Understanding God's Guidance Retroactively

Scripture: I am pleased to tell you about the miracles and wonders the Most High God has done for me.
How great are his miracles,
and how mighty his wonders!
His kingdom is an eternal kingdom,
and his dominion is from generation to generation.
Daniel 4:2-3

Observation: Daniel 4 is written by King Nebuchadnezzar himself, and is a story of how he encountered the Lord. He has a dream that he will be laid low out of pride and arrogance, but then recover. He is then super-prideful and arrogant, is made mad for seven years, then recovers. It is from this - and his other encounters with Yahweh through Daniel and other Jews in his court - that he declares belief in the Lord and writes this pronouncement to the kingdom about all "the Most High God has done for me."

However, in truth this chapter tells the story of ... just one encounter with the Lord, and it actually is humbling and difficult for Nebuchadnezzar. In it, Yahweh removes his sanity, makes him live like a humiliated animal, then restores him. This isn't really a positive thing the Lord did ... it is a hardship that interrupted the king's 'normal'. Instead, through this Nebuchadnezzar has learned and discovered two facts:

1) Yahweh is the "most high" Lord over all heaven and earth.

2) Yahweh was always the one giving Nebuchadnezzar his kingdom and authority.

This second fact is openly declared by Israel's prophets over and over again, beginning years before Babylon invaded Judah the first time. Nebuchadnezzar has now learned of that. He has had a personal encounter with the Lord, causing him to awaken to both his reality and authority, and discovered that in fact all of the king's power and authority came from the Lord. In this, it is the Lord who has dominion over earthly kingdoms, and always has and always will.

The "miracles" and "wonders" - plural - were not the healing of the king's madness after first striking him mad. They were everything the Lord had always been doing for Nebuchadnezzar long before he ever even considered conquering the lands of Assyria, Egypt, Israel, and Judah. Nebuchadnezzar learned that the Lord always had his eye upon him, had always been blessing him as an instrument to serve his purposes, and that the king himself is just an individual functioning with the authority of the Lord's eternal kingdom.

Application: I am reminded today of the truth of my own salvation ... that the Lord always had his eye upon me, and guided me in life even when I didn't know it.

I often think of how my life would be different if I had taken other paths ... attended a different college, gone into a different profession, dated someone different, found and pursued a different career passion. These were all 'forks in the road' and decisions I made without ever consulting God, and truly during times when I was at best turning away from him if not disbelieving in him. Yet I am reminded of how pointless such hypotheticals are because the Lord God almighty - the "Most High God" - was actually ordering my steps all along.

This isn't a matter of the Lord getting me to 'a good place' regardless of what path I took. It is that God guided my path all along. My life is the result of his love, and not just the life I have now, but the life I had all along for years and years before I really and truly knew him.

I have more life to live, and more need for direction and decisions about where I will go. Like Nebuchadnezzar, I do love that the Lord had seen me through hardship, but I am also aware that he was delivering long before I ever even called upon him. I am not worthy of the life the Lord has given me, but I am thankful he has done so.

Prayer: Lord, you are the Most High God. You are my Lord and savior. You are Yahweh, the creator of heaven and earth. I praise you and thank you for all you have done in my life, and not just in recent years but all throughout my life. Remove from me any thoughts about my life that do not bring you glory, and let me find your next steps for me every day going forward. Again I ask, may I walk holding your hand. Amen.

Embracing Life as a Non-Gentile

Scripture: Conduct yourselves honorably among the Gentiles*, so that when they slander you as evildoers, they will observe your good works and will glorify God on the day he visits. 1 Peter 2:12

Observation: In discussing the status of believers, Peter tells us to be honorable among the "gentiles". The word here can also be translated as the "nations" or the "pagans". It is not "non-Jews", but rather any person who does not have belief in the Lord. Peter has preceded this instruction by discussing the differences between believers and non-believers. He makes reference to over a dozen Old Testament passages about the future believers of Messiah being a chosen race, royal priesthood, and holy people. Meanwhile, those who don't believe have run into the "stumbling block" that is Jesus, and have opted into a destiny to trip and fall.

It must be noted that, in the present time, these two roles seem reversed. As the chosen and beloved people, we will be slandered - labeled as evildoers - by people who run society despite being destined to fall and fail. This is the way of faith in Jesus ... those who reject Jesus will be accountable for their decision, yet they also oppress, suppress, and proclaim falsely against those who believe. Meanwhile, we believers do not revel in victory, but rather simply labor in our good works, anticipating the glorification of Jesus. We submit to human authority, even as they oppress our faith and ignore the truth, allowing the Lord to exercise judgment in his time.

Application: I am an exile living in the world of the gentiles. Nothing could be clearer. This is the lesson taught by Daniel, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Micah, Malichai, Jesus, Paul, James, and Peter. At least.

I often feel bad for myself, understanding that I am slandered by non-believers, I am criticized for believing the truth about Jesus, I am ridiculed for faith in God, and my proper response to all of this is supposed to be silent endurance and respect given to public leaders up to the point of crossing any line associated with God's laws.

However, I am beginning to realize that I feel bad for Christians who do not yet understand this dynamic. They tend to fight and be angry. They create strife, which translates to hardship and stress in their lives. They may win arguments, but they don't win souls. They are missing out on one of the Lord's blessings, which is experiencing how he cares for his "chosen people", the exiles cast into the gentile world.

I am not a Jew. And I am not a gentile. I am a disciple of Jesus, adopted by that faith into the family of the Lord God almighty. I am an exile without an earthly home, but with a wonderful home within the kingdom of God.

Prayer: Lord, please show me your will this day. May I serve you in their foreign land, and by my life may your light shine into the dark places of this world. Amen.

Considering my Proper Station

Scripture:
Lord, my heart is not proud;
my eyes are not haughty.
I do not get involved with things
too great or too wondrous for me.
Instead, I have calmed and quieted my soul
like a weaned child with its mother;
my soul is like a weaned child.
Psalm 131:1-2

Observation: As the psalmist considers the proper attitude of a faithful person and claims that faith for himself, he compares himself to a weaned child. A weaned child is in a unique stage in life. It is no longer fully dependent on its mother's milk for nutrition, but is now able to consume anything. That said, it is still a child, with little ability to actually hunt and gather its own food. In other words, it is capable of eating whatever is edible, but is not capable of actually finding and preparing such food. There is a very limited independence, but a broad and general dependence.

In this position, pride is impossible. One has so little ability to actually survive on one's own that their heart cannot be prideful, their eyes cannot be haughty. Such a child cannot get involved in anything great or wonderous or important. Just because the child can eat steak, that doesn't mean it can become a cattle rancher.

Application: The more I look at my professional position, the more I understand how little I can do. I do not have some of the basic skills of business management. I should not really be involved in any important endeavor. I am just a child, capable of eating (understanding) everything, but incapable of running anything important.

And the Lord reminds me, this is exactly where I should want to be. I should not want to be prideful in success, or desirous of advancement into a greater position or calling. Instead of all this, I should simply want to calm and quiet my soul, and find peace in the Lord.

Prayer: Lord, as you know I have concern about my position and career. This concern is not about some grand advancement of myself, but rather just for security of income and stability for my family. Here and now, and surrender this to you. May I simply calm and quiet my soul, and though I can consume anything, I fully trust that you will be the one who provides for me. I can earn and obtain nothing for myself, so I will not strive to do so. I will have no pride in any position, and I have no desire to get involved in anything too great for my station. I rely upon you alone, and simply desire to do my best work, where I am. Wherever you have placed me is certainly my proper station in life. Amen.

In an Unidentified Location

Scripture: In visions of God he took me to the land of Israel and set me down on a very high mountain. On its southern slope was a structure resembling a city. Ezekiel 40:2

Observation: Ezekiel is about to have a vision of a grand temple. It is a truly amazing place, with walls 10 feet high and 10 feet thick, entry gates that are 100 feet high ... 7 stories tall!! It has major facilities for the processing of the daily sacrifices, places for priests to work, dedicated facilities for worship, and rooms for visitors to meet and eat. And Ezekiel is seeing all this after he has been in Babylon for 25 years, and 14 years after the total destruction of Jerusalem and the temple.

He knows for certain that not only is the temple of Solomon destroyed, but it has been lying in ruin for a long, long time, without any level of care or repair. It is never coming back as it was. Therefore, this is certainly something new and not just a repaired temple. And perhaps the most important element of this new temple is its location ... or lack thereof.

Ezekiel knows he is in the land of Israel, but he is absolutely not in Jerusalem. He is on a high mountain, seeing the temple that resembles a city in its own right. If he were in Jerusalem, he would know it. In addition, he would see Jerusalem as the city and the temple within it. That is not the vision. It isn't just that this temple is new, but it's in a new, unidentified location. It may be within the land of Israel, but other than that it is not associated with any other manmade landmark.

Application: The idea of temple sacrifice is very complex, but the idea of the Lord's throne may be easier to understand. I don't really understand anything about the Ark of the Covenant, or the "mercy seat" between the cherubim on top of it, or the inner chamber behind the great curtain, or gold-lined walls with gold lamps with gold pomegranates, or ... well, any of that. But I do get that, in heaven, the Lord is rules over the universe and all that is in it, seated on his throne, with the prayers of believers coming to him as if by a sacrifice, a pleasing aroma.

Was Ezekiel's temple supposed to be a place built someday? Was - or is - that supposed to be in Jerusalem? Was this a metaphor for the 'new' form or worship and sacrifice coming with Jesus? Was this another example and model of the Lord's throne room given at a new time, like the tabernacle was given to Moses, and the first temple was given to David? If so, it won't be the last, as another such vision will be given to John in Revelation ... and there may be others who have received others for all I know.

In the end, I don't really care where this temple is located. My hope is that I will get to see the true 'temple' in heaven. I will get to worship the Lord in the company of billions of saints, praising his name and pronouncing that he is indeed holy, holy, holy. I will spend time in the courtyards in the light of the Lord. I will rejoice and serve and celebrate as the Lord would have us all do.

Prayer: Lord, may your kingdom be brought here on earth, in the forms you would have it done. I know that means we are in a time of serving you through our faith in Jesus, and spreading his gospel of hope. This is not one location, but it is everywhere, and I hope we can bring your glory everywhere. Amen.

Works as Response, not Compliance

Scripture: Wasn’t Abraham our father justified by works in offering Isaac his son on the altar? ... In the same way, wasn’t Rahab the prostitute also justified by works in receiving the messengers and sending them out by a different route? James 2:21,25

Observation: As James discusses the idea of being justified by "works and not by faith alone" (v24), he gives these two examples of 'works'. One is how Abraham responded to the idea of sacrificing his only son ... despite it making no sense, he proceeded with the instructions. The second is a bit more evocative. Rahab, a non-Jewish prostitute in Jerico, had heard of the coming invasion of Israel and believed that their God Yahweh was great and powerful, and that they would win. She therefore helped the spies who came to the city as they were being searched for, giving them hiding, and then aiding their escape.

Neither of these 'works' involve legal compliance. There was no law when Abraham was around, and later on the law itself is opposed to murder and God declares he never asks for child sacrifice. Rahab did not know the Jewish law, and her actions of hiding and aiding spies has not context within the law. Rahab did not even really 'hear' any instructions from God.

Instead, both of these involve a basic idea of responding to a belief in the Lord. Abraham had deep faith and great faith, so acted when God told him to. Rahab had just a general understanding that Israel had a true God, and she believed in the authority of that God, and thus acted in alignment with the belief that God would destroy her city and she wanted to survive.

In other words, James is defining 'works' as any action that has, as its motivation, faith and belief that the Lord is acting within a situation, and our actions should align to that understanding. It is this kind of work - action taken because we believe in what God is doing - that justifies us before God.

Application: I fail to comply with the Lord's instructions in my life every day, often badly. These are the sins that sacrifices were intended to cover over, and that my faith in Jesus now covers. It is by that faith I am purified, blameless before the Lord despite my terrible thoughts and actions.

However, how am I doing at 'works' ... the idea that I would do normal, everyday things, simply because I am guided to the idea that they advance the kingdom of heaven. If time permits, I will go to church today to set up tables and chairs for Alpha. I have worked at two of the three lights setup Saturdays and will likely serve at a half-dozen nights during December.

I should do more. I see how God works, both within my church but also in other places. I see his gentle and loving hand even in community settings that are in no way Christian, and in fact are definitively non-Christian. The word James gives for acting within such scenarios is "work", and explicitly a kind of work that justifies us before God, beyond just faith.

Yes, I need to comply with the Lord's laws and precepts. Yes, I need to continue my faith and belief in Jesus Christ as my redeemer. But yes, I also need to respond to the Lord with work.

Prayer: Lord, I do ask for your forgiveness of my sins, for they are an affront to you. May I be washed clean again today by faith in Jesus. And from that faith, may I serve you with my hands, doing practical work for your kingdom. Amen.

Behaving as Instructed

Scripture: My dear brothers and sisters, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for human anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness. James 1:19-20

Observation: In the great lessons of James is this. First, that in our interactions we should be very open to listening to others, but we should not respond (speak or judgment) quickly, and we should not anger easily. Second, that this action is an effort toward righteousness, for our human anger is not a path toward righteousness. Of course, we learn from elsewhere that spiritual gifts like peace, kindness, and gentleness are a part of righteous living.

Application: This verse echos in me a lyric from one of my favorite bands ...

   Quick to judge, quick to anger,

   Slow to understand.

   Ignorance and prejudice

   And fear walk hand in hand.

While I am confident the lyricist was not Christian, he was certainly in some way familiar with James' teaching. In chapter 1, James talks about pursuing both wisdom and righteousness. Those who have neither are ignorant and prejudicial - practically the opposite of wise and righteous - and they act in fear (opposite of faith). And how do they behave? They are judgmental (not slow to speak) and hot-headed (not slow to anger) and do not understand (not listening).

James wrote his lesson in the first century AD. The referenced song is from 1981. The negative traits being addressed by both are effectively the modus operandi of social interaction today.

I strongly believe that the book of James is an important instruction manual for Christians. I also believe I am falling short of obeying James' instructions. I am much better at the anger part than I once was, but I struggle to listen to some viewpoints, and have much to say on some viewpoints (though again I am very much better on this second item than I used to be). I do want to live in a manner that reflects James' instructions. I want to be peaceful and gentle, listening way more than I speak, perhaps because of don't see the need to say everything. I want wisdom that comes from the Holy Spirit, which in turn involves righteous faith, making way for "the implanted word" of the Lord.

I do not live in fear. I strive not to live in ignorance or prejudice. I would like to listen much more, speak much less, and have human anger never.

Prayer: Lord, may I strive to live more as James would teach me to live, and all the more every day. Amen.

Balance Stewardship, Hoarding, Blessing, and Greed

Scripture:
Know well the condition of your flock,
and pay attention to your herds,
for wealth is not forever;
not even a crown lasts for all time.
When hay is removed and new growth appears
and the grain from the hills is gathered in,
lambs will provide your clothing,
and goats, the price of a field;
there will be enough goat’s milk for your food—
food for your household
and nourishment for your female servants.
Proverbs 27:23-27

Observation: This proverb offers practical advice about the handling of finances, and that advice is simple ... pay attention to it and actively manage it. Flocks and the harvest of the field are the income, revenue, and assets of the day, and the wise person does not just passively accept 'wealth'. The wise harvests the field and ensures the next harvest begins healthy, he uses assets to both provide for his own needs, and invest in future growth. By doing these things, his household will have what it needs.

However, this picture of attentive management of wealth and income appears to promote self-sufficiency, which can seem contrary to faith and trust in God's blessing. Even today's other reading in Hebrews says to "keep your life free from the love of money. Be satisfied with what you have, for he himself has said, 'I will never leave you or abandon you.'" (v13:5). Hebrews goes on to remind us that the Lord is our provider and helper, and thus we should not fear (v6). These are verses in Hebrews, but are directly taken from the Old Testament in Deuteronomy and Psalms.

And this is the balance of believers when it comes to money. We know the love of money is bad. We know we 'cannot serve both God and money' ... that we must not make money a pursuit of our hearts, an idol in our lives. We have faith in God's blessings and provisions. We want to - and do - give money to both his house and his causes. We understand and comply with the tithe. And yet, God also says that the wise person ... cares about money, takes actions to increase their income, manages assets and makes new investments. Wealth is not forever, but when one has it they are to be active in securing, growing, banking, and using it.

The balance to be found is in understanding how the Lord provides blessing. Sometimes he provides us with blessings that seems to come through our own hard work, yet we must understand that the Lord's hand is upon that work. Sometimes he provides blessings through our giving that aids others, and we must understand this is completely part of his design in giving us commands about giving.

Application: My wife and I have spent a lot of time recently managing wealth. We have sold one house and bought another, while also spending on updates and maintenance to our primary home. This has required us to both pay attention to our budget, but also to consider assets we have and how they are invested and allocated. We have been very active in doing all these things.

But what I see when I do this activity is not my earnings, for I absolutely and sincerely know that I am not worthy to earn what I do. Over and over, I see the Lord's blessing. If my flocks increase, it is by his hand as the owner of every sheep on every hill. If my fields produce a good yield, it is by the water and sunshine he sent, and the rich ground he has given me.

I cannot hoard or find pride in what I know is not truly mine. The earth is the Lord's, and all that is in it. May whatever I do have for this temporary time - for wealth is not forever - only reflect his blessing and his love, not toward me but toward others.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you this day for my daily bread. You have loved me far beyond what I have ever deserved. May I use your blessing for your glory, and as a steward of your blessing may my attention to the flocks and the fields produce for your kingdom. Amen.

Never Seek Personal Wisdom

Scripture: Yes, you are wiser than Daniel; no secret is hidden from you! By your wisdom and understanding you have acquired wealth for yourself. You have acquired gold and silver for your treasuries. Ezekiel 28:3-4

Observation: For at least the second time (maybe more), Ezekiel invokes the wisdom of Daniel. Daniel and Ezekiel are contemporaries, and may have even been acquaintances, as they were both members of the first wave of exiles taken from Jerusalem. Ezekiel became just an exile, who was then called to a very specific prophetic mission. Daniel was made an officer in the king's palace, where his submission to the word of God made him the eventual leader of the magi ... the wise men.

In other words, Daniel is known to all of Babylon as the wisest of the wise, and his faith is at least understood by - if known personally known to - Ezekiel. So pronouncing the king of Tyre wiser than Daniel is no small thing. Ezekiel says the king of Tyre knows every secret, and by his own wisdom he has acquired great wealth. However, he is about to pronounce another statement ... that by being prideful in that personal wisdom, he is about to be completely destroyed.

Daniel was not 'wise' by his own knowledge, but rather because he received revelation from the Lord, and was wise enough to listen to the Lord. The king of Tyre is exactly the opposite. He is 'wise' by his own knowledge, never seeking the Lord. As a result, his actions of betrayed the Lord and his people, and doom will now be upon him.

Application: The lesson couldn't be more obvious ... personal wisdom is dangerous. Personal wisdom leads to arrogance, and leads away from dependency upon the Lord.

I am sure Daniel was super-smart. However, he used his intelligence to seek and then understand the Lord's guidance. This is true wisdom, a fact we are reminded of over and over again in scriptures. Someone like the king of Tyre was SO smart that God himself declared him "wiser than Daniel". However, using that intelligence to solve problems on your own is a path to destruction.

I no longer want to be smart in a way where I can solve problems with my own logic. I would rather find God's instructions to every problem, and to know that my own intelligence is meaningless. I know I'll never be Daniel, but I sure don't want to even come close to being the king of Tyre.

Prayer: Lord, may I seek your will in all matters, today and every day. I do not want to lean on my own understanding, be it related to my life, my work, my family, or my plans. And when I say 'thy will be done', may it be clear I am not just referring to everything in your kingdom, but also to my very life itself. Amen.

I Know you Will

When the world's on fire

It's not like you don't have a plan ...

Nothing has ever once surprised you.

Routinely Working the Grill

Scripture: Every priest stands day after day ministering and offering the same sacrifices time after time, which can never take away sins. Hebrews 10:11

Observation: The general lesson in this part of Hebrews is that the ritual sacrifices of Israel were always insufficient. They weren't even intended to BE sufficient, for even the Old Testament says they were not truly what the Lord desired, and they did not absolve sin. Jesus - his death, and our acceptance of and faith in his resurrection power - is the only sufficient sacrifice that provides sanctification.

Yet for centuries, priests operated at the alter. They slit the throats of sheep and goats and cattle, poured out their blood, butchered their bodies, then roasted the meat on the fire. They did these things by the hundreds - probably even thousands - day in and day out, for literally hundreds and hundreds of years. As the writer says, they stood day after day, offering the same sacrifices time after time ... and those actions were incapable of accomplishing the most desired outcome of taking away sins.

These priests had the most holy and honored of all professions, working in the temple, standing before the Lord, and performing the most profound task of presenting to the Lord the tithes, offerings, sacrifices, hopes, and prayers of the people ... the pleasing aroma to God. Yet what they were really doing was ... working over the hot grill, doing a redundant, repetitive task. But they did it obediently.

Application: As I consider my daily life, this pretty much summarizes it ... I am doing redundant, repetitive tasks, that in truth have no real long-term outcome, and do not produce any result that would permanently achieve any goal, let alone a heavenly objective. So the test is, do I do it obediently anyway?

Most of the time, the answer to that question would be ... mostly. I do my job. I 'exceed expectations' almost all the time. And yet looking back, I see decades of work that has almost no residual evidence of tangible delivery. Systems have been replaced. Operations have been changed. Teams have been reorganized. Even companies have been wiped from existence.

I have routinely worked, doing similar tasks over and over, and it is likely that my work has never accomplished its objectives in the long-term. However, I should still be doing it obediently, because it is work given to me by the Lord. And I should consider that, as the Lord watches over me, I am doing this work as I stand before him. Therefore, it is worth doing, it is worth doing well, and it is definitely worth doing in a manner that honors him.

Prayer: Lord, may I be daily renewed in my desire to serve you well, by serving others well, and in using my earthly employment to do so. Yes, there are divine appointments in my day, but there are also routine tasks that likely have little future impact, yet I desire to do them well. From a discussion of faith, to a meeting about cloud architecture, may I perform in a manner that honors you. Amen.

Descent is Not Permanent

Scripture: Now suppose he has a son who sees all the sins his father has committed, and though he sees them, he does not do likewise. ... He keeps his hand from harming the poor, not taking interest or profit on a loan. He practices my ordinances and follows my statutes. Such a person will not die for his father’s iniquity. He will certainly live. Ezekiel 18:14,17

Observation: The Lord clarifies for Israel how his judgment works. He judges people by their own actions. In this passage, he reviews three generations ... a man who does right, then a son who commits all kinds of sins, then his son who "does not do likewise" and follows the ordinance and statutes of the Lord. The message is clear that each man will be judged by his own actions, AND that each will be rejudged based on their decisions to violate God's instructions or repent of their actions.

Application: In my despair about the direction of morality in our nation is this promise ... that the Lord knows that such behaviors can change generation-to-generation, and that even the worst sinners can also repent and be forgiven. The descent into immorality and rejection of the Lord is not permanent, but instead the decisions are for each person - each generation - to decide for themselves. In addition, each generation receives the judgment of the Lord for themselves, but also with an open invitation to repent and receive anew the promises of God.

As I continue to lament about conversations with my friends related to their children, I hold to both these ideas. No one's descent is permanent. An individual can correct their path, and certainly a future generation can make decisions for themselves. This is the declaration of the Lord God.

Prayer: Lord, as we often pray for revival in our land, may it be tied to this truth, that individuals can still make decisions to align their lives to your statutes and promises without any curse being passed to them by parents or children. Amen.

A Type of False Prophet

Scripture: My hand will be against the prophets who see false visions and speak lying divinations. They will not be present in the council of my people or be recorded in the register of the house of Israel, and they will not enter the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am the Lord God. Ezekiel 13:9

Observation: Throughout this section, the Lord is declaring the following through Ezekiel ... back in Judah, Jerusalem is going to be destroyed due to the continued sins of the people, and no amount of hopeful declarations to the contrary will change that. In fact, those who declare such hope are false prophets. They have set up these false hopes believing they demonstrate faith that the Lord will protect his people, but actually they are "idols" because they are given precedence over the truth that the Lord is communicating.

In all cases, anyone who speaks about things that were not declared by the Lord - even if those things are good and loving and hopeful - those people are false prophets. They will receive no reward for their misplaced faith and practices.

Application: I am a person who declares hope in the Lord over and over, who seeks God's forgiveness for the people of this land, who sees the sins and wonders what the Lord will do to either recover or condemn. All the while, I fail to acknowledge how truly terrible I as a believer and disciple of Jesus. I blatantly sin and openly criticize others' sins. I condemn inactivity while avoiding service. I wonder at others' lack of faith that produces struggles, even in the midst of my failures.

I would set myself up as someone who claims to know what the Lord wants others to do and teach, while I actively ignore and even reject what he tells me to do and say.

Ezekiel is clear as to my fate - this is the declaration of the Lord God - I will not be present in the council of the Lord's people or be recorded in the register, and I will not enter into his promise.

Prayer: Lord, I fall on your mercy, and pray forgiveness for my ways, my sins, my thoughts, my actions, and my arrogance in even thinking I am in any way deserving of your lovekindness. I don't just struggle, I fail, and in my pride I reject your correction and your word and your direction. I ask for your guidance, they actively push you away to follow my own path. I know today I am the worst kind of disciple, the one critical of other disciples while being all the worse. Again I beg forgiveness. I am not worthy of your Holy Spirit to guide me, but relying on your mercy I ask for it. Heal my mind and my heart, O Lord, so that my soul and my body may walk on your path again this day. In the name of my savior Jesus I pray, amen.

Listing the Basics of Belief

Scripture: Therefore, let us leave the elementary teaching about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works, faith in God, teaching about ritual washings, laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. Hebrews 6:1-2

Observation: The writer of Hebrews calls the readers "immature" in their understanding of faith, and encourages them to embrace maturity. To that ends, he says he will not cover the basics or "elementary teaching about Christ", and lists what those basic concepts are. Those topics include:

-- Obtaining repentance through works aka acts of compliance

-- Basic faith in Yahweh

-- The truth about Jewish rituals

-- The power of prayer through laying on of hands

-- Promised eternal life in heaven

-- A juxtaposed understanding of hell

These basics could be summarized in three statements ... in fact, these are likely the "elementary teaching about Christ" referenced:

1) The promise of Jesus Christ is eternal life through faith in the Lord and Jesus.

2) As believers in Christ, our mission is to love and care for others, guiding them to faith and hope.

3) Without faith, and no amount of good works, compliance with The Law, or ritualistic practices can purify anyone, saving them from future judgment.

Application: As "The Church" evolved over the years, we tried to make it complex. This is evidenced in the evolution of various creeds and decrees of the church created over the centuries. And yes, there are complexities regarding faith and the will of God that are difficult to unpack and fully understand.

However, I am thankful that - at its core - God gave us not only a gift of salvation, but the promise of that salvation being achieved through basic belief in Jesus Christ.

I believe in Yahweh, the Lord God almighty, Abba and creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus, the Christ and Messiah, the heavenly son of God, my savior who bore my sins on the cross, died, resurrected, and ascended into heaven.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the very being of God come to earth as God's wisdom and power to indwell within mankind, who provides assistance and ability to fulfill the purposes of the Lord here in his earthly kingdom.

I believe that, by these beliefs, I am an adopted child of God, forgiven of my sins, purified in love, with a promise of life everlasting in the perfect presence of the Lord.

Prayer: Lord, as I say often, may thy will be done. Amen.

Refining the Mission Parameters

Scripture: I will make your tongue stick to the roof of your mouth, and you will be mute and unable to be a mediator for them, for they are a rebellious house. But when I speak with you, I will open your mouth, and you will say to them, ‘This is what the Lord God says.’ Let the one who listens, listen, and let the one who refuses, refuse—for they are a rebellious house. Ezekiel 3:26-27

Observation: In the first three chapters of Ezekiel, the Lord appears to Ezekiel and tells him what he is to do, but it is refined each time. First, the Lord tells him he is going as a prophet to the exiles of Israel, and will say what the Lord commands him to say. The Lord gives him a scroll to eat, but no words to say (2:3-3:11). The Lord returns a week later and tells Ezekiel his words will be a watchman; He will tell Ezekiel warnings about what the people are doing, and Ezekiel must give those warnings without fail. He will be held accountable if he fails to warn others, but will be blameless if he gives the warnings and they are ignored (3:17-21). The Lord then sends Ezekiel to a new place, where he makes him mute ... Ezekiel cannot speak at all, unless and until the Lord gives him the specific words to say, then he will be able to speak (3:22-27).

In every encounter, the Lord changes the conditions of the calling. The call becomes more and more specific, with added parameters. At first, it is simply that Ezekiel will be a prophet. Later, he is told what the nature and purpose of his prophesy will be, and rules about his complicity with the calling. Finally, he is given added restrictions about his non-prophetic actions and words. At each step, therefore, the call becomes more focused, and in the end Ezekiel's prophetic calling is narrowed down to a specific topic, without any physical ability for him to even try to speak on anything else.

Application: The Lord gives his universal Church a broad mission - to make disciples - and then gives individual congregations variations in their heart about how to do this, and also gives individuals the skills and abilities to do specific elements of that call. That is one example of how the Lord refines the mission parameters, however I believe the example of Ezekiel makes this more personal.

Certainly most of us are not called through such a grand experience as Ezekiel had. That said, when we receive a call on our lives, it will probably be fine-tuned. That tuning may include ... specific location, targeted people-groups, explicit/limited message, and even objective outcomes. That tuning itself may be revealed over time. Ezekiel received a mission, but was wise enough to wait to act until the Lord gave him words and further instructions.

I am not sure I have received my mission yet. Then again, while I have a heart for evangelism, I do know that my understanding of my strengths and engagement in evangelism has been refined over time, as I have become an administrator/organizer of outreach events, targeted specifically to our local community, and often involving larger public holidays that are celebrated by non-believers. Has all this represented both my call, and a refinement of my mission?

Prayer: Lord, you know we would all love to receive a call and mission as clearly as some 'bible heroes' did. That said, your guidance when you give us a call, and your Spirit to give us the ability to perform that call, is such a great way to experience you. May I be worthy of serving you as we head into another Christmas season, and may I remain strong in body and spirit to do so well, in your name. Amen.

Considering the Executioner's Sword

Scripture: For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. No creature is hidden from him, but all things are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give an account. Hebrews 4:12-13

Observation: The writer of Hebrews is clear in this passage ... everyone has heard the truth about the Lord, and about Jesus as Messiah, yet only those who believe the good news will enter "the Lord's rest". Those who do not believe will not. In defining this division, the author quotes Old Testament scripture - primarily Psalm 95 but also Genesis 2 - using these passages to demonstrate the clear articulation of a separation of mankind ... those who believe, and those who do not.

It is that context that defines how the word of God is "sharper than any double-edged sword." It is, in fact, here to penetrate, separate, and divide the world. It will make this division based on how it judges the thoughts and intents of every human heart. No one can hide from that judgment, for our hearts are easily exposed to the Lord's word, and we must give an account of how we receive that word. That account is ... do we believe it, or not?

This passage is well known, yet even darker than most acknowledge. This isn't about the sword of God we arm ourselves with for protection, as Paul describes. This is about God wielding the sword, which is in fact his very word, as an executioner's sword. It will divide mankind, allowing those who believe the word in their very hearts to enter the Lord's rest, but those who do not believe will not enter that rest.

Application: I am actually comforted by this, as I know that in my heart I love the Lord, and believe in Jesus Christ as my savior and redeemer, the son of God. I fall short of obedience to God's word when it comes to prescribed teachings, actions, and behaviors. However, I believe in God's word as the inspired word of God, fully true, and a revelation pertaining to salvation through faith in the Messiah.

There will be a separation someday. I embrace the promise to enter into the Lord's seventh-day rest, a Sabbath that remains for God's people.

Prayer: Lord, while I consider you and your word today, know that I believe in your word, in your authority and wonder and grace and might and love, and I believe in Jesus Christ as my Lord and savior. May I learn more and more about you and Jesus through your word every day. Amen.

This is My Hope

Scripture:
Even now—
this is the Lord’s declaration—
turn to me with all your heart,
with fasting, weeping, and mourning.
Tear your hearts,
not just your clothes,
and return to the Lord your God.
For he is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger, abounding in faithful love,
and he relents from sending disaster.
Who knows? He may turn and relent
and leave a blessing behind him,
so you can offer a grain offering and a drink offering
to the Lord your God.
Joel 2:12-14

Observation: As Joel pronounces the word of the Lord - that the past famines have been a warning to Israel, and the coming catastrophes are because of their disobedience - he provides hope. The Lord may and can turn aside from such action. If the people return to the Lord - not just lament by tearing their clothes in anguish, but repent by tearing their hearts in passion - he is gracious and compassionate. He can not only relent, but bless. This is the hope of Joel.

Application: As I so often recently have expressed dire fear and frustration about our current age and state of faith in the U.S., I can still declare this is my hope ... that we as a people would observe the warnings, tear our hearts, and return to the Lord as our source of truth, hope, guidance, security, morality, and love. Again I say, this is my hope.

Prayer: Lord, despite how bleak the world looks, and how desolate the path of our society has become, I know you desire our return as a people to you. I know you long for every individual to seek you, to place faith in Jesus, and to define their love for others as you have taught. I also know the power and authority of the Holy Spirit to work in the hearts and lives of everyone. May his hope become results. Amen.