Speak More Like Paul

Scripture: We boldly say what we believe, trusting God to care for us, just as the psalm writer did when he said, “I believe and therefore I speak.” 2 Corinthians 4:13

Observation: As Paul discusses his imperiled situation, he quotes psalms about why he speaks the gospel ... he believes in Jesus, and therefore is compelled to speak of Jesus. He does this despite danger, because there is no other truth in life more clear than the good news of salvation by faith in Jesus.

Application: I wish I spoke more like Paul. I can speak strongly, but Paul spoke of Jesus continually. It was the primary topic on his lips ... the good news of Jesus, and the love of God, that promises salvation. I simply talked about this subject whenever, wherever, to whomever.

I do wish I spoke about my faith more often. I will answer any question, but I rarely initiate a true conversation. I will pray publicly, I will declare I have faith, I will publicly thank the Lord for blessings, but I rarely elaborate on the reason for my belief, and on my hope in Jesus as my Lord and savior.

I can absolutely do this more often. I can discuss my faith with others. I can be bold in stating my belief and knowledge, for it is the truth. I believe, therefore I should have no other priority than to speak.

Prayer: Lord, may I lean more and more into your love and understand. Please forgive my weakness when I fail to speak of your love and promise. I desire to tell others your good news. I will speak. Amen.

Understanding Only by Believing

Scripture: Not only Moses’ face was veiled, but his people’s minds and understanding were veiled and blinded too. Even now when the Scripture is read it seems as though Jewish hearts and minds are covered by a thick veil, because they cannot see and understand the real meaning of the Scriptures. For this veil of misunderstanding can be removed only by believing in Christ. 2 Corinthians 3:14

Observation: While the law is clear in how it informs right behavior, understanding of the law still requires someone to connect with the Lord. As Paul knows, the Jews now failed to do this. They struggled with it even when Moses was with them, and in later times had lost all understanding of the law. In fact, Paul knows this too well ... as a Pharisee himself, Paul was one of the people who studied the law explicitly in order to find fault in human behavior, and to correct everyone in how they act.

Paul describes this lack of understanding of scriptures as a veil. One can still see through a veil, however the image is blurred and imperfect. This is just how Paul the Pharisee saw the law. He knew it and learned it and structured his life based upon it, but didn't understand its true meaning and purpose. He did not see its intended value. This changed overnight when Paul met Jesus, and by believing in Christ he was immediately able to find a new truth in the law.

Application: There are non-believers who now fight against God's law - perhaps not even knowing it is God's law they resist - because they cannot see any value in it. While regrettable, this is normal, for even the Jews who directly received the law did not understand and value it. It is only be believing in salvation that anyone can find the truth about the law.

I myself am not sure I understand all of it. I know the value of obeying the Lord, but I do not know how to process some elements. Then again, as I try to figure out which laws I struggle to understand ... I find I do have resolution to them.

Yes, I fail to obey the law all the time. And yes, I see that some laws involved specific situations that applied to the Jews in the wilderness only. However, by the Lord's spirit, I also see how the law can improve my life, and how Jesus fulfilled ritual elements we may now claim for our close relationship with the Lord.

Prayer: Abba, please see me today. May my mind embrace your laws and find peace through obedience in your will for my words, actions, and thoughts. I desire your closeness. Amen.

The Glorious Things he Does

Scripture: I bless the holy name of God with all my heart. Yes, I will bless the Lord and not forget the glorious things he does for me. Psalm 103:1-2

Observation: The psalmist goes on to list all the wonderful things the Lord does for 'me' ... he forgives my sin and thus ransoms me from hell instead of giving me the punishment I deserve, even removing my sin as far away from me as possible; he heals me and thus keeps me strong and healthy; he gives me his love, kindness, and mercy, and is tender and loving and slow to anger against me even when I deserve his wrath; he fills my life with good things and with his blessings, overseeing justice; he extends all of these things to anyone who fears him; and he revealed all this to us by showing Moses and Israel his plans.

Application: These are the promises the Lord has for me and for all believers. He blesses those who love him with a wonderful life, and not just randomly. He has told us what to do, and why, and how he will love us. All I have to do is believe in the Lord and follow his path, and he will love me because that is his very nature.

Prayer: Lord, I lean into your love and goodness today. May I live in your will, and trust in all your plans and ways and words, forever. Amen.

Under God's Curse

Scripture: That was how King Joash repaid Jehoiada for his love and loyalty—by killing his son. Zechariah’s last words as he died were, “Lord, see what they are doing and pay them back.” A few months later the Syrian army arrived and conquered Judah and Jerusalem, killing all the leaders of the nation and sending back great quantities of booty to the king of Damascus. 2 Chronicles 24:22-23

Observation: When Joash - who at first worked side by side with Jehoiada to restore the temple but then instituted the worship of other gods - is confronted by Zechariah, his response is to kill Zechariah. For this, Judah is defeated by a small Syrian army and Joash is killed in the aftermath.

Fast forward ... when the Jews restore the temple, but then create a legalistic version of belief whereby they honor laws and rules and rituals more than the Lord, they are confronted by Jesus, and their response is to kill Jesus. For this, Judea is utterly defeated by the Roman empire and their government structure destroyed forever.

Application: Even today in 1 Corinthians, Paul concludes his letter by saying "if anyone does not love the Lord, that person is cursed. (v16:22a)" Clearly, truer - and more important - words cannot be spoken.

Joash decided he no longer loved the Lord, and showed this through the ultimate betrayal ... rather than repent of sin, he had his friend and high priest Jehoiada's son killed for the singular crime of declaring the sovereignty and love of Yahweh.

The Jews clearly decided they no longer loved the Lord, and showed this through the ultimate betrayal ... rather than repent of sin, they killed Yahweh's son, the Messiah they were even looking for.

If you hate God, you decide you will not repent of sin, but instead you kill those who are sent by God.

Many, many people right now are dying in Afghanistan due to the fact they are Christians ... people sent by God to worship, love, and spread the gospel. Those doing the killing are doing so because, by the definition of their actions, they hate God. May they be under God's curse.

Prayer: Lord, so often I pray for your love, blessing, protection, guidance, hope, correction, and redemption. I often pray that those who do not know you may discover your love, learn of Jesus, and find salvation. Today, I pray into Paul's true declaration. This is not a declaration for those who simply do wrong, with or without knowledge. This is about those who hate you. May they be under your curse. Only you can know their path to repentance, but unless and until that day and time, may they be under your curse. Please save the faithful, and if you choose not to, please command the angels and all of heaven to celebrate their arrival in an amazing outpouring of your love and celebration of their earthly sacrifice. And may those who have killed them, those who hate you, but under your curse. Amen.

Learning and Earning my Place

Scripture: The glory of young men is their strength; of old men, their experience. Proverbs 20:29

Observation: This word of wisdom is simple ... young men are considered great due to their physical strength and vitality, but older men receive honor based on their experience and how they can advise others using that experience. This is their role among the faithful, and in society at large.

Application: As I grow older, I continue to hope that this is true ... that I have a place in the body of Christ one day where I am an experienced man who can impart Godly advice on others. This may be true now, as I know the younger men at church respect my thoughts. However, I don't yet feel worthy to be considered in a position this concept implies.

I am no longer able to physically do what I once did, that is true. If my future contribution is as an experienced old man, I should learn what that really looks like. It certainly requires me to be open and available to the younger men. Not as a peer, but as an confidant, advisor; one who is willing to serve them through council, listen to their thoughts and challenges and ideas, and provide insights based on my experiences, my failings, my life lessons.

My place is to intentionally make myself available. My contribution is to pray for wisdom and pass along what I can.

Prayer: Lord, of all the spiritual gifts you could impart upon me, I would sincerely like wisdom, so I can benefit the younger men of our church. Other gifts I may have used in the past, but it seems I am at a point where being the experienced father for others is much more useful to your kingdom. I seek your guidance and your spirit. May I serve young men who are greater than me. Amen.

Responding to God's Wrath

Scripture: As King Jehoshaphat of Judah returned home, uninjured, the prophet Jehu (son of Hanani) went out to meet him. "Should you be helping the wicked, and loving those who hate the Lord?" he asked him. "Because of what you have done, God’s wrath is upon you." 2 Chronicles 19:1-2

Observation: Jehoshaphat allied with King Ahab, perhaps the most wicked king in all Jewish history. Ahab propagated the sins God hated and made them even worse, together with his wife Jezebel, a person so terrible her name continues through thousands of years of history as an insult. It was Ahab opposed the great prophet Elijah, and who was really the one who spurred to total destruction of Israel.

This is whom Jehoshaphat has helped. He even went along with a plan to endanger himself and disguise Ahab during the battle. Ahab died anyway, as the Lord desired. But upon his return from battle Jehoshaphat is told by the Lord that he has incurred God's wrath.

The nature of that wrath is ... unclear. The prophet also talks of the good things Jehoshaphat has done, and afterwards Chronicles reports of his work to create God-fearing courts, and his sincere appeal to - and total trust in - the Lord when the three armies of Seir, Moab, and Ammon attack.

Application: God hated that Jehoshaphat would aid Ahab, as such an act of support implies an approval of Ahab's wickedness. There is a difference between sinning and rebelling against the Lord, and how believers should interact with such individuals in those two different circumstances ... and Ahab was firmly of the latter mindset.

However, it seems the "wrath" of God is not terrible or even obvious. This may be because of how Jehoshaphat responds to the news of God's displeasure ... he performs the Lord's will. He does not continue the alliance with Israel. He invests efforts in how Judah will comply with the Lord's wishes. And when battle comes to his own doorstep, he doesn't "call in the favor" owed to him by Israel for assistance, but rather turns only to the Lord.

I have done things often that displease the Lord. For them, I absolutely deserve the Lord's wrath. It is possible he is telling me this right now. The only way for me to respond is to continue to try to follow his will. I cannot get mentally lost in my mistakes, but rather must move forward with my relationship with - and service - the Lord.

Prayer: Lord, in the name of Jesus, I seek your forgiveness for my sins. I think and act as I should not on a daily basis, and I am sorry for this. Please aid in my repentance of this. As a new week starts, I renew my efforts to do your will, to serve others with mercy, to walk humbly with you, and as it depends on me to strive for peace with all. Amen.

Changing the Subject

Scripture: No, but try your best to have the more important of these gifts. First, however, let me tell you about something else that is better than any of them! 1 Corinthians 12:31

Observation: As Paul concludes his teaching on spiritual gifts, outlining that not everyone will have all the gifts but rather specific gifting to serve the church, he concludes with this ... that there is something better than spiritual gifts! Of course, the next section is about love.

Paul has spent his entire letter answering the questions of the church at Corinth. He has answered questions about sexual morality, spiritual gifts, marriage, church practices, leadership, and common meals. Now he declares a new subject of his choosing, about which they did not ask, and introduces it by saying it is even better than a supernatural ability provided by God himself. Love is the core of what matters. It defines everything else. Love allows gifts to be useful, for assistance to be received, for teaching and correction to be heard, for faith to matter.

After all the questions the church had are answered - there are even more questions that Paul says he will cover when he next comes to see them - he then tells them there is something foundational to all of it that they aren't even asking about. It is love.

Application: We currently live in the most angering, frustrating moment I can think of. Maybe it has been more so in some places during some times in history, but not in the U.S. I get angry about something daily, even while I try not to engage in the madness of our lost society. In regard to this, the other day our pastor said something that I now have on a post-it on my desk:

To change the world, change the subject.

Paul understood that the gospel of Jesus was a message designed to change the world. While he could discuss at length any and all ideas about how to be obedient to Jesus, he would rather change the world by changing the subject ... not about rules, but about love.

When I get angry about the lies of politicians ... how can I show love to them and the people they're harming? When I get frustrated about pandemic rules ... how can I show love to those who are afraid? When I hear foolish beliefs from hopeless people ... how can I offer them love as a path to hope?

There is a narrative in my head. I need to change the subject of that narrative.

Prayer: Lord, may my narrative this day and every day be love. That is the primary topic that can bring your kingdom into the world. Amen.

Following the Trail to His Tent

Scripture: The Girl: "Tell me, O one I love, where are you leading your flock today? Where will you be at noon? For I will come and join you there instead of wandering like a vagabond among the flocks of your companions." King Solomon: "If you don’t know, O most beautiful woman in all the world, follow the trail of my flock to the shepherds’ tents, and there feed your sheep and their lambs." Song of Songs 1:7-8

Observation: In reading this love poem as a metaphor between the Lord and the faithful believers, we can understand this exchange. The believers ask the Lord where he is so that they may come out from the place where common society is - get away from the worldly issues - and worship him; The Lord does not tell them where he is, but rather instructs the believers to follow either what they themselves already know or else the clues they have, the word of teachers and prophets, and there they will find him and be able to join him in caring for the flock.

Application: There is an element of the response "you already know the answer" when we seek - when I seek - the Lord and his will. In some cases, knowledge comes from the revelation of the Holy Spirit. In other cases, it comes from the word of God. The former is provided through prayer and actively engaging with the Spirit, and the latter is provided through reading the bible.

When I ask the Lord to show me his will so I may do his will today, I do know that he often reminds me that I already know his 'general' will, which is that I should love others, show mercy and kindness, desire justice for all, and myself be mild and humble by serving others. What I am really asking for is specifics ... specific times and places and people for these activities. However, again, God has instructed me in the general nature of his will, by word and revelation, and I am not always yet well tuned to those general aptitudes.

What I need to do is ... follow the trail of the Lord's flock. I need to follow the word of the prophets. I need to follow the right teachings inspired by the Spirit. I need to pray and listen for the Holy Spirit myself! Then I will find the Lord's tent, where he is today, and thus be able to enjoy his company not by having him show me what to do in my life, but by bringing my life into the priorities he has and thus serve him by attending to others.

Prayer: Lord, many days I ask for you to come to me and give me your hand so I may walk with you. Today, may I instead seek the trail of the flock so I can come to your tent, and join you in your activities there. Instead of asking you to join into my life, may I join into yours, where you are actively working, and serve as you desire there. Amen.

Building Then Destroying

Scripture: But if you don’t follow me, if you refuse the laws I have given you and worship idols, then I will destroy my people from this land of mine that I have given them, and this Temple shall be destroyed even though I have sanctified it for myself. Instead, I will make it a public horror and disgrace. 2 Chronicles 7:19-20

Observation: Solomon builds the temple and prays the Lord for his forgiveness for their future sins. When the Lord appears to Solomon, he confirms and agrees with Solomon's prayer. He declares he will have his eye upon the temple and will look for their repentance when punished. Furthermore, if Solomon obeys the Lord, his descendants will rule Israel forever. However, if he fails to follow the law and if he worships idols, then God will destroy the people and will destroy the temple. It will become a sign of horror and disgrace.

Solomon ... eventually worships idols. His own son will lose half the kingdom, which will lead to a downward march that culminates in the total destruction of the temple. Solomon reigned 40 years. He spent the first 20 building the temple ... he spent the last 20 destroying the temple.

Application: The blessings of the Lord can easily be removed if I engage in idol worship. Repeatedly, this is the sin God actively hates. There must be nothing in my life that could be considered an item upon which I place my trust.

There may have been things I trusted in in the past, like my employment. That "faith" is gone. I also need to remember not to trust in my own abilities and knowledge. Given I understand very little of my current job, I think I will be okay in this regard.

I must not honor things I own or think more highly of myself due to them. These are gifts from the Lord.

I love my wife and my family, but again they are not superior because of me. They too are gifts and blessings. They are to be honored in the way that I am to honor the Lord and thus care for those things he has placed into my care.

The Lord has built my life. I must not destroy it.

Prayer: Lord, you are my God, and the only God. To you alone all glory and honor and praise will be lifted up by me and my family. I love you with my heart and soul and mind and strength, all the days of my life. May I honor you alone. Amen.

Historical Study of Manipulation

Scripture: “Utterly worthless!” says the buyer as he haggles over the price. But afterwards he brags about his bargain! Proverbs 20:14

Observation: Even as Solomon wrote this proverb about how a buyer manipulates a seller - or manipulates others into forming an opinion of his bargaining skills - there should be a companion proverb. "'Tremendously valuable' the seller cries even as he lowers his price. But afterwards he boasts of his profit."

For millennia, two sides of a negotiation have manipulated and and deceived each other about whatever matter they are discussing, then declare "victory" when it is done.

Application: Last night, we had a discussion about how this is done today, with the introduction of the manipulation of emotions contained within the news. Facts are not just presented, but we are told by those with specific interests how we should feel about those facts. Others' actions are lauded or vilified, not just reported (and sometimes others are vilified without any related actions at all). We are told what to fear, whom to like, what to hate, and who is at fault. We are rarely told a stand-alone truth.

Even 3,000 years ago, we see that a seller couldn't have said "this is what it is worth" and a buyer "this is how much I have". Instead, they haggle, deceive, and then brag of victory.

On every front today - even the ones with shared or universal goals and interests - no one will say "this is our goal" and the other "this is our goal". Instead, they fight each other will coercing others to their opinion.

I am sick of it.

Prayer: Lord, please forgive me if I too function within this model of deception and manipulation. I do not desire to be of the world. While I do not want to be taken advantage of, I would like to be honest in dealing with others. Please give me and my family your wisdom in such matters. Amen.

Looking for the Upward Path

Scripture: And I found that though God has made men upright, each has turned away to follow his own downward road. Ecclesiastes 7:29

Observation: While Ecclesiastes is thought of as wise analytical teaching, it is certainly inspired by the Lord. This very sentiment is repeated throughout scripture by other writers and prophets ... the the Lord created men to be good (in his own image, for purpose, to serve and love), but men have each individually chosen to turn away (gone astray, fallen, followed a different path). This is a universal truth, and applies to absolutely everyone. It is the ultimate cause of despair for the mankind, as thus even through it is frustrating that 'fate' seems to treat people randomly at best, in the end no individual could deserve or demand better.

Application: I often follow my own downward road. I usually know better, though sometimes this is more about failing to ask for advice than ignoring direction. That doesn't change the fact that it is my own road ... a direction of my choosing if not my creation and planning.

I still fail to engage the Lord in my daily decisions. This would likely be the best change in my life, if I made the Lord - through prayer - the guiding voice in everything I did. From when to schedule meetings, to how to communicate data, to which projects to prioritize ... to how to better love my wife, to when to encourage a friend, to how much to give to a person in need.

It is true that I am flawed, and will continue from time to time on my own downward road. However, by engaging the Lord more often, I would be on his upward path more often.

Prayer: Lord, please take my hand today. Guide me in deciding what needs cleaned today, which effort should work on this morning, and how I can communicate love to my family. Amen.

Sleeping Like I Used to Be

Death don't live here anymore!

Wisdom Seeks Salvation

Scripture: Just as the fool will die, so will I. So of what value is all my wisdom? Then I realized that even wisdom is futile. For the wise and fool both die, and in the days to come both will be long forgotten. Ecclesiastes 2:15-16

Observation: As Solomon contemplates all the options of life - striving for wisdom, joy, pleasure, meaningful work, riches, etc. - he comes back over and over again to just one conclusion. Everything is meaningless, not because it doesn't have real-time impact, but because everyone dies.

Yes, he says wisdom is better than folly, that enjoying one's work is better than doing nothing, that having enough to take pleasure in food and drink and the company of others is better than pursuing nothing. However, in the end he calls it all folly and chasing the wind. It is the same as the water that flows to the sea, only to be taken back to the mountains and repeat. He even presents the idea that someday all he has will simply go to a son who did not work for it as further evidence of the life being meaningless.

By creating such a tight alignment between death and meaninglessness, Solomon is thus defining what would possibly have meaning ... eternal life. He even says that "God has planted eternity in the hearts of men" (v3:11). He further states that God's purpose for me is to have faith in God (v3:14), and that God gives earthly life as a lesson for men about mortality (v3:18-19). Solomon understands that finding a path to eternity - a life that is not bound by earthly definitions of meaning - is the only thing that could possibly give meaning to mortal life on earth.

In Solomon's wise conclusion that earthly meaning of life is meaningless, he discovers God's meaning of life ... to seek eternal life through faith.

Application: On its basic reading, Ecclesiastes seems dark and depressing ... the wisest man in the history of the world, declaring that every single element of life is meaningless over and over again. I do not see this book in that light. Rather, I see it in the context of how my personal philosophy evolved when I was in my 20s.

I would have called myself and existentialist. I related to the novels of Ernest Hemmingway, who over and over presented 'heroes' who succeeded through adventures and in the end found themselves ... in a worse place than when they started, realizing the utter pointlessness of life, and even contemplating God as (at best) ambivalent. I believed that and lived my life as if there was no ultimate point outside of earthly pursuits.

Faith in Jesus changed that, for I realized there was purpose here on earth. There was a hope of a wonderful life eternal with the Lord, and there was a purpose to demonstrate that belief and provide others with the same hope.

Not only did Solomon discover this same fact, but he wrote an entire philosophical essay explaining it. He may not have had all the answers about how to express faith, since the Messiah had not been revealed yet, but he knew the goal and the path and the true purpose of life. And now I do to.

Prayer: Lord, my purpose is not in my work or my personal thoughts or daily goals. My purpose is to love you, serve you, obey you, and to show this by loving and serving others. May I pursue my purpose, which is your purpose, today. Amen.

Just Accept Mistreatment

Scripture: To have such lawsuits at all is a real defeat for you as Christians. Why not just accept mistreatment and leave it at that? It would be far more honoring to the Lord to let yourselves be cheated. 1 Corinthians 6:7

Observation: As Paul continues to correct the church at Corinth, he outlines the issue of the church having public fights. When believers sue each other and thus have non-believers decide their matters, it places the church - and thus the Lord - in a negative public light. His first instruction is that matters of disagreement between believers should simply be decided within the church, presented to elders for mediation. Going one step further, he states that they should really just ... accept mistreatment and leave it at that. Of course, it is best if believers are not cheating and fighting with each other, but short of that the Lord would be much more honored if someone just dropped the issue and walked away.

Application: One of the hardest things for me to do is to accept something that is wrong. I have had to do it over very large matters in my life, and it truly eats at me ... which causes major problems in my life still today. 

Both my wife and I have been accused of outright lies, and because she is a pastor these accusations were levied by "believers". A couple times it has cut her deeply. However, I have also seen her just walk away from the matter as if it never happened. That requires so much strength, and so much faith. No wonder Paul says it is 'honoring to the Lord' to just allow it to happen.

Yes, my attitude on this matter relates to my pride. It also relates to my desire for control of my life, as I hate the idea that lies told about me - or acts that cheat me - can then impact my life and how others perceive me. That of course is only true when I focus on earthly values, and not on the Lord and his opinion of me.

I see two of my notes I keep in front of me now. One reminds me that I am only supposed to seek the Lord, and not "truth". Another shows that God's version of "war" involves only one action on my part, which is prayer. Fighting anyone over the truth is misaligned to both of these.

Prayer: Lord, I have so very many flaws, and they all conspire against me in this one trait, that I cannot stand to be mistreated and cheated. So as I find more humility, more trust, and more time to pray, I expect this to subside. I do not pray for no more attacks, for I know that will never come. Instead, may someday I be known as a peacemaker, passive in the face of attack. Amen.

Judgment Inside and Outside

Scripture: When I wrote to you before I said not to mix with evil people. But when I said that I wasn’t talking about unbelievers who live in sexual sin or are greedy cheats and thieves and idol worshipers. For you can’t live in this world without being with people like that. What I meant was that you are not to keep company with anyone who claims to be a brother Christian but indulges in sexual sins, or is greedy, or is a swindler, or worships idols, or is a drunkard, or abusive. Don’t even eat lunch with such a person. It isn’t our job to judge outsiders. But it certainly is our job to judge and deal strongly with those who are members of the church and who are sinning in these ways. God alone is the Judge of those on the outside. 1 Corinthians 5:9-13a

Observation: As Paul instructs the church about how to deal with a specific issue regarding a 'member', he provides this universal guidance about judging sin. The guidance is clear ... judge and correct Christians who are actively committing sin like sexual immorality, financial cheating, idol worship, drunkenness, abuse ... but do not judge non-Christians who do any of these things, for only the Lord can judge them.

The great point is that, as Christians, even though we are forgiven of our sin, we are to strive to live in a sinless manner consistent with the Lord's teaching, which is then evidence of our faithfulness in Jesus. If a brother or sister falls short, we are to help them. If they persist - or in the extreme they declare themselves transcendent of God's laws - they are to be removed from the body of Christ. For those without such belief, they function in ignorance and thus Christians must never judge them.

It is important that Paul's instruction mirror Jesus' actions exactly. Jesus actively judged and even condemned Pharisees and Jewish leaders for their failures, but actively avoided judging tax collectors, prostitutes, and alike for any and all sins. Jesus showed there is a major difference between those who sin out of ignorance, and those with knowledge who even promote their sin as enlightenment.

Application: I am one of the most judgmental people I know. However, my judgment is often about stupid stuff ... like how people drive. As I have grown in my faith, I have learned this lesson about judging sin, and understand the difference about whom to judge. While I often am saddened by the actions of non-believers, I understand their judgment is not only not in my hands, but that I act contrary to the Lord if I judge them myself.

It is within the church where this conversation is complex and painful. I have seen people who need correction not receive. I have seen people try to correct others in incorrect ways. I have seen people abuse the name of the Holy Spirit to justify their judgmental words and actions.

I wish I was less judgmental across the board, toward all people and in all circumstances. I do know the Lord has worked upon my heart when it comes to non-believers ... while I often lament the overall condition of our society and its broad attitudes toward sin, I have grown softer toward the individuals who live within those sins.

However, I am weary of the judgement practices within the body of Christ. And I don't know what to do about it.

Prayer: Lord, I want to be an "old man" who serves and loves others. If that involves correction of brothers, may you teach me how to do so with only love and kindness. As our shepherd, please protect myself and my wife and family from the wolves satan sends against your church. Amen.

Why Some Can or Can't Understand

Scripture: And God has actually given us his Spirit (not the world’s spirit) to tell us about the wonderful free gifts of grace and blessing that God has given us. In telling you about these gifts we have even used the very words given to us by the Holy Spirit, not words that we as men might choose. So we use the Holy Spirit’s words to explain the Holy Spirit’s facts. But the man who isn’t a Christian can’t understand and can’t accept these thoughts from God, which the Holy Spirit teaches us. They sound foolish to him because only those who have the Holy Spirit within them can understand what the Holy Spirit means. Others just can’t take it in. 1 Corinthians 2:12-14

Observation: Paul explains one of the primary purposes of the Holy Spirit as this ... it is God's spirit which can live within us, and thus provide us direct insight into the heart and mind of God. It is by the Holy Spirit we can perceive his love, understand the salvation achieved by Jesus, find purpose to serve others, and even find the words needed to communicate all of this to others. And it is by that same spirit that others can understand those words, seek a deeper relationship with God, and thus fully receive the Holy Spirit themselves.

However, Paul warns that those who aren't Christian - those who not just are ignorant, but who have rejected faith - can't understand. They reject the inroads of the Holy Spirit, and thus God's own words about love, hope, faith, and salvation, cannot be understood. They sound foolish to them.

Application: I had not thought about it before, but this is a clear sign of those who are not just ambivalent or ignorant about Jesus, but have in fact heard and considered the gospel and actively chosen to reject God and Jesus ... they declare that the message is foolish. They probably even use harsher terms, actively describing Christians as anything from ignorant and deluded, to hostile, judgmental, exclusionary, and even dangerous.

They feel this way because they literally cannot view God and his message of salvation in any other light. They are incapable of understanding it. Their decision to fully isolate from the Holy Spirit's initial help in understanding creates not just a problem, but a kind of barrier. They cannot "accept these thoughts of God."

When I hear someone not just say they aren't Christian, but make declarations about the foolishness of Christianity and/or opposes the church itself, it is a sign that person is beyond uninformed. They have - with intent and thought - made a different eternal choice.

Prayer: Lord, there are so many people who will not accept your love and your free gift of salvation. I know you weep for them far, far more than I do, for you love them so deeply even in their rejection of you. You are an amazing, loving father, and I cannot fathom how it must grieve you. May I help ease that by being part of finding those who may someday accept you. Amen.

Too Quick to Respond

Scripture: And Nathan replied, "Carry out your plan in every detail, for it is the will of the Lord." But that same night God said to Nathan, "Go and give my servant David this message: 'You are not to build my temple!'" 1 Chronicles 17:2-4

Observation: David feels guilty that he now has a palace, while the Lord is honored only within a couple tents (one holding the arc in Jerusalem, the other being the original tabernacle set up in Gibeon). When he asks Nathan about building a temple, this is the process ... Nathan first says that David should do it for it is the will of the Lord, but that night the Lord shows up to Nathan and says 'no'.

Nathan made the first answer based on his experience with the Lord. Nathan has seen how the Lord has blessed David in he does, because David always first consults the Lord. Thus, in this case, David consults the Lord about building a temple, so certainly the Lord would bless that. However, what we don't see Nathan do during this first exchange is ... actually ask the Lord, and wait to receive an answer.

Nathan is a wise prophet, and both listens to the Lord when the Lord speaks, and knows how to relay the resulting message and direction to David. However, in this case he presumed what God's opinion would be based on past experiences and earthly thoughts. He and David learned that the Lord's plan is too complex even in such matters as this.

Application: I am aware that I am very likely to assume God's desires like Nathan did, and for similar reasons. I see how the Lord acts in past similar situations, and thus believe I have learned something about God's heart that can be applied to future situations. Sure, this CAN prove accurate, but not because it is correct.

Again, David had an idea and turned to the Lord. This idea wasn't about war for once, but about how he could love and honor Yahweh. David asks God about (almost) every idea he has, and the fact Nathan as intermediary jumped the gun this time shows how important this act is, as the Lord needs to correct it for David's sake.

I say again today: I am bad at this practice. My pastor mentioned it Sunday, and I see it in scripture modeled by David ... I would be wise to take every decision to the Lord. How best can I lose weight? Should I proactively offer help regarding these customers? What can I do today to honor my wife? How can I encourage my son and daughter? What should I say in this email response?

I may not always have the spiritual ability to hear every answer, but I'll never go wrong in the asking.

Prayer: Lord, today I bring these questions to you. May I bring many more as well. I desire to be a man after your own heart, and to present my life to you, the big and small items, for your direction. Please take me by my hand. Amen.

Prepared for God's Big Plan

Scripture: I have been following the plan spoken of in the Scriptures where Isaiah says that those who have never heard the name of Christ before will see and understand. Romans 15:21

Observation: Paul concludes his letter with a tone of excitement about soon visiting the church in Rome. His plan - to take an offering from the Greek churches to the believers in Jerusalem, then stop in Rome on his way to Spain - won't work ... instead, he will be arrested in Jerusalem and transported to Rome as a prisoner. However, he will get there. In this excited conclusion, Paul summarizes his mission by citing Isaiah, prophesizing about how the good news of Jesus will be delivered to the Gentiles.

This is a powerful prophesy. At a time when Israel was being destroyed and the fate of Judah and thus all Jews was in the balance, Isaiah declared the coming Messiah ... not just that he would save the Jews, but he would spiritually save the world. The passage Paul references is about Messiah "the servant" being lifted up and exalted after his humiliating torture. It says that foreign nations will believe in the truth about the Messiah, even though they were not present to see or hear his original message.

For Paul, this is a "plan" defined by scripture. It is God's plan to deliver the good news of salvation to those whom do not even believe in the Lord, and never heard of Jesus. It is a plan outlined about 600 years previously, and still being enacted now 2,000 years later. And it is God's big plan for human salvation - not Paul's - as he ties it directly to prophetic words delivered by the Holy Spirit through Isaiah.

Application: As modern Christians, it is easy for us to gloss over this "big plan". God's plan was to create something called "the church" in order to communicate to others about the good news of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. This plan was divinely created, and is the biggest 'thing' in all of human/global history. The Church of Jesus Christ is bigger than any nation or any movement ever, based on any unit of measure one chooses.

I continue to seek my purpose, and perhaps it will come through some strange preparation. Paul was so well prepared to be the messenger to the Gentiles, partly because of his life as a Pharisee who therefore knew scriptures inside-out. He had likely pondered the meaning of Isaiah many times, then understood the truth and how to apply it upon his conversion. The Pharisees were actively opposed to Jesus, and Paul was thus actively opposed to early Christians, yet from that came the core of his purpose.

I wonder ... what I am well prepared to do to serve the kingdom of God?

Prayer: Lord, I desire again today to learn how I can serve you better, and how I fit into your plan. I have confidence you have things for me to do, and I understand it may take years for that plan to be revealed to me. It may even be that you have not even yet begun preparing me for the work you have in mind, and that the timing is years and years away. I relish both the service, and the preparation, Lord. Amen.