A Very Simple Model

Scripture: Try to help those who argue against you. Be merciful to those who doubt. Save some by snatching them as from the very flames of hell itself. And as for others, help them to find the Lord by being kind to them, but be careful that you yourselves aren’t pulled along into their sins. Hate every trace of their sin while being merciful to them as sinners. Jude 1:22-23

Observation: Jude summarizes his instruction on interacting with non-believers in two verses. He structures this lesson in this manner:

- Intro ... Simply "help" those who argue against Christianity

--- Summary ... Show mercy to doubters

----- Method 1 ... In a few cases, fight against hell itself for their redemption

----- Method 2 ... In most cases, let them discover God's love by your kindness

--- Caution ... In engaging with non-believers, don't fall into the ways of the world

- Conclusion ... Hate sin, but love sinners

Application: I wish this could be summarized in every modern church, for it is so clear, so accurate, so simple ... and so not what most Christians try to do. Instead, we fight the world, denounce worldly actions that oppose Christ's teaching, publicly argue about sinful trends, and pronounce among ourselves the future curse upon the world. We do this while lamenting the world and longing for - and often actively pursuing - worldly possessions and comforts.

Jude made this simple. How am I doing at this simple model? I feel I have grown in this over the past few years. I feel I tend to respond with mercy toward doubters and those who actively argue against Christianity, I try to show them kindness, and have learned to separate the idea of sinful behavior from the person whom God loves despite their sin. However, I do love elements of the world, and I often return to my private home with anger and despair for our world that itself translates to anger toward certain individuals and groups.

I must continue to show - and truly feel - help, mercy, and kindness toward those who doubt Jesus. I must fight find the Lord's wisdom to fight against sin, but never fight against people, for I myself am a sinner (and far worse than many who don't believe). I should continue to improve in following Jude's very simple model.

Prayer: Lord, you ask so little of us as your people. You ask me to simply be kind to others, and in so doing to tell them of Jesus. You ask me not to sin, to show a certain hate toward sin, but to never direct that hate at a person. You ask me to just love. Please help me to do just that one thing better, for I know your will and your kingdom follows from just that attitude of love. Amen.

Promise Not of Might nor Power

Scripture: Then he said, "This is God’s message to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord Almighty—you will succeed because of my Spirit, though you are few and weak.'" Zechariah 4:6

Observation: As Zechariah is revealed information about how Jerusalem will be rebuilt, he hears this promise given to Zerubbabel, one of the men who will lead the reconstruction ... that the Lord will help he in this work, not by might, but simply by his spirit. The people themselves are weak, yet God will NOT give them strength. Instead, he will give them ... himself, the Lord's spirit, and this itself will produce success.

Application: How often have I asked the Lord for ... strength, power, authority, or might, in order to overcome a hardship or issue? While God could provide these things, there is something better, which is his own spirit. Compared to the Lord's spirit, might is weak. With his spirit, weakness is mighty.

The reconstruction of Jerusalem and the temple would be massively hard work, involving the movement of huge stones. Strength seems like an obvious need for success. God instead provided his spirit alone, and it prevailed. I should see these as a reminder of my struggles in life. I may desire some explicit assistance that seems relevant to the issue at hand, but the truth is that God's spirit is all I need. With his spirit, I can be successful in any endeavor that is of his will ... and I can therefore avoid even trying to accomplish anything that is not of his will.

Prayer: Lord, this day and every day, may I have your spirit to prevail in my life. May the Holy Spirit guide me, teach me, instruct me, and aid me. In this manner, should I please know what I am to do, and then have your own ability to do it. For I am weak and incapable, but you are great and all powerful. Amen.

Proper Judgment for Pride

Scripture: And you, his successor, O Belshazzar—you knew all this, yet you have not been humble. For you have defied the Lord of Heaven and brought here these cups from his Temple; and you and your officers and wives and concubines have been drinking wine from them while praising gods of silver, gold, brass, iron, wood, and stone—gods that neither see nor hear nor know anything at all. But you have not praised the God who gives you the breath of life and controls your destiny! Daniel 5:22-23

Observation: The hand has appeared and written on the wall, and Daniel is about to interpret the writing for King Belshazzar. It is a judgment of doom, which will be fulfilled that very night. Before interpreting, Daniel tells the king the reason for this sentence from God. Yes, Belshazzar has violated the Temple items. However, his sin is pride, his offense has manifested as worship of other gods, and all of this has occurred within a context of knowledge.

Belshazzar knew of the Lord based on the actions of Nebuchadnezzar. Yet he took the items of the Lord, and used them to honor other gods, as he believed he could ignore the dangers of judgment that could come from such an action.

Application: My pride is terrible. There are times I sin with full knowledge of my actions, and don't care. In this, I am worthy of only judgment and death.

Pride is the path to worship of earthly idols, and thus I must squash this tendency in myself. This is of primary importance in my life. My pride must be surrendered fully, and in all ways. No matter what, I will sin for I am human, but there is a difference between errors and willful dishonor of the Lord. It is only by my pride that the latter produces in me a mind to actively neglect the instructions of Jesus and the will of God.

Prayer: Lord, please forgive me for my sins, and especially for my pride. I know I am beneath almost everything and everyone on earth, yet I behave as if I am master of my own fate. May I repent of my pride and all the actions it creates. I seek your ways only, and hope to find my joy in your love alone. Amen.

The Water of Life

Scripture: He told me: "This river flows east through the desert and the Jordan Valley to the Dead Sea, where it will heal the salty waters and make them fresh and pure. Everything touching the water of this river shall live. Fish will abound in the Dead Sea, for its waters will be healed. Wherever this water flows, everything will live." Ezekiel 47:8-9

Observation: Ezekiel is being shown the waters that flow from the temple; from the Lord. They flow out as an eastbound stream. As this stream goes, it gets deeper ... it's water is not used up but increases! When it reaches the deadest place of all, life becomes abundant and supports a thriving lifestyle. When Ezekiel looks back, more and more life emerges, with trees that produce abundant, never-ending fruit and medicinal leaves. Everyone who comes to this river - a river that grows and grows and nurtures life in abundance - is provided for and thrives.

Application: I love this river!! It is the river of the Lord's love, his promise, and the pouring forth of his blessing through the Messiah. As the Gospel - the news of salvation from God through faith in Messiah - goes out, the trickle of that news becomes a mighty provision of salvation, which brings the dead to life, restores hope, and feeds the souls of (now) billions and billions.

I live on the shores of this river. I am a fish in the Dead Sea ... where I once was, dead and unable to survive, I now thrive. I am a child splashing and playing in fresh water, enjoying a bite of fruit when I please, and lounging carefree in the shade of a tree that never withers.

I so wish I could truly be at that river right now. I wonder if my dad is there today. He liked camping by the water.

Prayer: Lord, may your river always flow through my home, giving life to my family and I. May we enjoy that river, but also add to it and cause it flow even greater to our neighbors, our community, and our city. I love your river, your love, and your salvation found in Jesus. Please say 'hi' to my dad as he now gets to enjoy this river in heaven. Amen.

Love One Another

Let's have some fun today!

Understanding Government Compliance

Scripture: For the Lord’s sake, obey every law of your government: those of the king as head of the state, and those of the king’s officers, for he has sent them to punish all who do wrong, and to honor those who do right. 1 Peter 2:13-14

Observation: Peter is writing primarily to believing Jews who have not been fully scattered and incorporated into the Roman empire. He advises them on the balance between faithful behavior and government compliance. He has told them they are to behave well as examples for others, and to continue their faith as the new generation of priests in - and the building blocks of - the Church of Jesus Christ.

Now, he addresses governmental compliance. Believers are to obey the laws of government. That said, there is a caveat here ... these laws are designed to punish those who do wrong, and honor those who do right. This is clearly discussing common behavioral law. He is writing at a time when Caesar demands worship of himself, and he is certainly not condoning that. Rather, there is a hierarchy. This is, obey the Lord as the faithful priests of Jesus, then obey the behavioral laws of government as members of this society.

Application: Last week, our governor issue an order that explicitly says "congregation singing is prohibited". I posted on social media my ideas about this, which is ... the Lord commands us to sing and praise him personally, publicly, and congregationally, and I will be obedient to the Lord first. This Sunday, our church sang at every service as an act of obedience to the Lord.

Did this violate Peter's instructions? Certainly not. Peter is discussing right laws that enforce societal peace and prosperity. Peter's instructions are in the context of all other writings, which place the teachings and precepts of Jesus first. There is no ambiguity about this.

For years, I have been thinking about the coming oppression of the church in the United States. The fact our government publicly issued a decree that violates every law we have about government intervention in religion, and in general society said "yes" without even blinking an eye, tells us where we are in this journey toward oppression. It has arrived, right on the coattails of several government laws opposed to God's laws and will. I have also been thinking about where we will draw the line ... where the Church will know which government rules it must not accept ... how we can differentiate between disliking laws that defy scriptural laws, versus laws that directly impact our alignment to the Lord.

Fortunately, when that moment has come, it was obvious ... we absolutely cannot quietly accept an order to not worship the Lord.

As Peter - along with Jeremiah and Jesus before him - instructed, there are government rules we will obey. However, in matters that directly contradict the Lord, I will be obedient to the Lord.

Prayer: Lord, I feel the die is cast. This first order was small, but it was the reaction of others that was the telltale sign. There was total acceptance by the masses. By this I see the path is before us. Please, Lord, give me, my family, my church, and all your faithful followers, the strength to walk your path. Amen.

Faith Results in Action

Scripture: Dear brothers, what’s the use of saying that you have faith and are Christians if you aren’t proving it by helping others? Will that kind of faith save anyone? James 2:14

Observation: James dives into the discussion of "works" with this question ... if faith doesn't result in the action of helping others, "will that kind of faith save anyone?" He is speaking quite literally, as he then gives an example of a person who speaks a word of blessing for someone who is cold and hungry, instead of providing them with food and clothes.

Faith results in action, and the most worthy action is to help - and to thus save - others. The saving of others can be in tangible, earthly ways that result in actual saving of them from unhealthy situations. It can also of course be in guiding them in faith and thus saving their eternal hope. In whatever case, James is very clear that faith results in action, and that without that responding action faith itself is ... unproven, dead, useless, unreal, incomplete, and potentially even unacknowledged by God himself.

Application: I do service in the church, but am I doing the work that "saves" others?

Every day, I should be finding ways where I can help others practically. This isn't just about being nice, but about doing activities that address real-life, tangible issues. Aiding the poor is an obvious start. Leaning into the personal challenges many are facing today, with the loss of income and isolation from others, is an immediate need requiring action. These are actions I should look for every day, and at all times.

Prayer: Lord, may I do your work today, beyond just service. I have faith in you, and desire that, more and more, that faith will manifest through work that saves others. Amen.

Recounting a Story of Faith

Scripture: Well, how much more do I need to say? It would take too long to recount the stories of the faith of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah and David and Samuel and all the other prophets. Hebrews 11:32

Observation: As the writer of Hebrews recounts the faith of the Jews, he recounts both individuals by names and acts throughout scripture. He explicitly names 13 people, plus recounts at least 11 scenarios (some of which are actually done many times, like kings who ruled well and leaders who won battles). The situations are long and various ... he names those like Abraham and Moses and David, but also Rahab. He recounts the explicit protection upon Daniel in the lion's den, and the general faith of those who walked through the parted sea.

The story of the Lord and his actions is a story of faith. It is a story of God acting within human circumstance whenever someone trusts in him and turns their situation over to his will. Even those who experience pain do so with the faith of restoration, and time and again we see that God does this. When people believe in the Lord and place their faith in him, the Lord provides.

Application: I believe this truth with all my heart ... the Lord provides. I have seen this truth manifested so many times that I believe it as much as I believe I am sitting here right now. His provision has and is and always will be real. His provision is both earthly and spiritual; he gives me all I need, and abundantly more, in my daily life, while comforting my heart and mind whenever I reach out to him.

I am reminded today that I could see the Lord in my life even more if I were to express my faith even more. The more faith I exhibit - by surrendering thoughts and issues and decisions to him and seeking his will - the more of his goodness will be delivered. I am not talking about more earthly blessing, for I have abundantly more already than I deserve, but rather his goodness would be in his presence, his spirit, his comfort, his joy, his peace, and his love.

Prayer: Lord, this week I have felt a bit stressed and overwhelmed again, and begun to wonder again at my abilities. I do not need to wonder, for certainly I know my abilities are insufficient and meaningless. However, I know by faith that you are with me, and you will guide me, and you will provide. May I surrender my shortcomings to you, for I know you are able to do all things. Amen.

Prayer of Peace and Prosperity

Scripture: Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. May all who love this city prosper. O Jerusalem, may there be peace within your walls and prosperity in your palaces. This I ask for the sake of all my brothers and my friends who live here; and may there be peace as a protection to the Temple of the Lord. Psalm 122:6-9

Observation: The psalmist expresses this prayer for Jerusalem ... peace within the city, and prosperity for those who live there. The purpose of this prayer is to benefit three entities ... brothers, friends in the city, and the Lord's house.

Application: In this very chaotic time, this same prayer is what I wish - and what many wish - for our cities and our nations. First, that there be peace within our cities, and prosperity for those who live in our communities, neighborhoods, and nation. We are praying this because we want those around us, and especially our friends, to live good and safe lives.

However, it is the last element of this passage that resonates, which is ... we also want to the Lord's house - his church - to have peace and protection. There continues the very likely threat that this will not be the case. I expect that, very soon, the attitudes of our society will continue to evolve until there is outright hostility toward Christianity, with that hostility manifesting as action against the church and those of faith.

We pray for peace throughout our land, and the primary purpose is so that the church may continue in safety, and in turn continue to safely reach others with love, aid, and the good news.

Prayer: Lord, I do pray this day for peace and prosperity in Bothell, in Washington, in the pacific northwest, and in the United States. May there be peace within our land, and within all our homes. I pray this for the sake of coworkers, friends, family, and brother and sisters in Christ. And I pray this for the safety of your church. Amen.

When We See Messiah

Scripture: The Lord God says: "I will take a tender sprout from the top of a tall cedar, and I will plant it on the top of Israel’s highest mountain. It shall become a noble cedar, bringing forth branches and bearing seed. Animals of every sort will gather under it; its branches will shelter every kind of bird. And everyone shall know that it is I, the Lord, who cuts down the high trees and exalts the low, that I make the green tree wither and the dead tree grow. I, the Lord, have said that I would do it, and I will." Ezekiel 17:22-23

Observation: At the beginning of this prophesy, God gave Ezekiel a 'riddle' about a sprout from the top of a tree, then explained it. The sprout was the first wave of exiles, removed from Judah, and given the chance to thrive and survive. However, their leaders then went against their sworn oath - an oath sworn by God's own name - and will now be destroyed.

After explaining all of that in detail, God pronounces that there will later be another, second sprout. This sprout will be different. It will be planted high for everyone to see. It will send out many huge branches. It will produce seed, and thus foster life. It will provide shelter and shade and comfort for "every" living creature. By this tree, everyone will learn of God. And God declares this is something he will do.

As the first three sprout is a metaphor, so is the second. The second is Messiah, planted upon the line of David, spreading throughout the world via the church, providing the life-giving message of salvation by faith, which is a promise meant for the entire world.

This is further instantiated by the very next topic - brought up out of the blue - which is the punishment of sin, whereby God directly says he will forgive and let live anyone who turns away from sin. He further clarifies that this is all about an individual choice, and not about punishing parents for children's actions for vice versa. This is EXACTLY the gospel ... total forgiveness of our past, and eternal life, by making the personal choice to turn to obedience in the Lord (now by faith in Jesus instead of the Law).

Application: I love seeing Jesus show up in the old testament! It is so amazing to reinforce the truth of scripture ... that God explicitly said he has a plan for salvation, and that plan occurred. God says "I will plant a metaphorical tree that will provide life for everyone everywhere", and Jesus now provides life for everyone everywhere.

The Lord said he would do it ... and he did!!

Prayer: Lord, you are so amazing in all respects. Your wisdom, love, justice, and mercy are apparent and abounding. You permeate our lives. May I never fail to worship you and glorify you in song and praise and thanks, for by your greatness you have saved me. Hallelujah to the Lord God almighty! Amen.

Hope in the Possibility of Many

Scripture: "Son of dust," he said, "you live among rebels who could know the truth if they wanted to, but they don’t want to; they could hear me if they would listen, but they won’t." Ezekiel 12:2

Observation: Ezekiel is being given prophesy to tell the exiles, which are actually warnings of what is about to happen to those still living in Jerusalem. The Lord repeatedly calls them "rebels" for they continue to sin and to disobey the Lord. This is not because their hearts are hardened, or because God isn't trying to correct and teach them. In this verse, the Lord explicitly says ... the ability to correct their lives is something they possess. The could know the truth, and they could hear from the Lord. However, they don't want to. They don't listen.

This is all part of the reclamation effort of the Lord. Back in Jerusalem, Ezekiel even saw the people there accuse the first-wave exiles of being evil ... they were the ones carried off, after all. Instead, the remaining people continue to sin greatly, and are about to be brutally destroyed. Meanwhile, the exiles have been told to repent, correct their actions, love the Lord, and settle into their new situation until some future time of redemption. But they aren't listening. Some have completely turned to worshiping Babylonian gods. Some simply lament their situation. Few have accepted correction and returned to the Lord.

Here, the Lord clearly says they could return to him. They could still have great lives - albeit in a different place - if they would return to the Lord. They aren't listening yet. They don't want to return to God yet. But they could.

Application: I have spent many days pondering the despair that - perhaps - our nation cannot be restored. It is possible that God will choose a downward path for our region. However, God also reminds me today that this is NOT about a nation, a government, a city ... it is about people, about souls, and any number of people can still return to the Lord. It is their choice. They can accept Jesus. They can listen to the message of salvation.

Okay, most in this area don't want to accept Jesus. Most won't listen. However, there is hope for some, and eventually some will become more, and more will become many. I may be living in the time "some", but I must maintain hope for many.

Prayer: Lord, today I pray again into our small community of Bothell and the light was are about to try to shine during the holidays. I believe we do affect lives through our Christmas lights, and this year will be very, very different. There is absolutely no doubt that I live among rebels who don't want to know the truth. However, we are trying to give them the opportunity to listen. May thy will be done, and your message heard, in this season. Amen.

Salvation is a Promise

Scripture: He has given us both his promise and his oath, two things we can completely count on, for it is impossible for God to tell a lie. Now all those who flee to him to save them can take new courage when they hear such assurances from God; now they can know without doubt that he will give them the salvation he has promised them. Hebrews 6:18

Observation: The Lord has in fact declared promises and taken oaths, swearing them by his own name. One such promise is this - he offers salvation to all who place their faith in Jesus Christ as Messiah. If we believe in the Lord, then it is not possible to disbelieve this truth, for it is a sworn promise.

Application: There are elements of life with which I struggle and find difficulty, even when I attempt to surrender them to God. These doubts can grow and become more general, and even yesterday I had an internal dialogue about how someone may "lose" their salvation. The writer of Hebrews reminds me this very day that ... the Lord himself, by his very name, and promised salvation to all who have faith.

And I have faith! I may wonder about daily events and long-term outcomes, but I know the Lord God almighty is the creator of heaven and earth, and that Jesus Christ is his son and my savior. I could do better - regarding my behavior, my thoughts, and my fears - but the promise is stronger and bigger than anything else.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for your great promise. You are holy. May I too worship you seven times a day, for I love your laws, I love your mercy, I love your love, and I love your promise. Amen.

The Point Is We Must Try

Scripture: "Son of dust," he said, "I am sending you to the nation of Israel, to a nation rebelling against me. They and their fathers have kept on sinning against me until this very hour. For they are a hard-hearted, stiff-necked people. But I am sending you to give them my messages—the messages of the Lord God." Ezekiel 2:3-4

Observation: The Lord has arrived and chosen Ezekiel to be his prophet to the exiles. The reason for this call is stated here ... the exiled Jews have continued to sin against God even after the first defeat by the Babylonians and their removal from Jerusalem. These are a people familiar with prophesy that, if they did not correct their ways and honor Yahweh, they would suffer. They have received written instructions from Jeremiah to live well in this new land but to continue to honor and serve the Lord. They have witnessed the leadership of Daniel and others, who have remained faithful to the law and in return actually been honored with position in the king's court.

And yet, they continue to sin against the Lord. This phrase - to 'sin against' God - is most commonly used to directly apply to idol worship and the honoring of other gods. Therefore, it is clear that these people have seen their land destroyed, family members killed, themselves dishonored, their livelihoods and homes taken away, their very bodies removed by force to a new place ... and have actively decided to keep right on doing the very thing they have been told is the cause of all this. Now Ezekiel will warn them further, but even the Lord knows they still won't change.

Application: This is probably the one aspect of evangelism I worry about the most in this dark region of the world ... that no matter what we say, and how true it is, the people will absolutely not listen. However, to that point, Ezekiel is the evidence that ... we are still to evangelize.

In his very commission, Ezekiel was warned the Jews are stubborn and rebellious (verses 2:4, 2:5, 2:6, 3:7, 3:8, 3:9) and straight-up told they won't listen to him (verses 2:7, 3:6, 3:7, 3:11). I get this point ... this is a hopeless mission. However, I also get this point ... God is not only commanding Ezekiel to do it anyway, but then holding him accountable if he doesn't at least try.

And that is the point here, in the pacific northwest. At least we must try to tell others the gospel. We must try to love a community that actively celebrates sin. We must try to give hope to a people group that actively rejects and rebels against God. We must try to live our own lives as a light in this dark place. Even if we were directly told that it would never, ever change (and we have NOT been told that), we must at least try.

Prayer: Lord, please give your Church throughout this land the strength it needs today. May your will be done, and as that will is to spread the good news of Jesus to all people, help us to find a way to have that voice today and in the trying and difficult, and maybe even dangerous, weeks to come. Amen.

Entering the True Promise

Scripture: This new place of rest he is talking about does not mean the land of Israel that Joshua led them into. If that were what God meant, he would not have spoken long afterwards about “today” being the time to get in. So there is a full complete rest still waiting for the people of God. Hebrews 4:8-9

Observation: As the writer of Hebrews discusses entry into the promise of salvation by faith, he clarifies that this entry is not the same event as entering the promised land. However, simply by echoing back to that event, he is by reference comparing the two.

When the Jews first went to the promised land, they were denied entry for one reason ... lack of faith. They didn't believe God could give them the land, despite having recently witnessed him defeating Egypt. For this reason, they were not allowed in, forced to wander for a time. That generation never entered the land, but rather it was the next generation who did not directly witness the Lord's mighty hand that entered the promised land.

In turn, it remains this faith that Jesus defines as entry to the promise of life. Faith - belief in Jesus and in turn in God - is the cost of admission. Until we have that faith, we wander this earth ... and whoa to anyone who, when placed in a situation to embrace that faith, instead turns away.

In the end, it seems this is the warning of the author of Hebrews. There are Jews who have now heard about Messiah, may even be part of those who consider themselves part of the believers, however in their hearts they don't actually "believe". They understand the concepts, they know the scriptures and the prophets, but they fail to place their faith in Jesus.

Application: This is the heart of what we have been discussing at church. There are "Christians" who are not coming to church out of fear. This is troubling. Only God knows their heart, and certainly there are reasons to be careful in certain circumstances given every individual's health issues. However, there is clearly a test of faith taking place.

Again, only the Lord knows the hearts of others. It is clear, though, that this is a time when everyone must decide the nature of their belief. Is it just a logical understanding, or is it faith?

Prayer: Lord, I pray for my friends and those about me who have not yet re-engaged in church. May their faith emerge, even stronger than before. Help them past their fear, and please move their hearts to show their faithful resolve. Amen.

Signs of Spiritual Attacks

Scripture: You have seen the plots my foes have laid against me. You have heard the vile names they have called me, and all they say about me and their whispered plans. See how they laugh and sing with glee, preparing my doom. Lamentations 3:60-63

Observation: The author is noting for God the actions of his personal enemies. He discussed his prior imprisonment from which he was saved, but these are the more secret actions of those opposed to him. They secretly plot. They call him names. They talk about him in whispers with plans of how they will destroy him. They take outward pleasure in the very thought that they will cause his doom.

Application: It was two years ago that I was in my darkest place. At the time, I struggled mightily with doubt ... never doubt about the Lord, but about myself, my life. Yes, the Lord showed me correction during that time. However, the Lord also comforted with insights that what was occurring was not entirely worldly. The attack on me was incited spiritually. I had a right to be angry about it. And I was seen by God even when isolated.

There is a kind of attack where people have open conflict ... we have seen that very often lately. However, there is a kind of spiritual attack that involves groups in secret. They create plots. They light - and then stoke - the hate of their target. They start lies by whispering among themselves. They find glee in the idea of destroying a person's life. This is exactly what happened to me.

I am absolutely not the person I was two years ago. I have a different direction of my life, and my new direction is so much more aligned to the Lord's plans. I am happy for the course correction - both professionally and within my heart - I received from God. Today, I am thankful of the reminder that all of this was in fact a spiritual attack, and that my Lord absolutely delivered me. My Lord ... my father ... is a faithful, merciful, and loving God.

Prayer: Abba, I thank you for your love. It is a love so great that it corrects me when I need it, but sustains me at all times. Your love never fails. Please, this day and for all my days to come, take my hand and lead me. I have no desire to figure out my life for myself anymore, ever. May I only be your servant, where you would have me, doing what you desire. Amen.

Showing Christ to Others

Scripture: And I pray that as you share your faith with others it will grip their lives too, as they see the wealth of good things in you that come from Christ Jesus. I myself have gained much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because your kindness has so often refreshed the hearts of God’s people. Philemon 1:6-7

Observation: In his letter to Philemon, Paul gives a greeting, then gives the purpose and body of his letter (the issue of Onesimus). However, in the transition, Paul describes Philemon's faith. He is a person who both actively tells others of Jesus, and reflects of love of Jesus toward others. In this, everyone sees the "wealth of good things" that come into a believer's life. This wealth may in fact be material riches, but more likely - and more importantly - it is this tremendous love and kindness that pours out of Philemon. This is a love so great and that Paul himself has received, and feels that way over and over when he simply recalls and prays for Philemon.

Paul describes this loving kindness as joy and comfort. He calls it refreshing. He states that it touches the hearts of God's people. He calls it a source of good things, and not just a small source but a wealth ... a rich overflowing of goodness. He points out that it grips the lives of others as part of the gospel message.

This is what happens when someone really shows Christ to others. The gospel isn't about a story, it's about a feeling. It is love poured out, and when it is truly the love of Christ it impact people emotionally (joy and comfort), physically (refreshing and overflowing), and spiritually (gripping their very lives). Philemon had a tremendous spiritual gift that manifested in this very way.

Application: Can I - or my church - really impact others this way? I know some of us can, as I have seen people come to Christ with such emotion that it demonstrates this joy and refreshment and overflowing goodness.

Philemon did this with a love that pointed directly back to Jesus. This is the key I need ... to care for others with love, but not a love that is of me, but a love that is of Jesus.

Prayer: Lord, as I serve others, be it on Sunday, or today at work, or in any other activity, may I become a way for your love alone to shine through. May others not see me, but see you alone. Amen.

You Met Me in a Desperate Place

I was running from a past that wouldn't let go.

I was praying to a god that I didn't know.

Everything's painted in a shade of 'new' ever since I met you!

One Scary Reply for Help

Scripture: The Lord replied: "Look, and be amazed! You will be astounded at what I am about to do! For I am going to do something in your own lifetime that you will have to see to believe. I am raising a new force on the world scene, the Chaldeans, a cruel and violent nation who will march across the world and conquer it." Habakkuk 1:5-6

Observation: Habakkuk has a conversation with the Lord in two parts. In part 1, Habakkuk wonders when the Lord will take action and correct the sins of Judah, and the Lord replies ... he has raised up the Chaldeans, who are going to destroy everyone and everything. (In part 2, Habakkuk wonders why God would allow evil to win, and God clarifies that the Chaldeans themselves will then be destroyed. Habakkuk responds to all this with a chapter of praise.)

God introduces his judgment with hopeful words ... look, be amazed, be astounded, I am doing something new, it will happen soon, you have to see it to believe it!! Then he describes it ... terrible and evil people are going to cruelly attack, destroying everything, killing everyone, and there is no hope for escape.

This seems incongruous. However, it aligns to Habakkuk's line of questioning. Habakkuk calls attention to the behavior of Judah, a people who have devolved into total rebellion against the Lord. They commit every act of sin and oppression, with no path toward improvement. Habakkuk "calls for help" and wonders how long until the Lord listens (v2). Perhaps the help he wished for was more along the lines of a leader to correct the people. However, the people are well beyond that state.

Application: I know so many Christians who are praying for our people, our country, our land, our leaders. We point out systemic sin, evil, oppression, hatred, and conflict. We all seek God's redemption, reawakening, and revival of our nation and in fact of all people on all the earth. The ask of God is that he will bring his Spirit with great might, to stir the hearts of all and turn everyone back to him, his laws, and his love. God could do this ...

... or God could wipe our country away. He could do so with a wave of evil that will literally kill and destroy everything. He would certainly then wipe that evil out, but that is an action for later.

We seek the Lord's attention, asking him to see the circumstances around us, and call for his help. May we also have the faith to praise him when that help arrives to eliminate the evil, regardless what form it takes.

Prayer: Lord, you are in control, on your throne. You know the circumstances of the people in this land, and certainly you have plans for what will happen next. My your will be done. Amen.

When the Lord Promises

Scripture: On February 25 of the thirty-seventh year of the imprisonment in Babylon of Jehoiachin, king of Judah, Evil-merodach, who became king of Babylon that year, was kind to King Jehoiachin and brought him out of prison ... And he was given a regular allowance to cover his daily needs until the day of his death. Jeremiah 52:31,34

Observation: For years and years, Jeremiah has detailed the horrors and punishments that will befall Judah if they fail to repent, and prophesied about how Babylon will destroy their nation for their sins. He (or likely a disciple who added to the conclusion of the writings after his death) then briefly chronicles that all this came to pass, however ends the large book with a postscript about Jehoiachin. Jehoiachin - the king taken into captivity during the first wave of exile - is released from prison, restored to the status of a feudal king, and allowed to live out his days in comfort in Persia.

It isn't clear why this changed, but it is significant enough to add it to the teachings of Jeremiah ~26 years after the final and total destruction of Judah. The significance is likely not in the honor bestowed upon Jehoiachin representing hope for the restoration for Judah, for that did not change the fate the people who would remain in exile another 40+ years. And the significance is likely not a symbol of Jewish integration into the Persian lifestyle, for there is no real indication of such concept in the narrative.

It may be, however, that the significance is in the promise of the Lord. In the end, after all that has happened, the very last thing to happen is recognition that the line of David remains king of Israel, even acknowledged by foreign captors. The Lord has promised this, knowing that it will culminate with the Messiah's eternal reign, so even in the darkest time ... when Israel and Judah are defeated, the temple completely destroyed, Jerusalem burned, and the people killed and removed from the land ... there is proof that God's promises remain in tact.

Application: The Lord's word is completely assured. He has promised that our faith in Jesus provides us with eternal life in heaven, and that Jesus will one day return to restore this fallen world and bring peace to all the earth. Even in this dark time - a time of terrible anger, crippling fear, cultural violence, and lost hope - these promises are unchanging.

We may not understand how the Lord will fulfill the promises. We may not see how such promises can even be fulfilled. And certainly our own rebellion creates other scenarios that the Lord must address, which can cloud the path the future and make the future promises appear impossible. However, we have seen that even when the people of Israel were utterly and completely wiped from the face of the earth, they still had a king of the line of David ... a promise directly tied to worldwide salvation.

Prayer: Lord, your promises are assured. May I always have faith in your love, your hope, and your promise of salvation by faith. It would be great to be delivered from these dark times, but it is good to know that non of this alters the future we have with you. Amen.

Doing Things that are Wrong

Scripture: But God’s truth stands firm like a great rock, and nothing can shake it. It is a foundation stone with these words written on it: "The Lord knows those who are really his," and "A person who calls himself a Christian should not be doing things that are wrong." 2 Timothy 2:19

Observation: Paul's teaching to Timothy is very simple ... Timothy is to do God's work, and do it well, steering clear of things that distract from the work or are contrary to the gospel of Jesus. Paul ties the ideas of both teaching the proper message about Jesus, and working hard to perform that teaching while living well in the church community, directly to the judgment of God. Those who work well will be honored, and those who mislead and work poorly will be judged in the context that perhaps they never truly believed.

These instructions cannot be presented more simply that this statement ... Christians should not be doing things that are wrong.

Application: I do things wrong EVERY day. Sometimes, very clear and bad things that I know are wrong. I lie, I lust, I hate ... and in doing so, my true faith must be scrutinized by God. If I can be SO disobedient to Jesus, is he really my Lord?

Yes he is, but I have terrible self control of my mind (also a warning in Proverbs today). This is a fruit of the spirit I lack, and I desperately need it.

Prayer: Lord God, father, please fill me with the Holy Spirit more and more every day. I surrender to your will, and truly wish to surrender every aspect of my daily living to the guidance of the Spirit. I know in my pride I have resisted in the past, and this hurts me often now. However, I also know you have been patient with me, providing more and more of your Spirit and your word measure by measure. I wish to be filled. May my willpower not be mine, for I am weak. May I instead have only your Spirit-lead control governing my self, my thoughts, and my actions. Amen, and amen.

Balancing the Church Mission

Scripture: Some may deny these things, but they are the sound, wholesome teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ and are the foundation for a godly life. 1 Timothy 6:3

Observation: Paul indicates to Timothy that the lessons he is teaching are sound even though others may deny them. This comes in the midst of a conversation about money and how it is earned, especially by ministers and pastors. Overall, he makes the following points:

-- Pastors do work for the church and therefore should be paid by their congregation.

-- Everyone should work well and diligently in whatever work they have.

-- Some (like old widows) need care, but some shouldn't but instead have other means.

It seems that perhaps there have been arguments in Ephesus that boil down to cash flow in the church. Maybe ... I'm don't know this so I'm only interpreting here ... those of poorer status don't want to work because they believe the church community should care for them, having "rich" people share their wealth ... and meanwhile the well-off, resenting this, don't want to share with the church community to the point that they resist even funding the life of the pastor.

There is a balance to be found, summarized in verse 5 Paul says some people see the gospel as a means to having money. The mission of the church is to pronounce the good news of Jesus. Believers are to love others, many of whom are destitute and should be cared for. However, we cross a line when those who can provide for themselves instead fall back on the church for their care, as they are now turning the mission of the church into a welfare organization.

Application: I have a passion for evangelism, and thus I struggle when I see church resources spent on internal ministries. This of course is also because I struggle with loving others enough to appreciate their need.

This is a balancing issue that clearly has always existed in the church. It comes down to individual accountability, and the decision of individual believers to overcome situations in their lives and serve Jesus. Some need help to do this, and should receive that help. However, many should eventually move beyond that, and contribute to - rather than rely upon - church care.

We all need love from the community, and care from the church involving love is something I should lean into more. My over-pivot on this issue does not bring "balance" to the church, either.

Prayer: Lord, please fill me with your love this day. Amen.

Differentiating Rules and Solutions

Scripture: A widow who wants to become one of the special church workers should be at least sixty years old and have been married only once. ... So I think it is better for these younger widows to marry again and have children and take care of their own homes; then no one will be able to say anything against them. For I am afraid that some of them have already turned away from the church and been led astray by Satan. 1 Timothy 5:9,14-15

Observation: Paul provides Timothy with some guidance on the role and treatment of widows. He wants them to be cared for, but also in turn to serve the Lord by serving the church as well as respected and honored members. They are to have a special role. However, this has guidelines. They are to meet certain requirements (married once, good children, etc.).

Meanwhile, younger widows should remarry. Otherwise, Paul thinks that, due to their youth, they will have more energy and more friends, and thus become gossiping busy-bodies and thus garner negative reputations.

All of this is very clearly specific to the situations in Ephesus and Timothy's circumstances. It is not a commentary on all females in all history. The rules themselves have no bearing on God's laws (note the provision of being married only once, which really has no meaning in the context of God's laws). It would be impossible to interpret this passage as a definitive rule to be observed by the Church for all time.

Application: There are elements of Paul's letters that are designed to clarify the proper teachings of Jesus - and in turn the scriptures and laws and prophets - and other elements that are guidance for how to consider a circumstance or situation and apply Godly wisdom to it. In these cases, it is the prayerful application of spiritual guidance - and not the situational guidance itself - that is to be learned by us in the church.

God's precepts and laws provide instruction for my life. Paul's example of considering situational guidelines for personal circumstances should also be considered. These do not become universal rules ... they may only apply even to me.

I have a problem with pride. There are laws that apply to that. However, what other solutions could I apply to myself to help? I could ... pray before every business meeting to clear my mind and attitude ... or pause and ask clarifying questions before judging others' statement. These aren't laws or rules, but they could aid my circumstances.

Prayer: Lord, I desire your situational guidance to aid me, today and every day. Amen.

No Action is Required

Scripture: And Gedaliah assured them that it would be safe to surrender to the Babylonians. "Stay here and serve the king of Babylon," he said, "and all will go well for you." Jeremiah 40:9

Observation: Judah is destroyed. Not everyone was deported, but Gedaliah has been appointed regional governor and he tells the remnant it is okay to stay and serve Babylon. They won't. One of the leaders will kill Gedaliah.

The rest will go to Jeremiah and ask him what they should do and where they should go escape the likely justice of Babylon. Jeremiah prays, and God's answer is, if they flee to Egypt, they will die. Instead, they are to stay for he will protect them. They won't. They'll flee to Egypt and die.

There is a recurring narrative at this stage, which is God - through various messages - telling the people to stay, relax, and simply settle into their lives, and the people refusing. At every turn after the first defeat of Jerusalem and the first wave of exiles, God's message is that the remnant - and even the exiles themselves - will be fine, if they simply return to a simple life and again put their faith in God. No action is required. However, they try to act over and over, rebelling and then fleeing, and incurring further wrath and punishment from both Babylon and God.

Application: I say this today ... I am done figuring out my own action. That is ironic, given how little I have managed and directed my own life in the past. However, it is also true that it worked out well, and I absolutely know that God has always directed the path of my life perfectly. When I have tried to define my own goals and create my own way, I have instead failed.

God has authority over the path of my personal and professional life. He may tell me to stay. He may tell me to go. He may tell me to move on, or he may tell me to settle in. I pray I am strong and wise enough to listen with all my heart and all my mind and all my soul and all my strength, every time.

Prayer: Lord, you have before told me to stay, and I have tried to go. I now wonder what I should do next. Instead of taking any action, I will only pray and listen. Please give me clear instruction. If I am to stay, please tell me so. If I am to go, please give me your word to do so without an earthly motivation. Amen.

Defining False Christian Doctrine

Scripture: As I said when I left for Macedonia, please stay there in Ephesus and try to stop the men who are teaching such wrong doctrine. Put an end to their myths and fables, and their idea of being saved by finding favor with an endless chain of angels leading up to God—wild ideas that stir up questions and arguments instead of helping people accept God’s plan of faith. 1 Timothy 1:3-4

Observation: After addressing this letter - from Paul to Timothy, whom he declares he looks upon as a son - the first instruction from Paul to Timothy is this ... to address false doctrine. Interesting, he also clearly defines what the false doctrine is, which is the attempt to find favor with heavenly being that are lesser than God.

The false doctrine is NOT about things we often think are the false teachings of the day and hear about in other letters, like ... denying the lordship (or humanity) of Jesus, reliance on Hebrew law, rejection of apostles, intermixing of local religious practices with church gatherings, denial of spiritual gifts. Instead, the issues in Ephesus are ... procedural rules about access to God. Some leaders have created a process for being saved that involves appealing for favor to others who are not Yahweh, presumably one of whom is Jesus, before one can receive salvation from God. In other words, their a gatekeepers between us and God, perhaps either the greatest or last of whom is Jesus, and we need their permission to access the Lord.

This is manifestly untrue and contrary to all teaching. We have direct access to God, and receive salvation through faith that Jesus is his son who died for our sins. It's one belief, not a complex process.

Application: This false doctrine applies to SO much today. We have "Christian" organizations with defined procedures about progressive beliefs, multiple levels of salvation, and appeals to those who are not God. I'm not talking about praying to saints, but rather those organizations that introduce saints, angels, ancestors, or even spouses as some kind of tiered gatekeepers involves in seeking God.

However, we also have non-Christian belief systems similarly wrong. There are belief systems that provide processes, procedures, or rules for pursuing "peace" or "enlightenment" or "transcendence" or even some kind of access to an afterlife. They speak of pursuing a life that will somehow create the right scenario for some kind of future life.

Paul was clear ... this is all wrong. There is one salvation, and it is both easy to achieve and open to all. It doesn't involve tiers, or procedures, or sub-level representatives of heaven.

Prayer: Lord, you have so many mysteries in the universe, but your love for us is not one of them. You have provided us with your love, and with your desire to relate directly with us. I seek your face, and I seek your hand to hold as I walk on your path today. Thank you for salvation through faith. Amen.

Love Has Spoken

It is my experience that I have three narratives about my life.

One is factual and based on real life. It says that I'm pretty smart, a good worker, and a pretty good man who was a real jerk when I was young and is improving but still could be better. It says I have a really good life, with a wonderful family and a handful of really good friends. This is the narrative I believe only in the best of times.

A second is based on my thoughts. It says I'm a lazy, unskilled worker who is a total fraud, getting by on a con that I know things. It says I'm an a****** and deserve to be treated like one always. It points to every failure as the cumulative sum of my life. It says my wife is with me only because she feels stuck in marriage, my children can't wait to get away from me, and my friends just like drinking with me and can't be trusted. This is the narrative I believe almost all the time.

But there is a third narrative, and it is based on the truth. It says I am loved, cherished, a precious child, chosen and wanted by the creator of the entire universe. It says I am cared for, blessed, and taken care of my a father who controls everything. It says everything is good, and will always be good, if I would only trust and obey. This is the narrative I have only begun to learn about over the past 5-10 years.

If only I would believe God's truth ... not satan's, and not even the world's.

God's Promises in Context

Scripture: The truth is this: You will be in Babylon for seventy years. But then I will come and do for you all the good things I have promised and bring you home again. For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:10-11

Observation: It is the pronouncement of Jeremiah in verse 11 that so many Christians declare as their life verse ... a verse full of hope, declaring that even in hardship the Lord has good plans for us, providing a prosperous future and not evil. However ... the truth is this ... that promise was not for the individuals who heard it.

Jeremiah wrote this letter and sent it to the first wave of exiles, and it says clearly ... make your homes, settle in, live your lives there in captivity, because it will be 70 years before your descendants return to Judah. For the Lord has a plan for the good of the race of people who believe in him and call on his name.

This was the message Daniel learned when he actively did research in his old age and found this exact letter stating the 70 year timeframe. By then, his generation had died in captivity, never to return, forced to adopt new customs, often subjected to kingly orders that contradicted their faith. They did endure and even influenced the empire in the name of the Lord, with several gaining favor in Babylon. The Lord did, in fact, have a plan, and it was good for all mankind. But it did not involve the return from exile for the people who originally heard verse 11. The good plan wasn't what they wanted, but it was good in the context of how they could endure for now, and their grandchildren be delivered in the future.

Application: As Christians, we certainly need context when it comes to God's promises for good in our lives. It is absolutely true that God's plans for us are good! However, they absolutely are NOT our plans for good in our lives.

If I define my "good life", I can probably guarantee that is not what I will end up with. However, if I define almost no plan for my life other than to obey the Lord, I can guarantee that my life will be good. "Good" isn't prosperous, it is contentment and joyful and hope-filled. It is delivery from evil things. These are the qualities to seek in God's love, not some personally conceived idea of our "good life".

The first-wave exiles in Babylon had been powerful, popular, and rich in Judah. They would never, ever have that again. However, they would marry, have families, live in peace, and believe in a future hope for their nation. That was God's plan ... not for evil, but for a good and hopeful future.

Prayer: Lord, I do not pray for my good life. Instead, I pray today for your hopeful future in my life. May I find my way to set aside my ideas of what life should be, and instead live deeply into your vision and your plan for myself, my wife, and my family. Amen.

Never to be Surprised

Scripture: But, dear brothers, you are not in the dark about these things, and you won’t be surprised as by a thief when that day of the Lord comes. 1 Thessalonians 5:4

Observation: Paul has pronounced end-times prophesy for the church, but then answers the question of when by saying ... we all know that is unknowable. However, be prepared. Though the end times will surprise the world, it won't surprise those who are informed and have faith, who live by the light of truth. So stay both alert and prepared.

Application: I will say it again, I hate what is going on in the world right now. I hate both the illogical fear of the pandemic, and the arrogant rejection of common sense in managing it. I hate the violence spurred by racism, and the racist backlash of that violence. I hate the divisive nature of politics and the complete social hostility it is creating. I hate natural changes that have seen storms and fires ravage landscapes, skies, and cities alike. I hate all the changes associated with all these things that have impacted both everyday life and special events.

But .. I have never been surprised. Sure, I may be mildly surprised by daily turns on topics like "murder hornets" or "back-to-back hurricanes", but I also understand that such topics have been presented in order to spawn shock. When something we knew would happen ... happens ... only those who have willingly decided to be deceived or ignorant can be surprised.

We - myself and those who read the bible - know that the world will continue to get darker. We know fear and anger and deception will reign in the hearts of many, for these are the tools of the enemy. We know the world will descend until Jesus returns.

In real time I may be frustrated and angry at every new turn, and I certainly have remained that we for some ongoing issues. However, I will never be surprised. I do hope I am prepared.

Prayer: Lord, I recognized your hand in the world. I know you are in control, and that you have your perfect plan. May I live within that plan and serve you as you would have me serve. Please, Lord, forgive my sins that darken my heart, for they are the sins of pride that temporarily cause me to elevate my earthly thoughts above my desire to seek your thoughts. Please forgive me. Prepare my heart and my life for every event, for the continued activities of the thief in the night. Amen.

Perceiving Blessing as Restraint

Scripture: But they replied, "Don’t waste your breath. We have no intention whatever of doing what God says. We will continue to live as we want to, free from any restraint, full of stubbornness and wickedness!" Jeremiah 18:12

Observation: Jeremiah pronounces the most straightforward advice using the clear metaphor he was shown ... repent, or just like a potter can change what form clay may take and start over, God can still change his mind about destroying Judah if they change their ways ... and this is the response. This will also lead to the most straightforward prophesy from Jeremiah, which is a detailed and accurate account of how everyone in Jerusalem will die of war and famine, pronounced to city leaders from the valley where they have been conducting horrible child sacrifice.

The people give a four part response to the warning. They first reject God's word (no intention of doing what God says). Second, they substitute that word with their own wisdom (live as they want). Thirdly, they describe their reason for selecting their own wisdom (to be free from restraint). Finally, they describe their nature that drives their decision (stubborn and wicked).

At some point, everyone has rejected God's advice and substituted their own, and we all do this because we are stubborn and wicked. This is almost blow-for-blow the 'original sin'. However, the real reason it is so severe in this case is the reason for doing it. Most of the time, people do this due to either personal pride, or total ignorance ... often some blend of both. Judah does this because they know God, know the truth, know of his love and protection, and have consciously decided that a relationship with God is a prison to be escaped from. God effectively responds by allowing them, but warning them about what 'escape' actually looks like for a small, backward city-state country literally surrounded by larger and more advanced enemies.

Application: Judah perceived God's love, blessing, and protection as ... restraint in their lives. This was because, in the context of a relationship with God, they focused exclusively on themselves. They believed that what they received from God was actually the result of their work and wisdom, and what they gave back was a burden and chore that prevented them from living a fuller life.

Choosing to live by one's own wisdom is, actually, pretty common. This can happen systemically out of ignorance, and it can happen in the moment by even the best of us who just choose wrong in a given circumstance. However, choosing to declare that you reject God's guidance in life because it is a prison that restrains you is ... the express lane to destruction. Clearly, the on-ramp to this is our attitude about blessing. When we refuse to acknowledge goodness in our life as a blessing poured out by our father, we fail to understand God's love and ultimately his purpose of us.

Prayer: Lord, our society today has often decided to collectively reject your word, because it ignores your blessings. Please forgive us. May your church stand in the gap, Lord, praising you for your great love and blessing upon our land, our people, our nation, and the whole earth. Amen.

All God Ever Wants

Scripture: Do not hate us, Lord, for the sake of your own name. Do not disgrace yourself and the throne of your glory by forsaking your promise to bless us! Jeremiah 14:21

Observation: As famine rakes Judah, and Jeremiah pronounces the future coming of death from enemies, the people respond to God ... NOT by overhauling their behavior, but by appealing to God as if he were a prideful ruler.

They first declare that they have in fact suffered, and therefore certainly the time of suffering is over ... surely they are punished enough. However, they add to that by declaring that punishing them for their sins - and allowing them to die - would actually "disgrace" God himself, for they are known to be his chosen people whom he promised to bless.

Of course, God didn't promise to bless them ... he DID bless them, then promised that he would continue to bless them as they obeyed, and would curse them if they disobeyed. The curses coming upon them now are in the exact order as declared by Moses when they prepared to enter the promised land, and they exist for the exact disobedience that Moses warned against.

However, the point is, God cannot disgrace himself by his actions. God is fully merciful AND fully just. Declaring that only his mercy is a holy act, and thus only forgiveness is befitting of his holiness, is wrong. And appealing to him as if he needs to take certain actions in order to be properly perceived by humans is probably even worse.

This is evidence that Judah has totally and completely lost their understanding of God. They don't understand his nature, his love, his justice, his commands, his mercy, his authority, his holiness, his caring. They treat him like a human king, seeking to influence his actions through words and manipulation. All God ever wanted was their honor.

Application: All God wants in our honor, expressed as faith, and with a simplified way of demonstrating that faith ... belief in Jesus. Belief in Jesus doesn't erase the world's problems, or my sorrows and hardship. However, strengthening that belief will put those other issues in the proper context of my life. Furthermore, when there are struggles, it is belief that guides my response, which is not to bargain with or manipulate God, but rather to simply continue in faith, obedience, and to show honor toward my heavenly father.

Prayer: Lord, I honor you today as my father, my Lord, my savior, and yes, my king. You are ruler of my life. May I place you first more and more, in every aspect of my life, from my work, to my marriage, to my leisure, to my thoughts. And may my life honor you alone. Amen.

Defining the Gentile Convert

Scripture: So don’t let anyone criticize you for what you eat or drink, or for not celebrating Jewish holidays and feasts or new moon ceremonies or Sabbaths. For these were only temporary rules that ended when Christ came. They were only shadows of the real thing - of Christ himself. Colossians 2:16-17

Observation: Paul becomes specific in his message to the Greek church that they are under no obligation to 'become Jewish' as part of their Christian faith. This is the false teaching others are telling them ... that since Jesus was a Jew and complied with Jewish law, obedience to Jesus requires the same compliance. No, Paul defines for "gentile converts" the fact that their baptism and their belief in Jesus as the Christ is what defines them as Christians, saved by faith.

It is interesting to note that the Jews had historically dealt with the idea of "gentile converts". This phase is used also in Psalm 118:4 today ... they are people who are not Jews nor priests, but still worth to worship the Lord. Likewise, salvation is available to them per Jeremiah, when in verse 12:16 he declares that "if these heathen nations quickly learn my people’s ways and claim me as their God" then they can continue as nations on earth.

Jews, as the nation of priests of the Lord, were to teach others about Yahweh. Those who believed were not Jewish, but still accepted by God. Now, as Christians, we teach others about Jesus. Believers don't become Jewish, but adopted converts.

Application: Despite everything written in the bible, there is still confusion about the "rules" Christians are to follow. There are certainly moral components of the scriptures that are clear and non-negotiable, and teaching of Jesus that anyone who declares him "Lord" would therefore observe.

However, I am glad I am not required to become "Jewish". I don't need to practice certain rituals, or avoid certain animals. As Paul - a Pharisee among Pharisees and thus extraordinarily learned and compliant of the Law - even says, "These rules may seem good, for rules of this kind require strong devotion and are humiliating and hard on the body, but they have no effect when it comes to conquering a person’s evil thoughts and desires." (v23)

I am a gentile convert. I do seek obedience to my Lord and savior Jesus Christ, and devotion to the Lord God almighty, creator of heaven and earth. And as the psalmist instructs, I will sing and chant my worship to the Lord. I strive to obey his word, though I know I fail too often.

Prayer: Lord, in your great wisdom, you have shown us what is good and right and pleasing to you. May I have the strength and wisdom to obey your instructions. I thank you that your burden is light, and the outcomes of obedience are so wonderful and helpful and joyful. Amen.

A Secret Kept for Centuries

Scripture: He has kept this secret for centuries and generations past, but now at last it has pleased him to tell it to those who love him and live for him, and the riches and glory of his plan are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ in your hearts is your only hope of glory. Colossians 1:26-27

Observation: Paul - a man trained as the most knowledgeable Pharisee and thus is full possession of the knowledge of everything God has said in the law and prophets of the scriptures - declares that God all along had a secret he only hinted at for centuries. That secret is ... Christ, the Messiah, by which faith in him is the only hope of glory. He repeats this in v2:2, that "God's secret plan" is "Christ himself."

As a Pharisee, Paul knows God did not fully hide this secret. Rather, he revealed the nature of the secret over and over and over again, pointing to it through laws, rituals, blessings, promises, curses, and prophetic word. However, the advent of Messiah was withheld. That doesn't mean that faith and hope in Messiah didn't always exist, but that the full nature and message that came with Jesus wasn't completely revealed. There were things about the Christ that God clearly pronounced, and there were elements he absolutely kept secret.

Application: I wonder if there are elements of salvation that even today God is keeping secret. In no way to I believe he is withholding anything relevant to receiving salvation ... faith alone is clearly all we need, which should then drive our behavior and thoughts out of love and obedience to Jesus. But there are so many things we don't understand. Some are likely due to the limits of our understanding, but others are probably secrets withheld for a future time.

Paul shared with the church at Colossae this fact ... that Yahweh had a plan, declared that plan, but some details were secret. There are aspects of faith and the future God has shared with us - things like the 'rapture', or Jesus' return - that we think we know in general, but around which details are very, very unknown.

I hope such secrets are revealed soon, as this would likely indicate the next big change in God's plan for mankind. We could use that shift about now.

Prayer: Lord, your mysteries and secrets are marvelous and certainly born from your love for us. I look forward to learning more and more about you, and perhaps seeing a time when more of your secrets are revealed to us. Amen.

Be Glad in the Lord

Scripture: Whatever happens, dear friends, be glad in the Lord. I never get tired of telling you this, and it is good for you to hear it again and again. Philippians 3:1

Observation: From this statement, Paul goes on to talk about how salvation comes from only faith in Jesus, and not from the legal compliance that the Jews and some Jewish teachers promote. However, this one sentence summarizes the proper relationship with the Lord ... be glad in him, whatever happens! Believers should be ...

-- Glad in the promise of salvation

-- Glad in the ease of obtaining that promise, by faith alone

-- Glad in the blessings of our daily lives

-- Glad in the love of God

-- Glad in the fellowship of other believers

-- Glad in times of strife for we remember the goodness of God

-- Glad in our mistakes for we have forgiveness through Jesus' sacrifice

-- Glad in the beauty of the world and our ability to enjoy it

-- Glad that our value is not tied to material things

-- Glad in the joy we get from family, friends, and other things provided by God

-- Glad that the Lord is ALWAYS in control

Application: I have lately been frustrated and angry by the world ... by the situation surrounding the pandemic, the US election, and every element of society that is nothing but terrible news and angry yelling. I even yelled angrily at God yesterday when, for about the 10th time in less than five minutes, I saw a person alone in their car wearing a mask. I wondered why in the world God won't just address this issue, and remove the crazy and irrational fear that is hurting so many people.

I don't know the long-term results of all this, but I know my response to it. I will be glad in the Lord! I choose joy, gladness, comfort, amazement, and thankfulness as my attitudes. Maybe I don't get to understand, and I don't get to change anything, and I can't do everything and go everywhere I once could, but ... I can be glad in the Lord, whatever happens.

I wish to hear those words again and again.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for answering my prayer so wonderfully. It is true that you are my Lord, my God, my father, and my authority. But you are also my joy, my happiness, my hope, my wonderful experience. I seek your face, not to wonder or complain, but to celebrate, enjoy, and worship. Amen.

What 'Freedom' Looks Like

Scripture: O my people, listen to the words of God: Have I been unjust to Israel? Have I been to them a land of darkness and of evil? Why then do my people say, "At last we are free from God; we won’t have anything to do with him again!" Jeremiah 2:31

Observation: Jeremiah, prophesizing in the time after the defeat of the northern kingdom of Israel bug while Judah has been spared, calls out these questions from God. Has he been unjust to destroy them? Was he evil toward them? No, it is already established they were destroyed because they rejected God first. So then he asks ... why do people continue to seek a condition where they are "free from God"? Why do the exiled Israelites, and the spared Judahites, continue to think that being left alone by God - ignoring his laws and thus living outside his promises - is a good thing?

This makes no sense, of course. God had cared for and protected the entire family of Israel for centuries. The kingdom then divided and the northern kingdom went into permanent rebellion against God, and he brought about his previously defined corrections - which they rejected - until the final act was exile. God is making it clear, however, these were not evil punishments, but rather they were chosen outcomes. The people chose "freedom" from God. The people chose to have nothing to do with Yahweh. It should be no surprise that the darkness of evil of the world is then what comes next.

Application: The world today rightly believes there exists both good and evil in the world. However, it errs in understanding where 'good' comes from. It believes there is a human-defined and human-managed 'good', if only we could manage the situation properly in order to reject evil. In this arrogance, we reject God's definition of good for our own.

Oh, that our nation would turn to the Lord! As more and more of our society declares their "freedom from God", we sink deeper into chaos and despair. Who has declared freedom from God? Everyone who fights ... church involvement in communities, public prayer, invocation of God's name at events, rules that uphold God's moral law, the sanctity of the traditional family, to name a few. Sure, they take up other causes that appear to place them on the side of 'good' ... social equity, environmental care ... but these would honestly be achieved as outcomes of biblical alignment.

We pray for revival. However, we also know that, some day, revival simply won't be an option. We can say we've ready the last page of the bible and know everything turns out well. However, we have also read the next-to-last page, and know that everything will get very, very, very dark first.

The United States boasts of freedom. It is nearing the point where it will boast of freedom from God. I pray for mercy on the faithful remnant.

Prayer: Lord, I know that, in our entire country, you have placed us in a specific region that is darker than most. My sight is clouded by this darkness. However, you are my light, my hope, my love, and my salvation. Please guide us in these times, and in this place. Amen.