Turning Aside to Myths

Scripture: For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, will multiply teachers for themselves because they have an itch to hear what they want to hear. They will turn away from hearing the truth and will turn aside to myths. 2 Timothy 4:3-4

Observation: Again Paul tells Timothy of the way people will respond to the gospel message. When it comes to the truth about Jesus, salvation, and the love of God, they will reject it and instead embrace "myths" and lies. When it comes to sound doctrine for how to live life, they will adamantly reject it ("not tolerate"), and instead will embrace other teachers who pronounce what they want to hear ... what aligns to their predisposed desires.

Application: I am full of emotion when it comes to Paul's predictions for how society behaves. I am encouraged by his prophetic accuracy, yet depressed by the reality of such attitudes by the masses. I am curious about how to continue the call of Jesus (as Paul explicitly instructs us to do in the very next verse, v5), yet frustrated by the knowledge of how others will react to the good news. I am uplifted by the knowledge of the truth, yet oppressed by the fact that lies will prevail in the hearts of many.

And I do not know how to escape this cycle, because I live in a time and place that too well aligns to these words.

Prayer: Lord, may your peace, your shalom, be upon me and my family this day, and every day. I seek your face. I care about others, and I thank you for the softening of my heart, but may your wisdom also show me how I can serve without sadness, speak without fear, and love without judgment. Amen.

Both Claiming and Denying God

Scripture: Holding to the form of godliness but denying its power. Avoid these people. 2 Timothy 3:5

Observation: Paul describes the people in the last days with a significant list of sinful, prideful traits. He then summarizes how such traits manifest with this ... these people effectively claim themselves to have the form - control, authority, wisdom - of God, and that this 'form' has come to them as a result of their manifest authority in the world, while simultaneously denying that God himself, who created them and gave them authority in the world, has any control, authority, or wisdom.

As Paul says, the ultimate sign of the fallen world will be that mankind will hold in their hands documented information about how the Lord has given them life, understanding, and the personal authority to do with it what they please, and they will both agree that they have life and understanding and authority, but deny that such things were given to them.

Application: While Paul's words were likely always true for a subset of mankind throughout history - before and after Christ - they certainly echo loudest today. As my wife and I learn about more of our friends whose children have declared themselves to be of opposite genders, we see even how a person can simultaneously think that their "form" is special and unique and wonderfully made, but also it is to be redefined and resisted and even denied in total for the pursuit of worldly lies.  It's downright devastating to see.

I am a person of total faith who struggles daily with pride and arrogance, which produces sins of both thought and actions in my life. If those who know Jesus struggle so much - and we all do - how could there be hope for those so far removed from a path that includes even the concept of God, let alone the truth about his good plans and purposes and intents in their lives?

Yes, I am struggling with my hope ... not my hope in Jesus, and my personal salvation, and the love of Yahweh my heavenly father ... but my hope in how society sustains and progresses in the future. In fact, my hope in this is less and less tied to a hope that our culture will return to the Lord, and more and more in the Paul's opening statement to this entire concept: Hard times will come in the last days. I am beginning to hope for the last days.

Is it wrong to implicitly give up millions - billions - of living people? I know the answer; yes, it is wrong. Perhaps we can use Paul's logic, showing that claiming a form of personal godliness must point to the power of God himself, and perhaps that awareness can begin some on a new path.

Prayer: Lord, this morning I pray for three young men I won't name here, but their names are in my mind, and you know them. They have denied your power, while claiming power over the form you provided. They have fallen for the lies of satan, and are wandering so far from you. If I could talk to them, I honestly wouldn't even have the first idea what to say. But you do. Please send people to talk to them. Please send people to talk to their parents and councilors and others who would speak into their lives. May this also be true for the tens and hundreds of millions like them in the world today, who have fallen for the same terrible lie. And may your Church find the hope we need to continue your mission on earth, until the day of your coming. Amen.

Considering the Coming Rebellion

Scripture: Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way. For that day will not come unless the apostasy comes first and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. 2 Thessalonians 2:3

Observation: All prophesy about the "second coming" of Christ is confusing, as it should be since Jesus himself said no one can know the timing. References to the "antichrist" or "man of lawlessness" are just as confusing. In this discussion, Paul is clear in connecting not just the rise of the antichrist to the day of the second coming, but also a third event ... the apostasy. This refers to a rebellion, and from that rebellion the man of lawlessness emerges.

This is interesting because, in the time of this writing, the concept of a "rebellion" against Yahweh would make no logical sense. This was written during the height of the Roman empire. To the world, Ceasar was in charge, and the roman gods were central, while hundreds of other local gods and religions were allowed. It would not have been possible for anyone to lead a worldwide rebellion against the Lord, because Jesus was not yet acknowledged as the savior of the world.

That would change over the next century, and then remain in place for a long time. Throughout that time in history, while pockets of civilization reject Jesus, there would have been no concept of leading a worldwide rebellion against Jesus until ... now.

Application: I do believe that, while we might not live in the "end times", we are the first generation that lives in the conditions that COULD be the end times. Advances in communications and travel have finally met the descriptions of prophesy. So what could an apostasy or rebellion that precedes the man of lawlessness look like? It seems it would require ... widespread rejection of the existence of God, and all moral law given to us by God.

Well ... we seem almost there. Perhaps I am tainted by where I live, where Christians aren't just a minority, but atheists/agnostics are actually the majority and we continue to pass public laws that explicitly renounce God's good guidance for living. This isn't true everywhere yet, but there are entire organizations - even industries - actively attempting to spread this as if it is a virtuous cause.

I do not know what any "apostasy" will look like. However, I expect it could come any day now. My hope is divided between wishing it would happen immediately, or desiring to continue to serve the Lord and see the world reconciled to him.

Prayer: Lord, if it is thy will, come, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Seeking the Spirit's Teaching

Scripture:
Help me understand
the meaning of your precepts
so that I can meditate on your wonders.
Psalm 119:27

Observation: The psalmist desires a deeper understanding of the Lord's precepts and laws. Five times he asks for teaching, instruction, and understanding of God's word. In verse 27 we see one of his goals for such learning ... so he may meditate on the Lord's wonders.

This implies that there is a deeper meaning to the laws and precepts and commands of the word beyond their simple definitions. While all of these teachings have instructions and procedures, obedience to those procedures would not produce meditative contemplation on the wonders of the Lord. Instead, that wonder is found through a deeper revelation of the Lord himself, found within the instructions. This revelation includes ... unconditional love for everyone, a desire to both provide basic essentials and immense blessings, a purpose founded in relationship with the creator of the universe, both mercy and justice for the persecuted and persecutors, and personal joy available to everyone every day.

Application: It is this level of understanding of God's laws that confounds non-believers and new believers alike. I have seen the endless debates about commandments ... which ones don't apply anymore, which apply to Jews but not Christians, etc. Jesus himself called out the issues with such debates. Later prophets pointed out the futility of procedural compliance and how it missed the point of the entire law (seek justice, love mercy, walk humbly with the Lord).

This is how I want to consider all the laws and precepts ... that they reveal God's love, and his overall desire for relationship with me, which is achieved through my behavior that both honors and trusts in him as my Lord, savior, master, and God. It is in that context and mindset that meditating on all his wonders can truly guide me to discovery, to joy, to inner peace, and to true worship.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for your instructions, for they do not exist as a burden but as a guidepost to know you better. There can be no greater honor than the creator of the universe desiring that I get to know him. In that spirit, and by your Spirit, may I walk humbly with you every day, my Lord and my God. Amen.

I’m not yet Where I’m Going

... But I'm a LONG way from where I was!

And I'm NOT going back!!

Minding My Own Work

Scripture: To seek to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, so that you may behave properly in the presence of outsiders and not be dependent on anyone. 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

Observations: Paul's reminders about proper Christian living include the normal words about loving one another and doing good works, but it also includes the reminder to ... do good work. Christians are to 'lead a quiet life'. In this, we take care of our own work, doing it personally and with diligence. This is described as proper behavior, as it will appear as good to non-Christians. In addition, it removes dependence on the 'world' by producing the daily sustenance we receive from the Lord.

Application: This is an important note. While the Lord seeks to prosper us, he does so through the successful outcome of our work. This is, in my opinion, one of the "mysteries" of God. He desires the world to seek him, and so his blessings are not impossible miracles. I don't have a house and a car and food because everything just appears out of thin air. I have what I need every day because the Lord provides it, and he provides it through what appears to be earthly work. In this way, my behavior is proper to others, yet I am not dependent on anyone other than the Lord.

In this, the work commanded of me is ... my work. It is work I do myself, with my hands. And I am to do it quietly, without complaining or lamenting any burden associated with it.

I hope to be this way and remain this way when it comes to my work. I hope to simply have my work to do, with my hands. I desire to maintain a mindset of gratitude toward the work, and also to not complain when it is complex or time-consuming.

The Lord has blessed me so greatly. I cannot even begin to describe the wonder of his love toward me and my family. I do seek to lead a quiet life of good work, and to grow where the Lord has planted me.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for the blessings of my life, and your amazing love in my life. May I honor you with simple work today. May others see me and be reminded in some way of you, perhaps by my work, perhaps by my peace, perhaps by my joy, perhaps by my love. May I do your work in all its forms. Amen.

Surrender is Life

Scripture: But tell this people, "This is what the Lord says: Look, I am setting before you the way of life and the way of death. Whoever stays in this city will die by the sword, famine, and plague, but whoever goes out and surrenders to the Chaldeans who are besieging you will live and will retain his life like the spoils of war." Jeremiah 21:8-9

Observation: Jerusalem is under siege by the Babylonians, and at the king's request Jeremiah prophesies the truth ... the Jews are about to be destroyed by God's own hand, due to their longstanding transgressions. The Lord does give them the hope of a remnant who will survive and eventually be called back to the land, however he gives them this instruction to be part of the remnant: Surrender.

Anyone who places hope in the earthly strength of their walled city will die in some manner of terror and hardship. Anyone who obeys the Lord and surrenders will actually survive, and even be cared for by the Babylonians in some way to sustain their life.

SO MANY will choose to stay, resist, and then later flee, with disastrous outcomes.

Application: The Lord has always given us this choice ... will we as a people - and I myself - choose to follow our own understanding of the world and our own plans for life, or will we surrender to the Lord's instruction and trust that direction? From Adam to Jehoiachin, the Old Testament repeats that pattern. From Mary to Satan, the New Testament repeats that pattern. Over and over, it is obvious who has the best outcomes.

And my life has this pattern. When I follow my path, I struggle. So, have I learned to surrender? Have I truly decided that I will surrender decisions about my life's direction and obey the Lord, even when the path he appears to offer is unknown and indeterminable about the outcome? Sometimes I choose correctly, and sometimes ... I don't.

Jeremiah is famous for the words affirming that the Lord's plans for me are wonderful and good. May I - and all of us - also recognize that the Lord told us how lean into the Lord's plan, which is to surrender to him.

Prayer: Lord, I do desire to surrender to your will and plan for my life, both long-term and on a daily basis. May I know what to do step by step, and better learn how to surrender. Amen.

Impressed by Love and Prayer

Scripture: You learned this from Epaphras, our dearly loved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf, and he has told us about your love in the Spirit. Colossians 1:7-8

Observation: Paul is writing to a church he has never been to, and which he did not plant nor teach at, Colossae. He is writing this while imprisoned in Rome, and the purpose for why he would do so isn't clear, though he will also write a personal letter directly to one of the church leaders (Philemon). Based on both the words and some deeper literary analysis, it seems at least part of the reason he is writing is because Colossae's 'pastor' has also come to Rome, that being Epaphras.

Upon analysis, little is truly known of Epaphras outside of a few sentences by Paul. Scholars believe he is actually from Colossae and thus not a traveling apostle. There is a church tradition that he once learned from Paul and may have been converted in Ephesus, but there is no supporting evidence and that is mere conjecture. He is called a "fellow prisoner" in Philemon, but whether he was brought to Rome as a prisoner or arrested there for being Christian is unknown. About the only thing that can be truly said about Epaphras is ... Paul is impressed by him, and that impression is based on his report about the love found in the church in Colossae, and Epaphras' prayer life.

Application: If I had to say the things that are impressive about a church, the love of the people within the church, and the overall prayer activity within the church, likely wouldn't be high on my list. Then again, I have often found that what impresses me about churches is wrong, if not completely backwards. Therefore, it shouldn't surprise me to learn that the community found within a church, and the hidden actions of prayer to the Lord, are foundational.

I know I need to love people better. I know I need to pray more. These elements of Christian life are so important that Epaphras became esteemed and "dearly loved" by Paul, not for his theology or knowledge, but simply by his reports of such activities in Colossae.

Prayer: Lord, I would desire to be a man Paul might consider a fellow servant and faithful minister, not because of my service and ministry, but because of my love and prayer. May I continue to grow in love, especially toward my brothers and sisters in faith, with a soft and gentle heart. May I turn to you in prayer for all things, at all times, with no care that goes hidden and no joy that goes unpraised. Amen.

Actions Must Align to Faith

Scripture: This is what the Lord of Armies, the God of Israel, says: Correct your ways and your actions, and I will allow you to live in this place. Do not trust deceitful words, chanting, "This is the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord." Jeremiah 7:3-4

Observation: The Lord warns the people of Judah and Jerusalem that, if they persist in their evil, they will be destroyed. He will enumerate the evil acts they are currently perpetrating, but they effectively boil down to two categories ... worship and sacrifice to other gods, and violating the moral law.

In the midst of this warning, the Lord makes this strong accusation ... that their words are deceitful when they declare that the temple of Jerusalem is the temple of the Lord. Interestingly, we know this is the temple of the Lord. It is the place where he has placed his 'name'. He ordered David and Solomon to build it, they did, and he occupied it. Yet now he declares that their words, chanting that the temple is the Lord's, is deceitful. This is because the people themselves have made those words a lie.

They have turned the temple into something else. They commit sins and violate God's instructions, then come to the temple for sacrifices and thus declare themselves forgiven and blameless. The Lord even says that, in so doing, they have turned the temple into a "den of robbers". It has lost its purpose - which was as a place to draw close the Lord in covenant relationship - and instead has become a 'get out of jail free' card where ritual compliance then allows everyone to do whatever else they desire and feel exonerated. They believe that going to the temple occasionally offsets their daily disobedience.

The temple in Jerusalem was the temple of the Lord. Yet when those whose actions oppose the Lord declare it as such, the Lord himself calls that deceit. Actions must align to faith for words to be true.

Application: Of course, my actions fall short of perfection. They often fall short of good and faithful. In this, I am a hypocrite just like the people of Jerusalem, and the Lord would be justified to destroy me. Our nation is on a similar path, to the point where many relish their lives full of the rejection of the Lord, and yet they might choose to pray - for reasons even they don't understand - during great emergencies.

I have no doubt that the Lord will destroy our nation in some form and fashion, though I do not know the timing. I also know I am forgiven through the new covenant of Jesus Christ, and thus has a different way of obtaining a relationship with the Lord that is not based on temple ritual. That said, even Jesus warned of similar pitfalls, telling us that there may come a time when many cry out "Lord, Lord" to him, and he will say he does not know us because we did not do his work on earth.

My behavior cannot be perfect. But I can strive to do his work, and obey his word. I do chant "Jesus Christ is my Lord and savior" ... may my actions - and my heart and faith - align to these words, so the Lord will find them true.

Prayer: Lord, I desire your forgiveness and mercy, for I know my sins and my faults. Help me to serve you and love others in your name, every day. Amen.

Seeking No Other River

Scripture:
For my people have committed a double evil:
They have abandoned me,
the fountain of living water,
and dug cisterns for themselves—
cracked cisterns that cannot hold water...
Now what will you gain
by traveling along the way to Egypt
to drink the water of the Nile?
What will you gain
by traveling along the way to Assyria
to drink the water of the Euphrates?
Jeremiah 2:13,18

Observation: In defining his charges against Judah, the Lord twice uses the metaphor of water. He first calls their acts a "double" evil, for the both a) abandoned his 'living' water, and b) searched for their own water. Then he asks them what they could gain by turning to the worldly support of other nations for strength, and referring to the nations of Egypt and Assyria he wonders what they get by 'drinking' from the mighty rivers of those nations.

And this is the great point. The Lord is the living water that provides all we need, and it is the greatest of sins to not only reject that water, but to go and seek different water. That might be looking within our own sources for what we need to survive, or looking to worldly sources of life-giving refreshment. The Lord provides all we need.

Application: I am emotionally enticed by the river of life ... the river that flows from the throne of the Lord, and grows and grows as it flows. I don't just like the imagery, but I experience it in my soul. I can feel the gentle current as one wades into the river's edge, I can see the lush trees thriving along the shoreline, I can hear children play in the eddies, I can watch fishermen cast nets and receive their daily provision. And I can wonder at how it is that this river does not begin as a gushing torrent and diminish as it is used, but rather starts as a gentle stream from the Lord and grows in size and resources as it meanders through mankind.

I love this image. I yearn to see it, to cup my hands and drink from it, to revel while I stand in the warmth of the light and experience to cool of the water. This is my image of experiencing Yahweh.

How, oh how has mankind actively decided to reject this?

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for your love, flowing from your very being. I desire to always experience that love, and I desire no other source of joy. Soften my heart to you and to others, and may your river always be before my eyes. Amen.

Paul Prayed for Us

Scripture: I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you, always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:3-6

Observation: As Paul greets the church at Philippi, he declares he prays for them, remembering their great work in spreading the gospel as they have been doing from the very first day they learned of Jesus, and which he is sure they will keep doing until Jesus' return. He is "sure of this," for the good work the Lord has begun in them will certainly continue until the second coming.

That said, the original church at Philippi doesn't exist today. Clearly the members died millennia ago. They are no longer doing the good work, and yet ... the work is not completed, and Christ has not come again. Paul understood this, and even goes on to immediately ponder his current situation - arrested in Rome - and openly discusses whether he will be able to continue to serve the Lord on earth, or if his death will cut short his service before it is completed.

Paul, therefore, is not addressing "you" as just the few hundred people in Philippi.  "You" is ... the universal Church of Jesus Christ. He was praying for this Church as the ongoing organization that is in partnership spreading the gospel, from the first day of the resurrection until now, and Paul knew this good work would continue for as long as needed until the return of Christ.

Application: This revelation tells me that Paul prayed for us. Paul prayed for Evergreen Church. Paul prayed for believers who gather for worship at Microsoft. Paul prayed for every Christian church of every denomination in every corner of the world, which has ever existed from that day in the first century until now, and ongoing until the Lord decides the time has come for Jesus to return and reap the harvest of believers. Paul prayed for all sowers and all reapers for all time.

And ... Paul prayed for me. Paul prayed for my wife. Paul prayed for my children. He prayed especially for our good work of spreading the gospel, whether it be through Alpha, or church events, or conversations with friends, or words at work.

Prayer: Lord, may I be worthy of the prayers of Paul. May I find the strength and will and patience and conviction to do your good work, carrying on as the lineage of the church at Philippi, until the day of Christ Jesus. Amen.

Awaiting the Curse to Come

Scripture:
Whatever you plot against the Lord,
he will bring it to complete destruction;
oppression will not rise up a second time.
Nahum 1:9

Observation: Nehum pronounces a prophesy against Nineveh, and it is this ... you will be completely destroyed to the point that you will not even have descendants or a legacy on earth. This was pronounced at a time when the Assyrians - of which Nineveh was their capital - had conquered Israel and sent the northern kingdom into exile. Yet the prophesy is that they would not destroy Judah, and later they themselves would be wiped from the earth, while actually Israel would survive. All of this proved 100 percent true.

Nineveh itself was a place the Lord had tried to reach with love and kindness and hope. Jonah had explicitly been sent to that city with news they must repent and love Yahweh, and ... they did and were spared. Yet then they turned again and have now rejected the Lord entirely.

This promise in verse 9 is specific about the nature of their future destruction. Whatever the Assyrians have plotted against the Lord, that is what he will do to them. And what did they plot? They plotted ... to blot out the Jewish people forever by conquering their land and then disbursing them into oblivion. Today, Nineveh doesn't exist, and there is no one who could reliably trace their ancestry to Nineveh, though of course Israel exists and the Jewish people are alive across the entire world.

Application: My country is in a plot against the Lord. We have rejected his hope, his word, his love, and his moral teaching. Many are in active rebellion against everything related to the Lord ... not just rejecting his offer of salvation, but actively rejecting the good things he freely offers everyone in life.

And what do the people of this land plot? They plot for the elimination of gender and the corruption of our bodies. So this will be the destiny of this land. Americans will devolve in their physical and emotional health until they are weak in all aspects of life, their hopes deteriorating, and then the nation will dissolve.

Will this curse apply to all Americans? Or will this apply only to those who actively pursue the agenda that encompasses a total rebellion against the Lord? I do not know, but I know God is faithful to his word, and that while he is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love ... his hand will not be withheld forever.

Prayer: Lord, may thy will be done. Amen.

Danger is Defining Ambition

Scripture: For know and recognize this: Every sexually immoral or impure or greedy person, who is an idolater, does not have an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Ephesians 5:5

Observation: In the teaching about impurity of thoughts and actions, Paul is especially reminding the church that the acts associated with the sin of coveting - sexual impurity, immorality, greed - should not exist at all among believers. However, he has also pointed out that these things are common in society among non-believers. Non-believers are ignorant, with hard hearts, and demonstrate such by pursuing all kinds of impure sins.

We know that we all sin, even believers, and while sin should not exist among believers, believers do and will sin. Yet there is one key difference ... idolatry. Those who sin, but also are idolaters, are the ones who clearly do not have an inheritance in Christ.

Application: We talked extensively at church yesterday about sexual impurity and the current conversations in society. It is this point on idolatry that clearly takes that issue to a critical level, which is the fact people have turned sexuality into their idol. They declare sexuality as their principle identity trait. They define their lives by their opinions about sex, and/or about issues that revolve around gender and sexual identity.

I am still confused from time to time about what truly comprises an "idol". Sometimes I believe it must be an image. Most often I believe it is any concept someone places as the primary motivation in their lives, above the Lord. When I think about it deeply, but also trying to summarize most succinctly, I believe I would summarize my understanding as this ... an idol is any belief by which I would define myself or my life's ambition.

I can have a lot of ambitions. Some have good qualities and character, such as I would like to be a better husband, and I would like to become a man deemed wise enough to mentor younger men. In my heart, both of these have root in the Lord. Some ambitions are certainly more worldly, such as I would like to shoot an even-par round of golf someday (or at least shoot 75 or lower). Such ambitions are completely worldly, but they are not something I use to define myself outside of a specific conversation about my best golf round ever. These ambitions are born from joy of activities in this world.

In all things, however, I know my true ambition is to be a better man for Christ, and to do what he would have me do. And yes, I fail at that daily. My heart should be softer toward others, and I should be kinder and more loving. I lust, and I enjoy money and the things it brings. I sometimes have pride in my work. But my identity is with the Lord. I am a believer in, and disciple of, Jesus Christ. I am an adopted child of the Lord God almighty, the God of Abraham, creator of heaven and earth.

At the core of ... me ... my ambition is to be more like Christ, and to serve the Lord. It is the Lord alone I honor and worship.

Prayer: Lord, I reject all other concepts of possible idols in my life, elements I may pursue due to a misplaced definition of my personal ambition. You are central in my life. Yes, I know I fail to keep you central in every moment, action, and thought, for I am a weak man of flesh. Please forgive me for wandering ambition, for acts of pride and covetousness, and for all my sins. You alone are my Lord and my God. Amen.

Disbursed to Gather

Scripture:
This is the declaration of the Lord God,
who gathers the dispersed of Israel:
"I will gather to them still others
besides those already gathered."
Isaiah 56:8

Observation: In several ways, Isaiah defines the mission of Messiah and of the priestly kingdom of Israel in chapters 55-56. The time is coming to head out with the message for all nations and all people to come to the Lord. They will be welcomed, forgiven, saved, and rewarded as children of God. This promise applies to all foreigners who choose faith in the Lord. And this mission is part of the dispersal of Israel, for the Lord would never send out his people without a resulting harvest, just like he doesn't send the rain without it watering the fields. How this will be done (captivity by foreign nations; crucifixion of Messiah) may be difficult to understand, but remember that God's ways are higher than our ways.

Application: This is the promise to me and all those around me ... that us Gentiles from other nations have been rightly gathered to the Lord, and that there remains work to do ... "still others besides those already gathered" are to be brought to the Lord.

My very life exists in the blessings of these chapters, that having been called and chosen faith in the Lord, I have an everlasting home and name. In addition, I have work to do ... to continue to be part of the disbursed believers, telling others of Jesus, so they may be gathered. I am part of the disbursed, to be a gatherer.

Just because I have been brought close, does not mean I am not still out there among the "foreigners" who may feel excluded, the ones who need to hear the offer to 'quit working so hard for that which does not satisfy, but come and receive without any cost that which will forever satisfy'.

Prayer: Lord, it is by your wisdom, mercy, and love that I have any hope at all, for I could have remained an outcast from your kingdom forever. Thank you for your great mercy. May I be your servant, sent out into the land of foreigners, with your good news on my lips. Amen.

Praying for Wisdom and Revelation

Scripture: I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, would give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so that you may know what is the hope of his calling, what is the wealth of his glorious inheritance in the saints. Ephesians 1:17-18

Observation: As Paul opens his letter to the church at Ephesus, he gives a very specific prayer. He prays for their "wisdom and revelation" about God himself. He prayers that they would receive knowledge about God ... about the hope found in the gospel, the purpose for believing in Jesus, and the inheritance to be received through that faith. He desires that they be enlightened about the Lord in every way, and especially about what they receive as children of God.

This is a powerful prayer, for it is really hoping that they receive a revelation of the Spirit about the very nature of being someone who has a relationship with God. It is about knowing God's will for one's life specifically, and for the community of faith more broadly. It is about understanding God's nature and love at a level where one can see his hand and his work, and knows how to participate in it.

Application: This remains my prayer now for some time, that I may better know my purpose within the context of God's love. I was thinking about this again last night, and I do understand how I participate in activities within my church. I see how I can serve, and serve well, to support his kingdom. And perhaps that is my purpose ... to remain in a secular world during the day, through which I receive my blessings from the Lord, and to serve him by small acts of service of assistance to others at my church. There is certainly nothing wrong with any of that.

I keep hoping and praying for some other call. However, right where I am I have great blessing and good work and potential to see the Lord's love around me. This is all good. I will continue to pray for wisdom and revelation about the Lord. I do desire more knowledge and understanding and insight. I fervently want the Holy Spirit to guide me, and for myself to be more obedient to that guidance on a daily basis. But I also see this is good where I am at this time, for as long as the Lord desires me here, and I'm sure I will get new vision and new instructions when his time is perfect.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for my call. May I serve you well, right here and now, in everything you would have me do. I do desire deeper wisdom and understanding, but I also desire your will above all else, for your wisdom is perfect. Amen.

Separation is a Human Act

Scripture:
This is what the Lord says:
Where is your mother’s divorce certificate
that I used to send her away?
Or to which of my creditors did I sell you?
Look, you were sold for your iniquities,
and your mother was sent away
because of your transgressions.
Isaiah 50:1

Observation: In response to the idea that the Lord has abandoned his people, the Lord says this ... as you can clearly see, I absolutely did not abandon you! There is no act of abandonment or separation initiated by the Lord. He did not 'divorce' his people, no sell them into slavery. Instead, the people left him. By the act of their sins - the fact they actively chose to depart from the Lord and reject his love - the very acts the Lord told them of as promised outcomes occurred. It was people, not the Lord, that chose separation.

Application: I have been wondering about separation from the Lord ... specifically about my lack of insight, spirit, and understanding about my purpose. I have wondered why the Lord has not given me more clarity, more opportunity to serve, and more of the Holy Spirit in my heart. I have wished he would further soften my heart and show me his will for my life.

It is clearly not the Lord who has pulled away from me. When I am not close to God, it is because I have moved away, not him. The Lord would never separate from me, but by my actions I separate from his love.

Prayer: Lord, today I move closer to you, and desire to always be moving toward you. I desire so much to walk your path, holding your hand, guided by my daddy. Thank you for teaching me about your steadfast love. Amen.

The Spirit Far Above the Law

Scripture: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The law is not against such things. [Or Against such things there is no law] Galatians 5:22-23

Observation: These verses are Paul's famous "fruits of the Spirit", declaring those characteristics that we should see within ourselves when we are filled by the Holy Spirit. He ends the list with the line that is usually translated "against such things there is no law", but in this translation reads "the law is not against such things".

The interesting element is that it is "the law" Paul has been discussing for ... well, for this entire letter to the Galatians. "The law" is exactly that, the law of Moses; the law handed down by God to the Jews; the thing which we as Christians are free from, and that we must not be seeking to comply with. Over and over, Paul has said that the law exists to guide our earthly (or 'flesh') lives, and faith exists to guide our spiritual lives, and thus by faith in Jesus we can now live spirit-filled lives instead of being slaves to earthly flesh. And yet now, Paul provides a list of qualities we should have in our lives, and concludes that list by aligning them to that very law.

While I am not certain, I suspect that Paul is actually saying something deeper here, and something that continues his lesson about the law. In verses 19-21, he listed many behaviors that are "works of the flesh", and anyone can read this list and know immediately that all of them are addressed by some law. He then therefore highlights the next list of positive qualities are not addressed by any law. A better translation (in my opinion) might read "about these qualities the law is silent". This would be because - again - the law addresses our weak, earthly, flesh-driven behaviors. These qualities are pure and spirit-driven, therefore the law is silent as to them ... the law is not against them because they aren't even part of the earthly issues the law is designed to address.

In other words, the law exists to address our base sinful behaviors. The Holy Spirit instead leads us to an entirely different set of behaviors, and if we live in that spirit then the correction won't really matter, because we will be living differently. This is truly why we don't need to live by the law ... because if we live by the Spirit, we will live according to the law without even really trying.

Application: I cannot tell you how much I truly wish I lived with the fruit of the Spirit in my heart. It would change my life.

I know I am growing in this. I have SO much more of all these characteristics than I had 15 years ago. Yet I also know I am not filled with them, and struggle most with self-control. I feel this means the Holy Spirit has decided I am not yet worthy for him to fully embrace ... that somehow I push him away too often and so I have a little of him, but not a fullness. I wish this would change.

Prayer: Lord, with all my heart I desire more of you and your Spirit in my heart. May there be more of you, and MUCH less of me, within this earthly body. Amen.

Avoiding Justification Stumbling Stones

Scripture: Take note! I, Paul, am telling you that if you get yourselves circumcised, Christ will not benefit you at all. Again I testify to every man who gets himself circumcised that he is obligated to do the entire law. Galatians 5:2-3

Observation: Paul continues to address the issue of legal compliance. He makes this statement very, very strongly, that if someone attempts to justify themselves through the law, then the salvation of Jesus is meaningless. He even draws a firm line in the sand ... if a gentile gets circumcised - which would be the act that marks someone as a Jewish convert - then they must now obey Judaism and thus are obligated to the entire law.

Application: As I learn the law more and more, and see great benefit in obedience to it, beyond the obvious moral law elements. There were practices instituted in the law that were designed to assist with someone's awareness of the Lord, and thus their faithfulness. One of these included the tassels on their robes, which in time evolved into prayer shawls. Modern versions include scripture to remind the wearer of the Lord's greatness, and there are versions for Christians with New Testament reminders of Jesus.

I have considered getting one of these! They seem like a great way to remind myself to pray ... to have a physical clue that would call my mind to the Lord from time to time, and to pray into my problems more proactively. There seems to me that nothing in that sentence - from the motivation to be closer to the Lord, to the desire to pray more - has any negative implication at all.

However, the prayer shawls are part of the law. The use of tassels to motivate Jewish practices is called out multiple times in the law. The primary modern use is explicitly for devout Jewish men, and the Christian versions - while generalized as 'Christian' - are seemingly marketed toward Messianic Jews. Jesus was known to wear a prayer shawl, and likely all the disciples did too, but Jesus and they were in fact Jewish by birth and education and culture.

So I am left with this question: If I used a prayer shawl, would that place me 'under the law'? Would I be forsaking my salvation because I was seeking justification through Jewish practices and ritual, and not by faith in Jesus?

That is not how I view my heart in this matter. I am not seeking Jewish law as a means to salvation. I am only seeking ways of improving my obedience to the Lord, through methods that he himself recommended. However, I would not want to head in a direction that may confuse such matters, for myself or for anyone else around me. I will give up this thought, and seek other means for improving my prayer life.

Prayer: Lord, may I find ways to be closer to you every day. I do seek to pray more, and to simply find myself praying to you in my every moment of joy, need, worry, stress, and happiness. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.

Receiving Messiah's Wages

Scripture:
See, the Lord God comes with strength,
and his power establishes his rule.
His wages are with him,
and his reward accompanies him.
Isaiah 40:10

Observation: Taken in hole as a Messianic prophesy, Isaiah 40 defines the amazing truth about the purpose of Messiah. This verse specifically addresses the fact that the Messiah delivers with him the "reward" for faith. All other rewards from the Lord - both before and after - are a secondary outpouring of his love, but the reward brought with and through the Messiah is special. That reward is eternal life with God, found in faith to Messiah.

Application: In total, today I read this chapter in a new way and new understanding. It so well defines many, many elements of Jesus' coming and mission. Verse 3 is often applied to John the Baptist as herald of the Messiah's coming, but even before, verses 1-2 declare that the arrival of Jesus also fulfills Israel's mission ... it is the delivery of Messiah to redeem all mankind for which the Abrahamic covenant existed. The messages then delivered throughout chapter 40 are amazing. The Messiah will:

-- Reinforce the permanence of God's word

-- Bring good news

-- Literally present God to the entire world

-- Protect mankind as the good shepherd

-- Give new direction to the Holy Spirit

-- Prove more real than manmade idols

-- Become the judge of all nations

-- Make the way of God fully known and seen

-- Uphold the endurance of even the old and young and powerless

In all of this, Jesus brings a reward for me. His rule is established, and by following that rule I receive my wages ... a heavenly home. Yes, this requires endurance, but the Lord gives us that endurance by his spirit. Yes, this requires reverence, but the Lord clearly shows his worthiness as the almighty creator of the universe. Yes, this requires faith, but the Lord gave Jesus as my caretaker in whom I can have faith.

Prayer: Lord, you are wonderful and powerful and just and merciful and loving and strong. I praise you in my heart, and with my voice, and by my acts. Holy, holy, holy are you, Lord God almighty. In faith to Jesus I declare you to be my Lord and my God, knowing your promises are sure, your ways are good, and your purposes are wonderful. Amen, and amen.

Prophesy About the Character of Yahweh

Scripture:
Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble,
and he brought them out of their distress.
He stilled the storm to a whisper,
and the waves of the sea were hushed.
Psalm 107:28-29

Observation: The psalmist sings this song of faithful Jews put out to sea. A storm rises and they are distressed; their courage melts away. They have no ability or skill to survive, but when they cry out to the Lord, he responds. He calms the storm with mere gentle words, and the sea and storm obey.

This is exactly what happened with the disciples and Jesus. They were on the sea and the storm rose. In the midst of the storm their longtime skill as fishermen was overcome by the waves, and they became very fearful. Then they cried to Jesus, and with gentle words he calmed the storm.

The psalm is to be a metaphor of how, in the midst of one's storms of life and living in fear, those storms and fears can be calmed by the gentle love of the Lord, simply by reaching out to him. Then, this very psalm became a prophesy, predicting the actions of both the believing disciples and Jesus. And of course, that act of Jesus becomes again a metaphor for our lives, with the exact same message as the psalm, this time for all Christians and not just Jews.

Application: It is said that, for everything in the New Testament, there is a 'type' of it in the Old Testament. This is both a type, and a prophetic vision. As a type, this is a passage that provides the same provision and promise, which is that the in the midst of life's storms, the Lord will hear our cries for help, and from his outpouring of love he will redeem us.

As a prophesy, this is a little different than others. This prophesy doesn't say, "in the future the Messiah will do the following." Instead, it says, "let me tell you a hypothetical example of what the Lord is like, and then someday when the Lord actually comes to earth in the form of Messiah, he will prove this correct by actually doing the exact thing I describe." In other words, the psalmist/prophet isn't given a word of prediction, but instead is given an insight into the character of Yahweh that he can explain through demonstrated action.

The Lord responds to problems in my life when I cry out to him. We praise him in our storms for this. This is more than just a demonstrable action of Christ, but a key element of the Lord's character that believers have understood for millennia.

Prayer: Lord, you are so loving that you cannot help but save us in our troubles. I thank you for that. I praise you today in the calm of my life, for I know storms will come, and I will cry out to you and praise you then as well. Amen.

Rethinking my Introduction

Scripture: Paul, an apostle—not from men or by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised him from the dead. Galatians 1:1

Observation: The manner in which Paul introduces this letter - introduces himself as the author of this letter - is both simple but profound.  First, he is just "Paul, an apostle". His name and title are that simple ... a name, and a job. The job itself is without fanfare or classification. He is not 'the apostle to the gentiles' or 'the apostle he has taught at your church and feasts' or even 'the apostle who loves you as a father.' He is just 'an' apostle, one of the itinerant teachers whose task is to tell others the gospel of Jesus and start churches.

While he doesn't clarify the title, he then does clarify his ... employer. He is explicitly not employed by any person. He does not clarify his position through his commission from the head church in Jerusalem, or claim authority by way of James or Peter leading that church, or throw out references from others like Barnabas or Apollos. Instead, his employee is Jesus Christ and God the Father. His authority is by Christ's resurrection from the dead. Period.

Application: My professional introduction varies by situation, but may include words like "strategy lead" or "program director" or "public sector leader". It would always say I represent Microsoft, and may then clarify my division as Industry Solutions Delivery. In context, these can sound important and portray a need for others to give attention to what I say.

However, my very career is a blessing from the Lord. He has guided me in my work, and given me certain knowledge and skills beyond what I should be able to do, and certainly far beyond what I deserve. When I speak with learned understanding, that understanding itself comes from God. Caring enough to share it comes from my heart for others, which is a lesson I continue to learn from the Lord.

So what if I was just "an analyst - not from Microsoft, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised him from the dead"? At the very least, within my heart, what if my words on every topic - from government data management, to digital services, to software integration - were commissioned by the love of God, with authority found in the truth about the risen Christ?

How could this attitude change my daily interactions with peers and customers? How could even just the inner movement of the Holy Spirit, opened up by this self-identity, create new conversations and opportunities for the Lord?

Prayer: Lord, I do know how you have worked in my professional life, and I am beyond grateful for your blessings, of which I am totally unworthy. May I find humility in Paul's example. I am insignificant, but the one I work for is everything, and it is in you, not my earthly title, where I find meaning. Amen.

I Fight to Bring you Praise

In truth, almost every thought and plan I have ever had regarding what great things I might do in life has evaporated ...

... my daylight never dawned ...

... my breakthrough never came ...

... my dreams fell to the ground ...

... and I am lost.

But this is ALL because my plans were worthless, and in his great love the good Lord kept me from such emptiness.

Hallelujah anyway!!!!!!!!!!

Explicit Issue with Self-Reliance

Scripture:
For the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, has said:
“You will be delivered by returning and resting;
your strength will lie in quiet confidence.
But you are not willing.”
You say, “No!
We will escape on horses”—
therefore you will escape!—
and, “We will ride on fast horses”—
but those who pursue you will be faster.
Isaiah 30:15-16

Observation: Isaiah warns Israel about how to avoid impending hardship and destruction. The principle message is to rely upon the Lord, and not turn to Egypt for help. We know Israel will not heed this warning. Instead of "returning and resting" - remaining in the Lord's safe hands and relying on his protection - they will define their own method for resistance. The example of escaping on horses breaks down as follows:

-- Israel will choose their own method of action.

-- It will (apparently) work at first!

-- However, in the end it fails because it wasn't a plan of sufficient execution.

This is the pattern for all human endeavors. We create a plan for our life, our family, our career; We put that plan in motion and it seems to be succeeding; However, the plan falls apart because it actually was never the best plan for our life.

Application: This has been a very hard lesson for me to learn ... that any idea of self-reliance and self-sufficiency, especially in the area of my professional life, is not just worthless but even harmful.

I spent years directionless in my life, and the Lord guided me without me even knowing it into a wonderful life filled with love and joy. Then I tried to direct my career, and found a pit of hostility and failure and depression. I chose to ride on fast horses, but learned the enemy was faster, and he was in fact in pursuit.

This is the issue with self-reliance ... it is ALWAYS inferior to God's plan. At best, self-reliance leads to a lesser 'good' outcome, and most likely results in failure. How I wish I could find, know, and grow within the Lord's plan for the rest of my life.

Prayer: Lord, there are many future plans seemingly intertwined in our near-term lives right now. These include house purchases, finances, and work changes. I place these entirely at your feet. These decisions are not ours to make. Instead, I only ask for your direction about what, where, and when we should be acting. May thy will be done, for I know your will is the best for my life. Amen.

Wielding the Wrong Weapons

Scripture: For although we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh, since the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but are powerful through God for the demolition of strongholds. We demolish arguments and every proud thing that is raised up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to obey Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

Observation: As Paul prepares to personally confront some of the wrong thinking in Corinth, he calls out this specific act ... that believers use earthly arguments (life "according to the flesh") to define right and proper behavior. Paul his clear that yes, we may live in this earth - live in the flesh - but it is God who defines right behavior. Anyone using "weapons" (arguments) that are based in earthly reason will be called to account by Paul, because his "weapons" will be the will and reason of God.

By ensuring that his logic and reason and thoughts are aligned to the one principle of obedience to Christ, he is prepared to demolish any earthly argument, for all earthly arguments are founded in earthly pride, as proof that the individual is looking to justify oneself instead of humbly submitting to the Lord. Such things explicitly exist to oppose the Lord and his knowledge and wisdom, and are destined to defeat by the Lord's superior knowledge and wisdom.

Application: How frustrated I have been for YEARS by the continued debates by many Christians over a variety of topics, but which are all anchored in ... politics. Pick a topic ... gun control, vaccines, school curriculum, marriage, mask wearing, abortion, racial violence, homelessness, gender equality ... every one of these certainly has a solution to be found in the Lord. And yet the "weapons" many Christians wield in such arguments are political platforms, elected candidates, and court rulings.

About every issue, and about every political "solution", I have an opinion. As a Christian, however, there is absolutely no relationship between cultural, social, and moral issues, and a worldly construct of governmental leadership through elected representation. NONE!! The one and only solution to every single issue is alignment to the will and wisdom of our Lord God, creator of heaven of earth, and faith through his son Jesus Christ.

Oh, I wish for Paul to return and give us all a piece of his mind regarding our engagement in waging such wars according to the flesh!

Prayer: Lord, please forgive me, my family, my friends, and your Church, as we have so utterly lost our way when it comes to addressing the issues of this world. We have misplaced our faith in logic and moral certitude and political maneuvering, and lost sight of our best argument, your love and wisdom, your justice and mercy. Help us to find not our voice, but your voice, again. Amen.

So Very Quick to Doubt

Scripture:
Our ancestors in Egypt did not grasp
the significance of your wondrous works
or remember your many acts of faithful love;
instead, they rebelled by the sea—the Red Sea.
Psalm 106:7

Observation: The author of this psalm is referring to the fear and doubt of the Israelites when they were trapped by the Red Sea. They cried out they had been brought out to simply be slaughtered by Pharaoh. This was very literally days - maybe just three days - after the Passover, a night on which the Lord supernaturally killed every firstborn animal in all of Egypt in order to secure Israel's freedom. Passover was only the last of 10 miracles performed in rapid succession, ranging from extraordinarily rare (massive infestation of frogs) to supernatural (fiery hail).

With all that amazing power in their immediate minds, and the understanding it all occurred to rescue them, all Israel believes they are now doomed, and they 'rebel' ... they reject faith in exchange for fear.

The cause of this rebellion is stated. It was an inability to "grasp the significance of your wonderous works" and also "remember your many acts of faithful love". The rejection of faith in the Lord then begins with these two failures:

-- Not understanding the Lord's works

-- Not remembering the Lord's love that drove those works

With those two failings, abandonment of faith - and resulting fear - is nearly immediate.

Application: I like to think I both see and know the wonders of the Lord all around me, and recognize the love of the Lord that created and caused those works. I am sure I am wrong ... that I fail to understand and remember the Lord's loving works properly, fully, and timely. I only need to evaluate the times I am afraid to know that I have entered the final part of this chain, and that I am now living in a place where I have lost my faith because I have lost my memory of, and connection to, God's loving works.

Doubt is certain the source of fear, and as a human I expect I can be as quick to doubt as anyone else. This should not be. The Lord does so much for me every day, from simple provisions in my daily living, to rescuing me from all kinds of destruction in my life. As I remember these things, and recognize them moment by moment and day by day, it stands that my faith would remain strong. With faith, I cannot fear.

Prayer: Lord, may I be slow to doubt, and quick to remember your love and your work in my life. And may others around me do the same, so they are not afraid. Amen.

Claiming the Promise of Guidance

Scripture:
On that day the root of Jesse
will stand as a banner for the peoples.
The nations will look to him for guidance,
and his resting place will be glorious.
Isaiah 11:10

Observation: As Isaiah gives this messianic prophesy of the child that will come to lead all people in some time after the exile, this is how that prophesy ends ... this offspring of Jesse's line will become a symbol and celebration for everyone; all the nations will seek his guidance; and yet though he has died (he has a 'resting place'), that very grave will be deemed glorious.

And so the prophesy of the resurrection is given, that Messiah will die, and yet a) his very grave will be considered glorious, b) his wisdom will still be sought, and c) this promise and glory is for all people and all nations.

Application: The resurrection was not just about eternal life. It was also about proving all the promises of Messiah, including that Messiah promises us guidance in our lives. It is by his teaching that we may in fact have life, AND life to the fullest ... two different things! I can receive eternal life by faith, and I can have a fulfilled life through obedience to his teaching.

I have been praying for guidance in my life for a long time. Today, I claim this, not as a hope of something I would like to have, but as a promise already given. By my faith in Jesus Christ, I claim guidance for my life.

Prayer: Lord, today I see this as a settled matter. You will guide my life. May I have life in the fullest, which will be the outcome of obeying your teaching, by your word and your promise. Amen.

Everyone Knows the Fallen World

Scripture: Indeed, we groan while we are in this tent, burdened as we are, because we do not want to be unclothed but clothed, so that mortality may be swallowed up by life. Now the one who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave us the Spirit as a down payment. 2 Corinthians 5:4-5

Observation: In several different ways, Paul makes this point ... that we intuitively know that our lives are hard, and yet that there is a better life promised to us. He says that we groan within this "earthly tent" due to the hardships of life. By our faith, we believe there is something better - a life without hardships, and beautiful dwelling place, a body free from pain and struggle - and it is that place that is our true home.

Yes, as believers in the Lord, we believe these things, and as believers in Christ we have confidence of the salvation that will lead us home. However, there is a truth to all this that exists even for those who do not believe in Yahweh, and that is found in an intuitive understanding that life is full of hardship. Every person has an understanding that there is something flawed in the "human condition" that results in sadness, misery, strife, and pain, and that the ideal would be something devoid of such experiences. In other words, even non-believers know we live in the fallen world, and that there certainly is something better promised to mankind. They just reject the truth about how to attain it. 

Application: Again I see the wonder of the Lord by the fact he absolutely and unequivocally reveals himself to every single person. God created us to want heaven! He created us to know that the world is not only imperfect, but lacks the ability to be perfect, and that there is a promise of something perfect where all the hardships are removed. Everyone groans about their life, laments pain and hardship and heartaches, and desired better. Some pursue 'better' so aggressively that they cause hardships for others. Yet even the most successful of these suffer in life.

The Lord makes it abundantly clear that this world is not the end-all, and that he has made us with a desire to want a heavenly home. He then told everyone how to get it. I cannot understand those who know the hope, and reject it.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you again for showing yourself plainly and clearly to all creation. May we continue to find ways to help others discover that you are already in their lives, simply asking them to let you in. Amen.

Totally Inexplicable Forgiveness

Scripture:
He does not deal with us according to our sins
nor repay us according to our iniquities.
For as the heavens are high above the earth,
so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
as far as the east is from the west,
so far he removes our transgressions from us.
Psalm 103:10-12

Observation: This psalm discusses all of the benefits of the Lord. The Lord ... forgives our mistakes, heals our bodies, lifts us from despair, renews our strength, crowns us with his love, vindicates wrong done to us, gives justice to the oppressed, teaches us his ways, shows mercy toward us, lifts his anger away from us. And most of all, the Lord does not deal with us according to what we have done, but rather he deals with us out of his great and amazing love.

Application: I deserve nothing at all from the Lord. I have so disobeyed him over the years, and continue to do so every day, that he should at best completely walk away from me and ignore me. If the Lord, oppressed, tortured, and killed me, it would be justified. However - and this is the fact I just cannot get over in my life - not only does he not do that, but he does the OPPOSITE. Out of the Lord's great love, he gives me love and blessing and family and hope and joy and peace.

I sincerely do not understand why God does this for me or anyone else ... but yes, especially for me. I struggle with just about everything he has told us should be done on earth. And still his love removes my transgressions, as far as the east is from the west.

Prayer: Lord, your forgiveness of me is inexplicable. It is impossible for me to say I have earned your love, or forgiveness, or second chances. I haven't, and I can't. But I do love you, and in my heart I so, so, so desire to be better at doing what you have told us to do. May I seek your hand to hold in my walk today, and every day. Amen.

Opportunity and Resistance Together

Scripture: But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, for a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries. 1 Corinthians 16:8-9

Observation: As Paul explains his upcoming plans, he states why he is going to stay in Ephesus for some time ... there is opportunity for the gospel, and there is an opposition resisting it. Paul needs to stay because of both. If the work of the church there were easy they wouldn't need Paul, but it is because it is hard and being resisted by some adversarial force that Paul is needed to remain and labor in Ephesus.

Application: We see this all the time in our church ... that good works run into some kind of blocking force. This can be public attitudes, local government interference, and open distrust of all things having to do with Christianity. It is sometimes resistance - even criticism - from believers both at our church and other churches. And it can also be seemingly coincidental personal issues and tragedies for the staff that occur and the worst times.

We have learned that, when we see these kinds of adversarial forces, it means something good is about to happen. I am glad I have seen this, though it can personally hurt when such forces are directed at us. However, I am comforted that Paul recognized the same pattern, which is that effective work and adversarial resistance go together ... even that such resistance is the indicator of the opportunity for Christ.

Prayer: Lord, may your hand be upon the leaders of your church, both Evergreen Church and others throughout the area, nation, and world. The enemy attacks, but your love always wins. Amen.

Everyone Judges Poorly

Scripture:
It is a snare for one to say rashly, “It is holy,”
and begin to reflect only after making a vow.
Proverbs 20:25

Observation: This proverb reflects very straightforward advice aligned directly to "original sin" ... it is wrong for we humans to decide what is right versus wrong, good versus evil. When we quickly say that something is good, right, and even 'holy', we can fall into a trap because we are judging based on our own context and biases and thoughts. Only God can be the judge of what is right. Yes, he can tell us and show us, but rashly or quickly judging for ourselves is a mistake.

Application: I have been more and more reminded of this fact, that original sin was actually mankind's decision to pursue the 'knowledge of good and evil' on our own, instead of trusting the Lord. Last night, I heard of someone radically extending this judgment to modern medicine, openly declaring that all doctors are evil and agents of satan. This is someone who makes judgments about good and evil based on a context that is outside of the Lord's instructions. Maybe their opinion is based on an issue or tragedy in their life, or some other personal context, but it is still their own judgment.

I have influences and experiences that likely bias my thoughts on good and evil. I am sure I wrongly apply that judgment to elements of my life, as that is in fact the nature of humans. However, everyone is a poor judge of good and evil, including myself. I hope I am learning some level of discipline to not rush to a rash judgment of what is good or even holy, and instead reflect on all things in prayer.

Prayer: Lord, do forgive me for the sin of pride, which drives all desire to judge good and evil for myself. May you be the only authority in such matters, and may I learn to discern only your voice when considering such. Amen.

Proper Use of God's Blessings

Scripture: At that time the seer Hanani came to King Asa of Judah and said to him, "Because you relied on the king of Aram and did not rely on the Lord your God, the army of the king of Aram has escaped you." 2 Chronicles 16:7

Observation: Early in the era of the divided kingdom, the northern kingdom begins to fortify against the southern kingdom, and Judah uses the wealth of the temple to create an alliance with Aram and cause the northern kingdom to cease the fortification effort. By allying with this foreign nation, King Asa is told he cannot now eventually defeat Aram, but instead will have war throughout his kingship.

Hanani points out that Asa actually had an implicit choice in how to deal with Israel ... he could use the wealth given to David and Solomon by the Lord and now stored in the Lord's temple treasury, and buy assistance; or he could pray to the Lord the deliverance and wisdom, and then listen to and trust in the Lord's guidance.

Asa chose the former, with long-term ramifications for his entire life. He could have had a kingship marked by peace and prosperity, using God's blessings to provide for his kingdom, and growing closer to the Lord by having trusted in him. Instead, going forward he would be plagued by war, which would consume his attention and resources, and as such would further withdraw personally from his relationship with the Lord to the point of dying by disease without ever turning to the Lord for relief.

Application: God's blessings are to be used to further improve our relationship with the Lord. They show his love, but then we can learn more about him by entrusting him even more and more, knowing that the things in our life are not really "ours" but rather are a trust to guide us to new ways of think, new purpose, new places where the Lord wants us.

My wife and I have been having discussions about our future living conditions. While we absolutely cannot move on from our current house and place in life yet - we have parents and children who both require us to remain here for the present - we do think we will someday move on to new places. I think we are both amazed that we have the resources to make such a transition fairly easy someday. And that very fact should cause me to think ... knowing that God has provided all that we have, our future direction must be determined by him and his direction in our lives, and not by our independent thoughts.

We could come up with a dozen wonderful places to live, and then use our resources to do it. Without the Lord's wisdom in such a decision, that could lead to struggles. Or we could seek the Lord in our decisions, and end up with a peaceful and purposeful life. It seems clear what we should do.

Prayer: Lord, you know that we are several years away from any real decisions about our future. However, that future is meaningless without you, and our decisions will only be made based on your guidance and wisdom and direction. May we be shown both your purpose and your timing for our next adventures. Amen.

Loved by All Creation

Scripture:
My beloved is to me a cluster of henna blossoms
in the vineyards of En-gedi.
Song of Songs 1:14

Observation: The author of this love poem uses many references to beautiful places and things. In this stanza alone, (she?) references nard, myrrh, henna, vineyards, and En-gedi. En-gedi is an oasis near the Dead Sea, which today is a natural preserve, park, and world heritage site. It is the site of several deserts springs, waterfalls, clear and beautiful ponds, and caves. It is said to be a place David hid when being hunted by Saul.

Besides this, in the first four chapters, the author references jewels, gold, silver, roses, lilies, frankincense, apple trees, fig trees, pomegranates, raisins, wine, saffron, calamus, cinnamon, mountains, valleys, Kedar, Gilead, Egypt, Amana, Lebanon, Senir, Hermon, horses, sheep, goats, doves, foxes, gazelles, lions, leopards, and the singing of turtledoves.

In a time when all travel was on foot, there was very little written information, and almost no art beyond in-situ drawings and carvings on walls, this person has seen and experienced ... everything and everywhere. They have "been there," "tasted it," "seen them," and "smelled it." From the wastelands of southern Israel, to neighboring lands both north and south, they have first-hand knowledge of everything here, there, and in between.

Or ... the Lord knows well the beauty and pleasures of his creation, and can inspire such writings to appeal to the very awareness he gave us as his wonderous creation to enjoy the world he created.

Application: I am personally aware that ... when I look at nature, I find it wonderful and inspiring ... when I taste fruits and spices and food, I find it exciting and pleasurable ... when I go to different places, I find it enlightening and inspiring. I feel these things because of the very, very obvious purposes of God's love.

God created the world; God created me; God is my loving father ... it is the most logical thing in the universe then that his creation appeals to my every sense and thought and desire.

Prayer: Lord, as I do most days, I thank you for the beauty of the world and all that is in it. Your creation is such powerful evidence of your hand at work, and my enjoyment of creation is powerful evidence of your loving heart. May I glorify you and worship your name today and always. Amen.

Promises, Not Threats

Scripture: But if you turn aside and forsake my statutes and my commandments that I have set before you and go and serve other gods and worship them, then I will pluck you up from the land that I have given you, and this house, which I have consecrated for my name, I will cast out of my sight and will make it a proverb and a byword among all peoples. And regarding this house, now exalted, everyone passing by will be astonished and say, "Why has the Lord done such a thing to this land and to this house?" 2 Chronicles 7:19-21

Observation: The Lord appears to Solomon after the completion of the temple and makes him this promise that Solomon records ... the Lord will continue his covenant with Solomon, but if the people ever forsake the Lord and worship other gods, he will punish them completely. That punishment will include both banishment from the promised land, and total destruction of the temple.

This must have been jarring to Solomon, who just spent 20 years building the temple and experiencing the supernatural events that surrounded its dedication. After all that, the Lord declares he will destroy it all if Israel strays. Solomon surely records this for the purpose of ensuring the people will never stray, knowing the promised consequences.

Of course, they will stray. At Solomon's death, the kingdom will divide and the northern kingdom will immediately build calf idols to worship. Solomon himself will adopt secondary gods by the influence of his wives. And thus, even taking the Lord at his word, the people stray.

Application: These words of the Lord were not a threat, they were a promise. The Lord wasn't just saying "do X and I'll punish you." He was instead saying, "I have blessed you, but if you choose to reject me that blessing and all evidence of it will be removed." This is a promise of relationship. It is evidence of the Lord's justice and mercy - in fact, of his love - that his interaction with us is based on relationship, and if we damage that relationship, he changes how he relates with us.

I am sincerely thankful that Jesus is now part of this relationship, because I cannot alone hold up my end of the relationship. Solomon couldn't do it when that relationship was the very definition of his life's work, and he was explicitly told by God himself what would happen if he failed. I have no hope of being the man the Lord wants me to be. However, I absolutely believe in Jesus Christ as messiah, my Lord and savior, the son of Yahweh the creator of heaven and earth.

This is now the criteria for the relationship, which is good news because it's the only criteria I could ever hope to fully achieve.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for Jesus. I know I fail to behave as someone who fully loves you, but I do love you and I believe you know that. May your Spirit fill me every day, and set my feet upon your path. I will do wrong things today, but my goal is to walk humbly with you. Amen.