Scripture: They answered, “John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, that one of the ancient prophets has come back.” “But you,” He asked them, “who do you say that I am?” Peter answered, “God’s Messiah!” Luke 9:19-20
Observation: Before Peter declares Jesus the Messiah, the question of what other are saying is asked and answered. The explanations proffered are nonsensical. The idea that Jesus would be John the Baptist - who was just beheaded months before and whom many people had seen - makes no sense. The offer of Elijah makes sense from a Jewish perspective regarding prophesy of the return of Elijah, but there is no such possible alignment between Jesus and Elijah other than both being great. As for any other prophet, there is no expectation that any of the prophets would return.
The most logical explanation - that Jesus is himself a new prophet - isn't part of the scenario. This is because even the average people still seeking truth can tell Jesus is greater than a mere 'average prophet'. There is something great occurring, and the people know it. Yet they are willing to attribute the unprecedented concept of a resurrected ancient prophet to this greatness instead of the one concept they have been anticipating for hundreds of years ... the coming of Messiah.
Application: This is the nature of mankind's relationship with God ... that we are willing to make up wild guesses to explain him instead of listening to and believing his explanation. God said he was sending the Messiah. God never said he was bringing back any random prophets. Yet people make up the latter and ignore the former.
Today, God says he will care for his sheep, help us through all hard times, and work for the good for those who love him. Yet I rarely put my full trust in him. I take on struggles without prayer for help, and I worry about life without seeking comfort. I make up a narrative for taking care of myself and my family and my community and my city and my country and my planet, and I don't ask God what his plans for all these are so I can simply join him there.
I need to follow God's narrative, not my alternatives. I wish to walk in his will and by his chosen path, not wander lost and declaring I know the way.
Prayer: Lord, this day may I give my concerns to you. I am worried about our cash flow, and though I know we have plenty I desire to provide for children straining to find their way. I want to make all paths available to them. However, I know you have already chosen their path, and you have provided plenty for it. May I lean into your will, surrender to your guidance, and find comfort in your arms. Amen.
Monday, April 2, 2018
Thursday, March 29, 2018
Looking Beyond the Alabaster
Scripture: And a woman in the town who was a sinner found out that Jesus was reclining at the table in the Pharisee’s house. She brought an alabaster jar of fragrant oil and stood behind Him at His feet, weeping, and began to wash His feet with her tears. She wiped His feet with the hair of her head, kissing them and anointing them with the fragrant oil. Luke 7:37-38
Observation: I have thought and discussed this before ... alabaster is primarily from two small towns, one in Spain, and one a small hill town in modern Tuscany, Italy - Volterra. I have been to Volterra, and own an alabaster candle votive and a salt and pepper set from there. It is very possible that this woman's jar was from there.
Everything about this woman made an bold impression on everyone in the room. The host notices her for her for the fact that she is a sinner - he sees the reputation of her past behavior. The disciples notice her for her behavior - they see her weeping and washing Jesus' feet. The narrator sees her first for her possessions - he notices the jar as the only descriptive element about her ever mentioned.
However, Jesus notices her faith - he sees a person seeking love and forgiveness from God. Jesus both allows her to proceed with her request, and then grants that request, because he doesn't see her anything that the others perceive as relevant, but rather he sees a heart dying to the world if only God could overlook the past.
Application: What do people see when they look at me? They probably see ... some kind of earthly success, maybe a funny guy, maybe a strict and driven boss. They could even see alabaster possessions. What I fail to show is my faith.
I trust Jesus sees my faith, but I need to exhibit it more. It should be something that others see and even experience. It should be humble yet bold, focused on Jesus, and dedicating myself and my possessions to him. I know Jesus sees my tears when I worship and pray, often privately in my car, but this should be something I am comfortable expressing more and more.
Prayer: Lord, may my faith be evident to you first, and to everyone else as well. I have been forgiven for a great deal, and I do love you a great deal. Daily, you see my heart soften. I seek the boldness of this woman, who gladly and faithfully served you in a public and visible way, regardless of the observations of others. Amen.
Observation: I have thought and discussed this before ... alabaster is primarily from two small towns, one in Spain, and one a small hill town in modern Tuscany, Italy - Volterra. I have been to Volterra, and own an alabaster candle votive and a salt and pepper set from there. It is very possible that this woman's jar was from there.
Everything about this woman made an bold impression on everyone in the room. The host notices her for her for the fact that she is a sinner - he sees the reputation of her past behavior. The disciples notice her for her behavior - they see her weeping and washing Jesus' feet. The narrator sees her first for her possessions - he notices the jar as the only descriptive element about her ever mentioned.
However, Jesus notices her faith - he sees a person seeking love and forgiveness from God. Jesus both allows her to proceed with her request, and then grants that request, because he doesn't see her anything that the others perceive as relevant, but rather he sees a heart dying to the world if only God could overlook the past.
Application: What do people see when they look at me? They probably see ... some kind of earthly success, maybe a funny guy, maybe a strict and driven boss. They could even see alabaster possessions. What I fail to show is my faith.
I trust Jesus sees my faith, but I need to exhibit it more. It should be something that others see and even experience. It should be humble yet bold, focused on Jesus, and dedicating myself and my possessions to him. I know Jesus sees my tears when I worship and pray, often privately in my car, but this should be something I am comfortable expressing more and more.
Prayer: Lord, may my faith be evident to you first, and to everyone else as well. I have been forgiven for a great deal, and I do love you a great deal. Daily, you see my heart soften. I seek the boldness of this woman, who gladly and faithfully served you in a public and visible way, regardless of the observations of others. Amen.
Tuesday, March 27, 2018
Obeying the Stipulations
Scripture: When he got up in the morning, Balaam saddled his donkey and went with the officials of Moab. But God was incensed that Balaam was going, and the Angel of the Lord took His stand on the path to oppose him ... The Angel of the Lord asked him, "Why have you beaten your donkey these three times? Look, I came out to oppose you, because what you are doing is evil in My sight." Numbers 22:21-22a,32
Observation: God tells Balaam to go with the men from Balak, and then immediately is "incensed" that he is going, sends an angel to stop him, and even threatens to kill him for doing what is evil. This is clearly one of those situations where the Bible doesn't provide all the details, but believes it has provided enough so the read - in context - can figure out what is taking place.
Balaam is a hired gun, but also believes in God. This is why he initially refuses to go. However, when God then permits him to go, in his heart he ignores the stipulation of the mission ... Balaam departs with the attitude that he is now permitted to go earn the fee promised by Balak. Instead, God is sending Balaam on HIS mission of blessing Israel, not on Balak's hired job of cursing Israel. For this reason, Balaam's going is evil.
Application: When we pray to God for direction, he will often tell us where to go, what to do, and what to say. Many consider 'going' the hard part. However, Balaam proves that going is just the first part ... obedience to the added instructions is often more difficult and even contrary to our own life's work.
It was evil for Balaam to go where God was sending on his own terms. He also needed to be ready to do and say what God was sending him for. Likewise, me going places - to my work, to Alpha, or wherever - isn't the completion of God's mission, it is the first step. I must also do what God wishes me to do, and say what he places in my mouth and in my heart. This produces rewards - including both joy and life itself - beyond any payment for a task.
Prayer: Lord, you reveal yourself is so many ways. May I be prepared to not only obey your instructions, but also your stipulations. May I follow you when you tell me go, and also obey you when you tell me to do and speak. Amen.
Observation: God tells Balaam to go with the men from Balak, and then immediately is "incensed" that he is going, sends an angel to stop him, and even threatens to kill him for doing what is evil. This is clearly one of those situations where the Bible doesn't provide all the details, but believes it has provided enough so the read - in context - can figure out what is taking place.
Balaam is a hired gun, but also believes in God. This is why he initially refuses to go. However, when God then permits him to go, in his heart he ignores the stipulation of the mission ... Balaam departs with the attitude that he is now permitted to go earn the fee promised by Balak. Instead, God is sending Balaam on HIS mission of blessing Israel, not on Balak's hired job of cursing Israel. For this reason, Balaam's going is evil.
Application: When we pray to God for direction, he will often tell us where to go, what to do, and what to say. Many consider 'going' the hard part. However, Balaam proves that going is just the first part ... obedience to the added instructions is often more difficult and even contrary to our own life's work.
It was evil for Balaam to go where God was sending on his own terms. He also needed to be ready to do and say what God was sending him for. Likewise, me going places - to my work, to Alpha, or wherever - isn't the completion of God's mission, it is the first step. I must also do what God wishes me to do, and say what he places in my mouth and in my heart. This produces rewards - including both joy and life itself - beyond any payment for a task.
Prayer: Lord, you reveal yourself is so many ways. May I be prepared to not only obey your instructions, but also your stipulations. May I follow you when you tell me go, and also obey you when you tell me to do and speak. Amen.
Monday, March 26, 2018
Listening to God First and Foremost
Scripture: The elders of Moab and Midian departed with fees for divination in hand. They came to Balaam and reported Balak’s words to him. He said to them, “Spend the night here, and I will give you the answer the Lord tells me.” So the officials of Moab stayed with Balaam. Numbers 22:7-8
Observation: There is a misunderstanding about the nature of Balaam, even at the beginning. Balak has sent men to Balaam to ask him to come curse the Israelites. Balak sent "fees for divination" and effectively want to hire him as a magician able to curse others at will. However, Balaam is a believer in Yahweh. He is in close communion with the Lord, to the point that he trusts God will reveal to him in one night what action to take ... and God does exactly that, appearing to him in a conversation that very night. Balaam will not take any action without God's approval.
Application: Balaam is a complicated person. He is part wild necromancer, part prophet, part hired gun. He speaks with God, but cannot see angels. He owns a talking donkey (well ... okay ... God communicates a lesson through the donkey). He will soon pronounce the mission of the Messiah as a blessing over Israel, despite himself being a descendent of some other middle eastern ethnicity (maybe a Moabite, maybe something else closer to the Chaldeans).
All that said, Balaam trusts in the Lord. He listens and obeys. This is an example to us all. We may have a lot of strange characteristics in our lives, and strange twists in our personal story, but the primary responsibility of any faithful person is to listen to God and obey his instructions. In doing so, we can play a part in God's great purpose and plan.
Prayer: Lord, I thank you for your word yesterday. It meant a great deal to others, but it meant a great deal to me to be used by you. Thank you for loving me enough to do so. May I listen to you more and more every day. Amen.
Observation: There is a misunderstanding about the nature of Balaam, even at the beginning. Balak has sent men to Balaam to ask him to come curse the Israelites. Balak sent "fees for divination" and effectively want to hire him as a magician able to curse others at will. However, Balaam is a believer in Yahweh. He is in close communion with the Lord, to the point that he trusts God will reveal to him in one night what action to take ... and God does exactly that, appearing to him in a conversation that very night. Balaam will not take any action without God's approval.
Application: Balaam is a complicated person. He is part wild necromancer, part prophet, part hired gun. He speaks with God, but cannot see angels. He owns a talking donkey (well ... okay ... God communicates a lesson through the donkey). He will soon pronounce the mission of the Messiah as a blessing over Israel, despite himself being a descendent of some other middle eastern ethnicity (maybe a Moabite, maybe something else closer to the Chaldeans).
All that said, Balaam trusts in the Lord. He listens and obeys. This is an example to us all. We may have a lot of strange characteristics in our lives, and strange twists in our personal story, but the primary responsibility of any faithful person is to listen to God and obey his instructions. In doing so, we can play a part in God's great purpose and plan.
Prayer: Lord, I thank you for your word yesterday. It meant a great deal to others, but it meant a great deal to me to be used by you. Thank you for loving me enough to do so. May I listen to you more and more every day. Amen.
Thursday, March 22, 2018
They Have Heard
Scripture: But Moses replied to the Lord, "The Egyptians will hear about it, for by Your strength You brought up this people from them. They will tell it to the inhabitants of this land. They have heard that You, Lord, are among these people, how You, Lord, are seen face to face, how Your cloud stands over them, and how You go before them in a pillar of cloud by day and in a pillar of fire by night. If You kill this people with a single blow, the nations that have heard of Your fame will declare, 'Since the Lord wasn’t able to bring this people into the land He swore to give them, He has slaughtered them in the wilderness.'" Numbers 14:13-16
Observation: As a result of the final rebellion of Israel - refusal to enter the promised land - God declares his intent to destroy them. However, Moses talks him out of it, and his appeal is this ... other people throughout the entire land of heard of God's greatness, strength, actions, and love. If they die now, those people will doubt God's power to deliver the people, and only believe in his power to destroy. This, of course, wouldn't be because the Lord is capable, but because of Israel's lack of faith and the resulting judgment of a God offended by that unfaithful response.
This scenario echoes today. Especially in the U.S., non-believers have heard of God, they have even heard of his power and greatness, and they might even have witnessed it or at least been told of situations where others did. Yet they see Christians ... struggle, sin, complain, lament, and fail in life, and thus arrive at the conclusion that there is no benefit to faith because the Lord doesn't deliver his people. Maybe he harms them, or at least sits back and does nothing while they struggle, but he certainly doesn't deliver.
Application: I know I have been delivered by Yahweh ... he provides for me daily, and he provided ultimate redemption through Jesus. However, just like everyone else, my struggles may witness against that IF I promote those struggles and fail to promote my salvation.
Others have heard about God. They have heard of his greatness, faithfulness, love, and power. They have heard he created all things and provides all things. They just don't see any benefit in exploring, understanding, and thus believing that.
Prayer: Lord, again, may my complaints not exist, for I know your love and provision in my life. I would like all Christians become not just witnesses, but examples of you, by talking more about how your love has blessed us, and a lot less about how this earthly realm weighs upon us. Amen.
Observation: As a result of the final rebellion of Israel - refusal to enter the promised land - God declares his intent to destroy them. However, Moses talks him out of it, and his appeal is this ... other people throughout the entire land of heard of God's greatness, strength, actions, and love. If they die now, those people will doubt God's power to deliver the people, and only believe in his power to destroy. This, of course, wouldn't be because the Lord is capable, but because of Israel's lack of faith and the resulting judgment of a God offended by that unfaithful response.
This scenario echoes today. Especially in the U.S., non-believers have heard of God, they have even heard of his power and greatness, and they might even have witnessed it or at least been told of situations where others did. Yet they see Christians ... struggle, sin, complain, lament, and fail in life, and thus arrive at the conclusion that there is no benefit to faith because the Lord doesn't deliver his people. Maybe he harms them, or at least sits back and does nothing while they struggle, but he certainly doesn't deliver.
Application: I know I have been delivered by Yahweh ... he provides for me daily, and he provided ultimate redemption through Jesus. However, just like everyone else, my struggles may witness against that IF I promote those struggles and fail to promote my salvation.
Others have heard about God. They have heard of his greatness, faithfulness, love, and power. They have heard he created all things and provides all things. They just don't see any benefit in exploring, understanding, and thus believing that.
Prayer: Lord, again, may my complaints not exist, for I know your love and provision in my life. I would like all Christians become not just witnesses, but examples of you, by talking more about how your love has blessed us, and a lot less about how this earthly realm weighs upon us. Amen.
Wednesday, March 21, 2018
Finding Something to Complain About
Scripture: Then Jesus returned from the Jordan, full of the Holy Spirit, and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness for 40 days to be tempted by the Devil. He ate nothing during those days, and when they were over, He was hungry. The Devil said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread." But Jesus answered him, "It is written: Man must not live on bread alone." Luke 4:1-4
Observation: As commented previously, over and over again the Israelites in the wilderness complained about their food situation (Numbers 11), despite the fact they were being miraculously fed every day. However, after 40 days without food, Jesus actively resists the temptation to eat.
This is, of course, a matter of attitude. The Israelites didn't want food - they had manna, and they had enough herds of goats and cattle. They had grains to make bread. They had eaten their first Passover meal, and had been performing sacrifices. They just wanted to complain against God. They wanted to whine about life in the wilderness, and they chose food - explicitly a variety of food with complementary herbs and vegetables - as their venue for complaint.
Jesus spends 40 days not eating, and when reminded that he has the power to command the universe and create his own food, he resists. Jesus resists explicitly because he has the word of God with him. He has faith and trust. However, mostly he has a right relationship with God whereby he is not going to grumble about petty issues or unknown future conditions, for he knows he will be cared for and he understands what blessing really looks like. Blessing doesn't look like a field of quail, it looks like time in the presence of God and basking in his love.
Application: Today, I will complain about something stupid. I will. It might be my back pain, or the imperfect height of a conference room chair, or some equally trivial matter that has no baring or meaning in the world. I'll complain almost absent-mindedly, simply because I want things different. When I do, I have lost sight of the fact that placing my mental energy to meditating on the word of God would bring me closer to God in relationship, and thus create such a better life for me that nothing else would matter.
Time spent complaining is time not spent thanking. Words grumbled are not words prayed. Thoughts of frustration are not thoughts of hope and joy. My time, words, and thoughts should be used more productively.
Prayer: Lord, may I not be petty in my words and thoughts. In the scope of the world, I should have no complaints, and I should be overflowing with praise and thanks for your love, and for the salvation and grace of Jesus. I seek to keep proper focus, placing your love in front of any earthly matter of no importance. Amen.
Observation: As commented previously, over and over again the Israelites in the wilderness complained about their food situation (Numbers 11), despite the fact they were being miraculously fed every day. However, after 40 days without food, Jesus actively resists the temptation to eat.
This is, of course, a matter of attitude. The Israelites didn't want food - they had manna, and they had enough herds of goats and cattle. They had grains to make bread. They had eaten their first Passover meal, and had been performing sacrifices. They just wanted to complain against God. They wanted to whine about life in the wilderness, and they chose food - explicitly a variety of food with complementary herbs and vegetables - as their venue for complaint.
Jesus spends 40 days not eating, and when reminded that he has the power to command the universe and create his own food, he resists. Jesus resists explicitly because he has the word of God with him. He has faith and trust. However, mostly he has a right relationship with God whereby he is not going to grumble about petty issues or unknown future conditions, for he knows he will be cared for and he understands what blessing really looks like. Blessing doesn't look like a field of quail, it looks like time in the presence of God and basking in his love.
Application: Today, I will complain about something stupid. I will. It might be my back pain, or the imperfect height of a conference room chair, or some equally trivial matter that has no baring or meaning in the world. I'll complain almost absent-mindedly, simply because I want things different. When I do, I have lost sight of the fact that placing my mental energy to meditating on the word of God would bring me closer to God in relationship, and thus create such a better life for me that nothing else would matter.
Time spent complaining is time not spent thanking. Words grumbled are not words prayed. Thoughts of frustration are not thoughts of hope and joy. My time, words, and thoughts should be used more productively.
Prayer: Lord, may I not be petty in my words and thoughts. In the scope of the world, I should have no complaints, and I should be overflowing with praise and thanks for your love, and for the salvation and grace of Jesus. I seek to keep proper focus, placing your love in front of any earthly matter of no importance. Amen.
Tuesday, March 20, 2018
Remembering God's Very Different Timing
Scripture: Now the people began complaining openly before the Lord about hardship. When the Lord heard, His anger burned, and fire from the Lord blazed among them and consumed the outskirts of the camp. Then the people cried out to Moses, and he prayed to the Lord, and the fire died down. Number 11:1-2
Observation: Israel spent one year learning about God's laws and practices, celebrated their first true Passover, then set out following the Lord ... and within one more month begin complaining. In response, God takes direct action but only in a threatening manner - he sets a fire around the camp as a warning.
This will of course be a trend. Israel will be taught how to obey and follow the Lord, they will comply with a ceremony, and then they will complain, resist, and rebel. God will correct them, they will seek forgiveness, and peace will return ... for another short time only.
Application: I was thinking about being patient in the Lord the other day, and realized that my perspective of patience probably is not the same as God's. In fact, it is probably off by a LOT. I likely think in terms of days or months about waiting for things that God may take years or decades to deliver. I have been patient about some of those things, and frustrated and impatient about others.
Israel was impatient. They want a formula that said something like, "we do a ceremony, we pack of the camp, and receive the promised land ... seems like one week, max." God was thinking more like, "you learn the ceremonial practices as a way of creating fellowship with me, we get to commune for a while, and the promised land ain't going anywhere so we'll get there some day ... let's take a couple years."
I have prayed for things and expected them to happen in a day or a week, max. I have then seem them occur a couple years later. And I was frustrated and confused in between. Not that I think God will threaten me with fire (though he could), but I know I need to understand patience. I can pray, and then patiently wait. During that waiting, I can trust that God is working out the end result in his timing, in a perfect manner.
Prayer: Lord, I do pray for the lost and hurting. I see them at Alpha, and I see them much further away from you at work. I am not sure what your timing will be for them, but I know you love them and strive to reach them in your perfect time and place in their lives. I will continue to pray, and continue to go into the harvest field as you lead me. Amen.
Observation: Israel spent one year learning about God's laws and practices, celebrated their first true Passover, then set out following the Lord ... and within one more month begin complaining. In response, God takes direct action but only in a threatening manner - he sets a fire around the camp as a warning.
This will of course be a trend. Israel will be taught how to obey and follow the Lord, they will comply with a ceremony, and then they will complain, resist, and rebel. God will correct them, they will seek forgiveness, and peace will return ... for another short time only.
Application: I was thinking about being patient in the Lord the other day, and realized that my perspective of patience probably is not the same as God's. In fact, it is probably off by a LOT. I likely think in terms of days or months about waiting for things that God may take years or decades to deliver. I have been patient about some of those things, and frustrated and impatient about others.
Israel was impatient. They want a formula that said something like, "we do a ceremony, we pack of the camp, and receive the promised land ... seems like one week, max." God was thinking more like, "you learn the ceremonial practices as a way of creating fellowship with me, we get to commune for a while, and the promised land ain't going anywhere so we'll get there some day ... let's take a couple years."
I have prayed for things and expected them to happen in a day or a week, max. I have then seem them occur a couple years later. And I was frustrated and confused in between. Not that I think God will threaten me with fire (though he could), but I know I need to understand patience. I can pray, and then patiently wait. During that waiting, I can trust that God is working out the end result in his timing, in a perfect manner.
Prayer: Lord, I do pray for the lost and hurting. I see them at Alpha, and I see them much further away from you at work. I am not sure what your timing will be for them, but I know you love them and strive to reach them in your perfect time and place in their lives. I will continue to pray, and continue to go into the harvest field as you lead me. Amen.
Monday, March 19, 2018
So Will I
If the stars were made to worship ... If creation sings your praises ... If it all reveals your nature ... If creation still obeys you ... If the mountains bow in reverence ... If the oceans roar your greatness ... If everything exists to lift you high ... If the wind goes where you send it ... If the rocks cry out in silence ... If you left the grave behind you ... If you gladly chose surrender ... If you gave your life to love them ...
... so will I.
... so will I.
Thursday, March 15, 2018
The God of Logic
Scripture: The Lord spoke to Moses: "See, I have taken the Levites from the Israelites in place of every firstborn Israelite from the womb. The Levites belong to Me, because every firstborn belongs to Me. At the time I struck down every firstborn in the land of Egypt, I consecrated every firstborn in Israel to Myself, both man and animal. They are Mine; I am Yahweh." Numbers 3:11-13
Observation: To complete the census of the tribes, Moses is to count the Levites. Instead of just counting the military, this time he is to count all males, and compare them to the number of firstborn males in all the rest of Israel, as they are to take the place of all those other males - they are to redeem the debt owed to God when he spared the firstborn of Israel by taking their place in consecrated and special service to God.
It is in this manner that God improves both the lives of Israel, and their service and worship to the Lord. Declaring that all first born males must become priests would have created chaos, as every family would have been impacted, and organizing and training those serving would be difficult. Effectively, God 'centralized the function' into the tribe of Levi. It is this one tribe that will serve, becoming trained as priests and caretakers and craftsmen. The result will be superior service, superior worship, superior coordination. At the same time the family structure of all of Israel will be maintained, creating superior happiness, superior love, superior prosperity.
Application: I do not understand God's ways ... I do not understand why God required redemption and ownership of the firstborn of Israel in the first place. However, I appreciate his methods. God is a strategist, a mathematician, an astronomer, a chemist, a poet, a physicist, an artist. God designs complex biological structures and chemical compounds, and paints awe inspiring sunrises. He calculated the speed of light and the force of gravity, and invented the harmonizing of music. And when God declared the service of the firstborn of Israel, he designed a plan that maximized the value of that requirement.
I often don't understand God's commands, but I find I do understand some of his methods. To call them "earthly" methods is of course backwards, as it is more likely that when I develop quality plans that aid others I am actually emulating God's logical mind. I find that seeing God's orderly approach strengthens my faith, as it creates a bridge to God I can understand.
Prayer: Dear Lord, Abba, you are my guide and teacher. I see your hand moving in both inexplicable miracles, and in the daily order of this world. You are in control, on your throne. May I release more and more to you every day. Amen.
Observation: To complete the census of the tribes, Moses is to count the Levites. Instead of just counting the military, this time he is to count all males, and compare them to the number of firstborn males in all the rest of Israel, as they are to take the place of all those other males - they are to redeem the debt owed to God when he spared the firstborn of Israel by taking their place in consecrated and special service to God.
It is in this manner that God improves both the lives of Israel, and their service and worship to the Lord. Declaring that all first born males must become priests would have created chaos, as every family would have been impacted, and organizing and training those serving would be difficult. Effectively, God 'centralized the function' into the tribe of Levi. It is this one tribe that will serve, becoming trained as priests and caretakers and craftsmen. The result will be superior service, superior worship, superior coordination. At the same time the family structure of all of Israel will be maintained, creating superior happiness, superior love, superior prosperity.
Application: I do not understand God's ways ... I do not understand why God required redemption and ownership of the firstborn of Israel in the first place. However, I appreciate his methods. God is a strategist, a mathematician, an astronomer, a chemist, a poet, a physicist, an artist. God designs complex biological structures and chemical compounds, and paints awe inspiring sunrises. He calculated the speed of light and the force of gravity, and invented the harmonizing of music. And when God declared the service of the firstborn of Israel, he designed a plan that maximized the value of that requirement.
I often don't understand God's commands, but I find I do understand some of his methods. To call them "earthly" methods is of course backwards, as it is more likely that when I develop quality plans that aid others I am actually emulating God's logical mind. I find that seeing God's orderly approach strengthens my faith, as it creates a bridge to God I can understand.
Prayer: Dear Lord, Abba, you are my guide and teacher. I see your hand moving in both inexplicable miracles, and in the daily order of this world. You are in control, on your throne. May I release more and more to you every day. Amen.
Wednesday, March 14, 2018
Trepidation at God's Notice
Scripture: And the angel came to her and said, "Rejoice, favored woman! The Lord is with you." But she was deeply troubled by this statement, wondering what kind of greeting this could be. Luke 1:28-29
Observation: When the angel Gabriel greets Mary, he says the Lord is with her, and called her favored. He tells her to rejoice, and footnotes say that some versions add the he calls her 'blessed among women'. While it may be normal to respond with fear at the appearance of an angel, these words are not fearful. They are warm, complimentary, and joyful. However, Mary is "deeply troubled" and wonders about the "kind of greeting" this is.
In other words, Mary distrusts the words. We know this is not a matter of faith in God, but rather it is a hesitance in her own understanding of what the words may mean. She is troubled by a kind and uplifting word from God, wondering if it can be accepted on face value as just that - kind and uplifting - or if it is the prelude to a setup. (Of course, both are true.)
Mary is not thought less for this reaction, and Gabriel proceeds on with "fear not" and explaining the upcoming conception, birth, and purpose of Jesus. Her tentative reaction is not a concern, and only registers as an element of trepidation.
Application: I often pray for God's love and assistance and presence. However, there are times where my shame of sin or thoughts would leave me in fear of God acknowledging me in any manner. This is a paradox that likely doesn't teeter-totter back and forth, but more ebbs slightly back and forth in degrees. If I ever thought God was speaking to me, I would be both excited and afraid, and the amount of each would only vary a little based on my current mindset.
Yet Gabriel shows how God reacts ... just proceeding with love. God knows me, and would simply continue his conversation.
I do know that God aids me, guides me, and gives me words from time to time. I am not a person he will ever appear to, but he reveals himself. I would like to think that I would be thrilled, but even Mary was concerned when God spoke to her. I can seek God's action in my life, and out of respect be a little wary of what he'll think when he engages with me.
Prayer: Lord, here I am today. May I serve you in humility by serving others in love. I know I am blessed. May I be a blessing to others. Amen.
Observation: When the angel Gabriel greets Mary, he says the Lord is with her, and called her favored. He tells her to rejoice, and footnotes say that some versions add the he calls her 'blessed among women'. While it may be normal to respond with fear at the appearance of an angel, these words are not fearful. They are warm, complimentary, and joyful. However, Mary is "deeply troubled" and wonders about the "kind of greeting" this is.
In other words, Mary distrusts the words. We know this is not a matter of faith in God, but rather it is a hesitance in her own understanding of what the words may mean. She is troubled by a kind and uplifting word from God, wondering if it can be accepted on face value as just that - kind and uplifting - or if it is the prelude to a setup. (Of course, both are true.)
Mary is not thought less for this reaction, and Gabriel proceeds on with "fear not" and explaining the upcoming conception, birth, and purpose of Jesus. Her tentative reaction is not a concern, and only registers as an element of trepidation.
Application: I often pray for God's love and assistance and presence. However, there are times where my shame of sin or thoughts would leave me in fear of God acknowledging me in any manner. This is a paradox that likely doesn't teeter-totter back and forth, but more ebbs slightly back and forth in degrees. If I ever thought God was speaking to me, I would be both excited and afraid, and the amount of each would only vary a little based on my current mindset.
Yet Gabriel shows how God reacts ... just proceeding with love. God knows me, and would simply continue his conversation.
I do know that God aids me, guides me, and gives me words from time to time. I am not a person he will ever appear to, but he reveals himself. I would like to think that I would be thrilled, but even Mary was concerned when God spoke to her. I can seek God's action in my life, and out of respect be a little wary of what he'll think when he engages with me.
Prayer: Lord, here I am today. May I serve you in humility by serving others in love. I know I am blessed. May I be a blessing to others. Amen.
Monday, March 12, 2018
Taking Trust to the Next Level
Scripture: If you wonder: ‘What will we eat in the seventh year if we don’t sow or gather our produce?’ I will appoint My blessing for you in the sixth year, so that it will produce a crop sufficient for three years. Leviticus 25:20-21
Observation: As the Lord provides instruction for the Sabbath year, he answers the most obvious question ... If we don't work the land on the seventh year, what will we eat both that year (when we can't harvest) and the next (because we couldn't plant)? The answer is simple. If Israel obeys as a result of their trust in the Lord, he will bless them in the sixth year and ensure provision for not just that year but also the seventh and eighth years.
This is a matter of trust. God makes a promise and asks for faith. If we respond with faith, God keeps his promise. It's that straightforward.
Application: I continue to seek God's promises in my life, as I try to be ready to place total faith in him. Both are hard. I am not always sure I am worthy of God's promises, and I think this is why I have trouble applying such promises in scripture to my life. At the same time, I am a self-sufficient person, and while I have total faith in the Lord I do not turn every challenge over to him. Even when I say "please help with this, Lord," I will then work the issue myself, believing that God will give me wisdom and direction. I rarely fully release something to God.
The Jews were told to trust that God would take care of their very lives - that they were not to lift a finger. That is a high bar of trusting the Lord. It is one I should consider.
Prayer: Lord, I do seek your promises and assistance. I know my life would be better if I released my concerns to you. I desire to do this. Please do not just order my steps, but also show me when I should simply rest and allow you to carry the burdens. Amen.
Observation: As the Lord provides instruction for the Sabbath year, he answers the most obvious question ... If we don't work the land on the seventh year, what will we eat both that year (when we can't harvest) and the next (because we couldn't plant)? The answer is simple. If Israel obeys as a result of their trust in the Lord, he will bless them in the sixth year and ensure provision for not just that year but also the seventh and eighth years.
This is a matter of trust. God makes a promise and asks for faith. If we respond with faith, God keeps his promise. It's that straightforward.
Application: I continue to seek God's promises in my life, as I try to be ready to place total faith in him. Both are hard. I am not always sure I am worthy of God's promises, and I think this is why I have trouble applying such promises in scripture to my life. At the same time, I am a self-sufficient person, and while I have total faith in the Lord I do not turn every challenge over to him. Even when I say "please help with this, Lord," I will then work the issue myself, believing that God will give me wisdom and direction. I rarely fully release something to God.
The Jews were told to trust that God would take care of their very lives - that they were not to lift a finger. That is a high bar of trusting the Lord. It is one I should consider.
Prayer: Lord, I do seek your promises and assistance. I know my life would be better if I released my concerns to you. I desire to do this. Please do not just order my steps, but also show me when I should simply rest and allow you to carry the burdens. Amen.
Friday, March 9, 2018
Laws of Holiness
Scripture: Speak to the entire Israelite community and tell them: Be holy because I, Yahweh your God, am holy. Leviticus 19:2
Observation: God states a lot of laws - some reiterating the 10 commandments, some new - and describes the observance of these laws as a method to be holy. These laws include ... Respecting ones parents; Keeping the Sabbath; Not worshiping idols; Properly performing sacrificing; Allocating parts of the food harvests for the poor; Not stealing; Not lying; Not oppressing others financially; Not dealing harshly with ignorant people; Avoiding giving preference in matters to either the rich or the poor; Avoiding gossip; Not hating others or harboring a grudge; Not taking revenge; Keeping the laws about livestock; Keeping all laws on sexual morality; Avoiding adopting pagan practices; Refusing to consult mediums and spiritualists; Honoring the elderly; Treating foreigners well; Not cheating others in business.
This is a full chapter that could be summarized as ... being holy - striving to be like God - is defined by how you honor God, and properly relate to each other.
Application: It seems that so often, understanding how to relate to God comes down to two elements.
First is faith - understanding that God is the all powerful creator, and Jesus is our Lord. This is honoring and worshipping and trusting and praying. Many don't understand this, but many do.
Second is action - exhibiting our faith by honoring God's creation and created, i.e., each other. We are to be nice to each other in all situations. Because we end up with different definitions of 'nice' God had to spell it out, but it's all the same. Many don't understand this, but many do.
And here's the rub ... as believers - disciples - we must understand both, not one or the other. There are non-believers who live to be nice to others. There are believers who lie, cheat, and oppress others. It is only a disciple who can be set apart from society by doing both.
I fear I fail to honor God's creation too often. I get angry, hold a grudge, seek revenge, lie. Some of these seem inconsequential because they aren't part of the "big" laws, or are even common practices in society. God clearly sees this different, and not just because these things hurt people. God states that we must love and respect those whom he loves, which is all created people. Breaking rules about how to interact with each other isn't about hurting others, it's about refusing to pursue God's holiness. Disrespecting others disrespects God.
I need to lock this thought in my heart.
Prayer: Lord, this is a timely lesson based on the tests coming my way in the next two weeks. There are those who are hard to respect, let alone love. However, they are your creation, and you love them. I will strive to practice holiness. Amen.
Observation: God states a lot of laws - some reiterating the 10 commandments, some new - and describes the observance of these laws as a method to be holy. These laws include ... Respecting ones parents; Keeping the Sabbath; Not worshiping idols; Properly performing sacrificing; Allocating parts of the food harvests for the poor; Not stealing; Not lying; Not oppressing others financially; Not dealing harshly with ignorant people; Avoiding giving preference in matters to either the rich or the poor; Avoiding gossip; Not hating others or harboring a grudge; Not taking revenge; Keeping the laws about livestock; Keeping all laws on sexual morality; Avoiding adopting pagan practices; Refusing to consult mediums and spiritualists; Honoring the elderly; Treating foreigners well; Not cheating others in business.
This is a full chapter that could be summarized as ... being holy - striving to be like God - is defined by how you honor God, and properly relate to each other.
Application: It seems that so often, understanding how to relate to God comes down to two elements.
First is faith - understanding that God is the all powerful creator, and Jesus is our Lord. This is honoring and worshipping and trusting and praying. Many don't understand this, but many do.
Second is action - exhibiting our faith by honoring God's creation and created, i.e., each other. We are to be nice to each other in all situations. Because we end up with different definitions of 'nice' God had to spell it out, but it's all the same. Many don't understand this, but many do.
And here's the rub ... as believers - disciples - we must understand both, not one or the other. There are non-believers who live to be nice to others. There are believers who lie, cheat, and oppress others. It is only a disciple who can be set apart from society by doing both.
I fear I fail to honor God's creation too often. I get angry, hold a grudge, seek revenge, lie. Some of these seem inconsequential because they aren't part of the "big" laws, or are even common practices in society. God clearly sees this different, and not just because these things hurt people. God states that we must love and respect those whom he loves, which is all created people. Breaking rules about how to interact with each other isn't about hurting others, it's about refusing to pursue God's holiness. Disrespecting others disrespects God.
I need to lock this thought in my heart.
Prayer: Lord, this is a timely lesson based on the tests coming my way in the next two weeks. There are those who are hard to respect, let alone love. However, they are your creation, and you love them. I will strive to practice holiness. Amen.
Thursday, March 8, 2018
God is Not Additive to Others
Scripture: Say to them: Anyone from the house of Israel or from the foreigners who live among them who offers a burnt offering or a sacrifice but does not bring it to the entrance to the tent of meeting to sacrifice it to the Lord, that person must be cut off from his people. Leviticus 17:8-9
Observation: After explaining the ritual sacrifice practices, God is clear that the Jews are not to sacrifice in any other way or to any other god. They are not to make any other kind of offering, for any other cause, in any other place. They are to present their honor to God alone, and in God's manner and presence.
Application: Are there times when I try to add God to the rest of my life? Are there areas where I have a certain custom, practice, or attitude, and instead of replacing it with what God has asked I instead try to add God's guidance into the mix?
I will watch for this today. It is possible that I struggle to hear God's guidance during the day because I have my own plans and practices in place, and I am then looking for how God may guide me within that context. I could be that I need to entirely overhaul my 'way of doing business'.
Prayer: Lord, you are my light. May I walk on the path that you illuminate only. Help me to not be double minded, but to listen for your instruction and follow it to the exclusion of other thoughts, habits, and plans. Amen.
Observation: After explaining the ritual sacrifice practices, God is clear that the Jews are not to sacrifice in any other way or to any other god. They are not to make any other kind of offering, for any other cause, in any other place. They are to present their honor to God alone, and in God's manner and presence.
Application: Are there times when I try to add God to the rest of my life? Are there areas where I have a certain custom, practice, or attitude, and instead of replacing it with what God has asked I instead try to add God's guidance into the mix?
I will watch for this today. It is possible that I struggle to hear God's guidance during the day because I have my own plans and practices in place, and I am then looking for how God may guide me within that context. I could be that I need to entirely overhaul my 'way of doing business'.
Prayer: Lord, you are my light. May I walk on the path that you illuminate only. Help me to not be double minded, but to listen for your instruction and follow it to the exclusion of other thoughts, habits, and plans. Amen.
Monday, March 5, 2018
Closer to Kingdom Priorities
Scripture: When Jesus saw that he answered intelligently, He said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And no one dared to question Him any longer. Mark 12:34
Observation: The final exchange with the Pharisees challenging Jesus' knowledge is from a young scribe who agrees with his answer, and so Jesus tells him he is "not far from the kingdom of God." This is a vague statement, as "far" could mean that the young man is ... close to understanding salvation, or standing next to God on earth, or living in the time when the kingdom is about to be fulfilled. However ... was it the agreement that the Shemah - the first command - is the greatest command really worthy of such praise?
It is actually in the second parts of their conversation that warrants this praise. The question was what was the greatest command, and Jesus answers but then provides a second-greatest response - to love thy neighbor as yourself. The scribe agrees with the first, and then ... agrees that loving others is more important than all the ritual laws. He effectively acknowledges that caring for and loving others is above all the procedures and petty rules the Pharisees cling to.
It is this attitude that Jesus acknowledges. Jesus has found in this scribe a man knowledgeable in all the laws, and yet who is willing to declare that loving others is more important. This has been Jesus' message for years now, and now someone WAY outside his discipleship circle sees the truth. That is Jesus' definition of being "not far from the kingdom of God."
Application: It is in our love for others that we are closest to the teaching of Jesus. In fact, it is only when placing that love above other issues that we are closest to becoming like Jesus. This remains a challenge for me on a day-to-day basis. I struggle to love everyone. I know I am improving, as I often see good in others and desire to show them kindness even when they may be causing earthly problems. I know I'm getting closer. I will continue to try harder.
Prayer: Lord, I thank you for always speaking with love, even when instructing your enemies on earth. May I lean into that example, and make my words those of gentleness and kindness more and more often. Amen.
Observation: The final exchange with the Pharisees challenging Jesus' knowledge is from a young scribe who agrees with his answer, and so Jesus tells him he is "not far from the kingdom of God." This is a vague statement, as "far" could mean that the young man is ... close to understanding salvation, or standing next to God on earth, or living in the time when the kingdom is about to be fulfilled. However ... was it the agreement that the Shemah - the first command - is the greatest command really worthy of such praise?
It is actually in the second parts of their conversation that warrants this praise. The question was what was the greatest command, and Jesus answers but then provides a second-greatest response - to love thy neighbor as yourself. The scribe agrees with the first, and then ... agrees that loving others is more important than all the ritual laws. He effectively acknowledges that caring for and loving others is above all the procedures and petty rules the Pharisees cling to.
It is this attitude that Jesus acknowledges. Jesus has found in this scribe a man knowledgeable in all the laws, and yet who is willing to declare that loving others is more important. This has been Jesus' message for years now, and now someone WAY outside his discipleship circle sees the truth. That is Jesus' definition of being "not far from the kingdom of God."
Application: It is in our love for others that we are closest to the teaching of Jesus. In fact, it is only when placing that love above other issues that we are closest to becoming like Jesus. This remains a challenge for me on a day-to-day basis. I struggle to love everyone. I know I am improving, as I often see good in others and desire to show them kindness even when they may be causing earthly problems. I know I'm getting closer. I will continue to try harder.
Prayer: Lord, I thank you for always speaking with love, even when instructing your enemies on earth. May I lean into that example, and make my words those of gentleness and kindness more and more often. Amen.
Thursday, March 1, 2018
Hating Both Actions and Attitude
Scripture:
The Lord hates six things;
in fact, seven are detestable to Him:
arrogant eyes, a lying tongue,
hands that shed innocent blood,
a heart that plots wicked schemes,
feet eager to run to evil,
a lying witness who gives false testimony,
and one who stirs up trouble among brothers
Proverbs 6:16-19
Observation: In this list of seven things God hates, several are easy to understand ... lying, murder, false testimony, and wicked thoughts. A few aren't as straightforward, though they can be understood well enough ... arrogant eyes (both lust and coveting, wrongly desiring what you see), stirring up trouble (inciting others to sin and rumor mongering), and feet running to evil (simply embracing evil things and being drawn to them).
In this, clearly to please the lord one should do none of these. To the extent they align to the commandments, that is understood. However, some of these do not have an alignment, and those are the ones that have to do with one's attitude toward wrongdoing in general. It isn't enough to not do wrong, God hates it when we incite others into sin, or when we are drawn toward evil, or when we just think about doing something wrong. Our attitude matters.
Application: So much of my life is lived inside my head. God knows this, and wants to be the Lord of my mind. While the Law speaks to actions, love speaks to attitude. When I love others, I will show them, but I will also think kindly and empathetically toward them. When I want to avoid hurtful conflict, one way is to not act on anger, but the other is to never feel angry.
My ability to serve God - and to avoid the actions he hates - begins by avoiding the attitudes he hates.
Prayer: Lord, again today I ask your forgiveness of my sins. I also ask you to be the Lord of my heart and mind. May my love for you begin inside my mind, and may my actions then be an extension of that internal guidance. In this way, I know your spirit will guide me to ensure my body remains a living sacrifice to you. Amen.
The Lord hates six things;
in fact, seven are detestable to Him:
arrogant eyes, a lying tongue,
hands that shed innocent blood,
a heart that plots wicked schemes,
feet eager to run to evil,
a lying witness who gives false testimony,
and one who stirs up trouble among brothers
Proverbs 6:16-19
Observation: In this list of seven things God hates, several are easy to understand ... lying, murder, false testimony, and wicked thoughts. A few aren't as straightforward, though they can be understood well enough ... arrogant eyes (both lust and coveting, wrongly desiring what you see), stirring up trouble (inciting others to sin and rumor mongering), and feet running to evil (simply embracing evil things and being drawn to them).
In this, clearly to please the lord one should do none of these. To the extent they align to the commandments, that is understood. However, some of these do not have an alignment, and those are the ones that have to do with one's attitude toward wrongdoing in general. It isn't enough to not do wrong, God hates it when we incite others into sin, or when we are drawn toward evil, or when we just think about doing something wrong. Our attitude matters.
Application: So much of my life is lived inside my head. God knows this, and wants to be the Lord of my mind. While the Law speaks to actions, love speaks to attitude. When I love others, I will show them, but I will also think kindly and empathetically toward them. When I want to avoid hurtful conflict, one way is to not act on anger, but the other is to never feel angry.
My ability to serve God - and to avoid the actions he hates - begins by avoiding the attitudes he hates.
Prayer: Lord, again today I ask your forgiveness of my sins. I also ask you to be the Lord of my heart and mind. May my love for you begin inside my mind, and may my actions then be an extension of that internal guidance. In this way, I know your spirit will guide me to ensure my body remains a living sacrifice to you. Amen.
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Salvation is an Act of Relationship
Scripture: As He was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Mark 10:17
Observation: When the "rich young ruler" (as he is sometimes known) comes to Jesus, he has one question - what must he do to inherit eternal life. Jesus first gives an answer about following the commandments, and the young man confirm he in fact already does all that. In other words, this young man completely and totally obeys all of the law - both those components that related to his relationship with God (which is implicitly why he calls Jesus 'good') and his relations with others (the commands he confirms). And yet, he fully understands that something is lacking. The young man knows that total compliance with the law ... just isn't what it takes to inherit eternal life.
Studies often focus on what happens next - the man is told to give up his possessions and follow Jesus, and he balks because he is rich. However, it is this man's understanding of the insufficiency of the law to redeem us that triggered this conversation in the first place. This wasn't about an unbelieving heathen or sinful wretch searching for redemption ... this is about a faithful and honorable person, fully obedient to God, who knows that it just isn't enough. The fact he balks at the answer - give up everything and have a relationship with Jesus - overshadows the fact that he understands that simple obedience isn't the answer.
Application: The entire topic of salvation comes down to a relationship with Jesus. None of my acts of compliance can earn it, and actually none of my acts of sin can forfeit it. Yes, my sins sometimes exhibit a lack of trust or understanding that I need to correct, but even that is in the context of my faith and relationship with Jesus.
This is what meditating on the word is about. It is not about learning what to do, but about finding time with God, learning about Jesus as a person, and refining my thoughts to be more like him.
The rich young ruler knew legal compliance wasn't the answer. I now know that the answer is relational.
Prayer: Lord, this day may I improve my relationship with you. May I spend time with you, in my head, and in my heart, seeing you in my daily walk. You are here at work, and you are in my home. May I seek time with you in both places. Amen.
Observation: When the "rich young ruler" (as he is sometimes known) comes to Jesus, he has one question - what must he do to inherit eternal life. Jesus first gives an answer about following the commandments, and the young man confirm he in fact already does all that. In other words, this young man completely and totally obeys all of the law - both those components that related to his relationship with God (which is implicitly why he calls Jesus 'good') and his relations with others (the commands he confirms). And yet, he fully understands that something is lacking. The young man knows that total compliance with the law ... just isn't what it takes to inherit eternal life.
Studies often focus on what happens next - the man is told to give up his possessions and follow Jesus, and he balks because he is rich. However, it is this man's understanding of the insufficiency of the law to redeem us that triggered this conversation in the first place. This wasn't about an unbelieving heathen or sinful wretch searching for redemption ... this is about a faithful and honorable person, fully obedient to God, who knows that it just isn't enough. The fact he balks at the answer - give up everything and have a relationship with Jesus - overshadows the fact that he understands that simple obedience isn't the answer.
Application: The entire topic of salvation comes down to a relationship with Jesus. None of my acts of compliance can earn it, and actually none of my acts of sin can forfeit it. Yes, my sins sometimes exhibit a lack of trust or understanding that I need to correct, but even that is in the context of my faith and relationship with Jesus.
This is what meditating on the word is about. It is not about learning what to do, but about finding time with God, learning about Jesus as a person, and refining my thoughts to be more like him.
The rich young ruler knew legal compliance wasn't the answer. I now know that the answer is relational.
Prayer: Lord, this day may I improve my relationship with you. May I spend time with you, in my head, and in my heart, seeing you in my daily walk. You are here at work, and you are in my home. May I seek time with you in both places. Amen.
Tuesday, February 27, 2018
Desiring Just One Thing
Scripture:
I have asked one thing from the Lord;
it is what I desire:
to dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
gazing on the beauty of the Lord
and seeking Him in His temple.
Psalm 27:4
Observation: The author, David, recognized one great fact - in the end, while one may pray for protection, wisdom, strength, success, peace, and prosperity, there is actually only one thing to be asked from God ... to reside with him in his glory in heaven. This is the objective of life, to serve and worship the Lord, and through salvation granted by him to spend eternity in his presence.
Application: In all my prayers - whether I seek calmness at work, the ability to aid others, wisdom to do right, strength to avoid sin - this is the goal ... to please the Lord, demonstrate my belief and faith in Jesus, and receive the free gift of salvation. This is my belief and trust. I believe in the Lord, mighty and sovereign over creation, and also loving and just to his created. He has provided us with an understanding of good, the ability to select free will on a daily basis, but also a path to justification when our free will fails us. All of this is from his good and perfect love.
I only wish to dwell in the house of the Lord forever. I am not worthy of such an honor, but the Lord has provided a way. I am so very grateful, and ask for so many other things simply so I can strive to serve the Lord out of that gratitude.
Prayer: Lord, may I serve you well today. I know I will struggle and fail to do your perfect will, and I thank you for providing Jesus as a way to cover my sins through simple belief. I hope to be one of your small lights in this dark world today. Amen.
I have asked one thing from the Lord;
it is what I desire:
to dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
gazing on the beauty of the Lord
and seeking Him in His temple.
Psalm 27:4
Observation: The author, David, recognized one great fact - in the end, while one may pray for protection, wisdom, strength, success, peace, and prosperity, there is actually only one thing to be asked from God ... to reside with him in his glory in heaven. This is the objective of life, to serve and worship the Lord, and through salvation granted by him to spend eternity in his presence.
Application: In all my prayers - whether I seek calmness at work, the ability to aid others, wisdom to do right, strength to avoid sin - this is the goal ... to please the Lord, demonstrate my belief and faith in Jesus, and receive the free gift of salvation. This is my belief and trust. I believe in the Lord, mighty and sovereign over creation, and also loving and just to his created. He has provided us with an understanding of good, the ability to select free will on a daily basis, but also a path to justification when our free will fails us. All of this is from his good and perfect love.
I only wish to dwell in the house of the Lord forever. I am not worthy of such an honor, but the Lord has provided a way. I am so very grateful, and ask for so many other things simply so I can strive to serve the Lord out of that gratitude.
Prayer: Lord, may I serve you well today. I know I will struggle and fail to do your perfect will, and I thank you for providing Jesus as a way to cover my sins through simple belief. I hope to be one of your small lights in this dark world today. Amen.
Monday, February 26, 2018
Making a Guest Appearance
Scripture: Elijah appeared to them with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. Mark 9:4
Observation: During the transfiguration, these two great prophets appear and converse with Jesus. We never learn their conversation. However, the fact it is the two of them seems odd.
Elijah is on the mind of everyone due to a prophesy that Elijah will precede the Messiah. It was not fully understood that the prophesy relates to one who will have Elijah's message of national repentance, and that John the Baptist was this Elijah. That said, Elijah makes sense as someone who would return, as he was "taken up in a whirlwind" and did not die.
The same cannot be said for Moses. Moses died and was buried, though his burial was performed by God himself and no one every knew where it was. Whatever the case, it was understood that - in this matter of death - Moses and Elijah are very different.
So why are Moses and Elijah the two prophets who arrive to talk to Jesus? Why would it not be ... Elisha who had twice the portion of the spirit as Elijah, or Isaiah who wrote the majority of the messianic prophesies, or David the king and the man after God's own heart? To me, these don't seem like the obvious choices, and if they are it isn't because they have the same qualifications.
Or ... maybe they do. Both Moses and Elijah had ministries to large national groups. Moses lead the entire nation of Israel. Elijah had a mission to attempt to change the entire nation of Israel before it was too late to repent. Both dealt with national leaders who could not or would not remain true to God, and both were forced to pronounce God's judgment as a result. That judgment might be a plague of snakes, or wandering in the desert, or a total lack of rain. Both also were persecuted by the authorities. Moses fled Egypt and later was threatened by Israel's weary leaders, while Elijah ran from the king and lived in hiding while fed by ravens.
While that seems, then, what Moses and Elijah may have discussed with Jesus, that really can't be. They could not have been there to give Jesus council. They must have been there for companionship. These are men who completely and totally walked with God. Moses spoke to God face to face. Elijah was taken up by God will still living. These men are God's friends ... they are Jesus' friends. It seems, then this isn't necessarily about Jesus seeking advisors from the great prophets of history, but rather Jesus seeking time with his friends.
Application: While I have NO basis for these thoughts, I am glad that God allows room for us to explore his teaching. If true, this understanding of God's word gives us an understanding of his nature, specifically that he values friendships and companions. It is possible for Jesus to enjoy our company.
While this applies best to someone who themselves fully trusts and confides in the Lord - an attitude with which most of us struggle daily - it still provides and understanding of Jesus' love for all.
Prayer: Lord, may I focus on you today and every day. Clear my head of worldly items, and help me meditate on your word day and night. I need my head filled with your word, and not other thoughts. I seek to someday be called your friend, and ask for your assistance in preparing my heart for such love. Amen.
Observation: During the transfiguration, these two great prophets appear and converse with Jesus. We never learn their conversation. However, the fact it is the two of them seems odd.
Elijah is on the mind of everyone due to a prophesy that Elijah will precede the Messiah. It was not fully understood that the prophesy relates to one who will have Elijah's message of national repentance, and that John the Baptist was this Elijah. That said, Elijah makes sense as someone who would return, as he was "taken up in a whirlwind" and did not die.
The same cannot be said for Moses. Moses died and was buried, though his burial was performed by God himself and no one every knew where it was. Whatever the case, it was understood that - in this matter of death - Moses and Elijah are very different.
So why are Moses and Elijah the two prophets who arrive to talk to Jesus? Why would it not be ... Elisha who had twice the portion of the spirit as Elijah, or Isaiah who wrote the majority of the messianic prophesies, or David the king and the man after God's own heart? To me, these don't seem like the obvious choices, and if they are it isn't because they have the same qualifications.
Or ... maybe they do. Both Moses and Elijah had ministries to large national groups. Moses lead the entire nation of Israel. Elijah had a mission to attempt to change the entire nation of Israel before it was too late to repent. Both dealt with national leaders who could not or would not remain true to God, and both were forced to pronounce God's judgment as a result. That judgment might be a plague of snakes, or wandering in the desert, or a total lack of rain. Both also were persecuted by the authorities. Moses fled Egypt and later was threatened by Israel's weary leaders, while Elijah ran from the king and lived in hiding while fed by ravens.
While that seems, then, what Moses and Elijah may have discussed with Jesus, that really can't be. They could not have been there to give Jesus council. They must have been there for companionship. These are men who completely and totally walked with God. Moses spoke to God face to face. Elijah was taken up by God will still living. These men are God's friends ... they are Jesus' friends. It seems, then this isn't necessarily about Jesus seeking advisors from the great prophets of history, but rather Jesus seeking time with his friends.
Application: While I have NO basis for these thoughts, I am glad that God allows room for us to explore his teaching. If true, this understanding of God's word gives us an understanding of his nature, specifically that he values friendships and companions. It is possible for Jesus to enjoy our company.
While this applies best to someone who themselves fully trusts and confides in the Lord - an attitude with which most of us struggle daily - it still provides and understanding of Jesus' love for all.
Prayer: Lord, may I focus on you today and every day. Clear my head of worldly items, and help me meditate on your word day and night. I need my head filled with your word, and not other thoughts. I seek to someday be called your friend, and ask for your assistance in preparing my heart for such love. Amen.
Friday, February 23, 2018
And He Laughs at Me
But the voice of truth
Tells me a different story,
The voice of truth
says do not be afraid.
Tells me a different story,
The voice of truth
says do not be afraid.
Thursday, February 22, 2018
Sin as an Excuse for Sin
Scripture: "Don’t be enraged, my lord," Aaron replied. "You yourself know that the people are intent on evil." Exodus 32:22
Observation: With Moses on the mountain receiving instructions from God, including the 10 commandments, the people create the golden calf and immediately break the commandments. Confronted, this is Aaron's first and immediate reply ... the people are evil, and therefore they are going to sin.
Application: Yes, I am evil. And yes, I am going to sin. That is not an excuse to sin. My weakness cannot be used as a reason for disobedience, or I will indeed stand before God's judgment at the appointed time as he indicates later in this chapter.
Prayer: Dear Lord, please do forgive me of my daily sins. I sin by action and by thought, and I know I am evil. I have only the forgiveness of Jesus to rely upon for protection from judgment, not any hope that I can avoid sin in my life forever. I thank you for your love in providing such a remedy, so that I may seek a relationship with you. Again, I am sorry for my ways, and rely upon Jesus as my salvation and intercessor before you. Please forgive me. Amen.
Observation: With Moses on the mountain receiving instructions from God, including the 10 commandments, the people create the golden calf and immediately break the commandments. Confronted, this is Aaron's first and immediate reply ... the people are evil, and therefore they are going to sin.
Application: Yes, I am evil. And yes, I am going to sin. That is not an excuse to sin. My weakness cannot be used as a reason for disobedience, or I will indeed stand before God's judgment at the appointed time as he indicates later in this chapter.
Prayer: Dear Lord, please do forgive me of my daily sins. I sin by action and by thought, and I know I am evil. I have only the forgiveness of Jesus to rely upon for protection from judgment, not any hope that I can avoid sin in my life forever. I thank you for your love in providing such a remedy, so that I may seek a relationship with you. Again, I am sorry for my ways, and rely upon Jesus as my salvation and intercessor before you. Please forgive me. Amen.
Wednesday, February 21, 2018
Example of Total Faith
Scripture: He instructed them to take nothing for the road except a walking stick: no bread, no traveling bag, no money in their belts. They were to wear sandals, but not put on an extra shirt. Mark 6:8-9
Observation: When the disciples were sent out, they went with exactly the bare minimum ... shirt, pants, shoes, and a walking stick. This is the opposite of how must of us take trips. We pack for what we know we will do, plus contingencies in case plans change, plus necessities required for personal care, plus some comfort items. The disciples went with nothing. They barely had what they needed to just walk from one town to the next, let alone what they would need when they got there.
That is total faith in God. The disciples went forward with nothing, trusting that all they would need would be handed to them by others. Moreover, they trusted that others would give them what they needed because they would be able to perform miracles once there as a way to 'earn their keep'. They took nothing because all would be just provided.
Application: I don't know how to have faith like that. Yes, I trust God to provide for me and my family daily - I know that what I have is in fact a provision from God and not of my own doing. And yes, I walk into situations like Alpha last night completely empty and mentally exhausted and totally unprepared, and trust that God will show up and guide all our conversations ... and he does. But would I simply go and make no plans for my survival and trust God to just give me everything, from food, to a warmer shirt, to a toothbrush, to a change of socks?
If there are degrees of trusting God, where am I on the scale? If I'm not a "10-level disciple casting out demons and healing the sick," am I a "7-level helping others discover Jesus during conversations about faith"? I hope so, and I hope I'm moving up.
Prayer: Lord, may my faith increase daily. I do not doubt you in any way, but that is not the same as fully surrendering. I thank you for your presence and care last night during our Alpha conversation, and for the men you have set there to learn and discover you and your love. May they hear your message, not from my mind, but from the Holy Spirit's truth. Amen.
Observation: When the disciples were sent out, they went with exactly the bare minimum ... shirt, pants, shoes, and a walking stick. This is the opposite of how must of us take trips. We pack for what we know we will do, plus contingencies in case plans change, plus necessities required for personal care, plus some comfort items. The disciples went with nothing. They barely had what they needed to just walk from one town to the next, let alone what they would need when they got there.
That is total faith in God. The disciples went forward with nothing, trusting that all they would need would be handed to them by others. Moreover, they trusted that others would give them what they needed because they would be able to perform miracles once there as a way to 'earn their keep'. They took nothing because all would be just provided.
Application: I don't know how to have faith like that. Yes, I trust God to provide for me and my family daily - I know that what I have is in fact a provision from God and not of my own doing. And yes, I walk into situations like Alpha last night completely empty and mentally exhausted and totally unprepared, and trust that God will show up and guide all our conversations ... and he does. But would I simply go and make no plans for my survival and trust God to just give me everything, from food, to a warmer shirt, to a toothbrush, to a change of socks?
If there are degrees of trusting God, where am I on the scale? If I'm not a "10-level disciple casting out demons and healing the sick," am I a "7-level helping others discover Jesus during conversations about faith"? I hope so, and I hope I'm moving up.
Prayer: Lord, may my faith increase daily. I do not doubt you in any way, but that is not the same as fully surrendering. I thank you for your presence and care last night during our Alpha conversation, and for the men you have set there to learn and discover you and your love. May they hear your message, not from my mind, but from the Holy Spirit's truth. Amen.
Tuesday, February 20, 2018
Faith to Approach Jesus
Scripture: Having heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His robe. For she said, "If I can just touch His robes, I’ll be made well!" Instantly her flow of blood ceased, and she sensed in her body that she was cured of her affliction. Mark 5:27-29
Observation: Jesus performs many healings, but here we see a unique set of actions in the healing. Specifically, Jesus does not act. Jesus is walking to go somewhere else, and the woman sneaks behind him and clandestinely touches his robe. She is immediately healed, while Jesus is aware of the situation but is not entirely certain who has touched him or what of the circumstances of their need.
In other words, this healing is not about someone telling Jesus their need, and Jesus responding. It is about a person with so much faith they believe they can go to Jesus without expressing their need, and just by getting close to him they will receive blessing. The woman are entirely taken care of by her faith and her willingness to draw near to Jesus.
Application: I often lament when I do not "hear" from God. I wish I did more. However, this woman didn't feel the need to interact with Jesus. She knew that simply drawing near him in faith would take care of her situation.
I can draw near to Jesus - in daily devotions and prayer - and receive his blessings and love. I don't need to hear some words, for I can receive his guidance through my own faith. The point is to draw near ... to make the effort to approach the Lord, knowing that he is powerful and will provide. I do try to do this every day. My devotions have helped with this. More prayer would help more. Meditation on his word especially in the evenings would also help. These are disciplines I will continue to seek to improve my relationship with God, and to reach out to him in faith.
Prayer: Lord, may I be as humble as this sick woman, simply seeking to approach to you every day. I have faith that you can provide and bless and love, if I just come to you. I will find the discipline to do this more often, and in more ways, daily. Amen.
Observation: Jesus performs many healings, but here we see a unique set of actions in the healing. Specifically, Jesus does not act. Jesus is walking to go somewhere else, and the woman sneaks behind him and clandestinely touches his robe. She is immediately healed, while Jesus is aware of the situation but is not entirely certain who has touched him or what of the circumstances of their need.
In other words, this healing is not about someone telling Jesus their need, and Jesus responding. It is about a person with so much faith they believe they can go to Jesus without expressing their need, and just by getting close to him they will receive blessing. The woman are entirely taken care of by her faith and her willingness to draw near to Jesus.
Application: I often lament when I do not "hear" from God. I wish I did more. However, this woman didn't feel the need to interact with Jesus. She knew that simply drawing near him in faith would take care of her situation.
I can draw near to Jesus - in daily devotions and prayer - and receive his blessings and love. I don't need to hear some words, for I can receive his guidance through my own faith. The point is to draw near ... to make the effort to approach the Lord, knowing that he is powerful and will provide. I do try to do this every day. My devotions have helped with this. More prayer would help more. Meditation on his word especially in the evenings would also help. These are disciplines I will continue to seek to improve my relationship with God, and to reach out to him in faith.
Prayer: Lord, may I be as humble as this sick woman, simply seeking to approach to you every day. I have faith that you can provide and bless and love, if I just come to you. I will find the discipline to do this more often, and in more ways, daily. Amen.
Friday, February 16, 2018
A Kingdom of Priests
Scripture: "You have seen what I did to the Egyptians and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Me. Now if you will listen to Me and carefully keep My covenant, you will be My own possession out of all the peoples, although all the earth is Mine, and you will be My kingdom of priests and My holy nation." These are the words that you are to say to the Israelites. Exodus 19:4-6
Observation: In his first instructions to Moses at Mount Sinai, the Lord confirms the terms of the covenant. If Israel will obey his commands, they will be a "holy nation" dedicated to the Lord. They will be the Lord's possession out of all the people ... they will be his "kingdom of priests".
These, then, are the first terms of the covenant. Obey the ten commandments (which will be the instructions provided in three days hence), and you will become the Lord's nation of priests. There is nothing about added blessing, perfect lives, riches and comfort, or any earthly benefits. They will be simply a nation set apart from the rest of the world, which God also points out he still owns and commands.
Yes, later God will get into the "blessed to be a blessing" and the inheritance of the holy land. At that time, he will also get into all the details of all the laws, and explicit and implicit components of some of the simple instructions. For now, thought, the deal is about faith and trust. Become a nation of priests ... you can figure out if that comes with a blessing later.
Application: Of course, we now know that serving God - being part of the nation of priests, or a believer who seeks to do his will - comes with the blessings of God's love and joy. We also know that the burden of his laws are not heavy. However, we also know that, as flawed humans, it is impossible to fully obey them. This is the challenge of Mount Sinai ... the inability to obey, yet attempting to do so out of total faith that it's the right thing to do.
And that is my life of faith in Jesus. I fail every day to obey God, in many little ways and sometimes in bigger ways, and yet I know it is the right thing to do. I wish for nothing more than to be his servant daily. I know his love and his promises, and those are reason enough to serve him. I wish I served him better.
Prayer: Almighty God, the Lord who can bring fire onto mountains and command nations, may I serve you better. May I be part of the new nation of priests striving to do your will, both in our lives and in your world. I try to carefully keep your covenant and your commands. May thy will be done today. Amen.
Observation: In his first instructions to Moses at Mount Sinai, the Lord confirms the terms of the covenant. If Israel will obey his commands, they will be a "holy nation" dedicated to the Lord. They will be the Lord's possession out of all the people ... they will be his "kingdom of priests".
These, then, are the first terms of the covenant. Obey the ten commandments (which will be the instructions provided in three days hence), and you will become the Lord's nation of priests. There is nothing about added blessing, perfect lives, riches and comfort, or any earthly benefits. They will be simply a nation set apart from the rest of the world, which God also points out he still owns and commands.
Yes, later God will get into the "blessed to be a blessing" and the inheritance of the holy land. At that time, he will also get into all the details of all the laws, and explicit and implicit components of some of the simple instructions. For now, thought, the deal is about faith and trust. Become a nation of priests ... you can figure out if that comes with a blessing later.
Application: Of course, we now know that serving God - being part of the nation of priests, or a believer who seeks to do his will - comes with the blessings of God's love and joy. We also know that the burden of his laws are not heavy. However, we also know that, as flawed humans, it is impossible to fully obey them. This is the challenge of Mount Sinai ... the inability to obey, yet attempting to do so out of total faith that it's the right thing to do.
And that is my life of faith in Jesus. I fail every day to obey God, in many little ways and sometimes in bigger ways, and yet I know it is the right thing to do. I wish for nothing more than to be his servant daily. I know his love and his promises, and those are reason enough to serve him. I wish I served him better.
Prayer: Almighty God, the Lord who can bring fire onto mountains and command nations, may I serve you better. May I be part of the new nation of priests striving to do your will, both in our lives and in your world. I try to carefully keep your covenant and your commands. May thy will be done today. Amen.
Thursday, February 15, 2018
Proof in the Details
Scripture:
Everyone who sees me mocks me;
they sneer and shake their heads:
“He relies on the Lord;
let Him rescue him;
let the Lord deliver him,
since He takes pleasure in him.”
Psalm 22:7-8
Observation: I commented on this exact event just a few days ago, though it was recounted in the book of Matthew ... the mocking of Jesus by accusing him of believing in God. Psalm 22 is of course a prophesy about the crucifixion, and in these verses it proves accurate right down the mocking words of witnesses.
This is the strength of the old testament prophesies about the Messiah. While some seem a bit vague, most are specific, detailed, and clear. As pointed out in Alpha just this week, some are completely outside the control of the future Messiah, as in this case ... quoted words that will someday be spoken by his enemies while he is being forsaken and killed.
Application: I personally struggle with those who read this kind of evidence and don't believe in Jesus. Of course, the truth is that they have not read it, and convincing them to read the bible - let alone the old testament - isn't exactly a proven method of evangelism.
However, these sorts of details also enrich my faith. They reinforce my faith in hard times. They encourage me when I question my purpose and role on the earth. They remind me that it is all true - the Lord is in control, and by faith in his son Jesus I am forgiven of sin and may have eternal life. Irrefutable facts overcome any kind of temporary questions.
I am not in that place of doubt now. However, I am not exactly leaning into my faith recently, either. It isn't a matter of faith or belief, it is a matter of growth. The evidence is all around that the Lord is sovereign and in control, whether it be over words spoken across millennia or decisions made by officials here at work. I can trust in his control ... an enemy's words prove it.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for your love, and for your authority over all things. That authority includes authority over my life. You are in control, and I continue to surrender to you. I wish to grow in that surrender. Help me to turn to you more and more often in all matters and at all times. Amen.
Everyone who sees me mocks me;
they sneer and shake their heads:
“He relies on the Lord;
let Him rescue him;
let the Lord deliver him,
since He takes pleasure in him.”
Psalm 22:7-8
Observation: I commented on this exact event just a few days ago, though it was recounted in the book of Matthew ... the mocking of Jesus by accusing him of believing in God. Psalm 22 is of course a prophesy about the crucifixion, and in these verses it proves accurate right down the mocking words of witnesses.
This is the strength of the old testament prophesies about the Messiah. While some seem a bit vague, most are specific, detailed, and clear. As pointed out in Alpha just this week, some are completely outside the control of the future Messiah, as in this case ... quoted words that will someday be spoken by his enemies while he is being forsaken and killed.
Application: I personally struggle with those who read this kind of evidence and don't believe in Jesus. Of course, the truth is that they have not read it, and convincing them to read the bible - let alone the old testament - isn't exactly a proven method of evangelism.
However, these sorts of details also enrich my faith. They reinforce my faith in hard times. They encourage me when I question my purpose and role on the earth. They remind me that it is all true - the Lord is in control, and by faith in his son Jesus I am forgiven of sin and may have eternal life. Irrefutable facts overcome any kind of temporary questions.
I am not in that place of doubt now. However, I am not exactly leaning into my faith recently, either. It isn't a matter of faith or belief, it is a matter of growth. The evidence is all around that the Lord is sovereign and in control, whether it be over words spoken across millennia or decisions made by officials here at work. I can trust in his control ... an enemy's words prove it.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for your love, and for your authority over all things. That authority includes authority over my life. You are in control, and I continue to surrender to you. I wish to grow in that surrender. Help me to turn to you more and more often in all matters and at all times. Amen.
Tuesday, February 13, 2018
Consecration and Sacrifice
Scripture: "Consecrate every firstborn male to Me, the firstborn from every womb among the Israelites, both man and domestic animal; it is Mine." ... "When the Lord brings you into the land of the Canaanites, as He swore to you and your fathers, and gives it to you, you are to present to the Lord every firstborn male of the womb. All firstborn offspring of the livestock you own that are males will be the Lord’s. You must redeem every firstborn of a donkey with a flock animal, but if you do not redeem it, break its neck. However, you must redeem every firstborn among your sons." Exodus 13:2,11-13
Observation: Upon leaving Egypt, the Lord gives a command to Moses ... to consecrate the firstborn of Israel to him. Moses passes this along to all of Israel as ... wait until we are in Canaan, then sacrifice the firstborn animals, make a special provision for donkey's, and sacrifice a different animal in place of the firstborn sons.
There is an interpretive leap between these two verses that is not clear. These interpretations include timing, the nature of 'consecration', and added provisions for alternatives. Now certainly if Moses is the one writing Exodus, then he isn't documenting a mistake he made. Instead, he must be documenting both God's words, and the right interpretation of those words, which may have been provided by God himself or may be reflective of Moses' understanding of God's nature.
God's nature is not to harm, but to provide. God also expects our faith and trust. By sacrificing firstborn animals, the Israelites demonstrate faith in God's provision. However, by redeeming their sons and consecrating them, God's mercy shines through while also reinforcing the communities dedication to God. If just the firstborn were dedicated to Yahweh and remain dedicated to him, the nation will remain strong in faith. Eventually, we know this falls apart, to the point that the dedication of Samuel will be viewed as a unique and special personal sacrifice from his mother.
Application: The Lord - who can demand everything of us - asks for so little ... and even that we often withhold. I fear that I may withhold from him. I try not to. I tithe, and I give my time, and I encourage my family in their faith and service. I seek to grow in his word daily.
However, I also know that I lose patience with people, fail to love others, grow angry over small matters, and do not seek his counsel on daily issues. I give him time, talent, and treasure, but not my life. It is myself - a firstborn son - I withhold.
Prayer: Once again this morning, Lord, I find myself wanting when it comes to listening to you in my daily walk. You are my Lord and my God. You have authority over me, yet I pretend I can decide my actions. I do wish to surrender to you. I know my life is in better hands when it is in your control, and not my own. Please guide me this day and every day. Amen.
Observation: Upon leaving Egypt, the Lord gives a command to Moses ... to consecrate the firstborn of Israel to him. Moses passes this along to all of Israel as ... wait until we are in Canaan, then sacrifice the firstborn animals, make a special provision for donkey's, and sacrifice a different animal in place of the firstborn sons.
There is an interpretive leap between these two verses that is not clear. These interpretations include timing, the nature of 'consecration', and added provisions for alternatives. Now certainly if Moses is the one writing Exodus, then he isn't documenting a mistake he made. Instead, he must be documenting both God's words, and the right interpretation of those words, which may have been provided by God himself or may be reflective of Moses' understanding of God's nature.
God's nature is not to harm, but to provide. God also expects our faith and trust. By sacrificing firstborn animals, the Israelites demonstrate faith in God's provision. However, by redeeming their sons and consecrating them, God's mercy shines through while also reinforcing the communities dedication to God. If just the firstborn were dedicated to Yahweh and remain dedicated to him, the nation will remain strong in faith. Eventually, we know this falls apart, to the point that the dedication of Samuel will be viewed as a unique and special personal sacrifice from his mother.
Application: The Lord - who can demand everything of us - asks for so little ... and even that we often withhold. I fear that I may withhold from him. I try not to. I tithe, and I give my time, and I encourage my family in their faith and service. I seek to grow in his word daily.
However, I also know that I lose patience with people, fail to love others, grow angry over small matters, and do not seek his counsel on daily issues. I give him time, talent, and treasure, but not my life. It is myself - a firstborn son - I withhold.
Prayer: Once again this morning, Lord, I find myself wanting when it comes to listening to you in my daily walk. You are my Lord and my God. You have authority over me, yet I pretend I can decide my actions. I do wish to surrender to you. I know my life is in better hands when it is in your control, and not my own. Please guide me this day and every day. Amen.
Monday, February 12, 2018
Accused of Trust
Scripture: He has put His trust in God; let God rescue Him now - if He wants Him! For He said, 'I am God's Son.' Matthew 27:43
Observation: The Jewish leaders - priests, Sadducees, and Pharisees - were so depraved in their ways that this is their final charge against Jesus ... that he trusts in God.
Previously, they have charged him with things that were in fact true, but could be interpreted as heresy if false. These charges included healing on the Sabbath, preaching a new type of message, declaring himself a king, stating he could destroy the temple, and calling himself the Messiah. But this charge - that "he has put his trust in God" - is one for which there is no explanation. It not only cannot be a crime, it is the proper state and attitude of the priests and leaders themselves. It cannot be a charge. It cannot be a negative declaration against any man, let alone Jesus. Yet here it is, as the final accusation.
Application: Would this be the final accusation against me! I have, in fact, been accused of this, by a coworker who wished I would take more direct action. That person said that I trusted in God to work out a situation, and that was a weakness of mine.
I can think of no greater honor than to have someone declare that one of my faults in an obvious trust in God. In fact, this is something to aspire to ... to have such as obvious trust in God that others would regularly think I am making a mistake, or consider it a character flaw. I wish I had such an obvious trust, all the time.
Prayer: Lord, I know that there is no way to proceed in life without trust in you. I do place trust in you when I remember to do so. May I leap to that attitude as my first response to situations more and more. May I become such a person that my enemies would accuse of me of trusting in you. Amen.
Observation: The Jewish leaders - priests, Sadducees, and Pharisees - were so depraved in their ways that this is their final charge against Jesus ... that he trusts in God.
Previously, they have charged him with things that were in fact true, but could be interpreted as heresy if false. These charges included healing on the Sabbath, preaching a new type of message, declaring himself a king, stating he could destroy the temple, and calling himself the Messiah. But this charge - that "he has put his trust in God" - is one for which there is no explanation. It not only cannot be a crime, it is the proper state and attitude of the priests and leaders themselves. It cannot be a charge. It cannot be a negative declaration against any man, let alone Jesus. Yet here it is, as the final accusation.
Application: Would this be the final accusation against me! I have, in fact, been accused of this, by a coworker who wished I would take more direct action. That person said that I trusted in God to work out a situation, and that was a weakness of mine.
I can think of no greater honor than to have someone declare that one of my faults in an obvious trust in God. In fact, this is something to aspire to ... to have such as obvious trust in God that others would regularly think I am making a mistake, or consider it a character flaw. I wish I had such an obvious trust, all the time.
Prayer: Lord, I know that there is no way to proceed in life without trust in you. I do place trust in you when I remember to do so. May I leap to that attitude as my first response to situations more and more. May I become such a person that my enemies would accuse of me of trusting in you. Amen.
Thursday, February 8, 2018
Blessing and Hardships: The Cyclical Promise
"Let us deal shrewdly with them; otherwise they will multiply further, and if war breaks out, they may join our enemies, fight against us, and leave the country." So the Egyptians assigned taskmasters over the Israelites to oppress them with forced labor. They built Pithom and Rameses as supply cities for Pharaoh. But the more they oppressed them, the more they multiplied and spread so that the Egyptians came to dread the Israelites. Exodus 1:10-12
Observation: As Moses tells of the descent of the Jews into slavery, It is not a story of purely bitter oppression. The Jews also thrive. After being harbored in the land of Goshen ... their elders die ... but they grow and increase ... then a new Pharaoh forces them into labor ... but they multiply and spread with even more children. Over and over, the Jews are blessed, then have hardships, then are blessed during and in spite of those hardships. Even as Pharaoh looks to kill their sons, they grow.
Application: There are so many questions in today's world about the goodness of God within the evils of the world. It is critical to understand that there is no relationship between faith and a lack of hardships. In fact, there IS a relationship between the faith, hardships, and blessing. When we have faith despite hardships, we receive blessings.
I know hardships are ahead for me and my family. There are deaths looming on the horizon for our parents. There are troubles for our children as they enter a harsh world. There are likely to be career challenges during the twilight of our professional lives, and concerns about how we sustain our lives without income. Our faith will not "save" us from these things, and God in no way has ever promised that it would ... just the opposite
We will remain faithful throughout, however. I trust in the final outcomes God has promised - eternal life, life in the full, with the wonder of God sustaining us in all things. I fear imaginary issues of the present much more than I fear the guaranteed challenges of the future. I do not expect to be spared, yet I have full confidence that I will be loved and supported.
Prayer: Lord, I seek your promises this year, and this is the first, that you will sustain us through future hardships. I know they are coming. I accept your promise of love, support, and future blessing as I retain and lean into my faith in Jesus. Thank you so much for your love. Amen.
Observation: As Moses tells of the descent of the Jews into slavery, It is not a story of purely bitter oppression. The Jews also thrive. After being harbored in the land of Goshen ... their elders die ... but they grow and increase ... then a new Pharaoh forces them into labor ... but they multiply and spread with even more children. Over and over, the Jews are blessed, then have hardships, then are blessed during and in spite of those hardships. Even as Pharaoh looks to kill their sons, they grow.
Application: There are so many questions in today's world about the goodness of God within the evils of the world. It is critical to understand that there is no relationship between faith and a lack of hardships. In fact, there IS a relationship between the faith, hardships, and blessing. When we have faith despite hardships, we receive blessings.
I know hardships are ahead for me and my family. There are deaths looming on the horizon for our parents. There are troubles for our children as they enter a harsh world. There are likely to be career challenges during the twilight of our professional lives, and concerns about how we sustain our lives without income. Our faith will not "save" us from these things, and God in no way has ever promised that it would ... just the opposite
We will remain faithful throughout, however. I trust in the final outcomes God has promised - eternal life, life in the full, with the wonder of God sustaining us in all things. I fear imaginary issues of the present much more than I fear the guaranteed challenges of the future. I do not expect to be spared, yet I have full confidence that I will be loved and supported.
Prayer: Lord, I seek your promises this year, and this is the first, that you will sustain us through future hardships. I know they are coming. I accept your promise of love, support, and future blessing as I retain and lean into my faith in Jesus. Thank you so much for your love. Amen.
Tuesday, February 6, 2018
Answer in the Form of a Question
Scripture: Then the Lord answered Job from the whirlwind. He said ... Job 38:1
Observation: The Lord suddenly appears to confront Job and his friends - to "answer" him. However, there won't be any traditional answers, only questions. In the next two chapters alone, God asks Job about ... his own birth, creation, the earth, the seas, the wind, clouds, rain, snow, hail, dew, ice, deserts, grass, lightening, dawn, evening, light, night, stars, constellations, human wisdom, bears, lions, ravens, goats, donkeys, oxen, ostrich, horses, hawks, and eagles.
This is just a serious of "what do you know about ..." questions. He inquires into source, nature, dimensions, natural laws, motion, timing, habits, feeding, birthing, and hunting practices. The point is simple: God commands everything. From the creation of the earth, to the motion of the heavens, to the birth of a goat, to a lightening strike, to the growing of grass, to the kill made by an eagle ... God defined, created, and oversees it all.
Therefore, certainly whatever Job and his friends have debated about God's control, decisions, and practices associated with Job, his family, his fate, and the associated lives of both evil or righteous people ... God is in control, and all this talk is foolishness.
Application: God is in control of everything in and around my life. God "answered" Job with questions. When I then have questions about fairness, or future comfort, or direction for my children, God already has the answers, and those answers will be questions back to me about my faith, understanding, and love.
I don't grow my faith by asking more questions. I grow my faith by understanding the answers to God's questions - or understanding the unanswerable nature of his questions - and thus relying upon him without my questions being asked or answered.
Prayer: Lord, today I hand over more of myself. I surrender my questions and concerns. Please take any fears, doubt, or stress, as I release it to your control. You do control everything, and certainly a believe my life, and the lives of my family, are more valuable than a sparrow. It is all yours. Amen.
Observation: The Lord suddenly appears to confront Job and his friends - to "answer" him. However, there won't be any traditional answers, only questions. In the next two chapters alone, God asks Job about ... his own birth, creation, the earth, the seas, the wind, clouds, rain, snow, hail, dew, ice, deserts, grass, lightening, dawn, evening, light, night, stars, constellations, human wisdom, bears, lions, ravens, goats, donkeys, oxen, ostrich, horses, hawks, and eagles.
This is just a serious of "what do you know about ..." questions. He inquires into source, nature, dimensions, natural laws, motion, timing, habits, feeding, birthing, and hunting practices. The point is simple: God commands everything. From the creation of the earth, to the motion of the heavens, to the birth of a goat, to a lightening strike, to the growing of grass, to the kill made by an eagle ... God defined, created, and oversees it all.
Therefore, certainly whatever Job and his friends have debated about God's control, decisions, and practices associated with Job, his family, his fate, and the associated lives of both evil or righteous people ... God is in control, and all this talk is foolishness.
Application: God is in control of everything in and around my life. God "answered" Job with questions. When I then have questions about fairness, or future comfort, or direction for my children, God already has the answers, and those answers will be questions back to me about my faith, understanding, and love.
I don't grow my faith by asking more questions. I grow my faith by understanding the answers to God's questions - or understanding the unanswerable nature of his questions - and thus relying upon him without my questions being asked or answered.
Prayer: Lord, today I hand over more of myself. I surrender my questions and concerns. Please take any fears, doubt, or stress, as I release it to your control. You do control everything, and certainly a believe my life, and the lives of my family, are more valuable than a sparrow. It is all yours. Amen.
Monday, February 5, 2018
Different Question, Same Answer
Scripture: While He was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples approached Him privately and said, “Tell us, when will these things happen? And what is the sign of Your coming and of the end of the age?” Matthew 24:3
Observation: The disciples ask Jesus about the end of days, and Jesus proceeds to tell them about five events - widespread conflict, false teachers, the persecution of the church, the 'great tribulation', and the true second coming of Christ. The question everyone since has tried to figure out is these are identifiable events, or long-running trends, leading up to the end times. I certainly am not able to address that question. However, through all of these items, Jesus is clear about two messages.
First, stay clear in your faith. Do not be deceived by false teachers, those who come declaring a new Messianic message. The second message is to stay calm. Do not be discouraged by wars, conflicts, and disasters. In both ways - clear faith and calm demeanor - endure persecution to the end. And those who do will see Jesus return in glory ... "they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory."
Application: Stay clear, and stay calm. These remain Jesus' charge for his church. Clarity comes with understanding - reading and learning together to understand Jesus' teachings. Calmness comes with faith - faith in salvation expressed through baptism.
In other words, Jesus might have just been telling us "who cares when the end times really come, but be a good church and you'll be prepared." He provided details, but the truth is he did not answer the 'when' question, and he didn't really answer the 'what sign' question. He simply said there will be challenges, and we are to remain focused on the work of the church that he has set before all his disciples.
I can hope for the end to come, but I am to be involved in making disciples ... of others, and of myself, every day.
Prayer: Lord, please give me joy entering another Alpha season. I know I will get down about 'losing' my Tuesday evenings every week. However, I also know this is the great work you would have me do. I am thrilled to be able to join you in your ministry, and I hope you can use me to guide someone to faith in Jesus as Lord and savior. Here I am. Amen.
Observation: The disciples ask Jesus about the end of days, and Jesus proceeds to tell them about five events - widespread conflict, false teachers, the persecution of the church, the 'great tribulation', and the true second coming of Christ. The question everyone since has tried to figure out is these are identifiable events, or long-running trends, leading up to the end times. I certainly am not able to address that question. However, through all of these items, Jesus is clear about two messages.
First, stay clear in your faith. Do not be deceived by false teachers, those who come declaring a new Messianic message. The second message is to stay calm. Do not be discouraged by wars, conflicts, and disasters. In both ways - clear faith and calm demeanor - endure persecution to the end. And those who do will see Jesus return in glory ... "they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory."
Application: Stay clear, and stay calm. These remain Jesus' charge for his church. Clarity comes with understanding - reading and learning together to understand Jesus' teachings. Calmness comes with faith - faith in salvation expressed through baptism.
In other words, Jesus might have just been telling us "who cares when the end times really come, but be a good church and you'll be prepared." He provided details, but the truth is he did not answer the 'when' question, and he didn't really answer the 'what sign' question. He simply said there will be challenges, and we are to remain focused on the work of the church that he has set before all his disciples.
I can hope for the end to come, but I am to be involved in making disciples ... of others, and of myself, every day.
Prayer: Lord, please give me joy entering another Alpha season. I know I will get down about 'losing' my Tuesday evenings every week. However, I also know this is the great work you would have me do. I am thrilled to be able to join you in your ministry, and I hope you can use me to guide someone to faith in Jesus as Lord and savior. Here I am. Amen.
Friday, February 2, 2018
Fear of the Lord is This
Scripture:
He said to mankind,
“The fear of the Lord is this: wisdom.
And to turn from evil is understanding.”
Job 28:28
Observation: Job provides a soliloquy on wisdom, discussing where to find it. It is not in mines, in the seas, or anywhere men can see. However, it is obvious everywhere - in the way the wind moves, how rain waters the land, and in all nature. Death cannot find wisdom, but God knows its location. In the end, wisdom is summarized in four words ... fear of the Lord.
Job has spent many chapters defending his righteousness. He has claimed that the calamities that have befallen him are unjust. However, here at the end, he returns to one truth, and that is that God is in control, and only he has understanding. Yes, Job wishes he could appeal to God - make his case that he is righteous and thus should be under more protection than evil people who appear to live lives of comfort - but the basis of that wish is that it is still to God one must appeal, but God is wise.
Application: In all things, God remains in control, and he is the source of hope and love. He has a path planned for me and my family, and as we turn to him that path will unfold. That is not to say he will show it to us or explain it. Rather, he will manage and control it.
I trust that today as I consider the future of my daughter. I trust God has her circumstances in his hands. The results may not be what she wishes, but they will be for God's plan. I look forward to how her next 12-18 months unfold, and pray it remains for the glory of God, and by his wisdom.
Prayer: Lord, I commend my daughter into your hands. I hope she receives joy, happiness, safety, and success. Moreover, I trust that whatever path you lay before her will be for your kingdom come, and hope she has both the wisdom and understanding to walk that path. Amen.
He said to mankind,
“The fear of the Lord is this: wisdom.
And to turn from evil is understanding.”
Job 28:28
Observation: Job provides a soliloquy on wisdom, discussing where to find it. It is not in mines, in the seas, or anywhere men can see. However, it is obvious everywhere - in the way the wind moves, how rain waters the land, and in all nature. Death cannot find wisdom, but God knows its location. In the end, wisdom is summarized in four words ... fear of the Lord.
Job has spent many chapters defending his righteousness. He has claimed that the calamities that have befallen him are unjust. However, here at the end, he returns to one truth, and that is that God is in control, and only he has understanding. Yes, Job wishes he could appeal to God - make his case that he is righteous and thus should be under more protection than evil people who appear to live lives of comfort - but the basis of that wish is that it is still to God one must appeal, but God is wise.
Application: In all things, God remains in control, and he is the source of hope and love. He has a path planned for me and my family, and as we turn to him that path will unfold. That is not to say he will show it to us or explain it. Rather, he will manage and control it.
I trust that today as I consider the future of my daughter. I trust God has her circumstances in his hands. The results may not be what she wishes, but they will be for God's plan. I look forward to how her next 12-18 months unfold, and pray it remains for the glory of God, and by his wisdom.
Prayer: Lord, I commend my daughter into your hands. I hope she receives joy, happiness, safety, and success. Moreover, I trust that whatever path you lay before her will be for your kingdom come, and hope she has both the wisdom and understanding to walk that path. Amen.
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