Paying Attention to the Right Things

Scripture: We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. Hebrews 2:1

Observation: Listening to the word of God remains critical to our lives, salvation, and hope. This remains just as it was with the "Shema" - the holy prayer of Israel - where "listen" means so much more than to just hear, but to process, understand, and put into practice. Paying careful attention to what we have heard means we must listen, process, ponder, and meditate on the word of God, and then practice and obey so that we do not drift away.

Application: I continue to see the instructions that I must place God's word - that which is good and pure and noble and right - as the focal point of my thought live. I don't know why my subconscious thought is so messed up with uncontrolled narratives about anger, revenge, and hypothetical conversations that would only hurt others. Is that me? Is that satan? Is that our fallen human nature? I don't know.

What I do know is that Christians are called to be different, and that difference starts with how I think. I am to think lovingly, kindly, joyfully, peacefully, patiently, and gently. I am to see the good. I am to place God first, and see his created in the context of his great love. My subjective, wandering thought should meditate on his precepts, statutes, and laws.

I will continue to try.

Prayer: Lord, I ask this day that you continue to guide me on this path to renew my mind. Protect me from the patterns of my past, and create in me a new, softer heart, that wanders more and more toward your great love. Please help me to keep my mind and my heart and my soul close to you. Amen.

Streams of Tears Flow

Scripture:
“All our enemies have opened their mouths
    wide against us.
We have suffered terror and pitfalls,
    ruin and destruction.”
Streams of tears flow from my eyes
    because my people are destroyed.

My eyes will flow unceasingly,
    without relief,
until the Lord looks down
    from heaven and sees.
What I see brings grief to my soul
    because of all the women of my city.

Lamentations 3:46-51

Observation: The writer grieves for what has happened, that enemies have prevailed, and God's people now suffer. The writer cries, and is especially grieved by the impact to the women.

Application: I am still crying daily over the "victory" of my enemies - or the enemy - over my situation, and what makes me the most grieved is the impact to my wife and daughter. To watch your wife cry in anguish over the precariousness of an unknown future ... to hear your daughter worry about the destruction of our family life ... no man should ever have to endure these things. It is too much.

Doors open and close, and it is all fearful right now. My heart is torn apart and hurts continually. I trust, yet ... I am afraid. And in all of this, my greatest pain is in the eyes and faces of the women in my life, who are even greater victims than I. All I can do is try to find the path forward, and cry.

Prayer: Lord, I beg you, please arrive soon. My family needs you. They need stability as much as survival. Please. Please, Lord. Amen, and amen.

Rejoice in the Midst of It

Scripture:
Though the fig tree does not bud
    and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
    and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
    and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
    I will be joyful in God my Savior.
Habakkuk 3:17-18

Observation: Habakkuk pronounces an angry challenge to God about the state of the people of Judah, and God responds that soon Babylon will be his instrument of punishment. Habakkuk then asks God about the punishment of that violence, and God makes it clear that he will handle it. So Habakkuk prays about the glory and power and authority of God ... knowing terrible times are coming ... and this is how he concludes.

Habakkuk knows all the good things in life will fail and die and be taken away, yet he will rejoice! He will be joyful in God, who remains his savior.

Application: Yesterday, God confirmed my situation was not 'fair' and that it was okay if I was mad about it. And today, I shouted 'Hallelujah' in the midst of my broken and failing life. My field is producing no food, I have no more sheep in the pen, my trees and vines are not producing ... and I sincerely praise the Lord as my savior and my God!

Prayer: Lord, your ways are perfect, and your plan is already complete. You stand on the other side of this situation waiting for me. May I please continue to have the strength to simply walk humbly every day. You have my broken Hallelujah. Amen.

A Light on My Path

Scripture:
The wicked have set a snare for me,
    but I have not strayed from your precepts.
Psalm 119:110

Observation: In again talking about the laws, statutes, and precepts, the psalmist juxtaposes the traps and snares of the wicked against the precepts. A precept is defined as "a general rule intended to regulate behavior or thought." It isn't a statute - a hard-and-fast rule. And it isn't a law - a command that defines order. It is general, includes thought life, and regulates a person.

What are the "precepts" of the Lord? The first is to "love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength." This extends to all other behavior guidelines from God and Jesus ... love one another, love your neighbor, seek justice, love mercy, be humble, care for others. It is by completely loving God that we then care for his created around us.

Application: The wicked sprung a trap upon me. However, from that moment, it solidified my understanding of God's precepts. I have recognized how I can improve in these precepts ... how I can love others, care for poor, show mercy, embrace justice, and humble myself more. The acts of the wicked have brought be closer to God's word, especially his precepts that need to grow as things I meditate on daily. Or constantly.

I love God's precepts. And I love God.

Prayer: Lord, your lamp, your word, is indeed a light upon my feet and path. May I not wander, but walk humbly with you every day. Help me to keep my mind on your word, teaching, and precepts all the time, and please soon put me in a place where I have a chance to better love others. Amen.

When Metaphors are Literal

Scripture:
"I will make her officials and wise men drunk,
    her governors, officers and warriors as well;
they will sleep forever and not awake,"
    declares the King, whose name is the Lord Almighty
Jeremiah 51:57

Observation: Jeremiah's prophesy ends with God's verdict against Babylon, which will be destroyed for having destroyed Jerusalem. This is how it will end ... God himself will make the officials drunk, and then suddenly kill them.

And this is literally what happens! The Babylonians hold a party, where they break out God's sacred cups and drink from them, get drunk, and fall to the hands of the Persians that very night!! God himself got the officials drunk, and they never went to bed and awoke again.

Applications: I gain comfort in God's promises when I see and understand how clear and even literal he can be in his word. God's word is amazing for more than anything it reveals God's nature, and his nature is actually love in very real and practical ways. God promises to deliver his believers, to comfort and care for us. It isn't a metaphor! Those promises are not conceptual or contextualized. They are literal and real. And I claim them.

Prayer: Lord, in the midst of my myopic concern for my practical needs, I see you taking care of all those needs already. It may not be as direct as I expected, but it is just as real and just as purposeful. You are an amazing father. Thank you for your love for my family. I trust in you alone. Amen.

Precepts, Statutes, and Commands

Scripture:
Save me, for I am yours;
    I have sought out your precepts.
The wicked are waiting to destroy me,
    but I will ponder your statutes.
To all perfection I see a limit,
    but your commands are boundless.
Psalm 119:94-96

Observation: The psalmist repeatedly calls out the greatness of scriptures - God's word. The word of God is, in fact, the one thing that stands on the other side of the scales against all other worldly issues ... the wicked, failed nature, the world, daily strife, death, and even the passage of time. It is God's word that is good, perfect, spiritual, protecting, life-giving, and eternal.

Application: I started today by praying to God to speak to me ... and today's reading plan was titled "how God speaks to you." He is SO amazing.

I have been lamenting the absence of God's voice in my life. However, it is his word that speaks to me daily. I have begun efforts to digest and meditate on the bible reading at night, and I know I must continue with this. I must take God's word into my head AND my heart, and in fact make it the core of my life, if I want to hear from God and have him speak over my life.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your word today and every day. It is, in fact, life-giving, and like the psalmist I may have died without it. You are my rock and my foundation, Lord, and I will build my life upon your word. Your precepts, your statutes, and your commands are perfect. Amen.

Cryptic Instructions for Daily Work

Scripture: No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. 2 Timothy 2:4-6

Observation: After saying this, Paul tells Timothy to reflect on it without explanation. It is meant to be confusing and cryptic. It appears to be three ways of stating the same lesson. However, I think this is actually three different instructions, building on each other.

-- Believers are soldiers of Christ, and therefore are to strive to please Jesus and not get bogged down in worldly issues.

-- Pleasing Christ is defined by performing as prescribed by Christ and doing his will.

-- If we do these things, we can be sure that there are rewards even here on earth, that will provide for our daily needs.

Application: I must never again get bogged down in the worldly expectations of my job. My job may involve earthly work, but in the future I must do it with heavenly intent and outcomes. Even my work is to be done for Jesus, just like the entirety of my daily walk must be. This is my failing, and this is what I know I will correct. My work will be done for Jesus.

Prayer: Lord, this is my decision and my commitment. I will perform my vocation for your glory. I am now in need of that vocation. I seek it, and I desire it. My family needs it. Please, Lord, do not allow your faithful to suffer or be put to shame. I desire to do your work, not as I failed before. Amen.

True Cause of the Suffering

Scripture: That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day. 2 Timothy 1:12

Observation: Paul is discussing his own imprisonment, encouraging Timothy to both stay strong, but also to not be embarrassed by Paul's punishment. In other words, do not accept the idea that Paul has done something wrong, but rather understand that it is because of the only right thing - faith in the gospel - that Paul stands accused, and thus is not shameful.

Application: I am NOT Paul and in fact it is ridiculous to even consider me in a thought that involves Paul, but this is a reminder today of what is really going on in my life. This is a spiritual attack. It manifests in my life as pain and hardship, and looks like worldly problems, but this is about faith, hope, love, humility, trust, obedience, patience.

I cry to God for help like the psalmist today ...

My eyes fail, looking for your promise;
    I say, "When will you comfort me?" (Psalm 119:82)

... yet Paul tells the facts for believers in Jesus, which is that hardships are real, the world is opposed to us, and in all these things we can show faith by trusting in the truth. My Lord, the creator of heaven and earth, is on the throne. My savior, his son Jesus Christ, sits at his right hand and testifies that I am a believer. The prayers of my family are heard. I cry "abba", beg for "help", and ask "when". But I don't ask "why", for the answer is in the question ... I suffer from an evil attack by the accuser of this world, and that is no cause for shame.

Prayer: Lord, I do seek your deliverance from this situation. As I have said, you see the pain the hardship inflicted on my entire family. Please save them all from this time of suffering. Your plan is perfect, and I only seek it. Amen.

I Don't Care if They Remember Me

All an empty world can sell
Is empty dreams.
I got lost in the lie
That it was up to me
To make a name the world remembers.

But Jesus is the only name to remember.

Relationship Status is Complicated

Scripture: Then Zedekiah said to Jeremiah, “Do not let anyone know about this conversation, or you may die. If the officials hear that I talked with you, and they come to you and say, ‘Tell us what you said to the king and what the king said to you; do not hide it from us or we will kill you,’ then tell them, ‘I was pleading with the king not to send me back to Jonathan’s house to die there.’” Jeremiah 38:24-26

Observation: King Zedekiah hates what Jeremiah is saying, but trusts that Jeremiah is speaking the word of God. This is clear when he keeps asking over and over again questions about his own future. Yet, he never listens. He allows other men to arrest Jeremiah and almost starve him to death. He imprisons him so he can no long speak publicly. He burns Jeremiah's scroll instead of listening to its words.

Zedekiah never turns the people back to God, and in fact worships other gods as well. He will fall victim to Babylon, and lose Jerusalem in a manner that results in its total destruction, including the destruction of the temple and loss of the ark. Over and over he asks about this, is told it will happen, is advised about how to avoid it, apparently even believes it and seeks to protect Jeremiah from others who may kill him over this truth ... and fails to heed the advice.

Application: On a daily basis, I'm more like Zedekiah than Jeremiah. Even when I know God's instructions, I may or may not obey. I am where I am now ... at home, literally and figuratively alone ... partially to get my attention that I need to better obey God in all aspects of my life. This is where I am growing as a result of this trial.

Zedekiah grew to believe, but never to act. I believe, and I am growing into action.

Prayer: Lord, I am ready to act and think differently. Again, please empower me with your Spirit daily. I desire to hear from you, to be lead, to be taught. I am listening and learning. Amen.

Comfort in the Promises

Scripture:
Remember your word to your servant,
    for you have given me hope.
My comfort in my suffering is this:
    Your promise preserves my life.
Psalm 119:49-50

Observation: The simple statement of the psalmist is that he clings to the Lord's promises for hope in his current circumstance. Even while the unfaithful all around mock his faith, he does not lose hope in the promises of God.

Application: I was so torn up by bad news yesterday ... I anticipated it, but I was so hopeful that the reality cut me deep. I struggle with my hope. However, I too believe and trust in God's promises. I firmly believe he will not forsake my family, and he will provide for us. I will never lose that hope.

Prayer: Abba, I look only to you today for hope, salvation, life, and direction. The jobs of yesterday were not part of your plan, and so I know there is something better waiting. Please remember your servant, the leper at your feet, so in need of your love, forgiveness, and mercy. You are my hope. Amen.

Of Whom I am the Worst

Scripture: Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. 1 Timothy 1:15-16

Observation: Paul, giving instructions to Timothy, touches on the grace of the Lord using this declaration, that Jesus came into the world to save sinners, including Paul who was actively attacking Christians. It is a 'trustworthy saying' that Jesus saves all sinners, and that the Lord shows mercy through repentance and faith in Jesus. Paul uses himself to display God's patience ... God, who waited for years watching Paul (Saul) persecute believers before Jesus appeared to him.

Application: Paul is certainly melodramatic about him being the worst of the sinners. He may have done wrong, but there have been worse. That said, I would personalize Paul's trustworthy saying: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I - Trever - am the worst.

I sin in thought often, in word daily, and in deed too frequently. I fail to keep God's laws and commands and statutes. The worst, I fail to love others, show mercy, seek justice, and abide in God's will. He asks so little of me ... and I do infinitely less. I am a failure.

Yet somehow, Jesus has always had patience with me, and for this I am eternally grateful. It is that fact for which I know and trust he loves me and will deliver me. He is good, patient, and sure. As I sit here today and this week awaiting for - and praying into - the revelation of his will, I know he continues to be patient with me in my failure. May I fail less and less every day.

Prayer: Lord, again I ask today, please give me a soft heart, and a mind focused on your precepts and statutes and purposes. I set my mind today on your love, and for the love of all. I will struggle and fail to keep that mindset, and for that I am sorry. Please forgive my weakness, and uphold me by your Spirit. Amen.

Characteristics of Idleness

Scripture: We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat. And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good. 2 Thessalonians 3:11-13

Observation: Paul's final instructions to the Thessalonians - a church he loves and writes two letters to while imprisoned - is this ... be careful of idle busybodies in the church. He tells them to correct them. This is done by 'not associating' with them, but also to tell them what they should be doing. This is not to remove them from the church, but to instruct them on the impact they are having on the body of faith and guide them into proper behavior.

Idleness seems to take on three characteristics. First is true laziness- failing to work when one can do work.  The implication is they are then taking advantage of the generosity of others ... they "take" from the church when they could "give" to the church, or at least not be a burden on resources. Second, idleness gossips. Since they are not working or serving, they talk about others, or situations. This distracts others and specifically creates disruption in the church. Finally, idleness fails to practice - or in any way contribute to - the mission of the church itself ... the teaching of disciples and professing of Jesus.

Application: By this definition, some of what I do is "idleness". Any time I talk of others, or fail to engage in the church mission, I am being idle. I try to avoid this, and I do serve in ministries that advance the Church of Jesus Christ (in generally, and our church body). However, I also gossip and speak ill of others.

This is what has been top-of-mind with me lately - the taming of my heart and mind, which can then tame my tongue. This is critical to my life and future. I must control my thoughts, and set them on things above that are good, excellent, noble, and just. This is the personal change I am focused on. I feel progress, and I pray often for more and more improvement. I seek the Holy Spirit for strength to rewire my mind and my heart. I never want to be "idle" again.

Prayer: Lord, again I say it today, please give my your Spirit in a supernatural way to change my mind. I am an old man, and I have decades of bad practices that influence my thoughts. I want the rest of my life to be filled with joy, love, hope, and positive impact on others. I want to help others, not be a stumbling block. Please, Lord, change me from the inside out. Amen.

Testing and Believing Prophesy

Scripture:
"The tumult will resound to the ends of the earth,
    for the Lord will bring charges against the nations;
he will bring judgment on all mankind
    and put the wicked to the sword,"
declares the Lord.
Jeremiah 25:31

Observation: Jeremiah is given this prophesy, not against Judah and Jerusalem, but against a myriad of other middle eastern nations and city-states - Moab, Edom, Ammon, and the cities of Uz, Palestine, Tyre, and Sidon. He states that he is going to destroy these nations, and in fact destroy his beloved land and city of Jerusalem, as he is bringing changes against all nations. These nations of generally existed for 800+ years ... and within 100 years of this pronouncement, they will all cease to exist, and to this day only Israel was ever restored.

Paul tells the Thessalonians to respect but test prophets, and Jeremiah stands against the test for certain. In the next chapter, Jeremiah is challenged but eventually supported as a prophet.

Application: I believe that, in the last three months, people have pronounced prophesy over my life. I pray they were true words of God, and not just personal hopes from their hearts. Sure, I love their hope for me and my family! But I could use some prophesy being fulfilled, too. I know the hearts of many of the people, and I know their faith in the Lord. May the prophetic words come to pass, and may I trust them.

Prayer: Lord, I know your gifts and your strength, your love and your word. May the prophetic words of others be fulfilled soon. I pray into your mercy and love today. Protect my life from my enemies, and please uplift and restore my life. Amen.

Work then House in Order

Scripture:
Put your outdoor work in order
    and get your fields ready;
    after that, build your house.
Proverbs 24:27

Observation: In this proverb, Solomon is simply saying this ... take care of your work, your vocation, ensuring that you are not slothful or lazy but rather are prepared to earn an honest and meaningful living, and then you will have what you need to ensure you can have your house - family and living situation - in order. He reinforces this later in this chapter, telling of the "sluggard" who is missing the mark. This person is resting a little, sleeping a little, relaxing a little, being just a little idle ... and suddenly is poor because he has failed to do any meaningful work.

Application: I struggle with all my might right now to get my "outdoor work" in order. I lost it. This is what I have been praying into now for three months - a way to get my work in order, as I anticipated and then have been in the midst of upheaval. I have been praying to the Lord to provide me with that work, and today he handed me this proverb FIVE MINUTES before walking into a series of job interviews.

I can only take this as instruction and with thanks. This must be guidance that I am on the right path - that endeavoring to get my work in order and my fields ready so that I will have the material needs of my house (family) met - is the right thing to do. And thanks in that God knows this is important, and must certainly be at work in my situation.

I do not know what will happen over the next several days, but I know God is in control, and he is in support of my need. The Lord is my shepherd, and I am in his mighty and loving care.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for your kindness, your love, and your compassion. I seek to bet my house in order and built back, caring for my family, and I see you agree in that need. I continued to ask for your provision and guidance, my Lord. Thank you! Amen.

Joy in the Statutes

Scripture:
I rejoice in following your statutes
    as one rejoices in great riches.
I meditate on your precepts
    and consider your ways.
I delight in your decrees;
    I will not neglect your word.
Psalm 119:14-16

Observation: The psalmist celebrates the opportunity to obey God. He rejoices in the statues and delights in the decrees and commands of the Lord. This is not about compliance, obedience, memorization, or prescribed behavior, but instead this is about the joy of learning the best way to live.

Application: In all ways, I must discover that the best way to live is to always obey the Lord. I am seeing that in the discipline of my mind ... that times of anger, impatience, and frustration are so bad in my life, while times of peace in thinking about God's greatness are comforting and relaxing. I wish to seek a better knowledge of God's statutes and commands, so that I may meditate on them and consider them deeply. I am confident that, in this way, I can find delight.

Prayer: Lord, I do delight in your word, and wish I would meditate on it day and night. May I learn more of the great life that comes from full observation of your ways, decrees, precepts, and statutes, defined in your word. Amen.

Imitating the Judean Churches

Scripture: For you, brothers and sisters, became imitators of God’s churches in Judea, which are in Christ Jesus: You suffered from your own people the same things those churches suffered from the Jews. 1 Thessalonians 2:14

Observation: In his review of the honor and worthiness of the church in Thessalonica, Paul includes this ... that they are persecuted by non-believers around them, just as the church in Judea has been persecuted by the Jews. He describes this as imitating the Judean churches, though doubtful it was on purpose. Instead, they have held fast to their faith - knowing it is true and inspired by the word of God - despite pressure and even hostility from others.

Application: I do believe there is an element of persecution in my life. I am confident that hostility toward me is partly based on my faith. I know for a fact that the only time I was counseled at my prior job was over a message about Jesus. I also believe that there are those who welcome my downfall and disgrace in part because of my faith, and these same people would be happy to see the same disgrace extend to other church members and leaders.

We are in a time where persecution will increase. I hope I - and brothers and sisters around me - can embrace it as the Thessalonians did. It will be key for us all to stay strong, full of grace and love, despite opposition.

Prayer: Lord, again today I pray for those who are against me. I sincerely hope they find your truth someday in their lives, and accept Jesus as their Lord and savior in that day. I now know enough to know that I could never wish hell upon anyone, and therefore hope they find their way into your love. Amen.

Trusting God with Sabbath Provisions

Scripture: Do not bring a load out of your houses or do any work on the Sabbath, but keep the Sabbath day holy, as I commanded your ancestors. Yet they did not listen or pay attention; they were stiff-necked and would not listen or respond to discipline. Jeremiah 17:22-23

Observation: As Jeremiah continues his prophetic teaching to the people, he moves from true prophesy into this lesson about the Sabbath. Once again, this fits into other words about failure to worship, honor, and be dedicated to the Lord. Sabbath fits into that category because it is a command, but mostly because it represents trust. Not working requires faith that provision will come anyway. This was always the test of the Sabbath - if people could trust God for one day a week. The wicked take what they didn't earn, but also earn when they should rest.

Application: As I continue to work on my mental state, I am reminded that God knows my heart. This is good in most circumstances, for I do truly love God and believe in Jesus Christ. However, there are times I certainly lean into my own wisdom, work, and understanding. There are times I feel a need to take action due to faith in my own knowledge and skills. These are times I need to instead turn to the Lord in prayer for guidance and instruction.

I see how I can better serve the Lord in my daily life. I will seek ways to do this, but also within the full context of trust in the Lord for all provision. I will respond to these season with renewed commitment to service, and significantly less reliance on my own methods.

Prayer: Lord, you are my provider, and I want nothing beyond your provision. Please provide for my family as you have done, and as you have planned for the paths you have set us all upon. I am your workmanship, and I am your servant to do as you would lead me. Amen.

There's Hope in Front of Me

I might be down, but I'm not dead.
There's better days still up ahead!

It's Not About Compliance

Scripture:
How can you say, “We are wise,
    for we have the law of the Lord,”
when actually the lying pen of the scribes
    has handled it falsely?
Jeremiah 8:8

Observation: As God continues his declarations against the Jews, he includes this fact ... they cannot even claim any compliance with the Law, because they have in fact lost the correct understanding of the Law.

This is in the context of everything they are doing ... child sacrifice, baal worship, idol worship, divination, to name some. So the question is, under what context can the Jews do these things AND claim they also obey the Law, while God tells them they don't even understand the Law?

The answer seems to be twofold. First, they have 'added' to the Law. They may do ritual sacrifice, rest on the Sabbath, etc., but they also are doing these other acts, which is absolutely wrong. Second, they comply with the Law only as prescribed by their teachers, and not based on the intent of the Law ... love, honor, worship, and relationship with the Lord. As God says, he seeks relationship, not sacrifice. The Law is to develop a framework for worship, adoration, love, and communication ... not compliance. The Jewish scribes/teachers now teach compliance, not the heart.

Application: God is always after my heart, not my compliance. He wants my love, communication, adoration, and worship, not my compliance with church attendance, works, or even daily devotions.

Today, God now has my full attention. I see the better way in life through devotion of my mind and heart to the Lord, and not just doing work because he tells us to. The service comes to be certain, but I see the growth that comes from improved thoughts, a changed heart, and meditation on the Lord. I will never be the same from this experience, and I will never go back. Yes, I will struggle ... I am a flawed human ... but I will continue the turning of my heart to the Lord as the ongoing goal of my life.

Prayer: Lord, you see me, and you know my thoughts. Please forgive me when my mind and heart fail. I will never be perfect, and you know this. However, you also see my striving, and you see the change in my heart. It may be slower than it should have been, but growth continues. Again, please have patience and mercy, love and compassion, upon me, as I grow and mature as your disciple. I do love you, my Lord and my God. Amen.

Setting My Mind

Scripture: Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. Philippians 4:8

Observation: Paul's final words to the Philippians are rich with truth. From advice about prayer, to blessing for their generosity, to his famous statement that he can do all things through Christ, Paul's words here are amazing. It is this lesson - of advice about how to align one's mind to God - that is the hardest instruction. Our thought life is hard to control, and Paul's instructions help by placing this challenge in a positive light. He doesn't say "don't think about hate, lust, anger, etc.", but rather "DO think about things that are true, good, beautiful, admiral, etc." This is about constructively giving us something to replace the negative thoughts.

Applications: While I really wanted to comment on the passage we prayed on this morning - about finding peace in our hearts through faith - this other challenge of the mind is where my efforts have already been lately. I find times are better when I am thinking positively and good, praiseworthy, and God-worthy things. This eases my mind ... or at least removes the darkness from my mind that comes from anger, resentment, and general 'bad' thoughts.

I want to remember these adjectives ... true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admiral, praiseworthy, excellent. These are qualities to seek in things so I can then dwell upon them. I can find these qualities in the world around me - and in people around me - and then pray, meditate, ponder, and dwell on those things and people. This also gives me a wide range of "goodness" to seek out during my daily walk, so I can then fill my head with these good thoughts at night.

Prayer: Lord, I seek your goodness, and desire to dwell upon your great world. Guide me in this discipline of focusing my attention and thoughts on the goodness of your people, creating, work, and love, so that I can avoid the destructive inner thoughts that plague me. My mind is yours to guide. Amen.

He Hears my Voice and Cry

Scripture:
I love the Lord, for he heard my voice;
    he heard my cry for mercy.
Because he turned his ear to me,
    I will call on him as long as I live.

The cords of death entangled me,
    the anguish of the grave came over me;
    I was overcome by distress and sorrow.
Then I called on the name of the Lord:
    “Lord, save me!”

The Lord is gracious and righteous;
    our God is full of compassion.
The Lord protects the unwary;
    when I was brought low, he saved me.

Return to your rest, my soul,
    for the Lord has been good to you.

Psalm 116:1-7

Observation: The psalmist celebrates their liberation and salvation, recalling their lowly state, and thanking God for delivering them when they called out and asked for saving.

Application Today, I claim this as a past-tense promise, while I still await salvation from the lowest point in my life. I am overcome by distress and sorrow ... and I cry for mercy and salvation over and over again. I command my soul to rest from the torture and torment and sadness it currently experiences, because I have faith the Lord has heard my cry. He has heard my prayers, and is at this moment prepared to deliver me from my afflictions.

The Lord provides. The Lord will provide. The Lord is gracious and loving, and his promise to the faithful endures forever. I cry to the Lord, and he hears me. He has saved me even when I was poor and lowly to the point of not knowing I was lost. He will save me now, by his mercy and wisdom. The Lord has been - and will always be - good to me and my family.

Prayer: Lord, again today I cry to you. I have never been "depressed" but you know that I am now. Yet in this valley, I look up to you and absolutely trust in your love. I seek relief, but the truth is I already have that relief in the form of your promises. May my soul rest. Amen.

No Grumbling Allowed

Scripture: Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky. Philippians 2:14-15

Observation: As Paul continues to encourage the church in Philippi about how to act in lieu of his imprisonment in Rome likely never to return to them, he give this ... do everything without grumbling or arguing. It is in this attitude - an attitude that does its daily work and service without ever speaking negatively about it or each other - that creates the environment for them to be "blameless and pure." It is even this attitude that makes them without fault. Paul seems to be going so far as to say that a cheerful attitude of service is the true sign of children of God, true believers, and evidence of faith.

Application: As I have reminded myself more and more to "set my mind on things above", I have found those thoughts get interrupted by negative thoughts. I almost never have positive thoughts that prevent my focus on God. Instead, it is negative thoughts of anger, frustration, sadness, conflict, and general pain that keep me from God.

Paul understands this aspect of human nature ... complaining, grumbling, and arguing are things that separate us from God. They interfere with love, peace, and joy. And in this way, avoiding these negative ways unites us with God in mind and heart.

As I strive to continue getting closer to God so I may server him better and more fully every day, I must also avoid grumbling and arguing. I must be a joyful peacemaker, not a confrontational curmudgeon. This is a changing of my mind and my heart that only the Spirit can achieve within me, and I continue to lean into that change.

Prayer: Lord, I repeat my prayer today to please create in me a new heart. I seek a soft heart, filled with your Spirit, and exuding your gifts. I continue to surrender my mind to you so I can be your light wherever I am every day. I hope I have the chance to be that light somewhere, soon. Amen.