Hebrews 11:13-16
13 All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. 14 For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own. 15 And indeed if they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them.
Message: Suffering and Death
Time: Hebrews was written to a group of Christians who had suffered in the past and were now
threatened with even more suffering. They'd done well years ago, but the
author of Hebrews feared that they might now turn away from Christ to
avoid further persecution.The opinions on the author of Hebrews has varied.
What the Lord is Saying: Suffering and death, it seems, remains a mystery in my life. Sickness, suffering and death continually assault people at different stages of life. The reality is the odds are the same for everyone: 1 out of 1 person will die. As followers of Jesus, it is told to us that we will have eternal life (I John 5:11-12). Even Jesus died at an early age in an unfair manner (though he rose again). Jesus, however, conquered death. He rose again. We will rise, but non on this earth.
Something I've been realizing more and more is that sicknesses in the present are evidence of the fallenness of creation. I am not simply to think that my illness is the result of my sin, but rather it is the result of humanities sin. To me, that is one key principle. The other major thing I've learned over the years is we are not to come to God with the "why me" or "why them" question, but instead we come to God requesting healing and for prayer. What is most important is the condition of my soul when I die. But, I think it is hard because us American are so focused on comfort and safety and ease the sickness and suffering assault this and therefore there seems to be a tendency in thinking that it is always unjustified. My conclusion is "don't go there."
Instead, my focus in life is more on the condition of my soul when I die and encouraging people to think about this in general. For Jesus, what he mentioned was the key to this can be found in being born again in this life. This is the way we see the kingdom of God (John 3) or the kingdom of heaven. There is peace then in this life, no matter what may occur. This I believe is our focus.
This is the key of these verses in Hebrews. To begin with, I look first at the preceding verses in chapter 11 of Hebrews as their is a common idea expressed and this is "by faith." By Faith is the common theme thus far in this chapter and while that phrase isn't used, I think i need to remember it in as I read these verses. The people that were mentioned in the preceding verses were Old Testament saints, like Abraham and Sarah.
To me, what is spoken here in verse 13 is these people, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Sarah -- they all lived there lives by faith. Faith was their calling card. They had the promise of the Messiah and removing the sin of the world, but they had not yet see it. God requested they believe in Him. This is the key of the entire Bible: Believe; having faith. Our faith in God supersedes everything else, so I can navigate life because of this faith. I can have peace about anything and everything because of this faith. In verse 14 is the what those by faith are seeking: a country of their own. This is a country that is beyond the constraints of this present life. Again, we have faith in this life and the life to come. And then in verse 15 and 16 it is mentioned that these people were not caught up in living simply in this present life, but they were more focused on the future and the heavenly home in which God has set up for them. If I know that I will live for eternity with God in heaven, then it should make living on earth easier. Yes, suffering will continue to occur, but I can walk through those times because I know God cares for me and I know he cares for me because he has provided what I need to spend eternity with him in heaven: thus I can have faith in this life because my eternal home is set in stone.
Promise: Continue to hold onto the promises of God and continue to take my needs to him, trusting that He is walking with us always.
Prayer: Thank you God for providing salvation to me and that my future is in your hands. Help me to live each day by faith. Yes, there are trying times, uncomfortable ones, and times that lack security for through it all I can trust You because you are a God that can be trusted because the future, my future home is in place and is waiting for me.
Tuesday, January 31, 2017
Monday, January 30, 2017
Luke 2:22-35 - Our Divine Vocation
Luke 2:22-35
Time: The Gospel according to Luke was probably the last Synoptic Gospel to be written, thus penned around 60 AD. The words salvation are in Luke, though not in Matthew and Mark. Luke, a gentile physician, wrote more than any other NT writer, writing primarily of redemptive history.
What the Lord is Saying: There is a continuous theme in the Old Testament that is carried forward in the New Testament because it is a theme that occurs in the lives of Jews and Jewish Christians. That theme is cleanliness versus being unclean. Many of the sacrifices that were set up in Leviticus were for the purpose of someone becoming clean again. The most common source of uncleanness was the stain of sin in a person's life. But there are other things as well. One of those things is a woman giving birth. After the birth, they were considered unclean for 7 days and then would have to stay home 33 days more, and then for having a girl these periods were doubled. And then they were to present in the temple an offering of purification: a burnt offering of a lamb a year old, and a young pigeon or turtle-dove as a sin offering. But if someone is poor then the lamb can be replaced with a young pigion or turtle-dove. This is what Mary brought for Jesus (v. 24).
And then there was Simeon, who we know nothing about, but that he was waiting for the Messiah, and the Holy Spirit came upon him, perhaps for a moment, rather than continually; but he was clearly a holy man. At some point in Simeon's life he had been told by the Spirit that he would not die before first seeing the Lord's Christ. It would make sense then that Simeon was very old.
Mary and Joseph bring the baby Jesus into the temple to carry out the custom of the Law in making and Simeon takes the baby in his arms to thank or praise God (v. 28).Simeon here recognizes that in this infant something special. God had told him through His spirit to wait for this baby, and this is indeed a special moment in the temple where Simeon, an older and wiser man sees that he can now depart from this world because he has seen the salvation of God's people, namely Jesus. Jesus is a light to the Gentiles and a glory to Israel. Thus, Jesus covers all people.
Joseph and Mary hear this, amazed once again. If anything this is also for their benefit, what Simeon has voiced, for them to hear that this baby is indeed different. There have already been so many signs of Him being different but these words from Simeon are the clearest.
Simeon speaks to Mary and Joseph with a prayer or a command and blesses them. They are blessed to have the honor of being related to this child and were entrusted to bring Him up. Jesus will be a savior of death to some (unbelievers) and a savior of life to still others (believers). But these words had to be hard to hear by Mary and Joseph that this baby would be rejected by many, would receive lashings and be opposed, but all of this is ordered by Providence as Jesus will reveal the actions of men. Jesus' suffering would hurt Jesus but also hurt Mary. But his suffering is necessary, as is our suffering.
Here we have the prophecy of Jesus and his life, by a man, Simeon that is really not mentioned anywhere else in Scripture and Luke records him. Jesus is set apart. He is indeed unique.
Promise: Suffering is a necessary part of life. The reality is suffering hurts and it is hard, but we remember it is necessary.
Prayer: Lord, I have seen that suffering is real. It does indeed hurt for it to occur in our lives. We have suffered for pain that our children experience or hurt that comes upon us from their actions. It is tough to be a parent, to experience all of the sacrifice and the things that we do to help make our kids great and then along the way, we hurt for them. It is a joy but it is also a difficult part of life. God, I thank you for what you do in our lives and for bringing us along in life the way that you have. Keep our eyes focused on You. Thank you for the prophecy of Jesus and that he is salvation for all people. We need You and we need You every hour.
22 And when the days for their purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”), 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what was said in the Law of the Lord, “A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”
25 And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to carry out for Him the custom of the Law, 28 then he took Him into his arms, and blessed God, and said,
29 “Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace,
According to Your word;
30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation,
31 Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
32 A Light of revelation to the Gentiles,
And the glory of Your people Israel.”
According to Your word;
30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation,
31 Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
32 A Light of revelation to the Gentiles,
And the glory of Your people Israel.”
33 And His father and mother were amazed at the things which were being said about Him. 34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed— 35 and a sword will pierce even your own soul—to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”
Message: Our divine vocationTime: The Gospel according to Luke was probably the last Synoptic Gospel to be written, thus penned around 60 AD. The words salvation are in Luke, though not in Matthew and Mark. Luke, a gentile physician, wrote more than any other NT writer, writing primarily of redemptive history.
What the Lord is Saying: There is a continuous theme in the Old Testament that is carried forward in the New Testament because it is a theme that occurs in the lives of Jews and Jewish Christians. That theme is cleanliness versus being unclean. Many of the sacrifices that were set up in Leviticus were for the purpose of someone becoming clean again. The most common source of uncleanness was the stain of sin in a person's life. But there are other things as well. One of those things is a woman giving birth. After the birth, they were considered unclean for 7 days and then would have to stay home 33 days more, and then for having a girl these periods were doubled. And then they were to present in the temple an offering of purification: a burnt offering of a lamb a year old, and a young pigeon or turtle-dove as a sin offering. But if someone is poor then the lamb can be replaced with a young pigion or turtle-dove. This is what Mary brought for Jesus (v. 24).
And then there was Simeon, who we know nothing about, but that he was waiting for the Messiah, and the Holy Spirit came upon him, perhaps for a moment, rather than continually; but he was clearly a holy man. At some point in Simeon's life he had been told by the Spirit that he would not die before first seeing the Lord's Christ. It would make sense then that Simeon was very old.
Mary and Joseph bring the baby Jesus into the temple to carry out the custom of the Law in making and Simeon takes the baby in his arms to thank or praise God (v. 28).Simeon here recognizes that in this infant something special. God had told him through His spirit to wait for this baby, and this is indeed a special moment in the temple where Simeon, an older and wiser man sees that he can now depart from this world because he has seen the salvation of God's people, namely Jesus. Jesus is a light to the Gentiles and a glory to Israel. Thus, Jesus covers all people.
Joseph and Mary hear this, amazed once again. If anything this is also for their benefit, what Simeon has voiced, for them to hear that this baby is indeed different. There have already been so many signs of Him being different but these words from Simeon are the clearest.
Simeon speaks to Mary and Joseph with a prayer or a command and blesses them. They are blessed to have the honor of being related to this child and were entrusted to bring Him up. Jesus will be a savior of death to some (unbelievers) and a savior of life to still others (believers). But these words had to be hard to hear by Mary and Joseph that this baby would be rejected by many, would receive lashings and be opposed, but all of this is ordered by Providence as Jesus will reveal the actions of men. Jesus' suffering would hurt Jesus but also hurt Mary. But his suffering is necessary, as is our suffering.
Here we have the prophecy of Jesus and his life, by a man, Simeon that is really not mentioned anywhere else in Scripture and Luke records him. Jesus is set apart. He is indeed unique.
Promise: Suffering is a necessary part of life. The reality is suffering hurts and it is hard, but we remember it is necessary.
Prayer: Lord, I have seen that suffering is real. It does indeed hurt for it to occur in our lives. We have suffered for pain that our children experience or hurt that comes upon us from their actions. It is tough to be a parent, to experience all of the sacrifice and the things that we do to help make our kids great and then along the way, we hurt for them. It is a joy but it is also a difficult part of life. God, I thank you for what you do in our lives and for bringing us along in life the way that you have. Keep our eyes focused on You. Thank you for the prophecy of Jesus and that he is salvation for all people. We need You and we need You every hour.
Friday, January 27, 2017
Genesis 50:15-21 - Sovereign over Suffering
Genesis 50:15-21
When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph bears a grudge against us and pays us back in full for all the wrong which we did to him!” So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, “Your father charged before he died, saying, ‘Thus you shall say to Joseph, “Please forgive, I beg you, the transgression of your brothers and their sin, for they did you wrong.”’ And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” And Joseph wept when they spoke to him. Then his brothers also came and fell down before him and said, “Behold, we are your servants.” But Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in God’s place? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive. So therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” So he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.
Message: Sovereign over Suffering
Time: Genesis is the first book and Moses is credited as authoring. The book spans 2400 years of time. It was originally written in Hebrew.
What the Lord is Saying: In this passage, it seems that Joseph's brothers now have fear, after the death of their father, that Joseph will want to pay them back (for the evil they had done to Joseph) for wrong which they did to him. But Joseph, forgives. The evil that came his way, yes it appeared evil from their standpoint, but God meant it for good. This is a simple lesson, but a profound one to realize in life. We need to trust God. We need to look to closely at the events of life and comment on them. This is hard as we have become a society of commentaries, often assuming the worst, attacking tradition, or deciding in advance that we know the outcomes. How we need to continue to wait for the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth so that we see life from His perspective.
God sees the beginning from the end. He knows the outcomes. As the title of this message states, which comes from the Tabletak devotional magazine: Sovereign Over Suffering -- it reminds me that God is sovereign over all, and this includes suffering. Through suffering we must continually trust God through the process and not so quickly beg for an immediate escape. God is doing something and it is not necessarily our job to analyze and deconstruct what is it we think God is doing in that suffering moment, but rather I am to trust Him for the outcome.
Promise: Make it a mission and goal to know the character of our Creator better so that I can better trust in His goodness and grace in the midst of all my suffering.
Prayer: O Lord, help me to trust you for outcomes. Help me to do my best and as a boss of mine said, "focus on the presentation" but don't get caught up in the outcome. Lord, you are in charge and I need to let you be in charge of my life and not feel like I must intervene at times and take control. I was reminded yesterday in a reading from Greg Koukl that even in possible arguments that arise with unbelievers or even those antagonistic towards God and Christianity, my perspective should always remain in the Gospel and preaching it and then offer an apologetic response. Help me to reside there Lord. How shortsighted I am Lord. Forgive me for not trusting You. I want to turn and believe in what you are doing.
When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph bears a grudge against us and pays us back in full for all the wrong which we did to him!” So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, “Your father charged before he died, saying, ‘Thus you shall say to Joseph, “Please forgive, I beg you, the transgression of your brothers and their sin, for they did you wrong.”’ And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” And Joseph wept when they spoke to him. Then his brothers also came and fell down before him and said, “Behold, we are your servants.” But Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in God’s place? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive. So therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” So he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.
Message: Sovereign over Suffering
Time: Genesis is the first book and Moses is credited as authoring. The book spans 2400 years of time. It was originally written in Hebrew.
What the Lord is Saying: In this passage, it seems that Joseph's brothers now have fear, after the death of their father, that Joseph will want to pay them back (for the evil they had done to Joseph) for wrong which they did to him. But Joseph, forgives. The evil that came his way, yes it appeared evil from their standpoint, but God meant it for good. This is a simple lesson, but a profound one to realize in life. We need to trust God. We need to look to closely at the events of life and comment on them. This is hard as we have become a society of commentaries, often assuming the worst, attacking tradition, or deciding in advance that we know the outcomes. How we need to continue to wait for the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth so that we see life from His perspective.
God sees the beginning from the end. He knows the outcomes. As the title of this message states, which comes from the Tabletak devotional magazine: Sovereign Over Suffering -- it reminds me that God is sovereign over all, and this includes suffering. Through suffering we must continually trust God through the process and not so quickly beg for an immediate escape. God is doing something and it is not necessarily our job to analyze and deconstruct what is it we think God is doing in that suffering moment, but rather I am to trust Him for the outcome.
Promise: Make it a mission and goal to know the character of our Creator better so that I can better trust in His goodness and grace in the midst of all my suffering.
Prayer: O Lord, help me to trust you for outcomes. Help me to do my best and as a boss of mine said, "focus on the presentation" but don't get caught up in the outcome. Lord, you are in charge and I need to let you be in charge of my life and not feel like I must intervene at times and take control. I was reminded yesterday in a reading from Greg Koukl that even in possible arguments that arise with unbelievers or even those antagonistic towards God and Christianity, my perspective should always remain in the Gospel and preaching it and then offer an apologetic response. Help me to reside there Lord. How shortsighted I am Lord. Forgive me for not trusting You. I want to turn and believe in what you are doing.
Tuesday, January 24, 2017
Jesus Calling: January 23
It's all right to be human. When your mind wanders while you are praying, don't be surprised or upset. Simply return your attention to Me. Share a secret smile with Me, knowing that I understand. Rejoice in My Love for you, which has no limits or conditions. Whisper My Name in loving contentment, assured that I will never leave you or forsake you. Intersperse these peaceful interludes abundantly throughout your day. This practice will enable you to attain a quiet and gentle spirit, which is pleasing to Me.Deuteronomy 31:6
As you live in close contact with Me, the Light of My Presence filters through you to bless others. Your weakness and woundedness are the openings through which the Light of the knowledge of My Glory shines forth. My strength and power show themselves most effective in your weakness.
English Standard Version
6 Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”
1 Peter 3:4
English Standard Version
4 but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious.
2 Corinthians 4:6-7
English Standard Version
6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.
2 Corinthians 12:9
Amplified Version
9 but He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough—always available—regardless of the situation]; for [My] power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness.” Therefore, I will all the more gladly boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ [may completely enfold me and] may dwell in me.
My Prayer
Lord, help me to realize that often getting distracted when I pray is okay and normal and the important thing is to keep going and just get back on track. Thank you that you are always focused on me. That you look at me without any distractions. This is hard for me to fathom that you know me like that and you know all people, throughout eternity in the same way. This reminds me Lord how you are infinite while I am finite. I have limits. You do not.
I can rest in You. You can work through me, no matter what. You don't need in me, a fully functioning vessel that is healthy and has no deformities. You can work through any vessel and you do. You are the potter, we are the clay and it is your glory that reminds us that you work through all different types of vehicle. Thank you for that beautiful picture. Thank you for showing me that and help me to praise You continually.
I can be strong and courageous. Not because of my own ability, but because the Lord goes with me and he will not leave me nor forsake me. The beauty of me is that you are in me. The light can shine through any vessel. You are there, no matter the situation. It is in my weakness that your power shows forth the most. So keep me humble. Keep me aligned with you. Help me to not be trained like this world is trained thinking that survival of the fittest is the ideal and the success and money and health are what brings rest and peace. Peace is only found in You.
Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author.
Also, bookmark https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html to have an easy link to the entire year of these entries.
Monday, January 23, 2017
Ecclesiastes 11:1-2 - Total Commitment and Generosity
Ecclesiastes 11:1-2
1 Cast your bread on the surface of the waters, for you will find it after many days. 2 Divide your portion to seven, or even to eight, for you do not know what misfortune may occur on the earth.
Message: Total Commitment and Generosity
Time: Solomon's authorship is not stated. Solomon's reign as king of Israel lasted from around 970 B.C. to around 930 B.C. The Book of Ecclesiastes was likely written towards the end of his reign, approximately 935 B.C.
What the Lord is Saying: From Tabletalk -- cast [our] bread upon the waters for you will find it after many days (11:1). This image comes from seafaring commerce, where ships are sent out to sell goods and receive a return. In the ancient world, it could take a long time to gain a profit from overseas trade because travel was slow and laborious. But the merchant had to take the risk and send all his goods to other ports if he was to survive. He had to go “all in,” as it were, on his venture; otherwise, he would not benefit. Essentially, the Preacher here exhorts us to commit ourselves totally to the enterprise of serving God. Life is short, and there is no time for procrastination. We must serve the Lord fully today if we are going to serve Him. There may be no tomorrow for us, as death comes quickly to all.
Promise: God will have all of us or He will have none of us. There is no such thing as halfhearted commitment to the Lord.
Prayer: Lord, keep me focused on each day, so that I am living each day to the best of my ability, attending to those in need. Lord, I am too focused on my immediate needs and the immediate needs of my family and giving to others is not
1 Cast your bread on the surface of the waters, for you will find it after many days. 2 Divide your portion to seven, or even to eight, for you do not know what misfortune may occur on the earth.
Message: Total Commitment and Generosity
Time: Solomon's authorship is not stated. Solomon's reign as king of Israel lasted from around 970 B.C. to around 930 B.C. The Book of Ecclesiastes was likely written towards the end of his reign, approximately 935 B.C.
What the Lord is Saying: From Tabletalk -- cast [our] bread upon the waters for you will find it after many days (11:1). This image comes from seafaring commerce, where ships are sent out to sell goods and receive a return. In the ancient world, it could take a long time to gain a profit from overseas trade because travel was slow and laborious. But the merchant had to take the risk and send all his goods to other ports if he was to survive. He had to go “all in,” as it were, on his venture; otherwise, he would not benefit. Essentially, the Preacher here exhorts us to commit ourselves totally to the enterprise of serving God. Life is short, and there is no time for procrastination. We must serve the Lord fully today if we are going to serve Him. There may be no tomorrow for us, as death comes quickly to all.
Divide your portion to seven, or even to eight, for you do not know what misfortune may occur on the earth -- this speaks forth the idea that we are to give our all. Verse 2 is a continuation of verse 1. We are to give portions of our bread to any number of those who need. I notice I'm more about taking and having than giving. At times, I am more focused on getting the most I can. The number of seven denotes this present life whereby eight refers to the afterlife. There are temporal needs (seven) that we must focus on as well as making the most of what is eternal needs (eight) to people. For we do not know what tomorrow will bring.
In conclusion, life is short. This is clear. I should give each day my best and realize that tomorrow is not guaranteed. When I see folks in need, just give.
Promise: God will have all of us or He will have none of us. There is no such thing as halfhearted commitment to the Lord.
Prayer: Lord, keep me focused on each day, so that I am living each day to the best of my ability, attending to those in need. Lord, I am too focused on my immediate needs and the immediate needs of my family and giving to others is not
Saturday, January 21, 2017
Psalm 88 - When Darkness is our Companion
Psalm 88
Message: When Darkness is our Companion
Time: The psalms were written by many different people across a period of a thousand years in Israel's history. They are thought to have been compiled and put together in their present form by some unknown editor shortly after the captivity ended about 537 B.C.
What the Lord is Saying: The Psalms I am studying seem to often be a cry for help. So much of the Christian life is surrounded with messages of how great life is with God and how greater it can be. But it seems the reality is that life is difficult. But, I think it is difficult for those that are truly following the Lord. Our American economy and way of life seems rather to focus on ensuring that life is not difficult, not a challenge, safe, free from sickness, disease, and problems. And when those events occur in our life, we have a tendency to then make it out that God somehow doesn't care for us as much as we thought he did, when life ws simply and easy. So much of our existence is focused on successful living. We have bought into the notion that those with money simply have an easier time with life.
Thus, as I look at this Psalm the words that are being prayed are:
Wow, this is someone who loves God and continues to call on His name, yet he feels alone, and in darkness and abandoned and stricken with wrath, afflicted, suffering and feeling destroyed.
And there is no rescue in this Psalm. There is no good news that prevails in the end. There is no one riding in on a horse to save the day. This Psalm is all lament.
Perseverance is a process and it is a process of moving through pain and tough times. This is a Psalm of perseverance. The writer is calling on the Lord. The writer is praying. He has not abandoned his faith, but continues to speak to His God.
Promise: From Tabletalk - "Even if all we can confess is our spiritual sorrow, it is worth bringing to the Lord in prayer."
Prayer: Lord, thank you for being there at all times. Help me to remember that I can call on you in my darkest moments. Help me to always be honest with you. Forgive me for always thinking that I must connect the dots. The reality is that live is just hard sometimes but my response is to continue to call upon your name, even if it is to voice my feelings of being abandoned by You.
1 O Lord, the God of my salvation, I have cried out by day and in the night before You.
2 Let my prayer come before You; incline Your ear to my cry!
3 For my soul has had enough troubles, and my life has drawn near to Sheol.
4 I am reckoned among those who go down to the pit; I have become like a man without strength,
5 Forsaken among the dead, like the slain who lie in the grave,
Whom You remember no more, and they are cut off from Your hand.
6 You have put me in the lowest pit, in dark places, in the depths.
7 Your wrath has rested upon me, and You have afflicted me with all Your waves. Selah.
8 You have removed my acquaintances far from me; You have made me an object of loathing to them;
I am shut up and cannot go out.
9 My eye has wasted away because of affliction; I have called upon You every day, O Lord;
I have spread out my hands to You.
2 Let my prayer come before You; incline Your ear to my cry!
3 For my soul has had enough troubles, and my life has drawn near to Sheol.
4 I am reckoned among those who go down to the pit; I have become like a man without strength,
5 Forsaken among the dead, like the slain who lie in the grave,
Whom You remember no more, and they are cut off from Your hand.
6 You have put me in the lowest pit, in dark places, in the depths.
7 Your wrath has rested upon me, and You have afflicted me with all Your waves. Selah.
8 You have removed my acquaintances far from me; You have made me an object of loathing to them;
I am shut up and cannot go out.
9 My eye has wasted away because of affliction; I have called upon You every day, O Lord;
I have spread out my hands to You.
10 Will You perform wonders for the dead? Will the departed spirits rise and praise You? Selah.
11 Will Your lovingkindness be declared in the grave, Your faithfulness in Abaddon?
12 Will Your wonders be made known in the darkness? And Your righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?
11 Will Your lovingkindness be declared in the grave, Your faithfulness in Abaddon?
12 Will Your wonders be made known in the darkness? And Your righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?
13 But I, O Lord, have cried out to You for help, And in the morning my prayer comes before You.
14 O Lord, why do You reject my soul? Why do You hide Your face from me?
15 I was afflicted and about to die from my youth on; I suffer Your terrors; I am overcome.
16 Your burning anger has passed over me; Your terrors have destroyed me.
17 They have surrounded me like water all day long; They have encompassed me altogether.
18 You have removed lover and friend far from me; My acquaintances are in darkness.
14 O Lord, why do You reject my soul? Why do You hide Your face from me?
15 I was afflicted and about to die from my youth on; I suffer Your terrors; I am overcome.
16 Your burning anger has passed over me; Your terrors have destroyed me.
17 They have surrounded me like water all day long; They have encompassed me altogether.
18 You have removed lover and friend far from me; My acquaintances are in darkness.
Time: The psalms were written by many different people across a period of a thousand years in Israel's history. They are thought to have been compiled and put together in their present form by some unknown editor shortly after the captivity ended about 537 B.C.
What the Lord is Saying: The Psalms I am studying seem to often be a cry for help. So much of the Christian life is surrounded with messages of how great life is with God and how greater it can be. But it seems the reality is that life is difficult. But, I think it is difficult for those that are truly following the Lord. Our American economy and way of life seems rather to focus on ensuring that life is not difficult, not a challenge, safe, free from sickness, disease, and problems. And when those events occur in our life, we have a tendency to then make it out that God somehow doesn't care for us as much as we thought he did, when life ws simply and easy. So much of our existence is focused on successful living. We have bought into the notion that those with money simply have an easier time with life.
Thus, as I look at this Psalm the words that are being prayed are:
- I have cried out by day and in the night before You.
- incline Your ear to my cry!
- my soul has had enough troubles
- my life has drawn near to Sheol
- like a man without strength,
- Forsaken among the dead
- like the slain
- You have put me in the lowest pit
- Your wrath has rested upon me
- You have afflicted me with all Your waves
- You have removed my acquaintances far from me
- I was afflicted
- I suffer Your terrors
- I am overcome.
- Your burning anger has passed over me
- Your terrors have destroyed me.
- You have removed lover and friend far from me
Wow, this is someone who loves God and continues to call on His name, yet he feels alone, and in darkness and abandoned and stricken with wrath, afflicted, suffering and feeling destroyed.
And there is no rescue in this Psalm. There is no good news that prevails in the end. There is no one riding in on a horse to save the day. This Psalm is all lament.
Perseverance is a process and it is a process of moving through pain and tough times. This is a Psalm of perseverance. The writer is calling on the Lord. The writer is praying. He has not abandoned his faith, but continues to speak to His God.
Promise: From Tabletalk - "Even if all we can confess is our spiritual sorrow, it is worth bringing to the Lord in prayer."
Prayer: Lord, thank you for being there at all times. Help me to remember that I can call on you in my darkest moments. Help me to always be honest with you. Forgive me for always thinking that I must connect the dots. The reality is that live is just hard sometimes but my response is to continue to call upon your name, even if it is to voice my feelings of being abandoned by You.
Thursday, January 19, 2017
Psalm 101 - Godly Resolve
Psalm 101
1 I will sing of lovingkindness and justice,
To You, O Lord, I will sing praises.
2 I will give heed to the blameless way.
When will You come to me?
I will walk within my house in the integrity of my heart.
3 I will set no worthless thing before my eyes;
I hate the work of those who fall away;
It shall not fasten its grip on me.
4 A perverse heart shall depart from me;
I will know no evil.
5 Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, him I will destroy;
No one who has a haughty look and an arrogant heart will I endure.
Message: Godly Resolve
Time: The psalms were written by many different people across a period of a thousand years in Israel's history. They are thought to have been compiled and put together in their present form by some unknown editor shortly after the captivity ended about 537 B.C.
What the Lord is Saying: From Joseph Benson -
I will praise thee, O Lord, as for all thy other excellences, so particularly for those two royal perfections of mercy or lovingkindness and justice, or judgment, which thou hast so eminently discovered in the government of the world, and of thy people Israel; and I will make it my care to imitate thee, as in other things, so especially in these virtues, which are so necessary for the discharge of my trust, and the good government of thy and my people.
I will give heed to the blameless way — I will manage my affairs with wisdom and integrity; which are the two chief qualifications requisite for all men, and peculiarly necessary in princes, whose example is wont to have great influence on the morals of their people, and who can with no dignity nor consistency punish the crimes of others, if they be guilty of the same crimes themselves. When will you come to Me? — And be with me to assist me to execute this my purpose. I will walk within my house — I will conduct myself in my family and court, as well as in my public administration of the affairs of my kingdom, with the integrity of my heart — Sincerely intending and desiring to please and glorify God, and to set before the members of my family, and all my subjects, an example worthy of their imitation.
I will set no worthless thing before mine eyes — If any ungodly or unjust thing be suggested to me, whatsoever specious pretenses it may be covered with, as some reason of state or worldly advantage, I will cast it out of my mind and thoughts with abhorrence, so far will I be from putting it in execution. I hate the work of those that fall away — From God, and from his laws. It shall not fasten its grip on me — I will neither imitate nor endure such works nor such workers.
A perverse heart — or a man of a corrupt mind and wicked life; shall depart from me — Shall be turned out of my court, lest he should infect the rest of my family, or be injurious, or an occasion of offence to my people. I will not know no evil — I will not own nor countenance such a one, but will keep all such at a distance.
Whoever secretly slanders his brother — Such as by secret and false information's, and accusations of others, seek to gain my favor, and to advance themselves by the ruin of others; him will I destroy — From my family and court. No one has a haughty look and an arrogant look — Those who think highly of themselves, and look down with contempt upon others, or treat them with insolence; or, whose insatiable covetousness and ambition make them study their own advancement more than the public good; will I endure — In my house nor among my servants.
My eyes shall be upon the faithful — I will endeavor to find out, and will favor and encourage, men of truth, justice, and integrity, men of religion and virtue, who will be faithful, first to God, and then to me and to my people; that they may dwell with me — or converse with me, in my house, and counsels, and public administrations. These he would use as his familiars and friends, employ them in the domestic services of his palace, and advance them to public offices and stations in his kingdom. He who walks in a blameless way — In the way of God’s precepts, which are pure and perfect; is the one who will minister to me — In domestic and public employments.
He who practices deceit — That uses any frauds or subtle artifice to deceive, abuse, or wrong any of my people; shall not dwell within my house — Though he may insinuate himself into my family, yet, as soon as he is discovered, he shall be turned out of it. He who speaks falsehood — Either to defend and excuse the guilty, or to betray the innocent; shall not maintain his position before me — I will certainly and immediately banish him from my presence.
Every morning I will early destroy all the wicked of the land— That is, all that are discovered and convicted; the law shall have its course against them; and incorrigible offenders shall suffer as it directs. So as to cut off from the city of the Lord all those who do iniquity — “I will use my utmost diligence to reform the whole nation; but especially the place of my peculiar residence, which ought to be an example to the rest of my kingdom: taking care that all offenders be severely punished in the courts of justice; and, if there be no other remedy, cutting off those evil members, who have got an incurable habit of acting wickedly.”
Promise: Remember what Christ has done and be empowered by thankfulness to stand firm against sin.
1 I will sing of lovingkindness and justice,
To You, O Lord, I will sing praises.
2 I will give heed to the blameless way.
When will You come to me?
I will walk within my house in the integrity of my heart.
3 I will set no worthless thing before my eyes;
I hate the work of those who fall away;
It shall not fasten its grip on me.
4 A perverse heart shall depart from me;
I will know no evil.
5 Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, him I will destroy;
No one who has a haughty look and an arrogant heart will I endure.
6 My eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me;
He who walks in a blameless way is the one who will minister to me.
7 He who practices deceit shall not dwell within my house;
He who speaks falsehood shall not maintain his position before me.
8 Every morning I will destroy all the wicked of the land,
So as to cut off from the city of the Lord all those who do iniquity.
He who walks in a blameless way is the one who will minister to me.
7 He who practices deceit shall not dwell within my house;
He who speaks falsehood shall not maintain his position before me.
8 Every morning I will destroy all the wicked of the land,
So as to cut off from the city of the Lord all those who do iniquity.
Message: Godly Resolve
Time: The psalms were written by many different people across a period of a thousand years in Israel's history. They are thought to have been compiled and put together in their present form by some unknown editor shortly after the captivity ended about 537 B.C.
What the Lord is Saying: From Joseph Benson -
I will praise thee, O Lord, as for all thy other excellences, so particularly for those two royal perfections of mercy or lovingkindness and justice, or judgment, which thou hast so eminently discovered in the government of the world, and of thy people Israel; and I will make it my care to imitate thee, as in other things, so especially in these virtues, which are so necessary for the discharge of my trust, and the good government of thy and my people.
I will give heed to the blameless way — I will manage my affairs with wisdom and integrity; which are the two chief qualifications requisite for all men, and peculiarly necessary in princes, whose example is wont to have great influence on the morals of their people, and who can with no dignity nor consistency punish the crimes of others, if they be guilty of the same crimes themselves. When will you come to Me? — And be with me to assist me to execute this my purpose. I will walk within my house — I will conduct myself in my family and court, as well as in my public administration of the affairs of my kingdom, with the integrity of my heart — Sincerely intending and desiring to please and glorify God, and to set before the members of my family, and all my subjects, an example worthy of their imitation.
I will set no worthless thing before mine eyes — If any ungodly or unjust thing be suggested to me, whatsoever specious pretenses it may be covered with, as some reason of state or worldly advantage, I will cast it out of my mind and thoughts with abhorrence, so far will I be from putting it in execution. I hate the work of those that fall away — From God, and from his laws. It shall not fasten its grip on me — I will neither imitate nor endure such works nor such workers.
A perverse heart — or a man of a corrupt mind and wicked life; shall depart from me — Shall be turned out of my court, lest he should infect the rest of my family, or be injurious, or an occasion of offence to my people. I will not know no evil — I will not own nor countenance such a one, but will keep all such at a distance.
Whoever secretly slanders his brother — Such as by secret and false information's, and accusations of others, seek to gain my favor, and to advance themselves by the ruin of others; him will I destroy — From my family and court. No one has a haughty look and an arrogant look — Those who think highly of themselves, and look down with contempt upon others, or treat them with insolence; or, whose insatiable covetousness and ambition make them study their own advancement more than the public good; will I endure — In my house nor among my servants.
My eyes shall be upon the faithful — I will endeavor to find out, and will favor and encourage, men of truth, justice, and integrity, men of religion and virtue, who will be faithful, first to God, and then to me and to my people; that they may dwell with me — or converse with me, in my house, and counsels, and public administrations. These he would use as his familiars and friends, employ them in the domestic services of his palace, and advance them to public offices and stations in his kingdom. He who walks in a blameless way — In the way of God’s precepts, which are pure and perfect; is the one who will minister to me — In domestic and public employments.
He who practices deceit — That uses any frauds or subtle artifice to deceive, abuse, or wrong any of my people; shall not dwell within my house — Though he may insinuate himself into my family, yet, as soon as he is discovered, he shall be turned out of it. He who speaks falsehood — Either to defend and excuse the guilty, or to betray the innocent; shall not maintain his position before me — I will certainly and immediately banish him from my presence.
Every morning I will early destroy all the wicked of the land— That is, all that are discovered and convicted; the law shall have its course against them; and incorrigible offenders shall suffer as it directs. So as to cut off from the city of the Lord all those who do iniquity — “I will use my utmost diligence to reform the whole nation; but especially the place of my peculiar residence, which ought to be an example to the rest of my kingdom: taking care that all offenders be severely punished in the courts of justice; and, if there be no other remedy, cutting off those evil members, who have got an incurable habit of acting wickedly.”
Promise: Remember what Christ has done and be empowered by thankfulness to stand firm against sin.
Wednesday, January 18, 2017
Ecclesiastes 9:17-18 - Short-term Setbacks, Long-term Gain
Ecclesiastes 9:17-18
17 The words of the wise heard in quietness are better than the shouting of a ruler among fools. 18 Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.
Message: Short-term Setbacks, Long-term Gain
Time: Solomon's authorship is not stated. Solomon's reign as king of Israel lasted from around 970 B.C. to around 930 B.C. The Book of Ecclesiastes was likely written towards the end of his reign, approximately 935 B.C
What the Lord is Saying: This is sort of a tough set of verses, because while the verse mentions words of the wise and the great benefit of those spoken words, in our society right now it seems that wisdom doesn't always win out. More and more I notice the media centered society in which we live in. Too much is put on the importance of all types of media, what the news says and then social media. It is more woven into our framework than ever before and we are being redefined, not by the principles of Truth but by the message of the world. It concerns me, not only for the world, but also for my family.
This pattern seems to mention that the shouting of a ruler among fools is louder that the words of the wise heard in quietness and yet the latter is better, as we know. We need to garner high esteem for wisdom. Divine wisdom is better (stronger) than weapons of war, but one sinner may inflict much harm on God's people with these weapons (v. 18). Overall, it is a subtle thing that seems to be occurring in life, but over time it is shaping society.
Promise: The words of the wise mean more in this life.
Prayer: Lord help me to always remember that your truths outshine and mean more than societies, even as they are voiced louder at times than wise words. Help me to stand on your promises and not lose sight of them. I can trust you and my relationship with You is what matters most. Change hearts and train me and my family to be tuned into you and your ways. Make us people of meaning.
17 The words of the wise heard in quietness are better than the shouting of a ruler among fools. 18 Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.
Message: Short-term Setbacks, Long-term Gain
Time: Solomon's authorship is not stated. Solomon's reign as king of Israel lasted from around 970 B.C. to around 930 B.C. The Book of Ecclesiastes was likely written towards the end of his reign, approximately 935 B.C
What the Lord is Saying: This is sort of a tough set of verses, because while the verse mentions words of the wise and the great benefit of those spoken words, in our society right now it seems that wisdom doesn't always win out. More and more I notice the media centered society in which we live in. Too much is put on the importance of all types of media, what the news says and then social media. It is more woven into our framework than ever before and we are being redefined, not by the principles of Truth but by the message of the world. It concerns me, not only for the world, but also for my family.
This pattern seems to mention that the shouting of a ruler among fools is louder that the words of the wise heard in quietness and yet the latter is better, as we know. We need to garner high esteem for wisdom. Divine wisdom is better (stronger) than weapons of war, but one sinner may inflict much harm on God's people with these weapons (v. 18). Overall, it is a subtle thing that seems to be occurring in life, but over time it is shaping society.
Promise: The words of the wise mean more in this life.
Prayer: Lord help me to always remember that your truths outshine and mean more than societies, even as they are voiced louder at times than wise words. Help me to stand on your promises and not lose sight of them. I can trust you and my relationship with You is what matters most. Change hearts and train me and my family to be tuned into you and your ways. Make us people of meaning.
Monday, January 16, 2017
Proverbs 26:11-12 - Fools and Their Folly
Proverbs 26:11-12
Message: Fools and Their Folly
Time: It seems that Proverbs was written and then compiled sometime between the tenth and sixth centuries B.C. Proverbs was probably written during the reign of Solomon, 971-931 B.C.
What the Lord is Saying: The imagery that is used in verse 11 is compelling especially considering the time when it was written. Dogs were considered an unclean animal at the time, not the cute companion animals they are today. When one is sick, they vomit and no one wants to ever return to vomiting. It is something that we have no desire to go back and do again. The fool is thus compared to one that is unclean returning to something that is unclean. The problem then with a fool is he doesn't recognize that his behavior is wrong and so he returns to it again. What's tragic is we are training a generation of fools because we are training people over and over to have no knowledge of what is right and wrong. Many therefore are returning to behavior that is foolish, but now society is going it normal behavior. But more directly this verse is focused on the person who is unwilling to receive any correction and prefers to repeat the same behavior over and over.
The fool is then, in verse 12, likened to one that is wise in his own eyes (as also mentioned in Proverbs 3:7). This is on the heels of verse 11 and the notion to stay clear of one who is unwilling to receive any correction. Thus, a person that is wise in their own eyes. This means they are unwilling to take any direction from anyone else, like God, or the advice of anyone else. Wisdom is to trust in God. Folly is to not trust in God, thus trust only in self. Jesus came to call sinners. The turning point of any person is recognizing that in themselves they are a sinner. But, most are unwilling to see their sin or to see that it is serious.
Promise: Let us pray for ourselves that we would not repeat our folly.
Prayer: Lord, I pray that I am teachable and not stubborn in what I know, especially as I get older. I'm 49 now and concerned that as I get older, I get that feeling more and more that I am right and am not as teachable, but keep molding me and shaping me as you are the potter and I am the clay. And help my family to be responsive in the same way to being taught.
11 Like a dog that returns to its vomit
Is a fool who repeats his folly.
12 Do you see a man wise in his own eyes?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.
Is a fool who repeats his folly.
12 Do you see a man wise in his own eyes?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.
Message: Fools and Their Folly
Time: It seems that Proverbs was written and then compiled sometime between the tenth and sixth centuries B.C. Proverbs was probably written during the reign of Solomon, 971-931 B.C.
What the Lord is Saying: The imagery that is used in verse 11 is compelling especially considering the time when it was written. Dogs were considered an unclean animal at the time, not the cute companion animals they are today. When one is sick, they vomit and no one wants to ever return to vomiting. It is something that we have no desire to go back and do again. The fool is thus compared to one that is unclean returning to something that is unclean. The problem then with a fool is he doesn't recognize that his behavior is wrong and so he returns to it again. What's tragic is we are training a generation of fools because we are training people over and over to have no knowledge of what is right and wrong. Many therefore are returning to behavior that is foolish, but now society is going it normal behavior. But more directly this verse is focused on the person who is unwilling to receive any correction and prefers to repeat the same behavior over and over.
The fool is then, in verse 12, likened to one that is wise in his own eyes (as also mentioned in Proverbs 3:7). This is on the heels of verse 11 and the notion to stay clear of one who is unwilling to receive any correction. Thus, a person that is wise in their own eyes. This means they are unwilling to take any direction from anyone else, like God, or the advice of anyone else. Wisdom is to trust in God. Folly is to not trust in God, thus trust only in self. Jesus came to call sinners. The turning point of any person is recognizing that in themselves they are a sinner. But, most are unwilling to see their sin or to see that it is serious.
Promise: Let us pray for ourselves that we would not repeat our folly.
Prayer: Lord, I pray that I am teachable and not stubborn in what I know, especially as I get older. I'm 49 now and concerned that as I get older, I get that feeling more and more that I am right and am not as teachable, but keep molding me and shaping me as you are the potter and I am the clay. And help my family to be responsive in the same way to being taught.
Sunday, January 15, 2017
Proverbs 6:18-19 - Four More things God Detests
Proverbs 6:18-19
Message: Four More things God Detests
Time: It seems that Proverbs was written and then compiled sometime between the tenth and sixth centuries B.C. Proverbs was probably written during the reign of Solomon, 971-931 B.C.
What the Lord is Saying:
So I continue with 4 more things that God detests.
Promise: Be careful of my speech, both inward and outward. It has an effect on many, most namely myself.
My Prayer: Lord, thank you for being the forgiver of my sin. Thank you for Jesus and the salvation I have. You have given me life and abundant life. You have rescued me. Thank you Jesus. Now, continue to correct the wrong in me and help my words to be few and certain and not lying and not hurting towards others. Thank you for this lesson.
18 A heart that devises wicked plans,
Feet that run rapidly to evil,
19 A false witness who utters lies,
And one who spreads strife among brothers.
Feet that run rapidly to evil,
19 A false witness who utters lies,
And one who spreads strife among brothers.
Message: Four More things God Detests
Time: It seems that Proverbs was written and then compiled sometime between the tenth and sixth centuries B.C. Proverbs was probably written during the reign of Solomon, 971-931 B.C.
What the Lord is Saying:
So I continue with 4 more things that God detests.
- A heart that devises wicked plans - these are sins that we commit internally. Our holiness goes beyond what people see to what they do not see. Do I spend time plotting evil or unrest in people? Do I go over and over and over, in my mind, those events? I think I often have a tendency to not only do this but also inside to think about how not wicked I am in comparison to others. In so doing, I am committing wicked acts. Granted, there are wicked thoughts in me, but when I begin to rehearse them and repeat them, there is a problem. I don't have to do the act, thinking it is enough.
- Feet that run rapidly to evil - This is almost a continuation of the thoughts I might engage in, on wicked grounds. Here this is carrying those thoughts to action. One can fall into or slide into sin, but the language here is expressing something different. It is rather a swift attitude towards running to sin. Obviously one that acts on their evil thoughts will come under a bigger scrutiny because their actions will definitely affect others.
- A false witness utters lies - The second sin was a lying tongue, so this sin is different from that one. The second sin was personal and its effect was primarily on self, even though lying effects others. But this one is more specific to our witness or my relationship with my neighbor. This is a repeat of the 8th commandment, bearing false witness. If nothing else, I can conclude that God hates lying. In some ways this is the lying chapter and the writer is reminding his reader how much we need to guard our words.
- One who spreads strife among brothers - this is the 7th sin. This is the sin that the writer states is an abomination to the Lord. First, one has a personal lying tongue, then his lies affect others, and now he spreads strife among brothers. If there is one thing I know I did as a father to my children is encourage strife. Once someone disobeyed, I often shamed them into that feeling of worthlessness. That is unfortunately a shining example of this detestable act. It is striking discord or disturbing the community we have. In the original language these words means one who scrapes with his feet, draws them backwards and forwards on the ground in order thereby to give a sign to others.
Promise: Be careful of my speech, both inward and outward. It has an effect on many, most namely myself.
My Prayer: Lord, thank you for being the forgiver of my sin. Thank you for Jesus and the salvation I have. You have given me life and abundant life. You have rescued me. Thank you Jesus. Now, continue to correct the wrong in me and help my words to be few and certain and not lying and not hurting towards others. Thank you for this lesson.
Thursday, January 12, 2017
Proverbs 6:16-17 - Three Things the Lord Hates
Proverbs 6:16-17
16 There are six things which the Lord hates,
Yes, seven which are an abomination to Him:
17 Haughty eyes, a lying tongue,
And hands that shed innocent blood,
Promise: Three Things the Lord Hates
Time: It seems that Proverbs was written and then compiled sometime between the tenth and sixth centuries B.C. Proverbs was probably written during the reign of Solomon, 971-931 B.C.
What the Lord is Saying:
This is interesting. Obviously, Solomon seems to be speaking to a group of people, reminding them of what God hates. Chapter 6 has been summarizes as parental counsel. It is interesting, it starts with son being snared by the words of your mouth. Be on guard for what your mouth can lead you to do. We need to careful with our words. And then there is a warning to the sluggard and the speaker brings up the ant. How in some ways humiliating that he looks at the smallest creature whereby a baby's footprint could smash it and yet he looks to that creature as an example for hard work. The ant keeps working, no matter the obstacles, the ant is working. The ant is either working or sleeping. Get up. Stop just sleeping. Wake up and get busy. Then, he addresses one with a perverse mouth. This person is a wicked man, a worthless person. This chapter is shaping up to be a chapter about the mouth.
Then he emphasizes 6 things the Lord hates, but it's not just six, it's seven. This isn't a new section, just a new subject. He is continuing his counsel.
And today i look at the first three:
Promise: Be careful about my thoughts, my mouth, and thinking I am in control.
My Prayer: Lord, help me to be guided by your truths. On my own, I am selfish and think I know what is best for me. Keep me centered on You, truly humble, and understanding that I am your child at all times. I can never get away from you nor do I want to. Guard me from haughty, prideful eyes, that think I know what is best. And forgive me for my lying tongue, for not trusting in the person you have made in me. And forgive us as a society for the taking of innocent lives.
16 There are six things which the Lord hates,
Yes, seven which are an abomination to Him:
17 Haughty eyes, a lying tongue,
And hands that shed innocent blood,
Promise: Three Things the Lord Hates
Time: It seems that Proverbs was written and then compiled sometime between the tenth and sixth centuries B.C. Proverbs was probably written during the reign of Solomon, 971-931 B.C.
What the Lord is Saying:
This is interesting. Obviously, Solomon seems to be speaking to a group of people, reminding them of what God hates. Chapter 6 has been summarizes as parental counsel. It is interesting, it starts with son being snared by the words of your mouth. Be on guard for what your mouth can lead you to do. We need to careful with our words. And then there is a warning to the sluggard and the speaker brings up the ant. How in some ways humiliating that he looks at the smallest creature whereby a baby's footprint could smash it and yet he looks to that creature as an example for hard work. The ant keeps working, no matter the obstacles, the ant is working. The ant is either working or sleeping. Get up. Stop just sleeping. Wake up and get busy. Then, he addresses one with a perverse mouth. This person is a wicked man, a worthless person. This chapter is shaping up to be a chapter about the mouth.
Then he emphasizes 6 things the Lord hates, but it's not just six, it's seven. This isn't a new section, just a new subject. He is continuing his counsel.
And today i look at the first three:
- Haughty eyes - This is thinking more highly of myself than I ought. At the start of the day, I must understand who I am. I am a child of God. I am a child. He is God. He is my father. I am not to think more of myself than is necessary. This doesn't have anything to do with self-esteem which is believing in myself. I have no reason to not believe in myself because God loves me and I am his child. I have confidence in who I am, for sure, but here I am simply realizing that God is always in charge. I need to be careful that I don't put to much credence on my own work, thinking that I control outcomes. I surrender to God and he is in charge. This is the opposite of the fear of God. It is being humble. I can definitely say, "I can do this" but not "I'm good." Only God is good and I can do this because God is on my side. This pride is the beginning of all other sins. The only reason I disobey God's commands is because I think I can. I want it my way. And my eyes are the giveaway. In Ephesians 4:2, Paul begins with a list of virtues and he begins with "Humility" or the opposite of pride.
- Lying tongue - The speaker now mentions the tongue. After beginning with pride, the beginning of all other sins, he mentions once again the tongue. Earlier, at the beginning of this chapter was a warning about being snared by the words of our mouth. But, lying wasn't the focus there, but rather it was more being careful about our words and those words getting ourselves in trouble. And then there was a warning about having a perverse mouth. Once again, the mouth is ugly and can degrade people, belittle them. Those were warnings about the mouth. And now, he addresses a lying tongue. Jesus is the Truth. If I speak untruth then I am in opposition to God and I show no regard for God's character. Lying harms me and it can harm other people. I admit, I have struggling with lying most of my life. I really struggled with it as a kid, all growing and through college. I can remember specific ways that I lied. I felt it necessary to just tweak the truth. I wanted people to see me a little better so I changed words. Its horrible. I didn't trust that the person God had made was really good enough to present themselves before others. The reason I am a liar is because I practice lying.
- Shedding of innocent blood - It is one thing to have pride and to think that your way is always the better way, but to then carry out the act and take away the life of another. The horrible thing I see about abortion is a person deciding which life is more important. A choice was made to have sex and now people are deciding the result needs to be removed. This verse speaks of innocent blood. It is not speaking of war, but is speaking of taking someone's life when they haven't done anything wrong. As I read the paper and hear of bombings and slayings and murders, repeatedly there are innocent lives being hurt. This 23 year old boy that went to a bible study and then opened fire on those there is someone thinking that he must decided who is worth keeping around. It's just not that far from abortion. We stare at this young man and give him the death penalty while the potential money is told, she had every right to make that choice. Are not both parties innocent?
Promise: Be careful about my thoughts, my mouth, and thinking I am in control.
My Prayer: Lord, help me to be guided by your truths. On my own, I am selfish and think I know what is best for me. Keep me centered on You, truly humble, and understanding that I am your child at all times. I can never get away from you nor do I want to. Guard me from haughty, prideful eyes, that think I know what is best. And forgive me for my lying tongue, for not trusting in the person you have made in me. And forgive us as a society for the taking of innocent lives.
Wednesday, January 11, 2017
Psalm 102:15-28 - God Unchanging
Psalm 102:15-28
15 So the nations will fear the name of the Lord and all the kings of the earth Your glory.
16 For the Lord has built up Zion; He has appeared in His glory.
17 He has regarded the prayer of the destitute and has not despised their prayer.
Message: God Unchanging
Time: The psalms were written by many different people across a period of a thousand years in Israel's history. They are thought to have been compiled and put together in their present form by some unknown editor shortly after the captivity ended about 537 B.C.
What the Lord is Saying: Yesterday I looked at this idea that is presented here where the Psalmist is asking God to intervene in his/her life. He doesn't understand what is going on his life. His enemies have reproached him all day long (v. 8). He is in distress (v. 2) and his bones are groaning (v. 5). He resembles now a lonely bird sitting on top of a housetop (v. 7). He is obviously experiencing pain. It could be an ailment, a sickness, a feeling of despair, losing a relationship, or a family member. I do not know the cause of the pain, only the pain. But even with all of that pain, there is the proclamation that God is there. You, Lord, abide forever (v. 12).
Now we shift to the nations will fear the name of the Lord to describe not only the writer praising God, but now the entire nation. And the language further shifts to shouts of praise remarking that the Lord has regarded the destitute, listening to their prayer. God is present. He hears us. The Lord will be praised over and over, not only in this generation, but for the generation to come.
He hears us. He knows the pain that we are experiencing. And he is not simply in the hearing business, but he is in the business of saving those doomed to death. That is the condition of each of us. Apart from Christ, we are all doomed to death, to the grave, never to rise again. But God saves man and man in turn may tell of the name of the Lord throughout the land in which he lives. All of us are gathered together...to serve the Lord. We praise His name, we witness His redemption, and we spread His Name, serving the Lord as we go.
He is the creator, the giver of life, the creator of this world. And even beyond what we can see it is the work of His hands. He is all we need. He endures. You are the same, and Your years will not come to an end. And then the promise of Abraham is continued as the children of Your servants will continue.
Promise: Our stability is only in God. God is our rock, strong and stable. But God cannot be changed. He is fully dependable.
Prayer:O God, thank you for remaining the same and always being there. You are the creator and the sustainer of life. All centers on you. I praise Your name for all that you do. All the events of life surrender to You. Help me always to return to You and thank you for your grace. As hard times come, keep my eyes on You, trusting in You, bearing this present life. Thank you Lord for Your love.
15 So the nations will fear the name of the Lord and all the kings of the earth Your glory.
16 For the Lord has built up Zion; He has appeared in His glory.
17 He has regarded the prayer of the destitute and has not despised their prayer.
18 This will be written for the generation to come, That a people yet to be created may praise the Lord.
19 For He looked down from His holy height; from heaven the Lord gazed upon the earth,
20 To hear the groaning of the prisoner, to set free those who were doomed to death,
21 That men may tell of the name of the Lord in Zion and His praise in Jerusalem,
22 When the peoples are gathered together, and the kingdoms, to serve the Lord.
19 For He looked down from His holy height; from heaven the Lord gazed upon the earth,
20 To hear the groaning of the prisoner, to set free those who were doomed to death,
21 That men may tell of the name of the Lord in Zion and His praise in Jerusalem,
22 When the peoples are gathered together, and the kingdoms, to serve the Lord.
23 He has weakened my strength in the way; He has shortened my days.
24 I say, “O my God, do not take me away in the midst of my days, your years are throughout all generations.
25 “Of old You founded the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands.
26 “Even they will perish, but You endure; and all of them will wear out like a garment; like clothing You will change them and they will be changed.
27 “But You are the same, and Your years will not come to an end.
28 “The children of Your servants will continue, and their descendants will be established before You.”
24 I say, “O my God, do not take me away in the midst of my days, your years are throughout all generations.
25 “Of old You founded the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands.
26 “Even they will perish, but You endure; and all of them will wear out like a garment; like clothing You will change them and they will be changed.
27 “But You are the same, and Your years will not come to an end.
28 “The children of Your servants will continue, and their descendants will be established before You.”
Message: God Unchanging
Time: The psalms were written by many different people across a period of a thousand years in Israel's history. They are thought to have been compiled and put together in their present form by some unknown editor shortly after the captivity ended about 537 B.C.
What the Lord is Saying: Yesterday I looked at this idea that is presented here where the Psalmist is asking God to intervene in his/her life. He doesn't understand what is going on his life. His enemies have reproached him all day long (v. 8). He is in distress (v. 2) and his bones are groaning (v. 5). He resembles now a lonely bird sitting on top of a housetop (v. 7). He is obviously experiencing pain. It could be an ailment, a sickness, a feeling of despair, losing a relationship, or a family member. I do not know the cause of the pain, only the pain. But even with all of that pain, there is the proclamation that God is there. You, Lord, abide forever (v. 12).
Now we shift to the nations will fear the name of the Lord to describe not only the writer praising God, but now the entire nation. And the language further shifts to shouts of praise remarking that the Lord has regarded the destitute, listening to their prayer. God is present. He hears us. The Lord will be praised over and over, not only in this generation, but for the generation to come.
He hears us. He knows the pain that we are experiencing. And he is not simply in the hearing business, but he is in the business of saving those doomed to death. That is the condition of each of us. Apart from Christ, we are all doomed to death, to the grave, never to rise again. But God saves man and man in turn may tell of the name of the Lord throughout the land in which he lives. All of us are gathered together...to serve the Lord. We praise His name, we witness His redemption, and we spread His Name, serving the Lord as we go.
He is the creator, the giver of life, the creator of this world. And even beyond what we can see it is the work of His hands. He is all we need. He endures. You are the same, and Your years will not come to an end. And then the promise of Abraham is continued as the children of Your servants will continue.
Promise: Our stability is only in God. God is our rock, strong and stable. But God cannot be changed. He is fully dependable.
Prayer:O God, thank you for remaining the same and always being there. You are the creator and the sustainer of life. All centers on you. I praise Your name for all that you do. All the events of life surrender to You. Help me always to return to You and thank you for your grace. As hard times come, keep my eyes on You, trusting in You, bearing this present life. Thank you Lord for Your love.
Tuesday, January 10, 2017
Psalm 102:1-14 - Confidence in Suffering
Psalm 102:1-14
12 But You, O Lord, abide forever, and Your name to all generations.
13 You will arise and have compassion on Zion; for it is time to be gracious to her, for the appointed time has come.
14 Surely Your servants find pleasure in her stones and feel pity for her dust.
Message: Confidence in Suffering
Time: The psalms were written by many different people across a period of a thousand years in Israel's history. They are thought to have been compiled and put together in their present form by some unknown editor shortly after the captivity ended about 537 B.C.
What the Lord is Saying: This concept of corporate solidarity (unity or agreement of feeling or action, especially among individuals with a common interest; mutual support within a group) is actually a new discovery for me, yet it does make sense now and it is making more sense all the time. In Scripture, I do see suffering among the masses for the sins of a few and blessings for the masses for the goodness of a few.
But, how does one explain people that live good lives and die young or even Christians that are following the Lord getting a brain aneurysm and dying? We are baffled why one things happens to one person, but it doesn't happen to someone else. It seems random. But, could it be that God is judging humanity in general and it comes about through the suffering of some people in the society.
Perhaps the Psalmist here is crying to God of something of the sort. This is his cry, as he states Do not hide your face from me. He is hurting as he mentions the loudness of his bones. And even through his pain, he reminds me that I can still praise God. But You, O Lord, abide forever, and Your name to all generations. That's the perspective I want and need in my life: to keep praising God no matter what.
Promise: Be confident that I will trust in My Creator even when I am walking through undeserved suffering.
My Prayer: Lord, help me to keep my trust in You throughout the circumstances of life. Help me to stay with you and remain in You no matter what occurs. My response should always be to pray for your mercy. Help me to acknowledge my sin. But forgive my generation and the apathy they have toward you. You are great and your ways are great and I can continue to lean on you, no matter what. Increase my faith and confidence in You.
1 Hear my prayer, O Lord! and let my cry for help come to You.
2 Do not hide Your face from me in the day of my distress; Incline Your ear to me;
In the day when I call answer me quickly.
3 For my days have been consumed in smoke, and my bones have been scorched like a hearth.
4 My heart has been smitten like grass and has withered away, indeed, I forget to eat my bread.
5 Because of the loudness of my groaning my bones cling to my flesh.
6 I resemble a pelican of the wilderness; I have become like an owl of the waste places.
7 I lie awake, I have become like a lonely bird on a housetop.
2 Do not hide Your face from me in the day of my distress; Incline Your ear to me;
In the day when I call answer me quickly.
3 For my days have been consumed in smoke, and my bones have been scorched like a hearth.
4 My heart has been smitten like grass and has withered away, indeed, I forget to eat my bread.
5 Because of the loudness of my groaning my bones cling to my flesh.
6 I resemble a pelican of the wilderness; I have become like an owl of the waste places.
7 I lie awake, I have become like a lonely bird on a housetop.
8 My enemies have reproached me all day long; Those who deride me have used my name as a curse.
9 For I have eaten ashes like bread and mingled my drink with weeping
10 Because of Your indignation and Your wrath, for You have lifted me up and cast me away.
11 My days are like a lengthened shadow, and I wither away like grass.
9 For I have eaten ashes like bread and mingled my drink with weeping
10 Because of Your indignation and Your wrath, for You have lifted me up and cast me away.
11 My days are like a lengthened shadow, and I wither away like grass.
13 You will arise and have compassion on Zion; for it is time to be gracious to her, for the appointed time has come.
14 Surely Your servants find pleasure in her stones and feel pity for her dust.
Message: Confidence in Suffering
Time: The psalms were written by many different people across a period of a thousand years in Israel's history. They are thought to have been compiled and put together in their present form by some unknown editor shortly after the captivity ended about 537 B.C.
What the Lord is Saying: This concept of corporate solidarity (unity or agreement of feeling or action, especially among individuals with a common interest; mutual support within a group) is actually a new discovery for me, yet it does make sense now and it is making more sense all the time. In Scripture, I do see suffering among the masses for the sins of a few and blessings for the masses for the goodness of a few.
- Hezekiah's faithfulness during Sennacherib's invasion kept the entire nation safe from Assyria even though there were certainly unfaithful Jews living in the land (Isaiah 36-37)
- When God sent the people into exile because the majority of them were impenitent in their wickedness, faithful Jews such as Jeremiah and Ezekiel were carried off along with them (2 Kings 25, Jeremiah 43:1-7, Ezekiel 1:1)
But, how does one explain people that live good lives and die young or even Christians that are following the Lord getting a brain aneurysm and dying? We are baffled why one things happens to one person, but it doesn't happen to someone else. It seems random. But, could it be that God is judging humanity in general and it comes about through the suffering of some people in the society.
Perhaps the Psalmist here is crying to God of something of the sort. This is his cry, as he states Do not hide your face from me. He is hurting as he mentions the loudness of his bones. And even through his pain, he reminds me that I can still praise God. But You, O Lord, abide forever, and Your name to all generations. That's the perspective I want and need in my life: to keep praising God no matter what.
Promise: Be confident that I will trust in My Creator even when I am walking through undeserved suffering.
My Prayer: Lord, help me to keep my trust in You throughout the circumstances of life. Help me to stay with you and remain in You no matter what occurs. My response should always be to pray for your mercy. Help me to acknowledge my sin. But forgive my generation and the apathy they have toward you. You are great and your ways are great and I can continue to lean on you, no matter what. Increase my faith and confidence in You.
Monday, January 9, 2017
Proverbs 24:12 - Our All-Seeing God
Proverbs 24:12
If you say, “See, we did not know this,”
Does He not consider it who weighs the hearts?
And does He not know it who keeps your soul?
And will He not render to man according to his work?
Message: Our All-Seeing God
Time: It seems that Proverbs was written and then compiled sometime between the tenth and sixth centuries B.C. Proverbs was probably written during the reign of Solomon, 971-931 B.C.
What the Lord is Saying: In looking at this passage of scripture and trying to understand what it is saying and my application, I back up, first. to verse 11 - Deliver those who are being taken away to death, and those who are staggering to slaughter, oh hold them back. Perhaps this passage is speaking to one that is seeing the pain of another or watching the demise of another and yet offering the excuse See, we did not know this. It is like the priest that walks on the other side of the road so as to not see the man hurting (Levite). Presented here then is one shirking his responsibility. It is true, we have so many hurting in our world, it is impossible to help them all, and so often our response is to help no one. Yet Does He not consider it who weighs the hearts? or does not God know our hearts. Yes, he sees our actions, but he can also see our hearts. The fact that someone (God) can know our motivation, thoughts, our heart, what we are thinking -- this must scare many people.
And does He not know it who keeps our soul? Does not God know us better than we know ourselves?
And will He not render to man according to his work? Work is not just outward, but also inward. God knows hearts.
Promise: God knows what we are thinking, our motivation, our reasons for doing what we do. He is in control.
My Prayer: Lord, help me to realize that you are all-seeing and understand me better than I understand myself. Remind me that each day I need a Savior. I need a redeemer for I cannot even catalog in my life all the ways that I wrong you day to day. I pray that my life would be honorable and good. Help me as a parent to lead my family well and draw them each to a closer relationship with you so that they follow you all the days of their lives.
If you say, “See, we did not know this,”
Does He not consider it who weighs the hearts?
And does He not know it who keeps your soul?
And will He not render to man according to his work?
Message: Our All-Seeing God
Time: It seems that Proverbs was written and then compiled sometime between the tenth and sixth centuries B.C. Proverbs was probably written during the reign of Solomon, 971-931 B.C.
What the Lord is Saying: In looking at this passage of scripture and trying to understand what it is saying and my application, I back up, first. to verse 11 - Deliver those who are being taken away to death, and those who are staggering to slaughter, oh hold them back. Perhaps this passage is speaking to one that is seeing the pain of another or watching the demise of another and yet offering the excuse See, we did not know this. It is like the priest that walks on the other side of the road so as to not see the man hurting (Levite). Presented here then is one shirking his responsibility. It is true, we have so many hurting in our world, it is impossible to help them all, and so often our response is to help no one. Yet Does He not consider it who weighs the hearts? or does not God know our hearts. Yes, he sees our actions, but he can also see our hearts. The fact that someone (God) can know our motivation, thoughts, our heart, what we are thinking -- this must scare many people.
And does He not know it who keeps our soul? Does not God know us better than we know ourselves?
And will He not render to man according to his work? Work is not just outward, but also inward. God knows hearts.
Promise: God knows what we are thinking, our motivation, our reasons for doing what we do. He is in control.
My Prayer: Lord, help me to realize that you are all-seeing and understand me better than I understand myself. Remind me that each day I need a Savior. I need a redeemer for I cannot even catalog in my life all the ways that I wrong you day to day. I pray that my life would be honorable and good. Help me as a parent to lead my family well and draw them each to a closer relationship with you so that they follow you all the days of their lives.
Sunday, January 8, 2017
Proverbs 9:13-18 - Meet Woman Folly
Proverbs 9:13-18
Message: Meet Woman Folly
Time: It seems that Proverbs was written and then compiled sometime between the tenth and sixth centuries B.C. Proverbs was probably written during the reign of Solomon, 971-931 B.C.
What the Lord is Saying: Throughout Proverbs wisdom is personified as a lady calling out to society to sit at her feet and listen to her righteous words. But, the Woman of Folly, as noted here in verse 13 is also mentioned and she presents an antagonist perspective.
This woman or this person or perspective is first of all loud. She is boisterous. And yet in the loudness she is naive and knows nothing. The loud voice is not necessarily the correct voice. The one who is loud is not necessarily the one who is right. She is simply loud. She shows a lack of experience and really knows nothing.
Second, she is lazy and simply looking for an opportunity to pounce on someone. She sits at the doorway of her house looking for someone that will be lured away. She is idle. She is focused on one thing and that is calling to those who pass by. More specifically, her audience is those who are making their paths straight. I can't help but go back to Proverbs 3;5-6 which says, Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. The one that is seeking to put their trust in the Lord, who has set themselves as a goal to not lean on their own understanding, but in all their ways acknowledge Him and therefore, He is making their paths straight. And this is the one that Woman Folly is calling to and sitting and waiting for. It is those that have the intent and desire to be men and women of God.
But she is really focused on those who lack understanding (v. 4, 16). The problem with the Christian often is they have a little bit of knowledge, but if they do not plant themselves in the Word of God, yield to it and get trained by it, they are lazy or naive and lack understanding. Many a Christian has no idea what to do when someone comes to their door to question their faith or makes a remark. They are set in the foundation of the Lord Jesus Christ, but that setting is a little watery. It is a setting where they can move about. The goal is for us to be firmly fixed in place. Otherwise, we are easily given into the world and its ways.
One of the things that makes sin so attractive is the fact that it is often hidden or done in secret or off the beaten track. There is a conquest in doing it for we are people of adventure and there is something special about getting away with something and that something then giving us a fix of enjoyment.
Proverbs 5:15 says to Drink water from your own cistern and fresh water from your own well. This is referring to intercourse or sex and the admonition to drink only from what is yours or has been given to you. And then here in 9:17 is the idea that Stolen waters are sweet. Adulterous intercourse is sweet. Human nature is corrupt and human nature is attracted to that which is unlawful. We struggle with being content and accepting the gift God has given us. Instead we want more.
I have struggled with this. It is so easy in this day and age to get enticed away. If we give those sites or show our eyes, if we allow our senses to sit at their feet, we get lured away, and for a moment, a brief moment, there is a thrill and intensity. We have stolen a glance. We have garnered the forbidden fruit. We have turned to our God and said, "No sir, I'm in charge." We have denied the commandments and we feel superior in that moment. I have been there. I go there at times. It is wrong. I know it, but for whatever reason -- sickness, anger, feeling lonely, hungry, feeling tired and yet not sleeping -- in that moment of weakness I fall into bed with the woman of folly. I hate it. As Paul says, "I do what I don't want to do" but I do it anyway.
In scripture, meat and wine are offered to the follower of God. Here the woman of folly offers bread and water. Both can meet a need, but meat and wine are more pleasurable and more powerful and longer lasting. This is what God is telling us. Seek My ways and listen to My commandments. Do what I tell you to do and you will receive more enjoyment. You think you have all that you need right now. You are in a habit, but know this, come to the Living Water and you will never thirst again. If I submit and surrender to him, then I am rich and full and complete.
This is a very powerful set of verses. In verse 18 is these words - But he does not know that the dead are there. The lure of the woman brings us in, to experience the pleasure and yet everyone in that place is basically dead. And even more her guests are in the depths of Sheol. Her guests, that is, the woman of folly, other companions, the others she has lured in, are empty. The danger is that we just jump from one pleasure to another pleasure. We are always in this state of needing to feed our senses and our desires, programmed now to think that this is the meaning of life.
I think of Romans 1, when we give it an open door in our life, that is sin, when we stop honoring God and stop giving him thanks, then God says, "Go at it." He gives man over to it. And man is engulfed in it. This is the abhorrence of what is occurring everywhere. The Christian is as much a problem as those that clearly attack the Christian and try to silence him.
Promise: Sin is seductive.
My Prayer: O God, heal us. Bring us back to the joy of our salvation. Get me back on the straight and narrow path. Forgive me for thinking that I am God and I know better. You are everything and we need. Poor into the lives of my family and bring them to a true and complete knowledge of you.
13 The woman of folly is boisterous,She is naive and knows nothing.
14 She sits at the doorway of her house,
On a seat by the high places of the city,
15 Calling to those who pass by,
Who are making their paths straight:
16 “Whoever is naive, let him turn in here,”
And to him who lacks understanding she says,
17 “Stolen water is sweet;
And bread eaten in secret is pleasant.”
18 But he does not know that the dead are there,That her guests are in the depths of Sheol.
14 She sits at the doorway of her house,
On a seat by the high places of the city,
15 Calling to those who pass by,
Who are making their paths straight:
16 “Whoever is naive, let him turn in here,”
And to him who lacks understanding she says,
17 “Stolen water is sweet;
And bread eaten in secret is pleasant.”
18 But he does not know that the dead are there,That her guests are in the depths of Sheol.
Time: It seems that Proverbs was written and then compiled sometime between the tenth and sixth centuries B.C. Proverbs was probably written during the reign of Solomon, 971-931 B.C.
What the Lord is Saying: Throughout Proverbs wisdom is personified as a lady calling out to society to sit at her feet and listen to her righteous words. But, the Woman of Folly, as noted here in verse 13 is also mentioned and she presents an antagonist perspective.
This woman or this person or perspective is first of all loud. She is boisterous. And yet in the loudness she is naive and knows nothing. The loud voice is not necessarily the correct voice. The one who is loud is not necessarily the one who is right. She is simply loud. She shows a lack of experience and really knows nothing.
Second, she is lazy and simply looking for an opportunity to pounce on someone. She sits at the doorway of her house looking for someone that will be lured away. She is idle. She is focused on one thing and that is calling to those who pass by. More specifically, her audience is those who are making their paths straight. I can't help but go back to Proverbs 3;5-6 which says, Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. The one that is seeking to put their trust in the Lord, who has set themselves as a goal to not lean on their own understanding, but in all their ways acknowledge Him and therefore, He is making their paths straight. And this is the one that Woman Folly is calling to and sitting and waiting for. It is those that have the intent and desire to be men and women of God.
But she is really focused on those who lack understanding (v. 4, 16). The problem with the Christian often is they have a little bit of knowledge, but if they do not plant themselves in the Word of God, yield to it and get trained by it, they are lazy or naive and lack understanding. Many a Christian has no idea what to do when someone comes to their door to question their faith or makes a remark. They are set in the foundation of the Lord Jesus Christ, but that setting is a little watery. It is a setting where they can move about. The goal is for us to be firmly fixed in place. Otherwise, we are easily given into the world and its ways.
One of the things that makes sin so attractive is the fact that it is often hidden or done in secret or off the beaten track. There is a conquest in doing it for we are people of adventure and there is something special about getting away with something and that something then giving us a fix of enjoyment.
Proverbs 5:15 says to Drink water from your own cistern and fresh water from your own well. This is referring to intercourse or sex and the admonition to drink only from what is yours or has been given to you. And then here in 9:17 is the idea that Stolen waters are sweet. Adulterous intercourse is sweet. Human nature is corrupt and human nature is attracted to that which is unlawful. We struggle with being content and accepting the gift God has given us. Instead we want more.
I have struggled with this. It is so easy in this day and age to get enticed away. If we give those sites or show our eyes, if we allow our senses to sit at their feet, we get lured away, and for a moment, a brief moment, there is a thrill and intensity. We have stolen a glance. We have garnered the forbidden fruit. We have turned to our God and said, "No sir, I'm in charge." We have denied the commandments and we feel superior in that moment. I have been there. I go there at times. It is wrong. I know it, but for whatever reason -- sickness, anger, feeling lonely, hungry, feeling tired and yet not sleeping -- in that moment of weakness I fall into bed with the woman of folly. I hate it. As Paul says, "I do what I don't want to do" but I do it anyway.
In scripture, meat and wine are offered to the follower of God. Here the woman of folly offers bread and water. Both can meet a need, but meat and wine are more pleasurable and more powerful and longer lasting. This is what God is telling us. Seek My ways and listen to My commandments. Do what I tell you to do and you will receive more enjoyment. You think you have all that you need right now. You are in a habit, but know this, come to the Living Water and you will never thirst again. If I submit and surrender to him, then I am rich and full and complete.
This is a very powerful set of verses. In verse 18 is these words - But he does not know that the dead are there. The lure of the woman brings us in, to experience the pleasure and yet everyone in that place is basically dead. And even more her guests are in the depths of Sheol. Her guests, that is, the woman of folly, other companions, the others she has lured in, are empty. The danger is that we just jump from one pleasure to another pleasure. We are always in this state of needing to feed our senses and our desires, programmed now to think that this is the meaning of life.
I think of Romans 1, when we give it an open door in our life, that is sin, when we stop honoring God and stop giving him thanks, then God says, "Go at it." He gives man over to it. And man is engulfed in it. This is the abhorrence of what is occurring everywhere. The Christian is as much a problem as those that clearly attack the Christian and try to silence him.
Promise: Sin is seductive.
My Prayer: O God, heal us. Bring us back to the joy of our salvation. Get me back on the straight and narrow path. Forgive me for thinking that I am God and I know better. You are everything and we need. Poor into the lives of my family and bring them to a true and complete knowledge of you.
Saturday, January 7, 2017
Ecclesiastes 9:11-12 - Not In Our Hands
Ecclesiastes 9:11-12
11 I again saw under the sun that the race is not to the swift and the battle is not to the warriors, and neither is bread to the wise nor wealth to the discerning nor favor to men of ability; for time and chance overtake them all. 12 Moreover, man does not know his time: like fish caught in a treacherous net and birds trapped in a snare, so the sons of men are ensnared at an evil time when it suddenly falls on them.
Message: Not In Our Hands
Time: Solomon's authorship is not stated. Solomon's reign as king of Israel lasted from around 970 B.C. to around 930 B.C. The Book of Ecclesiastes was likely written towards the end of his reign, approximately 935 B.C.
What the Lord is Saying: This is a tough set of verses for our generation. Any verse that puts forth the idea that we do not control our destiny, that there is a force or agent that defines our lives is assaulting to our current makeup as humans. Karma and the notion of cause and effect are pervasive in life; the idea that our current actions impact our future condition are more of the norm. Scripture does agree that their are consequences for sin and their are blessings for displaying favor with God. And yet there are circumstances that appear out of nowhere that are not necessarily couched in this scriptural formula (formula is a tough word because it puts forth the notion that their is a certain plan for those events, but sometimes it is not so or the timing of the effect is so far removed from the cause that we struggle identifying those events as results).
As I turn to this scripture and study it, the author Solomon is reminded of a repeat occurrence in life. It's interesting at first to look at the 2 previous verses - Enjoy life with the woman whom you love all the days of your fleeting life which He has given to you under the sun; for this is your reward in life and in your toil in which you have labored under the sun. Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might; for there is no activity or planning or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol where you are going. Enjoy life. Work hard. Those are the key ideas I see from those verses.
And in verse 11 and 12, what I see is Solomon is saying, "but remember, you are not in control, so trust God."
In verse 11 he describes formula's that we are accustomed to seeing:
Promise: I must remain humble, knowing my proper place in creation. I am His vessel; he is the potter; I am the clay. Trust and obey, there is no other way.
My Prayer: Lord, thank you for your word. Thank you for being in control and setting up this universe according to the way You desire with out best in mind. Help me to not be trained by the message of this world, but to remain trained always for Godliness. Help me to work hard and do my best, to recognize that sin has consequences and following you has blessings, yet not all outcomes are consequences and blessings. Deepen me with you. Thank you for Jesus and His atoning sacrifice for my sin. I surrender all.
11 I again saw under the sun that the race is not to the swift and the battle is not to the warriors, and neither is bread to the wise nor wealth to the discerning nor favor to men of ability; for time and chance overtake them all. 12 Moreover, man does not know his time: like fish caught in a treacherous net and birds trapped in a snare, so the sons of men are ensnared at an evil time when it suddenly falls on them.
Message: Not In Our Hands
Time: Solomon's authorship is not stated. Solomon's reign as king of Israel lasted from around 970 B.C. to around 930 B.C. The Book of Ecclesiastes was likely written towards the end of his reign, approximately 935 B.C.
What the Lord is Saying: This is a tough set of verses for our generation. Any verse that puts forth the idea that we do not control our destiny, that there is a force or agent that defines our lives is assaulting to our current makeup as humans. Karma and the notion of cause and effect are pervasive in life; the idea that our current actions impact our future condition are more of the norm. Scripture does agree that their are consequences for sin and their are blessings for displaying favor with God. And yet there are circumstances that appear out of nowhere that are not necessarily couched in this scriptural formula (formula is a tough word because it puts forth the notion that their is a certain plan for those events, but sometimes it is not so or the timing of the effect is so far removed from the cause that we struggle identifying those events as results).
As I turn to this scripture and study it, the author Solomon is reminded of a repeat occurrence in life. It's interesting at first to look at the 2 previous verses - Enjoy life with the woman whom you love all the days of your fleeting life which He has given to you under the sun; for this is your reward in life and in your toil in which you have labored under the sun. Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might; for there is no activity or planning or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol where you are going. Enjoy life. Work hard. Those are the key ideas I see from those verses.
And in verse 11 and 12, what I see is Solomon is saying, "but remember, you are not in control, so trust God."
In verse 11 he describes formula's that we are accustomed to seeing:
- The swift win races
- Battles are won by warriors
- The wise get bread (what they need)
- Those that discern well are the wealthy
- Men of ability find favor
- The swift might lose the race
- The stronger army can be defeated
- The smartest person does not always earn the most money
- The most learned may not receive favor
- The wisest can go hungry
Promise: I must remain humble, knowing my proper place in creation. I am His vessel; he is the potter; I am the clay. Trust and obey, there is no other way.
My Prayer: Lord, thank you for your word. Thank you for being in control and setting up this universe according to the way You desire with out best in mind. Help me to not be trained by the message of this world, but to remain trained always for Godliness. Help me to work hard and do my best, to recognize that sin has consequences and following you has blessings, yet not all outcomes are consequences and blessings. Deepen me with you. Thank you for Jesus and His atoning sacrifice for my sin. I surrender all.
Friday, January 6, 2017
Proverbs 27:17 - Sharpening One Another
Proverbs 27:17
Iron sharpens iron,So one man sharpens another.
Message: Sharpening One Another
Time: It seems that Proverbs was written and then compiled sometime between the tenth and sixth centuries B.C. Proverbs was probably written during the reign of Solomon, 971-931 B.C.
What the Lord is Saying: I have been privileged for the last 10 years to meet with 3 other guys weekly for prayer, accountability, and at times bible study or book study. It came about from a men's conference I attended that many years ago, put on by my former youth pastor now turned senior pastor. He was the pastor for 2 of the guys that would originally be a part of the group that we formed. A 3rd guy would get involved with us about 4 years later.
In my experience of my faith, it has been THE catalyst for my continued spiritual growth and development. These are guys that I can talk real with each and every week. If there is a sin I am struggling with, they help encourage me and keep me accountable and with 3 guys someone generally is struggling with that sin as well.
As my kids age and as we are fathers and husbands, those relationships need constant encouragement. We are supposed to be the spiritual leaders of our family and that needs encouragement. Honestly, without these guys and this time to simply talk about life and what is going on, I just don't know how I survive. Granted, I still sin. I still struggle but I always know that these guys have my back.
I have been fortunate enough to help start another men's group and that group just disbanded after being together for 5+ years. I think every man needs this. We are not 4 guys that are unique, but it is just common sense that we need each other. Yes, it is good to have friends you can talk with regularly and pray with regularly, but it is another thing to schedule that time week after week. It is just a normal routine part of our lives.
At times we study books to help encourage us further, but generally it is just talking about life and then challenging each other in the relationships that God has given us. I need these guys, every day, I need them more. As Hebrews 10:24-25 says, "and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near." I've always taken this verse to mean that we need this encouraging every day a little bit more. As the day of Jesus' coming nears, we need each other more.
It is true as the verse in Proverbs states, iron does sharpen iron. This is not a quick process. Tabletalk states here:
Giving a tool the desired sharpness took time in the ancient world, as there were no electric whetstones or other sharpening devices. Persistent, careful striking of the tool against the sharpener was required, and the process lasted longer than a matter of seconds. Thus, the proverb is underscoring the importance of persistence in friendship. One man does not sharpen another with just one speech or dialogue, though words spoken in the right season can go quite far in helping improve another person. Instead, people sharpen one another over time, through years of friendship and all of the ins and outs that come with enduring relationships. A truly constructive friend is faithful over time to offer his criticism and instruction, and he does not give up the first time his friend does not heed his advice.Promise: We all need others in our lives to sharpen us and encourage us.
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