Scripture: But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Ephesians 4:7
Observation: Paul has just concluded a discussion about unity in the church, declaring that all of us have one and the same Lord, salvation, community, faith, baptism, father. However, he quickly follows this by indicating that we all receive different and unique grace. He discusses some of the spiritual gifts, but only those associated with church leadership (apostleship, teaching, evangelism, prophesy), which exist to edify and equip the church.
Application: Last night at Alpha, I was asked one of those direct questions that the table members wouldn't let me duck ... brought up for the second week in a row, they directly wanted to know what I thought about the way God spoke to people. It is a topic I struggle with, since I believe God doesn't speak to me as he does to others. However, I responded with what I believe to be true: God has a unique and personal relationship with each of us, and therefore our interaction with him is personal to us. While prayer and reading the bible contribute to listening to God, the interaction is personal because God's relationship with each of us is personal.
Paul's words support this. He says that we may all be part of a shared body of Christ with the same faith, however our grace ... blessing, love, gifts ... from Christ is unique. It is personal to us.
I do not know what that says about me, if I struggle to hear God's word and I receive a personal interaction with God "according to the measure of Christ's gift." I just know I can't compare my relationship with God to others, despite our shared faith. I must not positively or negatively compare my journey, my experienced, my struggles, my doubts, my hopes, my worship, my prayers, my sins, my discipline, my heart, my insecurities, my confidence, my sorrows, my anger, my joy, my service, my failures. I believe we all have these, and they are unique to us and part of my unique relationship with my Lord, and I can only work with him to resolve and improve that relationship.
Prayer: Lord, I seek a better relationship with you. I desire to be closer to you and your word and your heart. May all these things, which are part of that relationship, find a personal resolution by your grace. Amen.
Wednesday, September 25, 2019
Tuesday, September 24, 2019
Celebrating the Lord's Great Works
Scripture:
The works of the Lord are great,
Studied by all who have pleasure in them.
Psalm 111:2
Observation: This psalm of praise celebrates the works and words and promises and commands of the Lord. These things reflect the glory and wisdom and God, and they are collectively described as ... great, pleasurable, honorable, glorious, enduring, wonderful, memorable, gracious, compassionate, powerful, true, just, sure, permanent, upright, redeeming, holy, and awesome.
That is a mouthful of amazing attributes, truly to be praised and celebrated. This is why this psalm opens with a declaration of praise, stating the Lord will be praised at all times, then closes with the explanation that indeed pursuing an understanding of the Lord's commands is the beginning of wisdom, and the cause of praise forever.
Application: As I strive to refocus my mind on the ways, precepts, and commands of God, this is a good reminder ... that in all ways God's instruction is wise and wonderful. Every adjective in this psalm is something I desire to know from God in my life, and they are all available by meditating on the works of the Lord. If I study them, I will find pleasure in them. If I meditate upon them, I will thrive from within. If I allow God's word to grow within me, his peace and joy will also grow within me.
Prayer: Father, my Lord and my God, may I seek your word at all times, especially at those quiet times at night when my soul is tormented by my mind. Help me to meditate on your perfect, awesome word, to recall your memorable and true promises, to consider your pleasurable and glorious works, and to celebrate your holy and compassionate love. Amen.
The works of the Lord are great,
Studied by all who have pleasure in them.
Psalm 111:2
Observation: This psalm of praise celebrates the works and words and promises and commands of the Lord. These things reflect the glory and wisdom and God, and they are collectively described as ... great, pleasurable, honorable, glorious, enduring, wonderful, memorable, gracious, compassionate, powerful, true, just, sure, permanent, upright, redeeming, holy, and awesome.
That is a mouthful of amazing attributes, truly to be praised and celebrated. This is why this psalm opens with a declaration of praise, stating the Lord will be praised at all times, then closes with the explanation that indeed pursuing an understanding of the Lord's commands is the beginning of wisdom, and the cause of praise forever.
Application: As I strive to refocus my mind on the ways, precepts, and commands of God, this is a good reminder ... that in all ways God's instruction is wise and wonderful. Every adjective in this psalm is something I desire to know from God in my life, and they are all available by meditating on the works of the Lord. If I study them, I will find pleasure in them. If I meditate upon them, I will thrive from within. If I allow God's word to grow within me, his peace and joy will also grow within me.
Prayer: Father, my Lord and my God, may I seek your word at all times, especially at those quiet times at night when my soul is tormented by my mind. Help me to meditate on your perfect, awesome word, to recall your memorable and true promises, to consider your pleasurable and glorious works, and to celebrate your holy and compassionate love. Amen.
Monday, September 23, 2019
Complete Perspective on Works
Scripture: For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10
Observation: This verse comes immediately after one of Paul's most famous verses about faith vs. works. In verses 8-9, Paul is very, very clear ... we are saved by grace, not by works, lest anyone should boast. Using this verse, many people therefore promote their faith as the totality of their Christian life. However, Paul IMMEDIATELY then says ... we are in Jesus in order to do good work! In fact, even this has two additional parts to it.
First, God made us for the work. It was by the workmanship of God, creating us, and basing that design of us in our faith in Jesus, that shows the purpose of our work to be done. In other words, it is by both our design and the unique circumstances of our faith walk with Jesus that God has equipped us to do good work. Second, this intended work itself is designed by God. He has defined work to be done that suits our gifts, talents, and faith.
So it is true that Christians are saved by grace through faith ... our salvation itself is a free gift we cannot work to earn. However, our faith is reflected in our work ... the unique circumstances of our faith, which God has taken us through, along with the gifts of the Holy Spirit given to us by that faith, make us unique in our ability and thus prepared to do specific work that God has prepared for us and wants us to do. It is by performing that work that we then fulfill our faith.
Application: I have faith. By my faith, I receive grace and thus eternal salvation. I could never earn that, as it is far to precious and I am far too flawed. Grace is the free gift bestowed by God through faith in Jesus. However, also by my faith, I am to do God's work. My faith manifests as a unique combination of gifts and abilities to serve God in a way he has prepared for me specifically.
My ongoing failure is that I am unclear about that work he has prepared. I serve in ministries, and I know my administrative gift helps in various outreach efforts. However, that is such a small amount of my time. The rest of the time, I struggle at work, fail to be his light in the workplace, and withdraw into depressing and mean-spirited thoughts in my spare time.
There is so much more I could do. I should continue to seek God's unique work, and lean into it whenever and wherever I find it.
Prayer: Lord, you are my joy and salvation, and I am blessed beyond measure to know that it is by my faith in Jesus that I am redeemed to you. More and more, may I put my faith into your good works. Amen.
Observation: This verse comes immediately after one of Paul's most famous verses about faith vs. works. In verses 8-9, Paul is very, very clear ... we are saved by grace, not by works, lest anyone should boast. Using this verse, many people therefore promote their faith as the totality of their Christian life. However, Paul IMMEDIATELY then says ... we are in Jesus in order to do good work! In fact, even this has two additional parts to it.
First, God made us for the work. It was by the workmanship of God, creating us, and basing that design of us in our faith in Jesus, that shows the purpose of our work to be done. In other words, it is by both our design and the unique circumstances of our faith walk with Jesus that God has equipped us to do good work. Second, this intended work itself is designed by God. He has defined work to be done that suits our gifts, talents, and faith.
So it is true that Christians are saved by grace through faith ... our salvation itself is a free gift we cannot work to earn. However, our faith is reflected in our work ... the unique circumstances of our faith, which God has taken us through, along with the gifts of the Holy Spirit given to us by that faith, make us unique in our ability and thus prepared to do specific work that God has prepared for us and wants us to do. It is by performing that work that we then fulfill our faith.
Application: I have faith. By my faith, I receive grace and thus eternal salvation. I could never earn that, as it is far to precious and I am far too flawed. Grace is the free gift bestowed by God through faith in Jesus. However, also by my faith, I am to do God's work. My faith manifests as a unique combination of gifts and abilities to serve God in a way he has prepared for me specifically.
My ongoing failure is that I am unclear about that work he has prepared. I serve in ministries, and I know my administrative gift helps in various outreach efforts. However, that is such a small amount of my time. The rest of the time, I struggle at work, fail to be his light in the workplace, and withdraw into depressing and mean-spirited thoughts in my spare time.
There is so much more I could do. I should continue to seek God's unique work, and lean into it whenever and wherever I find it.
Prayer: Lord, you are my joy and salvation, and I am blessed beyond measure to know that it is by my faith in Jesus that I am redeemed to you. More and more, may I put my faith into your good works. Amen.
Thursday, September 19, 2019
When Known by Name
Scripture:
Thus says the Lord to His anointed,
To Cyrus, whose right hand I have held...
I will give you the treasures of darkness
And hidden riches of secret places,
That you may know that I, the Lord,
Who call you by your name,
Am the God of Israel.
For Jacob My servant’s sake,
And Israel My elect,
I have even called you by your name;
I have named you, though you have not known Me.
Isaiah 45:1a,3-4
Observation: I have heard the lesson on this section ... written about 100 years before Cyrus becomes king of Babylon. Cyrus was educated about this passage, discovering that the God of Israel knew him by name long before he even existed, and there were special circumstances even surrounding his name. He thus responded to this knowledge with the decree to rebuild Jerusalem and the Lord's temple.
There is a bit more to it, but the point is that Cyrus discovered that God loved him enough to raise him up and grant him kingship, and he responded by honoring God in the way that he could. The fact that God knew Cyrus by name, before Cyrus knew anything at all, had a powerful impact upon Cyrus, as it would have on anyone.
Application: Being called and known by name by the Lord is amazing. It is unfathomable that the most powerful being in the universe would simply 'know' me. Or that he would even care at all. Yes, he knows everyone, but he cares enough to reach out personally.
The other night, someone at my Alpha table discussed the idea of hearing God speak. He stated that he wasn't sure he could hear from God. This is a regular complaint of mine, that I don't feel I hear God speak. But I do know that I simply hear God in the manner he has chosen. I don't hear a voice speaking sentences, but I do hear guidance and direction. I (usually ... or at least sometimes) know when that guidance is God, as opposed to when it is just my thoughts working out a situation.
I yearn for more, but I delight in how the Lord interacts with me. I want to be even closer, but I see that God has a purpose in how he works in my life. Cyrus - king of the evil empire - responded when God called him by name. May I always as well.
Prayer: Lord, here I am today. I am yours to guide and direct. May I do as you tell me this day and every day. Thank you for your great love, and for knowing me by name. Amen.
Thus says the Lord to His anointed,
To Cyrus, whose right hand I have held...
I will give you the treasures of darkness
And hidden riches of secret places,
That you may know that I, the Lord,
Who call you by your name,
Am the God of Israel.
For Jacob My servant’s sake,
And Israel My elect,
I have even called you by your name;
I have named you, though you have not known Me.
Isaiah 45:1a,3-4
Observation: I have heard the lesson on this section ... written about 100 years before Cyrus becomes king of Babylon. Cyrus was educated about this passage, discovering that the God of Israel knew him by name long before he even existed, and there were special circumstances even surrounding his name. He thus responded to this knowledge with the decree to rebuild Jerusalem and the Lord's temple.
There is a bit more to it, but the point is that Cyrus discovered that God loved him enough to raise him up and grant him kingship, and he responded by honoring God in the way that he could. The fact that God knew Cyrus by name, before Cyrus knew anything at all, had a powerful impact upon Cyrus, as it would have on anyone.
Application: Being called and known by name by the Lord is amazing. It is unfathomable that the most powerful being in the universe would simply 'know' me. Or that he would even care at all. Yes, he knows everyone, but he cares enough to reach out personally.
The other night, someone at my Alpha table discussed the idea of hearing God speak. He stated that he wasn't sure he could hear from God. This is a regular complaint of mine, that I don't feel I hear God speak. But I do know that I simply hear God in the manner he has chosen. I don't hear a voice speaking sentences, but I do hear guidance and direction. I (usually ... or at least sometimes) know when that guidance is God, as opposed to when it is just my thoughts working out a situation.
I yearn for more, but I delight in how the Lord interacts with me. I want to be even closer, but I see that God has a purpose in how he works in my life. Cyrus - king of the evil empire - responded when God called him by name. May I always as well.
Prayer: Lord, here I am today. I am yours to guide and direct. May I do as you tell me this day and every day. Thank you for your great love, and for knowing me by name. Amen.
Tuesday, September 17, 2019
Introducing the Justice Conversation
Scripture:
Behold! My Servant whom I uphold,
My Elect One in whom My soul delights!
I have put My Spirit upon Him;
He will bring forth justice to the Gentiles.
He will not cry out, nor raise His voice,
Nor cause His voice to be heard in the street.
A bruised reed He will not break,
And smoking flax He will not quench;
He will bring forth justice for truth.
He will not fail nor be discouraged,
Till He has established justice in the earth;
And the coastlands shall wait for His law.
Isaiah 42:1-4
Observation: Three times in four verses, Isaiah declares the purpose of Messiah, which is ... justice. However, this justice is not a negative judgment, but rather it is a gift to people. The Chosen One will bring justice to the gentiles, bring justice for truth, and establish justice in the earth.
This is a lesson I learned just yesterday. God is completely and totally just, meaning he gives to everyone what they deserve. In this, since it is impossible for humans in our evil ways to conform to the law, to totally honor and obey the Lord, and to avoid detestable acts, God will bring justice upon all of us. That justice is ... punishment and death. The Messiah came to take care of that justice, but in a surprising manner. The Elect One, God's Servant, the one with God's Spirit ... he did not come to exact justice upon all mankind, but rather to absorb the just punishment. As the only one undeserving of such punishment, he received it for me. It is by him that justice was poured out on all mankind, without us bearing the brunt of it, as the act of God's great mercy. Any anyone willing to accept that form of justice will receive it.
Application: This, again, was a lesson I just learned yesterday. It is the model that describes how God can be both fully merciful, and fully just. Yes, I have known that Jesus died on the cross to forgive my sin, but I did not fully see how that aligned to justice and mercy.
Isaiah called it out. He declared the purpose of Messiah, and it was ultimately a mission of justice. However, as Jesus in John 3:17, this justice was not about condemning people, but saving them.
Prayer: Lord, I am deserving of your justice, but instead you have given me your mercy. It is in this manner I understand the personal impact of Jesus' sacrifice, and I give you the glory. I cannot repay this gift, but I will serve you, obey you, and praise you. None of these will I do as well or often or purely as I should, but I do give you my heart. Please continue to soften me, mold me, guide me, and use me, as I am your servant and you are my Lord. Amen.
Behold! My Servant whom I uphold,
My Elect One in whom My soul delights!
I have put My Spirit upon Him;
He will bring forth justice to the Gentiles.
He will not cry out, nor raise His voice,
Nor cause His voice to be heard in the street.
A bruised reed He will not break,
And smoking flax He will not quench;
He will bring forth justice for truth.
He will not fail nor be discouraged,
Till He has established justice in the earth;
And the coastlands shall wait for His law.
Isaiah 42:1-4
Observation: Three times in four verses, Isaiah declares the purpose of Messiah, which is ... justice. However, this justice is not a negative judgment, but rather it is a gift to people. The Chosen One will bring justice to the gentiles, bring justice for truth, and establish justice in the earth.
This is a lesson I learned just yesterday. God is completely and totally just, meaning he gives to everyone what they deserve. In this, since it is impossible for humans in our evil ways to conform to the law, to totally honor and obey the Lord, and to avoid detestable acts, God will bring justice upon all of us. That justice is ... punishment and death. The Messiah came to take care of that justice, but in a surprising manner. The Elect One, God's Servant, the one with God's Spirit ... he did not come to exact justice upon all mankind, but rather to absorb the just punishment. As the only one undeserving of such punishment, he received it for me. It is by him that justice was poured out on all mankind, without us bearing the brunt of it, as the act of God's great mercy. Any anyone willing to accept that form of justice will receive it.
Application: This, again, was a lesson I just learned yesterday. It is the model that describes how God can be both fully merciful, and fully just. Yes, I have known that Jesus died on the cross to forgive my sin, but I did not fully see how that aligned to justice and mercy.
Isaiah called it out. He declared the purpose of Messiah, and it was ultimately a mission of justice. However, as Jesus in John 3:17, this justice was not about condemning people, but saving them.
Prayer: Lord, I am deserving of your justice, but instead you have given me your mercy. It is in this manner I understand the personal impact of Jesus' sacrifice, and I give you the glory. I cannot repay this gift, but I will serve you, obey you, and praise you. None of these will I do as well or often or purely as I should, but I do give you my heart. Please continue to soften me, mold me, guide me, and use me, as I am your servant and you are my Lord. Amen.
Monday, September 16, 2019
Do Not Disregard the Law
Scripture: But if, in seeking to be justified in Christ, we Jews find ourselves also among the sinners, doesn’t that mean that Christ promotes sin? Absolutely not! Galatians 2:17
Observation: The conversation of faith vs. acts can be confusing and sometimes it seems Paul is squarely on the side of 'faith' to the point that he believes all compliance with Jewish law is thrown away, and that all standards of the law are to be discarded. However, this verse clarifies that stance. Paul is saying ... 'If people who believe in Jesus and know the law behave like those who don't know the law, does that mean the law is to be disregarded? Absolutely not!'
Jesus himself said he came to fulfill the law, not destroy it. He also said no letter of the law will be removed or destroyed. Jesus fulfilled the ritual laws, while maintaining the spiritual and moral laws.
Application: I am not a Jew. However, I know the laws - or at least a current-day application of the law - and therefore am expected to apply them along with my faith. This is not about Jewish customs and rituals, but about moral alignment. How does this apply to others? How does this apply to those who believe in Jesus but don't know the laws? That is not my issue. I am to serve Jesus as Jesus himself has laid upon my heart, and his relationship with others is theirs to work out.
The better I apply God's standard of living to my life, the better relationship I will have with him.
Prayer: Lord, I see your truth in my life every day. May I look to your precepts and instructions every day, and walk humbly with you. Amen.
Observation: The conversation of faith vs. acts can be confusing and sometimes it seems Paul is squarely on the side of 'faith' to the point that he believes all compliance with Jewish law is thrown away, and that all standards of the law are to be discarded. However, this verse clarifies that stance. Paul is saying ... 'If people who believe in Jesus and know the law behave like those who don't know the law, does that mean the law is to be disregarded? Absolutely not!'
Jesus himself said he came to fulfill the law, not destroy it. He also said no letter of the law will be removed or destroyed. Jesus fulfilled the ritual laws, while maintaining the spiritual and moral laws.
Application: I am not a Jew. However, I know the laws - or at least a current-day application of the law - and therefore am expected to apply them along with my faith. This is not about Jewish customs and rituals, but about moral alignment. How does this apply to others? How does this apply to those who believe in Jesus but don't know the laws? That is not my issue. I am to serve Jesus as Jesus himself has laid upon my heart, and his relationship with others is theirs to work out.
The better I apply God's standard of living to my life, the better relationship I will have with him.
Prayer: Lord, I see your truth in my life every day. May I look to your precepts and instructions every day, and walk humbly with you. Amen.
Thursday, September 12, 2019
Unexplained Explanations
Scripture: I encouraged Titus to visit you, and I sent along with him the brother you know so well. Titus didn’t take advantage of you, did he? We conducted ourselves with the same spirit, didn’t we? We took the very same steps, didn’t we? 2 Corinthians 12:18
Observation: Paul continues on with his defense of his character, discussing how he did not take from the church at Corinth, but treated them with love. He continues with this argument by bringing up not just how he behaves rightly toward them, but so does Titus whom he sent to them. In addition, Titus was accompanied by "the brother you know so well."
It is clear the church in Corinth knows who this is, but ... we certainly don't. And there is no other explanation. Paul discusses someone, but doesn't name them, despite the fact he has named many, many others throughout this discussion. It's important this brother was with Titus, or else Titus' name would have been sufficient. However, the brother's identity will be hidden to history.
Application: Given this letter is included in the bible as the inspired word of God, what lesson am I to take from the fact that this "brother" is forever unnamed? Some options on how to consider this fact:
-- This person wasn't important so I should ignore it.
-- It is a good lesson to always travel with a fellow believer, regardless of whom it is.
-- I should research this more as a way of digging deeper into of God's word.
-- This is someone obvious and my lack of knowledge shows I need to learn more.
-- This person was SO important that he did not need naming, and so good and pure that Paul was willing to compare himself to him.
I think the truth is ... all of the above are true, at different times, for different people, in different circumstances, and as we are all moved differently by the Holy Spirit in our understanding of God's word. It is through these mysterious details that the Spirit can work within us. And it is therefore by finding a nugget of truth within these unexplained passages that we can experience God in our hearts.
Prayer: Lord, I celebrate you for your mysteries. You are unknowable in the very best of ways, able to surprise me every day and let me know you care. I prayed earlier today for insight into how you really see me so I can remove the negative narrative of my life. Thank you for a chance to experience true joy today and every day. Amen.
Observation: Paul continues on with his defense of his character, discussing how he did not take from the church at Corinth, but treated them with love. He continues with this argument by bringing up not just how he behaves rightly toward them, but so does Titus whom he sent to them. In addition, Titus was accompanied by "the brother you know so well."
It is clear the church in Corinth knows who this is, but ... we certainly don't. And there is no other explanation. Paul discusses someone, but doesn't name them, despite the fact he has named many, many others throughout this discussion. It's important this brother was with Titus, or else Titus' name would have been sufficient. However, the brother's identity will be hidden to history.
Application: Given this letter is included in the bible as the inspired word of God, what lesson am I to take from the fact that this "brother" is forever unnamed? Some options on how to consider this fact:
-- This person wasn't important so I should ignore it.
-- It is a good lesson to always travel with a fellow believer, regardless of whom it is.
-- I should research this more as a way of digging deeper into of God's word.
-- This is someone obvious and my lack of knowledge shows I need to learn more.
-- This person was SO important that he did not need naming, and so good and pure that Paul was willing to compare himself to him.
I think the truth is ... all of the above are true, at different times, for different people, in different circumstances, and as we are all moved differently by the Holy Spirit in our understanding of God's word. It is through these mysterious details that the Spirit can work within us. And it is therefore by finding a nugget of truth within these unexplained passages that we can experience God in our hearts.
Prayer: Lord, I celebrate you for your mysteries. You are unknowable in the very best of ways, able to surprise me every day and let me know you care. I prayed earlier today for insight into how you really see me so I can remove the negative narrative of my life. Thank you for a chance to experience true joy today and every day. Amen.
Wednesday, September 11, 2019
Never Forget the Hallelujah
Scripture:
Blessed are you, Lord God of Israel,
from eternity to eternity;
Let all the people say, “Amen!”
Hallelujah!
Psalm 106:48
Observation: The psalmist has now completed his review of every fault by Israel, and of God's anger and actions to correct them. In their unfaithfulness, God's anger burned against them. As a nation, Israel was finally turned over to enemy nations, who dominated, oppressed, and humiliated them. However, the Lord will not forget his promises. The Lord will protect Israel even in their captivity, according to the greatness of his grace and love.
In the end, the response is worship. In good times and bad, at the end of struggles or during the struggles, the response is "Amen" and "Hallelujah" - praise the Lord.
Application: As I was reading this, I was also hearing a remembrance about the 9/11 terror attacks. This was one of the darkest moments in any national memory, a harsh and sudden act of violence, born out of ... at its core ... the question about the nature of the Lord. This was about Muslim terrorists feeling the need to kill, out of their radically flawed idea of God.
The Lord of all the earth is a loving, merciful, gracious God. His anger burns against those who rebel against him, but his promise of redemption and love is eternal, delivered though faith in Jesus. Even in dark times, the Lord is our light, and our anchor for security, joy, and hope.
It is true that we will never forget the dark moment of 9/11. However, we will also never forget the grace of the Lord, and the hope he give us. His great light overcomes the dark. His love overcomes all hate. His promise overcomes all fear.
Prayer: Lord, today I do not sink in despair, but rather I soar with hope provided by you. It is your promise that guides my daily life, and may I live into that promise in my thoughts, words, and deeds every day. Thank you for your deliverance in all things. Amen.
Blessed are you, Lord God of Israel,
from eternity to eternity;
Let all the people say, “Amen!”
Hallelujah!
Psalm 106:48
Observation: The psalmist has now completed his review of every fault by Israel, and of God's anger and actions to correct them. In their unfaithfulness, God's anger burned against them. As a nation, Israel was finally turned over to enemy nations, who dominated, oppressed, and humiliated them. However, the Lord will not forget his promises. The Lord will protect Israel even in their captivity, according to the greatness of his grace and love.
In the end, the response is worship. In good times and bad, at the end of struggles or during the struggles, the response is "Amen" and "Hallelujah" - praise the Lord.
Application: As I was reading this, I was also hearing a remembrance about the 9/11 terror attacks. This was one of the darkest moments in any national memory, a harsh and sudden act of violence, born out of ... at its core ... the question about the nature of the Lord. This was about Muslim terrorists feeling the need to kill, out of their radically flawed idea of God.
The Lord of all the earth is a loving, merciful, gracious God. His anger burns against those who rebel against him, but his promise of redemption and love is eternal, delivered though faith in Jesus. Even in dark times, the Lord is our light, and our anchor for security, joy, and hope.
It is true that we will never forget the dark moment of 9/11. However, we will also never forget the grace of the Lord, and the hope he give us. His great light overcomes the dark. His love overcomes all hate. His promise overcomes all fear.
Prayer: Lord, today I do not sink in despair, but rather I soar with hope provided by you. It is your promise that guides my daily life, and may I live into that promise in my thoughts, words, and deeds every day. Thank you for your deliverance in all things. Amen.
Tuesday, September 10, 2019
Death Defeated for All People
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: Again as Isaiah continues to discuss the future of Israel and Judah, he declares the future actions of the Messiah. On that very mountain of Jerusalem, the Lord will completely defeat death forever. This - the possibility of eternal darkness through death - is the despair of all nations. The Lord will eliminate that! He will wipe away the tears of those who weep, remove the disgrace of sin from all the people on all the earth, and destroy that shroud between himself and those who love him. This, again, is for ALL people ... four times he says this is for all people, all nations, all faces, on all the earth. And forever.
Application: If there is ever a thought that prophesy about Israel, Judah, and Jerusalem is just for the Jews, it is these verses about the Messiah that should correct those thoughts. God provides this message of hope for everyone. The Lord promises to defeat death, provide for an eternity where those who love him can be near to him and receive his love, and this is for everyone, everywhere, forever.
Jesus redeemed all of us. We weep at the thought of his pain, and sometimes at the thought of our failures. But the Lord wipes away those tears by his love, and restores us because he himself has swallowed up death forever. He removes our disgrace, and destroys the shroud.
The Lord has spoken.
Prayer: Lord, I praise you with my love and my singing and my prayer and my thoughts this day and every day. Thank you for your great grace and redemption. May I better follow you through deeds and words, as in my heart I truly believe in you as my father and my God, and in Jesus as my savior and Lord, and in your Holy Spirit as my guide and my strength. Amen.
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: Again as Isaiah continues to discuss the future of Israel and Judah, he declares the future actions of the Messiah. On that very mountain of Jerusalem, the Lord will completely defeat death forever. This - the possibility of eternal darkness through death - is the despair of all nations. The Lord will eliminate that! He will wipe away the tears of those who weep, remove the disgrace of sin from all the people on all the earth, and destroy that shroud between himself and those who love him. This, again, is for ALL people ... four times he says this is for all people, all nations, all faces, on all the earth. And forever.
Application: If there is ever a thought that prophesy about Israel, Judah, and Jerusalem is just for the Jews, it is these verses about the Messiah that should correct those thoughts. God provides this message of hope for everyone. The Lord promises to defeat death, provide for an eternity where those who love him can be near to him and receive his love, and this is for everyone, everywhere, forever.
Jesus redeemed all of us. We weep at the thought of his pain, and sometimes at the thought of our failures. But the Lord wipes away those tears by his love, and restores us because he himself has swallowed up death forever. He removes our disgrace, and destroys the shroud.
The Lord has spoken.
Prayer: Lord, I praise you with my love and my singing and my prayer and my thoughts this day and every day. Thank you for your great grace and redemption. May I better follow you through deeds and words, as in my heart I truly believe in you as my father and my God, and in Jesus as my savior and Lord, and in your Holy Spirit as my guide and my strength. Amen.
Monday, September 9, 2019
This Isn't What I Choose
Can I believe when I don't see?
Can I really let it be out of my hands
When it's out of my hands?
I'm not giving up,
I'm giving in to what you plan for your glory.
I will fear no more!
Can I really let it be out of my hands
When it's out of my hands?
I'm not giving up,
I'm giving in to what you plan for your glory.
I will fear no more!
Thursday, September 5, 2019
Forgotten, Ignored, and Humbled
Scripture: Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan. Isaiah 9:1
Observation: This is the lead-in to a very famous Messianic prophesy that includes "the people walking in darkness have seen a great light" (9:2) and "for to us a child is born ..." (9:6). This is the prophesy of the birth of the Messiah, who will be not just for Jews but for Gentiles as well ... Messiah will be for those "in darkness" and will "enlarge the nation" and "shatter the yoke that burdens them". And of the greatness of his government will have no end, and his kingdom will be established "from that time on and forever".
But what of Zebulun and Naphtali? Since the settling of the promised land, they have gone mostly ... unmentioned. The southern kingdom is Judah, with Benjamin included. The northern kingdom is Israel, but is often called Ephraim due to the later alignment of its borders to that territory, and late in the period is called Samaria based on its capital that was in Manasseh. At the time of Isaiah, Zebulun and Naphtali aren't really in Israel/Ephraim/Samaria anymore. So why mention them now?
Well ... Nazareth is in Zebulun, and Naphtali effectively occupies the western shore of Galilee, the heart of Jesus future teaching ministry. So Isaiah begins this announcement of the future Messiah by telling us exactly where his ministry - his government - will begin ... in the forgotten, ignored, and "humbled" tribes of Israel.
Application: I never realized how fully Isaiah's words provide the transition point for human understanding of God. His message effectively goes back and forth between the destruction and ending of Israel and Judah, and the future manifestation of Jesus. But the latter is anchored in an understanding of the former. In chapter 9 alone, we see the prediction of a great king who will be of the line of David and govern the entire world, yet will come from a place that is such a "nowhere" place that even the Jews ignore it.
And it all came to pass.
Prayer: Lord, I praise you and your greatness and your plan and your authority. You are in charge of all things, and all people, and all times, Lord. You command all nature, all animals, and all mankind. It is all yours. You direct the passing of time, and the activities in those times, toward your purposes. May I glorify your name and honor you ways today and every day, my Lord and my God. Amen.
Observation: This is the lead-in to a very famous Messianic prophesy that includes "the people walking in darkness have seen a great light" (9:2) and "for to us a child is born ..." (9:6). This is the prophesy of the birth of the Messiah, who will be not just for Jews but for Gentiles as well ... Messiah will be for those "in darkness" and will "enlarge the nation" and "shatter the yoke that burdens them". And of the greatness of his government will have no end, and his kingdom will be established "from that time on and forever".
But what of Zebulun and Naphtali? Since the settling of the promised land, they have gone mostly ... unmentioned. The southern kingdom is Judah, with Benjamin included. The northern kingdom is Israel, but is often called Ephraim due to the later alignment of its borders to that territory, and late in the period is called Samaria based on its capital that was in Manasseh. At the time of Isaiah, Zebulun and Naphtali aren't really in Israel/Ephraim/Samaria anymore. So why mention them now?
Well ... Nazareth is in Zebulun, and Naphtali effectively occupies the western shore of Galilee, the heart of Jesus future teaching ministry. So Isaiah begins this announcement of the future Messiah by telling us exactly where his ministry - his government - will begin ... in the forgotten, ignored, and "humbled" tribes of Israel.
Application: I never realized how fully Isaiah's words provide the transition point for human understanding of God. His message effectively goes back and forth between the destruction and ending of Israel and Judah, and the future manifestation of Jesus. But the latter is anchored in an understanding of the former. In chapter 9 alone, we see the prediction of a great king who will be of the line of David and govern the entire world, yet will come from a place that is such a "nowhere" place that even the Jews ignore it.
And it all came to pass.
Prayer: Lord, I praise you and your greatness and your plan and your authority. You are in charge of all things, and all people, and all times, Lord. You command all nature, all animals, and all mankind. It is all yours. You direct the passing of time, and the activities in those times, toward your purposes. May I glorify your name and honor you ways today and every day, my Lord and my God. Amen.
Wednesday, September 4, 2019
Godly vs. Worldly Sorrow
Scripture: Yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. 2 Corinthians 7:9-10
Observation: Paul is directly addressing the impact to the church of Corinth of his first letter. His direct rebuke and instruction hurt them. Yet, in his words they also found truth, and took action to correct their ways. They were filled with sorrow to have been so harshly corrected by Paul, then were filled with sorrow due to the truth of that correction and thus their desire to do better in their faith, and in that sorrow they acted.
Feeling hurt by Paul's words is a worldly sorrow ... it is about caring what others think. Feeling hurt by the truth that they had not properly practices justice, unity, faith, and obedience is godly sorrow ... it is about caring what God thinks.
Application: Every time I get down and depressed and frustrated and angry - as I have been for the last couple of weeks - this is EXACTLY the issue. I am feeling worldly sorrow. I feel angry about what people have done, hurt about how they feel, frustrated about the earthly perceptions of my changing life. These things weigh on my mind, and take me into a place of darkness.
And this is how I know it is wrong ... the darkness. As Isaiah said today, woe to those who trade lightness for darkness. I do this. I should have lightness, and I trade it for the darkness of worldly sorrow.
The lightness is joy in godly sorrow and correction. This is something I understand and have embraced. I know in what ways God has corrected me, and I know what I should be doing about it. And in many ways, I am heeding that correction. When I move away from that, the darkness is there waiting to pounce. However, when I lean into God's purpose and objective for my daily walk, that place is always filled with light.
I will stay in the place of light, and I will continue to align to the godly correction I have received.
Prayer: Lord, please stay by my side, take my hand, and lead me in your correction. I desire mercy, justice, peace, and joy, for all first, and then for myself. May I be your instrument in bringing these things to others, as I know I will receive them in full measure in return. Amen.
Observation: Paul is directly addressing the impact to the church of Corinth of his first letter. His direct rebuke and instruction hurt them. Yet, in his words they also found truth, and took action to correct their ways. They were filled with sorrow to have been so harshly corrected by Paul, then were filled with sorrow due to the truth of that correction and thus their desire to do better in their faith, and in that sorrow they acted.
Feeling hurt by Paul's words is a worldly sorrow ... it is about caring what others think. Feeling hurt by the truth that they had not properly practices justice, unity, faith, and obedience is godly sorrow ... it is about caring what God thinks.
Application: Every time I get down and depressed and frustrated and angry - as I have been for the last couple of weeks - this is EXACTLY the issue. I am feeling worldly sorrow. I feel angry about what people have done, hurt about how they feel, frustrated about the earthly perceptions of my changing life. These things weigh on my mind, and take me into a place of darkness.
And this is how I know it is wrong ... the darkness. As Isaiah said today, woe to those who trade lightness for darkness. I do this. I should have lightness, and I trade it for the darkness of worldly sorrow.
The lightness is joy in godly sorrow and correction. This is something I understand and have embraced. I know in what ways God has corrected me, and I know what I should be doing about it. And in many ways, I am heeding that correction. When I move away from that, the darkness is there waiting to pounce. However, when I lean into God's purpose and objective for my daily walk, that place is always filled with light.
I will stay in the place of light, and I will continue to align to the godly correction I have received.
Prayer: Lord, please stay by my side, take my hand, and lead me in your correction. I desire mercy, justice, peace, and joy, for all first, and then for myself. May I be your instrument in bringing these things to others, as I know I will receive them in full measure in return. Amen.
Tuesday, September 3, 2019
Surviving by the Branch
Scripture: In that day the Branch of the Lord will be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land will be the pride and glory of the survivors in Israel. Isaiah 4:2
Observation: As Isaiah introduces themes for his prophesy - the downfall of Judah, the causes for judgment, and the future remnant - he includes this about the branch. This is a future offshoot that will rise to restore all, later directly aligned to King David.
Isaiah outlines the downfall of Judah. He declares their unfaithfulness toward the Lord, their wicked flaunting of the law and sin, their rejection of teaching and warnings, and their adoption of wanton living practices. With his judgment upon them, it is just this branch of salvation that is good, and that selected individuals will cling to. This was true in the 6th century BC, and in the 1st century AD ... and now in the 21st century.
Application: The Branch of the Lord - the Messiah - is beautiful and glorious to those who cling to it. In this day, where so many practices have progressed far beyond 'acceptable' and are even now celebrated and promoted as favorable, there remains a remnant looking to be the survivors of our times.
I have rightly applied the concept of 'exile' to my life, and that is of course what comes next for Judah. The word 'survivor' now also applies, and those were in fact who were exiled. As a survivor, I am called to pass through this age. As an exile, I am called to live within a culture opposed to my beliefs. And in both conditions, I am commanded to look to the Lord, and to his Branch, for what is beautiful and glorious, right and true.
Prayer: Lord, I am struggling with my daily walk. I find only hardship and conflict and difficulty. May I turn my attention to you instead, and see your compassion and purpose. Amen.
Observation: As Isaiah introduces themes for his prophesy - the downfall of Judah, the causes for judgment, and the future remnant - he includes this about the branch. This is a future offshoot that will rise to restore all, later directly aligned to King David.
Isaiah outlines the downfall of Judah. He declares their unfaithfulness toward the Lord, their wicked flaunting of the law and sin, their rejection of teaching and warnings, and their adoption of wanton living practices. With his judgment upon them, it is just this branch of salvation that is good, and that selected individuals will cling to. This was true in the 6th century BC, and in the 1st century AD ... and now in the 21st century.
Application: The Branch of the Lord - the Messiah - is beautiful and glorious to those who cling to it. In this day, where so many practices have progressed far beyond 'acceptable' and are even now celebrated and promoted as favorable, there remains a remnant looking to be the survivors of our times.
I have rightly applied the concept of 'exile' to my life, and that is of course what comes next for Judah. The word 'survivor' now also applies, and those were in fact who were exiled. As a survivor, I am called to pass through this age. As an exile, I am called to live within a culture opposed to my beliefs. And in both conditions, I am commanded to look to the Lord, and to his Branch, for what is beautiful and glorious, right and true.
Prayer: Lord, I am struggling with my daily walk. I find only hardship and conflict and difficulty. May I turn my attention to you instead, and see your compassion and purpose. Amen.
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