Claiming the Promise of Light

Scripture: Remember, our Message is not about ourselves; we’re proclaiming Jesus Christ, the Master. All we are is messengers, errand runners from Jesus for you. It started when God said, “Light up the darkness!” and our lives filled up with light as we saw and understood God in the face of Christ, all bright and beautiful. 2 Corinthians 4:5-6

Observation: Paul explains the very idea of an individual believing in Jesus Christ and receiving the Holy Spirit is an echo of the very first act of creation ... declaring 'let there be light' and suddenly there was light, and God saw that the light was good. When we believe in Jesus, it is the moment the light suddenly comes on in our lives. It yields a new perspective that is "bright and beautiful". It illuminates a new understanding of the Lord, founded in love and forgiveness.

This is the message Paul teaches. His message is not filled with rules and policies, rather it is simply encouragement to receive the light of creation - God's love, poured out through Jesus - and to allow our lives to be filled with that light.

Application: This is a promise of God ... as I have accepted Jesus into my heart, I now have the light of creation, and I can now see all creation through the illumination of that light. Just as the Lord sees me through the lens of Jesus, forgiving my sins and viewing me white as snow, I can see all of creation through that same lens of Jesus, with a light that shows the joy and wonder of it all.

Jesus is the lens, and he is the light. I want to see the world with even more wonder and joy, and not as a place to just be survived. I want to see others with the heart of love that the Lord has for everyone, and not just as the labels that they themselves even place on their personas. I want to feel the warmth of the community God intended, and not the coldness and anger that pervades and invades every part of society.

Today, I claim this promise, that by the Holy Spirit, and through the lens of Jesus as my Lord and savior, I can see all elements of the world through the light of the Lord, the perfect light of creation, and savor the joy of life as the Lord always intended.

Prayer: Abba, you have given me the chance for joy, and today I choose that joy. Jesus, you are the light of the world. May I always see everything and everyone through the radiance of your light. Amen.

Fighting Fights, Ignoring the Enemy

Scripture: But Josiah did not turn away from him; instead, in order to fight with him he disguised himself. He did not listen to Neco’s words from the mouth of God, but went to the Valley of Megiddo to fight. The archers shot King Josiah, and he said to his servants, "Take me away, for I am severely wounded!" 2 Chronicles 35:22-23

Observation: Josiah, the last good king of Judah who had attempted to turn around their fate, restored the temple, reinitiated Passover, and again banished all other idols, dies in this way ... fighting an enemy that hadn't been a threat to them for years (Egypt), in a place that wasn't part of Judah (Megiddo), without cause or provocation (they hadn't attacked Judah), and against God's own instructions (God inspired Neco to tell Josiah to not do it).

Josiah attacked Neco for reasons that aren't explicitly clear, but probably due to pride. Neco did in fact march through Judah and was now in the geography of Israel. Egypt was an ancient foe. Josiah felt he needed to act. As a result, in a time when he should have known that Babylon was a major threat and in fact had recently defeated Assyria, Josiah dies fighting a fight, but ignoring the real enemy.

Application: Our culture has a lot of fights that seem like they need fighting, and that many proud - righteous - individuals in the Church are fighting. Every time we do, the rest of society believes we hate them, and it creates a chasm between the message of the love of Jesus, and those who need to hear that message.

It's like we are looking to fight all the fights while ignoring the enemy. We want to take on racial tension, gender confusion, school shootings, economic strife, political disagreements, mental health issues ... and we ignore satan, the liar and deceiver who is causing it all. He tricks people into adopting all these elements as their identity, then tells them the most divisive lie ... 'when those Jesus-freaks are opposed to your identity, it is because they hate you personally.'

Satan and his lies are the only enemy that matters. Jesus, armed with his truth and love, is the supreme allied commander. It is by him we can and will succeed in defeating the actual enemy and bringing his gospel into the world. Let's not just fight fights. And the next time there is a major battle at Megiddo ... we won't be the ones who lose.

Prayer: Lord, may we keep your word in our heart, and may we speak Christ crucified to others. Telling of your love is our true mission, and doing so in a manner that overcomes evil is the only battle to be waged. Please give us all your wisdom to do so. Amen.

Cloaked by a Summer's Day

Scripture:
My soul, bless the Lord!
Lord my God, you are very great;
you are clothed with majesty and splendor.
He wraps himself in light as if it were a robe,
spreading out the sky like a canopy,
laying the beams of his palace
on the waters above,
making the clouds his chariot,
walking on the wings of the wind,
and making the winds his messengers,
flames of fire his servants.
Psalm 104:1-4

Observation: What a wonderful image to open a song of worship and praise ... the Lord is so great that the splendor in which he is enveloped like a cloak is that of the entire sky. Bright light itself is his robe, and it spreads out all around him like the infinite expanse of a clear blue summer sky. The clouds are there to support the canopy that covers him - that shades him if he were to need it - as he moves about just like the wind. The wind itself takes him and also his message, it is at his command, just like the warmth of the air it blows.

Application: This is, in fact, how I see nature ... the very extension of the Lord himself. It isn't just metaphorical, for creation is of the Lord, and it is the Lord. He manifested it as "good" because it is how he presents life, and sustains life, and embraces life.

I see the Lord in a beautiful, sunny day, on a clear blue afternoon, with his warm wind so refreshing and energizing. I see the Lord on a rainy afternoon, with life-giving water soaking the grasses and trees, to become running streams for animals to find satisfaction. I see the Lord on the darkest of nights, when the moon is so clear and the stars seem infinite, with the quiet only disturbed by lapping waves or rustling leaves.

May my soul truly bless the Lord!

Prayer: Lord, again I say, may my soul bless you, for you are indeed very great. Thank you for the blessing of life itself, and not just my life but the abundance of all nature you have created. I wish for all to see you so clearly within that nature. Amen.

Another Painful Conversation

Scripture: In fact, I made up my mind about this: I would not come to you on another painful visit. 2 Corinthians 2:1

Observation: Paul begins this letter to the church at Corinth discussing another issue. It would seem scholars agree that the "painful visit" being discussed involve a local leader who challenged Paul's authority and created conflict during his prior visit. Paul is thus avoiding a return to Corinth because he doesn't want to just re-create the same conflict. He finds it easier for the church to resolve the matter - be it in his favor or not - than to come and perhaps initiate strife by his very presence.

This is wise and noble of Paul. It is noble because he is not rushing to his own defense and simply "winning" an argument. It is wise because he understands that division in church can be bad for believers, distracting from true faith and worship, and he simply doesn't want to be part of the division. We know that this works out ... the church in Corinth admonishes the other man, acknowledging Paul's authority as an apostle and teacher to their congregation.

Application: Once again, we are seeing an issue in our church with what I might call a "junior leader" challenging a couple "senior leaders". The result will be exactly what Paul discusses ... painful interactions because people will have to take sides. And every second spent on this topic takes away from the actual work of the church ... worship, evangelism, outreach, teaching, and care for others.

Yes, churches are comprised of people, and people have pride, agendas, opinions, and emotions. Clearly, as a result, nothing changes 2,000 years later.

Prayer: Lord, please do give our pastors and leaders discernment. Teach us all how to follow your heart and your plan before any of our own ideas and desires. Amen.

Knowing what God Remembers

Scripture: King Joash didn’t remember the kindness that Zechariah’s father Jehoiada had extended to him, but killed his son. While he was dying, he said, "May the Lord see and demand an account." 2 Chronicles 24:22

Observation: When King Joash turns bad, only one man has the courage to stand and pronounce the truth to him ... the son of Jehoiada, who was Joash's priest and best advisor. For this truth, Zechariah is killed, and in his dying breath he pronounces a curse, asking the Lord to see this betrayal and to take vengeance for him.

Zechariah means "God remembers", and it is interesting that there are three famous Zechariah's in the bible. One wrote one of the books of the bible during the time of exile, and discusses how the people will return to their land. One is the father of John the Baptist. The other is murdered and soon after avenged in a way that begins the downturn of the southern kingdom of Judah. In every case, God remembers. He remembers his people in exile and the promise to restore them to the promised land after 70 years. He remembers his plan for Messiah and the fact that the Messiah will be ushered in through a new prophet declaring repentance in the wilderness. He remembers the courage of one man pronouncing truth so he can take revenge on the evil perpetrated by the king.

Application: I know very well that the Lord sees what happens, and I have firsthand experience in how he sees and provides even in the most difficult circumstances. However, he also remembers for later. This can be encouraging as when he restores people or fulfills a long-term promise, and it can be worrisome as when he take vengeance for a past sin.

Regarding the latter, I have sinned, but I have not done something like led an entire nation into idol worship. However, that sounds like I am weighing different sins as better or worse, and they are not. This is why forgiveness through Jesus is so crucial, for it is by that forgiveness that my sins are wiped clean and the Lord actually forgets them. Without that, I deserve nothing beyond painful death.

And this is the true good news. God remembers, but Jesus became a lens to define what God remembers. He remembers his promises, his purposes, and his love. He removes from memory our sins because of our faith in Jesus, allowing us to one day enjoy his love even more fully in heaven.

Prayer: Lord, I ask today for forgiveness of my sins, and for you to thus forget my transgressions. By my faith in Jesus I pray this. May you remember me and look upon me, and see and remember me only through the lens of Jesus my savior and Messiah. Amen.

Speaking Directly to Me

Scripture:
All a person’s ways seem right to him,
but the Lord weighs hearts.

Doing what is righteous and just
is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.

The lamp that guides the wicked—
haughty eyes and an arrogant heart—is sin.
Proverbs 21:2-4

Observation: These three proverbs ... could be specifically written for me, to tell me of my weaknesses and wrongs and what I should do to be better. I am a person who thinks about what to do and determines that my decisions are right without consulting the Lord in prayer. I am a person who will give to the Lord but then knowingly sin. I am certainly arrogant and proud, which of course is one of those sins.

Application: I would go so far as to say that I would be so much closer to being the man the Lord wants me to be if I simply corrected these three things. So why don't I?

I don't because I am weak. And I am weak because in all matters I fail to turn to the Lord for strength. I fail to consult him in prayer, seek his face in all matters, give him my problems and listen for his word and solution, or just discuss my day with him as a friend. I interact with the Lord on my terms, in my spare time, when it fits with my thoughts.

I need to embrace these proverbs, the Lord's instructions. That begins with me seeking the Lord in all matters, and at all times.

Prayer: Lord, I do say again today, may I turn to you for everything. May I seek your words and wisdom in my daily activities, and intentionally do only what you tell me to do. My daily problems are insignificant when handed to you, so may I do exactly that every moment of every day. Remove my pride and my thoughts, and replace them with your love and wisdom. Amen.

All that Matters in One Sentence

Scripture: For I passed on to you as most important what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

Observation: Paul has taught about many things, but he returns to the "most important" message of all ... Jesus fully died, was buried, then rose from the dead, and this happened for the atonement of our sins. Paul goes on to describe how the resurrection is known by the fact that Jesus systematically appeared to first his core believers, then to hundreds all at once, and eventually - years later - to Paul himself. In other words, this is an established fact, with hundreds of eyewitnesses still available to talk to about it. Paul also clarifies that it is by this faith in the resurrection that we know eternal life is real ... so by faith in Jesus we are redeemed of our sin, and by knowledge of the resurrection we know we have eternal life.

And again, after all these long instructions, this is all that really matters ... Jesus died and was resurrected, so that we may by faith have eternal life.

Application: Everything that is important about life can be summarized in one sentence, and not even a long sentence. "Jesus died and was resurrected, so that we may by faith have eternal life."  Less than 15 English words.

I need to say those 15 words to others far more often. This is the message of "Christ crucified". It is this easy ... between John 3:16 and 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, everything about hope, love, and eternal salvation exists. Collectively, these tell us that God loves us, God desires for us to be with him forever, and therefore he provided Jesus to die in our place so that if we simply believe we can have eternal life.

Again, I need to say these words to others far more often.

Prayer: Lord, yes I need to be a more faithful witness to others, and I know the message is really not complex. This most simple message can change lives, because upon hearing it your Holy Spirit can explain everything else within a person's heart. May I be more faithful in telling of your great love. Amen.

In Need of Our Asa

Scripture: Asa did what was good and right in the sight of the Lord his God. He removed the pagan altars and the high places. He shattered their sacred pillars and chopped down their Asherah poles. He told the people of Judah to seek the Lord God of their ancestors and to carry out the instruction and the commands. He also removed the high places and the shrines from all the cities of Judah, and the kingdom experienced peace under him. 2 Chronicles 14:2-5

Observation: The lineage of the kings is this ... Saul, then David, then Solomon, then when the kingdom divided it is Rehoboam, Abijah (just 3 years), and now Asa. David honored the Lord, and Solomon spent the first half of his reign building the temple. However, he became susceptible to influence from foreign wives, and his son Rehoboam ran with that. As a result, Asa is already needing to "clean up" Judah from the influence of pagan rituals and idols to other gods.

And certainly, all these items - pagan shrines in "all the cities of Judah" and all the "high places" in the land - were not built by just two kings. Rather, they were built by the locals. Approximately 30 years removed from the completion of the temple and witnessing the arrival or Yahweh in Jerusalem, the Jews have already walked away from the Lord so far that a full restoration of every city and all the land is required.

Application: Thirty years ago was 1993. While our country was struggling through moral change at that time, we would have absolutely thought of ourselves as a "Christian" country. Throughout that decade even, terrorists were attacking our people in part because they perceived us as Christian.

Today ... it's deemed improper to pray in public, laws have been passed to sanction biblical sins, people can get in trouble at work for talking about Jesus, and there is an emerging motion to classify the Church as a 'hate' organization.

We have so quickly walked away from the Lord, and just like Judah it isn't just because one leader set a bad example. The pagan alters are everywhere, sometimes figuratively, but evident by the culture nonetheless. And as we are about to enter into a new election cycle, I don't see our Asa on the horizon. Where is our national leader who will remove those alters, and cut up and burn the obscene elements currently being worshipped by society? Yes, the Church can support the movement, but we need our own Asa.

Prayer: Lord, today I pray for a person I do not know and cannot yet name. We need a national leader who will help us restore our faith and our love for you, oh Lord. You can bring revival into our land if it is your will, and I pray that it is in fact your will. May we come back from the brink, and may there be a person who can lead us back in your great name. Amen.

Remembering a Source of Pain

Scripture: For if a woman doesn’t cover her head, she should have her hair cut off. But if it is disgraceful for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, let her head be covered. 1 Corinthians 11:6

Observation: As Paul continues instruction to the church in Corinth about their behavior, he discusses ... head coverings. Men are not to wear them, but women must. He goes so far as to say that, if a woman does not wish to have her long hair covered, she should shave her head. And all of this is to reflect the fact that women are under men and thus must be humble in their prayer, while men are under Christ and thus must be open to access heaven.

There is no other way to understand this section outside of it being specific instructions to this particular church. What is being said was never said in another context. It also isn't true by Jewish law and custom, where men cover their heads with kippah and also often with a tallit when praying. Therefore, there was some issue taking place in Corinth whereby Paul needed to make a point about the relationship between husbands and wives.

Application: Just yesterday I discussed how my wife and I have withdrawn from others due to past attacks. This section of 1 Corinthians is a reminder of this. It was several years ago now that my wife was accused of wrongdoing by an individual who relied on 1 Corinthians as evidence of how she should behave. That time was painful and angering, and despite how obviously wrong the person was - and that family was immediately (literally ... right then and there) kicked out of our church by the senior pastor - the attack left scars on our hearts. It remains one of the reasons we feel we cannot share even the joys of our lives with others, for we know our joy can be weaponized by those under the influence of false spirits.

Prayer: Lord, there are times we do feel attacked, and withdraw from the world to avoid those attacks. When we do so, may we always and only withdraw into your love and protection. Amen.

Thoughts About Trusting Others

Scripture:
Many a person proclaims his own loyalty,
but who can find a trustworthy person?
Proverbs 20:6

Observation: In this section of Proverbs, Solomon provides a collection of one-sentence insights. Some have more of a philosophical tone instead of pure advice, and may describe situations that involve the application of wisdom as much as they actually tell someone what is wise and good.

Verse 6 is a bit like that. It does not advise the listener to seek out trustworthy people, nor does it provide a definition of behaviors that would describe a trustworthy person. It does, however, indicate that there is a difference between a trustworthy person, and a person who SAYS they are loyal and thus trustworthy. The implication is that it requires discernment of character - supported by behavior - to decide whom one should trust, instead of just words.

Application: I have been thinking lately about my best friend growing up. He is a person I sat next to the first day of kindergarten, and was my best friend through high school. In the last 35 years, we have maybe spoken twice, once at his father's memorial service ... and I can't really think of a second time, though I expect there must have been one. About every 18 months he sends me a message via email or social media to say 'hey' and offer to meet for lunch or a beer, and I actually never even respond.

My wife and I have been hurt by so many people over the years that we have no idea who to trust with anything. We know many people who have said they are friends - or at least 'loyal' - and proved not to be. Sometimes the hurt and betrayal is just how they slip up with information that hurts us, and sometimes it is an intentional act to harm us. It can be hard to know the difference. We have been hurt by such people, once or twice in major ways, but mostly in one of those 'death by a thousand little cuts' types of ways.  Even yesterday, this concept came up again with one of her coworkers, with my wife feeling put down and undermined, maybe even threatened, and with us having the exact conversation that the person should not be trusted.

The result is that we collectively trust almost nobody. We have one pair of friends, our children, and outside of that ... it's really nobody.

Who can find a trustworthy person? Indeed.

Well, the Lord can help us with such discernment. I don't think he wants us to feel so isolated, though maybe that has been best for this long season in our lives. I don't know, and I wouldn't know how to even figure out how to trust someone who proclaims they can be trusted, but the Lord knows. If he desires us to be open again, may he show us.

Prayer: Lord, you and perhaps you alone know the challenges and issues of our lives. May we seek your wisdom and direction when it comes to friendships and work relationships. Please protect us from those that would do us harm, and perhaps bring into our lives those who would not do so. Amen.

Provision from an Unexpected Source

Scripture: I have now sent Huram-abi, a skillful man who has understanding. He is the son of a woman from the daughters of Dan. His father is a man of Tyre. He knows how to work with gold, silver, bronze, iron, stone, and wood, with purple, blue, crimson yarn, and fine linen. He knows how to do all kinds of engraving and to execute any design that may be given him. I have sent him to be with your artisans and the artisans of my lord, your father David. 2 Chronicles 2:13-14

Observation: Solomon sends an order to Hiram the King of Tyre, for assistance with the temple. The order is to provide both abundant resources for the construction, and for a skilled artisan. Hiram responds that he will provide all Solomon needs, and also sends a craftsman named Huram-abi. He comes with a very interesting bit of history ... he is Jewish. His mother is of the tribe of Dan, whose land bordered Tyre.

Application: Our church is struggling financially. There are various reasons, including some spending issues as well as giving challenges. However, this is complicated by a desire to initiate a building project. Our pastor is confident the Lord will provide, and yes his faith in this matter is inspiring. Some of us, though, are also pragmatic and would like to see the funding miracle soon. While thinking about this just this last Sunday, I recalled King Hiram, noting that the great miracle of Solomon's building of the temple would not have occurred without a benefactor such as Hiram agreeing and providing the resources. Yes, there was a vision ... but there was also a practical provider.

That said, the inclusion of Huram-abi is enlightening. Solomon needed Hiram's resources, and he had ideas about what forms those would take ... massive amounts of the best timber prepared by people who know how to prepare and manage timber. He also asked for an artisan, and reasonably expected that certainly someone in Tyre had skills. He could not have expected, however, that the response would involve a man born of a Jewish woman, whose existence was thus part of the Lord's overall Abrahamic and Mosaic covenants, with actions set in motion perhaps more than 40 years previous, even before David's reign began.

I know that the only way our church can do what is envisioned is through some unknown yet practical provision of major resources. Has the Lord already figured that out and put the wheels in motion for it decades ago? Is this really just a matter of faithfully waiting for God's plan to suddenly materialize?

Maybe. While I am skeptical and even a little angry at how certain matters of financial stewardship are handled at the church, I cannot deny the fact that the Lord can absolutely make anything happen. We have reached a point where only his intervention - through some benefactor - can help. I may not know it, but that may already be fait accompli.

Prayer: Lord, I won't lie and try to pretend I have total faith in what is occurring with Evergreen's finances. I question the judgment of those making decisions on how to spend your money. However, I do have total faith in you. Your will will be done, and to the extent it needs resources, you will provide. May I learn even more about your wonder, authority, and power in the weeks to come. Amen.

Do the Work and Seek Joy

Scripture: For if I preach the gospel, I have no reason to boast, because I am compelled to preach—and woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! For if I do this willingly, I have a reward, but if unwillingly, I am entrusted with a commission. 1 Corinthians 9:16-17

Observation: Paul is responding to criticism from the church in Corinth, which likely involves their dissatisfaction in providing for him when he comes there. As he addresses that topic directly, he also addresses is attitude and mindset toward being an apostle. Specifically, he does not boast about being some important apostle, nor about being a leader in the Church. He just does the work he is assigned.

Paul listens for the Lord, and is obedient. He recognizes that some assignments are pleasing to him (those he will do willingly) and some are less fulfilling (those he will do unwillingly). However, he obeys and does them all. Doing the pleasing assignments give him a reward, likely in the form of joy or happiness or earthly comforts. Doing the less pleasing assignments give him a different type of reward ... the knowledge that he has been "entrusted with a commission," and has performed it faithfully. This may not be a "reward" in the same manner as some kind of tangible element of life, but it is a satisfaction that he knows will be recognized by the Lord.

Application: Again I consider my own work and my own life, and I know that for the majority of time in my life - now measured in decades - I have done the less fulfilling work. Don't get me wrong, I have been rewarded far beyond what I deserve! But those rewards have not been in the form of 'joy' found in the work.

This feels like the lesson ... to use the tangible payments of the work to find joy in the Lord. That does not mean to spend the money frivolously as one would in their youth, but rather to recognize the commission, feel fulfilled by the fact I have been entrusted with that commission, and to feel joy as the outcome of that relationship.

This again requires a closer relationship with the Lord, and again I desire that. Even as I do work I am unwilling to do, I wish to hear that this work is indeed assignment to me as a commission from the Lord, and eventually that I have done it well.

Prayer: Lord, I do try to believe that even my work is a holy commission from you. I am likely missing a component of it, and I desire to hear that so I may do it. I am not a preacher, nor should I be. I desire only to find joy, and serve you, in the commission to which I am entrusted. Amen.

My Problem and God's Solution

Scripture: For what does a person get with all his work and all his efforts that he labors at under the sun? For all his days are filled with grief, and his occupation is sorrowful; even at night, his mind does not rest. This too is futile. There is nothing better for a person than to eat, drink, and enjoy his work. I have seen that even this is from God’s hand, because who can eat and who can enjoy life apart from him? Ecclesiastes 2:22-25

Observation: As the teacher evaluates life, he dwells upon the worthlessness of earthly work. Just like daily personal tasks, work is a chasing of the wind, and doing it well only means that someone else will someday inherit it while you are forgotten and they may be incompetent. It is futile.

And yet, there is nothing better for a person than if such work can provide a person with eat and drink, and if they enjoy the work. This is the best one can hope for from daily work. And this enjoyment comes from being with the Lord.

Application: I have known this for some time ... my greatest issue and biggest regret in life - the one that causes me all other sadness and challenges and despair - is that I have absolutely no joy in my work, and I haven't since I even first began working. I never found my passion. I never took time to reflect on what makes me happy, and I never tried to align my work to my happiness. I chose to exclusively seek happiness outside of work, believing that the point of work was just to earn the money I need to fund those outside activities and therefore it didn't matter what I did.

I don't just lack joy in work, but I find it truly meaningless. Solomon says it best, it is a chasing of the wind, it is vaper. Half the time I don't understand even what I'm doing, and the other half of the time I don't understand why it even matters. Even when I was the boss, when I would drill down about the purpose of the work at hand I would reach a dead-end of the logic where it became mostly meaningless. My job brings me grief and sorrow during the day, and restlessness of mind at night, and it has for decades.

And yes, it does in fact fund the eating and drinking and fun we have as a family. As a result, I have absolutely embraced the attitude that 'two outta three ain't bad' when it comes to Solomon's statement that there is nothing better for a person than to eat, drink, and enjoy work. Yet the emptiness of my job remains.

However, it is Solomon who immediately shows me God's solution to this despair. He points out that even my work is "from God's hand" and that "who can enjoy life apart from him". And this is then where I need to seek joy ... finding God within my daily work, and discovering that somehow he is here in the midst of my work and I can enjoy him in my work.

I don't know quite how that works at a global technology company, or at any other potential career that would use my acquired skills and knowledge as an IT leader. I do know that I need to try, because while I don't have decades of work left, I do have more than a few years to go, and I really can't get lower than this.

Prayer: Lord, may I actually find you ever day in my work, and may I seek you in my work. I often pray that you show me how to serve you within the context of my daily activity, but I also want you to be central to even that activity. In my meetings, my documents, my research and analytics, may you be there. Amen.

Finding God's Location

Scripture: Solomon and the whole assembly with him went to the high place that was in Gibeon because God’s tent of meeting, which the Lord’s servant Moses had made in the wilderness, was there. Now David had brought the ark of God from Kiriath-jearim to the place he had set up for it, because he had pitched a tent for it in Jerusalem, but he put the bronze altar, which Bezalel son of Uri, son of Hur, had made, in front of the Lord’s tabernacle. Solomon and the assembly inquired of him there. 2 Chronicles 1:3-5

Observation: While Israel was in the wilderness, they had Moses' tent of meeting as the home for the Lord. This included the tent ... within the tent was the arc where the Lord sat, and outside the tent was the alter for sacrificing animals. In Solomon's time, these are separate, with the arc in a different tent in Jerusalem, and the tent of meeting and alter in Gibeon. Early in his reign, Solomon goes to Gibeon to offer sacrifices.

Solomon has gone looking for the Lord. Yes, he is relying on a few historical artifacts, but he is also the one putting in the effort to reach out to God rather than just sitting in his throne room in Jerusalem, looking out at the tent that holds the arc, and deciding that somehow means he is close to God.

Application: As a Christian, I know God is everywhere, and by the Holy Spirit I can talk to him in my heart, anywhere at any time. However, that may become a hindrance ... a convenience that prevents me from the task of actually looking for - and thus finding - God.

I should go find God. One of the places I often go to seek him is Maui, and that will present a new challenge when we go there next due to the devastation and likely human challenges we will experience. I live in one of the most naturally beautiful places on earth, yet I never really just find quietness and seek the Lord. Even when alone, I tend to fill my mind with earthly inputs like television and youtube, rather than seeking the Lord.

I have said I would do more of that ... taking quiet time daily to find God and talk with him. Solomon went looking for God and found him, and I know God is not hiding. I need to lean into the desire I have to find God, and take more time to go looking for him.

Prayer: Lord, I do desire to commune with you more. I know I do not pray enough, and when I do it is often just whenever I just happen to be in a time of aloneness. May I instead take time to find you. May I dedicate time to look for you and reach out to you. As I desire your presence, may I know that what I need to do is bring myself into your presence instead of just expecting you to be wherever and whenever is convenient for me. Amen.

Telling the Important Story

Scripture: Then, for a second time, they made David’s son Solomon king; they anointed him as the Lord’s ruler, and Zadok as the priest. 1 Chronicles 29:22b

Observation: As the chronicler discusses the transition of kingship from David to Solomon, this is how he words it ... for a second time, they made Solomon king. What he leaves out is the coup of Adonijah. Solomon was David's planned successor, but Adonijah garners the support of both the military leaders and the priests. David as a dying act confirms Solomon, and anoints and coronates him. Solomon then must deal with Adonijah and his supporters, after which he is publicly anointed king.

This coup is the first two chapters of 2 Kings, but is unaddressed in 1 Chronicles. This is similar to David's sin with Bathsheba, and the issues pertaining to his census of the fighting men for which he was punished. These incidents are mostly ignored because they are not related to the narrative of Chronicles, which is ... the work of the Lord. While the books of Samuel and Kings seem to cover the relationship Israel - and specifically it's kings - has with Yahweh, Chronicles is more about the relationship Yahweh has with Israel. It documents how the people have grown and advanced through dozens of generations, and how the Lord has blessed them with riches and prosperity and wise council. This is the important story of the bible.

Application: I was thinking the other day about my testimony. Yes, my testimony includes my perspective of how my redemption and salvation transpired. However, at its core, my testimony is about God choosing to answer my prayer, pour out his love upon me, and transform my life. I literally did nothing good, and God acted in response.

This is the important part of every story in life ... what the Lord is doing. His actions manifest in our lives, our worldly outcomes, our activities, our 'stuff', but the power is that the Lord is the one acting and loving and guiding and speaking and showing and providing and fixing and accomplishing and making.

When I speak of my life, may I truly - and explicitly - be telling people about what the Lord is doing.

Prayer: Lord, all things in my life are the result of you. I thank you for the blessings, but I also just thank you for the actions. More and more, may my story not be about me, but about you. Amen.

I Don't Want to Live That Way

I can do all things in you!

Fear won't shake me, break me.

I can face the lions, the giants.

You're greater than the storms I face.

There are so Many Fires

Scripture: For no one can lay any foundation other than what has been laid down. That foundation is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or straw, each one’s work will become obvious. For the day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire; the fire will test the quality of each one’s work. If anyone’s work that he has built survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned up, he will experience loss, but he himself will be saved—but only as through fire. 1 Corinthians 3:11-15

Observation: In discussing the issues of the church in Corinth, Paul breaks down the various teaching using a building metaphor. The interpretation is pretty simple. Paul at first laid the "foundation" that is faith and belief in Jesus as the Messiah. Now all other "teaching" about Christian life is built upon that truth. Some of that teaching may be durable and strong, and some may even be of great value, and some ... may not be. Make no mistake, there will be trails - fire - and those buildings will be tested. The outcome of the constructed building will be based on how they are built. Some may burn. If you house burns, that is a loss for you, however there remains hope because the foundation cannot be burned, and thus believers will remain saved in Christ.

Application: Wow, our society is on fire right now, and it is heartbreaking to see whose homes are built with hay and straw.

My heart is breaking over and over again every day for my friends. I am aware of the pain they are feeling about the lost faith and resulting actions of their children. They are sad, even as they themselves are not sure how to respond out of their own faith. Metaphorically, their homes are charred and may even be smoldering themselves, while they see their sons and daughters as now just piles of ash.

The question is ... did they have the foundation? If so, then yes they have experienced loss as Paul says, but they will still be saved. And this is the concern in the end, that the children's foundation actually existed in the first place. Sincerely, this is a very real concern, because I believe my friends would say 'yes', though I feel there is very real evidence to doubt that.

If yes, the foundations are real, then they are undamaged by the fire and we can all receive comfort. The losses - the current situations and behaviors of so many young people - still hurt. I am seeking hope.

Prayer: Lord, I do not even know how to come to you for prayer in this matter anymore. The fire is far too big to even fathom. This isn't about individual homes anymore, but the entire city that is our youth is burned to the ground, totally destroyed. The only hope is that foundations exist, and that some can rebuild. The disaster is all so overwhelming, Lord, and it is because of this that I know you are the only hope, for there is no possible solution or action that can be taken without your greatness. Please, Lord, expel the fire. Please, Lord, rebuild the homes and with sturdier, more valuable materials than before. And where builders are needed, please give us the tools we need to build. Amen.

How to Get After God's Heart

Scripture:
Sing to him; sing praise to him;
tell about all his wondrous works!
Boast in his holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.
Seek the Lord and his strength;
seek his face always.
Remember the wondrous works he has done,
his wonders, and the judgments he has pronounced.
1 Chronicles 16:9-12

Observation: Upon moving the Arc to Jerusalem, David - the man after God's own heart - pronounces a psalm. While the bulk of the psalm will be about the history and nature of Lord's covenant with Israel, it opens with these four instructions:

1) Sing praise explicitly about the Lord's wonderous works.

2) Proclaim the greatness of the Lord (aka boast) explicitly by his name.

3) Seek the Lord and continue to look to him for blessing.

4) Remember everything the Lord has ever done.

This is in fact a great summary of how every believer should think and act every day ... it is an action-oriented summary of the idea of meditating on the Lord and his word, of praying continually, and of aligning ourselves to cleanliness. In reverse order - from the inside out - if we did these things ... remembered how wonder God is, looked for even more wonders from him, told others about all those great things, and then reached up to the Lord to praise him for it all ... that would be a model life of faith, hope, and love.

Application: There is no surprise when I think about the struggles I am having in life - physically and mentally, in body, mind, and soul - aligned to the fact that I rarely do any of these things. I wish to be a man after God's own heart, but I don't do the things taught by THE man after God's own heart.

Yet I know what the Lord has done for me, my family, and my nation. He has delivered me from the depths of despair, protected me from evil, very practically provided for me in every need. I do desire his continued blessing, and I sincerely wish I would enter more and more into his will in order to find the peace I desire. I would like to tell others about him and about the salvation I have found in Jesus, and I do from time to time take a while to sing praise and pray about his greatness.

I remember often. I don't seek enough. I absolutely don't proclaim enough. I praise and pray less frequently than I should.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for this lesson today. May I fix my thoughts and actions. Again I ask, please aid me in aligning both my internal thoughts and my outward words and acts to embrace the model taught by David. Yes, I know I will never, ever be the man I once thought I could be. May I instead just be a man after your heart. Amen.

Different Methods for the Same Goal

Scripture: But now I no longer have any work to do in these regions, and I have strongly desired for many years to come to you whenever I travel to Spain. For I hope to see you when I pass through and to be assisted by you for my journey there, once I have first enjoyed your company for a while. Right now I am traveling to Jerusalem to serve the saints. Romans 15:23-25

Observation: This is how Paul has planned his trip to Rome ... first he will go Jerusalem and deliver the offering he has collected, then - because his current call has been completed - he will go to Spain because he wants to reach a completely unreached region, however on the way to Spain he will stop in Rome. He hopes the people in Rome will assist him in his trip to Spain, and that is likely the implicit purpose of his letter ... an introduction of him and his theology so they will graciously receive and assist him. As we know and have discussed before, Paul's plan will not work out.

Yes, the Lord has called Paul to Rome. Paul wants that to be as part of his plan to go to Spain, but Spain isn't part of the Lord's plan. In addition, how Paul goes - sent by the church and free to proceed within the empire's lands - also isn't the method by which God will send Paul to Rome. It is clear Paul has heard the word of God saying he will go to Rome and minister to the Gentiles in Rome. His very clear statements about going to Rome, and this masterpiece letter outlining the faith-filled life of believers, are evidence of his hearing and compliance with God's word. It is just that God had different methods for achieving the same goal.

Application: My church is in a tenuous position right now. There is a vision, and I do believe that vision is from God. However, there are many ways to achieve that vision, and it is appearing likely that the plans of earthly leaders may not be the same as the methods of the Lord to achieve that same outcome. This tension seems about to reach a point of conflict. I hope and pray that it is resolved as the Lord would have it resolved, and following the Lord's plan, not any person's plan.

It could be that new resources will suddenly appear, for I certainly believe in the Lord's provision. I could be that timing needs to be revised. It could be that a different path is needed entirely. I am absolutely NOT the person to receive any such word, and I have no participation in this work anyway. I only see the lesson of Paul, and know it applies to us somehow.

Prayer: Yes, Lord, today I pray thy will be done specifically as it pertains to the future of Evergreen Church. You have a plan for us, and we have done what we can to follow your plan. However, doors are beginning to close regarding finances, processes, and favor. I know this may be to test our faith and that you can open all doors. I also know this may be because you have a different method to accomplish this same goal, and we need to not only see your vision but also to follow your path and plan. Again, may thy will be done. May thy wisdom guide us. May all the glory be yours. Amen.

Blessed by the Lord

Scripture:
Blessed be the Lord forever.
Amen and amen.
Psalm 89:52

Observation: Yes, the psalmist has spent several verses crying out to the Lord for protection. He has talked about oppression and mortal danger and slavery and hardships and mocking ... how he has endured it all, and wondering where the Lord is to protect and restore and delivery and elevate and bless him. In all this, he ends by declaring blessing upon the Lord forever.

Application: Two weeks ago, our daughter in Arizona talked to my wife and warned of "spiritual attack". She said she was feeling it, and we needed to all be careful because the evil one was on the attack against our family. Now, in the last 72 hours ... my wife was in a hit-and-run car accident, she also dove out of the way of getting run over by a different car, my son's car was stolen, and I now have bronchitis with difficulty even breathing.

And yes, in the midst of all this, I have stood in my family room yelling at God, wondering where he is. I have asked him where is his protection, his blessing, his comfort. I have shown him we are under attack and asked why he is allowing it instead of stepping in.

However ... we are all well. I am on medicine and will recover. Outside of temporary fear and anger, my wife is completely unharmed. My son is fine and working the issue with full insurance coverage. Even my daughter seems to be doing better with her work stresses. The worldly problems all still exist, but we are in fact okay.

Blessed be the Lord forever!!

Prayer: Again I say, Lord, blessed be your name. You are the great I Am, our father and protector and creator and God, and in you I place my full trust. Halleluiah and Amen.