Grow Up

Luke 2:51-52 "Then he returned to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them; and his mother stored all these things in her heart.  So Jesus grew both in height and in wisdom, and he was loved by God and by all who knew him."

Jesus and his family visit Jerusalem for Passover and he decides to pull a "Home Alone" move and disappear on his parents.  They look everywhere for him, and end up finding him teaching in the temple!  Amazing!  Afterwards, they return to Nazareth and the text tells us that Jesus obeys his parents and begins to grow in "height and wisdom."  This is one of the only descriptions we have of Jesus as a boy. 

I think it's important to understand Jesus' humanity.  It's important for me to understand that he was once a young man and he too had to obey his parents, and grow up!  Jesus as a young man, had to keep growing.  He wasn't just "born with it."  He had to grow up, mature, and learn.  So if Jesus had to study, obey, learn, and be disciplined, so do I!  How am I doing in that area?  Am I reading enough?  Am I SOAPing enough? Am I continuing to grow as a person and as a follower of Jesus.  To follow Jesus, means I must continually grow and learn.  Today I will learn something! 

Dear Jesus, help me follow your example and grow in wisdom and faith today.  Amen.

Not Fairies

2,000 years ago, angels appeared to Joseph, Mary, and a group of shepherds to announce the coming birth of Jesus.  These are awesome stories we share each Christmas.  And as we are focused on the baby Jesus-he is the main character after all-I think we forget about the angels a bit.  Angels show up a lot in the Bible.  And most of the time their initial words to the humans they have appeared to is, "Do not be afraid."  I think they say this because they actually see an angel!

You see, you and I have this mental image of angels as being sweet, cheerful, and mild mannered babies, armed with wings and harps.  They would never become upset or aggressive.  It's not their nature.  They certainly would never intimidate or scare anyone.  That wouldn't be very "angelic" of them.   But that's not who we see in the Bible.

Over and over again, angels show up and say "Do not be afraid."  Why do they say this?  Why do they feel compelled  upon each trip to earth to calm their listeners?  I imagine it's because the humans they encounter are freaked out!  They are scared.  They have just seen a supernatural creature that is capable of enforcing God's orders.  That's a big moment!

I think angels are some tough customers!  The way I see it is, they have three main jobs-worshipping God, delivering messages to silly humans, and fighting in a never ending cosmic battle against demons.  I think fighting against demons might toughen one up a bit.  I don't see angels as passive, weak, or humble creatures.  They are not fairies.  They are strong.  I have a hunch they have a bit of a mean streak in them too.  That's not to say they are hateful or evil in any way, but you have to have a bit of a mean streak if you day in and day out have to battle Satan's army. 

My point is this, whatever it is we face, whatever it is we may be experiencing or going through today, be mindful that we have angels on our side.  We don't have fairies on our side.  We don't have flying babies with harps!  We have mighty angels with God as their general.  What can't they handle?  What can't we face with them on our side?  Oh and we have Jesus too.  I think we win.  No matter the circumstances, no matter the situation, we win.  Our army is bigger.  Merry Christmas!

Jars of Clay

2 Corinthians 4:7 "But this precious treasure -- this light and power that now shine within us -- is held in perishable containers, that is, in our weak bodies. So everyone can see that our glorious power is from God and is not our own."

In the first century, treasures were kept in unattractive, and simple jars made of clay.  These jars had little value or worth themselves so they did not attract attention to their contents.  Paul suggests to the Christian Corinthians that they are like these clay jars.  They may be unattractive to the world and never have any wealth themselves, BUT their contents are worth more than gold! And that's exactly how it ought to be.  Their contents (Jesus) is what forms their true identity. The jar should not detract from what's inside. 

I too am a jar made of clay.  I may have days where I am pressed on every side, crushed, and even hunted down as Paul says, but what I have inside is all that really matters. So when I am down, and when I feel discouraged, I must remember that there is "glorious power" within me.  On the days when I feel like I am worth nothing more than a cracked and used clay jar, I must remember my identity is not found in the jar, but in Christ!  How can I let Christ shine through me today?  How can I allow people so see Jesus instead of the jar?

Dear Jesus, help me remember that my life is all about you, and not the jar.  Amen!

A Slave to Christ

Romans 6:16 "Don't you realize that whatever you choose to obey becomes your master? You can choose sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God and receive his approval."

Paul writes this letter to the Roman church and tells them that they are slaves.  He says they are slaves to one of two forces-sin or God. Paul explains they can choose to live sinful lives or godly lives and each choice has certain results and consequences.  Paul pushes things out a bit further and claims that their choices, in turn, become their master.  Slaves and masters were well known in the first century Roman world.  The Romans knew well what slavery meant.

I am going to be a slave to something.  That is Paul's claim and it actually makes sense.  Today I am a slave to the turkey I ate yesterday-it's controlling my waistline!  The choices I make actually do turn around and make me.  The decisions I made yesterday have a big impact on how my day goes today.  So, do I want to be controlled, directed, and steered by the bad and sinful choices in my life?  Or do I want to be controlled, directed, and steered by the godly choices I make?  The truth is, if I'm going to be a slave anyway, I'd rather be a slave to Christ!  How can I make the right decisions today so that I am controlled by Jesus?

Dear Jesus, thank you that I am yours.  Help me honor you with my choices.  I'm grateful to be your slave.  Amen. 

Repent and Live

Ezekiel 18:32 "For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord.  Repent and live!"

Ezekiel has been warning Israel to turn from their sin and worship of idols.  God speaks through Ezekiel and tells the nation that very bad things will happen to them due to their disobedience.  But despite all of the violent predictions and talk of judgement and punishment, God says he does not delight in anyone's death.  His preference is repentance and life.

God first and foremost wants my heart and a right relationship with him.  His last resort is to discipline me.  He is not an angry God who finds pleasure in disciplining and hurting his people.  My God is a good God who loves me.  That is comforting to me today. 

Dear Jesus, thank you for loving me in spite of my sin and disobedience.  Amen.

Kindness

Ephesians 1:7, 8 "He is so rich in kindness that he purchased our freedom through the blood of his Son, and our sins are forgiven.  He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding."

Paul tells the Ephesians that God loved them so much, he sent his son to purchase their freedom.  God did this because of his intense love for them.  He chose to "shower" his "rich" kindness on them by sending Jesus.  Paul paints a  beautiful picture of a loving, kind, and generous God!

I have to remember daily that God is for me.  He loves me.  He even likes me...even when I screw up!  What an awesome God we have!  God wants good things for me and he wants to "shower" me with his kindness.  What is my response to this?  First of all, I can simply accept it.  That's easier said than done sometimes.  Secondly, I can praise him over and over again for his goodness and kindness.  Crank up the David Crowder!  And third, I can spread this kindness and love to others.  Who can I encourage today?  Who can I pray with today?  How can God's kindness be seen through me today?

Dear Jesus, thank you for your goodness and kindness today.  Amen.

Holy Time Out

Hebrews 12:6  "For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes those he accepts as his children."

The author of Hebrews tells us that God disciplines those he loves, much like a father or mother disciplines their own children.  And that is exactly who we are if we are followers of Jesus-we are God's children.  He loves us, cares for us, and like a good parent, he disciplines and corrects us when needed.

I have two children.  Ellie is eight and Jack is seven and I love them more than anything!  As their dad, I want great things for them.  And I know the best thing I can do for them is to discipline them.  It's not easy and it's never fun, but as their dad I must do it.  Parents understand this.  I need to understand my relationship with God is similar but with God, I'm not in charge!  In what ways do I need some "disciplining" today?  What areas of my life could use some correction?  In what ways does God need to put me in a "time out?"  What do I need to be "grounded" from?  Maybe like a smart kid, I can recognize my faults BEFORE dad finds out and has to take the car keys away!

Dear Jesus, help me be obedient to your discipline and correction today.  Amen.

Detestable

Ezekiel 8:6 "Son of man, do you see what they are doing-the utterly detestable things the house of Israel is doing here, things that will drive me far from my sanctuary?"

Ezekiel is shown a vision from previous days when the Israelites had set up an altar to Asherah in the temple.  God shows Ezekiel this picture and claims it is detestable.  God is sickened at what the Israelites had done with his temple.  Not only had they set up a false idol, they also used the temple to worship false gods.  God is disgusted.

What in my life is God disgusted with?  What sin is he angered by?  What idol in my life is God repulsed with?  God is not just saddened and heartbroken by my sins, he is sickened and offended by them.  Thank goodness Jesus covers them and forgave them!  Yet, how can I see those idols and sins today and eliminate them from my life?

Dear Jesus, help me see in my life what offends you.  And thank you for your mercy.  Amen.

Fall Down

Ezekiel 1:28 "...This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord.  When I saw it, I fell facedown..."

The Jews are in captivity in Babylon and Ezekiel sees a vision of God.  Ezekiel describes the vision and his response upon seeing this vision, is to fall "facedown."

I have been reading a lot of scripture lately-through the Bible as well as some of my "Route 66" readings.  I rarely fall down though.  In fact, I haven't fallen down once.  Daily I am in the presence of God and his word, yet I never fall down.  Ezekiel fell down.  He fell down due to God's glory and power.  But I never fall down.  What am I missing?  What do I lack?  Am I not getting it?  I need God's word to become less of a textbook to me.  I need God's word to transform me and change me.  Today I need to read it and truly hear what He has to say to me.

Dear Jesus, thank you for your word.  Help me fall down today.  Amen.

Philippi

Phil. 2:3, 4 "Don't be selfish; don't live to make a good impression on others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself.   Don't think only about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and what they are doing."

The ancient city of Philippi was a prosperous Roman colony.  Most residents spoke Latin and prided themselves on being Roman citizens.  Many of the Philippians were retired military men who had been granted land in this area.  So in the second chapter of his letter to the Christians in Philippi, Paul warns them to not be proud, selfish, and vain-easy pitfalls for the prosperous citizens in the wealthy town.  Paul instructs them to think less of themselves and their stuff, and more about others and their needs.  He points them to Jesus who do did not live his life as a proud or privileged man.  Jesus was humble and served others, even though he was the son of God! If anyone had a right to be proud, it was him, but he wasn't.  Jesus was to be their example.

I think about myself way too much!  Most days my mind is consumed with me, myself and I.  Paul says I should be more like Jesus.  My thoughts and my mind should be geared towards those around me.  I should ask first, how can I help others, and ask second, how can I help myself.  This is vital to the Christian life.  Jesus modeled it for me, so how can I live it today?  I think it begins with having open eyes and open ears.  What do I see and hear around me?  When I am actually looking and listening, I am more likely to do something.  Today I will look and listen. 

Dear Jesus, help me look at others before I look at myself!  Help me listen to others before I listen to myself today! Amen. 

Robbed

Proverbs 1:19 ""Such is the fate of all who are greedy for money; it robs them of life."

Solomon warns against greed in Proverbs chapter one.  Specifically, we are to not plot with evil men to gain wealth through corrupt actions.  We are warned to watch out for sinners who may entice us and trap us in their wicked plans.  The bottom line, says Solomon, is that greed for money can rob us of life.

I don't want to be robbed of life!  Life is so short as it is, the last thing I want to do is lose one day of it by pursuing something that does not last. Get rich quick schemes seem to never work and earning a quick dollar is rarely "quick."  I think Solomon's word for me today is to work hard, plan ahead, save what I can, but never become consumed with my search for wealth.  Today I will be content with what I have and live life. I will not be robbed of it by a Ben Franklin or two!

Dear Jesus, help me find my peace and hope in you.  Amen.

For Me

Lamentations 3:22 "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail."

Jeremiah is "lamenting" the fall and destruction of Jerusalem.  In the midst of his grieving, he acknowledges that God is full of love for his people and always has compassion for them.

No matter what I am going through or experiencing, God is for me.  Even in the deep valleys and dark canyons God is for me!  He loves me and has compassion for me.  Today I will smile and be at peace because I know the creator of the universe is on my side and loves me.

Dear Jesus, thank you for your love, mercy and compassion!  Amen. 

Bind

Jeremiah 50: 5 "They will ask the way to Zion and turn their faces toward it.  They will come and bind themselves to the Lord in an everlasting covenant that will not be forgotten."

The Babylonians are coming!  And they are about to destroy and conquer God's people due to their rebellion against God.  It is a depressing time, yet the Lord can see a future when his people will "bind" themselves to him and his covenant.  And this covenant will never be forgotten!

Am I bound to Christ?  Or is he just a casual thing?  How do I bind myself to him?  Can I even do that or does he do the binding alone?  I think I have a say in this.  I admit most days I am anything but bound to Jesus. How can my heart and my life become more and more bound to Christ and his covenant?  How can I better "bind my wandering heart to thee?"

Dear Jesus, help me to bind myself to you today.  Amen.

Don't go to Egypt

Jeremiah 42:12 "I will show you compassion so that he will have compassion on you and restore you to your land."

After the fall of Jerusalem, a remnant of Jews come to Jeremiah to ask the Lord what they should do now.  They want to go and live in Egypt but God tells them to settle where they are.  He assures them things will be fine and he will make sure Nebuchadnezzar is merciful to them.  They don't listen.

God offers up a solution to his people.  He tells them specifically what to do yet they disobey him.  How often does this happen to me?  God clearly tells me or shows me what is expected of me and I turn the other way.  I feel like God is telling me to manage and prioritize my time better but I am not listening.  Tonight I will listen. 

Dear Jesus, help me to listen when you speak.  Amen.

Time Suckers

Psalm 90:12 Teach us to make the most of our time, so that we may grow in wisdom.

 In Psalm 90 Moses describes a very brief and depressing life.  He also describes a God who is very angry.  Much of this short psalm of Moses is kind of sad.  In verse 12, Moses asks God to show us how to best use our time, and to help us grow in wisdom.

Time management is difficult for me some days.  I too often waste time doing things that don’t matter, like watching Duck Dynasty, updating Facebook, and playing fantasy football!  These are time suckers and time wasters.  God wants me to make the most of my time-and what better way to spend my time than reading his word?  This week I will strive to read the Bible and SOAP each day and not miss one!  His word is that important and needs to take that place in my life. 

 Dear Jesus help me to read your story each day this week.  Amen.

Rad Recabites

Jeremiah 35:18 "Then Jeremiah said to the family of the Recabites, 'This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: "You have obeyed the command of your forefather Jonadab and have followed all his instructions and have done everything he ordered...'"

Finally someone does something right!  After so many bad kings and rebellious Israelites, Jeremiah finally has someone to brag about and applaud.  The Recabites obeyed God, and kept their word so Jeremiah has encouraging words for them.  God (speaking through Jeremiah) tells them that due to their faithfulness, they will always have a man serve God. 

How good am I at keeping my word.  I'm fairly good at it but some days I don't keep my word.  I struggle sometimes with making promises I can't keep-particularly to my family.  God honors a kept word and a faithful person.  Today I will keep my word to my family.

Dear Jesus, give me the discipline and faithfulness to keep my word and obey your commands.  Amen. 

Our God

Jeremiah 30:22 "So you will be my people, and I will be your God."

God is speaking in Jeremiah 30 about the restoration of his people Israel.  He tells them that one day, they will finally and completely belong to him and be his people. One day, he will fully be their God.

I think this is the entire aim of God-that we will be his people and he will be our God.  Strip all of the religious stuff away including the rules, the traditions, and our Sunday services and this is what God wants.  He wants to dwell with us and be our God.  I have the opportunity to do this each day.  Am I willing to be his "people" and declare him my "God" each day? 

Dear Jesus, please be my God and remind me to be yours.  Amen.

Hananiah

Jeremiah 28: 15 "Then the prophet Jeremiah said to Hananiah the prophet, 'Listen, Hananiah!  The Lord has not sent you, yet you have persuaded this nation to trust in lies.'"

Hananiah pretends to be a prophet and tries to assure the king and the people that Nebuchadnezzar will not be that big of threat.  Hananiah promises the articles taken from the temple, currently in Babylon's possession, will be returned within two years and all will be well.  Hananiah tells the people what they want to hear.  God doesn't appreciate Hananiah pretending to speak on his behalf and has him killed.

God doesn't like posers.  He doesn't like liars.  He doesn't like so called "leaders" mis-leading his people.  Wow.  Am I leading properly?  Am I leading people towards God?  Am I speaking my truth or his?  Am I saying just what people want to hear? 

Dear Jesus, please help me to shut up so that only your words are spoken.  Amen.

Never Too Late

Jeremiah 15:19 "Therefore this is what the Lord says; 'If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve me...'"

God is prepared to destroy Judah and send her off to live in captivity in Babylon.  His mind is almost made up....almost.  Here in chapter fifteen, he still leaves the door open a bit.  If his people will repent, he will restore them.

It is never too late for me to repent.  I am never out of time to get my heart right with God.  I may think it is too late or too much time has passed, but it hasn't.  That's how awesome our God is.  What do I need to repent of today? 

Dear Jesus, help me remember my sins today.  Amen.

Useless Belt

Jeremiah 13:11 "'For as a belt is bound around a man's waist, so I bound the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah to me,' declares the Lord, 'to be my people for my renown and praise and honor.  But they have not listened.'"

God instructs Jeremiah to buy a belt and hide it in a crevice in the rocks.  After a few days, Jeremiah fetches the belt and sees that it is wrecked, worn and useless.  God explains that like this belt, he bound them together to his side, to be his people.  But because they have forgotten about God, they too, like this belt are now useless. 

I see God's anger show up often in the prophets but here I see a genuine hurt and sadness.  God is wounded by how his people have turned their backs on him.  God loves us so much and every time I turn my back to him, he feels betrayed and hurt-like a scorned lover. How can I keep from turning away from him this week?

Dear Jesus, help me to not turn my back to you.  Amen. 

Boast

Jeremiah 9:24 "but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me..."

God tells his people to not boast about their wisdom, strength, or riches.  He was about to take everything away from them anyway.  He tells them instead to boast only if they understand and know him.

When do I boast about knowing God?  It's not enough.  I boast about a lot of things but God doesn't make the list too often.  Or when he does make the list, it's because it's my job.  I should make it my goal to specifically boast about the Lord once a day to someone.  Who can it be today?

Dear Jesus, remind me to boast of you often.  Amen.

The Call

Jeremiah 1:5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." 

Jeremiah is a prophet to Judah and in chapter one his call to ministry is described.  It is a beautiful call!  God claims that before Jeremiah was even created, he had plans for him. 

I assume the same story is true for every human who has ever been born.  Although we don't have the same specific call Jeremiah did, God still knew us and had a plan for us. What is my exact call?  Have I listened to God's voice?  He certainly was thinking about me and my call; have I been thinking about him?  I believe my call is to be the most Christ-like husband and father I can be, and to share the good news of Jesus with students.  And it's an awesome call!  If only I can live it each day!

Dear Jesus, thank you for knowing me and calling me.  Help me to respond.  Amen.

Isaiah 53

Isaiah 53:5 "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed."

Isaiah is describing the "suffering servant" who would come and save the world from their sins.  He would be pierced, crushed and punished for our sake.  And it is through his wounds and scars we would be forgiven, healed, and restored.  These are some truly beautiful words! 

I'll be honest, much of Isaiah elicits very little emotional response from me.  But chapter 53 takes my breath away.  My savior, the messiah, hung on a cross and died for my sins.  His pain and death were for me.  It's almost too much to comprehend.  What do I do in repsonse to this?  Accept it.  Believe it.  Praise him for it.  Tell someone else.  This is good news!

Dear Jesus, thank you for Isaiah 53.  That is all.  Amen. 

Engraved Palms

Isaiah 49:16 "See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me."

In the midst of exile, it would be easy for Israel to ask if God had forgotten them.  God points out that there is no way that he will forget them.  Just as a mother can never forget her children, God cannot forget his children.  He tells them that he has gone so far as to engrave them (their names) on the palms of his hands-symbolic of the twelve tribes of Israel engraved on the ephod the high priest would wear. 

I am God's child and he will not forget me.  I will forget him, but he cannot and will not forget me.  In the midst of my exiles, wanderings, and doubt, God will not forget about me or leave me.  How awesome!  I am so thankful today for a God who loves me even though he knows every bit of me, and does not forget me even though he has every right to. 

Dear Jesus, thank you for knowing me, loving me, and never forgetting my name.  Amen.

Right Handed Lies

Isaiah 44:20 "He feeds on ashes, a deluded heart misleads him; he cannot save himself, or say, 'Is not this thing in my right hand a lie?'"

In chapter 44, verses 9-20, Isaiah cleverly describes the silliness of creating and bowing down to false idols made of wood and stone.  He points out how from one piece of wood a carpenter could create an idol and build a fire!  The same material is burned in a fire and also worship by man-how ridiculous!  In verse twenty Isaiah states, "Is not this thing in my right hand a lie?"

How many lies do I hold in my hands each day...these items made of wood and stone that most certainly would burn in a fire?  Yet these are the things I worship!  These are the things I spend my money and time on.  These are the things that capture my heart.  And I forget that they are perishable.  And worse than that they are lies.  They cannot save or redeem or heal.  I need to refocus my life on the one true God that does not burn in a fire.  He is the consuming fire.

Dear Jesus, show me what idols I need to toss in the fire.  Amen.

Level

Isaiah 40:4 "Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain."

Isaiah is sharing a vision of future comfort for God's people, and a sneak peek at the future kingdom of God under the lordship of the coming messiah.  He claims that one day the mountains will be leveled and the rough ground will become smooth and even.

During this election season there is much talk of the 99 percenters and 1 percenters, the have's and the have nots, the wealthy and the middle class.  Certainly there is a lot in this world that is not fair.  The ground is not level for all and inequality does exist.  But one day it will.  And my job now is to help usher that "one day" in.  Through prayer, faith and hard work, I am to join Jesus in helping bring "kingdom come" here and now where everyone is valued, loved and cared for.  How can I do that today?  How can I make the ground a bit more level for others today?

Dear Jesus, help me build your kingdom here and now.  Amen.

Me, Myself and I

Isaiah 39:8 "'The word of the Lord you have spoken is good.' Hezekiah replied. For he thought, 'There will be peace and security in my lifetime.'"

Isaiah has just told Hezekiah that eventually all of the king's treasures including many of his descendants would one day be carted off to Babylon.  Hezekiah is relieved and claims that this prophecy is good, so long as things are peaceful during his lifetime!  How selfish and shortsighted! It seems he could care less about anyone that comes after him!

God does not want me to revolve around me.  He wants me to revolve around him and others. If things are going OK in my life, great.  If they are not going OK, great.  Whether good or bad, sick or well, rich or poor, it ain't about me.  It's about God and others.  Hezekiah forgot that.  I hope I don't.

Dear Jesus, help me look past myself and my circumstances today to greater things.  Amen.

Our King

Isaiah 33:22 "For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our king; it is he who will save us."

Isaiah addresses Assyria in chapter 33 and tells the nation that as far as Israel is concerned, God is their judge, lawgiver, and king.  It is God alone who will save them.  Isaiah describes a contrast between the kingdoms of the world ruled by kings, violence, and power, and the kingdom of God in which he alone rules. 

God is to be my judge, my lawgiver and my king.  Too often in my life, I place other people in those roles.  I need to daily realize that this is God's show and he is the one and only ruler in my life.  How can I allow him to be my ruler today?

Dear Jesus, please rule and reign in my life today.  Amen. 

Fraud

Isaiah 29:13 "The Lord says: 'These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.  Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men.'"

Isaiah is sharing a warning for the people of Jerusalem-God's people.  He says many of them honor God with their lips, but their hearts are far away from God. 

It's so easy to let worship become routine.  It's too easy to allow prayer to become a ritual.  God wants us to do the right things with our eyes, our ears, and our lips, but mostly he wants our hearts.  He doesn't want empty words and worship from me.  How often I am real and authentic with Jesus?  Are my words empty?  Is my heart right?  Today I need to make my lips match my heart and be real. 

Dear Jesus, help me not be a fraud today.  Amen.

Your Dead Will Live

Isaiah 26:19 "But your dead will live; their bodies will rise..."

In the midst of so much judgement and pain, Isaiah offers a dose of hope for God's people.  He claims that the dead will not stay dead.  They will rise and live!

This is the promise of Jesus.  He conquered death and so will we!  I hate thinking about death.  Most people do.  But it really shouldn't bother me.  I belong to Jesus and although I will die, I will rise right away and live forever!  Am I sharing that story with others?  Who in my life needs to hear the life giving message of Jesus today?

Dear Jesus, help me not keep this great news just to myself.  Amen.

Bring Low

Isaiah 23:9 "The Lord Almighty planned it, to bring low the pride of all glory and to humble all who are renowned on the earth."

Isaiah is sharing an oracle concerning the seaport of Tyre.  Apparently, like many of the other lands mentioned early in Isaiah, Tyre was in for a rough future!  Amid the calamity, Isaiah mentions that the Lord planned it and intends to "bring low" the proud and to "humble" all the "renowned on the earth."

This seems to be a theme in scripture.  God time and time again, humbles the proud and brings low the lofty.  I like that about God.  I dislike people who are proud.  I dislike the pride I see in my life.  In what ways am I proud and how can I squash that today so God doesn't have to?  I need to be more humble in my relationships, with my work, with my actions, and with my lips. 

Dear Jesus, remind me to be humble today.  Amen.

New Eyes

Isaiah 11:3-4 "...and he will delight in the fear of the Lord.  He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears; but with righteousness he will judge the needy."

Isaiah predicts the coming messiah Jesus and claims he will not judge people the way we judge people.  Jesus will truly see men's hearts and will judge them with righteousness.  He will see them as God sees them.

I long to be able to see people the way Jesus sees them.  Too often I judge people harshly.  I need Jesus to give me his eyes and his ears today.  As I am set to begin a new ministry season and a new chapter altogether, I need to see things the way Jesus does.

Dear Jesus, give me your eyes and your ears.  Amen.

Send Me

Isaiah 6:8 "Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?' And I said, 'Here am I. Send me!'"

Isaiah sees a vision of the Lord and at that time God asks for someone to go preach repentance to Judah.  Isaiah steps and up and responds "send me."  I'm not sure if Isaiah completely understood what he was getting into, but the people God truly uses rarely ever understand the fullness of what God is calling them to anyway.

Would I have stood up and said "send me?"  Am I willing to do that now?  Am I truly willing to go wherever God calls me? And it's not just in the big changes in life...am I willing to be sent today, in the situation I find myself right now?  Jonah was sent to Ninevah, Isaiah to Judah, but maybe God just wants to send me to where am I right now?  But I am willing to truly be "sent?"

Dear Jesus, continue to change my heart so that I hear you when you say "follow."  Amen. 

Sabbatical: Day Twenty Seven

Ecclesiastes 12:13 "Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man."

The author of Ecclesiastes is one pessimistic dude!  Everything is meaningless.  He says this a billion times and claims nothing has any meaning and we all die in the end anyway.  Depressing.  He does value wisdom, hard work and wealth a bit, but ultimately everyone dies anyway.  But here in the final chapter, he claims that our one goal should be to fear God.

It's fitting this is the last blog post on my sabbatical.  After spending a month resting, relaxing, praying, and reading, it comes down to this.  Going forward am I willing to simply fear God and keep his commands?  Am I willing to follow him wherever he takes me? I pray on the last day of my sabbatical that God teaches me to fear him more and more. 

Dear Jesus, help me fear and follow you today.  Amen.

Sabbatical: Day Twenty Four

Proverbs 31:10 "A wife of noble character who can find?  She is worth far more than rubies."

Several times now Solomon has spoken of wives in Proverbs.  He warns against a "quarrelsome wife" a few times and here in chapter thirty one declares the value of a "noble wife."  A noble wife is worth very much to a man-more than rubies!

My wife is awesome!  She is noble, wise, faithful, confident and funny!  I thank God for her.  I have come to realize (after ten years now) that where I am weak, she is strong.  When I am down, she is able to pick me up.  Erin is always beside me and always with me.  I am truly grateful.  She is worth more than rubies!

Dear Jesus, thank you for Erin.  Amen.

Sabbatical: Day Twenty Three

Proverbs 17:28 "Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue."

Solomon has probably met a few "big talkers" in his life.  He claims it's better to stay silent than talk about something you know nothing about.  Even fools appear wiser if they simply keep their mouth shut!

Talk is cheap.  So many people today make giant claims, boast of what they think they know, and talk a big game, yet they can't back it up.  Whether it's a crooked politician, self righteous preacher or delusional reality TV star, 99% of life seems to be made up of some idiot talking.  It's as if people like to just hear them self talk and don't actually hear themselves.  At the end of the day, and in God's eyes, talk is cheap.  Actions speak louder than words, and too many people end up putting their foot in their mouth.  How have I done this lately and how can I stop?  If I take Solomon's advice, I'm always better off keeping my mouth shut!

Dear Jesus, help me to know when to shut up.  Amen. 

Sabbatical: Day Seventeen

Proverbs 3:5 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding..."

Solomon begins his book of Proverbs discussing the importance of wisdom.  He personifies wisdom as a "she" and claims she "calls aloud" in the streets for people to pay attention to her.  In chapter three, Solomon claims she (wisdom) ultimately comes from the Lord.  And here in verse five, he encourages the reader to trust in the Lord and not our own understanding.

I'm sure I memorized this verse when I was seven or eight.  When exactly will I learn it!?  When will I completely and faithfully practice it!?  I lean on my own understanding all the time.  How dumb is that?  I don't have complete wisdom.  I am finite.  Today I will trust in him for everything...my finances, my family, my house, my job, my health.  I'm sure he knows more than I do...

Dear Jesus, help me trust with all my heart in all matters.  Amen.

Sabbatical: Day Fifteen

Psalm 150:6 "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.  Praise the Lord."

The one hundred and fiftieth and final psalm ends with this verse commanding everything that has breath to praise the Lord.  Going further, Jesus later says in Luke that if we do not praise the Lord, the very rocks will cry out to him.  One of the main reasons we were created was to praise and glorify God.

How well do I do praising God?  Singing in church on Sunday is just one small portion of praising the Lord.  In my day to day life, through my actions and words I can praise God.  How can I praise him tomorrow?  I get to spend time with my family at the Twins game and going to Ellie's open house.  I can praise God tomorrow for the beautiful weather (near 100!), and my awesome and intelligent kids!  I'll start there tomorrow. 

Dear Jesus, I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.  Amen.

Sabbatical: Day Fourteen

Psalm 111:10 "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom."

This phrase is repeated several times throughout scripture.  Here in Psalm 111 David quotes it and later his son Solomon uses it as he begins Proverbs.  Surely it was something he heard from his dad.

What does it mean to fear the Lord?  I've heard it means everything from straight up fearing the Lord like I fear spiders, to respecting the Lord like I respect a veteran.  I'm sure like most things it's somewhere in the middle or a bit of both!  The key here is that it "is the beginning of wisdom."  If that is the case, I want to fear the Lord more no matter what it means!  I sure could use some more wisdom in my life.  So how do I fear the Lord more? 

Dear Jesus, teach me what it means to fear you.  Amen. 

Sabbatical: Day Twelve

Psalm 103:10 "He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities."

David wrote Psalm 103 and uses it to praise the goodness and compassion of God.  In verse 10 he claims that God does not treat us how we deserve to be treated.  He chooses to have mercy on us, despite our sins. 

We often claim life is not fair.  We often question where God is during difficult times.  But in the big picture, God has treated us far better than we deserve!  Instead of treating us "fairly" and punishing us for our sins, or simply letting us deal with our sin on our own, he went the extra mile and died for our sins!  Jesus paid my price and loves me more than I will ever know!  So what is my response to this great compassion?  I need to treat others better than the deserve.  I need to treat others well despite how they treat me. 

Dear Jesus, thank you for not treating me how I deserve to be treated.  Amen.

Sabbatical: Day Six

Psalm 84:3 "Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young-a place near your altar, O Lord Almighty, my King and my God."

The writers of Psalm 84 are describing the joy of the house of the Lord.  They say even the sparrows and swallows have been thought of and have a home near God's altar.  The writers claim there is no greater place to be than in the house of the Lord. 

Today I visited the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs.  It was a beautiful afternoon as I walked among the rock formations and sat a few times and read scripture.  There were many birds there-Kestrals, Swifts, Pigeons and more.  They made their homes high in the rocks in the many holes they had carved.  I read this psalm while sitting there watching these birds and was reminded that God cares for these birds and even more for us.  He has a home for us and it is wonderful.  Today I feel at peace that God has thought of me enough to prepare a place for me.  One day I will join him there!

Dear Jesus, thank you for inviting me to your dwelling.  Amen. 

Sabbatical: Day Five

Psalm 77:13 "Your ways, O God, are holy. What god is so great as our God?"

The psalms make it clear that our God is very powerful, mighty, and great.  Psalm 77 lists some of the ways God is great.  He performed miracles and led his people.  He has power over creation.  God is great and there is no one that compares to him.

Tonight I arrived in Colorado Springs.  The view of the mountains is remarkable.  Pike's Peak hovers over the landscape like a silent giant.  It is truly beautiful here.  There is something majestic and dare I say "holy" about the mountains.  They point to the great creator God who formed them.  If God can design all of this, he surely can take care of any issues or "problems" I have.  Why do I not trust in him more?  He is holy and mighty and after all what god is so great as our God?  There is none. 

Dear Jesus, you are holy and you are great.  Help me to trust in you this week.  Force me to rely on you.  Amen.

Sabbatical: Day Four

Psalm 73:26 "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."

This psalm by Asaph, one of the three choir leaders of the Levitical choir shows man's weakness and God's strength.  Asaph's body and heart may fail, but it doesn't matter because God is his strength and "portion."

I need God to be my strength and portion today.  I need to rely on him more and more.  These first four days of my sabbatical have kicked my butt!  My flesh is literally failing.  I've worked too hard and have rested too little.  Tomorrow I head to Colorado to rest.  No work to be done.  I'll be reading, hiking, praying, and resting.  I will finally let God be my strength and my portion...for five days.  After that, who will I be and how will I do with this? 

Dear Jesus, thank for for the productive start to my sabbatical.  Now please help me rest.  Amen.

Sabbatical: Day Three

Psalm 71:15 "My mouth will tell of your righteousness, of your salvation all day long, though I know not of its measure."

In this psalm, the psalmist asks God to not forget him even in his old age.  This probably means this was written by an older person, maybe David in his later years.  And even in his older age, with all of his maturity, the psalmist says he cannot speak of the measure of God's salvation.  It is too large, too wonderful, and too amazing to even speak of.  It is beyond words.

My salvation in Christ is too grand to speak of sometimes.  I am such a wretch and yet Jesus died for me.  He paid my price even though I turn my back on him.  God's love for me is so amazing! Even though it is difficult, I will try to put to words the greatness of God's love this month.  And hopefully, as I age and grow I will understand and comprehend God's love for me better. 

Dear Jesus, help me understand your great love for me this month.  Help me realize the true power of the cross.  Amen.

Sabbatical: Day Two

Psalm 62:11, 12 "One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard: that you, O God, are strong, and that you, O Lord, are loving."

David writes this song and claims he's heard two things from the one thing God has spoken.  Weird.  Either way, David speaks of God as strong and loving. 

Christ is my strength and Christ is my love.  These first two days of sabbatical have been difficult-for several reasons.  Fortunately, I've had a great peace these past two days.  Christ truly has been my strength and I have truly felt his love.  I am working hard to rely on Him throughout this season in my life.  I need to rely on his strength tomorrow!

Dear Jesus, thank you for your strength and your love.  Amen.   

Sabbatical: Day One

Psalm 57:10 "For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies."

David is hiding in a cave from Saul and he writes this song.  He cries out to God, who alone can save him from his enemy.  Despite his circumstances he praises God and sings of his great love.

It is Day One of my sabbatical. I have four weeks to rest and refocus.  On Saturday I am heading to Colorado Springs for five days on a personal retreat.  On Monday I intend to go to the top of Pike's Peak.  Here, where the mountain literally reaches to the sky I will read scripture, pray, and listen for God.  I can't wait!  I can't wait to look out into his creation and be reminded of his love and his faithfulness. 

Dear Jesus, during these next few weeks, remind me daily of your great love and faithfulness.  Amen.

Light Shoulders

Psalm 38:4 "My guilt has overwhelmed me like a burden too heavy to bear."

David writes that his guilt, his shame, and his sin are a burden to him.  They are so burdensome in fact, they are too heavy to bear.  They are too heavy psychologically but also physically!  His sins have literally affected his mind and body.  And this burden is simply too much for him.

My sin and shame are too burdensome for me to walk around with.  My baggage and guilt is too much for me.  It is heavy and worrisome and sometimes overtakes my thoughts when I dwell on how sinful I truly am.  So thank God for Jesus!   I am able to come to the foot of the cross and repent of my sin.  On my own I cannot stand with it, so I give it to Christ.  That is his promise.  That is the good news.  He took my burden on his shoulders that day on the cross.  The weight is off my shoulders!  And it feels good! 

Thank you Jesus for taking my sin and guilt.  Amen.

New Year, New Song

Psalm 33:3 "Sing to him a new song..."

The psalmist (possibly the Levitical choir leader) encourages the choir and the people to sing to the Lord a new song.  This psalm was possibly written at a time of transition within the kingdom and it was now time for something new, including a song!

God wants something new from me today.  What I did yesterday was great, but what can I offer today that is new and refreshing?  How can I serve others today in a new way unlike what I did yesterday?  I need to praise God with new eyes, a new voice, and a new song today.  So on my 33rd birthday, in a new year of life, I will sing a new song to the Lord.  Today I will be joyful.  Today I will praise God for the joy in my life and in my family. 

Dear Jesus, thank you that every day you are new to me!  Help me to be joyful in all circumstances.  Amen.

A Good Example

Psalm 30:5 "For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime..."

David knows of what he speaks!  He experienced God's anger and God's favor.  He says that God's anger is short-lived, and momentary.  Thank goodness for David!  But God's favor and love lasts. 

I always ask myself how I can be more godly in my life. As a father for example, how can I model myself after our heavenly father?  What can I learn from this psalm?   Does my anger burn too long?  Is my favor with my kids something that sticks, or is my favor conditional and temporary?  I hope someday my kids could write words similar to these about me. 

Dear Jesus, help me be patient with my children.  Amen.

Our Great Shepherd

Psalm 23:1 "The Lord is my shepherd..."

David has experienced pain.  He has experienced loss and tragedy.  And out of this pain, he writes Psalm 23, one of the most memorized, well known, and well loved passages of scripture.  He likens God to his shepherd who is always with him and guiding him.  Even through the valley of the shadow of death, the shepherd is with him.

Yesterday Nick died.  He was 19 and was once one of my core HangTime kids.  As I opened my Bible just now and saw that I was to begin with Psalm 23 I couldn't help but tear up.  These most beautiful of words could not fit any better today.  So often, it is in our loss and in our grief, when God seems closest to us as he carries us and leads us to the still waters.  Today I pray for Nick's family and friends and I hope they know Jesus as Nick did.  Today I pray they are comforted by our great Shepherd.

Dear Jesus, please comfort Nick's family today.  Amen.

Why Have You Forsaken Me?

Psalm 22:1 "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"

David writes these words a thousand years before Jesus is born.  He is crying out to God because he feels forsaken, forgotten, and attacked.  Of course, Jesus recites this same plea while hanging on the cross outside Jerusalem.  Jesus cries out to the father because he too feels forsaken, forgotten, and attacked.

It is almost eery to read these words in Psalm 22 and know that generations later they would be spoken again on the cross by my savior.  It's hard to take these words knowing Jesus suffered because of me.  I must keep in mind, the father did not abandon or forsake anyone, rather I abandoned him.  It is because of me Jesus felt this way.  It is because of me he suffered.  My sin drew a wedge between the father and the son.  Today I am reminded of my depravity and what it cost. 

Dear Jesus, thank you for dying in my place.  I am sorry.  Please forgive me.  Amen.

No Chariots Please

Psalm 20:7 "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God."

David writes that many people trust in power and security-chariots and horses-that sort of thing.  I suppose that's about all you could trust in three thousand years ago!  But David asserts that he trusts in the name of the Lord, not in military might. 

My hope and trust ought to be found in Christ.  My faith and security does not rest in our government, our military or any form of earthly power. Those powers are temporary.  Jesus alone provides my hope.   How can I trust in him more today? 

Dear Jesus, help me trust you in all things today.  Amen.

Unfailing Love

Psalm 13:6 "I will sing to the Lord, for he has been good to me."

David begins this psalm in verse one by asking God "How long will you hide your face from me?"  David laments the fact that God seems distant and is not near to him.  However, by the end of the psalm in verse six, David seems to flip flop his attitude and proclaims that God has been good to him.  Why does David think God has been good to him, when six verses earlier he was looking for God?  What gives?

Here's what gives-in verse five, David writes that he will "trust" in God's "unfailing love."  David even in his distress, knew something about God's love and goodness-it never fails.  So David puts his trust in God and this resolves the poem.  Do I put enough trust in God?  Do I believe in his unfailing love?  Do I really?  Today I needed this psalm to remind me that in spite of my distress, my sin, and my failures, God is full of unfailing love towards me.

Dear Jesus, thank you for your unfailing love, and for being so good to me, even when I am ugly.  Amen.

Meditate

Psalm 1:2 "But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night."

The book of 150 Psalms opens with this statement.  The psalmist writes that a man should delight in the law of the Lord and meditate on it.  And not only meditate on it, but meditate both day and night!

Do I delight in God's word? Do I meditate on it day and night?  This weekend I have an awesome opportunity to meditate on God's word during 30 Hour Famine.  This weekend I want to learn something new from his word and be challenged to apply it to my life.  I think I may find that in the psalms.

Dear Jesus, help me hear from your word today.  Amen.

Job Gets It

Job 42:3 "...surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know."

Job recognizes his standing before God.  He fully gets it.  He admits he did not know what he was talking about and that God alone has the answers to life's questions.  In the end, God does not explain why Job went through what he did, God just affirms that he is in control of all things.

I need to remember that God is always in control.  I may think I'm pretty big and pretty important and that I am in control, but the truth is I am not.  My life can change in a moment at any moment.  How can I take a backseat and allow God to lead today?  In what ways can I recognize he is in control and submit to his authority? 

Dear Jesus, please take HangTime tonight and do what you will.  Help me not to get in the way.  Amen.

Elihu

Job 32:8 "But it is the spirit in a man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding."

Job and his three friends have gone back and forth debating the nature of Job's situation.  Elihu has been watching from the sidelines and now decides to speak up.  He's held back his comments out of respect for his elders.  But now, he speaks and claims true understanding and wisdom comes from God.

Elihu is on to something here.  He understands where truth and wisdom come from.  They do not come from us, and they do not come with age.  God alone gives us these gifts.  Do I lean too much on my wisdom and what I think I have?  Do I daily recognize that God is bigger than me?  How can I limit myself and make God greater today?

Dear Jesus, help me trust in your understanding and your truth today.  Amen.

Deepsea Challenger

Job 28:14 "The deep says, 'It is not in me'; the sea says, 'It is not with me.'"

Job asks the question, "Where does wisdom come from?"  He concludes it can't be found in the depths of the sea, or bought, or found anywhere on earth. 

James Cameron went to the bottom of the Mariana Trench in March in his submarine Deepsea Challenger.  He went nearly seven miles down to the deepest part of the ocean.  He found some interesting animals but did he find the meaning to life?  Did he find wisdom?  Did he find God?  Of course he did not.  In Christ alone we find wisdom, truth, and life.  Today, I need to keep Jesus as my focus.  He needs to be my source of eveything today. 

Dear Jesus, help me rely on you in everything today.  And forgive me for trusting in myself alone.  Amen.

A Faint Whisper

Job 26:14 "And these are but the outer fringe of his works; how faint the whisper we hear of him!  Who then can understand the thunder of his power?"

Earlier, one of Job's friends had chided him about not understanding the mysteries of God.  But here, Job claims that our knowledge of God is limited and we can hear just a faint whisper of him. 

There is so much we do not understand or will ever understand about God.  He is the creator and we are the creation.  He is big and we are small.  And to be honest, I like it that way.  Because he is so big and grand, I can have complete faith and trust in him.  Today I need to step back and let him be big in my life.

Dear Jesus, help me be small today.  Amen.

Have Mercy

Job 9:15 "Though I were innocent, I could not answer him; I could only plead with my Judge for mercy."

 Job claims his only recourse for the position he is in is to throw himself at God's mercy.  He cannot argue with God or plead his case.  He feels he has no standing before God-all he can rely on is God's mercy.

In the end, that's all we have- God's mercy.  And his mercy came to earth as Jesus, the savior.  Jesus is  my mercy.  Jesus is my answer.  Jesus is the solution to my problems and my sin.  I must throw myself at Jesus daily because I am a wretch!

Dear Jesus, have mercy on me, a sinner.  Amen.

Shaddai

Job 5:17 "Blessed is the man whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty."

Job has been suffering and his "friends" begin to give him advice.  In Job 5:17 Eliphaz refers to God as the Almighty, in the Hebrew "Shaddai."  Shaddai is used as a name for God 31 times in the book of Job and 17 times elsewhere in the Bible.  The name perhaps means "God, the mountain mover" and refers to God's invincible power over all. 

The author of Job emphasizes the point that God is all powerful.  He is bigger than all of my circumstances.  That kind of power makes me fear God but also helps me trust him.  This is his show. He is in control.  Today I need to let God be in control of my circumstances and choices.

Dear God, remind me daily that you are God and I am not.  Amen.

Job

Job 1:9 "Does Job fear God for nothing?"

Satan wants to mess with God one day so God decides to "show off" one of his creations.  He tells Satan to take a look at Job because Job was a great man and followed him so well.  Satan thinks the only reason Job is so good and faithful is simply because God has blessed him so much. 

Do I fear God because of what I have?  Do I fear God solely because he has blessed me?  Or do I fear and love God because it is true and honest and real?  Would I love God if I lost it all?

Dear Jesus, help me love you for you.  Amen.

Purim

Esther 9:23 "So the Jews agreed to continue the celebration they had begun, doing what Mordecai had written to them."

Mordecai and Esther had rescued the Jews from destruction.  In order to celebrate this event, they initiate the festival of Purim to be held each year as a remembrance of their deliverance from Haman and the Persians.

It is important to remember and celebrate what God has done in our lives.  Too often we don't do that.  Today I am thankful for my wife and our jobs!  We had to file our taxes this morning and although it wasn't fun, it was a reminder that we have incomes, and live in a great nation.  And while I have no plans to celebrate tax day or throw a party on April 15, I do want to celebrate my good gifts today! 

Dear Jesus, thank you for the good gifts in my life.  Remind me to celebrate what you have done for me.  Amen.

Poor Susa

Esther 3:15 "...The king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Susa was bewildered."

Haman has convinced King Xerxes to destroy all of the Jews in the kingdom. 

I find it amazing that Xerxes and Haman sit down to have a drink while the entire city was in turmoil.  It's so easy to turn a blind eye to injustice. It's too easy to ignore it and pretend it doesn't exist.  How am I like Xerxes and Haman?  What injustice have I turned away from?  I hope to be the kind of man that does not run FROM injustice, but rather runs TOWARDS it.  How can I do that today? 

Dear Jesus, help me run towards injustice and fight against it.  Amen.

A Psalm at Dinner Perhaps?

Nehemiah 8:5 "Ezra opened the book.  All the people could see him because he was standing above them; and as he opened it, the people all stood up."

The wall has been completed in Jerusalem so in order to dedicate the event the Israelites throw a celebration and read the law.  Ezra the priest stands before the people and spends half the day reading the law.

The people show great reverence and respect for God's law.  They stand, lift their hands, and they "listen attentively."  God had brought them back to the land and helped them restore their city.  They showed their gratitude.  How can I show the same respect for God's word today?  Do I lift up God's word enough in front of my family?  I need to make God's word a much bigger influence in my family.  We need to read it together much more.  Maybe a psalm before dinner along with our prayer?

Dear Jesus, help me lift up your word more in my home.  Amen.

4 Lessons from Nehemiah 4

Nehemiah 4:14 "...Don't be afraid of them.  Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes."

Nehemiah has returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the city wall.  While undertaking this great task, he and his fellow Jews face opposition and danger!  Nehemiah reminds them of their great God and exactly why they are rebuilding the city.

So much can be learned from Nehemiah! A few things for today....#1, God is great and awesome.  #2, some things are worth fighting for.  #3, anything worth doing will be difficult. #4, we will always face danger.  This all leads me to believe that my faith in God is absolutely necessary for everything I ever set out to do!

Dear Jesus, help me rely on you and trust in you today.  Amen.

Just Do It

Ezra 10:4 "Rise up; this matter is in your hands. We will support you, so take courage and do it."

The exiles upon arriving back in Jerusalem have intermarried with some of the surrounding nations.  They were forbidden to do this so Ezra must make a tough choice and take action.  Some of the other men encourage Ezra and prompt him to "take courage and do it."

Sometimes the right thing is very hard to do.  In fact, anything worth doing is usually pretty difficult.  Today I am reminded that oftentimes tough choices must be made but God gives me the courage to do it.  Right now, I need an extra dose of courage to make some tough calls and lead.  I hope I can rise up to Ezra's example.

Dear Jesus, help me take courage and do what I need to do.  Amen.

Ezra

Ezra 7:10 "For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel."

The people had been exiled for quite awhile and finally the Persian king Cyrus grants them the right to travel home and rebuild the temple.  Ezra is chosen to help lead the people back and oversee the project.  Scripture indicates that Ezra was chosen for this task because of his "observance of the Law of the Lord."

Do I follow the law of the Lord?  Would I have been chosen by the king to lead the people?  What kinds of things am I doing to become this type of person?  Is SOAP enough?  Do I pray enough?  Do I serve enough?  Is my heart right with God? 

Dear Jesus, help me be more like Ezra.  Amen.

Wholehearted

2 Chronicles 31:21 "In everything that he undertook in the service of God's temple and in obedience to the law and the commands, he sought his God and worked wholeheartedly. And so he prospered."

Hezekiah was a good king.  Finally, there was a good king!  And Hezekiah set out to point the nation back to the Lord.  This verse tells us that he sought the Lord and worked for him wholeheartedly.  And because of Hezekiah's determination and faithfulness to the Lord, he prospered.

How often do I wholeheartedly seek to work for the Lord?  Not enough.  I work hard no doubt, but many times it's for me, my boss, my students or for my volunteers.  I do it for them.  And I know what I do for them, is doing it for the Lord, but I need to place God #1 on my priority list.  How often do I do something JUST for the Lord?  Today I need to do things that please him and not for any other purpose.

Dear Jesus, help me please you and help me be wholehearted in my work.  Amen.

Lonely Proud Leper

2 Chronicles 26:16 "But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall..."

Uzziah is crowned King of Judah and quickly becomes very powerful.  At the height of his power, he becomes prideful and begins burning incense in the temple to the Lord.  Because of his disobedience, God strikes him with leprosy, which never heals and he dies a leper all alone.

Pride is a dangerous thing.  If I ever get to a point where I think I am in control and I am responsible for what I have accomplished I better watch out.  God is in control, he is the king and everything I have comes from him.  It's not about me.  It never has been and it never will be.  I need to be reminded of that on a daily basis.  I don't want to end up as a lonely proud leper. 

Dear Jesus, squash my pride today.  Amen.

No One at the Funeral

2 Chronicles 21:20 "Jehoram was thirty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years.  No one was sorry when he died..."

Jehoram of Judah was a bad king.  His dad Jehoshaphat was a pretty good king but Jehoram did not follow his father's ways.  He killed his brothers, married wicked Ahab's daughter Athaliah (who proved to be a pretty bad apple herself) and led the people away from God.  So when he died at age 40 when his "bowels fell out", no one cared.

What a sad legacy for Jehoram! But his actions warranted this sad legacy.  Jehoram will forever be known as a bad king who lost his bowels, died, and no one showed up for the funeral.  His actions and choices led to his demise.  It wasn't as if life was unfair and Jehoram had been dealt a bad hand.  He had a very blessed beginning but screwed it all up.  What choices am I making?  How does what I do today, affect what happens tomorrow.  I pray I do not end like Jehoram. 

Dear Jesus, help me be wise and to always choose you.  Amen.

I Hate Him!

2 Chronicles 18:7 "The king of Israel replied to Jehoshaphat, 'There is one more man who could consult the Lord for us, but I hate him.  He never prophesies anything but trouble for me!  His name is Micaiah son of Imlah.'"

Ahab and Jehoshaphat are discussing going to war.  All of Ahab's prophets have told him they would have victory and they should do it, but Jehoshaphat wants to ask one more prophet what he thinks.  Ahab tells him that he hates Micaiah because he never has anything good to say!

Sometimes we may not like the messages or plans God has for us.  That doesn't make them any less true or make God any less faithful.  Whether I agree with God's plan or not, I should follow him faithfully.  What messages from God have I not liked lately?  What messages have I been ignoring or blowing off?  I can think of several...

Dear Jesus, help me take your commands and messages seriously.  Help me not fail you.  Amen.

Shishak Brings Humility

2 Chronicles 12:6 "Then the leaders of Israel and the king humbled themselves and said, 'The Lord is right in doing this to us!'"

Shishak from Egypt came and attacked Jerusalem and plundered the temple and took everything of value from the Israelites.  The leaders and king himself realized that God was correct in doing this to them.  They had deserved this.  Since they humbled themselves, God noticed their change of heart and showed some mercy in the situation.

Do I have a humble heart?  When correction and discipline come in my life, do I humbly accept it and learn from it, or do I blame God?  Over and over again in scripture we see God honoring humility.  How can I be humble today?  How can I show humility to my co-workers, my wife, my children and to God? 

Dear Jesus, help me choose humility today.  Amen.

Sheba Seeks

2 Chronicles 9:1 "When the queen of Sheba heard of Solomon's fame, she came to Jerusalem to test him with hard questions."

The queen of Sheba had heard of Solomon's wisdom and fame so she came to him with a laundry list of life's tough questions.  She did not just come herself, but brought a great caravan with her.  Solomon answers all of her questions and because of this, she praises Solomon's God!

Solomon's reputation was well known.  He was so well known that people came to him to ask for help! So often I think I need to be more proactive and find ways to meet more people and spread my influence so I can expand the kingdom but what if I took an opposite approach? Could I live my life in such a way that people come to me to hear about Christ instead of me going to them?  This is in no way to avoid my responsibility, but what an amazing testimony to the power of God-people seeking out Christians, rather than Christians chasing down people!  Is my reputation such that people come to me for advice and for answers?  How can I live my life so people flock to hear about the kingdom of God?

Dear Jesus, help me develop the kind of character, reputation and fame taht draws people to hear me-for your glory!  Amen.

Seek His Face

2 Chronicles 7:14 "...if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

Solomon has just finished building the temple and dedicating it to the Lord.  The Lord appears to Solomon and tells him he will continue to bless Solomon and the people if they keep the covenant and faithfully follow him.

God wants us to turn from our sin and our selfishness and move towards him.  He wants us to "seek his face."  If we do that, I think everything else will fall into place.  If I seek the Lord's face I will love my enemies, I will serve others, and I will do everything I should do.  If I seek the Lord's face, he will bless me. It all begins by seeking God's face. How can I seek God's face today?  By reading his Word?  Through prayer?

Dear Jesus, help me seek your face this day.  Amen.

Measuring Flour

1 Chronicles 23:29 "They were in charge of the bread set out on the table, the flour for the grain offerings, the unleavened wafers, the baking and the mixing, and all measurements of quantity and size." 

The Levites and priests used to be in charge of the tabernacle while in the wilderness. They were charged with carrying it, caring for it, and protecting it.  Now they were in the promised land and they no longer needed to wander and travel. Their duties now had to shift and adjust to their new circumstances.  No longer would they be "cowboys" of the middle east transporting God himself and defending the tabernacle from all evil and danger... now they were in charge of baking bread and measuring flour. 

Sometimes God asks us to do things that may seem mundane or boring like measuring flour and baking bread-although some people do enjoy that!  God's will for my life may not always be exciting, adventurous, and sexy, but it is still his will.  What is God calling me to do today that I may not want to do?  What duties do I think I'm above?   How can I honor God in the simple and trivial parts of my daily life? 

Dear Jesus, help me see your beauty and your purpose in the everyday, boring duties of life.  Help me honor you in all things.  Amen.

Sword of the Lord

1 Chronicles 21:17 "David said to God, 'Was it not I who ordered the fighting men to be counted?  I am the one who has sinned and done wrong.  These are but sheep.  What have they done?  O Lord my God, let your hand fall upon me and my family, but do not let this plague remain on your people.'"

David had ordered the counting of his fighting men.  He was not supposed to do this, and because he disobeyed the Lord, the Lord chose to punish him.  God gave David three options for the punishment so David chose to have 3 days of the "sword of the Lord" which included plague.  In verse 17, David cries out to God to spare the people since it was his mistake and his sin.

Sin affects everything.  We oftentimes think sin only affects ourselves, but it reaches farther than that.  My sin affects my family, my friends, and my community.  Before I make stupid decisions, before I rebel, before I give in to temptation, I must be aware that this choice, that act, can destroy more than just myself.

Dear Jesus, help me to not sin.  Not for my sake, but for others.  Amen.

Permanent Homeland

1 Chronicles 17:9 "And I have provided a permanent homeland for my people Israel, a secure place where they will never be disturbed."
David wants to build a temple for the Lord and God explains that he doesn't need one just yet. He tells David he's cool staying in the tent and he's just glad he's finally gotten his people to the promised land.  This land will be their "permanent homeland."

This verse jumped out at me today quickly.  It did so because obviously within a short period of time, the Assyrians and Babylonians marched over to Israel, kicked their butt, and kind of erased that whole "permanent homeland" idea!  So did God lie?  Did God's plans get messed up?  Did God know this would happen?  Did he not know? These are interesting questions with different layers of answers I'm sure.  What I do know and put my faith in, is that my "secure place" is not a place at all but a person.  My security rests in Jesus.  Today I will remember that my security, my home, and my place is with Jesus.

Dear Jesus, remind me my identity and security are in you alone.  Amen.

Let the Whole World Know

1 Chronicles 16:8 "Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness.  Let the whole world know what he has done."

David and the Levites have just moved the ark of the Lord to Jerusalem.  David then sings this song of praise to the Lord.

This verse highlights two of God's great desires for us-that we praise him and tell the world about him.  I'm usually pretty good at the first one-most Sundays, but not so good at the second!  And why is it that I think about praising God only on Sundays?  Both of these activities are meant to happen each day.  Whether I am having a great day, a bad day, or a day in which I move the ark, I need to praise God and tell others about him!  How can I praise God today?  Who can I talk to about Jesus today?  How can I keep myself accountable to do both? 

Dear Jesus, help me praise you and tell someone about you today.  Amen.

God Did It

1 Chronicles 14:11 "'God has done it!' David exclaimed..."

The author is retelling the story of how David and his men defeated the Philistines at Baal-perazim.  David is emphatic that God, not he or his men earned the victory. 

It is so easy to want to take credit for everything.  I like to think that my hard work, my ingenuity, and my talent has accomplished much.  That is because we are prideful people.  The truth is, everything I have, everything I've been given, and every experience I've had in my life is a result of God's work in the world and through me.  My actions do count, and what I say and do does matter, but ultimately, all credit belongs to God.  I should give thanks and credit to him in all circumstances. 

Dear Jesus, remind me to give you the credit you deserve today.  Amen.

I'm Not a 10 Point Buck

1 Chronicles 10:10 "They placed his armor in the temple of their gods, and they fastened his head to the wall in the temple of Dagon."
1 Chronicles provides another account of the history of the Israelites from Adam up through the reign of David.  In chapter 10, the author tells the story of the death of King Saul-the first king of Israel.  I love how graphic and PG-13 the Bible oftentimes is!  Saul's head was mounted on the wall in the temple of Dagon like a 10 point buck.  Saul ended his life as a trophy kill for the Philistines.

The Bible often reveals how it's characters died-sometimes in horror film like detail.  The truth is, everyone's life ends.  And when that happens, someone somewhere may write down your legacy. Will my legacy be a good one, or will I be mounted on the wall somewhere?  I ask myself questions like this often because life is short.  I want to constantly keep my legacy in the front of my mind.  How can I do the hard work today to make sure my legacy is awesome and I have something worthwhile to pass on to the next generation?

Dear Jesus, help me follow you faithfully and fully today.  Amen. 

Jesus Always Wins

2 Kings 25:1 "So on January 15, during the ninth year of Zedekiah's reign, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon led his entire army against Jerusalem."

It was quite a moment!  History was in the making January 15, 588 B.C. when Nebuchadnezzar invaded Judah and laid siege to Jerusalem.  God had been patient long enough and because of a long line of deplorable kings, and sinful people, now both Israel and Judah had been conquered. Sin had finally caught up with God's people.

This was a tragic moment.  I'm sure it seemed like it was all over to the Hebrews.  Game over.  The fat lady had sung.  But of course it wasn't over.  God sent his son Jesus to save the world and redeem it.  This time, God's salvation plan included the whole world!  588 B.C. wasn't the end, just another moment in God's redemptive story.  When I feel like all is lost and the game is over, I need to remember, Jesus always wins in the end.  Jesus always wins.

Dear Jesus, help me remember in my darkest and most lonely hour, that you always win!  Amen.

Worthless Themselves

2 Kings 17:15 "...They worshipped worthless idols and became worthless themselves."
The author is recounting the fall of Samria and Israel to the Assyrians.  The Israelites had rejected God over and over again, leading to their demise.  Because they worshipped worthless idols of wood and stone, they became worthless themselves!

Who and what we worship determines who we become.  How I spend my time and my money says a lot about what I value.  Who and what am I worshipping?  Convenience, luxury, money, power, fame...what have I been worshipping?  If I am worshipping worthless things I will become worthless.  If I worship Christ, I will become more like him.  It's really common sense.  The question is, who do I want to become?

Dear Jesus, help me worship you and become more like you.  Amen.

Thorn in my Shrine

2 Kings 15:35 "But he did not destroy the pagan shrines, and the people still offered sacrifices and burned incense there...."

Jotham became king of Judah and the text tells us that he "did what was pleasing in the Lord's sight" yet he failed to do one thing.  It happened to be the same thing his father failed at doing and several other kings-he did not destroy the pagan shrines.  He did almost everything else right, but failed to take care of this one thing.  And for some reason this same problem (shrines) plagued several generations of kings.  Why could they not simply pull the trigger and follow through with this?

There's always that one thing that we struggle so hard to eradicate from our lives.  That one thing that we're unable or unwilling to get rid of.  Paul called it a "thorn in his flesh."  I have a thorn in my flesh.  In fact I probably have several!  God wants me to eliminate them.  He wants complete obedience in this area.  God does want 95% obedience, he wants 100%.  What do I have to do today to take down that pagan shrine?

Dear Jesus, help me lean on you as I tear down some shrines today. Amen.