Scripture: But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in. Matthew 23:13
Observation: Jesus pronounces eight 'woes' upon the scribes and Pharisees, this being the first. It is related to all the rituals and requirements they have placed on everyone, and Jesus' message is very, very clear ... these rules subvert the true teaching of and will of God. God wants people to simply love him, and love one another, and all actions and behaviors that flow from those two objectives will be honorable.
The Pharisees define rules and procedures, and condemn people for failing to comply, this telling them they are unworthy of grace - and ultimately heaven - due to these failures. Meanwhile, they themselves comply with the rules, but in doing so they treat others poorly and judgmentally, and thus truly fall short of God's will. It is by the rules of the Pharisees that they tell others shut up heaven is shut to them, while they themselves are not entering it either.
Application: We want God to see us for what we are good at. The Pharisees thought they were good at complying with rules, and therefore wanted that to be the criteria by which they were judged. In turn, they made that the criteria upon which others were judged. Jesus is clear ... there is only one criteria, and that is the love of God, expressed by faith and belief in Messiah. This thought is directly associated with the end of chapter 22, where Jesus answered the question about the greatest commandment (love God and love others) and then immediately questioned the Pharisees about the identity of the Messiah. These points - love God and believe in Messiah - are clearly linked.
I believe in Jesus as the Messiah, the son of God. I need to generate the emotion of love in my heart more, however. I love God, but I don't always love his created. Yes, that isn't uncommon, but it is something to improve. I need to love others more. If I did, surely my actions would be different, and I would make better decisions and take better actions more often. I would comply with the best of the 'rules' ... not the ceremonial actions, but the moral behaviors. If I became good at love, everything else would improve.
Prayer: Lord, may I love you more every day, and in the outpouring of that love may I improve my love of others. I know I fail in this area, and it is that failing that is at the core of wrong behavior. All your laws hang on the idea of loving you and others. I love you, my Lord. May I love your created as much, and even more, than I love myself. Amen.
Tuesday, February 4, 2020
Monday, February 3, 2020
Only the Relationship Matters
Scripture:
Oh, that I had one to hear me!
Here is my mark.
Oh, that the Almighty would answer me,
That my Prosecutor had written a book.
Job 31:35
Observation: Job ends his entire defense by wondering what sins he has committed. He outlines several sins he did not commit, and wishes that God would have simply documented what he did do wrong so he may understand it. The sins he does claim in this chapter that he has not committed are ... lust and adulatory, lying or cheating others, suppressed or repressed the poor, been greedy for money, shown hate toward others, failed to care for strangers, and stolen from the land.
However, in his final defense, Job skips over his relationship with God. This isn't because he didn't have a relationship with God, but that his anger of his situation has left him alienated from God. He feels he cannot engage with God, approach or speak with God about his plight, or stand before him for his defense. In the end, that is what he wants ... not an understanding of his sins, but clarity on his relationship with God, and a conversation with God about his circumstances.
Application: A relationship with God is everything. When I feel close to God, I am better mentally, and I am better behaved in all circumstances. When that relationship just becomes an exercise is behavioral compliance, however, everything goes wrong.
Job's example then is this: When the going got tough, he (and his friends) tried to riddle out the reason, when all he really should have done is engaged with God is prayer. He says over and over that he needs an intermediary to do this, and certainly Jesus helps us in this regard.
I have been in hard times, and I still hurt from time to time. It is good to know there is a proper way to proceed through such times, and it is by simply turning to God in prayer.
Prayer: Lord, I do thank you for your love, and for Jesus as our intercessor, and your Spirit to guide me daily. May I look to you for my daily needs, and my guidance, and my comfort. I will not lean on my own understanding or behavior, but look to you alone for meaning and strength. Amen.
Oh, that I had one to hear me!
Here is my mark.
Oh, that the Almighty would answer me,
That my Prosecutor had written a book.
Job 31:35
Observation: Job ends his entire defense by wondering what sins he has committed. He outlines several sins he did not commit, and wishes that God would have simply documented what he did do wrong so he may understand it. The sins he does claim in this chapter that he has not committed are ... lust and adulatory, lying or cheating others, suppressed or repressed the poor, been greedy for money, shown hate toward others, failed to care for strangers, and stolen from the land.
However, in his final defense, Job skips over his relationship with God. This isn't because he didn't have a relationship with God, but that his anger of his situation has left him alienated from God. He feels he cannot engage with God, approach or speak with God about his plight, or stand before him for his defense. In the end, that is what he wants ... not an understanding of his sins, but clarity on his relationship with God, and a conversation with God about his circumstances.
Application: A relationship with God is everything. When I feel close to God, I am better mentally, and I am better behaved in all circumstances. When that relationship just becomes an exercise is behavioral compliance, however, everything goes wrong.
Job's example then is this: When the going got tough, he (and his friends) tried to riddle out the reason, when all he really should have done is engaged with God is prayer. He says over and over that he needs an intermediary to do this, and certainly Jesus helps us in this regard.
I have been in hard times, and I still hurt from time to time. It is good to know there is a proper way to proceed through such times, and it is by simply turning to God in prayer.
Prayer: Lord, I do thank you for your love, and for Jesus as our intercessor, and your Spirit to guide me daily. May I look to you for my daily needs, and my guidance, and my comfort. I will not lean on my own understanding or behavior, but look to you alone for meaning and strength. Amen.
Tuesday, January 28, 2020
Lacking Context for Social Justice
Scripture: He said to Him, “Which ones?” Jesus said, "‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’" Matthew 19:18-19
Observation: The "rich young ruler" is told by Jesus to obey God's commands. When he asks, "which ones", he is told ... a partial and edited list. First, he is told only really five of the ten commandments (not murdering, committing adultery, stealing, lying, and obedience to parents). The sixth item, loving your neighbor as yourself, is not one of the ten, but is an edited version of not coveting, which originally lists several of your neighbors items (house, wife, etc.). This leaves four commandments completely unlisted, and interestingly they are the first four regarding the relationship with God ... having no other God, worshiping idols, honoring God's name, and observing the sabbath.
Why did Jesus skip these? I can only logically think of one answer: Without a relationship with God, the very idea of obeying the commandments is moot - it doesn't even really exist within one's heart - and therefore there is no reason to discuss these four commands within the context of this question. To put this another way, it is only by having a relationship with God that anyone can properly consider their relationship with others, therefore teaching about cultural and moral behavior only makes sense to those who already know, love, and seek to honor the Lord.
Application: I spent 15 minutes last week reading about the "tyranny of the woke", and how confused our society has become about social justice. I then went down a little rabbit hole about examples of recent issues where all communication on social issues is breaking down due to a total lack of mutual context, and wondered how we can ever find sensible dialogue again. Jesus knew this would happen, and he knew why.
Worldwide, societies that have systematically rejected God have also systematically embraced injustice. However, those that seek to embrace justice actually have no idea what justice means, what it looks like, or how it operates. We now see our "post-truth" society falling into a spiral of rejecting God, thus adopting policies and norms outside of God's precepts, which then encourage society to further reject God. The very idea of having cultural norms that align to God's moral guidelines is moot - the idea doesn't really exist within most people's hearts - because the relationship with God is leaving our society.
Prayer: Lord, I have prayed for my nation, my town, my neighborhood, my friends, and even for my era. All things are possible through you, so therefore I now simply pray into your will. May I and others find the way to be faithful to your word, telling others you good news. If this creates a revival, so be it, and if this merely saves a handful of souls, so be it. Thy will be done. Amen.
Observation: The "rich young ruler" is told by Jesus to obey God's commands. When he asks, "which ones", he is told ... a partial and edited list. First, he is told only really five of the ten commandments (not murdering, committing adultery, stealing, lying, and obedience to parents). The sixth item, loving your neighbor as yourself, is not one of the ten, but is an edited version of not coveting, which originally lists several of your neighbors items (house, wife, etc.). This leaves four commandments completely unlisted, and interestingly they are the first four regarding the relationship with God ... having no other God, worshiping idols, honoring God's name, and observing the sabbath.
Why did Jesus skip these? I can only logically think of one answer: Without a relationship with God, the very idea of obeying the commandments is moot - it doesn't even really exist within one's heart - and therefore there is no reason to discuss these four commands within the context of this question. To put this another way, it is only by having a relationship with God that anyone can properly consider their relationship with others, therefore teaching about cultural and moral behavior only makes sense to those who already know, love, and seek to honor the Lord.
Application: I spent 15 minutes last week reading about the "tyranny of the woke", and how confused our society has become about social justice. I then went down a little rabbit hole about examples of recent issues where all communication on social issues is breaking down due to a total lack of mutual context, and wondered how we can ever find sensible dialogue again. Jesus knew this would happen, and he knew why.
Worldwide, societies that have systematically rejected God have also systematically embraced injustice. However, those that seek to embrace justice actually have no idea what justice means, what it looks like, or how it operates. We now see our "post-truth" society falling into a spiral of rejecting God, thus adopting policies and norms outside of God's precepts, which then encourage society to further reject God. The very idea of having cultural norms that align to God's moral guidelines is moot - the idea doesn't really exist within most people's hearts - because the relationship with God is leaving our society.
Prayer: Lord, I have prayed for my nation, my town, my neighborhood, my friends, and even for my era. All things are possible through you, so therefore I now simply pray into your will. May I and others find the way to be faithful to your word, telling others you good news. If this creates a revival, so be it, and if this merely saves a handful of souls, so be it. Thy will be done. Amen.
Monday, January 27, 2020
God at the Center of Marriage
Scripture: The Pharisees also came to Him, testing Him, and saying to Him, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for just any reason?” Matthew 19:3
Observation: The Pharisees are always asking Jesus trick questions, and here it is about the sensitive matter of divorce. This has always been problematic. God was opposed to divorce, but Moses' law permitted it. There are issues and nuances in the various conversations, but it seems to come down to this one thing ... if two people marry, and both are obedient to the Lord, there will be no divorce, however if one of them is disobedient to the Lord then the other has a way to remove themselves from marriage.
At the heart of this is what it means to be unified, and that unity is in God. A right relationship involves three people - the couple, and God. A person who then leaves God within the context of that relationship has actually left the relationship.
Application: I am not a great husband. I try to be a good husband, but I know there are gaps in how I treat my wife and family. I can be distant, quick to anger, sullen and moody, and inattentive. I know there are times my wife and I don't really "mesh" when it comes to daily activities and interests. I probably can't even say I make up for it by being a great provider anymore, not that that was ever the requirement of being a husband.
Jesus teaches me that, to be a good husband, I must be obedient to the Lord. If I do this, other matters will resolve themselves. I also know that my marriage is a blessing from God - he created our relationship for us - and that can and should always look for the Lord in my wife, and strive to show her the love of God through me.
We have friends struggling with this. I don't know what to say to them. I trust in their love of God, and therefore trust that God will reconcile their hearts and minds.
Prayer: Lord, I pray today for our friends. They are both hurting in their hearts and in their souls. May your love emerge in a way that not only reconciles their arguments, but restores their hearts and minds in a way that strengthens their bonds and love. I pray they find you today, Lord, in the center of their marriage. Amen.
Observation: The Pharisees are always asking Jesus trick questions, and here it is about the sensitive matter of divorce. This has always been problematic. God was opposed to divorce, but Moses' law permitted it. There are issues and nuances in the various conversations, but it seems to come down to this one thing ... if two people marry, and both are obedient to the Lord, there will be no divorce, however if one of them is disobedient to the Lord then the other has a way to remove themselves from marriage.
At the heart of this is what it means to be unified, and that unity is in God. A right relationship involves three people - the couple, and God. A person who then leaves God within the context of that relationship has actually left the relationship.
Application: I am not a great husband. I try to be a good husband, but I know there are gaps in how I treat my wife and family. I can be distant, quick to anger, sullen and moody, and inattentive. I know there are times my wife and I don't really "mesh" when it comes to daily activities and interests. I probably can't even say I make up for it by being a great provider anymore, not that that was ever the requirement of being a husband.
Jesus teaches me that, to be a good husband, I must be obedient to the Lord. If I do this, other matters will resolve themselves. I also know that my marriage is a blessing from God - he created our relationship for us - and that can and should always look for the Lord in my wife, and strive to show her the love of God through me.
We have friends struggling with this. I don't know what to say to them. I trust in their love of God, and therefore trust that God will reconcile their hearts and minds.
Prayer: Lord, I pray today for our friends. They are both hurting in their hearts and in their souls. May your love emerge in a way that not only reconciles their arguments, but restores their hearts and minds in a way that strengthens their bonds and love. I pray they find you today, Lord, in the center of their marriage. Amen.
Thursday, January 23, 2020
Speaking in Literal Metaphors
Scripture: And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Matthew 16:18-19
Observation: Simon declares the belief that Jesus is the Messiah, and Jesus immediately declares that Simon's name is now Peter, meaning rock, then expounds upon this. However, while it may appear he is talking about Peter, there is also a more likely interpretation that there is wordplay here. Jesus calls the man "rock," but from then on he is talking about a different "rock" and a different person's mission. Instead, the "rock" is the truth Peter has declared. Therefore, Jesus is saying:
-- This truth - Jesus is Messiah - will be the foundational principle of the church.
-- Satan himself cannot stand up against anything built upon that truth.
-- The church will be the gateway to heaven, because faith in Messiah is the gateway to heaven.
-- Whomever declares that truth as witnessed by the church on earth will be bound to heaven.
-- Whomever declares against that truth will be lost to heaven.
In other words, the Church on earth is the group that believes Jesus is Messiah, and it is faith in that truth that provides all hope and all authority and all foundation in life.
Application: Jesus did love wordplay. He can rename Peter "rock" while discussing the foundational truth of the universe. It is also in these wordplays we see the power of God, as he can make all variations of the wordplay come true ... establishing the church based on faith, empowering Peter to be the first teacher of that truth, then building the largest church on top of Peter's grave. God does this throughout the bible - inspiring a prophetic statement that has multiple meanings, then having all the meanings including the literal concept come to pass - so of course Jesus can do this, too.
Where is God doing this in my life? Where is he guiding me, my wife, and my family, where we may believe he is telling us to do something metaphorical, but he will lead us to both a metaphorical and literal result? As I find new promises from God in my life, I should certainly look for these.
Prayer: Lord, I think you for the guidance in my life. May I watch for your direction, and know that you may be telling me many things with just a few words. I will not get locked into one concept, for I see your ways. Amen.
Observation: Simon declares the belief that Jesus is the Messiah, and Jesus immediately declares that Simon's name is now Peter, meaning rock, then expounds upon this. However, while it may appear he is talking about Peter, there is also a more likely interpretation that there is wordplay here. Jesus calls the man "rock," but from then on he is talking about a different "rock" and a different person's mission. Instead, the "rock" is the truth Peter has declared. Therefore, Jesus is saying:
-- This truth - Jesus is Messiah - will be the foundational principle of the church.
-- Satan himself cannot stand up against anything built upon that truth.
-- The church will be the gateway to heaven, because faith in Messiah is the gateway to heaven.
-- Whomever declares that truth as witnessed by the church on earth will be bound to heaven.
-- Whomever declares against that truth will be lost to heaven.
In other words, the Church on earth is the group that believes Jesus is Messiah, and it is faith in that truth that provides all hope and all authority and all foundation in life.
Application: Jesus did love wordplay. He can rename Peter "rock" while discussing the foundational truth of the universe. It is also in these wordplays we see the power of God, as he can make all variations of the wordplay come true ... establishing the church based on faith, empowering Peter to be the first teacher of that truth, then building the largest church on top of Peter's grave. God does this throughout the bible - inspiring a prophetic statement that has multiple meanings, then having all the meanings including the literal concept come to pass - so of course Jesus can do this, too.
Where is God doing this in my life? Where is he guiding me, my wife, and my family, where we may believe he is telling us to do something metaphorical, but he will lead us to both a metaphorical and literal result? As I find new promises from God in my life, I should certainly look for these.
Prayer: Lord, I think you for the guidance in my life. May I watch for your direction, and know that you may be telling me many things with just a few words. I will not get locked into one concept, for I see your ways. Amen.
Wednesday, January 22, 2020
Eternal Timeline for Exaltation
Scripture:
Consider and hear me, O Lord my God;
Enlighten my eyes,
Lest I sleep the sleep of death;
Lest my enemy say,
“I have prevailed against him”;
Lest those who trouble me rejoice when I am moved.
Psalm 13:3-4
Observation: The psalmist (David) asks how long will it be that his enemies exalt over him, and then he states his fear of the ultimate timeline ... until his death. His prayer is that he will be acquitted and saved from his enemy soon, but at the very least this will happen before he dies so that his enemy cannot have the final say, both pronouncing the final statement that they have won, and celebrating that victory as final and permanent.
Application: It is only in the context of God's judgment and mercy that we can understand that death is not final. I have enemies. These enemies have not only defeated me, but it is possible they have "permanently" defeated me ... that there will never be a time where they are not exalted over me.
Yet, this isn't true. There will be a time when I die, and am raised in Christ to reside in heaven. And there will be a time when they die, and what happens to them is a matter between them and God, for them to work out for themselves. If they eventually realize the truth about Jesus, place their faith in him, and are raised as me, that would be wonderful. There would be no condemnation either way, and in fact the old hurts won't matter in any way. If they do not choose this path ... again, that is a matter for them to work out with God, and I do not believe it will go well for them.
True judgment doesn't occur before death, with a hope of 'victory' in this life. Victory is about eternal life in Christ alone. This is the only personal victory and outcome I care about.
Prayer: Lord, into your hands I commend my soul, this day and every day. I do not pray as David did for a timeline to be exalted above my enemies, for that does not matter within the timeline of earth. I will someday simply be with you, and that is so much more than any earthly status. Amen.
Consider and hear me, O Lord my God;
Enlighten my eyes,
Lest I sleep the sleep of death;
Lest my enemy say,
“I have prevailed against him”;
Lest those who trouble me rejoice when I am moved.
Psalm 13:3-4
Observation: The psalmist (David) asks how long will it be that his enemies exalt over him, and then he states his fear of the ultimate timeline ... until his death. His prayer is that he will be acquitted and saved from his enemy soon, but at the very least this will happen before he dies so that his enemy cannot have the final say, both pronouncing the final statement that they have won, and celebrating that victory as final and permanent.
Application: It is only in the context of God's judgment and mercy that we can understand that death is not final. I have enemies. These enemies have not only defeated me, but it is possible they have "permanently" defeated me ... that there will never be a time where they are not exalted over me.
Yet, this isn't true. There will be a time when I die, and am raised in Christ to reside in heaven. And there will be a time when they die, and what happens to them is a matter between them and God, for them to work out for themselves. If they eventually realize the truth about Jesus, place their faith in him, and are raised as me, that would be wonderful. There would be no condemnation either way, and in fact the old hurts won't matter in any way. If they do not choose this path ... again, that is a matter for them to work out with God, and I do not believe it will go well for them.
True judgment doesn't occur before death, with a hope of 'victory' in this life. Victory is about eternal life in Christ alone. This is the only personal victory and outcome I care about.
Prayer: Lord, into your hands I commend my soul, this day and every day. I do not pray as David did for a timeline to be exalted above my enemies, for that does not matter within the timeline of earth. I will someday simply be with you, and that is so much more than any earthly status. Amen.
Tuesday, January 21, 2020
Released from a Life of Shame
Scripture: Then Reuben spoke to his father, saying, “Kill my two sons if I do not bring him back to you; put him in my hands, and I will bring him back to you.” Genesis 42:37
Observation: Chapter 41 says Joseph was 30 when he stood before Pharaoh. The 7 years of plenty have then passed, and they are likely into year 3 of famine since other nations are having to seek aid, so Joseph is now 40. He was 17 when his brothers sold him into slavery, and at that time Reuben was going to save Joseph so that he could gain atonement from his father for the sin he had committed in sleeping with Bilhah.
It is 23 years later, and Reuben is STILL trying to find a way to make atonement with his father.
Reuben committed one (albeit, bad) sin, and he has spent the majority of his adult life trying to reconcile it. And he can't. How many times has a similar situation arose? Something goes wrong in the house of Jacob ... a herd of sheep is lost, or a stranger causes strife, or another local family threatens their property, or a storm destroys a barn ... and Reuben declares, "I will take care of it for you, father, a swear this on everything I own!" And Jacob says ... no, Reuben, there is no way for me to trust this to you.
It is in this model we understand that, when a person commits a terrible act against someone, there really isn't anything one can 'do' to undo it. Instead, there is only the possibility of forgiveness. If the victim won't forgive, then the perpetrator is without recourse for restoring the relationship.
Application: As the family and history of Israel is our revelation of God's love, Reuben is the example of the reason God's love is so critical. Reuben is the first born and should be the pride of the father, but he is instead untrusted and despised even after years and years and years of trying to make the situation right, and living with the shame that entire time. If this was the way God treated us, we would all languish in grief forever, or else give up and resent God.
Instead, God freely forgives through our faith and simple request. Knowing no action of ours can erase sin, God instead just erases it anyway.
I was reminded last week that God promises not only to forgive me for my past, but to remove my shame about that past. I can forget it! This is God's promise, not only that he forgets the sin, but that I can no longer dwell in it mentally or have remorse for it. God has completely erased it. He doesn't just forgive, he erases it from my life's story.
Prayer: Lord, I thank you for the promise of removing my shame of my past. I will try to live in a manner that moves forward in your love. Reuben couldn't do that, but you created the way for me to do so. Thank you for your amazing, perfect love. Amen.
Observation: Chapter 41 says Joseph was 30 when he stood before Pharaoh. The 7 years of plenty have then passed, and they are likely into year 3 of famine since other nations are having to seek aid, so Joseph is now 40. He was 17 when his brothers sold him into slavery, and at that time Reuben was going to save Joseph so that he could gain atonement from his father for the sin he had committed in sleeping with Bilhah.
It is 23 years later, and Reuben is STILL trying to find a way to make atonement with his father.
Reuben committed one (albeit, bad) sin, and he has spent the majority of his adult life trying to reconcile it. And he can't. How many times has a similar situation arose? Something goes wrong in the house of Jacob ... a herd of sheep is lost, or a stranger causes strife, or another local family threatens their property, or a storm destroys a barn ... and Reuben declares, "I will take care of it for you, father, a swear this on everything I own!" And Jacob says ... no, Reuben, there is no way for me to trust this to you.
It is in this model we understand that, when a person commits a terrible act against someone, there really isn't anything one can 'do' to undo it. Instead, there is only the possibility of forgiveness. If the victim won't forgive, then the perpetrator is without recourse for restoring the relationship.
Application: As the family and history of Israel is our revelation of God's love, Reuben is the example of the reason God's love is so critical. Reuben is the first born and should be the pride of the father, but he is instead untrusted and despised even after years and years and years of trying to make the situation right, and living with the shame that entire time. If this was the way God treated us, we would all languish in grief forever, or else give up and resent God.
Instead, God freely forgives through our faith and simple request. Knowing no action of ours can erase sin, God instead just erases it anyway.
I was reminded last week that God promises not only to forgive me for my past, but to remove my shame about that past. I can forget it! This is God's promise, not only that he forgets the sin, but that I can no longer dwell in it mentally or have remorse for it. God has completely erased it. He doesn't just forgive, he erases it from my life's story.
Prayer: Lord, I thank you for the promise of removing my shame of my past. I will try to live in a manner that moves forward in your love. Reuben couldn't do that, but you created the way for me to do so. Thank you for your amazing, perfect love. Amen.
Friday, January 17, 2020
When God Repeats Himself
Scripture: Then God appeared to Jacob again, when he came from Padan Aram, and blessed him. And God said to him, “Your name is Jacob; your name shall not be called Jacob anymore, but Israel shall be your name.” So He called his name Israel. Genesis 35:9-10
Observation: Jacob and his family return to Bethel, the place where Jacob departed from when he was initially afraid of Esau. This time, he is again afraid of retribution from the Shechemites, but he obeys God and goes to Bethel. He further obeys the Lord the builds an alter there, to commemorate the time that the Lord appeared to him when he was fleeing from Esau.
What happens next is ... God appears to him again ... God blesses him again ... God repeats the act of renaming him Israel ... God repeats his promise to give Israel the land promised to Abraham and Isaac ... Israel builds a second alter, sacrifices on it again, and names it Bethel same as the first.
God made a promise to Jacob, and then gave him instructions. Jacob (eventually) learned to trust those promises, and became a man willing to obey the word of the Lord. Therefore, God repeated his promise to Jacob. Jacob celebrated and honored God again.
Application: As I spend time seeking the promises of God in my life, I see this model. It is very likely God has made promises to me, and he will repeat them and remind me of them as I grown in my faith, obedience, and love for God. The challenge I have is not that God has not given me good promises in my life, but likely that I wasn't listening or understanding at the time.
I look forward to God repeating himself.
Prayer: Lord, I see how you work with imperfect people, and I am certainly one of those, an imperfect person. Please forgive my sins and help me to repent further every day, so that I may be better prepared to hear your voice and your promises in my life. Amen.
Observation: Jacob and his family return to Bethel, the place where Jacob departed from when he was initially afraid of Esau. This time, he is again afraid of retribution from the Shechemites, but he obeys God and goes to Bethel. He further obeys the Lord the builds an alter there, to commemorate the time that the Lord appeared to him when he was fleeing from Esau.
What happens next is ... God appears to him again ... God blesses him again ... God repeats the act of renaming him Israel ... God repeats his promise to give Israel the land promised to Abraham and Isaac ... Israel builds a second alter, sacrifices on it again, and names it Bethel same as the first.
God made a promise to Jacob, and then gave him instructions. Jacob (eventually) learned to trust those promises, and became a man willing to obey the word of the Lord. Therefore, God repeated his promise to Jacob. Jacob celebrated and honored God again.
Application: As I spend time seeking the promises of God in my life, I see this model. It is very likely God has made promises to me, and he will repeat them and remind me of them as I grown in my faith, obedience, and love for God. The challenge I have is not that God has not given me good promises in my life, but likely that I wasn't listening or understanding at the time.
I look forward to God repeating himself.
Prayer: Lord, I see how you work with imperfect people, and I am certainly one of those, an imperfect person. Please forgive my sins and help me to repent further every day, so that I may be better prepared to hear your voice and your promises in my life. Amen.
Thursday, January 16, 2020
Hope from the Very Worst
Scripture: Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come. Matthew 12:32
Observation: Jesus is in the midst of a head-to-head fight with the Pharisees, and it begins when they claim he casts out demons by the power of Beelzebub. Jesus corrects this clearly. However it is in this verse that he pivots the fight into a much stronger offensive. He will go on to condemn the very hearts and motives of the Pharisees, denying their motives, words, and thoughts. He places them as less faithful than the sinners of ancient Nineveh, or of the foreign Queen of Sheba. His logic is straightforward, and his warning clear:
-- Any and every act can and will be forgiven, even such a great act as hating Jesus himself.
-- However, if one curses the Holy Spirit, this is the act of knowing God exists yet in that knowledge actively rejecting his authority, and that is the unforgivable sin.
-- Those who do this may even still profess to believe in God - they may say good words, or give others good teaching - but their hearts are now revealed.
This isn't a sin of ignorance. This isn't a sin of anger or passion or deception or temptation or weakness. And this isn't even a willful sin that rebels against the laws, commands, and precepts of God. This is a sin outside of the body or soul. This is the sin of a personal spirit that has - with full knowledge, in sound judgment, and with total consciousness - chosen to reject God. It is the worst thing one can do.
However, in this same message is the greatest of all hope ... EVERYTHING ELSE is forgiven! Even cursing God himself, even rejecting Jesus ... these are forgivable with the act of repentance and faith.
Application: I have cursed God. I have rejected Jesus. I have declared independence from all belief. And I have repented of that, having discovered the love of God and salvation of Jesus in my life. And from this verse I know I am forgiven.
This is the takeaway for me here. It is not that there is some unforgivable act, but rather that I am forgiven of even the time in my life I actively declared that I rejected all concepts of salvation, God, and Jesus. I am now a believer. I publicly declared my faith, and was baptized into that faith, born again as a new creation. Jesus declaring the very worst sin possible against the Pharisees actually shows that billions and billions and billions of other wrongs are washed away, because God loves us so much that he gave his son.
Prayer: Lord, my Lord and my God, may I live every day without any thoughts or concerns about my former life, for it is all washed away. Thank you for your forgiveness, which I could never have earned. Amen.
Observation: Jesus is in the midst of a head-to-head fight with the Pharisees, and it begins when they claim he casts out demons by the power of Beelzebub. Jesus corrects this clearly. However it is in this verse that he pivots the fight into a much stronger offensive. He will go on to condemn the very hearts and motives of the Pharisees, denying their motives, words, and thoughts. He places them as less faithful than the sinners of ancient Nineveh, or of the foreign Queen of Sheba. His logic is straightforward, and his warning clear:
-- Any and every act can and will be forgiven, even such a great act as hating Jesus himself.
-- However, if one curses the Holy Spirit, this is the act of knowing God exists yet in that knowledge actively rejecting his authority, and that is the unforgivable sin.
-- Those who do this may even still profess to believe in God - they may say good words, or give others good teaching - but their hearts are now revealed.
This isn't a sin of ignorance. This isn't a sin of anger or passion or deception or temptation or weakness. And this isn't even a willful sin that rebels against the laws, commands, and precepts of God. This is a sin outside of the body or soul. This is the sin of a personal spirit that has - with full knowledge, in sound judgment, and with total consciousness - chosen to reject God. It is the worst thing one can do.
However, in this same message is the greatest of all hope ... EVERYTHING ELSE is forgiven! Even cursing God himself, even rejecting Jesus ... these are forgivable with the act of repentance and faith.
Application: I have cursed God. I have rejected Jesus. I have declared independence from all belief. And I have repented of that, having discovered the love of God and salvation of Jesus in my life. And from this verse I know I am forgiven.
This is the takeaway for me here. It is not that there is some unforgivable act, but rather that I am forgiven of even the time in my life I actively declared that I rejected all concepts of salvation, God, and Jesus. I am now a believer. I publicly declared my faith, and was baptized into that faith, born again as a new creation. Jesus declaring the very worst sin possible against the Pharisees actually shows that billions and billions and billions of other wrongs are washed away, because God loves us so much that he gave his son.
Prayer: Lord, my Lord and my God, may I live every day without any thoughts or concerns about my former life, for it is all washed away. Thank you for your forgiveness, which I could never have earned. Amen.
Monday, January 13, 2020
Restating the Truth
Scripture: Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to ‘set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’; and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.’ Matthew 10:34-36
Observation: Jesus is teaching his disciples, and here clarifies his mission and purpose. He is not here to bring peace. Instead, his existence will divide people. There will be those who believe, and those who do not, and Jesus does not intend for people with these different believes to be peaceable. Those who don't believe will be against those who do. More interestingly, those who do believe should be against those that don't.
This opposition is not hate or anger, but it is resolute. It is a firmness of belief that is stronger than even family ties. If someone believes in Jesus, and their own family doesn't, then they are opposed to each other in this matter.
Furthermore, this was not a new idea. Jesus didn't make this up! He is merely quoting Micah. This should have been the understanding of what faith in Messiah was always going to be about ... that faith represents the truth about God, and those opposed to faith are therefore opposed to God's will and purposes.
Application: It is always surprising how often Jesus had to restate the truth about matters because everyone wanted him to be something else. He quotes several prophets who already spoke about him, just today showing that faith in him will be a divisive matter, and that he is in fact the Messiah as proven by his specific miracles.
Believers today want Jesus to fit their opinions about what a savior should be, and not the facts about who Jesus was. Do I do this? Do I prefer his mercy more than his justice, or his love more than his instruction, or his resurrection more than his sacrifice?
I do want certain "good" things in life as provided by Jesus. However, it is important to receive Jesus as he is, and not as we wish. Obedience, learning, discipleship, and sacrifice are all part of the truth about Jesus, just as much as forgiveness, love, mercy, and salvation.
Prayer: Lord, this day, may I know that I follow a savior who also expects me to serve obediently. I am to do as you told me to do, and not just believe what you said to believe. Give me this day not just my daily bread, but also the chance to do my daily work, to pick up my cross. Amen.
Observation: Jesus is teaching his disciples, and here clarifies his mission and purpose. He is not here to bring peace. Instead, his existence will divide people. There will be those who believe, and those who do not, and Jesus does not intend for people with these different believes to be peaceable. Those who don't believe will be against those who do. More interestingly, those who do believe should be against those that don't.
This opposition is not hate or anger, but it is resolute. It is a firmness of belief that is stronger than even family ties. If someone believes in Jesus, and their own family doesn't, then they are opposed to each other in this matter.
Furthermore, this was not a new idea. Jesus didn't make this up! He is merely quoting Micah. This should have been the understanding of what faith in Messiah was always going to be about ... that faith represents the truth about God, and those opposed to faith are therefore opposed to God's will and purposes.
Application: It is always surprising how often Jesus had to restate the truth about matters because everyone wanted him to be something else. He quotes several prophets who already spoke about him, just today showing that faith in him will be a divisive matter, and that he is in fact the Messiah as proven by his specific miracles.
Believers today want Jesus to fit their opinions about what a savior should be, and not the facts about who Jesus was. Do I do this? Do I prefer his mercy more than his justice, or his love more than his instruction, or his resurrection more than his sacrifice?
I do want certain "good" things in life as provided by Jesus. However, it is important to receive Jesus as he is, and not as we wish. Obedience, learning, discipleship, and sacrifice are all part of the truth about Jesus, just as much as forgiveness, love, mercy, and salvation.
Prayer: Lord, this day, may I know that I follow a savior who also expects me to serve obediently. I am to do as you told me to do, and not just believe what you said to believe. Give me this day not just my daily bread, but also the chance to do my daily work, to pick up my cross. Amen.
Thursday, January 9, 2020
On my Knees Again
WOW this song WAILS!
Your forgiveness is like sweet, sweet honey on my lips ...
Like holy water on my skin ...
Your forgiveness is like sweet, sweet honey on my lips ...
Like holy water on my skin ...
Tuesday, January 7, 2020
El Roi
Scripture: Then she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, You-Are-the-God-Who-Sees; for she said, "Have I also here seen Him who sees me?" Genesis 16:13
Observation: Hagar is in distress. She is pregnant - not by her own will - and is now outcast. She is humiliated, bullied, beaten, rejected, and alone. In this state, God shows up though he had no real interaction with her before, and both comforts and instructs her to proceed on the path of bearing and raising her son, while going through this hard time. Hagar responds with this ... that she acknowledges that God has seen her and her trial, and she has heard from him.
Application: In my time of distress, this was the one absolutely clear word I received ... "I see you."
God saw me in my depressed, downtrodden, fearful, humiliated, lonely condition. He saw me, and he saw my circumstance, and he saw the causes, and he saw the injustice, and he saw the lies, and he saw the pain ... and he saw my future. And he told me so.
That day I wept with every emotion. I wept with sadness, joy, hope, despair, love, anger. I did not want to walk through that circumstance, but I knew the Lord saw me, and cared so much about me and my family.
I will never forget the word the Lord gave me that day. Being seen by God - having my situation seen by God - is something I can never repay, and can only now serve the Lord to the best of my ability for his love and mercy.
Prayer: Lord, you are Abba, my father. You are Yahweh Yireh, the Lord who provides. And you are El Roi, the God who sees me. Thank you, my Lord and my God, my redeemer and my protector. May my life serve you as a living sacrifice, and may my words and actions be a holy aroma, pleasing to you. Amen.
Observation: Hagar is in distress. She is pregnant - not by her own will - and is now outcast. She is humiliated, bullied, beaten, rejected, and alone. In this state, God shows up though he had no real interaction with her before, and both comforts and instructs her to proceed on the path of bearing and raising her son, while going through this hard time. Hagar responds with this ... that she acknowledges that God has seen her and her trial, and she has heard from him.
Application: In my time of distress, this was the one absolutely clear word I received ... "I see you."
God saw me in my depressed, downtrodden, fearful, humiliated, lonely condition. He saw me, and he saw my circumstance, and he saw the causes, and he saw the injustice, and he saw the lies, and he saw the pain ... and he saw my future. And he told me so.
That day I wept with every emotion. I wept with sadness, joy, hope, despair, love, anger. I did not want to walk through that circumstance, but I knew the Lord saw me, and cared so much about me and my family.
I will never forget the word the Lord gave me that day. Being seen by God - having my situation seen by God - is something I can never repay, and can only now serve the Lord to the best of my ability for his love and mercy.
Prayer: Lord, you are Abba, my father. You are Yahweh Yireh, the Lord who provides. And you are El Roi, the God who sees me. Thank you, my Lord and my God, my redeemer and my protector. May my life serve you as a living sacrifice, and may my words and actions be a holy aroma, pleasing to you. Amen.
Monday, January 6, 2020
Gray Area Around Clear Commands
Scripture: But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God’s throne; nor by the earth, for it is His footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. Nor shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black. Matthew 5:34-36
Observation: Jesus is teaching a basic lesson that many of us now know, and that lesson is a simplification of the commandment not to lie. If we do not lie, then there is no reason to "swear" that our word is true. The only reason to swear is because ... sometime we lie, yet in some cases we want to prove we aren't lying by binding our word to something we value. Jesus goes through a hierarchy of things people might swear by - heaven, the earth, Jerusalem and the temple, or our own lives - and shows these are all bad.
The message is to keep is simple. Rules don't matter because they complicate and deceive. If the command is "don't lie" then ... don't lie. Rules about swearing to things introduces legalistic complexity that actually exists only because the command is being broken. If the lie is "don't commit adultery" then rules about lust and divorce only introduce complexity about what to do if someone commits adultery. If the command is "love one another" then guidelines about seeking revenge during conflict only exist to govern situations where that love is absent.
Of course, this simplicity of the commands is what makes them hardest for flawed humans to comply with. We are sinful, and thus the black-and-white nature of the commands means we will fail. We will get angry. We will lust. We will lie. Therefore, the real lesson of Jesus is likely found in how to deal with such failures ... address them in your life, rather than creating rules that define gray areas where the sin can therefore exist unaddressed.
Application: Where have I created gray area and thus allowed myself to sin without addressing it? Certainly I have done this. I think nothing of anger toward others - thinking people stupid or complaining about them in my mind - as long as I treat them well enough. This is explicitly unloving. I have other areas as well.
So what would my daily walk with the Lord look like if I truly complied with the commands? If there was no gray area, I would have to love everyone, always. I would never lust, never swear, never covet an object or position or honor or success. In all these, my life would likely become ... better. I would find contentment and joy. I would build relationships. Sure, some may decide I was passive, or false, or unambitious, and certainly there would be some negatively directed toward me. But I would likely be happier, and God would be also.
Prayer: Lord, your commands are good for me. I know that obeying your laws and precepts would actually bless me and my family. May I do a better job at this. I will not be perfect, and I will fail daily, but may I start with loving others more and more, by at least having fewer bad thoughts and assumptions about others. Please soften my heart toward strangers, acquaintances, coworkers, family, and friends. Amen.
Observation: Jesus is teaching a basic lesson that many of us now know, and that lesson is a simplification of the commandment not to lie. If we do not lie, then there is no reason to "swear" that our word is true. The only reason to swear is because ... sometime we lie, yet in some cases we want to prove we aren't lying by binding our word to something we value. Jesus goes through a hierarchy of things people might swear by - heaven, the earth, Jerusalem and the temple, or our own lives - and shows these are all bad.
The message is to keep is simple. Rules don't matter because they complicate and deceive. If the command is "don't lie" then ... don't lie. Rules about swearing to things introduces legalistic complexity that actually exists only because the command is being broken. If the lie is "don't commit adultery" then rules about lust and divorce only introduce complexity about what to do if someone commits adultery. If the command is "love one another" then guidelines about seeking revenge during conflict only exist to govern situations where that love is absent.
Of course, this simplicity of the commands is what makes them hardest for flawed humans to comply with. We are sinful, and thus the black-and-white nature of the commands means we will fail. We will get angry. We will lust. We will lie. Therefore, the real lesson of Jesus is likely found in how to deal with such failures ... address them in your life, rather than creating rules that define gray areas where the sin can therefore exist unaddressed.
Application: Where have I created gray area and thus allowed myself to sin without addressing it? Certainly I have done this. I think nothing of anger toward others - thinking people stupid or complaining about them in my mind - as long as I treat them well enough. This is explicitly unloving. I have other areas as well.
So what would my daily walk with the Lord look like if I truly complied with the commands? If there was no gray area, I would have to love everyone, always. I would never lust, never swear, never covet an object or position or honor or success. In all these, my life would likely become ... better. I would find contentment and joy. I would build relationships. Sure, some may decide I was passive, or false, or unambitious, and certainly there would be some negatively directed toward me. But I would likely be happier, and God would be also.
Prayer: Lord, your commands are good for me. I know that obeying your laws and precepts would actually bless me and my family. May I do a better job at this. I will not be perfect, and I will fail daily, but may I start with loving others more and more, by at least having fewer bad thoughts and assumptions about others. Please soften my heart toward strangers, acquaintances, coworkers, family, and friends. Amen.
Friday, January 3, 2020
God in the Hands of Man
Scripture: Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. And John tried to prevent Him, saying, "I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?" But Jesus answered and said to him, "Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." Then he allowed Him. Matthew 3:13-15
Observation: Jesus is God on earth - he is manifested of the Holy Spirit, and an eternal entity of Yahweh - yet he declares that being baptized by a human is part of ... fulfilling all righteousness.
Only God is fully righteous, and certainly humans are not. John was a good man and a prophet, but he was not fully righteous. However, God himself places himself into John's hands, stating that doing so is part of fulfilling righteousness. This is likely true for a couple reasons, one of which is the fulfillment of earlier prophesy. It was clearly state that John would come declaring repentance in the wilderness, and that Messiah would come having had this preparation. As a result, John is able to transition his followers - which included James, John, and Andrew at least - to become Jesus' disciples.
Application: God does not need humans or mankind, but again uses us to advance his purposes. In this one example, by telling John "go ahead an baptize me", Jesus fulfills at least three prophesies, and commandeers the foundation of his ministry team.
God doesn't need me, but is there anything I am doing that God can use? Can he use my blog? Can he use my time at work? Can he use my ongoing desire to better connect in Bothell? Can he use my knowledge, personality, hobbies?
Prayer: Lord, I would love to be used in any way you like. You don't need me, but I know you enjoy working with mankind in fulfilling your purposes. Here I am. Use me. Amen.
Observation: Jesus is God on earth - he is manifested of the Holy Spirit, and an eternal entity of Yahweh - yet he declares that being baptized by a human is part of ... fulfilling all righteousness.
Only God is fully righteous, and certainly humans are not. John was a good man and a prophet, but he was not fully righteous. However, God himself places himself into John's hands, stating that doing so is part of fulfilling righteousness. This is likely true for a couple reasons, one of which is the fulfillment of earlier prophesy. It was clearly state that John would come declaring repentance in the wilderness, and that Messiah would come having had this preparation. As a result, John is able to transition his followers - which included James, John, and Andrew at least - to become Jesus' disciples.
Application: God does not need humans or mankind, but again uses us to advance his purposes. In this one example, by telling John "go ahead an baptize me", Jesus fulfills at least three prophesies, and commandeers the foundation of his ministry team.
God doesn't need me, but is there anything I am doing that God can use? Can he use my blog? Can he use my time at work? Can he use my ongoing desire to better connect in Bothell? Can he use my knowledge, personality, hobbies?
Prayer: Lord, I would love to be used in any way you like. You don't need me, but I know you enjoy working with mankind in fulfilling your purposes. Here I am. Use me. Amen.
Thursday, January 2, 2020
First Promise of Restoration
Scripture: So the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.” Genesis 4:6-7
Observation: Cain and Abel presented their offerings to the Lord, and the Lord accepted Abel's but rejected Cain's. It is understood this is because Cain's offering was simply part of his excess harvest, and not an offering made from the best of his crop, while Abel offered his firstborn lamb. As Cain laments this, God speaks to him and offers corrective advice ... don't be sad, just do better! Next time, offer a proper sacrifice, and you will be accepted.
That's all Cain has to do. Cain does not have to fix his past, just do it right next time. He doesn't have to re-do the original offering, or pay some penance or penalty for the first failure. Instead, God simply says, do it well next time and I will absolutely accept your offering. However, if you continue to do poorly, this is the entry for sin into your life.
Application: This is the same solution God gives us all every day. God knows I screw up every day ... I sin, I get angry, I deceive. God just says 'hey, do better next time, but if you don't then know that sin piles up.'
I try to do better. Of course none of us can be perfect, and Jesus provides relief for the piled-up sin. However, when I do succeed in setting aside the badness in my life - and getting something right the next time - God certainly notices and accepts it. Thanks to his love manifested by the forgiveness of Jesus' sacrifice, God doesn't keep score and weigh the bad against the good. He sees the good effort, and accepts it - and me - by that act.
May I therefore be better today and in this new year. I don't want to be better in order to counteract my actions of the past, but rather to simply be acceptable to God today. The past is forgiven. The future can be acceptable, and thus I can walk closer with God every day.
Prayer: Lord, I desire to simply get things right this day, not to make up for the past, but to be acceptable to you this day. And then to repeat that every day as much as I can. Thank you for your forgiveness of my past failures, and for providing good information and teaching so I can know how to present myself to you now. Amen.
Observation: Cain and Abel presented their offerings to the Lord, and the Lord accepted Abel's but rejected Cain's. It is understood this is because Cain's offering was simply part of his excess harvest, and not an offering made from the best of his crop, while Abel offered his firstborn lamb. As Cain laments this, God speaks to him and offers corrective advice ... don't be sad, just do better! Next time, offer a proper sacrifice, and you will be accepted.
That's all Cain has to do. Cain does not have to fix his past, just do it right next time. He doesn't have to re-do the original offering, or pay some penance or penalty for the first failure. Instead, God simply says, do it well next time and I will absolutely accept your offering. However, if you continue to do poorly, this is the entry for sin into your life.
Application: This is the same solution God gives us all every day. God knows I screw up every day ... I sin, I get angry, I deceive. God just says 'hey, do better next time, but if you don't then know that sin piles up.'
I try to do better. Of course none of us can be perfect, and Jesus provides relief for the piled-up sin. However, when I do succeed in setting aside the badness in my life - and getting something right the next time - God certainly notices and accepts it. Thanks to his love manifested by the forgiveness of Jesus' sacrifice, God doesn't keep score and weigh the bad against the good. He sees the good effort, and accepts it - and me - by that act.
May I therefore be better today and in this new year. I don't want to be better in order to counteract my actions of the past, but rather to simply be acceptable to God today. The past is forgiven. The future can be acceptable, and thus I can walk closer with God every day.
Prayer: Lord, I desire to simply get things right this day, not to make up for the past, but to be acceptable to you this day. And then to repeat that every day as much as I can. Thank you for your forgiveness of my past failures, and for providing good information and teaching so I can know how to present myself to you now. Amen.
Thursday, December 19, 2019
Finally Just Giving Up
Scripture: When they finish their testimony, the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit will make war against them, overcome them, and kill them. Revelation 11:7
Observation: In the vision about the "two witnesses", the author sees them prophesy under divine protection for 3.5 years, including the ability to bring about all kinds of plagues upon mankind. When this testimony is finished, they will be killed, and their death celebrated.
In this, we see the fact that even supernatural prophesy does not convince people to believe in the Lord and in Jesus. But we also see an end ... a time when such efforts are concluded. Even these two individuals, whom it is said have all authority and themselves stand in the presence of God, cannot bring about repentance of the world.
Application: How greatly does this apply to me, that even in my faith there are elements of my life from which I struggle to repent. I do wrong, get angry, and sin daily. I read the bible, pray for guidance, worship, lean into God's love ... then ignore his teaching, display anger and contempt toward others, sin in all manner, and generally behave just as the rest of the world does.
It is no wonder the Lord will eventually give up on mankind, as we are so flawed that even in our love of God and belief in Jesus, we cannot obey his commands, precepts, laws, and instructions. Perhaps his love surpasses this and he does not truly "give up" on us ... but we know there will come this time when, at the very least, his efforts and the testimony of his prophets will be finished.
Prayer: My Lord and my God, please forgive me for my weakness and my failure. There are better people than I, that is for certain, for I am so poor in spirit. I desire to be stronger and more obedient, but that which I hate I continue to do. I am truly sorry for my sins, and desire to repent. May I receive the strength of the Holy Spirit to guide me in this every day. Amen.
Observation: In the vision about the "two witnesses", the author sees them prophesy under divine protection for 3.5 years, including the ability to bring about all kinds of plagues upon mankind. When this testimony is finished, they will be killed, and their death celebrated.
In this, we see the fact that even supernatural prophesy does not convince people to believe in the Lord and in Jesus. But we also see an end ... a time when such efforts are concluded. Even these two individuals, whom it is said have all authority and themselves stand in the presence of God, cannot bring about repentance of the world.
Application: How greatly does this apply to me, that even in my faith there are elements of my life from which I struggle to repent. I do wrong, get angry, and sin daily. I read the bible, pray for guidance, worship, lean into God's love ... then ignore his teaching, display anger and contempt toward others, sin in all manner, and generally behave just as the rest of the world does.
It is no wonder the Lord will eventually give up on mankind, as we are so flawed that even in our love of God and belief in Jesus, we cannot obey his commands, precepts, laws, and instructions. Perhaps his love surpasses this and he does not truly "give up" on us ... but we know there will come this time when, at the very least, his efforts and the testimony of his prophets will be finished.
Prayer: My Lord and my God, please forgive me for my weakness and my failure. There are better people than I, that is for certain, for I am so poor in spirit. I desire to be stronger and more obedient, but that which I hate I continue to do. I am truly sorry for my sins, and desire to repent. May I receive the strength of the Holy Spirit to guide me in this every day. Amen.
Wednesday, December 18, 2019
Signifying the End of Something
Scripture: The angel whom I saw standing on the sea and on the land raised up his hand to heaven and swore by Him who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and the things that are in it, the earth and the things that are in it, and the sea and the things that are in it, that there should be delay no longer, but in the days of the sounding of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, the mystery of God would be finished, as He declared to His servants the prophets. Revelation 10:5-7
Observation: A mighty angel appears. It has a face like the sun, bright burning feet, and stands astride both the earth and the seas ... and it swears in the name of the Lord. This serious oath and declaration is that all the mystery of God, as revealed to the prophets, is about to be finished with the seventh trumpet blast.
The mystery remaining, then, is understanding everything that has been revealed to the prophets, so we can know what is being completed. It would seem that, beyond the prophetic words that pertained to Israel over its history and were already completed, the other major insight is about the life, death, works, message, and ultimate redemptive mission of Messiah.
If this is true, there is an exciting and fearful message from this angel, which is likely why it was necessary for such a dramatic proclamation that included swearing in the name of the Lord that it is true ... the "Christian era" is about to end, and with it the promise that redemption by faith. Anyone who has believed is saved, but anyone who has not, that covering of Jesus is ending and no longer available. This interpretation seems consistent with the conclusion of the action at the sixth trumpet that immediately preceded this angel, which ended with the specific detail that those who survived did not repent (v9:20-21).
Application: As the scenes of Revelation occur in both a physical and spiritual way, it is unclear if those on earth can perceive the events as described. Assuming we cannot, this means that there will come a time when the Book of Life is closed, and no more names are written in it, and ... we may not be entirely certain when that will occur. One day, while the world is undergoing strife, hardship, natural disasters, and deaths by plague and war, heaven will declare that the time of redemption through faith is complete.
The good news is that there are still people repenting, and thus this day may be approaching but is not yet here. This places an urgency on our message to others, however. There will be a time where redemption as we know it is unavailable, and everyone else will have to find another way to work out their destiny with God.
Revelation is so hard to understand that I am uncertain of this interpretation. However, that does not change the right attitude of urgency to reach others in the name of Jesus now. For everyone, their time will run out, be it at the seventh trumpet blast, or death.
Prayer: Lord, may my attitude be always on helping others discover the truth about Jesus Christ as their savior, and in accepting the free gift of grace, love, and salvation you offer. Regardless the urgency, this is a daily mission I will pursue. Amen.
Observation: A mighty angel appears. It has a face like the sun, bright burning feet, and stands astride both the earth and the seas ... and it swears in the name of the Lord. This serious oath and declaration is that all the mystery of God, as revealed to the prophets, is about to be finished with the seventh trumpet blast.
The mystery remaining, then, is understanding everything that has been revealed to the prophets, so we can know what is being completed. It would seem that, beyond the prophetic words that pertained to Israel over its history and were already completed, the other major insight is about the life, death, works, message, and ultimate redemptive mission of Messiah.
If this is true, there is an exciting and fearful message from this angel, which is likely why it was necessary for such a dramatic proclamation that included swearing in the name of the Lord that it is true ... the "Christian era" is about to end, and with it the promise that redemption by faith. Anyone who has believed is saved, but anyone who has not, that covering of Jesus is ending and no longer available. This interpretation seems consistent with the conclusion of the action at the sixth trumpet that immediately preceded this angel, which ended with the specific detail that those who survived did not repent (v9:20-21).
Application: As the scenes of Revelation occur in both a physical and spiritual way, it is unclear if those on earth can perceive the events as described. Assuming we cannot, this means that there will come a time when the Book of Life is closed, and no more names are written in it, and ... we may not be entirely certain when that will occur. One day, while the world is undergoing strife, hardship, natural disasters, and deaths by plague and war, heaven will declare that the time of redemption through faith is complete.
The good news is that there are still people repenting, and thus this day may be approaching but is not yet here. This places an urgency on our message to others, however. There will be a time where redemption as we know it is unavailable, and everyone else will have to find another way to work out their destiny with God.
Revelation is so hard to understand that I am uncertain of this interpretation. However, that does not change the right attitude of urgency to reach others in the name of Jesus now. For everyone, their time will run out, be it at the seventh trumpet blast, or death.
Prayer: Lord, may my attitude be always on helping others discover the truth about Jesus Christ as their savior, and in accepting the free gift of grace, love, and salvation you offer. Regardless the urgency, this is a daily mission I will pursue. Amen.
Tuesday, December 17, 2019
Evidence of Successful Exiles
Scripture: The whole assembly together was forty-two thousand three hundred and sixty, besides their male and female servants, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred and thirty-seven; and they had two hundred men and women singers. Ezra 2:64-65
Observation: King Cyrus declares the rebuilding of the temple, and the Jews are allowed to return to Jerusalem. In the first wave - those who return with the leaders including Zerubbabel, Nehemiah, and (presumably) Ezra, are over 42 thousand. However, they bring with them over seven thousand servants, which works out to one servant for every 5.8 Jews, or easily one or two per household. They also brought 200 singers, and tens of thousands of quality animals.
This is not the description of a vanquished, depressed, enslaved people being sent out of an empire. This is a description of normal residents of the Persian Empire, who had been living as members of society with established households. They made enough money to acquire material goods and employ servants to support the needs associated with working their homes and land. Several even had enough money to employ entertainment in the form of foreign singers, and expected their wealth to be sufficient to keep such foreign individuals employed even as they moved to the deserted city of Jerusalem.
The Jews had been in exile from their land, but here we see that at least some quantity had learned to thrive under their captors, but also fully retained their faith in the Lord so that, as soon as the call came to return and rebuild, they were ready. They did not take a wait-and-see approach ... they were in the first wave, with their households in tow, because God was on the move fulfilling prophesy and they were joining in.
Application: We know that we - Christians - are exiles. This condition is described by Jesus of believers, and it is spelled out clearly in the New Testament book of 1 Peter. Exactly as the Jews in Babylon, we are individuals who have a faith, but a faith that is different from the belief systems, practices, and norms of the society in which we live. In this, we are to remain both faithful and faith-filled, obedient to God and believing in Jesus. However, we are also to live in this other society, and find our way in life, even using influence we gain to communicate the love the God.
The Jews succeeded in this. For 70 years - a full lifetime by any standard - they successfully lived in a society opposed to their faith, while also retaining their faith so strongly that they were prepared to step away from their homes when called.
How am I doing as an exile today? I could be more outward in my faith here at work, but I am also well known to my coworkers as a Christian despite the fact that at least 80 percent of my coworkers are not. I try to show compassion and support, and I try to serve others first in my daily activity, because I know this is how I can best shine the light of Jesus here in this place. So I could do more, but I'm doing ... okay. And my faith is even stronger than before, despite the attitudes of those around me.
I am an exile. I accept and embrace that. And I am inspired by 42 thousand Jews who, 2,500 years ago, were successful exiles as well.
Prayer: Lord, may I walk your path this day here during my everyday life. Please take me by the hand and lead me through this valley, for I do not fear it when I am with you. I am in this place, and in this time, which you have appointed to me. Use my life as you see fit. Amen.
Observation: King Cyrus declares the rebuilding of the temple, and the Jews are allowed to return to Jerusalem. In the first wave - those who return with the leaders including Zerubbabel, Nehemiah, and (presumably) Ezra, are over 42 thousand. However, they bring with them over seven thousand servants, which works out to one servant for every 5.8 Jews, or easily one or two per household. They also brought 200 singers, and tens of thousands of quality animals.
This is not the description of a vanquished, depressed, enslaved people being sent out of an empire. This is a description of normal residents of the Persian Empire, who had been living as members of society with established households. They made enough money to acquire material goods and employ servants to support the needs associated with working their homes and land. Several even had enough money to employ entertainment in the form of foreign singers, and expected their wealth to be sufficient to keep such foreign individuals employed even as they moved to the deserted city of Jerusalem.
The Jews had been in exile from their land, but here we see that at least some quantity had learned to thrive under their captors, but also fully retained their faith in the Lord so that, as soon as the call came to return and rebuild, they were ready. They did not take a wait-and-see approach ... they were in the first wave, with their households in tow, because God was on the move fulfilling prophesy and they were joining in.
Application: We know that we - Christians - are exiles. This condition is described by Jesus of believers, and it is spelled out clearly in the New Testament book of 1 Peter. Exactly as the Jews in Babylon, we are individuals who have a faith, but a faith that is different from the belief systems, practices, and norms of the society in which we live. In this, we are to remain both faithful and faith-filled, obedient to God and believing in Jesus. However, we are also to live in this other society, and find our way in life, even using influence we gain to communicate the love the God.
The Jews succeeded in this. For 70 years - a full lifetime by any standard - they successfully lived in a society opposed to their faith, while also retaining their faith so strongly that they were prepared to step away from their homes when called.
How am I doing as an exile today? I could be more outward in my faith here at work, but I am also well known to my coworkers as a Christian despite the fact that at least 80 percent of my coworkers are not. I try to show compassion and support, and I try to serve others first in my daily activity, because I know this is how I can best shine the light of Jesus here in this place. So I could do more, but I'm doing ... okay. And my faith is even stronger than before, despite the attitudes of those around me.
I am an exile. I accept and embrace that. And I am inspired by 42 thousand Jews who, 2,500 years ago, were successful exiles as well.
Prayer: Lord, may I walk your path this day here during my everyday life. Please take me by the hand and lead me through this valley, for I do not fear it when I am with you. I am in this place, and in this time, which you have appointed to me. Use my life as you see fit. Amen.
Monday, December 16, 2019
Two Ways We Frustrate God
Scripture:
You have wearied the Lord with your words;
Yet you say,
“In what way have we wearied Him?”
In that you say,
“Everyone who does evil
Is good in the sight of the Lord,
And He delights in them,”
Or, “Where is the God of justice?”
Malachi 2:17
Observation: As the Lord presents information about how people of wearied him, he gives this example of how our words frustrate him. In some cases, we misunderstand good and evil, and actually declare evil as good. We think people who do evil and succeed are somehow therefore blessed by God and thus he is rewarding them. In other cases, we properly interpret evil, but then question God's actions toward such people. We wonder why such people succeed, and question God's justice in the world.
In other words, when it comes to understanding good and evil, right and wrong, obedience and disobedience, God expects us to have two proper attitudes. The first is knowledge and wisdom. We are to know what is right and what is wrong in the eyes of the Lord, based on his words and teaching. We are also to be wise enough to know there is no relationship between earthly 'success' and heavenly rewards, and thus the appearance of success on earth is not evidence of delight from God.
Second, we are be humble toward others. In humility, we are to understanding that judgement is not ours to pass on others, and justice is not ours to wield. We are sinners ourselves, and unworthy to judge. Thus, when we recognize wrongdoing, we are not to wonder about God's attitude, actions, or approach toward correcting or punishing anyone. The Lord is fully just, and fully merciful, and fully loving. In this way, we must never second-guess his interaction with others.
Application: I am certain I have erred in the former area in my life ... not knowing God's word well enough to correctly know good and evil, and thus suspecting that anything 'blessed' must indicate goodness. I am also certain that today I err in the latter area ... often wondering why the Lord does not properly judge and punish those in open rebellion against him, his son, and his teaching.
In all of this, it is I who wearies the Lord with my words, and wonder how that can be true. Like a young child, I exhaust him with my lack of understanding and obedience, my unruly behavior and constant questioning.
I fail to remember the lessons of Job and Proverbs. I fail to apply the case studies of Exodus, Numbers, and Judges. I lean on my own understanding, and question God's ways. Thanks be to the Lord that he is also very, very patient.
Prayer: Lord, I know I have worn you out with my ways, thoughts, words, and deeds. I often don't act in alignment with what I know to be right, and sometimes I don't even know what is truly right in your eyes. Thank you for your love, and for forgiveness and salvation through faith in Jesus. I cannot be good, and I cannot fully understand you, limited as I am as a person. However, I can fully believe in Jesus, and I do. Amen.
You have wearied the Lord with your words;
Yet you say,
“In what way have we wearied Him?”
In that you say,
“Everyone who does evil
Is good in the sight of the Lord,
And He delights in them,”
Or, “Where is the God of justice?”
Malachi 2:17
Observation: As the Lord presents information about how people of wearied him, he gives this example of how our words frustrate him. In some cases, we misunderstand good and evil, and actually declare evil as good. We think people who do evil and succeed are somehow therefore blessed by God and thus he is rewarding them. In other cases, we properly interpret evil, but then question God's actions toward such people. We wonder why such people succeed, and question God's justice in the world.
In other words, when it comes to understanding good and evil, right and wrong, obedience and disobedience, God expects us to have two proper attitudes. The first is knowledge and wisdom. We are to know what is right and what is wrong in the eyes of the Lord, based on his words and teaching. We are also to be wise enough to know there is no relationship between earthly 'success' and heavenly rewards, and thus the appearance of success on earth is not evidence of delight from God.
Second, we are be humble toward others. In humility, we are to understanding that judgement is not ours to pass on others, and justice is not ours to wield. We are sinners ourselves, and unworthy to judge. Thus, when we recognize wrongdoing, we are not to wonder about God's attitude, actions, or approach toward correcting or punishing anyone. The Lord is fully just, and fully merciful, and fully loving. In this way, we must never second-guess his interaction with others.
Application: I am certain I have erred in the former area in my life ... not knowing God's word well enough to correctly know good and evil, and thus suspecting that anything 'blessed' must indicate goodness. I am also certain that today I err in the latter area ... often wondering why the Lord does not properly judge and punish those in open rebellion against him, his son, and his teaching.
In all of this, it is I who wearies the Lord with my words, and wonder how that can be true. Like a young child, I exhaust him with my lack of understanding and obedience, my unruly behavior and constant questioning.
I fail to remember the lessons of Job and Proverbs. I fail to apply the case studies of Exodus, Numbers, and Judges. I lean on my own understanding, and question God's ways. Thanks be to the Lord that he is also very, very patient.
Prayer: Lord, I know I have worn you out with my ways, thoughts, words, and deeds. I often don't act in alignment with what I know to be right, and sometimes I don't even know what is truly right in your eyes. Thank you for your love, and for forgiveness and salvation through faith in Jesus. I cannot be good, and I cannot fully understand you, limited as I am as a person. However, I can fully believe in Jesus, and I do. Amen.
Sunday, December 15, 2019
Give God the Best, Not Leftovers
Scripture:
And when you offer the blind as a sacrifice,
Is it not evil?
And when you offer the lame and sick,
Is it not evil?
Malachi 1:8a
Observation: As God pronounces correction upon the Jews, he uses this example of how they have wronged the Lord and shown him contempt ... that they do not offer the good of their abundance to the Lord. They may give a full tithe, but what they give is from their excess in that it is the flawed of their herds. They sacrifice blind and lame animals - those which were not fit to produce future wealth anyway - and in this way effectively make their sacrifices a way of dumping excess inventory and simultaneously fulfilling their obligations to God.
Our gifts to God are more than an obligation. It is true we are instructed to give, but we are to fulfill this instruction because we truly love the Lord and strive to give him our best. We give what is his, not what is the excess of ours. This is true of treasure (now days money not sheep), but also ourselves ... our time, our thoughts, our attention, our service.
Application: I will take my spare time to do things like devotions, but then spend my spare time doing those things I should not. I could spend time in the evenings meditating on God's word, not drinking wine and watching mindless television. I do not think of the things of God during my spare time.
Malachi makes it clear that we are to give to God what is our best, not our leftovers. In fact, our leftovers are beyond meaningless, they are an insult to God, for he knows we are making a conscious decision to withhold from him when we do this. May I give God the best - not just a tenth of my money, but the best free time, and the best attention of my mind, and my sacrificial service.
Prayer: Lord, I assume I will be called in the next few days to serve you more. May I answer 'yes' to your calls, knowing it is better to serve you in my precious free time than to do nothing for my selfishness. Amen.
And when you offer the blind as a sacrifice,
Is it not evil?
And when you offer the lame and sick,
Is it not evil?
Malachi 1:8a
Observation: As God pronounces correction upon the Jews, he uses this example of how they have wronged the Lord and shown him contempt ... that they do not offer the good of their abundance to the Lord. They may give a full tithe, but what they give is from their excess in that it is the flawed of their herds. They sacrifice blind and lame animals - those which were not fit to produce future wealth anyway - and in this way effectively make their sacrifices a way of dumping excess inventory and simultaneously fulfilling their obligations to God.
Our gifts to God are more than an obligation. It is true we are instructed to give, but we are to fulfill this instruction because we truly love the Lord and strive to give him our best. We give what is his, not what is the excess of ours. This is true of treasure (now days money not sheep), but also ourselves ... our time, our thoughts, our attention, our service.
Application: I will take my spare time to do things like devotions, but then spend my spare time doing those things I should not. I could spend time in the evenings meditating on God's word, not drinking wine and watching mindless television. I do not think of the things of God during my spare time.
Malachi makes it clear that we are to give to God what is our best, not our leftovers. In fact, our leftovers are beyond meaningless, they are an insult to God, for he knows we are making a conscious decision to withhold from him when we do this. May I give God the best - not just a tenth of my money, but the best free time, and the best attention of my mind, and my sacrificial service.
Prayer: Lord, I assume I will be called in the next few days to serve you more. May I answer 'yes' to your calls, knowing it is better to serve you in my precious free time than to do nothing for my selfishness. Amen.
Saturday, December 14, 2019
Prophesy of This Generation
Scripture:
There is a generation that curses its father,
And does not bless its mother.
There is a generation that is pure in its own eyes,
Yet is not washed from its filthiness.
There is a generation—oh, how lofty are their eyes!
And their eyelids are lifted up.
Proverbs 30:11-13
Observation: The writer is outlining the qualities of those without wisdom, and whom are wrong in the eyes of God. In this, he discusses an entire generation with these qualities ... they are disrespectful of their elders in all manner, they establish what is right in their own minds without the laws of God, they look down to follow their own paths instead of looking up to God for instruction.
Application: Oh how directly this prophesizes today's issues. We might use this to describe the younger generation, but certainly it applies just as well to all of us. We all ignore previous generations, thinking that they simply can't relate to the challenges, issues, and matters of today that are the result of advancing technology (communications, travel, etc.). We therefore look to post-modern thinking for ideas and models for societal and cultural norms so we can live together in these times. And we all look down at our own paths ... figuratively as to our decisions and logic, and literally at our phones continually.
I cannot change the issues of the times and these generations. I can, however, exercise God's wisdom by honoring the ways and teaching of the Lord ... asking for his guidance and path, knowing his laws for instructing my life, and obeying the timeless ways that he has passed down through Jesus to his church.
Prayer: Lord, I do not wish for you to see my eyelids, but rather my eyes, looking up to you, and seeking your will and you instructions for my life. May I do this by also seeking the wisdom of others, and of your word. Amen.
There is a generation that curses its father,
And does not bless its mother.
There is a generation that is pure in its own eyes,
Yet is not washed from its filthiness.
There is a generation—oh, how lofty are their eyes!
And their eyelids are lifted up.
Proverbs 30:11-13
Observation: The writer is outlining the qualities of those without wisdom, and whom are wrong in the eyes of God. In this, he discusses an entire generation with these qualities ... they are disrespectful of their elders in all manner, they establish what is right in their own minds without the laws of God, they look down to follow their own paths instead of looking up to God for instruction.
Application: Oh how directly this prophesizes today's issues. We might use this to describe the younger generation, but certainly it applies just as well to all of us. We all ignore previous generations, thinking that they simply can't relate to the challenges, issues, and matters of today that are the result of advancing technology (communications, travel, etc.). We therefore look to post-modern thinking for ideas and models for societal and cultural norms so we can live together in these times. And we all look down at our own paths ... figuratively as to our decisions and logic, and literally at our phones continually.
I cannot change the issues of the times and these generations. I can, however, exercise God's wisdom by honoring the ways and teaching of the Lord ... asking for his guidance and path, knowing his laws for instructing my life, and obeying the timeless ways that he has passed down through Jesus to his church.
Prayer: Lord, I do not wish for you to see my eyelids, but rather my eyes, looking up to you, and seeking your will and you instructions for my life. May I do this by also seeking the wisdom of others, and of your word. Amen.
Thursday, December 12, 2019
Positioned and Unprepared
Scripture: For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this? Ester 4:14
Observation: As Mordecai is communicating to Ester the edict that has been passed against the Jews, and responding to her fear in helping, this is his response ... that if she doesn't help, "deliverance" will still come from somewhere, but her family line will be impacted. He ends the message with the line that perhaps Ester's advancement as queen exists for this very event - for such a time as this - to be the one in a position to influence the king and prevent the destruction of all Jews.
Mordecai is, of course, likely correct. While God is not mentioned in the advancement of Ester, or even as the one who may deliver the Jews, it is certainly implies that the Lord has prepared Ester by way of her position to aid in this matter. With this encouragement, Ester uses three days to plan and prepare, while the Jews of the city fast and pray, so she can discern the proper approach in addressing this matter with the king, and then have courage to act.
Application: God certainly puts us into the circumstances of our lives, and knows the situations that will arise in those circumstances. It is easy to think that understanding how to then act in cases of hardship, unrest, or difficulty would be obvious ... God wanted someone to address the matter and put me here so I must know what to do! However, that isn't always true. In the case of Ester, she was fearful, didn't believe she could do anything, and even when convinced to act had no idea what to do. She needed time, along with prayer, to figure out how to approach the king, when failure to do so properly would mean death.
It seems likely, then, that not only am I in a place where God will want me to take action to aid in a situation, but also that I have no idea what that situation may be, nor am I prepared to understand and take action. This is a likely sign from God in fact ... that when the time comes for me to serve the Lord, it will be in a matter where I am afraid, unprepared, and unskilled to do so. My choice must not be to ignore the matter and let someone else join with God in the resolution, but to pray and seek the Spirit's guidance.
Prayer: Lord, here I am. Send me to whatever task you would have of me, and whatever service you need of me. I know I am not prepared or capable, but you are. Amen.
Observation: As Mordecai is communicating to Ester the edict that has been passed against the Jews, and responding to her fear in helping, this is his response ... that if she doesn't help, "deliverance" will still come from somewhere, but her family line will be impacted. He ends the message with the line that perhaps Ester's advancement as queen exists for this very event - for such a time as this - to be the one in a position to influence the king and prevent the destruction of all Jews.
Mordecai is, of course, likely correct. While God is not mentioned in the advancement of Ester, or even as the one who may deliver the Jews, it is certainly implies that the Lord has prepared Ester by way of her position to aid in this matter. With this encouragement, Ester uses three days to plan and prepare, while the Jews of the city fast and pray, so she can discern the proper approach in addressing this matter with the king, and then have courage to act.
Application: God certainly puts us into the circumstances of our lives, and knows the situations that will arise in those circumstances. It is easy to think that understanding how to then act in cases of hardship, unrest, or difficulty would be obvious ... God wanted someone to address the matter and put me here so I must know what to do! However, that isn't always true. In the case of Ester, she was fearful, didn't believe she could do anything, and even when convinced to act had no idea what to do. She needed time, along with prayer, to figure out how to approach the king, when failure to do so properly would mean death.
It seems likely, then, that not only am I in a place where God will want me to take action to aid in a situation, but also that I have no idea what that situation may be, nor am I prepared to understand and take action. This is a likely sign from God in fact ... that when the time comes for me to serve the Lord, it will be in a matter where I am afraid, unprepared, and unskilled to do so. My choice must not be to ignore the matter and let someone else join with God in the resolution, but to pray and seek the Spirit's guidance.
Prayer: Lord, here I am. Send me to whatever task you would have of me, and whatever service you need of me. I know I am not prepared or capable, but you are. Amen.
Wednesday, December 11, 2019
Even When I Cannot See
You say you're working everything for my good,
And I believe every word.
Even in the madness,
There is peace
Drowning out the voices
All around me.
And I believe every word.
Even in the madness,
There is peace
Drowning out the voices
All around me.
Tuesday, December 10, 2019
Clear yet Difficult Prophesy
Scripture: And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Me whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn. Zechariah 12:10
Observation: As Zechariah continues to describe future events, he again brings up this image of one who is wounded. This individual has been mentioned as a good shepherd, and as a humble king, yet every time he is also attacked and rejected. In this case, it is the Lord himself (capital M in 'Me') who is pierced and dying. Through the line of David, God pours out grace, but is pierced and dies, then mourned for as if he is a firstborn son.
There is no stretch to understand the alignment of this prophesy to Jesus, the only son of God, of the line of David, who will die of piercing wounds in Jerusalem, the same place where it was said he will arrive on a donkey's colt just a couple chapters previous. Jesus was, indeed, looked upon when he was pierced and executed, hung in a public venue and scorned, yet grieved over as well.
Application: In a season we try to celebrate the coming of Jesus into the world, we read the prophesy of his death knowing it to be reliable and true. It isn't possible that it isn't true, given the timing of the writing and the accuracy of its images. It is simply fact - ultimate truth - that Jesus is the son of God.
And we try so hard to find a way to tell others this message in a way they can receive here at Christmas time. We don't want it to be a threatening message, though refusing to hear it has consequences. We don't want it to be offensive, though Jesus himself told us the message was in fact offensive. Zechariah describes the death of Jesus, but also ties that to the pouring out of the Holy Spirit and of grace on all people ... the good news is part of the story of death, and that may be difficult to many to understand.
Prophesies are clear to those who believe in the latter events, but difficult and confusing - if even heard at all - by anyone who does not believe. This is why faith, not understanding, must always come first I suspect. Giving someone faith is pretty much impossible. Fortunately, it isn't us who is responsible for giving away faith ... we are just the faithful messengers.
Prayer: Lord, may we all be just this during the holiday season, faithful messengers. May our message be simple, loving, and well received, so we may glorify you and your work in our homes, neighborhoods, communities, towns, cities, regions, and nations. Amen.
Observation: As Zechariah continues to describe future events, he again brings up this image of one who is wounded. This individual has been mentioned as a good shepherd, and as a humble king, yet every time he is also attacked and rejected. In this case, it is the Lord himself (capital M in 'Me') who is pierced and dying. Through the line of David, God pours out grace, but is pierced and dies, then mourned for as if he is a firstborn son.
There is no stretch to understand the alignment of this prophesy to Jesus, the only son of God, of the line of David, who will die of piercing wounds in Jerusalem, the same place where it was said he will arrive on a donkey's colt just a couple chapters previous. Jesus was, indeed, looked upon when he was pierced and executed, hung in a public venue and scorned, yet grieved over as well.
Application: In a season we try to celebrate the coming of Jesus into the world, we read the prophesy of his death knowing it to be reliable and true. It isn't possible that it isn't true, given the timing of the writing and the accuracy of its images. It is simply fact - ultimate truth - that Jesus is the son of God.
And we try so hard to find a way to tell others this message in a way they can receive here at Christmas time. We don't want it to be a threatening message, though refusing to hear it has consequences. We don't want it to be offensive, though Jesus himself told us the message was in fact offensive. Zechariah describes the death of Jesus, but also ties that to the pouring out of the Holy Spirit and of grace on all people ... the good news is part of the story of death, and that may be difficult to many to understand.
Prophesies are clear to those who believe in the latter events, but difficult and confusing - if even heard at all - by anyone who does not believe. This is why faith, not understanding, must always come first I suspect. Giving someone faith is pretty much impossible. Fortunately, it isn't us who is responsible for giving away faith ... we are just the faithful messengers.
Prayer: Lord, may we all be just this during the holiday season, faithful messengers. May our message be simple, loving, and well received, so we may glorify you and your work in our homes, neighborhoods, communities, towns, cities, regions, and nations. Amen.
Monday, December 9, 2019
Lampstands Have Different Stars
Scripture: The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches. Revelation 1:20
Observation: After the initial greetings, John describes the arrival and appears of Jesus to him. Jesus, the Son of Man, is bright and glowing a powerful, speaking of a message he has for the church to be delivered in the form of a letter to seven churches in modern day Turkey. Along with himself, John sees seven lampstands and seven stars held by Jesus, and without prompting Jesus explains these items. The lampstands are the churches, and the stars are angels - or messengers - of those churches.
The metaphor of "lampstand" for a church was established by Jesus himself. He told the disciples that the word of God was like a candle or lamp, and when it was lit you were to place it on a lampstand in order to give light to the entire house ... in other words, once one knows the truth of God's love, we are to share it broadly with everyone instead of keeping it to ourselves.
The metaphor of the stars is new. In this vision, Jesus seems to be teaching that every church has a message, given to it by Jesus, passed through an angel or spirit, that is unique and special and entrusted to that church. This meaning is reinforced through specific instructions about to come for each of the seven churches, as Jesus will tell them where their messages of gone astray and how to correct their mission, and each of the churches is in fact unique in their mission and message.
In this, Jesus is saying ... every church has a unique purpose and perspective on the gospel message based on their circumstance; and Jesus gives to each church their message by sending a spirit upon that church.
Application: I was just speaking this week to a person who attends a different church, who said her church did not do the kind of outreach my church does. I told her that her church was known for strong programs, and that every church had different purposes, which is how we mutually brought the Gospel to our town, and that it was important that different churches did different things to provide the full love of God to everyone.
Our lampstand has a star of outreach and evangelism. Sometimes this is true to a fault ... for example, we struggle with caring for broken believers who need spiritual care as we simply don't have such programs. Just last night, I found myself irritated by a team member who was struggling personally, as it was impacting our ability to focus on our outreach event. That isn't Christlike, I know, however it is consistent with our 'star' of outreach.
I am sure Jesus expects all churches to deliver on the message he gives them, and then also to grow and expand their message to include all elements of his Gospel. I am also sure that most churches struggle to do all things well. Maybe a great church cannot take on everything - a lampstand cannot have its own seven stars - and we are to do our one thing well and perhaps try to grow our strengths into one or two or three other areas. I hope we, and all churches, receive well our first mission from Jesus, and serve him well.
Prayer: Lord, may I and my church serve you well during this season. May our star shine from our lampstand as you intend. And may it be for your glory alone. Amen.
Observation: After the initial greetings, John describes the arrival and appears of Jesus to him. Jesus, the Son of Man, is bright and glowing a powerful, speaking of a message he has for the church to be delivered in the form of a letter to seven churches in modern day Turkey. Along with himself, John sees seven lampstands and seven stars held by Jesus, and without prompting Jesus explains these items. The lampstands are the churches, and the stars are angels - or messengers - of those churches.
The metaphor of "lampstand" for a church was established by Jesus himself. He told the disciples that the word of God was like a candle or lamp, and when it was lit you were to place it on a lampstand in order to give light to the entire house ... in other words, once one knows the truth of God's love, we are to share it broadly with everyone instead of keeping it to ourselves.
The metaphor of the stars is new. In this vision, Jesus seems to be teaching that every church has a message, given to it by Jesus, passed through an angel or spirit, that is unique and special and entrusted to that church. This meaning is reinforced through specific instructions about to come for each of the seven churches, as Jesus will tell them where their messages of gone astray and how to correct their mission, and each of the churches is in fact unique in their mission and message.
In this, Jesus is saying ... every church has a unique purpose and perspective on the gospel message based on their circumstance; and Jesus gives to each church their message by sending a spirit upon that church.
Application: I was just speaking this week to a person who attends a different church, who said her church did not do the kind of outreach my church does. I told her that her church was known for strong programs, and that every church had different purposes, which is how we mutually brought the Gospel to our town, and that it was important that different churches did different things to provide the full love of God to everyone.
Our lampstand has a star of outreach and evangelism. Sometimes this is true to a fault ... for example, we struggle with caring for broken believers who need spiritual care as we simply don't have such programs. Just last night, I found myself irritated by a team member who was struggling personally, as it was impacting our ability to focus on our outreach event. That isn't Christlike, I know, however it is consistent with our 'star' of outreach.
I am sure Jesus expects all churches to deliver on the message he gives them, and then also to grow and expand their message to include all elements of his Gospel. I am also sure that most churches struggle to do all things well. Maybe a great church cannot take on everything - a lampstand cannot have its own seven stars - and we are to do our one thing well and perhaps try to grow our strengths into one or two or three other areas. I hope we, and all churches, receive well our first mission from Jesus, and serve him well.
Prayer: Lord, may I and my church serve you well during this season. May our star shine from our lampstand as you intend. And may it be for your glory alone. Amen.
Wednesday, December 4, 2019
Knowing the Spirit's Presence
Scripture: By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. 1 John 4:13-15
Observation: More than once, John provides the test to determine if someone is obedient to God, and the test is simply this ... if that person believes in Jesus. If we believe Jesus came in the flesh, died for our sins, was resurrected as Lord, and is the Son of God, then God abides in that person. God's spirit is within whomever can confidently state their belief in Jesus, and it is then expected that such a person will act out of that spirit toward others.
Application: This issue comes up often within my own heart and mind, and within the minds of those around me. It is an issue that concerns many believers, especially new believers. The issue manifests as questions about their goodness, about their love for others, about understanding the bible, and concerning hearing the voice of God.
The issue is this ... whether or not the Spirit truly abides within us ... within me.
I know the Holy Spirit lives in me!! I can state this knowledge based on experience - like the warmth and revelation I just now received - and I can state this knowledge based on past behaviors and words and assistance and grace. However, John gives me an even simpler method for testing myself, and it is this: I believe in Jesus as the Christ, the Messiah, the risen Son of God, who is the savior of the world.
This is an easy test and lesson I can now use to both understand my faith and my love for others, and to encourage others around me when they have doubts about the working of the Holy Spirit in their lives.
Prayer: Lord, as I am overwhelmed by your love this morning, all I can say is thank you. Jesus, you are my Lord and my savior, and I believe in you as the Son of God. May my daily thoughts and actions only show love toward others, as the overflow of the love you have for me. Amen, and amen.
Observation: More than once, John provides the test to determine if someone is obedient to God, and the test is simply this ... if that person believes in Jesus. If we believe Jesus came in the flesh, died for our sins, was resurrected as Lord, and is the Son of God, then God abides in that person. God's spirit is within whomever can confidently state their belief in Jesus, and it is then expected that such a person will act out of that spirit toward others.
Application: This issue comes up often within my own heart and mind, and within the minds of those around me. It is an issue that concerns many believers, especially new believers. The issue manifests as questions about their goodness, about their love for others, about understanding the bible, and concerning hearing the voice of God.
The issue is this ... whether or not the Spirit truly abides within us ... within me.
I know the Holy Spirit lives in me!! I can state this knowledge based on experience - like the warmth and revelation I just now received - and I can state this knowledge based on past behaviors and words and assistance and grace. However, John gives me an even simpler method for testing myself, and it is this: I believe in Jesus as the Christ, the Messiah, the risen Son of God, who is the savior of the world.
This is an easy test and lesson I can now use to both understand my faith and my love for others, and to encourage others around me when they have doubts about the working of the Holy Spirit in their lives.
Prayer: Lord, as I am overwhelmed by your love this morning, all I can say is thank you. Jesus, you are my Lord and my savior, and I believe in you as the Son of God. May my daily thoughts and actions only show love toward others, as the overflow of the love you have for me. Amen, and amen.
Tuesday, December 3, 2019
Mourning with Love for All
Scriptures: In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a message was revealed to Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar. The message was true, but the appointed time was long; and he understood the message, and had understanding of the vision. In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. Daniel 10:1-2
Observation: Daniel receives visions of the end times. He will write down some of that vision as it is explained to him, and it is confusing. However, there are three elements of it immediately explained by Daniel. First, the vision is true. Daniel first and foremost has no doubt that what has been shown to him is accurate and trustworthy. Lastly, the vision is immensely sad. It relates to the end of the people, and Daniel is so overwhelmed by it that he goes into mourning. However, the middle of the three elements of the vision is that it is a long, long way off. Daniel understands this is not something that will soon occur ... possible ~490 years away but also likely an unrevealed measure of many, many, many years.
So, Daniel learns the facts of something terrible, but it is so far away that it could not possible affect himself, anyone he knows, or even humanity as he even understands it. And yet his response is sadness. He is so affected by the thoughts of anyone enduring what he has seen - even people who may be a hundred generations removed from him - that he is physically moved to mourning for weeks, as if lamenting the death of family.
Application: The 'end times' are nearly impossible to understand, as the various visions and revelations can relate to both specific events within specific nations as well as to all mankind. However, what I can learn from Daniel is that those times are to be a source of sadness due to the impact on others, and that it is true that there will be a reconciling end to our age.
I long for Jesus to return, as I would gladly welcome an end to this age and the struggles endured daily. I would be thrilled to be called to my heavenly home. However, Daniel would teach me that there should be an attitude of great mourning for those who would be negatively impacted by this event. That is, it is far more loving to mourn the condemnation of those who have rejected God than it is to hope for the celebrations of salvation with Jesus.
This is why we strive to tell others of Jesus ... to minimize the negative impact. Even if the end is not in my lifetime, I will adopt a heart that longs to help others discover hope for themselves and their descendants.
Prayer: Lord, you love all those who visit our church, and with whom we talk every day and night. May we serve you well in those conversations so that more joy, and less mourning, will be experienced on the future return of Jesus. Amen.
Observation: Daniel receives visions of the end times. He will write down some of that vision as it is explained to him, and it is confusing. However, there are three elements of it immediately explained by Daniel. First, the vision is true. Daniel first and foremost has no doubt that what has been shown to him is accurate and trustworthy. Lastly, the vision is immensely sad. It relates to the end of the people, and Daniel is so overwhelmed by it that he goes into mourning. However, the middle of the three elements of the vision is that it is a long, long way off. Daniel understands this is not something that will soon occur ... possible ~490 years away but also likely an unrevealed measure of many, many, many years.
So, Daniel learns the facts of something terrible, but it is so far away that it could not possible affect himself, anyone he knows, or even humanity as he even understands it. And yet his response is sadness. He is so affected by the thoughts of anyone enduring what he has seen - even people who may be a hundred generations removed from him - that he is physically moved to mourning for weeks, as if lamenting the death of family.
Application: The 'end times' are nearly impossible to understand, as the various visions and revelations can relate to both specific events within specific nations as well as to all mankind. However, what I can learn from Daniel is that those times are to be a source of sadness due to the impact on others, and that it is true that there will be a reconciling end to our age.
I long for Jesus to return, as I would gladly welcome an end to this age and the struggles endured daily. I would be thrilled to be called to my heavenly home. However, Daniel would teach me that there should be an attitude of great mourning for those who would be negatively impacted by this event. That is, it is far more loving to mourn the condemnation of those who have rejected God than it is to hope for the celebrations of salvation with Jesus.
This is why we strive to tell others of Jesus ... to minimize the negative impact. Even if the end is not in my lifetime, I will adopt a heart that longs to help others discover hope for themselves and their descendants.
Prayer: Lord, you love all those who visit our church, and with whom we talk every day and night. May we serve you well in those conversations so that more joy, and less mourning, will be experienced on the future return of Jesus. Amen.
Monday, December 2, 2019
Correction and Future Respect
Scripture:
The rod and rebuke give wisdom,
But a child left to himself brings shame to his mother ...
Correct your son, and he will give you rest;
Yes, he will give delight to your soul.
Proverbs 29:15,17
Observation: Twice, the teacher instructs parents to correct their children. Correction of children is not just for their own good, but for the good of the parents as well. In fact, in these two verses we see that correction of children my MOST benefit the parents. Failure to correct brings shame upon a mother, while giving correction provides rest and delight.
I well-behaved child is an honor to the parents. Not only do others admire a good child, but such a child provides less stress and work and pain for the parents. While all children perform some mischief, there is a time when they know the difference between right and wrong, and can control themselves to choose accordingly. However, there are also parenting methods in which right and wrong are never taught. In these cases, the children cannot choose well, but thus the parents themselves will be judged by others.
Application: Our annual Christmas lights show began last night, I already I have applied the sentiments of this verse. We have a nice display to be viewed by tens of thousands of people over 24 days, and on night one we have kids literally tearing it apart with their hands while their parents watch and say absolutely nothing. The parents think nothing of their child breaking other people's property as if they are doing nothing more than curiously learning, in a way that will negatively impact the future enjoyment of ~55,000 people, and at the cost of hundreds of volunteers who are giving away their time and money for this experience for free.
The parents think nothing of this. There is no "wrong" in the actions of their child, and no intent to correct them. In turn, I try to love the children knowing they have no corrective influence in their lives that would lead them to respect others, while knowing this is part of our society issues ... so many children are raised without any idea of respecting others, and then suddenly expected to respect everyone and everything overnight.
I don't really care about fake snowmen or small lights. I do care about a society that fights so vehemently over the ideal of respect for others, while actively refusing to teach their children about respecting others. The end result is that, when these kids do need to express respect, they will do so by respecting worldly ideals and concepts, instead of having a foundation of Godly love as the basis for respect. They will honor only cultural principles, and not people, which in turn creates its own brand of conflict. And there will be no rest of delight for anyone's soul.
Prayer: Lord, families function best when they yield to your teach, guidance, and will. May we continue to seek the renewal of your spirit in this region of the world, and in so doing may we find your instructions for families, children, parents, and community. Give myself and all our volunteers nothing but your love over the next three weeks, so we may shine your light ever brighter. Amen.
The rod and rebuke give wisdom,
But a child left to himself brings shame to his mother ...
Correct your son, and he will give you rest;
Yes, he will give delight to your soul.
Proverbs 29:15,17
Observation: Twice, the teacher instructs parents to correct their children. Correction of children is not just for their own good, but for the good of the parents as well. In fact, in these two verses we see that correction of children my MOST benefit the parents. Failure to correct brings shame upon a mother, while giving correction provides rest and delight.
I well-behaved child is an honor to the parents. Not only do others admire a good child, but such a child provides less stress and work and pain for the parents. While all children perform some mischief, there is a time when they know the difference between right and wrong, and can control themselves to choose accordingly. However, there are also parenting methods in which right and wrong are never taught. In these cases, the children cannot choose well, but thus the parents themselves will be judged by others.
Application: Our annual Christmas lights show began last night, I already I have applied the sentiments of this verse. We have a nice display to be viewed by tens of thousands of people over 24 days, and on night one we have kids literally tearing it apart with their hands while their parents watch and say absolutely nothing. The parents think nothing of their child breaking other people's property as if they are doing nothing more than curiously learning, in a way that will negatively impact the future enjoyment of ~55,000 people, and at the cost of hundreds of volunteers who are giving away their time and money for this experience for free.
The parents think nothing of this. There is no "wrong" in the actions of their child, and no intent to correct them. In turn, I try to love the children knowing they have no corrective influence in their lives that would lead them to respect others, while knowing this is part of our society issues ... so many children are raised without any idea of respecting others, and then suddenly expected to respect everyone and everything overnight.
I don't really care about fake snowmen or small lights. I do care about a society that fights so vehemently over the ideal of respect for others, while actively refusing to teach their children about respecting others. The end result is that, when these kids do need to express respect, they will do so by respecting worldly ideals and concepts, instead of having a foundation of Godly love as the basis for respect. They will honor only cultural principles, and not people, which in turn creates its own brand of conflict. And there will be no rest of delight for anyone's soul.
Prayer: Lord, families function best when they yield to your teach, guidance, and will. May we continue to seek the renewal of your spirit in this region of the world, and in so doing may we find your instructions for families, children, parents, and community. Give myself and all our volunteers nothing but your love over the next three weeks, so we may shine your light ever brighter. Amen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)