Praise for All the Lampstands

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

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

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

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

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

May Seattle Go the Way of Nineveh

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

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

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

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

Seattle is a think tank of lies.

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

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

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

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

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

Understanding what the Master Wants

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lost Touch with Reality Itself

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

That's Gotta Be the Church

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wrongly Judging Weaknesses

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Understanding True Reliance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Worshipping One's Own Life

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Exactly What it Feels Like

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other Ways Don't Math

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

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

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

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

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

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

Interest in Others, Not Money

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He Stole My Shame

He called my name,

And he stole my shame.

Out of the dark,

Into his arms ...

Everything changed when I came running home!!

Addressing Financial Risk

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

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

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

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

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

The Great War is Spiritual

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Claiming the Promise of Light

Scripture: Remember, our Message is not about ourselves; we’re proclaiming Jesus Christ, the Master. All we are is messengers, errand runners from Jesus for you. It started when God said, “Light up the darkness!” and our lives filled up with light as we saw and understood God in the face of Christ, all bright and beautiful. 2 Corinthians 4:5-6

Observation: Paul explains the very idea of an individual believing in Jesus Christ and receiving the Holy Spirit is an echo of the very first act of creation ... declaring 'let there be light' and suddenly there was light, and God saw that the light was good. When we believe in Jesus, it is the moment the light suddenly comes on in our lives. It yields a new perspective that is "bright and beautiful". It illuminates a new understanding of the Lord, founded in love and forgiveness.

This is the message Paul teaches. His message is not filled with rules and policies, rather it is simply encouragement to receive the light of creation - God's love, poured out through Jesus - and to allow our lives to be filled with that light.

Application: This is a promise of God ... as I have accepted Jesus into my heart, I now have the light of creation, and I can now see all creation through the illumination of that light. Just as the Lord sees me through the lens of Jesus, forgiving my sins and viewing me white as snow, I can see all of creation through that same lens of Jesus, with a light that shows the joy and wonder of it all.

Jesus is the lens, and he is the light. I want to see the world with even more wonder and joy, and not as a place to just be survived. I want to see others with the heart of love that the Lord has for everyone, and not just as the labels that they themselves even place on their personas. I want to feel the warmth of the community God intended, and not the coldness and anger that pervades and invades every part of society.

Today, I claim this promise, that by the Holy Spirit, and through the lens of Jesus as my Lord and savior, I can see all elements of the world through the light of the Lord, the perfect light of creation, and savor the joy of life as the Lord always intended.

Prayer: Abba, you have given me the chance for joy, and today I choose that joy. Jesus, you are the light of the world. May I always see everything and everyone through the radiance of your light. Amen.

Fighting Fights, Ignoring the Enemy

Scripture: But Josiah did not turn away from him; instead, in order to fight with him he disguised himself. He did not listen to Neco’s words from the mouth of God, but went to the Valley of Megiddo to fight. The archers shot King Josiah, and he said to his servants, "Take me away, for I am severely wounded!" 2 Chronicles 35:22-23

Observation: Josiah, the last good king of Judah who had attempted to turn around their fate, restored the temple, reinitiated Passover, and again banished all other idols, dies in this way ... fighting an enemy that hadn't been a threat to them for years (Egypt), in a place that wasn't part of Judah (Megiddo), without cause or provocation (they hadn't attacked Judah), and against God's own instructions (God inspired Neco to tell Josiah to not do it).

Josiah attacked Neco for reasons that aren't explicitly clear, but probably due to pride. Neco did in fact march through Judah and was now in the geography of Israel. Egypt was an ancient foe. Josiah felt he needed to act. As a result, in a time when he should have known that Babylon was a major threat and in fact had recently defeated Assyria, Josiah dies fighting a fight, but ignoring the real enemy.

Application: Our culture has a lot of fights that seem like they need fighting, and that many proud - righteous - individuals in the Church are fighting. Every time we do, the rest of society believes we hate them, and it creates a chasm between the message of the love of Jesus, and those who need to hear that message.

It's like we are looking to fight all the fights while ignoring the enemy. We want to take on racial tension, gender confusion, school shootings, economic strife, political disagreements, mental health issues ... and we ignore satan, the liar and deceiver who is causing it all. He tricks people into adopting all these elements as their identity, then tells them the most divisive lie ... 'when those Jesus-freaks are opposed to your identity, it is because they hate you personally.'

Satan and his lies are the only enemy that matters. Jesus, armed with his truth and love, is the supreme allied commander. It is by him we can and will succeed in defeating the actual enemy and bringing his gospel into the world. Let's not just fight fights. And the next time there is a major battle at Megiddo ... we won't be the ones who lose.

Prayer: Lord, may we keep your word in our heart, and may we speak Christ crucified to others. Telling of your love is our true mission, and doing so in a manner that overcomes evil is the only battle to be waged. Please give us all your wisdom to do so. Amen.

Cloaked by a Summer's Day

Scripture:
My soul, bless the Lord!
Lord my God, you are very great;
you are clothed with majesty and splendor.
He wraps himself in light as if it were a robe,
spreading out the sky like a canopy,
laying the beams of his palace
on the waters above,
making the clouds his chariot,
walking on the wings of the wind,
and making the winds his messengers,
flames of fire his servants.
Psalm 104:1-4

Observation: What a wonderful image to open a song of worship and praise ... the Lord is so great that the splendor in which he is enveloped like a cloak is that of the entire sky. Bright light itself is his robe, and it spreads out all around him like the infinite expanse of a clear blue summer sky. The clouds are there to support the canopy that covers him - that shades him if he were to need it - as he moves about just like the wind. The wind itself takes him and also his message, it is at his command, just like the warmth of the air it blows.

Application: This is, in fact, how I see nature ... the very extension of the Lord himself. It isn't just metaphorical, for creation is of the Lord, and it is the Lord. He manifested it as "good" because it is how he presents life, and sustains life, and embraces life.

I see the Lord in a beautiful, sunny day, on a clear blue afternoon, with his warm wind so refreshing and energizing. I see the Lord on a rainy afternoon, with life-giving water soaking the grasses and trees, to become running streams for animals to find satisfaction. I see the Lord on the darkest of nights, when the moon is so clear and the stars seem infinite, with the quiet only disturbed by lapping waves or rustling leaves.

May my soul truly bless the Lord!

Prayer: Lord, again I say, may my soul bless you, for you are indeed very great. Thank you for the blessing of life itself, and not just my life but the abundance of all nature you have created. I wish for all to see you so clearly within that nature. Amen.

Another Painful Conversation

Scripture: In fact, I made up my mind about this: I would not come to you on another painful visit. 2 Corinthians 2:1

Observation: Paul begins this letter to the church at Corinth discussing another issue. It would seem scholars agree that the "painful visit" being discussed involve a local leader who challenged Paul's authority and created conflict during his prior visit. Paul is thus avoiding a return to Corinth because he doesn't want to just re-create the same conflict. He finds it easier for the church to resolve the matter - be it in his favor or not - than to come and perhaps initiate strife by his very presence.

This is wise and noble of Paul. It is noble because he is not rushing to his own defense and simply "winning" an argument. It is wise because he understands that division in church can be bad for believers, distracting from true faith and worship, and he simply doesn't want to be part of the division. We know that this works out ... the church in Corinth admonishes the other man, acknowledging Paul's authority as an apostle and teacher to their congregation.

Application: Once again, we are seeing an issue in our church with what I might call a "junior leader" challenging a couple "senior leaders". The result will be exactly what Paul discusses ... painful interactions because people will have to take sides. And every second spent on this topic takes away from the actual work of the church ... worship, evangelism, outreach, teaching, and care for others.

Yes, churches are comprised of people, and people have pride, agendas, opinions, and emotions. Clearly, as a result, nothing changes 2,000 years later.

Prayer: Lord, please do give our pastors and leaders discernment. Teach us all how to follow your heart and your plan before any of our own ideas and desires. Amen.

Knowing what God Remembers

Scripture: King Joash didn’t remember the kindness that Zechariah’s father Jehoiada had extended to him, but killed his son. While he was dying, he said, "May the Lord see and demand an account." 2 Chronicles 24:22

Observation: When King Joash turns bad, only one man has the courage to stand and pronounce the truth to him ... the son of Jehoiada, who was Joash's priest and best advisor. For this truth, Zechariah is killed, and in his dying breath he pronounces a curse, asking the Lord to see this betrayal and to take vengeance for him.

Zechariah means "God remembers", and it is interesting that there are three famous Zechariah's in the bible. One wrote one of the books of the bible during the time of exile, and discusses how the people will return to their land. One is the father of John the Baptist. The other is murdered and soon after avenged in a way that begins the downturn of the southern kingdom of Judah. In every case, God remembers. He remembers his people in exile and the promise to restore them to the promised land after 70 years. He remembers his plan for Messiah and the fact that the Messiah will be ushered in through a new prophet declaring repentance in the wilderness. He remembers the courage of one man pronouncing truth so he can take revenge on the evil perpetrated by the king.

Application: I know very well that the Lord sees what happens, and I have firsthand experience in how he sees and provides even in the most difficult circumstances. However, he also remembers for later. This can be encouraging as when he restores people or fulfills a long-term promise, and it can be worrisome as when he take vengeance for a past sin.

Regarding the latter, I have sinned, but I have not done something like led an entire nation into idol worship. However, that sounds like I am weighing different sins as better or worse, and they are not. This is why forgiveness through Jesus is so crucial, for it is by that forgiveness that my sins are wiped clean and the Lord actually forgets them. Without that, I deserve nothing beyond painful death.

And this is the true good news. God remembers, but Jesus became a lens to define what God remembers. He remembers his promises, his purposes, and his love. He removes from memory our sins because of our faith in Jesus, allowing us to one day enjoy his love even more fully in heaven.

Prayer: Lord, I ask today for forgiveness of my sins, and for you to thus forget my transgressions. By my faith in Jesus I pray this. May you remember me and look upon me, and see and remember me only through the lens of Jesus my savior and Messiah. Amen.

Speaking Directly to Me

Scripture:
All a person’s ways seem right to him,
but the Lord weighs hearts.

Doing what is righteous and just
is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.

The lamp that guides the wicked—
haughty eyes and an arrogant heart—is sin.
Proverbs 21:2-4

Observation: These three proverbs ... could be specifically written for me, to tell me of my weaknesses and wrongs and what I should do to be better. I am a person who thinks about what to do and determines that my decisions are right without consulting the Lord in prayer. I am a person who will give to the Lord but then knowingly sin. I am certainly arrogant and proud, which of course is one of those sins.

Application: I would go so far as to say that I would be so much closer to being the man the Lord wants me to be if I simply corrected these three things. So why don't I?

I don't because I am weak. And I am weak because in all matters I fail to turn to the Lord for strength. I fail to consult him in prayer, seek his face in all matters, give him my problems and listen for his word and solution, or just discuss my day with him as a friend. I interact with the Lord on my terms, in my spare time, when it fits with my thoughts.

I need to embrace these proverbs, the Lord's instructions. That begins with me seeking the Lord in all matters, and at all times.

Prayer: Lord, I do say again today, may I turn to you for everything. May I seek your words and wisdom in my daily activities, and intentionally do only what you tell me to do. My daily problems are insignificant when handed to you, so may I do exactly that every moment of every day. Remove my pride and my thoughts, and replace them with your love and wisdom. Amen.

All that Matters in One Sentence

Scripture: For I passed on to you as most important what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

Observation: Paul has taught about many things, but he returns to the "most important" message of all ... Jesus fully died, was buried, then rose from the dead, and this happened for the atonement of our sins. Paul goes on to describe how the resurrection is known by the fact that Jesus systematically appeared to first his core believers, then to hundreds all at once, and eventually - years later - to Paul himself. In other words, this is an established fact, with hundreds of eyewitnesses still available to talk to about it. Paul also clarifies that it is by this faith in the resurrection that we know eternal life is real ... so by faith in Jesus we are redeemed of our sin, and by knowledge of the resurrection we know we have eternal life.

And again, after all these long instructions, this is all that really matters ... Jesus died and was resurrected, so that we may by faith have eternal life.

Application: Everything that is important about life can be summarized in one sentence, and not even a long sentence. "Jesus died and was resurrected, so that we may by faith have eternal life."  Less than 15 English words.

I need to say those 15 words to others far more often. This is the message of "Christ crucified". It is this easy ... between John 3:16 and 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, everything about hope, love, and eternal salvation exists. Collectively, these tell us that God loves us, God desires for us to be with him forever, and therefore he provided Jesus to die in our place so that if we simply believe we can have eternal life.

Again, I need to say these words to others far more often.

Prayer: Lord, yes I need to be a more faithful witness to others, and I know the message is really not complex. This most simple message can change lives, because upon hearing it your Holy Spirit can explain everything else within a person's heart. May I be more faithful in telling of your great love. Amen.

In Need of Our Asa

Scripture: Asa did what was good and right in the sight of the Lord his God. He removed the pagan altars and the high places. He shattered their sacred pillars and chopped down their Asherah poles. He told the people of Judah to seek the Lord God of their ancestors and to carry out the instruction and the commands. He also removed the high places and the shrines from all the cities of Judah, and the kingdom experienced peace under him. 2 Chronicles 14:2-5

Observation: The lineage of the kings is this ... Saul, then David, then Solomon, then when the kingdom divided it is Rehoboam, Abijah (just 3 years), and now Asa. David honored the Lord, and Solomon spent the first half of his reign building the temple. However, he became susceptible to influence from foreign wives, and his son Rehoboam ran with that. As a result, Asa is already needing to "clean up" Judah from the influence of pagan rituals and idols to other gods.

And certainly, all these items - pagan shrines in "all the cities of Judah" and all the "high places" in the land - were not built by just two kings. Rather, they were built by the locals. Approximately 30 years removed from the completion of the temple and witnessing the arrival or Yahweh in Jerusalem, the Jews have already walked away from the Lord so far that a full restoration of every city and all the land is required.

Application: Thirty years ago was 1993. While our country was struggling through moral change at that time, we would have absolutely thought of ourselves as a "Christian" country. Throughout that decade even, terrorists were attacking our people in part because they perceived us as Christian.

Today ... it's deemed improper to pray in public, laws have been passed to sanction biblical sins, people can get in trouble at work for talking about Jesus, and there is an emerging motion to classify the Church as a 'hate' organization.

We have so quickly walked away from the Lord, and just like Judah it isn't just because one leader set a bad example. The pagan alters are everywhere, sometimes figuratively, but evident by the culture nonetheless. And as we are about to enter into a new election cycle, I don't see our Asa on the horizon. Where is our national leader who will remove those alters, and cut up and burn the obscene elements currently being worshipped by society? Yes, the Church can support the movement, but we need our own Asa.

Prayer: Lord, today I pray for a person I do not know and cannot yet name. We need a national leader who will help us restore our faith and our love for you, oh Lord. You can bring revival into our land if it is your will, and I pray that it is in fact your will. May we come back from the brink, and may there be a person who can lead us back in your great name. Amen.

Remembering a Source of Pain

Scripture: For if a woman doesn’t cover her head, she should have her hair cut off. But if it is disgraceful for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, let her head be covered. 1 Corinthians 11:6

Observation: As Paul continues instruction to the church in Corinth about their behavior, he discusses ... head coverings. Men are not to wear them, but women must. He goes so far as to say that, if a woman does not wish to have her long hair covered, she should shave her head. And all of this is to reflect the fact that women are under men and thus must be humble in their prayer, while men are under Christ and thus must be open to access heaven.

There is no other way to understand this section outside of it being specific instructions to this particular church. What is being said was never said in another context. It also isn't true by Jewish law and custom, where men cover their heads with kippah and also often with a tallit when praying. Therefore, there was some issue taking place in Corinth whereby Paul needed to make a point about the relationship between husbands and wives.

Application: Just yesterday I discussed how my wife and I have withdrawn from others due to past attacks. This section of 1 Corinthians is a reminder of this. It was several years ago now that my wife was accused of wrongdoing by an individual who relied on 1 Corinthians as evidence of how she should behave. That time was painful and angering, and despite how obviously wrong the person was - and that family was immediately (literally ... right then and there) kicked out of our church by the senior pastor - the attack left scars on our hearts. It remains one of the reasons we feel we cannot share even the joys of our lives with others, for we know our joy can be weaponized by those under the influence of false spirits.

Prayer: Lord, there are times we do feel attacked, and withdraw from the world to avoid those attacks. When we do so, may we always and only withdraw into your love and protection. Amen.

Thoughts About Trusting Others

Scripture:
Many a person proclaims his own loyalty,
but who can find a trustworthy person?
Proverbs 20:6

Observation: In this section of Proverbs, Solomon provides a collection of one-sentence insights. Some have more of a philosophical tone instead of pure advice, and may describe situations that involve the application of wisdom as much as they actually tell someone what is wise and good.

Verse 6 is a bit like that. It does not advise the listener to seek out trustworthy people, nor does it provide a definition of behaviors that would describe a trustworthy person. It does, however, indicate that there is a difference between a trustworthy person, and a person who SAYS they are loyal and thus trustworthy. The implication is that it requires discernment of character - supported by behavior - to decide whom one should trust, instead of just words.

Application: I have been thinking lately about my best friend growing up. He is a person I sat next to the first day of kindergarten, and was my best friend through high school. In the last 35 years, we have maybe spoken twice, once at his father's memorial service ... and I can't really think of a second time, though I expect there must have been one. About every 18 months he sends me a message via email or social media to say 'hey' and offer to meet for lunch or a beer, and I actually never even respond.

My wife and I have been hurt by so many people over the years that we have no idea who to trust with anything. We know many people who have said they are friends - or at least 'loyal' - and proved not to be. Sometimes the hurt and betrayal is just how they slip up with information that hurts us, and sometimes it is an intentional act to harm us. It can be hard to know the difference. We have been hurt by such people, once or twice in major ways, but mostly in one of those 'death by a thousand little cuts' types of ways.  Even yesterday, this concept came up again with one of her coworkers, with my wife feeling put down and undermined, maybe even threatened, and with us having the exact conversation that the person should not be trusted.

The result is that we collectively trust almost nobody. We have one pair of friends, our children, and outside of that ... it's really nobody.

Who can find a trustworthy person? Indeed.

Well, the Lord can help us with such discernment. I don't think he wants us to feel so isolated, though maybe that has been best for this long season in our lives. I don't know, and I wouldn't know how to even figure out how to trust someone who proclaims they can be trusted, but the Lord knows. If he desires us to be open again, may he show us.

Prayer: Lord, you and perhaps you alone know the challenges and issues of our lives. May we seek your wisdom and direction when it comes to friendships and work relationships. Please protect us from those that would do us harm, and perhaps bring into our lives those who would not do so. Amen.

Provision from an Unexpected Source

Scripture: I have now sent Huram-abi, a skillful man who has understanding. He is the son of a woman from the daughters of Dan. His father is a man of Tyre. He knows how to work with gold, silver, bronze, iron, stone, and wood, with purple, blue, crimson yarn, and fine linen. He knows how to do all kinds of engraving and to execute any design that may be given him. I have sent him to be with your artisans and the artisans of my lord, your father David. 2 Chronicles 2:13-14

Observation: Solomon sends an order to Hiram the King of Tyre, for assistance with the temple. The order is to provide both abundant resources for the construction, and for a skilled artisan. Hiram responds that he will provide all Solomon needs, and also sends a craftsman named Huram-abi. He comes with a very interesting bit of history ... he is Jewish. His mother is of the tribe of Dan, whose land bordered Tyre.

Application: Our church is struggling financially. There are various reasons, including some spending issues as well as giving challenges. However, this is complicated by a desire to initiate a building project. Our pastor is confident the Lord will provide, and yes his faith in this matter is inspiring. Some of us, though, are also pragmatic and would like to see the funding miracle soon. While thinking about this just this last Sunday, I recalled King Hiram, noting that the great miracle of Solomon's building of the temple would not have occurred without a benefactor such as Hiram agreeing and providing the resources. Yes, there was a vision ... but there was also a practical provider.

That said, the inclusion of Huram-abi is enlightening. Solomon needed Hiram's resources, and he had ideas about what forms those would take ... massive amounts of the best timber prepared by people who know how to prepare and manage timber. He also asked for an artisan, and reasonably expected that certainly someone in Tyre had skills. He could not have expected, however, that the response would involve a man born of a Jewish woman, whose existence was thus part of the Lord's overall Abrahamic and Mosaic covenants, with actions set in motion perhaps more than 40 years previous, even before David's reign began.

I know that the only way our church can do what is envisioned is through some unknown yet practical provision of major resources. Has the Lord already figured that out and put the wheels in motion for it decades ago? Is this really just a matter of faithfully waiting for God's plan to suddenly materialize?

Maybe. While I am skeptical and even a little angry at how certain matters of financial stewardship are handled at the church, I cannot deny the fact that the Lord can absolutely make anything happen. We have reached a point where only his intervention - through some benefactor - can help. I may not know it, but that may already be fait accompli.

Prayer: Lord, I won't lie and try to pretend I have total faith in what is occurring with Evergreen's finances. I question the judgment of those making decisions on how to spend your money. However, I do have total faith in you. Your will will be done, and to the extent it needs resources, you will provide. May I learn even more about your wonder, authority, and power in the weeks to come. Amen.

Do the Work and Seek Joy

Scripture: For if I preach the gospel, I have no reason to boast, because I am compelled to preach—and woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! For if I do this willingly, I have a reward, but if unwillingly, I am entrusted with a commission. 1 Corinthians 9:16-17

Observation: Paul is responding to criticism from the church in Corinth, which likely involves their dissatisfaction in providing for him when he comes there. As he addresses that topic directly, he also addresses is attitude and mindset toward being an apostle. Specifically, he does not boast about being some important apostle, nor about being a leader in the Church. He just does the work he is assigned.

Paul listens for the Lord, and is obedient. He recognizes that some assignments are pleasing to him (those he will do willingly) and some are less fulfilling (those he will do unwillingly). However, he obeys and does them all. Doing the pleasing assignments give him a reward, likely in the form of joy or happiness or earthly comforts. Doing the less pleasing assignments give him a different type of reward ... the knowledge that he has been "entrusted with a commission," and has performed it faithfully. This may not be a "reward" in the same manner as some kind of tangible element of life, but it is a satisfaction that he knows will be recognized by the Lord.

Application: Again I consider my own work and my own life, and I know that for the majority of time in my life - now measured in decades - I have done the less fulfilling work. Don't get me wrong, I have been rewarded far beyond what I deserve! But those rewards have not been in the form of 'joy' found in the work.

This feels like the lesson ... to use the tangible payments of the work to find joy in the Lord. That does not mean to spend the money frivolously as one would in their youth, but rather to recognize the commission, feel fulfilled by the fact I have been entrusted with that commission, and to feel joy as the outcome of that relationship.

This again requires a closer relationship with the Lord, and again I desire that. Even as I do work I am unwilling to do, I wish to hear that this work is indeed assignment to me as a commission from the Lord, and eventually that I have done it well.

Prayer: Lord, I do try to believe that even my work is a holy commission from you. I am likely missing a component of it, and I desire to hear that so I may do it. I am not a preacher, nor should I be. I desire only to find joy, and serve you, in the commission to which I am entrusted. Amen.

My Problem and God's Solution

Scripture: For what does a person get with all his work and all his efforts that he labors at under the sun? For all his days are filled with grief, and his occupation is sorrowful; even at night, his mind does not rest. This too is futile. There is nothing better for a person than to eat, drink, and enjoy his work. I have seen that even this is from God’s hand, because who can eat and who can enjoy life apart from him? Ecclesiastes 2:22-25

Observation: As the teacher evaluates life, he dwells upon the worthlessness of earthly work. Just like daily personal tasks, work is a chasing of the wind, and doing it well only means that someone else will someday inherit it while you are forgotten and they may be incompetent. It is futile.

And yet, there is nothing better for a person than if such work can provide a person with eat and drink, and if they enjoy the work. This is the best one can hope for from daily work. And this enjoyment comes from being with the Lord.

Application: I have known this for some time ... my greatest issue and biggest regret in life - the one that causes me all other sadness and challenges and despair - is that I have absolutely no joy in my work, and I haven't since I even first began working. I never found my passion. I never took time to reflect on what makes me happy, and I never tried to align my work to my happiness. I chose to exclusively seek happiness outside of work, believing that the point of work was just to earn the money I need to fund those outside activities and therefore it didn't matter what I did.

I don't just lack joy in work, but I find it truly meaningless. Solomon says it best, it is a chasing of the wind, it is vaper. Half the time I don't understand even what I'm doing, and the other half of the time I don't understand why it even matters. Even when I was the boss, when I would drill down about the purpose of the work at hand I would reach a dead-end of the logic where it became mostly meaningless. My job brings me grief and sorrow during the day, and restlessness of mind at night, and it has for decades.

And yes, it does in fact fund the eating and drinking and fun we have as a family. As a result, I have absolutely embraced the attitude that 'two outta three ain't bad' when it comes to Solomon's statement that there is nothing better for a person than to eat, drink, and enjoy work. Yet the emptiness of my job remains.

However, it is Solomon who immediately shows me God's solution to this despair. He points out that even my work is "from God's hand" and that "who can enjoy life apart from him". And this is then where I need to seek joy ... finding God within my daily work, and discovering that somehow he is here in the midst of my work and I can enjoy him in my work.

I don't know quite how that works at a global technology company, or at any other potential career that would use my acquired skills and knowledge as an IT leader. I do know that I need to try, because while I don't have decades of work left, I do have more than a few years to go, and I really can't get lower than this.

Prayer: Lord, may I actually find you ever day in my work, and may I seek you in my work. I often pray that you show me how to serve you within the context of my daily activity, but I also want you to be central to even that activity. In my meetings, my documents, my research and analytics, may you be there. Amen.

Finding God's Location

Scripture: Solomon and the whole assembly with him went to the high place that was in Gibeon because God’s tent of meeting, which the Lord’s servant Moses had made in the wilderness, was there. Now David had brought the ark of God from Kiriath-jearim to the place he had set up for it, because he had pitched a tent for it in Jerusalem, but he put the bronze altar, which Bezalel son of Uri, son of Hur, had made, in front of the Lord’s tabernacle. Solomon and the assembly inquired of him there. 2 Chronicles 1:3-5

Observation: While Israel was in the wilderness, they had Moses' tent of meeting as the home for the Lord. This included the tent ... within the tent was the arc where the Lord sat, and outside the tent was the alter for sacrificing animals. In Solomon's time, these are separate, with the arc in a different tent in Jerusalem, and the tent of meeting and alter in Gibeon. Early in his reign, Solomon goes to Gibeon to offer sacrifices.

Solomon has gone looking for the Lord. Yes, he is relying on a few historical artifacts, but he is also the one putting in the effort to reach out to God rather than just sitting in his throne room in Jerusalem, looking out at the tent that holds the arc, and deciding that somehow means he is close to God.

Application: As a Christian, I know God is everywhere, and by the Holy Spirit I can talk to him in my heart, anywhere at any time. However, that may become a hindrance ... a convenience that prevents me from the task of actually looking for - and thus finding - God.

I should go find God. One of the places I often go to seek him is Maui, and that will present a new challenge when we go there next due to the devastation and likely human challenges we will experience. I live in one of the most naturally beautiful places on earth, yet I never really just find quietness and seek the Lord. Even when alone, I tend to fill my mind with earthly inputs like television and youtube, rather than seeking the Lord.

I have said I would do more of that ... taking quiet time daily to find God and talk with him. Solomon went looking for God and found him, and I know God is not hiding. I need to lean into the desire I have to find God, and take more time to go looking for him.

Prayer: Lord, I do desire to commune with you more. I know I do not pray enough, and when I do it is often just whenever I just happen to be in a time of aloneness. May I instead take time to find you. May I dedicate time to look for you and reach out to you. As I desire your presence, may I know that what I need to do is bring myself into your presence instead of just expecting you to be wherever and whenever is convenient for me. Amen.

Telling the Important Story

Scripture: Then, for a second time, they made David’s son Solomon king; they anointed him as the Lord’s ruler, and Zadok as the priest. 1 Chronicles 29:22b

Observation: As the chronicler discusses the transition of kingship from David to Solomon, this is how he words it ... for a second time, they made Solomon king. What he leaves out is the coup of Adonijah. Solomon was David's planned successor, but Adonijah garners the support of both the military leaders and the priests. David as a dying act confirms Solomon, and anoints and coronates him. Solomon then must deal with Adonijah and his supporters, after which he is publicly anointed king.

This coup is the first two chapters of 2 Kings, but is unaddressed in 1 Chronicles. This is similar to David's sin with Bathsheba, and the issues pertaining to his census of the fighting men for which he was punished. These incidents are mostly ignored because they are not related to the narrative of Chronicles, which is ... the work of the Lord. While the books of Samuel and Kings seem to cover the relationship Israel - and specifically it's kings - has with Yahweh, Chronicles is more about the relationship Yahweh has with Israel. It documents how the people have grown and advanced through dozens of generations, and how the Lord has blessed them with riches and prosperity and wise council. This is the important story of the bible.

Application: I was thinking the other day about my testimony. Yes, my testimony includes my perspective of how my redemption and salvation transpired. However, at its core, my testimony is about God choosing to answer my prayer, pour out his love upon me, and transform my life. I literally did nothing good, and God acted in response.

This is the important part of every story in life ... what the Lord is doing. His actions manifest in our lives, our worldly outcomes, our activities, our 'stuff', but the power is that the Lord is the one acting and loving and guiding and speaking and showing and providing and fixing and accomplishing and making.

When I speak of my life, may I truly - and explicitly - be telling people about what the Lord is doing.

Prayer: Lord, all things in my life are the result of you. I thank you for the blessings, but I also just thank you for the actions. More and more, may my story not be about me, but about you. Amen.

I Don't Want to Live That Way

I can do all things in you!

Fear won't shake me, break me.

I can face the lions, the giants.

You're greater than the storms I face.

There are so Many Fires

Scripture: For no one can lay any foundation other than what has been laid down. That foundation is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or straw, each one’s work will become obvious. For the day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire; the fire will test the quality of each one’s work. If anyone’s work that he has built survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned up, he will experience loss, but he himself will be saved—but only as through fire. 1 Corinthians 3:11-15

Observation: In discussing the issues of the church in Corinth, Paul breaks down the various teaching using a building metaphor. The interpretation is pretty simple. Paul at first laid the "foundation" that is faith and belief in Jesus as the Messiah. Now all other "teaching" about Christian life is built upon that truth. Some of that teaching may be durable and strong, and some may even be of great value, and some ... may not be. Make no mistake, there will be trails - fire - and those buildings will be tested. The outcome of the constructed building will be based on how they are built. Some may burn. If you house burns, that is a loss for you, however there remains hope because the foundation cannot be burned, and thus believers will remain saved in Christ.

Application: Wow, our society is on fire right now, and it is heartbreaking to see whose homes are built with hay and straw.

My heart is breaking over and over again every day for my friends. I am aware of the pain they are feeling about the lost faith and resulting actions of their children. They are sad, even as they themselves are not sure how to respond out of their own faith. Metaphorically, their homes are charred and may even be smoldering themselves, while they see their sons and daughters as now just piles of ash.

The question is ... did they have the foundation? If so, then yes they have experienced loss as Paul says, but they will still be saved. And this is the concern in the end, that the children's foundation actually existed in the first place. Sincerely, this is a very real concern, because I believe my friends would say 'yes', though I feel there is very real evidence to doubt that.

If yes, the foundations are real, then they are undamaged by the fire and we can all receive comfort. The losses - the current situations and behaviors of so many young people - still hurt. I am seeking hope.

Prayer: Lord, I do not even know how to come to you for prayer in this matter anymore. The fire is far too big to even fathom. This isn't about individual homes anymore, but the entire city that is our youth is burned to the ground, totally destroyed. The only hope is that foundations exist, and that some can rebuild. The disaster is all so overwhelming, Lord, and it is because of this that I know you are the only hope, for there is no possible solution or action that can be taken without your greatness. Please, Lord, expel the fire. Please, Lord, rebuild the homes and with sturdier, more valuable materials than before. And where builders are needed, please give us the tools we need to build. Amen.