God can Redeem my Failures

Scripture:
The words of King Lemuel,
a pronouncement that his mother taught him:
...
Don’t spend your energy on women
or your efforts on those who destroy kings.
Proverbs 31:1,3

Observation: There is no king of Israel named Lemuel, however the census is that this is not a name, but rather a title Solomon is invoking upon himself. Lemuel means 'given (or consecrated) to God'. In this way, Solomon is declaring his commitment to Yahweh. In this proverb, he states these are words taught to him by his mother, and begins the wise council this way ... that men - especially kings - should not spend energy chasing after women or other activities sure to destroy them.

This clearly caries exceptional weight in the context of Solomon's mother. Bathsheba was a woman who David immorally pursued, first taking her despite the fact she was married, then arranging for the death of her husband. For this sin, David was greatly punished in a manner that almost destroyed his kingship ... in addition to the child conceived by David's sin dying, Absolom's rebellion was also part of the punishment.

And here, as Solomon recounts the lessons learned from his mother - the woman at the center of this, the most terrible act of David's recounted in the bible - the very first warning is not to do what David did with her. To take this a step further, Solomon would not be king, and would not even exist, if David had not immorally and aggressively pursued Bathsheba. Yet from this sin, and while everyone involved understands that pursuing such sin is terrible and should not be done, Solomon is now the wisest king in history who reigns over a time of unprecedented peace in the land.

Application: This connection reminds me that the Lord can manage his purposes and his plan in the midst of even my great failures. As I continue to be a man of sin, with a problematic collection of opinions, actions, and emotions, the Lord can still put me to use in communicating his good news of Jesus, and in providing his love to others.

I do regularly hear in my mind that I am worthless for the acts and thoughts I have. I know this is the deceiver trying to discourage me. That said, I do fall short of God's intentions and directions for my life and my daily walk. However, I strongly believe that the Lord can redeem my failures to still produce his outcomes. If he could do that with David and Solomon - use terrible actions to produce the wisest and most peaceful era in Israel, while the very people involved in those sins declare their knowledge of how wrong they were - then he can do some little good deeds for others through me.

Prayer: Lord, you know I am down right now. I cannot find my way in my earthly life, and I am struggling with every aspect of my thought life. Hour by hour I find circumstances that bring me lower. I fail at everything. Please redeem my failures, as only you can, for your glory and your honor and your purposes and your splendor and your wonder and your kingdom. Amen.

Time to Test the Hearts

Scripture: The beast was given a mouth to utter boasts and blasphemies. It was allowed to exercise authority for forty-two months. Revelation 13:5

Observation: As the vision of the dragon, the great beast, and the lesser beast continue, the designation of time is curious. John is given three different measures of time during the vision. Here, he is given 42 months (3.5 years). Before, he saw a time lasting 1,260 days (1,260/30 days = 42 months ... 3.5 years). He has also been told events will last for 'time, times, and half a time' (potentially translated to 1+2+.5 = 3.5 years).

This amount of time - 3.5 years - seems significant. It was said Jesus' ministry, from the time of his baptism to his crucifixion, was 3.5 years, and this may relate. It seems there were other periods of 3.5 years in the bible ... the time without rain commanded by Elijah comes to mind. And of course 3.5 is half of 7, and we have several examples of 7 year periods in the bible, such as the famines in both Egypt and Babylon, the predictions of which elevated Joseph and Daniel respectively.

Perhaps all these times indicate a duration required to test the hearts of people and determine their true faith. Whether it be related to economic blight, evil oppression, or the manifestation of the Lord himself, there is a pattern for how long it takes to sway the collective opinions of mankind.

Application: This timeframe of 3.5 years is a mystery for certain. I cannot understand it. However, if it does relate to the time it takes for mankind for adopt a collective mindset - and the resulting 'test' of believers to buy into such a mindset - then it is informative to understand how that may apply to the world today.

It may mean (for example) that the societal pressures caused by the pandemic will continue until approximately September 2023, and only at that time will the "pandemic" actually end and the resulting changes in human behavior - widespread fear to human interaction, loss of interpersonal skills, constant fear of illness and death, resulting economic recession and widespread financial strife - will be permanently adopted ... with believers in Jesus needing to overcome such fears and strive to reset the hearts of others.

I am critical of the faithful who have overreacted to these influences. That said, there is a level of resistance that is required, as these elements of fear are negatively impacting the love of God upon all mankind. I wish all this were over, but it probably won't be. I wonder how much longer this all drags on ... maybe still another 'time'?

While I acknowledge that I have suffered some during this time, I am not afraid. I desire to love others. I am glad I can warmly greet people at a light show, and I know better days are ahead.

Prayer: Lord, your mysteries are so deep and so great. May we as your created being seek your truth, and not fall into the worldly traps of fear of hate created by these times of tribulation. And may your people who believe in your great name and in your love stay faithful and true. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.

Origin of Unbelieving Prayers

Scripture:
All you have made will thank you, Lord;
the faithful will bless you.
Psalm 145:10

Observation: As the psalmist continues to praise the Lord, he delineates between two types of people. One is people of faith, who believe in Yahweh. They will give glory to God, blessing his name with their praise, and teaching everyone else about his wonder and glory. However, the second is everyone else. This group is included in terms like "all" and "everyone". They are still blessed and loved by God. Even more interesting is this fact ... though they do not have faith, they will thank the Lord.

Application: I have very, very often seen something I cannot understand ... people who actively declare they do not have any faith and perhaps do not believe in God - and certainly don't believe in Jesus - praying. They prayers may not be structured, but they are intentional and clearly directed to God. They may be for help or thanks. They are often a spontaneous word triggered by an event. And I have often wondered how in the world such statements can be made. If a person has absolutely no belief that God exists, what could possibly occur in their mind that would produce any kind of response directed to God?

This action is predicted by this psalm. ALL will thank the Lord. Everyone knows somewhere in their hearts that God exists, and that knowledge will come out. Yes, they have lies told to them, and their response to believing those lies is that the repress the knowledge and feelings that there is a creator who loves them ... but they know it.

Again I am reminded that one evidence of the Lord lies in the fact that all humans have an internal, embedded knowledge that something like the Lord must exist. This is not a learned aspect of human existence, but quite the opposite ... it is known despite earthly learning and worldly influences to the contrary.

Prayer: Lord, at this moment, so many people who actively declare they do not believe in you are crying out to you. Some are doing it by name, and others are doing it even with so little understanding that they do not know any name for you. Please hear them and give them your love, even when they return ambivalence to you. May we have the ability and opportunity to teach them of your love. Amen.

Keep Everyone Down

Scripture: From Rehum the chief deputy, Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their colleagues—the judges and magistrates from Tripolis, Persia, Erech, Babylon, Susa (that is, the people of Elam), and the rest of the peoples whom the great and illustrious Ashurbanipal deported and settled in the cities of Samaria and the region west of the Euphrates River. Ezra 4:9-10

Observation: As the Jews who have returned to Jerusalem rebuild the city, the local population seeks to oppress them and does this by writing to the king for permission to stop the work. This is how those locals introduce themselves ... as those who themselves have ben exiled from other parts of the kingdom, and forced to resettle the region of Samaria.

These people were resettled for reasons undetermined, but which can be guessed based on historical context. They were either originally part of other conquered nations who were themselves forcibly sent to this land, or they were marginalized people within Babylon who were offered the chance to go try to make a go of life in a region that had been captured and destroyed. Either way, they were likely not part of any preferred people within the kingdom.

One would think they would empathize with the Jews who had been oppressed and exiled. Instead, they are jealous of their return to the land. They harass and harangue the Jews working on the city, creating impediments and outright obstacles to the return to normalcy.

This is one of the worst aspects of human nature ... even when we should be able to sympathize with others and find common ground within our hardships of life, people tend to instead try to keep others down through pettiness. If one group cannot succeed, neither can any other. If a people group has struggles, all other groups must struggle. Forget the idea that maybe the definition of 'groups' is artificial and flawed in the first place. It isn't that we will allow some people to have an easy/good life, instead everyone must have life equally hard/bad.

Application: This idea would summarize the news every day ... a type of people who perceive they have a bad life, and that some other type of people have a better life, and therefore someone is to blame - probably that better-life people group - and the government better take action to suppress that better-life group.

The amazing thing is that it is very, very unlikely the groups even really exist, and that one group has a better life. The Jews absolutely did not have a 'better life' than other nationalities within the Persian empire, nor within any subsequent oppressive empire that came along. To be jealous of the Jewish people is borderline insane. Yet that attitude exists even to this day, and similar attitudes exist within our own society, be it across ethnic, economic, gender, regional, religious, or political groupings.

Yes, it is one thing to love others to the point that you wish to raise everyone up. However, we would be so well served as a nation - as humans - if we just stopped trying to keep everyone down.

Prayer: Lord, I am called to be different. I am called to love others. May I begin by simply not classifying people in groups, comparing circumstances, and seeking any kind of level ground. That is not your way; may it not be mine. Amen.

A Song for my True Daddy

Time for a unique song today ... searched and found this. A very different sound for me, but a wonderful message.

Abba like no other!

Benefits of Pondering Mysteries

Scripture: Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones sat twenty-four elders dressed in white clothes, with golden crowns on their heads. Revelation 4:4

Observation: There are several images of the Lord and of heaven in scriptures, and there are also a few of the residents of heaven. The most common may be the four living creatures (here in verses 6-8). The people on the 24 thrones are very interesting. They are "elders", presuming this to be a title of respect though it may indicate evidence that they appear mature in nature. Given the descriptions used of others and the lack of such descriptions here, they appear to be human. They are dressed in white and wear golden crowns. It is not totally clear how they are arranged; "around" the throne of God may mean a true circle, or it may mean a semi-circle either before the thrown or extending to either side of the throne. The are zealous in their worship of the Lord.

However, what seems to never be disclosed is ... who these 24 are.

There are common guesses, such as that they are the two groups of 12 ... the 12 sons of Israel that comprise the tribes, plus the 12 apostles designated by Jesus. This doesn't make a ton of sense since John, who is writing this account, would thus recognize half of them as his closest friends (and would be one himself). There are also guesses that these are great people of faith, but that would mean they are likely the judges and prophets of the Old Testament, and that no one from more recent times is elevated to such a status.

Perhaps their nature was hidden from John, or perhaps the members or this group of elders change over time, or perhaps this is already a projection into the future and the members are determined near the end time. And in all of this, who is to say what qualifies an individual for such eldership? Would this be based on great acts of faith, or earthly deeds, or historical selection, or some other criteria? Are these even humans, or are they another type of heavenly creature created by God for such a purpose?

Application: The mysteries of the Lord are deep. Even as I ponder these 24 elders, I also wonder ... why are they even there? There are billions of people in heaven worshiping the Lord, so why 24 with a special worship? And why show it to John without explanation?

These are interesting elements of the Lord, and in some way I believe the Lord gives us mysteries so we have ideas to ponder, not just 'things to do'. God made humans with an ability to rationalize and hypothesize, to wonder and experiment in our minds. So then he also gave us things to hypothesize about so that we may consider him, explore his nature, and know him better despite our difficulty to perceive him. We can ponder mysteries as a way of developing an understanding of God, even if we cannot reach a definitive understanding of the mystery itself.

Prayer: Lord, as I consider the mystery of the 24 elders, may I be encouraged by my ignorance to discover that I am really just meditating on your word. I do wish to do that more, day and night. Thank you for the ability to think on you as we can, and may I remain in your word daily. Amen.

The Price of Hate

Scripture: Still, none of this satisfies me since I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the King’s Gate all the time. Ester 5:13

Observation: Haman is so full of hate toward Mordecai that he cannot enjoy a single element of his life. Haman is the most powerful man in the kingdom. Haman even boasts that the queen honors him (not yet knowing why). And Haman is so exceedingly rich that the amount he pledged for the right to kill the Jews is more than $280 million. Yet here he sits, his daily life ruined because one man doesn't treat him with respect.

This hate is generational. Haman is said to be an Agagite. While not exactly clear, it is likely this means Haman is an Amalekite - a nation that has long hated the Jews - and Haman may be a descendent of the kings of the Amalekites. These were a people who have hated the Jews almost before they were Jews. They are a branch of the descendants of Esau, and their king was the one who hired Balaam to curse the Jews as they were about the enter the promised land.

Once again, we see the leader of the Amalekites paying money to destroy the Jews ... and it will fail. We see that individual's daily life ruined - in this case, over his hate of one individual - despite everything else in his life. That hate will cost him ... his family fortune, his honor, his family, and his life.

Application: I do still find that there are thoughts in my daily life that rob me of the joy I should have. I should be pleased with the career I have, and not lament a different one I might have had. I have no reason to ever think ill of anyone, despite what they have said about me or done toward me. Any amount of anger can only rob me and deny me of the happiness found in the blessings I have.

I know I do not hate, and especially have no hatred like Haman did. Yet certainly there is no reason to even let thoughts of anyone ruin my day. That is the most noted item of this one verse today ... Haman just had a truly GREAT day, and all he can think about is negative thoughts because one person didn't honor him (not dishonored him, just didn't honor him) during his walk home.

How often to I allow negative thoughts and memories of others to rob me of joy? How often do I allow a good day to be ruined because of something trivial someone does ... maybe done to me, or just done in a general way?

I would like more joy in my life. That can happen simply by rejecting the negative thoughts and memories I have toward others.

Prayer: Lord, may I be more and more open to your joy every day, by rejecting hate and negative thoughts of others. They are of no consequence to me, and of no bearing on the great life you have provided. I choose joy. Amen.

How God's Word Encourages

Scripture: Then I turned to see whose voice it was that spoke to me. When I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and among the lampstands was one like the Son of Man, dressed in a robe and with a golden sash wrapped around his chest ... He had seven stars in his right hand. Revelation 1:12-13,16a

Observation: John begins Revelation with context about its origin and purpose. It was shown to him and intended to be read aloud by many people (vs 1-3), is being included in a letter from him to the churches (vs 4-8), and this occurred while he was in exile and meditating in Patmos (vs 9-10). With this context, the Son of Man - Jesus - arrives and commands John to write what he is told, and the description of the Jesus is that he is dressed in glory standing among seven lampstands and holding seven stars. Jesus himself says these lampstands are the seven churches to be addressed, and the stars are the spirit that exists in those churches.

In other words, Jesus is among and near those churches. He is within them and interacting with them, and he is even in connection with the Holy Spirit that guides the activities of those churches. Now Jesus wants to give those churches guidance, correction, encouragement, and instruction. However, he chooses not to communicate with the churches directly, or to have the Holy Spirit that is within those churches deliver the message directly. Instead, he goes to John, commanding John to write an open letter to all of them.

There are three likely reasons why the Lord chose this 'indirect' method of communicating to the churches. First, these words - the commendations, the corrections, and the encouragement - are not just for any individual church. Rather, they are for the universal Church, for all time. Telling the seven congregations their one message would have ended the communication and not created a scenario for it to permeate through the entire body of Christ, across all time. Second, the bulk of this letter - the end-time revelation - is complex and nuanced, and required a very faithful prophet to receive and trust it. John was able to faithfully receive and record it, but likely other church leaders would have struggled. By delivering the prophesy through a senior leader who would both be trusted throughout history and who himself would act in full faith, it ensured proper delivery through the ages.

And lastly ... John needed encouragement. He was in exile "because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus". John had been such a faithful servant of the Lord that the government removed him from the field of play so to speak. He wasn't just imprisoned as Paul had been (who was still effective in converting believers even from prison), and he wasn't martyred as Peter had been (whose very death inspired belief). John was put on an island to disappear, losing all influence and interaction with the world. This prophesy delivered to him here would be one final way he could serve God, with a long-term impact for Jesus' glory. John was, in fact, so loved, that even in his isolation the Lord gave him one more way to be part of his plan.

Application: The Lord speaks to people directly about their lives and circumstances, but I do know he also often speaks through others. I have been a part of both sides of those conversations. It is good to know that the Lord uses third parties to deliver messages because sometimes it is that third party who is in need of participating in the Lord's work.

I often feel that way ... that I struggle to find value in the work I do for the Lord. Being able to deliver words to others - words provided by the Holy Spirit - helps in this.

Prayer: Lord, I know you have given me words of knowledge for others on at least two occasions. I thank you for that, not only for the sake of those people but for my own as well. May I have the boldness and courage to serve you as you would have me serve you, today, this month, and forever. Amen.

An Example of the Lord's Authority

Scripture: Now I want to remind you, although you came to know all these things once and for all, that Jesus saved a people out of Egypt and later destroyed those who did not believe. Jude 1:5

Observation: As Jude discusses the apostacy of some people within the church, he uses this analogy from the exodus. Every Jew was brought out of Egypt. However, once in the wilderness, there were situations when many showed their true nature, which was that they did not believe in the Lord, and they died.

As the Lord knows every man's heart, it would have been a simple matter to just leave the nonbelieving Jews in Egypt. He could have simply given them a clearer choice at the time of their departure, and some would have opted to stay. Or he could have given Moses and Aaron understanding of who should be left behind, and simply sorted them out. God did neither.

In such cases, those who didn't believe would have been delivered into the hands of Egypt - into the hands of men - where they would have received their just punishment for unbelief ... death. Instead, God delivered everyone out of Egypt, then delt with their unbelief himself. They were not turned over to human authority, but in the matter of faith their judgment resided only with the Lord.

Application: Today, this is another reminder of whom judges others ... and it sure ain't me. I have no right to even think that I know someone's heart, and thus their fate. Yes, in some cases I know those who are non-believers, and I am confident in the fate that awaits them, but that entire dynamic is a matter between them and the Lord, and not for me to consider let along pronounce.

At the Exodus, the Lord "delivered" tens of thousands of people he knew actually did not love him. He did that to give them a chance, but also to be clear that in the matter of life by faith, authority belongs to him. As I interact with unbelievers every day, this is good for me to remember.

Prayer: Lord, I see earthly favor on so many people who actively reject you and your son, and sometimes it frustrates me. Give me strength in both heart and soul to know that those situations are truly none of my business. You are in control of life and death, mercy and judgment. And I thank you daily for your mercy upon a sinner such as me. Amen.

Finding Comfort in the Turmoil

Scripture: They reported to the angel of the Lord standing among the myrtle trees, “We have patrolled the earth, and right now the whole earth is calm and quiet.” Then the angel of the Lord responded, “How long, Lord of Armies, will you withhold mercy from Jerusalem and the cities of Judah that you have been angry with these seventy years?” Zechariah 1:11-12

Observation: Zechariah is shown a series of visions, which relate to the end of the exile and re-establishment of the Jews in Israel, Judah, and Jerusalem. As the first part of the vision, Zechariah is shown horses that patrol the earth, and this is their report and resulting conversation: First, that all the earth is under an unnatural calm; Second, a question about when Judah will be re-established.

In other words, a calm and quiet world is a sign the Jews are in exile and oppressed, and that calm will soon end with the return of the Jews.

The turmoil of the world is absolutely spiritual. It involves the evil one hating God so much that he does everything he can to attack that which God loves ... his chosen people. When the Jews were oppressed, satan had no target, and as a result the world itself - within the spiritual realm where these envisioned horses patrol - was calm. The angels knew that that would change with the Jews were restored to favor.

Application: There is comfort to be found in the absolute turmoil of the current world. We are in a time of total havoc, chaos, anger, and strife. From economic stress to deteriorating mental health, "calm and quiet" would be the absolutely last words to describe the condition of the earth. The comfort found in this fact is this ... satan is in full panic mode and pulling out all the stops because he is afraid of God, Jesus, and his people.

If God were at all defeated, there would be no fight taking place. Instead, that fight is everywhere, on every front. It is overwhelming in its breadth and scope. It is preemptive against a formative generation, violent against the general populace, destructive against the vulnerable, and deadly against both the oldest and the youngest. Evil is attacking everywhere. And it is by that very fact we know that the good news of Jesus - the fact that anyone can have the favor of God and eternal life through simple faith in Messiah - is not just right, but it is winning. It is in fact victorious, a settled matter, despite these most desperate acts to overcome the truth.

To those of us in the Church today, this all feels very hard, just like 70 years of exile was hard for the Jews. However, the difficulty proves the fact we are not defeated.

Prayer: Lord, to your glory be the victory, in the name of Jesus Christ. You are the alpha and omega, Lord of Armies, Yahweh Sabaoth. May your name be glorified forever and ever. Amen.

Hoping to Avoid Thieves

Scripture:
To be a thief’s partner is to hate oneself;
he hears the curse but will not testify.
Proverbs 29:24

Observation: This section of proverbs has straightforward advice about the righteous and the wicked. However, this one proverb is a bit different, for it implies that there can be an issue for someone who is the partner of a wicked person. It is not about one's own behavior, but his associates. In addition, being associated with such a person doesn't make you wicked, but it does create ... a complicated issue. A good person who will not testify against the wicked hates oneself.

Application: This is indeed complicated ... that a good person will have stress and self-hatred if they are associated with a wicked person. The stress comes from withholding truth. The self-hatred comes from the internal festering of allowing wrong to go unpunished.

So I must ask myself, am I a thief's partner? Are there individuals around me for whom I withhold information about "wickedness" so that I may remain viably active in the world?

The obvious place to look is at work. I feel I work with good people, though I do not always understand the moral direction of the corporation. In prior jobs, I actively experienced this very problem, very much knowing that wicked people worked around me, and I kept my mouth shut about every situation. Of course, I became detestable to many of them (as predicted in v27), and more than one took actions to harm me. I remember keeping a list of people I "trusted" and having that list contain only three names out of ~500 I interacted with on a weekly basis. And my stress was palpable.

I sincerely do not know what to do on a daily basis. I don't know where to turn and where to go in order to ensure I am not a thief's partner.

Prayer: Lord, I continue to wander. Even if I am walking on your path, I don't know where it goes. I trust that is okay, for I do know you are with me. Please show me your direction, and lead me to your peace. Amen.

Trying to Understand the Water

Scripture: Jesus Christ—he is the one who came by water and blood, not by water only, but by water and by blood. And the Spirit is the one who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. For there are three that testify: the Spirit, the water, and the blood—and these three are in agreement. 1 John 5:6-8

Observation: John calls out that the Lord himself testifies as to the authority and Messiahship of Jesus, and that certainly the Lord's testimony is of much greater influence than even any man's. He discusses three things that testify about Jesus, the Spirit, the water, and the blood. The Spirit is the Holy Spirit, which is the word and will of Yahweh himself. The blood would be the death and resurrection of Jesus, for there is no denying the death of Jesus through the spilling of his blood at the crucifixion, and thus his resurrection testifies to his divinity. However, the water is not obvious as to what it is.

John says Jesus is the only one "who came by water and blood, not by water only." If all other humans come from "water only", then water could mean childbirth. Thus the testimony of Jesus as Messiah is the nature of his birth. Every person exists as a result of their birth, yet Jesus had a second creation when he was resurrected and thus is of both water and blood, not water only.

However, if this same passage refers to the chosen people of God, then the "water only" could be a reference to the Laws of Moses, where ceremonial washing was necessary to ensure purity ... in that manner, all who followed the Law and washed were pure before the Lord. It is these practices that then created baptism, as a single washing - along with faith - that cleans our lives before the Lord. John could be saying that many people have been deemed righteous and pure by following the prescribed rites of water, but Jesus is the only one who survived a sacrifice of the blood, and also has the testimony of God himself.

Application: As a person struggling to understand God's word, I am not certain of either interpretation above. Both have logic as a reference to being "by water", yet neither has great context within John's letter. John in fact gave so little context that the term must have had some normal, well-understood meaning to his audience ... both of my ideas fit that, yet other ideas may too.

I could spend hours of research to find what the great scholars of the last 2,000 years agree this all means. However, I prefer to pray on it and meditate. John says in v9 that God's testimony is greater than any man's, so I'd rather see if I can't learn his meaning, not man's interpretation. And if it remains a mystery to me, that does not change the fact that I believe his testimony about Jesus, which is the great point after all.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for how your Spirit reveals your word to me. So often you speak to me exactly when I need it. May I learn more and more from you every day. Amen.

Trying to Love a Brother

Scripture: This is how God’s children and the devil’s children become obvious. Whoever does not do what is right is not of God, especially the one who does not love his brother or sister. 1 John 3:10

Observation: John writes in very strong terms about the idea of sin vs. righteousness. His strong message is that true believers cannot sin because the Holy Spirit is inside them, therefore anyone who sins is not 'of God' ... cannot be a true believer. This is certainly hyperbole, as if such were true then continued forgiveness of sin would be unnecessary for believers. John is making a point that believers should be very actively striving to control their sin and live as Jesus has taught, seeking the power of the Holy Spirit to aid them in this. This is not dissimilar to the Jews, for whom laws associated with "ceremonial cleanliness" required them to think about even small actions and to self-reflect on their behavior.

John summarizes the failure to do right as "especially" involving failure to love one's brother or sister; that is, failure to love other believers. That behavior is absolutely "not of God".

Application: Last night, we had a prayer meeting at church. A certain man said he had a word and was invited to speak. This is a man I struggle to respect. I am certain he believes in Jesus, but I find his actions self-aggrandizing. For this, I regularly disregard what he thinks. Last night, I actively tune out the brief 'word' he had to declare.

I fail to love this brother. That has nothing to do with him, but is my failure, my shortcoming ... my given evidence that I am "not of God". If that man does act out of self-promotion, that is his issue. If I believe that is what he does, attributing false motives to him, and dislike him for it, that is my issue. It demonstrates a flaw in my relationship with the Lord. The only exception would be is if this man actually is not a believer and is a false agent of satan, and I absolutely do NOT think that at all, not for one second.

I try to love my brothers and sisters. I often fail. However, my heart is improving in this matter, as I often see others out of gladness and joy even when they bother my earthly sensibilities. That said, I can and must do better at softening my heart, through the Holy Spirit.

Prayer: Lord, please forgive my dislike toward my brother, and toward all my brothers and sisters. I love your church, and thus it is only logical that I love your people that comprise the church. I ask that my heart be softened, and my eyes widened, to embrace your love within me and have it flow out. Amen.

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.