Your Grace Holds Me Now

I have spent so much time in the last year praying for God's help in my current situation, that I have almost forgot where he found me in the first place. It is only by the Lord, and his grace through Jesus, that I am ... even alive today, I know. I should have had a disastrous, terrible life, and died young and alone and unloved. Instead, I have been blessed without merit, forgiven without reason, upheld without cause, sustained without strength, loved without worth.

Lifted up
And my knees know it's all for your glory,
That I might stand
With more reason to sing than to fear.

You pulled me from the clay,
Set me on a rock,
Called me by your name,
And made my heart whole again.

Continuing in a Dark Place

Scripture: And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. Romans 13:11

Observation: In providing instructions for living to the Romans, he discusses the "present time" ... that they live in a time when the world is changing with regards to Christ. In this, he encourages them that salvation is closer now than when they first believed in Jesus. This could mean three things:

1) The return of Jesus
2) Their deaths and just salvation to eternal life in heaven
3) The general legalization of Christianity in the Roman world

It is true all three are closer, just through the passage of time. However, I believe Paul meant the third option, as he has been telling them how to live publicly. He has been advising them to respect Roman authority, pay taxes, give respect to leaders, etc. In these things, he is teaching them how to live public lives of faith ... telling them they have the ability to live in the open as both Romans and Christians, as the two are not mutually exclusive.

Application: This - the ability to live openly as a Christian within our society - wasn't even a thought several years ago, but now is again an issue. My wife and I have discussed the difficulty of being Christian in this part of the world, as it relates to how others then treat us in social and professional contexts. To an extent, this is exactly what was on my mind about 30 minutes ago, as I realized others change their conversations and even lie to me simply because they know I'm Christian and thus they presume things about me.

I have said that persecution and trouble is ahead for Christians, and I have lived within that persecution to various degrees already. It will get worse in this part of the world. And again, that is nothing new. The Roman church lived this way, and tried to find a way to live as both Christians and Romans. Today, I must find a way to live as both Christian a Seattleite, demonstrating public faith in a region where Christianity might be just the fourth of fifth belief system, and both openly and implicitly mocked by public officials and policy.

However, as Paul points out, salvation is nearer, not further away. I am not to hide, but live as a citizen, employee, community member ... and active believer.

Prayer: Lord, may my light shine for all to see. Please be with your church and with your faithful in this dark place, as it gets darker every day. We know that the darkness cannot overcome the light, as long as our light shines among men. Please help us all stay strong. Amen.

Embracing a Life of Destiny

Scripture: Their fellow Levites were assigned to all the other duties of the tabernacle, the house of God. But Aaron and his descendants were the ones who presented offerings on the altar of burnt offering and on the altar of incense in connection with all that was done in the Most Holy Place, making atonement for Israel, in accordance with all that Moses the servant of God had commanded. 1 Chronicles 6:48-49

Observation: In documenting the lineages of Levi, the historian documents those with the functions of priest and musicians. God had declared the Levites would serve the needs of the tabernacle, which David and Solomon later extended to the temple, and the priestly line would come from Aaron. There are two lists of priestly lines - one is 22 names long, the other 11 - and it appears the shorter list is perhaps a pre-Davidic list.

These people ... did not have a choice of profession. It may be true that the high priest was such a grand position they would have never wanted to choose anything else, but the point is they didn't get the option. They were the line that would serve, and from birth it was their destiny and design.

Likewise, in Romans 12 Paul encourages a similar attitude with life ... to make our lives a living sacrifice. Effectively, this means to wholly submit to whatever will and plan God has for us, surrendering any self-actualized decision, and simply doing what God has intended for us. This especially manifests in the Church, with whatever gifts we have being absolutely what we should do for the good of the body of Christ. However, it must also apply to all aspects of life. Our "living sacrifice" is to live in the position God - not us - has decided we should live.

Application: I am learning how to live this way ... in the place and position of God's choosing. I have no idea if I am there yet, and that is probably the most difficult part. I can come to grips with the idea that I must not pursue my own ambitions and designs. However, it is hard when I do not get confirmation that I am living within God's design.

Am I in the right place? Am I doing the right things? Am I caring for my family and others as God intends? If I knew the answers were yes, yes, and yes, then I would have no concerns.

The Levites knew they were doing the right things. Paul knew he was doing the right thing. I hope I am doing the right thing, and if I am not I would love to just be guided and told where to go without the pain this time.

Prayer: Lord, I seek only your will for my life, and for my daily walk. That is sincerely all I want. I submit to you, confident that if I live within your perfect will I will indeed find peace and joy and love. I know this to be true. Please provide confirmation. And please do so gently. Amen.

Love and the Promise

Scripture:
I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever;
    with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known
    through all generations.
I will declare that your love stands firm forever,
    that you have established your faithfulness in heaven itself.
You said, "I have made a covenant with my chosen one,
    I have sworn to David my servant,
'I will establish your line forever
    and make your throne firm through all generations.'"
Psalm 89:1-4

Observation: The psalmist declares they will sing of the Lord, and sing of his great love. This is a love that is faithful to all generations, stands firm forever, and is established in all creation, not just within one nation but in all the world and even in heaven itself.

And what is that love? It is ... the Davidic covenant to bring Messiah into the world. God's love is the promise of an eternal savior-king who will establish an eternal throne. The lords love is the promise of salvation, available through the person of Messiah, which once established will be available to everyone forever.

Application: Today, I sit in a place and time where I receive the benefit of God's promise. This is a blessing beyond anything on earth I could ask or receive, and it is this context that I should consider all other aspects of my very existence. I - sinful, unworthy, dishonest, mean, and arrogant - have received God's love through Jesus Christ.

This very morning I prayed to God about how I could place elements of life in proper perspective. Within 30 minutes, he has shown me the proper perspective. My life is meaningless outside of this promise ... the eternal king Jesus is established as the Messiah, and I receive eternal life by living in faith of that fact. This I do and claim, and thank the Lord for his love and mercy.

Prayer: Lord, my father in heaven, you are great and glorious and amazing. Your love and mercy and compassion and wisdom are beyond measure. Today and every day, I praise you and only you, for only you are worthy of praise and honor. I will sing of your great love forever. Amen.

Becoming Truly More than a Conqueror

Scripture: No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Romans 8:37

Observation: Paul asks seven questions, some rhetorical and expounded upon by other questions, but he is making his great point here. The core question is this - Can anyone really defeat believers? He wonders who can be against us when we have such a powerful and giving God. He wonders who can condemn us, who can separate us from God's love, who can bring trouble and hardships on us, and who can endanger us.

And this is the answer ... no one. Nothing anyone does can separate us from the love of God, and from the blessing of his salvation, through our faith in - and the love of - Jesus Christ.

Application: I am tired of dwelling on the circumstances of the past year, and actively seeking peace and joy for my future. It is clear from Paul that to do this I need to really know and understand two things. First, the world CAN, in fact, threaten us. The evil world - and those doing the bidding of the world - can threaten our livelihood, health, and very lives. Paul knew this ... he was in chains being taken to Rome for trial when he wrote this!

However, the second point is that this doesn't matter. All that matters is my relationship with God, found through my Lord Jesus Christ. With this, all else is SO secondary in importance that it really isn't to be considered as part of life at all. The only thing is life that matters is the love and joy, grace, mercy, judgment, and blessing of God. This is the only source of peace and joy, and all else is simply the useless world.

This is where and when I will find joy ... when I turn my full attention to the Lord, and turn away from all aspects of earthly existence. I need to ignore human judgment, human values, and earthly definitions of success and happiness.

I am approaching this. When I find this, I will be more than a conqueror, as Paul indicates. I will fully take my place as a truly adopted son.

Prayer: Lord, it is to you I look, this day and every day. May I fully set aside all earthly perspectives, and fully embrace your kingdom, your guidance, and your precepts. Amen.

Seeking a Spirit-Filled Life

Scripture: For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. Romans 8:3-4

Observation: Paul ended the prior chapter stating that the law effectively created sin, but teaching what sin was and then our weak human nature desiring to do what was now forbidden. Now he explains the outcome of that ... they law was weakened by our weakness, so Jesus provides both the sacrifice for redemption and the Holy Spirit so we may live in the Spirit instead of the flesh.

The flesh - our earthly selves - will always fail. However, reliance on the Holy Spirit will always prevail, and faith in Jesus will always sanctify us. It is by this, Paul states, that we must live ... the Holy Spirit is our way of life. Living in the Spirit provides us with the strength and will to live according to God's wishes, and the faith to receive forgiveness when we stumble. Living an earthly life according to the flesh is a life hostile toward God himself. In doing this, people are opposed to God himself.

Application: Paul's instructions are confusing, but partly because he constructs long arguments and he has been setting this one up for several chapters. Paul himself cannot avoid sin. The law, designed to teach holy living, instead only points out our guilt when we fail to live according to it, because in our very nature we cannot live a holy life. Therefore, our only hope to live as God has designed is to rely upon the Holy Spirit within us, provided through faith in Jesus, who has also sacrificed himself for the forgiveness of our sins.

It is this 'living in the Spirit' that I yearn for most, and believe is most missing from my faith. There are times I feel the Holy Spirit ... but just a bit. I want more! I truly want to surrender myself to the Holy Spirit and submit to the Lord in my daily walk. I know the major issue in this is not God, but me. I cling to control and my own will instead of surrendering as I should. As Paul said, I do what I hate. I so wish this would change within my heart.

Prayer: Come, Holy Spirit. Amen.

Keeping the Lord Central

Scripture: For I desire mercy, not sacrifice,
    and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.
Hosea 6:6

Observation: Jesus quotes the first half of this passage to the Pharisees, telling them to research what it means. Even out of context, it seems obvious. The Lord was never about desiring legalistic compliance with rituals and procedures, but about relationship and communion through time, attention, and interaction. God wished, for example, that people would demonstrate love and compassion, and therefore engage with the Lord with joy rather than with a simple process of killing an animal and moving on. God wanted the Israelites to simply declare him as the Lord of all the earth, instead of performing the ritual of the morning offering and moving along in their lives as if that was just something they had to do, like brushing their teeth.

Application: I must be careful not to allow anything concerning the Lord to just become a ritual. Not ... going to church on Sundays, or saying prayers before meals. I need to pay special attention to God, not because he asks it, but because he is the Lord and is due my attention and my intentionality.

The Lord desires my love for others, not the money I simply hand over to pay for the church to help others. He wishes I would declare him Lord and God, not to mindlessly sing songs I have memorized.

This concept - one sentence in a book of a 'minor prophet' - was so central to God's heart that Jesus quoted it in one of his most direct statements to the Pharisees. Then I should use its lesson to guard my ways and ensure I am not like them.

Prayer: Lord, you are central to my life, though there are times I may not behave or think that way. May I keep you central in all things, and sincerely acknowledge and worship you in my daily walk. I desire to be mindful, intentional, and missional. Amen.

On Becoming a Jew

Scripture: No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God. Romans 2:29

Observation: As Paul begins to dive into the meat of his message, he begins to position the 'salvation by faith' discussion by first assessing what it means to be a Jew. A Jew, as he points out, is a person who has received the law - the very word of God - and observes it. In contrast, someone who knows the law and still breaks it is arguably not a Jew. They may be outwardly circumcised, but their hearts are not right. Even if they can quote the law and teach it to others, without at least attempting to comply they are under condemnation and their Jewish standing has no bearing.

Therefore, someone who may not be outwardly a Jew by nationality, but yet knows and follows the law ... this is a person whose heart has been circumcised by the Spirit. They are above those who are the opposite. They are even ... a Jew, and are worthy of praise from God.

Application: I am not a Jew by nationality or genetics, however I would gladly call myself a Jew by adoption through faith in Jesus, understanding the word of God, and attempts to comply with his law. Do I succeed at this last item, complying with the law? No, I fail every day. And that is why the first two elements, especially faith in Jesus, come into play ... to provide for grace and forgiveness, so I may be clean before God.

I wish my internal heart were softer and more obviously inwardly circumcised. I want there to be clear and obvious evidence in my life that I am a Jew by the Spirit. The Jews are people set apart to be different as a nation of priests, and blessed to be a blessing to others. Were that to be said of me.

Prayer: Lord, this day I know I am one of your people, a believer in the Lord almighty, who strives to know your word and is found innocent by faith in Jesus. I am a Jew inwardly. May I find ways in this world, in this time, to fulfill that mission. Amen.

Something Important is Missing

Scripture: As the Lord had declared, Nebuchadnezzar removed the treasures from the temple of the Lord and from the royal palace, and cut up the gold articles that Solomon king of Israel had made for the temple of the Lord. ... The Babylonians broke up the bronze pillars, the movable stands and the bronze Sea that were at the temple of the Lord and they carried the bronze to Babylon. They also took away the pots, shovels, wick trimmers, dishes and all the bronze articles used in the temple service. The commander of the imperial guard took away the censers and sprinkling bowls—all that were made of pure gold or silver. 2 Kings 24:14; 25:13-15

Observation: Others have wondered about this forever, but ... where is the Ark of the Covenant?

In the timeline of the kings of Judah, we are less than 100 years removed from Hezekiah laying out his prayers before the ark, and within 10 years of Josiah reinstituting all temple worship. The ark had to be ... somewhere. And certainly if shovels and wick trimmers are worth mentioning, the ark being removed would have been worth a comment.

That said, the second removal of items listed in 2 Kings 25 is well after the first events, and it is (I believe) after Ezekiel sees the image of God departing on his throne from his exile in Babylon. There are all kinds of ideas where the ark is today, but there is a possibility it simply left with God. Though even its absence would seem noteworthy, perhaps in the time of distress the historical record is vague due to distress, not purpose.

Application: God is mysterious in so many ways, and the ark remains one of those deep mysteries to me. It was a symbol of course, as certainly he did not 'live' on top of the box. However, at the same time, it was a symbol he desired and provided to give Israel a center ... a place to meet him.

There are those who believe it is lost forever. There are those who think it is in a small church in Ethiopia. There are those who believe it is hidden and will be discovered as a key to the end-times. All I think is ... it wasn't there when Jerusalem fell, because God will never been taken by any human authority. He is all powerful and in control, on his heavenly throne.

Prayer: Abba, you are a mystery to all of us, and that is as it should be. We strive to understand you, but certainly that should not be a goal of ours, rather we should honor, worship, and obey you. May I do these things daily. Amen.

A Model Famous Church

Scripture: First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world. Romans 1:8

Observation: Paul has never been to Rome, and never met or spoken with any Christian in Rome, yet here he is introducing himself and announcing his future trip to Rome this way ... he already thanks God for them because their faith is world-renowned. As a church, they are literally rock-star famous for their faith!! Paul has been all over the Greek world, and he has heard of the faith of the church of Rome already, everywhere.

Application: Today, I am reminded of - and thank God for - churches today that are just like this. I start with ... the church in Rome, the Vatican! The catholic church remains an influence worldwide, and when strong and honest is a tremendous light for the gospel.

Personally, I am most influenced by Gateway Church in Dallas, whose sermons I now watch regularly for their deeper understanding of God's word. I know our congregation is also well supported by New Life in Colorado Springs.

There are so many other "world famous" churches that pour their resources outward to help and encourage others ... Elevation, Life Church, Hillsong, just to name three. Some of these churches export their worship music, some publicize the good news in their messages, and some afford their pastors the time to reach and serve others. The common theme is this: These churches us their resources to bless others, rather than hording the great teaching, music, and inspiration for themselves.

Evergreen is probably "Bothell-famous", and that's great. This is where and what we need to be, and it is critical we keep that focus as God calls us to be the light of our community.

Prayer: Lord, you have granted Evergreen with a special mission in Bothell, and given us favor that can only come from you. We are known to all our some town, through Christmas celebration, Independence Day service, city and commercial partnership, community connections and cultural events, and support of regional organizations. Let's turn this light up to 11. I pray into the goal of establishing your lighthouse in downtown, and becoming "Bothell's church". I pray again for the claiming of Bothell. I expect we will very soon face huge opposition, because I feel we are close to an amazing breakthrough season. Please give us your strength, completely for your glory. Amen.

Have I Not Heard?

Scripture:
Have you not heard?
    Long ago I ordained it.
In days of old I planned it;
    now I have brought it to pass,
that you have turned fortified cities
    into piles of stone.
2 Kings 19:25

Observation: As, through the prophet Isaiah, God rebukes the king of Assyria, this is his explanation. Yes, Assyria has overthrown many other nations, but only because that was God's plan all along. Had Assyria not heard? God planned all of this years and years ago. God chose to remove the other nations from the earth, and Assyria was simply his instrument. God brought all this to pass.

That the king of Assyria did not know this has no bearing on the truth. That he believed in his own might did not change the Lord actions. However, that he now proclaims blasphemy against the Lord ... that's a different matter.

God knows everything about the king of Assyria ... where he is, what he is doing, and what he is saying, even at that very moment (v27). In taking action, God won't need some other foreign power to rise up, and he won't even need Jerusalem to successfully defend itself, but instead he simply kill 180,000 soldiers that very night and thus drive off the king of Assyria in humility and fear.

Application: Have I not heard? The Lord is in complete control!! His plans are secure!

Have I not heard? There is nothing that happens for which he is surprised, or unable to address, or concerned about how someone may mock him when they feel proud of their triumph over his people.

Have I not heard? The evil may even appear to have success, but that is only earthly success and is done with a design and purpose understood and established by the Lord himself.

Have I not heard? The Lord has even set the timing of correction for those who do not trust in him, those who openly mock him. He can take care of that situation when he chooses to no longer endure their blasphemy.

I have heard.

Prayer: Lord, even this morning you reminded me of Shalom. My peace is not in a restful life, but rather it is found in total confidence of your control, might, wisdom, and love. I lose sight of that in so many moments, but not in a general sense of my life. I surrender to your plan, knowing that it is good and with an awesome long-term outcome established long ago. Amen.

Looking Back from the Other Side

I can see, I can see
How you delivered me.
In your hands and your feet
I found my victory.

So forever I am thankful for the scars.

Complying with Inaction

Scripture: They rejected his decrees and the covenant he had made with their ancestors and the statutes he had warned them to keep. They followed worthless idols and themselves became worthless. They imitated the nations around them although the Lord had ordered them, "Do not do as they do." 2 Kings 17:15

Observation: This is the epitaph of the northern kingdom of Israel ... they became worthless. This was obviously building for a very long time, but in the end in just happens with a bit of a whimper as the Assyrian king - to whom they were already subject - takes over the region and exiles the people. The author reviews the acts of the people of Israel that led to this punishment, and it all comes back to just one thing, which is worshiping other gods.

There is an issue of non-compliance with the commands of God that can seem troubling when one views those commands as orders. However, most of the commands are not such, but rather they are warnings about doing things that actually cause issues in our lives. Even "worship no other god" isn't a call to action, but rather just a call to not doing something else. This is the one thing Israel couldn't do ... it couldn't not worship other gods.

There were a lot of things Israel should have done. There was really one important thing they were commanded not to do. They did it, and Judah is next.

Application: Complying with God's desires for my life really comes down to this one idea, which is to not do things that are bad for me and for others. In this, I can then fill my time with good things, such as prayer, meditating on the word, and kind acts toward others.

Why is this SO hard for all of us? It must be again a matter of pride, or at least a willful act to do as we please regardless of known consequences, be they supernatural or just simply the likely outcomes of the world.

Obedience toward God begins by not doing the things God would not have me do. With that understood, doing good in the world and loving others seems like something that would simply fill the time in life.

As a people - be that defined as my family, my extended friends, my church, my region, my country, the universal Church, or mankind - this is the lesson we must learn, or else we will become worthless go the Lord. This is the one condition I never wish for.

Prayer: Lord, may I bring some value, however small it may be, to your kingdom this day and every day. In this, I desire to avoid those things that you would not have me do, and those thoughts you would not have me entertain. I again ask for your help, as I am mortal and weak in the flesh. Amen.

From Whence to Seek the Lord

Scripture: The king replied, "If the Lord does not help you, where can I get help for you? From the threshing floor? From the winepress?' 2 Kings 6:27

Observation: The king of Israel has continuously lead the people of Israel into idol worship. He remains of a mind that the Lord is simply one of the gods. His logic is that worshiping all the gods must be better than worshiping just one ... he likes to 'cover his bases' in this. While he may return to the Lord for urgent matters, it is this lack of commitment that is leading to the destruction of Israel.

In this matter, he often lays the ultimate decisions at the feet of the Lord. In this case, he outright tells a woman that, if the Lord himself won't help her in this famine, certainly he cannot. There is then irony in the places he names as where he cannot find help. The winepress is often a metaphor for God's place of judgment. A former threshing floor is, in fact, exactly where the temple is built in Jerusalem.

So where cannot the king turn for help? He cannot turn to the seat and presence of the Lord, as his sins without repentance leave him in a state where he cannot find a way to communicate with God. He cannot turn to the judgment before the Lord, for he is worthy not of grace but of ultimate judgment.

Application: Where can I find help? I can find help in the name of Jesus. Despite my sins, I can claim faith in Jesus, and thus receive the grace to come before the Lord with my prayers, and to stand in judgment washed clean. This is, as a well know, not something I deserve. It is only by God's love and mercy that any of this is true.

I do not worship any other god, yet my pride causes me to stumble in other areas. I am in need of grace, for I am not worthy on my own of mercy. I will seek the Lord - daily and continually - in the name of Jesus, for that is the only way I can find my way to the threshing floor, or survive the winepress.

Prayer: Lord, today I pray in the name of Jesus and by my faith in your son. Please forgive me of my sins. Remove evil thoughts from my mind and from before my mind's eye. I desire to seek only your instruction and precepts. Thank you for your grace, love, and mercy. Amen.

Opposed but Prepared

Scripture: So do what we tell you. There are four men with us who have made a vow. Take these men, join in their purification rites and pay their expenses, so that they can have their heads shaved. Then everyone will know there is no truth in these reports about you, but that you yourself are living in obedience to the law. Acts 21:23-34

Observation: Upon his return to Jerusalem, Paul is greeted by the elders with news that many believing Jews have heard a lie the Paul is teaching Jews to ignore the laws of Moses. This isn't true - he teaches Gentiles that they are not bound by the same law but rather by the teaching of Jesus (who supported the law - and the elders know Paul is innocent. To demonstrate the truth, they advise Paul to perform the purification rites required by the law. This will show everyone that Paul himself honors the law and therefore teaches no wrong thing to other Jews.

Paul will wash in prescriptive ways, shave his head, and dress in a manner that indicates he is in a period of repentance. This act will likely leave Paul ... very Roman in appearance. He will not appear as a Pharisee, if he did before, with traditional hair and beard and robes. It is in this state of appearance he will be arrested and presented to various Romans for trial, and eventually sent off to Rome.

Returning to Jerusalem, Paul immediately faces minor internal opposition from within the church. To address this, he takes actions that prepare him for major external opposition from the most powerful authority on earth.

Application: Paul was always prepared to give a response to questions about his belief, regardless of the source of those questions. HIs appearance and behavior, it seems, was also part of that prepared state. So how am I prepared to address others in my daily walk?

I do wish I wore a cross so I could identify more openly as Christian at work. I don't own one, and feel strange beginning that custom at my age, but perhaps I should. This may also help me prepare for daily discussions, reminding me physically of whose I am.

Prayer: Lord, Paul was always ready, even when he didn't actually know yet that he needed to get ready. This is certainly because he was open and available to your instructions as they came to him. May I be open as well, and may I better seek and receive your instructions from various sources. Amen.