Scripture: And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12
Observation: Paul discusses the second coming of Jesus and the timing of it, indicating that there is this uprising of sin, lead by a man of lawlessness, that must first come. While there are many, many questions when this will be, whom this person is, and even some of the literalness of this section, there is this added condition here provided by Paul.
People will be deluded and believe the lies ... the lies that indicate there is goodness and pleasure in unrighteousness ... for this reason: So that they may clearly identify themselves as standing opposed to the truth and love of Jesus, and thus may be rightly condemned. When Jesus comes in judgment, the weight and outcome of that judgment will be determined by the clear and obvious decisions of all.
Application: Today, there are more and more people who are outright opposed to Jesus, and this is by God's design. These people are firmly and adamantly believing the lies, and therefore are establishing their fate. This is their right of free will granted by God himself.
However, there are still so very many people who are undecided. There are many, many people in our own neighborhoods who simply are not engaged in even making a decision. For these people, it isn't that they have chosen against Jesus, they have simply not chosen anything. They have disengaged from the conversation. They may believe the lies of Satan because that's the only message they have heard, or they may believe nothing at all.
Whatever the case, these are the neighbors we must reach with the message of Jesus. Not all will receive it, but neither can they receive it without hearing it. We must tell them of Jesus' love, and of the free gift of salvation through faith. If they receive that truth, there will be celebration in heaven! If they instead choose the lie ... there will be weeping, but we will be closer to the coming of Jesus.
Prayer: Lord, we are preparing to delivery your message to thousands. I ask already that you begin preparing them for receiving our message and hearing about Jesus this Christmas season. May we bring a strong message of love and hope, and an opportunity for any and all to engage in a deeper understanding. Help us all to be strong in service to you in these months to come. Amen.
Monday, October 14, 2019
Thursday, October 10, 2019
Upon Receiving a Good Report
Scripture: But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always have good remembrance of us, greatly desiring to see us, as we also to see you - therefore, brethren, in all our affliction and distress we were comforted concerning you by your faith. 1 Thessalonians 3:6-7
Observation: As Paul discusses his wish to return to Thessalonica, he tells them of the encouragement he has from the good report of Timothy as to their faith. He is encouraged to hear that their faith is thriving. So often, Paul gets reports of church plants where their faith is struggling, but not so for the Thessalonians, who are doing great, and who also remember fondly Paul.
Paul is uplifted by this report, because it shows to him and to others how a single church can thrive when its members act in love, study the scriptures, and meet regularly to encourage one another. Certainly they have problems and disagreements, but overall the church at Thessalonica is an example of a strong body of Christ. This is all Paul has ever really wanted to know about them ... that they thrive in the name of Jesus.
Application: How would the pastor or Westminster Chapel circa 1994 receive news about the Evergreen Church of 2019? I hope it would be with a similar joy. Sure, our church has human issues, like not everyone getting along, but overall we grow, we baptize new believers, we learn in a manner faithful to the word, and we are a positive light known throughout the community and even to the city's leadership.
I hope this is the same way Jesus would look up our church. Sure, we aren't perfect, and we could do a better job loving each other, avoiding gossip, sharing with one another. However, we are on mission, and it would seem we are blessed by the Holy Spirit as a result.
Prayer: Lord, I desire that, when you consider our church, you think about a good report, that you hear good news of our faith and love, and know that we sincerely desire to see you and know you deeper as well. Please guide us all, from the leaders to the newest attendees, in becoming stronger in our faith through service during this busy time of year. We desire only to be your light, your messenger, and your love reflected in this corner of the world. Amen.
Observation: As Paul discusses his wish to return to Thessalonica, he tells them of the encouragement he has from the good report of Timothy as to their faith. He is encouraged to hear that their faith is thriving. So often, Paul gets reports of church plants where their faith is struggling, but not so for the Thessalonians, who are doing great, and who also remember fondly Paul.
Paul is uplifted by this report, because it shows to him and to others how a single church can thrive when its members act in love, study the scriptures, and meet regularly to encourage one another. Certainly they have problems and disagreements, but overall the church at Thessalonica is an example of a strong body of Christ. This is all Paul has ever really wanted to know about them ... that they thrive in the name of Jesus.
Application: How would the pastor or Westminster Chapel circa 1994 receive news about the Evergreen Church of 2019? I hope it would be with a similar joy. Sure, our church has human issues, like not everyone getting along, but overall we grow, we baptize new believers, we learn in a manner faithful to the word, and we are a positive light known throughout the community and even to the city's leadership.
I hope this is the same way Jesus would look up our church. Sure, we aren't perfect, and we could do a better job loving each other, avoiding gossip, sharing with one another. However, we are on mission, and it would seem we are blessed by the Holy Spirit as a result.
Prayer: Lord, I desire that, when you consider our church, you think about a good report, that you hear good news of our faith and love, and know that we sincerely desire to see you and know you deeper as well. Please guide us all, from the leaders to the newest attendees, in becoming stronger in our faith through service during this busy time of year. We desire only to be your light, your messenger, and your love reflected in this corner of the world. Amen.
Wednesday, October 9, 2019
Tuesday, October 8, 2019
The Curse of Trusing in Man
Scripture: Thus says the Lord:
Observation: This is another example of how we love and therefore learn certain bible verses, but not others that are just as important. The companion to this is verses 7-8, which describe as blessed those who trust in the Lord, and are like trees planted by stream that withstand drought and wind, and prosper with good fruit. The alternative is to trust in man ... those who do are cursed, like a shrub planted in the desert that struggles for its very life.
What does it look like to trust in man, instead of the Lord? It would look like what Judah looked like to Jeremiah ... and what the United States looks like today:
-- Caring about court rulings in matters of personal justice
-- Creating laws that alter and define societal morality
-- Debating with great intensity about political sides and opinions
-- Arguing about how to protect children from random violence in public settings
-- Celebrating intellectual achievements in science and technology
-- Relying on warcraft to defend us from terrorism and foreign hostility
All these behaviors are outright normal on a day-to-day basis in our society, and all of them begin with the concept of completely relying upon fully secular human judgment. Our society today is ... just a bunch of cursed shrubbery living in the desert, barely figuring out how to live, with no hope of truly thriving.
Application: Do those of us of faith - those in the universal Church of Jesus Christ - look any different than this? Do I look any different than this?
We pay too much attention to ... supreme court rulings, gun control debates, foreign warmongering, congressional hearings, technology advances. What we should do is simply pray into everything with the simple statement Jesus gave us, 'thy will be done'. The Lord can heal, protect, lead, and rule. There are churches in the world who do this, I feel, like those in the far east, and Africa. They are persecuted or marginalized to the point that they have no other influence but prayer. They cannot engage in 'issues' so trust God will engage.
Of course, most of our 'western' churches won't disengage from reliance on the ways of man. That does not mean I shouldn't do it.
Prayer: Lord, today and every day, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.
"Cursed is the man who trusts in man
And makes flesh his strength,
Whose heart departs from the Lord.
For he shall be like a shrub in the desert,
And shall not see when good comes,
But shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness,
In a salt land which is not inhabited."
Jeremiah 17:5-6And makes flesh his strength,
Whose heart departs from the Lord.
For he shall be like a shrub in the desert,
And shall not see when good comes,
But shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness,
In a salt land which is not inhabited."
Observation: This is another example of how we love and therefore learn certain bible verses, but not others that are just as important. The companion to this is verses 7-8, which describe as blessed those who trust in the Lord, and are like trees planted by stream that withstand drought and wind, and prosper with good fruit. The alternative is to trust in man ... those who do are cursed, like a shrub planted in the desert that struggles for its very life.
What does it look like to trust in man, instead of the Lord? It would look like what Judah looked like to Jeremiah ... and what the United States looks like today:
-- Caring about court rulings in matters of personal justice
-- Creating laws that alter and define societal morality
-- Debating with great intensity about political sides and opinions
-- Arguing about how to protect children from random violence in public settings
-- Celebrating intellectual achievements in science and technology
-- Relying on warcraft to defend us from terrorism and foreign hostility
All these behaviors are outright normal on a day-to-day basis in our society, and all of them begin with the concept of completely relying upon fully secular human judgment. Our society today is ... just a bunch of cursed shrubbery living in the desert, barely figuring out how to live, with no hope of truly thriving.
Application: Do those of us of faith - those in the universal Church of Jesus Christ - look any different than this? Do I look any different than this?
We pay too much attention to ... supreme court rulings, gun control debates, foreign warmongering, congressional hearings, technology advances. What we should do is simply pray into everything with the simple statement Jesus gave us, 'thy will be done'. The Lord can heal, protect, lead, and rule. There are churches in the world who do this, I feel, like those in the far east, and Africa. They are persecuted or marginalized to the point that they have no other influence but prayer. They cannot engage in 'issues' so trust God will engage.
Of course, most of our 'western' churches won't disengage from reliance on the ways of man. That does not mean I shouldn't do it.
Prayer: Lord, today and every day, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.
Monday, October 7, 2019
Personal Peace Through Christian Unity
Scripture: But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth ... Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering. Colossians 3:8,12
Observation: Paul provides the Colossians two lists, those traits they are to abandon, and those that they are to incorporate in their lives. The first list he further summarizes in terms of division between people, and the second list he summarizes as the unity of love among believers.
This is a lesson specific to the church. Within the body of believers, we are to eliminate any sort of crass, vulgar, or confrontational behavior, and replace such interactions with humble and gentle behaviors that demonstrate kindness and patience.
Application: I can do this within the group of people I associated with at church for sure, but it becomes more difficult the further the circle extends. There are those I struggle to like. There are those I simply don't really know. There are those who themselves seek to take advantage of such kindnesses. And of course there are those outside the church to whom further extending such practiced kindness is a struggle.
I pray for peace and joy. I believe these things are found within this mild and gentle approach toward others. Therefore, it is only myself that obstructs my desire to live a calm and peaceful life within the loving hands of the Lord. This is my obligation to correct in my heart.
Prayer: Lord, I desire your Spirit in my heart every day, and every moment, to guide my thoughts and actions. I desire this peace, and I know you are the source of that peace. Please aid me in finding it. I likely have about 30 years left in life, and I sincerely desire to make them count completely for your kingdom, in an attitude of joy and peace and love, and not in any way look to advance myself. May your kingdom come, on earth and in my heart. Amen.
Observation: Paul provides the Colossians two lists, those traits they are to abandon, and those that they are to incorporate in their lives. The first list he further summarizes in terms of division between people, and the second list he summarizes as the unity of love among believers.
This is a lesson specific to the church. Within the body of believers, we are to eliminate any sort of crass, vulgar, or confrontational behavior, and replace such interactions with humble and gentle behaviors that demonstrate kindness and patience.
Application: I can do this within the group of people I associated with at church for sure, but it becomes more difficult the further the circle extends. There are those I struggle to like. There are those I simply don't really know. There are those who themselves seek to take advantage of such kindnesses. And of course there are those outside the church to whom further extending such practiced kindness is a struggle.
I pray for peace and joy. I believe these things are found within this mild and gentle approach toward others. Therefore, it is only myself that obstructs my desire to live a calm and peaceful life within the loving hands of the Lord. This is my obligation to correct in my heart.
Prayer: Lord, I desire your Spirit in my heart every day, and every moment, to guide my thoughts and actions. I desire this peace, and I know you are the source of that peace. Please aid me in finding it. I likely have about 30 years left in life, and I sincerely desire to make them count completely for your kingdom, in an attitude of joy and peace and love, and not in any way look to advance myself. May your kingdom come, on earth and in my heart. Amen.
Thursday, October 3, 2019
Wisdom Sweet as Honey
Scripture:
My son, eat honey because it is good,
And the honeycomb which is sweet to your taste;
So shall the knowledge of wisdom be to your soul;
If you have found it, there is a prospect,
And your hope will not be cut off.
Proverbs 24:13-14
Observation: The word of God, and especially the wisdom that is to be received through the word of God, is just like the sweetest honey. Honey is a wonderful treat. It is sweet, yet fully natural. It never spoils. It provides natural energy. Honey can be eaten by itself, or on something, or mixed into a meal to add sweetness and richness. In other words, for the body, honey provides all sorts of benefits, and is pleasurable to enjoy as one consumes it.
And so it is with the word of God and God's wisdom when it comes to our souls. Such wisdom strengthens and nourishes, and at the same time is pleasurable to receive and consume. With the wisdom of the Lord, we find a future and a hope.
Application: I enjoy honey, yet eat it in moderation. This is because today we have too much refined sugar from other sources. If I were to replace all sweetener and sugar with honey, I'm sure I'd find I am eating it continually. Sugar is in everything we consume these days, and for ancient people seeking a natural source that means honey would be ubiquitous to almost every meal and food.
Is God's word ubiquitous in my life? Is it in literally everything? Do I apply God's wisdom - and seek his wisdom - in every ... moment, meeting, discussion, event, email, agenda, commute, television show, or ball game?
If I applied the wisdom from God's word to absolutely every moment of my life, my daily walk would be so much different. It would have clear hope. Every situation would look like it has a future good outcome. They would be sweet.
Prayer: Lord, as I continue in your word, and getting to know you better, may I try to apply your wisdom more and more to my normal, everyday, walking-around life. I would love my basic thoughts to be sweetened by your promises, guidance, precepts, and love. Thank you for the hope in my life. Amen.
My son, eat honey because it is good,
And the honeycomb which is sweet to your taste;
So shall the knowledge of wisdom be to your soul;
If you have found it, there is a prospect,
And your hope will not be cut off.
Proverbs 24:13-14
Observation: The word of God, and especially the wisdom that is to be received through the word of God, is just like the sweetest honey. Honey is a wonderful treat. It is sweet, yet fully natural. It never spoils. It provides natural energy. Honey can be eaten by itself, or on something, or mixed into a meal to add sweetness and richness. In other words, for the body, honey provides all sorts of benefits, and is pleasurable to enjoy as one consumes it.
And so it is with the word of God and God's wisdom when it comes to our souls. Such wisdom strengthens and nourishes, and at the same time is pleasurable to receive and consume. With the wisdom of the Lord, we find a future and a hope.
Application: I enjoy honey, yet eat it in moderation. This is because today we have too much refined sugar from other sources. If I were to replace all sweetener and sugar with honey, I'm sure I'd find I am eating it continually. Sugar is in everything we consume these days, and for ancient people seeking a natural source that means honey would be ubiquitous to almost every meal and food.
Is God's word ubiquitous in my life? Is it in literally everything? Do I apply God's wisdom - and seek his wisdom - in every ... moment, meeting, discussion, event, email, agenda, commute, television show, or ball game?
If I applied the wisdom from God's word to absolutely every moment of my life, my daily walk would be so much different. It would have clear hope. Every situation would look like it has a future good outcome. They would be sweet.
Prayer: Lord, as I continue in your word, and getting to know you better, may I try to apply your wisdom more and more to my normal, everyday, walking-around life. I would love my basic thoughts to be sweetened by your promises, guidance, precepts, and love. Thank you for the hope in my life. Amen.
Wednesday, October 2, 2019
Seeking True Continuous Improvement
Scripture: Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Philippians 3:12
Observation: In this chapter, Paul gives his well-known argument about how good of an example of a Jew he is, and yet considers all that loss for the sake for faith of Jesus. He presents in that argument also his strong faith in Jesus. However, this verse is a telling transition. Paul indicates that it doesn't matter how good of a man, or faithful of a believer he is ... but that he will always seek to grow and improve. Paul will always seek to grow in faith, love, and correct behavior. In this, he encourages the Philippians to use him as the example, and likewise always strive to grow and improve.
Application: I do not need encouragement to know I need to grow and improve. I am a middle-aged man, and yet I know my failures and shortcomings, and I strive to do better. My learning seems to come too slow at times. My missteps are repeated too many times. My mental alignment to the word of God ... just misfires way too often. The point is, I know all this, and no matter how much I eventually learn and improve, there will always be more to do in my pursuit to show love and mercy to others.
Prayer: Lord, I have prayed several times recently for personal joy and peace. Instead today, may I pray to grow more and more in my outward service toward others. May I love others, and extend your mercy to them. In this, I strive to grow all the days of my life. Amen.
Observation: In this chapter, Paul gives his well-known argument about how good of an example of a Jew he is, and yet considers all that loss for the sake for faith of Jesus. He presents in that argument also his strong faith in Jesus. However, this verse is a telling transition. Paul indicates that it doesn't matter how good of a man, or faithful of a believer he is ... but that he will always seek to grow and improve. Paul will always seek to grow in faith, love, and correct behavior. In this, he encourages the Philippians to use him as the example, and likewise always strive to grow and improve.
Application: I do not need encouragement to know I need to grow and improve. I am a middle-aged man, and yet I know my failures and shortcomings, and I strive to do better. My learning seems to come too slow at times. My missteps are repeated too many times. My mental alignment to the word of God ... just misfires way too often. The point is, I know all this, and no matter how much I eventually learn and improve, there will always be more to do in my pursuit to show love and mercy to others.
Prayer: Lord, I have prayed several times recently for personal joy and peace. Instead today, may I pray to grow more and more in my outward service toward others. May I love others, and extend your mercy to them. In this, I strive to grow all the days of my life. Amen.
Wednesday, September 25, 2019
Personal Grace of God
Scripture: But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Ephesians 4:7
Observation: Paul has just concluded a discussion about unity in the church, declaring that all of us have one and the same Lord, salvation, community, faith, baptism, father. However, he quickly follows this by indicating that we all receive different and unique grace. He discusses some of the spiritual gifts, but only those associated with church leadership (apostleship, teaching, evangelism, prophesy), which exist to edify and equip the church.
Application: Last night at Alpha, I was asked one of those direct questions that the table members wouldn't let me duck ... brought up for the second week in a row, they directly wanted to know what I thought about the way God spoke to people. It is a topic I struggle with, since I believe God doesn't speak to me as he does to others. However, I responded with what I believe to be true: God has a unique and personal relationship with each of us, and therefore our interaction with him is personal to us. While prayer and reading the bible contribute to listening to God, the interaction is personal because God's relationship with each of us is personal.
Paul's words support this. He says that we may all be part of a shared body of Christ with the same faith, however our grace ... blessing, love, gifts ... from Christ is unique. It is personal to us.
I do not know what that says about me, if I struggle to hear God's word and I receive a personal interaction with God "according to the measure of Christ's gift." I just know I can't compare my relationship with God to others, despite our shared faith. I must not positively or negatively compare my journey, my experienced, my struggles, my doubts, my hopes, my worship, my prayers, my sins, my discipline, my heart, my insecurities, my confidence, my sorrows, my anger, my joy, my service, my failures. I believe we all have these, and they are unique to us and part of my unique relationship with my Lord, and I can only work with him to resolve and improve that relationship.
Prayer: Lord, I seek a better relationship with you. I desire to be closer to you and your word and your heart. May all these things, which are part of that relationship, find a personal resolution by your grace. Amen.
Observation: Paul has just concluded a discussion about unity in the church, declaring that all of us have one and the same Lord, salvation, community, faith, baptism, father. However, he quickly follows this by indicating that we all receive different and unique grace. He discusses some of the spiritual gifts, but only those associated with church leadership (apostleship, teaching, evangelism, prophesy), which exist to edify and equip the church.
Application: Last night at Alpha, I was asked one of those direct questions that the table members wouldn't let me duck ... brought up for the second week in a row, they directly wanted to know what I thought about the way God spoke to people. It is a topic I struggle with, since I believe God doesn't speak to me as he does to others. However, I responded with what I believe to be true: God has a unique and personal relationship with each of us, and therefore our interaction with him is personal to us. While prayer and reading the bible contribute to listening to God, the interaction is personal because God's relationship with each of us is personal.
Paul's words support this. He says that we may all be part of a shared body of Christ with the same faith, however our grace ... blessing, love, gifts ... from Christ is unique. It is personal to us.
I do not know what that says about me, if I struggle to hear God's word and I receive a personal interaction with God "according to the measure of Christ's gift." I just know I can't compare my relationship with God to others, despite our shared faith. I must not positively or negatively compare my journey, my experienced, my struggles, my doubts, my hopes, my worship, my prayers, my sins, my discipline, my heart, my insecurities, my confidence, my sorrows, my anger, my joy, my service, my failures. I believe we all have these, and they are unique to us and part of my unique relationship with my Lord, and I can only work with him to resolve and improve that relationship.
Prayer: Lord, I seek a better relationship with you. I desire to be closer to you and your word and your heart. May all these things, which are part of that relationship, find a personal resolution by your grace. Amen.
Tuesday, September 24, 2019
Celebrating the Lord's Great Works
Scripture:
The works of the Lord are great,
Studied by all who have pleasure in them.
Psalm 111:2
Observation: This psalm of praise celebrates the works and words and promises and commands of the Lord. These things reflect the glory and wisdom and God, and they are collectively described as ... great, pleasurable, honorable, glorious, enduring, wonderful, memorable, gracious, compassionate, powerful, true, just, sure, permanent, upright, redeeming, holy, and awesome.
That is a mouthful of amazing attributes, truly to be praised and celebrated. This is why this psalm opens with a declaration of praise, stating the Lord will be praised at all times, then closes with the explanation that indeed pursuing an understanding of the Lord's commands is the beginning of wisdom, and the cause of praise forever.
Application: As I strive to refocus my mind on the ways, precepts, and commands of God, this is a good reminder ... that in all ways God's instruction is wise and wonderful. Every adjective in this psalm is something I desire to know from God in my life, and they are all available by meditating on the works of the Lord. If I study them, I will find pleasure in them. If I meditate upon them, I will thrive from within. If I allow God's word to grow within me, his peace and joy will also grow within me.
Prayer: Father, my Lord and my God, may I seek your word at all times, especially at those quiet times at night when my soul is tormented by my mind. Help me to meditate on your perfect, awesome word, to recall your memorable and true promises, to consider your pleasurable and glorious works, and to celebrate your holy and compassionate love. Amen.
The works of the Lord are great,
Studied by all who have pleasure in them.
Psalm 111:2
Observation: This psalm of praise celebrates the works and words and promises and commands of the Lord. These things reflect the glory and wisdom and God, and they are collectively described as ... great, pleasurable, honorable, glorious, enduring, wonderful, memorable, gracious, compassionate, powerful, true, just, sure, permanent, upright, redeeming, holy, and awesome.
That is a mouthful of amazing attributes, truly to be praised and celebrated. This is why this psalm opens with a declaration of praise, stating the Lord will be praised at all times, then closes with the explanation that indeed pursuing an understanding of the Lord's commands is the beginning of wisdom, and the cause of praise forever.
Application: As I strive to refocus my mind on the ways, precepts, and commands of God, this is a good reminder ... that in all ways God's instruction is wise and wonderful. Every adjective in this psalm is something I desire to know from God in my life, and they are all available by meditating on the works of the Lord. If I study them, I will find pleasure in them. If I meditate upon them, I will thrive from within. If I allow God's word to grow within me, his peace and joy will also grow within me.
Prayer: Father, my Lord and my God, may I seek your word at all times, especially at those quiet times at night when my soul is tormented by my mind. Help me to meditate on your perfect, awesome word, to recall your memorable and true promises, to consider your pleasurable and glorious works, and to celebrate your holy and compassionate love. Amen.
Monday, September 23, 2019
Complete Perspective on Works
Scripture: For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10
Observation: This verse comes immediately after one of Paul's most famous verses about faith vs. works. In verses 8-9, Paul is very, very clear ... we are saved by grace, not by works, lest anyone should boast. Using this verse, many people therefore promote their faith as the totality of their Christian life. However, Paul IMMEDIATELY then says ... we are in Jesus in order to do good work! In fact, even this has two additional parts to it.
First, God made us for the work. It was by the workmanship of God, creating us, and basing that design of us in our faith in Jesus, that shows the purpose of our work to be done. In other words, it is by both our design and the unique circumstances of our faith walk with Jesus that God has equipped us to do good work. Second, this intended work itself is designed by God. He has defined work to be done that suits our gifts, talents, and faith.
So it is true that Christians are saved by grace through faith ... our salvation itself is a free gift we cannot work to earn. However, our faith is reflected in our work ... the unique circumstances of our faith, which God has taken us through, along with the gifts of the Holy Spirit given to us by that faith, make us unique in our ability and thus prepared to do specific work that God has prepared for us and wants us to do. It is by performing that work that we then fulfill our faith.
Application: I have faith. By my faith, I receive grace and thus eternal salvation. I could never earn that, as it is far to precious and I am far too flawed. Grace is the free gift bestowed by God through faith in Jesus. However, also by my faith, I am to do God's work. My faith manifests as a unique combination of gifts and abilities to serve God in a way he has prepared for me specifically.
My ongoing failure is that I am unclear about that work he has prepared. I serve in ministries, and I know my administrative gift helps in various outreach efforts. However, that is such a small amount of my time. The rest of the time, I struggle at work, fail to be his light in the workplace, and withdraw into depressing and mean-spirited thoughts in my spare time.
There is so much more I could do. I should continue to seek God's unique work, and lean into it whenever and wherever I find it.
Prayer: Lord, you are my joy and salvation, and I am blessed beyond measure to know that it is by my faith in Jesus that I am redeemed to you. More and more, may I put my faith into your good works. Amen.
Observation: This verse comes immediately after one of Paul's most famous verses about faith vs. works. In verses 8-9, Paul is very, very clear ... we are saved by grace, not by works, lest anyone should boast. Using this verse, many people therefore promote their faith as the totality of their Christian life. However, Paul IMMEDIATELY then says ... we are in Jesus in order to do good work! In fact, even this has two additional parts to it.
First, God made us for the work. It was by the workmanship of God, creating us, and basing that design of us in our faith in Jesus, that shows the purpose of our work to be done. In other words, it is by both our design and the unique circumstances of our faith walk with Jesus that God has equipped us to do good work. Second, this intended work itself is designed by God. He has defined work to be done that suits our gifts, talents, and faith.
So it is true that Christians are saved by grace through faith ... our salvation itself is a free gift we cannot work to earn. However, our faith is reflected in our work ... the unique circumstances of our faith, which God has taken us through, along with the gifts of the Holy Spirit given to us by that faith, make us unique in our ability and thus prepared to do specific work that God has prepared for us and wants us to do. It is by performing that work that we then fulfill our faith.
Application: I have faith. By my faith, I receive grace and thus eternal salvation. I could never earn that, as it is far to precious and I am far too flawed. Grace is the free gift bestowed by God through faith in Jesus. However, also by my faith, I am to do God's work. My faith manifests as a unique combination of gifts and abilities to serve God in a way he has prepared for me specifically.
My ongoing failure is that I am unclear about that work he has prepared. I serve in ministries, and I know my administrative gift helps in various outreach efforts. However, that is such a small amount of my time. The rest of the time, I struggle at work, fail to be his light in the workplace, and withdraw into depressing and mean-spirited thoughts in my spare time.
There is so much more I could do. I should continue to seek God's unique work, and lean into it whenever and wherever I find it.
Prayer: Lord, you are my joy and salvation, and I am blessed beyond measure to know that it is by my faith in Jesus that I am redeemed to you. More and more, may I put my faith into your good works. Amen.
Thursday, September 19, 2019
When Known by Name
Scripture:
Thus says the Lord to His anointed,
To Cyrus, whose right hand I have held...
I will give you the treasures of darkness
And hidden riches of secret places,
That you may know that I, the Lord,
Who call you by your name,
Am the God of Israel.
For Jacob My servant’s sake,
And Israel My elect,
I have even called you by your name;
I have named you, though you have not known Me.
Isaiah 45:1a,3-4
Observation: I have heard the lesson on this section ... written about 100 years before Cyrus becomes king of Babylon. Cyrus was educated about this passage, discovering that the God of Israel knew him by name long before he even existed, and there were special circumstances even surrounding his name. He thus responded to this knowledge with the decree to rebuild Jerusalem and the Lord's temple.
There is a bit more to it, but the point is that Cyrus discovered that God loved him enough to raise him up and grant him kingship, and he responded by honoring God in the way that he could. The fact that God knew Cyrus by name, before Cyrus knew anything at all, had a powerful impact upon Cyrus, as it would have on anyone.
Application: Being called and known by name by the Lord is amazing. It is unfathomable that the most powerful being in the universe would simply 'know' me. Or that he would even care at all. Yes, he knows everyone, but he cares enough to reach out personally.
The other night, someone at my Alpha table discussed the idea of hearing God speak. He stated that he wasn't sure he could hear from God. This is a regular complaint of mine, that I don't feel I hear God speak. But I do know that I simply hear God in the manner he has chosen. I don't hear a voice speaking sentences, but I do hear guidance and direction. I (usually ... or at least sometimes) know when that guidance is God, as opposed to when it is just my thoughts working out a situation.
I yearn for more, but I delight in how the Lord interacts with me. I want to be even closer, but I see that God has a purpose in how he works in my life. Cyrus - king of the evil empire - responded when God called him by name. May I always as well.
Prayer: Lord, here I am today. I am yours to guide and direct. May I do as you tell me this day and every day. Thank you for your great love, and for knowing me by name. Amen.
Thus says the Lord to His anointed,
To Cyrus, whose right hand I have held...
I will give you the treasures of darkness
And hidden riches of secret places,
That you may know that I, the Lord,
Who call you by your name,
Am the God of Israel.
For Jacob My servant’s sake,
And Israel My elect,
I have even called you by your name;
I have named you, though you have not known Me.
Isaiah 45:1a,3-4
Observation: I have heard the lesson on this section ... written about 100 years before Cyrus becomes king of Babylon. Cyrus was educated about this passage, discovering that the God of Israel knew him by name long before he even existed, and there were special circumstances even surrounding his name. He thus responded to this knowledge with the decree to rebuild Jerusalem and the Lord's temple.
There is a bit more to it, but the point is that Cyrus discovered that God loved him enough to raise him up and grant him kingship, and he responded by honoring God in the way that he could. The fact that God knew Cyrus by name, before Cyrus knew anything at all, had a powerful impact upon Cyrus, as it would have on anyone.
Application: Being called and known by name by the Lord is amazing. It is unfathomable that the most powerful being in the universe would simply 'know' me. Or that he would even care at all. Yes, he knows everyone, but he cares enough to reach out personally.
The other night, someone at my Alpha table discussed the idea of hearing God speak. He stated that he wasn't sure he could hear from God. This is a regular complaint of mine, that I don't feel I hear God speak. But I do know that I simply hear God in the manner he has chosen. I don't hear a voice speaking sentences, but I do hear guidance and direction. I (usually ... or at least sometimes) know when that guidance is God, as opposed to when it is just my thoughts working out a situation.
I yearn for more, but I delight in how the Lord interacts with me. I want to be even closer, but I see that God has a purpose in how he works in my life. Cyrus - king of the evil empire - responded when God called him by name. May I always as well.
Prayer: Lord, here I am today. I am yours to guide and direct. May I do as you tell me this day and every day. Thank you for your great love, and for knowing me by name. Amen.
Tuesday, September 17, 2019
Introducing the Justice Conversation
Scripture:
Behold! My Servant whom I uphold,
My Elect One in whom My soul delights!
I have put My Spirit upon Him;
He will bring forth justice to the Gentiles.
He will not cry out, nor raise His voice,
Nor cause His voice to be heard in the street.
A bruised reed He will not break,
And smoking flax He will not quench;
He will bring forth justice for truth.
He will not fail nor be discouraged,
Till He has established justice in the earth;
And the coastlands shall wait for His law.
Isaiah 42:1-4
Observation: Three times in four verses, Isaiah declares the purpose of Messiah, which is ... justice. However, this justice is not a negative judgment, but rather it is a gift to people. The Chosen One will bring justice to the gentiles, bring justice for truth, and establish justice in the earth.
This is a lesson I learned just yesterday. God is completely and totally just, meaning he gives to everyone what they deserve. In this, since it is impossible for humans in our evil ways to conform to the law, to totally honor and obey the Lord, and to avoid detestable acts, God will bring justice upon all of us. That justice is ... punishment and death. The Messiah came to take care of that justice, but in a surprising manner. The Elect One, God's Servant, the one with God's Spirit ... he did not come to exact justice upon all mankind, but rather to absorb the just punishment. As the only one undeserving of such punishment, he received it for me. It is by him that justice was poured out on all mankind, without us bearing the brunt of it, as the act of God's great mercy. Any anyone willing to accept that form of justice will receive it.
Application: This, again, was a lesson I just learned yesterday. It is the model that describes how God can be both fully merciful, and fully just. Yes, I have known that Jesus died on the cross to forgive my sin, but I did not fully see how that aligned to justice and mercy.
Isaiah called it out. He declared the purpose of Messiah, and it was ultimately a mission of justice. However, as Jesus in John 3:17, this justice was not about condemning people, but saving them.
Prayer: Lord, I am deserving of your justice, but instead you have given me your mercy. It is in this manner I understand the personal impact of Jesus' sacrifice, and I give you the glory. I cannot repay this gift, but I will serve you, obey you, and praise you. None of these will I do as well or often or purely as I should, but I do give you my heart. Please continue to soften me, mold me, guide me, and use me, as I am your servant and you are my Lord. Amen.
Behold! My Servant whom I uphold,
My Elect One in whom My soul delights!
I have put My Spirit upon Him;
He will bring forth justice to the Gentiles.
He will not cry out, nor raise His voice,
Nor cause His voice to be heard in the street.
A bruised reed He will not break,
And smoking flax He will not quench;
He will bring forth justice for truth.
He will not fail nor be discouraged,
Till He has established justice in the earth;
And the coastlands shall wait for His law.
Isaiah 42:1-4
Observation: Three times in four verses, Isaiah declares the purpose of Messiah, which is ... justice. However, this justice is not a negative judgment, but rather it is a gift to people. The Chosen One will bring justice to the gentiles, bring justice for truth, and establish justice in the earth.
This is a lesson I learned just yesterday. God is completely and totally just, meaning he gives to everyone what they deserve. In this, since it is impossible for humans in our evil ways to conform to the law, to totally honor and obey the Lord, and to avoid detestable acts, God will bring justice upon all of us. That justice is ... punishment and death. The Messiah came to take care of that justice, but in a surprising manner. The Elect One, God's Servant, the one with God's Spirit ... he did not come to exact justice upon all mankind, but rather to absorb the just punishment. As the only one undeserving of such punishment, he received it for me. It is by him that justice was poured out on all mankind, without us bearing the brunt of it, as the act of God's great mercy. Any anyone willing to accept that form of justice will receive it.
Application: This, again, was a lesson I just learned yesterday. It is the model that describes how God can be both fully merciful, and fully just. Yes, I have known that Jesus died on the cross to forgive my sin, but I did not fully see how that aligned to justice and mercy.
Isaiah called it out. He declared the purpose of Messiah, and it was ultimately a mission of justice. However, as Jesus in John 3:17, this justice was not about condemning people, but saving them.
Prayer: Lord, I am deserving of your justice, but instead you have given me your mercy. It is in this manner I understand the personal impact of Jesus' sacrifice, and I give you the glory. I cannot repay this gift, but I will serve you, obey you, and praise you. None of these will I do as well or often or purely as I should, but I do give you my heart. Please continue to soften me, mold me, guide me, and use me, as I am your servant and you are my Lord. Amen.
Monday, September 16, 2019
Do Not Disregard the Law
Scripture: But if, in seeking to be justified in Christ, we Jews find ourselves also among the sinners, doesn’t that mean that Christ promotes sin? Absolutely not! Galatians 2:17
Observation: The conversation of faith vs. acts can be confusing and sometimes it seems Paul is squarely on the side of 'faith' to the point that he believes all compliance with Jewish law is thrown away, and that all standards of the law are to be discarded. However, this verse clarifies that stance. Paul is saying ... 'If people who believe in Jesus and know the law behave like those who don't know the law, does that mean the law is to be disregarded? Absolutely not!'
Jesus himself said he came to fulfill the law, not destroy it. He also said no letter of the law will be removed or destroyed. Jesus fulfilled the ritual laws, while maintaining the spiritual and moral laws.
Application: I am not a Jew. However, I know the laws - or at least a current-day application of the law - and therefore am expected to apply them along with my faith. This is not about Jewish customs and rituals, but about moral alignment. How does this apply to others? How does this apply to those who believe in Jesus but don't know the laws? That is not my issue. I am to serve Jesus as Jesus himself has laid upon my heart, and his relationship with others is theirs to work out.
The better I apply God's standard of living to my life, the better relationship I will have with him.
Prayer: Lord, I see your truth in my life every day. May I look to your precepts and instructions every day, and walk humbly with you. Amen.
Observation: The conversation of faith vs. acts can be confusing and sometimes it seems Paul is squarely on the side of 'faith' to the point that he believes all compliance with Jewish law is thrown away, and that all standards of the law are to be discarded. However, this verse clarifies that stance. Paul is saying ... 'If people who believe in Jesus and know the law behave like those who don't know the law, does that mean the law is to be disregarded? Absolutely not!'
Jesus himself said he came to fulfill the law, not destroy it. He also said no letter of the law will be removed or destroyed. Jesus fulfilled the ritual laws, while maintaining the spiritual and moral laws.
Application: I am not a Jew. However, I know the laws - or at least a current-day application of the law - and therefore am expected to apply them along with my faith. This is not about Jewish customs and rituals, but about moral alignment. How does this apply to others? How does this apply to those who believe in Jesus but don't know the laws? That is not my issue. I am to serve Jesus as Jesus himself has laid upon my heart, and his relationship with others is theirs to work out.
The better I apply God's standard of living to my life, the better relationship I will have with him.
Prayer: Lord, I see your truth in my life every day. May I look to your precepts and instructions every day, and walk humbly with you. Amen.
Thursday, September 12, 2019
Unexplained Explanations
Scripture: I encouraged Titus to visit you, and I sent along with him the brother you know so well. Titus didn’t take advantage of you, did he? We conducted ourselves with the same spirit, didn’t we? We took the very same steps, didn’t we? 2 Corinthians 12:18
Observation: Paul continues on with his defense of his character, discussing how he did not take from the church at Corinth, but treated them with love. He continues with this argument by bringing up not just how he behaves rightly toward them, but so does Titus whom he sent to them. In addition, Titus was accompanied by "the brother you know so well."
It is clear the church in Corinth knows who this is, but ... we certainly don't. And there is no other explanation. Paul discusses someone, but doesn't name them, despite the fact he has named many, many others throughout this discussion. It's important this brother was with Titus, or else Titus' name would have been sufficient. However, the brother's identity will be hidden to history.
Application: Given this letter is included in the bible as the inspired word of God, what lesson am I to take from the fact that this "brother" is forever unnamed? Some options on how to consider this fact:
-- This person wasn't important so I should ignore it.
-- It is a good lesson to always travel with a fellow believer, regardless of whom it is.
-- I should research this more as a way of digging deeper into of God's word.
-- This is someone obvious and my lack of knowledge shows I need to learn more.
-- This person was SO important that he did not need naming, and so good and pure that Paul was willing to compare himself to him.
I think the truth is ... all of the above are true, at different times, for different people, in different circumstances, and as we are all moved differently by the Holy Spirit in our understanding of God's word. It is through these mysterious details that the Spirit can work within us. And it is therefore by finding a nugget of truth within these unexplained passages that we can experience God in our hearts.
Prayer: Lord, I celebrate you for your mysteries. You are unknowable in the very best of ways, able to surprise me every day and let me know you care. I prayed earlier today for insight into how you really see me so I can remove the negative narrative of my life. Thank you for a chance to experience true joy today and every day. Amen.
Observation: Paul continues on with his defense of his character, discussing how he did not take from the church at Corinth, but treated them with love. He continues with this argument by bringing up not just how he behaves rightly toward them, but so does Titus whom he sent to them. In addition, Titus was accompanied by "the brother you know so well."
It is clear the church in Corinth knows who this is, but ... we certainly don't. And there is no other explanation. Paul discusses someone, but doesn't name them, despite the fact he has named many, many others throughout this discussion. It's important this brother was with Titus, or else Titus' name would have been sufficient. However, the brother's identity will be hidden to history.
Application: Given this letter is included in the bible as the inspired word of God, what lesson am I to take from the fact that this "brother" is forever unnamed? Some options on how to consider this fact:
-- This person wasn't important so I should ignore it.
-- It is a good lesson to always travel with a fellow believer, regardless of whom it is.
-- I should research this more as a way of digging deeper into of God's word.
-- This is someone obvious and my lack of knowledge shows I need to learn more.
-- This person was SO important that he did not need naming, and so good and pure that Paul was willing to compare himself to him.
I think the truth is ... all of the above are true, at different times, for different people, in different circumstances, and as we are all moved differently by the Holy Spirit in our understanding of God's word. It is through these mysterious details that the Spirit can work within us. And it is therefore by finding a nugget of truth within these unexplained passages that we can experience God in our hearts.
Prayer: Lord, I celebrate you for your mysteries. You are unknowable in the very best of ways, able to surprise me every day and let me know you care. I prayed earlier today for insight into how you really see me so I can remove the negative narrative of my life. Thank you for a chance to experience true joy today and every day. Amen.
Wednesday, September 11, 2019
Never Forget the Hallelujah
Scripture:
Blessed are you, Lord God of Israel,
from eternity to eternity;
Let all the people say, “Amen!”
Hallelujah!
Psalm 106:48
Observation: The psalmist has now completed his review of every fault by Israel, and of God's anger and actions to correct them. In their unfaithfulness, God's anger burned against them. As a nation, Israel was finally turned over to enemy nations, who dominated, oppressed, and humiliated them. However, the Lord will not forget his promises. The Lord will protect Israel even in their captivity, according to the greatness of his grace and love.
In the end, the response is worship. In good times and bad, at the end of struggles or during the struggles, the response is "Amen" and "Hallelujah" - praise the Lord.
Application: As I was reading this, I was also hearing a remembrance about the 9/11 terror attacks. This was one of the darkest moments in any national memory, a harsh and sudden act of violence, born out of ... at its core ... the question about the nature of the Lord. This was about Muslim terrorists feeling the need to kill, out of their radically flawed idea of God.
The Lord of all the earth is a loving, merciful, gracious God. His anger burns against those who rebel against him, but his promise of redemption and love is eternal, delivered though faith in Jesus. Even in dark times, the Lord is our light, and our anchor for security, joy, and hope.
It is true that we will never forget the dark moment of 9/11. However, we will also never forget the grace of the Lord, and the hope he give us. His great light overcomes the dark. His love overcomes all hate. His promise overcomes all fear.
Prayer: Lord, today I do not sink in despair, but rather I soar with hope provided by you. It is your promise that guides my daily life, and may I live into that promise in my thoughts, words, and deeds every day. Thank you for your deliverance in all things. Amen.
Blessed are you, Lord God of Israel,
from eternity to eternity;
Let all the people say, “Amen!”
Hallelujah!
Psalm 106:48
Observation: The psalmist has now completed his review of every fault by Israel, and of God's anger and actions to correct them. In their unfaithfulness, God's anger burned against them. As a nation, Israel was finally turned over to enemy nations, who dominated, oppressed, and humiliated them. However, the Lord will not forget his promises. The Lord will protect Israel even in their captivity, according to the greatness of his grace and love.
In the end, the response is worship. In good times and bad, at the end of struggles or during the struggles, the response is "Amen" and "Hallelujah" - praise the Lord.
Application: As I was reading this, I was also hearing a remembrance about the 9/11 terror attacks. This was one of the darkest moments in any national memory, a harsh and sudden act of violence, born out of ... at its core ... the question about the nature of the Lord. This was about Muslim terrorists feeling the need to kill, out of their radically flawed idea of God.
The Lord of all the earth is a loving, merciful, gracious God. His anger burns against those who rebel against him, but his promise of redemption and love is eternal, delivered though faith in Jesus. Even in dark times, the Lord is our light, and our anchor for security, joy, and hope.
It is true that we will never forget the dark moment of 9/11. However, we will also never forget the grace of the Lord, and the hope he give us. His great light overcomes the dark. His love overcomes all hate. His promise overcomes all fear.
Prayer: Lord, today I do not sink in despair, but rather I soar with hope provided by you. It is your promise that guides my daily life, and may I live into that promise in my thoughts, words, and deeds every day. Thank you for your deliverance in all things. Amen.
Tuesday, September 10, 2019
Death Defeated for All People
Scripture:
On this mountain he will destroy
the shroud that enfolds all peoples,
the sheet that covers all nations;
he will swallow up death forever.
The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears
from all faces;
he will remove his people’s disgrace
from all the earth.
The Lord has spoken.
Isaiah 25:7-8
Observation: Again as Isaiah continues to discuss the future of Israel and Judah, he declares the future actions of the Messiah. On that very mountain of Jerusalem, the Lord will completely defeat death forever. This - the possibility of eternal darkness through death - is the despair of all nations. The Lord will eliminate that! He will wipe away the tears of those who weep, remove the disgrace of sin from all the people on all the earth, and destroy that shroud between himself and those who love him. This, again, is for ALL people ... four times he says this is for all people, all nations, all faces, on all the earth. And forever.
Application: If there is ever a thought that prophesy about Israel, Judah, and Jerusalem is just for the Jews, it is these verses about the Messiah that should correct those thoughts. God provides this message of hope for everyone. The Lord promises to defeat death, provide for an eternity where those who love him can be near to him and receive his love, and this is for everyone, everywhere, forever.
Jesus redeemed all of us. We weep at the thought of his pain, and sometimes at the thought of our failures. But the Lord wipes away those tears by his love, and restores us because he himself has swallowed up death forever. He removes our disgrace, and destroys the shroud.
The Lord has spoken.
Prayer: Lord, I praise you with my love and my singing and my prayer and my thoughts this day and every day. Thank you for your great grace and redemption. May I better follow you through deeds and words, as in my heart I truly believe in you as my father and my God, and in Jesus as my savior and Lord, and in your Holy Spirit as my guide and my strength. Amen.
On this mountain he will destroy
the shroud that enfolds all peoples,
the sheet that covers all nations;
he will swallow up death forever.
The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears
from all faces;
he will remove his people’s disgrace
from all the earth.
The Lord has spoken.
Isaiah 25:7-8
Observation: Again as Isaiah continues to discuss the future of Israel and Judah, he declares the future actions of the Messiah. On that very mountain of Jerusalem, the Lord will completely defeat death forever. This - the possibility of eternal darkness through death - is the despair of all nations. The Lord will eliminate that! He will wipe away the tears of those who weep, remove the disgrace of sin from all the people on all the earth, and destroy that shroud between himself and those who love him. This, again, is for ALL people ... four times he says this is for all people, all nations, all faces, on all the earth. And forever.
Application: If there is ever a thought that prophesy about Israel, Judah, and Jerusalem is just for the Jews, it is these verses about the Messiah that should correct those thoughts. God provides this message of hope for everyone. The Lord promises to defeat death, provide for an eternity where those who love him can be near to him and receive his love, and this is for everyone, everywhere, forever.
Jesus redeemed all of us. We weep at the thought of his pain, and sometimes at the thought of our failures. But the Lord wipes away those tears by his love, and restores us because he himself has swallowed up death forever. He removes our disgrace, and destroys the shroud.
The Lord has spoken.
Prayer: Lord, I praise you with my love and my singing and my prayer and my thoughts this day and every day. Thank you for your great grace and redemption. May I better follow you through deeds and words, as in my heart I truly believe in you as my father and my God, and in Jesus as my savior and Lord, and in your Holy Spirit as my guide and my strength. Amen.
Monday, September 9, 2019
This Isn't What I Choose
Can I believe when I don't see?
Can I really let it be out of my hands
When it's out of my hands?
I'm not giving up,
I'm giving in to what you plan for your glory.
I will fear no more!
Can I really let it be out of my hands
When it's out of my hands?
I'm not giving up,
I'm giving in to what you plan for your glory.
I will fear no more!
Thursday, September 5, 2019
Forgotten, Ignored, and Humbled
Scripture: Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan. Isaiah 9:1
Observation: This is the lead-in to a very famous Messianic prophesy that includes "the people walking in darkness have seen a great light" (9:2) and "for to us a child is born ..." (9:6). This is the prophesy of the birth of the Messiah, who will be not just for Jews but for Gentiles as well ... Messiah will be for those "in darkness" and will "enlarge the nation" and "shatter the yoke that burdens them". And of the greatness of his government will have no end, and his kingdom will be established "from that time on and forever".
But what of Zebulun and Naphtali? Since the settling of the promised land, they have gone mostly ... unmentioned. The southern kingdom is Judah, with Benjamin included. The northern kingdom is Israel, but is often called Ephraim due to the later alignment of its borders to that territory, and late in the period is called Samaria based on its capital that was in Manasseh. At the time of Isaiah, Zebulun and Naphtali aren't really in Israel/Ephraim/Samaria anymore. So why mention them now?
Well ... Nazareth is in Zebulun, and Naphtali effectively occupies the western shore of Galilee, the heart of Jesus future teaching ministry. So Isaiah begins this announcement of the future Messiah by telling us exactly where his ministry - his government - will begin ... in the forgotten, ignored, and "humbled" tribes of Israel.
Application: I never realized how fully Isaiah's words provide the transition point for human understanding of God. His message effectively goes back and forth between the destruction and ending of Israel and Judah, and the future manifestation of Jesus. But the latter is anchored in an understanding of the former. In chapter 9 alone, we see the prediction of a great king who will be of the line of David and govern the entire world, yet will come from a place that is such a "nowhere" place that even the Jews ignore it.
And it all came to pass.
Prayer: Lord, I praise you and your greatness and your plan and your authority. You are in charge of all things, and all people, and all times, Lord. You command all nature, all animals, and all mankind. It is all yours. You direct the passing of time, and the activities in those times, toward your purposes. May I glorify your name and honor you ways today and every day, my Lord and my God. Amen.
Observation: This is the lead-in to a very famous Messianic prophesy that includes "the people walking in darkness have seen a great light" (9:2) and "for to us a child is born ..." (9:6). This is the prophesy of the birth of the Messiah, who will be not just for Jews but for Gentiles as well ... Messiah will be for those "in darkness" and will "enlarge the nation" and "shatter the yoke that burdens them". And of the greatness of his government will have no end, and his kingdom will be established "from that time on and forever".
But what of Zebulun and Naphtali? Since the settling of the promised land, they have gone mostly ... unmentioned. The southern kingdom is Judah, with Benjamin included. The northern kingdom is Israel, but is often called Ephraim due to the later alignment of its borders to that territory, and late in the period is called Samaria based on its capital that was in Manasseh. At the time of Isaiah, Zebulun and Naphtali aren't really in Israel/Ephraim/Samaria anymore. So why mention them now?
Well ... Nazareth is in Zebulun, and Naphtali effectively occupies the western shore of Galilee, the heart of Jesus future teaching ministry. So Isaiah begins this announcement of the future Messiah by telling us exactly where his ministry - his government - will begin ... in the forgotten, ignored, and "humbled" tribes of Israel.
Application: I never realized how fully Isaiah's words provide the transition point for human understanding of God. His message effectively goes back and forth between the destruction and ending of Israel and Judah, and the future manifestation of Jesus. But the latter is anchored in an understanding of the former. In chapter 9 alone, we see the prediction of a great king who will be of the line of David and govern the entire world, yet will come from a place that is such a "nowhere" place that even the Jews ignore it.
And it all came to pass.
Prayer: Lord, I praise you and your greatness and your plan and your authority. You are in charge of all things, and all people, and all times, Lord. You command all nature, all animals, and all mankind. It is all yours. You direct the passing of time, and the activities in those times, toward your purposes. May I glorify your name and honor you ways today and every day, my Lord and my God. Amen.
Wednesday, September 4, 2019
Godly vs. Worldly Sorrow
Scripture: Yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. 2 Corinthians 7:9-10
Observation: Paul is directly addressing the impact to the church of Corinth of his first letter. His direct rebuke and instruction hurt them. Yet, in his words they also found truth, and took action to correct their ways. They were filled with sorrow to have been so harshly corrected by Paul, then were filled with sorrow due to the truth of that correction and thus their desire to do better in their faith, and in that sorrow they acted.
Feeling hurt by Paul's words is a worldly sorrow ... it is about caring what others think. Feeling hurt by the truth that they had not properly practices justice, unity, faith, and obedience is godly sorrow ... it is about caring what God thinks.
Application: Every time I get down and depressed and frustrated and angry - as I have been for the last couple of weeks - this is EXACTLY the issue. I am feeling worldly sorrow. I feel angry about what people have done, hurt about how they feel, frustrated about the earthly perceptions of my changing life. These things weigh on my mind, and take me into a place of darkness.
And this is how I know it is wrong ... the darkness. As Isaiah said today, woe to those who trade lightness for darkness. I do this. I should have lightness, and I trade it for the darkness of worldly sorrow.
The lightness is joy in godly sorrow and correction. This is something I understand and have embraced. I know in what ways God has corrected me, and I know what I should be doing about it. And in many ways, I am heeding that correction. When I move away from that, the darkness is there waiting to pounce. However, when I lean into God's purpose and objective for my daily walk, that place is always filled with light.
I will stay in the place of light, and I will continue to align to the godly correction I have received.
Prayer: Lord, please stay by my side, take my hand, and lead me in your correction. I desire mercy, justice, peace, and joy, for all first, and then for myself. May I be your instrument in bringing these things to others, as I know I will receive them in full measure in return. Amen.
Observation: Paul is directly addressing the impact to the church of Corinth of his first letter. His direct rebuke and instruction hurt them. Yet, in his words they also found truth, and took action to correct their ways. They were filled with sorrow to have been so harshly corrected by Paul, then were filled with sorrow due to the truth of that correction and thus their desire to do better in their faith, and in that sorrow they acted.
Feeling hurt by Paul's words is a worldly sorrow ... it is about caring what others think. Feeling hurt by the truth that they had not properly practices justice, unity, faith, and obedience is godly sorrow ... it is about caring what God thinks.
Application: Every time I get down and depressed and frustrated and angry - as I have been for the last couple of weeks - this is EXACTLY the issue. I am feeling worldly sorrow. I feel angry about what people have done, hurt about how they feel, frustrated about the earthly perceptions of my changing life. These things weigh on my mind, and take me into a place of darkness.
And this is how I know it is wrong ... the darkness. As Isaiah said today, woe to those who trade lightness for darkness. I do this. I should have lightness, and I trade it for the darkness of worldly sorrow.
The lightness is joy in godly sorrow and correction. This is something I understand and have embraced. I know in what ways God has corrected me, and I know what I should be doing about it. And in many ways, I am heeding that correction. When I move away from that, the darkness is there waiting to pounce. However, when I lean into God's purpose and objective for my daily walk, that place is always filled with light.
I will stay in the place of light, and I will continue to align to the godly correction I have received.
Prayer: Lord, please stay by my side, take my hand, and lead me in your correction. I desire mercy, justice, peace, and joy, for all first, and then for myself. May I be your instrument in bringing these things to others, as I know I will receive them in full measure in return. Amen.
Tuesday, September 3, 2019
Surviving by the Branch
Scripture: In that day the Branch of the Lord will be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land will be the pride and glory of the survivors in Israel. Isaiah 4:2
Observation: As Isaiah introduces themes for his prophesy - the downfall of Judah, the causes for judgment, and the future remnant - he includes this about the branch. This is a future offshoot that will rise to restore all, later directly aligned to King David.
Isaiah outlines the downfall of Judah. He declares their unfaithfulness toward the Lord, their wicked flaunting of the law and sin, their rejection of teaching and warnings, and their adoption of wanton living practices. With his judgment upon them, it is just this branch of salvation that is good, and that selected individuals will cling to. This was true in the 6th century BC, and in the 1st century AD ... and now in the 21st century.
Application: The Branch of the Lord - the Messiah - is beautiful and glorious to those who cling to it. In this day, where so many practices have progressed far beyond 'acceptable' and are even now celebrated and promoted as favorable, there remains a remnant looking to be the survivors of our times.
I have rightly applied the concept of 'exile' to my life, and that is of course what comes next for Judah. The word 'survivor' now also applies, and those were in fact who were exiled. As a survivor, I am called to pass through this age. As an exile, I am called to live within a culture opposed to my beliefs. And in both conditions, I am commanded to look to the Lord, and to his Branch, for what is beautiful and glorious, right and true.
Prayer: Lord, I am struggling with my daily walk. I find only hardship and conflict and difficulty. May I turn my attention to you instead, and see your compassion and purpose. Amen.
Observation: As Isaiah introduces themes for his prophesy - the downfall of Judah, the causes for judgment, and the future remnant - he includes this about the branch. This is a future offshoot that will rise to restore all, later directly aligned to King David.
Isaiah outlines the downfall of Judah. He declares their unfaithfulness toward the Lord, their wicked flaunting of the law and sin, their rejection of teaching and warnings, and their adoption of wanton living practices. With his judgment upon them, it is just this branch of salvation that is good, and that selected individuals will cling to. This was true in the 6th century BC, and in the 1st century AD ... and now in the 21st century.
Application: The Branch of the Lord - the Messiah - is beautiful and glorious to those who cling to it. In this day, where so many practices have progressed far beyond 'acceptable' and are even now celebrated and promoted as favorable, there remains a remnant looking to be the survivors of our times.
I have rightly applied the concept of 'exile' to my life, and that is of course what comes next for Judah. The word 'survivor' now also applies, and those were in fact who were exiled. As a survivor, I am called to pass through this age. As an exile, I am called to live within a culture opposed to my beliefs. And in both conditions, I am commanded to look to the Lord, and to his Branch, for what is beautiful and glorious, right and true.
Prayer: Lord, I am struggling with my daily walk. I find only hardship and conflict and difficulty. May I turn my attention to you instead, and see your compassion and purpose. Amen.
Thursday, August 29, 2019
Grilling Meat for Salvation's Sake
Scripture: For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task? 2 Corinthians 2:15-16
Observation: As Paul is discussing his recent actions and travels, he makes this statement. Recounting the descriptions of burnt offerings from the scriptures, he describes the work of apostles and the message of salvation by faith as 'the pleasing aroma' of Christ (as Christ is the great sacrifice, the Gospel then is the smoke and smell arising from that alter). However, that aroma - that experience - is received by both believers and non-believers.
The message of salvation is heard by both those who receive the message, repent, believe, and thus are being saved ... and by those who reject the message, turn away from truth, and thus are perishing. To the latter, then, the message of salvation is an aroma of death, or to carry the metaphor through, it smells like a dead body being burned on a funeral pyre. However, to those who believe, the message of salvation is an aroma of life, like well-seasoned food cooking on a grill to be eaten and thus to sustain our daily strength.
Application: Everyone receives the message of Jesus Christ. Those who sit in total rejection of all faith and all belief of everything, even in God himself ... receive the message of salvation by faith. It is just that they turn up their nose at it, and not only reject it but do so with disdain and scorn and ridicule and disgust. In fact, they hate it and find it offensive to their senses.
And yet, I must find ways to continue to deliver that message. I must continue to ... grill the meat that is the message of salvation through the sacrifice of Jesus, and invite everyone to the backyard cookout.
Prayer: Lord, may we at Evergreen continue to find the means to draw others to our table and eat with us. Some will be angered and offended, and even hostile. Some will be curious. And some will come. That is all for you to manage. May we continue to grill. Amen.
Observation: As Paul is discussing his recent actions and travels, he makes this statement. Recounting the descriptions of burnt offerings from the scriptures, he describes the work of apostles and the message of salvation by faith as 'the pleasing aroma' of Christ (as Christ is the great sacrifice, the Gospel then is the smoke and smell arising from that alter). However, that aroma - that experience - is received by both believers and non-believers.
The message of salvation is heard by both those who receive the message, repent, believe, and thus are being saved ... and by those who reject the message, turn away from truth, and thus are perishing. To the latter, then, the message of salvation is an aroma of death, or to carry the metaphor through, it smells like a dead body being burned on a funeral pyre. However, to those who believe, the message of salvation is an aroma of life, like well-seasoned food cooking on a grill to be eaten and thus to sustain our daily strength.
Application: Everyone receives the message of Jesus Christ. Those who sit in total rejection of all faith and all belief of everything, even in God himself ... receive the message of salvation by faith. It is just that they turn up their nose at it, and not only reject it but do so with disdain and scorn and ridicule and disgust. In fact, they hate it and find it offensive to their senses.
And yet, I must find ways to continue to deliver that message. I must continue to ... grill the meat that is the message of salvation through the sacrifice of Jesus, and invite everyone to the backyard cookout.
Prayer: Lord, may we at Evergreen continue to find the means to draw others to our table and eat with us. Some will be angered and offended, and even hostile. Some will be curious. And some will come. That is all for you to manage. May we continue to grill. Amen.
Wednesday, August 28, 2019
God Alone, Not God And
Scripture: As soon as the order went out, the Israelites generously gave the firstfruits of their grain, new wine, olive oil and honey and all that the fields produced. They brought a great amount, a tithe of everything. The people of Israel and Judah who lived in the towns of Judah also brought a tithe of their herds and flocks and a tithe of the holy things dedicated to the Lord their God, and they piled them in heaps. 2 Chronicles 31:5-6
Observation: King Hezekiah orders the reinstatement of all practices that honor the Lord, including the giving of the tithe to the temple, and immediately the people reply. These are all the people of Judah, plus even the remnant of Israel who escaped to Judah. The give the full tithe of everything, in such quantities that it is more than can be processed.
From a faith perspective, Judah had seemed to be on the brink, and Israel was past recovery. Yet that must not be accurate, for as soon as the call is given, the people responded. They worshipped when the temple was put in order, they celebrated the Passover, and now they give their tithe generously. Clearly the people love the Lord. Their issue was never that they stopped loving God, but that they stopped acknowledging him as their only god.
Application: Over and over again, I declare my love for God. I worship and praise and pray. I declare him to be my Lord and salvation. I lean into his glory and mercy. However, do I have other gods? Do I have "God and ..." or "God alone"?
My first thought is that my "and" is ... me. I still care too much about myself, my life, my deeds, my knowledge, my ambition, my goals. I think on these often and take action to advance myself through them. This doesn't seem completely wrong, as certain God uses me for both his kingdom work and as a way for proving blessing to me and my family. Yet I am too central in my narrative.
I meditate on false fantasies and thoughts too much. These, again, present me in an elevated status that never existed, and place me in the center of my thoughts. These must stop.
Surely I have other issues, yet I feel that, for the most part, I properly order the rest of my life, with the Lord primary and central and the single priority. Except for those things that involve me. I am the "and" that needs to be tamed in my life.
Prayer: Lord, again I say it, may I no longer be the important figure in my life. I desire to make you the only person that matters in my daily walk, with that centrality realized by how I love and treat the others you have created around me. May I place everyone before me. Amen.
Observation: King Hezekiah orders the reinstatement of all practices that honor the Lord, including the giving of the tithe to the temple, and immediately the people reply. These are all the people of Judah, plus even the remnant of Israel who escaped to Judah. The give the full tithe of everything, in such quantities that it is more than can be processed.
From a faith perspective, Judah had seemed to be on the brink, and Israel was past recovery. Yet that must not be accurate, for as soon as the call is given, the people responded. They worshipped when the temple was put in order, they celebrated the Passover, and now they give their tithe generously. Clearly the people love the Lord. Their issue was never that they stopped loving God, but that they stopped acknowledging him as their only god.
Application: Over and over again, I declare my love for God. I worship and praise and pray. I declare him to be my Lord and salvation. I lean into his glory and mercy. However, do I have other gods? Do I have "God and ..." or "God alone"?
My first thought is that my "and" is ... me. I still care too much about myself, my life, my deeds, my knowledge, my ambition, my goals. I think on these often and take action to advance myself through them. This doesn't seem completely wrong, as certain God uses me for both his kingdom work and as a way for proving blessing to me and my family. Yet I am too central in my narrative.
I meditate on false fantasies and thoughts too much. These, again, present me in an elevated status that never existed, and place me in the center of my thoughts. These must stop.
Surely I have other issues, yet I feel that, for the most part, I properly order the rest of my life, with the Lord primary and central and the single priority. Except for those things that involve me. I am the "and" that needs to be tamed in my life.
Prayer: Lord, again I say it, may I no longer be the important figure in my life. I desire to make you the only person that matters in my daily walk, with that centrality realized by how I love and treat the others you have created around me. May I place everyone before me. Amen.
Tuesday, August 27, 2019
Finding the Yes in Jesus
Scripture: But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not “Yes” and “No.” For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us - by me and Silas and Timothy - was not “Yes” and “No,” but in him it has always been “Yes.” For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. 2 Corinthians 1:18-20
Application: In speaking to the church at Corinth, Paul is addressing a misunderstanding from his prior letter. He says in verse 13 and 14 that he wrote previously in a way they could understand, but they may have only partially understood so by the Spirit maybe they can understand more. Then he discusses this concept of 'yes' vs. 'no'.
In explicitly the context of Jesus Christ - that in Christ the message is always 'yes' - it would seem this relates to salvation. Through faith in Jesus, salvation is always 'yes' ... someone with faith in Jesus does in fact receive salvation. In that case, the misunderstanding may have to do with Paul's condemnation of certain actions, and the interpretation that perhaps those who have engaged in those actions were outside of salvation, and thus receiving an answer of 'no' to salvation despite their faith.
Paul wants the church at Corinth to mature in faith, and thus become a stronger community of faith through their right behaviors. He has criticized their sexual misconduct, their misunderstanding of moral law, and their misapplication of ritual practices. However, he wants to start this letter with clarity ... none of that costs anyone their salvation. Salvation is by faith in Christ, and in that faith the answer to the question "am I saved?" is always 'yes'.
Observation: The culture in the city of Corinth may be the best analogy we have to modern culture in the U.S. Corinth was morally bankrupt, with most of its issues involving sexual immorality and ruthless pursuit of wealth. Members of the church there still had to live in that culture. Paul has corrected them, but he now also needs to correct their understanding of the correction.
We have a hard time in our society, where individuals believe the Church sits in judgment of them personally for their behavior. We try to live within that social context, struggling to find the 'in-the-world vs. of-the-world' balance. In general, most of us probably fail. I fail on a regular basis.
Thank goodness my salvation is settled by Jesus! In Jesus, I find 'yes' every day. If it was up to my thoughts and actions I would find 'no' every day ... every hour probably.
The blessing of Jesus is certainly this: That salvation indeed comes from faith alone, and not by my actions, for I could never, ever, ever boast of myself for even one moment.
Prayer: Lord, today I seek your forgiveness for my sins. I am not worthy of your love, by either my thoughts or actions. Please wipe my failures from your ledger, by my total belief in your son Jesus who sacrificed himself for my sins. I thank you for that amazing love. I will try to do better today, but I will fail to do perfect, and I will need your forgiveness again. I am sorry for my weakness, but may I renew my strength by faith in Jesus. Amen.
Application: In speaking to the church at Corinth, Paul is addressing a misunderstanding from his prior letter. He says in verse 13 and 14 that he wrote previously in a way they could understand, but they may have only partially understood so by the Spirit maybe they can understand more. Then he discusses this concept of 'yes' vs. 'no'.
In explicitly the context of Jesus Christ - that in Christ the message is always 'yes' - it would seem this relates to salvation. Through faith in Jesus, salvation is always 'yes' ... someone with faith in Jesus does in fact receive salvation. In that case, the misunderstanding may have to do with Paul's condemnation of certain actions, and the interpretation that perhaps those who have engaged in those actions were outside of salvation, and thus receiving an answer of 'no' to salvation despite their faith.
Paul wants the church at Corinth to mature in faith, and thus become a stronger community of faith through their right behaviors. He has criticized their sexual misconduct, their misunderstanding of moral law, and their misapplication of ritual practices. However, he wants to start this letter with clarity ... none of that costs anyone their salvation. Salvation is by faith in Christ, and in that faith the answer to the question "am I saved?" is always 'yes'.
Observation: The culture in the city of Corinth may be the best analogy we have to modern culture in the U.S. Corinth was morally bankrupt, with most of its issues involving sexual immorality and ruthless pursuit of wealth. Members of the church there still had to live in that culture. Paul has corrected them, but he now also needs to correct their understanding of the correction.
We have a hard time in our society, where individuals believe the Church sits in judgment of them personally for their behavior. We try to live within that social context, struggling to find the 'in-the-world vs. of-the-world' balance. In general, most of us probably fail. I fail on a regular basis.
Thank goodness my salvation is settled by Jesus! In Jesus, I find 'yes' every day. If it was up to my thoughts and actions I would find 'no' every day ... every hour probably.
The blessing of Jesus is certainly this: That salvation indeed comes from faith alone, and not by my actions, for I could never, ever, ever boast of myself for even one moment.
Prayer: Lord, today I seek your forgiveness for my sins. I am not worthy of your love, by either my thoughts or actions. Please wipe my failures from your ledger, by my total belief in your son Jesus who sacrificed himself for my sins. I thank you for that amazing love. I will try to do better today, but I will fail to do perfect, and I will need your forgiveness again. I am sorry for my weakness, but may I renew my strength by faith in Jesus. Amen.
Monday, August 26, 2019
We Cannot Overworship the Lord
Scripture:
Praise the Lord, my soul,
and forget not all his benefits -
who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
Psalm 103:2-5
Observation: We praise the Lord because he is great, but also because he has already provided so very much for us. Before I could ever utter a single praise to God, he has ... forgiven me for my sins, redeeming me from hell, healed my body and cared for my physical well-being, shown compassion and love toward me and my family, given me earthly blessings, and bestowed joy upon me. In all cases, this was done first, before I could worship and honor him. The Lord gave to me out of his abundant love, and only then did I discover that I should worship him.
Application: I spend time in my head with bad thoughts, and I should spend much more of that time in simple worship to the Lord. I cannot overworship. It is not possible to worship God too much, as his love is so much greater than anything I could ever do in return. I cannot return to the Lord as much honor has he has bestowed upon me. And yet, I should try.
I will find more time and ways to worship and praise the Lord. He honored me first ... the Lord cared for me when I had rejected him, and Jesus died for me when I was still deep in my sins. If I worship the Lord with the first breath of my day, he has already honored me by providing that breath.
I will sing of your greatness, Lord. I will praise your holy name with all that is within me.
Prayer: My Lord and my God, you are loving, just, merciful, and mighty. You are my salvation and my rock and my redeemer and my councilor and my comforter and my judge. And you are my father. I praise you and your great name, forever and ever. Amen.
Praise the Lord, my soul,
and forget not all his benefits -
who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
Psalm 103:2-5
Observation: We praise the Lord because he is great, but also because he has already provided so very much for us. Before I could ever utter a single praise to God, he has ... forgiven me for my sins, redeeming me from hell, healed my body and cared for my physical well-being, shown compassion and love toward me and my family, given me earthly blessings, and bestowed joy upon me. In all cases, this was done first, before I could worship and honor him. The Lord gave to me out of his abundant love, and only then did I discover that I should worship him.
Application: I spend time in my head with bad thoughts, and I should spend much more of that time in simple worship to the Lord. I cannot overworship. It is not possible to worship God too much, as his love is so much greater than anything I could ever do in return. I cannot return to the Lord as much honor has he has bestowed upon me. And yet, I should try.
I will find more time and ways to worship and praise the Lord. He honored me first ... the Lord cared for me when I had rejected him, and Jesus died for me when I was still deep in my sins. If I worship the Lord with the first breath of my day, he has already honored me by providing that breath.
I will sing of your greatness, Lord. I will praise your holy name with all that is within me.
Prayer: My Lord and my God, you are loving, just, merciful, and mighty. You are my salvation and my rock and my redeemer and my councilor and my comforter and my judge. And you are my father. I praise you and your great name, forever and ever. Amen.
Thursday, August 22, 2019
No One Stands Alone
Scripture: But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there no longer a prophet of the Lord here whom we can inquire of?” The king of Israel answered Jehoshaphat, “There is still one prophet through whom we can inquire of the Lord, but I hate him because he never prophesies anything good about me, but always bad. He is Micaiah son of Imlah.” 2 Chronicles 18:27
Observation: Micaiah is mentioned - to my knowledge - just in two passages that are effectively identical, 2 Chronicles 18 and 2 Kings 22. His account is in the midst of the Elijah narrative. After this event, Elijah will turn his mission over to Elisha. Before this event, Elijah has fled to the wilderness. It is in that account that Elijah declared he was alone as a prophet of the Lord ... the only one left, whom Ahab wanted to kill.
Yet here is Micaiah, clearly a prophet of the Lord, whom Ahab knows and hates. He is going to accurately prophesy Ahab's death in battle, as a prophet who has not only received a heavenly word, but a very detailed revelation about why the other 'prophets' are false in their predictions. Ahab knows and hates him, due to his accurate Godly prophesy. He was not invited to speak to Ahab until Jehoshaphat inquires about finding a true prophet of the Lord ... he was persona non grata, and will now be thrown in prison.
In other words, Elijah was never alone. Micaiah was on the front lines with him all along, standing opposed to Ahab and prophesying accurately his demise due to his evil ways. Ahab hated Elijah, but he hated Micaiah too. They probably both felt alone, standing in contrast to hundreds of false prophets at different times, yet they were never alone. Elijah is more famous to us as the one who stood against Ahab and Jezebel, but it was probably Micaiah whom Ahab recalled as he died.
Application: I feel isolated, especially when I have been away from God's word for a few days. This helps me to know that I am never alone. First, the Lord is always with me, and all I have to do is lean into his love through prayer and meditation on his word. Second, there are other believers out there, even when I don't see them or interact with them ... maybe for days at a time.
I need to thoughts to keep depression at bay these days, and today this helps. I seek strength, and the Lord provides it in the understanding that there are people out there who a just like me. I do not stand alone in any struggle.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for standing with me, both directly as my Lord and God, and by providing brothers and sisters who can always assist. And of course I thank you for Laurie; may her days be lightened and her outlook brightened so she and I can stand together in all matters. Amen.
Observation: Micaiah is mentioned - to my knowledge - just in two passages that are effectively identical, 2 Chronicles 18 and 2 Kings 22. His account is in the midst of the Elijah narrative. After this event, Elijah will turn his mission over to Elisha. Before this event, Elijah has fled to the wilderness. It is in that account that Elijah declared he was alone as a prophet of the Lord ... the only one left, whom Ahab wanted to kill.
Yet here is Micaiah, clearly a prophet of the Lord, whom Ahab knows and hates. He is going to accurately prophesy Ahab's death in battle, as a prophet who has not only received a heavenly word, but a very detailed revelation about why the other 'prophets' are false in their predictions. Ahab knows and hates him, due to his accurate Godly prophesy. He was not invited to speak to Ahab until Jehoshaphat inquires about finding a true prophet of the Lord ... he was persona non grata, and will now be thrown in prison.
In other words, Elijah was never alone. Micaiah was on the front lines with him all along, standing opposed to Ahab and prophesying accurately his demise due to his evil ways. Ahab hated Elijah, but he hated Micaiah too. They probably both felt alone, standing in contrast to hundreds of false prophets at different times, yet they were never alone. Elijah is more famous to us as the one who stood against Ahab and Jezebel, but it was probably Micaiah whom Ahab recalled as he died.
Application: I feel isolated, especially when I have been away from God's word for a few days. This helps me to know that I am never alone. First, the Lord is always with me, and all I have to do is lean into his love through prayer and meditation on his word. Second, there are other believers out there, even when I don't see them or interact with them ... maybe for days at a time.
I need to thoughts to keep depression at bay these days, and today this helps. I seek strength, and the Lord provides it in the understanding that there are people out there who a just like me. I do not stand alone in any struggle.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for standing with me, both directly as my Lord and God, and by providing brothers and sisters who can always assist. And of course I thank you for Laurie; may her days be lightened and her outlook brightened so she and I can stand together in all matters. Amen.
Tuesday, August 20, 2019
The Great Gift of Prophesy
Scripture: Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy. 1 Corinthians 14:1
Observation: These are the first words after the great passage about love ... that out of love, desire spiritual gifts, especially prophecy. While Paul will compare tongues and prophecy side-by-side and discusses the value of both, he especially promotes prophecy as that gift promotes the church and its members. It is by prophecy he says that the church is edified, lessons are given, and people are strengthened, encouraged, and comforted.
Application: I have asked for words of insight many times, and received them ... once, maybe twice. It is a strong event, and great for both the one who receives the gift, and the one who gets to hear the words.
I believe my spiritual gifts are weak. I don't know what to do about it. Perhaps this is a place to start, to actively seek this one gift, through prayer and appeal to the Lord. I would love to have a gift that uplifts others, and thus can give love and comfort to others. This would be a great way to move closer into service in the church, not just by service that involves work, but by service that involves interaction, friendship, and care.
Prayer: Lord, I do seek your Holy Spirit, and your gifts of the Spirit. Paul promotes prophecy. James promotes wisdom. I would like to serve others through a gift that doesn't just help serve, but also touches their lives on earth. Please grant me the favor of your Spirit in a stronger way, as I seek you daily. Amen.
Observation: These are the first words after the great passage about love ... that out of love, desire spiritual gifts, especially prophecy. While Paul will compare tongues and prophecy side-by-side and discusses the value of both, he especially promotes prophecy as that gift promotes the church and its members. It is by prophecy he says that the church is edified, lessons are given, and people are strengthened, encouraged, and comforted.
Application: I have asked for words of insight many times, and received them ... once, maybe twice. It is a strong event, and great for both the one who receives the gift, and the one who gets to hear the words.
I believe my spiritual gifts are weak. I don't know what to do about it. Perhaps this is a place to start, to actively seek this one gift, through prayer and appeal to the Lord. I would love to have a gift that uplifts others, and thus can give love and comfort to others. This would be a great way to move closer into service in the church, not just by service that involves work, but by service that involves interaction, friendship, and care.
Prayer: Lord, I do seek your Holy Spirit, and your gifts of the Spirit. Paul promotes prophecy. James promotes wisdom. I would like to serve others through a gift that doesn't just help serve, but also touches their lives on earth. Please grant me the favor of your Spirit in a stronger way, as I seek you daily. Amen.
Friday, August 16, 2019
That's One Tough Tent
Scripture: When all the elders of Israel had arrived, the Levites took up the ark, and they brought up the ark and the tent of meeting and all the sacred furnishings in it. The Levitical priests carried them up. 2 Chronicles 5:4-5
Observation: It is somewhere around 500 years from the time in the wilderness to the reign of Solomon. During all this time, the tent of meeting still exists. This is a tent made from yarns and silks and fabric and animal skins, with embroidery and art. It has been splashed with blood, and set up in the elements of the desert for years at a time, and other times it has been put up and taken down repeatedly. There is no possible way that the tent of meeting should still exist. Yet here it is.
Application: There are so many reasons to believe in God through evidence, and the tent of meeting is one of them. Its very existence is a miracle. That is it so casually mentioned here is evidence of great faith ... the idea that "of course the tent still exists, it is the tabernacle of Yahweh!"
I cannot comprehend how others do not believe. Yet, as a believer, I cannot comprehend how and why I fail to obey so often. I sin, and know I sin, and I do it despite full belief in God, his laws and precepts, and the price paid for my salvation. So which is worse, to reject evidence and faith, or to embrace faith then disobey?
I am convicted of my failures. I do know I am forgiven, and it is only by that fact that I can find hope. This is the great promise of Jesus, then ... hope. Without this, my life would be empty even with the love of God, because I would simply know my impending judgment.
Prayer: Lord, it is only by your love, and not my actions, that I can have any hope in my life. Your love is so amazing, so powerful, so substantial, and so undeserved by me. Please forgive my sins this day, and every day, so I can continued to live in your love and hope and peace. Thank you, father. Amen.
Observation: It is somewhere around 500 years from the time in the wilderness to the reign of Solomon. During all this time, the tent of meeting still exists. This is a tent made from yarns and silks and fabric and animal skins, with embroidery and art. It has been splashed with blood, and set up in the elements of the desert for years at a time, and other times it has been put up and taken down repeatedly. There is no possible way that the tent of meeting should still exist. Yet here it is.
Application: There are so many reasons to believe in God through evidence, and the tent of meeting is one of them. Its very existence is a miracle. That is it so casually mentioned here is evidence of great faith ... the idea that "of course the tent still exists, it is the tabernacle of Yahweh!"
I cannot comprehend how others do not believe. Yet, as a believer, I cannot comprehend how and why I fail to obey so often. I sin, and know I sin, and I do it despite full belief in God, his laws and precepts, and the price paid for my salvation. So which is worse, to reject evidence and faith, or to embrace faith then disobey?
I am convicted of my failures. I do know I am forgiven, and it is only by that fact that I can find hope. This is the great promise of Jesus, then ... hope. Without this, my life would be empty even with the love of God, because I would simply know my impending judgment.
Prayer: Lord, it is only by your love, and not my actions, that I can have any hope in my life. Your love is so amazing, so powerful, so substantial, and so undeserved by me. Please forgive my sins this day, and every day, so I can continued to live in your love and hope and peace. Thank you, father. Amen.
Thursday, August 15, 2019
Investing in Relationships
Scripture: Hiram king of Tyre replied by letter to Solomon: “Because the Lord loves his people, he has made you their king.” 2 Chronicles 2:11
Observation: Solomon has just ordered - ordered! - the king of Tyre to provide him with an unlimited amount of wood, and an artisan to lead the design of all decoration, for the temple. The response could have been "no", or "on these conditions", or "well ... okay, I guess". Instead, the response was "you are great and wise!" He goes on to name the artisan, who is even someone half Jewish, and reiterate both the unlimited supply he will provide and how he will deliver.
This is likely for two reasons. The first is that Solomon did name the price he was paying for all of this, and it's likely that price was very substantial. In other words, Solomon was over-paying out of his abundance for the services of Tyre, which is evidence of how well things are going in Israel. Second is that David and Solomon have both taken care in their relationship with Hiram, so that they can send orders without any problem. In modern-day business, this is called a partnership, and when one entity needs help they don't just ask ... they tell the partner what to do, the partner does it, and they trust the financial side of the exchange will be advantageous.
This, then, is about relationships. David was known as a king of blood, but he also had friends and relationships. Hiram even clearly know about Yahweh as the creator and likely worships the God of Israel, meaning David potentially solidified their relationship through the sharing of faith. It is in this that, when the time comes to build God's temple, the means are well established.
Application: This is a model for the kinds of relationships I need to build in my life. I am so alone in this regard. I have an amazing wife, one great friend, two or three good friends whom I don't talk to often, and ... acquaintances. I need to invest in relationships with people who share faith in Jesus, and allow them to know me - and to get to know them - so we truly care for each others lives, success, and well-being.
I have been terrible at this. Again, this is a major change I need to make in my life.
Prayer: Lord, I believe you have set Godly men before me. Please open my heart and mind to invest into their lives, and to share my life, with these brothers. Amen.
Observation: Solomon has just ordered - ordered! - the king of Tyre to provide him with an unlimited amount of wood, and an artisan to lead the design of all decoration, for the temple. The response could have been "no", or "on these conditions", or "well ... okay, I guess". Instead, the response was "you are great and wise!" He goes on to name the artisan, who is even someone half Jewish, and reiterate both the unlimited supply he will provide and how he will deliver.
This is likely for two reasons. The first is that Solomon did name the price he was paying for all of this, and it's likely that price was very substantial. In other words, Solomon was over-paying out of his abundance for the services of Tyre, which is evidence of how well things are going in Israel. Second is that David and Solomon have both taken care in their relationship with Hiram, so that they can send orders without any problem. In modern-day business, this is called a partnership, and when one entity needs help they don't just ask ... they tell the partner what to do, the partner does it, and they trust the financial side of the exchange will be advantageous.
This, then, is about relationships. David was known as a king of blood, but he also had friends and relationships. Hiram even clearly know about Yahweh as the creator and likely worships the God of Israel, meaning David potentially solidified their relationship through the sharing of faith. It is in this that, when the time comes to build God's temple, the means are well established.
Application: This is a model for the kinds of relationships I need to build in my life. I am so alone in this regard. I have an amazing wife, one great friend, two or three good friends whom I don't talk to often, and ... acquaintances. I need to invest in relationships with people who share faith in Jesus, and allow them to know me - and to get to know them - so we truly care for each others lives, success, and well-being.
I have been terrible at this. Again, this is a major change I need to make in my life.
Prayer: Lord, I believe you have set Godly men before me. Please open my heart and mind to invest into their lives, and to share my life, with these brothers. Amen.
Wednesday, August 14, 2019
Upon Not Knowing Myself
Scripture: Don’t we have the right to food and drink? Don’t we have the right to take a believing wife along with us, as do the other apostles and the Lord’s brothers and Cephas? 1 Corinthians 9:4-5
Observation: Paul is addressing some complaint from the church at Corinth, apparently about how they may have needed to fund him while he was there or are refusing to send offerings (I don't know the context). In addressing this, Paul outlines complaints against he and Barnabas related to a right to wages, food and drink shared with them, or even extending those things to wives who may travel with them. In this, Paul invokes a unique argument, comparing himself to what other apostles receive, including ... James, Jude, and Peter.
As a believer, Paul defines his peer group. He is an apostle, and he is of a rank equivalent to well known leaders. He then relates his behavior and circumstance to that context, and points out that his expectations and behaviors are at the very least consistent with his peers. That he placed himself in same group with the very leaders of the worldwide church is interesting, but in retrospect accurate. This reveals Paul's understanding of himself and of others.
Application: I probably lack a good understanding of myself in almost any context. I don't know who my peers are, and I wouldn't know how that really relates to behavior, performance, or any other action. I certainly know I'm not at or near the top of any group of leaders.
I have spent the last few days thinking about my "passion" ... and failing to come up with anything. I don't know anything about myself. I don't know what I like to do, what I am good at, or whom I may be equivalent to in order to even identify a reference model. I am unknown to others because I am unknown to even myself. How can I be an authentic friend to others when I have no idea what my authenticity would even look like?
Prayer: Lord, I find today that I ask for your guidance because I have no idea where I am going. I probably don't even know who I am or where I currently stand in life. So again, please guide me this day and every day. May I somehow grow and serve within your will for my life, even if I don't understand my life. Amen.
Observation: Paul is addressing some complaint from the church at Corinth, apparently about how they may have needed to fund him while he was there or are refusing to send offerings (I don't know the context). In addressing this, Paul outlines complaints against he and Barnabas related to a right to wages, food and drink shared with them, or even extending those things to wives who may travel with them. In this, Paul invokes a unique argument, comparing himself to what other apostles receive, including ... James, Jude, and Peter.
As a believer, Paul defines his peer group. He is an apostle, and he is of a rank equivalent to well known leaders. He then relates his behavior and circumstance to that context, and points out that his expectations and behaviors are at the very least consistent with his peers. That he placed himself in same group with the very leaders of the worldwide church is interesting, but in retrospect accurate. This reveals Paul's understanding of himself and of others.
Application: I probably lack a good understanding of myself in almost any context. I don't know who my peers are, and I wouldn't know how that really relates to behavior, performance, or any other action. I certainly know I'm not at or near the top of any group of leaders.
I have spent the last few days thinking about my "passion" ... and failing to come up with anything. I don't know anything about myself. I don't know what I like to do, what I am good at, or whom I may be equivalent to in order to even identify a reference model. I am unknown to others because I am unknown to even myself. How can I be an authentic friend to others when I have no idea what my authenticity would even look like?
Prayer: Lord, I find today that I ask for your guidance because I have no idea where I am going. I probably don't even know who I am or where I currently stand in life. So again, please guide me this day and every day. May I somehow grow and serve within your will for my life, even if I don't understand my life. Amen.
Tuesday, August 13, 2019
Joy and the Simple Life
Scripture: So I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun. Ecclesiastes 8:15
Observation: The teacher tells us to eat and drink and be glad. If we do this - enjoy the basic pleasures of life - then we will have joy even in our toil and struggles.
This is from a person who has examined all things related to wisdom in an effort to logically find and achieve wisdom. He has determined wisdom cannot be fully achieved, and thus has even simply examined the patterns and logic of the world to attempt to find insight about wisdom. As a result, his is simply recommending that everyone should enjoy the simple things in life. We should enjoy ... a good meal, a nice glass of wine, the company of our wife. If we can simply be happy with the day-to-day things God has given us, including our 'toil' or work, we will find true joy in life.
Application: As I have been going through training at work, I have been asked to create a principle I will live by. The key words of that principle are "humility", "peace", and "joy". These are things I absolutely desire, and that I absolutely struggle with. Even in restful times, I cannot find peace. Even in great experiences, I cannot find joy. Even in lowly states, I struggle with humility.
Joy is a choice, and it seems the teacher would equate it with contentment. I should take joy in what I have ... which of course is plenty, as I have been blessed far beyond what I deserve. When I relax, I should find joy in the chance to relax. When I have dinner with my wife, I should find joy in the meal and conversation.
This is not just a standard kind of functional comfort in the situation, but heavenly joy ... the understanding that God has given to me the blessing of the simple pleasures, sustenance, and company around me, and I should truly and consciously lean into that as God's blessing. I will find joy - true joy - when I understand that every little element of my life is a gift from God.
Prayer: Abba, you have blessed me and cared for me in all circumstances. I see your hand in every element of my life, and especially in the wonderful little things around me. I have so much from you. I will lean into the joy you have provided into my life this day. Thank you so much for your love, my Lord and my God. Amen.
Observation: The teacher tells us to eat and drink and be glad. If we do this - enjoy the basic pleasures of life - then we will have joy even in our toil and struggles.
This is from a person who has examined all things related to wisdom in an effort to logically find and achieve wisdom. He has determined wisdom cannot be fully achieved, and thus has even simply examined the patterns and logic of the world to attempt to find insight about wisdom. As a result, his is simply recommending that everyone should enjoy the simple things in life. We should enjoy ... a good meal, a nice glass of wine, the company of our wife. If we can simply be happy with the day-to-day things God has given us, including our 'toil' or work, we will find true joy in life.
Application: As I have been going through training at work, I have been asked to create a principle I will live by. The key words of that principle are "humility", "peace", and "joy". These are things I absolutely desire, and that I absolutely struggle with. Even in restful times, I cannot find peace. Even in great experiences, I cannot find joy. Even in lowly states, I struggle with humility.
Joy is a choice, and it seems the teacher would equate it with contentment. I should take joy in what I have ... which of course is plenty, as I have been blessed far beyond what I deserve. When I relax, I should find joy in the chance to relax. When I have dinner with my wife, I should find joy in the meal and conversation.
This is not just a standard kind of functional comfort in the situation, but heavenly joy ... the understanding that God has given to me the blessing of the simple pleasures, sustenance, and company around me, and I should truly and consciously lean into that as God's blessing. I will find joy - true joy - when I understand that every little element of my life is a gift from God.
Prayer: Abba, you have blessed me and cared for me in all circumstances. I see your hand in every element of my life, and especially in the wonderful little things around me. I have so much from you. I will lean into the joy you have provided into my life this day. Thank you so much for your love, my Lord and my God. Amen.
Monday, August 12, 2019
Desperate for Enjoyment
Scripture: This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them - for this is their lot. Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil - this is a gift of God. They seldom reflect on the days of their life, because God keeps them occupied with gladness of heart. Ecclesiastes 5:18-20
Observation: The teacher has many observations about pursuing advancement and riches. He describes many of these activities as evil, meaningless, or both. However, this is what he considers good ... when a person is content in the meaningless activities they have in life. It is a gift from God for a person not when they receive riches, food and drink, or work, but rather when they can enjoy these things in their lives.
The teacher has seen people who aggressively pursue all the good things in life - and successfully get them - and then fail to enjoy them. He calls this a meaningless existence. He has also seen that, no matter how much people acquire, they will die exactly as they were born, with nothing to go with them. He calls the pursuit of material wealth a grievous evil. He even sees advancement as nearly random, and thus the pursuit of advancement is a meaningless chasing after the wind.
But again, what is good? It is the enjoyment of life. And the ability to enjoy the things of life, including one's toilsome labor, is the gift of God.
Application: I realized last week that I am not enjoying life. I struggle to even enjoy vacation, let along work. I have very little peace in anything I do, even when I am doing things that are explicitly peaceful. I can't relax when doing literally nothing.
And I don't know why this is. Certainly this is evil attempting to undermine God in my life - blocking God's gift of peace in my life - and I am struggling to even acknowledge that, let alone addressing it. Even now I don't know what to do about it. I don't know how to clear my mind from ... anger, anxiety, frustration, fear, sadness.
I am so tired of chasing after the meaningless wind.
Prayer: Lord, I spend all my time reflecting on the days of my life. Please, dear Lord, correct my mind and keep me occupied with gladness of heart. Change my heart and mind to focus on your peace and joy, and not on the meaningless things of this world. I wish to be happy even in my toil, and I know that can only be found through you. Please, Lord, please help me in this. Amen, and amen.
Observation: The teacher has many observations about pursuing advancement and riches. He describes many of these activities as evil, meaningless, or both. However, this is what he considers good ... when a person is content in the meaningless activities they have in life. It is a gift from God for a person not when they receive riches, food and drink, or work, but rather when they can enjoy these things in their lives.
The teacher has seen people who aggressively pursue all the good things in life - and successfully get them - and then fail to enjoy them. He calls this a meaningless existence. He has also seen that, no matter how much people acquire, they will die exactly as they were born, with nothing to go with them. He calls the pursuit of material wealth a grievous evil. He even sees advancement as nearly random, and thus the pursuit of advancement is a meaningless chasing after the wind.
But again, what is good? It is the enjoyment of life. And the ability to enjoy the things of life, including one's toilsome labor, is the gift of God.
Application: I realized last week that I am not enjoying life. I struggle to even enjoy vacation, let along work. I have very little peace in anything I do, even when I am doing things that are explicitly peaceful. I can't relax when doing literally nothing.
And I don't know why this is. Certainly this is evil attempting to undermine God in my life - blocking God's gift of peace in my life - and I am struggling to even acknowledge that, let alone addressing it. Even now I don't know what to do about it. I don't know how to clear my mind from ... anger, anxiety, frustration, fear, sadness.
I am so tired of chasing after the meaningless wind.
Prayer: Lord, I spend all my time reflecting on the days of my life. Please, dear Lord, correct my mind and keep me occupied with gladness of heart. Change my heart and mind to focus on your peace and joy, and not on the meaningless things of this world. I wish to be happy even in my toil, and I know that can only be found through you. Please, Lord, please help me in this. Amen, and amen.
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