I Just Want to Smell

Scripture: To some we are an aroma of death leading to death, but to others, an aroma of life leading to life. Who is adequate for these things? 2 Corinthians 2:16

Observation: As Paul is telling the church in Corinth about some of his recent work, he describes his work - and explicitly his preaching the gospel message of Christ - as a metaphorical aroma that passes through communities. That singular aroma smells differently to people. To some is it pleasant, and when they inhale it they are revived in their souls and find life. To some the aroma is unpleasant, reminding them of death, and they turn away from it.

This metaphor works well for all people, across all times. For one, the idea of aroma rising is a very, very Old Testament component of the covenant with the Lord, as effectively the rituals and practices of sacrifices required a continual grilling of animals ... there was a constant and distinctive aroma rising from the tabernacle and later the temple for centuries. The metaphor remains consistent for New Testament believers, as visions of heaven often include a large incense bowl before the Lord, with the prayers of believers rising out of it as a fragrant aroma.

To a modern reader, we know different people respond very differently to the same scents. Some love the smell of certain cooked foods, others are physically reviled by the same smell. People can be either physically attracted to or revile the same perfume. This is a timeless metaphor for all people ... the gospel is an aroma that either brings life to those who love it, or death to those who hate and reject it.

Application: Once again, the truth about Jesus is black-and-white. Jesus doesn't exist in some middle ground where you can know of him and then be ambivalent about who he is and what his life, death, and resurrection means. If the truth about Jesus is something you believe in, you are forgiven of your sins and will receive eternal joy and blessing in abundance. If the truth about Jesus is something you don't believe in, you will be judged by the Lord based your own actions and receive an eternity in accordance to that judgment.

And also once again, this is how we see people receive the gospel ... they either are attracted to it, or repulsed by it. I have seen people physically recoil at discussions of Jesus. I have seen people swear and become angry and run away from the simple mention of Jesus, very much as if a skunk just sprayed them. However, I have also seen people who don't know Jesus physically lean in to listen about him, or smile when told there is hope for their lives, very much like someone opens a pot a delicious stew and wants a big whiff of it.

I might be tempted to say I want to 'smell good' to everyone. However, I don't. I just want to smell ... I want to smell more often, to more people ... and they get to decide if they like the aroma or not.

Prayer: Lord, I know I am far from you lately. May you still find a way to use me today, this weekend, and every day, for your glory. Amen.

Couriers Seeking the 'Some'

Scripture: The couriers traveled from city to city in the land of Ephraim and Manasseh as far as Zebulun, but the inhabitants laughed at them and mocked them. But some from Asher, Manasseh, and Zebulun humbled themselves and came to Jerusalem. 2 Chronicles 30:10-11

Observation: King Hezekiah of Judah has restored the temple and the temple practices after his evil father had repurposed it for idol worship, and he now declares Judah will celebrate Passover. Israel has relatively recently been destroyed and taken into exile by Assyria, so he sends couriers into the northern kingdom to invite any Jews who want to now repent of the past practices of their fallen country and return to the Lord, to come celebrate Passover in Jerusalem. Some do, but in general "the inhabitants" (aka most people) do not.

It is important to note the designation of who it is who mock the couriers. They are called "inhabitants." When Assyria destroyed Israel, what they did was deported most of the residents, and then imported new residents ... either people from their homeland or other defeated nations who could now just take and live in the land. In this manner, every people-group Assyria defeated was made a foreigner in a new, strange land, without national identity or allies. As a result, the couriers likely were encountering three distinct people-types as they delivered their invitation to Passover:

-- Foreigners who have no context of Yahweh, relocated to Israel by Assyria

-- Various people who may have heard of Yahweh but live traumatized lives

-- Jews who still want to believe in Yahweh and were open to returning to true faith

Application: Every day, I have the chance to be a courier for Jesus ... to tell someone that they are invited by the Lord, creator of the universe, to partake in a grand and eternal celebration if they would just come and meet the true Passover lamb, the Messiah. And every day, these are the three kinds of people I'll likely encounter when I deliver the good news.

There are those who completely reject the idea of there even being God, or maybe embrace some other belief system. They are likely to mock and scoff at any discussion of Jesus and salvation. There are those who live lives of trauma, and as a result have adopted lifestyles that take them far away from the Lord. Typically, their minds and hearts aren't open to any conversation about the unconditional love of God and hope found in Jesus. However, there are those who want to believe ... who have a hope that there is more to life, there is a potential for salvation, and there must be a creator who they don't know or understand but that might be able to give their lives purpose.

I know I live in a place where most of the people I encounter fall into the first two categories. However, those in the third category ... they are gold, they are precious, and they are the reason we suffer the mocking of others. When I tell others about Jesus, I will be mocked by the inhabitants of this region. However ... some will humble themselves and come.

Prayer: Lord, I desire to serve you better each day by being bolder in telling others about Jesus. May I find ways to do that day by day, in your name. Amen.

And That's a Good Thing

Scripture:
He has not dealt with us as our sins deserve
or repaid us according to our iniquities.
Psalm 103:10

Observation: This psalm has multiple declarations that the Lord not only loves and forgives us of our sins, but that he does so in a manner that is far greater than is deserved. The psalm declares he removes our sins from us as far as the east is from the west. This verse is very simple and clear ... the Lord simply has not dealt with us in the manner our sins deserve.

Our sins deserve death, and at the very least they punishment from the Lord, which might include permanent rejection by the Lord. Instead, the Lord does none of the above, but forgives and blesses. This is written by David, a man beloved and blessed by the Lord despite committing one of the greatest sins imaginable ... killing a man to cover up the affair he had with his wife.

Application: The Lord has not dealt with me as my sins deserve. My sins do deserve death, punishment, and rejection. I should be repaid according to my iniquities. For some reason - truly reasons I cannot fully understand - the Lord has not done this to me.

I 'get' the promise. The Lord promises forgiveness and everlasting life to those who put their faith in Jesus. However, there is no actual reason for him to do this, and even so certainly my continued sinning ... over and over and over and over again ... would be justification for declaring that I have broken the covenant promise and/or do not truly believe in Jesus as my Lord and savior if I cannot obey him. The Lord is justified to dismiss me, ignore me, sentence me, and punish me. He doesn't.

I don't get what I deserve, and that's a good thing.

Prayer: Lord, please forgive my sins. They are numerous. I continue to need your assistance and strength to overcome them and protect me from deceptions of this world, and I again ask for that assistance and strength today. Please renew my mind through the Holy Spirit so I may do your good work and help others, today and every day. Amen.

Encouraged by the Curse

Scripture: This greeting is in my own hand—Paul. If anyone does not love the Lord, a curse be on him. Our Lord, come! 1 Corinthians 16:21-22

Observation: While Paul is the 'writer' of 1 Corinthians, the person who actually penned the letter was likely a man named Sosthenes. He is named in the first paragraph of the letter as the second person sending this letter, and Paul used a scribe for all his letters (which it is believed was because his penmanship was so bad). However, as in other letters, Paul would sometimes add the last few sentences in his own writing, and that's what happens here ... Paul writes verses 16:21-24 in his "own hand". Verses 23-24 are a standard bless-and-peace conclusion, but verse 22 is very, very different.

Paul declares he is writing these last verses and immediately pronounces ... a curse. Now, he is writing to the believers of Corinth, so this curse is not a curse upon them. He trusts in their faith, and even says so several times, stating that while he is being harsh on them for some of their behaviors, that does not change the fact he understands they believe in Jesus. In fact, by giving correction throughout the letter, Paul is actually saying he knows they are such good believers that they want to improve. Therefore, when Paul is about to write something for himself ... why make it a curse against non-believers?

The answer is likely that Paul intended this curse as comfort, inspiring to the church in Corinth. By his authority - an authority the believers all knew involved the Holy Spirit that the Lord has bestowed powerfully upon Paul - Paul is declaring that those in Corinth who stand opposed to the Lord are cursed. This means that all those who ignore God, and especially those who act in opposition to the faithful who believe in Jesus, are now under a curse from the Lord.

Application: There are three ways to feel about the idea that non-believers live under a curse. One way to feel is sad, as many of these people are also friends, relatives, loved ones, or even just strangers who may still be kind people. The idea they are cursed and won't respond to attempts to know Jesus is indeed sad. Another way to feel is ambivalent. As believers we fully understand the future black-and-white scenario of salvation by faith alone, and we also understand that during life on earth 'good' events and 'bad' events can happen to anyone. Therefore, we know the curse, we know the blessing, we know everyone has had a choice, and that's just the way of it.

However, the third way to feel is joyful, and there is one great reason to feel this way ... because we are cursed too! Specifically, as sinners, we stand in the Lord's judgment, and are cursed to death, however by faith in Jesus forgiveness will come to us and the judgment will pass by us. When we love the Lord, the curse we deserve is lifted, replaced with forgiveness, restoration, and hope.

Today, I am reminded of this ... I am actually cursed, yet by my faith in Jesus the curse is lifted. This is, indeed, encouraging.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for Jesus, and Jesus I do love you and believe in you. I know I should be cursed, yet somehow by your love that curse is removed, and replaced with hope, love, and joy. You are great, and greatly to be praised. Amen.

Belief in Life After Death

Scripture: If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, then our proclamation is in vain, and so is your faith. Moreover, we are found to be false witnesses about God, because we have testified wrongly about God that he raised up Christ—whom he did not raise up, if in fact the dead are not raised. 1 Corinthians 15:13-15

Observation: As Paul addresses the question of life after death for the faithful, he uses a simple argument against those who say that resurrection of the dead is impossible ... if that is the case, then Jesus couldn't have been resurrected, and if Jesus wasn't resurrected then the entire gospel - in fact, everything about God - is a lie, so faith is a lie.

This is a core element of faith. We believe in certain facts, which some might call the 'essentials' of faith. These include the existence of the Lord, the revelation of the Lord's will through the bible, and the reality of Jesus as the promised Messiah including all he was prophesized to do. While 'understanding' may involve interpreting certain elements of these essentials and thus could create differing opinions, 'faith' involves simply knowing that the essentials are true and real.

The resurrection of Jesus, and in turn eternal life promised through belief in Jesus, is one of the essentials. It is predicted, documented, and promised in the bible, and Paul is simply pointing out that it is illogical to declare you believe in Jesus but don't believe in the resurrection of Jesus, and in the promise of resurrection by faith in Jesus.

Application: Whenever I read about someone discussing one of the four or five core essential components of faith, I am often shocked by how many people actually believe in the essentials ... but don't believe in God. This is one example. It is very, very common for someone who has absolutely no belief in God - who actively declares God doesn't exist and thus every element of monotheism is a deception - to believe in 'life after death' and even to declare they believe they have spoken to and/or seen dead relatives. This to me is confusing at best.

Of course, it remains one of the great deceptions of satan that he will deceive people not by hiding God from them, but by convincing them that God and all his ways and his love is something else. He convinces people that the wonder of creation is an inevitable conclusion of random chance. He makes people think that their free will allows them to decide right and wrong, instead of to choose right over wrong. And he shows false images to make people think life-after-death can exist while doubting the idea that heaven and hell exist.

I believe in the essentials of faith. I may have strong, informed thoughts about many other elements of faith, but those are just informed thoughts ... the essentials are not. I know Jesus resurrected, and that by faith I will join him in everlasting life.

Prayer: Lord, may thy will be done. May I keep my faith in you, and my eyes on your glory and wonder and love today. Amen.

Conforming to the World is Wrong

Scripture: And now you are saying you can assert yourselves against the Lord’s kingdom, which is in the hand of one of David’s sons. You are a vast number and have with you the golden calves that Jeroboam made for you as gods. Didn’t you banish the priests of the Lord, the descendants of Aaron and the Levites, and make your own priests like the peoples of other lands do? Whoever comes to ordain himself with a young bull and seven rams may become a priest of what are not gods. 2 Chronicles 13:8-9

Observation: Abijah, King of Judah and David's great grandson, shouts this out to the Israel army of King Jeroboam, and in so doing he accurately identifies the 'sin of Jeroboam' ... the sin that every Israel king fails to reverse, and thus ultimately takes them into destruction. That sin is an attempt to control the people by altering their worship of Yahweh and preventing them from engaging in proper worship in the temple because it is located in Judah. To do this, Jeroboam creates new worship practices focused on two idols - gold calves - and banishes the rightful priests that would correct this error.

While this is known to be the 'sin of Jeroboam', Abijah also gives this a new descriptor. He calls it, and most specifically the idea that anyone who wishes to lead worship practices may become a priest, activities that are "like the peoples of other lands do." In other words, Israel was always called out to be a unique people, a kingdom of priests, and repeatedly told they must not assume the practices of other nations regarding a variety of topics and practices. The northern kingdom has now specifically pursued activities to be just like other people-groups. While the idol worship of the calves is an abomination against the Lord, it is the adoption of earthly practices - including worship leadership - that prove they have fully abandoned the Lord.

Application: This is a significant source of sin in life ... I often do things that are 'normal' in societal terms. That can be as simple as watching a popular TV show that has some questionable moral values, or using certain apps on my phone because others play games on their phone to pass the time. I know those games are chemically destroying my brain, and they steal time from better activities in life like paying attention to my wife, meditating on the Lord's words, and just doing more work.

I don't even know why I really do these things. It isn't to conform. It's just ... they are what the world does, and I see it as normal, so there's no real reason not to do it. Well, conforming to the world - to embrace the activities and standard practices of people groups that reject the Lord - is wrong. It was always wrong, and has been actively declared wrong with those who do so held accountable, for over 3,000 years.

Again, I need to transform and renew my mind. I need to consider Psalm 1 and meditate on the word of the Lord, to thrive like a tree planted by a stream. And again I say it today ... I say it in agreement with at least three different sermon teachings I have heard over the last four weeks ... I cannot do this without the Holy Spirit. I am too weak to renew my own mind. I need the Lord.

Prayer: Lord, again I say, please help me. I am far too weak, and that fact is well established. Please, Lord, transform and renew my mind. May your Spirit within me give me the strength to simply not do the wrong things, so I can find my way, guided by you, to the right things in life. In the name of Jesus I pray, amen.

Rebelling Against David until Today

Scripture: Israel is in rebellion against the house of David until today. 2 Chronicles 10:19

Observation: After Solomon dies, Rehoboam is to become king, but receives bad advice, offends many in Israel, and the kingdom divides with only the tribes of Judah and Benjamin (and implicitly Simeon) remaining with Rehoboam and becoming known as Judah. The tribes that leave as the 'northern kingdom' become known as Israel (then later, also Samaria).

What the northern tribes declared, however, was not a rebellion against Rehoboam's kingship, which would have been logical given their reasons for leaving. Instead, they declared they have no "portion" in David and "no inheritance in the son of Jesse". This is problematic for their future, as there is clear prophesy that the Lord will honor David by establishing his eternal throne. They are even acknowledging this primacy of David by tying their departure not to David's living grandson, but to David himself.

The writer of chronicles emphasizes this when he declares that this northern kingdom - Israel - is in rebellion against the house of David. However, he adds a modifier to this statement ... he makes this declaration present-tense by saying they are in rebellion "until today". What is fascinating is that, to a great degree, Israel remained - and remains - in rebellion against the house of David, by how they have rejected the eternal king from the line of David that now rules the entire world ... Jesus.

Applications: Prophesy comes in interesting forms. Even in today's New Testament reading, Paul talked about the importance of prophesy - far more important than tongues - and how it is intended to uplift people. This is always true of prophesy ... it isn't a threat or a negative declaration, but rather it is uplifting, and even when it discusses negative possibilities it gives hope of correction and change.

This verse in 2 Chronicles is absolutely prophesy. It isn't a historical report that the northern kingdom divided away from Rehoboam ... which is actually what happened, as they left over his threats for hard labor. Rather, it restates and reframes the narrative, declaring this as a "rebellion" against "David" by "Israel" that is ongoing "today". It is not a stretch to see how the Jews also rebelled against Jesus, David's heir and the promised Messiah to establish the eternal rule of David's throne. It is not a stretch to see issues in modern Israel as most Jews not only still reject Jesus, but as a result now question the very promise of Messiah despite it being a clear topic in their scriptures.

The Jews are still the chosen people of the Lord, and Israel is still the nation of priests that exists to make Yahweh known to the world. However, Israel is in rebellion against the house of David ... even until today ... and the greatest thing that could happen in all of human history is for Israel to discover Jesus, end their rebellion, and usher in a new Messianic age for the benefit of all mankind.

Prayer: Lord, I pray for Israel today. You have a plan, and it is so large and complex that it is a waste of time for me to pretend to understand even a piece of it and pray into that piece, so instead I simply pray for Israel. May Israel be blessed to be a blessing to the world. May the people of Israel live under your Shalom. May they be safe and protected in the special land you have given them. As a nation and as millions of individuals, may they know you more and more every day. And, through your will and partnered with the deeds of Messianic Jews living in Israel, may the people of Israel come to know and accept Jesus as the Christ. Amen.

Working in the World

Scripture:
Do not stare at me because I am dark,
for the sun has gazed on me.
My mother’s sons were angry with me;
they made me take care of the vineyards.
I have not taken care of my own vineyard.
Song of Songs 1:6

Observation: The Song of Songs is a metaphor between a man (Yahweh) and a woman (those who love Yahweh). There are several themes that occur, such as the times the woman needs to seek the man, and other times the man calls the woman to join him out in nature. One of the themes is that the woman is someone who works. She is not a noble woman who sits around, but a common woman. Furthermore, often others treat her poorly. In this case, her brothers make her work out in their vineyard, so that her skin isn't soft and pale like the skin of noble women, but is tanned marking her as a laborer for others to see her as such.

However, when this theme comes up - of believers as those who have to work diligently for what they get in the world - we see that the Lord's response is often ... well, come work with me then and I will honor you. In this section, the woman follows up her comments about vineyards with an inquiry about where she should pasture her goats. The man responds by telling her to come pasture them near his tent, where he tends to his sheep. There, he will honor her tanned skin with fine jewelry. So as the woman works two outdoor jobs, the man invites her to partake in company, with rewards, in the shade.

That said, the most interesting part of the work in the vineyard is why the woman does it. She doesn't do it to produce wine ... in fact, her own vineyard suffers while she works. She does it because ... others make her work. There may even be an implication that they force her to labor so they have life a little easier. They are stronger than her and instead of using that strength in a positive manner to work, they use it to intimidate their sister into working while they work less. They are angry with the woman - for seemingly no reason - which puts this dynamic in motion.

Application: Being a Christian involves work. It isn't easy. In fact, there are times when being faithful to the Lord is harder than not being faithful. There are times when simply being faithful to the Lord makes non-believers angry, and they will make life harder on us. They don't do so as a punishment or as retaliation, but simply because of who we are.

I know there are places in the world, and even in the U.S., where Christians are a majority group. However, even in those places, they are being pressured regarding their beliefs. I continue to work in the fields, and there have been times when I have been criticized and been forced to work harder simply because others don't like what I believe.

I hope that, in my new job, I'll find a place to take my flocks near to the Lord's tent. Despite hard work, I hope I'll be able to find time in the Lord's kind and refreshing presence every day. I hope I will carry the markings of someone who works, but does so in the name of the Lord.

Prayer: Lord, may I find myself near your tent today. Help me to work well, make progress, perform in a manner that brings earthly success for the benefit of others, so I can honor you as my true master. Amen.

Thinking About Really Expensive Symbolism

Scripture: But who is able to build a temple for him, since even heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain him? Who am I then that I should build a temple for him except as a place to burn incense before him? 2 Chronicles 2:6

Observation: As Solomon begins building the temple, he sends a letter to King Hiram of Tyre to ask for both supplies and workers. He reveals he is building a temple for Yahweh, and we know that it will actually be the grandest building in the ancient world. However, Solomon describes its purpose much more humbly than others would state.

Others declare it as the place the Lord dwells, and state that the Lord himself sits on top of the cherubim that decorate the lid of the Ark of the Covenant that is placed in the Holy of Holies. The Lord doesn't state that as the purpose. In fact, the Lord says he doesn't need a temple, but if built it will be the place where his name dwells ... in other words, it is a place people can see and thus declare the Lord's greatness. In his letter to Hiram, Solomon is even more humble than that. He has plans to build the grandest structure on earth, and says it will be a worthy place to ... burn incense, and maybe stack some bread.

Solomon understands that the temple will not be the Lord's residence, but will be a symbolic gateway to heaven. The temple actually exists for people, so they have something grand to look upon and thus consider the Lord's greatness. Since others will interpret its importance, it must be worthy of bringing honor to the Lord within the minds of people, but the fact is it could never be worthy of the greatness of the Lord's presence, who has all of creation as his footstool.

This is the greatness of the Lord ... the most wonderous things that we humans can even imagine are insignificant to the Lord, to the point that their best-case scenario is as really expensive symbolism.

Application: The Israelites had the same problem all people have, which is that they struggled to interact with the Lord in the spiritual realm, so they needed to create a physical experience. The temple was to inspire visually, and then be a destination for connecting with Yahweh through sacrifice and rituals and celebrations. Today, we like seeing symbols like crosses, then attend church so we can worship and experience connecting with the Lord. It isn't that people who don't go to church automatically aren't Christians, however they do drift away because, on their own, they cannot connect and grow as disciples and believers.

This is a fascinating component of humans' relationship with the Lord. We struggle to connect with him through the Holy Spirit when we don't have anchor points within physical creation to remind and inspire us, and we often seek to create those anchor points using earthly concepts. However, we also discover that these anchor points themselves are meaningless, and eventually disillusionment in these places and things causes us to question the Lord himself.

We need to all stop caring about connecting to symbols, and find better ways to connect with the Lord and with Jesus through the Holy Spirit. I know this is my biggest challenge ... I just can't connect with the Holy Spirit well enough (likely because I ignore him or drive him away by my thoughts and actions). I need to realize more and more often that the Lord is literally everywhere - the world is his footstool - and he is not just sitting in some building, or near some river, or on a beach, waiting for me to come and say 'hello'.

Prayer: Lord, may I find your spirit here with me today and every day, and may I not drive it away, or go seeking it in some manmade place. Amen.

No End to the Making of Books

Scripture: But beyond these, my son, be warned: there is no end to the making of many books, and much study wearies the body. Ecclesiastes 12:12

Observation: As the teacher (Solomon) concludes his thoughts, he says two interesting points. The first is that he himself is the writer of many proverbs, one who has taught many about wisdom, and in fact there are many others who write down great wisdom that comes from the Lord as well. The second is that there is really just one core piece of wisdom, which is to fear the Lord and keep his commandments.

However, verse 12 sits between these two points as a transition. It stands out because it effectively creates a structure that could read as follows: There is a lot of wise advice written in a massive volume of books ... but you don't need to read it if you remember one thing ... honor and obey the instructions and precepts and commandments of Yahweh.

Application: I just spent 15 minutes writing (then deleting) about a person that is harsh and judgmental ... about a person I know who has caused angst, hardship, and anger within my household, and whose life includes affairs, lies, and ridicule ... all while declaring they are an absolute expert Christian because they have read every book by every famous Christian author on every topic and thus know more than effectively anyone. I want to lash out at this person for the pain they cause others through judgmental declarations of their book knowledge, while simultaneously proving by their words and actions they don't know the Lord at all.

However, I have read enough of the bible to know that is wrong. I will never actually confront this person. I may offer wise advice if the Lord guides me to it, but I will allow this person to remain foolish while they talk on and on, creating conflict as they go. Maybe one day we will just not have this person in our lives, or at least have them in it less. And I have seen improvement in the last six months after my wife laid down some heavy-duty 'wisdom' on them.

I would likely do well to read some good books written by wise teachers to augment my knowledge of the Lord. However, I also know I would do better if I just ... better obeyed THE book and the instructions, precepts, and commandments the Lord as already given to us all in the bible. If I simply obey the Lord, I don't need to concern myself with others.

Prayer: Lord, please soften my heart and give me peace when it comes to interacting with this person. You know their heart, and I do not, so may I judge them less and less. I will concern myself with myself and my lack of obedience to your word, which again today I pray you give me the strength to overcome sin, and act only within your precepts and your love, bringing your peace and joy as I go. In the name of Jesus I pray, amen.

Avoid Being Disgusting

Scripture:
Do not harden your hearts as at Meribah,
as on that day at Massah in the wilderness
where your ancestors tested me;
they tried me, though they had seen what I did.
Psalm 95:8-9

Observation: The psalmist discusses knowing the Lord - of hearing his voice and instruction - and remind everyone to not be like the exodus generation, and the example of what they did is telling. They were camped at a place, and began complaining that they didn't have water. They openly questioned the ability of the Lord to provide for them, even going so far as to say they would have been better dead or remaining slaves in Egypt. The issue here isn't just a lack of faith, but this total lack of faith by people who had seen the parting of the Red Sea.

This message is pretty clear. When someone has witnessed, seen, and understood the Lord's great power, authority, and love, and then questions whether the Lord is capable of even smaller acts, they frustrate the Lord the point that he questions if he should allow them into his "rest" (v11).

Application: I know the Lord's love and power. I have seen it, and I have heard of it in even greater measure. Do I believe he can do more, or do it again?

The short answer is, 'yes'. However, there are times I solve problems on my own without turning to the Lord, or I think earthly issues are 'mine' to solve and don't even take them to the Lord in the first place. I'm sure that frustrates him ... in fact, the word used in this translation is "disgusted". I do not wish to disgust the Lord.

Prayer: Lord, may I seek you today for every issue and challenge of my life. Guide me in both big and small things, but also may I simply know in my heart that you can and will do everything, that you are in control, and you are able and willing in your abounding love. Amen.

This is a Gift of God

Scripture: Here is what I have seen to be good: It is appropriate to eat, drink, and experience good in all the labor one does under the sun during the few days of his life God has given him, because that is his reward. Furthermore, everyone to whom God has given riches and wealth, he has also allowed him to enjoy them, take his reward, and rejoice in his labor. This is a gift of God. Ecclesiastes 5:18-19

Observation: The teacher - Solomon, writing the word of God - has some profound ideas about enjoying life. One of those ideas is that, when we work and then use the results of that work to experience happiness in life, then we know the work itself is actually part of God's blessing. This is good ... to experience good things because of the work we do. Conversely, those who labor for only the accumulation of wealth that they will never enjoy, are not being blessed by God. Sure, they may succeed (by earthly measures) due to their sheer hard work and intelligence, but they feel empty, what they accumulate will go to others, and their lives are a meaningless chasing of the wind.

Application: Every once in a while I look at how my wife and I live, and wonder if we've lived the right way. I budget just over $30K per year JUST for "travel", and that does NOT include our normal activities of going out to dinner 2-4 times a week. At any given time, the retail value of the wine in our house is approximately $7,000 and we drink (and replenish) it at a rate of 2-3 bottles a week. Then every once in a while I look at things like significant number of $5M homes in Maui and Kauai that I could never fathom affording and think to myself "there can't be THAT many people with THAT much more money that I have". We live in a good but average home, in an average middle-class neighborhood, with good but average cars, and I wonder ... did we throw our money away over the years?

Unequivocally, the answer is no. Instead, we have lived in the Lord's blessing. And first, make no mistake, everything in our lives has been the Lord's blessing to us. My career is unexplainable any other way, and even the math of how much we spend, how much we have, and how much we earn just ... well, it doesn't math. We have absolutely everything we need, all the comforts anyone could reasonably want, while also living a joyful life with experiences and a total lack of serious worry.

Solomon would agree and give us a thumbs-up. We labor, receive the Lord's blessing, and then lean into that outpouring of God's love when we eat, drink, and experience good things during their few days of life God has given us. I won't call it a reward for we could not ever be good enough to earn a reward from God ... it is a blessing the Lord gives us despite our failures. The fact he not only gives us these blessings, but also allowed us to enjoy them, is a gift of God.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for your blessings. I see all you have done for me and all you have given me, a full measure, pressed down, and overflowing, and I know I did not earn this. I could not earn it, and I could not even do this, if not for your love. I thank you, Abba. Thank you. Amen.

Upon Beginning Meaningless Work

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. Ecclesiastes 2:22-23

Observation: As Solomon explores the very nature of life, he arrives at the idea that work itself is pointless because, in the end, whatever someone does will then be turned over to someone else when they die. One of the summaries of this thinking is found here, which is that work itself is "sorrowful" because not only is it never really complete and likely to be undone by someone else, but it even becomes a burden upon your mind ... worry and stress and ideas about work occupy your thoughts when you aren't working, and the work itself brings no fulfillment when you are working.

Application: In about one hour from now, I begin a new job. One of the things I like about working with governments is that the outcome of their work does actually support people and tries to improve the lives of people ... their mission isn't about making money. However, I also recognize what Solomon is saying. At the end of the day, what I do is finite, to be obsolete in the future, with no truly lasting outcome. And as I begin this new job, I know that in the time to come I will have days of stress, times of worry about performance and failure, and ideas that wake me in the middle of the night. In general, this work will occupy a large part of my life, without positive benefit for me physically, mentally, morally, or spiritually.

I hope I remember this lesson of Solomon, which is that - while I should want to do well in my work to honor the Lord - the work is actually meaningless, and what really matters are the people I will interact with, the way I can live my life with my wife and family, and how I can show up with the Lord's love every day to be a light to others.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you so very much for the work I am about to begin. You have been far more faithful than I deserve, and I thank you, honor you, and worship you. May I find what you would have me do in this new place, with new people, and may I bring honor to you daily. Amen.

Please Stop the Psycho

Maybe I'm just paranoid.

Or maybe I'm just living a lie.

Can't stop this screaming voice.

Or maybe I'm just sick inside.

This is the face.

I hate the other side of me.

Help me believe,

I need to see the light in me.

Tell me, tell me,

Tell me I'm not crazy.

There's a psycho in my head,

I'm closer to the edge,

Making me feel like I'm living in misery.

Insane,

These voices in my brain,

Starting to feel like it's gonna be the death of me.

In Desperate Need of Peace

Scripture: But a son will be born to you; he will be a man of rest. I will give him rest from all his surrounding enemies, for his name will be Solomon, and I will give peace and quiet to Israel during his reign. 1 Chronicles 22:9

Observation: As David tells Solomon about the plans for the temple, he reveals that the Lord has declared that Solomon's reign will be one marked by peace. In fact, Solomon's name is derived from 'shalom' and means peace. Similarly, one of the interpretations of 'Jerusalem' is that its name is also is derived from 'shalom' and means 'pointing toward - or foundation of - peace'. Indeed, Solomon will reign for 40 years, the entirety of which is marked by his never having a single military conflict, and he will be the only king in history to rule the entire promised land for his entire reign from this capital city.

Application: "For it is money they have, and peace they lack." This is one of the greatest lines from the movie 'Field of Dreams', used to describe all mankind and all the people who will show up just to see a simple baseball diamond in the middle of an Iowa corn field. Of course, we know in the movie that the diamond is an extension of heaven. People will come ... and pay ... just for a momentary slice of God's divine peace.

Oh my goodness, how we need peace in our lives today. We have war and acts of terror perpetrated against Israel, other active wars elsewhere in the world, political conflict between so many national governments, and ideological fighting even within our country every day and everywhere. If I were to explore my city daily, every day I could find an angry protest occurring within 20 miles of my home, and that doesn't even count random deadly violence perpetrated on a small scale.

We are in desperate need of peace in our world, in our country, and in our towns. But most of all, we are in desperate need of peace in our hearts. I know I am. My heart is at peace some of the time, but not enough. Sometimes I feel like I'm in conflict even when sitting around peacefully. There are times I feel conflict internally as I consider my own life.

Imagine a period of 40 years in which there was literally no conflict of any kind. It is beyond human comprehension. Imagine my own heart and mind, where all worry and internal conflict were simply set aside, and every time such feelings began I just turned to the Lord in prayer and worship and allowed his spirit to control me feelings ... allowed his peace to govern my life.

Prayer: Lord, may your shalom rule my life. We are so in need of your peace here on earth, and I am in need of your peace in my heart. Again I say, Lord, may your shalom rule my life. Amen.

God's Wisdom is Rejected

Scripture: For since, in God’s wisdom, the world did not know God through wisdom, God was pleased to save those who believe through the foolishness of what is preached. 1 Corinthians 1:21

Observation: Paul discusses the reasoning for faith. The verses to come are better know, stating that the Jews and Greeks (aka everyone) seeks miraculous and logical evidence, but Christian preach "Christ crucified", which seems foolish. However, verse 21 clarifies why the Lord has chosen something that is both basic and illogical to bring grace and salvation into the world ... the world already soundly rejected his wisdom; his miraculous and logical evidence.

God wisely cared for Adam, miraculously creating a garden and a partner, and logically providing for his daily needs. God wisely advised Egypt, using Joseph to miraculously interpret a dream then logically administer food supplies. God wisely guided the Jews during the exodus, miraculously taking them through the sea then logically instructing them to enter the promised land. God wisely taught other people about the world, miraculously giving Solomon his own wisdom then logically bringing people like the Queen of Sheba to learn from him. These are only the most basic examples, but throughout the world - throughout history - the Lord has shown his wisdom and love through his miracles (like created life itself) and his logic (like the scientific order to chemistry).

Humans rejected, and still reject, all of God's wisdom, logic, and miracles. So instead, he did something completely illogical ... promised and then sent his most valuable being, his own son, a true extension of himself, and killed him in a backwater province of the empire before he ever moved about the world, went anywhere of significance, or even spoke to many people. And make no mistake ... Jerusalem of the time was the largest place Jesus went, and it had a population under 50,000 (smaller than Bothell WA today), and the largest crowd Jesus ever spoke to was likely less than 15,000 (20 percent of a typical NFL game attendance), and his entire ministry was 3.5 years (I've had projects take longer).

The world would not - will not - pay attention to the Lord when he presents himself in significant ways, so instead ... he hid himself and whispered, 'here I am, come seek me' and billions upon billions have.

Application: I preach foolishness ... 'Christ crucified'. I have fallen into the trap before of trying to tell people the logic of God, of debating the wonder of even evolution as proof of an intelligent creator, and of telling of miracles I have seen first-hand and thousands more I've heard of second-hand. It effectively never convinces anyone. God's wisdom is rejected by the world, replaced by satan's lies. However, satan can do nothing about the truth of 'Christ crucified' ... that Jesus was predicted, real, killed, and resurrected, and that by faith we therefore declare belief in the Lord and receive eternal salvation.

Prayer: Lord, may I have an opportunity today and every day to preach 'Christ crucified', that God so loves the world that he sent his son to die and rise again so they may have eternal life. Amen.

A Model to Preserve Relationships

Scripture: So Nathan told David, "Do all that is on your mind, for God is with you." But that night the word of God came to Nathan: "Go to David my servant and say, 'This is what the Lord says: You are not the one to build me a house to dwell in.'" 1 Chronicles 17:2-4

Observation: Once established as king, David has the idea to build the temple. He tells this idea to the prophet Nathan who tells him to do as he thinks because God has proven he is with David. However, that very night, the Lord gives Nathan a message that it must be Solomon, not David, to build the temple. This begs the question ... why tell Nathan?

Nathan was right that God was with David. He had made him successful in every undertaking. More importantly, David was clearly a prophet in his own right as is evidenced by the psalms he wrote and how many of them are clearly inspired words of God, providing insight into near-term events, comfort for people thousands of years of the future, and even messianic prophesy fulfilled by Jesus. So if David has the idea to build a temple in Jerusalem - something the Lord actually did want to occur eventually, and for which the Lord would communicate the plans to David - why would the Lord not just tell David that he is not to build it?

I think the answer is that ... Nathan was a good prophet, faithful to the Lord, filled with the Holy Spirit, but had given a wrong answer to David. In their first conversation, Nathan answers with a human mindset, effectively saying, "Hey, the Lord's been with you in everything else, of course he'll be with you in a major construction project." Nathan didn't quite realize David was consulting him as a prophet and therefore forgot to consult with the Lord first. Instead of chastising Nathan for this, the Lord simply gives him better information, and the opportunity to correct his error.

The Lord doesn't go to David and say, "Nathan was wrong" - a message that could damage trust in the future - and he doesn't go to Nathan and say, "You were wrong", a message that could damage Nathan's confidence in the future. Instead, the goes to Nathan and says, "here is the right answer." Nathan immediately and faithfully delivers that message, which ultimately encourages David and strengthens their relationship, and in so doing Nathan is faithful to the Lord, strengthening their spirit-filled connection.

Application: I know the relationship between David and Nathan is actually quite important, as it will be Nathan who will both advise and correct David in important matters later. The fact Nathan gave some hasty advice, and the Lord corrects him in a manner that preserves Nathan's integrity (personally and professionally if you will), is such a model for me to understand how to interact with others.

I have adopted as my 'life question' - aka my daily mission - "How can I offer others the opportunity to feel better about themselves today?" The Lord shows me one way in this story. If I need to correct others, I don't need to do so by telling them they're wrong. If I need to correct something they've done, I don't need to do so by telling their boss that there's a problem. And I also don't need to just fix the situation myself (as the Lord could have done, just making it impossible for David to build the temple). Instead, I can just give the person new or better information, and then the room and time to adjust.

I am not God. Therefore, my 'new or better' information isn't flawless anyway. I'm just saying, the Lord modeled great kindness and wisdom in correcting both Nathan and David in a way that actually uplifted both in every way, and preserved their important relationship. It is an example to heed well.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for your wisdom, shown to me every day in your word. I am unwise and I make mistakes in so many ways. May I heed your example in interacting with others, so I can represent your love and kindness to those around me. Amen.

How to Live in Harmony

Scripture: Now may the God who gives endurance and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, according to Christ Jesus, so that you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ with one mind and one voice. Romans 15:5-6

Observation: As Paul is starting to conclude this letter, he discusses Christian life together. He encourages Christians to live in harmony with one other, as doing so will glorify God. Jesus of course would say something similar, telling his disciples that the world will know believers by the fact that they love one another.

However, Paul doesn't just tell Christians to do this ... he asks that the Lord give us the ability to do it ... aligning such an act of God with endurance and encouragement. In other words, doing life together within a Christian community - with our differing backgrounds, opinions, and even ideas about scripture - is hard both mentally and emotionally, and only by the power of God can we do it.

Application: As insiders in a church - my wife being a pastor - I know this is hard. Even last night as we discussed her job as couples do, the issue she's dealing with in that revenue is down almost 40 percent because so many members of our church don't give, and it frustrates and angers us. Tithing is a basic part of faith, and almost no one does it, and very few even give some lesser amount regularly. Meanwhile, we spent time confirming my layoff severance amount so we can give 10 percent when it arrives.

We can't help be frustrated, irritated, and angry with others. Paul reminds me today that I cannot overcome those feelings on my own. I need God's grace, peace, and love, in order to find a way to live in harmony with others in the church. That would be nice to have.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for your love. Please do grant me peace and harmony with your other believers. Also, please renew my mind in all matters, censing me of lethargy and lack of focus, and bringing me back into a mental state to serve you, serve others, be present with my wife, and prepare for good work in your name ahead. Amen.