit when he is grown. Jesus responds directly:
-- The way into the kingdom of God is by receiving the Spirit.
-- You receive the Spirit by being "born" of the Spirit.
-- Since you do not understand the origin and work of the Spirit, do not doubt that this is possible.
And this is the context of how to receive the Spirit ... "whoever believes in me will not perish but have eternal life."
Application: I wish to connect better with the Holy Spirit in my daily walk. Of course the way to do this is through continual prayer, and keeping a better reign on my anger, impatience, and attitude, so as not to give the Spirit cause to turn away.
Nicodemus is one of my favorite people in the bible. He is the first Pharisee to constructively come to Jesus for conversation. He is the one seen most often as becoming a believer. He was legitimately curious and sought faith through an intellectual understanding of Jesus and God. At least twice he publicly acted on his faith even though both times were risky to his career and reputation.
He received the Spirit through faith in Jesus. He exercised that Spirit-filled faith at work and publicly. And he always compared his faith to facts. He was a thinker who was strong in faith. That is a combination I would like to imitate.
Prayer: Lord, my I be strong with the Spirit daily, even as I seek clarification, guidance, assistance. I ask for direction. That is not out of a lack of belief, but from a strength in belief in your love. May I align my thoughts and actions to your will, guided by your Spirit within me, a Spirit that has come to me as a grown man. I am born again. May I publicly act like it daily. Amen.
* Or 'born from above'.
Observation: The term "born again" can be confusing. It was even confusing to Nicodemus, a Pharisee and future believer in Jesus, however it may be confusing for different reasons. In a simple reading, Nicodemus took it literally wondering how an old man could be born again. However, if it is understood that the term "born again" means to be born of the spirit - as the rest of the text and the footnote allude to - then the rest of the discussion between Jesus and Nicodemus examines the method of receiving the Holy Spirit.
In that context, Nicodemus is legitimately curious. He wonders about how to receive the spirit when one is "old", and even jumps onto Jesus' metaphor and uses it to ask whether an old man can actually get a second change ... if he wasn't touched by the Spirit by God's will when he was young, can he really try to receive the Spirit when he is grown. Jesus responds directly:
-- The way into the kingdom of God is by receiving the Spirit.
-- You receive the Spirit by being "born" of the Spirit.
-- Since you do not understand the origin and work of the Spirit, do not doubt that this is possible.
And this is the context of how to receive the Spirit ... "whoever believes in me will not perish but have eternal life."
Application: I wish to connect better with the Holy Spirit in my daily walk. Of course the way to do this is through continual prayer, and keeping a better reign on my anger, impatience, and attitude, so as not to give the Spirit cause to turn away.
Nicodemus is one of my favorite people in the bible. He is the first Pharisee to constructively come to Jesus for conversation. He is the one seen most often as becoming a believer. He was legitimately curious and sought faith through an intellectual understanding of Jesus and God. At least twice he publicly acted on his faith even though both times were risky to his career and reputation.
He received the Spirit through faith in Jesus. He exercised that Spirit-filled faith at work and publicly. And he always compared his faith to facts. He was a thinker who was strong in faith. That is a combination I would like to imitate.
Prayer: Lord, my I be strong with the Spirit daily, even as I seek clarification, guidance, assistance. I ask for direction. That is not out of a lack of belief, but from a strength in belief in your love. May I align my thoughts and actions to your will, guided by your Spirit within me, a Spirit that has come to me as a grown man. I am born again. May I publicly act like it daily. Amen.
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