What's Worse is 'God the Option'

Scripture: For they have committed adultery, and blood is on their hands; with their idols they have committed adultery; and they have even offered up to them for food the children whom they had borne to me. Moreover this they have done to me: they have defiled my sanctuary on the same day and profaned my sabbaths. Ezekiel 23:37-38

Observation: Yahweh identifies the northern and southern kingdoms as two different people, be they the lands of Israel and Judah, Ephraim and Judah, or Samaria and Jerusalem. We know that the northern land turned away from the Lord almost immediately after Solomon died, and led by their kings - most notably Ahab - they totally departed from their faith and worshipped all sorts of other gods. They were destroyed first. The southern land of Judah went back and forth in the quality of their kings, retaining some level of faith in Yahweh and maintaining temple practices in Jerusalem, before blending the belief systems of other gods into all their practices. For this, many times in scriptures, the Lord declares that the sins of the southern kingdom were worse.

At first, this is odd ... at least the south kept the Lord in the mix. Everyone had some level of faith in the Lord, even if they also believed in other gods, while the north seemed to embrace the baals. However, in his metaphorical discussion with Ezekiel, God is clear about what 'worse' truly is ... it is knowing the truth, but turning that into just part of your faith. The worst thing someone can do is to worship the Lord, but also worship other gods because Yahweh is just one of their options.

Application: I have considered this before ... it is worse to know the truth about Jesus and reject him, than to not know him at all. For years, I fell into the former, as a person who had decided to reject what I had learned. This is far worse, and far more depraved in the eyes of God, than a person who doesn't know about the gospel.

In my life, I need to apply this to my actions. It is far worse that I read the bible and think upon it ... then go off during the day and fail to love others, pray, give God glory, and place faith for my life into his hands ... than it would be if I never even pondered God's word.

I need to start this focus by replacing idle time with prayer time. I should meditate on the word instead of on past issues, or future worries, or financial challenges, or (especially) the problems I have with other people. In my life, 'worse' means knowing the Lord, but following the world. I know I am not "evil" like the northern kingdom, but I certainly need to avoid be "worse" like the southern.

Prayer: Lord, you are my God, and my only God. I have no other source of faith and hope in my life. May I lean into that faith more and more, meditating on you during my quiet times and thought times, led by your Holy Spirit to find a deeper relationship with only you. Amen.

Provoking Love not Conflict

Scripture: Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds. Hebrews 10:23-24

Observation: In light of Jesus as the great high priest, whose sacrifice has given us access to salvation, we are to meet together within the context of our unwavering faith. In that, our interactions should "provoke" one another to two motivations ... to love others, and to perform good deeds.

Application: This is, of course, our current challenge in the church. We have so many activities that are designed to "provoke" each other into action, and almost none of them are love and good deeds. Maybe "good deeds" are a motivation, but quite often love is nowhere on the list of objectives of any believer who is ... debating vaccination status, arguing over service practices, criticizing voting patterns, debating public policy, or berating school practices.

Every conversation that declares a "right" from a "wrong" creates an unloving division. As almost every apostle would say - including the writer of Hebrews - brothers and sisters, this cannot be.

As it is up to me, from this day forward I will consider all these divisive conversations in the church within only one context, and that is the question of how we can provoke one another to love and good deeds. Argument over public issues has no place in that formula.

Prayer: Lord, may your Spirit change the hearts of many within my church, and within all churches, so that they disengage from discussions intended to provide argument, conflict, and division. May we only provoke love. Amen.

A Prayer Still True Today

Scripture:
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
“May they prosper who love you.
Peace be within your walls,
and security within your towers.”
For the sake of my relatives and friends
I will say, “Peace be within you.”
For the sake of the house of the Lord our God,
I will seek your good.
Psalm 122:6-9

Observation: Jerusalem is both the city of the king with all his power and judgement, but it is also the city of peace. Even as the Jews in the time of David looked to the city as their capital, they also desired for it to be a place of peace and comfort and joy. They celebrated when it was time to make pilgrimages there. They desired for not only the city to do well, but for those who loved the city to do well.

Application: In the terrible times we live in, especially during unrest in the middle east, it is important to ... love Jerusalem and pray for its peace. There remains the connection between this land and Yahweh, beyond the "political" issues of who occupies what areas of the land.

I expect I will someday go to Jerusalem, not because I think its ancient stones hold any magic or special traits, but because there remains a cultural association with the Lord and with Jesus that I desire to know better. In the meantime, I join with David and pray for the peace and prosperity of Jerusalem and those who love the city.

Prayer: Lord, I say it again, Shalom and peace be with Jerusalem. May there be joy and peace in that place, and among that region, if it is possible within this broken world. There are challenges there associated with a proper understanding of you and your love that I cannot begin to understand, but you are working within Jerusalem for your purposes and always have been. May peace be within Jerusalem, for the sake of you and your name, or Lord. Amen.

Understanding the Second Coming

Scripture: And just as it is appointed for mortals to die once, and after that the judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin, but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him. Hebrews 9:27-28

Observation: For Jews who had learned so much about ritual sacrifice, the point of Jesus' death was understood as the shedding of blood for sin. However, the idea of "once, for all" was not understood. They performed their rituals over and over. In this way, they idea of Jesus' second coming was perhaps misunderstood. Jesus had been a sacrifice for their sins, so when he comes again, that must be because ... he still has to deal with sin.

As Hebrews points out, this is not the case. Sin is a settled matter. Jesus has given himself as the sacrifice for all sin, and therefore the forgiveness of all who believe. Therefore, his return is not to deal with sin, but rather to complete the salvation for those who believe.

Application: Even today I watched a lesson where the pastor digressed a moment to remind everyone of how to properly understand God's word. The bible never contradicts itself. In this case, if it says that Jesus' sacrifice addresses all sin, this his second coming cannot be a way to address MORE sin. It must be for another purpose.

I desire to keep this in mind as I read ... that understanding God's word requires the context of his entire word. After several years now, I have read enough to have that context. I do hope I can continue to apply it to my life.

Prayer: Lord, your word is a light unto my feet. May I follow in your path, knowing and learning it more and more every day. Amen.

When are We Worse

Scripture: Was not your sister Sodom a byword in your mouth in the day of your pride, before your wickedness was uncovered? Now you are a mockery to the daughters of Aram and all her neighbors, and to the daughters of the Philistines, those all around who despise you. Ezekiel 16:56-57

Observation: The word of the Lord God is this, that having acted so badly, the children of Israel are now the ones looked down upon by all other nations. Their downfall is a byword ... as in, other nations would say "we don't want to be like Israel" or "imagine being destroyed like Judah".

This is a punishment the Jews well understood, having spent centuries being reminded of the downfall, sins, punishment, and destruction of Sodom. To be lumped in with them would be a stinging rebuke. It would be like spending generation upon generation knowing of the worst possible people in history, then being told that you yourself - and your current generation - is worse.

Application: Are we there yet?

Jesus stood in many villages, homes, and synagogues, and challenged the beliefs of the Pharisees by pointing out their duplicit ways and misguided priorities. As Christians, we all look upon those lessons and think of the term "Pharisee" now as a byword for someone who has a warped understanding of God's laws and love.

However, in what areas of my life am I being a Pharisee? I talk about faith, but don't always live it properly. Certainly I am not alone in this, as this is common for Christians who declare about the love of Jesus and joy they have in knowing they are saved by faith, but then commit all kinds of acts that are contrary to Jesus' teaching. And yes, I am one of those who does this.

To us, 'Pharisee' is they byword for a hypocrite who fails to obey the Lord. And to many in society today, 'Christian' is now spoken as an adjective for ... hypocritical. May I take this warning seriously in my life.

Prayer: Lord, I do as for your forgiveness. May I not be hypocritical this day. I love you and am delighted by your love and your gift of salvation, so may I also know you are my Lord and truly seek to live into your commands and precepts. Amen.

Without Belief in the God who Sees

Scripture: While they were killing, and I was left alone, I fell prostrate on my face and cried out, "Ah Lord God! will you destroy all who remain of Israel as you pour out your wrath upon Jerusalem?" He said to me, "The guilt of the house of Israel and Judah is exceedingly great; the land is full of bloodshed and the city full of perversity; for they say, 'The Lord has forsaken the land, and the Lord does not see.'" Ezekiel 9:8-9

Observation: In a vision, Ezekiel witnesses the spiritual version of the destruction of Jerusalem. God shows him the terrible acts of the people, then calls in the destroyers. One angel marks those few who are to be spared, and the others kill all the rest.

When Ezekiel questions the extent of the destruction - will God truly kill everyone left in Israel as he also is pouring out his justice upon those in Jerusalem - the Lord replies not with a yes or no, but with an understanding of justice. He states that their guilt is evident by the manner of their public actions, bloodshed and perversity. However, he also shows how this has embedded in their hearts ... the people believe God has withdrawn and perhaps doesn't even exist with authority anymore, for they claim he has forsaken the land, and does not see their actions or conditions.

The people have done what they have because they no longer believe in the love, presence, and sovereign nature of Yahweh.

Application: There is a fact I hold central in my heart ... the Lord sees me. Yes, this means he sees my mistakes, my sins, my dark anger, my impure thoughts, my lies, my errors. But he also sees my needs, my hopes, my love, my attempts. And I know he is here, he is present, he is active, and he is in authority of my life and the world around me.

There is no dark room I could go to where he would not see me. There is no other thing in which I could ask for assistance. There is no earthly provision that gives me hope. And I grown as I see others who believe - at best - that the Lord has forsaken them and the world and does not see or care or even exist.

Prayer: Lord, El Roi, Yahweh-Yireh, thank you for seeing me. I know I bring sorrow to you often, but I thank you for not turning away from me. May my faith in Jesus continue to cover my iniquities, and may I grow better under your watchful eye daily. And may the numbers of people in this land and know you are watching and in control grow more and more. Amen.

Knowing Truth and Not Obeying

Scripture: The descendants are impudent and stubborn. I am sending you to them, and you shall say to them, “Thus says the Lord God.” Whether they hear or refuse to hear (for they are a rebellious house), they shall know that there has been a prophet among them. Ezekiel 2:4-5

Observation: Ezekiel is confronted by the Lord while in exile in Babylon, and commissioned as a prophet. While he is not yet given a message, his charge is this ... go to the children of Israel in exile, and say to them whatever instructions the Lord gives. The Lord acknowledges that they likely won't listen. The descendants are stubborn, they have hard heads and hard hearts, and he even offers clarification about the accountability of Ezekiel for when they don't listen (he is accountable if he fails to give the message, but not if he obeys and they don't listen).

However, the Lord provides Ezekiel with one phrase, "Thus says the Lord God." The name of God given here is that of the two highest names of the God, Adonai Yahweh. In this way, there can be no question that Ezekiel is a prophet speaking for the Lord, and the people will know and understand this as a fact. It is within that context - their full knowledge that whatever Ezekiel says to them is from God - that the people will then decide whether or not to obey.

Application: I am seeing more and more how the Lord interacts with people who behave in a paradox ... they know and understand that there is a great God who rules over all creation and with direction and advise for how to live, and they actively choose not to obey God almighty. They either know the truth or have heard the truth or have an understanding of where they could go and what they could do in order to better understand the truth ... and they refuse to engage, refuse to listen or learn, reject that which they have heard, and rely on their own choices.

I like to think the people around me just need to hear the truth. However, the fact is they have heard the truth - they may even have significant knowledge about it at some level - and instead they have chosen to disobey and reject the truth.

I once had a friend tell me that they believe God exists, but have rejected everything about his teaching as meaningless to their life. That paradox cannot be reconciled, and yet God has well understood it within the hearts of man for all of time.

When we - the people of the Church - give others the good news of Jesus, they know it is the truth spoken by the Lord God almighty. Some hear, but many reject it even while believing the context. But we remain accountable for delivering the message.

Prayer: Lord, it is almost time for Christmas lights again. May I have the words of your spirit to give to others about the truth of Jesus Christ. If they are stubborn and rebellious and choose not to obey, that is a matter between you and them. But may I deliver to them the truth, in your name. Amen.

Recognize Who Brings the War

Scripture:
Proclaim this among the nations:
Prepare war,
stir up the warriors.
Let all the soldiers draw near,
let them come up.
Beat your plowshares into swords,
and your pruning hooks into spears;
let the weakling say, “I am a warrior.”
Joel 3:9-10

Observation: The Lord has declared the final days, with the Holy Spirit poured out on those who believe in him, and his "people" (the descendants in faith of Israel and Judah) restored on the earth. And so the time comes for a most unusual battle. All the other nations - those who do not believe in the Lord - are invited to war ... take their instruments of peace and refashion them into implements of death, and come attack. God will be waiting, simply sitting in a valley, and prepared to judge.

In the context of this call to war, there are two truths.

First, it is a sign of disbelief that they will turn peaceable implements into tools of war. This is the opposite of the same items discussed in the day of the Lord, when weapons are recast as farming equipment. Those who hate God find ways to turn everyday matters - even good and necessary equipment - into a fight. They turn guidance about modest living into an argument about personal choice and lifestyle. They turn the idea of loving life into a healthcare debate. They turn prayer into a political battleground. Even the weakest become aggressive over their personal "issues".

Second, I recognize that in this war, the faithful ... have no roll. We are not taking up our own weapons and fighting victoriously. Instead, we simply get to sit in the Lord's stronghold, enjoying the bountiful harvest of his land, while he makes decisions about the nations. We do not fight the hostile, angry, aggressive attackers. 

Application: I better make sure I am not fighting. I must not be someone creating "weapons" out of peaceable instruments. This is a sign of the nations at war against the Lord. Instead, I must trust that the Lord can (easily!) handle the attacks.

Yes, I get frustrated with the state of fighting in our society today. However, it is not for me to go to war against the erroneous ways of the world.

Prayer: Lord, may thy will be done this day. I truly desire to be a peacemaker, and all the more every day. I can only do this through your Holy Spirit, poured out on this old man who desires to dream your dreams. Let the enemy attack, for you are my refuge and stronghold. May I know your peace, and by that demonstrate your love to others. Amen.

Pattern of Assured Punishment

Scripture: Now who were they who heard and yet were rebellious? Was it not all those who left Egypt under the leadership of Moses? But with whom was he angry forty years? Was it not those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness? And to whom did he swear that they would not enter his rest, if not to those who were disobedient? So we see that they were unable to enter because of unbelief. Hebrews 3:16-19

Observation: While it is common for believers to say they do not understand the ways of the Lord, there is actually a very simply pattern when it comes to questions of God's anger. If there are people who clearly hear the Lord's instruction, who personally witness his miracles, and directly receive his blessings ... and if they then deny the Lord, rebel against his laws, and disobey his instructions ... they will be punished in some manner.

In the case of the first generation of the exodus, they had seen the amazing miracles of the curses of Egypt, been saved through an incredible parting of the sea, been promised an restful existence in the promised land, and all they had to do was walk into it. They refused, and the Lord withdrew all blessing from them, requiring them to camp in the desert the rest of their lives, so that none except Joshua and Caleb would ever even see the land.

Application: I have known God's love, received his blessings, witnessed miracles. I had better not then rebel against his teaching, and refuse to obey his instructions. I may pray about how others may or may not be treated by the Lord, but my greatest error would be to fall into the pattern of the exodus and receive God's punishments instead.

I have seen and known the Lord. I must obey my Lord.

Prayer: Lord God almighty, please forgive my acts of rebellion and my failure to align to your good laws and precepts. I do not mean to rebel or to sin or to be disobedient. Again I say, please forgive me. May I always look to you for the right direction and action of my life, knowing and remembering all the amazing and wonderful things you have done throughout history, and especially in my own life. Thank you, my Lord and my God. Amen.

What We Live For

I need to stop just being alive, and start living for!

Suffering the Unbelieving Attacks

Scripture:
How lonely sits the city
that once was full of people!
How like a widow she has become,
she that was great among the nations!
She that was a princess among the provinces
has become a vassal.
Lamentations 1:1

Observation: The writer of Lamentations introduces the entire topic of this book thusly ... "how lovely sits the city that once was full of people". This is a lament about the destruction of Jerusalem. The reasons for the destruction of known ... the people turned from God, so the Lord himself coordinated the destruction of all of Israel and Judah. However, this book can be read as if it is an ode to Jerusalem.

Application: I once started reading a book about the history of Jerusalem, which was written by a Muslim. I stopped very shortly into it when I discovered the 500 page book was going to spend ~3 pages discussing the history of the city from 1,500 BC to 60 AD, ~10 pages discussing 1948 to present, and the rest discussing the period between. I am paraphrasing, but the author dismissed the biblical historical record of the city with the following argument:

-- The entirety of scriptures is NOT the word of God, but is actually a history of Jerusalem.

-- We know every historical element mentioned in scriptures is proven false.

-- Therefore we know nothing true about Jerusalem during this period and cannot rightly study it.

It occurred to me that this is how almost every attack against Christianity is structured. First, they inaccurately paraphrase something about our faith and belief. This may be a misquoting of scripture, improperly contextualizing quotes or facts, or flat-out misrepresenting the truth. Second, they attack that inaccurate paraphrase with evidence. That evidence may range from very good and strong science, to completely incorrect historical information. Finally, declaring they have demonstrated the inaccurate paraphrase to be false, the dismiss all relevance of God, Jesus, and Christianity.

This is what the above-referenced author did. He misrepresented the content and theme of scripture (it's a history of a city, not the word of God demonstrating his love, mercy, and plan for human redemption), made a false declaration (historical information in scripture has been proven wrong, which is not true even IF the point of scripture were to document history), therefore the scriptures are a worthless source of information and without them nothing can be known about this time period.

Everyone who publicly and aggressively attacks Christianity on television or the internet seems to begin by declaring "what the bible says" and doing so completely inaccurately. I could list 100 falsehoods such people declare to begin their attacks. From there, they can easily present the 'wrongness' of such beliefs, and thus conclude that Christians are ... deluded, dangerous, vile, ignorant, intolerant, and any range of other marginalizing attributes.

I do hope such people repent and discover Jesus as their Lord and savior. However, if they persist, I release them to their doom.

Prayer: Lord, if I lament for the greatness of my nation, it does not mean that my life exists to only advance and serve my nation. My life's purpose is to worship you. May I do so all the better understanding your truths. Amen.

Corrupting the Purity of Faith

Scripture: For this reason rebuke them sharply, so that they may become sound in the faith, not paying attention to Jewish myths or to commandments of those who reject the truth. To the pure all things are pure, but to the corrupt and unbelieving nothing is pure. Their very minds and consciences are corrupted. Titus 1:13b-15

Observation: As Paul reenforces the actions to be taken by Titus on Crete, he discusses those who are believers yet rebel against proper teaching. Mostly, these are Jews. They pay attention to "Jewish myths" and to commandments given to them by non-believing Jews ... in other words, likely mixing Jewish custom and ceremony with Christian faith in a way that is causing doubt in true faith in Jesus.

This leads to an observation, that to the pure (sound believers in Jesus) all things are pure, but to the corrupt (those who prioritize myths and practices and customs and ceremonies as part of their faith) and the unbelieving (non believers) nothing is pure. In the case of understanding goodness in the world, Paul states that total disbelief in Jesus, AND belief that is intermixed with procedural requirements and practices, create the same mindset ... a corrupted idea of purity/goodness.

With faith, purity is determined by alignment to Jesus Christ, his teaching, and the practices of love and mercy. However, add anything else into the mix - like requirements of sacrifice, cleansing procedures, or prescribed words to say before an action - and purity now requires a determination outside of Jesus. And these are commandments added through attempted observation of God's commands, which Paul himself likely enforced at one time! Adding other practices - whether they are faith, government, or culturally based - is at least just as corrupting.

Application: We have many, many debates in modern society that Christians are turning into Christian debates. Some are political, some are cultural. All are outside of Jesus' teaching and his words about love and caring for others. And interestingly, all the resulting debate about such issues boil down to debates about "purity" ... what is good, what is right, what is loving ... what is pure.

If we focus on the mission of loving others in the name of Jesus, we will find the purity of things and goodness of things. If we focus on procedural correctness, rituals, traditions, myths, and debates, we will interpret nothing as good. This mindset reflects our own corruption.

Prayer: Lord, today I pray for brothers and sisters struggling with corrupted debates in their minds. They are losing focus on your love. None of us can understand everything going on in the world today, but you can give us simple and clear instructions. May we all have ears to hear you, Jesus. Please give us all your loving word today. Amen.

Yet Another Impossible Outcome

Scripture: I will repay Babylon and all the inhabitants of Chaldea before your very eyes for all the wrong that they have done in Zion, says the Lord ...
No stone shall be taken from you for a corner
and no stone for a foundation,
but you shall be a perpetual waste,
says the Lord.
Jeremiah 51:24,26

Observation: At the time this was written, the Babylonian/Chaldean empire was the ruling empire of the known world. Babylon was a mighty city with "hanging gardens" considered one of the wonders of the ancient world. Meanwhile, Zion was burned and in ruin, Jerusalem was effectively a pile of rubble, and the entire nation of Israel and Judah had been abandoned and evacuated by force. Yet Jeremiah is declaring not only that Israel and Jerusalem will be sustained, but that Babylon will eventually be wiped from the entire face of the earth, even going beyond this by stating that Babylon/Chaldea won't even be the foundation for any future empire or race.

Today, Jerusalem is alive and well, one of the major cities of the world. Many of the major cities of ancient Israel/Judah still exist. This is true despite the 70 year exile of the Old Testament, and despite a subsequent 1,900 year time in history in which Israel did not exist. Meanwhile, Babylon is long gone. It was abandoned and ruined. It's an archeological dig site. Less than 300 years after this writing, the 'ethnicity' of Chaldean was eliminated entirely, with no people-group today recognized as direct descendants.

No contemporary of Jeremiah, looking at circumstances, would have predicted anything close to this reversal, yet it happened both decisively and permanently.

Application: I am reminded today that the very existence of faith in Yahweh is proof of the existence of Yahweh, due to the unfathomable history of earthly resistance to him and the radical survival of that faith. In Israel, we see a single family that has been sustained through Millenia while massive empires and people-groups have radically attacked them, then been erased from the face of the earth. In Christianity, we see a faith that has prospered beyond any belief system in the history of mankind, despite active and open attacks against the lives and livelihoods of its believers.

Impossible, unimaginable outcomes come to pass when it comes to God, often with God declaring that the impossible will occur in advance.

There is no cornerstone from the Babylonian empire. This is a cornerstone of my faith in the Lord God almighty found in that fact.

Prayer: Lord, you are the Lord of hosts, the Lord that sees to it, the Lord our banner, the Almighty creator. May my faith be evident this day and every day. Amen.

Join in the Suffering

Scripture: Do not be ashamed, then, of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power of God. 2 Timothy 1:8

Observation: Writing from prison in Rome, Paul urges Timothy - and by this letter, all believers - to join with him "in suffering for the gospel" if that is what is required for the courage to spread the good news of Jesus.

He understands well that many people don't just resist the good news, but even fight against it, and that therefore telling the good news brings hardships. He also knows that some believers, who still do believe in Jesus and worship the Lord, yet take measures to avoid hardships and punishment, even to the point of keeping their distance from associating with Paul (he calls out the church leaders in Asia for this in v15). Yet he encourages true believers to not only not avoid hardships, but to embrace them if they do in fact come upon you. He knows that these hardships can be part of the Lord's plan to advance the gospel, as was true even in this immediately circumstance as Paul's imprisonment was part of a motion to bring faith to the entire Roman empire and eventually the totality of the "western world".

Application: I have said this before ... I believe persecution and hardships lie in store for American Christians within my lifetime. I have experienced minor persecution, and seen how matters of belief are now regarded by our society. It will get worse.

Who will join with Paul in this suffering for the gospel? While I don't want to suffer, I will never forsake Jesus, and I will stand and acknowledge my faith in any circumstance. There will come a time when doing so will bring some kind of judgement and punishment upon me ... I am willing to receive that, for I agree with Paul that I will not be ashamed of Jesus nor his testimony that lives within me, and I will rely on the power of the Lord in all things.

Prayer: Lord, I say it again, I do not look forward to nor want to receive persecution for my faith in you. However, I know I already have to a small degree, I know more is coming, and I will not be afraid. May thy will be done until the day of your return. Come, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Disputes About Words

Scripture: Whoever teaches otherwise and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that is in accordance with godliness, is conceited, understanding nothing, and has a morbid craving for controversy and for disputes about words. From these come envy, dissension, slander, base suspicions, and wrangling among those who are depraved in mind and bereft of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain. 1 Timothy 6:3-5

Observation: Paul emphasizes for Timothy the primacy of the word of God, and the teachings of Jesus Christ. These teachings we know to be simple ... to love others, and to obey the scriptures, which themselves are summarized as simply to seek justice, show mercy, and be humble. However, even the early church recognized that there were people who desired to debate issues, just like the Pharisees did (and Paul being a former Pharisee knows this well).

People who debate topics and issues have a "morbid craving for controversy" and look for "disputes about words". In other words, these types of debates are born out of negative emotions like envy and suspicions, and thus are designed to advance one person either in position, authority, or worldly gain.

Application: As I consider this, I see that every attack that has come against the leaders of our church - including my wife - have come from someone who was themselves seeking a way to be considered to be an elevated leader. They are people who, without any acknowledgment by ordained church leaders, call themselves elders and prophets/prophetesses; they declare their gifts and authority without any spiritual evidence and in fact with proof that they are false. They do these things because they want to influence policy, direction, message, and teaching in order to advance some belief that is NOT part of the simple words of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Thinking back, this is true of ... EVERY such situation. In every case, those engaging in accusations and debate were declaring their "godliness" in an attempt to assume some gain, and their approach was to create controversy and disputes over the petty use of words.

And in every case, when church leaders rejected the idea of engaging in such petty debates, those people ... left. Further evidence that what they were seeking was not an understanding of Jesus, but some benefit they perceived in having the debate itself.

There is both comfort and sadness is knowing that these internal church issues affected saints like Paul and Timothy, and have existed for millennia.

Prayer: Lord, it is certainly true that your Church should be of one unified mind, that being in the likeness of Christ Jesus. But you also certainly know that your created humans are unlikely to ever reach such a state until we are perfected in Christ in heaven. May we continue to avoid disputes about words, and remain focused on your simple and clear teaching as the primary purpose of our earthly lives. Amen.

Active Rejection of God's Word

Scripture: Azariah son of Hoshaiah and Johanan son of Kareah and all the other insolent men said to Jeremiah, “You are telling a lie. The Lord our God did not send you to say, ‘Do not go to Egypt to settle there’; but Baruch son of Neriah is inciting you against us, to hand us over to the Chaldeans, in order that they may kill us or take us into exile in Babylon.” So Johanan son of Kareah and all the commanders of the forces and all the people did not obey the voice of the Lord, to stay in the land of Judah. Jeremiah 43:2-4

Observation: Even those who survive the Babylonian cleansing of Judah refuse to obey the Lord in any way. They have seen everything Jeremiah said come true, ask for the Lord's advice, and immediately declare him a liar. They are promised safety in Judah, and to themselves be able to sustain the Israeli people, and instead they choose to flee to Egypt where they are promised certain death. Once in Egypt, they then refuse to honor God at all and instead actively persist in their idol worship practices (chapter 44).

This is the truth of about the nature and condition of the Israelites ... they are not ignorant of the Lord's instructions, but rather they actively and repeatedly - with forethought and stubborn insistence - reject the word of the Lord.

Application: This is when I fail the worst ... when I actively and intentionally reject God's instructions. I do this too often, where I know I should or shouldn't do something, and act the opposite. Like Paul, I refuse to do what I love, and instead do what I hate.

I must absolutely change this, or destruction is promised to me.

Prayer: Lord, I ask for your forgiveness for my sins and wrongdoings. I am a flawed, sinful, and weak person, who can do nothing without your spirit and your strength and your love. I ask that you not just take my hand so I won't stumble, but carry me when I am falling. I need you, Jesus. Amen.

Blessing with Words Fitly Spoken

Scripture:
A word fitly spoken
is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.
Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold
is a wise rebuke to a listening ear.
Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest
are faithful messengers to those who send them;
they refresh the spirit of their masters.
Proverbs 25:11-13

Observation: For three verses, the proverbs tell of the value of the spoken word. True words, wise rebukes, and accurately reported news carry the worth of beautiful riches, personal adornments, and life-giving refreshment. While the value is for the receiver of the words, the charge is upon others to deliver good words ... to give a word "fitly spoken", or a wise rebuke, or a faithful message.

Application: This is a double-edged lesson for me. I have been greatly harmed by the words of others, however I am far too casual in my harsh words to others.

I desire to love others, so I should consider how I may give them ... words fitly spoken. The care for others is first and foremost in our words, which can harm or can bless, and the blessing of words comes in their accuracy, their truth, their wisdom, and their timeliness.

I sincerely wish I could give others better words than I often do.

Prayer: Lord, my tongue is a terrible thing, I know. I say many things that harm others. Please forgive my careless words, and help me to love others through the thoughtful use of truthful, honest, caring words. Amen.

The Mystery of the Paradox

Scripture: Without any doubt, the mystery of our religion is great:
He was revealed in flesh,
vindicated in spirit,
seen by angels,
proclaimed among Gentiles,
believed in throughout the world,
taken up in glory.
1 Timothy 3:16

Observation: Paul uses these words to summarize the "great mystery" of Christianity. We have faith in Jesus, who was and is:

-- Exists as human, but also fully exists as a spiritual being

-- Seen by angels, but also known about by all mankind

-- Known throughout the human world, but also living in heaven

The mysteries are perceived paradoxes, but they become understood in the context of the promises of God. There were always promises of a savior who was both ... the eternal lord over mankind, and himself a human ... one who reigns forever but is killed as a sacrifice ... one who is the heir of Adam and David but salvation to gentiles.

Jesus had to be a paradox, which is why he could not be well understood before his time. It is why he is not intuitively understood today. It is the ultimate mystery, that there were conditions of Messiah that were impossible, and yet made possible by God.

Application: It is true that faith is believing without understanding. There are many elements about God I do not completely understand. However, one thing I do understand is that the Lord made a series of promises that were impossible to fulfill ... then successfully fulfilled them. It may be a mystery, but it is true, and it is my faith.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your protection and safe travels. Please continue to help me grow in my faith and understanding, and discover more and more about your mysteries and your promises. Amen.

Becoming Cursed and Abhorred

Scripture:
Whoever says to the wicked, “You are innocent,”
will be cursed by peoples, abhorred by nations.
Proverbs 24:24

Observation: Within the wise sayings regarding honesty and partiality in judging is this statement about wickedness. This is pretty clear ... anyone who declares wickedness as good or innocent will themselves be cursed.

This is the exact charge levied by the Lord in Jeremiah 23. The Lord calls out how the prophets of Samaria sinned by prophesying in the name of Baal. However, he then declares that the prophets of Judah now do something even worse ... they "walk in lies" and "strengthen the hands of evil doers" (v14). They say to those who hate God "it will be well with you" and to those who follow their own will instead of the instructions of the Lord "no calamity will come upon you" (v17).

In other words, they approve of acts of wickedness by giving "words" from the Lord that support activities that are not consistent with the word of the Lord. The wise writer of Proverbs knew what would come next, which is curses and shame such that they will be abhorred by nations. Jeremiah says the same, that the Lord is against these prophets, and they will be cast out and endure everlasting disgrace and shame.

Application: I am so afraid that our entire society has entered this phase in our rebellion against the Lord, that we declare those who hate the Lord to be good. Our leaders declare as good and even protect those who perpetuate acts in violation of the Lord's instruction, ensuring it will be well with them and no calamity will come upon them.

Are we in actually a cursed and abhorred people? Is our nation about to become a disgrace, a byword, a taunt?

We are not a nation chose by the Lord to be his priests. However, we are a nation established by the hand of the Lord, and with original values by Christ. We have abandoned those values, and now gone beyond the evil of Samaria - worshiping our own gods - to the evil of Judah, which is declaring proper and even sanctified that which is wicked. We have dismissed God's word for our own definitions of good and truth and knowledge.

How do we return from this precipice?

Prayer: Lord, I pray today for our nation. We are lost. May we find our way back to you. And if we do not, may you have mercy on the remnant who devoutly believes in you and your word. Amen.

Clarifying Concepts of Blessing

Scripture:
The heavens are the Lord’s heavens,
but the earth he has given to human beings.
The dead do not praise the Lord,
nor do any that go down into silence.
But we will bless the Lord
from this time on and forevermore.
Praise the Lord!
Psalm 115:16-18

Observation: This passage is a promise of blessing. In verses 12-13, the psalmist declares that blessing is promised to everyone who fears the Lord, both great and small. In 14-15, he states the blessing will belong to us and our families, and they will be both earthly and heavenly blessings. However, here in verse 16-18, there is a clarification of that earthly versus heavenly delineation.

The Lord commands all things. However, he has given the earth to humans ... a fact we already knew from Genesis. In this manner, on earth humans have free will to do as they please, which includes deciding to disobey the Lord and to even completely turn away from him. These people are dead. They do not praise the Lord, and thus when they die they do not ascend into a heavenly home with the Lord, but rather they "go down into silence". While these people may find earthly blessings - good lives as defined by human terms - hear on the human-managed earth, they will not receive the promised blessings of the Lord.

Those who bless the Lord on earth will not go down into silence; we are promised blessing, and that blessing is given to us here are earth ("from this time") and into an eternal life in heaven ("on and forevermore").

Hallelujah!

Application: I declare, praise the Lord!

Yes, I desire the Lord's promised favor and blessing, here and for eternity. I also know that, due to God's granting of the earth to humans, not everything in life on earth will ever be perfect. Humans are allowed, by God's love for them, to do as they please, and I know well that sometimes others will be pleased to harm me and my family. However, that does not change God's love and blessing. In fact, it makes the future blessing of heaven all the greater, as I cannot now even comprehend how wonderful God's perfect blessing must be!

I declare, praise the Lord!

Prayer: Lord, while I know the issues of this world, I lean into your promised salvation and blessing. I thank you that Jesus provides the ability for me to make clear my faith in you and cover my failings, so that I may find you in every aspect of life. I look forward to heaven, while serving you hear on earth this day. Please give me my daily bread, forgive my sins, and allow me again to praise you with all my heart. Amen.

Prepared for God's Work

Scripture: The word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Jeremiah, what do you see?” And I said, “I see a branch of an almond tree.” Then the Lord said to me, “You have seen well, for I am watching over my word to perform it.” Jeremiah 1:11-12

Observation: After declaring that he will make Jeremiah a prophet to Judah, the very first vision God gives Jeremiah is this ... an almond branch. It does not seem like much, and it is not intended to be pronounced to the people or king or priests. Perhaps it was a test to ensure Jeremiah would accurately state what God shows him without embellishment or personal interpretation. Or perhaps it was a way to encouraging Jeremiah by showing him that he could see and understand God by giving him this symbol of a branch which assuredly bears nuts as the same as the Lord who - when he speaks his word - assuredly makes it come true.

In either way, the Lord was preparing Jeremiah. He told him what he wanted, gave him assurances of his ability, then showed him he could do it. He didn't send him right away with a complex message, but rather started with a small vision and confirmed his success.

Application: The Lord has prepared me for the work he would have me do. Maybe the overall mission wasn't described as clearly as it was to Jeremiah, but I can know that he has a plan for my service to him, and has trained me to do through small successes.

I admit I am not sure what that work is or how I can serve the Lord and his people. I am not sure what I have really been trained to do. But I have faith that the work is before me, and I still have a mission - given by the Lord - ahead of me in life.

Like Jeremiah, I hope I am worthy and able and prepared.

Prayer: Lord, thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. May I do your will today and every day. Amen.

Importance of Unified Praise

Scripture:
At that time I will change the speech of the peoples
to a pure speech,
that all of them may call on the name of the Lord
and serve him with one accord.
Zephaniah 3:9

Observation: The prophet Zephaniah, writing just a few years before the fall of the northern kingdom, is already discussing the post-exile phase of the Jews. He discusses their return, their change of heart, and their future return to the Lord.

Language is important in the biblical account, and serves to provide the structure of societies. It was the Lord who used language to scatter people and create multiple people groups. Zephaniah discusses a change in the speech of the people, which will unify those who worship the Lord. This could mean a change in actual language, and this does happen to the Jews as over the next few centuries their lingua franca will evolve from Hebrew, to Aramaic, to Greek. However, this also may mean that the people will discover a unity in praise, worship, and prayer, declared out loud to the Lord. They will again find their one true purpose - to honor the Lord - and be of one accord in their worship and trust of Yahweh. Thus their speech will be pure in that it honors God.

Application: There is power expressed in the unified and "corporate" praise of the Lord ... in the people of the God collectively declaring their faith and calling on the Lord. This is the power of group worship, a pure speech, delivered with one accord.

This is a pure speech ... worship and praise, declared out loud, in a group. This is important to the Lord as a way we honor him as our God, our savior, our Lord, our father. We honor him when we declare his greatness out loud with our voices, for others to see and hear, and especially when we do so as a collection of God's people.

With the spreading of the gospel, the Lord changed the "speech of the peoples" (plural) to one pure speech, that being worship in the name of Jesus Christ. As the Church, we can now serve him with one accord.

Prayer: Lord, may I sing your praises every day. I will consider your greatness at all times, but I will especially honor you in my worship together with other believers. Your are great and worthy of all praise and honor and glory. Amen.

Needing to Fight Better

Scripture: Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:11-12

Observation: Paul introduces his famous metaphor of the "armor of God" with the context of why Christians are in a struggle against an enemy. We are not in a bodily war, but in a spiritual fight against the devil and against the evil forces of the world.

He will go on to describe the armor and the elements we need - truth, righteousness, faith, evangelism, and the word of God - but here he is clear about why ... we are under attack by earthly rulers and authorities, cosmic or spiritual powers of darkness, and forces of evil.

Application: One of my best friends yesterday - whom I almost never talk about faith with - described the conditions of the last year, and especially the illogical current outcomes that refuse to move our society to exiting the situation, as "dark and evil." It was good to hear that he understood that this entire issue is not a simple matter of science or natural bad luck, but something supernatural, designed to harm mankind, and under an evil influence.

That said, I am clearly terrible at resisting evil ... at donning the armor of God. I do so in such public conversations as the idea of persisting evil in the world in general, but then succumb to personal attack. I allow evil into my life and my mind, and I become angry, lustful, and poor in spirit.

There is no way I can think of myself in any other way ... I am weak, and I am a poor and unprepared warrior in the fight against the devil. I need more of the Holy Spirit to help me with this. I can hold the sword of the Spirit, but I fail to wield it!

I need more of the Holy Spirit, because obviously I am not strong enough on my own.

Prayer: Lord, I ask you this day for more of you in my heart and in my life. I want your Spirit within me, and I want to humble myself to your Spirit in my daily thoughts and actions. I know I have some of your Spirit, but I want and need more. I hate who I am without you. Please, Lord, Holy Spirit come. Amen.

Prophesy Fulfilled Completely

Scripture:
The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind,
"You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek."
Psalm 110:4

Observation: This psalm, "of David", is the most quoted psalm in the New Testament, and is even said to be the cornerstone of Christianity. The two most common ways it is used is to reinforce the idea of Messiah - 'the Lord says to my lord' indicating there are two entities of higher authority than the king - and declaring Jesus to be at the right hand of the Lord, with his enemies as a footstool, as this Messiah.

It is absolutely about Messiah, and not about David, and verse 4 proves this. At no time did David consider himself a priest, nor immortal. However, he declares here a promise from Yahweh that invokes both ... declaring someone as an eternal priest.

Everything in this psalm has even already come to pass:

-- Jesus is seated at the right hand of God

-- The power of his resurrection reverberates out from Zion (Jerusalem)

-- Billions of people offer themselves willingly has followers

-- The judgment of faith has (unfortunately) defined death for non-believers

-- Jesus is lifted up above all others

Application: I have never studied this psalm, and had no idea it held such status and importance. It is so powerful to see it in this light ... and a completely fulfilled messianic prophesy, and with that fulfillment called out by Jesus himself and reverberating through other New Testament writers including Luke, Paul, and the author of Hebrews (Apollos?).

I am excited my wife will be studying the psalms deeply over the coming week. I am so amazed by her! She has wisdom in certain matters I could never have. I think I will enjoy simply hearing her thoughts on this great book in the time to come.

Prayer: Lord, please be with my wife, and guide her thoughts, time, and learning in the days and weeks of her sabbatical. May you reveal to me how I can support and aid her, for her and for the longer-term benefit of your kingdom. Amen.

Adoption Into the Lord's Tent

Scripture:
Sing, O barren one who did not bear;
burst into song and shout,
you who have not been in labor!
For the children of the desolate woman will be more
than the children of her that is married, says the Lord.
Enlarge the site of your tent,
and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out;
do not hold back; lengthen your cords
and strengthen your stakes.
For you will spread out to the right and to the left,
and your descendants will possess the nations
and will settle the desolate towns.
Isaiah 54:1-3

Observation: Chapter 53 ends with the prophesy of Messiah, the suffering servant, sacrificed for our transgressions yet raised to the place of honor, the one who brings righteousness due to his willingness to bear our sins even to death. And here we see the outcome of that great act ... the celebration of a "barren" woman who now has more offspring than the married woman. There is a need to enlarge the tent - increase the home of the Lord - and make room for more and more people, who will possess the nations and settle everywhere.

This is the emergence of the gentile believers. The Jews are the bride of the Lord, as numerous as the stars in the sky, and yet now the barren woman - the entire rest of population outside of the Abrahamic promise - will become part of the family. They will number even more. The area they cover will be more than the promised land, but will be the entire earth, in all directions.

Again, this will come to pass as the result of the sacrifice of the suffering servant. He "bore the sin of many" and "made intercession for the transgressors", and the result is the adoption of the entire world into the family of Yahweh.

Application: I am adopted into God's own home! His tent was enlarged to make room for me. I am the child of the desolate woman, not descended from Abraham and not part of the nation of priests intended to make the Lord known to the world, and yet I am now a descendant of the Lord, for I am redeemed by Messiah, Jesus.

May I burst into song and shout for joy at this daily!

Prayer: Lord, your suffering was so great and terrible, and yet you went to the cross to save all of mankind. Thank you for your love and mercy. Forgive me when I fail to meet such simple standards you set down for my life. May I keep your suffering in my heart, and also rejoice at the fact I am now known by just one title, which is 'child of God'. Amen.

Many Truths of Burden-Bearing

Scripture: My friends, if anyone is detected in a transgression, you who have received the Spirit should restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness. Take care that you yourselves are not tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. For if those who are nothing think they are something, they deceive themselves. All must test their own work; then that work, rather than their neighbor’s work, will become a cause for pride. For all must carry their own loads. Galatians 6:1-5

Observation: In discussing ways to support one another, Paul provides the famous instruction to "bear one another's burdens" (v2). However, all around this line are several other matters being addressed. In order:

-- If a believer has a transgression, gently assist them to restoration.

-- Be careful yourself not to fall into similar transgressions.

-- Do not be prideful by considering yourself "something" (superior) when helping others.

-- Consider your own actions and behavior carefully.

-- Be concerned that you are doing rightly over how you help others do rightly.

-- Everyone must endure the life challenges God has given them.

Taken together, there is a theme. We are to love others by helping them during times of burden and hardship. However, we would do well to ensure we ourselves do not fall into transgressions and thus take on burdens, to not feel proud when we help others, and finally to be prepared ourselves to seek God's help when we have hardships in life.

Application: It is a wonderful thought to "bear one another's burdens" as a way of showing love to others. However, we must not become prideful of doing so ... simply caring for others when they have problems isn't the goal. The goal is to become strong in faith - each of us - so we can endure life due to our reliance on and trust in the Lord. When someone needs help, we do so quietly, gently, without pride that we did it, and while being weary ourselves of avoiding similar pitfalls as we could easily do.

Bearing burdens is great. Doing so properly is important. Preparing all - myself included - to be strong enough to manage burdens on our own is desired.

Prayer: Lord, I have had burdens in life. I have been quietly supported by some, and I have shouldered much of it myself. I hope that, in this way, myself and others have done as you would advise. May I be a quiet, humble burden-bearer for others, as you would guide me. Amen.

What I am Makes no Difference

Scripture: And from those who were supposed to be acknowledged leaders (what they actually were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality) — those leaders contributed nothing to me. Galatians 2:6

Observation: Paul retells the story of him going to the council of Jerusalem 15 years after his conversion. There, he presents the gospel as it has been revealed to him, and the council does not correct any part of his message while Peter, James, and John commission him as an apostle to the gentiles. 

Of the members of the council, he refers to them in this way ... that they were "supposed to be acknowledged leaders" and that it makes no difference what they actually were. Paul is dismissing the idea of titles and leadership, or at least he is clarifying the source of authority. Authority comes from the Lord, and not from position. While later he calls Peter, James, and John "pillars", this is clearly due to their authority from God that manifests as spirit-filled understanding.

The members of the council of Jerusalem were considered the leaders of the early church. Paul waves away that idea because he does not know their true credentials for leadership. Those credentials are not their position on the council but their relationship with the Lord and thus only the authority the Lord has bestowed upon them through the Holy Spirit. Anyone could be a leader, as God shows no partiality, but by faith in Jesus, and relationship with the Holy Spirit, some truly lead.

Application: What am I in the church? Some would say I am a leader, but is that only because of my position as a pastor's spouse? Do I have enough of the gifts of the spirit to actually be a leader?

I have said before that I am reaching a point where I may be considered an old, wise man of the church, especially to younger men. But am I actually anything other than just ... old? I know whom at church I acknowledge as true leaders, and that is completely based on their obvious spirit-given actions, behaviors, knowledge, wisdom, peace, and grace.

Again I see that only my relationship with the Lord - manifested in a life led by the Holy Spirit - makes a difference. No title or position is 'real' before God, except those bestowed by the Lord and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Prayer: Lord, I will strive to live by the Holy Spirit today and every day. May I consider your direction at every turn today, and in every day of my life. I often know the truth of how to live within your will, but I am only now learning how to properly live. Please forgive my past failings and my lack of understanding, and again take my hand so I may humbly walk with you. Amen.

Without a Human Commission

Scripture: Paul an apostle—sent neither by human commission nor from human authorities, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead ... For I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel that was proclaimed by me is not of human origin; for I did not receive it from a human source, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. Galatians 1:1,11-12

Observation: Paul opens his letter to the Galatians with a clear intent to make this point ... that his source of authority both as a traveling apostle and a teacher of the gospel is not human, but is from the Lord. His first sentence declares he is not sent "by human commission" or any "human authority," but by the Lord. He goes on to describe how he became knowledgeable of the gospel, which was a direct revelation from Jesus and not through any kind of study or instruction by the disciples or other church leaders. In fact, his training was in Judaism as a Pharisee, not as a Christian preacher.

There is clearly an issue with the "gospel" being discussed in Galatia, and Paul is using his own experience to clarify the authenticity of the truth. The good news of Jesus is not his opinion based on study, nor is it a concept derived from what others told him, but rather it is the truth provided by Jesus himself.

This is both the truth about the gospel, and the test for that truth ... that it come from a heavenly, inspired source. Often this therefore relates to the quality of the individual, but that can be a flawed test these days, as good sources can stumble and flawed individuals can receive true words. That latter is in fact Paul's deeper point, that as a flawed individual he was still entrusted by the Lord with the good news.

Application: Perhaps too often I rely upon my past learning in understanding the bible. I am a flawed person, but I can receive spiritual guidance about God's word, and that would be more accurate than any kind of learned knowledge I already have.

I know I have received 'words of knowledge' during my time, and I hope I have passed them on reliably. Those things could not have been from me. I hope that in days and months and years to come, that I may receive more "commissions" to encourage others, not from human authority, but from Jesus.

Prayer: Lord, may I be your servant here on earth every day. I do not seek any human commission for any kind of service, but instead I ask you just show me what you would me do. Amen.

Righteousness and Peace

Scripture:
The effect of righteousness will be peace,
and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever.
My people will abide in a peaceful habitation,
in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.
Isaiah 32:17-18

Observation: As Isaiah talks about many things and many outcomes of many issues, he also discusses the reign of peace to come. In the end, the people of the Lord will have peace and security. They will dwell in peaceful and secure homes, and enjoy rest from the problems of the world. However, there is a context to this pleasant condition. It comes from righteousness. It is in righteousness that peace exists, and by extension a quiet and trusting calmness of life.

Application: Isaiah 32:18 is one of my special verses ... that the Lord's people will abide is peace, security, and quiet rest. However, the context is important. Righteousness is in short supply, even among God's people ... and even in my own life.

As I was taught this weekend, I fail when I actively struggle to live righteously, but I can succeed when I try to live in the spirit, and by the Holy Spirit. In that manner, I can be shown God's righteousness. And in that place of righteousness, I can then live in peace, quietness, security, and trust.

I desire to live in that place! I would desire that my home, then my community, then my town, then my region, then my nation likewise find this peace. Calm is not the way, but righteousness - in the Lord as found in Jesus and guided by the Holy Spirit - is the way.

Prayer: Lord, this day and every day, may my family and my home be a place to abide in peace. May this be a secure dwelling, and a quiet, restful place. And as this depends upon me, may I seek your righteousness, by the Holy Spirit. I desire to live by the spirit. Amen.

Earthly Hopes are Useless

Scripture: And they shall be dismayed and confounded because of Ethiopia their hope and of Egypt their boast. In that day the inhabitants of this coastland will say, ‘See, this is what has happened to those in whom we hoped and to whom we fled for help and deliverance from the king of Assyria! And we, how shall we escape?’ Isaiah 20:5-6

Observation: Isaiah begins to give a series of prophesies that actually leap beyond the next events. These include elements like ... the defeat of Babylon by the hands of the Medes and Persians (even though Babylon isn't even the threat against Israel yet; Assyria is), and the fall of Jerusalem (while Israel, not Judah, is currently at risk). This passage discusses how the nations of north Africa - Egypt and Ethiopia - will be attacked by the Assyrians and thus not be a safe haven for the Israelites who fled to there, despite the fact that the Israelites ... have not yet fled.

So this is really a warning against fleeing at all. Fleeing to a strong neighbor like Egypt, or to a more distant place like Ethiopia, will be of no use. There is no earthly hope, no earthly deliverance. In this world, when hardship comes, it is often the reaction to struggle and fight, even surrendering earthly material goods and enduring shame, in an effort to survive. This does not work.

Application: When hardship comes - and it will come - the only source of hope and refuge and protection and deliverance is the Lord. Any kind of earthly protection can be lost, attacked, and removed. Even protections sought at personal cost can fail us.

My help comes from the Lord, creator of heaven and earth. My hope is in Jesus Christ, our rock and sure foundation. The Lord is my refuge and my strength, and great protector in times of trouble. There is no place I can go, no think I could own, that can provide for my life beyond what the Lord himself gives and does for me.

Prayer: Lord, my trust is in you. Please be with me and my family this day and every day. Do not let us be ashamed in the eyes of men, nor let us fear for life or health or want. Instead, let me and my house praise you this day and every day. Amen.

Another Lesson on Worldly Logic

Scripture: I ask that when I am present I need not show boldness by daring to oppose those who think we are acting according to human standards. Indeed, we live as human beings, but we do not wage war according to human standards; for the weapons of our warfare are not merely human, but they have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every proud obstacle raised up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to obey Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:2-5

Observation: Paul again instructs Christians about the critical concept of truth, and instruction is clear ... truth is what God says is truth, and not what the world declares. As such, comparing one's actions, behaviors, ideals, and morality to "human" (or earthly or flesh-based) definitions is a failure of faith.

We are not to "wage war" - debate truth - based on human standards, and we are not to fight against flaws in earthly logic using earthly logic. When others use earthly arguments to express descent against God and Jesus, we do not use counter-logic. Instead, we simply pray and obey the leading of Christ. Sometimes, the Holy Spirit will guide our wise words or response. Other times, the Holy Spirit may just give us strength to silently endure. However, we never argue, or even live, according to the standards of this world, but rather by the standards of our Lord.

Application: Even just half an hour ago, I was concerned in my mind about some recent Youtube videos I had seen promoted that declared the fallacies of the bible. I can easily think about how I would debate and debunk such lies. However, certainly doing so is almost as wrong as the original attack against the Lord. Refuting man-made logic with man-made logic is wrong. The only proper response to any kind of earthly logic is to seek only God's wisdom.

Earthly logic today involves ... revisionist history about social dynamics, primacy of social issues, enforcement of various social and behavioral norms, almost any political conversation, many moral laws. Only arguments founded in Christ should be brought against such ideas, and even then only at a time and place that God would choose. In the end, debating such things is almost always counterproductive to our ability to deliver the Gospel, and that goal needs to trump all other messages.

Prayer: Lord, may I have a peace in my heart, inspired and safeguarded by you, to not engage the world. We have so many issue stirring around us, but I know they are almost meaningless except by the context of a need for others to hear about Jesus. May I have the ability to always and only engage in that context. Amen.

Saying Good Morning to God

Scripture:
Praise the Lord!
O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
for his steadfast love endures forever.
Psalm 106:1

Observation: So very many of the psalms begin with almost these exact words. Perhaps there is some added modifier, but they begin with this ... Hallelujah, give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his love endures forever. The begin by declaring the wonderful Hebrew word for praise the Lord, thank him for his goodness, and profess his eternal love.

There are 150 psalms. At least 11 begin with some version of this opening. It is as if this is the natural and proper way to say 'good morning' to the Lord. And it is ... beginning with praise for the Lord and declaring that the source and cause of that praise is his love and goodness. Before anything else, from requesting help, to confessing sin, to admitting helplessness, to declaring joy, this is an example of how a conversation with the Lord should begin ... praising him for his love and goodness.

Application: When I do my devotions in the morning, my day with the Lord begins with whatever thought the devotions bring. However, my first words to him may be more about helping me, or showing me some truth, or calming my mind. I might get around to praising him and thanking him, and more rarely will I state the source of that thanks being his love.

Beginning the day - the conversation with God - with a sincere Hallelujah is not only appropriate, but should almost be uncontrollable. It expresses immediate praise and thanks for another day ahead, for joys and provision to come, and all bound in the eternal love of my heavenly father. It isn't just the appropriate declaration to the Lord, but a life-giving declaration for my own heart.

Prayer: Hallelujah!! Abba, my father in heaven, you are so good to me, and your great and boundless love is truly eternal. I praise you today from my heart and from my mouth. Again I say, Hallelujah! Amen.

Perception in a New Context

Scripture: From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way. So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! 2 Corinthians 5:16-17

Observation: Verse 16 of this chapter is often quoted ... if anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation! However, there is further context to this statement. While alone this verse addresses the new life we all receive by faith in Jesus, in context it is about how we are actually to interact and consider each one another as believers. We are no longer to consider each other as earthly beings - from 'a human point of view' - but rather we are to regard each other as these new creations. Those around us are different, and we ourselves and our perceptions are different.

As believers, we are to consider everything in the context of our salvation. Us as a new creation means that everything we see is different to us. In addition, others as new creations are different to us as well. There is not one thing - person or otherwise - that we should be evaluating, judging, considering, or perceiving in the same way we did or would have before we believed in Jesus and received the Holy Spirit. Instead, everything should be understood in the context of salvation, the promise of God's love:

-- All creation is for our enjoyment

-- All challenges are for our learning

-- All riches are gifts from our father

-- All sadness makes us long for heaven

-- All joy give us cause to rejoice in the Lord

As for fellow believers:

-- All are forgiven by God

-- All have nothing to do with their former selves

-- All sincerely wish to do good even when they fall short, just like us

And regarding believers and unbelievers alike:

-- All are loved by God equally

-- All have struggles we do not know

-- All have a hope whether they know it or not

-- All actually desire the same thing ... to know their purpose in the Lord

Application: Could I truly apply this principle to my daily walk ... that everything in the world is something that I should perceive differently than I would without Jesus? Most of the time ... yes. I see creation as the wonder of the Lord, and something we truly enjoy. I see blessing from Abba, and I see teaching from Yahweh, and I even see persecution and hate from others toward me as evidence of faith and how the evil of this world hates Jesus.

I struggle most with how I perceive believers. I can easily be sad for unbelievers, but I fail to give grace to my brothers and sisters in Christ. I do this despite the fact that I am such a sinner myself. They - and I - are new creations in Christ, and I need to realized my newness of perception and their newness of continued growth.

Prayer: Lord, may your Spirit be upon me today and every day as I interact with the people and the world around me. I am a new creation, so may I use only the lens of the promised salvation to see others. When I interact with believers, may that lens be doubled in a way that removes their rough edges, and I can only see their hearts for you, as I would wish they see me. Amen.

Holy Holy Holy

A little traditional ... a little modern ...