Setting Your Mind on Fruit

Scripture: Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:2-3

Observation: From prison, Paul appeals to the church at Ephesus to be unified, for they share the one faith in the one true God, through the one Messiah, as one body of Christ. His instruction provides them with the qualities they need to maintain that unity, and the adjectives he uses are ... humble, gentle, patient, forbearing, peace. Four of these are directly from the fruits of the spirit, while humility certainly aligns to the qualities of love, kindness, goodness, and self control.

Application: I continue to seek the fruits of the spirit, and these qualities are aligned to those I lack. I am missing peace in my mind. I am not a gentle or patient person. I seek - and am actively learning - humility daily. In general, my mind simply is too ... angry ... most of the time.

I have been working the last few days on proper management of my mind. I have repeated the lesson to "set my mind on things above" repeatedly. It is working! However, I have much more improvement to go. I desire this quality to become my very nature, not an effort to be practices. In this way, it seems focusing on these qualities may be a way to set my mind on God's will and kingdom. I can seek ways that I may ... be gentle toward others, forbear other's burdens, become a peacemaker in stressful times, and be totally patient in circumstances.

Setting my mind on things above, and seeking internal improvement in the fruits of the spirit, go together.

Prayer: Lord, this day I seek your hand again during my daily walk. May I only walk humbly with you today. On that path, I do wish to turn my mind and heart to your kingdom and your will. May I seek that path through the Holy Spirit, who can give me a new heart in all matters. Thank you for your love, patience, and gentleness in address my failures. I only wish to pay those forward in your name. Amen.

Fasting for Others' Blessings

Scripture:
Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice
    and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free
    and break every yoke?
Is it not to share your food with the hungry
    and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—
when you see the naked, to clothe them,
    and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
Then your light will break forth like the dawn,
    and your healing will quickly appear;
then your righteousness will go before you,
    and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.
Then you will call, and the Lord will answer;
    you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.
Isaiah 58:6-9

Observation: The Lord calls out Israel for their false behaviors, showing that their fasting and praying are done falsely. They seek God, but do so within the context of unchanged and uncaring behavior. They pray and fast, while fighting and wronging others. Instead, God shows them the proper way to appeal to him ... out of their fasting, they are to turn their minds and efforts to love. They should help others, care for the oppressed and downtrodden, give their excess to the poor and hungry. In this way, their righteousness with shine and the Lord will respond.

Application: This is the lesson God is teaching me. I know I am blessed to be a blessing, but I am not doing enough. I need to bless people's lives through their hardships. I am to respond to daily emotional needs, not just give money away. I am to truly care when people struggle, not punish their work. In these ways, I can be a light breaking free.

This is my mission, and it is now my understanding. I struggled with this, and I may still struggle, but I will care for those in my charge. I will be the servant of all. I will do this because I am a slave to Christ, and I am also blessed by the Lord. I have plenty - more than I need - and I will dig into even what I could need to give to others. I will fast to give away. I will take Sabbath to serve stronger. I will delight in the Lord through the recovery of others in body, mind, and spirit.

Prayer: Lord, in my mind I have learned so much. I do wish to be sent back into your mission field. Please send me back. Amen.

Taking Pride in Spiritual Work

Scripture: Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else ... Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Galatians 6:4,8

Observation: As Paul concludes his instructions to the church at Galatia, he provides this clarification. When determining if one is acting correctly or incorrectly, they should evaluate themselves not in comparison to others, but in comparison to their own understanding of what is right. If they find they are pursuing earthly goals, then they are failing. If they find they are pursuing spiritual goals, then they can be proud of their actions. It is these spiritual actions that will produce eternal life, as they are evidence of faith and understanding.

Application: Paul uses an interesting word here ... pride. He says believers can take pride when they test themselves and find they are in right relation with God.

I have been fighting against earthly pride, and it is difficult to simply stop a negative thought pattern or habit. But this explanation provides a new avenue. I can pursue God's spiritual work and take pride in that action! I can replace negative pride with positive pride. It is not a pride to boast about, as Paul says repeatedly, but it is a way to find new value within myself and to redirect my energy for kingdom work and eternal results.

Prayer: Lord, I will pursue spiritual actions. I still will struggle against pride, but in this way perhaps I can find a way to reconcile my heart to your work and your will. We have been in discussion, and new actions with new opportunities will begin soon I know. If I have pride, may it only be in relationship to your kingdom. Amen.

I Believe What You Say to Me

I keep fighting voices in my mind that say I'm not enough ... Every single lie that tells me I will never measure up ... Am I more than just the sum of every high and every low?"

Seeking Justification is Alienation

Scripture: You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. For through the Spirit we eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope. Galatians 5:4-5

Observation: As Paul continues to discuss the difference between the law and faith, he makes this strong statement ... attempts to be justified by the law actually alienate one from Christ. When one attempts to obtain justification through legal compliance, you forfeit the free gift of grace, which is received through faith, and is the source of hope.

Application: I know I cannot succeed through compliance with the law. Every day, I violate the law. When I sit here declaring that all I want to do is be better in the eyes of the Lord, I simultaneously know that I sit in sin and can never earn the mantle of "better" ... or I may be better but never "good enough".

I have sinned. I will sin. My only hope is grace through faith, and therefore I must reject any attempt for justification by the law. Instead, I must acknowledge my sin, weakness, and failure, and surrender it all to one concept, which is faith in Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Lord, today again I declare that Jesus Christ is my Lord. I believe he is Messiah, the son of you, Lord, God the father, the one God, maker of heaven and earth. Please forgive me of my sins of lying, deception, anger, pride, arrogance. I ask for the opportunity to be better by humbly serving others, know that being better and obedient is simply one way I can exhibit my love of you and faith in Jesus. It is not to earn salvation, but rather to express my gratitude for having already received salvation by grace through faith. Jesus Christ is my Lord. Hallelujah, and Amen.

Worshipping Leftover Stuff

Scripture:
He cut down cedars,
    or perhaps took a cypress or oak.
He let it grow among the trees of the forest,
    or planted a pine, and the rain made it grow.
It is used as fuel for burning;
    some of it he takes and warms himself,
    he kindles a fire and bakes bread.
But he also fashions a god and worships it;
    he makes an idol and bows down to it.
Isaiah 44:14-15

Observation: Isaiah's explanation - or God's explanation told by Isaiah - of the clear worthlessness of idols is great. He describes a man who cuts down a tree, and uses the tree exactly as God intended ... to warm him, to cook ... as the utilitarian part of nature God granted man dominion over to use. However, the then takes the wood that is left over, fashions an idol, and worships it. The part that wasn't even good enough to be burned becomes a god! This is clearly insane logic, speaking directly to any person who worships any false idol. Such people are worshipping something that is lesser than even its most base purpose, as if it could save them.

Application: Looking inward, is there anything I worship that is truly just leftover stuff? Only 20 minutes ago, I was thinking about my savings account. It is money that, by the fact I have saved it, means I didn't need it at the time I got it. And I am worried that I may now have to spend it ... maybe because I want security in the future, but also maybe because I'm proud of its existence.

We have leftover stuff, like money, a second house, etc. If they enter my prideful thoughts, they threaten to become idols I would insanely worship or honor. They are like extra wood unneeded for cooking, which can instead be carved. This must never happen. I must be careful of worshipping my stuff. I must remember that it all belongs to God, for his use and purposes, and thus can be ready to be deployed whenever necessary for his kingdom.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for quickly and immediately speaking to my heart. What we have is yours. I know you will protect us. Perhaps that protection involves future protection and security, but maybe it involves future reliance on your just-in-time love. In all of this, I worship only you, my Lord and my God. Amen.

At Peace at Any Altitude

Scripture:
When you sit to dine with a ruler,
    note well what is before you,
and put a knife to your throat
    if you are given to gluttony.
Do not crave his delicacies,
    for that food is deceptive.

Do not wear yourself out to get rich;
    do not trust your own cleverness.
Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone,
    for they will surely sprout wings
    and fly off to the sky like an eagle.
Proverbs 23:1-5

Observation: Among the wise sayings are these two, both warning of rich living. In the second, the lesson in clear ... do not pursue riches either through overtaxing work or by relying upon your own intelligence, for riches are fickle and fleeting. You may achieve riches, but they can easily be lost. In the first saying the warning is not to covet the fineries of the rich. If you ever get to enjoy rich living, do not learn to desire it.

These two messages are linked. If you learn to desire fine living, you will be tempted to pursue it. If you pursue it, you will only harm yourself and may not be able to achieve or hold it anyway.

Application: I was JUST thinking about this 30 minutes before beginning my devotions ... about how I need to set aside my professional aspirations and simply live life. This is one of my lessons in this season - that my career is of no consequence at all, and I would be much better to simply pursue God's purposes in my life of serving others - including my family - through simpler service. I can better do that in lower positions, where I can help many.

This is the goal of the next act of my life, then. I wish to find a position where I can help others, both in their lives and in their spiritual discoveries. I would like that to align to helping my family - especially my children - in achieving God's plans for them as well. This is the journey.

Prayer: Lord, you have given me the spiritual gift of leadership, yet multiple times have shown me that I should not assume positions of leadership. I hear you, and I will obey you. I am totally and completely at peace with this. In fact, I seek it, as I see your will is truly best for my life. Please place me where you would have me, and I will serve you in gladness by serving every little one that you love. Amen.

Hoping for Future Days

Scripture:
And a highway will be there;
    it will be called the Way of Holiness;
    it will be for those who walk on that Way.
The unclean will not journey on it;
    wicked fools will not go about on it.
No lion will be there,
    nor any ravenous beast;
    they will not be found there.
But only the redeemed will walk there,
    and those the Lord has rescued will return.
They will enter Zion with singing;
    everlasting joy will crown their heads.
Gladness and joy will overtake them,
    and sorrow and sighing will flee away.
Isaiah 35:8-10

Observation: Here is the prophesy of The Way ... the path to righteousness, which is by Jesus Christ. It is by The Way that the redeemed - those who accept Jesus - will walk into future glory. And this section also describes that glory as a future entry into the glorified Zion, the city of God, that is heaven. This will be an entry with joy, singing, celebration, and safety.

Application: I am today living for this future, as my time now is not joyful, celebratory, or even safe. It is by this hope alone - the hope of an amazing eternity secured through faith in Jesus Christ - that I can possibly survive my days. It is by this hope that I can sustain my current despair.

I seek The Way ... where no wicked fools, lions, ravenous beasts, or any other danger attack. I seek The Way ... where my brothers and sisters will walk with me, and we can love and support one another.  I seek The Way ... entering into everlasting joy and gladness, with sorrow forever gone.

Prayer: Jesus, I seek your way alone. You are my hope. Please do not forsake me. Amen.

Claiming the Promise of a Secure Home

Scripture:
My people will live in peaceful dwelling places,
    in secure homes,
    in undisturbed places of rest.
Isaiah 32:18

Observation: While Isaiah goes back and forth about Israel - that attacks are coming, but they will be protected, but they need to repent, and danger may be at hand, yet God will defend them - this promise is declared. Those who are the Lord's people will have great homes ... they will live in peaceful homes, secure homes, and undisturbed by troubles.

Application: This is my "location" on Twitter ... Isaiah 32:18. It is a promise I desperately need right now. I need a secure home, for I feel my very home is at risk. I need an undisturbed place of rest, for my wife and I can barely sleep. I need a peaceful dwelling, for this has become a place of stress.

The Lord promises a wonderful home for his people. Today, I reclaim this promise in boldness. I am a child of God, a believer in Jesus Christ. I desire a secure, peaceful, restful home. I fully and completely rely upon the Lord to provide this, for the Lord is absolutely my provider and he will in fact provide his promises. I am confident in his promises, faithful in my belief, and humble in my hopes.

Prayer: Lord, please fulfill your promise to Laurie and I. I ask for a peaceful, secure, restful home. This is your will for your people, and we are your servants. Please do not abandon nor forsake us. Amen.

I Believe You Are

Through every battle
Through every heartbreak
Through every circumstance
... I believe ...
You are my fortress
You are my portion
You are my hiding place

Hallelujah and Amen

Scripture:
Save us, Lord our God,
    and gather us from the nations,
that we may give thanks to your holy name
    and glory in your praise.

Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel,
    from everlasting to everlasting.

Let all the people say, “Amen!”

Praise the Lord.

Psalm 106:47-48

Observation: Despite all the punishments against Israel, the final word is salvation and the praise of the Lord in the midst of that salvation. The Lord remembers his people and saves them, and is worthy of praise. That praise is not reserved just for the salvation, but it is critical in the hard times as well. In this verse, the difficulties are present tense, and the salvation is hoped for in the future. Yet all the people will say 'amen' and 'praise the Lord'.

Application: Today I declare it ... hallelujah and amen!! The Lord is my salvation, my promise, and my hope. I am struggling to not be afraid, but I know there is more to come. The Lord will provide salvation so that we may give thanks and glorify his name. Praise the Lord!! Hallelujah and Amen!!

Prayer: Lord, I declare it again, Hallelujah! You are my hope, my Lord, and my salvation. I praise you this day, and will praise you every day, and all the more noticeable to others when I have this testimony to tell. I look forward to this story being used as your story to strengthen, encourage, and guide others. And I promise it has corrected me to create the space to act better toward others. Hallelujah!! Amen.

Celebrate the Level Playing Field

Scripture:
On this mountain he will destroy
    the shroud that enfolds all peoples,
the sheet that covers all nations;
   he will swallow up death forever.
The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears
    from all faces;
he will remove his people’s disgrace
    from all the earth.
The Lord has spoken.
Isaiah 25:7-8

Observation: As Isaiah gives his prophesy about the future destruction the Lord will bring upon the earth, he describes a scene where he cares for the people. Even though elements of the earth are wiped away - or maybe more accurately, many positive aspects of earthly life are eliminated - the people who gather together will be comforted. God removes from them the shame and negative aspects of life. The people are no longer afraid or disgraced. Instead, they are simply equalized across all the earth.

There is an element in this section of equalization ... of all things on earth, and all people, becoming normalized. This begs the question, what types of people would find this joyful and comforting? The answer is, those people oppressed, marginalized, downtrodden, and otherwise defeated by the world.

In other words, when everyone is made equal, the repressed will feel like rejoicing, while the rich and great will feel like all is destroyed.

Application: With this fate in mind, it should be my desire to be ... oppressed. I would rather be saved by God's grace, then crushed by God's judgment.

I have learned in the last few weeks what it now means to have iniquity and trials laid upon me, and I already rejoice at the future joy God will provide out of this. I want this to extend to my spiritual life. I want to begin risking enough discomfort in my life ... in my free time, in my leisure, in my weekends ... so that God's gifts overwhelm me with love, joy, faith, and hope.

I am being refined. I hope with all sincerity that I hold onto these lessons for my lifetime.

Prayer: Dear Lord, you have now shown me pain and despair. I feel sick all day, and struggle mentally all night. I cry for my family, and I weep for my reputation. However, I now also know what it is to depend on you, and I will soon know what it is to receive your love and grace. I thank you already, and seek to continue to find hope in all circumstances. May I risk more, for I will know the greater reward. Amen.

Looking Forward with Hope

Scripture:
The Lord will have compassion on Jacob;
    once again he will choose Israel
    and will settle them in their own land.
Foreigners will join them
    and unite with the descendants of Jacob.
Isaiah 14:1

Observation: After all the destruction and punishment that will be brought on Israel - after Israel and Judah are both destroyed by Assyria and then Babylon - the Lord will restore them. God will again make them prosperous, in the chosen land.

Application: Yesterday, I was fired for something that is just ... wrong. Yes, I am not the nicest guy. Yes, I made mistakes. But I had a light heart, mixed with high expectations, and everything was twisted and manipulated. And I was lied to by people I ... maybe not trusted, but expected honesty.

I ache inside. I hurt. I worry about my family. I am sorry for "losing" what "we" worked hard for.

So I simply know one thing still - The Lord has a plan for prosperity. He has handed me hardship, which will build my hope. And I now have hope! I do not know his plan, but I have confidence and hope. I am being developed and refined. I suspect the "path" will be one of humility, and I'm actually looking forward to that. I believe my ego is ready to sit back and enjoy a long, slow, and simplified "end game" of my career, without aspirations other than happiness, joy, and rejoicing in the Lord. I think I may be ready to be restored and to settle into a land without pride.

Prayer: Lord, your path is before me. I cannot see down it, but I'm trying not to even try. Instead, I am looking up at you. Lead on, my Lord and my God. I will follow. Amen.

He has Become my Salvation

Scripture:
Surely God is my salvation;
    I will trust and not be afraid.
The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense;
    he has become my salvation.
Isaiah 12:2

Observation: As Isaiah discusses the future recovery if Israel and Judah - whose destruction hasn't even occurred yet - he describes their future joy through a song of praise. The surviving and returning remnant will trust in the Lord, and know that the Lord is their salvation and strength.

Application: In about 90 minutes, I will know if I still have a job. This has been a terrible ordeal, as I have feared for the safety and security of my family that may result from the destruction of my career. However, I have known - and know greatly today - that the Lord is my salvation. Regardless the words and actions of men, the Lord is my strength and my defense and my salvation. He has a path and a plan, and I have nothing to fear.

So I am not afraid! I trust in the Lord, my father, master, protector, provider, and hope. Only he orders my steps, and defines my path. If he chose this season to correct and prepare me for his instructions, so be it ... he is wise and just. If he has upheld and protected me during evil attacks, he is righteous and loving.

My trust, my faith, and my life, are in the Lord God almighty, maker of heaven of earth, and in his son Jesus Christ, my Lord and savior.

Prayer: Lord, on this day, I commend my future into your hands, along with the protection and security of my family. I know the outcome will be as you desire it, and I am not afraid, for you are with me. You see me. Please keep me strong, protect me and my family from the enemy, and uplift us all as an honor to your name alone. Amen.

A Promise of Returned Blessing

Scripture: Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. The goal is equality, as it is written: "The one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little." 2 Corinthians 8:13-15

Observation: Paul is pressing the church at Corinth to make an offering to aid the church of Jerusalem. He uses examples of the Corinthians' own prior giving, and the generosity of the church in Macedonia. However at the end he uses another scriptural context ... the collection of manna during the wilderness years of Israel.

It is not clear how the Greeks in Corinth would understand this Old Testament reference, but certainly Paul knew they would. The idea, as he said, was sharing in equality. This was not a matter of people simply needing whatever they had, but rather the sharing of plenty to those with less so everyone had the same.

Application: These verses challenge our understanding of giving and equality. Equality again has become a 'loaded' word these days, and Paul is challenging us to think in terms of giving away our excess - and even more than that - with the faith that it will be returned when needed. As this works within the community of faith, this makes sense. It is why we give away the use of our house, and provide to others other blessings when we can. We have plenty.

I may soon be in a time of need. I do not know - I pray not - but it might come to pass. I hope we don't need help, but I am encouraged by God's promises in all their forms ... both to protect, and to care during hardship. I will accept all of God's promises, not just the ones I want.

Prayer: Lord, Abba, I embrace the promise that you may care for me through other human hands during a time of need. Again I pray, I do not want that time of need to arrive. But if it does, I trust in you. Amen.

Confusing Evil for Good

Scripture:
Woe to those who call evil good
    and good evil,
who put darkness for light
    and light for darkness,
who put bitter for sweet
    and sweet for bitter.
Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes
    and clever in their own sight.

Isaiah 5:20-21

 

Observation: As Isaiah begins describing the sins against Israel, and eventually Judah, he focuses on those primary issue ... failure to obey the word and teaching and law of God. In this section, he calls out the nature of such failing as being those who are in complete opposite understanding of "good". These are people who declare that evil acts are good, but that good acts are evil. These individuals ignore God's teaching, and instead rely upon their own wisdom and understanding in order to establish good and evil.

 

Application: 2,700 years later, this pretty much summarizes our society. We have our own 'norms' by which we evaluate what is good, and our own values that define what is evil. On the "good" side of the scales are now sexual tolerance, free love, the 'right to choose' ... and on the "evil" side of the scales are absolute truth, and any type of moral judgments.

 

It is wrong to judge, but it is not wrong to understand right and wrong within the context of God's law. It is good to understand the truth about light, love, good, and the source of wisdom. And it is evil when those items that are dark, bitter, and earthly are elevated.

 

We - our American society - is on a path that cannot end well.

 

Prayer: Lord, may your people, including me, rise to the challenge you have placed before us. Help us to find the words, and your wisdom, to turn eyes back to you. You are the only source of truth, love, and goodness. May we find you again. Amen.