On the Precipice of Accountability

Scripture: God’s Message to me: "What do you people mean by going around the country repeating the saying,
          The parents ate green apples,
          The children got the stomachache?"
Ezekiel 18:1-2

Observation: In this message from God, Ezekiel teaches a major lesson. He uses several techniques in this message, including metaphor, hypothetical examples, and direct instruction, and the message is simple. God punishes those who sin, and does not punish those who do not sin. The idea the Jews have that clean-living descendants are punished for the sins of their parents is ridiculous, just as much as saying that sinful descendants are rewarded for the clean-living of their parents ... or that a child can get sick if their parents eat bad food.

While this message is addressing a near-term claim of the people of Judah - that they are innocent but being punished due to the decades of sinful living by their ancestors (and Ezekiel is making it clear that isn't true ... they too still sin, and if they would repent then God would relent his punishments) - it applies to the world today and the opportunity everyone has to make a decision for Christ. I am not saved because my parents were Christian. My children are not saved because I am a Christian. Everyone makes their own decision, and their salvation will absolutely be tied to that personal choice.

Application: I am a Christian, and while I do not live a perfect life and will be answerable for that, my salvation is secured by faith. Furthermore, my Christianity is defined by my choice as an adult to completely believe in Jesus Christ as my Lord and savior, the son of the Lord God almighty, creator of heaven and earth, and to believe in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. I have confidence that others in my family - past generations, my generation, and my children - believe that same and have confirmed that belief with God and for themselves.

This makes my grief over other friends painful. I don't know how child-based and youth-based declarations, confirmations, and baptisms work. I don't know how future choices may affect those activities. However, I am afraid that, when I say I don't know ... I actually do know, and the knowledge is that it is adult intentionality that matter. Maybe that intentionality can happen only once, and once done is irrevocable, but it needs to occur. Likewise, until it does occur, adult decisions to reject the actions of one's youth ... actions taken because parents made decisions and required those actions ... are canceled by adult rejection.

I don't pray to be right or wrong about this, because I am either right or wrong. But I feel Ezekiel is pretty darn clear today. In the matter of our relationship with the Lord, everyone makes an adult decision for themselves, and is held accountable accordingly. So instead, I pray for the young adults - those I know, and those I don't - who stand on the precipice of spiritual accountability, and hope for their good decisions to come soon.

Prayer: Lord, I will not name just the few in my heart, for you know them. In addition, I pray this for the millions I do not know. Our young are under attack, and we are losing them. Many have heard the good news of Jesus, spending their childhood learning the stories and singing the songs and engaging in rituals, and now consciously reject it all. Remember, Lord, I did this once, too. You pursued me and millions like me. Please do it again. May revival begin with our young adults that have been so greatly and systematically deceived. Their fate is not tied to their parents, and it is not tied permanently to their current decision. May they find a way, by your love and your Spirit, to make a new choice. Amen.

Never Once did He Fail

Remember those walls?

Remember those giants?

Remember that fear?

Who pulled me out of that pit?

Who rescued me from that grave?

With Despair for this Place

Scripture:
I’m doomed to live in Meshech,
cursed with a home in Kedar,
My whole life lived camping
among quarreling neighbors.
I’m all for peace, but the minute
I tell them so, they go to war!
Psalm 120:5-7

Observation: The psalmist cries out to the Lord for help because he is surrounded by liars. These are people who simply look to destroy others with their lies ... this is their entire goal in life, harming others. These people are everywhere. They aren't just people out to get him specifically, but rather this attitude of being harmful toward everyone is the culture of absolutely everyone. This is the people ... the people that populate everywhere he lives.

Application: I have said it recently, and I say it again, this is Seattle. How my heart breaks that I am doomed to live in Meshech. I am cursed to have my home in Kedar. I am camped in a place where everyone is a liar, speaking untruth that violates both moral and natural laws, with the outcome that it harms everyone. And whoa be to the faithful who desire peace and joy, for the liars are ready to go to war against us.

I don't want to live here anymore. However, I will live wherever the Lord wants me and my wife, and I know he wants us here for now. There is no doubt about that. Therefore, I do not ask to leave, but I do know that I live in a dark place, where all those around me are infested with corrupt hearts. They are bareface liars and couldn't care less how they harm others with their societal warfare.

Prayer: Lord, yes, please protect my family and I from the attacks of the society around us. Save us from harm from such liars. Yet in all of this, please also give us the strength to do your work, speak of love and peace and joy and truth, and declare it all in your name. Amen.

In Need of Invigoration

Scripture:
Invigorate my soul so I can praise you well,
use your decrees to put iron in my soul.
And should I wander off like a lost sheep—seek me!
I’ll recognize the sound of your voice.
Psalm 119:175-176

Observation: The tone of the writer changes from that of asking the Lord for protection from external forces, to internal guidance for his soul and his faith. He asks that his soul be invigorated, motivated to even higher levels of praising Yahweh. He desires that his soul be strengthened like iron. And, if in any of this his soul - his attention, devotion, praises, prayer-life - should wander away from its central focus on the Lord, may the Lord come get him. Like the shepherd, may the Lord seek him as a sheep, and he will respond to the shepherd's voice.

Application: While this psalm often addresses issues I've had in my life about attacks and struggles in life, this section mirrors my current situation. I am lost. My soul wanders, uninvigorated and unmotivated, without strength and resolve, missing the point about the Lord's decrees and guidance. I am not praising him well, connecting with him daily, praying to him regularly.

My soul needs my shepherd.

Prayer: Lord, I am only your lost and hurting sheep. I am wandering aimlessly, and as I do I only wish to hear your voice. Yes, I will listen for your voice, and I will go where you tell me. I may not be where I should be, and I may not even know where I am let alone where I am going, but I cannot be lost if you are with me. Please call me. Please take my hand and lead me, or just hug me here and give me comfort while we are standing still. However, in all of this, whether moving or waiting, please Lord invigorate my soul. May I praise you well. May my soul be strong in your teachings. Amen, and amen.

No Responsibility but ... Yes Concern

Scripture: Your job is to speak to them. Whether they listen is not your concern. They’re hardened rebels. Ezekiel 2:7

Observation: The call upon Ezekiel includes instructions about how to prophesy to the exiled Jews. He is to declare what he is told to declare, but it is not his responsibility to make them listen. They are rebellious and probably won't listen. The Lord will later clarify that if Ezekiel fails to declare what he is told, he is at fault, but if he faithful declares it then he is not at fault in any way for how (or if) the other Jews receive and act upon the word.

Application: As I am reading currently from The Message I sometimes have to look at other translations to just figure out where verses start and end. However, today I noted this ... the Lord apparently never said anything about whether or not Ezekiel should be "concerned" about the reaction of the exiles. It seems the instructions are more plain that this, stating he is simply to deliver the word of the Lord regardless of any kind of response or action by others. Sure, he isn't to be afraid of their response against him, nor is he responsible for their acceptance and response to warnings and instructions. But "concern" is something completely different.

Concern is to ... care. Concern is to feel emotions like sorrow or worry when others are in trouble. I understand that, when we tell others about Jesus, it isn't our responsibility to "make" them believe it. They have to do that themselves, and that involves their engagement with the Holy Spirit and resulting decisions they make for themselves. But certainly I should be concerned. It is concern - loving others enough to care about their eternal future - that motivates to action.

I bet Ezekiel was concerned about his fellow exiles. He probably wasn't concerned about how they responded toward him ... he had direct encouragement from Yahweh himself to carry him through ... but I'd bet he was sad when they ignored him, worried about their lives and impending punishments. It wasn't his responsibility to make them listen ... but I feel it was his concern.

Prayer: Lord, you have given me a mind for analytics, and so may I find your truth in this fact: I should be more concerned for people, which must motivate me to action. Salvation is not my responsibility, but declaring the gospel is. May I be enough concerned about my friends, neighbors, family, coworkers, and strangers to do so. Amen.

There's That River Again

Scripture:
What a day!
Wine streaming off the mountains,
Milk rivering out of the hills,
water flowing everywhere in Judah,
A fountain pouring out of God’s Sanctuary,
watering all the parks and gardens!
Joel 3:18

Observation: Joel prophesizes about the future restoration of Judah and Jerusalem with the language of a land fully restored. Yes, people will be returned from exile. Yes, enemies will be judged and punished. Yet some of the most joy-filled language is used to describe the promised land itself, restored with fruit-filled trees, perfect weather, lush fields, and flowing waters.

And just like other prophesies, the hill of Zion - God's sanctuary, the temple - produces flowing water. This water goes out and leaves the sanctuary, flowing into all other parts of the city and the nearby land and on out toward wherever, providing life-giving water to parks and gardens, fields and trees, animals and communities.

Application: I am struck again by the image of a flow of water produced out of the temple. Certainly it was clearly understood that there was no aquafer, or any meaningful water source, on the hill of Zion, in the center of Jerusalem, within the rock-hard temple mount. Therefore, it can never be mistaken that when a prophet sees this image, that prophet is reporting out a clear and consistent message ... that life manifests within, and flows out to the entire world from, the Lord himself.

I so want to see that flowing river for myself! I have the images in my mind of what that might look like. It is an earthly image, but somewhere in my heart I understand it to be a heavenly image, too. It involves relaxation at the water's edge, children at play splashing about, and wild animals drinking peacefully. And just a ways away are the headwaters, seemingly coming from a city on a hill, and a great building in that city, and a mighty throne within the courtyard of that building, and a man of blinding light on that throne. And it all radiates a feeling of ... warm peacefulness.

A fountain pours out of God's sanctuary, and waters all the peaceful places of the world. Be that sanctuary heaven, a figurative or literal new temple, or something else I don't understand, I do know the water itself is the Lord's love, poured out for us all, to give us life in the full.

Prayer: Lord, I desire to enjoy the warm peace of your love for all eternity. May I worship you today and every day, finding how to serve you and do your will. Amen.

Seeking to Avoid a Bitter Uprising

Scripture: That’s why the Holy Spirit says,
Today, please listen;
don’t turn a deaf ear as in “the bitter uprising,”
that time of wilderness testing!
Even though they watched me at work for forty years,
your ancestors refused to let me do it my way;
over and over they tried my patience.
Hebrews 3:7-9

Observation: Writing to Jews, the author draws a relationship between how everyone needs to believe in - and rely upon - Jesus, and how the Exodus generation rebelled against Moses. Despite watching the Lord act for years, that generation rebelled and rejected the direction they were receiving, and as a result they were left wandering in the wilderness, never receiving the promise of entering the new land. Likewise, for those who now live with the promise of salvation found through faith in Jesus Christ, with a clear understanding of what Jesus has done and taught, those who turn a deaf ear and reject that teaching will be left wandering outside of that promised salvation.

Application: As I ponder this teaching, I am struck by the fact that this is not intended for the ignorant masses. This message about rejecting God's visible work, manifested through Jesus, is not spoken to instruct people who do not believe in God and lack even the most basic knowledge of faith. This message is given instead to those who have heard the truth, even adopted that truth as their identity, but then rebel against the Lord's ongoing instruction about how to live.

When I fail to live as the Lord instructs - made clear through the teaching of the entire bible, and re-enforced by Jesus himself - I am in rebellion. I fail the test. I am deserving of being left in the wilderness, poisoned by snakes, falling into pits, consumed by fire. I have seen the Lord's great work firsthand, and have belief in all he says, so my bad behavior can only be a bitter uprising against the Lord himself, the creator of the universe.

I am a miserable wretch, and am so thankful for the forgiveness found in Jesus. I know my life is not completely right, and that I behave too often - in word and deed - in ways the Lord would not have me do. Without Jesus, I would have tried his patience to the point of anger and punishment at best. I so want to be better, to live properly.

Prayer: Lord, please forgive my sins. I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, whom I fully accept and believe in as my Lord and savior. I fail daily to do your will, and I desire nothing more than to improve in this area. I know I am unworthy of a higher call in doing your kingdom's work, but may I be better at just living a life of faith. Amen.

Expunged for Not Supporting Israel

Scripture:
“Listen to this, Edom:
I’m turning you to a no-account,
the runt of the godless nations, despised.
You thought you were so great,
perched high among the rocks, king of the mountain,
Thinking to yourself,
‘Nobody can get to me! Nobody can touch me!’
Think again. Even if, like an eagle,
you hang out on a high cliff-face,
Even if you build your nest in the stars,
I’ll bring you down to earth.”
God’s sure Word.
Obadiah 1:2-4

Observation: Obadiah has one message, God's sure word, and it is not for Israel and Judah. Rather, it is a message for Edom, and it is simple and fearful. Because Edom treated Israel poorly all the time, and then gloated and celebrated Israel's and Judah's destruction by God, they will be even more thoroughly destroyed. They won't just fall. They won't just permanently fall, never to return as a nation. They will even be forgotten by history, effectively removed from the general knowledge of mankind in the future.

Edom is the nation founded by Esau, Jacob's brother. When they parted, he took the land to the east of the Dead Sea and created a people living in the protective hills and caves. Today, their cities are well-known and popular tourist attractions ... places like Petra. However, almost no one knows of these places as the cities of Edom. Some associate them with ancient Israel, even included on tours of the "holy land". Others just know they are in modern-day Jordan.

Israel and Edom should have been kindred nations. Edom should have been following the example of Israel in worshipping Yahweh ... as Esau and Jacob were both raised to know the Lord, Esau should have accepted the fact Jacob was the one through whom the covenant passed, but he himself should have had faith in the Lord. Instead, Edom despised Israel, and at best ignored them in their times of need. For this, Obadiah is clear - with God's sure word - that Edom will be thoroughly forgotten in the realm of human history. Outside of the context of the bible itself, this word is, in fact, sure.

Application: As Israel is again in a terrible conflict with the terror group of Hamas, that uses Gaza as its base, I am in regular thought on three topics.

First, yes I'm a little miffed at my pastor going to Israel. I get his heart, but I'm frustrated that he has no desire to care for his actual church. I need to get over that and move on for sure, for I am reminded today that his actions are in line with Obadiah's warning. Christians are now the siblings of Israel. We are the ones who also worship Yahweh, exactly as taught through the line of Jacob, and we must stand with Israel. If we do not, we are - and should be - condemned to the same fate as Edom. For this reason, it is good Philip has gone to demonstrate active support of Israel, and I absolutely need to get over every negative thought I have on that matter.

Second, I am haunted by my friend's words about the conflict. Her understanding of the Lord is so incomplete that she can only see a human conflict and the complexity of choosing "sides". There is no acknowledgment that ... this is Israel, in the promised land, under evil attacks designed to explicitly kill Jews. It isn't a human conflict, but an attack by satan against the Lord's nation of priests, motivated by spiritual hatred. To actively declare one cannot choose sides in a battle between Yahweh and satan is a problem worthy of an Edom-esque response by God. How are there people who claim to have an understanding of Christian faith and do not understand spiritual warfare? Of course ... that is the real challenge, as her entire family is already struggling in matters of faith, and we need to love them through that.

Thirdly, I am struck by how obvious it SHOULD be to the entire world that this sort of repeated treatment toward one specific, very small, people-group - the Jews - is not normal. How can one "family" be repeatedly, horrifically attacked by other nations, for 3,900 years, and people don't actively ponder, "I wonder why this is happening?" There is OBVIOUSLY something at work here beyond just normal human conflict, and BILLIONS of people ignore that fact. How many of them will go the way of Edom?

Prayer: Lord, my heart is with Israel, and my mind is with Israel. May I have less angst about what my brothers and sisters in Christ do in response to the current situation, while also finding a way to express the truth about our relationship with Israel to other brothers and sisters. You are so evidently in every situation involving this situation, so may it become a vehicle to somehow serve your good purposes. Amen.

Give Them their Just Desserts

Scripture:
Make them pay for what they’ve done, God.
Give them their just desserts.
Break their miserable hearts!
Damn their eyes!
Get good and angry. Hunt them down.
Make a total demolition here under your heaven!
Lamentations 3:64-66

Observation: The sadness of this entire book is about the destruction of Judah, Jerusalem, and the last of God's people taken into exile. In this, the enemies didn't just destroy the cities and nation, but destroyed the people and even their reputation. Israel and Judah went from being a nation of priests for the Lord, to a broken people who are badmouthed and gossiped about. And the writer wants these other people-groups to pay for this ... to be held accountable before the Lord himself ... for in so doing this to God's people, they have done it to God himself. By declaring themselves victory over the people faithful to Yahweh, they also - either implicitly or explicitly - declare a level of victory over Yahweh.

Application: I know that there is nothing more painful than when someone tells lies about you that are believed and that then bring you down in reputation or position. I have experienced this first-hand, as has my wife. And this is the preferred weapon of most in society today ... the willingness to attack others through lies and manipulated statements in a manner that unjustly attacks one's moral position.

And I join with the author of Lamentations today: Lord, make them pay for what they've done.

Oh, I know they will pay long-term, and in a manner I can scarcely imagine, a punishment so terrible I cannot even understand it in my earthly mind. I also know that the Lord's love is so great, so pure, and so wonderful, that his goal is not to punish even those who attack him and his people, but rather to correct and guide them into redemption and a new understanding of him, so that they will not be punished but with rather opt into the same great reward that I will receive. God is wonderful that way. As a result, I don't expect to see any terrible wrath and punishment brought down on the heads of those who have deceived millions of people to fall into hopeless, lost lives, let alone any kind of retribution levied upon those who have lied about me.

Yet I still join with the author of Lamentations today: Lord, get good and angry. Hunt them down.

Prayer: Lord, despite all I have written, I know that the greatest thing about your is your loving nature, and your mercy. May you have mercy upon me for my sins, forgiving me for the wrong I do in the name of Jesus Christ, upon whom I place all my hope. And since you can forgive me for my sins, I know you can forgive others. I do forgive wrongs done to me, and while there are times I desire vengeance, it is not something I will seek for myself.  To the degree such people wrong you and your name, may you act accordingly by your wisdom and by your love alone, not for my sake but for your purposes and your kingdom and your goodness and name. Amen.

The Problem Isn't as Seen

Scripture:
The problem as God gave Habakkuk to see it:
God, how long do I have to cry out for help
before you listen?
How many times do I have to yell, “Help! Murder! Police!”
before you come to the rescue?
Why do you force me to look at evil,
stare trouble in the face day after day?
Anarchy and violence break out,
quarrels and fights all over the place.
Law and order fall to pieces.
Justice is a joke.
The wicked have the righteous hamstrung
and stand justice on its head.
Habakkuk 1:1-4

Observation: Habakkuk is appealing to the Lord for a logical understanding of what the Lord is doing about Judah's sin. Like Israel before, Judah has fallen into a culture that rejects the Lord and follows all kinds of other beliefs and practices. Evil is everywhere, and Habakkuk just wants to understand why Yahweh isn't acting to stop or change it.

Habakkuk will get his scary answer ... that the Lord is doing something, which will involve Babylon totally destroying Judah. The Lord will go on to clarify and agree with the fact that the prideful and rich people currently flaunting faith and justice will not only be brought to account, but will be wiped out. Everything Habakkuk wants God to do, he answers that he will in fact do, and Habakkuk praises him even in the face of that terrible impending judgment.

However, it is this first problem statement from Habakkuk that sets an interesting tone. Habakkuk lays out the issue - summarized, it is that evil is pervasive in everyday life everywhere - and openly questions God's lack of response. When the Lord responds, however, he doesn't state that he will put an end to evil. Instead, he says he will address the hearts of individuals and explicitly their relationship with the Lord. He will destroy those who have placed their faith in other worthless gods, and thus make it clear that such a lifestyle is empty, fruitless, and leads to eternal death of the soul.

Application: How often have I sat around and wondered - to myself, to my wife, to others of faith, and to the Lord himself - about why God is allowing the degradation of society to occur? I have practically said exactly what Habakkuk says here ... "God, how long do I have to cry out for help?" "Why do you force me to look at evil?" "Law and order fall to pieces!" I ask God why he is allowing this, and when will he intervene.

And just like for Habakkuk, the Lord corrects my worldview. The problem isn't about scrubbing evil from the world, but rather it is about addressing the topic of faith in the Lord. Where people do not have faith in the Lord, all kinds of problems prevail. Where they do have faith in the Lord ... well, evil will still occur, sins will still be committed, and issues will still arise ... but there will be a path toward peace and hope, with a common framework for working through such issues.

Yes, our western society is broken, contaminated with so many lies and false teachings that we are losing millions of people to eternal hopelessness. However, the solution is not to attack those lies. The solution is to return hearts to the Lord, and offer the message of hope and joy found in Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Lord, once again we approach the "holiday" season, and a time when many believers will be offered the chance to tell the vast majority of non-believers about Jesus. May we have the wisdom and words to do so, without engagement in conversations about evil, but simply with engagement in conversations about your love. Yes, may revival start as hearts return to you. Amen.

Just About Sums it Up

Scripture: People are going to be self-absorbed, money-hungry, self-promoting, stuck-up, profane, contemptuous of parents, crude, coarse, dog-eat-dog, unbending, slanderers, impulsively wild, savage, cynical, treacherous, ruthless, bloated windbags, addicted to lust, and allergic to God. 2 Timothy 3:2-4

Observation: This is Paul's summary list how people will behave in the end-times. It is a comprehensive list of unsavory behaviors, but the truth is that they all have one common thread running through them. Every adjective in this list prioritizes one's own self over anyone else. From the narcissistic characteristics of some of these, to the cruel and uncaring implications of others, Paul is saying that, in the end-times, people will do anything and everything to self-promote and advance themselves both economically and socially, while stepping on anyone everyone else ... those trying to protect them, those trying to prevent them, and those just unfortunate enough to be around them.

Application: Yup, this just about sums up society today. I can spend 10 minutes on any social media platform and find examples of people doing exactly everything listed. I would even go far as to say that, when I meet a stranger, this is the list of characteristics I assume they have unless and until they prove differently. Likewise, it is probably how others expect me to behave.

And somehow, we have reached a point where everyone is okay with this. Sure, we might regret it - wish differently of society - but it isn't changing.

I heard a person say the other day that our society has devolved so rapidly into this state that it is not recognizable if placed side-by-side with social norms of just 40 years ago. While that may not be entirely true ... certainly people have always had levels of these traits in them, or how else would Paul know to talk about them ... I would state the de-evolution of societal morality has accelerated for sure.

I am not above this. I have exhibited everything on this list, too ... some of them in the last 24 hours. I wish I wasn't like this. Perhaps, as I continue to think about how I can be a better person, a good starting point would be to try to exhibit none of THESE characteristics. That would be a great start.

The way to do that is to love others more and more, and to care about myself less and less.

Prayer: Lord, again I ask today for you to continue to soften my heart. Help me to love others, and also help me to not love myself or care so much about my life. May I care about me only in the context of you. Amen.

Carrying Out my Orders

Scripture: A soldier on duty doesn’t get caught up in making deals at the marketplace. He concentrates on carrying out orders. 2 Timothy 2:4

Observation: Paul's instructions to Timothy are basic ... Timothy is to do the work of the Church, which is telling others about salvation through faith in Jesus. That's it. That's the job. He uses several different metaphors and examples of action to make the point - a soldier on duty, an athlete in a game, a farmer in the field - but everything references this one instruction. The advice is to not get distracted by false messages or secondary debates, but instead diligently do this one assignment.

Application: Over the last few days, I have been casually thinking about the 'work' in my life, and I did reach a very simply conclusion ... I am perpetually distracted by unimportant stuff. I have one task from the Lord, which is to serve him by loving others and representing the truth about Jesus Christ. I have one earthly job, which is currently the work I do at Microsoft. And I have one other heavenly assignment, as the husband of my wife and as a support system for her and my family. Beyond that, everything else is distraction and off-mission.

The soldier analogy resonates with me. A Roman soldier would patrol the marketplace, keeping an eye out for issues and ensuring that peace prevails. He would never just chit-chat with merchants, or even he himself just spend time as a customer purchasing goods while on duty. Instead, he does his job, performs his duty, and stays on-task.

What do I do? I mentally wander, allowing all kinds of meaningless and useless thoughts to invade my mind, and then spending time on actions that do not advance any aspect of life - mine or others - and thus are truly empty of purpose. At the end of the day, I feel like a failure because I have in fact failed at carrying out my orders.

Again, this was something I thought about over the last few days, that I need to recommit myself to the true work to which the Lord has assigned me. I need to carry out my orders. To do so, I need to discard and reject all the distractions and noise and worthless stuff accessible all around me. I can do better at both my heavenly and earthly work.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for your word and your truth. You guide my thoughts, and then reinforce that guidance, as only you can in your wisdom and your love. You are my commander, may I concentrate on carrying out my orders. Amen.

Why We Have Trust Issues

Scripture:
So, Jeremiah, if you’re worn out in this footrace with men,
what makes you think you can race against horses?
And if you can’t keep your wits during times of calm,
what’s going to happen when troubles break loose
like the Jordan in flood?
Those closest to you, your own brothers and cousins,
are working against you.
They’re out to get you. They’ll stop at nothing.
Don’t trust them, especially when they’re smiling.
Jeremiah 12:5-6

Observation: Jeremiah has asked this question of the Lord ... why do evil people prosper and succeed in attacking him and his character, when he is doing God's work and living according to everything God tells him to do? Yes, the Lord confirms for Jeremiah that punishment is soon coming to all of Israel and Judah. Yes, the Lord explicitly tells Jeremiah he will deal with the people of Anathoth, Jeremiah's own home town. However, the Lord also simply tells him the truth about evil, scheming people. They are running a different race by different rules, and you cannot beat them alone. Faithful people can merely survive human life, so of course they struggle when others create hazards and barriers. Jeremiah is right in knowing that even those close to him - those who claim to love him as family - are scheming against him, so don't trust even their kindness.

Application: While this instruction had some specifics for Jeremiah, I feel this lesson applies to all believers. Those under the influence of evil in the world will scheme against us, and we cannot overcome those schemes without the Lord's help. In fact, we will fall victim to some of the schemes, and the Lord's help will come after-the-fact, with assistance for our recovery, and future punishment for the evil actor. And lest we forget, these schemers are everywhere, even those who would declare themselves friends.

As I sit here today, I can thoughtfully state for a fact that I fully trust only my wife, my children, and two friends. I might trust two or three other people with only specific aspects of my life. I trust no one professionally. And my wife's list of whom she trusts might be smaller than mine.

Some might call this a very sad situation, and they may even criticize us for this ... they might state that this sort of mindset is indicative of a lack of faith in mankind and thus contrary to God's will for us to love others, or that this represents a division in the church if we don't trust our brothers and sisters in Christ. I sincerely believe our lack of trust is ... biblical. Off the top of my head, I see this warning to Jeremiah, correction in this matter given to Josiah, Paul's and John's expressions of pain about other church leaders betraying them, and even Jesus himself structuring concentric circles of trust in his followers.

Yes, perhaps our 'circle' is smaller than it should be. However, we have reasons and past experiences. We have seen our own pastor reputationally attacked by other pastors, and we have been lied about by church members and close work associates alike. There is a difference between sharing time with others, serving together, enjoying life together with a group of believers and friends, and trusting everyone. There are times I wish I trusted more. Perhaps, however, it is best to know that we must not race against horses.

Prayer: Lord, I trust in you alone, for in truth you are the only entity in the universe to be trusted. I thank you for the people in my life. Please give me wisdom about how to interact with them in love and service. Amen.

Make Me Holy like You Are

You are my God.

Mark me with your presence.

Restore as I yield anew.

God, I need resurrender,

So I resurrender.

God, for your glory ...

Understanding My Work Again

Scripture: We pray that you’ll live well for the Master, making him proud of you as you work hard in his orchard. As you learn more and more how God works, you will learn how to do your work. Colossians 1:10

Observation: As in other letters, Paul opens this letter to the church at Colosse with a general description of the joy he feels when he prays for them. In this case, his prayer becomes specific when discussing their "work". The prayer is hope for the work they do to be good, and also for that work to teach them something about God himself and that they would "learn how to do your work" (emphasis NOT added). In other translations, this same passage is about how to live life, but also more strongly uses a metaphor of harvest. It is about living a life that is worthy of the Lord and pleasing to him, bearing fruit in its work, while also deepening one's understanding and knowledge of the Lord himself.

Application: Again today I am drawn to apply this to 'my work' on earth. It remains work I do not fully understand, and thus I feel I need to wonder about two questions. First, is this work even in the 'orchard' ... is this really God's work for me? And second, if this is the work intended for me, what do I need to learn in order to bring myself into God's alignment and purpose for me in this place and time?

The first of these questions is clearly about life purpose. I don't always feel like I'm doing anything for the kingdom here, but certainly that might also be more about the second question ... me missing the mark when it comes to understanding how I should be serving the Lord here. And thus, perhaps I need to be leaning into this second question all the more.

How can I learn to do MY work here? What is MY work here? Certainly the process of learning "how" to do my work begins with the revelation of what that work actually is. Ideas come to my own mind, but I know how dangerous that can be, so instead this needs to involve way more prayer and conversation with the Lord.

Prayer: Lord, I do pray into this today, and may I pray into it more every day. What is my purpose right here, in this place and time you have given me. I may not always like it, but I am very aware you placed me here. Perhaps it was for a specific season that involved a specific outcome that is outside of the work environment. However, perhaps it was for this seasons for an outcome that you desire right here, in this place. The truth is, I do not know, and as Paul reveals, understanding this better will increase my knowledge of you. I love you, Lord, and I seek you. May I be worthy of the work you have planned for me, and may I learn of it and pursue it more and more. Amen.

Seeking Happiness in the Lord

Scripture: Actually, I don’t have a sense of needing anything personally. I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Philippians 4:11-12

Observation: Paul is about to make one of his most famous statement in all his letters; that he can do "all things through him who gives me strength." However, the context of this - verse 13 - is interesting. Paul is currently in prison, and he is not saying that he can walk free, or fly away from his persecutors, or defeat Rome through either great might or great love. Paul is actually saying that ... he can be happy.

This is the lead-up to the "all things" declaration: Paul has found a way to simply be happy, or at least content, in every situation. He is far happier than others would expect, and he knows how to hold onto that happiness when he has good or bad things, or when he has food or is hungry, or in any positive or negative circumstance.

This happiness comes from the source of behavior he outlines in verses 6-9. First, Paul surrenders all worry to the Lord, turning it over to him in prayer. Second, Paul instead concentrates on the good things in life, which have been provided by the Lord, and thus giving praise for those aspects of life.

Application: Recently, I have been focused on the lessons taught in scripture about what happens to sinful societies. How could I not? Old Testament prophesy directed at Israel and Judah - and their immanent destruction due to their abandonment of faith - are so apropos to the PNW today. However, Paul gives me a better lesson today.

I would really like to live a life of daily happiness. And the Lord offers that to me, if I will simply surrender my concerns about the huge issues of this world to him, and instead focus on the life he has given me. I should embrace those things that are true and good and noble and just and kind and pleasing. To do that, I should first release my cares about those things that are false and evil and corrupt and hurtful and meanspirited and hateful.

Prayer: Lord, may I heed the advice of Paul daily. May I release to you, in prayer, the concerns of this society. Yes, I need to consider them to bring them to you in prayer, but then I can know that your will be done and you have them under your control as you have seen fit. Then I can fix my eyes on you and your love, finding happiness in a world where you have actually provided goodness. May I do this daily. Amen.

Considering Again False Prophets

Scripture:
Prophets preach lies
and priests hire on as their assistants.
And my people love it. They eat it up!
But what will you do when it’s time to pick up the pieces?
Jeremiah 5:31

Observation: Jeremiah, full of the words of the Lord, is going into detail in his warnings to Judah about their impending destruction. The people have rebelled against the Lord's ways, and this is one of those ways ... they have false prophets pronouncing things that are not of the Lord, then supported by priests who declare teaching for their own good, and all the people "eat it up". They not only listen and believe, but they find these lies align to the way they wish the world were ordered, and thus cling to it as truth, failing to test the prophets and priestly teachings for accuracy based on the word of the Lord.

This is a group conspiracy against the Lord, and the nature of the conspiracy is this ... everyone seeks to have the Lord say and teach exactly what they want to hear - in a manner that justifies their desires - and rejects anything that the Lord is actually saying.

Application: I was thinking on this again yesterday, about certain Christians I know who are so deeply engaged in the words of false prophets. These false prophets declare words over topics ranging from current politics, to personal health matters, to today's weather, and other Christians use these words to justify decisions in their lives. Again, they don't so much use them to make choices, but rather to justify that which they were already hoping to do or to be true. There is an element of spiritualism to it, with "believers" seeking the false prophesy that will uphold their own false understanding, then using these circular falsehoods to justify it all.

I have been having thoughts about my role in our church, wondering about how perhaps I should be engaging with others. I feel a push to become one of the "older men" of the church who gently guides and corrects people, and this is one of the topics on my heart. However, I fear my desire to correct such people may not be from God, but just the way my mind works. Becoming a hypocritical legalist would be the worst thing possible. That said, this topic of false prophets, and especially the way some Christians are so bought into them, is on my heart for a reason.

Prayer: Lord, I am an older man of the church, but I am not wise. I worry that my thoughts are just that, my thoughts, and not yours. Please stay my heart in matters where you are not leading me, but also give me knowledge and wisdom to pronounce your word when you give it to me. Amen.

Praise for All the Lampstands

Scripture: Every time you cross my mind, I break out in exclamations of thanks to God. Each exclamation is a trigger to prayer. I find myself praying for you with a glad heart. I am so pleased that you have continued on in this with us, believing and proclaiming God’s Message, from the day you heard it right up to the present. Philippians 1:3-5

Observation: Paul greets the Christians in Philippi with this great enthusiasm ... declaring that whenever he thinks of them, he exclaims thanks in celebration and moves into prayer, so happy he is that they exist as fellow Christians. What a wonderful sentiment this is! It must have been so very, very encouraging to these believers to know that someone like Paul - a well-known evangelist and apostle who was now in prison for his faith - simply celebrated at the very thought of them. It's a sentiment that says their mere existence encourages others.

Application: There are times I have thought something like this. That I have been uplifted in spirit by the very thought of another church doing good work, even if I have no idea who the members there are. I can recall times of true warmth when I have seen or heard what another congregation is doing, and given a word of praise and thanks for their work and service.

I should do this more often. As Paul says, we are indeed all this together, and while we all do different works - and we all endure different challenges as a result - we are all still that extended body of Christ. I do love other churches and am thankful for how the teach, mature, and help others. They have strengths as a body we don't and I don't, and they do great things for the kingdom. For this, may I give thanks for other churches all-the-more.

Prayer: Lord, I do declare this praise and thanks! Thank you for Gold Creek, Canyon Hills, Emmanual Pres, Crosspointe, Venture, St Brendan's, North Creek, and all the other churches. May they remain strong in faith, and worthy of your lampstand. Amen.

May Seattle Go the Way of Nineveh

Scripture:
Nineveh’s an anthill
of evil plots against God,
A think tank for lies
that seduce and betray.
Nahum 1:11

Observation: Nahum is declaring the prophesy against Nineveh and all of Assyria ... they are doomed. While they believe they are powerful, their sins are so terrible that the Lord is ready to take action, destroying everything. Despite the fact that Nineveh is so great and huge (a million people in an area similar to New York City), the Lord himself is going to completely destroy it (when Assyria fell, Nineveh was effectively destroyed as a functional city, and later abandoned).

While Assyria is terrible for their war and tyranny, the evil of Nineveh is described not by that violence, but by their evil thoughts and sins. It is a place where evil is plotted, and it is a place that functions as "a think tank for lies". Overall, arrogance produces all kinds of sins and debauchery.

Application: I cannot read this verse without knowing this fact ... the current culture war occurring in the U.S., especially as it applies to gender confusion and the lies that are betraying our youth, has origins in the Pacific Northwest, and Seattle is at the center. It is Seattle in fact that fancies itself as a progressive origin of such ideals. I would go so far as to say there are city leaders who would pridefully declare that Seattle is the place where many such ideals were first spawned and endorsed as public policy.

Seattle is a think tank of lies.

There was a time in my youth when I very truly loved this city. For me, it was a place of peace and comfort. I knew good places to snack at Pike Place, where to shop downtown, how to navigate Volunteer Park, and sites for perfect seaside views from Alki to Ballard. In my teens, I enjoyed attending public events like Seafair and Ivar's Fireworks and Bumbershoot and Figgy Pudding.

Now, I avoid the city as much as possible. I am distraught by homeless camps and urban decay everywhere. I avoid even knowledge of the public gathers that spawn nothing but anger and protest for causes unimaginable 40 years ago. Gone are shops and restaurants and venues once loved, replaced by ... well, to be honest, I don't know, because I just don't go there. The Seattle I loved doesn't exist anymore.

And when I read about Nineveh, I know this truth. Seattle is an anthill where people plot evil against the Lord. Seattle is a place that has become a think tank for evil concepts that seduce and betray the world. And it is time for the Lord to mow it flat, reduce it to nothing, eliminate it as a center of commerce and intellect, and bring about the downfall of all who rely upon its culture and politics.

I have prayed often for my city, Seattle. Well, my city of Seattle doesn't exist. Yes, I desire nothing more than revival and salvation for this dark, dark region of the world. But as for Seattle, I release it from my heart. May it go the way of Nineveh.

Prayer: Lord, as for the fate of Seattle, may thy will be done. Amen.

Understanding what the Master Wants

Scripture: So watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times! Don’t live carelessly, unthinkingly. Make sure you understand what the Master wants. Ephesians 5:15-17

Observation: Paul says to the church in Ephesus that, while they once walked in darkness, they now walk in a new understanding of life in Christ. He concludes this line of thinking with these instructions ... that since these are desperate, evil times, they need to all live with intention. They should not live without thinking, but should make sure they understand what the Lord wants, and live into that mission.

Again, this is a lesson that says very clearly, live a life of intentionality. Draw close to the Lord, understand his purposes and his and his path, and then carefully and thoughtfully do that. Watch your step (stay on God's path) and use your head (learn about God's ways). Don't be deceived by the wickedness of these current times (other translations say 'these days are evil').

In all these things, the teaching is clear and it is good. Believers are to very intentionally discover God's plan and will for our lives, and then follow it.

Application: In all the ways I have failed in life - and that list of failure is both long and varied - this has been my worst mistake ... I am a 57 year old man who has absolutely no idea what God has ever wanted me to do in life. Professionally, I have spent my adult life wandering without any plan, and most of that locked into a career the Lord then seemingly cut off. Personally, I have only just been a father and husband who has tried to do well and provide, but certainly performed average at best. I have no personal fulfillment, and I doubt anyone would say I have fulfilled or blessed them in anything more than a worldly, superficial way.

I have not watched my step. I have used my head with my logic and not the Lord's. I absolutely have never made the most of any chance. I recognized the evil, desperate times, and merely wander through them. If I extended that metaphor, I would say I wander on a muddy trail full of potholes and roots, boasting of how I have at least stayed on the trail without falling or breaking my leg, while the Lord is waiting for me to join him on the paved walkway and walk alongside him with ease, in a completely different direction.

As a result of my mistakes in this specific area, I have spent 35 years without any joy or sense of accomplishment in my "professional life" that occupies 8 hours a day. Furthermore, I have repeatedly been scorned, insulted, besmirched, shamed, and discriminated against within that same area of life, sometimes with significant public and long-lasting negative outcomes. It has worn me down to a point I cannot express to anyone. Almost every day I have a conscious thought that I am broken beyond repair, and I await some final professional insult that will end any path I could have moving forward in any direction, where I can be permanently labeled a failure by absolutely everyone. In my mind, this isn't even a possible outcome that might happen, but rather a certainty that just hasn't arrived yet.

And I can't tell anyone about the pain and fear and hurt I feel. My inability to discuss this creates an area of isolation between myself and my wife because I do not feel I can even talk about it to her ... and after spending all day in darkness and then not having anything worthwhile to say about my day, it only means she knows she is being left out of some part of my life. I don't know how to fix that.

Yes, I have spent most of my life without intention. The Lord has blessed me so richly, but his greatest blessing has been to somehow get me to a place in life where I have a wonderful family and relative comfort, despite my total lostness.

That said, I am sincerely afraid of every next step. Even how the Lord may direct me into future success is fearful because I don't understand how to move from this muddy path to his walkway. I am broken in ways no one knows ... except Yahweh.

Prayer: Lord, Abba, my true father in heaven, I need you. I have no way forward, no way back. I am afraid. I am hurting. I am lost. I want to intentionally follow you and your ways only for the rest of the days of my life, but I truly don't know how to get there from here. Please help. Amen.

Lost Touch with Reality Itself

Scripture: And so I insist—and God backs me up on this—that there be no going along with the crowd, the empty-headed, mindless crowd. They’ve refused for so long to deal with God that they’ve lost touch not only with God but with reality itself. They can’t think straight anymore. Feeling no pain, they let themselves go in sexual obsession, addicted to every sort of perversion. Ephesians 4:17-19

Observation: As Paul instructs the Ephesians about how to behave, he especially tells them they are not to act as normal Greeks and Romans, who willingly sin simply because it is the norm for how all of society behaves. However, he is very pointed in how he describes that type of behavior. It isn't just sinful ... it is actually born out of just going along with godless popular norms. He describes this as empty headed and mindless. He says they have lost touch with reality and can't think straight. As a result, they give themselves over to sin and perversion without even thinking about it.

Application: I have been thinking for days about this, especially in light of our friend and her female partner, a turn of events we did not see coming. In all my thinking, I cannot believe how amazingly accurate and relevant these four sentences are in describing culture today.

The thinking of people is empty-headed and mindless. There are people who fall into new lifestyles without any thought, simply because it now seems 'normal' or even expected. They are not thinking through short- or long-term truths about the situation. Furthermore, there are others who likewise just accept such actions because they are conditioned to not be critical of such behavior.

All of this is because people have so removed themselves from God's ways and teachings that they now have no connection to the reality of God's created universe. They actively reject scientific fact - the known facts of all creation - because they see no relevance between "truth" and "their truth". In fact, if "truth" doesn't exist in the first place, of course there is no relevance and connection. As Paul says, disconnected from reality, they can't think straight anymore, and thus just let themselves go - just ride the popular wave - of sexual obsession and perversion.

I know my life isn't pure, and I have my own problems. However, I have an anchor point in my understanding that Yahweh - God almighty - is the creator of heaven and earth, and it is his truth that is the truth of the universe. When I sin, I am in the wrong and therefore in need of forgiveness found in Jesus. So many, many people today have walked so far away from any belief in God at all, that they don't even understand the concept of "wrong".

I no longer know what to pray about our society and culture. I can pray for individuals, but I don't know what to say about an entire culture that has lost touch with reality itself.

Prayer: Lord, you know the people in my heart. May they rediscover you, ideally soon but at least someday, and find your love, forgiveness, and truth. We are losing a generation, and I suspect we are heading to a new era with a completely new world dynamic as a result, as our nation itself is lost. You have done that before. I hope individuals can rediscover the reality found in you. Amen.

That's Gotta Be the Church

Scripture:
"This exile is just like the days of Noah for me:
I promised then that the waters of Noah
would never again flood the earth.
I’m promising now no more anger,
no more dressing you down.
For even if the mountains walk away
and the hills fall to pieces,
My love won’t walk away from you,
my covenant commitment of peace won’t fall apart."
The God who has compassion on you says so.
Isaiah 54:9-10

Observation: Isaiah 53 is all about the Messiah ... the suffering servant who is actually killed as the sacrifice to redeem all sin for all people for all time. Then chapter 54 returns to the restoration of God's people, however the imagery is a little different than in previous chapters. It begins by talking about a woman who has no children, but who is about to have many, many children. She will be married to the Lord himself, and the offspring will actually take over entire nations and spread throughout the entire earth.

At first this may sound like the restoration of Israel from the exile, as verse 9 even discusses the exile. This discussion declares that such an exile will never occur again, comparing that promise to the covenant promise of Noah. The issue is that ... it is a historical fact that Israel was destroyed and scattered again. However, it is also a historical fact that this next destruction and exile occurred after the time of Jesus, after the establishment of the Church, and thus after this faith - belief in Yahweh anchored in faith in Jesus Christ as Messiah the suffering servant - had begun to take over entire nations and spread throughout the entire earth.

Application: The Lord who has such compassion on us all that he would provide salvation through the suffering of one man declares this ... the Church is his promise to provide hope and safety throughout the entire world.

Yes, we don't always do a great job at providing that hope and safety. I could do better, as could everyone else, but of course we are only human and flawed despite our faith. That said, I wonder how much better I would do at bringing hope to others if I remembered that God himself promised that hope would be delivered to the entire world through our efforts.

What a privilege that is to consider, that not just our faith in Messiah, but our mission as God's love manifested for all nations, as his bride on earth, was declared as a promise by the Lord himself 2,500 years ago.

Prayer: Lord, you have promised that the Church is part of your plan for the world. May we all do a better job of delivering on your promise, and may that improvement begin with me. Amen.

Wrongly Judging Weaknesses

Scripture: These people who are attempting to force the ways of circumcision on you have only one motive: They want an easy way to look good before others, lacking the courage to live by a faith that shares Christ’s suffering and death. All their talk about the law is gas. They themselves don’t keep the law! And they are highly selective in the laws they do observe. Galatians 6:12-13a

Observation: Returning to one of the main points of this letter, Paul himself pens this summary ... that those who are telling Christians they must adopt Jewish practices are doing so only so they themselves can look good. These false teachers struggle with their own faith, and they fail to keep teachings of Jesus. As a result, all they are REALLY good at is being outwardly marked, and perhaps a few daily rituals. Therefore, if they can convince all others that THESE are the most important elements of faith, they will immediately be the BEST examples of faith.

Paul is very clear that these individuals are "contemptable". Outward markings, routines, and Jewish customs are meaningless when it comes to faith in Jesus. What is important are the other elements he has summarized ... love for one another, caring for the downtrodden, assistance when each other stumble, refusing to judge others, and delivering the good news of Jesus to all.

Application: Every Christian I know - and I know myself best so I know this applies especially to me - thinks of the elements of faith and right living they are best at as the most important elements of faith. Those things they are weaker at, they consider of lesser importance.

I know I have fallen into this trap before in my faith when it comes to ministry work, and it is clearly wrong. Paul even calls it "contemptable". Every Christian has elements of their faith they are strong at. It may be prayer life, or tithing, or worship, or mercy and caring for others, or service, or teaching, or kindness given to others. Likewise, they will be weak in other elements on this list, and that does not make them bad Christians. Instead this just makes us all incomplete Christians, still capable of growth in our faith, by the help of the Holy Spirit.

What is worse, of course, is declaring as a necessary element of faith something that has nothing to do with faith. While Paul was addressing circumcision and by extension other rituals like (probably) ceremonial washing and dietary restrictions, today our list of such items may include ... proper clothing, alcohol and recreational drug use, and career choices. Of themselves, these are meaningless when it comes to one's faith in Jesus.

We all have strengths and weaknesses, and I have more of the latter than most. It is important to not judge others by simply comparing them to my strengths and declaring them lacking.

Prayer: Lord, again today I pray about my judging heart. I wish we all were more faithful to you in all matters of true faith in Jesus, and may I begin and end my assessment of that with myself. I desire to grow in you every day, and may I focus only on that when I think about how our church could be more faithful. Amen.

Understanding True Reliance

Scripture: Abraham, remember, had two sons: one by the slave woman and one by the free woman. The son of the slave woman was born by human plotting; the son of the free woman was born by God’s promise. Galatians 4:22

Observation: Paul uses the illustration of Hagar vs. Sarah as a metaphor for a very important point. Yes, Abraham had two sons. The son born of Sarah was based on a covenant promise. God promised Abraham as son despite their old age, and it was necessary for Abraham to trust in the Lord's promise in order for that promise to be fulfilled and passed down through generations. However, Abraham and Sarah also initiated their own plot and plan, and thus Hagar also gave Abraham a son. This son was not from God's promise, but rather by the schemes of human logic, and therefore is excluded from God's plan for Israel and eventually redemption of mankind.

Paul spells this out clearly. The plots of mankind are just that, human plots, and they are not the plans of the Lord. They produce earthly outcomes. However, relying upon the promises and plans of the Lord are blessed, and they provide heavenly outcomes.

Application: Generally speaking, this is such a powerful lesson. Of course human plans produce earthly outcomes, and of course the Lord's plans produce amazing, heavenly outcomes. And yet, even with the Lord's plans known and revealed and promised to us, so often we pursue some idea conceived in our own minds in order to advance our lives.

Yes, this speaks to the issues of finance - especially the declarations of one woman about her personal financial plan - and is especially timely as we prepare for upcoming classes to teach others about faith in their finances. That said, I know this is also a very personal message for me. I have said before that I am amazed how much I associate myself with Hagar. Well ... yea, I am someone who every day comes up with many 'intelligent' plans for how to proceed with daily work, projects, and assignments. I fail to pray about these plans, and I do not consult with the Lord. And I absolutely don't put my entire plans aside and simply seek for a completely different set of plans defined by Yahweh.

I am a child of Christ, redeemed from the slavery of sin by Jesus. However, I reassert myself as a slave when I make my own plans for life and pursue them. I re-become a slave of the world.

I would so much rather to live completely within the Lord's promises, and not just the promise of salvation but the promise of whatever he would have for me during my everyday life. I have messed up my life so many times, that there is no logic why I would still try to work things out for myself. I need to have true reliance on the Lord's plans and promises, and make myself open to receiving guidance about those plans every day, in every activity.

Prayer: Lord, yes I would like to remember this lesson and apply it effectively for others as they seek encouragement for how to receive a blessed life. However, I know I also need to apply it to me. I desire to pray more about my work, activities, and plans. May I learn better and better to simply rely on your path and direction. Amen.

Worshipping One's Own Life

Scripture: Then it can serve a double purpose: Part he uses as firewood for keeping warm and baking bread; from the other part he makes a god that he worships—carves it into a god shape and prays before it. With half he makes a fire to warm himself and barbecue his supper. He eats his fill and sits back satisfied with his stomach full and his feet warmed by the fire: “Ah, this is the life.” And he still has half left for a god, made to his personal design—a handy, convenient no-god to worship whenever so inclined. Whenever the need strikes him he prays to it, “Save me. You’re my god.” Isaiah 44:15-17

Observation: The word of God, given through Isaiah, shows the foolishness if man-made idols. These items are made of wood ... wood that is so worthless that from the same tree a person simply burns much of it as a way to heat their home and cook their food, yet then they carve some into an idol and declare that is has control over their entire life. This is so utterly insane that it is openly questioned as such, wondering if these people have any brains at all, and can't suddenly realize they are worshiping a stick.

This is what it looks like when someone is truly just worshipping their own lives and their own activities. They work, and then enjoy the results of their work - the warm fire, the good food, the decor they make - and that extends to the point that they even make (or buy) their own god. Worshipping a stick is the extension of worshipping whatever they like, based on their own decisions in life. When they place their 'trust' in the same piece of wood they just burned, it is the same as placing their trust their house, or their nice car, or their job.

Application: I am haunted today by the conversation I heard about second-hand yesterday ... a woman actively rejecting the word of God because pastors cannot 'know her heart' and she has her own plans. She worships her child and builds her life around her personal decisions to care for him, rejecting every lesson and teaching and word of the Lord.

She prays to sticks of wood and refused to realize 'this is crazy.' In fact, she angrily rejects the idea that any word from the Lord could teach her differently.

I hope I'm not being judgmental, but rather I am saddened by this position. This is the opposite of faith. It is the kind of action that brings ruin ... that biblically defines a person as a non-believer. I sincerely hope that the words said to her yesterday bring about a change in her heart, for I know that while it is true no human can fully know her heart, and also know that the Lord does.

Prayer: Lord, I do pray for this woman at church, and for so many others like her who have created their own idols in their lives, and cling to those as models for living regardless of your teaching. I am sure I have areas of my life like this too, so I include myself in such prayers. May we all realize how crazy the sticks are in our lives, and instead place our trust in you and your good words. Amen.

Exactly What it Feels Like

Scripture:
Some of you were locked in a dark cell,
cruelly confined behind bars,
Punished for defying God’s Word,
for turning your back on the High God’s counsel—
A hard sentence, and your hearts so heavy,
and not a soul in sight to help.
Then you called out to God in your desperate condition;
he got you out in the nick of time.
He led you out of your dark, dark cell,
broke open the jail and led you out.
Psalm 107:10-14

Observation: The psalmist is telling of how the Lord redeems people. In one stanza, people are sick from their sins and actions. In this stanza, people feel like they are in a hopeless, trapped situation. In both, the same thing happens ... "Then you called out to God in your desperate condition; he got you out in the nick of time."

Application: This is exactly - EXACTLY - what my life felt like!! I was in a dark cell. I felt hopeless, locked into a life of empty loneliness. I had spent years actively defying God's word, to the point of even believing that he did not, must not, exist, or if he did he was actually some irrelevant or even cruel entity. My heart grew heavy, and not one person ever once tried to help me out of this state. Then ... in total desperation, and literally as a last-ditch attempt to figure out life ... I called out to God.

And this is exactly - EXACTLY - what salvation feels like!! It feels like being pulled out of a dark cell, and not because the door opens and I walked out, but because God himself broke into the cell, grabbed me by the hand, and led me out.  In fact I declared I wouldn't act myself to change my life, and God himself acted.

I know this psalm to be true and accurate, and I now know others who would likewise proclaim it as well. I know redeemed believers who have suffered depression, addiction, hopelessness, and loss. I also know very well and without any doubt in my mind what my life would have been like if not for the Lord's loving salvation: I would have lived an empty life of loneliness, wandering from 'thing' to 'thing' without direction; I would have grown even angrier and more caustic, while also numbing everything about my life with more and more alcohol; I would now already be dead, and my soul a resident of hell in eternal torment.

God loves me too much to have allowed that. I can never repay him, but I know I can do more and more try to make a dent in that debt. With the years and the breath I have left, I will try to do so more and more.

Prayer: Lord, with the breath you give me, may I praise your holy name. May I sing of your glory and mercy and justice and love forever and ever. May I pronounce the name of the Lord and of Jesus daily, telling others of your love. May I be your hands and feet, and through your Church and on my own daily walk find ways to show you to those you bring into my path. You have done everything for me, and I have done so very little for you. Please forgive my sin and my evil thoughts, and by your Spirit may I live into the life you have given me. Amen, and amen.

Other Ways Don't Math

Scripture:
Doom to those who go off to Egypt
thinking that horses can help them,
Impressed by military mathematics,
awed by sheer numbers of chariots and riders—
And to The Holy of Israel, not even a glance,
not so much as a prayer to God.
Isaiah 31:1

Observation: The prophet Isaiah gives very clear instructions about how Judah is to overcome Assyria ... by returning to and trusting in the Lord. However, there are some who instead look to Egypt for help. Such people believe that conflict is won through military might. They believe that all they need is more soldiers than Assyria and safety is assured. As a result, they ignore God and never once turn to him in prayer for assistance.

It cannot be any clearer that this plan will not work. The military math is meaningless. It is the Lord who is all powerful and who holds the ability to protect Judah. Egypt ... not so much.

Application: There was a time in life when I had a bit of this mindset, thinking that I can be secure if I have the financial protection I need to weather the storms of life-events. This simply is not true. All protection in life - all security in every life situation - comes from the Lord. It is only by faith that I can receive true protection ... mental and physical, from any and all sources of attack.

When Judah looked to the Lord, he destroyed the Assyrian army without even a battle occurring. It was truly amazing. How much more can he simply take care of my personal, normal, everyday 'stuff'? Relying on any earthly measure just doesn't work. It don't math. Relying on the Lord can never fail.

Prayer: Lord, I do rely upon you. My faith is in you alone. Yes, we live in a difficult place, and there are harder times ahead. I know this for certain. Yet I will not seek any earthly protection or sanctuary. I will not rely on any earthly means for protection or comfort. Instead, I will look to you, pray to you. Amen.

Interest in Others, Not Money

Scripture: Everything is in readiness now for this, my third visit to you. But don’t worry about it; you won’t have to put yourselves out. I’ll be no more of a bother to you this time than on the other visits. I have no interest in what you have—only in you. Children shouldn’t have to look out for their parents; parents look out for the children. 2 Corinthians 12:14

Observation: One of the issues Paul takes up with the church at Corinth is an issue of how he is funded during his visits to them. Interestingly, Paul has always self-funded his times in Corinth, and somehow that has made the church believe he is working some "scheme" ... other apostles require them to pay for their time and expenses.

Paul addresses this in some detail, but he makes this very pointed statement ... he couldn't care less about what they have - their finances, any payment they might make, or ways they might fund his daily life while in Corinth - but rather Paul cares about them, their faith, their salvation, and their right understanding of the gospel.

Application: As I have been getting more and more into the 'financial coaching' training, I am receiving more and more information about how to make money at such coaching. I am reminded today about why I am doing this. I am not doing this to make money ... I have more than enough, provided by the Lord, and while he may use this to offer me further blessing, that is NOT the goal. I am doing this to serve others and help them discover their own path into the Lord's blessings.

I do sincerely want to help others find hope and peace. I want them to find the mental state needed to obediently give to the Lord, opening their hands to receive his blessings. I see this as a way I may serve others well, in a new and better way than I have before, passing along the love of Jesus.

This must be imprinted on my heart ... I have no interest in what others have, only in them. I do not want to be perceived as even a little bit of a bother or burden. I wish for others to receive only good emotions from any service I can do for them, and to again find the Lord's blessing in their lives.

Prayer: Lord, I am about to embark on a journey to serve your purposes. Please protect my heart in this matter. May I only serve as your will desires. May I bring hope to others, without burden. Amen.

He Stole My Shame

He called my name,

And he stole my shame.

Out of the dark,

Into his arms ...

Everything changed when I came running home!!

Addressing Financial Risk

Scripture:
Do your best, prepare for the worst—
then trust God to bring victory.
Proverbs 21:31

Observation: This proverb provides one of the most basic and accurate examples of how a person is to deal with financial risk in their lives. They are to do their very best work, but also prepare for hardships when livelihood is taken from them. If they do these things, they can trust in the Lord, for he will certainly provide.

Application: I just wrote a sentence for a different reason that stated the financial topics covered by the Bible. They included savings, budgeting, debt, etc. ... but I also included "risk". When I did so, I thought to myself that I couldn't actually think of a verse that was about financial risk. So I quit working on that document, and did my devotions, and here it is!

Yes, we are to do good work to try to avoid bad things from happening. Then we are to prepare as if the bad things will, in fact occur. So many people do neither of these, and many more do one of the other ... they trust that their good work will protect them from bid circumstances, or (least common) they prepare for the bad because they are aware they neglect diligence in their work and thus recognize something bad may happen. The wise man does both ... and then turns it all over the God anyway, secure that the Lord will take care of everything.

Prayer: Lord, may I serve you and only you. Please keep my heart humble, and may I find activities that serve you, your Church, and your people. Amen.

The Great War is Spiritual

Scripture:
"The day is coming"
—God’s Decree—
"When there will be no more war. None.
I’ll slaughter your war horses and demolish your chariots.
I’ll dismantle military posts
and level your fortifications.
I’ll abolish your religious black markets,
your underworld traffic in black magic.
I will smash your carved and cast gods
and chop down your phallic posts.
No more taking control of the world,
worshiping what you do or make."
Micah 5:10-13

Observation: Micah has described the coming terrors and punishment to befall Israel, and introduced the idea that a savior will come out of Bethlehem to redeem the faithful. With that redemption will come a time when war will be no more. However, the images of war quickly shift from human, earthly warfare, to spiritual elements. This new era will see all implements of war and all armies dismantled, but then it will ... totally eliminate spiritual evil. This entails the elimination of false religions, black magic, manmade idols, and all kinds of worship of earthly elements that control our lives.

This is what "war" really is, and always has been for the Lord. Even when he instructed Israel to "destroy" other nations, his clarifications were around dismantling temples of false gods, burning idols of metal and wood, and tearing down places where people bowed to other entities. War, therefore, ends when these spiritually evil aspects of human behavior are eliminated once and for all.

Application: I am more and more convinced that the greatest war this world has ever known is the one raging right now ... the fight for the belief system of our young adults. Listening first-hand to entirely new belief systems that have been created over less than ~10 years related to gender, sexuality, personal identity, mental health, and even an open rejection of factual history due to a changed perception of 'rightness', I cannot help but recognize that this spiritual war is real, it is massive, it is pervasive, and it is killing millions of people.

So, is this "the great war" or "the war to end all wars"? These were BOTH the major titles given to World War I ... and clearly both titles were wrong. Oh, how I pray this is the end of wars, that this is the spiritual battle that draws the line in the sand, creating the moment when Jesus will return. I almost can't imagine the spiritual issues getting worse than they are now, and even in my faith I struggle to find a way back to a spiritual time of relative peace.

This is a war. Knowing the Lord, and believing in Jesus, I therefore know which side of the spiritual war I am on, and thus which side of the spiritual war evil is supporting. And I know who wins, though I don't know when.

Prayer: Lord, may thy will be done. May we tear down the ashera poles that are false sexual identity, destroy the dark elements of the world manifested in mental health issues, burn the false items in which people place their trust, and revive the love and hope that is found in only you. Yet again I pray, come, Lord Jesus. Amen.