Seeking No Other River

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Paul Prayed for Us

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Awaiting the Curse to Come

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Danger is Defining Ambition

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Disbursed to Gather

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

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

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

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

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

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

Praying for Wisdom and Revelation

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

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

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

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

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

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

Separation is a Human Act

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

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

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

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

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

The Spirit Far Above the Law

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Avoiding Justification Stumbling Stones

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Receiving Messiah's Wages

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

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

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

-- Reinforce the permanence of God's word

-- Bring good news

-- Literally present God to the entire world

-- Protect mankind as the good shepherd

-- Give new direction to the Holy Spirit

-- Prove more real than manmade idols

-- Become the judge of all nations

-- Make the way of God fully known and seen

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

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

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

Prophesy About the Character of Yahweh

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rethinking my Introduction

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I Fight to Bring you Praise

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

... my daylight never dawned ...

... my breakthrough never came ...

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

... and I am lost.

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

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

Explicit Issue with Self-Reliance

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

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

-- Israel will choose their own method of action.

-- It will (apparently) work at first!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wielding the Wrong Weapons

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

So Very Quick to Doubt

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

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

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

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

-- Not understanding the Lord's works

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

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

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

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

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

Claiming the Promise of Guidance

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

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

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

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

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

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

Everyone Knows the Fallen World

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

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

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

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

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

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

Totally Inexplicable Forgiveness

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

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

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

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

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

Opportunity and Resistance Together

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

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

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

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

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

Everyone Judges Poorly

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

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

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

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

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

Proper Use of God's Blessings

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Loved by All Creation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Promises, Not Threats

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Let's Talk About Sports

Scripture: Do you not know that in a race the runners all compete, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win it. Athletes exercise self-control in all things; they do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable one. So I do not run aimlessly, nor do I box as though beating the air, but I punish my body and enslave it, so that after proclaiming to others I myself should not be disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Observation: Writing to a church in a Greek city (Corinth), Paul discusses how he positions the gospel. He has just outlined with them how he will adopt his lifestyle to align to the lives of others - that he "becomes all things to all people" (v22) - so that whom he is does not interfere with the gospel message. At this, he immediately uses the analogy of an athlete as a way of encouraging the Corinthians to no longer sin, but rather to train their bodies, leveraging self-control to instill healthy habits, so they can 'win' the race of salvation.

Application: Throughout the entirety of scripture, there is no evidence I can think of regarding the Jews engaging in any kind of athletic competition. We know that much of what we consider to be practice of athletic competition for entertainment originated with the Greeks, and by ~50 A.D. the Olympics games included various forms of racing, fighting, and field/skill competitions.

And it is after telling the church how he adopts his personal practices to best relate to his audience that Paul immediately does so; a Jew using Olympic competition analogies to tell Greeks how to behave. They are to win the race ... they are pursuing a prize that is greater than a perishable wreath ... they are not just air boxing but truly in event ... they must exercise intentionally and with self-control ... it is not aimless work ... and proceed by the rules so you are not disqualified. This is a masterclass of speaking to the audience using the metaphor they can culturally understand.

I am SO tired of church people judging my church for the way we reach the unchurched of our community. We hold family food truck nights, show a Christmas light show, work a city parade ... and Christians think we are being only secular in our activities, question or practices if not our motives, and actively declare that, if we aren't delivering some traditional message we are dishonoring God.

I am proud to belong to a congregation courageous enough to try to be all things to all people, in order to try to save some. As our world becomes less and less familiar with the basics of Christianity, may I and others lean into this teaching from Paul.

Prayer: Lord, while even I sometimes have mixed feelings about evangelism and how we do it, may your word work within me more and more. I know we must balance how we are 'in but not of' the world, but the lost and hurting need a bridge to meet you. May we be better, and more relatable, bridges. Amen.

Retelling a Great Lesson

Scripture: Guard your steps when you go to the house of God; to draw near to listen is better than the sacrifice offered by fools, for they do not know how to keep from doing evil. Ecclesiastes 5:1

Observation: The wise teacher juxtaposes two types of faithful people ... the ones who strive to listen to the Lord and learn what is right, and those who only comply with the laws of sacrifice. Both go to the temple. Both appear righteous. However, the latter does not know or understand the will of the Lord, and thus they commit sin and do evil then take the prescribed actions to absolve their sin. The former learns the will of God and improves their wisdom and path in life.

This is another way of giving one of the most important lessons of the entire bible. Micah explicitly tells of all Israel that the Lord never truly wanted any amount of sacrifice, but rather desired the people to simply seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with the Lord. Jesus quotes scripture and challenges the Pharisees to re-learn what was meant when the Lord said he desired mercy, not sacrifice ... acknowledgement of God, not burnt offerings. Yahweh never wanted ritualistic practices of absolution. Rather, he wanted us to simply love him enough to try to learn from him, draw near him, and show love to others in his name. He may have provided avenues to absolution for when we would fail, but compliance with those instructions was never the goal.

Application: Yes, I sin, and need to both pray for forgiveness, and to find absolution through faith in Jesus Christ. However, I truly desire to instead have a changed heart, to become more empathetic to everyone, to grow in humility, and to (in short) draw near to the Lord and listen to him.

Once a day I probably think about how to be nearer to the Lord. This is not nearly good enough ... it needs to be a continual mindset. Too often, I am neutral at best when it comes to considering the will of the Lord in my thoughts and actions and attitudes.

I would rather approach the Lord with the goal of listening and learning - in love and humility - than to approach him in need of absolution and forgiveness and correction for what I have done. The Lord loves me enough to give that absolution, but my life will never improve while on that cycle.

Prayer: Lord, I sincerely desire to walk humbly with you daily, hourly, and moment by moment. I desire a softened and broken heart. You have blessed me so richly in all aspects of my life, may I use that blessing to bless and serve others in your name. Amen.

On Managing Conflict

Scripture: In fact, to have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be defrauded? 1 Corinthians 6:7

Observation: As Paul continues the address the issues he has heard about the church at Corinth, he comes to the matter of legal conflict between Christians. At first he challenges the issue of suing each other in a worldly court instead of resolving the matter between wise church leaders. However, he then gets to the heart of the matter ... why at all do they have conflicts so severe they rise to the level of suits? Why can't they just forgive and leave in peace?

It is best not to wrong brothers and sisters, but if it happens it is better to just be wronged than to create conflict. In a community of true love, Christians wouldn't wrong one another, but of course we are all human so when we do something, treat it as a forgivable mistake and move on. Initiating angry actions is an unworthy practice, and taking the matter external to a worldly system of judgment is worse.

Application: I have an old friend who has reached out to me many times to just say hi. I have never responded. That has nothing to do with that friend, and everything to do with how my wife and I have withdrawn from ... well, the world. We have done this not as a mutually planned attempt at isolation, but out of pain from attacks from others. We strive to 'decrease our attack surface' as it were, by limiting interactions.

That probably isn't good, but it is a learned behavior caused by conflict initiated by others. Some have been against my wife within the church. We can delve into the validity and authenticity of all such attacks, and certainly discuss the enemy as the source of them, and in that context we understand that the attackers were operating by an evil influence and are certainly forgiven for being deceived. But they still hurt.

My wife and I have never attacked back. We defend ourselves, but do not initiate counteraction. We understand that doing so can only ultimately cause Christ himself to be considered in a lesser light, as the world would assess our actions in his context. I hope our pain in this is acknowledged by Christ, because ... it does hurt. It hurts to the point of losing touch with other friends to limit and manage all interactions, and thus reduce the numbers of individuals we know who may try to attack us in the future.

Prayer: Lord, I do know that we do the right thing when we do not respond with worldly actions and aggression when morally and verbally attacked, be it by secular to believing people here on earth. I hope we have done right in your eyes in these matters. May your love guide us daily in our interactions with others. Amen.

Receiving Impossible Instructions

Scripture: “All this, in writing at the Lord’s direction, he made clear to me—the plan of all the works.” 1 Chronicles 28:19

Observation: As David prepares for the succession of Solomon, he announces the building of the temple and gives Solomon full instructions for the temple. It includes blueprints for the construction itself, plus detailed instructions about lampstands, pillars, and other gold, silver, and bronze ornamentation. There is only really one unstated problem with the plans ... they are impossible.

At that time, in the history of the world, no enclosed building of such size has ever been built. Israel not only doesn't have the materials on hand, it lacks the sources of such resources necessary to do it. David gives his treasury, but all Israel does not have the wood the metals needed to do this.

Basically, David gives to Solomon a plan for a building which is beyond the known engineering of the time to build, and which will require a series of future events to transpire in just the right way that will even provide the hardwoods, stone, gold, and bronze needed to fulfill the design. And guess what ... the events transpire, the engineering works, and a temple is created that will overwhelm foreign visitors for generations to come.

Application: I am reminded again today that God does not give us a bunch of raw materials and resources, and then give us instruction about what to do with them. Instead, he gives us instructions about what we are to do, and once we step into those instructions he provides us with the materials and abilities to do it.

I have seen others understand and behave this way, and it weighs on my sensibilities of organization. It always seems reckless. However, it is actually faithful. Sometimes I feel like I am on the verge of such instructions, but I don't get them. Perhaps I am not ready in my faith to make such leaps.

Prayer: Lord, I do not know what the future holds or how to serve you best. When your instructions come, may I recognize your voice and spirit, and have the faith to obey, even though I know I will not yet have the ability or resources to succeed. Amen.

Stewards of God's Mysteries

Scripture: Think of us in this way: as servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries. 1 Corinthians 4:1

Observation: Paul is leaning into one issue in the church at Corinth, specifically their division over which teachers they prefer. Some prefer Paul, some (most?) prefer Apollos, and now they have young Timothy with them too. In supporting one, they often speak ill of the others, and the result has been some mean rumors and lies told about Paul. In this section, he is dealing kindly with this topic, and introduces this idea as a baseline for thinking about all apostles ... they are "servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries". 

That is an interesting thought to be applied to all church leaders, especially senior pastors. They are first and foremost two things ... servants who are following the express direction of Jesus Christ, and confidants of the Lord who have been entrusted special information. Now to be clear, if they do not meet this criteria, perhaps there is cause to worry about their proper position and service to the Lord. But to the extent they do align with this description, there is a level of honor and trust to be extended to them. Both of these attributes - servant to Messiah and confidant of Yahweh - imply that their actions and decisions should at the very least not be hastily judged but others.

Application: As someone privy to information about church workings and leadership decisions, I am far too quick to judge some decisions. I have opinions about my pastor that are mostly good ... but I know his weaknesses as well. The result is that, when I see an action that seems born from those weaknesses, I make hasty decisions about such actions.

However, I do know that my pastor has a gift of prophesy, and I have seen how this has played out in service to the Lord and the evangelism of the good news of Jesus. In most cases, there is a good chance the Lord has revealed a mystery to our pastor, or maybe even the Lord still withholds the mystery but has given direction that will later prove important and aligned to God's plans.

When I judge my pastor, I am acting like the church at Corinth. That may be common, but it is also quite bad and can only lead to bad things. I would never follow any human blindly - every human errs - but I need to be slower to judge, and quicker to pray about how I may consider church actions and their alignment to the Lord's purposes and plans. 

Prayer: Lord, please forgive my judgment of all others, especially my judgment of the saints, teachers, and apostles of Jesus. I recognize that similar earthly and unwarranted judgments have affected and hurt me, so I should have learned how you dislike such judgmental hearts. I know people around me who are stewards of your own mysteries, entrusted to hear your directions. I am likely jealous of that, so please forgive my covetousness as well. May I simply serve you in humility, today and every day. Amen.

Assuming Evil Intent

Scripture: David said, “I will deal loyally with Hanun son of Nahash, for his father dealt loyally with me.” So David sent messengers to console him concerning his father. When David’s servants came to Hanun in the land of the Ammonites to console him, the officials of the Ammonites said to Hanun, “Do you think, because David has sent consolers to you, that he is honoring your father? Have not his servants come to you to search and to overthrow and to spy out the land?” So Hanun seized David’s servants, shaved them, cut off their garments in the middle at their waists, and sent them away. 1 Chronicles 19:2-4

Observation: The war that makes both the Ammonites and the Arameans subject to Israel is caused because Hanun and his advisors assumed evil intent from David. The evidence for such an assumption is unclear, as the history between the Ammonites and Israelites - and David and Nahash - is a bit mixed, however it is clearly not based in reality as David's intent was in fact to recognize and honor Hanun.

That said, the emotional cause for such an assumption is obvious ... it is fear. The Ammonites knew of Israel's strength under David, and assumed evil intent because they feared his future attack. When they offended him, they immediately hired mercenary assistance fearing David's retribution. They then went out to battle, and in response David defeated them. By being fearful - and acting on that fear - what Hanun and his advisors feared manifested.

Application: I just read a statement yesterday that the cause of all anger is fear. I have seen fearful people act in ways that are completely and totally illogical. We are just now finishing a time in human history where massive numbers of people have lived in fear, and their actions resulting from that fear - not the thing feared but their fear-filled actions - have caused ... mental health issues, personal financial hardship, social violence, widespread isolation, breakdowns in education for youth, and a global economic crisis.

How often is the root cause of conflict just ... fear? So often, of course, that it is the most addressed emotion throughout the bible, as the Lord tells us not to be afraid; to the point, not to react to situations we are experiencing, especially those that involve the actions of the Lord himself, with fear. And since the Lord is in the midst of every situation, and in control of all things, that would apply to everything.

I feel confident I do not act often motivated by fear. However, I do know that I have begun to assume evil intent by most people around me. This causes me to react to them in a manner that may best be described as self-preserving. The lesson from Hanun is that such assumptions and reactions represents fear. For me, that is a fear of again being lied about, professionally attacked, and placed at risk to care for my family.

Then again, most people around me are not David. They are not people who love God, obey moral law, and desire peace. They are people who love money, pursue professional advancement, and desire social recognition. Their framework is not biblical teaching founded in God's love, but it is earthly definitions of success and justice founded by the lies of satan. And they fear falling short of those definitions.

Can I cease the cycle of NOT assuming evil intent, and then not being hurt and attacked by those to whom I offer trust? Possibly not. However, I can reject the fear of such attacks, and thus surrender my life to the protection of the Lord.

Prayer: Lord, may I not be afraid, even of those who likely mean me harm. I know they still exist, I know they still attack, and I know they will find earthly success by such actions. I desire not to fear these outcomes, for I absolutely know you are with me. Amen.

God's Will, General and Specific

Scripture: Nathan said to David, "Do all that you have in mind, for God is with you." 1 Chronicles 17:2

Observation: When David has the idea to build a temple for the Lord and to house the ark, Nathan the prophet ultimately gives David two answers. When David first tells Nathan the idea, Nathan accurately tells David that God is with him. However, Nathan then receives a message that David must not build a temple, but rather that responsibility will fall to his son.

Nathan was not inaccurate or misaligned with the Lord in his first answer ... God was with David. However, God has a specific plan and timing and purpose for the temple, which was to also represent his continued covenant with David's line, a line that would include the ultimate king of the entire world, Jesus. The Lord was making clear that he was not JUST 'with' David, but was now entering a covenant in which he was with a royal line that had a massive final objective - the salvation of all mankind.

So again, Nathan was not inaccurate in his prophetic gift. God was with David, but also David was not to proceed. God's subsequent words and actions even re-enforce that he is generally with David in all matters, however God also has specific instructions that are explicit to what actions David must do, and what he therefore must leave for others to do.

Application: For all of us, God has both a general love and desire for our lives, but also has prescribed directions and missions and plans for us to fulfill. I am more and more concerned that ... I don't fully understand either part of God's will and purpose for my life.

Generally, I know he loves me and wants me to peacefully lead my family, and to do so in this region of the country. Specifically, I know he has placed me in a particular job for now. However, for the most part these are secular structures of my life, and I do not have any idea on the general ways I can participate in the Kingdom of God, nor the specific missions he may have for me to do.

Do I not know these things because I don't listen? Or because he hasn't yet told me? Or because I'm not worthy to even have anything meaningful to do?

Prayer: Lord, you know that this issue of my work and purpose is weighing on my heart recently. I seek your direction. I will continue to seek your will and purpose for both my life in general, and for my specific daily walk with you. Amen.