Prepared for God's Work

Scripture: The word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Jeremiah, what do you see?” And I said, “I see a branch of an almond tree.” Then the Lord said to me, “You have seen well, for I am watching over my word to perform it.” Jeremiah 1:11-12

Observation: After declaring that he will make Jeremiah a prophet to Judah, the very first vision God gives Jeremiah is this ... an almond branch. It does not seem like much, and it is not intended to be pronounced to the people or king or priests. Perhaps it was a test to ensure Jeremiah would accurately state what God shows him without embellishment or personal interpretation. Or perhaps it was a way to encouraging Jeremiah by showing him that he could see and understand God by giving him this symbol of a branch which assuredly bears nuts as the same as the Lord who - when he speaks his word - assuredly makes it come true.

In either way, the Lord was preparing Jeremiah. He told him what he wanted, gave him assurances of his ability, then showed him he could do it. He didn't send him right away with a complex message, but rather started with a small vision and confirmed his success.

Application: The Lord has prepared me for the work he would have me do. Maybe the overall mission wasn't described as clearly as it was to Jeremiah, but I can know that he has a plan for my service to him, and has trained me to do through small successes.

I admit I am not sure what that work is or how I can serve the Lord and his people. I am not sure what I have really been trained to do. But I have faith that the work is before me, and I still have a mission - given by the Lord - ahead of me in life.

Like Jeremiah, I hope I am worthy and able and prepared.

Prayer: Lord, thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. May I do your will today and every day. Amen.

Importance of Unified Praise

Scripture:
At that time I will change the speech of the peoples
to a pure speech,
that all of them may call on the name of the Lord
and serve him with one accord.
Zephaniah 3:9

Observation: The prophet Zephaniah, writing just a few years before the fall of the northern kingdom, is already discussing the post-exile phase of the Jews. He discusses their return, their change of heart, and their future return to the Lord.

Language is important in the biblical account, and serves to provide the structure of societies. It was the Lord who used language to scatter people and create multiple people groups. Zephaniah discusses a change in the speech of the people, which will unify those who worship the Lord. This could mean a change in actual language, and this does happen to the Jews as over the next few centuries their lingua franca will evolve from Hebrew, to Aramaic, to Greek. However, this also may mean that the people will discover a unity in praise, worship, and prayer, declared out loud to the Lord. They will again find their one true purpose - to honor the Lord - and be of one accord in their worship and trust of Yahweh. Thus their speech will be pure in that it honors God.

Application: There is power expressed in the unified and "corporate" praise of the Lord ... in the people of the God collectively declaring their faith and calling on the Lord. This is the power of group worship, a pure speech, delivered with one accord.

This is a pure speech ... worship and praise, declared out loud, in a group. This is important to the Lord as a way we honor him as our God, our savior, our Lord, our father. We honor him when we declare his greatness out loud with our voices, for others to see and hear, and especially when we do so as a collection of God's people.

With the spreading of the gospel, the Lord changed the "speech of the peoples" (plural) to one pure speech, that being worship in the name of Jesus Christ. As the Church, we can now serve him with one accord.

Prayer: Lord, may I sing your praises every day. I will consider your greatness at all times, but I will especially honor you in my worship together with other believers. Your are great and worthy of all praise and honor and glory. Amen.

Needing to Fight Better

Scripture: Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:11-12

Observation: Paul introduces his famous metaphor of the "armor of God" with the context of why Christians are in a struggle against an enemy. We are not in a bodily war, but in a spiritual fight against the devil and against the evil forces of the world.

He will go on to describe the armor and the elements we need - truth, righteousness, faith, evangelism, and the word of God - but here he is clear about why ... we are under attack by earthly rulers and authorities, cosmic or spiritual powers of darkness, and forces of evil.

Application: One of my best friends yesterday - whom I almost never talk about faith with - described the conditions of the last year, and especially the illogical current outcomes that refuse to move our society to exiting the situation, as "dark and evil." It was good to hear that he understood that this entire issue is not a simple matter of science or natural bad luck, but something supernatural, designed to harm mankind, and under an evil influence.

That said, I am clearly terrible at resisting evil ... at donning the armor of God. I do so in such public conversations as the idea of persisting evil in the world in general, but then succumb to personal attack. I allow evil into my life and my mind, and I become angry, lustful, and poor in spirit.

There is no way I can think of myself in any other way ... I am weak, and I am a poor and unprepared warrior in the fight against the devil. I need more of the Holy Spirit to help me with this. I can hold the sword of the Spirit, but I fail to wield it!

I need more of the Holy Spirit, because obviously I am not strong enough on my own.

Prayer: Lord, I ask you this day for more of you in my heart and in my life. I want your Spirit within me, and I want to humble myself to your Spirit in my daily thoughts and actions. I know I have some of your Spirit, but I want and need more. I hate who I am without you. Please, Lord, Holy Spirit come. Amen.

Prophesy Fulfilled Completely

Scripture:
The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind,
"You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek."
Psalm 110:4

Observation: This psalm, "of David", is the most quoted psalm in the New Testament, and is even said to be the cornerstone of Christianity. The two most common ways it is used is to reinforce the idea of Messiah - 'the Lord says to my lord' indicating there are two entities of higher authority than the king - and declaring Jesus to be at the right hand of the Lord, with his enemies as a footstool, as this Messiah.

It is absolutely about Messiah, and not about David, and verse 4 proves this. At no time did David consider himself a priest, nor immortal. However, he declares here a promise from Yahweh that invokes both ... declaring someone as an eternal priest.

Everything in this psalm has even already come to pass:

-- Jesus is seated at the right hand of God

-- The power of his resurrection reverberates out from Zion (Jerusalem)

-- Billions of people offer themselves willingly has followers

-- The judgment of faith has (unfortunately) defined death for non-believers

-- Jesus is lifted up above all others

Application: I have never studied this psalm, and had no idea it held such status and importance. It is so powerful to see it in this light ... and a completely fulfilled messianic prophesy, and with that fulfillment called out by Jesus himself and reverberating through other New Testament writers including Luke, Paul, and the author of Hebrews (Apollos?).

I am excited my wife will be studying the psalms deeply over the coming week. I am so amazed by her! She has wisdom in certain matters I could never have. I think I will enjoy simply hearing her thoughts on this great book in the time to come.

Prayer: Lord, please be with my wife, and guide her thoughts, time, and learning in the days and weeks of her sabbatical. May you reveal to me how I can support and aid her, for her and for the longer-term benefit of your kingdom. Amen.

Adoption Into the Lord's Tent

Scripture:
Sing, O barren one who did not bear;
burst into song and shout,
you who have not been in labor!
For the children of the desolate woman will be more
than the children of her that is married, says the Lord.
Enlarge the site of your tent,
and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out;
do not hold back; lengthen your cords
and strengthen your stakes.
For you will spread out to the right and to the left,
and your descendants will possess the nations
and will settle the desolate towns.
Isaiah 54:1-3

Observation: Chapter 53 ends with the prophesy of Messiah, the suffering servant, sacrificed for our transgressions yet raised to the place of honor, the one who brings righteousness due to his willingness to bear our sins even to death. And here we see the outcome of that great act ... the celebration of a "barren" woman who now has more offspring than the married woman. There is a need to enlarge the tent - increase the home of the Lord - and make room for more and more people, who will possess the nations and settle everywhere.

This is the emergence of the gentile believers. The Jews are the bride of the Lord, as numerous as the stars in the sky, and yet now the barren woman - the entire rest of population outside of the Abrahamic promise - will become part of the family. They will number even more. The area they cover will be more than the promised land, but will be the entire earth, in all directions.

Again, this will come to pass as the result of the sacrifice of the suffering servant. He "bore the sin of many" and "made intercession for the transgressors", and the result is the adoption of the entire world into the family of Yahweh.

Application: I am adopted into God's own home! His tent was enlarged to make room for me. I am the child of the desolate woman, not descended from Abraham and not part of the nation of priests intended to make the Lord known to the world, and yet I am now a descendant of the Lord, for I am redeemed by Messiah, Jesus.

May I burst into song and shout for joy at this daily!

Prayer: Lord, your suffering was so great and terrible, and yet you went to the cross to save all of mankind. Thank you for your love and mercy. Forgive me when I fail to meet such simple standards you set down for my life. May I keep your suffering in my heart, and also rejoice at the fact I am now known by just one title, which is 'child of God'. Amen.

Many Truths of Burden-Bearing

Scripture: My friends, if anyone is detected in a transgression, you who have received the Spirit should restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness. Take care that you yourselves are not tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. For if those who are nothing think they are something, they deceive themselves. All must test their own work; then that work, rather than their neighbor’s work, will become a cause for pride. For all must carry their own loads. Galatians 6:1-5

Observation: In discussing ways to support one another, Paul provides the famous instruction to "bear one another's burdens" (v2). However, all around this line are several other matters being addressed. In order:

-- If a believer has a transgression, gently assist them to restoration.

-- Be careful yourself not to fall into similar transgressions.

-- Do not be prideful by considering yourself "something" (superior) when helping others.

-- Consider your own actions and behavior carefully.

-- Be concerned that you are doing rightly over how you help others do rightly.

-- Everyone must endure the life challenges God has given them.

Taken together, there is a theme. We are to love others by helping them during times of burden and hardship. However, we would do well to ensure we ourselves do not fall into transgressions and thus take on burdens, to not feel proud when we help others, and finally to be prepared ourselves to seek God's help when we have hardships in life.

Application: It is a wonderful thought to "bear one another's burdens" as a way of showing love to others. However, we must not become prideful of doing so ... simply caring for others when they have problems isn't the goal. The goal is to become strong in faith - each of us - so we can endure life due to our reliance on and trust in the Lord. When someone needs help, we do so quietly, gently, without pride that we did it, and while being weary ourselves of avoiding similar pitfalls as we could easily do.

Bearing burdens is great. Doing so properly is important. Preparing all - myself included - to be strong enough to manage burdens on our own is desired.

Prayer: Lord, I have had burdens in life. I have been quietly supported by some, and I have shouldered much of it myself. I hope that, in this way, myself and others have done as you would advise. May I be a quiet, humble burden-bearer for others, as you would guide me. Amen.

What I am Makes no Difference

Scripture: And from those who were supposed to be acknowledged leaders (what they actually were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality) — those leaders contributed nothing to me. Galatians 2:6

Observation: Paul retells the story of him going to the council of Jerusalem 15 years after his conversion. There, he presents the gospel as it has been revealed to him, and the council does not correct any part of his message while Peter, James, and John commission him as an apostle to the gentiles. 

Of the members of the council, he refers to them in this way ... that they were "supposed to be acknowledged leaders" and that it makes no difference what they actually were. Paul is dismissing the idea of titles and leadership, or at least he is clarifying the source of authority. Authority comes from the Lord, and not from position. While later he calls Peter, James, and John "pillars", this is clearly due to their authority from God that manifests as spirit-filled understanding.

The members of the council of Jerusalem were considered the leaders of the early church. Paul waves away that idea because he does not know their true credentials for leadership. Those credentials are not their position on the council but their relationship with the Lord and thus only the authority the Lord has bestowed upon them through the Holy Spirit. Anyone could be a leader, as God shows no partiality, but by faith in Jesus, and relationship with the Holy Spirit, some truly lead.

Application: What am I in the church? Some would say I am a leader, but is that only because of my position as a pastor's spouse? Do I have enough of the gifts of the spirit to actually be a leader?

I have said before that I am reaching a point where I may be considered an old, wise man of the church, especially to younger men. But am I actually anything other than just ... old? I know whom at church I acknowledge as true leaders, and that is completely based on their obvious spirit-given actions, behaviors, knowledge, wisdom, peace, and grace.

Again I see that only my relationship with the Lord - manifested in a life led by the Holy Spirit - makes a difference. No title or position is 'real' before God, except those bestowed by the Lord and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Prayer: Lord, I will strive to live by the Holy Spirit today and every day. May I consider your direction at every turn today, and in every day of my life. I often know the truth of how to live within your will, but I am only now learning how to properly live. Please forgive my past failings and my lack of understanding, and again take my hand so I may humbly walk with you. Amen.

Without a Human Commission

Scripture: Paul an apostle—sent neither by human commission nor from human authorities, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead ... For I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel that was proclaimed by me is not of human origin; for I did not receive it from a human source, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. Galatians 1:1,11-12

Observation: Paul opens his letter to the Galatians with a clear intent to make this point ... that his source of authority both as a traveling apostle and a teacher of the gospel is not human, but is from the Lord. His first sentence declares he is not sent "by human commission" or any "human authority," but by the Lord. He goes on to describe how he became knowledgeable of the gospel, which was a direct revelation from Jesus and not through any kind of study or instruction by the disciples or other church leaders. In fact, his training was in Judaism as a Pharisee, not as a Christian preacher.

There is clearly an issue with the "gospel" being discussed in Galatia, and Paul is using his own experience to clarify the authenticity of the truth. The good news of Jesus is not his opinion based on study, nor is it a concept derived from what others told him, but rather it is the truth provided by Jesus himself.

This is both the truth about the gospel, and the test for that truth ... that it come from a heavenly, inspired source. Often this therefore relates to the quality of the individual, but that can be a flawed test these days, as good sources can stumble and flawed individuals can receive true words. That latter is in fact Paul's deeper point, that as a flawed individual he was still entrusted by the Lord with the good news.

Application: Perhaps too often I rely upon my past learning in understanding the bible. I am a flawed person, but I can receive spiritual guidance about God's word, and that would be more accurate than any kind of learned knowledge I already have.

I know I have received 'words of knowledge' during my time, and I hope I have passed them on reliably. Those things could not have been from me. I hope that in days and months and years to come, that I may receive more "commissions" to encourage others, not from human authority, but from Jesus.

Prayer: Lord, may I be your servant here on earth every day. I do not seek any human commission for any kind of service, but instead I ask you just show me what you would me do. Amen.

Righteousness and Peace

Scripture:
The effect of righteousness will be peace,
and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever.
My people will abide in a peaceful habitation,
in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.
Isaiah 32:17-18

Observation: As Isaiah talks about many things and many outcomes of many issues, he also discusses the reign of peace to come. In the end, the people of the Lord will have peace and security. They will dwell in peaceful and secure homes, and enjoy rest from the problems of the world. However, there is a context to this pleasant condition. It comes from righteousness. It is in righteousness that peace exists, and by extension a quiet and trusting calmness of life.

Application: Isaiah 32:18 is one of my special verses ... that the Lord's people will abide is peace, security, and quiet rest. However, the context is important. Righteousness is in short supply, even among God's people ... and even in my own life.

As I was taught this weekend, I fail when I actively struggle to live righteously, but I can succeed when I try to live in the spirit, and by the Holy Spirit. In that manner, I can be shown God's righteousness. And in that place of righteousness, I can then live in peace, quietness, security, and trust.

I desire to live in that place! I would desire that my home, then my community, then my town, then my region, then my nation likewise find this peace. Calm is not the way, but righteousness - in the Lord as found in Jesus and guided by the Holy Spirit - is the way.

Prayer: Lord, this day and every day, may my family and my home be a place to abide in peace. May this be a secure dwelling, and a quiet, restful place. And as this depends upon me, may I seek your righteousness, by the Holy Spirit. I desire to live by the spirit. Amen.

Earthly Hopes are Useless

Scripture: And they shall be dismayed and confounded because of Ethiopia their hope and of Egypt their boast. In that day the inhabitants of this coastland will say, ‘See, this is what has happened to those in whom we hoped and to whom we fled for help and deliverance from the king of Assyria! And we, how shall we escape?’ Isaiah 20:5-6

Observation: Isaiah begins to give a series of prophesies that actually leap beyond the next events. These include elements like ... the defeat of Babylon by the hands of the Medes and Persians (even though Babylon isn't even the threat against Israel yet; Assyria is), and the fall of Jerusalem (while Israel, not Judah, is currently at risk). This passage discusses how the nations of north Africa - Egypt and Ethiopia - will be attacked by the Assyrians and thus not be a safe haven for the Israelites who fled to there, despite the fact that the Israelites ... have not yet fled.

So this is really a warning against fleeing at all. Fleeing to a strong neighbor like Egypt, or to a more distant place like Ethiopia, will be of no use. There is no earthly hope, no earthly deliverance. In this world, when hardship comes, it is often the reaction to struggle and fight, even surrendering earthly material goods and enduring shame, in an effort to survive. This does not work.

Application: When hardship comes - and it will come - the only source of hope and refuge and protection and deliverance is the Lord. Any kind of earthly protection can be lost, attacked, and removed. Even protections sought at personal cost can fail us.

My help comes from the Lord, creator of heaven and earth. My hope is in Jesus Christ, our rock and sure foundation. The Lord is my refuge and my strength, and great protector in times of trouble. There is no place I can go, no think I could own, that can provide for my life beyond what the Lord himself gives and does for me.

Prayer: Lord, my trust is in you. Please be with me and my family this day and every day. Do not let us be ashamed in the eyes of men, nor let us fear for life or health or want. Instead, let me and my house praise you this day and every day. Amen.

Another Lesson on Worldly Logic

Scripture: I ask that when I am present I need not show boldness by daring to oppose those who think we are acting according to human standards. Indeed, we live as human beings, but we do not wage war according to human standards; for the weapons of our warfare are not merely human, but they have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every proud obstacle raised up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to obey Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:2-5

Observation: Paul again instructs Christians about the critical concept of truth, and instruction is clear ... truth is what God says is truth, and not what the world declares. As such, comparing one's actions, behaviors, ideals, and morality to "human" (or earthly or flesh-based) definitions is a failure of faith.

We are not to "wage war" - debate truth - based on human standards, and we are not to fight against flaws in earthly logic using earthly logic. When others use earthly arguments to express descent against God and Jesus, we do not use counter-logic. Instead, we simply pray and obey the leading of Christ. Sometimes, the Holy Spirit will guide our wise words or response. Other times, the Holy Spirit may just give us strength to silently endure. However, we never argue, or even live, according to the standards of this world, but rather by the standards of our Lord.

Application: Even just half an hour ago, I was concerned in my mind about some recent Youtube videos I had seen promoted that declared the fallacies of the bible. I can easily think about how I would debate and debunk such lies. However, certainly doing so is almost as wrong as the original attack against the Lord. Refuting man-made logic with man-made logic is wrong. The only proper response to any kind of earthly logic is to seek only God's wisdom.

Earthly logic today involves ... revisionist history about social dynamics, primacy of social issues, enforcement of various social and behavioral norms, almost any political conversation, many moral laws. Only arguments founded in Christ should be brought against such ideas, and even then only at a time and place that God would choose. In the end, debating such things is almost always counterproductive to our ability to deliver the Gospel, and that goal needs to trump all other messages.

Prayer: Lord, may I have a peace in my heart, inspired and safeguarded by you, to not engage the world. We have so many issue stirring around us, but I know they are almost meaningless except by the context of a need for others to hear about Jesus. May I have the ability to always and only engage in that context. Amen.

Saying Good Morning to God

Scripture:
Praise the Lord!
O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
for his steadfast love endures forever.
Psalm 106:1

Observation: So very many of the psalms begin with almost these exact words. Perhaps there is some added modifier, but they begin with this ... Hallelujah, give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his love endures forever. The begin by declaring the wonderful Hebrew word for praise the Lord, thank him for his goodness, and profess his eternal love.

There are 150 psalms. At least 11 begin with some version of this opening. It is as if this is the natural and proper way to say 'good morning' to the Lord. And it is ... beginning with praise for the Lord and declaring that the source and cause of that praise is his love and goodness. Before anything else, from requesting help, to confessing sin, to admitting helplessness, to declaring joy, this is an example of how a conversation with the Lord should begin ... praising him for his love and goodness.

Application: When I do my devotions in the morning, my day with the Lord begins with whatever thought the devotions bring. However, my first words to him may be more about helping me, or showing me some truth, or calming my mind. I might get around to praising him and thanking him, and more rarely will I state the source of that thanks being his love.

Beginning the day - the conversation with God - with a sincere Hallelujah is not only appropriate, but should almost be uncontrollable. It expresses immediate praise and thanks for another day ahead, for joys and provision to come, and all bound in the eternal love of my heavenly father. It isn't just the appropriate declaration to the Lord, but a life-giving declaration for my own heart.

Prayer: Hallelujah!! Abba, my father in heaven, you are so good to me, and your great and boundless love is truly eternal. I praise you today from my heart and from my mouth. Again I say, Hallelujah! Amen.

Perception in a New Context

Scripture: From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way. So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! 2 Corinthians 5:16-17

Observation: Verse 16 of this chapter is often quoted ... if anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation! However, there is further context to this statement. While alone this verse addresses the new life we all receive by faith in Jesus, in context it is about how we are actually to interact and consider each one another as believers. We are no longer to consider each other as earthly beings - from 'a human point of view' - but rather we are to regard each other as these new creations. Those around us are different, and we ourselves and our perceptions are different.

As believers, we are to consider everything in the context of our salvation. Us as a new creation means that everything we see is different to us. In addition, others as new creations are different to us as well. There is not one thing - person or otherwise - that we should be evaluating, judging, considering, or perceiving in the same way we did or would have before we believed in Jesus and received the Holy Spirit. Instead, everything should be understood in the context of salvation, the promise of God's love:

-- All creation is for our enjoyment

-- All challenges are for our learning

-- All riches are gifts from our father

-- All sadness makes us long for heaven

-- All joy give us cause to rejoice in the Lord

As for fellow believers:

-- All are forgiven by God

-- All have nothing to do with their former selves

-- All sincerely wish to do good even when they fall short, just like us

And regarding believers and unbelievers alike:

-- All are loved by God equally

-- All have struggles we do not know

-- All have a hope whether they know it or not

-- All actually desire the same thing ... to know their purpose in the Lord

Application: Could I truly apply this principle to my daily walk ... that everything in the world is something that I should perceive differently than I would without Jesus? Most of the time ... yes. I see creation as the wonder of the Lord, and something we truly enjoy. I see blessing from Abba, and I see teaching from Yahweh, and I even see persecution and hate from others toward me as evidence of faith and how the evil of this world hates Jesus.

I struggle most with how I perceive believers. I can easily be sad for unbelievers, but I fail to give grace to my brothers and sisters in Christ. I do this despite the fact that I am such a sinner myself. They - and I - are new creations in Christ, and I need to realized my newness of perception and their newness of continued growth.

Prayer: Lord, may your Spirit be upon me today and every day as I interact with the people and the world around me. I am a new creation, so may I use only the lens of the promised salvation to see others. When I interact with believers, may that lens be doubled in a way that removes their rough edges, and I can only see their hearts for you, as I would wish they see me. Amen.

Holy Holy Holy

A little traditional ... a little modern ...