Wednesday, January 31, 2018

Mighty is the Lord

Scripture:
I love You, Lord, my strength.
The Lord is my rock,
my fortress, and my deliverer,
my God, my mountain where I seek refuge,
my shield and the horn of my salvation,
my stronghold.

I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise,
and I was saved from my enemies.

Psalm 18:1-3

Observation: The introduction to this psalm says it is what David said when he was saved from Saul. It is a true praise for God's strength and physical salvation. David is acknowledging God as his all-sufficient protector, using terms like rock, fortress, mountain, shield, and stronghold.

Application: The Lord is my protector. I am often calling on the Lord for guidance, correction, assistance, and forgiveness. David called on him for practical life-saving protection. God can be more than my God ... he can literally take care of my life. Absent a king hunting me down, he can take care of my daily professional challenges and protect me from slander or issues from others.

Verse 3 is key. David first turned to God, God protected him, and David rejoiced and praised God. We read here the praise, but we know the first thing - seeking God's protection - happened first. That is what I seek today. I do not have enemies looking to kill me, but I do have confusion and frustration caused by those who seek agendas outside of the norm, whose actions would damage teams, morale, and financial structures. I also have those who rage with anger who would gladly attack my reputation and damage my career and livelihood.

I know the Lord is with me, and that he protects me. I both seek that protection, and praise his deliverance with song and thanksgiving.

Prayer: Lord, today I do, in fact, seek your protection. There are small, earthly issues here at work that would undue work and hurt people, and I seek more than my wisdom. I seek your protection. Also, Lord, there are those angry and hate-filled people who look for ways to harm and attack. You have protected me from them so far, and I know this. I praise you for that protection, and ask for it to continue. May they stay far away from me in both location and operation. You are strong and powerful, Lord. You are my fortress. You are the rock on which I build my home. Thank you! Amen.

Tuesday, January 30, 2018

The Courage to Ask

Scripture: Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons approached Him with her sons. She knelt down to ask Him for something. Matthew 20:20

Observation: This section is about James and John, and their mother making a request of Jesus. It starts with none of those four being named, but only one person is mentioned ... Zebedee ... who isn't even there.

I have commented before on Zebedee, but he continues to be fascinating. He is absent in all stories. He is never an actor in any part of the gospel except maybe as a witness to certain activities when his sons leave his fishing business. Yet his mentioned regularly. In this example - a bold request made to Jesus about sitting in a place of honor - the people for whom the place of honor is requested are only called Zebedee's sons. The person making the request is even more remotely identified as the mother of Zebedee's sons (a.k.a. his wife).

Zebedee had to be important. Matthew spent years with James and John, and only names them in context of a man who isn't around. The mother making the request will be one of the three women who discover the empty tomb, yet her current identity is as the mother of Zebedee's kids. At some point, one almost expects Jesus to be identified as 'Zebedee's rabbi'. Somehow, this person who never acts, never speaks, and never appears is elevated above devout women and core leaders surrounding Jesus.

Application: I will not speculate again about why Zebedee is so honored in the gospel. While, any speculation is a mystery, the power of this man is obvious. It extends through him to his family, who are collectively bold enough to seek seats of honor in heaven. We they raised overly proud by this Galilean fisherman? I would suspect that the attitude at work here is not pride, but courage.

The family of Zebedee has faith, and out of that faith is a profound trust that Jesus' is Messiah who will rule in heaven. This family has the courage to live directly into that faith by seeking position in heaven. Jesus corrects the request, then he corrects the desire for position. However, he does not correct the courage. Jesus does not rebuke Salome, James, or John for addressing him and asking for favors, placement, and power. In fact, he questions their ability, and agrees with them that they will, in fact, need that courage someday.

Do I have the courage to ask Jesus for what I want every day? Sometimes I fear the answer and don't, though I know he knows my question anyway and my request isn't truly unasked. I can and should go deeper and bolder in my requests, keeping faith - not pride - central.

Prayer: Dear Lord, you know the questions on my heart this day. I have questions about my daughter's future and what is your will for her life. Please explicitly tell us. I do not seek hints, I seek clear instruction. She is so young, so smart, so small, so strong, so focused, so fearful, so bold, so mild. I cannot see her as I saw myself at that age. Again I say, please explicitly tell us what to do. Amen.

Monday, January 29, 2018

Knowing and Yet Ignoring

Scripture:
Can you fathom the depths of God
or discover the limits of the Almighty?
They are higher than the heavens—what can you do?
They are deeper than Sheol—what can you know?
Their measure is longer than the earth
and wider than the sea.

Job 11:7-9

Observation: As the debate between and amongst Job and his friend continues, they stumble upon the truth from time to time. Here, Zophar begins his response to Job in a very straightforward manner, effectively stating that Job needs to stop trying to defend himself because God's knowledge, wisdom, and ways are beyond our rational and understanding.

This is, of course, completely accurate. God's understanding of creation, his wisdom of good and evil, his planning of all purpose, his master of the universe, is beyond human comprehension. Therefore, any attempt by Job - or any man - to justify themselves against that wisdom and define their life in the context of the overall master plan of God, is futile. That is what Job is attempting to do, and Zophar corrects him.

Of course ... Zophar will immediately say ... now THIS is what you must do. Zophar states that it is beyond human understanding to explain God, then tries to explain God in the context of the actions Job must take to repent and return to a right relationship.

Application: I know enough about Jesus to know what I should do every day, and like so many others I fail to do it. I do not pray enough. I get angry quickly. I behave poorly toward others. I sin. And I do these things in full knowledge that I should pray continually, be patient and kind and loving, and be humble in service. While I may not understand God's wisdom and purposes, I know God's great truth, and I ignore it often.

I will continue to attempt to adjust this every day. I seek God's wisdom and love in my life, and will start by aligning my thoughts and prayers to him. I know I will fail often, but I need to start succeeding more.

Prayer: Lord, I have prayed this prayer so many times. Please aid me in walking humbly with you today. I seek your word in my ear, and your hand upon my hand. May I turn to you with my thoughts and listen only to your voice. Amen.

Friday, January 26, 2018

Blessed to Spiritually Bless

Scripture: Whenever a round of banqueting was over, Job would send for his children and purify them, rising early in the morning to offer burnt offerings for all of them. For Job thought: Perhaps my children have sinned, having cursed God in their hearts. This was Job’s regular practice. Job 1:5

Observation: Job and his entire family is blessed. The children are clearly privileged, able to throw regular banquets and enjoy life. While later Satan will claim this is because of God's decision, there is no evidence that the children have any relationship with God. In fact, Job himself regularly worries that his children sin and curse God.

Instead, Job is the one who prays and offers burnt offerings for his children. Job reaches out to God for the forgiveness and blessing of his children - it is his regular practice, not theirs - and God responds to Job by blessing the children.

In making Abraham into a nation, God says he will make that nation "blessed to be a blessing", and that promise is passed through the Messianic promise to the church. Job receives God's blessing as a result of his faith, but he doesn't pass it along just by giving his children riches ... he passes on the blessing at a worship-based level. Job worships God for his children. Job blesses his children spiritually out of the spiritual blessing he has received.

Application: Blessing others out of my abundance shouldn't just be about giving money, or sharing our home, or providing for others. The blessing I pass to others can be through prayer, private sacrifice, and behind-the-scenes action. It can also be in my worship of God, dedicated for others. This isn't to redeem others, but to share God's love with them.

Prayer: My Lord and father, may others be in my heart today. May I find songs on the radio today and this weekend that praise you, but also that raise up others in my heart and mind, so I may dedicate those songs to you. Please pass your love to others. Amen.

Wednesday, January 24, 2018

Don't and Do's

Scripture:
My son, don’t forget my teaching,
but let your heart keep my commands;
for they will bring you

many days, a full life, and well-being.
Never let loyalty and faithfulness leave you.
Tie them around your neck;
write them on the tablet of your heart.
Then you will find favor and high regard
in the sight of God and man.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not rely on your own understanding;
think about Him in all your ways,
and He will guide you on the right paths.
Don’t consider yourself to be wise;
fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
Proverbs 3:1-7

Observation: As the proverbs begin in earnest, the first instruction is about listening to God, obeying his teaching, and trusting in his wisdom. The positive actions are to "keep" the commands, "write" them down, "trust" in the Lord, "think" about him, "fear" the Lord, and "turn" from evil.

However, there are also a series of "don't" commands. We are not to ... forget the teaching, let loyalty and faithfulness leave us, rely on our own understanding, or consider ourselves wise. In other words, faith and trust in God is not additive to our own capabilities and wisdom, but rather a replacement for self-reliance and self-trust. One cannot simply do as God commands, but must also cease from following ones own thoughts, desires, and counsel.

Application: This is how I fail! I gladly seek God's wisdom and guidance, but regularly also look to solve problems on my own, with my experience and intelligence and knowledge. When I do this, it means I have not created the room in my life truly necessary to trust and obey God. I am not making him Lord, but adviser. I am not giving him authority over my life, but allowing him input only.

I need to set aside my own counsel. The Lord cannot be the person helping me make decisions ... he must be the one I trust to make the decisions for me.

Prayer: Lord, I seek surrender to you, in the big and little parts of my life. May I lean into your perfect will, wisdom, and teaching. I will learn to not consider myself wise. Please guide me in all your ways, but especially as I stop trying to find my own way. Amen.

Tuesday, January 23, 2018

God, You Don't Need Me

I've had plans shattered and broken,
Things I have hoped in fall through my hands ...
I give you control!



Monday, January 22, 2018

Connections Across Millenia

Scripture: Then Judah said to his father Israel, "Send the boy with me. We will be on our way so that we may live and not die—neither we, nor you, nor our children. I will be responsible for him. You can hold me personally accountable! If I do not bring him back to you and set him before you, I will be guilty before you forever." Genesis 43:8-9

Observation: As the sons of Israel prepare to return to Egypt, they must take Benjamin with them as Joseph has required if they are ever to return for more food. Israel doesn't want to allow it, but Judah comes forward and accepts responsibility for Benjamin. He will personally ensure Benjamin's safe return.

Of course, over 1,000 years later, the nation of Israel will divide following the rule of King Solomon, and the two tribes that remain loyal to the Davidic king in Jerusalem will be ... Judah and Benjamin. They will therefore be the last tribes of Israel to remain faithful to God, and who exist the longest as a nation pre-exile, and then primarily return from Babylonian exile to rebuild Jerusalem. In fact, the future "northern" tribes may not even be considered Jews post-exile - they do not return in great numbers from Assyria, and those that do become know a Samaritans due to changes in their faith and worship practices. Effectively, Judah and Benjamin are ultimately one people-group.

Application: The Bible is replete with foreshadowing and events that cannot be coincidence, as they occur far too far apart to be designed, and far too frequently to be coincidence. This is one of those situations. These connections reinforce faith in the word of God, making it clear that design exists, as well as truth and inspiration and helpfulness.

I do wish I could meditate on the word more. I would like to begin thinking deeper about scripture during my down time, at least contemplating information and stories and truths. I would also still like to claim some promises, something that has been lacking in my devotions. I would like to know what God personally has for me and my family in his words. I know they can be trusted, for they can easily bind the fate of entire nations across millennium.

Prayer: My dear Lord, your word is perfect and true. May I not only rely upon it, but also find more and more within it every day. I do wish to be a healthy tree planted by a stream, that does not wither because I am nourished by the word of God. Help me to meditate on your word day and night. Amen.


Friday, January 19, 2018

Adding the Scriptures and Kingdom

Scripture: “Therefore,” He said to them, “every student of Scripture instructed in the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who brings out of his storeroom what is new and what is old.” Matthew 13:52

Observation: Jesus has just given a series of parables about what "the kingdom of heaven is like" and concludes it with this statement. He is making three distinct statements. First, that those who learn and receive information about the kingdom of heaven are receiving something new. Second, that new information is not to replace, but is rather added to the old information in Scripture. And third, that both the old and the new, possessed together, is the worthy goal.

The disciples are being told not to merely listen to the new information of Jesus, nor to simply put his lessons into the context of the scriptures and judge it as reinforcement of the law. Instead, they are both to exist together, side by side. The kingdom of heaven is about the discovery of faith in God and Jesus, while the law of scripture is about living a life out of that faith. That life is not just compliant, but in alignment to the intentions of God and his creation.

Application: Jesus taught really basic faith to many listening to him, and discussed proper living in the context of that faith. However, with his disciples, he goes deeper and shows the alignment of all scripture to all of his teaching. This will continue so strongly that ultimately, at least a dozen years after his death (or more), James will write a book that explicitly defines faith AS the practice of living and behaving following God's instructions.

My faith is being tested this week. What some might call "faith" ... belief in Jesus as Lord and savior ... is not at question at all in my life. But true faith - absolutely believing and knowing that, whatever happens, God's ways are absolutely for the best - is strained. I want specific outcomes for my daughter, my son, and my family. I am praying for those outcomes, not for God's will. I pray that his will IS these outcomes ... but I know I will be sad and a little angry if they aren't.

I fear that, in all this, my thoughts are behaviors are suffering. I have written often lately about my anger, frustration, and lack of patience with others. I can literally tell myself "be patient" and four seconds later revert to frustration.

Jesus is clear: My hesitation to completely trust God, and my inability to be patient, are one and the same issue. I need to add faith in Jesus - the kingdom of heaven - to the scriptural lessons, instead of leaning on faith alone.

Prayer: Lord, please do forgive my weakness. I absolutely trust you. Yes, I wish there were certain outcomes, but those wishes come from my love for my family and a desire to see their joy. I will seek patience this day, find joy in others and not frustration, and do my best to trust in your ways regardless of near-term outcomes. Amen.


Thursday, January 18, 2018

Division Through Disrespect

Scripture: Jacob lived in the land where his father had stayed, the land of Canaan. These are the family records of Jacob. At 17 years of age, Joseph tended sheep with his brothers. The young man was working with the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah, his father’s wives, and he brought a bad report about them to their father. Genesis 37:1-2

Observation: This is the first possible conflict mentioned between Joseph and his brothers, and it occurs before his conversations about dreams and even before his has is special robe. However, it is specific to a subset of the brothers ... the sons of the maids Bilhah and Zilpah, and not the sons of Leah nor Benjamin (his full brother from Rachel). This means this conflict applies only to four brothers: Dan, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher.

After relating this issue of uncertain scope - a "bad report" but no details - nothing happens. The conflict immediate transitions into issues of jealousy and humility about Joseph's place of honor as his father's favorite and the dreams he has. If this brief issue is then about the four brothers, we learn nothing from it. However, if it is actually about Joseph, we may be instructed.

Joseph establishes himself as an outsider. He builds the walls between himself and his brothers. His dreams do this in an obvious way, and he is even scolded by his father for telling about the dreams. However, this incident also serves to initiate division. Since the matter is immediately dropped, the "bad report" doesn't seem to have involved any major issue. Instead, Joseph is just ... telling on them. He is initiating a conflict that will set in motion the future of Israel for the next ~250 years. And he is initiating this conflict seemingly without motive.

Application: Recently, I have been under siege from several areas here at work ... people seemingly taking action detrimental to me and/or my team. Just yesterday, I tried to consider if there was something I was doing to trigger this. This lesson about Joseph may emphasize that.

Am I doing something that is initiating conflict, and if so is it behavior I need to change? There is stress everywhere in the organization, and many are looking for how to protect themselves. Joseph's brothers felt this way when Joseph elevated himself while disrespecting them. So ... am I doing something to disrespect others? And if so, how does that impact may effectiveness both professionally and in doing God's will in this place?

Prayer: Lord, please forgive me for my pride. It is always the primary source of my struggles and sin, and I beg your forgiveness. May I evaluate others using your criteria, that they are people you love, and seek ways to interact with them that honor and respect them. In this way, may I advance your kingdom and your will first and foremost every day. Amen.

Tuesday, January 16, 2018

The Reality of the Spirit

Scripture: Because of this, I tell you, people will be forgiven every sin and blasphemy, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him. But whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the one to come. Matthew 12:31-32

Observation: The declaration about the Holy Spirit is an odd one. Jesus states that any sin can be forgiven, however blasphemy about the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. He introduces this concept with the phrase "because of this"; immediately prior is a conversation about whether or not evil spirits are driven out by the use of evil spirits.

This conversation is about what occurs in a spiritual realm. Jesus is pointing out that he does not act against evil spirits by using evil spirits, then effectively curses anyone who would speak against the Holy Spirit. The point is that there are conflicts that take place on a spiritual level, and anyone who engages in spiritual warfare against the Holy Spirit is in a position that they have yielded themselves to evil spirits. In that case, forgiveness is not possible, for evil spirits have made an eternal decision. Anyone in league with them has likewise made an eternal and permanent decision.

Application: It is easy to look at our world as "real" and forget about the spiritual world that is just as real and even more permanent. Our daily battles to do good, think well of others, and serve God are actually spiritual battles. The results manifest in our offices, streets, and homes, but they are the result of spirits in conflict.

I have personally chosen a side in that conflict, and I am in league with the Holy Spirit. I pray for the Spirit's strength, wisdom, and guidance daily. I know he is real. For that reason, I know evil spirits are real, and that issues that arise because of them are real. I will strive to keep that in mind in interacting with people and events daily.

Prayer: Lord, I do say it again today, please guide and protect me. May your Spirit give me comfort, wisdom, and strength in my walk today. Amen.


Friday, January 12, 2018

Wisdom Loud and Proud

Scripture:
Wisdom calls out in the street;
she raises her voice in the public squares.
She cries out above the commotion;
she speaks at the entrance of the city gates:

"How long, foolish ones, will you love ignorance?
How long will you mockers enjoy mocking
and you fools hate knowledge?"

Proverbs 1:20-22

Observation: Lady Wisdom enters the book of Proverbs not with any wise words, but with a question ... how long will people love ignorance? Wisdom is actively seeking them out - it is not a passive collection of information hidden away and requiring them to search hard, but rather wisdom is standing in the public square shouting out loud above the crowd. Wisdom is visibly proclaimed. Yet people ignore it and cling to ignorance.

This is the theme of Wisdom's personified introduction ... people hate wisdom and knowledge, and instead love and cling to ignorance. They mock Wisdom, making fun of her. Meanwhile, wisdom has a lesson for everyone ... if they do not listen to the knowledge and the truth, they will face calamity and ruin, and Wisdom will then mock and laugh at them. When the ignorant face destruction and then cry out for wise advice, Wisdom will turn her back on them with contempt and take pleasure in their downfall.

The metaphor is clear, that wisdom does, in fact, make itself obvious and known to everyone. However, if people turn away from it and cling to their ignorant ways, eventually that ignorance will catch up to them, and when that happens it will be too late to learn the true wisdom and knowledge of the world.

Application: We know what true 'wisdom' looks like ... it is trust and faith in the Lord. All other wise sayings come from that root of knowledge - that the ways of the Lord to sure and right and true. This is the wisdom others ignore while it is shouted out in the world.

My lesson is to understand that there are those who absolutely will ignore this wisdom. The writer of Proverbs knew it. Many instead truly love their ignorance. They love their lives and ways that are outside of God's love and instruction. They will someday come to ruin, and when they do they will then try to figure out the wisdom of God, but it will be too late ... though some will change and come to faith in Jesus, many will be too fixed in their minds to fully grasp the truth.

I cannot take this personally in talking to people. God is in control of the minds and hearts of others, and in their free will many will hate knowledge and love ignorance. My task is simply to love all with patience and truth.

Prayer: Lord, may I have a chance to represent you this day and every day. Regardless of the attitudes of others, may I love your wisdom and truth, pass that along as possible, and let others work with you in determining their acceptance of your wise ways. Amen.


Thursday, January 11, 2018

Praise God Througout the Earth

Scripture:
Yahweh, our Lord,
how magnificent is Your name throughout the earth!
You have covered the heavens with Your majesty.
Psalm 8:1

Observation: As the psalmist praises God, he creates one specific context - the earth and heavens are amazing, filled with beauty, life, wonder, and amazing things ... and yet God has placed mankind in charge of it all. For this, God is to be worshiped and praised. His name is to be declared as wonderful from our own mouths.

Application: This is the responsibility of myself and all mankind - to worship God as our lord. It is only in the context of understand God as both creator and benefactor that this truly occurs. God created all things, and yet also created every person - myself included - with the authority to control all things.

In some cases, we are in absolutely control of God's created world. We raise plants and animals for food, reshape landscapes, take from forests (sometimes with devastating results). In other cases, we are in control through unintended results, such as the acceleration of climate change, ocean pollution, and alteration of certain ecosystems on the planet.

God has placed each of us - as individuals and a collective - in charge of his nature. The point isn't for us to debate actions or fret but ... to honor God out of that gift. We are to celebrate his magnificent name throughout and in the midst of that creation. In so honoring God, we will likely be stewards of his creation, obey his commands, bless others, and please him.

Prayer: Lord, Abba, Yahweh, Jesus, Jehovah Jireh, Elohim, Adonai, Jehovah Sabaoth, El Shaddai. Your name is magnificent, and I praise you here today. May I see you and be reminded of your great name in everything I see today, be it a rainstorm, a forest, a field, a mountain, or the faces of those around me. I praise you, my Lord and God, for you are great and wonderful and loving and powerful and just. May your name be praised forever and ever, and forever be on my lips. Amen.


Tuesday, January 9, 2018

Mercy Begets Mercy

Scripture: The two angels entered Sodom in the evening as Lot was sitting at Sodom’s gate. When Lot saw them, he got up to meet them. He bowed with his face to the ground and said, “My lords, turn aside to your servant’s house, wash your feet, and spend the night. Then you can get up early and go on your way.” “No,” they said. “We would rather spend the night in the square.” But he urged them so strongly that they followed him and went into his house. He prepared a feast and baked unleavened bread for them, and they ate. Genesis 19:1-3

Observation: Abraham had just convinced God to evaluate Sodom and spare it if he finds 10 righteous men there. The angels find only one, Lot. However, they don't directly seek him out, but rather Lot invites them into his home. Even when they resist, Lot strongly engages them and convinces them to stay in his house and relax over dinner.

As a result, Lot and his two daughters will be the only three individuals who survive the destruction of the city. Lot is shown mercy because he shows mercy to these strangers. The angels did NOT need Lot's assistance and protection - they later show they were very capable of taking care of themselves even against a violent mob - but Lot went beyond a simple offer of assistance to show caring to two strangers. For this alone his life was spared.

Application: In the new testament reading earlier this week, Jesus himself says that the merciful are blessed because they will be shown mercy. Lot is a direct example of that principle. So in what ways am I showing kindness and mercy to others so that I may receive God's mercies every day? Perhaps in my giving, though that is not possibly true since my giving is not out of what I have but simply returning to God what is already his. I sometimes try to be kind and forgiving at work, though these are by human standards of today's culture and not likely at the level of true mercy by kingdom standards.

There is room for me to improve how I treat others, in the manner I would want to be treated. I continue to need growth in the area of kindness and patience and mercy. Lot is a great example of why that would pay off personally, though I would love to get to the point where I behave better simply as an outpouring of God's love through me.

Prayer: Lord, may I be closer to you in the actions of my life, especially those actions directed toward others. I do desire to be your instrument of love and kindness and mercy. Thank you for your love. Amen.


Monday, January 8, 2018

Keeping Pearls in Check

Scripture: Hypocrite! First take the log out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye. Don’t give what is holy to dogs or toss your pearls before pigs, or they will trample them with their feet, turn, and tear you to pieces. Keep asking, and it will be given to you. Keep searching, and you will find. Keep knocking, and the door will be opened to you. Matthew 7:5-7

Observation: As Jesus continues the sermon on the mount, he completes the section where he addresses judgment, telling everyone to address their own sin (take the log from their own eye) before correcting others. He then instructs them to keep asking for wisdom, insight, gifts, and daily needs from God. But in between is a transition verse - verse 6 - that talks about giving what is holy to dogs or pearls to swine ... he says not to do that, as they will both trample those valuable things and then turn on you and kill you.

This has often been interpreted as a lesson not to preach heavenly wisdom to non believers, for they won't believe you and will mock you. However, that doesn't make sense in any context. In the context of the teaching, that would be out of place from any topic being discussed. In the context of Jesus, he actively told his disciples to preach to non believers.  So what if verse 6 were ... literal.

In warning about hypocrisy - and not judging others while you have sin - Jesus is basically saying 'don't be high and mighty about your piousness'. Throwing what is holy - golden ceremonial items - to the dogs ... or likewise valuable pearls into a pigs trough ... would be height of arrogance. And since they are not food, the animals would ignore them and attack you seeking their food. Therefore, this verse isn't about refusing to provide good and wise council to non-believers, it is about believers not being so arrogant that we flaunt our wisdom and goodness to others.

Application: Proof texting of the Bible is so dangerous. Any verse taken out of context can be used in a variety of ways, and will sometimes those ways are good (for encouragement, as an example), they can also be bad. In this case, I have ONLY ever heard this verse taught as a lesson to withhold teaching from non-believers. However, it is really a lesson to temper your own arrogance with regards to how your do interact with non-believers.

In other words ... Jesus instructions are to me, not to others. He didn't say "be careful what others may do,", he said "be care careful what YOU do, Trever."

In this case, I am to keep my arrogance in check when dealing with others. I am to remove the log in my eye before helping them remove their speck, but also I am to provide them with what they need (metaphorically, food ... practically, kindness) not what they don't (pearls ... or moral lectures).

Prayer: Lord, may I be your servant this week. I will have opportunities to interact with many people. May I do so in a manner in which others perceive you, receive kindness, and perhaps seek understanding. Amen.


Wednesday, January 3, 2018

Cursing One's Self

Scripture: Lamech said to his wives:
Adah and Zillah, hear my voice;
wives of Lamech, pay attention to my words.
For I killed a man for wounding me,
a young man for striking me.
If Cain is to be avenged seven times over,
then for Lamech it will be seventy-seven times!
Genesis 4:23-24

Observation: Though it isn't clear in the prior text, Lamech seems to imply that the curse placed upon Cain was to the 7th generation. Including Cain, Lamech is the 6th generation of Cain's line, and thus his children are the 7th generation. Lamech is now confessing to the same crime of murder, and thus announcing to his wives that the curse will not end with their sons, but will now continue into perpetuity ... 77 generations is far longer than anyone could account or consider.

Lamech pronounces this curse, though it isn't pronounced by God. He has taken this upon himself - he has judged his actions, determined their punishment, and passed the sentence. This would make sense if there were no hope for any redemption. Lamech has been shown by family legacy that committing sin produces judgment, sentence, and curse. Therefore, he simply assumes this is true for himself, without any other context or example that sin could be acknowledged, repented, and forgiven.

Application: Without the hope of forgiveness, all sin is death. With a promise of forgiveness, hope is possible. This is good, because I sin. Without hope in a savior, I would simply know I was cursed to death, and my best possible outcome would be that I don't do something that would curse my 7th-great-grandchildren.

This is the wonder of hope. Hope in Jesus produces life and joy. If that hope didn't exist - or was rejected - then like Lamech sinners (i.e., everyone) would make mistakes and declare the curses they know are then upon them. I am so eternally thankful that I have hope in Jesus.

Prayer: Abba, I thank you for Jesus, the hope of the world. Please do forgive me of my sins, for they are many. I wish to repent of sin, though I know I am weak and often tempted back. I ask for your strength to overcome, just as your hope overcomes my daily fears. Please, father, take my hand and guide me this day. Amen.


Tuesday, January 2, 2018

Pursuing our Own Wisdom

Scripture: Then the woman saw that the tree was good for food and delightful to look at, and that it was desirable for obtaining wisdom. So she took some of its fruit and ate it; she also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Genesis 3:6

Observation: In deciding to disobey God, Eve has three reasons for eating of the fruit of the tree of knowledge. The fruit is, in fact, food. The fruit looks good. And the fruit is "desirable for obtaining wisdom." This produces the question, what wisdom was Eve in need of that she decided eating a piece of fruit would give it to her?

The serpent had said the knowledge to be obtained was about good and evil. In other words, he temptation was to understand what is good in the world, and what is evil. Since Adam and Eve directly interacted with God without this knowledge, it could be reasonably assumed that they already knew 'good' per se - though they may not have called it by that name - so what Eve really wanted was ... to know evil. She wanted to know what else might exist in the great, big world besides just goodness and happiness.

Ever since that moment, mankind has tried to find a life within nothing but goodness and happiness in it. We are want for ignorance of misfortune and evil, and cannot get back away from it.

Application: Seeking our own definition of wisdom caused the fall. It is failing to trust that God has provided us with all we needed - and thus wanting our own understanding independent from God - that introduces hardship.

James tells us to ask God for wisdom. God knows what we need to know and understand. When we try to find our own knowledge, through any source, we invite the opportunity to instead find evil. I will pursue wisdom, but on God's terms, not through my own understanding.

Prayer: Lord, in some ways I follow this lesson, and in others I do not. I seek today your wisdom in my daily matters. Help me avoid my own understanding, and instead let me understand through your context, teaching, and eyes. Amen.