It Starts with Prayer

Scripture: Why am I praying like this? Because I know you will answer me, O God! Yes, listen as I pray. Psalm 17:6

Observation: The psalmist poses and answers this simple question ... Why is is praying so directly and boldly to the Lord of the Universe? Because he knows the Lord actually listens and engages and cares and responds!!

This is an absolute truth, and it may be relied upon: The Lord hears every prayer, and in his love he considers and responds to every prayer.

Application: Last night, I attended the Alpha USA virtual conference, and the final speaker gave a lesson on prayer. I didn't like it at the time, but it struck home this amazing point ... discovering Jesus, and having a relationship with God, always begins when a person prays and suddenly realizes that God showed up and listened.

I had not thought of this before. This was, however, true for me. When I was finally ready to seek the Lord, I said a (albeit) terrible prayer, and God responded. Every example I've heard of someone who went from doubter to believer involved them praying. They might say "I didn't know what I was doing" or "I just decided to try it" or "Someone gave me some words to say" ... but the next thing that happens is "then I felt a presence" or "then I realized someone was there" or "then I sensed a comfort" or "then in my mind a could tell someone was acting" or "then I heard someone say".

I never realized this pattern before. It is interesting. So often I've talked to others about the fact that faith is 'a relationship' not a behavior pattern or set of rules. It is manifestly evident that this relationship starts just like every relationship, which is by just saying 'hi' and talking. Maybe that first talk often involves an ask of some kind, but it is definitely the opening up of sincere communications - and not the content or words - that matters.

Prayer: Lord, this is your promise, that you always hear and respond to prayer. I believe it. In fact, I know it, and obviously so many others do, too. Thank you so much for your loving ear, and for the fact that our prayers rise to you on your throne. I lift to you all honor and glory and praise and worship. Amen, and amen.

Asking the Big 'Why'

Scripture: I will say to God, 'Don’t just condemn me—tell me why you are doing it. Does it really seem right to you to oppress and despise me, a man you have made; and to send joy and prosperity to the wicked?'. Job 10:2-3

Scripture: While Job flip-flops back and forth about the nature of God - declaring his great power but also stating his wielding of that power cannot be understood - Job comes to this one question ... why.

This is the most common version of the question 'why' when those who do not understand God ask it. It is mostly the "why bad things happen to good people and good things happen to bad people" question. This question often includes some version of asking why God doesn't just make everything perfect for everyone; why God would create humans, then seemingly either allow or maybe even cause hardships and pain to befall them.

The genesis of Job's question is a wrong assumption ... that he has been condemned, and thus now despised and oppressed. Since he knows he can never be wholly good, his logic is that condemnation is thus inevitable, and further this sort of punishment is also inevitable. In that case, being born is just a path to evil hardship, and thus pointless. And yet ... some people never receive such hardship, though many of them are clearly evil. This is the philosophical dilemma, and Job wants it explained.

Application: I have been directly asked this 'why' question by non-believers. I have myself asked this question! This is the predominant question of anyone who questions God's sovereignty and authority, for they believe there is a paradox between the idea of a God who loves all people, and a God who (at best passively) allows pain and evil.

I know the answer to this question ... or at least I know the philosophical reasoning of the answer. I understand the reality of evil in the world, the fallen nature of mankind, the reality of my own sin, and the relationship with God as sovereign Lord and Jesus as Messiah we must decide and foster for ourselves in order to live into our faith. However, there are times is seems like a life without hardship would be great, and my faith in the Lord tells me it is completely within his power to achieve that, so ... why all the pain?

Interestingly, this is a question we feel like God doesn't answer, yet he likely answers it all the time. He never says, "Because ____" and fills in the blank, however he does teach us about his love and mercy, available through a life of hope, faith, and relationship with him. And he gives us the knowledge that such a life involves turning to him during times of trial, rather than never having the trials.

Prayer: Lord, I have tried to stop asking 'why', though I'm sure I still do from time to time. I prefer to focus on the 'how', which is that, in my evil nature, I can still have a relationship with you through faith in my mediator, Jesus. Thank you for your love. Amen.

Even the Emotional Response is Righteous

Scripture: His wife said to him, "Are you still trying to be godly when God has done all this to you? Curse him and die." But he replied, "You talk like some heathen woman. What? Shall we receive only pleasant things from the hand of God and never anything unpleasant?" So in all this Job said nothing wrong. Job 2:9-10

Observation: It is after this statement that the book of Job transitions to the one we think about ... the philosophical dissertation about the nature of God between Job and his friends. However, the catalyst of the entire book was the proposition of satan - first that Job would curse God if he lost all his worldly possessions, and second that he would curse God if he lost his bodily health - and that "bet" ends right here. Despite Job's wife openly placing that option before Job - to curse God - Job refuses.

Yes, now will come the logical debate. Friends will present conclusions about the nature of God, evidence about the benefits (or lack thereof) of faith, and conclusions about the cause-and-effect of behavior and blessing. Some of these will weaken Job's hope, or make him lament for a means to present himself better to the Lord, or cry out for a more worthy intercessor to plead his cause for deliverance. 'Friends' will declare Job's sinful guilt, and Job will have to defend his honor and faith. It is an intellectual exercise about the nature of Yahweh. However, Job has already proven his righteousness.

Job was righteous enough to give honor to the Lord in his moment of despair. From this point, logic and intellect will drive the conversation. However, at the moment where emotions - not logic - were his guiding voice, faith, hope, and love and dominated fear, sorrow, and anger.

Application: I have a voice in my head that asks logical questions and conducts thought experiments all the time. When that voice turns to the issues of faith, they can sometimes pose tricky questions. Though I am firm in my logical understanding about both the existence of God and truth of his love based on evidence, it is potentially more important to also retain the emotional belief in the Lord.

I struggle with this, but only because I am a man with broken emotions. I am very self-contained. I do know, however, that to the degree I love, I love the Lord the most. He has never forsaken me, not even for one moment, at no point in time in my entire life, and I will look to his love in all matters, my entire life.

Prayer: Lord, from your hand come all things, be they blessings, or challenges. Even the current situation is under your control. I give you my honor and love and worship this day and every day. Amen.

When Belief Becomes a Fact

Scripture: Simeon and Levi are two of a kind. They are men of violence and injustice ... Cursed be their anger, for it is fierce and cruel. Therefore, I will scatter their descendants throughout Israel. Genesis 49:5,7

Observation: As Jacob speaks his final blessings over his sons, this is what he says of Simeon and Levi. It is a two-fold prophesy.

First, Simeon and Levi will not be granted their own tribal lands. This comes to pass. Simeon is granted a land that is entirely within the grant of Judah, and for all intents they never occupy it, but rather are simply absorbed into the tribe of Judah. Levi, as the designated tribe of priests, is explicitly excluded from receiving a designated grant, and instead all Levites are scattered throughout the nation so that priests can be everywhere.

Second, the less obvious prophesy is that there WILL be a land of Israel! The Lord promised Canaan to Abraham, reaffirmed that to Isaac, and again to Jacob. Now, upon his deathbed, Jacob is completely removed from Canaan, living in a foreign land, with his entire family of ~100 people, relocated and certainly destined to be here a while due to both the famine and the position of Joseph, and yet ... Jacob pronounces there will absolutely be an entire nation called Israel.

Jacob spent his entire life trying to make his own way. His every action was about advancing his life, his prosperity, his family. He worked to "make it." But now, in the end, he declares with a faith that is so great that even in the face of events that look the least likely to produce the desired outcome than at any point in his life, God's promise will be fulfilled. He is so sure, he discusses it as a contextual condition of a completely different conversation, as if it were already true.

The family inheritance of the land of Canaan is no longer a hope, or desire, or thought, or concept, or belief ... it is a certain fact.

Application: I have acknowledged this before ... I have tried too much to make my own way. I have sought my goals, and worked to achieve my own good outcomes. I have wrestled with God ... and now I walk with a limp.

I desire this next level of faith, whereby I simply know that an outcome I believe will be is actually a factual certainty. I would love to know that hopes for the future could be discussed in past tense. I want to lean into God's promises as Jacob did in the end.

Prayer: Lord, I trust in you and I believe in you. May my faith grow so strong, and your word become so clear, that the hopes and trust and belief are as materially real to me as the desk I sit at. Amen.

Compliance is Not Faith

Scripture: Then Peter asked Jesus to explain what he meant when he said that people are not defiled by non-kosher food. Matthew 15:15

Observation: Years later, it will be Peter who gains a revelation about the worthiness of the gentiles to receive the good news of Jesus, and to be baptized into the Holy Spirit, through a vision ... it will be a vision of unclean, non-kosher animals, where the Lord tells him it is okay to eat them. He resists, yet the Lord will show him the vision three times.

While not a Pharisee, and perhaps not even greatly educated, Peter had a simplistic understanding of Hebrew law. He knew what he had learned about what it said, but not the meaning or heart behind it. This was, in fact, a flaw of the Pharisees as well, pursuing compliance instead of relationship. For Peter, stating that non-kosher food did not "defile" someone didn't make sense, for that was the seemingly the exact point of the food-related laws.

The Pharisees have been challenging Jesus in matters of legal compliance. Even when Jesus shows the flaw in their logic, the simplest of people still don't understand, for they cannot understand a way to appease God outside of legal compliance. It will be years before Peter truly learns that faith is - and always has been - the point.

Application: When I fail to avoid sin, the issue is not that I have violated a law, directive, or precept of the Lord, but rather than I have failed to have faith in the Lord. I have failed to believe that there is some other purpose, activity, or way of life that is better. I have failed to believe that the Lord is in control without my lies or manipulations or rash thought or covetousness.

The laws were never about behavior, but about trusting that there were bad actions, dangerous practices, and even disease-riddled foods ... and that God knew how to care for us enough to instruct us to avoid these things. It is by faith that I should observe those that apply to me, knowing that I will have a more fulfilling life as a result.

One of the high points of Peter's life would be entering a gentile's house and participating in their receipt of the Holy Spirit. He learned the law existed for good, and thus how to properly apply it to his faithful living. May I do the same.

Prayer: Lord, again today I ask for your forgiveness of my sins. Please keep me clean in your eyes. Moreover, may I be faithful toward you, trusting your teaching, and seeking wisdom in how it is applied to my life. Amen.

Faith: A Little vs. A Lot

Scripture: Then Peter called to him: "Sir, if it is really you, tell me to come over to you, walking on the water." "All right," the Lord said, "come along!" So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he looked around at the high waves, he was terrified and began to sink. "Save me, Lord!" he shouted. Instantly Jesus reached out his hand and rescued him. "O man of little faith," Jesus said. "Why did you doubt me?" Matthew 14:28-31

Observation: In this telling of the 'walking on the water', Peter has this exchange with Jesus. At first, he trust that, based on Jesus' command alone, he is able to walk on water himself, and in fact he does. Then he becomes afraid and thus sinks, being pulled out of the water by Jesus, and called a "man of little faith" who doubted Jesus.

Of course, Peter at first had so much faith that he actually walked on water, believing in nothing but the authority of Jesus. When he sinks, being a long-time fisherman certainly he knows how to swim even in a storm, but instead his belief in Jesus makes him immediately cry out to Jesus for help ... he would trust in Jesus, standing on top of water, than in his own ability.

In this manner, we are shown the difference between "a little" and "a lot" of faith. With a lot of faith, a Peter could do anything, even impossible things like walking on water. With a little faith, Peter could cry out to Jesus and be rescued from a life-threatening situation. Yes, his initial abundance of faith waivered - doubt in the reality of the situation crept in - but even a little faith meant that his first action was to call to Jesus, and he was saved. So Peter was at that moment a man of little faith, but he was not a man of no faith.

Application: I could summarize this insight as follows: Having a little faith means I turn to God when I am afraid or in need of help, believing he can assist me and save me; Having a lot of faith means I trust in God so greatly that I am never afraid, never needing to invoke God's special attention to save me, for I know God is already at my side, guiding me, helping me, and leading me on his path.

Clearly, I am ... a man of little faith. On a continuum, I am closer to the "unafraid" end of it most of the time. However, I am afraid during high-stakes situations, and my first reaction is to ask God for help rather than give him glory for already helping. I try to do the latter. For example, with the current unrest and uncertainty in the US, I am not afraid at all, though I worry a bit about the future, and I mostly pray to the Lord about his will be done. I haven't always been like that, though.

A little faith isn't a bad thing, it is just much less beneficial to ourselves and to the Lord compared to a lot of faith. With a little faith, I can be afraid but saved. With a lot of faith, I trust the saving so much that I don't feel the fear in the first place. I desire to be in that state of faith permanently.

Prayer: Lord, you are so great, so wise, so awesome, and so loving. My faith is in you, and I fully believe you are in control of everything from global nature, to national politics, to my family comfort, to my own health. I trust in your love and mercy, and in your plan and purposes. I am always at least a man of little faith. May I daily be a man of a lot of faith. Amen.

Discerning the Wisest

Scripture: As they discussed who should be appointed for the job, Pharaoh said, "Who could do it better than Joseph? For he is a man who is obviously filled with the Spirit of God." Turning to Joseph, Pharaoh said to him, "Since God has revealed the meaning of the dreams to you, you are the wisest man in the country!" Genesis 41:38-39

Observation: Joseph has not only interpreted Pharaoh's dream, but also recommended a course of action. Even that action is a leap of faith. It will involve telling the entire nation of Egypt that, during the next seven years of great wealth, they must not enjoy it, but rather to have it collected by the government. Entirely new cities will be built just to store all the grain and abundance that is collected. Then, that reserve can be used over the successive seven years. And all of this will be done five-fold, in five districts.

And who is deemed wise enough to organize this? The Hebrew slave who has been in prison for years. Pharaoh determines Joseph is wise not because he quickly provided a plan ... in fact, that isn't even mentioned! Instead, he is wise because he is "filled with the Spirit of God." This is the spirit of Yahweh, whom Pharaoh ... doesn't even probably believe in, and certainly doesn't worship as the one God. Yet simply by seeing that this spirit resides in Joseph, he immediately trusts that this makes Joseph the wisest man in all of Egypt.

Application: The spirit of God is more than just a comforting feeling we have within us. It is apparent externally to others, even to those who don't believe there is any such thing as the Holy Spirit, or even God.

When others perceive this, it can manifest in negative ways ... anger and resentment and levels of vengefulness occur. However, even the same people can also then seek wisdom, comfort, and assistance, for they subconsciously understand their need for God's love.

As Christians, this can be hard, as we can be openly attacked by others, then actively called to help the same people.

I wish I was a better person, as I know the Holy Spirit has difficulty staying with me in power when my life is poorly aligned to the Lord. Yes, I have been attacked before, and it hurts. But persecution is our blessing, and the benefits of the Holy Spirit - the chance to serve others, to exercise divine wisdom - are our reward for faith.

Prayer: Lord, please forgive me for my transgressions, and especially for by iniquities. I desire to wash away my sins this day, so I may be a worthy vessel for the Holy Spirit. May others see your spirit within me, and let them respond to that in whatever way they will. Amen.

The Lord Still Rules from Heaven

Scripture: "Law and order have collapsed," we are told. "What can the righteous do but flee?" But the Lord is still in his holy temple; he still rules from heaven. He closely watches everything that happens here on earth. He puts the righteous and the wicked to the test; he hates those loving violence. Psalm 11:3-5

Observation: The psalmist has been encouraged to flee in the face of danger, and has a very, very direct response ... how dare you tell me to flee, for the Lord is in control! Others say law and order have collapsed. They say violence is coming. They say good and righteous people will be attacked and killed. They say there is nothing to be done but run away. Yet the psalmist says NO. The Lord still rules, he sits on his throne. The Lord sees everything that is happening, and allows certain things to occur as a test. He will take care of this, and he will protect the faithful for he hates violence.

Application: There is a chance that our society has less than 24 hours before violence erupts in a way we have not seen for at least 150 years. I am not sure of this, in fact I highly doubt it. However, even our best-case scenarios are bleak with regards to social discord, local violence, and total division of our nation.

So many "believers" are along some continuum of anticipation, support, and even participation in the communications if not the activities. This is all a test - the Lord puts both the righteous and the wicked to the test - to evaluate our hearts of love. And the Lord hates those who love violence.

I am not afraid. Nor am I angry. I do not want any violence, and I will not participate in any element of it other than to speak love and peace when given the opportunity. If law and order collapsed, I will turn to the Lord, for HIS law and HIS order can never fade or collapse.

The Lord watches closely. He rules from heaven. Even if our freedom, our comfort, our society, our nation were to pass away, the kingdom of heaven does not change.

Prayer: Lord, please be with us in the coming hours, days, and weeks. I hope all that has been said is just rhetoric and false proclamations. In all of this, no matter what, I trust in you, and you alone, not on my own hopes, thoughts, or understandings. Amen.

Thinking Upon the Sabbath

Scripture: But some Pharisees saw them do it and protested, "Your disciples are breaking the law. They are harvesting on the Sabbath." Matthew 12:2

Observation: This confrontation between Jesus the the Pharisees is the start of an escalation. To this point, the Pharisees have questioned Jesus' authority and knowledge as a teacher, however it is now that the engage in issues of religious practices and attempt to entrap Jesus in violating the law. The disciples have picked grain on the Sabbath, and they call this out. Jesus deflects such a charge by showing the proper exceptions to Sabbath laws, both scripturally and logically, and in fact uses this to advance the fact that his time on earth is a special time, as spending time with the Messiah is certainly more important ritualistic practices.

However, it is certainly the word "harvest" in the charge from the Pharisees that is surprising. The disciples are not in the field, sickle in hand, cutting and bundling wheat, hauling it in to a threshing ground, and winnowing it. They are simply walking along, sticking out their hands, grabbing some kernels of grain, and pealing and eating it. It is likely the grain at the edge of the field, which the law even explicitly prescribes that farmers leave for just this purpose ... for others to have as they are in need. One could say they are fulfilling the law, taking grain to appease their hunger, in a manner exactly prescribed by Moses ... part of the Sabbath is to trust in the Lord's provision instead of upon your own work, and this is what the disciples are doing when they take grain explicitly left by the Lord's command.

No matter, under no reasonable context is what they are doing "harvesting". This is the danger of legalism. Applying God's good laws in a manner that removes all mercy ... applying the laws in an unreasonable degree or context ... alienates 'religious' Christians from the world. Certainly, the Sabbath is important, and in fact is overtly abused and ignored today to the detriment of us all, however every law must be applied in a context of love.

Application: I have been thinking on the Sabbath as my wife and I discuss her job as a pastor. She works hard on Sundays, and I serve regularly. I would not describe my service as interfering with the Sabbath ... certainly I should care about others enough to help at church, and often I come home and simply veg out watching football afterwards.

I do worry that my wife puts in a very long day on Sundays, and then does not usually find an alternative Sabbath day to rest. This is hard on her, and fails to make room for the Lord's provision in her life. I wish I could help her find that restful margin. I know she is serving the Lord, but I wish there was room for the Lord's love to be returned to her.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for the Sabbath, and for the blessing that comes by trusting in your provision. May you be with our family as we seek a way to live into your Sabbath more regularly. Amen.

I Am a Child of Love

All the lies I believed in

Left me crying like the rain,

Then I saw lightning from Heaven

And I’ve never been the same.

I'm gonna climb a mountain!

I'm gonna shout about it!!!!

Understanding Blessing Through Faith

Scripture: John the Baptist, who was now in prison, heard about all the miracles the Messiah was doing, so he sent his disciples to ask Jesus, "Are you really the one we are waiting for, or shall we keep on looking?" Jesus told them, "Go back to John and tell him about the miracles you’ve seen me do ... Then give him this message, 'Blessed are those who don’t doubt me.'" Matthew 11:2-4,6

Observation: From prison, John the Baptist asks this very straightforward yes-or-no question ... Jesus, are you the Messiah? It is actually a question Jesus confirms to others, and in some cases declares without it being asks. However, Jesus refuses to directly answer John. Instead, he recounts his miracles, then concludes ... "blessed are those who don't doubt me."

By doing this, Jesus is not refusing to answer John, but is rather creating space for John to be blessed. If Jesus answered, "yes, I am Messiah," then John simply gains knowledge of a fact. Instead, Jesus answers, "John, you know the prophets well, and you now know that I completely fulfill all the prophets declare, so have faith in God's promise." With this, John can himself declare his faith in Jesus as Messiah, and by that faith receive the blessing of eternal life promised by the Lord.

As we know, salvation comes from faith ... faith in Jesus as Messiah, as the redemptive promise of the Lord. In this manner, Jesus always provides space for faith to work, without which no one could be saved.

Application: I logically know this is the reason the Lord doesn't directly interfere with life, as he loves us so much that he leaves room for us to express our faith. Jesus exhibited this same value at every turn. He does this for John. Later, when Peter declares Jesus to be Messiah, he tells the disciples not to tell others ... not to keep it secret, but rather to ensure they don't simply announce it as 'fact' and instead allow room for everyone to believe it for themselves.

Every blessing is an outpouring of God's love, but is activated by our faith. Our faith and God's blessing are in a relationship. We can believe in a great many things about God, such as his existence, authority, power, love, and justice, and in return receive daily blessings for food, health, provision, and family. However, the most special faith is belief in Jesus as Messiah, and the corresponding blessing is eternal life in heaven.

Prayer: Jesus, you are the Messiah, the promised son of God, as pronounced from creation for the reconciliation of all mankind. Thank you for your sacrifice, of which I was never worthy as someone who should have been required to pay for my own sins. You, Jesus, are my Lord and savior. Amen.

Eating the Bitter Fruit

Scripture: When a storm of terror surrounds you, and when you are engulfed by anguish and distress, then I will not answer your cry for help. It will be too late though you search for me ever so anxiously. For you closed your eyes to the facts and did not choose to reverence and trust the Lord, and you turned your back on me, spurning my advice. That is why you must eat the bitter fruit of having your own way and experience the full terrors of the pathway you have chosen. For you turned away from me—to death; your own complacency will kill you. Fools! But all who listen to me shall live in peace and safety, unafraid. Proverbs 1:27-33

Observation: Wisdom herself shouts in the streets, tell all who hear her to listen to wise words. She calls them fools for not listing, warning of the hard times that will befall them if they ignore wisdom.

What will the outcome be for those who ignore wisdom? When storms and terror surround them and they are fully anguished and in distress, they will have no understanding to help them ... wisdom will not be there to help them, for it will be too late.

Why will this happen? Because the people intentionally rejected wisdom and spurned the advice, which is to honor and trust in the Lord. For this, they will experience bitterness and terror.

What will happen for those who listened to wisdom? They will live in peacefully and unafraid

Application: The Lord cannot spell it out much clearer than this. The words to describe the past 10 months are the same as these ... fear, rage, bitterness, hardship, anguish, anxiety, distress, even complacency in the face of death. There is one cause of this, and that is actively choosing to reject the Lord. By choosing not to trust in the Lord, the fools choose to trust in aspects of the world that can be lost.

Again, it cannot be clearer. The Lord pronounces wisdom ... trust in him. Most of us who do may be frustrated to the point of anger, but that is directed toward both circumstance and the acts of the foolish, otherwise we are living is peace, safely but unafraid.

On the other hand, I cannot even listen anymore to so many people whose lives are overrun with fear, hate, anxiety, and the overwhelming hardships of their daily circumstance. They cry for help, but the Lord himself has declared he will not answer, it is too late even though they now search for understanding. These people are surrounded by 'a storm of terror', 'engulfed by anguish and distress.' But they have rejected the wisdom of faith ... they have no choice but to eat the bitter fruit.

Prayer: Lord, you are my wisdom. I seek improvement every day, and so often fail. However, at the core, my true wisdom is simply knowing that the meaning of life is to honor and obey you, and seek your truth through faith in Jesus Christ. I do pray for those who have rejected your wisdom, Lord. May their hearts change. May they truly reject their past spurning of you, and turn their hearts to you, in the pursuit of peace, safety, and wisdom. Amen.

In Pursuit of the World

Scripture: The girl ran home to tell her folks, and when her brother Laban saw the ring, and the bracelets on his sister’s wrists, and heard her story, he rushed out to the spring where the man was still standing beside his camels, and said to him, "Come and stay with us, friend; why stand here outside the city when we have a room all ready for you, and a place prepared for the camels." Genesis 24:28-31

Observation: The story Rebekah would have told her family is that ... she met a traveler at the well, helped him with his camels, and as a result he gave her fine jewelry and so she invited him to stay with them for the night. Her brother Laban sees the gold, and himself rushes out to meet Abraham's servant.

Laban is a man concerned with the material world. He may well believe in and obey Yahweh (maybe ... he agrees that the Lord has brought about this situation and thus agrees to the marriage of his sister, but later we know he has idols in his home), but he also seeks to work situations to achieve his own wealth. We know he will later pit his wits against Jacob to manipulate their arrangements to improve his livestock. And here we see him take control of a situation - ensuring he is the one who formally invites the stranger to stay in his father's house - because he has seen the stranger has valuable gifts.

In the end, Laban's pursuit of material comforts will cost him ... his family. Here, he is eager to please this rich stranger, and the result is the immediate departure of his sister. Later, he will become an enemy of Jacob, and it will cost him both his daughters and a dozen grandchildren. We also see him here partially usurping his father's authority - and later declaring with an iron fist that everything in his home is his despite Jacob's rightful ownership - so even now we see Laban creating potential division with his parents over the assets of their home.

Application: Laban is an example for me of what happens when you pursue "the world" instead of the Lord. Prioritizing those things that many deem important - riches, comfort, honor - creates hard work, tension, and eventually a cost that may be high.

I sometimes remain focused on comfort and position. I am learning to let go of that. Where I need to continue to improve is in a right understanding of what to focus on INSTEAD of worldly gain, which is the precepts and laws and instruction of the Lord. I need to put my mind and meditations to these things more, and put my efforts in aligning to the Lord's guidance. This can be done in the context of earthly activity and work.

Laban put all his work into earthly pursuits, and ultimately lost so much with little notable gain. I will not follow his path.

Prayer: Lord, may I meditate on your word and teaching more and more every day. I would like my daily activity to be in pursuit of your will and guidance, in the workplace you have put me. Amen.

Worrying About Evil Deeds

Scripture: Not all who sound religious are really godly people. They may refer to me as ‘Lord,’ but still won’t get to heaven. For the decisive question is whether they obey my Father in heaven. Matthew 7:21

Observation: In discussing how to get into heaven, Jesus outlines two criteria. One is faith, and he reviews how that faith manifests as trust in the Lord's provision in your life. However, the bulk of the Sermon on the Mount his about obedience. He calls obedience the "decisive question". He has already shown how someone can judge another's deeds, using a metaphor of trees that either do or don't produce good fruit. Here he summarizes this idea, clearly stating that even those that have done good work in the name of Jesus won't be acknowledged if their deeds are evil.

There is a seeming contradiction here. Those rejected for their evil deeds are also said to have ... acknowledged Jesus as 'Lord', pronounced their faith, told others about Jesus, and perhaps even performed miracles through their faith. That doesn't sound like someone who is failing to obey God. Jesus will also clearly state the role of forgiveness and an understanding of fallen mankind, knowing that his very work of salvation is because we cannot live perfectly obedient lives.

Jesus resolves this contradiction by clarifying the 'law and prophets' in a summary statement ... that obedience is "do for others what you want them to do for you" (v12). How we treat people will be the decisive question that reveals our faith.

Application: Once again, I find myself convicted of an upside-down understanding of faith. For so long, I served ... then judged others. Judging others, and in any other way treating others with contempt, arrogance, and disregard, is the disobedient evil deed. My entire life should instead be to serve and love others, and out of that find good service.

Prayer: Lord, please soften my heart. All my issues come from my wrong understanding of how to interact with others, whom you certainly love more than me, for I am just one person and they are billions. Break my heart for others. Amen.

Looking for Revealed Meaning

Scripture: But Sarai and Abram had no children. So Sarai took her maid, an Egyptian girl named Hagar. Genesis 16:1

Observation: Hagar is Egyptian. At this point in time in Abram's history, this likely means she became Sarai's maid during the time that the two of them were in Egypt, when Abram had lied about Sarai being his wife and thus Sarai was taken as a wife of Pharaoh and member of his harem. This may even logically mean Hagar was herself a gift to Sarai given by Pharaoh.

This detail - the nationality of Hagar - is often overlooked. It may be meaningless ... she had to come from somewhere. If meaningless, why say it at all? If meaningful, why not have mentioned Hagar back when Abram and Sarai were in Egypt? It may be in the timing that meaning is acquired. It was not important that Sarai left Egypt with a new maid, but it is important that Abram's first son will be half Egyptian.

Application: There is a difference between informed analysis the bible - any book really - and uninformed study. In chapters 15 and 16 of Genesis, we are introduced to two leaders of Abram's household ... Hagar, an Egyptian maid who becomes Abram's second wife; and Eliezer, Abram's steward who would be his most likely heir since he has no sons. I can ponder and research all I want about these two, but I struggle to find true meaning associated with their backstories.

Yet I find meaning in their faith. Hagar surrenders to the Lord's instructions and gives him one of the strongest names in the bible, El Roi. Eliezer will later be the servant who discerns Rebekah to be the proper wife for Isaac. I have actually found meaning in both of those passages in the past.

So while I may not understand how Hagar being Egyptian - and the implicit origin story that comes with that - applies to my life, I can apply the truths about her pain, prayers, spiritual encounters with God, and faith, to my life.

Prayer: Lord, I may not always be able to discover new truths within your word, but I know I can always discover your instructions, hope, love, and guidance. May I seek your word with all my heart, and may you bless me with your meaning and discernment and wisdom and knowledge as you see fit for me. Amen.

Hearing About Divine Promises

Scripture: Shem’s line of descendants included Arpachshad, born two years after the flood when Shem was 100 years old; after that he lived another 500 years and had many sons and daughters. Genesis 11:10-11

Observation: This section defines the lineage from Shem to Abraham. Doing the math, Abraham was born 260-290 years after Arpachshad (one of the entries isn't specific). This means ... Shem was not only still alive but lived 210-240 years after the birth of Abraham. In fact, Abraham lived to be 175, so Shem OUTLIVED him by over 35 years.

It is not clear how much credibility to give to the age and lifespans of the individuals in this part of the bible, but the indication here is that Abraham easily heard a first-hand account of the flood. He also heard of the curse upon the Canaanites, who now reside in the land being promised to him. In his faith, this could explain his confidence in entering such a land as a nomad, for he knew that there was a divine promise involved in not only the future of his family, but in the future of the enemy.

Application: I still seek divine promises for my life, and the life of my family. In truth, I struggle to see the promises of the bible as concepts I can claim. Maybe this is because I don't consider myself worthy. Maybe it is because some promises feel very specific and personal to the individuals or groups in the bible.

I do believe when Jesus makes statements about his believers, so my lack of faith is more applicable to Old Testament promises. Can I in faith be protected around strange people as Abraham was? He was blessed because he acted when sent ... am I likewise blessed when I respond to a sending?

I continue to seek promises for my life. One that I am thinking on more and more is my usefulness to the Lord in old age ... that as an older man I can still dream dreams and serve in a way that advances the Kingdom of God here on earth. Having failed to do this as a younger man, this is a promise and hope I need.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for your forgiveness and for your promises, even when I have difficulty finding and claiming them. I know your promises are trustworthy, even if I don't know about them. I remain someone in need to learn more about you, and I will continue with that heart of learning every day. Amen.

Experiencing Far Greater Joys

Scripture: Yes, the gladness you have given me is far greater than their joys at harvest time as they gaze at their bountiful crops. Psalm 4:7

Observation: There is a difference in the joy - the happiness - that we have in life. There are those who are joyful for the good things in their lives, such as a good harvest, successful business venture, or other riches they achieve. Then there is a greater joy that comes from simply knowing the Lord, for it is in this joy that not only do we receive blessings, but we understand the true nature of those blessings. We understand their source, their purpose, and the love behind them.

Application: I have found this all to be true ... my happiness in life is greater when I understand the role God played in it, rather than just being happy that it happens. And it isn't that blessings I get from God make me feel more joyful than the successes I get on my own. Rather, it is that all blessings and joys are from the Lord, and I experience them more deeply and fully when I recognize the hand of God in my life.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for your blessings, and for your joy. May I find your peace, love, and gladness in my heart today, even as I go through my daily tasks and work, for I know all these things are from you. Thank you, Abba. Amen.

Living in this Time of Wilderness

Scripture: Then Jesus was led out into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit, to be tempted there by Satan. For forty days and forty nights he ate nothing and became very hungry. Matthew 4:1-2

Observation: The temptation of Jesus involves three temptation. However, before those three brief conversations ever occur, Jesus goes through 40 days of hardship. This is certainly a time where Jesus is being given over to a bad event in his life. It isn't that a man couldn't have found something to eat in the "wilderness" - a plant or small animal of some kind - yet Jesus goes this entire period without food.

In other words, this is a supernatural hardship. It does not make sense within the context of simply known facts. For some reason, Jesus can't find food, and also can't (or won't) just walk away and leave. Jesus is in a bad place, and for unknown reasons he is locked into that problematic situation, and is about to be confronted with temptations as his only way out of the predicament.

Application: God is in control of even our worst circumstances ... those that even appear to have their way out prevented by uncontrollable powers. Most of us are in such a time as this. I feel I am in a situation I absolutely cannot just leave, because there is a totally unmanageable condition preventing any return to "normal life." I can choose what I do next.

I can descend into a desperate need for escape, but this rejects the evidence that this entire situation is supernatural, and thus under the full control of the Lord. To whine about the pandemic and pursue (impossible) escape is to reject the idea that the Lord has a plan in the works, and that I should be seeking alignment to that plan.

I can allow satan to tempt me with ways of finding earthly opportunities within the pandemic. Many of done this ... leveraged fear mongering to find fame, created scams to achieve profit. I have allowed my mind to race in negative ways, which is falling for the temptation of escaping mentally from the Lord's plan, and on this point I need to improve.

Finally, I can trust the Lord to just guide me. In this, I can meditate on his word, seek the voice of the Holy Spirit, and live my daily life awaiting direction. Following this path, the daily activity looks very bland, however the outcome promises to be amazing opportunity to walk with the Lord.

Everyone - myself included - is in a wilderness right now. Some are succumbing to desperation and/or temptation. I must instead trust in the Lord.

Prayer: Lord, I am in a wilderness right now, but I know that you too are here with me. Please deliver me from desperation and sadness and anger that comes from a loss of control. Please deliver me from the temptations of the evil one who knows too well how to attack me. And instead, please sit with me and help me discover new truths, new love, and new ways to serve others for your glory. Amen.