Thinking About Friends

Scripture:
One with many friends may be harmed,
but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.
Proverbs 18:24

Observation: This is a section of one-sentence truths, and this one pertains to the likelihood that a person can be hurt by being betrayed by a friend. The more friends you have, the more likely one will do something that hurts you, which is kind of just math. Casual friends turn on friends. Close friends - those closer than a brother - do not. Therefore, despite other proverbs that state how a person can be liked and honored through honesty and other good acts, one still needs to be wary of collecting casual friends, or else be prepared to be hurt.

Application: I don't have many friends. Besides my very best friend - my wife - I have three other friends I would call as close or closer than a brother ... my neighbor and two college friends. I have another handful of casual friends, which number in the single digits, and that's it.

Between high school and college, I used to have dozens of friends, more than I could count. Teammates, classmates, frat brothers, work colleagues ... anywhere, anytime I might find myself in a group of six to 20 people doing things, having fun. Yes, people move on and you lose touch, but that isn't just what happened to me. Instead, many of these people began to hurt me, and later my wife and I both. They would be mean, tell lies, and eventually I made a very conscious decision and cut ties.

Sometimes I'm sad about that. I have a friend who I sat next to the first day of kindergarten, he was my locker partner our junior and senior years of high school, and I haven't spoken to him now in over 30 years despite the fact he tries to reach out to me about once a year. I have college friends who I haven't spoken to in 35 years who were literally in my dream just last night. I didn't know who to trust, so I decided on a very small number, and while it makes me sad, I don't regret it.

I also changed my behavior about new friends. I don't make friends at work. I don't socialize with new people. When I end up in a situation with groups of people I have a great time, but don't seek such settings. When I do organize such group activities, it is almost always centered around the close and casual friends I do have, and may extend to other, but my core is intact.

Sometimes I wonder ... is this right? Was I supposed to have more friends? Wouldn't a good and godly man attract more friends, or seek out friends by his kindness and love and the joy he exudes? I think the answer is ... maybe, but that comes with a warning that you will be hurt.

Prayer: Lord, I hope I have honored you in the decisions and direction of my life. I thank you for the brothers I have, and I thank you for the love and friendship of Jesus, the true one who is closer than all others. Amen.

It is Possible to do This

Scripture: Let everyone submit to the governing authorities, since there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are instituted by God. So then, the one who resists the authority is opposing God’s command, and those who oppose it will bring judgment on themselves. Romans 13:1-2

Observation: Paul is very direct as he begins a new section of the letter, talking about the way Christians are to live within a pagan society, and it begins with this ... submit to the government. His logic is complex. He does say that we are to submit to the government because the Lord is sovereign and thus even governments are part of his plan. However, there is an additional idea, which is that governments reward behavior that aligns to their edicts and punishes those that don't, therefore 'doing as told' is a way the Lord can give blessings to us. Opposing government not only denies us blessing, but creates conflict, fighting, and a lack of peaceful existence.

Some may say, 'well that's easy for Paul to say, he didn't face the division and political conflicts we face.' Well ... this letter was written in 57 or 58 AD, and the Roman emperor at the time was ... Nero. It was still early in his reign, but he had already killed his stepbrother, and there was a bitter power struggle taking place between Nero and his mother, with Nero removing or killing many advisors. We know what Nero would become as only about 7 years after this letter Nero would initiate the persecution of all Christians. It is to this person that Paul - inspired by the Holy Spirit - is telling Christians to ... submit, do not resist, for the Lord has a plan and wishes to bless you.

Application: Almost everyone I know is on one side or the other of our current political party system, and they declare they either do or don't support the government based on that allegiance. I personally know many of our local elected officials, and I know first-hand that most possess a problematic combination of ... extreme arrogance, and absolute ignorance. I also now sit in a state that just passed the largest single-year tax increase in national history because they ran out of money to fund things like free-use meth shelters, LGBTQ+ support programs, and the construction of toll roads so we can all pay $20 a day to drive on highways built by the taxes.

The Lord calls me - everyone - to submit to all these authorities, do not oppose them, and thus receive his blessing. While it is obvious I have opinions on the government itself, I do submit to it when conscience allows, and avoid fights when necessary. And I have been blessed by this! My income for the past 24 years, and hopefully now in the next five years to come, has been determined by these same government officials, and come from these same government funds, mostly directly (some derivatively).

It is possible to be a Christian and NOT fight the government ... any government, either party. It is better for Christians and the Church to not fight the government, so sayeth the Lord himself. We don't have to condone, and we absolutely must not conform, but we can be blessed by not fighting.

Prayer: Lord, I have known for many years that, when it comes to government, you have placed me in a unique position. At times you have given me access and influence in a place bereft of you, and that may continue still. May I have the courage and strength both submit but not conform; to speak but without conflict. Amen.

As Far as It Depends on Me

Scripture: If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:18

Observation: Paul has 12 verses that are a list of the ways Christians should behave and interact. In all, it's about 27 behavioral instructions, most so short that v18 is one of the longer ones. This is a simple instruction - live at peace with everyone - but oh, so hard to do. That is why being a peacemaker is one of the blessed kinds of people in the beatitudes.

Application: Today, I want to lash out at someone. Twenty minutes ago I received information that is relatively meaningless - that I won't be interviewed for a particular job - but it has a larger context. The job was back in government, reporting to my former boss, working with people who were my former peers, and in a position for which I am imminently qualified. I didn't get through the resume screening, and I'm not an idiot to not know what that means ... people I trust and once declared they would stand by me have taken an active role in shunning me.

Yes, I want to say something. I want to do something that lets them know that I know what they have done. However, that absolutely is not the peaceful approach. The minimum definition of the peaceful approach is to do nothing. The best approach is likely to ignore it, assume the best (that somehow they weren't involved or informed), and proceed in life reminding myself that I actually didn't want the job anyway and already have a new job (a new job that likely will require me to interact with these same people anyway).

Maybe I am assuming action or intent where it doesn't exist, and my response would actually harm the situation. At the very least, even not reacting makes things better, and ignoring and moving on actually makes my life easier.

I do want to live at peace with everyone. It is such an easier life than the alternative. Sometimes it hurts my internal pride, but pride is a beast I've been trying to tame for years so the discipline of peace helps with that, too.

In the end, those people are allowed to think of me as they will. They can believe old rumors and outright lies. They can make decisions about me based on bad assumptions, misinformation, and festering jealousy even. However ... as far as it depends on ME ... I'll live at peace, without confrontation or conflict or even hard questions.

Prayer: Lord, I know I'm likely overreacting to a situation, but you know it brings up old hurts and sad thoughts. You have already given me your blessing and love, making this situation completely meaningless in my life anyway. Please give me your peace. Amen.

Harm in Seeking Fights

Scripture: Shimei had sixteen sons and six daughters, but his brothers did not have many children, so their whole family did not become as numerous as the Judeans. They lived in Beer-sheba, Moladah, Hazar-shual, Bilhah, Ezem, Tolad, Bethuel, Hormah, Ziklag, Beth-marcaboth, Hazar-susim, Beth-biri, and Shaaraim. These were their cities until David became king ... Now five hundred men from these sons of Simeon went with Pelatiah, Neariah, Rephaiah, and Uzziel, the descendants of Ishi, as their leaders to Mount Seir. They struck down the remnant of the Amalekites who had escaped, and they still live there today. 1 Chronicles 4:27-31,42-43

Observation: As the chronicler documents the tribes and ancestry of the tribe of Simeon, we get information that seems to tell why their portion of the promised land was effectively lost and became part of Judah. Simeon's lot was inside Judah, an island in its center. However, we get three pieces of information here.

First, the descendants of Simeon did not have many kids, and thus they became a small tribe by population. Second, they did hold their allotment until David became king, meaning David probably made some decision that they had grown too small to really run their cities and either the cities were abandoned or Judah was allowed to take some of their land. Lastly, at some time a significant number of their men went to Mount Seir (in Moab) to fight, and then just stayed there instead of returning home.

Simeon has a strange relationship as a patriarch and thus as a tribe. Simeon was second-born, but when the birthright was taken away from Reuben, Simeon was passed over as well due to his actions at Shechem. When Jacob blesses his sons, Simeon's blessing is more like a curse, effectively stating that he kills and maims as he pleases because anger rules his actions. When it comes to the long-term outcome for the tribe, this appears to hold true ... Simeon doesn't find peace in his portion of land and multiply, but instead strikes out and attacks foreign lands and then stays there. Simeon would rather fight in and then defend land that isn't theirs, instead of simply resting and multiplying in land that was promised them by Yahweh.

Application: There is something profound about the quiet way the tribe of Simeon just sort of ... never does anything and then seemingly disappears, subsumed by Judah. It is rarely part of the narrative, given an odd portion of the promised land, and gone without any mention by the time of the 'divided kingdom' where it's said it's just the lands of Judah and Benjamin that are part of the south. Perhaps this insight today is the key to understanding what happened to Simeon; They would rather go in search of conflicts than just enjoy the good life where they are.

I think I used to be like Simeon, seeking 'fights'. I would try to 'win' a lot, and to win you gotta find someone to go against. I've learned how bad that is, and I've learned how many times God just tells us to relax, live life where we are, enjoy your safe home, and receive his blessings.

There is harm in seeking fights. Even if you win (and Simeon did 'win' at both Shechem and Mount Seir), you lose. You lose your personal peace and security, and you lose the blessings God wanted to give you instead of you trying to go out and take what you want. This is another example of yielding to the Lord's will in my life, and letting him give me what he deems good for me. I will continue to grow in this idea.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for all you have given me in life, especially my good, safe, and loving home. It is a blessing from you, and you have always provided for it by me simply staying where I am and trying to do good here. Again I say, thank you. I am better than I used to be, but please help me continue to develop a contrite heart, without conflict, and without any need to ever 'win'. Amen.

Uniquely Prepared and Qualified

Scripture:
I have been the Lord your God
ever since the land of Egypt.
I will make you live in tents again,
as in the festival days.
Hosea 12:9

Observation: As Hosea continues to prophesy of the future destruction of Israel, the Lord discusses how he has related with Israel for centuries. One reminder is this ... Israel not only lived in tents during their entire 40 years wandering in wilderness, but every year they have a festival where they live in tents. Everyone in all of Israel owns large tents, and once a year will make a pilgrimage, set up those tents, and live in them for an entire week. As a result, member of every generation is knowledgeable of how to live in a temporary dwelling, and has both the structure and materials needed as part of their possessions.

And what is about to happen to Israel? They are about to be destroyed, and in the case of the northern kingdom they will not be hauled away, but cast out of their land and scattered. In what will seem like a moment's notice, they will be forced to leave their homes, leave their land, and with nothing but what they can carry they will have to figure out how to survive somewhere else. They will, in fact ... need to grab their tent, and go live without a home. Every member of every family actually knows how to do that.

Application: The people of Israel were all uniquely prepared for exile. Millions of them knew how to live without a home, so when they all lost their homes they at least had - on hand and ready to go - the equipment, materials, and know-how to survive.

I doubt this was the point to all this, but ... the Lord prepared them to be able to survive exile, and kept them prepared generation after generation, for centuries.

I have said this before, but I don't think I'm prepared for - and qualified to do - anything. That applies broadly to my life, even my work, but it especially applies to my service to the Lord. I have no knowledge, skills, or abilities that seem useful, and certainly not to any special level of quality or expertise. My gifting is questionable and unclear. I can no longer just show up and use early strength to help in practical ways.

The bible tells us we are all uniquely prepared and qualified for some calling from the Lord. I hope so, because I don't see it in me.

Prayer: Lord, you are my Lord and my God. I look to you for all things in my life, and I thank you so very much for your love and blessing, and your continued love and blessing upon me and my family. Even while I am bad and sinful and problematic, you are loving and kind and merciful. Thank you, my Lord. Amen.

Abundance Acknowledges Importance

Scripture:
Israel is a lush vine;
it yields fruit for itself.
The more his fruit increased,
the more he increased the altars.
The better his land produced,
the better they made the sacred pillars.
Hosea 10:1

Observation: This is a major point against Israel declared by the Lord, that when Israel is blessed ... in the years where crops are great, trade is wonderful, and they have an overflow of riches for all ... they use that overflow to improve their sinful practices. They will expand and improve the alters where they sacrifice to idols, and they will increase and improve pillars erected to other gods. In other words, when Yahweh blesses them - or at least doesn't curse them - they use the overflow to increase their sin.

This is a sign of how far all people have turned away from the Lord: That when their lives are going well, they move their behaviors even further from the Lord. They fail to recognize that blessings come from the Lord, and rather attribute success to themselves and their work. As a result, the rewards of that work can be used for whatever they choose as important, and the fact their sin and idol worship is what is important to them becomes evident.

Application: Despite everything going on in my life, there is no possible way for me to ignore the fact that I have abundance. What do I use that abundance for? I use it for travel, 'securing' my future and retirement, and a fair amount of good food and wine. And yes, I give a significant amount to the Lord, but ... is it enough? Is it primary? Is it in acknowledgment that the abundance came from him in the first place and is actually all his?

Not only do I sin too much, I also fail to make the Lord the most important aspect of my life as evidenced by how I distribute my abundance. Frankly, it should all go to God. However, he doesn't ask for that, he only asks that it not go toward sinful and worldly things. I do not use my resources for worshipping other gods, but I need to be careful that these other activities that my resources go toward - the travel and food and drink and happiness - do not become my idols.

Here is how they could be defined as my idols ... I am to trust in the Lord for my joy and security, AND know that when I have those things in my life they are provided by God. Do I find more joy in a nice dinner out than I do in the Lord? Do I find more security in a retirement account than I do in the Lord? And if I have these things, do I acknowledge that the joy and security are actually from the Lord, and not of my own doing?

I feel I am 'good' on this last point, for I absolutely know that every good thing in my life comes from the Lord, and that I myself can do nothing. I am of no value, no worth, with no skills, outside of what the Lord has chosen to allow me so that I can receive his blessings.

However, when I have abundance - when I receive new abundance - where will it go? It must go to the Lord, for he is most important in my life.

Prayer: Lord, again today I say, please forgive me, and please guide me. You know how badly I have been struggling with my mind and my heart and my soul. Please again, give me your strength, and the strength of the Holy Spirit, as I go forward this day and every day. Amen.

Claiming the Promise of Abba

Scripture: For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear. Instead, you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father!” Romans 8:15

Observation: As Paul transitions the conversation about being slaves under the Law into a conversation worldly flesh versus Godly spirit, he makes it clear that being a "slave" to the truth - to our faith in Jesus - is not truly like slavery. Rather, it is the spirit of being adopted as a child. We obey the Lord not out of fear of retribution for being a bad slave, but out of love and devotion and desire to make our father proud. It is by that spirit that we are able to call the Lord our father, our 'daddy'.

Application: I feel like I am far from making my father proud. I struggle with ... everything. I'm glad I'm not a slave and can't be whipped or punished or cast out when I fail, but I also know the Lord often sadly shakes his head and turns away from me. I am a bad person who does bad things and thinks bad thoughts.

Today, I claim the promise of adoption, the promise of being able to call the Lord Abba - my daddy - because ... I need this promise. I can't live without it, else my failure would crush me.

Prayer: Abba, my dad in heaven, I thank you so very much for your patient love. What makes your love so special is that you have every reason to withhold it from me, but you don't. Again I say, thank you. May I do something today that makes you pleased. Amen.

How Evil Always Works

Scripture: For sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, deceived me, and through it killed me. So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and just and good. Therefore, did what is good become death to me? Absolutely not! But sin, in order to be recognized as sin, was producing death in me through what is good, so that through the commandment, sin might become sinful beyond measure. Romans 7:11-13

Observation: Paul makes an interesting argument about the Law, though he has to carefully discuss it for the matter is complex. The simplified version is this. In order to teach man not to sin, the Lord gave us guidance about what is right and wrong behavior. As a result of that very guidance, we sin. If we didn't have the guidance we would just do as God says, but upon being given a choice, evil steps in and we do the wrong thing.

This does NOT make the Law evil. This does not make the definition of 'good' a source of evil because knowledge of good results in us doing something else. However, this does make the Law and knowledge about good a place where the deceiver ... evil ... satan ... can create the lies to lead us into missteps. Today, just like in Paul's time, that twisting of the Law and what is good creates evil in human hearts.

Application: When I knowingly commit sin, it is almost always coupled with the idea that I am doing good, or at least that I am not breaking God's teaching. A simple example ... when I lie in order to spare someone's feelings, I tell myself I am showing kindness toward them as Jesus taught us ... yet I am lying, I violation of the 9th commandment.

And that is just the most basic example, applying to me and likely easily applying to almost every person of faith who desires to be obedient to Jesus. In the world today, so many good things have been twisted into evil purposes, and so many good intentions directly produce sin. All around us, humans find ways of justifying sin through the lens of goodness and love ... or at least I do.

This is the way evil always works. It is perfectly comfortable in pointing out that 'yes, this is the commandment and teaching of God' ... then guides us into finding a loophole, works on our pride to make us believe we can make good judgments, and creates the scenario where such decisions and tradeoffs are necessary. I wish I recognized this in real time more often.

Prayer: Lord, again today I say, thank you for your love and mercy. Without them, I would be a dead man walking without hope. It is only by your forgiveness that I have a future. Please again forgive me of my sins this day, and guide me in the way of your Word. May I cling to, and meditate upon, your Word day and night. Amen.

Learning About Proper Slavery

Scripture: Don’t you know that if you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of that one you obey—either of sin leading to death or of obedience leading to righteousness? Romans 6:16

Observation: This is Paul's response to the idea that believers who are saved by faith may therefore continue to sin for they are forgiven ... it is an issue of acknowledging one's own master. He calls this a 'human analogy' for our understanding, and it is effectively this ... your true master is that which you offer yourself to. If we offer ourselves to Christ, then he is our master and we must obey him. So if we pursue sin - if we willfully offer ourselves to the behaviors of this world - then sin is our master that we will obey.

Application: I thought recently about the idea of 'victimless' sin. In the world of AI, a person can now partake in lust without there even being a target of that lust other than computer code. However, the one sinning is certainly the victim, and always has been when it comes to sin. The Lord taught us of sin in order to offer us a good life, knowing that the acts of sin actually damage our lives, not just the lives of others.

When I sin, I harm myself. I fail to think on pleasant thoughts, fail to engage in meaningful relationship with others, and sometimes even alter my life in ways I wasn't even aware of. I sincerely wish to stop sinning, and to be a slave to righteousness.

Prayer: Lord, I offer myself to righteousness. You are my master, Lord. I look to Jesus for my salvation, and to your word for my direction and instruction. May I comply with your instructions and orders, as a slave obeys his master, for I know your instructions are good, your yoke is easy, and your burden is light. May I be obedient all the more, all the days of my life. Amen.

Primacy of the Resurrection

Scripture: Now 'it was credited to him' was not written for Abraham alone, but also for us. It will be credited to us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification. Romans 4:23-25

Observation: In discussing how we are saved by faith - how just like Abraham was credited with righteousness just by believing the Lord, so we are considered righteous before God just by believing in Jesus - Paul invokes the resurrection as the key moment of belief. He explicitly says that it isn't just that we trust in the Lord because Jesus existed, but rather that we trust in the Lord because he raised Jesus from the dead. He adds that Jesus was crucified as the great sacrifice for sin, but it is the resurrection that creates the path to "justification" ... it is by believing in the resurrection that we are credited with righteousness.

This is an interesting element of Paul's teaching that it has taken me time to understand. Even Paul's shorter speeches lead to the resurrection, and it is actually that point - the 'raising of the dead' - that causes the most controversy among everyone when he talks. This explains why. It is belief in that event that truly justifies us before the Lord.

This also explains Jesus' behavior after the resurrection. He appeared to hundreds of people, but he could have walked into the crowded temple and presented himself to tens of thousands. He could have walked into a meeting of the Sanhedrin and forced Israel's leaders to proclaim the truth. Instead, he made sure those who believed in him now believed the resurrection, and made this a key matter of faith. Belief in Jesus brings salvation, but it is explicitly belief in the resurrection - not just historical fact that Jesus existed but that he defeated death - that is the key to salvation.

Application: I believe in the resurrection, it's that cut and dry. In fact, of all the things Jesus did ... the healings, the sermons, the miraculous acts ... I believe the resurrection is perhaps the best documented and proven, and even if it wasn't I would believe it because it was the only way by which scripture was fulfilled when the Lord said Messiah will both be tortured and killed, and rule forever.

I believe Jesus was crucified, dead, and buried, and on the third day he rose again. Going forward, more and more, I will remember that as not just a core belief but as the anchor point of faith.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for the resurrection, the greatest act in history, and the inflection point of all human history. Amen.

Trusting and Understanding Prophesy

Scripture: Listen to this message that I am singing for you, a lament, house of Israel:
She has fallen;
Virgin Israel will never rise again.
She lies abandoned on her land
with no one to raise her up.
Amos 5:1-2

Observation: Amos begins a new section of prophecy this way, declaring with sadness the fact that Israel will be destroyed and sent into exile. This isn't the harsh warnings about destruction, but a lament that it comes to this.

The primary way to test prophecy is to see if it comes true. Certainly, Amos' warning that Israel would fall and go into exile came true. However, what about this line ... that "Israel will never rise again"? Israel exists again today, so did this prophecy fail? Obviously, no. This line is and was about the "northern kingdom" now also calling itself Samaria. It is also about the activities of that nation - the worship of idols at the high places of Bethel and Gilgal - which get called out just one verse later.

Samaria fell and never rose again, and those idols were destroyed and have never existed again. Just as importantly, the people of the northern kingdom did not have the same exile experience as Judah did under Babylon, but rather they were scattered and never returned. It is important to understand all of this when examining prophesy, for the Lord's true word never fails.

Application: Today, I stand with Israel, as I have declared before. I still strongly believe that the Lord is active in that part of the world in a way that is supernatural and powerful. I believe the enemies of Israel are actually enemies of Yahweh, and identified and cursed as such. I believe the Lord works through Israel to reveal himself and his plan for mankind.

And I know that 'Israel' of the first millennia BC was absolutely destroyed and never rose again. The prophesies of the past were true and accurate, giving us faith in both the prophesies of the future, and in the prophesies about Jesus as the Messiah. I trust in the word of the Lord, as I have declared before.

Prayer: Lord, may your word always comfort, inform, instruct, and teach me every day. Please be with Israel and those there today as they continue in danger and hardship, and may your will for the world, and the spiritual war that is occurring all around us, be revealed through Israel. Amen.

Snatched Like a Burning Stick

Scripture:
I overthrew some of you
as I overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah,
and you were like a burning stick
snatched from a fire,
yet you did not return to me—
This is the Lord’s declaration.
Amos 4:11

Observation: Amos pronounces the word of the Lord, outlining what the Lord has done already to Israel to wake them up and return them to obedience. Beginning with the last line of chapter 3, Amos ends statements with this line - "This is the Lord's declaration."

It is not just the words that are this "declaration" of the Lord, but it is also the acts he performs to make himself known. Some of the acts are future tense, and include the destruction of the idols they worship, and their future exile. Others are past tense and include past droughts, plagues of locus, military losses, diseases, blights of destructive nature, and disease and death. Like a sad father, five times the Lord says, "yet you did not return to me."

This is certainly the point. The Lord is not threatening Israel, and the Lord is not boasting about his power and authority that he has demonstrated. The Lord is lamenting that, despite the fact he has shown correction to Israel - correction exactly as he told them he would through Joshua and therefore they should have clearly understood - and even though in the midst of such corrective punishments he pulled them out and helped them still survive ... they did not return to the Lord.

Application: This is the cycle of it with the Lord ... the Lord shows us what is good and right, we don't do it, he allows the consequences of our actions BUT then saves us and pulls us out and again shows us what is right, and we repeat the cycle. This applies to people-groups, and it applies to individuals, and it applies to me.

I cannot believe how greatly the Lord has helped me, answered my prayers, shown great patience and mercy, while I sit here becoming almost sad for the inability to do what is wrong.

I may not always believe the Lord punishes our nation in the same manner he interacted with Israel, but I know this model described throughout these declarations is true ... bad things of the world happen, and while the Lord allows them he also gives hope and help to those who believe in Jesus, and then we turn around and mourn the bad things, returning to our flawed thoughts and actions. I want to break that cycle in my life. I want to see that the Lord has snatched me from the fire, and as a damaged stick I want to be grafted into the vine.

Prayer: Lord, all praise and glory and honor to you, for you are able and willing to hear the prayers of even flawed and broken people like me and give us hope, strength, and salvation. You take action to help us, and strength for our bodies and souls. Again I say, praise to you, Lord! Thank you for removing me from the fire. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Let God be True, Even Though

Scripture: What then? If some were unfaithful, will their unfaithfulness nullify God’s faithfulness? Absolutely not! Let God be true, even though everyone is a liar. Romans 3:3-4a

Observation: Paul is in the middle of his philosophical discussion about the alignment between the Jewish law and the salvation of the Lord. It is confusing, but includes various ways of discussing Jewish behavior - and especially their failure to obey the Law - juxtaposed to the faithfulness of the Lord. The fact Jews struggle to obey the Law does not nullify it as good, nor weaken the Lord himself.

That is the key point of this specific section ... people are not Jews by outward appearances, but rather by their efforts to comply with the Law, and yet when they fail in those efforts that doesn't mean the Lord fails, nor does it mean the Law is bad. It simply means individuals are flawed and sinful and should now be judged by a righteous God. (This philosophical point will come full circle ... the Jews have the Law so shouldn't sin ... yet people sin and should be judged ... yet Jesus gives salvation by faith alone without judgement for actions ... yet that isn't a free ticket to sin ... so people shouldn't sin.)

Paul's statement about the Lord in all of this is powerful ... the Lord is true, even though everyone else is a liar. The Lord is holy and righteous, even when everyone who believes in the Lord - everyone who declares they are children of God and obedient to him as the Lord of the universe - utterly fails to actually obey him, and instead commits every sin he taught us not to do. Our sin does not tarnish the Lord. And his decision to offer us grace instead of the punish we deserve only glorifies him all the more.

Application: Almost every day my wife and I discuss our church because it is her job. As a pastor, she cares for her coworkers and serves the congregants, so she sees everyone either just as they are at work, or even at their low points when they are struggling in life. The hardest part of the job is knowing that everyone - us included - utterly fails to obey the Lord. We declare we know the one glorious and all-powerful Lord God almighty, creator of heaven and earth ... and then disobey his clear instructions several times a day. No wonder we fail to influence and communicate the gospel to those outside of faith, who don't believe in the Lord. When it comes to what is "right", why would anyone EVER listen to ... me?

Today, I cling to Paul's words, "Let God be true, even though everyone is a liar". Yes, Let God be true, even when I lie. Let God be virtuous, even when I lust. Let God by kind, even when I ignore the poor. Let God be peace, even when I am angry. Let God be merciful, even when I judge others' actions.

I fail at everything. May that never tarnish the Lord, and may somehow those in need of the Lord see his love and goodness despite the hypocrisy of myself and other Christians.

Prayer: Lord, you are the great father of us all. You have told us what you wish we would do, and I fail to obey over and over. Please forgive me of my failings. I thank you for your strength and goodness to assist me in my endeavor to be improved. Amen.

Sitting Around Brooding and Angry

Scripture: As the sun was rising, God appointed a scorching east wind. The sun beat down on Jonah’s head so much that he almost fainted, and he wanted to die. He said, “It’s better for me to die than to live.” Then God asked Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry about the plant?” “Yes, it’s right!” he replied. “I’m angry enough to die!” Jonah 4:8-9

Observation: Jonah has preached against Ninevah, and they have responded with repentance. The Lord thus relents from destroying them, and will soon even use them to punish Israel for its sin. Jonah, waiting to see what happens, not only doesn't witness the destruction of the enemy, but suffers under a hot sun because the plant that gave him shade has died.

In other words, Jonah (reluctantly) obeys the Lord, as a result over 120,000 repent to the Lord, and Jonah ...

-- Hopes the people will die instead

-- Voluntarily sits in the sun for no reason but his wish for death on 120,000 people

-- Proclaims it would be best for him to die he is so hot and angry

-- Declares he is 'angry enough to die' over the life and death of a meaningless plant

Jonah's misery is 100 percent self-inflicted. There was no reason for him to even remain at Ninevah once he had proclaimed God's word. He could be at home, comfortably eating breakfast. Instead, he decides to sit on a hill brooding. He leans into his hate for a people-group, wishing and hoping for the chance to witness the death of thousands. He does so in intense heat to the point of physical exhaustion. He becomes so angry that when a basic plant dies ... I mean, plants die when it's hot ... he argues with God and wishes for his own death.

Application: How many times do Christians - myself included - just sit around angry about some group of people that are in open defiance to the Lord, and wonder why the Lord hasn't just erased them from the face of the earth yet? And how often does this act ... our brooding, our anger ... negatively affect us, not that group of people? The answers are, of course, 'too often' and 'every time'.

Sitting around angry at the people who are disobeying the Lord affects us just like it did Jonah. Our lives become drained of energy. We don't enjoy the blessings in our lives that the Lord has given us. We become so angry about little, meaningless things that we lose rational thinking. Worst of all, we argue with God himself over the situation, pridefully assuming our righteous anger and logic is best, and the Lord's mercy and timing and plan are flawed.

Prayer: Lord, it is true that we all often ask for your action against people of this era. I totally and completely love your love and mercy, but every once in a while I desire to see some rebellious group or cause crushed by your righteous judgment in an obvious move of your authority. I pray that I not become Jonah, brooding in discomfort and anger, when instead I can just live within your love and blessing, because in either circumstance your plan is best. Thy will be done. Amen.

Doing God's Will in My Bubble

Scripture: Then they said to him, "We haven’t received any letters about you from Judea. None of the brothers has come and reported or spoken anything evil about you." Acts 28:21

Observation: A few days after arriving in Rome, Paul presents himself to Jewish leaders just as he always did during his travels. He explains why he has arrived in Rome as a prisoner, even through there are not criminal charges against him, and this is their response ... they've never heard of him or the issues surrounding him. No one in Judea or Jerusalem - where Paul was accused and tried multiple times - told anyone in Rome about him.

But here's the deal ... Paul's journey to Rome took a LONG time. Months. They 'wintered' in a port along the way! Jerusalem was the Jewish center of life, Judea was the region where the Jews lived, but Rome was the capital of the empire where all important people needed to go or at least communicate with others to conduct key business and trade. By boat, it is 1,800 miles from Jerusalem to Rome, which means it should take about two weeks to sail. Basic communications from Jerusalem to Rome should be measured in weeks, not months, and Rome would have had methods to ensure that given the need to remain in communications with local governors and military units.

There is only one reason why the Jews in Rome had not heard of Paul, and that is ... the Jews in Jerusalem knew they had lost control of the narrative. They knew Paul was going to Rome, and instead of alerting local leaders about the terrible threat to the Jewish fate who was about to arrive on their doorstep, they just went quiet The Jews back home couldn't control what would happen in Rome, so they exited any and all participation in the process.

In Jerusalem, they tried to be in charge and impose a verdict and punishment. Now they could do nothing, so instead of remaining strong in their convictions and seeking to do the will of God as they claimed was their mission, they stopped acting and went on to other business.

Application: I have been thinking lately - obviously - about local issues and challenges. There is a real question to be asked in the context of the lack of action by the Jews in Jerusalem. What does it say about our faith if we try to do the Lord's will when it is easy, but stop when it becomes difficult or dangerous?

Now, of course the Jews in Jerusalem were wrong about Paul and Jesus. However, they thought they were right and that they were doing God's will. But then when doing that will moves outside of their well-known and controlled ecosystem and likely draw unwanted attention, they stopped.

We need to do what is right, and to properly discern the Lord's will. However, we don't get to 'do' his will only when it's easy, safe, and comfortable.

I probably need to get more uncomfortable with doing the Lord's will, and quit trying to just obey the Lord within the context of my own bubble.

Prayer: Lord, today I want to turn the corner and quit living in my bubble, with my pride saying I can do as I please. Please, Lord, give me more of your strength today. Amen.

Care More than Hezekiah

Scripture: "'Look, the days are coming when everything in your palace and all that your predecessors have stored up until today will be carried off to Babylon; nothing will be left,' says the Lord. ‘Some of your descendants—who come from you, whom you father—will be taken away, and they will become eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.'" Then Hezekiah said to Isaiah, "The word of the Lord that you have spoken is good," for he thought, "Why not, if there will be peace and security during my lifetime?" 2 Kings 20:17-19

Observation: Isaiah tells Hezekiah the prophesy about the fall of Judah ... Babylon will come and destroy all of Judah and Jerusalem, they will take all the riches, burn everything down, and they will deport everyone, and even Hezekiah's own royal descendants will be castrated and made slaves to the king of Babylon.

And Hezekiah declares this as "good" because ... hey, at least it won't happen to him.

Application: Every day, I am forced to watch as the region I once loved - and I truly loved Seattle and this region ("Once a place touches you like this, the wind never blows so cold again") - is utterly and completely morally destroyed. Almost every position of authority - from city and county officials, to school district superintendents, to major business executives - is held by a person who is openly and actively driving agendas designed to destroy what is right and good and moral. Every day I see or hear about something that makes the situation just a little bit worse. And it's all celebrated! I don't know if I should cry, yell, or just ... leave.

But I also know that many Christians ... don't care. While this has been happening over the last 50 years, all they really cared about was whether or not their own church would survive. As our society swung in favor of issues and policies they should abhor, they shook their heads while just turning inward, keeping their programs alive, and hoping their stone building and the aging community of friends inside it would hold together for their lifetime. Younger Christians today have just left, moved to places where they aren't criticized or even ostracized for their faith.

They'd call the future of Seattle "good" because ... hey, it isn't happening to them.

I want to storm into local churches and just yell at them 'get up off you a**** and get in the fight!!' And that isn't fair because some are. But some aren't. Of course, many just don't exist anymore. And then there are those who have decided to set aside scriptural truth and instead agree with the new social norms and morals, and they are for the Lord to address not me.

I know how flawed I am. I know I don't do enough. But I also know I've been ostracized, criticized, disciplined, and fired due to my faith. Small prices to pay compared to some (I mean, I'm not getting enslaved and castrated). We all need to care a lot more about how the social decline of today will destroy people 25 years from now. We need to care a LOT more than Hezekiah.

Prayer: Lord, I know as an absolute fact that you could flip everything going on in this part of the world on its head, in a heartbeat, and bring revival and deliverance for millions here. I also know you could just let everyone self-determine their destruction. All I really see right now is, we are losing this fight. If that is your will, then thy will be done. Amen.

More Proof of the Bible

Scripture: "'I am about to put a spirit in him, and he will hear a rumor and return to his own land, where I will cause him to fall by the sword.'" When the royal spokesman heard that the king of Assyria had pulled out of Lachish, he left and found him fighting against Libnah. 2 Kings 19:7-8

Observation: Placing context around this, Assyria has just destroyed and exiled Israel, and is now invading Judah. The bible says that the king of Assyria - Sennacherib - even declares he is doing this because the Lord has sent him to destroy all other nations, and lists the nations he has defeated. He comes against Jerusalem, but instead of winning, Isaiah prophesizes that Sennacherib will hear false rumors about other fighting and will withdraw from Israel.

In this video from the archeologist who wrote the book "Where God Came Down", he reviews the archeological site of ancient Ninevah, capital of Assyria, where they have found rooms commemorating their empire. Bible Evidence Unearthed at Nineveh! The key details they have found written in Ninevah include:

-- The name Sennacherib

-- Details of him defeating every nation he boasted of

-- A statement he destroyed the Judean city of Lachish

-- A drawing of him sieging and attacking Lachish

-- Information that he died soon after returning from Judah

-- A statement that Lachish was the biggest Judean city he destroyed (thus admitting he never destroyed Jerusalem)

In other words, the bible provides detailed information about an ancient, non-Jewish king, and what he did and didn't do during war within the region, and every word - including names and places - is proved true by words and drawings in a non-Jewish historical site.

Application: I am becoming troubled more and more by people who will read self-help advice, and also declare the bible is fictional. At worst ... the very, very worst any logical person could say about the bible ... is that it is an ancient historical book which may therefore have some inaccuracies and translation challenges. Don't get me wrong, it doesn't have inaccuracies, I'm just saying that's the worst way someone could logically describe and accept the bible.

Instead, I know the bible is the inspired word of the Lord, good for teaching, advising, and correcting us. If we have problems in our life, or if we want to learn more about the purpose of life, or if we want advice on our future, all we need do is read the bible.

Prayer: Lord, again today, please direct my path and give me strength. Amen.

Everything I Need You've Got

Scripture:
But he would feed Israel with the best wheat.
“I would satisfy you with honey from the rock.”
Psalm 81:16

Observation: The psalmist is lamenting the fall of Israel, going back and forth about how the Lord promises to provide for the faithful, but those that turn away lose out on those blessings. For those that believe, they will receive all they need, and even from unexpected sources like rocks.

Application: I am always fascinated by where and how certain songs get their lyrics. I'm familiar with the worship song "Honey in the Rock" but thought that was such a strange line, then suddenly ... it's a psalm! So I really listened to the song for the first time and ... every line is just about how the Lord provides plenty to us, in all circumstances, all the time, everywhere. And WOW I SO need this!

Yes, I'm now unemployed and looking for a job, but that isn't even the provision I need. I need a reset of my brain, as too much free time has led to lazy activities like phone games that generate dopamine to the point I can feel my mind changing. I need my back healed (again) as this recent minor setback has escalated to where I'm becoming immobile on some days. I need to hear the plan for my job, not because the Lord hasn't provided, but because unknowns create stress no matter how much faith we have. I need to somehow wake up in a place someday where every ... single ... little ... issue ... isn't a zero-sum fight to the death. Then I listen to this song and realize that in fact ...

There's honey in the rock, water in the stone, manna on the ground no matter where I go. There's purpose in your plan, power in the blood, healing in your hands. And I don't need to worry now that I know ...

Prayer: Dear Lord, Abba, I feel like I can only say two words to you today. Sorry. Please. You know my heart, so please prune the bad, grow the good, and give me direction so I may in fact follow your plan. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

A Brief Reminder on Pride

Scripture:
Pride comes before destruction,
and an arrogant spirit before a fall.
...
There is a way that seems right to a person,
but its end is the way to death.
Proverbs 16:18,25

Observation: The Lord is very clear in these words. Prideful people do what they want and what feel is right in their lives, but without the Lord's direction, it isn't. Such actions lead to a fall, and to death.

Application: I am struggling right now to find the Lord's direction and instructions. I am also struggling with doing my own things. So the Lord reminds me today that this is my old nemesis - pride - returning.

Prayer: Lord, please give me more strength, and far, far less pride. Amen.

Upon Being Uniquely Qualified

Scripture: The commander came and said to him, “Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?” “Yes,” he said. The commander replied, “I bought this citizenship for a large amount of money.” “But I was born a citizen,” Paul said. Acts 22:27-28

Observation: As the Romans bind Paul and are about to torture him for information about the unrest he seems to be causing, this is the exchange between him and the commander of the garrison in Jerusalem. Now ... for a little research ...

At one time, there were classes of Roman citizenship based on how it was acquired. By the mid 1st century, these had been somewhat simplified and had mostly to do with the location of one's birth and its status as a province of the empire at that time, though the rights of individuals still changed based on a hierarchy of citizenship status. Paul, being from Tarsus (a town in modern day Turkey), was born there when it was already part of the Roman empire, and likely had 'Latini' status, giving him some basic legal protections and the right to travel freely throughout the empire, but he could not vote or hold office. By stating he had to buy his citizenship, the commander is LIKELY indicating that he is aligned to the 'Socii' class of citizenship, meaning he was born in a non-Roman area, later annexed by Rome, and that then he acquired citizenship. This makes some sense since the most common means of acquisition was military service, so it's possible this man joined the Roman Legion to gain citizenship (which would, indeed, be a high personal price, and could be called a 'sum of money' if he had to surrender personal property to join the legion).

In fact, given that Judea falls under this classification of territories, it is POSSIBLE this commander is Jewish, and his questioning of Paul includes that context of effectively saying, "we're both Jewish, but you're not in the military so how did you get your legal status?" And yes, in terms of citizenship, this means Paul outranks the commander.

Perhaps the most interesting part of this research is that, while Paul's citizenship status is not very "high" and has limits, the one explicit and special right he has that lesser citizens don't have is ... total freedom of travel. This made Paul interestingly qualified to be Jesus' apostle to the gentiles. Paul was a full Jew and a Pharisee, yet could freely travel the entire Mediterranean simply by showing status as he went, without any need for special permission, and without any interference from government authorities. This combination of heritage, education, and legal status was absolutely rare, and maybe even unique.

And ... that's exactly how the Lord calls people into service. He grants them some level of uniqueness, which might seem meaningless or might not be known even to the individual, then calls them into a role or activity for which that uniqueness somehow prepared them.

Application: This revelation today makes me both excited and depressed. I am excited by the idea that, still in my life, the Lord may have prepared me for some future service and calling, and it's okay that I don't know what that is because I might not be even aware of the preparation. I am depressed because ... I so doubt that to be true, as I believe more and more every day that I am unworthy of being trusted with a call from the Lord.

I am no longer a coordinator of services and outreach activities. I am no longer easily able to move equipment to set up physical spaces for service. I now don't even have an income where I can just write a check and pay for entire programs with an anonymous gift.

Maybe there is some combination of abilities I don't understand, but for which the Lord will someday see the wisdom to call an old man with just those things. I can hope.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for your mercy in my life. You answer my prayers, forgive my sins, and show both mercy and love toward me, and I am so very, very grateful. May my heart begin a journey to be worthy of your call to service, in some way, more and more every day. Amen.

Daily Peace by Simple Kindness

Scripture: When they entered Samaria, Elisha said, “Lord, open these men’s eyes and let them see.” So the Lord opened their eyes, and they saw that they were in the middle of Samaria. When the king of Israel saw them, he said to Elisha, “Should I kill them, should I kill them, my father?” Elisha replied, “Don’t kill them. Do you kill those you have captured with your sword or your bow? Set food and water in front of them so they can eat and drink and go to their master.” 2 Kings 6:20-22

Observation: In this amazing story, an entire Aramean army is sent to try to capture just one person, Elisha. The Lord shows up with the full army of heaven, and when the Aramean army attempts to attack the city they are blinded - or maybe confused - and Elisha convinces them they are in the wrong place. He leads them to the heart of Samaria, where the king of Israel captures them. However, Elisha declares they should not be killed or even held, but instead they are given a grand feast and sent away. As a result, Aram will never raid Israel again.

This is a clear and basic example of how to defuse an enemy with love. The mindset of the king of Aram is that Elisha is powerful (though in truth he is doing nothing at all against Aram) so he must destroy him. The mindset of the king of Israel is that Aram is a neighbor who raids his land and therefore he must kill this army when given the chance. The mindset of Elisha is that ... the Lord is with him, the entire situation can be deescalated and defused, and then through kindness all the conflicts will be ended by choice.

Application: I know very well that ... I have enemies. However, I have also been keenly aware that, over the last six years, I have not added to that number. In fact, those I have collaborated and worked and interacted with during this time generally like me, and certainly don't have any ill feelings. This seems tied to one thing ... I no longer fight anyone. Even those who disagree with me, oppose my actions and decisions, impose pointless work upon me, or even take credit for things I have done, even if I get angry or frustrated or disheartened I simply won't fight.

Does that make me passive? Does that inhibit progress when they are wrong and no one corrects them? Does that create extra effort for others? Maybe. But I have now learned from the Lord that it also makes my life so much easier. Sure, perhaps I end up with some work to do that didn't really need to get done, and maybe my name doesn't end up on a congratulatory email, and maybe someone else gets a nice bonus check. But I'm happier, and actually those people are happier to, and no one is 'out to get me'. All I really have to do to have more peace in my life is show simple kindness.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for the lesson of loving others. I'm still a long, long way from saying I truly love everyone and all people. However, I don't hate people anymore, and I have found much more peace in may daily activities. Again I say, thank you, Lord. Amen.

The Wonder of an Old Tent

Scripture:
God heard and became furious;
he completely rejected Israel.
He abandoned the tabernacle at Shiloh,
the tent where he resided among mankind.
Psalm 78:59-60

Observation: The psalmist talks about the time of the judges, and about how Israel turned away from the Lord. In this specific stanza, the Lord has become angry at how they have abandoned his teachings, and so he abandons the tabernacle. Later, he will return to them, raise up David, and reside in his temple in Jerusalem. However, during the time that he is not residing with Israel, they are turned over to their enemies, and need to be regularly rescued by judges that the Lord anoints for a period of time.

The idea of the tabernacle at Shiloh is somewhat glossed over, but is truly amazing when considered. After it stood in the wilderness for 40 years, the tabernacle resides in Shiloh for over 250 years, then continues to exist - though it needs to be moved around - for another 150 years or so. In total, the tent lasts for approximately 480 years, and for most of that it stands as a structure being actively used for worship and sacrifice.

At the same time, the fixed location of the tabernacle is Shiloh, which isn't much more than a unique hill, surrounded amphitheater-style by even higher hills. It isn't a city, but a gathering place where Israel can come and participate in the festivals, bring their sacrifices, then all leave again. It was a place of immense importance, but never of immense size (or really of any size).

Application: This feels like how the Lord is pleased to interact with humans. He is so great, so amazing, so grand, and so powerful. However, he meets us ... anywhere, but often in the humble places. He meets us alone in our rooms, or at small prayer gatherings, or while we wander in the woods far from others. He speaks to the individual hearts of weak individuals, and not to a grand assembly of leaders.

We see that even for the Jews, he was content with just a tent on a small hill as long as the people came to him with honor, obedience, love, and joy. When they went after other gods, he simply abandoned that hill.

I am a nobody of a man, who too often goes after other 'gods'. I want the Lord to meet me in my simple home and guide me, but I make my own decisions, pursue earthly fun, and take actions even after the Lord tells me not to. When the Lord does give me direction, I am quick to ignore it for it seems like maybe it wasn't really the Lord because it wasn't some booming message or grand event.

Shiloh is the example that says the Lord would come and meet with us anywhere, and do so in quiet intimacy, as long as we humble ourselves and simply come to him with honor, obedience, love, and joy. At any given time, I tend to only have one of these four, obedience being my rarest attitude. That needs to change.

Prayer: Lord, again today I say, please forgive my sins. You give me direction, and I disobey, and truly I say I do not know why. However, please may I have the strength to do your will and to obey your instructions. When you show up in the humble place and your spirit gives instructions, by no means should I ever disregard that. Please continue to reach me. Amen.