Seek God Together
By Seek God Together
Seek God TogetherJun 28, 2022
Trespasses - Ephesians 1:7-8
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Today we will read Ephesians 1:7 and 8. These verses say “We have redemption in Him through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace that He lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.”
We’ve been spending time in Ephesians 1. Paul has a knack for writing soaring poetry about Jesus to open his letters and this may take the cake. In fact in the original Greek, these 11 verses about God’s blessing are one long sentence. We’ve seen that God has taken all the responsibility to choose and execute His good plan to redeem. We’ve seen that He did this before you were even born, or anything at all was created! We’ve seen that He loves you intensely. We’ve seen that He’s adopted us. But we must ask the question, from what has He adopted us? From what has He chosen us? How has this adoption occurred and what’s the flip side of the coin?
These verses tell us. We have redemption in Him through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses. Here we come face to face with the shocking claim of the gospel. God’s method of redeeming you is through His blood. That is, through He Himself suffering, shedding blood, and dying. Why? Why would God need to do that? It tells us - because our trespasses need to be forgiven. We don’t use the word “trespass” often - at least not in the archaic sense. To trespass is to commit an offense, to sin, or to break the law. To do wrong. We could use the modern sense as well - going where we should not.
And here we have a problem. This passage is claiming that our behavior, our very self, is…wrong. It’s so wrong, that it requires God-blood to forgive. It’s not trivial. It’s not a minor error. This is a systemic lawbreaking problem on our part which requires the King Himself to suffer and die in order to fix. So I must ask, does that bother you? Specifically are there behaviors you indulge in and (more importantly) dismiss or excuse as right even if revelatory scripture claims that they’re wrong? Think of it this way, would you be so bold as to call good what the God of Creation shed blood to redeem? That’s incredible hubris. And yet I fear that more and more our culture is claiming just that. This passage, and scripture as a whole doesn’t apologize for calling sin sin. Of course there are thoughts, behaviors, and habits that both you and I have that are shameful and that He shed blood for. That’s obvious. And it’s enough that we do them. But let’s not delude ourselves into thinking something is good just because our twisted selves desire it.
This adoption doesn’t come easy or cheap. The riches of His grace that He lavishes on us cost Him greatly. And He seems incredibly overjoyed to do it. Still there’s another piece to consider - the last part of the passage. How does He lavish this grace? “With all wisdom and understanding.” God shed His blood, lavishes grace, forgives trespasses, and redeems, with not just some wisdom and understanding, but with all of it. He is completely thorough in His wisdom and understanding regarding the entire matter. He knows the exact nature and extent of the problem. He knows all that must transpire in order to transform you into the beloved. He knows how much energy, and cost it requires. And He’s made all the provision. And as we’ve said - He will get what He wants.
Our role at this point is quite simple. It’s to agree with Him. It’s to take at face value that He has chosen, shed His blood, forgiven our trespasses, and lavished us with grace and riches. And strangely that He seems to enjoy it! You could call this belief, or faith. What a God we have!
God I believe You. I believe that You have done all of this. I believe that I need it because I’m a sinner. But I believe You’re bigger than my sin and way better than I could imagine.
Predestined - Ephesians 1:5-6
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Today we will read Ephesians 1:5 and 6. Here’s what they say… “He predestined us to be adopted through Jesus Christ for Himself, according to His favor and will, to the praise of His glorious grace that He favored us with in the Beloved.”
Predestination. We tend to recoil at the idea of fate. We want freedom - the opportunity to better our circumstances, pick ourselves up, or at the very least, if we are to suffer, to suffer for our own misdeeds. Let the debt be our own to pay. What feels most repulsive is the idea that we would enter this world through no choice of our own, and ultimately burn in hell also seemingly through no choice of our own. It is this view that runs the risk of making God appear wanton, capricious, and arbitrary. Have you thought of God this way? I’ll be honest, whenever I hear the word “predestination”, I have to resist my initial impulse to think these dark thoughts. Perhaps it’s how the concept was initially presented to me. I don’t know. I don’t think I’m alone. I wonder how many have turned away from God due in part to thinking this way.
So it’s at this point we need to carefully consider what the text is actually saying. Of course there are many verses on the topic of predestination, and here we only have two. But whenever we face a difficult concept in scripture, we have choices in how to address it. We can ignore it. We can claim the author is wrong - or that God is wrong (heaven forbid). We can cling to our system of belief and force fit it in. We can cry out “Mystery Mystery”. Or we can receive it with open hands and allow our thinking to be changed and accommodate the revelation.
So what does it say? He predestined us to be adopted. We were outsiders, and parentless. But God chose us. And to what end did He choose us? For His own end. We are adopted for…God! God literally wants us. He wants you - He’s made all the provision, and He’ll get what He wants. Is there anything in here about hell? Anything about not choosing some? Anything about a moody God Who could’ve just as easily destroyed you? No. There’s nothing like that. Only His favor and will. His will is a good one. And this is not only for you, but you receive this favor by being part of a collective whole - the beloved.
There are numerous passages about Christ’s (God’s) beloved, or body, or bride. You pick your favorite word. The point is that God so deeply loves this collection of the redeemed and it is His object of passion, romance, and unending favor and love. You are in that. And you had nothing to do with it. You’ve won the multi-billion dollar lottery a million times over because God is that good. He chose it for you. You couldn’t nullify His love for you if you tried. And you do try. So do I. But no matter how screwed up we are, or how much we mess up, it is simply steps along the way to making us what He chose long ago for us to be - the objects of His love - His beloved.
Congratulations beloved of God! Go live it out!
God are you really that good? I have to pinch myself. You’re incredible.
In the Heavens - Ephesians 1:3
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Today we will read Ephesians 1:3 and 4. Here’s what they say, “Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens. For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in His sight.
We’ll be spending some time in Ephesians 1. I won’t pretend to be a Greek expert but it’s worth noting that these verses all the way down to verse 14 are one long, run-on sentence. They express an idea about Jesus. It’s almost like Paul is looking at a diamond and as he rotates it the facets look slightly different from each angle - but it’s still one diamond. Paul lavishes praise on God. His mind seems captivated and carried away by Christ and ever surprised by God’s methods. In Paul’s mind, things just get better and better the more we know God. He is better than we could have imagined. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Time will let us get there but for now, verses 3 and 4.
“Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Jesus has a Father - and He’s your Father. There is something unique between the Father and Son. There is a relationship and it’s a good one. What’s the nature of the difference? I haven’t got a clue. Neither does anyone else. We’re talking about a Being wholly different than anything we can possibly behold. But scripture is unapologetic about it. Personally, I’m often tempted to swerve toward modalism - the idea that One God expresses Himself cosmically as Father and humanly as Son. And while I believe there are merits to this idea, Paul doesn’t let me rest comfortably in it. There is something to the Trinity. There is something to the differences (if I’m even using the right word - or thought) between the Father and Son. Let’s just receive it. Isn’t it a wonderful thing to have the God we do? Not a distant self-absorbed, static unfeeling Being. Far from it. We have a dynamic, relational, moving, feeling God Who has done an incredible thing! On to verse 4.
He chose us! And when did He choose us? When we had faith? When we were born? When Christ was crucified? When He created the universe? As mind-numbing as it is, it was before the Creation itself. Is “before” even the right word? There was no time before matter. So even now we’re far outside of our capacity to understand. But He chose us. You - He knew you and chose you. Some don’t like this idea of God choosing. It’s easy to immediately jump to the question, “But what about those He didn’t choose?” In time we’ll address it all. But for now just accept what it says. It does not say He choose You and ignored others. It simply says He chose you. You are chosen. Your standing with God could have been left up to you. And we all know the darkness in our own souls. No - God is a preemptive God. God had it all worked out before a single thing was created. It was His good plan to bless you with EVERY spiritual blessing in the heavens. And to choose you to be holy and blameless in His sight.
Are you there yet? Are you holy and blameless in His sight? Well, in Christ you are. Your behavior may not reflect it at the moment. But you are subject to a God-sized force that is greater than all your self-destructive behavior. God has chosen you. You had nothing to do with it. Why? Because He’s that good. Nothing will stop Him from lavishing you with EVERY spiritual blessing in the heavens! Nothing will stop God from getting what He wants - and He wants you.
Does that excite you? Does it scare you? If so, are you open to the idea that you are not yet thinking of God as good as He is? He is far better than you can imagine. And by His own choosing, He will prove it to you. He’s just getting started.
Intercessor - Hebrews 7:25-27
Today we will read Hebrew 7:25-27 which say, “Therefore, He is always able to save those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them. For this is the kind of high priest we need: holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. He doesn’t need to offer sacrifices every day, as high priests do - first for their own sins, then for those of the people. He did this once for all when He offered Himself.”
What is Jesus doing right now? And what does Jesus do when you or I sin? The shocking claim of the writer of Hebrews, is that right this very moment, Jesus Himself is interceding for you. That’s a great word - intercede. It means to intervene, to beg on your behalf. He’s interceding for you while you sleep, while you worship, while you look at porn, and even in those moments you’re most deluded and think He’s impressed with you and that you’re doing pretty well.
If there’s anything the old testament sacrificial system showed us, it’s that it takes a lot of sacrificial lambs to keep us in good standing with God. There were whole burnt offerings that covered everything, and then one-off sin offerings for those regrettable moments, and offerings for the priests, and fellowship offerings… and it never ended - day after day after day. Not only that, but the sacrifices were still just animals. Unable to do anything for you except suffer the responsibility of your sin. Brutal, but true.
But Jesus is not only sinless, and a sacrifice, but He’s also quote “Exalted High Above the Heavens!” Yes! Our sacrifice is the King of the Universe. But unlike other kings He doesn’t passively sit on a throne collecting tributes. Nope, He is still actively, energetically, unapologetically pleading on your behalf. He is arguing for blessing on you. He is constantly working for your good before God Himself. How does this work? No clue. But the implication is that you have the God-man on your side right this second! He is even now arguing on your behalf as though you were Him!
Now, what are the implications? If the King Himself were making arguments to the king for you, then what in the world are you doing not going to the King at every moment for everything? What do you lack? You have it all! Now believe it - and act like it.
Jesus, You’re my intercessor. I love You! It’s too good to be true! I worship You and I boldly ask You for the following…
Liberty - Romans 14:22
Today we will read Romans 14:22 which says, “Do you have a conviction? Keep it to yourself before God. The man who does not condemn himself by what he approves is Blessed.”
Here we have a very practical message from Paul. Do you have a conviction? Or better - faith? Do you have something that by faith you believe to be from God and good? Is it something that someone else disagrees with? Is it something that doesn’t overtly have a command against or for it? Is it a gray-zone negotiable issue? Fine. Keep it between you and God.
No need to broadcast your opinion or flaunt it. In fact Paul would say there’s a blessing in not broadcasting it. No need to prove yourself right, or get facebook likes from the choir. Just have the confidence between you and God that all is well.
But is there some doubt in your mind? Are you on the fence? Do you go back and forth for some reason? Well that sounds like it might not be out of conviction, or rather out of faith. And Paul says what it is when you do a thing that isn’t of faith - it’s sin. That may seem harsh but what else would you call it?
So Paul is helping you live wisely in light of God’s incredible grace. Live by your convictions in light of God’s watchful eye. No need to shout it from the mountaintops. But be introspective at the same time and honest if you feel convicted not to do a thing. And in this way walk sensitively with God.
God, all things are from You. But show me day to day, even moment to moment, how You want me to live.
The Silence of God - Isaiah 42:14
Today we will read Isaiah 42:14 which says, “I have kept silent from ages past; I have been quiet and restrained Myself. But now, I will groan like a woman in labor, gasping breathlessly.”
Where is God? And why is He so silent? This is certainly one of the greatest questions and problems for a believer. It’s been asked countless times for thousands of years. And we’re not going to figure it out here. But we can add our anguish to the mighty human outcry and our tears to the ocean.
On one hand, there is a universe. It’s here. Why? If there’s no God it makes no sense why there’d be anything at all. But this is a logical explanation to a spiritual and emotional problem. If God is so good, and so personal, why is He so quiet?
For the believer in the biblical God, we appeal to the Bible. But the Bible itself implies hundreds upon hundreds of years, thousands or even exponentially more of utter silence from God. And even when He does speak, it’s to an individual or to a very few select individuals. The silence from God is deafening.
God admits this Himself. He says “I have kept silent from ages past.” Those are His words. You and I hold our tongues for a few seconds and feel we might explode. God keeps it in for ages! And when He finally speaks, it’s like a woman in labor. Something has been growing, steadily, quietly in the dark. And a moment comes when not even God can keep it in! It’s unmistakable and loud. Such is how God communicates. He stays quiet. But don’t mistake quiet for static. There is something new on the horizon even as ages go by. We’re a part of a much bigger, much greater story. Faith then isn’t so much waiting for Him to do a particular thing, but the confidence that He is up to things that are better than we can imagine. We may not see it in a hundred lifetimes but it’s there.
In the meantime, we find strength in what has been communicated. We worship, and wait in anticipation of the new thing He is doing.
God, I yield my assumptions about You to that which You actually are. I get the smallest glimpse. And You are wonderful. I’m grateful for what has been communicated. And I wait excitedly for what You will do!
Clean Heart - Psalm 51:10
Today we will read Psalm 51:10 - a Psalm of David which says, “God, create a clean heart for me and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
How are you? On top of the spiritual world? Have you made strides in your spiritual life such that would make the angels sing? Or have you in some way or another fallen off the bandwagon and in desperate need of getting back on?
There’s a consistent nagging temptation to avoid God especially when what we most need is to go to Him. Let’s add some context to this verse. David has just been confronted by the prophet Nathan over his adultery and murder. Not to put too fine a point on it, but David stole his buddy’s wife, and put him in the kill zone to cover his tracks. David abused his power to steal a woman, and kill his friend. I’m sure you’ve done a lot that you’re ashamed of. I sure have. But have you done that?
And yet, it’s in this moment that David asks what we find too often impossible to ask ourselves, “God, create a clean heart for me…” David doesn’t promise to do better. He doesn’t appeal to the fact that he hadn’t killed any of his other friends or stole their wives in the last 12 months. He doesn’t attempt to clean himself up. He appeals to God Himself to do the work. God is the One creating the clean heart. And more, God is the one to renew a steadfast spirit.
I like that word - steadfast. It means resolute and unwavering. When I’m tempted in ways I’ve fallen a million times, what I really need is to be steadfast. If I was always steadfast I’d never fall. So do I need to work on my steadfastness? Sure - but more importantly - I need to appeal to God to do it. David does and he’s a man after God’s own heart.
God, this isn’t pretty, but it’s what I need. I need a clean heart from You. I need steadfastness from You so that I stay clean before You. I don’t have any collateral to offer up. I have nothing else but to ask. So here I am.
Childbirth Purification - Leviticus 12:2-5
Today we will read Leviticus 12:2-5. These verses say, “Tell the Israelites: When a woman becomes pregnant and gives birth to a male child, she will be unclean seven days…She will continue in purification from her bleeding for 33 days. She must not touch any holy thing or go into the sanctuary until completing her days of purification. But if she gives birth to a female child, she will be unclean for two weeks as she is during her menstrual impurity. She will continue in purification from her bleeding for 66 days.”
There are a lot of weird things in scripture. And this one ranks near the top. Just to summarize incase you missed it, a woman is essentially unclean for 40 days if she has a boy and 80 days total if she has a girl. 40 days, unclean, for a boy, and 80 days for a girl.
Why is this in the bible? I have no clue. We already believe that scripture is inspired of God but is also written within the context and agendas of the writers. Is this saying that little girls are twice as impure as little boys? I sure hope not.
We’re by far not the first to question this passage. Ancient Hebrew scholars came up with some very creative, and in some cases hysterical explanations. Including but not limited to: the length of time it takes for the woman to repent of swearing off ever having sex again. I kid you not. Supposedly this time is less for a boy because male babies were more preferable. You can’t make this stuff up.
Other explanations include the biological idea that if sperm goes to one side a male is produced, and on the other side a female, and it takes half as long for quote “rotted blood” to leave the body from the male side verses the female side. Sheesh.
I prefer the Adam and Eve explanation. Whatever your particular views of Genesis 1-3, the narrative states that Adam was in the garden first. And then later Eve is revealed as a mystery hidden within Adam. In a sense then Adam has a head-start in exploring God’s world. The females get a little more time then.
Whatever the explanation notice a few other things. First, Leviticus, far from being mean, is giving a new mom time to bond. There is no rush back to work, or any additional responsibilities given other than laying low and spending time with the new baby. Second, while we didn’t read it, the verses following spell out the need for an atonement offering. It’s the same for males and females. There’s not an extra offering for females. All humanity requires the same thing to be right with God, a sacrifice. And this sacrifice is offered before the baby has done anything immoral. It is necessary and provision is made even without the baby’s consent.
And finally, the females get a longer period of time. And while this could understandably be viewed as a knock against females, just consider that everything in creation led up to a female - not to a male. The crowning moment of goodness didn’t come with Adam but with Eve. When a man and woman get married, the groom walks in unceremoniously and without fanfare. But then everyone stands to attention, and marvels at the glory of the beautiful bride in the white dress. And in the future, Jesus will get His bride. Yes He’s made all the provision, He did all the sacrificing and suffering…Yes He’s the King and the Savior…but all His attention and romantic energy is aimed in one direction - the female - the bride - the church - the humanity that He is reconciling back to Himself.
God even in strange passages we can see You and marvel at You. I am part of Your bride. Show me more of what this means.
He Cares - 1 Peter 5:6-7
Today we will read 1 Peter 5:6-7. These verses say, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your care on Him, because He cares about you.”
Often overlooked is the first part of the passage. Verse 6 contextualizes our posture as we cast our anxieties on God. It tells us how to treat God and others. First, to humble ourselves under God’s hand. How? Well in large part in how we treat others as the first part of chapter 5 tells us - not in resistance to those who are our elders. There’s a deference we should pay to those who are older, more mature, and in positions of leadership. And this should inform how we treat those who are younger, less mature, or in a lower level of leadership. We should be humble, and deferential to both groups and in this way show humility to God. This is the context in which we are invited to cast our cares on God.
He cares about you. God cares about you - dear worshipper. He cares about you. Do you need to hear it again? The God of the universe, the Creator of all things, cares…for you. You! It’s an interesting play on words in English. It says “Cast our cares on Him for He cares.” It’s as though what we give God is the same thing He gives us. But it’s not exactly the same in the greek. The care we give God is our anxiety. It’s the fear we have mainly for our own self-interest. The pressure, the existential angst. It is that messiness in our soul that we are invited to give.
And what does He give in return? His care. But not anxiety. His deference. His humility. His willingness to set aside His rights and High Holy desires in order to accommodate you and me small as we are. The kind of care that a shepherd gives his flock. A desire for our good. We have a desire for our good without the wisdom to inform it or the power to accomplish it. Whereas He desires our good but has perfect wisdom to understand all the variables and all the capacity to bring it about. This God, in all His goodness and perfection, cares for you!
God I can hardly believe it’s true. That You, mighty and good as You are, actually care for me. Here then are my anxieties.
Deliberate Sin - Hebrews 10:26-27
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Today we will read Hebrews 10:26-27 which says, “For if we deliberately sin after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins but a terrifying expectation of judgment and the fury of a fire about to consume the adversaries.”
Well this one is scary isn’t it? And to be clear, this affects us all. There is no one free of intentional sin. We’re all guilty, including the great apostle Paul himself. So is this passage teaching that we’re all doomed if/when we intentionally sin after receiving Jesus as our Savior? You could interpret it that way. It’s bleak and hopeless but an interpretation.
Perhaps a better way is through the lens of the Old Testament sacrificial system - something we’re sadly distanced from in Christianity.
In Leviticus, the first offering is the Burnt Offering. This is an all-purpose, thorough atoning sacrifice. It’s offered when a baby is born. It’s a pleasing aroma to God. It’s a sacrifice that seems to cover literally anything and everything and is offered regularly. None of the animal is spared. None is eaten. It is completely consumed by fire.
And while there are other sacrifices to be eaten and enjoyed as a family, or just given out of gratitude, the Sin Offering is the other serious big one. The Sin Offering, also a burnt offering, is offered case by case when someone sins unintentionally and becomes aware, or sins intentionally and repents. Either way, it requires the individual to take responsibility, repent, and offer the sacrifice. There is however the sin of defiance, or “High Handedness” in Numbers 15:30 and seems to describe an ongoing obstinance and resistance to repentance that no offering could cover.
Jesus being the ultimate sacrifice fulfills these requirements and also informs the New Testament Jewish understanding of His work. So back to our passage. Jesus serves as the thorough Burnt Offering. He’s covered it all. And when we go on to sin, which we do, He is also the Sin Offering covering each and every misstep. If we sin quote “intentionally,” I take this to mean an attitude of resistance - the opposite of repentance - the sin of “High Handedness.”
Imagine a husband in a room with his wife, and he just willy nilly flips on porn. No shame, no remorse, nothing. What would happen? He has knowledge of the truth - his wife is in the room. And yet he’s obstinate. In that moment, the intimacy of the marriage hits a brick wall and all that remains is her consuming wrath and judgement. It’s either destruction of the relationship that could have been, or repentance and sacrifice. Those are the only options.
It’s no different with God. All provision has been made but you will not find intimacy with Him while in defiant intentional sin. You are right for feeling the impending weight of His wrath. The Sin Offering is however available whenever you repent. You can play that card a million times and never exhaust God’s grace. But it will always require a turning from your resistance and repenting. Destruction or repentance. Those are the only options. And the more time goes by, the clearer those destinies become in each of us.
God, I know my own heart. There are times I do sin intentionally, and I’m hard hearted. Forgive me. I repent again. I want You.
It’s Better - John 16:7
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Today we will read John 16:7 which says, “Nevertheless, I am telling you the truth. It is for your benefit that I go away, because if I don’t go away, the Counselor will not come to you. If I go, I will send Him to you.”
Happy Post-Resurrection! Calendar-wise, we are still in the period of time after Jesus’ resurrection, and before His ascension. That will come in a few weeks. And then will be Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit, the Counselor, was poured out not onto humanity, but into humanity.
Of course Jesus’ words here to His disciples were before He was crucified. And they are jarring. Better Jesus? It’s better that You go away? I cannot imagine a scenario where it’s better for a parent to leave so that some immaterial, inaudible version of the parent can be around. Jesus’ words can feel, well, out of touch with normal human needs, and emotions. And yet He says them. And this is where we have to make a hard choice to take Him seriously and press into what might be being said.
He says it’s “better” for us. There are many things which are in fact better for us that don’t feel like it at the time. Certainly as children it was difficult to believe our parents when they said “It’s better this way” about a million things. So by faith we can believe Jesus. But what is actually better?
Perhaps a bit of conjecture can help. Use your imagination and go back to a time before Jesus, before scripture at all. There was God, and there was creation. What does it look like when God interfaces with something that is not Himself? It looks like creation. And we see His power and invisible qualities. He is worthy of worship, seeking out, and fear, but distant and unapproachable.
Fast forward, and in fulfillment of the revelation of God in scripture, Jesus arrives! He’s incredible! He’s everything the perfect God/man would be. If you’re curious what God thinks, talks like, acts like, and does…look at Jesus. What does it look like when God interfaces with humanity? It looks like Jesus. But there’s still only one of Him. And He’s still outside of us.
Then Jesus promises to deliver something even better, the Holy Spirit. How does God bring a dead spirit back online? How does the ultimate Spirit not overwhelm a human spirit and destroy it? How does God create in us new hearts and make us like Christ? The answer seems to be with the Holy Spirit - that is, God Himself uniting to our spirit and bringing it back to life. What does it look like when God interfaces with our spirits? It looks like the Holy Spirit, and we are only beginning to get a sense of all that means in our lives.
Fast way forward, and there will come a time when we will not only see God face to face, but we will see Him as He is for we shall be like Him. Only God knows all that it takes to get us there, but that is where we’re headed. Is it better that Jesus leave? Only in the sense that God is coming ever nearer - and He’s always better than we think. There is more happening in our universe and in our own souls than we can see with our eyeballs. God knows this and says it’s better.
God, I’m amazed by You! Keep showing me more. I want more.
New Song - Psalm 96:1-3
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Today we will read Psalm 96:1-3 which says, “Sing a new song to the LORD; sing to the LORD, all the earth. Sing to the LORD, praise His name; proclaim His salvation from day to day. Declare His glory among the nations, His wonderful works among all peoples.”
These are not the words of a tired, bored church-goer. This sounds like someone who can’t keep their mouth shut. They’re excited! The songwriter sees God in everything and they want to talk about Him, and sing about Him. Later in the psalm they tell the heavens, the sea, the fields, and even the trees to worship. I love the word in this translation - exult. The psalmist is telling creation to exult, literally to feel and show triumph in God.
He (or she) tells us to sing. Do you sing? Are you a good singer? It doesn’t matter. It’s not the point. You have a voice. Just like you have 2 legs to walk and run on. But do you use them? It’s human to walk just as it is human to sing. And you, like the trees, and the sea, are reflecting the glory of God. It’s just that you are the shining expression of His glory. You are His image. So sing! And don’t just sing - sing something new. Find a new feeling, a new thought to exult in God. Do so when you feel it. Do so when you don’t. God is there and God is worth it either way.
God I exult in You! I sing about You. I want to experience You in a new way. I love You.
Priestly Defects - Leviticus 21:16-20
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Today we will read Leviticus 21:16-20 which says, “The LORD spoke to Moses: ‘Tell Aaron: None of your descendants throughout your generations who has a physical defect is to come near to present the food of his God. No man who has any defect is to come near: no man who is blind, lame, facially disfigured, or deformed; no man who has a broken foot or hand, or who is a hunchback or is a dwarf (or emaciated), or who has an eye defect, a festering rash, scabs, or a crushed testicle.”
Strange right? Does this surprise you to be in the Bible? Not only because it forbids a priest from coming near to God for having a crushed testicle, but because so many things in this list wouldn’t even be the fault of the priest. Deformity, blindness…no one would choose that. And yet the priest is restricted through no fault of their own. One could read this as petty, and unfair. Too high a bar.
But consider the role of a priest. A priest becomes the representative of people before God. And God Himself demands perfection, or wholeness. In fact the idea of God’s holiness is not entirely that He is sinless (although He is). Holiness has more to do with God being unique, special, utterly set apart. And therefore whatever comes into His presence is to also be set apart, special, and perfect.
Which brings us to the defective priests. The passage goes on to say that they may eat the priestly food, and still participate in priestly activities. They are not cut off or treated cruelly for their limitations. But to come near and present the offering before God, to enter His Presence, to be the perfect representative has nothing to do with the priests feelings, but their perfection. Only a perfect human can come before God. A whole, fully functioning, morally pure, truly human priest may adequately offer the sacrifice.
Who does that sound like? Yes - it is Jesus. Once again we get to the One and only perfect High Priest - the perfect human - the only One capable of representing us to God perfectly. It is wonderful too to reflect on Jesus work on earth. He made the lame walk, the blind see, the deaf to hear. He straightened withered hands. He fed the emaciated. He brought defective people back to wholeness physically, and spiritually. And He is actively doing that even now before God. What a Priest we have.
Jesus, You can come before God. And in You, I can come before God. Thank You.
Nations Rage - Psalm 2:1-4, 10-12
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Today we will read Psalm chapter 2, verses 1-4 and then 10-12. They say, “Why do the nations rebel and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand, and the rulers conspire together against the LORD and His Anointed One: ‘Let us tear off their chains and free ourselves from their restraints.’ … So now, kings, be wise; receive instruction, you judges of the earth. Serve the LORD with reverential awe and rejoice with trembling. Pay homage to the Son or He will be angry and you will perish in your rebellion, for His anger may ignite at any moment. All those who take refuge in Him are happy.”
There’s a lot here. Not the first of which is that this Psalm, the second Psalm, so obviously points to the LORD’s “Anointed One” - the Son. The One to receive the nations as His inheritance? Sound familiar? Sound like Jesus? Should we be surprised? All of scripture, if you’re willing to see it, is pointing to Him. The nations are His.
But you, like so many grieving prophets before you, might be lamenting that as you look around, speak with friends, speak with family, engage people on social media, watch the news…that so many, seemingly the majority at times, ignore, malign, and disregard God, or at least His design and rule. Many are quote “tearing off their chains and freeing themselves from their restraints.” In the effort to achieve freedom they rebel against the very One Who can give true freedom.
And the Lord responds in a way we may not like. He laughs. He ridicules and mocks. He is angry. And like a pile of wood which before the fire was cool to the touch and seemingly unmoved forever, suddenly the spark ignites and the heat is unbearable. And there is a promise to the faithful. Unlike the rebels who will encounter the Lord’s wrath, those who take refuge in Him, are…safe? Secure? Morally affirmed? No - they are happy. Do you want to be happy?
In closing, notice who the warning is aimed at. It’s the kings - the rulers. They are the ones actively throwing off God’s restraints. Are you a king or a ruler? If not, recognize then that your capacity to influence is limited. Do not fret or take ownership for something that is not yours. Pray for your rulers - pray for your kings. But you do rule something. At the very least you rule yourself. Your business. Your home or family. You may help oversee an organization. Take the warning then in verses 10-12. Be wise, receive instruction, serve the Lord with awe. Pay homage - literally - kiss the Son - worship. The warning is stern if you don’t - you will perish in your rebellion. So don’t rebel - don’t perish. Take refuge in Him and be happy.
God, I choose to take ownership of what’s mine. I don’t want to refuse You or Your rule over me. You are the King and I take refuge in You. Show me how to do that and what it means for me.
Every Morning - Lamentations 3:22-23
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Today we will read Lamentations 3:22-23. Here’s what they say, “Because of the Lord’s faithful love we do not perish, for His mercies never end. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!”
These are popular verses. And for good reason. They are soaring, beautiful statements of the unending faithfulness of God and the instantaneous access we have to His mercy. I fear though that the context is lost. You might have noticed the name of the book - Lamentations. The writer - Jeremiah - is lamenting. What is he lamenting? The destruction of his city and his people. Why was Jerusalem destroyed? Because of its sin. And yet he’s appealing to the ever-available mercy of God.
How are you? Have you conquered those gnawing sins and imperfections once and for all? Are you on the mountaintop? Or have you fallen off the wagon and slammed into the rocks? Probably depends on the day. It’s all too human.
I have sobering news and good news. Let’s start with the sobering. You are real. Your decisions and actions are real. The universe, the laws of physics, this world, relationships, consequences - they are all too real. God does not magically erase your memories. He does not turn a bullet into an angel feather. As much as my heart breaks to say, too often the consequences of our sin hurt ourselves and others. And it would be unwise to presume on God to violate the norms of the world He has made. This is a sobering, but powerful consideration as you and I are are often tempted to willfully sin.
But the good news - the mercies of God are immediately, unflinchingly, generously, freely available to you right now. You don’t have to sit alone with your failure. The grossest sin, as crushing as it is for you, is an absolute pleasure for God to deal with. Only He has all the resources, and has already made all provision to deal with every last bit of your imperfection and issues. Your junk is not shocking to God. That which horrifies you was on His mind and on the cross long ago. You honor Him most by boldly going to Him. As you are now.
This shouldn’t surprise us. Relationships are serious business - most of all with God. Note then the reality and the soaring character of God as you set out on your day.
“God, have mercy on me - a sinner. And while I boldly ask that you spare me from the natural consequences of my sin, I understand the realities on the ground. Thank You for Your mercies which are far more substantive and lasting than this current life. And give me wisdom, and a willing spirit not to sin, but to obey, and follow You into the flourishing You’ve intended for me all along.”
Animated - Acts 17:28
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Today we will read the first part of Acts 17:28 which says, “For in Him we live and move and exist.”
How are you doing today? Did you feel great yesterday but today is a different story? Maybe life is more like that than we care to admit. What’s the answer? All too often it seems our go-to is to push through. Pull up our bootstraps and press on. And in fairness, we need to do a lot of pressing on in life to function. But behind the pressing on, where is the energy? Is it from you? The ability to maintain a healthy marriage, kids, and family - is that from you? The ability to earn an income - is that from you? The energy it takes to stay alive - is it really from you?
We wouldn’t even be considering these questions if it weren’t for God. Your life, and all the beauty in it would be non-existent but for God. This world, and the billions of unique lives and stories - nothing - absolutely nothing without God.
At the most basic level, God is all there is. And we exist only as a derivative of His desire. It’s not a surprise then that Paul would say, “In Him we live and move and exist.” We are animated by Him. We are endowed with life, spirit and vigor by Him.
And Paul would argue with you, just as he did in this passage with the Athenians, and say that God is not far from you. He is so near. And your existence is in large part, perhaps entirely, organized so that you would seek Him and find Him.
Imagine that today is filled with extra animating spiritual energy from God. Would you want that? What could you experience, and accomplish, and give to others if you lived today with fresh energy from God? Amazingly Paul tells us what to do to get it. “Reach out and find Him.” You’re doing that now. And as we always say, it’s a brave thing to do. So let’s continue to do it.
“God I boldly, without apology, and brazenly reach out to You now. I need You so much more than I even realize. Give me more. I love You!”
You Must Rule - Genesis 4:6-7
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Today we will read Genesis 4:6-7. “Then the Lord said to Cain, ‘Why are you furious? And why do you look despondent? If you do what is right, won’t you be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it.’”
The brothers, Cain and Able, had just made their sacrificial offerings. God “regarded” Able’s, but not Cains. Able got an A while Cain failed. Now Cain is upset.
Yet even in this moment God is pursuing relationship with Cain. He asks “Why are you furious?” And then God answers His own question. “If you ‘Do’ what is right won’t you be accepted?” It seems the offering itself wasn’t the issue but rather the conduct of the worshipper. Whatever Cain’s conduct was, it kept him from being acceptable.
Then comes the sinister line, “Sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it.” And of course this is foreshadowing the next verse where Cain kills his own brother. But notice, sin is given a sense of agency and desire. It desires Cain. What is God’s remedy against this corrosive force? Cain must rule over it. God doesn’t take it away. He doesn’t magically change Cain’s heart. The onus is on Cain to do what’s right in the face of sin’s desire. And he tragically fails.
This is heartbreaking. But we would be wise to learn from it as millions have for thousands of years. First, sin is also crouching at your door and mine. It desires you and me. Do you feel guilty for the temptation? The dark thoughts? The attitude? The destructive desires? Don’t feel guilty. Don’t be surprised. And do not feel alone because you’re not. There is an active agent at work in you that is distinct from you.
And second, know that sin does not have the upper hand. You have all the resources in God to rule, to dominate it. You are the master, not it. And you are empowered to rule. It is a choice you and I will have to make every day every moment of our lives. And it is this moment to moment surrender to God, and resistance to sin that will ultimately make us into the humans God desires all along. Don’t curse the process. Recognize it for what it is and keep going.
God I can feel sin at my door. But I’m not surprised. I want to experience You in the resistance. Give me more of You.
Guard Your Heart - Proverbs 4:23
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Today we will read Proverbs 4:23 which says, “Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life.”
This could’ve said a lot of things. “Stay trim, for it is the source of life.” “Save for retirement, for it is the source of life.” “Win friends and influence people, for it is the source of life.” Nope. Guard your heart. What is the heart? We know what it feels like to have a broken heart or to pull on our heart-strings. The heart is the seat of being. It’s more than our mind. Perhaps it’s all in our brain, but maybe more, at the least it certainly transcends our conscious thoughts. The heart is the most important part of you.
The heart is the source of life. Not to push the metaphor too far, but it doesn’t even say, “Guard your relationship with God, for it is the source of life.” No no. This proverb is imploring us to carefully cultivate the core of our being, to guard and protect, because IT is the source of our life. To be careless with our heart, to allow just anything in, is to forfeit the life we were meant for.
Perhaps we appeal to God for that which He has equipped us to deal with already. Have you ever noticed that if you yield to a particular vice, look at what you ought not, say what you know you shouldn’t, do what you know is forbidden…you can seek forgiveness. You can make amends. You can pay the piper, but you can’t forget. How I wish we could forget. But it’s a cold truth of being. Our minds work as designed - too well even. The heart knows.
We ask God to forgive which He does in a flat second. And forgiveness is His to give. But to guard the heart is the task He’s given us, and He doesn’t seem to do it for us. It is our burden. It may seem too heavy a burden but just consider…you have power to guard, and shape the orientation of your heart. It’s your choice. Rome wasn’t built in a day, neither is the source of your life. But if God has empowered you with the spark of life, and calls you to actively guard your heart, then you’re capable. The question is, what do you want your heart to look like? What will you allow in?
“God I want to honor the life You’ve given. I need to take a more active role in guarding my own heart. I won’t ignore the task given me. Give me wisdom, and vision, as I participate with you in living.”
Belong - Psalm 24:1
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Today we will read Psalm 24 verse 1 - “The earth and everything in it, the world and its inhabitants, belong to the Lord.”
There are days when the sun shines a little brighter. Life is a bit more wondrous and free.
And then there are the other days (perhaps most of the other days) - when the pressure of everything weighs on our shoulders - and try as we may and as much as we want to hoist ourselves into that carefree realm, our minds race from thing to thing.
But…dear worshipper…the earth and everything in it, the world and its inhabitants belong to the Lord. The cure for our low-grade anxiety is the same cure for everything else - God. God is the cure. How? Because it’s all His anyway.
Your problems - your issues - your family - your friends - even your enemies - they all belong to God. Your body, your ailments, your home and it’s needed repairs - your money and resources - your future plans - the nation - the politics - all of it…it ALL belongs to God. There’s nothing that doesn’t belong to God.
You - you belong to God. Perhaps you could even repeat it. “I belong to God.” Let’s say it - “I belong to God.”
He’s got you. He’s got you better than you ever could. You are never wasting time with God.
“God, I love You. You have me. I belong to You. I trust You. Help me feel and know that this is so.”
Persistence - Romans 2:6-11
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Today we will read a lengthier and challenging passage. Romans 2:6-11 says, “He will repay each one according to his works: eternal life to those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality; but wrath and indignation to those who are self-seeking and disobey the truth but are obeying unrighteousness; affliction and distress for every human being who does evil, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek; but glory, honor, and peace for everyone who does what is good first to the Jew, and also to the Greek. There is no favoritism with God.”
It’s okay for scripture to bother us. If it never did, then scripture is as imperfect as we are. That or we’re perfect already. So it’s actually a good thing to be bothered by scripture. Why do certain passages bother us? This one is bothersome because the typical evangelical mantra is that for those who put their faith in Jesus, regardless of ongoing conduct, receive eternal life. And I’m certainly not here to call that into question. But if true, it must live alongside this passage as well. Here Paul is putting onus on each of us to attain glory, honor, and immortality.
Of course this passage lives within Paul’s larger argument for Christianity. If time permits, we’ll explore the glory and mystery of God’s plan as revealed in Romans. But for now we have these few verses.
You and I are not puppets. We’re not inanimate objects blowing in the winds of fate. We are real beings participating with God. And He will reward each one according to his or her works. This is simply summed up by the phrase “doing good.” But the good Paul refers to is seeking glory, honor, and immortality. Good is anything from God, and it is metaphysically greater than anything we can experience on earth. Those who persistently seek this good - as you are right now - will be rewarded with that which you seek.
But there is a flip side. There are those who do not seek God. What do they seek? Themselves. Imagine having the source of all at your disposal and instead of seeking Him, you opt to shrink ever inward into yourself. And along the way these self-seekers disobey truth and obey unrighteousness. It is interesting to note that everyone must obey something. It’s your choice.
The good news is that there is no favoritism with God. Your background with all its baggage, race, gender, abilities, resources or lack of resources simply do not factor into how He feels about you. You have just as much opportunity to seek God now as anyone. And while not in this passage overtly, the thrust of Romans on the whole is that Jesus has Himself made it so that God stands at the ready to receive you as a lover the moment you seek Him. But just as all true loves go, it’s your choice.
“God I choose to seek You. And I’ll keep seeking You.”
Child’s Pose - James 4:10
Today we will read James 4:10 which says, “Humble yourselves before the Lord and He will exalt You.”
And Matthew 18:3 which says, “I assure you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”
You would be forgiven for determining this one a stretch (pardon the pun). But since our time together so often includes an encouragement to bow down, I hoped to tease out the idea a bit.
It’s amazing how seemingly opposing concepts dovetail perfectly when it comes to God. Take yoga and Christianity (and no I’m not equating them but just making a point). We are told to receive the Kingdom like children. We’re also called to bow, or humble ourselves. In yoga the term “Child’s Pose” is a position that resembles bowing. Essentially it’s ankles, knees, forearms and writs on the ground. No idea why it’s called “child’s pose” but good thing it is.
It’s a humbling position. There’s no power in it. There’s nothing to do but simply be. At the same time there are physical benefits especially for those who spend hours a day sitting and looking at a screen, which is most of us. Child’s Pose at bare minimum stretches the lower back, hips, thighs, ankles, and promotes blood flow to the head. And it’s relaxing.
What does it mean to become like a child? Well, obviously, it means to be young. We can’t make ourselves chronologically younger. And our metaphysical age will never be younger than it is right now. Eventually we will be aeons old. But we’re to be young in another way. Forever young. Youthful, energetic, in awe, flexible if you will. And oftentimes our soul takes cues from our bodies. This is why bowing down results in childlike beholding of God.
How else do we humble ourselves in the sight of the Lord? We can honor God and humble ourselves with our thoughts, posture, and words - that’s really all we have. And it’s a choice. This is not simply a “God knows your heart” kind of thing. There is a command, a directive, to humble ourselves. And a pretty stern warning for those who refuse to do so. They won’t enter the Kingdom.
So in closing, what will you do? Is bowing down really so difficult? In the end it’s interesting how something as small as a bow can have huge consequences. It can be good for you, reverse some of the soul-sucking aspects of aging, but most importantly, God Himself will lift you up. Who wouldn’t want that?
“God I bow before You. Physically, mentally, and spiritually. I want to be childlike, and I want to be lifted up by You.”
Wine - Psalm 75:8, Isaiah 25:6
Today we will read Psalm 75:8 and Isaiah 25:6. They say, “For there is a cup in the Lord’s hand full of wine blended with spices, and He pours from it. All the wicked of the earth will drink, Draining it to the dregs.”
And Isaiah 25:6, “The Lord of Hosts will prepare a feast for all the peoples on this mountain a feast of aged wine, choice meat, finely aged wine.”
Wine is a complex subject in scripture. Of course wine is a naturally occurring process when you leave fruit out in the sun. Biblically though, wine is used for everything from joyful celebration to condemnation. There are numerous warnings against over-consumption. Jesus first miracle was turning water into wine to keep the party going. He also referred to his own blood as wine. Some abstained while others drank. Wine is complex.
And more, God offers wine. In the first passage we see God holding a cup of spiced wine. Think sangria or mulled wine at the holidays. It’s sweet. But it’s poured out on the wicked who drink every last drop. Strange way to punish the wicked.
In the next passage in Isaiah, we see the menu for God’s feast He’ll throw for His people. There’s no shortage of wine there and not the cheap stuff. And it’s not just that it’s aged wine, no, it’s “finely” aged wine. This is wine prepared with skill - the art of winemaking. God is giving us the good stuff.
Both of these wines come from God. It’s sobering (if you pardon the pun) that God is either the source of our destruction or our feasting. That may be alarming, but should it be surprising? God is the source of all. How we experience God then is serious business. The real issue then isn’t wine but God, and you.
On one hand there is the wicked: blind consumers not just of wine, but of everything, ignorant of Who or where it comes from. They consume from a distance and do so until they are no more. On the other hand, there’s the people of God on the mountain of God. They are those who, we can assume, have chosen to be on the mountain, to be close to God, to be in His community. They experience a fine feast in the Presence of God. One is close and one is far. I suppose the simple question for you today is, which one do you want to be?
“God I want to experience You and all You have to offer.”
He Has Shown You - Micah 6:8
Today we will read Micah 6:8 which says, “Mankind, He has told you what is good and what it is the Lord requires of you: To act justly, to love faithfulness, and to walk humbly with your God.”
Dear worshipper, it would be an impossible task and horrible burden to ask you to determine your own purpose. And even though we vainly seek our own autonomy, haven’t you found that you never really get it? You seek liberty from things known and unknown, but have you found it? You are never truly free. You are always dependent. And so the only question is to which power will you yield: yourself, others, various spiritual beings, or the Creator Himself? You must choose.
Here God tells us His expectations - His purpose - His calling not just for an individual but for humanity. And not only that, but it seems as though He’s made this plain in the past. The fact that we ignore its simplicity should compel us to remind ourselves of it often.
God tells us to act justly. To simply do what’s right. To take ownership of our own conduct and live well.
And He tells us to love faithfulness. This word is “Hesed” and means God’s Loyal Love. We can’t define it exactly because it’s a description of God’s affection and commitment to us. It’s how God is and what He’s like. We are to love that and seek to imitate it. How does God love you? How does God love others - even your worst enemy? Yes - you are to love that about God and imitate it yourself. That’s your purpose.
And lastly, we are to do this while walking with humbly with God. To be humble is to see yourself as lower than God (which of course you are). It’s to take a position of less importance.
I love this because the invitation is there to walk with God. To be close by His side as He redeems humanity. But to do so with our head lowered. We are not the important character in the story - He is! But we get to come along for the ride and be close to the action.
“I love You God for Who You are and how You do what You do. I want to act as You require, and love what You love.”
Wait - Isaiah 40:30-31
Today we will read Isaiah 40:30-31. These beautiful verses say, “Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.”
How are you feeling? Exhausted? Many are. And it’s normal. It’s not that you’re getting older. Even youths grow tired. Young men stumble and fall. Even if you’re on top of the world today, it’s just a few stumbles to the bottom tomorrow.
What to do for the weary soul and battered body? The passage tells us. Wait for the Lord. You may have read it as “hope” or “trust in the Lord.” Whatever the preferred word, they all say the same thing. Our energy comes from God. And we tap into this vast resource not by effort, but by simply going to Him. There is no striving in waiting, hoping, and trusting. The only energy we exert is a passive one in God’s direction.
Have you found your strength too small? Have you stumbled badly? Are you in a bad spot? I have good news for you. The promise is more than just picking you up and dusting you off. God will give you not just replenished strength, but new strength. New strength for the new thing He is doing in you.
And you will need it. Because you will soar like an eagle. You’ll run and not get tired. You’ll walk and not become weary. Would you like that? I would. We won’t get there by our own effort. But by waiting on Him. Let’s do that now.
“God, I choose to wait, hope, and trust in You. Give me new strength now.”
Coronation - Psalm 2:1-3, 12
Today we will read Psalm 2:1-3 and verse 12. They say, “Why do the nations rebel
and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand, and the rulers conspire together against the Lord and his Anointed One: ‘Let us tear off their chains and free ourselves
from their restraints.’ Kiss the Son or He will be angry and you will perish in your rebellion for His anger may ignite at any moment. All those who take refuge in Him are happy.”
There’s a lot here. And of course with our limited time together we’ll never plumb the depths. But so it is with any scripture. A thousand lifetimes wouldn’t be sufficient to fully grasp all God seeks to communicate to us. That’s not even the goal. We’re not here to understand, but rather to behold and worship. And so we press on.
There is the Lord, and there is His Anointed One. This One is special and in charge. This one receives worship. This One is the Son of God. This One is king. And there are many, particularly those who are important rulers, and in charge, that don’t like the idea of having anyone tell them what to do. And so they rebel. “Let us free ourselves” they say. It’s not so much that they want to do bad stuff. But rather that they don’t want to submit to anyone. Not to God, and certainly not to His Son.
But God and the Anointed One will have none of that. They are not passive, inattentive, or ignorant. They do not overlook the rebellion. Ultimately all rebellion will be crushed. And so there are only two paths forward: the first is to vainly seek to throw off the restraints of the Creator. An impossible and foolish task which will inevitably be met with God’s ire. The second is to pay homage - to literally kiss the Son. To worship. To adore.
We do not have a listless God but rather an energetic one. It is interesting that to kiss Him is not to be subservient, or to become enslaved. Rather it is to take refuge in Him, to be protected. And most amazing is the last line of this psalm. Those who do so, are happy.
Do you want to be happy?
“God, I love You. And I love Your Son. I kiss you with my words, my thoughts, and my actions. I take refuge in You. And I adore You. I go to You to be happy.”
Twisted - Proverbs 11:20
Today we will read Proverbs 11:20 which says, “Those with twisted minds are detestable to the Lord, but those with blameless conduct are His delight.”
Have you ever been ashamed, shocked, or disgusted by your own thoughts? If you said “no”, I’d wonder what else you were lying about. Our minds are factories of lurid, despicable content. They generate the worst thoughts about ourselves and others. They’re a mine-infested battleground of regret, bitter emotions, and worst-case scenarios. Your mind is a repository of all the most disgusting, contemptible, harsh, violent, and hateful thoughts imaginable. It’s all in your mind. It’s in you. And yet it’s the same mind that longs for more - for better. In your mind you seek God.
So how is your mind? Depends on the day. Or the moment.
The first part of this verse says that a twisted mind is detestable to God. But who doesn’t have a twisted mind? We are all guilty as charged. So you’d expect the second part of the verse to read, “but a well-ordered, or untwisted, or blameless mind is God’s delight.” And that would be an impossible burden. But it doesn’t say that.
It says that blameless conduct is His delight. The twisted mind is juxtaposed to blameless conduct. And I’m glad it is. Your mind (and mine), screwed up as it may be, is actually not the most important part of you. It’s your actions. Are your thoughts a shock and horror? Join the club. But the beauty of living is that they are just that - thoughts. They have not yet manifested into action that affects your life and others. And here you have a choice. The most important part of you is the inner executive, the part that chooses what to do despite the thoughts.
You can’t change 10 years ago or 10 seconds ago. It’s in the past. And the promise of God is that mercy is new every morning. But you are in charge of your conduct right now. And you are not slave to your thoughts even if they’re deafening. God is not mad at you for struggling. But His delight is in your blameless conduct. Perhaps the very mechanism He uses to make us into the beings He wants, humans who freely and perfectly love Him, is this painful wrestling with dark thoughts, but choosing blameless conduct.
“God I’m glad you don’t judge my thoughts because they’re not pretty. I’ll choose in this moment, and this day to conduct myself like Jesus despite the thoughts in my head.”
Prince of Peace - Isaiah 9:6
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Today we will read Isaiah 9:6 which says, “For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on His shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.”
It seems impossible not to think of Handel’s Messiah while hearing this verse. It is a soaring, hope-filled promise of God. Everything ultimately comes back to God. And the description of Him is beautiful. He is a wonderful counselor. That is, all your needs, issues, problems are easily dealt with in Him. And not just that He will take care of it privately on His own, no. He will involve you. He will counsel you.
He is mighty. He is strong. He is the eternal father. Of course He’s royal, He is the King. But He’s your dad. If you have a good dad, you are blessed. A good dad takes responsibility to provide, protect, and nurture his children. But even the very best dad is faulty, imperfect, selfish, riddled with insecurity, lacking in power, but not God. God has all of your best interests at heart, and no imperfections to get in the way of accomplishing it. Which is why He is the prince of peace. He has taken all the responsibility onto Himself to accomplish peace for the children He loves.
But how is all of this delivered? How will we see it? With trumpets and fanfare? With a military parade to declare His might, and the vanquished rebels as spoil? A golden throne and diadems? No. None of that. All of this wonderful, majestic God, is given in a baby. A son. A child will embody all of God. And He will shoulder the responsibility of humanity on Himself.
Once again, God turns everything on its head and surprises us. But aren’t you beginning to expect that of God? He is always bigger and better than you or I could possibly imagine.
“You are wonderful God. And You are better than I think. Always better. Thank you.”
Apostasies - Jeremiah 2:19
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Today we will read Jeremiah 2:19. It’s a long verse. In fact, Jeremiah has more words in it than any other book in the bible. This verse says,
“Your own evil will discipline you; your own apostasies will reprimand you. Think it over and see how evil and bitter it is for you to abandon the Lord your God and to have no fear of Me. This is the declaration of the Lord God of Hosts.”
It’s easy to think of God as judge and executioner. Is that really the case though? Certainly there are warnings of judgement and even punishment. But is God a sadist or a caring parent?
Any good parent knows that you have to use every tool at your disposal to get your kids attention, and yes that can include extreme intervention. Why? Because the folly of the human heart finds seemingly infinite ways of destroying ourselves and others. And so this verse makes total sense. Sin is punishment in itself. Look at what the verse says,
“Your evil will discipline you. Your apostasies will reprimand you.” Apostasy is turning away and abandonment. Like religious divorce. And so God asks us to do something. He asks us to consider. He asks us to think it over. See how, not just evil, but bitter it is to abandon God. It’s unsweet. It hurts. Think about that.
Your will is the truly spiritual thing about you. Your looks, physiology, opportunities, even proclivities… these are all physical. But your will is the one mediator between what you feel, and what you do. Consider that in light of your relationship with God. Is there anything worth abandoning God for?
To stop here could be soul crushing. Each of us could rattle off a long list of ways we’ve turned from God, or are even turned right now. But it isn’t even the end of God’s story. While there is real pain in turning from God, there is alway mercy in the return. You are never truly gone if you return. Whether we’re turned away from God and feeling the heat, broken by our apostasy and turning back, or delighting in our ever-receiving God, turning back to God even if for the millionth time, is exactly what you need, what He wants, and the source of your healing
“God there are times I do want to turn away from you. I’d be lying to say otherwise. But it’s never worth it. I love You.”
Narrow - Matthew 7:14
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Today we will read Matthew 7:14 which says, “How narrow is the gate and difficult the road that leads to life, and few find it.”
We recoil at the word “narrow.” We do not respect the narrow minded. You may come from a tradition that applies this verse to getting into heaven, and that may ultimately be true, and in that light the vast majority don’t get in. The revulsion is understandable. But like everything else He taught, Jesus is turning our worldview on its head.
What does it say exactly? It says the gate is narrow and the road is difficult that leads to life. And few find it.
If this verse is solely about getting into heaven, then doesn’t it seem to challenge evangelical Christianity which presents salvation as a relatively easy faith decision? How can Jesus say that the road is difficult especially when saying a prayer is the easiest thing we can do?
And what if you say the prayer and don’t live out your difficult road? What if you take more easy roads than not? Are you doomed for destruction? Wouldn’t that make salvation something to lose and more of a works-based enterprise?
What if this passage isn’t as much about heaven as it is life in general? Hasn’t experience shown you that anything great and worthwhile is costly and narrow? Who gets in great shape by following a wide and broad diet? Who becomes successful without laser focus? What great work of cinema, or musical theatre didn’t employ strict rules even in the midst of blinding creativity? Who has a fulfilling marriage without exclusive commitment? Frankly, how could the universe exist without razor-thin, strict, narrow laws?
The wide pastures of flourishing require narrowness. This is always true. Is there an admirable, great, or laudable individual you know personally who is not in many ways narrow and precise? Perhaps we would honor God by acknowledging His incredible narrowness while also specifying where the narrowness lies.
If by narrow you mean discriminating, capricious, ignorant, or small. Then no God is hardly narrow.
But if by narrow you mean precise, detailed, focused, attentive, genius, emotive, responsive, engaged, and thorough? Then yes. He’s the most narrow being imaginable. Would you want Him to be different?
What’s most clear is that God wants relationship. And the more blissful, life-giving, and enduring the relationship, the more narrow, devoted, and exclusive it must be. Is it any wonder then that Jesus describes it as narrow and difficult?
“God, knowing You isn’t easy, but it is wonderful. And I want more.”
Gentle (Beatitude) - Matthew 5:5
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The Servant - Isaiah 53:5
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Today we will read Isaiah 53:5 which says, “But He was pierced because of our transgressions, crushed because of our iniquities; punishment for our peace was on Him and we are healed by His wounds.”
A large portion of Isaiah is devoted to this character, “The Servant.” And while it seems so obvious to the Christian that this is a prophecy about Jesus, it is tragic that the chosen people through whom our scriptures came do not believe this. To them, the Servant is a personification of Israel as a whole. If this is you, I respectfully ask just one question, given that the Servant suffers in place of the rebellious, how then can Israel be both the affliction and the cure?
Why a cross? Why a suffering servant? Because of our trangression. That is, our gross rebellion. He is crushed because of our iniquities. That is, our evil deeds. Punishment for our, our what? Our peace was on Him and we are healed by His wounds.
No one can accuse the bible of being straightforward and clear. But here seems an exception. The Servant suffers piercing, crushing, punishment, and ultimately death in order to absorb our rebellion. In order for us to have peace and healing, He must be destroyed.
Why a cross? If Jesus is what God looks like when becoming human, then the cross is what God looks like while taking the responsibility of granting peace to humanity. When God says, “I’ll make sure they have peace” it looks like a cross. When God says, “I’ll deal with their rebellion so they don’t have to,” it looks like a slaughter for the God-Man.
Does this surprise you? If so let me ask, given the unimaginable horror humanity has inflicted upon itself, how else should it look?
“Jesus, I don’t get it, but I’m grateful. You offer peace. You take our rebellion. Show me more of what this means.”
God Said - Genesis 3:3-5
Today we will read Genesis 3:3-5 which says, “But about the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden, God said, ‘You must not eat it or touch it, or you will die.’”
“No! You will not die” the serpent said to the woman. “In fact, God knows that when you eat it your eyes will be opened and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”
Whatever you believe about the first several chapters of Genesis, this is the narrative of the fall of humanity. It’s an epic showdown between God’s image-bearers and the cunning serpent. It’s fascinating! Let’s take a look.
The serpent asks Eve if God really said she couldn’t eat from any tree in the garden in a clear obfuscation of God’s command. Eve corrects him saying they must not eat from the tree in the middle of the garden. Of course she adds just a tad herself by saying they can’t even touch it.
What’s interesting at this point is that the serpent doesn’t question her recall. He questions God’s intentions. “You will not die. He knows your eyes will be opened and you’ll be like God.” The accusation against God is that He isn’t honest, has ulterior motives, and is holding out on His creation. This is a strange accusation for a creature to make, but it happens everyday, even by you and me.
Incredibly, the serpent was technically, and cunningly, right. They did not physically die, at least not immediately. Of course they were doomed. Cut off from God’s method of life-giving-energy - the “Tree of Life”, humans became spiritual zombies. But the real kicker is that they did in fact become like God, knowing good and evil. God Himself says so in verse 22.
We will not plumb the depths here. This story has served humanity for thousands of years and so will continue. But there is a point to be made that’s often overlooked.
Often I’ve heard this passage used as a weapon to enforce a particular view of scripture or of theology. To doubt a particular interpretation is to doubt God speaking. But that wasn’t Eve’s problem. She knew what God said. She got an A on her systematic theology. She knew the answer. She paid attention.
So where did she go wrong? It was her belief in the character of God. You can question God’s existence, the precision of His communication, His methods, you can hurl all your complaints, doubts, cussing and cursing directly to His face, but there is no cure for doubting His motives. This can turn the most beautiful cherub into a satan and it can do the same in you and me. Either God created us for beautiful relationship or He’s holding out on us. Every creature must decide for themselves.
“God once again I am rocked by Your methods. But I do believe Your intentions are far better than I could ever imagine.”
Dead Bodies - Isaiah 66:24
Today we will read Isaiah 66:24 which says, “As they leave, they will see the dead bodies of the men who have rebelled against Me; for their worm will never die, their fire will never go out, and they will be a horror to all mankind.”
This is the very last verse in Isaiah which is itself a lengthy, and mostly dark prophetic book. The narrative had only just taken a turn in a positive direction to describe the new heavens and new earth when the writer suddenly leaves the reader with this grizzly scene.
Jesus may have quoted from this passage. I say “may” because the earliest manuscripts do not have it. This indicates that it was added later by an editor.
In any event, let’s make a couple observations. First, while this cryptic description is often used as a way to describe Hell as being an eternal torture device, this passage obviously refers to the rebellious as “dead bodies.” They are dead. They are not feeling anything. If this is in fact a precise teaching on the sensation of hell, it seems like the feeling is nothing at all.
Second, don’t let this lull you into any comfort though. There is something here that lasts forever - the worm and the fire. These tools of decay and consumption go on perpetually. This is a bad way to end up. And it’s completely avoidable. Don’t be one of the rebels.
We claim each day to take scripture seriously so we must deal with what it says, and what it doesn’t. While this passage pushes back on the traditional view of a torturing eternal hell, it also leaves us with a sobering warning against stiff-arming God. We would do well to allow this reality to motivate us forward to God while also taking the warnings of not doing so to heart.
“God, I don’t exactly know what to do with passages like these. There’s no way to know the end. But I trust You with it.”
Counselor - John 15:26
Today we will read John 15:26 which says,
“When the Counselor comes, the One I will send to you from the Father - the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father. He will testify about Me.”
These are some of Jesus’ last words before the cross. Imagine what would be on your mind before your imminent death. Would it be important information for those you care about? For Jesus this was absolutely the case.
You and I are so used to the idea of there being a Holy Spirit (even if we hardly understand Him) it’s difficult to appreciate what Jesus is saying. He’s about to go away. He’s about to die. Read between the lines and He is telling them of His resurrection. But even still, the 3 years of a flesh and blood Jesus in their daily lives is coming to an abrupt end.
And yet Jesus says it’s to their benefit that He leaves so that the Counselor can come. Let’s notice a few things. First, this Counselor is sent by Jesus and proceeds from the Father. As Jesus is the interface of God to humanity, so the Counselor is the interface of God to our spirits. Second, a Counselor gives guidance. That’s what the Spirit will do. And where will He guide us? To Jesus.
Lastly, and this is challenging because all of our senses are tuned to the physical. We would be understandably mistaken to assume that a flesh and blood Jesus standing before us would be the best thing. And yet there is a spiritual reality far more dense than the physical. And it is to this reality that Jesus speaks when He says that it’s better that He go so that we can have the Spirit. Do you believe this? Our physical senses are challenged by Jesus’ words, but our spirits are made alive in God because of it.
Holy Spirit, it's almost odd to pray to You but I must take Jesus at His word. Will You guide me and counsel me into the truth of God?
The Vine - John 15:5
Today we will read John 15:5 which says,
“I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without Me.”
Jesus is everything. And in the gospels Jesus describes Himself in many ways. Bread of life, living water, the good shepherd, we could go on and on. And when we worship, our minds should race wildly with just how wonderful He is. No one verse, no book, no Bible could contain the entirety of Jesus.
But we must start somewhere. And in this verse, Jesus is the vine. The vine provides nourishment, and support for the branches which bear grapes. The fruit is useful to eat, or drink.
Perhaps most unique to this analogy is the role we play. We are the branches. When it comes to bread and water, we simply consume it. But a branch is a part of the whole, an extension of the vine. The branch is not essential to the vine of course - it’s the other way around. But what an honor and weight it is for us.
Let’s quickly notice 2 things. First, what bears the fruit? Is it the vine? No. It’s the branches. You and I are the extension of the vine into the world. The fruit that belongs to the vine is manifested by the branches. So when we or the world cries out, “Where is God?” we should be the first to throw up our hands, scream “Here!” and run to the rescue. We are the extension of Jesus.
Second, this fruit is produced not by effort. Rather it is a natural byproduct of remaining in the vine. The vine does the work. The branch is simply a conduit. We are to remain in Jesus, specifically remain in His love.
But how do we remain in His love? He tells us. By obeying His command. And what high moral, impossible, soul-crushing, costly command does He give? Simply to love one another.
“Jesus, I want to remain in You. I want to see fruit in my life. Help me then to love those around me, the very ones You love.”
God Exists - Psalm 14:1
Today we will read the first part of Psalm 14:1 which says,
The fool says in his heart, “God does not exist.”
No one wants to be a fool. Typically we think of a fool as someone unwise, gullible, easily duped, or silly. According to this definition of a fool however, there are many brilliant, accomplished, educated fools.
But let’s face it, none of us has seen God. We don’t hear an audible response when we pray. We see the almost unfathomable suffering of humanity and ask, how could a good God allow this? People can almost be forgiven their disbelief. Perhaps you, like me, take God seriously, believe in Him, but still on occasion, or even often, need to re-up your faith in Him. I would like to offer you a simple exercise as you guide your own mind through the question of His existence. It goes like this…
There is a universe. Everyone can agree on that. And philosophically there are only 4 possible ways that it got here.
First, it could have appeared out of nothing. Truly nothing. Not a cosmic vacuum, not antimatter, not powerful laws of physics in the ether, nothing nothing. There was nothing and then there was everything. Does this work for you? It doesn’t for me.
Second, it could have always existed in some state. There is a problem with this. If the universe, which is subject to laws, had to pass through an infinite amount of time, or infinite number of steps to get where we are now, we’d never get to where we are now. Does that twist your mind? It does mine. And it is not a satisfactory explanation.
Third, this is all an illusion. This seems silly on its face. But even if it were plausible, we all have minds to process the illusion. So it’s not completely an illusion. There is something.
Lastly, a being that is not subject to the laws of the universe created it out of His own power. This seems the most plausible explanation by far.
You may question, doubt, challenge, or second guess your belief in God. But rest assured, it is by far the most plausible belief you can have.
“God, You are still a mystery. And I haven’t even seen the smallest glimpse. But I believe in You. Reveal Yourself to me more.”
Work and Rest - Genesis 2:2
Today we will read Genesis 2:2 which says,
“By the seventh day God completed His work that He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work that He had done.”
God is a hard worker. In the beginning He put in a long work week by creating the universe, plants, animals, and ultimately humanity. However He did it, and however long it took, and by who’s measure, is for Him to know and for us to worshipfully ponder. Whatever the case, He worked hard. And then, He rested. This pattern of work and rest serves as the basis for our work and rest rhythm.
His work is spectacular, careful, artful, and precise. His work is thorough, unrelenting, and free of distraction. His work is pleasurable and good. Do you see your work like this? It is. Your work is meaningful and beautiful even if you don’t think it is. Ultimately our work is simply a human reordering of God’s creation. Perhaps you need to be reminded that what you do matters and how you do it matters. Your work matters.
And then He rested. And He calls you to do the same. You are like Him. You are a creative. But you are not like Him in that you are a creature. You are dependent and He is not. You have needs and He has none. So the rest He offers is a gift that you desperately need. You need a day in which you unplug from your regular work. You need a Sabbath.
So, where are you in your work and rest? You’re like everyone leaning in one of two unhealthy directions. Are you a workaholic? Is your phone always on? Do you see yourself as indispensable and therefore never take a day off? You’re only hurting yourself. The truth is, you are dispensable. Life will go on without you. Your great need is God. And His pattern requires you to turn your work off one day a week.
Conversely, is your work dull? Is your attitude sour? Are you wasting your time or being lazy? Work is a gift and a way of cooperating with God’s good universe. It is a joy to be alive, and to use our bodies to do good things. So get to work. Or rest. Those are the options.
“God everything You do is good. And I want to follow You in both my work and rest.”
Do - Romans 7:15-17
Today we’ll read Romans 7:15-17 which says… “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me.”
Aren’t you glad this made it into the Bible? Paul seems schizophrenic. But is he really any different than you? How many times have done the exact thing you promised yourself you wouldn’t do?
What’s wrong with you? Are you weak-willed? Defective? Hopelessly broken? Not at all. You’re actually just like the great apostle himself. Welcome to the great company of heartbroken, imperfect saints.
You’re not schizophrenic. It’s far stranger. In Christ, a new connection with God has come online that was previously offline. His enlivening Presence has been added to you, but it does not overcome or displace your personhood, including those destructive habits.
Before Christ there was not a spiritual voice for you to contend with. Perhaps you had competing desires. Perhaps even competing voices. But they were and are yours. But a connection with God is a whole new thing entirely. We can say just like Paul that we do the things we hate, don’t do the things we should, and don’t even understand why!
What to do? First, you’re not weird. This is not an exception. This is par for the course. This is normal. So give yourself and others the same grace Christ gives. Second, don’t be afraid of the voice and the conflict. Embrace it. Third, see the competing voices as an opportunity to know God better. It’s a time to reflect on the flourishing He desires for you. And lastly, if yesterday (or 5 minutes ago) was yet another failure, simply ask yourself, did it give you what you were really searching for? Did it fulfill your deepest desires? And if not, remind yourself next time.
“God I truly don’t understand myself. I hate many of the things I do and wish I could be different. I believe that in You I can. Help me recognize the ability You give.”
Lake of Fire - Revelation 20:13-15
Today we will read Revelation 20:13-15. These verses say, “Then the sea gave up its dead, and Death and Hades gave up their dead; all were judged according to their works. Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And anyone not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.”
If we’re going to take passages that indicate blinding beauty and the redemption of all things seriously, then we must also be willing to take difficult and painful passages seriously. Is there anything scarier than a lake of fire? Moreso, is there anything scarier than a God Who would throw anyone there? But just like with anything scary, it’s best to look it square in the eye and see it for what it is.
To begin, where does this passage live? It’s in Revelation - literally “Apocalypse” or “Revealing.” Ultimately scripture is apocalyptic and revelatory. Hence “revelation.” The words are dripping in symbolism, poetry, and deep meaning. Sometimes scripture interprets it for us. Most often it doesn’t. And spoiler alert, absolutely no one understands it. Some pretend to, some think they do, but there is no one qualified to dispense the mysteries of God save God Himself, and He seems content to leave us guessing. Just look at the passage. The sea, whatever that is, gives up its dead. Likewise, Death and Hades (what are they?) give up their dead. And not only are their dead (or some of them) transferred to the lake of fire, but Death and Hades themselves are thrown into the lake of fire. Do you understand this? I don’t. Nor does anyone. Also, what criteria is used to determine if someone is thrown into the lake of fire? Their works. Works are the judging criteria. For the protestant this seems to fly in the face of being saved “By faith alone” and not by works. This simply adds more weight to the fact that we really don’t know.
But there are takeaways from this passage that we should consider carefully. First, and most sobering, scripture is not afraid to scare us. Whatever the ultimate reality is behind this lake of fire, it’s bad. It is a bad thing to stiff-arm God. It is literally death to not be found in the book of life. God’s judgement has real teeth. And you do not want to be on the receiving end of it.
Second, anyone in the “book of life” was not thrown into the fire. God is life. Jesus has life in Himself. Life comes from God. And that is why, even in the context of the most sobering of passages and existential threats like the lake of fire, we worship - we pursue God. Because it is only in Him that there is life.
Third, and finally, a bit of conjecture. If God Himself is a consuming fire, and if the final judgement is a lake of fire, and if God will ultimately be all in all so that there is no where or no thing that isn’t brought into right standing under Him, then is it a stretch to say that the lake of fire is God Himself? And is it such a stretch to say that exposure to a glorious God without life would be a consuming death of sorts? Could it be that the lake fire is simply a way of encountering God without the life of Jesus and the Holy Spirit, God Himself enlivening you, enabling You to experience His white hot energy?
If so, and why not, then the greatest human pursuit is to pursue God. And once again we are back to this moment of seeking Him for the one thing He gives freely for the asking - life. And it is the burden of every human soul to ask it for themselves.
“God, giver of life, give me Your life. Allow me to experience You in a glorious and life-giving way both now and forever.”
Keep Asking - Matthew 7:7-8
Today we will read Matthew 7:7-8. In these verses Jesus says, “Keep asking, and it will be given to you. Keep searching, and you will find. Keep knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who searches finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”
Do you ever find prayer frustrating? If you say “no” I’d wonder if you’ve ever really tried. Have you prayed and prayed and prayed only to feel like your prayers stopped at the ceiling? I wonder if the reason Jesus said this is because this frustration with prayer is so universal.
There are at least three conclusions we can draw from His words. First, God wants us to keep asking. He wants us to not give up. You can almost assume that prayer will never be a one-and-done enterprise. Are you ready to throw in the towel? Join the club and keep going. You are in the company of thousands of years of frustrated prayer warriors.
Second, God gives. He says so. Everyone who asks receives. The things we pray for are not ends in themselves. Money, health, a house, a car, opportunity…these are all mere trifles. God has life in Himself. The stuff of our lives while necessary, are easy distractions from the real substance of God. We’re right back to where we always end up - the character of God. God is a giver. It’s all He does. There is literally nothing that He receives outside of us giving Him ourselves in relationship.
This leads to the third and final point, relationships require coming back again and again. Is there a substantive relationship you have that doesn’t have extreme ups and downs? Have you ever had a meaningful relationship that doesn’t include apologies, misunderstandings, love at an extreme level, sharing at a deep level, growth and change? Whether a spouse, a child, or a good friend, this is part of the relationship. You keep coming back. Why would it be any different with God? Keep asking.
“God, if You want me to keep asking then I will. I ask You to meet the needs in my life. But more importantly, I want to see and experience You. And I’ll ask for this again and again and again.”
Keep Asking - Matthew 7:7-8
Today we will read Matthew 7:7-8. In these verses Jesus says, “Keep asking, and it will be given to you. Keep searching, and you will find. Keep knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who searches finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”
Do you ever find prayer frustrating? If you say “no” I’d wonder if you’ve ever really tried. Have you prayed and prayed and prayed only to feel like your prayers stopped at the ceiling? I wonder if the reason Jesus said this is because this frustration with prayer is so universal.
There are at least three conclusions we can draw from His words. First, God wants us to keep asking. He wants us to not give up. You can almost assume that prayer will never be a one-and-done enterprise. Are you ready to throw in the towel? Join the club and keep going. You are in the company of thousands of years of frustrated prayer warriors.
Second, God gives. He says so. Everyone who asks receives. The things we pray for are not ends in themselves. Money, health, a house, a car, opportunity…these are all mere trifles. God has life in Himself. The stuff of our lives while necessary, are easy distractions from the real substance of God. We’re right back to where we always end up - the character of God. God is a giver. It’s all He does. There is literally nothing that He receives outside of us giving Him ourselves in relationship.
This leads to the third and final point, relationships require coming back again and again. Is there a substantive relationship you have that doesn’t have extreme ups and downs? Have you ever had a meaningful relationship that doesn’t include apologies, misunderstandings, love at an extreme level, sharing at a deep level, growth and change? Whether a spouse, a child, or a good friend, this is part of the relationship. You keep coming back. Why would it be any different with God? Keep asking.
“God, if You want me to keep asking then I will. I ask You to meet the needs in my life. But more importantly, I want to see and experience You. And I’ll ask for this again and again and again.”
Mourn (Beatitude) - Matthew 5:4
Today we will read Matthew 5:4 which says, “Those who mourn are blessed, for they will be comforted.”
This comes from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount - and specifically the portion known as the Beatitudes. The word beatitude comes from latin meaning supreme blessedness. Who doesn’t want to be supremely blessed?
Here Jesus tells us exactly who they are. They are mourners. They are the ones in need of comforting.
Surprised? Jesus once again topples our conventions. You’d think the blessed ones were those who had everything. No lack of any kind. Happy, healthy, wealthy, no need to mourn. That’s for the wretched.
And yet Jesus says those who mourn are blessed. And it appears the blessing comes because they will be comforted. Comforted by Whom? Well based on the rest of the beatitudes, comforted by God.
Do you want to be supremely blessed? Then do this…mourn. Go to God in mourning. Grieve the loss, mourn the pain whatever it is. Jesus doesn’t say the nature of the mourning - or the cause. He just says those who mourn will be comforted by God. Do God the honor of your honesty. Be honest enough with yourself to face that which needs comforting. In all of us, there is more than enough to mourn. There is more than enough for God to comfort today.
“God I mourn my own failure. Sometimes I can’t even put into words the source of my tears. But You can comfort. I need You.”
Joy - Isaiah 29:19
Today we will read Isaiah 29:19 which says, “The humble will have joy after joy in the Lord, and the poor people will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.”
You need God. That’s why you’re here of course. You know that intuitively. But what to do in the meantime, in the difficulty and confusion of day-to-day of living?
Certainly the people in Isaiah’s time felt the same. Most of the book reads heavy and depressing. But there are these blindingly wonderful breakthrough moments. Like this one. The humble will have joy. And not just joy - but joy after joy! You’ll be relishing in the previous joy when the new one comes! And the poor, they will rejoice in the God of Israel.
But this is a promise and not a current reality. It says the humble “will have joy…” someday - sometime.
So what now? There are a couple takeaways. First, are you finding day-to-day to be a grind? Is it a yo-yo type experience? You’re not alone. And you’re not crazy. This life is a struggle but with breakthrough glory. Don’t be surprised by the struggle.
And second - don’t be surprised by the glory - the joy. This is the heart of God. You are destined for joy. You are destined for rejoicing. Why exactly we traverse difficulty to get there is for God to know, and us to walk in faith. But for now - enjoy the moments. And perhaps practice joy and rejoicing a little more today.
God I know I’m in the in-between time. I worship you in it today. I rejoice in you today. Help me experience Your joy.
Obedience - 1 Samuel 15:22
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Today we will read 1 Samuel 15:22. This verse says, “Does the Lord take pleasure in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? Look: to obey is better than sacrifice, to pay attention is better than the fat of rams.”
With these words Saul is rejected as king of Israel and David - the man after God’s own heart - replaces him.
I have to admit at first reading to having a little sympathy for Saul. I mean look at him. Not perfect by any means, but by the time he figures out his folly, seeks forgiveness and is seemingly denied. Harsh. I mean who hasn’t disobeyed? David disobeyed in spectacular fashion but was never rejected as king. You could say that David’s sin exceeded Saul’s. And after all, isn’t obedience just a type of sacrifice in itself?
But consider that this verse, like all scripture, is insight into the heart of God. This verse sheds light on what moves Him. What doesn’t move Him? Sacrifice. Sacrifice is giving a thing. Even giving another life, something of value that would “appease” God. As if God is a moody tyrant who needs a bribe. As if God’s favor could be bought with a price.
But that’s not God. God is ultimately after relationship. And for those willing to hear it, romance. Bribery and appeasement have no place in romance. What does though? Paying attention, honor, love, submission. In short - obedience. When these are violated no amount of sacrifice restores them. This is why even when David committed such atrocities as adultery, intrigue, and murder, he remained and is forever hailed as a man after God’s own heart. What troubled Saul the most was losing his position. What broke David’s heart was the severed intimacy between him and God. And while David’s disobedience resulted in very real consequences (as does ours) for the worshipper, God is always at the ready to forgive and continue the romance.
Obedience always makes the felt reality of romance sweeter.
“God, I don’t want to disobey. I’ve done enough of that. I want You. I want to be close to You. I want the sweetness of Your Presence. Allow me to feel that now.”
Depressed - Psalm 43:5
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Today we will read Psalm 43:5 which says, “Why am I so depressed? Why this turmoil within me? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise Him, my Savior and my God.”
If there’s something in us that thinks we need to clean ourselves up a bit before approaching God then perhaps there’s an equal temptation to shape up our attitude, put a smile on our face, or pull up our bootstraps before approaching God. And if that’s the case then David, or whoever wrote this psalm, was way off base - often.
“Why am I so depressed?” Could that question be any simpler? The writer doesn’t even understand the nature of his or her own depression. It’s simply there - turmoil - weighing them down.
Are you depressed right now? Maybe not you. Wonderful. Just wait an hour. You, or someone close to you, is right now weighed down, depressed, and in turmoil. What to do? A self-help seminar? Take your mind off it? Meditate it away? The psalmist tells us, “Put your hope in God, for I will still praise Him.”
Your depression is not a barrier to God. It’s an honest thing about you to take to God. Why would you deprive God of the reality of where you’re at especially when He loves you so?
But you may ask, “How do I know God loves me?” Well, then once again we are right back where we always end up. Throwing ourselves by faith onto the altar of His character and praising Him in hope.
“God I don’t understand myself - or my sadness, depression, turmoil. But the answer is always You. Where else could I go? I will still praise You.”
Time - Ecclesiastes 3:11
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Today we will read Ecclesiastes 3:11 which says “He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also put eternity in their hearts, but man cannot discover the work God has done from the beginning to end.”
Ecclesiastes says the quiet part out loud. Days tick away. Days turn into years. Have you looked back at facebook photos from just a few years ago and seen how fast your children grow? How much you’ve grown?
You cannot keep today. You cannot make it go faster or slower. You can’t avoid death. And yet eternity is in your heart - and this is from God. And to top it all off, you will not be able to figure out what God is up to.
This is the burden of living - knowing that it’s finite. The life you and I experience now is a first step. Notice that God has made it all appropriate quote, “in it’s time.” That means it runs out.
But also allow it to motivate you to dream about what’s coming. This life is appropriate now but only for a time. Enjoy it even as you despair that you can’t keep it. But what’s coming is what’s actually in your heart. So don’t look for the here and now to be ultimately satisfying - it can’t - it was never meant to.
But it’s too mysterious you say. Yes it is! You and I are not permitted to understand it. Perhaps it’s all necessary to prepare the human soul to finally and fully meet God. We’re made for God after all. In the meantime, enjoy your day.
“Well God this cuts to the chase doesn’t it? This life is all I know and yet I know it’s coming to an end. If this is all there was then life is truly tragic. But if eternity awaits, then we’re just getting started. Take then what’s in my heart - and set it ablaze!”
Spiritual Conflict - Daniel 10:12-13
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Today we will read Daniel 10:12-13. Daniel had been praying and seeking God for some time. And only after 3 weeks did he get a response. And what a response it was. He sees a brilliant humanoid spirit-being who says “Don’t be afraid, Daniel,” he said to me, “for from the first day that you purposed to understand and to humble yourself before God, your prayers were heard. I have come because of your prayers. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia opposed me for 21 days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me after I had been left there with the kings of Persia.”
Do you believe in a spiritual realm? Your eyes, ears, and skin are perfectly designed to interact with physical matter. It’s all you know. You’d be excused for assuming that’s all there is and skeptical of an invisible spirit dimension. And yet science, not the bible, presently teaches that only 5% of the universe is physical matter. The rest is strange, measureless, mysterious dark matter and dark energy. It exerts itself but we are simply unable to experience it.
String Theory attempts to explain the discrepancies between General Relativity and Quantum Mechanics by mathematically proposing a Universe with 10 or more dimensions. We understand 4. But 10? Or a million? Is it possible? Of course! If science observes such oddities in the universe as it does, why would anyone dismiss the possibility of the spiritual?
And yet Daniel spoke of it thousands of years ago. Notice what happens in this story. Daniel begins praying and an angel is dispatched. It takes time for the angel to get there. Literal time because the angel is battling opposing forces. But good news, reinforcements are sent in - the angel Michael. And so this unnamed angel is able to complete its quest and get to Daniel.
This is a strange and mysterious story. But let’s receive it for what it is and draw a couple takeaways. First, God didn’t immediately answer Daniels prayer. God didn’t seemingly answer it at all. He sent a messenger (the literal word for angel). And it took time because actual invisible spiritual conflict was happening behind the scenes. What if Daniel had just given up after 5 minutes? There’s no way to know.
Second, what prompted the angel in the first place? The answer right there. Daniels prayers. Specifically the fact that Daniel humbled himself, seek God, and understand.
It would be easy to get caught up in the sensational and spiritual. but in this story, the spiritual realm was for the angels. The human realm was for humility, seeking understanding, and prayer. And that is what you are doing now.
“God, I am here and I am at your disposal. Give me understanding for my life, and the lives of those I care about. I need You desperately.”
Friend - John 15:15
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Today we will read John 15:15 where Jesus says, “I do not call you servants anymore, because a servant doesn’t know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything I have heard from My Father.”
How do you see God? More importantly, how does God see you?
Usually when we pray we use words we don’t usually use in everyday conversation. We speak to Him with decorum and pretense. We treat God as an outsider - and He is truly and greatly beyond us - but that’s not the point here. We often treat God like… a stranger.
Yet Jesus calls us friends - or at least his disciples - and we can say “us” by extension. Friends. Hardly what you’d expect from the Deity. And yet if we take scripture seriously, God thinks of us as friends.
And what makes us friends? A relationship. Revealing - or revelation within a relationship. We’re not friends with Jesus just because. No, we’re friends because He has shared secrets. Jesus has shared, has revealed, everything He heard from the Father. And this secret sharing makes us friends.
Do you believe this? Again you don’t have to be a scholar, but do you accept Jesus and His words as the secrets of God thus making you friends?
“God, You’re my friend. You like me and I like You. I accept You as You are - but I want to know more about You. Reveal it. Let me see.”
Secret - Matthew 6:6
Today we will read Matthew 6:6 which says, “But when you pray, go into your private room, shut your door, and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
Leave it to Jesus to say a thing perfectly. He never fails to. Here we have from Jesus, the most succinct way to seek God. And honestly the framework for how these times together are organized.
Jesus tells us to go into the private room. The closet. The inner space. Close the door, and pray. This makes sense. There’s nothing to do in a closet. It’s dark, small, alone, and free of distraction. Nothing against praying in your car, office, or on a treadmill. But there’s something about the aloneness of the inner room and removing the stimulation of our physical senses.
Why? Why is this place special? Because of God - God is secret. The greek word is “krypto” - like cryptic - mysterious - invisible. We don’t seek Him the way we seek anything else. He is a mystery sought out mysteriously. How wonderful!
For what purpose? Why seek God at all? Jesus tells us. The cryptic, mysterious, and invisible God Who sees cryptically, will reward you!
There it is again. Reward. We don’t seek God because of anything we can give Him. There’s nothing we have that isn’t His by nature. You have nothing to give - only to receive. A reward. And yet, there is a thing He doesn’t have until you give it. A relationship. God desires, mysteriously so, to have a relationship with you that you willingly enter into. And He lavishes reward and those who do.
“Mysterious God, I’m here. I want to know the secret of You. And I want the reward of You. Reward me. Let’s get to know each other.”
Fear - Proverbs 1:7
Today we’ll read Proverbs 1:7. This verse says “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and discipline.”
We don’t like the beginning of this verse do we? Fear? The fear of the Lord? Why not the love of the Lord or the worship of the Lord? Fear? I fear a scary person. I fear a tragedy. I don’t want to fear God.
And yet - just consider - that you and I always fear something. We fear the economy crashing. We fear losing our job, or our health, or a child. We fear if our candidate loses. The entirety of cable news preys on our fears of current events. We fear being a social outcast. We fear our loss of relevance if our facebook post doesn’t get enough likes.
We are fearful people. Just accept it. The only question is - where is the fear focused? But fear is evidence that we are fragile. Fear proves that we are not self-sufficient. Fear proves vulnerability - and we are.
So we can fear all these things and more - even though we’re powerless to affect them. Or…and this seems a much better option…fear God. Because all the things we fear are utterly nothing against Him. He could snap His finger and this whole universe comes crashing down. Isn’t it better then instead of focusing on hundreds of disparate small fears, to focus on the One Who has power over it all? And Who created it all? Wouldn’t it be better to learn from Him and appeal to Him? Why not seek His insight on all the things that have you worked up?
Proverbs says this fear is the “beginning” of knowledge. And yet for all of this. There will be those who despise the idea - who despise wisdom and discipline - who despise the fear of God. These are called “fools.” It seems then the fool is the one going it alone. Let’s go to the only one Who matters today. Let’s fear God and see what He has to say about our lives.
“God, when I stop and think about it, there’s nothing I fear that You are not in control of. Therefore it’s important that I know Your heart - because You don’t always do what I want. I need Your power to accomplish things You’ve tasked to me. I need Your wisdom so that I can think like You. In all the best ways possible, I choose to fear You.”