Proverbs 31:10-12 - The Excellent Wife

Proverbs 31:10-12
10 An excellent wife, who can find?
For her worth is far above jewels.
The heart of her husband trusts in her,
And he will have no lack of gain.
She does him good and not evil
All the days of her life.

Message: The Excellent Wife

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: Well, I fortunately have an excellent wife. She is not someone I found but instead someone that God provided for me. She gets more wonderful every day. And yes, her worth is far above any jewel. It is far above anything.

I do trust her. But sometimes my feelings get in the way, but feelings are not facts. Overall, I do trust her, but I do get nervous sometimes and I start believing my feelings more than the facts. It is often the same way in my relationship with God. I focus not on His word, but at times on what I'm feeling.

Pamela does me good and not evil. She has always been careful to be the best toward me. This doesn't mean I always get what I want. Who does? And no one should. But, she is amazing as to how sensitive she is to me. She recognizes me as the leader of the home, but she also has her own will, and often a strong one at that. We are definitely co-heirs and work together well.

Promise: The excellent wife embodies the Lord’s wisdom in fulfilling her divinely appointed role and in bringing great blessing to her family and community.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the gift of Pamela. Thank you for your handiwork in making her the way you have and then bringing her into my life. You knew exactly what I needed. And thank you for molding her into your image and the joy it is just having her by my side everyday. Help me to be a better husband and to continually love her, treating her as more important than myself. Train me to resist the temptation to ever look around for anyone else. The world is constantly throwing distractions my way, but help me to train myself always to making her the only woman in my life.

Ecclesiastes 10:20 - Avoiding Bitterness of Mind and Speech

Ecclesiastes 10:20
²⁰ Furthermore, in your bedchamber do not curse a king, and in your sleeping rooms do not curse a rich man, for a bird of the heavens will carry the sound and the winged creature will make the matter known.

Message: Avoiding Bitterness of Mind and Speech

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 verse that confronts me, especially in the workplace. There is a spirit often of discontent that wells up in me and it carries forward to cursing those over me. There are always going to be things that frustrate us about those in leadership for we think that we can do things better. It is one thing to make suggestions, but when you sense your voice is not going to be heard then often people resort to grumbling with others. This sort of speech is foolish. For one, we do not know which people have eyes and ears where we do not expect them and anything we say just might end up making its way to them.

What remains at odds with bitterness is love for one's neighbor. It is hard. Bitterness is anger and disappointment at being treated unfairly. How often do I walk around with a bitter heart over very minor things?

The reverse of this is that idea that we are to respect those over us. True, they have vices and they have irritants, but we are still to give respect.

I found this attitude is not encouraged in our world where are communication zones have increased. All of our social media sites, blogs (like this one), media influences, internet news pages, are constantly reporting a commentary on society, on whatever we are experiencing -- and communicating over and over how each person's values and desires should be respected. As I look upon the canvas of social media right now and media in general, there is a constant spirit of attacking going on toward our President. The bottom line is people have not gotten what they wanted. They don't respect the leader. Therefore, they believe they don't have to respect his ways so they take it to the street to convey their displeasure towards him.

I think what is interesting about this all is people are often not taking care of what is most important and instead engaging in activities that have no good outcomes. People have stopped reading their Bible because they are listening to commentaries that the Bible is irrelevant.

The bottom line is I need help with this. I need help not falling into the rhetoric of fear and disrespect towards my elders. What is clear in the Bible.

Promise: God is over all, even kings and rulers. They don't have to adhere to my ways. I can trust God for outcomes.

Prayer: Lord, help me to be careful with my words and my thoughts.

Genesis 2:15 - Taking Care of Home

Genesis 2:15
Then the Lord God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to cultivate it and keep it.
Message: Taking Care of Home

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: While the Lord own all and owns all of our resources, from the beginning, even before the Fall, Adam was placed in charge of the garden and tasked to cultivate it and keep it. 

As I read through different translations of this verse, the 1st part -- The Lord took the man and put him into the garden of Eden -- remains fairly unchanged from translation to translation. It is interesting because God didn't direct man and lead him to the garden but he took him and put him. This isn't a suggestion, but a mandate by God of man's purpose. This was to be his permanent home, dwelling place.

After placing Adam in it, he is tasked to dress it, work it, or cultivate it. The land was indeed paradise. Remember, there is no Fall at this point, but still the land needs tilled and sowed. Also, in the process he is told to keep it, take care of it, watch over it, guard it, and/or maintain it. Thus, it was possible for it to ruin. Thus, an unproductive harvest does not constitute sin. And there are animals that could hurt or destroy it. Despite sin not being present, it is possible the adversary was present. Adam is tasked to guard the land given him.

As such, I need to protect that which God has given me and count it as a gift what I have. I am to care for my home and keep it safe from intruders. There is a responsibility in having a home and possessing God's gifts. I am to care for these things.

Promise: Thus, we are responsible to use His resources to provide for our families, and we are to protect and increase what the Lord has given to us. God will hold us accountable for what we do with His creation.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your providence and providing what you have for me. Help me and remind me that it is yours and I am your servant caring for it. Keep me grateful and keep me diligent to care for it. Thank you for helping me to do this and providing me the means to care for it and those near me.

Proverbs 6:6-11 - Go to the Ant

Proverbs 6:6-11

⁶ Go to the ant, O sluggard, Observe her ways and be wise,
⁷ Which, having no chief, Officer or ruler,
⁸ Prepares her food in the summer and gathers her provision in the harvest.
⁹ How long will you lie down, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep?
¹⁰ “A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to rest”—
¹¹ Your poverty will come in like a vagabond and your need like an armed man.

Message: Go to the Ant

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: As I've learned elsewhere, I have things to learn, even from the ant. In verse 6, I am told to look to the ant, o lazy one, and observe her walking about and then be wise. Take notice of the smallest creature on the earth and realize there is much to be learned from this creature. I continue to find it interesting that the ant's life span is about 30-45 days and yet with no leader each ant has the inborn train of preparing her food in the summer and gathering what the ant will need for the harvest. So, they are gathering for other ants that will live on after them. How can one look at this and say this is all birthed by chance?

Verse 9 begins with 2 words - How long - describing the strange idleness of man. Granted, sleeping and playing and sitting in front of a TV I think all are examples of being a sluggard. Just being out of bed is not enough to escape the sluggard tag on our lives. But, for me, the time I spend staring at a screen, seeking to be entertain by it when there are other things I could be doing. I was at my parents last night and noticed the books by my Mom's nightstand and noticed once again the books of great Christian writers she was taking the time to go through. She is not a sluggard but she is spending time equipping herself in a better way, desiring to bring glory to God. It is a beautiful picture. I look at the house and things I could do and there are many. Help me Lord to not constantly go toward the tube but engage in activities of meaning with my family and friends.

Promise: Be careful about continual acts of putting off to tomorrow what could be done today.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for examples that you provide with even the smallest of your creatures. You are a good God and a kind God and thank you for your Word that encourages us and reminds us in the ways in which we are to live. Lord, train me to surround me with only good sources of information in my life.

Ecclesiastes 10:19 - Bread, Wine, and Money

Ecclesiastes 10:19
Prepare a meal for enjoyment, and wine makes life merry, and money is the answer to everything.

Message: Bread, Wine, and Money

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: Scripture is interesting. Solomon here relates a theme that sometimes seems counter intuitive to the gospel and that is enjoy a meal, drink and be merry, and money answers everything. Yes, we are to be givers in life, but we also can have enjoyment. My sense is we need to always strike a good balance.

Food can be and should be enjoyed. In making the meals I am making we want food that tastes good. But, I think we must be careful as I think about James Lumbuku in Uganda and the corn they often eat day in and day out. Food to them is sustaining life and they just need it to survive. We however are focused on food from an enjoyment perspective. If anything I am learning now, through the South Beach Diet, and lowering carbs to make food a healthier part of my lifestyle.

And the line -- money answers everything -- I must remember is written in the context of enjoyment of a meal and wine. It is the medium of commerce in our lives that enables the enjoyment. It is true. Money allows us to have enjoyment. But, it doesn't answer all of life. Money can still be the root of all evil. Again, we are not to worship it, but simply use it for God's glory.

Promise: There is a place for us to enjoy what He has given us as part of thanking Him for his goodness.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for good food, good drink and providing us with enjoyment and the opportunities to see enjoyment from the fruit of our labor. Thank you for giving us good food and having different recipes and different choices for food that we can eat and enjoy. Be with those that are less fortunate and supply their needs. Keep me content and thankful at all times.

Proverbs 10:4-5 - The Diligent Hand of the Prudent Son

Proverbs 10:4-5
4 Poor is he who works with a negligent hand, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.
He who gathers in summer is a son who acts wisely, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who acts shamefully.

Message: The Diligent Hand of the Prudent Son

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: Even there were not any verse or chapter divisions in the original manuscripts, the beginning of this chapter says -- A wise son makes a father glad, but a foolish son is a grief to his mother. Solomon in Proverbs is primarily speaking to a son or his children to discuss things to think about, mostly regarding behavior. The reality is that left to our natural state, we have a tendency to live lives of complete selfishness. We do not naturally please others. For example, a child has to learn to share. For some it is easier than others. I see this in myself often, my selfishness takes over in so many areas. Yes, I work hard, but often I think that hard work then merits a meeting of my expectations.

These two proverbs contrast the hard working with the lazy. This is a common theme. I have learned in life that it is not just about working hard but working hard in a wise manner. After college I worked in a credit union as a teller for just about 6 months. In that job, I worked quickly but not always carefully. I enjoyed being faster than everyone else, but along the way I wasn't always the most accurate. My next year was spent volunteering in radio and doing temp jobs. In those jobs I sometimes didn't have big time requirements and could work at my own pace. Then, I got a job in retail. It wasn't just working hard that was important, but being wise in that work and working with a smile on my face, which has always been a challenge. In this process, I went back to school and then went to work at an accounting office. I worked hard, but not hard enough. My boss was similar to my boss now, expecting me to get the job done and not being focused on my time. I took a few afternoons off to watch Lobo basketball and didn't come in like he did on the weekends and he let me go. That was a wake up call for I spent another couple of months looking for work while having a wife at home and a new child. I then worked in Santa Fe and had different demands placed on me and I responded, thought it was still a challenge. That was a good job, but I still felt inadequate many times and I wasn't sure I was working well. I then took a job back in Albuquerque with a friend being the resident accountant for a small business. That was a job I didn't have much confidence in and I let others decide how I would work rather, though they looked to me for advice often.

I think overall I have learned to be diligent as verse 4 speaks.

And now I look at my children and I must admit their idleness makes em bothered. I think they spend too much time in entertainment and recreation mode. But, I also need to remember myself and what I had to learn and I need to give them time to learn as well.

Promise: Different seasons of life dictate often how often we spent quality time with the Lord and quality time working, but it is always important to be diligent and work in a wise manner.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the experiences that I have had. Some have been hard to go through, but through them you have taught much about myself. Forgive me for continually thinking of myself as deserving something because I simply work hard. You have gifted me in a certain way to be a certain person and this is who I am. And remind me that I am simply behaving in a way that is consistent with my make-up. Help me to be patient with my wife and children. I need your help Lord, I often act in way that I am not proud of. I want to instead bring glory to Your Name.

Ecclesiastes 10:5-7 - When Reality is Upside Down

Ecclesiastes 10:5-7
⁵ There is an evil I have seen under the sun, like an error which goes forth from the ruler— ⁶ folly is set in many exalted places while rich men sit in humble places. ⁷ I have seen slaves riding on horses and princes walking like slaves on the land.

Message: When Reality is Upside Down

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: One of the results of the Fall is how the world function in an upside down way. This passage is Solomon or the Preacher looking out on the landscape of life and seeing the people who have the duty of ruler or prince or often foolish ones while those that deserve to be in that place are serving the leaders rather than leading them. It is a reminder that sometimes people get to high status in an undeserving manner. I see this at work where people get into high positions based upon who they know not necessarily due to their expertise.

Benson Commentary: I have observed another great vanity and misdemeanor among men, an erroneous conduct coming from those who have power of conferring honor and authority. That is, foolish and unworthy persons are frequently advanced by the favor or humor of princes into places of great trust and dignity, which is at once a great reproach to the prince, and a sore calamity to his people. Wise and worthy men, rich in endowments of the mind, are neglected and despised, or removed from those places to which their merits and had raised them. I have seen men of a servile condition and disposition riding in pomp and state as princes; and then men of noble birth and qualities, fit to rule a kingdom in a state of poverty and degradation, despised and disregarded.

I like Benson's comments for it simply clarifies further what the Preacher (Solomon) is stating in these verses and that is, unfortunately, at times, people who should be servants are leaders and leaders are sometimes mere servants.

I see this also on what we in society have done with stars and sports figures. We pay these people inordinate of money, simply because they have the ability to entertain us either by making a basket, throwing a pass really well, or taking on a different character very well (acting) or singing a song and yet, many times, the manner in which these people live life can be questionable. The problem is what we see from these individuals is moments from their lives while the people we work with we see 40 to 50 hours a week or most of our awake hours of the week and so we tend to see them as they are, but for entertainers we don't see them as they are. Instead we see excerpts and then are amazed when their lives are often not that great. And yet we are paying them all this money. To me that is also an error.

Promise: Something is wrong when we see fools in power. One day it will be overturned and the world will be right side up again. Knowing that truth encourages us to serve the Lord.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for righting wrongs. Thank you for the wisdom of the Bible and how it speaks to life the way it is being lived today, despite these words being penned thousands of years ago.

Proverbs 30:26-28 - Wise Badgers, Locusts, and Lizards

Proverbs 30:26-28

²⁶ The shephanim (badgers) are not mighty people, yet they make their houses in the rocks;
²⁷ The locusts have no king, yet all of them go out in ranks;
²⁸ The lizard you may grasp with the hands, yet it is in kings’ palaces.

Message: Wise Badgers, Locusts, and Lizards

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 small creatures continue to be exemplified here in these 3 verses. The text looks at the badgers, the locusts, and lizards. Badgers are not mighty and yet they build their house out of rocks in order to protect themselves and appear mighty, locusts have no king or ruler  and yet they all go out in ranks like someone is leading them, lizards can be picked up easily by human hands and yet they are found often among people.

Overall, I believe this to be another reminder of what God has ordained and what he plans ahead of time for his people (including animals).

This is from Tabletalk of October 16, 2015:

• Rock badgers (v. 26) are small creatures about the size of a hare. They live among the rocks surrounding the Dead Sea and in other rocky locales in Palestine and Syria. God has specifically designed them for this habitat. Ordinarily, their small size would make them quite vulnerable to predators, but their clawed, almost weblike feet and footpads enable them to scurry about the rocks with ease, hiding in holes and small caves that are inaccessible to larger creatures that might want to make these badgers their food. Since the Bible often compares God to a rock for His people, the lesson seems to be that the only shelter we can find from our enemies is in the Lord Himself. In light of the great obstacles we face in the world, the flesh, and the devil, we are exposed and defenseless if we rely on ourselves. Yet if we take shelter in the Rock who is higher than we are we will find protection from all that seeks to destroy us. 
• Locusts (v. 27) can form vast swarms that wreak incredible havoc and destruction in a matter of minutes. Such a feat is incredible when, according to the naked eye at least, we cannot find a king or other leader among these insects. Clearly, each individual locust knows its places and is content to do the task for which it was created. Such discipline prevents jockeying over position that would make the formation of locust swarms impossible. The parallel lesson for us is to be content with where the Lord has placed us and to avoid the jealousy of other people's gifts and positions that can cause destruction. After all, if the locusts can be so successful because they are happy to be where God has placed them and they have no king, how much more successful will we be under the kingship of Christ if we are content where we are? 
• Lizards (v. 28) are reptiles so small that we can easily hold them in our hands, yet their ability to stick to walls means that no place is off limits to them, not even the kings palace. Those who live by God's wisdom will go far in life, and those who trust in Christ, who the wisdom of God will dwell in the Lord's heavenly places forever. 

Promise: If I am content where God has placed me and happy to be under his leadership, then I will enjoy success both now and in the life to come.

Prayer: Lord, teach me to be content in all situations. Forgive me for my discontent and feeling like I need more or something better. Help me to learn to stay where I am and encourage others as well in this. Thank you for your abundant providence in bringing me where I am at right now.

Proverbs 30:24-25 - Small But Wise

Proverbs 30:24-25

²⁴ Four things are small on the earth, but they are exceedingly wise:
²⁵ The ants are not a strong people, but they prepare their food in the summer;

Message: Small But Wise

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: 
Solomon now introduces the reality that there are four of God's creatures on this earth that are exceedingly small, but exceedingly wise. It is a reminder to us that wisdom is not about stature but mostly allowing God to work through you to be the person you are set out to be.

I think one of the things that would be apparent is this small creature does what they are made to do. An ant brain has about 250 000 brain cells. A human brain has 10,000 million brain cells. So, the ant's brain cells is 1/40th of a human. It is rather amazing to think about and yet they have one sole message, to acquire what they need to survive. To me, there purpose is squarely one of divine providence as God made them the way they are. We are reminded here that we can learn something from them, though we wouldn't think because of their size. Yet, within their brain size they are able to go, retrieve food or what they need in the summer so they have it for the winter. Isn't it interesting that they also have a short life span of 30-45 days so this means the preparation they are doing is not for themselves, but for their brothers who will be around in the future. They are obedient to their instinct.

Proverbs 6:6-8 has already mentioned - Go to the ant, O sluggard, Observe her ways and be wise which, having no chief, Officer or ruler, prepares her food in the summer and gathers her provision in the harvest. We are here  comended to get up and do something, reminding us the ant is a hard worker. Don't we always need to be reminded of this as we are so often focused on not working, but playing or resting. Isn't it interesting that it is days in which we have worked that we feel like the day has been the most complete?

The ant acts in a wise manner, doing what is best for him. Verse 25 even describes the colony of ants are not a strong people. These animals have at their instinct a wisdom that is wiser than the human. Though they are not strong they still prepare their food in the summer. Preparation does not have to do with strength. This seems to be an important reminder.

Also, we can see that ants often need each other to carry something. Thus, they work together well.

Promise: The Lord has designed us to cooperate with one another.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the illustration that you provide with the ant. Help me to learn from the ant even that you have commissioned me for a great work, to provide for my family, to take care of them, and to take care of this home that you have provided, to take care of those in the church that are commissioned to be your ambassadors full time as well as those serving overseas. Lord, help me to remember this. My job is to help others and provide for those you have put in my care. Keep me for from laziness.

Ecclesiastes 10:4 - Calming the Ruler

Ecclesiastes 10:4
If the ruler’s temper rises against you, do not abandon your position, because composure allays great offenses.

Message: Calming the Ruler

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 passage is addressing a subject that I have recently been looking at via Jerry Bridges book, "Respectable Sins." In the book, Bridges talks about sins that we often don't call out as sins because we are often too focused on the sins that society is currently in the midst of redefining as acceptable behavior or the sins that society still agrees with the Bible of being unacceptable. Thus, we grade sin and place some sins at a higher level than others. It is a big danger because in the process we tend to live lives in which we don't think we are doing much wrong and we aren't in need daily of growth and renewal by the power of the Gospel. Starting in chapter 8 he is now addressing the sins mentioning ungodliness, anxiety, worry, and discontent.

The idea of discontent is a sin that to be honest I never called out as sin. I know Paul admonishes us to be content in every situation but I never thought the reverse was a sin. It makes sense though because God's sovereignty extends to situations in our lives that we call challenging. And perhaps God wants to do something in our lives through a difficult situation.

In this verse, Ecclesiastes 10:4, it mirrors this idea of not being content, If the ruler’s temper rises against you, do not abandon your position, because composure allays great offenses.What a great bit of encouragement to even see this text in the Bible.The idea being that the way we respond to a temper from a boss or ruler is not fleeing, but rather staying put. We need to stay committed to our position and allow our commitment to be a healing to the offenses of our boss. In time the bosses wrath will subside The answer is to remain calm, not bolt for the exit. 

Let's be clear, though, this doesn't work in every situation. We must ask if evil is being committed here by a leader. But, it is okay for my feelings to be hurt. I can be reviled, as Jesus was, and yet continue to trust in the Lord through the process.

Promise: Trust Christ to help us respond appropriately to all people.

Prayer: Lord, help me to weather the storm of unwelcome words and attitudes from those that are over me. I admit God that too often I too quick to take tough words and seek relief through telling others about it. Forgive me for this and using those situations to continue to make it out that I'm the better person. Help me Lord to simply trust in you and continue to walk with you and seek my refuge in you instead of other people.

Psalm 119:153-160 - Seeking God's Statutes

Psalm 119:153-160

¹⁵³ Look upon my affliction and rescue me, for I do not forget Your law.
¹⁵⁴ Plead my cause and redeem me; revive me according to Your word.
¹⁵⁵ Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not seek Your statutes.
¹⁵⁶ Great are Your mercies, O Lord; revive me according to Your ordinances.
¹⁵⁷ Many are my persecutors and my adversaries, yet I do not turn aside from Your testimonies.
¹⁵⁸ I behold the treacherous and loathe them, because they do not keep Your word.
¹⁵⁹ Consider how I love Your precepts; revive me, O Lord, according to Your lovingkindness.
¹⁶⁰ The sum of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous ordinances is everlasting.

Message: Seeking God's Statutes

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: As I read through this passage the first time, on the heels of the last set of verses in Psalm 119 that spoke of the nearness of God and Your commandments are truth, and to know Your testimonies, the challenge here to me is to know the Word of God and it a light to my paths. But, again, in looking at that nearness and pondering it, the Word of God and God's Laws and his truths remain near to me. The true believer does not waiver in His beliefs because of difficult circumstances, but instead it makes him cling every more tightly to the truths and his total dependency on God. The way we got through affliction and how we are rescued is by not forgetting the Law and God redeems me. Set me right Lord, according to Your Word. 

 [Lord, I talk to many that are wanting out of circumstances they view bad or not of success, bring these people back to the Word of God so that they will see the truths and promises of what you have commanded and can then approach their circumstances in a new way. Daily, I walk with You Lord and throughout all of life's circumstances You breath life into them and you work them out for Your glory. I think of Derek and his smoking habit that he has gotten in at a young age. Lord, that has been a difficulty I wish on no one, yet through that challenge you reveal to me the importance of my relationship with my wife and with You, that I can remain committed to you and I must. And that these problems we have in our life are at the most basic level -- sin. And for any sin, I need to turn from it and recognize You as Savior and Lord. This is what I pray for My Son Derek, that he would know You as Savior and Lord. I pray that the truth of who you are would permeate his life so that he is defined by the truth of Gospel and his goal is to seek and follow You.]

[And, too, I look at my daughter, who is struggling with preparing for a wedding, while also navigating her own health challenges. Keep her on the right course. Give her hope and keep her instructed by Your word, and that you are fully capable of walking with her and healing her from this that ails her. Help her and Brandon to communicate better, not by text, but by talking. Cement that in their lives. Lord, we can thank you for these trials because you use them to align us more closely to You.]

In verse 155, I am reminded that Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not seek Your statutes. The truth of who you are is far from those who daily practice wickedness. Wickedness is subtle in this world, not because sin is less clear, but society has made it less clear. I was looking at this article yesterday in the WSJ and it was addressing titles of books that are made up of curse words and the author of the article stated that society has now deemed those words less offensive and so they can be used as titles for book. Lord, it is disheartening to hear of how sin is changed in its definition and moved more and more to acceptable behavior. May that be not so in my life. Keep me on the course where my words do not even hint at caving and marching to the tune of society. People so often do not keep your statutes as this verse states and yet we act surprised that they don't therefore align with our principles. I find it so tragic because our view of ourselves and our view of sin is what helps us to see our need for a Savior. Lord, may you help people see the truth of their sin. May you bring to light sin in this life. 

Great are Your mercies, O Lord; revive me according to Your ordinances. I Love this proclamation that the Mercies of God are great. Lord, you have had mercy on me a sinner, a law breaker, by allowing me to go free. Many are my persecutors and my adversaries, I do not turn aside from Your testimonies. Many are against me. That is the truth that we don't see because people present themselves like they agree with me, but many are my adversaries, but keep me charged and guided and not turned aside from Your testimonies. I behold the treacherous and loathe, because they do not keep Your word. I am saddened by those that do not keep your word. I have many, like Derek in London that spends his times denying you and not keeping your word and finds joy in religion washing away. Draw him to you. Help me be a lover of your precepts. Revive me (and him), O Lord, according to Your lovingkindness. It is your love that sets us free, your love for me from all eternity to know that I needed a Savior and substitute for my sin. The sum of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous ordinances is everlasting. You are truth and every one of your commands is everlasting.

Promise: The Law cannot save, but the Law does show us our need for a Savior.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for saving me and thank you for showing me my sin and my incredible need for You Lord, My Savior. Thank you for continually exposing the sin in my life and helping me see a sin of being unthankful or having anxiety or being discontent. Help me to accept and be content in any situation. Lord, I don't want to live in the realm that life is not complete unless I have freedom from financial situations, but true freedom is found in You Lord for you give peace in all circumstances.

Psalm 119:145-152 - The Nearness of God in His Word

Psalm 119:145-152

¹⁴⁵ I cried with all my heart; answer me, O Lord! I will observe Your statutes.
¹⁴⁶ I cried to You; save me and I shall keep Your testimonies.
¹⁴⁷ I rise before dawn and cry for help; I wait for Your words.
¹⁴⁸ My eyes anticipate the night watches, that I may meditate on Your word.
¹⁴⁹ Hear my voice according to Your lovingkindness; revive me, O Lord, according to Your ordinances.
¹⁵⁰ Those who follow after wickedness draw near; they are far from Your law.
¹⁵¹ You are near, O Lord, and all Your commandments are truth.
¹⁵² Of old I have known from Your testimonies that You have founded them forever.

 
Message: The Nearness of God in His Word

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: I like how this section because as it is a cry to the Lord for help. Lord, I need your help throughout life. Life is full. Yesterday I had that feeling in the morning of just wanting to rest and take it easy and remembering what my friend Julie said when I spoke to her the previous week, her being retired now and able to enjoy her days. It sounded blissful and yet I wonder if I will ever be there or need to be there. I still think of that message I heard at church last summer about Bible times and how life was about survival and so there was always work to be done. I think this should be my perspective. And this seems to be the perspective of the writer today -- I cried with all my heart. This is someone that comes before the Lord and needs an answer.

Lord, help me to be this person that when I am at the end of my rope, I cry to you. The writer reminds the Lord (as if He needs reminding) that he will observe Your statues. But it is a good reminder that we are full-time followers of God, obedient to His ways, and yet calling to him for favor. Save me and I shall keep Your testimonies. God saves us and our response is to keep His testimonies.

I rise before dawn and cry for help. I come before God with a cry for help. Help me Lord. As I cry, I also wait for Your words. And the words repeat. Hear my voice. Receive me, O Lord. I will meditate on Your word. I stand close to You throughout the tough times, throughout my life. And then i see the contrast here between the wicked who are near to injure and the Lord who is near to truth (v. 150-151). Thank you Lord for being near.

The Psalmist mentions the Lord being near. He is near because the Psalmist is walking with the Lord continually. He is continually present with the Lord. He spends his days in close contact with the Lord. His life is walking with God. Lord, I want to be this person that knows you intimately so that as I navigate life I can do it being near to You and dependent on You.

Promise: Although we do not always feel as if God is near to us, we can be sure that He always draws close to His people when they study His Word and hear it preached.

Prayer: Help me Lord. Help me God. I cry out to You for help. I need you. I will follow You and obey your statutes. I will wait for your words. Keep me far from impatience. Don't let me be a symptom of my circumstances, tossing like wind based upon how things are going at any one time. But instead I want to remain consistent to Your ways. Thank you Lord for being near. Keep me ever mindful of Your ways and You in my life. Don't let me forget.

Revelation 21:3-4 - Our Joy to Come

Revelation 21:3-4
³ And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, ⁴ and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.”

Message: Our Joy to Come

Time: The date of the book in its present form is probably near the end of the reign of Domitian (A.D. 81–96), a fierce persecutor of the Christians. There was a unanimous agreement as to the Apostle John as its writer by the early church. Throughout the book there is a conflict of earthly personalities and people directed and energized by demons and especially Satan in order to overthrow Christ’s rule on earth. But the book climaxes with God’s ultimate triumph through Jesus Christ to overthrow evil and establish the kingdom.

What the Lord is Saying: If we die in faith, we go to be with the Lord in heaven. This heaven is an intermediate place, meaning this is not my final state. Thus, at some point, the spiritual disembodied existence I will enjoy in heaven before Christ returns will come to an end and another state will take its place (as is spoken of in Revelation 21). Our physical bodies will be resurrected and heaven will come down to earth and there will be a perfected creation living in this heaven on earth.

The first heaven and first earth pass away, as does the sea (v.1). The holy city comes down out of heaven from God....and God Himself shall be among them. This new city is a holy city out of heaven, down to earth and God resides there with them in the city. He shall wipe every tear from their eyes and there is no more death, mourning, crying or pain. Those that are there are he who overcomes. But the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their part in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone. Verse 8 expresses that not all will be there and those that are not know by Jesus, but instead by their sin, as their sin is not covered, they will not be present but will be in the lake of fire. But, the bride, the wife of the Lamb or the church will reside in the new Jerusalem. The city wasn't flat, but seemed to be a prism or cube of some sort, with streets of gold. This final home will be beautiful and grand and we will be content to live in the incredible glory of God (v. 22-27).

Promise: Our suffering will be worth it because it will have led to the vision of God's full beauty and glory.

Prayer: Lord, thank you that you have planned a place for your children, me, to live for all eternity. Thank you for your perfect design and your perfect ways and your perfect order. Help me to be a channel and to help others see this glory, this ideal state. Draw people to yourself and bring them into close unity with You as their God and Savior.

I Corinthians 15:3-34 - The Hope of Christ's Resurrection

I Corinthians 15:3-34

3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.6 After that He appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom remain until now, but some have fallen asleep;7 then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles; 8 and last of all, as to one untimely born, He appeared to me also. 9 For I am the least of the apostles, and not fit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain; but I labored even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me.11 Whether then it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.

12 Now if Christ is preached, that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, not even Christ has been raised; 14 and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain. 15 Moreover we are even found to be false witnesses of God, because we testified against God that He raised Christ, whom He did not raise, if in fact the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised; 17 and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished.19 If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied.

20 But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep. 21 For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. 23 But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, after that those who are Christ’s at His coming, 24 then comes the end, when He hands over the kingdom to the God and Father, when He has abolished all rule and all authority and power.25 For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet.26 The last enemy that will be abolished is death. 27 For He has put all things in subjection under His feet. But when He says, “All things are put in subjection,” it is evident that He is excepted who put all things in subjection to Him. 28 When all things are subjected to Him, then the Son Himself also will be subjected to the One who subjected all things to Him, so that God may be all in all.

29 Otherwise, what will those do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why then are they baptized for them? 30 Why are we also in danger every hour? 31 I affirm, brethren, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. 32 If from human motives I fought with wild beasts at Ephesus, what does it profit me? If the dead are not raised, let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die. 33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.”34 Become sober-minded as you ought, and stop sinning; for some have no knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame.

Message: The Hope of Christ's Resurrection

Time: This epistle was written to the church that resided in Corinth of Achaia. First Corinthians is a response to a letter that Paul received from the Corinthian church, and that letter was probably a response to another of Paul's letters. This letter was composed in Ephesus around AD 54-55, and such topics as division, sexual immorality, lawsuits, marriage, Christian liberty, order of worship, and the resurrection are covered in this epistle.

What the Lord is Saying: This passage begins with the proclamation that Christ died for our sins, he was buried and then he rose on the 3rd day. He appeared to Cephas, the 12, and then 500 others, then to James, and also Paul. And this summarizes what Paul will then go into more detail about, most notably that if Jesus did not rise from the dead, then our preaching is in vain and our faith is in vain. 

Paul here is addressing specifically those that do not believe in the resurrection from the dead, despite the fact that Jesus appeared to many.  So Paul therefore makes it clear in verse 13 and 14 -- if there is no resurrection of the dead... and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain, it is worthless and those that have fallen asleep (died) in Christ will have perished. 

But, instead, Paul declares that Jesus has risen from the dead (v. 20). Chris is the first fruits, like the very first ripe corn in a harvest. From one man (Adam) all have sinned and every man's life will result in death, so also through one man (Jesus) all men can be saved. It is interesting to me the language Paul uses saying that "in Adam all die" but "in Christ all will be made alive." The condition of every man is death because of Adam, but in Christ, those who make him Lord, will be made alive. The next verse mentions those who are Christ's. 

He then speaks of the end (of all evil) when Christ gives up the kingdom of this world to God the Father. He will sit down with the Father on his throne. 

Paul then speaks in verse 29 the practice of baptizing for the dead as there existed among some of the Christians at Corinth a practice of baptizing a living person in the stead of some convert who had died before that sacrament had been administered to him. Does St. Paul then, by what he here says, sanction the superstitious practice? Certainly not. He carefully separates himself and the Corinthians, to whom he immediately addresses himself, from those who adopted this custom. And then in verse 30 it is mentioned - Why are we also in danger every hour? -- Not only those who were daily being baptized for the dead witnessed to the universal belief among Christians in a resurrection, but the lives of daily peril in which St Paul and the other missionaries of the Gospel lived were sufficient evidence that they did not conceive all their hopes to be summed up in this life. This practice is in vain unless there is a glorious resurrection. And then by saying, I die daily means that every day his life is danger of death. He then admits if we only had this life, then we might just make the most of it with no care in the world, but we make the best of this life because we have the promise of a future state, of being resurrected with Christ. 

In conclusion to all of this, our focus is to stop sinning. Our lives should now model different behavior. We are new creatures in Christ and we should act like we are new.

Promise: We have hope in Christ's Resurrection and we live better lives today because of it.

Prayer:Lord, thank you that my life is not lived in vain, but instead I am living each day in hope of my new life with Jesus for all eternity. I will be in Christ always. Thank you Lord.

John 14:1-4 - Our Heavenly Home

John 14:1-4
¹ “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. ² In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. ³ If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. ⁴ And you know the way where I am going.”

Message: Our Heavenly Home

Time: Throughout church history, Christians have consistently attributed this gospel to Jesus' disciple John, the brother of James, the son of Zebedee. John was one of the inner circle of Jesus' most trusted companions. It's most likely that John wrote his gospel while he was in Ephesus, and that he wrote it for an audience that lived outside Palestine, perhaps in Asia Minor. John appears to have had in mind members of a Jewish community who had come to believe that Jesus was the Messiah, but who had continued to worship in the synagogue. John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing he was to confirm the belief that Jesus was both the Christ and the Son of God

What the Lord is Saying: Throughout the Bible, as I have mentioned, the theme is believing and living in faith. I was looking at many of the epistles and noticing that Paul first addresses people as bond-servants or saints and then tells them how to live. The idea is that he is speaking to an audience that has believed, that has faith and then he describes to them how they need to basically live better or get away with disagreements they are having over doctrine. But, the key ingredient that people everywhere have is faith. John's purpose in writing his gospel is mentioned in John 20:31 when he says, "these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name." John writes so that people will believe. Thus, people either believe or they do not believe in Jesus, in God. The only thing I know for sure is dying in faith means I live in the presence of God for eternal life (I John 5:11-2). 

In these verses of John 14:1-4 I see a little more detail of what Jesus promises for this eternal life. First, he re-affirms what is necessary and in verse 1 says, "Believe in God, believe also in Me." So what I know first of all is I must have belief in Jesus and God. The Greek word for believe is the same Greek word in both phrases. My belief in Jesus should mirror the belief I have in God.  I cannot separate the two. 

And then I see that Jesus is preparing a place for me (v. 2) and in this place I will be there with Jesus. He does not say it is a mansion, but he says it is many mansions. It is a place sufficient to receive the holy angels, your predecessors in the faith, and all that now believe. Jesus wants to assure his audience that this place people are going is enormous. And this place is a reality, otherwise Jesus would have told us otherwise. He promises it, so we know it will happen.

Promise: Only through Jesus can we pass through death into eternal bliss.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for giving us promises and thank you for assuring that those promises will come true. Thank you for so clearly showing me that I am to live by faith, not sight. Lord, draw people into this union where they are living by faith in you. Keep our eyes always focused on you. There are so many I converse with that acknowledge you, but do not trust you with their life. Round out their belief so that they believe in you completely. And there are others who believe you are a man, but not that you are God. Help them to see that you are redeemer and the life-giver. I pray that they would believe in you Jesus the same way they believe in God. Thank you for promising us a heavenly home and reminding me that I always have this future place that will be available to me, that I will move out of this present life, into that eternal home with you for eternity. I praise your name.