Friday, August 17, 2018
Who the Son Sets Free
As I prepare for our vacation, I know that my current situation will likely be resolved - one way or another - during this time. I could fear this. Instead, I know God is watching over me and my family. He sees me. So this morning, I worship him with all my heart one more time.
Thursday, August 16, 2018
There is Something Missing
Scripture: Nothing was in the ark except the two tablets that Moses had put in it at Horeb, where the Lord had made a covenant with the Israelites when they came out of Egypt. 2 Chronicles 5:10
Observation: The ark is brought into the temple, and this observation is made of it ... that nothing is in the ark except the two tablets (a.k.a. the 10 commandments). However, that isn't what is supposed to be inside. It is also supposed to contain a jar of manna, and Aaron's staff. So ... where are these things? There are two possible answers to this:
1) When the Philistines captured the ark, they removed these items.
2) During the time that the ark was in other places in other places in Israel, priests decided they were no longer needed and discarded them.
Whatever the case, this sentence seems problematic. Add into the conversation that the ark was most certainly not opened at any time during this dedication, and it seems what is or is not inside it is both speculative and immaterial. In light of this, there is a third possible answer to the whereabouts of the missing items:
3) They actually are in side the ark, but the author of Chronicles has decided to focus on the covenant with God instead of the trials in the wilderness and thus editorialized here.
Application: We honor God when we focus on his promises, his love, and his mercy, over and above his justice and authority. Yes, all power exists in him, including his power to test us. But at his core, God chooses to provide us with covenant promises in order to care for us.
To the author of Chronicles, something as amazing as manna or a budding staff - symbols of times God demonstrated signs amidst the testing of Israel - were meaningless compared to the covenant promise of the law. For me, all that should matter is the amazing covenant promise of Jesus. In the midst of trials, I am to focus on the promise of Jesus Christ. My eternal salvation is assured, which makes short-term earthly issues completely meaningless.
Prayer: Lord, you are so great! I see your hand in all things. Today, I cling to your promises. May I find a way to be even just a little bit worthy of your love in some small way, knowing that your great love and mercy has provided a way for my eternal salvation. I focus today on my faith in Jesus as the evidence of your covenant. Amen.
Observation: The ark is brought into the temple, and this observation is made of it ... that nothing is in the ark except the two tablets (a.k.a. the 10 commandments). However, that isn't what is supposed to be inside. It is also supposed to contain a jar of manna, and Aaron's staff. So ... where are these things? There are two possible answers to this:
1) When the Philistines captured the ark, they removed these items.
2) During the time that the ark was in other places in other places in Israel, priests decided they were no longer needed and discarded them.
Whatever the case, this sentence seems problematic. Add into the conversation that the ark was most certainly not opened at any time during this dedication, and it seems what is or is not inside it is both speculative and immaterial. In light of this, there is a third possible answer to the whereabouts of the missing items:
3) They actually are in side the ark, but the author of Chronicles has decided to focus on the covenant with God instead of the trials in the wilderness and thus editorialized here.
Application: We honor God when we focus on his promises, his love, and his mercy, over and above his justice and authority. Yes, all power exists in him, including his power to test us. But at his core, God chooses to provide us with covenant promises in order to care for us.
To the author of Chronicles, something as amazing as manna or a budding staff - symbols of times God demonstrated signs amidst the testing of Israel - were meaningless compared to the covenant promise of the law. For me, all that should matter is the amazing covenant promise of Jesus. In the midst of trials, I am to focus on the promise of Jesus Christ. My eternal salvation is assured, which makes short-term earthly issues completely meaningless.
Prayer: Lord, you are so great! I see your hand in all things. Today, I cling to your promises. May I find a way to be even just a little bit worthy of your love in some small way, knowing that your great love and mercy has provided a way for my eternal salvation. I focus today on my faith in Jesus as the evidence of your covenant. Amen.
Wednesday, August 15, 2018
Becoming a Slave to All
Scripture: Although I am a free man and not anyone’s slave, I have made myself a slave to everyone, in order to win more people. 1 Corinthians 9:19
Observation: Paul goes on to explain how he makes everyone feel comfortable with whom they are as a way of speaking to them about Christ. To Jews, he follows the law; To gentiles, he accepts non-Jewish practices; To the weak, he is weak. He introduces this concept using an interesting word ... slave.
Paul defines this character where he is willing to love others for whom they are, and make them comfortable in their interactions with him, by calling himself a "slave to everyone". This is a term that is beyond being kind or supportive. Being a slave means to give up oneself and one's own needs or desires, and adopt whatever the other person requires of you as your work and duty. In this way, Paul is saying that he doesn't just support others, but he completely complies with their needs.
Application: To whom am I a "slave"? Is there anyone for whom I am completely willing to lay aside everything I think of myself and to serve them, even for a day? Maybe in short bursts, my family. And maybe in durations lasting minutes, employees and peers who need me. However, while I may aspire to humble myself and serve others, my heart stops short of "slavery" to others.
This is next-level love ... to simply surrender your time, aptitude, and preferences to another. I now see that, when I am falling short of serving others, I am really falling short of a diminished goal. I am far away from loving others. And this, I have learned recently, is the heart of the issues in my life. This - loving others - needs to become my life's mission.
Prayer: Lord, I know I have made progress, but I know I am still far from the man I should be when it comes to loving others, and therefore of loving you. May I continue to find the humility I need in this current circumstance, so that I can truly be the clay you are forming in your masterful hands. Amen.
Observation: Paul goes on to explain how he makes everyone feel comfortable with whom they are as a way of speaking to them about Christ. To Jews, he follows the law; To gentiles, he accepts non-Jewish practices; To the weak, he is weak. He introduces this concept using an interesting word ... slave.
Paul defines this character where he is willing to love others for whom they are, and make them comfortable in their interactions with him, by calling himself a "slave to everyone". This is a term that is beyond being kind or supportive. Being a slave means to give up oneself and one's own needs or desires, and adopt whatever the other person requires of you as your work and duty. In this way, Paul is saying that he doesn't just support others, but he completely complies with their needs.
Application: To whom am I a "slave"? Is there anyone for whom I am completely willing to lay aside everything I think of myself and to serve them, even for a day? Maybe in short bursts, my family. And maybe in durations lasting minutes, employees and peers who need me. However, while I may aspire to humble myself and serve others, my heart stops short of "slavery" to others.
This is next-level love ... to simply surrender your time, aptitude, and preferences to another. I now see that, when I am falling short of serving others, I am really falling short of a diminished goal. I am far away from loving others. And this, I have learned recently, is the heart of the issues in my life. This - loving others - needs to become my life's mission.
Prayer: Lord, I know I have made progress, but I know I am still far from the man I should be when it comes to loving others, and therefore of loving you. May I continue to find the humility I need in this current circumstance, so that I can truly be the clay you are forming in your masterful hands. Amen.
Tuesday, August 14, 2018
A Singular and Simple Purpose
Scripture: But beyond these, my son, be warned: there is no end to the making of many books, and much study wearies the body. When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is: fear God and keep His commands, because this is for all humanity. For God will bring every act to judgment, including every hidden thing, whether good or evil. Ecclesiastes 12:12-14
Observation: Ecclesiastes ends with a summer of the teacher's work and character, but then says this ... while there are many, many, many books of knowledge and learning to be studied, all of life comes down to one concept. We are to fear God and keep his commands. This - and this alone - is the core of all wisdom, knowledge, learning, observation, and understanding. Even when we cannot understand God, or see the greatness of his works, or gain knowledge of his ways, or discern his motives, or comprehend his purposes ... honor to God and his commands remain.
Application: There is comfort in understanding this simplicity ... that my life has a singular purpose. That purpose is not about my job, family, skills, intelligence. My purpose is about God. My purpose is to honor and obey.
I may honor and obey God by providing for and leading my family, or attempting to witness in my workplace, or exercising judgment that advances earthly goals within God's creation. I may use my skills combined with gifts of the Spirit to organize outreach, plan church efforts, or help with advancing God's kingdom. But the purpose is simple ... focus on God, obey his commands, honor and worship the almighty creator, and live in faith that Jesus Christ is my risen Lord and savior.
I do not always do this well, but I will always do it.
Prayer: Lord, you are the creator of all things, the almighty God of heaven and earth. Through you alone all things exist. It is by your greatness that anything happens, and it is by your grace and love that all things are possible. You alone are my God, and Jesus is my savior by faith. I am unworthy of your love, and yet I know you love me and you see me. Please see me this day and every day, and continue to guide me into the places and work that you want so I may obey your instructions. Amen.
Observation: Ecclesiastes ends with a summer of the teacher's work and character, but then says this ... while there are many, many, many books of knowledge and learning to be studied, all of life comes down to one concept. We are to fear God and keep his commands. This - and this alone - is the core of all wisdom, knowledge, learning, observation, and understanding. Even when we cannot understand God, or see the greatness of his works, or gain knowledge of his ways, or discern his motives, or comprehend his purposes ... honor to God and his commands remain.
Application: There is comfort in understanding this simplicity ... that my life has a singular purpose. That purpose is not about my job, family, skills, intelligence. My purpose is about God. My purpose is to honor and obey.
I may honor and obey God by providing for and leading my family, or attempting to witness in my workplace, or exercising judgment that advances earthly goals within God's creation. I may use my skills combined with gifts of the Spirit to organize outreach, plan church efforts, or help with advancing God's kingdom. But the purpose is simple ... focus on God, obey his commands, honor and worship the almighty creator, and live in faith that Jesus Christ is my risen Lord and savior.
I do not always do this well, but I will always do it.
Prayer: Lord, you are the creator of all things, the almighty God of heaven and earth. Through you alone all things exist. It is by your greatness that anything happens, and it is by your grace and love that all things are possible. You alone are my God, and Jesus is my savior by faith. I am unworthy of your love, and yet I know you love me and you see me. Please see me this day and every day, and continue to guide me into the places and work that you want so I may obey your instructions. Amen.
Monday, August 13, 2018
The End will be Better
Scripture:
The end of a matter is better than its beginning;
a patient spirit is better than a proud spirit.
Don’t let your spirit rush to be angry,
for anger abides in the heart of fools.
Ecclesiastes 7:8-9
Observation: As the teacher provides a series of wise sayings, many juxtapose the "wise" and the "fool". In these two side-by-side statements, we see patience and anger compared to each other. Patience comes with practical advice, to wait for the end of the matter and thus not react to an initial situation. The second part about anger reinforces this, showing that rushing into a matter can cause anger, which is a sign of having the heart of a fool.
Application: Tomorrow, I am about to be tested as never before in my life. I will be judged by someone I don't know, responding to questioning about me based on lies and accusations leveled at me. I must trust in God that the end of this matter will be better than the beginning of it, and I must exhibit more patience and less anger than ever before.
I'm not sure I can do it. I have considered this moment for some time, and arrogance, pride, and anger well up in me every time. I have righteous indignation over this matter. Yet I must simply ... endure. I must listen, respond with calm truth, and trust in the judgment of a person who may have explicit intent to do me wrong.
This might end in disaster, as the teacher himself has observed that evil falls upon the good. Yet I have faith that the end of the matter will be better than its beginning, for I know God is in control.
To that ends, I also know that I can be patent tomorrow if I surrender to the Holy Spirit, which I gladly do. I cannot do this, but God can. I know this, I trust this, and I embrace this.
Prayer: Lord, I do surrender my heart and mind to you tomorrow. May I reflect nothing but your supernatural calmness and patience. May your Spirit so strongly work within me. I cannot do this, and I am blessed to know that I do not have to. Thank you for your love. Amen.
The end of a matter is better than its beginning;
a patient spirit is better than a proud spirit.
Don’t let your spirit rush to be angry,
for anger abides in the heart of fools.
Ecclesiastes 7:8-9
Observation: As the teacher provides a series of wise sayings, many juxtapose the "wise" and the "fool". In these two side-by-side statements, we see patience and anger compared to each other. Patience comes with practical advice, to wait for the end of the matter and thus not react to an initial situation. The second part about anger reinforces this, showing that rushing into a matter can cause anger, which is a sign of having the heart of a fool.
Application: Tomorrow, I am about to be tested as never before in my life. I will be judged by someone I don't know, responding to questioning about me based on lies and accusations leveled at me. I must trust in God that the end of this matter will be better than the beginning of it, and I must exhibit more patience and less anger than ever before.
I'm not sure I can do it. I have considered this moment for some time, and arrogance, pride, and anger well up in me every time. I have righteous indignation over this matter. Yet I must simply ... endure. I must listen, respond with calm truth, and trust in the judgment of a person who may have explicit intent to do me wrong.
This might end in disaster, as the teacher himself has observed that evil falls upon the good. Yet I have faith that the end of the matter will be better than its beginning, for I know God is in control.
To that ends, I also know that I can be patent tomorrow if I surrender to the Holy Spirit, which I gladly do. I cannot do this, but God can. I know this, I trust this, and I embrace this.
Prayer: Lord, I do surrender my heart and mind to you tomorrow. May I reflect nothing but your supernatural calmness and patience. May your Spirit so strongly work within me. I cannot do this, and I am blessed to know that I do not have to. Thank you for your love. Amen.
Tuesday, August 7, 2018
God as the Only Source of Gifts
Scripture: So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. Now the one planting and the one watering are one in purpose, and each will receive his own reward according to his own labor. 1 Corinthians 3:7-8
Observation: As Paul addresses one of the debates in the church at Corinth - division between those who "follow Paul" and those who "follow Apollos" - he is clear that both definitions are meaningless. Paul and Apollos are simple two different servants of God, with different tasks, but all to the same end ... making Jesus Christ known. He goes a step further, stating that neither of them is worthy of any kind of acknowledgment in the manner the Corinthians are doing. They are nothing. All glory for salvation and mercy belong to God, and in that God will eventually grant to Paul and Apollos any reward as God deems worthy.
Application: All my work - on earth, in the spiritual realm, or even as I struggle to be an example in my circumstances - has no reward on earth. There is, in fact, no proper reason to expect reward of any kind. Instead, God will decide my rewards. As Paul also notes, that nature of that reward may depend on how I build upon the foundation of Jesus. However, it will be a heavenly, God-determined outcome.
No one on earth can bless me the way God can bless me. I believe God has used many people to bless me, especially over the last few weeks. My faith must - and will - remain on only one thing ... eternal salvation through my steadfast faith and belief in Jesus Christ as my Lord and savior. That is my rock and my foundation.
Prayer: Lord, again today I seek your grace. I know only you can give me the comfort, courage, strength, and hope I need to continue another day. I also know that your gifts are fully and completely sufficient. Thank you for loving me so, so greatly. I do hope I can return at least part of that love to you in a manner worthy of your name. Amen.
Observation: As Paul addresses one of the debates in the church at Corinth - division between those who "follow Paul" and those who "follow Apollos" - he is clear that both definitions are meaningless. Paul and Apollos are simple two different servants of God, with different tasks, but all to the same end ... making Jesus Christ known. He goes a step further, stating that neither of them is worthy of any kind of acknowledgment in the manner the Corinthians are doing. They are nothing. All glory for salvation and mercy belong to God, and in that God will eventually grant to Paul and Apollos any reward as God deems worthy.
Application: All my work - on earth, in the spiritual realm, or even as I struggle to be an example in my circumstances - has no reward on earth. There is, in fact, no proper reason to expect reward of any kind. Instead, God will decide my rewards. As Paul also notes, that nature of that reward may depend on how I build upon the foundation of Jesus. However, it will be a heavenly, God-determined outcome.
No one on earth can bless me the way God can bless me. I believe God has used many people to bless me, especially over the last few weeks. My faith must - and will - remain on only one thing ... eternal salvation through my steadfast faith and belief in Jesus Christ as my Lord and savior. That is my rock and my foundation.
Prayer: Lord, again today I seek your grace. I know only you can give me the comfort, courage, strength, and hope I need to continue another day. I also know that your gifts are fully and completely sufficient. Thank you for loving me so, so greatly. I do hope I can return at least part of that love to you in a manner worthy of your name. Amen.
Monday, August 6, 2018
My Refuge and My Fortress
Scripture:
The one who lives under the protection of the Most High
dwells in the shadow of the Almighty.
Observation: The psalmist declares all may live under the protection of the Lord, God Almighty, for those who call out to the Lord as their refuge and fortress, whom they trust.
Application: While this is from yesterday's reading, today's (same psalm, middle section) was already prayed over our family by church friends. That is so powerful! I wanted to see the full promise, and ensure it wasn't just Messianic prophesy, and verses 1-3 especially show this is a promise for all who call to the Lord.
So today, I declare and cry out to the Lord. I have named my blog after my favorite name for God, Yahweh Yireh - the Lord will Provide. I also love the name Abba, as the Lord is my daddy who loves me. Today, I cry out to the Lord in all his power and might:
Yahweh Nissi - The Lord is My Banner. The Lord leads me and guides me into and through every struggle. He is over and above me, and he is the might I boldly declare. The Lord protects me, and I declare Him.
El Shaddai - God Almighty. The Lord is all powerful. He is my strength, my fortress, and my rock. The Lord God is powerful above all things, of this world and next, and he is always victorious.
Yahweh Sabaoth - The Lord of Hosts. The Lord commands all things, in heaven and earth. He has legions at his command, and they stand ready for action. They are powerful and prepared to respond to the Lord's commands.
El Roi - The God who Sees. This is the answer I received from God two weeks ago, and continue to get ... he sees me. He cares, and he is watching. He's "got this", and nothing is greater than his comforting oversight of my life.
Prayer: Lord, you are my refuge and my fortress, and it is in you alone I trust! I need no other knowledge, comfort, or trust than to know that you are here, you see, you are in control, and you are so mighty to save. Into your hands I commend all aspects of my days and my life. Amen, and amen.
The one who lives under the protection of the Most High
dwells in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
my God, in whom I trust.”
He Himself will deliver you from the hunter’s net,
from the destructive plague.
He will cover you with His feathers;
you will take refuge under His wings.
His faithfulness will be a protective shield.
Psalm 91:1-4from the destructive plague.
He will cover you with His feathers;
you will take refuge under His wings.
His faithfulness will be a protective shield.
Observation: The psalmist declares all may live under the protection of the Lord, God Almighty, for those who call out to the Lord as their refuge and fortress, whom they trust.
Application: While this is from yesterday's reading, today's (same psalm, middle section) was already prayed over our family by church friends. That is so powerful! I wanted to see the full promise, and ensure it wasn't just Messianic prophesy, and verses 1-3 especially show this is a promise for all who call to the Lord.
So today, I declare and cry out to the Lord. I have named my blog after my favorite name for God, Yahweh Yireh - the Lord will Provide. I also love the name Abba, as the Lord is my daddy who loves me. Today, I cry out to the Lord in all his power and might:
Yahweh Nissi - The Lord is My Banner. The Lord leads me and guides me into and through every struggle. He is over and above me, and he is the might I boldly declare. The Lord protects me, and I declare Him.
El Shaddai - God Almighty. The Lord is all powerful. He is my strength, my fortress, and my rock. The Lord God is powerful above all things, of this world and next, and he is always victorious.
Yahweh Sabaoth - The Lord of Hosts. The Lord commands all things, in heaven and earth. He has legions at his command, and they stand ready for action. They are powerful and prepared to respond to the Lord's commands.
El Roi - The God who Sees. This is the answer I received from God two weeks ago, and continue to get ... he sees me. He cares, and he is watching. He's "got this", and nothing is greater than his comforting oversight of my life.
Prayer: Lord, you are my refuge and my fortress, and it is in you alone I trust! I need no other knowledge, comfort, or trust than to know that you are here, you see, you are in control, and you are so mighty to save. Into your hands I commend all aspects of my days and my life. Amen, and amen.
Friday, August 3, 2018
Praise the Lord Forever
Scripture:
Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good;
His faithful love endures forever.
And say: "Save us, God of our salvation;
gather us and rescue us from the nations
so that we may give thanks to Your holy name
and rejoice in Your praise.
May Yahweh, the God of Israel, be praised
from everlasting to everlasting."
1 Chronicles 16:34-36a
Observation: David proclaims thanks and praise to the Lord through song and dance. He celebrates the works of God, both as creator and as protector of Israel. That praise is to be eternal - everlasting to everlasting - and eventually extend to all people and nations. The name of the Lord will be proclaimed, celebrated, and sung about forever.
Application: As I sit here concerned for my life and future ... I hear my daughter singing praise songs as just part of her daily routine. The context is amazing. While I worry, my daughter worships. While I dwell in sorry, my daughter resonates with song. While my soul struggles, her soul soars.
I need to continue to set aside my fear and doubt, and instead bask in worship and praise for the Lord of creation ... my Lord and savior who I praise forever. David had it right. My daughter has it right. I need to continue to progress toward getting it right.
Prayer: Lord, I praise you in my storm. You are my hope and my salvation, who will rescue me and my family from all things. I love you, praise you, worship you, and seek you. Please take my hand today, for I cannot proceed in anything without you. Thank you, Abba. Amen.
Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good;
His faithful love endures forever.
And say: "Save us, God of our salvation;
gather us and rescue us from the nations
so that we may give thanks to Your holy name
and rejoice in Your praise.
May Yahweh, the God of Israel, be praised
from everlasting to everlasting."
1 Chronicles 16:34-36a
Observation: David proclaims thanks and praise to the Lord through song and dance. He celebrates the works of God, both as creator and as protector of Israel. That praise is to be eternal - everlasting to everlasting - and eventually extend to all people and nations. The name of the Lord will be proclaimed, celebrated, and sung about forever.
Application: As I sit here concerned for my life and future ... I hear my daughter singing praise songs as just part of her daily routine. The context is amazing. While I worry, my daughter worships. While I dwell in sorry, my daughter resonates with song. While my soul struggles, her soul soars.
I need to continue to set aside my fear and doubt, and instead bask in worship and praise for the Lord of creation ... my Lord and savior who I praise forever. David had it right. My daughter has it right. I need to continue to progress toward getting it right.
Prayer: Lord, I praise you in my storm. You are my hope and my salvation, who will rescue me and my family from all things. I love you, praise you, worship you, and seek you. Please take my hand today, for I cannot proceed in anything without you. Thank you, Abba. Amen.
Thursday, August 2, 2018
Just Show Up
Scripture: From the Issacharites, who understood the times and knew what Israel should do: 200 chiefs with all their relatives under their command. From Zebulun: 50,000 who could serve in the army, trained for battle with all kinds of weapons of war, with one purpose to help David. 1 Chronicles 12:32-33
Observation: The writer goes through the description of the warriors who came to David, and each one is different. In these two examples, we see both different ways of quantifying (200 chiefs and their relatives vs. 50,000), and we see over and over different adjectives. Some tribes are defined by their equipment, some by their special skills, some by their mission and passion.
It seems that this indicates the writer is not just reporting, but is working from some kind of document or oral traditions whereby each tribe expressed their loyalty for David. Given that, upon his death, many of these tribes quickly turned from the house of David, the 'oral tradition' seems more likely that if the author were discussing the history with contemporaries.
In this, we see different desires and motivations to express support and passions ... raw numbers, good equipment, leadership qualities, personal fame, group loyalty, learned skills, and pure strength. Each tribe wished to express something special they were contributing to God's anointed and to God's mission of making David king.
Though, of course, it turned out ... none of it mattered. The fact that every tribe showed up was all that was needed, as that itself made David the uncontested king, and David would just now send them all back to their tribes to announce that the act of making him king was complete.
Application: How often do I think I need to bring my skills, knowledge, wisdom, and gifts to God, and all he really needs is for me to ... just show up. God has everything under control. He doesn't need me to think deeply or solve problems or work long hours or stress. He needs me to get on my knees and pray. He needs me to come into his presence and say "here I am".
Today, all he needs me to do is join him. He doesn't need me to figure out what to do and ask for his help. He knows what HE is doing, and I just have to arrive. I can bring any and every weapon, strength, and skill and want, but he's got this either way.
Prayer: Lord, here I am. I join you in this current issue of life, not the other way around. You were here in this circumstance before it arrived at more doorstep. I will do as you wish, including just be here where you would have me. Thank you for seeing me. Amen.
Observation: The writer goes through the description of the warriors who came to David, and each one is different. In these two examples, we see both different ways of quantifying (200 chiefs and their relatives vs. 50,000), and we see over and over different adjectives. Some tribes are defined by their equipment, some by their special skills, some by their mission and passion.
It seems that this indicates the writer is not just reporting, but is working from some kind of document or oral traditions whereby each tribe expressed their loyalty for David. Given that, upon his death, many of these tribes quickly turned from the house of David, the 'oral tradition' seems more likely that if the author were discussing the history with contemporaries.
In this, we see different desires and motivations to express support and passions ... raw numbers, good equipment, leadership qualities, personal fame, group loyalty, learned skills, and pure strength. Each tribe wished to express something special they were contributing to God's anointed and to God's mission of making David king.
Though, of course, it turned out ... none of it mattered. The fact that every tribe showed up was all that was needed, as that itself made David the uncontested king, and David would just now send them all back to their tribes to announce that the act of making him king was complete.
Application: How often do I think I need to bring my skills, knowledge, wisdom, and gifts to God, and all he really needs is for me to ... just show up. God has everything under control. He doesn't need me to think deeply or solve problems or work long hours or stress. He needs me to get on my knees and pray. He needs me to come into his presence and say "here I am".
Today, all he needs me to do is join him. He doesn't need me to figure out what to do and ask for his help. He knows what HE is doing, and I just have to arrive. I can bring any and every weapon, strength, and skill and want, but he's got this either way.
Prayer: Lord, here I am. I join you in this current issue of life, not the other way around. You were here in this circumstance before it arrived at more doorstep. I will do as you wish, including just be here where you would have me. Thank you for seeing me. Amen.
Wednesday, August 1, 2018
In Search of Hope
Scripture: Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
Observation: Paul strings together four state of mind. He asks that God fill the Romans with joy and peace, as they believe, so they may have abundant hope through the Holy Spirit. This is the end-state ... hope. The Spirit brings joy and peace into the heart of believers, but all that is to arrive at the goal of hope.
Application: I need hope today, for I feel hopeless. I am a believer, and I seek joy and peace ... but I really need hope. I need hope for tomorrow, for he wellbeing of my family, for both health and earthly needs, and for reputation. In all these areas I am struggling with hope.
Prayer: Lord, please. I groan before you, not knowing what to ask. I am spent, sad, and lonely. I seek joy and I seek peace, because I desperately need hope. Please. Amen.
Observation: Paul strings together four state of mind. He asks that God fill the Romans with joy and peace, as they believe, so they may have abundant hope through the Holy Spirit. This is the end-state ... hope. The Spirit brings joy and peace into the heart of believers, but all that is to arrive at the goal of hope.
Application: I need hope today, for I feel hopeless. I am a believer, and I seek joy and peace ... but I really need hope. I need hope for tomorrow, for he wellbeing of my family, for both health and earthly needs, and for reputation. In all these areas I am struggling with hope.
Prayer: Lord, please. I groan before you, not knowing what to ask. I am spent, sad, and lonely. I seek joy and I seek peace, because I desperately need hope. Please. Amen.
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