Practical Advice for Fewer Problems

Scripture: Every new house must have a guardrail around the edge of the flat rooftop to prevent anyone from falling off and bringing guilt to both the house and its owner. Do not sow other crops in the rows of your vineyard. If you do, both the crops and the grapes shall be confiscated by the priests. Don’t plow with an ox and a donkey harnessed together. Don’t wear clothing woven from two kinds of thread: for instance, wool and linen. Deuteronomy 22:8-11

Observation: Intermixed into the middle of other laws - laws about proper dress, virginity, and the honest care of property - are these items. These have nothing to do with morality. Rooftops are used as outdoor living space, so make them so people won't fall off. Intermixing crops, especially vineyards, ruins both crops. If you strap two different size and strength animals to a plow, it won't work. If you sew clothing with a different material, it will actually damage the entire garment due to differing shrinkage and wear.

So ... don't do these things ... so sayeth the Lord!

God is just giving fatherly wisdom. He is teaching us how to live a life with fewer problems. In some cases like these verses, that teaching is clearly practical. Other times, it takes the form of laws, regulations, and moral constraints ... and these may look harsh, involving legal judgments and death-sentence punishments ... but they are still fatherly wisdom, given to teach us how to live life with fewer problems.

Application: How much improved my life would be if I was more obedient to the laws, precepts, and guidance of the Lord. So much of the sadness I carry with me stems from failures in the past, and the sadness is not that I sinned, but just in the memory of resulting pain I experienced as a result.

From topics like the proper way to construct clothing, to premarital sex, God has given advice ... that I have failed to observe too much in life. Even today I know I will do something opposed to his teaching and his wisdom. Yes, part of this is that I am a lesser being with lesser understanding. Yes, part of this is that I am a prideful person who fails to seek advice. Yes, part of this is that I am a fallen human in need of grace and salvation.

However, I can look to God more and more for direction. I can lean into his teaching and his word, and meditate on it day and night. I can move closer to Jesus through frequent prayer and praise. I desire fewer problems, so I will strive to observe my father's good advice.

Prayer: Abba, you are so great and wise. May your kingdom come here on earth, and may I help to make that so by living in a manner that better aligns to your good advice. You love me so much, you took the time to teach me. Thank you. Amen.

Comfort the Past is Past

Scripture: Never convict anyone on the testimony of one witness. There must be at least two, and three is even better. Deuteronomy 19:15

Observation: As Moses walks through the laws about judgment, this is the guidance about witnesses.  One is not enough ever. Regardless of the seriousness of the accusation, and regardless of the later discussion about the honesty of any witness, Moses is clear that 'never' is anyone to be convicted if only one witness gives testimony.

Application: I still get angry about the circumstances of my prior job. It is in passages like this that the Lord reminds me of how wrong it was ... understanding that the actions were clearly contradictory to God's wise laws, and comforting to know that he will judge others for this one day. However, I still get angry about the situation far too often.

I truly need to surrender my anger to the Lord. It does me no good, except to remind me how shallow and petty I am, and thus how much I need the Holy Spirit to soften my heart in order to love others well. Today again, God reminds me that what happened was far outside of his instruction and wisdom for mankind. This means I should leave it behind, just as I would leave behind anything that is not good, pure, holy, honorable, true, or loving.

Prayer: Lord, today I ask for your Holy Spirit to help me put the past even further in my past, and aid me in purging it from my thoughts. May I live only for your kingdom, your will, and your purposes. Amen.

Those who Reject the Party

Scripture: Hearing this, a man sitting at the table with Jesus exclaimed, "What a privilege it would be to get into the Kingdom of God!" Jesus replied with this illustration: "A man prepared a great feast and sent out many invitations. When all was ready, he sent his servant around to notify the guests that it was time for them to arrive. But they all began making excuses ..." Luke 14:15-18a

Observation: In this parable, Jesus goes on to tell of how the rich man, angry that his invited guests will not come to the feast, sends out servants to invite anyone and everyone to the glorious party. They invite the weak, homeless, destitute, cripples, hidden, lost, ignorant ... literally anyone they can find. The point of the parable is that the invited people - the friends of the rich man ... aka the Jews - actually refuse to attend this extravagant party and make many meaningless excuses for NOT attending, and thus the rich man (God) invites the outcast (gentiles) to the party (heaven).

However, it is interesting to see the context of the parable, that being the exclamation of the person saying "what a privilege it would be be get into the Kingdom of God!" This man openly declares it would be great to get into heaven, and Jesus responds by pointing out that, for the pretext of relatively meaningless personal reasons, so many people who are invited into the the Kingdom of God will actually reject the invite.

People are told "come and enjoy a blissful eternity with the Lord, and all you have to do is show up," where 'showing up' involves believing in Jesus ... and instead they will say "no thanks, I would rather keep my head down and do my daily work here on earth until I die, ignoring God."

Application: I have witnessed this happen. I have seen people told "you can have a great life, and an eternal life of joy," and the listener responds "no thanks, that sounds stupid, and I know how the world works so I'll take care of myself." I was once that person, having actively decided that I had figured out how the world worked and didn't need to rich friend, or his party, and that maybe the friend didn't even exist in the first place so going to his party would make me a public fool.

The invited guests in the parable are doing just that, taking care of their earthly lives, too busy to ... you know ... attend an awesome, joyous party!

I must first ensure that I, personally, recognize that life with the Lord, and faith in Jesus, is in fact an awesome party, and that I am never, ever too busy in my daily life to miss out on that joy.

And I must find better ways of inviting others to the party. I would like to find ways of inviting them in a manner that they would be willing to set aside their earthly cares and check out the wonderful feast they are missing. If they refuse, I must also be willing to move on and invite others, those who are further away or less knowledgeable, in ever-expanding circles.

May will fill God's house!

Prayer: Lord, as we look to see whose hearts may have been stirred during the last year of struggles, may all your servants seek those to invite to your kingdom. We know of your joy, and of your great blessings. May be make the invitation to enjoy these same blessings known to more and more people. Amen.

Here in the Father's House

What looks to me like weakness is a canvas for your strength ... failure won't define me, cause that's what my father does!

Self-Sufficiency's Trap

Scripture: He fed you with manna in the wilderness (it was a kind of bread unknown before) so that you would become humble and so that your trust in him would grow, and he could do you good. He did it so that you would never feel that it was your own power and might that made you wealthy. Deuteronomy 8:16-17

Observation: As Moses warns Israel about obeying the Lord's commands, he also points out the things that can cause them to stumble. Becoming rich, and especially attributing that richness to their own abilities, is one of the primary issues. He uses the example of manna from heaven, and water from the rocks, to show them that they are powerless to even provide their own essentials without God, but he himself can give them all they need.

Application: Last night, we discussed a man who has rejected Jesus because he himself is fully self-sufficient. He is intelligent and skillful, and these traits have made him rich. He therefore has declared there is no God because he himself is proof that no one needs God. That said, in describing his personality and life, it seems he could best be described as an angry, lonely, lustful, friendless alcoholic.

Satan uses self-sufficiency to drive people away from Jesus. Moses pointed this out. The enemy will even give people great worldly things - wealth, knowledge, skills - as a means of creating the perception of self-sufficiency. I know I am furthest from God whenever I think about doing things for myself, or get proud of how well I am doing. I know I am falling into satan's trap whenever I think about what I have accomplished, or the successes I have had.

Self-sufficiency is the ultimate act of pride, and the definitive wedge between me and God. I am blessed that my false perception of my abilities have been damaged, and I can now be reminded that I need God and rely upon his blessing for my daily living. Even in a land of plenty, I know it is not by my hand and my deeds that I have anything, for the Lord himself gave me my hands and my life in this place and time.

Prayer: Lord, this day, I ask for your wisdom, your guidance, and your good gifts to provide for me and my family. I receive only what you provide, this day and every day, for I am insufficient without you. Thank you for your love. Amen.

There is No Neutrality

Scripture: Anyone who is not for me is against me; if he isn’t helping me, he is hurting my cause. Luke 11:23

Observation: As Jesus is talking about the issues of this generation - pointing out how many in the past sought the Lord but now they ignore Messiah - he pronounces a very black-and-white statement about faith. People either are "for" Jesus, or not, and if not then they are against him. There is no neutral position of ambivalence or indecision.

Application: Today, we have so many distinctions for classifying non-believers. They may be seekers, unchurched, de-churched, agnostic, atheist, spiritualists, or any other type of person who may or may not believe in any number of things that are not the faith of Jesus Christ as Messiah ... including actively believing in nothing. We use these descriptions as if some are better. We pretend someone who isn't certain is better than someone who actively attacks the church.

This is not Jesus' perspective, and his perspective isn't grounded in how easy it is to discuss matters of faith, but rather it is focused on salvation. There are those who have placed their faith in Jesus and thus serve in a manner to advance the Kingdom of God, and there are those who ... have not placed their faith in Jesus, and thus anything and everything they do is working against the Kingdom of God.

As we discuss Jesus at Alpha - and other venues - may we remember this. Those who are there may be close to making a different decision, but they are completely 100 percent on the wrong side of the fence at that moment and until they make that different decision. Let us not consider them with less urgency, but with more.

Prayer: Lord, I pray for everyone currently at Alpha who has not yet made a decision to flow Jesus. May that change over the next three weeks. For your kingdom, and for their salvation. Amen.

Not Trying Very Hard

Scripture: When reports of Jesus’ miracles reached Herod, the governor, he was worried and puzzled, for some were saying, “This is John the Baptist come back to life again.”... “I beheaded John,” Herod said, “so who is this man about whom I hear such strange stories?” And he tried to see him. Luke 9:7,9

Observation: Herod is curious about Jesus and giving him considered thought as he hears rumors of his actions. "Worried and puzzled" implies that he is actively thinking about him and trying to figure him out, and the question he presents to himself is "so who is this man?". He knows he is not John the Baptist returned, and doubts he is some other prophet. So Herod actively wonders about Jesus, but then also "tried to see him."

Well, he did not try to see him very hard, for he did not do so until the night of Jesus arrest, and even then it was only because Pilot sent Jesus to Herod. Jesus is openly walking around Judea. Thousands of people see Jesus daily! All kinds of people simply walk up to Jesus and talk to him, touch him, and sit in other's homes to listen to him. Common people and religious leaders invite him to dinner, and he comes. Yet Herod, the king of Judea, "tries" to Jesus but never does. Again, he certainly didn't try very hard, because it clearly wasn't that difficult.

Application: I have met people like this ... those who are on the fence about belief, and when asked about their beliefs may talk about how they believe there is 'a god' or even God himself, but they don't understand him, and certainly don't understand the role and purpose of Jesus. They actively search for some answers to their questions about God on the internet from time to time, but they have never gone to church or read the bible. They seem curious about matters such as eternity and afterlife and spirituality, and even think that perhaps the idea of God is the most logical ... and they want to figure out more ... but they never go out to see Jesus.

Herod claimed to be actively curious about Jesus, but he wouldn't even leave his house to go see a man who was literally walking around every day. Similarly, there are those who are curious about the meaning and purpose of life, but they are only curious on a level that aligns to their own lives and the means by which they seek knowledge.

This is the difference between those who wonder about matters of faith, and we who have a relationship with the Lord through Jesus ... we have met Jesus. And this is in fact our mission, not to communicate about the concepts and actions of Jesus, but to get these people to leave their homes and just go meet Jesus.

Prayer: Lord, I pray for friends, acquaintances, and strangers who have never simply tried to meet you. I hope that they become curious enough to simply come and see Jesus, and learn what you are about not by their own thought process, but by an experience of meeting you. Amen.

Another Way of Saying 'Come'

Scripture: I said to myself, I’m going to quit complaining! I’ll keep quiet, especially when the ungodly are around me. But as I stood there silently the turmoil within me grew to the bursting point. The more I mused, the hotter the fires inside. Then at last I spoke and pled with God: Lord, help me to realize how brief my time on earth will be. Help me to know that I am here for but a moment more. Psalm 39:1-4

Observation: The psalmist is faced with a noble goal, but with a difficult task. The goal is to simply ... be kind to others by not saying anything against them or that would insult them. So he decides he will be quiet and not speak. However, this becomes difficult as ungodly fools - unbelievers and blasphemers - continue to talk all around him, and he is unable to respond in any way that would be positive or constructive.

When his frustration reaches the breaking point, he avoids lashing out at the unbelievers. Instead, the makes a plea to God himself ... asking for his own life to be short so he does not need to endure this much longer. He longs to know that his time contending with the godless will soon end.

Application: This psalmist expresses a situation identical to our circumstances. The godless are all around. They proudly pronounce falsehoods, blasphemies, and attacks on God, declaring them as love and truth and enlightened wisdom. The church seeks to follow Jesus, and love them with compassion, hoping for their understanding and changed hearts. The best among us to this without debate or confrontation, choosing to never respond or even speak to the matter, but attempting to simply act as Jesus would.

But ... please come, Lord Jesus! How much longer must we contend with the ways of this world? I seek comfort in knowing this will not last forever. Either I will die and go to you, or you will return and proclaim your victory. Any time now is just fine with me.

I will love others. I will endure their attacks upon you and your truth, while also trying to show them that you in fact love them and desire for them to know you. I will not respond haughtily. I will try not to offend with my words.

But thankfully, not forever.

Prayer: Come, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Striving to Not be Thorny

Scripture: The seed among the thorns represents those who listen and believe God’s words but whose faith afterwards is choked out by worry and riches and the responsibilities and pleasures of life. And so they are never able to help anyone else to believe the Good News. Luke 8:14

Observation: The parable of sowing the seed is well understood, as Jesus himself breaks down the 'issues' involving four kinds of soil. The path involves those who reject Jesus; The rocks are those who listen but ultimately turn away from faith; The thorns are believers however they allow the world to overmatch their faith; The good soil are believers who live a Christian life.

Every Christian would say they want to be "good soil". However, many are thorns. Within the current situations, the worry of life overwhelms them ... in the modern US, their work in pursuit of riches becomes their life's mission ... in hectic modern times, secular responsibilities pervade everything ... in a world with so much at our fingertips, earthly pleasures actively vie for attention. We are at the point where the belief described as thorny soil is closer to the Christian norm.

Application: I am fearful that I may again become thorny soil as I once was. I spend days focused on my work, and I often lose sight of the fact that the good things of this world are blessing from God, and not simply the results of my work. I enjoy earthly pursuits, and while I know the enjoyment is not wrong, the attitude by which I pursue them - through my own work and worry and pride - is a real problem.

Jesus is clear that, if I continue in this vein, my influence in the kingdom will be nothing ... I will never be able to help others believe in Jesus. However, if I openly live my life with the right understanding that Jesus is my savior - and not just that understanding, but exhibiting it to others - I will have a role in God's plan. It is for this attitude I strive. I don't want to be thorny.

Prayer: Lord, again today I ask, please give the heart to exhibit your love to others today, not just in overt ways, but in every thought and attitude and action I take. I know my earthly work is only a means to position me to do your will. I know my success is a lie, and anything I have is yours alone, and you have graciously allowed me to enjoy it for a time. May I be good soil, multiplying your good news to others. Amen.

Four Attitudes of Evil

Scripture: If anyone respects and fears God, he will hate evil. For wisdom hates pride, arrogance, corruption, and deceit of every kind. Proverbs 8:13

Observation: Wisdom makes this very clear parallel between evil and four personal traits - pride, arrogance, corruption, and deceit. Anyone who respects and fears God hates evil, and as a result it is these four traits that God-fearing believers must avoid.

Application: When I sin, I would call these four items my defining thoughts. I arrogantly believe I can do what I wish, take pride in my rights, and create subterfuge and lies to hide my thoughts and actions.

I hate my sinful life, and I truly wish I could repent of it. Yes, I understand all sin, and all fall short, and it is in that weakness that my need for Jesus is most real. However, here God teaches a starting point for avoiding sin ... eliminating pride, arrogance, corruption, and deceit, even in their most basic and minor forms. If I were to do that, I would go a long way toward understanding how to eliminate evil sin from my life.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for this information, as I have been praying for repentance. This shows me a path. Thank you for your love and guidance and wisdom. Amen.

When 'Rejoice' is a Command

Scripture: What happiness it is when others hate you and exclude you and insult you and smear your name because you are mine! When that happens, rejoice! Yes, leap for joy! For you will have a great reward awaiting you in heaven. And you will be in good company—the ancient prophets were treated that way too! Luke 6:22-23

Observation: In this version of the beatitudes, Jesus declares that those who are persecuted for their faith in Jesus should ... rejoice! Those who are insulted and have their reputations attacked should even celebrate, because this is just like how God's prophets have always been treated, and surely there will be great reward in heaven.

Application: In the past, my reputation at work has been actively attacked, and I can knowingly state that the attackers knew I was a Christian, and they themselves very much are not. When the worst of this happened, my wife received a very strong one-word commanded from God ... rejoice!

Recently, my wife's reputation has been publicly attacked. Jesus knew this would happen to his believers. This wouldn't be something that happened just to one or two of them, or that may fly under the radar or just be brushed aside. Jesus knew that those who openly believe in him as the Messiah and son of God would have their personal and professional reputations actively and aggressively attacked. They would be hated, excluded, insulted, and besmeared. And our response is to be ... rejoice!

This isn't just a conceptual response to this form of attack. This is a command. As much as any other teaching or instruction of Jesus, rejoicing in the face of personal attack is a command to believers.

I know my wife and I have been attacked. I know we will be attacked again. I am thrilled that, in some very small way, this places us in the company of the prophets and apostles. And I will rejoice.

Prayer: Lord, I praise you and your greatness today and every day. You have uplifted me and my family in your mighty hands. I do not seek more conflict and hatred and insults in my life, but I rejoice that I am identified as yours even by those who don't believe in you. Amen.

Must I Solve Problems?

Scripture: Then Moses and Aaron summoned the people to come and gather at the rock; and he said to them, “Listen, you rebels! Must we bring you water from this rock?” Then Moses lifted the rod and struck the rock twice, and water gushed out; and the people and their cattle drank. Numbers 20:10-11

Observation: Over and over again, when the Israelites complained about their circumstances, the Lord told Moses what to do and provided for them. Moses is sick and tired of their lack of faith! Having been instructed what to do to bring forth water, Moses proceeds. However, he does so in his own way. He calls the Israelites "rebels", strikes the rock instead of speaking to it, and - worst of all - takes credit ... indicating 'we' (he and Aaron) must do this for them. It is for this act that Moses will be punished by not being allowed to enter the promised land.

Application: Every day - EVERY day - I strive to solve my own problems. I think about what I need to do, how I need to think, how I should act, what I must say. Every time I am presented with a challenge, I think about what to do. I rarely turn to God, and I certainly don't listen to his instructions instead of my own.

Moses did in fact turn to God, and usually followed his exact instructions. This time he didn't and it cost him. He probably could have gotten away with striking the rock instead of just talking to it, but taking credit was certainly the major issue.

When I solve my own challenges, I am doing the same thing. I am taking credit ... I am declaring myself to be sufficient for the task, and showing others by either word or deed that I am good and smart and strong.

I have realized more and more than I need to take my everyday life to the Lord in prayer and seek his will. Failing to do so isn't just about falling short of a relationship with God, and it isn't just about missing the mark and struggling when God may have an easier path. It is about rebellion. When I act on my own, I rebel against the Lord by removing the opportunity to have him honored, and instead seeking the honor (or even just the attention) for myself.

Not only do I not need to solve my own problems, I must not do so.

Prayer: Lord, I desire to bring to you more and more my daily life. I do not want honor or glory outside of anything I may do that brings honor to you. May there be less of me in my life. Amen.

God Waves His Rights

Scripture: So everything that is dedicated to the Lord shall be yours, including the firstborn sons of the people of Israel, and the firstborn of their animals. However, you may never accept the firstborn sons, nor the firstborn of any animals that I do not permit for food. Instead, there must be a payment of two and a half dollars made for each firstborn child. It is to be brought when he is one month old. Numbers 18:14-16

Observation: As the Lord defines who received the tithes of the people and how they are to be handled, he clarifies the dedication of the firstborn. This law applies to sons. Originally, the firstborn sons were redeemed by claiming Levi as the tribe in service to the Lord. Going forward, firstborn sons of all of Israel do indeed belong to the Lord, however they Lord says they are never to be accepted ... instead they are redeemed through a payment. 

In this way, God continues to reveal both his supremacy among people, and his loving understanding of people. God has the authority to claim even our firstborn children. However, he has the love to not do so, and in fact to make it a law that the future priesthood must never do so. God can do whatever he likes to his creation and to his people, and what he decides to do is love us, care for us, and provide for us, even to the point of surrendering his own rights.

Application: God has already done everything for me by sacrificing his son for my life. However, I know he would do anything else I need. It is too amazing of a thought to even consider that the creator of the universe would do something for me, yet he does every day, even when it comes at a cost to him.

As a firstborn son, and a sinner, I cannot even comprehend how my life should be if not for God's love and mercy.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for your love. It is by your grace that I was not dedicated to you at my birth, but I am dedicated to you now by my choice, as a freewill response to your love, kindness, goodness, greatness, and mercy. May I be used this day and every day to serve others in your name. Amen.

Time to Stop the Anger

Scripture: Rest in the Lord; wait patiently for him to act. Don’t be envious of evil men who prosper. Stop your anger! Turn off your wrath. Don’t fret and worry—it only leads to harm. Psalm 37:7-8

Observation: Hard times are brought upon everyone - even believers, and even King David - by wicked men. However, when the Lord delivers his believers from those attacks, we may rest and wait for the Lord to also take correction on those people. Moreover, we are not to remain angry, envious, or even to think upon those people. This thought life only harms us.

Application: While Psalm 37:3-6 has special meaning to me, it is these next two verses that speak to my heart today.

Too often I sit around in my thoughts, and grow angry at those who have wronged me in the past. I daydream of seeing their downfall, or vindicating myself with my words, or giving them correction for their wrong thinking and actions. I revisit my past anger, and re-experience frustration.

In this, I only harm myself, for the Lord has already provided for me. God has given me blessing, refuge, and deliverance, and I choose to instead mentally return to the harm. I need to stop my anger, turn off my wrath, not worry or fret, and simply have patient calm and rest in my life. The Lord has already given this to me ... I need only receive it and live into his peace and purpose for my life.

Prayer: Lord, I know the great things you have done for me, and the blessings you have given to me and my family. Please now aid me in my thoughts. Help me to turn away from this old anger, and to accept a life where I live into your peace, your Shalom, and your love. I wish to focus on you and your future good work for me, and not on a meaningless past that only brings me negative emotions. Please change my heart. Amen.

When Lies Oppose the Lord

Scripture: So the majority report of the spies was negative: "The land is full of warriors, the people are powerfully built, and we saw some of the Anakim there, descendants of the ancient race of giants. We felt like grasshoppers before them, they were so tall!" Numbers 13:32-33

Observation: The spies return from the promised land and give their report. Of the land, they declare it to be great, truly blessed with abundance. However, most are afraid of the residents. Ten of the spies talk about how all the nations there already possess the land. They report on the Amalekites, Hittites, Jebusites, Amorites, and Canaanites, and tell of their fortified cities. While certainly all the the people should have by now understood how the Lord would protect them in opposing these people, these reports from the spies are in fact true and accurate.

But then ... there's the Anakim. The spies declare there are mythical giants in the land, even going into hyperbole about how they felt 'like grasshoppers before them'. They take the lie beyond even a reasonable exaggeration, making it absurd. It is by this wild lie they convince the people to rebel against the Lord.

Everything that was true about the promised land - the quality of the land, and the existence of the other nations ... the good and the bad - the Lord had in fact already told them. Everything the Lord had not told them, was in fact a falsehood. And it is by the new lies that the people are deceived, tossed into a state of fear, and thus reject the Lord's instructions.

Application: How true is it today, as churches are ready to fully re-open after the pandemic, that every fear and worry about how to do so is ... a lie?  I would go as far as to say that everything that has been said for the past year that would generate fear in the hearts of believers about faithful gathering and worship has been lies, declared to mislead believers and his Church, which is now farther from the Lord than ever before.

That isn't to say everything about the disease is a lie. There is truth ... there is a disease, there are precautions to take, there is a need to proceed with safety in mind ... just as the spies truthfully reported that nations with fortified cities would oppose Israel. However, obediently proceeding in faith was called for then, and it is called for now.

We know the lies we are being told, for we know the "government instructions" that stand in direct opposition to the truths of the Lord. Such instructions are in fact the definition of evil lies. We had better not turn back now.

Prayer: Lord, it is time for your Church to proceed, stronger than before, and guided by your loving and powerful hand. May we serve you as Caleb would have, shrugging off the obvious lies. Amen.

Finding that Special Blessing

Scripture: "May the Lord bless and protect you; may the Lord’s face radiate with joy because of you; may he be gracious to you, show you his favor, and give you his peace." This is how Aaron and his sons shall call down my blessings upon the people of Israel; and I myself will personally bless them. Numbers 6:25-27

Observation: Moses is told to teach Aaron and the future priests this pronouncement, as a special blessing upon the nation of Israel. There are six elements:

-- Blessing

-- Protection

-- Joy

-- Grace

-- Favor

-- Peace

Five of these are for Israel ... for them to receive all they need, be kept safe from everything both natural and of men, and receive special attention from the Lord. However, one of these is related to the Lord ... his face radiating with joy because of his people. This seems different. It is not a one-way transaction from God to the people, but rather it is an element of their two-way relationship. This is interactive and responsive. It is about the Lord seeing the people, and smiling because of them with a joy that certainly radiates back to them.

In seeking the Lord with this blessing, then, there is acknowledgment that God's people desire his loving gifts, however there is also a wish that our interaction with the Lord creates a joy that permeates the relationship.

Application: I often ask the Lord for blessing ... protection, favor, peace, and grace. I don't think I have ever asked him to beam with happiness over me, or laugh at my little behaviors, or smile upon my work dedicated to him. Yet in this special blessing, this is the interactive relationship to be sought, one in which joy is created out of God's perception of me.

I would love some of God's radiant joy! So I should be seeking an interaction in which he finds joy in me.

Prayer: Lord, may I this day pursue the work and activities in which you find enjoyment. As a child loves the approving smile of a father, so I would love to create some joy between us this day and every day. In assigned work, daily thoughts, or simple service, may I please you. Amen.

Restored to More than Before

Scripture: Then his father, Zacharias, was filled with the Holy Spirit and gave this prophecy ... And you, my little son, shall be called the prophet of the glorious God, for you will prepare the way for the Messiah. You will tell his people how to find salvation through forgiveness of their sins. Luke 1:67,76-77

Observation: Zacharias had been struck mute for nine months due to his doubt of the Lord, yet upon declaring his son's name to be John - and thus proving his faith - he is restored. He immediately is "filled with the Holy Spirit" and prophesizes, rightly declaring his son will be the prophet who makes way for Messiah, and even defining his ministry ... helping people find salvation through forgiveness of sins, aka baptism.

Zacharias had shown a lack of faith, and was tested for it. When he emerged, he was more than restored. He was introduced to God in a new way, filled with the Holy Spirit, able to declare prophesy himself, and even pronouncing the grand long-term mission of his 8 day old son. Zacharias had been a priest. Now, he is a prophet and father of God's own prophet, with a new experience of the Lord. By faith, he is even more than he had been.

Application: This is how the Lord restores those who have gone through trials ... they are even more than they were before! Their faith is greater, their mission bigger, their understanding deeper, their experiences grander, their love more complete.

My trials have taught me how to reassess my life's mission and priorities in a new way. During my greatest trial, I truly heard God's voice for the first time. I am still flawed, and I still struggle, and I still will never be 'great' in the kingdom of God, but I am much more now in the kingdom of God, and in my walk with the Lord, than I was three years ago.

Prayer: Lord, I know that, just like Zacharias, you restored me in a way that made me more in faith than I was before. I thank you for your amazing love, that works great wonders even in the hardest moments of life. Your love truly reaches to the heavens. Amen.

Understanding Profound Promise

Scripture: And how he has helped his servant Israel! He has not forgotten his promise to be merciful. For he promised our fathers—Abraham and his children—to be merciful to them forever. Luke 1:54-55

Observation: As Mary and Elizabeth meet and wonder about the greatness of the child Mary is carrying, this is part of Mary's own understanding. She has been told the child is the Messiah, and she knows that to be part of the very promise made to Abraham ~1,800 years prior. Mary understands that part of the promise to Abraham was protection and mercy for his nation, and she understands that part of the promise of Messiah is mercy for all people. She therefore understands the magnitude and importance of the events surrounding her.

Application: Even God's smallest promises can become life-changing when we accept and understand them. I have struggled with that ... understanding God's promises and recognizing how they may apply to me. I have more and more become aware of promises associated with protection and daily blessing, but not the promises that may apply to narratives in life.

Perhaps it is my literary background that sees people in the bible as actual people, and thus promises made to them as direct and personal promises just for them, not applicable to a broad category of believers. I now see that, to understand this, it helps to see the promises in the Old Testament, then listen to how the coming of Jesus profoundly renews those promises to all believers.

Mary understood the promise to Abraham ... for God to be merciful. She now knows Messiah will create a scenario where that mercy continues to all, including the adopted children of Abraham now incorporated by faith. I will likewise continue my quest to learn how God's great promises apply to my life.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for your blessing, your love, your mercy. Please do give us this day our daily bread, as you have said you will. May I continue to seek and claim those promises you have for my life and for the life of my family, and then to align my thoughts and actions to your perfect plan. Amen.

Seriousness of Cursing Yahweh

Scripture: During the fight the Egyptian man’s son cursed God, and was brought to Moses for judgment. (His mother’s name was Shelomith, daughter of Dibri of the tribe of Dan.) He was put in jail until the Lord would indicate what to do with him. And the Lord said to Moses, "Take him outside the camp and tell all who heard him to lay their hands upon his head; then all the people are to execute him by stoning." Leviticus 24:11-14

Observation: As Moses has gone through the laws given by the Lord, most of them have to do with actions committed by Israelites - the priestly chosen people of God - against others, and resulting punishments. These include disrespect to other people, sexual immorality, and violence.

In this section however, we see a sentence against a foreigner - a young man whose father is Egyptian and mother is of the tribe of Dan - who curses God during a fight with an Israelite. Thus we see that this law is not just about how Israelites behave, but about everyone's relationship with the Lord. Cursing the Lord by anyone means death.

Application: While there are questions about "the unforgivable sin" of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit - and I would wonder if that's effectively what happened here - the fact of the matter is that someone who hold true animosity against the Lord ... will die. This is the basis of all faith in Jesus Christ, that by faith in Jesus and thus by extension belief in and love for the Lord, we have eternal life, but by rejecting the Lord we are left to die.

I know people who adamantly, aggressively, and rudely reject the Lord, to the point that they would declare themselves and personally opposed to the Lord in a confrontational manner. Others I know have actively declared there is no such thing as God. They are under a death sentence, being held in a prison awaiting execution.

The Egyptian man had no means to restoration. However, people today do. I wish we could get them to seek the truth.

Prayer: Lord, may we continue to tell others your good news. It is a serious offense committed by those who actively oppose you. May we find a way to change their hearts. Amen.

Modeling Righteous Defense

Scripture: Then the chief priests accused him of many crimes, and Pilate asked him, “Why don’t you say something? What about all these charges against you?” But Jesus said no more, much to Pilate’s amazement. Mark 15:3-5

Observation: Jesus answered one question before Pilate ... when asked if he was the "king of the Jews", he answered yes. However, for every charge stated against him, Jesus doesn't answer, and doesn't even explain to Pilate why he won't respond. Pilate is amazed by this - that Jesus could have so much self control that he would remain silent in the face of legal and character attack - and eventually determines Jesus is in fact innocent partly because of his control.

In this way, Jesus models faith in the fact that only God can judge his heart, his character, his motives, and his sins. He has no reason to answer earthly accusations, because God knows he truth. The only question he answers - is he Messiah? - is in fact a heavenly question, based on God's promises. Otherwise, human questions that attack his righteousness before God have no reason to be answered.

Application: I have stood falsely accused in life, and chosen not to answer. This week my wife was very falsely accused of an act, and did not answer. And I can guaranteed that, for both of us, circumstances will arise again whereby someone with evil intent accuses us of issues, and we will again have to find the strength to not respond, but instead surrender our judgment to the Lord with confidence in heavenly - but perhaps not earthly - outcomes.

Jesus should show us all that engaging in a defense of accusations, brought by earthly motives and lying actors, are to be ignored. It may even come to pass that unbelieving humans take actions based on such accusations that cost us in earthly terms ... even unto death for Jesus himself ... but that is no reason to engaged. God will defend us, and he will defend us in a manner that is important in his kingdom, and in eternity, which is far more important than earthly status, reputation, or even life.

Prayer: Lord, as the psalmist said today, I publicly declare that you will always rescue us. My faith is only in you, and not in any earthly construct. I love you, my Lord and my God and my Savior. Amen.

Why We Don't Seek Vengeance

Scripture: Don’t seek vengeance. Don’t bear a grudge; but love your neighbor as yourself, for I am Jehovah. Leviticus 19:18

Observation: As the Lord continues to list those elements Israel must not do - some repeated or reinforced from before, others as clarification, and some new - he specifically says "don't seek vengeance". In other places, there is clarification about how judgment retribution belong to the Lord, but not so here. Instead, the statement is simple - don't seek vengeance - and the reason is just as simple ... for Yahweh says so.

In this chapter, 13 times the Lord declares that the entire reason for the laws is that ... he is Yahweh. When the Lord tells you something, that is what you do. There does not need to be a reason. He says to not seek vengeance and don't bear a grudge, but rather love everyone, and that's the end of the debate on that topic.

Application: I have often said this myself, that I will never seek vengeance on those who have wronged me. Yet often I think of what that would look like. This week, I have considered what it would look like to speak against those who publicly wronged my wife, and how my "righteous anger" may manifest.

But clearly, now is the time for surrender to the Lord. This isn't just a matter of not doing something, but I must totally dismiss the idea. I must not even bear the grudge. And this I must do for no reason at all except for the fact the Lord says so. That isn't even about wishing for his judgment in the situation(s), but rather simply ... forgetting about it entirely.

The "why" us less obvious, but it's stated ... we would hate if every mistake we ever made were revisited upon us, so we must love others just as we love ourselves, and simply forget these attacks and insults and lies. Because the Lord says so.

Prayer: Lord, may we surrender our anger to you, because you tell us to. Amen.

When Good is Declared Evil

Scripture: Don’t disgrace me, Lord, by not replying when I call to you for aid. But let the wicked be shamed by what they trust in; let them lie silently in their graves, their lying lips quieted at last—the lips of these arrogant men who are accusing honest men of evil deeds. Psalm 31:17-18

Observation: The believer, calling on the Lord for protection from and validation against wicked non-believers, further calls on the Lord to take action against those enemies. He asks explicitly that they be "shamed by what the trust in", and further aligns those things they trust in as expressed by their lying spoken words. The ultimate way to 'shame' them is in death ... the place where their lies will be permanently silent, and they will no longer be able to accuse honest men of evil.

In other words, this ask of the Lord breaks down as follows:

-- Protect believers against the lies of the wicked.

-- Those lies involve declaring as good their own deeds.

-- In that same way, this means the opposite acts of honest men are declared as evil deeds.

-- The ultimate shame brought by God upon the wicked is the finality of their death.

Application: I am once again today reminded of how many aspects of our current society are evil in the eyes of the Lord, yet society is declaring them as 'good' and castigating those who would be opposed to those ideals. From drug use, to confrontational protest, to sexual morality, to family structures ... the list goes on ... people convinced of their rightness - due to the fact they have determined they have no need for God - are declaring as good those things that are evil, and declaring as evil anyone who does not agree. They attack and hurt those who would prioritize God's guidance, and call it love and justice and correctness.

And I must remember ... I will never see, and have no part in, any corrective action in this. For most, only death will reveal their folly. For those who have wronged me, and who are now attacking those I would consider brothers and sisters in Christ, there will be no accounting in this world. However, the Lord will handle it, and I'm good with that.

Prayer: Lord, I see the evil, and I hear the wicked. Please reply to myself and all others that need your aid daily. Please don't disgrace us. Protect us daily, and comfort us in remembering the long-term victory. May our love for others, provided by the strength of the Holy Spirit, always overcome the hate of others. Amen.

One Month Later

We are feeling better. It's been maybe two weeks since I cried or seen my wife cry. And yet we still miss Sophia, especially in the evenings when our "family routines" included her as much as they included any one of the rest of us. She would welcome us home, jump on the couches to sit with us, tap me with her paw for attention, try to figure out how to be part of the dinner table gathering, 'herd' us upstairs when it got late, sometimes 'fight' me for my half of our bed, and finally settle in at my wife's feet.

I wish God had changed the outcome. I still pray about the future. But I hear him. Our daddy in heaven provides us with joy and comfort and help. While we enjoy many aspects of this created world, we rely on the creator, not the created, and on both his blessing and his wisdom.

We are feeling better. But I'm crying again anyway.

An Answer vs. The Truth

Scripture: God was telling Moses that these men, though dead for hundreds of years, were still very much alive, for he would not have said, ‘I am the God’ of those who don’t exist! You have made a serious error. Mark 12:27

Observation: As the religious leaders continue to attempt to trap Jesus with questions, Jesus answers in ways that confound their efforts. However, he goes beyond the answer to reveal a truth.

In the case of the Sadducees who ask a question about marriage, he first answers them by stating their is no marriage in heaven. However, he then addresses an issue that was not part of the question, but rather is a truth about God and heaven ... that there is eternal life, as shown by the scriptures and the words of God himself. In the case of the 'spies' who ask about paying taxes to Rome, Jesus first answers them by simply stating they should give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar. But, he adds, give to God what belongs to God, thus again reinforcing a truth about God and our relationship with him as it pertains to the tithe and offerings.

Jesus isn't just willing to engage in a trick questions. He is willing to voluntarily address the faulty logic that resides at the core of the trick.

Application: In a modern society that is being ripped apart by trick questions, the Church needs to be prepared to express the truth about the faulty assumptions. The trick questions are everywhere ... about race relations, gender issues, sexual morality, wealth distribution, family structures, and so many other topics.

I cannot be wise enough to respond to any such conversations the way Jesus did. At least, I cannot be wise enough on my own. This is why prayer is so important as a way of opening my heart to the Holy Spirit, and thus surrendering my thoughts in such situations. Even a question about wearing masks in public today becomes a divisive topic, with the purpose of such a question being a challenge to a conflict, so every conversation needs to be surrendered so I can find a way of expressing God's truth, not just an answer.

Prayer: Lord, this day, may I rely only upon your truth and your word in how I interact with the world. Please give me the wisdom of the Holy Spirit as I interact with others, and soften my heart to every conversation can foster peace and love. Amen.

Accepting the Only Authority

Scripture: They talked it over among themselves. “If we reply that God sent him, then he will say, ‘All right, why didn’t you accept him?’ But if we say God didn’t send him, then the people will start a riot.” (For the people all believed strongly that John was a prophet.) Mark 11:31-32

Observation: When the chief priest and his entourage ask Jesus about the source of his authority for having cleansed the temple the prior day, he instead asks them a similar question about John the Baptist's authority. This is their thought process ... there are only two possible answers, "of God" or "none", and they would prefer not to vocalize either.

The irony of this is that their question of Jesus has the exact same two possible answers. Jesus could state his authority is of God, or he could state he had no authority, for he certainly wasn't operating under any earthly instructions from either priestly leaders or Roman rulers.

This, interestingly, is the model for determining all authority. In all cases, the authority to act comes from only two sources, either the Lord, or 'none', though as humans we have created earthly models for conferring authority in certain earthly circumstances. Even in the latter situation, we look to God to order the situation so that those in authority are in such positions by God's will. In this way, the question "by whose authority" is meaningless, for the answer must either be "God" or be completely invalid.

Application: In what circumstances do I accept authority in my life that is clearly no "of God"? In the last 12 months, that situation has skyrocketed for sure. The Lord desires safety, security, and comfort of others for sure, but he does not desire fear, anger, and isolation.

I am done accepting any authority that is not of God. That may still mean that certain societal restrictions are acceptable as they provide comfort and compassion to others, which is in fact in line with God's love. However, I will evaluate circumstances. I will as "by whose authority" and be warry of clearly invalid responses. And I will not exercise my own authority without the Lord.

Prayer: Lord, I sincerely pray that now is the time for this world to pass out of this situation, and for your kingdom values to re-emerge. May we love others, but also love you all the more. Darkness has had its time, and it is now time for the light of Jesus to shine all the more brightly. Amen.

Following the Instructions

Scripture: He then washed the insides and the legs with water, and burned them upon the altar, so that the entire ram was consumed before the Lord; it was a burnt offering that pleased the Lord very much, for Jehovah’s directions to Moses were followed in every detail. Leviticus 8:21

Observation: In chapter 8, Moses performs the sacrifices required to consecrate Aaron and his sons as priests. Before he begins, he announces he is doing what was instructed by the Lord, and when he is done he again announces that was he has done was instructed by the Lord. At the conclusion of sacrifice of each of the two rams, it is declared that what has been done pleases the Lord, for the Lord's instructions had been followed. Finally, when the act of staying at the entrance of the tabernacle is Aaron's to do, not Moses', he warns Aaron to follow the instructions.

In total, over 36 verses, a statement that Moses performed exactly as the Lord commanded/instructed occurs seven times, plus the warning to Aaron to do the same. It is clearly important not only that Aaron be consecrated, but that the instructions of the Lord or obeyed. The Lord told Moses what to do, and it is likely less important what Moses did, than the fact that he did it as instructed.

Application: Obediently showing up to do God's work is likely more important than the actual work to be done. This is why doing even small behind-the-scenes acts of service is important in God's kingdom ... because following the Lord's instruction shows my true heart.

It matters "how" we do Alpha tonight, but the most important part is showing up to serve in the first place. Without that, the Lord can't have me participate in his work.

Prayer: Lord, may I remember to always show up when called. May I seek to follow and obey your instructions, no matter the task or activity. Amen.

Those Who Don't Want to Believe

Scripture: Then he climbed into the boat and the wind stopped! They just sat there, unable to take it in! For they still didn’t realize who he was, even after the miracle the evening before! For they didn’t want to believe! Mark 6:51-52

Observation: Jesus just walked out onto the water and into the disciple's boat. They are in awe, and struggling to process it. They cannot speak, and they even have trouble believing it is him at all. Between this physical feat, and the supernatural feat of just a few hours before (the feeding of the 5,000), they are confronted with a profound truth ... Jesus is Messiah. Yet they "didn't want to believe" (or "their hearts were hardened").

All the disciples, and especially the 12 apostles, have left their lives behind to follow Jesus, yet they are held back from believing he is God incarnate. They believe his greatness, his healing abilities, his teaching. They have now seen him do the seemingly impossible, and participated with their own hands in the same, yet they struggle to take that very last step of belief.

Application: As we begin a new Alpha class this week, this is certainly the core of the story we hear so often with people. They understand there is something special about the Christian faith that they are trying to understand, but they don't "believe" in some core element of it. That last step is usually two-fold ... that there exists a wonderful and loving God, and that Jesus is the son of God.

I know a lot of nice, friendly, generous, caring people, who would fall into this category. Maybe they see similar characteristics in Christians, or maybe they see lesser character in Christians, but they know there is a pattern they may associated with. Ideally, they see a hope and joy they would want to understand.

Of course, the disciples eventually believed, as have billions of others since. Hopefully, with the power of the Holy Spirit, a few more will be added to those numbers over the next several weeks.

Prayer: Lord, may your Holy Spirit come and participate in bringing the good news to others. Neither Alpha, our church, nor create faith in others, but only your Spirit can. May we see this happen in the coming months. Amen.

This World Doesn't Last Forever

Scripture: Using acacia wood, make an Ark 3¾ feet long, 2¼ feet wide, and 2¼ feet high. Overlay it inside and outside with pure gold, with a molding of gold all around it. Exodus 25:10-11

Observation: The Lord gives Moses instructions for the ark of the covenant, the mercy seat, the table of the bread of presence, the lampstand, and the tabernacle. Mankind has a narrative around the ark especially of how glorious it was, and we today have a desire for it to be rediscovered. However, in all these things, we forget one basic element of the ark, and it is the very first thing the Lord ever says about it. The ark is ... made of wood.

While the Lord can do anything, and overlaying wood with gold would create a great barrier from all kinds of harm, wood is not a material that lasts forever. It rots, its carbon atoms break down, and it is even susceptible to internal microbes. Yes, God could simply make it last forever if he wished, but he did also have it constructed of a non-permanent material, just as he did with the table and the tabernacle.

Most things in this world do not last forever. Even mountains rise and fall. Buildings and houses are reclaimed by natural elements. The creator of "heaven and earth" has chosen to make one of these items permanent, while making the other in a manner that all items on it are temporary.

Application: There are aspects of my life I really like, and cannot think of not continuing to enjoy in the future. However, I have recently been reminded that this is a foolish thought. All aspects of my life will someday go away. I may choose to give up some - like downsizing my home and thus leaving this house - but others will succumb to the elements of nature and time. Friends, family, and pets will depart. 'Stuff' deteriorates and breaks.

Only the Lord is permanent in my life. Only his love endures as a constant in this world, and in my worldly life. Therefore, it is only in the Lord where any element of trust and steadfast joy must be placed.

Prayer: Abba, my daddy, you are the enduring love of my life, and that which I know I can trust. As the time of my life continues to pass, and all things around me come and go, I will remain transfixed on your word and your love. Amen.

About a Sustaining Diet

Scripture: The thorny ground represents the hearts of people who listen to the Good News and receive it, but all too quickly the attractions of this world and the delights of wealth, and the search for success and lure of nice things come in and crowd out God’s message from their hearts, so that no crop is produced. Mark 4:18-19

Observation: As Jesus explains the parable of the sower, he reviews what happens to the seeds that don't produce. All the seed is identical ... some does nothing, some fails, but some produces a wild abundance! The differences are found not in the seed - the gospel message of salvation - but in outside factors.

-- Birds are satan who actively works to take the good news away entirely.

-- Underlying rocks are hidden issues that prevent a believer from deepening their faith.

-- Thorns are the earthly distractions that eventually kill belief in salvation.

In this metaphor, living plants all represent the elements of life. A good life - a life full of nourishment and health - is abundant grain. A flawed life - one filled with wealth, success, delights, and comforts - is thorns. There is a consistency of active/passive element in this metaphor. We see satan as truly being active, working to attack God's word. We see hidden rocks being completely passive, just as emotional issues and internal thoughts within a person that prevent belief are often unknown to others. Then we see the plants ... they all are grown and behaving in a manner that advances themselves, visible to any observer, yet not with active malice. Rather, they just are doing their thing, and that activity happens to kill faith.

Application: As we have so many discussions about the issues of this world, it is interesting to note this idea ... there are personal issues within people, and there are elements of active evil perpetrated by satan against God's creation and Jesus' church, but then there are those things that are simply part of this fallen world, which become an alternative life to one of faith.

When I put the Lord first and use his word as the lens through which I see the world, choices are clear (though not always easy). When I put the world first, there often doesn't even appear to be choice. What aspects of "the world" can become first and cloud faith? Currently, I would say ... political debate, social conflict, societal norms ... just to name a few. In these cases, there are not only strong public opinions, but even opinions that sound morally right and objectively accurate. Yet prioritizing even those good elements of the world is a life that stands as an alternative - and opposed - to a life of faith.

I like blackberries. I could be happy picking and eating blackberries, making cobblers and pies, adding them to homebrew, etc. Yet those three things I just mentioned - cobblers, pies, and beer - are all absolutely dependent on grain! No fruit from any thorny bush can sustain my life. Only the grain of the Lord's truth, and faith in salvation, can do that.

Prayer: Lord, I choose a life completely focused on you, your word, your truth, and your promise. To extend your own metaphor, may I keep your sustaining grain central to the diet of my life, and the singular food by which I make all other meals in my life. Amen.

Laws About Courtesy

Scripture: If an ox gores a man or woman to death, the ox shall be stoned and its flesh not eaten, but the owner shall not be held - unless the ox was known to gore people in the past, and the owner had been notified and still the ox was not kept under control; in that case, if it kills someone, the ox shall be stoned and the owner also shall be killed. Exodus 21:28-29

Observation: As Moses lists various laws, he gets into various ways in which people may be killed and the associated punishments. Here is one potential scenario ... an ox gores someone to death. In this case, there is no punishment but the ox must be stoned, UNLESS the ox is known to gore people before, then the owner receives a death penalty. That seems harsh - being killed because your ox killed someone - if it weren't for the first part of the law. Since the ox is already known to be dangerous, it should have already been itself killed.

In other words, if your animal is violent, then for the sake of others you are to dispose of it. If you fail to do that, you're liable. It is simply common courtesy. It may be a hardship to you to lose the animal, but it is better for your to suffer a hardship than a neighbor to suffer a death. Placing your financial welfare above the very lives of others is the issue, and that selfish act is to be punished.

Application: Jesus himself would later boil the entire Mosaic law into two concepts ... love the Lord first, and love others as you love yourself. Life is more valuable than wealth, no matter whose.

I can't imagine how our nation, in these times, even comes close to living into this simple truth. Throughout out country, people promote their causes and openly attack others. We can't find common ground.

God's bar isn't that high. I just need to treat others equal to the way I treat myself. Their value is equal to my value. Their needs are equal to my needs. This isn't even sacrificial love, so to speak, it's just courtesy.

Prayer: Lord, may our nation find a way back to common courtesy again. And may that motion begin with your people and your church, here on earth. Amen.

When Lightening Strikes Home

Scripture: Listen, O Job, stop and consider the wonderful miracles of God. Do you know how God controls all nature and causes the lightning to flash forth from the clouds? Job 37:14-15

Observation: The summary of all the wisdom spoken from Elihu is this ... God is in control of absolutely everything!! Whenever we question the Lord, STOP and consider his wonderful miracles, which are everywhere and everything in all the earth. Even lightening - fearful, thunderous, destructive - is part of his great glory. Even the greatest storms are completely under God's control.

Application: Lord, today ... I cry.

In a time when everything seems unnecessarily difficult, there have always been those elements of life that I have pointed to and said "see, here is joy, here is perfect love, here is the blessing of the Lord." And today, one of those things literally dies, forever removed from life.

I can only endure by knowing you are in control of this storm. This lightening bolt has struck our home. I trust you with our comfort and help and future.

Prayer: Lord, today I turn my eyes to the mountains, and to nature and world all around me, with the question in my breaking heart, 'where does my help come from?' And from this very world I receive my answer, my help comes from the Lord almighty, the maker of heaven and earth! Abba, this day, as every day, may thy will be done. Amen.

We Weren't Ready for This

Scripture: Why should you fight against him just because he does not give account to you of what he does? Job 33:13

Observation: Elihu calls out this error of Job ... that he questions God's judgement on the grounds that God has not identified his wrongdoing. Elihu shows that God is well above such need to justify, and all of us - even the best - are well below any line that might constitute "blameless". We are all sinners, and God may judge without justifying himself.

Just because God doesn't explain himself, doesn't mean he isn't right, justified, or even to be greatly honored for his actions. We are not owed any explanation.

Application: Last night, our cat was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of oral cancer. She has days to live, and is actively suffering greatly. She is a great cat ... she is loving, always seeking our attention. She follows my wife around as a devoted companion. She is playful and joyful. She usually sleeps at the foot of our bed. In the evenings, she taps on me and headbutts me endlessly, seeking for me to scritch her cheeks.

Now we must do the unthinkable, or spend the next few days watching her suffer in terrible pain until the tumor grows to the point that she suffocates to death. Yes, she is older ... she is 13, arthritic (we give her medicine for that), and thus much slower than she used to be. She is graying ... cats don't gray, but she is due to a skin ailment.

That said, we still thought we had several more years with her. We weren't ready to lose her. I'm not ready. During the darkest time of my life, she was with me every single day, giving me love and attention when I felt alone. She was part of God's comfort to me! I don't understand why this is the time for her to pass away.

But I won't fight against God. He doesn't need to give me an account of this. I'll just cry some more, and I'll pray for comfort for my devastated wife and daughter. I'll ask for hope, but I won't ask for explanation.

Sophia, I'll miss you, and I'll remember you for the rest of my life.

Prayer: Lord, may your comfort be upon our house and our family. I thank you for our "little blessing". And I praise you in this storm. Amen.

At Issue is The Word of God

Scripture: Then, surrounded by the Pharisees, he asked them a question: "What about the Messiah? Whose son is he?" "The son of David," they replied. "Then why does David, speaking under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, call him ‘Lord’?" Jesus asked. Matthew 22:41-43

Observation: In an attempt to find fault in Jesus and stump him, three different groups have challenged him. The politically active Herodians posed a governmental question, and Jesus responded with a politically accurate answer. The religious Sadducees posed a spiritual question, and Jesus responded with a heavenly answer. The legalistic Pharisees asked a lawful question, and Jesus responded with a clear and concise legal answer. In every case, Jesus harkens back to the scriptures ... referencing the nature of sacrifice, the very name of the Lord, and precise laws from Deuteronomy. And in every case, the questioners are silenced because the answers are perfect.

Then it is Jesus' turn, and as Messiah he asks them a Messianic question. When they respond, Jesus again turns to scripture and points out that they are utterly wrong.

In all of this, the true issue is the accuracy, authority, and application of the word of God. Jesus points out that the word of God is capable of answering every question. The wisdom found in scripture informs the Jews about diverse subjects ranging from government authority, to eternal destiny, to proper daily living, to the very nature of promised salvation. The "experts" confronting him have limited their understanding to very specific clauses that advance their purposes, and thus have lost contact with the nature of God ... wisdom, hope, love, and promise being among them.

Application: As I have read the bible more, I have found value not in memorizing passages, but in experiencing themes that arise again and again. God engaged with mankind - which extends to myself - in order to have a relationship and advise us on the best way to live. The law gave us guidance. Memorization and compliance is the trap of the old law, relieved only by the promise of salvation through faith in Jesus.

I love finding those themes of hope and love and promise in diverse parts of scripture ... today alone these all came up in Psalms AND Job AND Matthew.

"Knowing" the word of God is about leaning into the word as if it's God personal message. Concepts are there to be received and pondered. The word is to permeate our very nature to the point that it affects our words, thoughts, attitudes, behaviors, and destiny. "Learning" just the words themselves doesn't do that.

I can apply God's word to my life and thus live in a manner that honors him, or I can apply God's word to my existing thoughts and justify my worldly biases. I choose to honor the Lord.

Prayer: Lord, I sincerely want to be influenced by your word in ever aspect of my life, and not to use your word to simply prove some issue or declare myself 'right' in some matter. I can see your heart in everything you say. Amen.

Cast Out with Full Knowledge

Scripture: So the servants did, and brought in all they could find, good and bad alike; and the banquet hall was filled with guests. But when the king came in to meet the guests, he noticed a man who wasn’t wearing the wedding robe provided for him. "Friend," he asked, "how does it happen that you are here without a wedding robe?" And the man had no reply. Then the king said to his aides, "Bind him hand and foot and throw him out into the outer darkness where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth." Matthew 22:10-13

Observation: Jesus previously provided the parable - a metaphor - of the rich owner who leases his vineyard to farmers, who then kill his servants and even his son ... this was the Jews who killed the prophets and soon Jesus himself, who will be supplanted by others who will respect God. Now he repeats a similar message. At first, those invited to the king's wedding feast for his son don't come, so he has them destroyed and the servants sent out to find whatever guests they can rally.

However, at the feast, there is an example of this one guest, a person who refuses to wear the wedding robe provided by the king himself. This man can't even explain himself, and the king has him thrown into the abyss of the darkness.

In this second part of the story, the wedding feast is the wedding feast of the lamb, the new guests are believers who have been brought in via the gospel, but this guest is one who has rejected the 'robe of truth' ... rejected the good news about salvation through faith in Jesus. Now that he sits in the midst of the truth, he cannot explain his own rejection, yet he is clearly exposed by the fact that he refused to accept that which was freely given to him. By this act he has decided for himself that he does not belong as a guest at the wedding, and so is cast out.

Application: It is really this simple ... the Lord just gives everyone the truth about Jesus, and everyone can decide to accept or reject that free gift of salvation. Those who reject it will be cast out into darkness.

The saddest part to me is that they'll know it. In the end, they will see the truth as clearly and obviously as they can see anything. They will set there, now recognizing that all along the love and greatness of the Lord has been real and true, and yet they will be without even a defense for why they rejected it. It is in that context - the context not of ignorance but of full knowledge of the truth and full understanding of their own rejection of that truth - they will be cast out.

This is the world I see ... people rejected God with all the knowledge they need to make a different decision. They may not conceive all the Lord is due to their rejection of him, but the basics of salvation have been given to them. They won't even take a nice robe and slip it on in order to attend a wedding feast!

Prayer: Lord, what can I do to help others accept your free gift? Please show me this day. Amen.

What Common Sense May Be Today

Scripture: Have two goals: wisdom—that is, knowing and doing right—and common sense. Don’t let them slip away, for they fill you with living energy and bring you honor and respect. They keep you safe from defeat and disaster and from stumbling off the trail. Proverbs 3:21-23

Observation: As the proverbs continue to promote the pursuit of wisdom, they call out two objectives, both wisdom and common sense. Wisdom is defined several times as an understanding of God's will, laws, precepts, and guidance. Wisdom is, effectively, to learn what the Lord advises us to do, and then aligning our thoughts and deeds to that. However, common sense is something else.

Common sense seems to be about not just following God's direction, but also avoiding the situations that cause earthly issues. For the write of Proverbs, common sense seems first and foremost about that nature of interpersonal interactions and conflict. If wisdom is aligning our lives to God, common sense is understanding that others do NOT have wisdom, and to avoid situations where the resulting behaviors and situations of others could therefore lead a wise person into either foolishness or danger. This further aligns to other instructions about the behavior of believers ... we are to be humble, good, obedient, kind, gentle, and yet we are to also be careful, shrewd, and wary.

Application: We know that in this year, there will be a lot of conflicting information about what it means to be "safe" in the world. There are rules being created that mandate behaviors and define attitudes, many of which are based in fear. The Lord explicitly tells us never to be afraid, and thus ... wisdom tells us to proceed without fear, but ... what does godly common sense tells us to do?

First, I believe it tells us not to create direct conflict. In the end, the goal is to love others and continue informing them of the good news, and conflict impedes that directive.

Second, however, I believe common sense tells us to evaluate everything from a heavenly perspective, and to not allow evil elements to alter our behavior or attitudes.

I am struggling with understanding how to apply the Lord's common sense to my life in these circumstances. I am absolutely not afraid, but I am still searching for understanding.

Prayer: Lord, I see the circumstances of the world around us, and I confess I do not know how to find the balance between conformance to help those who are afraid, and resistance against a clearly spiritually evil action. May I turn to you in prayer more often, and seek your guidance in every aspect of life. In this manner, I would like to pursue both wisdom and common sense, but as both are defined by you alone. Amen.