Seek God Together: Recent Episodes
Jordan Richmond
Seeking God is the most important thing you can do. We create simple, daily, guided worship experiences to help you on your journey. Let's Seek God Together.
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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.
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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.
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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.
If you appreciate this work, consider supporting it - https://www.patreon.com/seekgodtogetherToday 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…
If you appreciate this work, consider supporting it - https://www.patreon.com/seekgodtogetherToday 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.
If you appreciate this work, consider supporting it - https://www.patreon.com/seekgodtogetherToday 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!
If you appreciate this work, consider supporting it - https://www.patreon.com/seekgodtogetherToday 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.
If you appreciate this work, consider supporting it - https://www.patreon.com/seekgodtogetherToday 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.
If you appreciate this work, consider supporting it - https://www.patreon.com/seekgodtogetherToday 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.”
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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!”
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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.
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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?
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.
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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.”
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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.”
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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!”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
If you appreciate this work, consider supporting it - https://www.patreon.com/seekgodtogetherToday 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.”
If you appreciate this work, consider supporting it - https://www.patreon.com/seekgodtogetherToday we will read a portion of Daniel 2 verse 28 which says, “There is a God in heaven Who reveals mysteries.”The king of Babylon had a dream. And it so disturbed him that he asked the impossible of his wise men. “Tell me the dream I had and the interpretation or I will have you executed.” Of course none of the wise men could and openly told the king so. “You ask the impossible.” What else could they do?Mad with power, disturbed by the dream, the king carried out his order until Daniel intervened. He asked for time and sought the God of Heaven - the Revealer of Mysteries. And God revealed the dream and its meaning to Daniel who shared it with the King.Daniel’s back was against the wall. There was no other option unless God revealed. Which He did. But even Daniel was careful to tell the king why. It wasn’t because Daniel was wiser. It was to reveal. Perhaps we think God just reveals to the prophet out of nowhere. Perhaps at times that’s true. But here, it’s in the stress of real living. And it’s in response to Daniel seeking. And it’s for the purpose of revealing.You right now, in all your real living need the Revealer of Mysteries. And perhaps He will only reveal when asked. “God in Heaven - Revealer of Mysteries - show me the reality around me, and the meaning. Reveal to me so that I can be a benefit to those around me and help people see You.”
If you appreciate this work, consider supporting it - https://www.patreon.com/seekgodtogetherToday we will read John 21:25 - the last verse in John. It says, “And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which, if they were written one by one, I suppose not even the world itself could contain the books that would be written.”What could possibly be said of Jesus? Mark records a verse with a similar spirit, the people were overwhelmed with amazement and said “He has done everything well!” Yes He has. The entire biblical story is one gigantic (dare I say) Easter egg (ironically) leading us to Jesus. What other man has influenced more history than Jesus? Who has exerted more power over people by Himself dying than Jesus? Who’s teachings are more morally superior, unimpeachable, than Jesus? If you know of anyone even close, I want to know.But honestly, why should we expect any different? Jesus is what God looks like when human. Jesus is the interface between Deity and Humanity. Jesus is real humanity and real God. We worship God and cry “mystery mystery” as well we should. But in Jesus we can say, “We have seen - and You do all things well!” Jesus is what it’s all about.There’s no sense trying to grasp it all in one sitting. You couldn’t even if you tried. Just as John says. Instead, let your heart be moved by this man. So caring, so gentle, so strong, so thorough, so self-giving, and so God that He is bringing all things together back within Himself. It’s enough in this moment just to marvel.“Jesus, to speak to You is to speak to God. To see You is to see God. Yes of course we’re limited in what we can see and imagine, but we’re moved. Show us more of Yourself. We love You!”
If you appreciate this work, consider supporting it - https://www.patreon.com/seekgodtogetherToday we will read from first Samuel. The prophet Samuel is just a boy in the house of the Lord with the priest Eli. Twice now Samuel has been awakened by the Lord. The prompting was apparently familiar enough that the boy mistook the Lord for Eli. 1 Samuel 3:7-9 says “Now Samuel had not yet experienced the Lord, because the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. Once again, for the third time, the Lord called Samuel. He got up, went to Eli, and said, ‘Here I am; you called me.’ Then Eli understood that the Lord was calling the boy. He told Samuel, ‘Go and lie down. If He calls you, say, “Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening”; So Samuel went and lay down in his place.’”Have you ever been awakened in the middle of the night with the sense that it was something “Other” that was waking you? What did you think it was? Perhaps something you ate. And that may be true. But perhaps it was more.Samuel heard from God in the middle of the night - and you may as well. And when He does, there is only one response. “Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening”. Samuel had not yet “experienced” the Lord, because the word had not been revealed to Him. The word of the Lord is anything the Lord reveals. And Samuel was now experiencing God.It is wondrous to think that God might even awaken You - perhaps tonight - and allow you to experience Him. And when He does, get up, fall to your knees, and simply respond.“God, I won’t presume upon You - but I do want to experience You. More than anything I want to experience You. How You move is a mystery. But would You awaken me? Reveal Yourself to me. Tell me Your secrets.”
If you appreciate this work, consider supporting it - https://www.patreon.com/seekgodtogetherToday we will read Acts 2:4 which says, “Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different languages as the Spirit gave them ability for speech.”This is strange. But it’s scripture. We must receive it. The Spirit comes and fills believers. They are now partners with and animated by God. They speak in languages they did not learn - a reversal of the curse at the Tower of Babel. Humans are coming back together in the Spirit. It’s actually a fulfillment of an Old Testament prophecy from Joel 2:28-32. Strangely enough, these days are referred to as, “The Last Days”. Can it be that whatever the last days are, we have been in them for 2000 years? A time in which the Holy Spirit is bringing us back together in Christ? Yes I think so.And He does this at least initially through the phenomena of “speaking in tongues.” God does strange things and works in strange ways. But His end game seems clear - to bring humanity back together in Him.So should we seek strange phenomena? I won’t say no. I do. But perhaps what we should really seek is the filling of the Spirit - whatever that entails. Whatever strange phenomena God wants to perform in us…let’s be open. However God wants to use us to bring those He loves back together…let’s be open. “Holy Spirit fill me. Animate me to unite those You love in Jesus. Strange phenomena or not, I am open to You. Surprise me, thrill me with Your methods.”
If you appreciate this work, consider supporting it - https://www.patreon.com/seekgodtogetherToday we will read Psalm 46:1 & 10. “God is our refuge and strength. An ever-present help in time of trouble. “Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted in the nations. I will be exalted in the earth.”Today we will meditate. We will think deeply and with less words. This passage opens by focusing our thinking - God. God is our safety, God is our power. God is our help.Then in verse 10 it says “Be Still.” or “Stop fighting.” or “Stop striving.” Calm down. Who is asking it of you? Is it the songwriter? Is it a guru? No - it’s God Himself. Be still and know that “I” am God. You are not God - and no one else is. Just Him.But it’s not a call to empty your mind. Far from it. It’s a call to stop and consider that He and He alone will be exalted among all people in all the earth. Won’t that be a great day!We will take longer now to consider this. Stop what you’re doing and consider God taking charge. Thoroughly setting things right. Doing all things well. You might find it helpful just to imagine Him getting bigger and bigger and filling all things and in so doing, all things getting better. We will take a little time to do this - and I will stop now and join you. You can begin imagining now.
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Today we will read portions of Job 1:1-5 which says “There was a man in the country of Uz named Job. He was a man of perfect integrity, who feared God and turned away from evil. He had seven sons and three daughters. Job was the greatest man among all the people of the east. His sons used to take turns having banquets at their homes. Whenever a round of banqueting was over, Job would send for his children and purify them, rising early in the morning to offer burnt offerings for all of them. For Job thought: perhaps my children have sinned having cursed God in their hearts. This was Job’s regular practice.
Did you know that Job is the oldest book in the bible? It’s true. When it was written there was no bible. There was no Judaism. There was no church. There was no law. There was no knowledge of Jesus.
And yet this great man, this honorable man, this rich man, would rise early in the morning to offer sacrifices to God on behalf of his children. What rule instructed him? What religion? None. Something inside of Job compelled him to seek God. And not only to seek God, but to make amends for sin. It was so obvious to Job that this was worship. He also knew that it was the sacrifice, or his children that would pay for their sin.
Overlay this story with Proverbs 14:9 which says “Fools mock at making amends to sin…” Job was no fool. He took worship seriously. In fact his worship was build on the idea of thoroughly dealing with sin.
Nothing has changed. Well that’s not exactly true. God’s self-disclosure has changed - we know more. He’s shown us more. He’s revealed Jesus, and Jesus has become our burnt offering. Fundamentally though, worship still looks the same. It’s always the sacrifice that takes our sin. And fools mock the idea.
“God, I don’t need a religion, a pastor, or even a bible to demonstrate that I need a sacrifice. But I’m grateful that You have taken all the responsibility on Yourself in Jesus. You are my sacrifice. You make me right with You. And in light of that - I worship You.”
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Today we will read Genesis 22:2. Here God is speaking with Abraham and He makes an unimaginable request… “Take your son, He said, your only son Isaac, whom you love, go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about.”
We don’t like this verse (and many of the stories in scripture). Understandably so. They’re monstrous at first glance. God is asking the impossible - and why???
But let’s point something out. God did not allow Abraham to kill Isaac. Okay? Let’s remember that. Something else is happening. You may want to take time to read the entire story.
First, Abraham and Isaac go to a mountain - a mountain that God designates. When Isaac asks where the lamb is, Abraham tells his son that God Himself will provide the lamb. When they reach their spot, Abraham binds Isaac and lays him on the wood. Once he is in position, Abraham prepares to stab him. At that moment, he is stopped. God points Abraham to an animal caught in a thicket. It’s a ram - not a lamb. Strangely God does not provide the lamb. Ultimately, immeasurable blessing come through Abraham’s sacrificial and faithful act.
Hmmm - Let’s summarize: they ascend a hill. The son, the one and only beloved son is laid on wood to be pierced. God Himself provides the lamb, and immeasurable blessing flows from this act of faithful sacrifice.
Sound familiar? Yes - it’s Jesus. These stories, brutal as they are, foreign as they are, are pointing to Jesus. They are like reverse echoes that only make sense after the fact. And scripture is filled with them. What is God up to? Getting us to Jesus.
“God I don’t understand it all - not by a long shot. But Jesus is wonderful. You are wonderful. You are blessing and redeeming all things in Jesus. Thank You and I love You.”
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Today we will read Proverbs 3:19-22. It says, “The Lord founded the earth by wisdom and established the heavens by understanding. By His knowledge the watery depths broke open, and the clouds dripped with dew. Maintain your competence and discretion. My son, don’t lose sight of them. They will be life for you and adornment for your neck.
It would be easy in a spiritual practice or worship to ignore the physical and focus only on the spiritual. But in God’s way of doing things, there is no separation. It’s simply Who He is and what He does. And while we are so accustomed to the physical reality and often ignore the spiritual, true worship is actually harmonizing both. Proverbs is entirely practical. Yes, God is interested in how you do the work you do.
How does God work? Yes God works. And He does it well. Everything He does is done with wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. So what is wisdom? Scripture spends more time describing it than defining it. Ultimately God is the definition. So how about we just say that wisdom is the skill that God has within Himself to do things well. This is why the universe just works. It’s why it’s so beautiful and wondrous. Because God is a genius and full of skillful wisdom.
And then the passage quickly pivots to you. The writer tells you to “Maintain your competence.” To keep it up and keep going. To see that your skill remains sharp. To use your abilities regularly. And why? Because they are “life” for you. Adornment for your neck.
Why would God care about your work? Because you are an extension of Him. Work is good. Do you feel that way? What are you good at? You’re good at something - maybe many things. You should use it AND maintain. God does things - you should do things. And it will be a kind of glory for you.
God cares how you spend your day. Don’t waste it frivolously or sit on your hands. Use the skill you have to build on the beautiful world He has made. You never know what will come of it.
“God You are a genius - a wonderful creative! Everything You do is done well. I want to join You. Breathe fresh energy into my work and bless it in amazing ways!”
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Today we will read Romans 11:32 which says, “For God has imprisoned all in disobedience, so that He may have mercy on all.”
What will happen in the end - when everyone is dead - everyone’s judged? What will hell be like and who will be there?
These are not pleasant questions. But are there any that are more important? Really? If we take life seriously, and the reality of death seriously, we must deal with it. If we take scripture seriously, we must deal with what it says. And frankly there are verses like this one right under our nose that we frankly ignore.
Who has God imprisoned in disobedience? All. Are there any exceptions? It doesn’t appear so. And who will He have mercy on? All. The same All. Will there be any exceptions? That is the question but in faith looking at this verse, we must say it doesn’t appear so. This runs counter to our typical thoughts on an eternal tormenting hell. And while there isn’t time in a thousand lifetimes to answer all the questions arising from just this one verse, let me ask you a couple questions…
First - Christ’s work on the cross - is it enough to deal with the sin of everyone?
Second - If the answer to the first question is yes - would there be anything to stop God from applying Christ’s work on the cross to everyone?
And if this maybe too out of the box, let’s just re-read the verse … “For God has imprisoned ALL in disobedience, so that He may have mercy on All.”
“God I don’t know what You’re up to. But if this verse is hinting at what I think it’s hinting at - then You’re up to far more than I ever could have imagined.”
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Today we will read Isaiah 44:22 which says “I have swept away your transgressions like a cloud, and your sins like a mist. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you” and let’s parenthetically add the last part of Revelation 13:8 which says “…Christ slain from the foundation of the world”.
Have you ever avoided God? I have. What would cause us to do something like that?
Shame. A sense of shame and guilt. What if I did the same thing yesterday (or 2 seconds ago) that I’ve done a thousand times? Surely God must be done with me this time. Surely He doesn’t want me. Surely I need to clean myself a bit, or at least let a little time go by to let the dust settle before talking to Him again.
But doesn’t this knee-jerk feeling demonstrate that what you’re actually doing is depending on yourself for God’s acceptance?
And yet, look at those verses…God has ALREADY swept away your transgression and your sin. God has removed your gross rebellion (the worst of the worst) and even your rather mundane imperfections. Imagine that. He didn’t consult you. He didn’t get your consent. He simply did it. And when did He do it? Somehow, and I won’t pretend to understand…from the foundation of the world.
Your most disgusting rebellion and annoying imperfections were addressed by God long before you were ever born. It is simply not your responsibility to clean them up. You heard me right. It’s not your job - it’s God’s. Stop taking God’s job.
But you do have a responsibility. And that is to simply return to God. You’re actually doing that now. Go to God with your rebellion, imperfections and all. He has all the capacity to form you into the person you were made to be. Let Him do it. All you are required to do, is go to Him. Don’t ignore Him.
“God I believe You. You have accepted me. You’ve dealt with my guilt. I don’t have to bother with it. I return to You. Again and again. Unbelievable as it is, I believe You receive me as if I were perfect.”
If you appreciate this work, consider supporting it - https://www.patreon.com/seekgodtogetherToday we will read John 11:50-52. In this passage Caiaphas (the high priest) is instructing his concerned underlings about the disturbance Jesus is causing and what should be done. Caiaphas says, “You’re not considering that it is to your advantage that one man should die for the people rather than the whole nation perish.” He did not say this on his own, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation, and not for the nation only, but also to unite the scattered children of God.What a strange passage. Let’s quickly point out something. Caiaphas was no friend of Jesus. And yet scripture claims he was speaking prophetically. Takeaway?: Even the enemies can be putty in God’s hands. He will get done what He wants done.But more important than Caiaphas himself is what he said, “It’s better that one die than the whole.” As harsh as this seems, and as much as we want to look away from death as a whole, this seems to be the very heart of God. We’ve seen that Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life. And yet there’s a problem. God’s creation has rebelled, abused the physical design, repeatedly inflicted injustice on one another and self-harm on themselves, and has suffered most grievously in a way not visible. Humans are spiritually dead and distanced from the God Who loves them. What to do?God could do nothing and allow the death to spread until there’s nothing but death - death to all. God seems to have done the complete opposite. He didn’t just step in a little bit. He took the most thorough plunge into the heart of the problem. He ate every last bit of death, all harm, all rebellion, all injustice and all spiritual decay into Himself. How exactly? I don’t have a clue. Neither does anyone else. But it’s this fact alone that unites all Christians. Jesus is the One thoroughly dealing with the problem of death.“God I don’t get it. I have no idea all that happened on the cross. But I believe it works and will accomplish all that You want it to accomplish. Let me walk in Your Life Power today. In Jesus’ Name.”
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Today we will read Luke17:20-21 which says, “Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God will come, He answered them, “The kingdom of God is not coming with something observable: no one will say, ‘Look here!’ of ‘There!’ For you see, the kingdom of God is within you.”
The Pharisees were a sect of religious Jews known for their strict interpretation and adherence to scripture. They also lived out their faith quite pretentiously. Here they are asking when the Kingdom of God will arrive.
And Jesus answer is shocking! His kingdom will not be observable. Incredible! But every other kingdom is. They come with force and violence. They have a dictator and oppress the non-compliant. How could a kingdom be anything but?
But not Jesus’ Kingdom. If it’s invisible, is it just spiritually all around us? No. It’s “In” us. “Within” us - like liquid in a cup. We contain the kingdom. We carry the presence and power of God in us. We are kingdom builders. We have Godly authority to build a lasting kingdom of which Jesus is King.
Do you believe this? Or are you sitting on your hands waiting for a yet-to-be physical kingdom? You - right now - seeking God - have. this. power. It’s happening now. You are a part. What are you doing with such power?
“God I don’t know that I even believe Jesus’ words here. They are so counter to what I’ve believed about You. But if it’s true, and if the kingdom is advancing in people like me, then I want to be active in it! Give me wisdom and strengthen me to be a Kingdom builder.”
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Today we will read Matthew 23:37 - “Jerusalem, Jerusalem! She who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her. How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, yet you were not willing.”
What is God like? God is like Jesus. And here we see that Jesus is sad and therefore God is sad. What has Jesus so moved?
It’s the children. Jerusalem had a collective resistance. But resistance to what? To Jesus being…motherly. Jesus equates His affection to a nurturing hen gathering, protecting, loving… and this breaks His heart. The result of this resistance is a broken Jesus, and a broken Jerusalem. The resistance has real consequences.
Jesus could have expressed rage over their stubbornness. Threatened action against their ingratitude. But no. He’s like a hurt mom wishing her children would simply receive the love she offers and all the protection and benefits that accompany it. This is not a happy part of the story. But it is revealing of the heart of God.
Will you receive God this way? It may be very different than how you typically think of Him. But we’re not attempting to reinforce our view of God but to receive Him as He is.
“God, I can’t imagine the depth of feeling You have for Your children. I am Your child. I know that I too have resisted. And if I’m honest it’s because in some way I distrust You - even without realizing it. But I want to trust. I don’t want to resist. I want to know Your heart.”
If you appreciate this work, consider supporting it - https://www.patreon.com/seekgodtogetherToday we will read John 11:25-26. Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me, even if he dies, will live. Everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die - ever. Do you believe this?”How do we even begin to probe the depths of Jesus’ words here or anywhere? We must do what we came here for, to receive His words. Here he tells a grieving Martha, whose brother Lazarus had recently died, that he, Jesus, IS the resurrection and the life. He doesn’t say He’s going to be resurrected. He says He IS the resurrection. In the same way He says He IS the life. He doesn’t have life. He isn’t just alive. He wasn’t given His life. He IS LIFE!You and I have a bit of life. It’s temporary and it will end. We will die. We are currently alive. But He IS life. All life comes from Him. He doesn’t just get resurrected. He is resurrection. That is, He takes that which is dead and does what only He can do - gives it life again. Life is only His to give.And those who believe in Him though they die, will live. And never die. He doubles down and says will never die - EVER! He finishes by asking Martha…do you believe this? … Doesn’t that ring in your heart as well? Do you believe this? Believe what? A set of facts about Jesus? A doctrine, a creed? I refuse to add to Jesus’ words here. He simply says believe IN Him. I’ll take Him at His word. To believe that He IS resurrection - He IS life. I gladly entrust myself to Him.“Jesus, how do I even start a conversation with You! It’s all from You, IN You, for You. Life and everything good is Yours by nature. And I believe You are generous and share with those who take You at Your word. You are Resurrection and Life and I am asking to receive it from You.”
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Today we read Matthew 5:3 which says “The poor in spirit are blessed, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.”
This is the first of what are known as the beatitudes spoken by Jesus. “Beatitude” comes from the latin word for blessed. Jesus says “Blessed are…” hence the word beatitude. Oxford Languages defines it as “Supreme Blessedness”. That is quite beautiful.
When we ask what is God like, the answer is - Jesus. God is like Jesus. When we ask what God feels, it’s what Jesus feels. What’s important to God? We can have a good idea by examining that which is important to Jesus. And here He tells us...
Blessed are the poor - the poor in spirit. The Kingdom! The kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
In what society are the poor the blessed ones? None that I’m aware of. We value strength, riches, capacity, good looks, charisma, self-assurance. The violent, and the winsome win elections and get power. The king is the most fit to rule.
But then there’s Jesus. And He flips it on its head. It’s not the mightiest. It’s the poorest. More specifically, the spiritually poor that own and rule the mightiest of Kingdoms - the Kingdom of heaven - or rather - the Kingdom of God Himself.
How do you respond to this? You’d be forgiven if you roll your eyes a bit since the idea is so foreign. But how do you feel? How strong are you really? How rich are you really? Are you a raging success? Are you beautiful? Are you charming? Are you self assured? Are you violent?
Or are you none of these things? Are even the potential of these things rapidly slipping through your fingers? Are you poor? Do you feel poor? If so, you’re right where Jesus says you’re most blessed. You can’t move the heart of God in your strength. But He gives the whole kingdom to the weak - the poor.
“God - I don’t feel rich. I feel poor. But I believe that’s what You want from me. And I believe that You give me the Kingdom because of it. That’s shocking. I don’t know whether to believe or disbelieve. Therefore, please give me the ability to see and know what that Kingdom is like. Help me see the way You do.”
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Today we will read 2 Samuel 6:14. This verse simply says “David was dancing with all his might before the Lord wearing a linen ephod.”
This is a strange and fascinating story because of what is happening, what happened before, and what happens after.
King David’s men were bringing the Ark of the Covenant (the mystical presence of God among the people) back to Israel. A servant named Uzzah reached out and touched the Ark to steady it. Yet his gesture was not received well. God’s anger burned and killed Uzzah. And consequently David’s anger burned seemingly against God. The anger caused him to fear God more.
And then later, David is dancing, mightily. He’s not holding back. Wearing a linen ephod. Who knows what that looked like, and why it matters. But it’s there.
Later in the day the king meets up with his wife Michael. She chastises him for his lack of dignity. For his extravagant worship that seemed beneath a king. David doubled down and promised to give it even more energy next time. For Michael’s part, she was unable to conceive and reproduce because of this.
This story is strange, and there are many others like it. Remember we don’t approach scripture to answer every question, but rather we receive it from God. God is different than you think or I think. He is more energetic, more involved, more strange, more holy, better…yes far better than we could imagine. King David was far from perfect, as we are. And yet He was a man after God’s heart.
We like him, would do well to consider the harsh realities we see, the strangeness we perceive, and respond with true feeling, and extravagant response in our spirits and our bodies. Perhaps this isn’t how we’d naturally assume God to be, or our response. But it may be more true to His essence, and ours.
“God, sometimes You scare me. You always thrill me. But You are worth the pursuit. I’ll give even more to celebrate You and to know You. Reveal Yourself.”
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Today we will read Romans 1:20. “For His invisible attributes, that is, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen since the creation of the world, being understood through what He has made. As a result people are without excuse.”
We are not the first to ponder the glory of the heavens and we won’t be the last. Since humans first looked to the stars and asked, “How did this happen?” we have been asking the same questions.
There are some things we can know about God because the heavens are revelation in their own right. They reveal His power, capacity, divine nature. These attributes are invisible. While we don’t see Him, we see His art. In fact we are part of His artistic expression. And we have a mind to contemplate it.
You would wonder why everyone isn’t contemplating God all the time. After all, there isn’t anything we experience or interact with that isn’t His creation. And yet many ignore Him. And because His art is so apparent, they are without excuse.
But for a worshipper, the prevalence of creative beauty compels us forward to pursue Him more and more. To at least ask this invisible God to reveal Himself more. It shouldn’t surprise us then that He reveals Himself in invisible ways. The visible plane is saturated. It’s the invisible, the spiritual where we most need Him now.
“God I look around. Anywhere, and I see You. Your power is on full display. That is obvious. And if Your artwork is this splendid, what does that say about You? I wish I could know You more. Come meet with me.”
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Today we will read John 3:16 again. We looked at this verse yesterday. But it’s okay to meditate on a verse or idea for days on end. We are not the first. John 3:16 says “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whosoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.”
We focused yesterday on God. God is a lover. God loves You. God loves the world. Far from a distant, uninvolved, disinterested force, God is a passionate and intentional lover.
And it is because of His love that He gives what the world actually needs - His One-of-a-kind, special Son.
In all the pain and loss you’ve experienced, and the heartache those you love experience, you might be tempted to think that God is distant. But He’s not. He’s actually given everything He has to give. A creative universe, life itself, and His Son through Whom He is reconciling all things.
Does this surprise you? Would you do it differently? You wouldn’t be the first to question God. It would be easy to prefer that God went around putting bandaids on every hurt. Or every death. But He doesn’t.
Instead, God gave Himself. And what all happened in Jesus in His life, and on the cross is impossible to know. What we do know is that it is, and will ultimately be effective at bringing everything together under God in a good way.
So where does that leave us then? This verse tells us - “…everyone who BELIEVES in Him…”. Believes? Yes. It’s as simple as that. Hardly earth-shattering. Just the simple acknowledgement that God has it under control. God will work it out. This is why we worship.
“God I don’t get it. But I receive Your love. I receive Your Son. I receive You. I believe Jesus - that He is life everlasting and in Him You will fix everything - in Your way. In the meantime, in my unknowing, I choose to believe and to worship.”
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Today we will read John 3:16. You’ve most likely read it. It says,
“For God so loved the world,
that He gave His only Son,
that whosoever believes in Him
will not perish but have eternal life.”
No doubt you’ve seen this verse on signs at games or on a T-Shirt. It’s arguably the most famous verse in the Bible. It’s most often used as a succinct gospel presentation - as well is it should.
But often the first part of the verse gets overlooked. We know what Jesus is doing. But what is God doing? God is loving.
In fact God loves so much, everyone, everywhere…you - that He gave something so precious that it’s a one-of-a-kind. He gave the most valuable thing. God loves you so passionately that He gave what He most treasures in order to get you back. He loves!!! What is God like? He’s a lover.
And You are the object of His love. Do you feel that way? Do you believe yourself to be the target of His passion? Well you are. Does that humble you? Does it challenge your assumptions about God? It should.
“God I don’t feel loved. I don’t feel lovable. But this isn’t about how I feel. You are a lover. You give Your very best and most wonderful to win back those You love - the whole world!”
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Today we will read Luke 18:13-14. This is the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector. It says, “…But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’ I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
You’d think it’d be better to come to God once you’ve cleaned yourself up a bit. But not according to Jesus. This person made the effort to come to God out of a sense of need and humility. He couldn’t even look up. He beat his chest and confessed his sin. Notice he didn’t even promise to never do it again or even to do better next time. He simply appealed to God’s mercy.
How does God respond to such a person? Is He angry? Far from it. This is what He’s looking for. This is what He wants from you. Are you capable of dealing with your own sin on your own? Many think so - but they’re wrong. God receives the humble with open arms.
How are you? If you’re broken over the sin in your own life - you’re in good company. There is good news. God awaits your bold appeal to His mercy. Why? Because He’s better than we think. Always better.
“God I feel the same as this tax collector. How can my eyes look to you when they’re dirty? How can my mouth praise You when it’s dirty? How can my mind think of You when it’s dirty? It breaks me. But where else could I go? I come to You for mercy. Receive me. Do what You do. Amen.”
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Today we will read Colossians 1:19-20. These verses say,
“For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him and through Him to reconcile everything to Himself by making peace through the blood of His cross whether things on earth or things in heaven.”
Every religion worships. But I wonder, how do they know how? What is God like? There are many things we can deduce without a bible - that God creates, and is all-powerful if we even understand what “all-powerful” means. We are in fact hopelessly limited.
That is, unless God shows us what He’s like. These verses succinctly say what the whole Bible is about. That Jesus is the fullness of God in a way we can best understand. What is God like? Look at Jesus. What does God feel? Look at Jesus. What does God do? Look at Jesus. Jesus is the interface between 4 dimensional humans, and inter dimensional deity. He is the absolute fullness of God and man.
Do you understand this? Neither do I. But should it surprise you that God would reveal Himself in such a way? Why not? In order to communicate at all it must be in a way that humans can understand. Why not as a human? God is thorough in every other way - why not in His communication?
And what did Jesus do? He reconciled, or restored friendly relations, with… with what? With EVERYTHING on heaven and on earth. Everything? It’s what it says. What does it mean? I suppose it means everything. And why shouldn’t it? God is God of all!
“God, my mind races with thoughts of all You are and all You’re doing. I don’t have a clue but I’m excited for You! You are the hero and I get to watch as You reconcile all things. Praise Your Name!”
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Today we will read Philippians 1:6. This verse says, “I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Who is responsible for You? You might say yourself. And in most ways we ask the question, you’d be right. But if we get a higher view, there is Someone Who has taken responsibility for you long ago. That’s God. God is the One Who began a work - and not any work - a good work - in you. And it is on Him, not you, to complete it.
Let’s acknowledge then a couple things. First, it’s not complete yet. You may have noticed that you still struggle. Perhaps you struggle more or less with the same things you’ve struggled with for years or decades. You may wonder if God is through with you. Far from it! God will see to it that the good work is completed until the Day of Christ Jesus! Perhaps we’ll ponder what that Day is another time.
Our second acknowledgement is that we are once again thrown onto the altar of God’s character. If God had a limit, a governor, a measure of patience, then we’d have for sure maxed out. But we are dealing with a Being of infinite resource. The good work He is seeing to is based on Who He is - not who we are. While mysterious, we can allow this reality to fill us with confidence (not in ourselves) but in Him. He is our confidence.
“God there are days I’m ashamed to even show up here. But no matter, You are the One doing the good work. You took this responsibility on Yourself. You are the Hero - not me. You’re amazing! I want to be receptive to the good work you are doing in and around me.”
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Today we will read 2 verses. Proverbs 18:10 and then verse 11. “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are protected.” And then verse 11, “A rich man’s wealth is his fortified city; in his imagination it is like a high wall.”
These may not seem like a pair at first glance. But maybe they are. The name - YAWHEH - is a strong tower. Those who run to it are “protected?” Literally it means they are lifted up. They are elevated out of harms way. What is the Lord’s Name? Our names are combinations of arbitrary sounds. But not YAHWEH. When He revealed His “name” to Moses it was more of a description. “Yahweh is compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, rich in faithful love. Forgiving wrongdoing but also One Who brings justice.” This is a good God - and if we’re honest, we wouldn’t want Him to be any different.
The righteous run to this Name. Do you? Are you willing to believe God is this self-description? How does that affect how you approach Him? Contrast that with verse 11. “A rich man’s wealth.” It’s his fortified city - he believes it to be a high wall. A high wall - lifted up - protected.
What protects you? Is it wealth? If you have wealth is your faith in it? If you don’t have wealth, do you pursue it as though it will protect you? Of course, money is something - it isn’t nothing. But it only takes a small accident, a tragedy, a funeral, even a birthday party, to realize that money is powerless ultimately.
But God - God is the real power. He has all resource. He has all time. And He is good. Run to Him. Take refuge in Him. “God I believe this. I don’t exactly know how to take refuge in You except to say that I believe You. I lean on You to be my protection and my provision. I need You.”
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Today we will read Proverbs 15:24. “To the discerning the path of life leads upward, so that he may avoid going down to Sheol.”
The Old Testament doesn’t say a lot about the afterlife. And it would be impossible to know exactly what the writer of this proverb intended. No matter. This was written for our benefit and to instruct. There is a path that leads “upward”. This path is opposite and opposed to the path that leads “downward” to Sheol - the shadowy abode of the dead.
And what separates these two paths? Discernment. It’s the discerning who take the path upward. Does this surprise you? You might think sinless perfection, or righteousness, or religious observances are what lead you to God. Apparently not. It’s this magical word “Discernment.”
If we looked at the whole of Proverbs, discernment, wisdom, knowledge…these seem to be synonymous. And they have one source - God Himself - and specifically - fear of the Lord. No, you cannot earn God’s favor in yourself. But You can receive God’s favor by appealing to God Himself. This is discernment.
God, this discernment, the ability to see things for what they are, to recognize that which is true, comes from You - and how badly we need it. I appeal to You for it. Give me Your wisdom, Your understanding so that I can experience You and live this day successfully.
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Today we will read a passage from Ezekiels vision of God. This is Ezekiel 1:26-28. “The shape of a throne with the appearance of sapphire stone was above the expanse. There was a form with the appearance of a human on the throne high above. From what seemed to be His waist up, I saw a gleam like amber, with what looked like fire enclosing it all around. From what seemed to be His waist down, I also saw what looked like fire. There was a brilliant light all around Him. The appearance of the brilliant light all around was like that of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day. This was the appearance of the form of the Lord’s glory. When I saw it, I fell facedown and heard a voice speaking.”
What does God look like? And what does that even mean? Our eyes only take in the thinnest frequency band of energy and interpret that as color. But we know that there is “light” or “energy” far far beyond what we can see. And then our knowledge of energy comes to an end. So does God “look” like anything? He is Spirit. Paul says He is invisible.
And yet here, and in numerous other passages, we get glimpses of God. Rather, we get a glimpse of how He is willing to present Himself in a moment. And it is truly other-worldly. You may want to read the entire chapter to get the context of strange and magnificent creatures that attend to God. But always the most brilliance and gleam is reserved for God Himself.
Notice the difficulty in the wording: “a form with the appearance of a human” - “this was the appearance of the form of the Lord’s glory.” Ezekiel is struggling to describe what he sees. This is the best he can do. Perhaps we can take away 2 things: first, God is beyond our wildest imagine. And second, God comes to us ultimately as human.
Are you willing to receive this as it is? Again, you don’t have to understand. Faith doesn’t understand. Faith believes. And like Ezekiel, we too fall facedown when confronted with God.
God, I do not pretend to have You figured out. But I delight in the beauty of Your glory. I wonder at Your love for humanity - Your love for me.
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Today we will read Jeremiah 1:5 which says, “I chose you before I formed you in the womb; I set you apart before you were born.”
What do you think about your life? Perhaps you’re like many today who believe your life is not valuable, or special, or important. But that’s not so. Not only did God form Jeremiah in the womb, but God chose him even before He formed him in the womb. How can this be? No one knows. But his life was important to God.
Not only was he chosen, but he was set apart. Set apart? Unique? Special? Yes! Why? Because God wanted it so.
And it’s the same with you. You ARE chosen. You ARE special to the only One Who matters - God. What are you chosen for? What are you set apart for? Only God can reveal that. And that is why you are here right now doing what you are doing.
God, I believe my life is special because of You. I want to realize the special calling and purpose You have for me. I trust that it is good. Perhaps not easy. Perhaps not simple. But good. I know that I can only realize it with You. Give me glimpses now.
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Today we will read Isaiah 40:15 which says, “Look, the nations are like a drop in a bucket; they are considered as a speck of dust in the scales…”
Does the world around you seem overwhelming, loud, exhausting? You’re not alone. It’s easy to be swept up in the politics, pandemics, economics, technology, medicine, environment, society… what to do? And even if you could bring some sanity, where to begin?
And yet it is all a superficial film overtop the solidity of God. He says of the nations, not just our nation, but all the nations ever, that they are the dust on the scales. No they are not even the scales themselves. They are the inconsequential specks lying on the scales. They are a mere drop in a bucket. To God, there is no clamor, no stress, no fear, no lack of power, wisdom, or capacity.
You and I are mere mortals. But God is not. He has no limit. All that we fret about is real - that’s true. But it’s also beyond us. So why bother? Why not instead go to the one who holds the universe in His hands?
God, the things around me are too great for me. I admit it. But they are nothing for you. So here are my concerns. I give them to You. What I really need is You. And I trust You to deal with the realities of my life. Either address them, or empower me and give me the wisdom to deal with them. Either way, it’s all from You.
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Happy Passion Week. And thank you for listening to these classic replays as my family and I have been moving into our new home. New content will be coming tomorrow but for today, I hope you enjoy this last classic replay on “Sin.” Everything in the life of Christ led up to this week and to the cross in particular. It’s good to be reminded that dealing with sin is the entire reason Jesus came in the first place. Matthew 1:21 says “She will have a son, and you are to name Him Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”
The name Jesus started as Yeshua. It’s well established that this is even how it was pronounced. So how did Yeshua become Jesus? The name Yeshua was common - the equivalent of Joshua. The name itself means “God saves” or “God delivers.” The Hebrew language doesn’t have vowels, and sometimes the Y was pronounced as a J. Therefore - Jehshua, or Jeeshua. Latin added an M, or an S. Jesum, Jesus.
However it happened exactly, what cannot be denied is that this God-man, named “God delivers” came to rescue us from our sin and through peacefully, lovingly, and radically ministering, ultimately dying a humiliating and bloody death, has utterly turned the world upside down. Every person owes it to themselves to take Jesus seriously and consider the implications in their own life. Thank you again for listening.
Today we will read 1 John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
There are some who believe they have no sin (or perhaps very little). The next verse affirms this when it says “If we say ‘we don’t have any sin,’ we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.” These are the resistant. There are others who are so grief-stricken, so disappointed, so ashamed of themselves that they live their lives in a self-imposed prison. These are the hopeless.
But scripture offers a better way. Scripture acknowledges our sin. It doesn’t even apologize for doing so. There it is. In you, in me, in everyone. What to do with it though? Bury it, try better next time, punish yourself?
No. Take it to God. Boldly and without hesitation. Confess to Him and He will forgive. And not only forgive, but cleanse you of all unrighteousness. God stands ready to forgive every wrongdoing, every misstep, every rebellion, the very worst deeds that you could possibly commit…He stands ready to forgive simply with a confession.
Does this sound too good to be true? Just because it’s incredible to you, doesn’t mean that it’s not true. God is far better than you or I think. God made all this possible in Jesus Himself. He will deal with the injustice of humanity in His own way and in His own time. But for now…you…if YOU confess YOUR sin… do it now.
God You are true. I am sinful. If I only judged myself by my own standard I miserably fail. But compared to You, I would be a liar to say I’m not sinful. But I confess to You and I receive Your forgiveness and Your cleansing of all my unrighteousness. I don’t even hesitate. I don’t wait until I feel better. I receive it now. I confess the following…
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Today we will read Isaiah 43:18-19, and 21. These verses say, “Do not remember the past events, pay no attention to things of old. Look, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert. The people I formed for Myself will declare My praise.”
You may have heard the old adage, “The bible is written for you, not to you.” It’s good to remember that we are reading ancient literature for a particular time, people, and place. Exactly what the Jews thought when they heard this is unknown. But it’s important to recognize that this portion of Isaiah is in the “Servant” or better yet, “Jesus” passages of the book.
When you think of God, do you see a being doing new things? Or do you see a distant, static being unmoved by our pain? Unwilling to take action?
Here God is anything but. Not only are we told that God is doing a new thing, but it’s so new, so novel, so revolutionary, that we are to forget the past. This new is so new that there’s no room to remember the old. It’s that new.
“Do you not see it?” He asks. The text reads with a sense of frenzy. “I will make rivers in the desert” Rivers don’t flow in the desert. But when God does new things, the convention of the old becomes obsolete. The new is here! And God is doing it.
And what’s the result of this fury of new activity? The people will declare His praise. But not just any people. Not distant or insignificant people. These people have been formed by God, and for God. He made people for Himself. He seems to exult in doing a new thing and receiving praise from people. And He doesn’t even apologize for making people for His own sake. It’s you. You are His people! Are you willing? Are you willing to praise?
God I praise You! I use my mouth, my voice, my hands to declare that You are wonderful! You are active. Be active in and around me today!
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Today we will read Mark 16:1-6 which says, “When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so they could go and anoint Him. Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they went to the tomb at sunrise. They were saying to on another, ‘Who will roll away the stone from the entrance to the tomb for us?’ Looking up, they observed that the stone - which was very large - had been rolled away. When they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a long white robe sitting on the right side’ they were amazed and alarmed. ‘Don’t be alarmed,’ he told them. ‘You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has been resurrected! He is not here!…”
What is the most important thing Jesus did? Is it even possible to answer that question? Everything Jesus has done, continues to do, and will do is absolutely perfect and totally consistent with His nature. It was in His nature to create the universe. It was in His nature to love humanity. It was in His nature to take on all the responsibility of reestablishing the lost relationship with us. It was in His nature to go the distance in dealing with sin all the way to the bloody cross. And it’s in His nature to live! Nothing can keep Jesus from doing exactly what He sets out to do.
Is resurrection hard to believe? It’s actually not complicated. All you need to do to perform a resurrection is to apply the perfect amount of energy, in the absolute perfect way, perfectly understanding all the variables, and with perfect wisdom. Nothing to it. For God that is. Doing things perfectly is simply what He does. And God lives. What is death compared to an infinitely energetic God? It’s an aberrant only here briefly to accomplish even more mysterious but perfect wishes of the King.
Resurrection in itself is hardly miraculous for God. He generates universes with such wisdom as to confound physicists. The science behind it is like breathing for God. The true miracle, if there is such a thing with God, is the fact that God is Who God is. We have a God Who wants to create, and pursue, and go the distance, and not cut a single corner along the way. Our God wants You, and our God will not stop until He has you. The resurrection is just one more indication of what He’s like. And He’s just getting started. The resurrection, like the cross, is not the end but simply the beginning. Jesus started it. But He’s taking us along for the ride. So buckle up. Because He is way more energetic, and way better than we could possibly imagine.
Jesus, praise Your name! You are alive. Nothing can hold you back. I worship You and celebrate You! Hallelujah.
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Today we will read John 19:30 and then Isaiah 53. The verse in John 18 says, “When Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, ‘It is finished!’ Then bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.”
It is Good Friday. And while hardly anything seems good about it, this is the moment the universe changed. Whatever the awful cost of the entirety of our sin clashing with the inevitable holiness of God…the death-wish of humanity colliding with the unyielding relational love of God…a shrinking creation hiding from the inexhaustible passion of God…whatever happened on that cross, it is finished. Jesus, the perfect Jew, perfect Davidic king, leading His people out of exile, had accomplished everything perfectly. Jesus is perfect and His passion was now satisfied.
What else can be said about so great a God, so great a Savior? We will finish today with the reading of Isaiah 53. Keep in mind that this was written hundreds of years before Jesus arrived on the scene. Take in the wisdom of God.
“Who has believed what we have heard? And who has the arm of the LORD been reveled to? He grew up before Him like a young plant and like a root out of dry ground. He didn’t have an impressive form or majesty that we should look at Him, no appearance that we should desire Him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of suffering who knew what sickness was. He was like someone people turned away from; He was despised, and we didn’t value Him.
Yet He Himself bore our sicknesses, and He carried our pains; but we in turn regarded Him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. But He was pieced because of our transgressions, crushed because of our iniquities; punishment for our peace was on Him, and we are healed by His wounds. We all went astray like sheep; we all have turned to our own way; and the LORD has punished Him for the iniquity of us all.
He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. Like a lamb led to the slaughter and like a sheep silent before her shearers, He did not open His mouth. He was taken away because of oppression and judgments and who considered His fate? For He was cut off from the land of the living; He was struck because of my people’s rebellion. They made His grave with the wicked and with a rich man at HIs death, although He had done no violence and had not spoken deceitfully.
Yet the LORD was placed to crush Him severely. When You make Him a restitution offering, He will see His seed, He will prolong His days, and by His hand, the LORD’s pleasure will be accomplished. He will see it out of His anguish, and He will be satisfied with His knowledge. My righteous Servant will justify man, and He will carry their iniquities. Therefore I will give Him the many as a portion, and He will receive the mighty as spoil, because He submitted Himself to death, and was counted among the rebels; yet He bore the sin of many and interceded for the rebels.”
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Today we will read Matthew 26:26 which says, “While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to His disciples, saying, ‘Take and eat; this is my body.’”
Happy Holy Week. It’s Thursday also known as Great and Holy Thursday, Covenant Thursday, Thursday of Mysteries, or Maundy Thursday. Maundy comes from the Latin word “mandatum” or mandate. It is on this day where many Christian traditions imitate Jesus’ ceremonial foot washing. And as beautiful as the feet washing is, the whole occasion was surrounding the Passover.
The Passover Seder has been celebrated for 3000 years. And there are elements of it that are truly awe-inspiring on close examination. The Seder exists to commemorate God bringing His people out of slavery. But in order to finalize the plan, a sacrifice must be made. The Passover Lamb would need to be slaughtered and its blood posted on the doorway in a manner reminiscent of a cross. The blood would be a deterrent so the angel of death would literally “passover” and spare the firstborn son.
Incredibly, the middle piece of bread made without yeast would be broken and the larger piece hidden away wrapped in a linen shroud to be redeemed later. And the people would escape their enslavement and march victoriously into the promised land God had prepared for them.
Does any of this sound familiar? Of course. It’s Jesus in plain sight. The story of Jesus has been celebrated by the Jewish people long before His grand entrance in Jerusalem. And the Old Testament, as we’ve said before, is filled with Easter Eggs leading us to Jesus. Only the wisdom of God could accomplish such a thing.
Jesus celebrates this Passover Seder as countless other Jews have as well. But He shockingly, and unapologetically says the broken bread is Himself. And the wine is His blood. He is the Passover Lamb. And the mandate we carry is to continue the story.
Oh Jesus, the wonder and mystery of how You do what You do. You’ve written Yourself into Jewish history. You are the Lamb of God. I believe.
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Today we will read Matthew 26:7-8 and then verses 14-15. They say, “a woman approached (Jesus) with an alabaster jar of very expensive fragrant oil. She poured it on His head as He was reclining at the table. When the disciples saw it, they were indignant. ‘Why this waste?’ they asked.” And verse 14, “Then one of the Twelve - the man called Judas Iscariot - went to the chief priests and said, ‘What are you willing to give me if I hand Him over to you?’ So they weighed out 30 pieces of silver for him.”
We are in the middle of Holy Week. And Wednesday is known as Holy Wednesday, Good Wednesday, Great and Holy Wednesday, or perhaps most intriguing, “Spy Wednesday” - the day in which the clandestine, thieving disciple decided to betray the Firstborn of the Universe.
Judas wasn’t the only one with heart issues. Look at the disciples response to the (sinful) woman anointing Jesus’ feet. The text says they were “indignant”. Funny - it’s the exact word used for the Pharisees on Palm Sunday as the children were shouting “Hosanna” (a word that is both a prayer for rescue, and praise). Strange how easy it is to scorn the worship of someone else and deem it inappropriate. Meanwhile Jesus loves it. Be very careful how you judge another’s worship.
In any event, what made their worship acceptable? The children were so young, so uncivilized. They were dancing and yelling. And it’s likely they didn’t even understand what they were celebrating. But they did it. And the sinful woman anointing Jesus…who was she to even touch His feet? A sinner! Yet Jesus loved every moment. Neither ignorance, simplicity, or gross sin gets in the way of a worshipper touching Jesus’ heart. You too. There’s literally nothing to keep you back from worshipping Jesus right this minute.
The Pharisees withheld worship and they felt Jesus stinging whip in the temple. The disciples withheld worship and criticized the woman, and they routinely felt Jesus’ stinging rebuke. Judas, in the ultimate act of anti-worship, betrayed the King for a bit of petty cash. What incredible delusion overcomes the resistant. Even now, let’s soften our hearts, and like the sinful woman, pour out our tears on Jesus.
Lord, thank You for loving me. I often feel like my failures keep me from You but they don’t. The only thing keeping me from You, is if I choose to stay away. I want to be close to You again.
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Today we will read John 12:23-25 which says, “Jesus replied to them, ‘The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. I assure you: Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains by itself. But if it dies, it produces a large crop. The one who loves his life will lose it, and the one who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.’”
This is Holy Week which began with the Triumphal entry on Palm Sunday. Holy Monday commemorates the cursing of the fig tree, and the cleansing of the temple. Today is Holy Tuesday and observes Jesus predicting His own death. Christians vary in how specifically they celebrate Holy Week, but there is value in understanding the ancient traditions. And even now, in setting out to say something of value concerning Christ’s work leading up to the cross, I personally want to clasp my hand over my mouth and say nothing for fear of getting it wrong. Like Isaiah, I am a man of unclean lips and we are looking upon the most holy things of God. And yet we’ve been invited to look on in worship at our incredible Savior. And so we’ll venture in further.
Jesus’ had become infamous. And His entry into Jerusalem, especially around Passover, had created quite a stir. Some Greeks wanted to see Him. But when asked if they could, Jesus seems to answer a question no one asks and says, “The hour has come.” Jesus predicts His own death.
To illustrate His death, He appeals to the principle of sowing and reaping. By Jesus dying, He (like a seed) lays the groundwork for exponential returns. His death is not the end of the story but rather just the beginning. His eyes are on His impending death yes, but more so on the crop it will yield later.
And He includes us in on the picture. Often the passion of Jesus is seen as something He does alone. And that’s true. But here Jesus sees an obvious if/then. Since He will die and produce a crop, in the same way, you and I will produce a crop leading to eternal life. But how? By hating our lives. This passage has often disturbed readers. And understandably so. Let’s not attempt to soften the blow of His words. But let’s also consider. Did Jesus hate His life? Did He want to lose it? No. He asked that the cup of suffering be taken from Him if possible. Jesus never had a death wish. But He passionately wanted to redeem people, and please God, and accomplish His task, and fulfill scripture, and reconcile all creation. You could say these far outweighed His all-too-human instinct for self-preservation. And in the same way, we are invited to participate. In the suffering, yes. But far more in the glory.
Jesus - You amaze me at every turn. I’ve seen You suffer. And I’ve seen some of the return. I want to see more. And I hardly even know what I’m asking, but I want to play the role You have for me in it.
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Today we will read Psalm 34:8 which says, “Taste and See that the Lord is good. How happy is the man who takes refuge in Him!”
This verse could have began with, “Think and know.” Or “Try and Focus.” Or “Ponder and meditate.” But it doesn’t. It says “Taste. Taste and See.”
Your senses of tasting and seeing root you to the world around you as do your other senses. Thinking and pondering is important. But it’s easy to daydream and lose connection with what’s right in front of you. What can snap you back to reality? Something that tastes good.
Taste and see.
Have you noticed how easy it is to speak and think of God as incomprehensible? Completely outside of our everyday experience? And while I believe that He is far greater than we could ever imagine, this seems to be an open challenge to tangibly experience Him. Will you accept it?
Taste and see.
How do you go about tasting and seeing God? Maybe we start where you are and move outward: You are here. You came from somewhere. You didn’t come from nowhere. You have a story. There’s a story for everyone and everything all the way to the entire universe itself. What do you suppose would motivate God to go through all the trouble? It seems like He actually wanted to come up with an elaborate, finely detailed, beautiful, powerful design filled with life capable of tasting and seeing that He is good. He’s almost begging you. Go ahead. Look around. Taste. See that He is good.
“God, it seems strange to taste and see You. But I didn’t write it. I accept the challenge. I want it. So go ahead. Show me just how good You are!”
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Today we will read Psalm 19:1-2. “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky proclaims the work of His hands. Day after day they pour out speech; night after night they communicate knowledge.”
Do you ever wonder, “Where do I start?” In such a noisy frantic world, and in your noisy frantic life, how do you even begin to look to God?
The answer is here. Look to what He has made. The heavens declare! When was the last time you looked at the multitude of stars on a clear night, or took some time to go on a walk, and marvel at the variety of trees and plants. They are beautiful aren’t they? They’re inspiring. They’re meant to be.
These created things are speaking. Night after night, all the time, they speak to you imparting to you knowledge about the Creator. What are they declaring? His glory. God we seek Your glory and we marvel at the work of Your hands.
If you appreciate this work, consider supporting it - https://www.patreon.com/seekgodtogetherToday 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?
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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!
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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.
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Today we will read the final verse in the Jesus-song of Colossians 1. This is verse 20 and it says, “…and through Him to reconcile everything to Himself by making peace through the blood of His cross - whether things on earth or things in heaven.”
We have to be willing to allow scripture to say what it says. If this is indeed the revelation of God to man, then no scripture is taboo. No scripture is dangerous - all of it is revealing the truth of God to us. If we allow other passages to simply say what they say, then we must be willing to allow this verse to say what it says.
What is it saying? In Jesus, God is reconciling not some things, not most things, but everything to Himself. Again words fail - but to reconcile is to restore to friendly relations. What is God restoring back to friendly relations? Everything. Everyone. Every being. How is He doing this? Through the cross of Christ.
Somehow, on the cross, God made peace with everything. And not just with us. Not just the sin of humanity. Apparently there were things to reconcile on earth - and also in heaven! I have to ask, how is it possible that there are things in heaven, around God’s throne that need restoring to friendly relations? I don’t know. I don’t need to know - but this verse says it. If we go way back to Job, we see the accuser standing before God, accusing God, accusing Job. How could such a spirit bear the glory of God without being consumed? Perhaps in God’s forbearance looking forward to the cross - a mystery to the rest of creation but always at the front of God’s mind.
What is God’s end game? Is this verse telling us that in the end, everyone and everything will be saved? Would it bother you if that were the case? It sure reads that way. Will the worst sinner be saved? Will Hitler and Stalin? Will Satan himself? Will hell burn indefinitely? I don’t know. But I do see what this verse says - God has made peace and is restoring friendly relations with everything.” He will be God of all - and there will be nothing that isn’t at peace with Him. If this is God’s end game then it is a glorious one.
As surely as Jesus created all things, as surely as He holds all things together, and as surely as He has all of God’s fullness, so is He surely reconciling everything to Himself. This is what scripture says.
Jesus, I have many question…but I also want to be obedient to what You say here. Go for it - reconcile it all. I’ll praise You as You do what You do.
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Today we will continue looking at Colossians 1. Verse 19 says, “For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him…”
We’ve been looking at the great and soaring song of Jesus in Colossians 1:15-20. Here we have the extent to which Jesus embodies the fullness of God. It’s not most of God’s fullness. It’s not even almost all of God’s fullness. Jesus possesses ALL of God’s fullness. There is none of God’s fullness that Jesus does not possess. Verse 19 continues a pattern with words like “All,” and “Every,” and “Everything.” Jesus created everything in the same way He holds everything together. There is nothing before Him and so He is before All things. He has first place in everything and in the same way has All of God’s fulness. There is nothing Jesus lacks as God. He’s not just shy of God’s fullness, He’s not almost there. He has it all - all the fullness.
Of course our minds can’t handle the fullness. We’re dealing with things vastly beyond us. We ask questions like, “Are the Father and Jesus different? Are they two Gods? How did Jesus always exist? How can the Father be fully God and Jesus be fully God without them being the same? How does the trinity work?”
There are theological words that have been developed to help us avoid a misstep. “Tri-theism” is the idea that there are three Gods as opposed to one. This is obviously a problem. Modalism is the idea that God just wears different hats. Sometimes He’s the Father, other times the Son, and now the Holy Spirit. But they’re all basically the same. Modes.
So what’s true? We use words to help understand concepts. But if the concept itself is beyond us, then our words are by definition too small in themselves. So any words we use will fall short. But what else do we have? We must press on in the mystery and try.
I prefer to think of it this way…there is God. God is invisible, immaterial, powerful and mindful beyond comprehension. This God is unknowable unless “He” creates and reveals Himself. So He did. He revealed Himself as the Great Spirit powerfully creating all things - the Father. But the Father is still distant, Holy, and unapproachable. What can God do about that? He would come intimately close - as a human. All of God in a human - Jesus. All the fullness. And in this way He is revealing more of Himself - what He’s like. Where words fail, the very Presence of God is with us.
But Jesus is still another human. Close as we can get to a person, they never see our thoughts. They never interact on a spirit level. So Jesus sends God into our spirits - the Holy Spirit. Any closer, and we’d be with God in His fullness - and indeed that is our destiny.
But for now, we write and sing soaring songs about Jesus possessing the fullness of God. Take it all in - breath Him in. God is better than You think - closer and more wonderful. Enjoy Him today.
Jesus, I can’t get enough of You - more - please more. You are what I need.
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Today we will read Colossians 1:18 which says, “He is also the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He might come to have first place in everything.”
We’ve been looking at the soaring song of Jesus in Colossians 1. If all the scholars and all the songwriters throughout the ages put their collective heads and hearts together, they could never exhaust the source material of Jesus Himself. There is never a risk to overshooting Jesus’ glory. There is no such thing in getting “out-over-your-skis” in praising Jesus. Each of us whether individually or collectively are barely scratching the surface.
So rather than believing the lie that your praise doesn’t matter, instead jump in the ocean and behold the King of Kings. And add your words to the mighty chorus that is resounding throughout the cosmos about Jesus.
“He is the head of the body, the church.” He’s the figure-head, He’s the authority, He’s the star of the show. And perhaps just put a pin in the fact that the church is the body and the body is the church. That will come in handy in other passages. For now, accept that we are mysteriously part of Christ’s own body.
“He is the beginning - the firstborn from the dead.” It is interesting to note that if the resurrection of Jesus is true (and here we believe it is), then anything that has previously died, is still dead. Anything since that has died is still dead. There is only one person, one being, one anything, one-of-a-kind, indeed One God, Who has died and then come back to life. There is no keeping God dead. And it is important because if He has not been raised, then neither will you or anyone else. If God is to resurrect anything or anyone, then He must start somewhere. Why not start with Himself? Why not start with the God-man? Indeed He has. And why is He the firstborn from the dead? Why is He the head? Paul tells us: so that He might come to have first place in everything.
Not some things. Not most things. All things. God (and Jesus by extension) is intensely focused on being in first place in all things. He doesn’t apologize for it. He isn’t embarrassed by it. And it’s not arrogant in the least. Why? Because He knows Himself to be wondrous, glorious, and beautiful. For Him to not have first place would be a massive disservice to all things - in fact it would be death. It is a gift to all things to have as their source, and their head, Jesus the King of the Universe. And any reconciled being knows this to be true. The more holy we become the more in love we will be with our head - the Firstborn. We too will fall ever deeper in love. He will relish in it and pour Himself out more freely as the ages press on. And we will recognize and glory more and more in the enterprise. So write the songs - sing the praise. It’s what you were meant for.
Jesus, You are first! Have first place in my life. Move out anything that is resistant to You being first place in all things.
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Today we will read Colossians 1:17. This profound verse says, “He is before all things, and by Him all things hold together.”
If ever there was a verse to nerd out on scientifically, it’s this one. And I’m willing to go out on a limb and say that Paul could hardly understand what He was writing - yay for revelation. We may have more scientific know-how than he did, but in 10,000 years our knowledge by comparison will look elementary. But if there’s a God, and if Jesus is His image, then all science will do is further demonstrate His wisdom and power bit by bit. And His revelation to us will further reveal His goodness and beauty, from glory to glory.
But until then, let’s nerd out to the extent we can shall we? He is before all things… Energy exists in a timeless state. In order for there to be time at all, energy must be cool enough to “freeze” into matter. Matter allows for time. God, and Jesus by extension, existed before time began spinning. Whether the energy of the initial singularity was borrowed essence of God, or if that energy is separate from God is a mystery only He knows. We’ve read that Jesus is the firstborn, or preeminent One of creation. Does that mean the energy of the universe is itself of Jesus? Perhaps of Jesus and not of the Father? Do I even have a clue what I’m asking? Probably not. But it’s sure wonderful to imagine. Whatever the case - He is before it all.
And all things hold together in Him. All things. Things you see and don’t see. It turns out, the things you see are almost entirely nothing. What we call solid, is a collection of atoms. These atoms have a tiny nucleus made up of particles made up of quarks. The solidity of an atom is largely electric bonds in the nucleus. The nucleus is surrounded by a swarm of flying electrons moving in quantized packets at the speed of light. The space between the nucleus and the electrons is vast in comparison. If the nucleus were a basketball, the electrons would be 30 miles away.
Believe it or not, you could have a block of lead the size of the solar system, and shoot a neutrino through it and it will hit nothing. What you consider solid is almost entirely nothing. And given that everything is moving in quantized bits, you could say that the entire universe is digital. To you and me it seems smooth but only because the resolution is so small. In reality, the entire universe is nothing more than a digital operating system sitting on top of the solidity and mind of God. So what’s real? To us the operating system is real because it’s what we’re designed to operate within. But there’s an actual real that’s denser, truly substantial, and before the universe, beyond the universe. And it’s Jesus. He holds it all together. The operating system is His idea and it’s His power that keeps it going. You and I are the bit of graphic on the screen. We think of it as so real. It’s only real because of Him. And while the thought of this could cause us to feel small, insignificant, and almost nothing (and that’s all true), remember that we are the object of His attention, love, and romance. Walk in that today.
Jesus, I’m awestruck. I’m reminded of how little I know - how little I’m aware of. Let my mind be blown but redirected to You. Always You.
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We’re continuing in Colossians 1. This is a song, possibly an early hymn, that Paul uses to teach on Jesus. Today we’ll look at verse 16 which says, “For everything was created by Him, in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities - all things have been created through Him and for Him.”
When you think of Jesus, what comes to mind? A man in His 30s walking about? Gentle and humble? Teaching, amazing crowds, working miracles? What is He like? What does He think? Is He a segment of the overall teaching of scripture? Is He the final bit of God’s redemptive plan?
Not according to Paul. This Jesus, the middle eastern carpenter, is not new to the scene. He’s not just really old. He’s not just the darling of the universe. No. He CREATED it! All of it! Every last bit is His design. It was His power that made it all. He did it. And this verse emphasizes some particulars. He created that which is visible - that is on earth. But guess what, that’s not all. There are invisible things also created by Him - the things of heaven. And there’s more. Paul lists a category of creation, or rather 4, that are uniquely His: thrones, dominions, rulers, and authorities. All words to denote the powerful. They are indeed 4 unique greek words. They mean something even if we can’t parse them out perfectly. But here’s what we can know - these rulers, powerful as they may be, whether visible or invisible, majestic, awful, frightening, oppressive…are all created by Him and for Him. There is literally nothing in all of creation that has any ounce of power where the name of Jesus isn’t branded all over. He is the owner. And He will accomplish exactly what He intends through it.
So you don’t need to worry. They are powerful - yes. But they too must surrender, bow the knee, and yield their power to the One Who is up to more than you, or I, or any archangel or devil could possibly imagine.
This is the Jesus of the Bible, the Jesus of Paul. Who is Jesus to you?
Jesus, I admit, I just think way too little of You. Give me a Paul-sized vision of You. Bring that to my imagination today.
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Today is the first installment of several in Colossians 1. Verses 15-20 are a soaring song about Jesus. You can read it for yourself but today we’ll read verse 15 which says, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.”
What does God look like? What IS God like and what does He do? Is there a question more important? You can spend your entire life building your own little empire, staying healthy, increasing your learning, having a family, fill in the blank, but get this question wrong, and the results could be catastrophic. There is nothing more important for you to ponder than God Himself. And this isn’t just for the religious. Everyone on earth including you has two things in common. First - you are currently alive. Second - you will eventually die. Contemplating the Creator and engaging the Creator is truly the most critical activity for a human being and every human owes it to themselves to ask the biggest questions.
Paul has an answer for the God question. God is Jesus. Jesus is God. Jesus is the image of God. Why would God need an image? Well, because God is invisible. When you picture God, what do you see? An old man, a flashing throne, an amorphous swirling glob of energy? They’re all wrong. The answer is nothing. There is nothing to see. The God of the Bible has no form, no physical features, nothing our senses can experience. Does that bother you? The implication is that without an image, without revelation, there would be no way for you or me to know or experience God.
Thankfully He has an image. Jesus Himself. An image carries the properties of the deity to people so they can understand. Zeus had images - many of them. They were all dumb lifeless statues. And as grand a statue sitting in the Parthenon may have been, it was still carved by human hands, and utterly powerless.
But not Jesus. The true God images Himself in a way humans can truly grasp - a human image. But while Jesus is a flesh and blood image, He is more. He is the quote “firstborn” over all creation.
Firstborn. Some take firstborn to mean first made. But that’s not what it says. God doesn’t birth children. But He does have a firstborn - in Greek it’s - pro-TO-tokos and means preeminent. Don’t understand it? Join the club. All we need to know is that Jesus Himself predates the manger, and the universe itself. He predates time and all, literally all of creation is His - He’s the darling of all creation - the preeminent one.
It might be enough for today to linger in the thought of a timeless Christ, the accessible image of God Himself. We don’t have to understand. It is enough to behold and worship.
Jesus, You are blowing my mind. Self-existent image of the invisible God. I am in awe of You.
If you appreciate this work, consider supporting it - https://www.patreon.com/seekgodtogetherToday we will read Revelation 19:7-8 with the last part of verse 6 which says, “Hallelujah, because our Lord God, the Almighty, has begun to reign! Let us be glad, rejoice, and give Him glory, because the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has prepared herself. She was given fine linen to wear, bright and pure. For the fine linen represents the righteous acts of the saints.”Sex. We had to get here eventually. And while these verses might not immediately appear to deal with sex, just consider…why is the bride prepared for the wedding day? What’s it all leading to? A pretty dress? Eating cake? Dancing? A vacation? I think we know. The purpose here is not to be salacious but honest about life, and scripture. What other act has such power over our lives? The entirety of our sex differences, bodies, bearing children, promoting intimacy between two people, sustaining a family, sustaining a society, is all grounded in the sexual act. Nothing else comes close to the power for good, or power for destruction. What else causes more devastation, broken hearts, broken bodies, traumatized children, and degraded cultures than sex?Is it any wonder that scripture spends so much real-estate, both in the narratives and in the commandments, with sex? This is not an issue where we grow up and move on. Aside from our very existence, this is the preeminent issue in all of human history and we treat it lightly to our ruin.But why is sex so volatile? Is it simply the pleasure or perpetuation of the species? Scripture submits something far bigger. Sex is a hyperlink to something true about God. God Himself is a romantic with desire for - His bride. The bride is the totality of the redeemed. And His romance is on a level we cannot imagine. A skeptical view of scripture could say that we simply took sex, blew it up, and projected it onto God. But it’s the other way around. God built into His creation a mechanism to image Himself. Something incredibly multifaceted, useful, and wonderful. The result is obvious. No wonder then that sex holds the power to bring out our very best or very worst. You are a sexual being. You can’t help it. You didn’t ask for it - you are simply thrown into it. But you are participating in something far bigger than yourself. Consider the reality then of your sexuality not as something simply for you, or your spouse, but rather as an opportunity to (on the smallest of levels) imagine the wonder of God and His desire. Be careful then to steward your sexuality as worship. Give it the care He gives His bride. Recognize the danger in its abuse. And if you feel crushed and broken by your own sexual missteps, just consider… who is the bride of Christ? Well, she is guilty of all sorts of ruin, prostitution, adultery, and perversion. And yet, by the thorough romance of Christ, she is made beautiful and pure. And she is clothed with righteous acts. That is you and that is me. And however you are feeling, know that you…yes you…are the most beloved, adored, clean and pure, desired being in all the universe. Walk in that today.Jesus, I am Your bride - or at least part of Your bride. I don’t feel it, often I don’t believe it, but I want to live it. Show me more. Empower me today to live out the love You have for me.
If you appreciate this work, consider supporting it - https://www.patreon.com/seekgodtogetherToday we will wrap up our time in Psalm 103 by reading verses 20-22. “Praise the LORD, all His angels of great strength, who do His word, obedient to His command. Praise the LORD, all His armies, His servants who do His will. Praise the LORD, all HIs works in all the places where He rules. My soul, praise Yahweh!”Psalm 103 hits it all. God is a forgiving and healing God. God is a just God. We are frail, and temporary but He is solid and enduring. We are left with a choice - how do we respond to God such as He is? In short answer - we praise. But what is praise? The hebrew word is “barak” and means to bless. It’s literally to say good things. To use your energy to speak well of God. To kiss God with your words. To choose to celebrate Him and let your feelings and emotions follow. They will.Do you find it difficult or strange to praise God? Does God seem just too far away to engage? Is He a non-physical essence that’s easier to just contemplate? Well okay. Understood. Then why not just simply follow the pattern of David here. Let’s repeat what he says and see what that does. After all we say day after day that seeking God is the risk we take. We make a choice to reach out into the void. Eventually that means actually doing it. So let’s say these together. Close your eyes for a moment, say it loud or soft. It doesn’t matter so long as you say it…“Praise the LORDAll His angels of great strength who do His word, obedient to His command.Praise the LORD all His armiesHis servants who do His will.Praise the LORD, all His worksin all the places where He rules.My soul, praise Yahweh!”
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Today we will read Jeremiah 29:12-13. It says, “You will call to me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.”
Let’s break it down. You will call - and pray. To call on God is to pray. Prayer is not a laundry list. Or passive thoughtless bliss. It’s calling on God. Just as you would call on a friend, or someone you trust. And God promises that He will listen.
You will seek and find Him. The object of your quest is not more money, more health, more…whatever… And why should it be? You have the potential of finding the inexhaustible Source of all things! Why spend a moment looking for a few extra bucks if you have unfettered access to the Federal Reserve? Why swim in the kiddie pool when the Ocean is yours? God says that the ultimate find, is God Himself.
And finally, this endless treasure is for you to find, when you “Search” when you “seek” with what? With your WHOLE heart. How do you know if you’re seeking with your WHOLE heart? Well how do you know when you do anything with your WHOLE heart? The answer is simple. You DO it. Do you want to start an exercise program? You know you’re doing it with your WHOLE heart when you DO it. You may not FEEL like doing it. You may hate it. But you do it.
You know you are seeking God with your WHOLE heart, when you DO it. And you are doing it now. So don’t fear. Instead boldly go for it. Spend a moment and ask God to show you what He’s like. You could say…
“God, I believe you listen when I call. And I’m calling out to you - that you would allow me to find You. Would you then reveal Yourself to me? I love you.”
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Today we will read Matthew 22:36-38. Jesus is asked by one of the religious elites, “Teacher, which command in the law is the greatest?” He said to him, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important commandment.”
Jesus always responds well. Little known fact, Jesus most often quotes from the Psalms. But the book that comes in second is Deuteronomy. And it is here that Jesus quotes.
What is it to love God? Is there anyone who can definitively answer that? Love is something we understand at a gut level but can’t exactly pin down. What is it to love anyone? It’s at the very least strong affection. Honor. Care. Attention. Goodwill. Respect. Warmth. Deep feeling. Whatever it is exactly seems to be what moves the heart of God. God responds to love.
Maybe we’re not supposed to have an exhaustive definition. Maybe it’s not definable in words. But scripture helps. Consider what it says to love with…
Love God with your mind. That at least seems to be your thoughts. Your intentions.
Love God with your heart. This seems to be your feelings. Your emotions. The less tangible part of your thinking.
Love God with your soul. I honestly don’t know what to do with this. Once I’ve engaged my mind and heart, what is left? But there seems to be something - the soul. The real you. The deepest you. Love God with that. That will touch heaven.
“God I love You - You are absolutely lovely and attractive. But I want more. My soul needs to be set on fire by You - then I’ll be able to love you more and more.”
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Today is a little different. We will look at Genesis 1 as a whole. We don’t have time to read all of it here but it wouldn’t take you long on your own. We’re going to hit some highlights. And as we do, ask yourself - can I trust this? Is there enough here to have confidence not just in God, but in what God communicates…
Let’s begin. First, Genesis 1 was written anywhere from 2600 to 3400 years ago. Many would say without question that it was written by Moses, while others disagree. Whoever it was, consider that it was written thousands of years before any modern conventions of science.
Genesis 1 is written in ancient Hebrew - a language with relatively few words - 7000ish - as compared to say English which has 175,000. This means that one Hebrew word is packed with meaning and can be used more flexibly.
Genesis 1 has 31 verses that don’t have the luxury of changing with new discoveries. It is what it is - it says what it says. And the first statement is the boldest of all. In the beginning… the Greeks argued that the universe is eternal, and that view was widely held until the Hubble gave evidence of the Big Bang, the singularity, the…whatever you call it… a beginning. Genesis 1 beat the Hubble to it.
Now consider the claims of Genesis 1 that shockingly correspond to modern earth science. First, the early earth was chaotic but soon covered entirely in water. When dry land eventually emerged, primitive life soon followed. Afterwards the atmosphere allowed the appearance of the sun, moon, and stars through what was otherwise a translucent atmosphere. Advanced life began not on land but in the oceans with an incredible creative, explosive act. The earth participated in bringing about land animals. And last on the scene right towards the end of it all - humans.
There are protests of course. But let’s just focus on one - the quote unquote “creation” of the sun on day 4. Remember what we said about Hebrew words. That’s important. And Hebrew actually has 3 words used to describe what God does in creating and forming.
First is “bara” which is to create out of…nothing. This word is only used 3 times - at the very beginning and then not again until day 5 with the explosion of animal life in the oceans. Google “Cambrian Explosion” for more on that. And the last time the word is used is in the creation of the human soul.
The second word is “asah” and means to form. God formed man’s body out of existing stuff, but “bara” created the soul.
The third word is “hayah” and means to appear. It is this word that is used of the sun, moon, and stars on day 4. It is perfectly plausible that Genesis 1 is stating that the celestial bodies, rather than coming into existence on day 4, were rather made apparent.
We’ve only scratched the surface. We haven’t addressed how long a day is - does it have to be 24 hours? Did Adam have a bellybutton, who did Cain marry… these are all great question and there are many great physicists, theologians, and experts in a variety of fields who have done wonderful work harmonizing Genesis 1 and then some to modern science. But figuring it all out isn’t really the goal. We began by asking, is there enough to confidence not just in God, but in what He communicates. There will always be rocks to uncover and mysteries to solve, but thousands of years ago this ancient was written with startling accuracy. The real question, will you use it as a springboard to seek God?
God you’re amazing. And whatever You did, and however long it took, I do trust You. And more importantly, I seek You - I need You. Let me experience You more.
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Today we will wrap up our time in Psalm 103 by reading verses 20-22. “Praise the LORD, all His angels of great strength, who do His word, obedient to His command. Praise the LORD, all His armies, His servants who do His will. Praise the LORD, all HIs works in all the places where He rules. My soul, praise Yahweh!”
Psalm 103 hits it all. God is a forgiving and healing God. God is a just God. We are frail, and temporary but He is solid and enduring. We are left with a choice - how do we respond to God such as He is? In short answer - we praise. But what is praise? The hebrew word is “barak” and means to bless. It’s literally to say good things. To use your energy to speak well of God. To kiss God with your words. To choose to celebrate Him and let your feelings and emotions follow. They will.
Do you find it difficult or strange to praise God? Does God seem just too far away to engage? Is He a non-physical essence that’s easier to just contemplate? Well okay. Understood. Then why not just simply follow the pattern of David here. Let’s repeat what he says and see what that does. After all we say day after day that seeking God is the risk we take. We make a choice to reach out into the void. Eventually that means actually doing it. So let’s say these together. Close your eyes for a moment, say it loud or soft. It doesn’t matter so long as you say it…
“Praise the LORD
All His angels of great strength who do His word,
obedient to His command.
Praise the LORD all His armies
His servants who do His will.
Praise the LORD, all His works
in all the places where He rules.
My soul, praise Yahweh!”
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Today we will read Psalm 103:15-19. It says, “As for man, his days are like grass - he blooms like a flower of the field; when the wind passes over it, it vanishes, and its place is no longer known. But from eternity to eternity the LORD’s faithful love is toward those who fear Him, and His righteousness toward the grandchildren of those who keep His covenant, who remember to observe His precepts. The LORD has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all.”
Everything you and I experience in this world is man-focused. We see everything through our eyes, and process it in our brains. We work feverishly to feed ourselves and our families, to make a name, to get along and negotiate with others, and vainly cling to the life that is rapidly slipping through our fingers.
Yes you will bloom like a beautiful flower. You’ll have your moment in the sun and all will look on you and your talents and your accomplishments and applaud. And just as quickly as the accolades come they will fade and move along to another - younger - better. And you will fade as the flower does. Eventually you’ll pass on and just perhaps be remembered by a generation or two before your memory fades into oblivion.
And then there’s God - solid - unchanging - forever. He’s always been here and always will. And fortunately for us fading humans, He is a God “Hesed” - of faithful, enduring, loyal love. You may fade, He does not. You’re unfaithful, He is faithful. You lack love - He has it all. You do not have the capacity to keep the little you have - while He is the unshakable King of an unshakable Kingdom.
So you have a choice to make today. What will you invest in? Can you keep the bloom alive? Can you keep the flower from fading? Of course not. Enjoy it for what is and embrace its imminent demise. But fix your thoughts, attention, devotion, obedience, and energy on the One who not only has it all, but desires to share it with you, and your children’s children. What good reason do you have then to not seek God? No one likes to think about our limits. But it’s as obvious as the rising and setting of the sun. Get a jump now on being a member of God’s Kingdom. And just see what He does with you.
“God, I know my time is limited. But I’m limited. I need You to take these truths and bring them home.”
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We’re continuing in our reading of Psalm 103 - a psalm of David. This is a beautiful and encouraging psalm. If you’re new, you might want to check out the last few episodes on Psalm 103. We’ve been encouraged to praise God - our ultimate healer - a God full of benefits - who enacts real justice. Even now, go ahead and take a few seconds and repeat after me out loud. Say, “I praise You God - my healer - in You I have everything.”
Today we’re looking at verses 11-14 which say, “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His faithful love toward those who fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him. For He knows what we are made of, remembering that we are dust.”
How much do you think God loves you? Not someone else. Not someone more deserving. You - how much do you think God loves you? You wouldn’t believe it if I told you. It’s a lot. In fact its infinite. It’s as high as the heavens are above the earth. No one could measure that. That’s how much God loves you - yes you!
But what about all the stupid junk you’ve done? Maybe even yesterday, or 30 seconds ago? Isn’t He mad? Doesn’t it tarnish how He loves? Hardly. You just don’t understand the love of God yet. He has separated you from all your stupid junk as far as the east is from the west. Not sure if you’ve noticed, but there’s a limit to north and south. You can only go so far north and then you have to go south. But you can go east or west forever and ever. He has separated you from your sin by that much.
But isn’t He a mighty King? A powerful and holy sovereign? Isn’t He to be dreaded? Shouldn’t you cower in his presence? Well, do you cower in your dads presence? He’s your father. A good father loves his children and God is the perfect father. He has compassion on you. No need to cower.
But doesn’t He have high expectations of us that we fail at moment to moment? Surely He sees us as pathetic and weak. Surely we have failed Him.
Well - sorta. It is true He has lofty “Plans” for us. But He is keenly aware of what He’s made. He loves, forgives, and has compassion on you knowing that you - and this may seem odd - are dust. You are a transitory temporary tenant here. You are fragile, earthy, and limited. There are reasons you are this way and there are accompanying weaknesses. But God is aware of all of them. His expectations of you take your entire context into account. He’s a much better Father than you can possibly imagine.
You have one responsibility. And it’s right there. Your job (if that’s even the right word) is to “fear” Him. We’ve addressed this word before. But for now just ask yourself, “what is it you fear?” Do you fear the recession, losing your job, getting sick, losing a loved one? You fear something and probably lots of things. But do you actually fear that which has real power? God has all the power and resources. Why not elevate your fear to one object? God Himself. And there find out that He is supremely wonderful. This is what your soul needs. And there is an infinite supply in God Himself.
God I love You - You love me - I need You - You want me - I’m dirty - You forgive and pursue me…show me today how to live in light of that.
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We’re continuing our time in Psalm 103. We began by praising God and then observed the incredible benefits we get in God. Perhaps listen to the last couple of episodes, or take a moment and say, “God I praise You. In You I have everything.” Go ahead…
Today we are looking at verses 6-10 which say, “The LORD executes acts of righteousness and justice for all the oppressed… The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and rich in faithful love. He will not always accuse us or be angry forever. He has not dealt with us as our sins deserve or repaid us according to our offenses.”
Some don’t like the idea of a punishing God. Others relish in it. But what is God actually like? Is He punitive? Is He permissive?
What would you want to God to be like if you could choose? At the very least, we want a God who is easy on us since we esteem ourselves as mild offenders. We prefer a light-handed God.
But do you want to live in a world where the victim is left holding the bag? Let’s say someone is murdered and God simply says, “I forgive you.” Who is paying the consequence? Well, it’d be the victim and their family. Or suppose the murderer is locked up, hung, or faces a firing squad - has justice been served? Has life been returned? Punishment has been meted out but has justice been restored?
These are the questions that haunt our souls because we are faced with such extreme suffering and injustice. Only God can be the solution to all of it. And here we see how.
The Lord does execute righteousness and justice for the oppressed. In other words, He restores the loss. He repays and restores. That’s nice - but what about when we’re the offender? Well, in that case He is gracious, slow to anger and rich in faithful love. While He accuses, and is angry, He’s not that way permanently. Other passages say this mercy is new every morning. Ultimately, He is lenient. He doesn’t treat us as we deserve. Are you grateful for that?
Ask yourself, are there any one of these characteristics of God that you wished were different? Is anything left unsatisfied? Only this God could truly bring all things back in order. But how? Well, the grand story of scripture, and certainly this one, is that in Jesus, all the injustice of the world, the righteousness, compassion, grace, and anger of God, came to a head and was dealt with in a thorough, God-sized way. How exactly? That’s for God to know. Our response is to marvel, praise, and express gratitude.
God, You’ve got it all under control. You will deal as You see fit, and I’m so grateful. Thank you for dealing with injustice in a real way, and thank You for dealing with me kindly.
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Today we will continue in Psalm 103. We began by looking at verse 1 & 2 as an encouragement to our soul to praise God. Even now, take just a moment and encourage your own soul. You can simply say softly, “I praise You God, I praise You God, I praise You God.” Go ahead.
We continue in this Psalm in verses 3-5 which say, “He forgives all your sin; He heals all your diseases. He redeems your life from the Pit; He crowns you with faithful love and compassion. He satisfies you with goodness; your youth is renewed like the eagle.”
What sticks out to you as you hear these verses? Personally, it’s the “heals all your diseases” part. Great songs have been written on it. But He clearly doesn’t heal “all” diseases. At least not yet. Indeed some suffer with ailments for years until their physical bodies succumb. Perhaps some of us focus on the “diseases” because it’s the most visceral, most obvious.
But look at the other things God is doing…forgiving all your sin, redeeming your life from…well…whatever the Pit is. Crowning you with His love and compassion, satisfying you, renewing your youth and energy.
My goodness, if He’s truly doing these things, then what a God! Healing disease is the easiest bit. God is treating you and me like royalty. Do you want that? Do you want God?
We are strange people. We can tie our sense of wellbeing to facebook likes - people that can offer us nothing more than a passing bit of attention. Meanwhile the God of the Universe is giving us infinite attention and treasure. Just think about that.
But again, facebook likes, like diseases, are immediate, here and now, and fleeting. Whether or not a disease takes you or me today, or in 20 years remains to be seen. But in the heavenly’s and for all eternity, you have God Himself and all the benefits that come with Him. Be blessed and live in that light today.
God, You forgive, heal, redeem, crown, and satisfy. I want to know You and rest in You today. Praise You God.
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We’re going to be spending a few days in Psalm 103 - a beautiful song by David. Today we will read verses 1 & 2 which say, “My soul, praise Yahweh, and all that is within me, praise His holy name. My soul, praise the Lord, and do not forget all His benefits.”
Good morning to you (or whenever you’re listening). Have you noticed yet that life is a rat-race and it doesn’t take much to get overwhelmed by the frenzy of your life? Of course you have. Things you want to do, things you fear you’ll never get to. Want to know what to do? King David tells you. “My soul, praise Yahweh.”
Start here. David is giving an order to his own soul. What’s the soul? It seems to be the immaterial part of you. David doesn’t say, “I’m going to praise.” He’s not that brazen. Rather he’s encouraging something within him.
What is he telling his soul to do? Obey Yahweh? Think about Yahweh? Evangelize others about Yahweh? Pray to Yahweh? No. He tells his soul to praise. Praise - to express warm admiration.
How do you praise someone? You applaud them, verbally express their qualities, recount their exploits, lift your voice or your hands to participate in their triumph… there are any number of ways to praise. And as a human, you do this naturally. And you should be lavish in your praise of others.
And if you’re comfortable praising and celebrating a worthy person for their work, how much more appropriate to praise God for His? Of course with most things, especially important things, it’s not that easy. Why do you think David has to tell his own soul what to do? Perhaps you should too. Soul - praise God - and don’t forget all the advantages God gives.
Why not do that now right where you are? Even open your mouth and hear your own voice say, “Soul - praise God. God you are worthy to be praised for the following…” go ahead.
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Today we will read Mark 16:19 which says, "After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God.” And we’ll also read Hebrews 7:25 which says, “Therefore, He is always able to save those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them.”
Happy Ascension! Technically the Ascension of Christ is 40 days after Easter. And spoiler alert, Pentecost (or the outpouring of the Spirit) occurs 10 days after Christ’s Ascension.
Central to Christianity, is our namesake - Christ Himself. If Jesus didn’t rise bodily from the dead, as in literal flesh and blood, the literal stuff that made up His body, then what hope is there for you? What hope is there for anything or anyone if God does not resurrect? Jesus is the start of it all. And our faith says it really happened. But then what?
The passage says that Jesus ascended and sat down at the right hand of God. Did He have to travel far? Or was the Ascension a type of transition out of our 4 dimensions into infinite dimensions of spirit realms all around us? God knows. Regardless, Jesus took up His position of power and sovereignty at the throne.
And what is He doing with all that power? All that position? Well, He’s talking to God. He’s talking to God about You. Right now, the King of All - the Creator - the Sovereign - the One with all resource - is talking to the Father about you. He’s asking for things on your behalf. He’s actively concerned and caring for you. Yes you - right now. Whether you realize it or not.
How does that make you feel? How does that make you view God? How does that make you feel about Jesus? You don’t have to get His attention. You have it. Does He have yours?
What would you like Him to do for you? What do you want? If you’ve got His full attention, why not ask? Do it now.
Jesus, I trust You to know what I need. I need You - the King of all.
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Today we will read Mark 4:4-9. This is the Parable of the Sower and it says, “As he sowed, this occurred: Some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Other seed fell on rocky ground where it didn’t have much soil, and it sprang up right away, since it didn’t have deep soil. When the sun came up, it was scorched, and since it didn’t have a root it withered. Other seed fell among thorns, and the thorns came up and choked it, and it didn’t produce a crop. Still others fell on good ground and produced a crop that increased 30, 60, and 100 times what was sown.” Then He said, “Anyone who has ears to hear should listen!”
Jesus taught in parables or stories. They memorable and easy to share. But what do they mean? Fortunately for us, Jesus explains the meaning of this parable just a few verses later. The soil is the human heart and the seed is the word of God. What is the word? The word is whatever God communicates culminating in the God-man Jesus Himself. But unfortunately not everyone receives the communication of God as readily.
Jesus categorizes the hearers into four groups. The first hear the word but it is of no affect. The birds quickly come and eat the seed. Or rather, Satan removes it. The result is simple, the word does nothing. It’s as if it was never there at all and the listeners go on their merry way oblivious.
The second group hears the word and are even excited. There’s an explosive and enthusiastic growth that is obvious and visible, but with just a little pressure and adversity, it withers and is no more. This group is a bright flame that extinguishes quickly.
The third group hears the word, and it even takes root! There’s growth. Everything looks great. Except there’s something else - thorns. The word is not alone. These thorns represent worries, the seduction of wealth, and the desire for things. They begin to crowd and choke the word. Slowly over time the thorns suck the nutrients and energy. There just isn’t enough resources to go around. Just not enough room to breath. Apparently the word needs space, freedom, and energy to be productive.
Lastly, some of the seed makes its way to fertile soil. Here the word is welcomed, allowed to grow, and produce a crop. Incredibly the production isn’t double or triple what is sown. It’s not even 10 times what is sown. Nope. It’s 30, 60, or even 100 times what is sown! The rate of return is exponential!
I suppose the takeaway, if I’m honest, is that I see all these groups active in my life. How about you? Do you fall into one category or several? If you’re listening, and if you care, it’s all but guaranteed that you’re not in the first group. But let’s ask God to spare us from groups two and three, and to help us produce an exponential return on what He sows in us.
God, multiply, exponentially multiply Your word in us. God, help us to eliminate anything, literally anything, that would choke out your word.
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Today we will read 1 Corinthians 1:18,21 which say, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but it is God’s power to us who are being saved…For since, in God’s wisdom, the world did not know God through wisdom, God was pleased to save those who believe through the foolishness of the message preached.”
We believe in a man who walked the earth 2000 years ago and is said to have risen from the dead. We largely (though not entirely) take this account from texts that are said to be breathed out by God and written by man. For many, for most, this is pure folklore - utter foolishness. But for others, this is an expression of the power of the God of the universe.
What do you think? If I’m being honest, there are days, many days, I wake up and think, “Am I sure I believe this?” If you ask that question, it’s okay. It’s okay to examine important things. It’s good to ask of your marriage, “Will I stay true to what I’ve promised today?” So long as the answer is yes. Or to your children, “Will I choose today to my own desires aside to seek your good?” These questions determine what you value. It’s no virtue to turn our brains off or to leave the most important things in life unexamined.
But what do you think? We pride ourselves on being knowledgeable. I mean Google is at our fingertips. We have all the answers right? Maybe not. Quote, “In God’s wisdom the world did not know God through wisdom.” If you look all the way back to Genesis 1, the Bible claims that the universe had a finite beginning. Whenever that beginning was, it was a beginning. And yet the prevailing wisdom of humanity all the way back to the Greeks and up until the last century has believed that the universe is eternal and static. So much for human wisdom. It would be a cruel burden for God to demand of us perfect understanding in order to know Him. Could you do it? Is there anyone who has the wisdom to know God via their brain? The philosopher is just guessing.
So God places the burden somewhere else. He is pleased to save those who believe. And believe in what? Through a message preached. A communication. Those who believe the communication of God are basically taking Him at His word. Believing someone is the basis for a genuine relationship. And God offers that.
So what say you? There’s a whole lot in scripture we can debate. But this passage focuses on just one thing. The cross. What say you about the cross? Is it God’s power to save? Or is it foolishness. Those are the options. And you must choose. And if you’re unsure, or vacillating, why not reach out to God and simply ask for His wisdom.
God, I believe, but I also struggle to believe. I know You’re a communicating and saving God. I’m not even sure why I doubt. But help me believe. Give me your thoughts.
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Today we are looking at revival - what scripture says about it, and even perhaps what we can do to experience it. And while there are numerous passages we could look at, we’ll look at two that seem to capture scriptures’ overall teaching on the subject. First is Isaiah 6:1, and 5-8 which say, “In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a high and lofty throne, and His robe filled the temple. Then I said: Woe is me for I am ruined because I am a man of unclean lips and live among a people of unclean lips, and because my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of Hosts. Then one of the seraphim flew to me, and in his hand was a glowing coal that he had taken from the altar with tongs. He touched my mouth with it and said: Now that this has touched your lips, your wickedness is removed and your sin is atoned for. Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying: Who should I send? Who will go for Us? I said: Here I am. Send me.”
And then the famous passage found in 2 Chronicles 7:14, “(if) My people who are called by My name humble themselves, pray and seek My face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin and heal their land.”
If you appreciate this work, consider supporting it - https://www.patreon.com/seekgodtogetherToday we will read a lengthier passage in Acts 17. Verses 24-32 say this, “‘The God who made the world and everything in it - He is Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in shrines made by hands. Neither is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives everyone life and breath and all things. From one man He has made every nationality to live over the whole earth and has determined their appointed times and the boundaries of where thy live. He did this so they might seek God, and perhaps they might reach out and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us. For in Him we live and move and exist…God now commands all people everywhere to repent, because He has set a day when He is going to judge the world in righteousness by the Man He has appointed. He has provided proof of this to everyone by raising Him from the dead.’ When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some began to ridicule him.”Have you ever wondered why life is the way it is, why human power dynamics are such as they are, why you seem to get just a few short years to figure things out then you die, why there’s suffering, why God seems distant… Paul tells you, but will you believe him?In this pithy statement, Paul summarizes The Human Condition. Let’s walk through it together. There is a God who is creative and has made everything you see and don’t see. And while He Himself is immaterial and needs nothing, it is in Him that you and I have the energy of life. And He created a mechanism whereby you arrived on the scene. Trace it back far enough and you get to one man (or in other manuscripts - one blood). We are related then somehow. But there’s more, we have appointed times, a start and a finish, and appointed boundaries - limits. You, as jarring as it is to admit, have limitations imposed by the Great Creator. But why? Paul’s answer - so that you’d reach out and seek God. But He’s not far. He’s close, but He requires of you to seek. Your limits, your humanity, your experience with others, this life and breath, is all so that you’d reach out to the great uncreated Creator who is waiting for you. And in Paul’s thinking, this is the essence of repentance.But there’s even a limit to this paradigm. At some point, God will intervene and bring about righteous judgment. And He has opted to do so by proxy. He will judge via the God-man Jesus Himself. And how can you know that this is so? God has proven it by raising Jesus from the dead.Perhaps there are days when this seems too fanciful or mythical. Certainly Paul’s listeners thought so. Some ridiculed him. Have you ever thought, “If only I lived closer to the time of Christ I’d believe easier?” Perhaps you wouldn’t. Perhaps I wouldn’t. Things are no different now. You and I are here - alive - thinking - and we must choose as everyone must whether to ridicule, or to repent and seek God. That is why you are of course. And it’s okay to revisit this line of thinking daily if necessary. This scripture is here for that reason and this time is here for you to seek God.God I believe. I don’t know it all, not by a long shot, but I believe You and I seek You. Reveal Yourself to me now.
If you appreciate this work, consider supporting it - https://www.patreon.com/seekgodtogetherToday we will read Psalm 38:1-3 which say “O Lord, don’t rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your rage! Your arrows have struck deep, and your blows are crushing me. Because of your anger, my whole body is sick; my health is broken because of my sins.”Many scriptures are soaring, lofty, encouraging, and beautiful. These are not. They’re gritty and painful. But they are however illuminating. They provide insight as to how David related to God - how David saw God. How often do you, when you think of God, see Him as static, standing at a distance with a blank expression on His face? So far above our experiences that He’s unmoved? Not David. David sees God as keenly aware, engaged, and emotional - even in a fit of rage. In David’s mind, God Himself is punishing him. He calls them God’s arrows and blows. David is sick because of it. He sees his illness as God’s doing. And David believes he deserves it. They may be God’s arrows, but the brokenness is the result of sin.But is God punishing David? Is God more aloof than David assumes? Well, who are you and who am I to answer such a question? We can get some insight (as always) by looking at Jesus. Did Jesus get angry? Yes. Did He punish? Well, He was quick to forgive and seemed more interested in absorbing the punishment Himself - though not indifferent to sin. Was He aloof? Not even a little. So did David get it right or wrong? Well he’s a man after God’s own heart so it’d be quite a reach to say he ever got God wrong. What’s most important is that David approached God at all - most don’t. And his approach was visceral and honest. And he wasn’t fatalistic. He appealed to God to fix the problem, to heal the wound. David appealed to God to change His mind. Imagine that. It seems more important than getting it right, is approaching God with your honest feelings. That’s what moves the heart of God.
If you appreciate this work, consider supporting it - https://www.patreon.com/seekgodtogetherToday we will read 2 Samuel 23:3-4. These are the last words of David, King of Israel, passionate worshipper, forgiven transgressor, ancestor of Jesus, warrior, poet, musician, man after God’s own heart…he says, “The God of Israel spoke; the Rock of Israel said to me, ‘The one who rules the people with justice, who rules in the fear of God, is like the morning light when the sun rises on a cloudless morning, the glisten of rain on sprouting grass.’”David could have compared a Godly reign to anything: a castle with high walls, a splendid temple, a rich city bustling with enterprise, military conquest and vanquished enemies. No, he chose a sunrise. A simple sunrise. Something so mundane that it’s happened predictably every single day for ages and will continue for ages. A sunrise. Chances are it happened before you got up. Or if you’re an early bird and it’s still dark, you’ll likely get your morning coffee and go through your routine without hardly giving it a second thought.A sunrise. Predictable. Steady. But that’s not even what David focuses on. No it’s the beauty of a sunrise on a cloudless morning. Nothing to impede the vision of that gentle golden gleam across the glistening grass. Have you noticed that when you stop to watch a sunrise you wish you did so more often? It’s breathtaking and yet it happens every morning. You could set your watch by it. In fact, you have to watch it precisely on its schedule not yours. You can’t rush the sunrise. And you won’t see it if you don’t discipline yourself to get up early, sit still long enough, at just the right time, looking in just the right direction. Otherwise you’ll miss it - it’ll be too late.Such is the Godly King. And you, if you want the effectiveness of David, the closeness to God of David, the blessing of David, ultimately the Jesus of David, you will imitate David who spent many mornings on a hill watching the sunrise, seeking God, getting to know His King. The invitation is there for you just as surely as the sun will rise.
If you appreciate this work, consider supporting it - https://www.patreon.com/seekgodtogetherToday we will read Psalm 119:1-2. These verses say, “How happy are those who way is blameless, who live according to the Lord’s instruction! Happy are those who keep His decrees and seek Him with all their heart.”Psalm 119 is the longest chapter, and poem in the bible. In English, you’ll notice that it’s broken down into several groups of 8 verses each. At the beginning of each group of 8 verses, your Bible may have a strange Hebrew character. These are the letters of the Hebrew alphabet. And each verse begins with it’s corresponding letter. So the first 8 verses start with “alef” and the next 8 with “bet” and so forth.This lengthy chapter opens with these verses. “How happy are those…” That sounds familiar. A few times we’ve looked at Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. He opens his teaching in the same way…how happy, how blessed, or even how supremely blessed…Do you want to be happy? Do you want to be blessed? I do. Do you feel like that happiness, that blessedness is illusive? That you’re missing it? You’re not alone. Pay careful attention then to what it says…How happy are those whose way is blameless, who live according to the Lord’s instruction. Literally it’s saying that happiness is reserved for those walking within God’s law. Those who keep His instruction AND, and what? Seek Him with their whole heart. There it is again. The importance of actively and energetically seeking Him - as You are right now. But what is the seeking linked to? It may sound old fashioned, but it’s simple observance of God’s law. Not what you think it is, not what you wish it to be, but what has actually been commanded. The two are linked. Happiness in God does not exist in a vacuum. If you feel thin and unsatisfied in your happiness with God, if you want to be happier, or more blessed, simply ask yourself and God, “Am I seeking with my whole heart?” And if you’re wondering what that even means I would add, “Have you set aside distraction-less time with God recently?” It’s easy to avoid. And then the followup question, “Is there instruction from God that you’re neglecting?” Asking these questions could make all the difference in your happiness today.God I want to be happy, I want to be blessed. I seek You now, and I ask You to show me if there is anything keeping me from enjoying You.
If you appreciate this work, consider supporting it - https://www.patreon.com/seekgodtogetherToday 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…
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Today we will read Psalm 103:15-19. It says, “As for man, his days are like grass - he blooms like a flower of the field; when the wind passes over it, it vanishes, and its place is no longer known. But from eternity to eternity the LORD’s faithful love is toward those who fear Him, and His righteousness toward the grandchildren of those who keep His covenant, who remember to observe His precepts. The LORD has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all.”
Everything you and I experience in this world is man-focused. We see everything through our eyes, and process it in our brains. We work feverishly to feed ourselves and our families, to make a name, to get along and negotiate with others, and vainly cling to the life that is rapidly slipping through our fingers.
Yes you will bloom like a beautiful flower. You’ll have your moment in the sun and all will look on you and your talents and your accomplishments and applaud. And just as quickly as the accolades come they will fade and move along to another - younger - better. And you will fade as the flower does. Eventually you’ll pass on and just perhaps be remembered by a generation or two before your memory fades into oblivion.
And then there’s God - solid - unchanging - forever. He’s always been here and always will. And fortunately for us fading humans, He is a God “Hesed” - of faithful, enduring, loyal love. You may fade, He does not. You’re unfaithful, He is faithful. You lack love - He has it all. You do not have the capacity to keep the little you have - while He is the unshakable King of an unshakable Kingdom.
So you have a choice to make today. What will you invest in? Can you keep the bloom alive? Can you keep the flower from fading? Of course not. Enjoy it for what is and embrace its imminent demise. But fix your thoughts, attention, devotion, obedience, and energy on the One who not only has it all, but desires to share it with you, and your children’s children. What good reason do you have then to not seek God? No one likes to think about our limits. But it’s as obvious as the rising and setting of the sun. Get a jump now on being a member of God’s Kingdom. And just see what He does with you.
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We’re continuing in our reading of Psalm 103 - a psalm of David. This is a beautiful and encouraging psalm. If you’re new, you might want to check out the last few episodes on Psalm 103. We’ve been encouraged to praise God - our ultimate healer - a God full of benefits - who enacts real justice. Even now, go ahead and take a few seconds and repeat after me out loud. Say, “I praise You God - my healer - in You I have everything.”
Today we’re looking at verses 11-14 which say, “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His faithful love toward those who fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him. For He knows what we are made of, remembering that we are dust.”
How much do you think God loves you? Not someone else. Not someone more deserving. You - how much do you think God loves you? You wouldn’t believe it if I told you. It’s a lot. In fact its infinite. It’s as high as the heavens are above the earth. No one could measure that. That’s how much God loves you - yes you!
But what about all the stupid junk you’ve done? Maybe even yesterday, or 30 seconds ago? Isn’t He mad? Doesn’t it tarnish how He loves? Hardly. You just don’t understand the love of God yet. He has separated you from all your stupid junk as far as the east is from the west. Not sure if you’ve noticed, but there’s a limit to north and south. You can only go so far north and then you have to go south. But you can go east or west forever and ever. He has separated you from your sin by that much.
But isn’t He a mighty King? A powerful and holy sovereign? Isn’t He to be dreaded? Shouldn’t you cower in his presence? Well, do you cower in your dads presence? He’s your father. A good father loves his children and God is the perfect father. He has compassion on you. No need to cower.
But doesn’t He have high expectations of us that we fail at moment to moment? Surely He sees us as pathetic and weak. Surely we have failed Him.
Well - sorta. It is true He has lofty “Plans” for us. But He is keenly aware of what He’s made. He loves, forgives, and has compassion on you knowing that you - and this may seem odd - are dust. You are a transitory temporary tenant here. You are fragile, earthy, and limited. There are reasons you are this way and there are accompanying weaknesses. But God is aware of all of them. His expectations of you take your entire context into account. He’s a much better Father than you can possibly imagine.
You have one responsibility. And it’s right there. Your job (if that’s even the right word) is to “fear” Him. We’ve addressed this word before. But for now just ask yourself, “what is it you fear?” Do you fear the recession, losing your job, getting sick, losing a loved one? You fear something and probably lots of things. But do you actually fear that which has real power? God has all the power and resources. Why not elevate your fear to one object? God Himself. And there find out that He is supremely wonderful. This is what your soul needs. And there is an infinite supply in God Himself.
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We’re continuing our time in Psalm 103. We began by praising God and then observed the incredible benefits we get in God. Perhaps listen to the last couple of episodes, or take a moment and say, “God I praise You. In You I have everything.” Go ahead…
Today we are looking at verses 6-10 which say, “The LORD executes acts of righteousness and justice for all the oppressed… The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and rich in faithful love. He will not always accuse us or be angry forever. He has not dealt with us as our sins deserve or repaid us according to our offenses.”
Some don’t like the idea of a punishing God. Others relish in it. But what is God actually like? Is He punitive? Is He permissive?
What would you want to God to be like if you could choose? At the very least, we want a God who is easy on us since we esteem ourselves as mild offenders. We prefer a light-handed God.
But do you want to live in a world where the victim is left holding the bag? Let’s say someone is murdered and God simply says, “I forgive you.” Who is paying the consequence? Well, it’d be the victim and their family. Or suppose the murderer is locked up, hung, or faces a firing squad - has justice been served? Has life been returned? Punishment has been meted out but has justice been restored?
These are the questions that haunt our souls because we are faced with such extreme suffering and injustice. Only God can be the solution to all of it. And here we see how.
The Lord does execute righteousness and justice for the oppressed. In other words, He restores the loss. He repays and restores. That’s nice - but what about when we’re the offender? Well, in that case He is gracious, slow to anger and rich in faithful love. While He accuses, and is angry, He’s not that way permanently. Other passages say this mercy is new every morning. Ultimately, He is lenient. He doesn’t treat us as we deserve. Are you grateful for that?
Ask yourself, are there any one of these characteristics of God that you wished were different? Is anything left unsatisfied? Only this God could truly bring all things back in order. But how? Well, the grand story of scripture, and certainly this one, is that in Jesus, all the injustice of the world, the righteousness, compassion, grace, and anger of God, came to a head and was dealt with in a thorough, God-sized way. How exactly? That’s for God to know. Our response is to marvel, praise, and express gratitude.
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Today we will continue in Psalm 103. We began by looking at verse 1 & 2 as an encouragement to our soul to praise God. Even now, take just a moment and encourage your own soul. You can simply say softly, “I praise You God, I praise You God, I praise You God.” Go ahead.
We continue in this Psalm in verses 3-5 which say, “He forgives all your sin; He heals all your diseases. He redeems your life from the Pit; He crowns you with faithful love and compassion. He satisfies you with goodness; your youth is renewed like the eagle.”
What sticks out to you as you hear these verses? Personally, it’s the “heals all your diseases” part. Great songs have been written on it. But He clearly doesn’t heal “all” diseases. At least not yet. Indeed some suffer with ailments for years until their physical bodies succumb. Perhaps some of us focus on the “diseases” because it’s the most visceral, most obvious.
But look at the other things God is doing…forgiving all your sin, redeeming your life from…well…whatever the Pit is. Crowning you with His love and compassion, satisfying you, renewing your youth and energy.
My goodness, if He’s truly doing these things, then what a God! Healing disease is the easiest bit. God is treating you and me like royalty. Do you want that? Do you want God?
We are strange people. We can tie our sense of wellbeing to facebook likes - people that can offer us nothing more than a passing bit of attention. Meanwhile the God of the Universe is giving us infinite attention and treasure. Just think about that.
But again, facebook likes, like diseases, are immediate, here and now, and fleeting. Whether or not a disease takes you or me today, or in 20 years remains to be seen. But in the heavenly’s and for all eternity, you have God Himself and all the benefits that come with Him. Be blessed and live in that light today.
If you appreciate this work, consider supporting it - https://www.patreon.com/seekgodtogetherWe’re going to be spending a few days in Psalm 103 - a beautiful song by David. Today we will read verses 1 & 2 which say, “My soul, praise Yahweh, and all that is within me, praise His holy name. My soul, praise the Lord, and do not forget all His benefits.”Good morning to you (or whenever you’re listening). Have you noticed yet that life is a rat-race and it doesn’t take much to get overwhelmed by the frenzy of your life? Of course you have. Things you want to do, things you fear you’ll never get to. Want to know what to do? King David tells you. “My soul, praise Yahweh.” Start here. David is giving an order to his own soul. What’s the soul? It seems to be the immaterial part of you. David doesn’t say, “I’m going to praise.” He’s not that brazen. Rather he’s encouraging something within him.What is he telling his soul to do? Obey Yahweh? Think about Yahweh? Evangelize others about Yahweh? Pray to Yahweh? No. He tells his soul to praise. Praise - to express warm admiration.How do you praise someone? You applaud them, verbally express their qualities, recount their exploits, lift your voice or your hands to participate in their triumph… there are any number of ways to praise. And as a human, you do this naturally. And you should be lavish in your praise of others. And if you’re comfortable praising and celebrating a worthy person for their work, how much more appropriate to praise God for His? Of course with most things, especially important things, it’s not that easy. Why do you think David has to tell his own soul what to do? Perhaps you should too. Soul - praise God - and don’t forget all the advantages God gives. Why not do that now right where you are? Even open your mouth and hear your own voice say, “Soul - praise God. God you are worthy to be praised for the following…” go ahead.
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Today we will read Psalm 8 verse 3 (and later verse 4) which says, “When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers - the moon and the stars you set in place…”
You are alive, thinking, and aware of your immediate surroundings. Zoom out now and consider that you’re a part of a community, a country, and a planet. And that this planet owes all, literally all of its energy to a single, stable, middle aged, yellow dwarf star of no particular significance at all.
Our sun lives in the Orion Arm, a rural part of the Milky Way Galaxy. Our location is so spacious that the fastest spacecraft ever built would take 80,000 years to reach the next nearest star - Proxima Centauri. But it’s okay - you can still see about 2000 stars on a clear night. For most of human history, and surely when this psalm was written, that was extent of the known cosmos. 2000 stars.
We now know that the Milky Way has a staggering 100 billion stars. How big is 100 billion? Well, if you printed the Adobe asterisks page (which is filled with 4000 asterisks) it would take a stack of paper nearly 2 miles high to reach 100 billion asterisks. That’s just our galaxy and its 50,000 light years across. That’s big.
Our nearest large neighbor, Andromeda, is another 2.5 million light years away. That may seem far but we’re all close friends with another 50 galaxies that make up our local group. Local groups make up clusters. And clusters form super clusters. Ours is the Virgo Supercluster and contains around 2000 galaxies. Superclusters combine into vast filaments of rotating harp-like strings sitting in a universal ocean of dark matter. All told there are 10 million superclusters, 200 billion galaxies, and 200 billion trillion stars in the known universe.
The question you must answer for yourself is, did all that come from nothing, or from something? And does that something (or someone) care about you?
Indeed, “When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers - the moon and the stars you set in place - what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them?”
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Today we will read Mark 16:19 which says, "After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God.” And we’ll also read Hebrews 7:25 which says, “Therefore, He is always able to save those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them.”
Happy Ascension! Technically the Ascension of Christ is 40 days after Easter. And spoiler alert, Pentecost (or the outpouring of the Spirit) occurs 10 days after Christ’s Ascension.
Central to Christianity, is our namesake - Christ Himself. If Jesus didn’t rise bodily from the dead, as in literal flesh and blood, the literal stuff that made up His body, then what hope is there for you? What hope is there for anything or anyone if God does not resurrect? Jesus is the start of it all. And our faith says it really happened. But then what?
The passage says that Jesus ascended and sat down at the right hand of God. Did He have to travel far? Or was the Ascension a type of transition out of our 4 dimensions into infinite dimensions of spirit realms all around us? God knows. Regardless, Jesus took up His position of power and sovereignty at the throne.
And what is He doing with all that power? All that position? Well, He’s talking to God. He’s talking to God about You. Right now, the King of All - the Creator - the Sovereign - the One with all resource - is talking to the Father about you. He’s asking for things on your behalf. He’s actively concerned and caring for you. Yes you - right now. Whether you realize it or not.
How does that make you feel? How does that make you view God? How does that make you feel about Jesus? You don’t have to get His attention. You have it. Does He have yours?
What would you like Him to do for you? What do you want? If you’ve got His full attention, why not ask? Do it now.
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Today we will read Mark 4:4-9. This is the Parable of the Sower and it says, “As he sowed, this occurred: Some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Other seed fell on rocky ground where it didn’t have much soil, and it sprang up right away, since it didn’t have deep soil. When the sun came up, it was scorched, and since it didn’t have a root it withered. Other seed fell among thorns, and the thorns came up and choked it, and it didn’t produce a crop. Still others fell on good ground and produced a crop that increased 30, 60, and 100 times what was sown.” Then He said, “Anyone who has ears to hear should listen!”
Jesus taught in parables or stories. They memorable and easy to share. But what do they mean? Fortunately for us, Jesus explains the meaning of this parable just a few verses later. The soil is the human heart and the seed is the word of God. What is the word? The word is whatever God communicates culminating in the God-man Jesus Himself. But unfortunately not everyone receives the communication of God as readily.
Jesus categorizes the hearers into four groups. The first hear the word but it is of no affect. The birds quickly come and eat the seed. Or rather, Satan removes it. The result is simple, the word does nothing. It’s as if it was never there at all and the listeners go on their merry way oblivious.
The second group hears the word and are even excited. There’s an explosive and enthusiastic growth that is obvious and visible, but with just a little pressure and adversity, it withers and is no more. This group is a bright flame that extinguishes quickly.
The third group hears the word, and it even takes root! There’s growth. Everything looks great. Except there’s something else - thorns. The word is not alone. These thorns represent worries, the seduction of wealth, and the desire for things. They begin to crowd and choke the word. Slowly over time the thorns suck the nutrients and energy. There just isn’t enough resources to go around. Just not enough room to breath. Apparently the word needs space, freedom, and energy to be productive.
Lastly, some of the seed makes its way to fertile soil. Here the word is welcomed, allowed to grow, and produce a crop. Incredibly the production isn’t double or triple what is sown. It’s not even 10 times what is sown. Nope. It’s 30, 60, or even 100 times what is sown! The rate of return is exponential!
I suppose the takeaway, if I’m honest, is that I see all these groups active in my life. How about you? Do you fall into one category or several? If you’re listening, and if you care, it’s all but guaranteed that you’re not in the first group. But let’s ask God to spare us from groups two and three, and to help us produce an exponential return on what He sows in us.
God, multiply, exponentially multiply Your word in us. God, help us to eliminate anything, literally anything, that would choke out your word.
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Today we will read 1 Corinthians 1:18,21 which say, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but it is God’s power to us who are being saved…For since, in God’s wisdom, the world did not know God through wisdom, God was pleased to save those who believe through the foolishness of the message preached.”
We believe in a man who walked the earth 2000 years ago and is said to have risen from the dead. We largely (though not entirely) take this account from texts that are said to be breathed out by God and written by man. For many, for most, this is pure folklore - utter foolishness. But for others, this is an expression of the power of the God of the universe.
What do you think? If I’m being honest, there are days, many days, I wake up and think, “Am I sure I believe this?” If you ask that question, it’s okay. It’s okay to examine important things. It’s good to ask of your marriage, “Will I stay true to what I’ve promised today?” So long as the answer is yes. Or to your children, “Will I choose today to my own desires aside to seek your good?” These questions determine what you value. It’s no virtue to turn our brains off or to leave the most important things in life unexamined.
But what do you think? We pride ourselves on being knowledgeable. I mean Google is at our fingertips. We have all the answers right? Maybe not. Quote, “In God’s wisdom the world did not know God through wisdom.” If you look all the way back to Genesis 1, the Bible claims that the universe had a finite beginning. Whenever that beginning was, it was a beginning. And yet the prevailing wisdom of humanity all the way back to the Greeks and up until the last century has believed that the universe is eternal and static. So much for human wisdom. It would be a cruel burden for God to demand of us perfect understanding in order to know Him. Could you do it? Is there anyone who has the wisdom to know God via their brain? The philosopher is just guessing.
So God places the burden somewhere else. He is pleased to save those who believe. And believe in what? Through a message preached. A communication. Those who believe the communication of God are basically taking Him at His word. Believing someone is the basis for a genuine relationship. And God offers that.
So what say you? There’s a whole lot in scripture we can debate. But this passage focuses on just one thing. The cross. What say you about the cross? Is it God’s power to save? Or is it foolishness. Those are the options. And you must choose. And if you’re unsure, or vacillating, why not reach out to God and simply ask for His wisdom.
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Today we will read a lengthier passage in Acts 17. Verses 24-32 say this, “‘The God who made the world and everything in it - He is Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in shrines made by hands. Neither is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives everyone life and breath and all things. From one man He has made every nationality to live over the whole earth and has determined their appointed times and the boundaries of where thy live. He did this so they might seek God, and perhaps they might reach out and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us. For in Him we live and move and exist…God now commands all people everywhere to repent, because He has set a day when He is going to judge the world in righteousness by the Man He has appointed. He has provided proof of this to everyone by raising Him from the dead.’ When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some began to ridicule him.”
Have you ever wondered why life is the way it is, why human power dynamics are such as they are, why you seem to get just a few short years to figure things out then you die, why there’s suffering, why God seems distant… Paul tells you, but will you believe him?
In this pithy statement, Paul summarizes The Human Condition. Let’s walk through it together. There is a God who is creative and has made everything you see and don’t see. And while He Himself is immaterial and needs nothing, it is in Him that you and I have the energy of life. And He created a mechanism whereby you arrived on the scene. Trace it back far enough and you get to one man (or in other manuscripts - one blood). We are related then somehow. But there’s more, we have appointed times, a start and a finish, and appointed boundaries - limits.
You, as jarring as it is to admit, have limitations imposed by the Great Creator. But why? Paul’s answer - so that you’d reach out and seek God. But He’s not far. He’s close, but He requires of you to seek. Your limits, your humanity, your experience with others, this life and breath, is all so that you’d reach out to the great uncreated Creator who is waiting for you. And in Paul’s thinking, this is the essence of repentance.
But there’s even a limit to this paradigm. At some point, God will intervene and bring about righteous judgment. And He has opted to do so by proxy. He will judge via the God-man Jesus Himself. And how can you know that this is so? God has proven it by raising Jesus from the dead.
Perhaps there are days when this seems too fanciful or mythical. Certainly Paul’s listeners thought so. Some ridiculed him. Have you ever thought, “If only I lived closer to the time of Christ I’d believe easier?” Perhaps you wouldn’t. Perhaps I wouldn’t. Things are no different now. You and I are here - alive - thinking - and we must choose as everyone must whether to ridicule, or to repent and seek God. That is why you are of course. And it’s okay to revisit this line of thinking daily if necessary. This scripture is here for that reason and this time is here for you to seek God.
If you appreciate this work, consider supporting it - https://www.patreon.com/seekgodtogetherToday we will read Psalm 38:1-3 which say “O Lord, don’t rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your rage! Your arrows have struck deep, and your blows are crushing me. Because of your anger, my whole body is sick; my health is broken because of my sins.”Many scriptures are soaring, lofty, encouraging, and beautiful. These are not. They’re gritty and painful. But they are however illuminating. They provide insight as to how David related to God - how David saw God. How often do you, when you think of God, see Him as static, standing at a distance with a blank expression on His face? So far above our experiences that He’s unmoved? Not David. David sees God as keenly aware, engaged, and emotional - even in a fit of rage. In David’s mind, God Himself is punishing him. He calls them God’s arrows and blows. David is sick because of it. He sees his illness as God’s doing. And David believes he deserves it. They may be God’s arrows, but the brokenness is the result of sin.But is God punishing David? Is God more aloof than David assumes? Well, who are you and who am I to answer such a question? We can get some insight (as always) by looking at Jesus. Did Jesus get angry? Yes. Did He punish? Well, He was quick to forgive and seemed more interested in absorbing the punishment Himself - though not indifferent to sin. Was He aloof? Not even a little. So did David get it right or wrong? Well he’s a man after God’s own heart so it’d be quite a reach to say he ever got God wrong. What’s most important is that David approached God at all - most don’t. And his approach was visceral and honest. And he wasn’t fatalistic. He appealed to God to fix the problem, to heal the wound. David appealed to God to change His mind. Imagine that. It seems more important than getting it right, is approaching God with your honest feelings. That’s what moves the heart of God.
If you appreciate this work, consider supporting it - https://www.patreon.com/seekgodtogetherToday we will read Exodus 21:22-23. These verses say, “When men get in a fight and hit a pregnant woman so that her children are born prematurely but there is no injury, the one who hit her must be fined as the woman’s husband demands from him, and he must pay according to judicial assessment. If there is an injury, then you must give life for life…” The bible has little to say about unborn babies. But it isn’t entirely silent. You could summarize scriptures’ teaching on the unborn as a mystery, a place of budding life where the divine meets the physical. Regardless, the passage at hand is part of the Old Testament law. And it’s fair to ask what role the law plays in the Christian faith. Do we follow every law? No. Were some laws fulfilled and done away with? Yes. Are we going to solve the matter right now? Hardly. But we can safely say that all the laws fall under a handful of general principles AND that these principles were more than addressed by Paul, John, and of course Jesus Himself. And in this way we can see what’s important to God. There are many laws regarding sexual ethics. The takeaway? How you use your body sexually is important to God. Jesus says that even looking at women lustfully is adultery. There are numerous laws regarding religious purity and the sacrificial system. Takeaway - how you approach God matters. Jesus says to be perfect even as Your Father in heaven is perfect. And the text at hand as well as numerous other laws highlight the fact that life is of critical importance to God. Jesus says that to hate your brother is to murder in the heart.Back to our passage. The text reads that if two men are fighting and a pregnant woman is accidentally hit and thus prematurely gives birth (the Hebrew literally means to come out), the issue at hand is whether there is injury. Scripture acknowledges that accidents happen. But the injustice must be set right. Payment must be made even if there is no additional injury. The men must pay the husband whatever he deems appropriate. However if there is injury, the penalty must be commensurate even to the point of death. To be fair, there is historical debate among Jewish rabbis as to what this passage means exactly. Is it referring to the baby and mother, to the mother only, to the baby only? You decide. But don’t miss the forest for the tree. Life is a gift from God. And He values life.
If you appreciate this work, consider supporting it - https://www.patreon.com/seekgodtogetherToday we will read 2 Samuel 23:3-4. These are the last words of David, King of Israel, passionate worshipper, forgiven transgressor, ancestor of Jesus, warrior, poet, musician, man after God’s own heart…he says, “The God of Israel spoke; the Rock of Israel said to me, ‘The one who rules the people with justice, who rules in the fear of God, is like the morning light when the sun rises on a cloudless morning, the glisten of rain on sprouting grass.’”David could have compared a Godly reign to anything: a castle with high walls, a splendid temple, a rich city bustling with enterprise, military conquest and vanquished enemies. No, he chose a sunrise. A simple sunrise. Something so mundane that it’s happened predictably every single day for ages and will continue for ages. A sunrise. Chances are it happened before you got up. Or if you’re an early bird and it’s still dark, you’ll likely get your morning coffee and go through your routine without hardly giving it a second thought.A sunrise. Predictable. Steady. But that’s not even what David focuses on. No it’s the beauty of a sunrise on a cloudless morning. Nothing to impede the vision of that gentle golden gleam across the glistening grass. Have you noticed that when you stop to watch a sunrise you wish you did so more often? It’s breathtaking and yet it happens every morning. You could set your watch by it. In fact, you have to watch it precisely on its schedule not yours. You can’t rush the sunrise. And you won’t see it if you don’t discipline yourself to get up early, sit still long enough, at just the right time, looking in just the right direction. Otherwise you’ll miss it - it’ll be too late.Such is the Godly King. And you, if you want the effectiveness of David, the closeness to God of David, the blessing of David, ultimately the Jesus of David, you will imitate David who spent many mornings on a hill watching the sunrise, seeking God, getting to know His King. The invitation is there for you just as surely as the sun will rise.
If you appreciate this work, consider supporting it - https://www.patreon.com/seekgodtogetherToday we will read Psalm 119:1-2. These verses say, “How happy are those who way is blameless, who live according to the Lord’s instruction! Happy are those who keep His decrees and seek Him with all their heart.”Psalm 119 is the longest chapter, and poem in the bible. In English, you’ll notice that it’s broken down into several groups of 8 verses each. At the beginning of each group of 8 verses, your Bible may have a strange Hebrew character. These are the letters of the Hebrew alphabet. And each verse begins with it’s corresponding letter. So the first 8 verses start with “alef” and the next 8 with “bet” and so forth.This lengthy chapter opens with these verses. “How happy are those…” That sounds familiar. A few times we’ve looked at Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. He opens his teaching in the same way…how happy, how blessed, or even how supremely blessed…Do you want to be happy? Do you want to be blessed? I do. Do you feel like that happiness, that blessedness is illusive? That you’re missing it? You’re not alone. Pay careful attention then to what it says…How happy are those whose way is blameless, who live according to the Lord’s instruction. Literally it’s saying that happiness is reserved for those walking within God’s law. Those who keep His instruction AND, and what? Seek Him with their whole heart. There it is again. The importance of actively and energetically seeking Him - as You are right now. But what is the seeking linked to? It may sound old fashioned, but it’s simple observance of God’s law. Not what you think it is, not what you wish it to be, but what has actually been commanded. The two are linked. Happiness in God does not exist in a vacuum. If you feel thin and unsatisfied in your happiness with God, if you want to be happier, or more blessed, simply ask yourself and God, “Am I seeking with my whole heart?” And if you’re wondering what that even means I would add, “Have you set aside distraction-less time with God recently?” It’s easy to avoid. And then the followup question, “Is there instruction from God that you’re neglecting?” Asking these questions could make all the difference in your happiness today.
If you appreciate this work, consider supporting it - https://www.patreon.com/seekgodtogetherToday 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.
If you appreciate this work, consider supporting it - https://www.patreon.com/seekgodtogetherToday 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.
If you appreciate this work, consider supporting it - https://www.patreon.com/seekgodtogetherToday 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.
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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.
If you appreciate this work, consider supporting it - https://www.patreon.com/seekgodtogetherToday 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.
If you appreciate this work, consider supporting it - https://www.patreon.com/seekgodtogetherToday 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.
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Today we will read Matthew 1:21 which says, “She will give birth to a son, and you are to name Him Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.”
Merry Christmas!
The word “Christmas” is a combination of two words: Christ and mass. Christ being the greek translation of the Hebrew Messiah. And mass being a celebration of the eucharist. It’s literally Christ’s mass. Fun fact: the shortened word Xmas, while seen as some as a way to remove Christ from Christmas is actually just the use the letter X or chi, which is the first letter of the Greek Kristos. X is a perfectly acceptable and ancient moniker for Christ.
Was Christ born on December 25th? Probably not. As a date it’s tied to the winter solstice. But scripture isn’t interested in a precise birthdate. It is however very interested in why He was born.
The Christ is the long-prophesied culmination of all scripture. He is the Hero of the entire story. He is the beautiful Creator/Savior of the world. He is perfect humanity and deity brought together for the first time and forever. He is the soaring beauty of God wrapped up in a baby for all to see.
And He has a specific name - Jesus. Jesus is the greek form of the Hebrew name “Joshua.” Jo - or Yah for Yahweh, saves. Jesus means “Yahweh saves.” Quit a fitting name.
What will He save us from? Death? Disease? Oppression? Sure. He will do all of that. And more. That terrible thing that leads to death, that destroys us. Ultimately that thing that keeps us from the God who loves us, that shrinks and eats us alive until we’re truly dead. That horrible cancer is sin. And Jesus has come to save you from it. Merry Christmas.
“Thank You Jesus for saving me from my sin. Thank you for saving us from our sin.”
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Today we will read Matthew 1:23 which says, “See, the virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son and they will name Him Immanuel.”
Was Jesus virgin born? Matthew is quoting from Isaiah 7:14. Which in fairness could be interpreted not as “virgin” but as “young maiden.” The skeptic would be forgiven for questioning the virgin birth if they stopped here. But the context of Matthew seems so clear as to its meaning, that it would be impossible to interpret otherwise. It says that Mary was found “pregnant by the Holy Spirit.” And this so embarrassed Joseph that he sought to divorce her. Mary was either a shameless adulteress, or a saint.
But still the questions. Where did the other half of Jesus DNA come from? Were his cells half human and half divine? While the questions are interesting, our purpose here is to worship. So let’s turn our minds and our hearts to this miracle.
First, it is a miracle. And it’s only when we get to miracles that we get uncomfortable and assert the natural. But isn’t the universe itself both natural and miraculous? It’s natural because it’s here and it works. It’s miraculous because it had to come from something beyond itself. In this way, everything you interact with is spiritual and natural. Everything is supernatural. Nature operates according to its laws which were given spiritually. And while we are accustomed to interacting with natural laws, and could be convinced that’s all there is, this by no means does away with its metaphysical origins. Frankly, what’s more difficult for God? To generate a universe or to impregnate a virgin? Which leads to the second point.
The Holy Spirit did in fact impregnate Mary. Just how shocking that is, simply shines a light on our lack of wonder, and our wicked hearts. But, if Jesus is the interface of God and humanity, then when else should this exchange take place? An interface takes two different systems, like analog and digital, and allows them to work together in a way previously thought impossible. Why not have this occur at the very moment when a new human life comes into existence? In this way eternal deity and brand new humanity come together for the first time.
Lastly, a touch of prophecy and genetics. And sorry to go here but we’re all adults. It is interesting that in reproduction the sperm is the seed and the ovum is the egg. And yet, way back in Genesis 3, in response to the serpent’s tempting of Eve, God promises to crush the serpent’s head. But with what? Not with her egg, but with her seed. And the seed she bears is a male who crushes the serpents head. Sound familiar?
In the end then, the virgin birth is a beautiful way to bring together humanity and deity and to pave the way for this God-Man to avenge our ancient mother and destroy the works of death. Yet again we see that God is up to far more than any of us can imagine.
“Jesus, I’m willing to believe You are virgin born. And I’m willing to accept that this means far more than I could ever imagine.”
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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.”
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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.”
If you appreciate this work, consider supporting it - https://www.patreon.com/seekgodtogetherToday 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.
If you appreciate this work, consider supporting it - https://www.patreon.com/seekgodtogetherToday 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.
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If you appreciate this work, consider supporting it - https://www.patreon.com/seekgodtogetherToday 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.
If you appreciate this work, consider supporting it - https://www.patreon.com/seekgodtogetherToday 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.
If you appreciate this work, consider supporting it - https://www.patreon.com/seekgodtogetherToday 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.
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Today we will read the beautiful story of Jesus washing His disciple’s feet in John 13 starting in verse 3. “Jesus knew that the Father had given everything into His hands, that He had come from God, and that He was going back to God. So He got up from the supper, laid aside His robe, took a towel, and tied it around Himself. Next, He poured water into a basin and began to wash His disciples’ feet and to dry them with the towel tied around Him.”
The One of God, going back to God, does the work of the servant - cleaning the feet of His disciples. Of course we all know how filthy feet can get in sandals on a dusty road in an agrarian world without indoor plumbing. But that’s beside the point. Jesus has more on His mind than feet. Peter refuses. But so important is this act that He tells Peter, “If I don’t wash your feet, you have no part of me.” So Peter does Peter. “Then wash everything!” But Jesus doesn’t need to. Peter is “clean”. Only his feet remain. Jesus knows they’re confused and says, “You’ll understand afterward”. Perhaps we will never in all eternity truly grasp His act. But we can marvel in the meantime.
The disciples, with the exception of Judas per the story (and even he got a foot washing), were already clean. But their feet required maintenance. The feet are the only part of body to make contact with the ground regularly. It’s understandable they’d get dirty. And it seems obvious that the “dirtiness” is more than dirt. Judas was unclean because he was about to betray Jesus. He didn’t truly belong. His case was terminal. He was destined for destruction. But the disciples were clean because of Jesus. Well mostly clean anyway.
You too, in Jesus, are clean. And yet, there’s parts of you that regularly make contact with the dirt. And you find yourself yet again in need of cleaning. Not the whole of you, just a part. Incredibly, you are not responsible for cleaning your own mess. Confused? Jesus makes it clear, if He doesn’t do it, then you have no part with Him. You are not the one to clean yourself. You have one job. And that is to sit there quietly, humbly, and allow the Son of the Universe to serve you yet again in all His beauty. To wash off that bit of extra grime yet again. And just be ready. You’ll need the same treatment again soon enough. He always stands ready.
There are only so many ways to get dirty feet. You’re limited. You’re not unique. All of us in Jesus need to return to Him again and again for this washing. It seems His pleasure to do so. And without it we have no part in Him. So don’t hesitate.
There is another story this reminds me of. It’s recorded in all four gospels. Mary cares deeply for Jesus’ feet. She cries and wets them with her tears. She pours expensive perfume on them, and wipes them with her hair. She even kisses them.
Clearly Jesus was in no need of moral cleaning. This is different. She was the one cleaned by Him. She was the “sinful woman” afteral. She was so moved, and so in tune with Jesus that she prophetically prepared Him for His work. In response to what He had already cleaned in her, she used what was at her disposal to worship. She had tears, perfume, and hair. She had kisses. And in response to Jesus, she poured them out on His feet, and He received it.
You do not impress Jesus with your goodness. It’s never been that way. You cooperate with Jesus when you allow Him to do what He wants - and that is to clean you, repeatedly. And in response, you too, like Mary, can use whatever is at your disposal to pour out worship on His beautiful feet.
God I’m moved just thinking about You. How wonderful You are. Again and again I’m brought back to You. I need You. Wash my feet. Receive my tears. I love You!
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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.”
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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!”
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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.
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Today we will read Romans 13:1-2. These verses say, “Everyone must submit to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist are instituted by God. So then, the one who resists the authority is opposing God’s command, and those who oppose it will bring judgment on themselves.”
Someone is always mad after an election. Maybe everyone is mad. One side thinks the other is cheating, or stupid, or worse. We look at our politicians like demigods who will fight our battles and champion our values. So it feels like a personal loss when our side loses. But how many times have you noticed that even when your side wins, the fruit of that candidate rarely meets the expectations you had?
And so we pray on our knees that things will go the way we believe they should. And we rejoice when they do and dread when they don’t.
And yet over all of it looms the only One Who matters at all. Of course - God Himself. Paul isn’t presenting a distant God. As though we need to petition Him into action. Beg Him for attention. Intervene lest we elect the wrong person. No - God has placed these rulers into the positions they’re in. Not only the authority themselves, but the office they hold is from God.
This alone should be a huge weight off our shoulders. We all have our political opinions but lack the power to make it happen. But God does. So rest in it. It’s probably a good thing you’re not the king.
But then what? How do we act? How do we speak? Paul tells us. Don’t resist. Don’t fight. But didn’t Paul? Didn’t Paul appeal to Caesar? He spoke up. Yes he did. He was bold in his defense of Christ. He was bold in his defense of truth. But he wasn’t physically violent. He didn’t protest. And he didn’t attack the individual. Eventually Paul would be thrown into prison. According to tradition, he would be beheaded by the same governing authorities to which he encourages us to submit.
Of course this raises protests. Should more have resisted Hitler, or Stalin? Of course! Am I saying they were instituted by God? I don’t know - I can only receive this passage as it is. Without jumping to extremes, let’s generally accept that God is in control even over the worst of leaders. We can follow Paul’s example, or Boenhoffer’s for that matter. Do what’s right, even suffer for doing good. The world billions of times over is better for the good because of Paul.
But for today, relax. However you hoped the most recent election would have gone, God is bigger. That candidate - they’re just human. Make your requests to God. The politician is almost entirely incapable of helping you. Have an open posture of Christ-like submission so that you can be blessed. Breathe deep. Enjoy the day. Empires rise and fall. God is in control of it all. So go to Him.
Well God, where is my faith? If it’s in our political system then I’m in trouble. I’ll remind myself today that You’re the King. You’re the true ruler and I’m glad You are. Bring Your Kingdom here - let me be a part. Help me live as You would have me live. I love You.
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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Today we read Matthew 5:3 which says “The poor in spirit are blessed, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.”
This is the first of what are known as the beatitudes spoken by Jesus. “Beatitude” comes from the latin word for blessed. Jesus says “Blessed are…” hence the word beatitude. Oxford Languages defines it as “Supreme Blessedness”. That is quite beautiful.
When we ask what is God like, the answer is - Jesus. God is like Jesus. When we ask what God feels, it’s what Jesus feels. What’s important to God? We can have a good idea by examining that which is important to Jesus. And here He tells us...
Blessed are the poor - the poor in spirit. The Kingdom! The kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
In what society are the poor the blessed ones? None that I’m aware of. We value strength, riches, capacity, good looks, charisma, self-assurance. The violent, and the winsome win elections and get power. The king is the most fit to rule.
But then there’s Jesus. And He flips it on its head. It’s not the mightiest. It’s the poorest. More specifically, the spiritually poor that own and rule the mightiest of Kingdoms - the Kingdom of heaven - or rather - the Kingdom of God Himself.
How do you respond to this? You’d be forgiven if you roll your eyes a bit since the idea is so foreign. But how do you feel? How strong are you really? How rich are you really? Are you a raging success? Are you beautiful? Are you charming? Are you self assured? Are you violent?
Or are you none of these things? Are even the potential of these things rapidly slipping through your fingers? Are you poor? Do you feel poor? If so, you’re right where Jesus says you’re most blessed. You can’t move the heart of God in your strength. But He gives the whole kingdom to the weak - the poor.
“God - I don’t feel rich. I feel poor. But I believe that’s what You want from me. And I believe that You give me the Kingdom because of it. That’s shocking. I don’t know whether to believe or disbelieve. Therefore, please give me the ability to see and know what that Kingdom is like. Help me see the way You do.”
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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.”
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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 now to be happy.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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Today we will read Matthew 5:5 which says, “The gentle are blessed, for they will inherit the earth.”
This is a beatitude from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Each statement originally began with the word “Blessed”. If you want to be supremely blessed, and who doesn’t, then follow Jesus’ teaching here.
Jesus upends our worldview. He’s really good at that. And this is no exception. You are blessed if you are gentle. Gentle? Since when does gentleness get you anywhere? You’re told to be assertive. If you want to get ahead, see yourself as someone worthy of respect, and then demand that of others. Cut through the noise, make a big splash, and be noticed. Take it while you can. Don’t put up with crap from anyone. Get in the last word.
But gentleness is none of things. Gentle is showing mild or measured temperament. Gentle is the opposite of harsh. Gentle is kind. But Jesus has a promise. The gentle will inherit the earth. Imagine that! In our way of thinking, gentle people get overlooked and stepped on. Gentle people don’t get rich. Gentle people don’t get ahead.
Yet Jesus makes this bold promise to you and me. Do you want to get ahead? Do you want dominion? Do you want to inherit the earth? Do you trust Jesus? Then be gentle. When you want to be harsh, especially then, if what you really want is to get ahead, then be gentle.
“God this doesn’t make sense. But if I’m honest, my harshness doesn’t have the power to get me where I want anyway. I will be gentle and watch You work.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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Today we will read 1 John 4:19. This simple verse says, “We love Him because He first loved us.”
What is love? If you say, “Everyone has their own definition…” I would understand the sentiment and even sympathize. But it would be wrong. Love is not from you. Love does not bow to your, or my, or anyone’s definition. Biblically, love is from God and we merely reciprocate what God has started.
And it’s not just that God loves… and while it seems like that would be enough…there’s more. It’s deeper. Love is not merely what God does. It’s what God is. God’s essence, His makeup, His core personality, His nature, His appetites, His passion and desire, His priorities, are all love. There is literally nothing He does that isn’t built on the foundation of love. You could say that while everything you do is human, and there is literally nothing you could do that isn’t human, and that varies broadly, so everything God does is love. You are human, He is love. Has God done a thing in which in your humanness you disapprove? Well you can be confident that His actions are only motivated by His love for you.
But wait there’s more, not only IS God love, and not only does He act in love, but He has chosen to share His essential love with creatures like you. Yes you are the recipient. Do you feel like it? Maybe you don’t. But it doesn’t matter - you are! You are literally the MOST LOVED creature in the entire universe. Has a human broken your heart? Are you neglected by humans? Are you lonely? The pain is real and I don’t mean to diminish it. But please don’t lose the big picture that the One Who created you loves you so deeply it’d be impossible to take it all in over an eternity.
You are a derivative lover. You cannot love if He had not loved first. He gave more than His feelings. He gave of Himself - His essence - His love. God contracted and expressed His love and now we are here as recipients. We can now participate, experience, and share that love with others. In fact that is what we are called to. That is what we are made for: to love God, and others.
God You’re just too much to take in. I’m at a loss for words. Thank You for being You and for giving Yourself. Thank You for allowing me, a simple human to experience and share in the Love of God. Take me from glory to glory, love to love, and allow me to experience more of You and share with others.
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Today we will read the final verse in the Jesus-song of Colossians 1. This is verse 20 and it says, “…and through Him to reconcile everything to Himself by making peace through the blood of His cross - whether things on earth or things in heaven.”
We have to be willing to allow scripture to say what it says. If this is indeed the revelation of God to man, then no scripture is taboo. No scripture is dangerous - all of it is revealing the truth of God to us. If we allow other passages to simply say what they say, then we must be willing to allow this verse to say what it says.
What is it saying? In Jesus, God is reconciling not some things, not most things, but everything to Himself. Again words fail - but to reconcile is to restore to friendly relations. What is God restoring back to friendly relations? Everything. Everyone. Every being. How is He doing this? Through the cross of Christ.
Somehow, on the cross, God made peace with everything. And not just with us. Not just the sin of humanity. Apparently there were things to reconcile on earth - and also in heaven! I have to ask, how is it possible that there are things in heaven, around God’s throne that need restoring to friendly relations? I don’t know. I don’t need to know - but this verse says it. If we go way back to Job, we see the accuser standing before God, accusing God, accusing Job. How could such a spirit bear the glory of God without being consumed? Perhaps in God’s forbearance looking forward to the cross - a mystery to the rest of creation but always at the front of God’s mind.
What is God’s end game? Is this verse telling us that in the end, everyone and everything will be saved? Would it bother you if that were the case? It sure reads that way. Will the worst sinner be saved? Will Hitler and Stalin? Will Satan himself? Will hell burn indefinitely? I don’t know. But I do see what this verse says - God has made peace and is restoring friendly relations with everything.” He will be God of all - and there will be nothing that isn’t at peace with Him. If this is God’s end game then it is a glorious one.
As surely as Jesus created all things, as surely as He holds all things together, and as surely as He has all of God’s fullness, so is He surely reconciling everything to Himself. This is what scripture says.
Jesus, I have many question…but I also want to be obedient to what You say here. Go for it - reconcile it all. I’ll praise You as You do what You do.
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Today we will continue looking at Colossians 1. Verse 19 says, “For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him…”
We’ve been looking at the great and soaring song of Jesus in Colossians 1:15-20. Here we have the extent to which Jesus embodies the fullness of God. It’s not most of God’s fullness. It’s not even almost all of God’s fullness. Jesus possesses ALL of God’s fullness. There is none of God’s fullness that Jesus does not possess. Verse 19 continues a pattern with words like “All,” and “Every,” and “Everything.” Jesus created everything in the same way He holds everything together. There is nothing before Him and so He is before All things. He has first place in everything and in the same way has All of God’s fulness. There is nothing Jesus lacks as God. He’s not just shy of God’s fullness, He’s not almost there. He has it all - all the fullness.
Of course our minds can’t handle the fullness. We’re dealing with things vastly beyond us. We ask questions like, “Are the Father and Jesus different? Are they two Gods? How did Jesus always exist? How can the Father be fully God and Jesus be fully God without them being the same? How does the trinity work?”
There are theological words that have been developed to help us avoid a misstep. “Tri-theism” is the idea that there are three Gods as opposed to one. This is obviously a problem. Modalism is the idea that God just wears different hats. Sometimes He’s the Father, other times the Son, and now the Holy Spirit. But they’re all basically the same. Modes.
So what’s true? We use words to help understand concepts. But if the concept itself is beyond us, then our words are by definition too small in themselves. So any words we use will fall short. But what else do we have? We must press on in the mystery and try.
I prefer to think of it this way…there is God. God is invisible, immaterial, powerful and mindful beyond comprehension. This God is unknowable unless “He” creates and reveals Himself. So He did. He revealed Himself as the Great Spirit powerfully creating all things - the Father. But the Father is still distant, Holy, and unapproachable. What can God do about that? He would come intimately close - as a human. All of God in a human - Jesus. All the fullness. And in this way He is revealing more of Himself - what He’s like. Where words fail, the very Presence of God is with us.
But Jesus is still another human. Close as we can get to a person, they never see our thoughts. They never interact on a spirit level. So Jesus sends God into our spirits - the Holy Spirit. Any closer, and we’d be with God in His fullness - and indeed that is our destiny.
But for now, we write and sing soaring songs about Jesus possessing the fullness of God. Take it all in - breath Him in. God is better than You think - closer and more wonderful. Enjoy Him today.
Jesus, I can’t get enough of You - more - please more. You are what I need.
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Today we will read Colossians 1:18 which says, “He is also the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He might come to have first place in everything.”
We’ve been looking at the soaring song of Jesus in Colossians 1. If all the scholars and all the songwriters throughout the ages put their collective heads and hearts together, they could never exhaust the source material of Jesus Himself. There is never a risk to overshooting Jesus’ glory. There is no such thing in getting “out-over-your-skis” in praising Jesus. Each of us whether individually or collectively are barely scratching the surface.
So rather than believing the lie that your praise doesn’t matter, instead jump in the ocean and behold the King of Kings. And add your words to the mighty chorus that is resounding throughout the cosmos about Jesus.
“He is the head of the body, the church.” He’s the figure-head, He’s the authority, He’s the star of the show. And perhaps just put a pin in the fact that the church is the body and the body is the church. That will come in handy in other passages. For now, accept that we are mysteriously part of Christ’s own body.
“He is the beginning - the firstborn from the dead.” It is interesting to note that if the resurrection of Jesus is true (and here we believe it is), then anything that has previously died, is still dead. Anything since that has died is still dead. There is only one person, one being, one anything, one-of-a-kind, indeed One God, Who has died and then come back to life. There is no keeping God dead. And it is important because if He has not been raised, then neither will you or anyone else. If God is to resurrect anything or anyone, then He must start somewhere. Why not start with Himself? Why not start with the God-man? Indeed He has. And why is He the firstborn from the dead? Why is He the head? Paul tells us: so that He might come to have first place in everything.
Not some things. Not most things. All things. God (and Jesus by extension) is intensely focused on being in first place in all things. He doesn’t apologize for it. He isn’t embarrassed by it. And it’s not arrogant in the least. Why? Because He knows Himself to be wondrous, glorious, and beautiful. For Him to not have first place would be a massive disservice to all things - in fact it would be death. It is a gift to all things to have as their source, and their head, Jesus the King of the Universe. And any reconciled being knows this to be true. The more holy we become the more in love we will be with our head - the Firstborn. We too will fall ever deeper in love. He will relish in it and pour Himself out more freely as the ages press on. And we will recognize and glory more and more in the enterprise. So write the songs - sing the praise. It’s what you were meant for.
Jesus, You are first! Have first place in my life. Move out anything that is resistant to You being first place in all things.
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Today we will read Colossians 1:17. This profound verse says, “He is before all things, and by Him all things hold together.”
If ever there was a verse to nerd out on scientifically, it’s this one. And I’m willing to go out on a limb and say that Paul could hardly understand what He was writing - yay for revelation. We may have more scientific know-how than he did, but in 10,000 years our knowledge by comparison will look elementary. But if there’s a God, and if Jesus is His image, then all science will do is further demonstrate His wisdom and power bit by bit. And His revelation to us will further reveal His goodness and beauty, from glory to glory.
But until then, let’s nerd out to the extent we can shall we? He is before all things… Energy exists in a timeless state. In order for there to be time at all, energy must be cool enough to “freeze” into matter. Matter allows for time. God, and Jesus by extension, existed before time began spinning. Whether the energy of the initial singularity was borrowed essence of God, or if that energy is separate from God is a mystery only He knows. We’ve read that Jesus is the firstborn, or preeminent One of creation. Does that mean the energy of the universe is itself of Jesus? Perhaps of Jesus and not of the Father? Do I even have a clue what I’m asking? Probably not. But it’s sure wonderful to imagine. Whatever the case - He is before it all.
And all things hold together in Him. All things. Things you see and don’t see. It turns out, the things you see are almost entirely nothing. What we call solid, is a collection of atoms. These atoms have a tiny nucleus made up of particles made up of quarks. The solidity of an atom is largely electric bonds in the nucleus. The nucleus is surrounded by a swarm of flying electrons moving in quantized packets at the speed of light. The space between the nucleus and the electrons is vast in comparison. If the nucleus were a basketball, the electrons would be 30 miles away.
Believe it or not, you could have a block of lead the size of the solar system, and shoot a neutrino through it and it will hit nothing. What you consider solid is almost entirely nothing. And given that everything is moving in quantized bits, you could say that the entire universe is digital. To you and me it seems smooth but only because the resolution is so small. In reality, the entire universe is nothing more than a digital operating system sitting on top of the solidity and mind of God. So what’s real? To us the operating system is real because it’s what we’re designed to operate within. But there’s an actual real that’s denser, truly substantial, and before the universe, beyond the universe. And it’s Jesus. He holds it all together. The operating system is His idea and it’s His power that keeps it going. You and I are the bit of graphic on the screen. We think of it as so real. It’s only real because of Him. And while the thought of this could cause us to feel small, insignificant, and almost nothing (and that’s all true), remember that we are the object of His attention, love, and romance. Walk in that today.
Jesus, I’m awestruck. I’m reminded of how little I know - how little I’m aware of. Let my mind be blown but redirected to You. Always You.
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We’re continuing in Colossians 1. This is a song, possibly an early hymn, that Paul uses to teach on Jesus. Today we’ll look at verse 16 which says, “For everything was created by Him, in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities - all things have been created through Him and for Him.”
When you think of Jesus, what comes to mind? A man in His 30s walking about? Gentle and humble? Teaching, amazing crowds, working miracles? What is He like? What does He think? Is He a segment of the overall teaching of scripture? Is He the final bit of God’s redemptive plan?
Not according to Paul. This Jesus, the middle eastern carpenter, is not new to the scene. He’s not just really old. He’s not just the darling of the universe. No. He CREATED it! All of it! Every last bit is His design. It was His power that made it all. He did it. And this verse emphasizes some particulars. He created that which is visible - that is on earth. But guess what, that’s not all. There are invisible things also created by Him - the things of heaven. And there’s more. Paul lists a category of creation, or rather 4, that are uniquely His: thrones, dominions, rulers, and authorities. All words to denote the powerful. They are indeed 4 unique greek words. They mean something even if we can’t parse them out perfectly. But here’s what we can know - these rulers, powerful as they may be, whether visible or invisible, majestic, awful, frightening, oppressive…are all created by Him and for Him. There is literally nothing in all of creation that has any ounce of power where the name of Jesus isn’t branded all over. He is the owner. And He will accomplish exactly what He intends through it.
So you don’t need to worry. They are powerful - yes. But they too must surrender, bow the knee, and yield their power to the One Who is up to more than you, or I, or any archangel or devil could possibly imagine.
This is the Jesus of the Bible, the Jesus of Paul. Who is Jesus to you?
Jesus, I admit, I just think way too little of You. Give me a Paul-sized vision of You. Bring that to my imagination today.
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We’re continuing in Colossians 1. This is a song, possibly an early hymn, that Paul uses to teach on Jesus. Today we’ll look at verse 16 which says, “For everything was created by Him, in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities - all things have been created through Him and for Him.”
When you think of Jesus, what comes to mind? A man in His 30s walking about? Gentle and humble? Teaching, amazing crowds, working miracles? What is He like? What does He think? Is He a segment of the overall teaching of scripture? Is He the final bit of God’s redemptive plan?
Not according to Paul. This Jesus, the middle eastern carpenter, is not new to the scene. He’s not just really old. He’s not just the darling of the universe. No. He CREATED it! All of it! Every last bit is His design. It was His power that made it all. He did it. And this verse emphasizes some particulars. He created that which is visible - that is on earth. But guess what, that’s not all. There are invisible things also created by Him - the things of heaven. And there’s more. Paul lists a category of creation, or rather 4, that are uniquely His: thrones, dominions, rulers, and authorities. All words to denote the powerful. They are indeed 4 unique greek words. They mean something even if we can’t parse them out perfectly. But here’s what we can know - these rulers, powerful as they may be, whether visible or invisible, majestic, awful, frightening, oppressive…are all created by Him and for Him. There is literally nothing in all of creation that has any ounce of power where the name of Jesus isn’t branded all over. He is the owner. And He will accomplish exactly what He intends through it.
So you don’t need to worry. They are powerful - yes. But they too must surrender, bow the knee, and yield their power to the One Who is up to more than you, or I, or any archangel or devil could possibly imagine.
This is the Jesus of the Bible, the Jesus of Paul. Who is Jesus to you?
Jesus, I admit, I just think way too little of You. Give me a Paul-sized vision of You. Bring that to my imagination today.
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Today is the first installment of several in Colossians 1. Verses 15-20 are a soaring song about Jesus. You can read it for yourself but today we’ll read verse 15 which says, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.”
What does God look like? What IS God like and what does He do? Is there a question more important? You can spend your entire life building your own little empire, staying healthy, increasing your learning, having a family, fill in the blank, but get this question wrong, and the results could be catastrophic. There is nothing more important for you to ponder than God Himself. And this isn’t just for the religious. Everyone on earth including you has two things in common. First - you are currently alive. Second - you will eventually die. Contemplating the Creator and engaging the Creator is truly the most critical activity for a human being and every human owes it to themselves to ask the biggest questions.
Paul has an answer for the God question. God is Jesus. Jesus is God. Jesus is the image of God. Why would God need an image? Well, because God is invisible. When you picture God, what do you see? An old man, a flashing throne, an amorphous swirling glob of energy? They’re all wrong. The answer is nothing. There is nothing to see. The God of the Bible has no form, no physical features, nothing our senses can experience. Does that bother you? The implication is that without an image, without revelation, there would be no way for you or me to know or experience God.
Thankfully He has an image. Jesus Himself. An image carries the properties of the deity to people so they can understand. Zeus had images - many of them. They were all dumb lifeless statues. And as grand a statue sitting in the Parthenon may have been, it was still carved by human hands, and utterly powerless.
But not Jesus. The true God images Himself in a way humans can truly grasp - a human image. But while Jesus is a flesh and blood image, He is more. He is the quote “firstborn” over all creation.
Firstborn. Some take firstborn to mean first made. But that’s not what it says. God doesn’t birth children. But He does have a firstborn - in Greek it’s - pro-TO-tokos and means preeminent. Don’t understand it? Join the club. All we need to know is that Jesus Himself predates the manger, and the universe itself. He predates time and all, literally all of creation is His - He’s the darling of all creation - the preeminent one.
It might be enough for today to linger in the thought of a timeless Christ, the accessible image of God Himself. We don’t have to understand. It is enough to behold and worship.
Jesus, You are blowing my mind. Self-existent image of the invisible God. I am in awe of You.
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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Today we will read Revelation 21:4 which says “He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”
Have you ever been woken up by your burdens? Has your stomach ever been in knots over your regrets? It could be a decades old wound. Did someone hurt you? Did you hurt someone? Have you prayed and prayed and prayed but pray as you may, it never goes away?
The answer - as always - is God. This verse (and this certainly isn’t the last time we’ll address this verse) shows us that sorrow, death, pain, crying…these are inevitable and part of the human experience. The burden you feel proves you are alive. And that God is the One who wipes away the tears.
Imagine God like a mother literally wiping away her child’s tears. To the child anything can be a burden: a hurt feeling, a scraped knee, disappointment or even regret. What the child needs is mom to make it go away and the simple act of wiping away the tears soothes the hurt.
God will ultimately do this for us but not quite yet. In the meantime we do suffer. But let’s be comforted by two thoughts.
First, a little exercise to ease your burden. Imagine that whoever hurt you suffered everyday multiple times a day with the torture of having hurt you. And suppose they appealed to you everyday or at least weekly forever to seek your forgiveness. And you continually offer it. Even if this were to happen, would it really make you feel better? Suppose the tables were turned and you were the one tortured by regret. Would your self-flagellation cure the hurt? I highly doubt it would help even a little. Better to live today with a freshness and vigor simply because you are alive and today is a gift! This leads to our second point…
You are not able to truly deal with burden are you? No you’re not. Nor is anyone else. So stop demanding it of yourself and others. Jesus is the only One capable and He’s already done it. No this doesn’t answer every question you have about the atonement. And no this doesn’t cure every burden in its entirety. But it can sure help lift it a bit today.
“God You are the burden lifter and I love You. You can handle my burdens and the burdens of others. So help me release myself and others knowing that You bore it all. You are the only One equipped to deal with our burdens.”
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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.
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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.”
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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.”
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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!”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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Today we will read a portion of Daniel 2 verse 28 which says, “There is a God in heaven Who reveals mysteries.”
The king of Babylon had a dream. And it so disturbed him that he asked the impossible of his wise men. “Tell me the dream I had and the interpretation or I will have you executed.” Of course none of the wise men could and openly told the king so. “You ask the impossible.” What else could they do?
Mad with power, disturbed by the dream, the king carried out his order until Daniel intervened. He asked for time and sought the God of Heaven - the Revealer of Mysteries. And God revealed the dream and its meaning to Daniel who shared it with the King.
Daniel’s back was against the wall. There was no other option unless God revealed. Which He did. But even Daniel was careful to tell the king why. It wasn’t because Daniel was wiser. It was to reveal.
Perhaps we think God just reveals to the prophet out of nowhere. Perhaps at times that’s true. But here, it’s in the stress of real living. And it’s in response to Daniel seeking. And it’s for the purpose of revealing.
You right now, in all your real living need the Revealer of Mysteries. And perhaps He will only reveal when asked.
“God in Heaven - Revealer of Mysteries - show me the reality around me, and the meaning. Reveal to me so that I can be a benefit to those around me and help people see You.”
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Today we will read John 21:25 - the last verse in John. It says, “And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which, if they were written one by one, I suppose not even the world itself could contain the books that would be written.”
What could possibly be said of Jesus? Mark records a verse with a similar spirit, the people were overwhelmed with amazement and said “He has done everything well!” Yes He has. The entire biblical story is one gigantic (dare I say) Easter egg (ironically) leading us to Jesus.
What other man has influenced more history than Jesus? Who has exerted more power over people by Himself dying than Jesus? Who’s teachings are more morally superior, unimpeachable, than Jesus? If you know of anyone even close, I want to know.
But honestly, why should we expect any different? Jesus is what God looks like when human. Jesus is the interface between Deity and Humanity. Jesus is real humanity and real God. We worship God and cry “mystery mystery” as well we should. But in Jesus we can say, “We have seen - and You do all things well!” Jesus is what it’s all about.
There’s no sense trying to grasp it all in one sitting. You couldn’t even if you tried. Just as John says. Instead, let your heart be moved by this man. So caring, so gentle, so strong, so thorough, so self-giving, and so God that He is bringing all things together back within Himself. It’s enough in this moment just to marvel.
“Jesus, to speak to You is to speak to God. To see You is to see God. Yes of course we’re limited in what we can see and imagine, but we’re moved. Show us more of Yourself. We love You!”
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Today we will read from first Samuel. The prophet Samuel is just a boy in the house of the Lord with the priest Eli. Twice now Samuel has been awakened by the Lord. The prompting was apparently familiar enough that the boy mistook the Lord for Eli. 1 Samuel 3:7-9 says “Now Samuel had not yet experienced the Lord, because the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. Once again, for the third time, the Lord called Samuel. He got up, went to Eli, and said, ‘Here I am; you called me.’ Then Eli understood that the Lord was calling the boy. He told Samuel, ‘Go and lie down. If He calls you, say, “Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening”; So Samuel went and lay down in his place.’”
Have you ever been awakened in the middle of the night with the sense that it was something “Other” that was waking you? What did you think it was? Perhaps something you ate. And that may be true. But perhaps it was more.
Samuel heard from God in the middle of the night - and you may as well. And when He does, there is only one response. “Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening”. Samuel had not yet “experienced” the Lord, because the word had not been revealed to Him. The word of the Lord is anything the Lord reveals. And Samuel was now experiencing God.
It is wondrous to think that God might even awaken You - perhaps tonight - and allow you to experience Him. And when He does, get up, fall to your knees, and simply respond.
“God, I won’t presume upon You - but I do want to experience You. More than anything I want to experience You. How You move is a mystery. But would You awaken me? Reveal Yourself to me. Tell me Your secrets.”
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Today we will read Acts 2:4 which says, “Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different languages as the Spirit gave them ability for speech.”
This is strange. But it’s scripture. We must receive it. The Spirit comes and fills believers. They are now partners with and animated by God. They speak in languages they did not learn - a reversal of the curse at the Tower of Babel. Humans are coming back together in the Spirit.
It’s actually a fulfillment of an Old Testament prophecy from Joel 2:28-32. Strangely enough, these days are referred to as, “The Last Days”. Can it be that whatever the last days are, we have been in them for 2000 years? A time in which the Holy Spirit is bringing us back together in Christ? Yes I think so.
And He does this at least initially through the phenomena of “speaking in tongues.” God does strange things and works in strange ways. But His end game seems clear - to bring humanity back together in Him.
So should we seek strange phenomena? I won’t say no. I do. But perhaps what we should really seek is the filling of the Spirit - whatever that entails. Whatever strange phenomena God wants to perform in us…let’s be open. However God wants to use us to bring those He loves back together…let’s be open.
“Holy Spirit fill me. Animate me to unite those You love in Jesus. Strange phenomena or not, I am open to You. Surprise me, thrill me with Your methods.”
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Today we will read Psalm 46:1 & 10. “God is our refuge and strength. An ever-present help in time of trouble. “Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted in the nations. I will be exalted in the earth.”
Today we will meditate. We will think deeply and with less words. This passage opens by focusing our thinking - God. God is our safety, God is our power. God is our help.
Then in verse 10 it says “Be Still.” or “Stop fighting.” or “Stop striving.” Calm down. Who is asking it of you? Is it the songwriter? Is it a guru? No - it’s God Himself. Be still and know that “I” am God. You are not God - and no one else is. Just Him.
But it’s not a call to empty your mind. Far from it. It’s a call to stop and consider that He and He alone will be exalted among all people in all the earth. Won’t that be a great day!
We will take longer now to consider this. Stop what you’re doing and consider God taking charge. Thoroughly setting things right. Doing all things well. You might find it helpful just to imagine Him getting bigger and bigger and filling all things and in so doing, all things getting better. We will take a little time to do this - and I will stop now and join you. You can begin imagining now.
“You are God - we praise You - we adore You. You are the King. We find ourselves in You. We love You.”
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Today we will read portions of Job 1:1-5 which says “There was a man in the country of Uz named Job. He was a man of perfect integrity, who feared God and turned away from evil. He had seven sons and three daughters. Job was the greatest man among all the people of the east. His sons used to take turns having banquets at their homes. Whenever a round of banqueting was over, Job would send for his children and purify them, rising early in the morning to offer burnt offerings for all of them. For Job thought: perhaps my children have sinned having cursed God in their hearts. This was Job’s regular practice.
Did you know that Job is the oldest book in the bible? It’s true. When it was written there was no bible. There was no Judaism. There was no church. There was no law. There was no knowledge of Jesus.
And yet this great man, this honorable man, this rich man, would rise early in the morning to offer sacrifices to God on behalf of his children. What rule instructed him? What religion? None. Something inside of Job compelled him to seek God. And not only to seek God, but to make amends for sin. It was so obvious to Job that this was worship. He also knew that it was the sacrifice, or his children that would pay for their sin.
Overlay this story with Proverbs 14:9 which says “Fools mock at making amends to sin…” Job was no fool. He took worship seriously. In fact his worship was build on the idea of thoroughly dealing with sin.
Nothing has changed. Well that’s not exactly true. God’s self-disclosure has changed - we know more. He’s shown us more. He’s revealed Jesus, and Jesus has become our burnt offering. Fundamentally though, worship still looks the same. It’s always the sacrifice that takes our sin. And fools mock the idea.
“God, I don’t need a religion, a pastor, or even a bible to demonstrate that I need a sacrifice. But I’m grateful that You have taken all the responsibility on Yourself in Jesus. You are my sacrifice. You make me right with You. And in light of that - I worship You.”
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Today we will read Genesis 22:2. Here God is speaking with Abraham and He makes an unimaginable request… “Take your son, He said, your only son Isaac, whom you love, go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about.”
We don’t like this verse (and many of the stories in scripture). Understandably so. They’re monstrous at first glance. God is asking the impossible - and why???
But let’s point something out. God did not allow Abraham to kill Isaac. Okay? Let’s remember that. Something else is happening. You may want to take time to read the entire story.
First, Abraham and Isaac go to a mountain - a mountain that God designates. When Isaac asks where the lamb is, Abraham tells his son that God Himself will provide the lamb. When they reach their spot, Abraham binds Isaac and lays him on the wood. Once he is in position, Abraham prepares to stab him. At that moment, he is stopped. God points Abraham to an animal caught in a thicket. It’s a ram - not a lamb. Strangely God does not provide the lamb. Ultimately, immeasurable blessing come through Abraham’s sacrificial and faithful act.
Hmmm - Let’s summarize: they ascend a hill. The son, the one and only beloved son is laid on wood to be pierced. God Himself provides the lamb, and immeasurable blessing flows from this act of faithful sacrifice.
Sound familiar? Yes - it’s Jesus. These stories, brutal as they are, foreign as they are, are pointing to Jesus. They are like reverse echoes that only make sense after the fact. And scripture is filled with them. What is God up to? Getting us to Jesus.
“God I don’t understand it all - not by a long shot. But Jesus is wonderful. You are wonderful. You are blessing and redeeming all things in Jesus. Thank You and I love You.”
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Today we will read Proverbs 3:19-22. It says, “The Lord founded the earth by wisdom and established the heavens by understanding. By His knowledge the watery depths broke open, and the clouds dripped with dew. Maintain your competence and discretion. My son, don’t lose sight of them. They will be life for you and adornment for your neck.
It would be easy in a spiritual practice or worship to ignore the physical and focus only on the spiritual. But in God’s way of doing things, there is no separation. It’s simply Who He is and what He does. And while we are so accustomed to the physical reality and often ignore the spiritual, true worship is actually harmonizing both. Proverbs is entirely practical. Yes, God is interested in how you do the work you do.
How does God work? Yes God works. And He does it well. Everything He does is done with wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. So what is wisdom? Scripture spends more time describing it than defining it. Ultimately God is the definition. So how about we just say that wisdom is the skill that God has within Himself to do things well. This is why the universe just works. It’s why it’s so beautiful and wondrous. Because God is a genius and full of skillful wisdom.
And then the passage quickly pivots to you. The writer tells you to “Maintain your competence.” To keep it up and keep going. To see that your skill remains sharp. To use your abilities regularly. And why? Because they are “life” for you. Adornment for your neck.
Why would God care about your work? Because you are an extension of Him. Work is good. Do you feel that way? What are you good at? You’re good at something - maybe many things. You should use it AND maintain. God does things - you should do things. And it will be a kind of glory for you.
God cares how you spend your day. Don’t waste it frivolously or sit on your hands. Use the skill you have to build on the beautiful world He has made. You never know what will come of it.
“God You are a genius - a wonderful creative! Everything You do is done well. I want to join You. Breathe fresh energy into my work and bless it in amazing ways!”
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Today we will read Isaiah 44:22 which says “I have swept away your transgressions like a cloud, and your sins like a mist. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you” and let’s parenthetically add the last part of Revelation 13:8 which says “…Christ slain from the foundation of the world”.
Have you ever avoided God? I have. What would cause us to do something like that?
Shame. A sense of shame and guilt. What if I did the same thing yesterday (or 2 seconds ago) that I’ve done a thousand times? Surely God must be done with me this time. Surely He doesn’t want me. Surely I need to clean myself a bit, or at least let a little time go by to let the dust settle before talking to Him again.
But doesn’t this knee-jerk feeling demonstrate that what you’re actually doing is depending on yourself for God’s acceptance?
And yet, look at those verses…God has ALREADY swept away your transgression and your sin. God has removed your gross rebellion (the worst of the worst) and even your rather mundane imperfections. Imagine that. He didn’t consult you. He didn’t get your consent. He simply did it. And when did He do it? Somehow, and I won’t pretend to understand…from the foundation of the world.
Your most disgusting rebellion and annoying imperfections were addressed by God long before you were ever born. It is simply not your responsibility to clean them up. You heard me right. It’s not your job - it’s God’s. Stop taking God’s job.
But you do have a responsibility. And that is to simply return to God. You’re actually doing that now. Go to God with your rebellion, imperfections and all. He has all the capacity to form you into the person you were made to be. Let Him do it. All you are required to do, is go to Him. Don’t ignore Him.
“God I believe You. You have accepted me. You’ve dealt with my guilt. I don’t have to bother with it. I return to You. Again and again. Unbelievable as it is, I believe You receive me as if I were perfect.”
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Today we will read John 11:50-52. In this passage Caiaphas (the high priest) is instructing his concerned underlings about the disturbance Jesus is causing and what should be done. Caiaphas says, “You’re not considering that it is to your advantage that one man should die for the people rather than the whole nation perish.” He did not say this on his own, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation, and not for the nation only, but also to unite the scattered children of God.
What a strange passage. Let’s quickly point out something. Caiaphas was no friend of Jesus. And yet scripture claims he was speaking prophetically. Takeaway?: Even the enemies can be putty in God’s hands. He will get done what He wants done.
But more important than Caiaphas himself is what he said, “It’s better that one die than the whole.” As harsh as this seems, and as much as we want to look away from death as a whole, this seems to be the very heart of God.
We’ve seen that Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life. And yet there’s a problem. God’s creation has rebelled, abused the physical design, repeatedly inflicted injustice on one another and self-harm on themselves, and has suffered most grievously in a way not visible. Humans are spiritually dead and distanced from the God Who loves them. What to do?
God could do nothing and allow the death to spread until there’s nothing but death - death to all. God seems to have done the complete opposite. He didn’t just step in a little bit. He took the most thorough plunge into the heart of the problem. He ate every last bit of death, all harm, all rebellion, all injustice and all spiritual decay into Himself. How exactly? I don’t have a clue. Neither does anyone else. But it’s this fact alone that unites all Christians. Jesus is the One thoroughly dealing with the problem of death.
“God I don’t get it. I have no idea all that happened on the cross. But I believe it works and will accomplish all that You want it to accomplish. Let me walk in Your Life Power today. In Jesus’ Name.”
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Today we will read John 11:25-26. Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me, even if he dies, will live. Everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die - ever. Do you believe this?”
How do we even begin to probe the depths of Jesus’ words here or anywhere? We must do what we came here for, to receive His words. Here he tells a grieving Martha, whose brother Lazarus had recently died, that he, Jesus, IS the resurrection and the life. He doesn’t say He’s going to be resurrected. He says He IS the resurrection. In the same way He says He IS the life. He doesn’t have life. He isn’t just alive. He wasn’t given His life. He IS LIFE!
You and I have a bit of life. It’s temporary and it will end. We will die. We are currently alive. But He IS life. All life comes from Him. He doesn’t just get resurrected. He is resurrection. That is, He takes that which is dead and does what only He can do - gives it life again. Life is only His to give.
And those who believe in Him though they die, will live. And never die. He doubles down and says will never die - EVER!
He finishes by asking Martha…do you believe this? … Doesn’t that ring in your heart as well? Do you believe this? Believe what? A set of facts about Jesus? A doctrine, a creed? I refuse to add to Jesus’ words here. He simply says believe IN Him. I’ll take Him at His word. To believe that He IS resurrection - He IS life. I gladly entrust myself to Him.
“Jesus, how do I even start a conversation with You! It’s all from You, IN You, for You. Life and everything good is Yours by nature. And I believe You are generous and share with those who take You at Your word. You are Resurrection and Life and I am asking to receive it from You.”
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Today we will read Luke17:20-21 which says, “Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God will come, He answered them, “The kingdom of God is not coming with something observable: no one will say, ‘Look here!’ of ‘There!’ For you see, the kingdom of God is within you.”
The Pharisees were a sect of religious Jews known for their strict interpretation and adherence to scripture. They also lived out their faith quite pretentiously. Here they are asking when the Kingdom of God will arrive.
And Jesus answer is shocking! His kingdom will not be observable. Incredible! But every other kingdom is. They come with force and violence. They have a dictator and oppress the non-compliant. How could a kingdom be anything but?
But not Jesus’ Kingdom. If it’s invisible, is it just spiritually all around us? No. It’s “In” us. “Within” us - like liquid in a cup. We contain the kingdom. We carry the presence and power of God in us. We are kingdom builders. We have Godly authority to build a lasting kingdom of which Jesus is King.
Do you believe this? Or are you sitting on your hands waiting for a yet-to-be physical kingdom? You - right now - seeking God - have. this. power. It’s happening now. You are a part. What are you doing with such power?
“God I don’t know that I even believe Jesus’ words here. They are so counter to what I’ve believed about You. But if it’s true, and if the kingdom is advancing in people like me, then I want to be active in it! Give me wisdom and strengthen me to be a Kingdom builder.”
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Today we read Matthew 5:3 which says “The poor in spirit are blessed, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.”
This is the first of what are known as the beatitudes spoken by Jesus. “Beatitude” comes from the latin word for blessed. Jesus says “Blessed are…” hence the word beatitude. Oxford Languages defines it as “Supreme Blessedness”. That is quite beautiful.
When we ask what is God like, the answer is - Jesus. God is like Jesus. When we ask what God feels, it’s what Jesus feels. What’s important to God? We can have a good idea by examining that which is important to Jesus. And here He tells us...
Blessed are the poor - the poor in spirit. The Kingdom! The kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
In what society are the poor the blessed ones? None that I’m aware of. We value strength, riches, capacity, good looks, charisma, self-assurance. The violent, and the winsome win elections and get power. The king is the most fit to rule.
But then there’s Jesus. And He flips it on its head. It’s not the mightiest. It’s the poorest. More specifically, the spiritually poor that own and rule the mightiest of Kingdoms - the Kingdom of heaven - or rather - the Kingdom of God Himself.
How do you respond to this? You’d be forgiven if you roll your eyes a bit since the idea is so foreign. But how do you feel? How strong are you really? How rich are you really? Are you a raging success? Are you beautiful? Are you charming? Are you self assured? Are you violent?
Or are you none of these things? Are even the potential of these things rapidly slipping through your fingers? Are you poor? Do you feel poor? If so, you’re right where Jesus says you’re most blessed. You can’t move the heart of God in your strength. But He gives the whole kingdom to the weak - the poor.
“God - I don’t feel rich. I feel poor. But I believe that’s what You want from me. And I believe that You give me the Kingdom because of it. That’s shocking. I don’t know whether to believe or disbelieve. Therefore, please give me the ability to see and know what that Kingdom is like. Help me see the way You do.”
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Today we will read 2 Samuel 6:14. This verse simply says “David was dancing with all his might before the Lord wearing a linen ephod.”
This is a strange and fascinating story because of what is happening, what happened before, and what happens after.
King David’s men were bringing the Ark of the Covenant (the mystical presence of God among the people) back to Israel. A servant named Uzzah reached out and touched the Ark to steady it. Yet his gesture was not received well. God’s anger burned and killed Uzzah. And consequently David’s anger burned seemingly against God. The anger caused him to fear God more.
And then later, David is dancing, mightily. He’s not holding back. Wearing a linen ephod. Who knows what that looked like, and why it matters. But it’s there.
Later in the day the king meets up with his wife Michael. She chastises him for his lack of dignity. For his extravagant worship that seemed beneath a king. David doubled down and promised to give it even more energy next time. For Michael’s part, she was unable to conceive and reproduce because of this.
This story is strange, and there are many others like it. Remember we don’t approach scripture to answer every question, but rather we receive it from God. God is different than you think or I think. He is more energetic, more involved, more strange, more holy, better…yes far better than we could imagine. King David was far from perfect, as we are. And yet He was a man after God’s heart.
We like him, would do well to consider the harsh realities we see, the strangeness we perceive, and respond with true feeling, and extravagant response in our spirits and our bodies. Perhaps this isn’t how we’d naturally assume God to be, or our response. But it may be more true to His essence, and ours.
“God, sometimes You scare me. You always thrill me. But You are worth the pursuit. I’ll give even more to celebrate You and to know You. Reveal Yourself.”
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Today we will read Romans 1:20. “For His invisible attributes, that is, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen since the creation of the world, being understood through what He has made. As a result people are without excuse.”
We are not the first to ponder the glory of the heavens and we won’t be the last. Since humans first looked to the stars and asked, “How did this happen?” we have been asking the same questions.
There are some things we can know about God because the heavens are revelation in their own right. They reveal His power, capacity, divine nature. These attributes are invisible. While we don’t see Him, we see His art. In fact we are part of His artistic expression. And we have a mind to contemplate it.
You would wonder why everyone isn’t contemplating God all the time. After all, there isn’t anything we experience or interact with that isn’t His creation. And yet many ignore Him. And because His art is so apparent, they are without excuse.
But for a worshipper, the prevalence of creative beauty compels us forward to pursue Him more and more. To at least ask this invisible God to reveal Himself more. It shouldn’t surprise us then that He reveals Himself in invisible ways. The visible plane is saturated. It’s the invisible, the spiritual where we most need Him now.
“God I look around. Anywhere, and I see You. Your power is on full display. That is obvious. And if Your artwork is this splendid, what does that say about You? I wish I could know You more. Come meet with me.”
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Today we will read John 3:16. You’ve most likely read it. It says,
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whosoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.”
No doubt you’ve seen this verse on signs at games or on a T-Shirt. It’s arguably the most famous verse in the Bible. It’s most often used as a succinct gospel presentation - as well is it should.
But often the first part of the verse gets overlooked. We know what Jesus is doing. But what is God doing? God is loving.
In fact God loves so much, everyone, everywhere…you - that He gave something so precious that it’s a one-of-a-kind. He gave the most valuable thing. God loves you so passionately that He gave what He most treasures in order to get you back. He loves!!! What is God like? He’s a lover.
And You are the object of His love. Do you feel that way? Do you believe yourself to be the target of His passion? Well you are. Does that humble you? Does it challenge your assumptions about God? It should.
“God I don’t feel loved. I don’t feel lovable. But this isn’t about how I feel. You are a lover. You give Your very best and most wonderful to win back those You love - the whole world!”
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Today we will read Luke 18:13-14. This is the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector. It says, “…But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’ I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
You’d think it’d be better to come to God once you’ve cleaned yourself up a bit. But not according to Jesus. This person made the effort to come to God out of a sense of need and humility. He couldn’t even look up. He beat his chest and confessed his sin. Notice he didn’t even promise to never do it again or even to do better next time. He simply appealed to God’s mercy.
How does God respond to such a person? Is He angry? Far from it. This is what He’s looking for. This is what He wants from you. Are you capable of dealing with your own sin on your own? Many think so - but they’re wrong. God receives the humble with open arms.
How are you? If you’re broken over the sin in your own life - you’re in good company. There is good news. God awaits your bold appeal to His mercy. Why? Because He’s better than we think. Always better.
“God I feel the same as this tax collector. How can my eyes look to you when they’re dirty? How can my mouth praise You when it’s dirty? How can my mind think of You when it’s dirty? It breaks me. But where else could I go? I come to You for mercy. Receive me. Do what You do. Amen.”
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Today we will read 2 verses. Proverbs 18:10 and then verse 11. “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are protected.” And then verse 11, “A rich man’s wealth is his fortified city; in his imagination it is like a high wall.”
These may not seem like a pair at first glance. But maybe they are. The name - YAWHEH - is a strong tower. Those who run to it are “protected?” Literally it means they are lifted up. They are elevated out of harms way. What is the Lord’s Name? Our names are combinations of arbitrary sounds. But not YAHWEH. When He revealed His “name” to Moses it was more of a description. “Yahweh is compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, rich in faithful love. Forgiving wrongdoing but also One Who brings justice.” This is a good God - and if we’re honest, we wouldn’t want Him to be any different.
The righteous run to this Name. Do you? Are you willing to believe God is this self-description? How does that affect how you approach Him? Contrast that with verse 11. “A rich man’s wealth.” It’s his fortified city - he believes it to be a high wall. A high wall - lifted up - protected.
What protects you? Is it wealth? If you have wealth is your faith in it? If you don’t have wealth, do you pursue it as though it will protect you? Of course, money is something - it isn’t nothing. But it only takes a small accident, a tragedy, a funeral, even a birthday party, to realize that money is powerless ultimately.
But God - God is the real power. He has all resource. He has all time. And He is good. Run to Him. Take refuge in Him. “God I believe this. I don’t exactly know how to take refuge in You except to say that I believe You. I lean on You to be my protection and my provision. I need You.”
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Today we will read Philippians 1:6. This verse says, “I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Who is responsible for You? You might say yourself. And in most ways we ask the question, you’d be right. But if we get a higher view, there is Someone Who has taken responsibility for you long ago. That’s God. God is the One Who began a work - and not any work - a good work - in you. And it is on Him, not you, to complete it.
Let’s acknowledge then a couple things. First, it’s not complete yet. You may have noticed that you still struggle. Perhaps you struggle more or less with the same things you’ve struggled with for years or decades. You may wonder if God is through with you. Far from it! God will see to it that the good work is completed until the Day of Christ Jesus! Perhaps we’ll ponder what that Day is another time.
Our second acknowledgement is that we are once again thrown onto the altar of God’s character. If God had a limit, a governor, a measure of patience, then we’d have for sure maxed out. But we are dealing with a Being of infinite resource. The good work He is seeing to is based on Who He is - not who we are. While mysterious, we can allow this reality to fill us with confidence (not in ourselves) but in Him. He is our confidence.
“God there are days I’m ashamed to even show up here. But no matter, You are the One doing the good work. You took this responsibility on Yourself. You are the Hero - not me. You’re amazing! I want to be receptive to the good work you are doing in and around me.”
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Today we will read Proverbs 15:24. “To the discerning the path of life leads upward, so that he may avoid going down to Sheol.”
The Old Testament doesn’t say a lot about the afterlife. And it would be impossible to know exactly what the writer of this proverb intended. No matter. This was written for our benefit and to instruct. There is a path that leads “upward”. This path is opposite and opposed to the path that leads “downward” to Sheol - the shadowy abode of the dead.
And what separates these two paths? Discernment. It’s the discerning who take the path upward. Does this surprise you? You might think sinless perfection, or righteousness, or religious observances are what lead you to God. Apparently not. It’s this magical word “Discernment.”
If we looked at the whole of Proverbs, discernment, wisdom, knowledge…these seem to be synonymous. And they have one source - God Himself - and specifically - fear of the Lord. No, you cannot earn God’s favor in yourself. But You can receive God’s favor by appealing to God Himself. This is discernment.
God, this discernment, the ability to see things for what they are, to recognize that which is true, comes from You - and how badly we need it. I appeal to You for it. Give me Your wisdom, Your understanding so that I can experience You and live this day successfully.
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Today we will read a passage from Ezekiels vision of God. This is Ezekiel 1:26-28. “The shape of a throne with the appearance of sapphire stone was above the expanse. There was a form with the appearance of a human on the throne high above. From what seemed to be His waist up, I saw a gleam like amber, with what looked like fire enclosing it all around. From what seemed to be His waist down, I also saw what looked like fire. There was a brilliant light all around Him. The appearance of the brilliant light all around was like that of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day. This was the appearance of the form of the Lord’s glory. When I saw it, I fell facedown and heard a voice speaking.”
What does God look like? And what does that even mean? Our eyes only take in the thinnest frequency band of energy and interpret that as color. But we know that there is “light” or “energy” far far beyond what we can see. And then our knowledge of energy comes to an end. So does God “look” like anything? He is Spirit. Paul says He is invisible.
And yet here, and in numerous other passages, we get glimpses of God. Rather, we get a glimpse of how He is willing to present Himself in a moment. And it is truly other-worldly. You may want to read the entire chapter to get the context of strange and magnificent creatures that attend to God. But always the most brilliance and gleam is reserved for God Himself.
Notice the difficulty in the wording: “a form with the appearance of a human” - “this was the appearance of the form of the Lord’s glory.” Ezekiel is struggling to describe what he sees. This is the best he can do. Perhaps we can take away 2 things: first, God is beyond our wildest imagine. And second, God comes to us ultimately as human.
Are you willing to receive this as it is? Again, you don’t have to understand. Faith doesn’t understand. Faith believes. And like Ezekiel, we too fall facedown when confronted with God.
God, I do not pretend to have You figured out. But I delight in the beauty of Your glory. I wonder at Your love for humanity - Your love for me.
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Today we will read Psalm 19:1-2. “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky proclaims the work of His hands. Day after day they pour out speech; night after night they communicate knowledge.”
Do you ever wonder, “Where do I start?” In such a noisy frantic world, and in your noisy frantic life, how do you even begin to look to God?
The answer is here. Look to what He has made. The heavens declare! When was the last time you looked at the multitude of stars on a clear night, or took some time to go on a walk, and marvel at the variety of trees and plants. They are beautiful aren’t they? They’re inspiring. They’re meant to be.
These created things are speaking. Night after night, all the time, they speak to you imparting to you knowledge about the Creator. What are they declaring? His glory. God we seek Your glory and we marvel at the work of Your hands.
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Today we will read Genesis 1:1 - the first verse in the Bible. It says, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”
There was a beginning to the universe. And there is One who began it - God. It would take scientists millennia to discover that evidence points to a finite beginning.
Do you find it challenging to believe in miracles? There’s no more consequential miracle than the resurrection of Jesus Christ right? Or is there? You are in a gigantic miracle. The universe itself and the abundance of life is a miracle. And without God, there would be nothing. If you find miracles difficult, just remember that you’re in one right now. You may take it for granted every moment, but it’s no less miraculous.
And if God could generate a universe with His mind, why would any miracle be unbelievable? Miracles are not difficult to believe when literally everything is a miracle. God, You have revealed Your glory for all to see who are willing to look. This universe, my own life, is a miracle. With You, anything is possible.
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Today we will read Isaiah 40:15 which says, “Look, the nations are like a drop in a bucket; they are considered as a speck of dust in the scales…”
Does the world around you seem overwhelming, loud, exhausting? You’re not alone. It’s easy to be swept up in the politics, pandemics, economics, technology, medicine, environment, society… what to do? And even if you could bring some sanity, where to begin?
And yet it is all a superficial film overtop the solidity of God. He says of the nations, not just our nation, but all the nations ever, that they are the dust on the scales. No they are not even the scales themselves. They are the inconsequential specks lying on the scales. They are a mere drop in a bucket. To God, there is no clamor, no stress, no fear, no lack of power, wisdom, or capacity.
You and I are mere mortals. But God is not. He has no limit. All that we fret about is real - that’s true. But it’s also beyond us. So why bother? Why not instead go to the one who holds the universe in His hands?
God, the things around me are too great for me. I admit it. But they are nothing for you. So here are my concerns. I give them to You. What I really need is You. And I trust You to deal with the realities of my life. Either address them, or empower me and give me the wisdom to deal with them. Either way, it’s all from You.
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Today we will read Psalm 34:8 which says, “Taste and See that the Lord is good. How happy is the man who takes refuge in Him!”
This verse could have began with, “Think and know.” Or “Try and Focus.” Or “Ponder and meditate.” But it doesn’t. It says “Taste. Taste and See.”
Your senses of tasting and seeing root you to the world around you as do your other senses. Thinking and pondering is important. But it’s easy to daydream and lose connection with what’s right in front of you. What can snap you back to reality? Something that tastes good.
Taste and see.
Have you noticed how easy it is to speak and think of God as incomprehensible? Completely outside of our everyday experience? And while I believe that He is far greater than we could ever imagine, this seems to be an open challenge to tangibly experience Him. Will you accept it?
Taste and see.
How do you go about tasting and seeing God? Maybe we start where you are and move outward: You are here. You came from somewhere. You didn’t come from nowhere. You have a story. There’s a story for everyone and everything all the way to the entire universe itself. What do you suppose would motivate God to go through all the trouble? It seems like He actually wanted to come up with an elaborate, finely detailed, beautiful, powerful design filled with life capable of tasting and seeing that He is good. He’s almost begging you. Go ahead. Look around. Taste. See that He is good.
“God, it seems strange to taste and see You. But I didn’t write it. I accept the challenge. I want it. So go ahead. Show me just how good You are!”
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Today we will read Colossians 1:18 which says, “He is also the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He might come to have first place in everything.”
We’ve been looking at the soaring song of Jesus in Colossians 1. If all the scholars and all the songwriters throughout the ages put their collective heads and hearts together, they could never exhaust the source material of Jesus Himself. There is never a risk to overshooting Jesus’ glory. There is no such thing in getting “out-over-your-skis” in praising Jesus. Each of us whether individually or collectively are barely scratching the surface.
So rather than believing the lie that your praise doesn’t matter, instead jump in the ocean and behold the King of Kings. And add your words to the mighty chorus that is resounding throughout the cosmos about Jesus.
“He is the head of the body, the church.” He’s the figure-head, He’s the authority, He’s the star of the show. And perhaps just put a pin in the fact that the church is the body and the body is the church. That will come in handy in other passages. For now, accept that we are mysteriously part of Christ’s own body.
“He is the beginning - the firstborn from the dead.” It is interesting to note that if the resurrection of Jesus is true (and here we believe it is), then anything that has previously died, is still dead. Anything since that has died is still dead. There is only one person, one being, one anything, one-of-a-kind, indeed One God, Who has died and then come back to life. There is no keeping God dead. And it is important because if He has not been raised, then neither will you or anyone else. If God is to resurrect anything or anyone, then He must start somewhere. Why not start with Himself? Why not start with the God-man? Indeed He has. And why is He the firstborn from the dead? Why is He the head? Paul tells us: so that He might come to have first place in everything.
Not some things. Not most things. All things. God (and Jesus by extension) is intensely focused on being in first place in all things. He doesn’t apologize for it. He isn’t embarrassed by it. And it’s not arrogant in the least. Why? Because He knows Himself to be wondrous, glorious, and beautiful. For Him to not have first place would be a massive disservice to all things - in fact it would be death. It is a gift to all things to have as their source, and their head, Jesus the King of the Universe. And any reconciled being knows this to be true. The more holy we become the more in love we will be with our head - the Firstborn. We too will fall ever deeper in love. He will relish in it and pour Himself out more freely as the ages press on. And we will recognize and glory more and more in the enterprise. So write the songs - sing the praise. It’s what you were meant for.
Jesus, You are first! Have first place in my life. Move out anything that is resistant to You being first place in all things.
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Today we will read Colossians 1:17. This profound verse says, “He is before all things, and by Him all things hold together.”
If ever there was a verse to nerd out on scientifically, it’s this one. And I’m willing to go out on a limb and say that Paul could hardly understand what He was writing - yay for revelation. We may have more scientific know-how than he did, but in 10,000 years our knowledge by comparison will look elementary. But if there’s a God, and if Jesus is His image, then all science will do is further demonstrate His wisdom and power bit by bit. And His revelation to us will further reveal His goodness and beauty, from glory to glory.
But until then, let’s nerd out to the extent we can shall we? He is before all things… Energy exists in a timeless state. In order for there to be time at all, energy must be cool enough to “freeze” into matter. Matter allows for time. God, and Jesus by extension, existed before time began spinning. Whether the energy of the initial singularity was borrowed essence of God, or if that energy is separate from God is a mystery only He knows. We’ve read that Jesus is the firstborn, or preeminent One of creation. Does that mean the energy of the universe is itself of Jesus? Perhaps of Jesus and not of the Father? Do I even have a clue what I’m asking? Probably not. But it’s sure wonderful to imagine. Whatever the case - He is before it all.
And all things hold together in Him. All things. Things you see and don’t see. It turns out, the things you see are almost entirely nothing. What we call solid, is a collection of atoms. These atoms have a tiny nucleus made up of particles made up of quarks. The solidity of an atom is largely electric bonds in the nucleus. The nucleus is surrounded by a swarm of flying electrons moving in quantized packets at the speed of light. The space between the nucleus and the electrons is vast in comparison. If the nucleus were a basketball, the electrons would be 30 miles away.
Believe it or not, you could have a block of lead the size of the solar system, and shoot a neutrino through it and it will hit nothing. What you consider solid is almost entirely nothing. And given that everything is moving in quantized bits, you could say that the entire universe is digital. To you and me it seems smooth but only because the resolution is so small. In reality, the entire universe is nothing more than a digital operating system sitting on top of the solidity and mind of God. So what’s real? To us the operating system is real because it’s what we’re designed to operate within. But there’s an actual real that’s denser, truly substantial, and before the universe, beyond the universe. And it’s Jesus. He holds it all together. The operating system is His idea and it’s His power that keeps it going. You and I are the bit of graphic on the screen. We think of it as so real. It’s only real because of Him. And while the thought of this could cause us to feel small, insignificant, and almost nothing (and that’s all true), remember that we are the object of His attention, love, and romance. Walk in that today.
Jesus, I’m awestruck. I’m reminded of how little I know - how little I’m aware of. Let my mind be blown but redirected to You. Always You.
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We’re continuing in Colossians 1. This is a song, possibly an early hymn, that Paul uses to teach on Jesus. Today we’ll look at verse 16 which says, “For everything was created by Him, in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities - all things have been created through Him and for Him.”
When you think of Jesus, what comes to mind? A man in His 30s walking about? Gentle and humble? Teaching, amazing crowds, working miracles? What is He like? What does He think? Is He a segment of the overall teaching of scripture? Is He the final bit of God’s redemptive plan?
Not according to Paul. This Jesus, the middle eastern carpenter, is not new to the scene. He’s not just really old. He’s not just the darling of the universe. No. He CREATED it! All of it! Every last bit is His design. It was His power that made it all. He did it. And this verse emphasizes some particulars. He created that which is visible - that is on earth. But guess what, that’s not all. There are invisible things also created by Him - the things of heaven. And there’s more. Paul lists a category of creation, or rather 4, that are uniquely His: thrones, dominions, rulers, and authorities. All words to denote the powerful. They are indeed 4 unique greek words. They mean something even if we can’t parse them out perfectly. But here’s what we can know - these rulers, powerful as they may be, whether visible or invisible, majestic, awful, frightening, oppressive…are all created by Him and for Him. There is literally nothing in all of creation that has any ounce of power where the name of Jesus isn’t branded all over. He is the owner. And He will accomplish exactly what He intends through it.
So you don’t need to worry. They are powerful - yes. But they too must surrender, bow the knee, and yield their power to the One Who is up to more than you, or I, or any archangel or devil could possibly imagine.
This is the Jesus of the Bible, the Jesus of Paul. Who is Jesus to you?
Jesus, I admit, I just think way too little of You. Give me a Paul-sized vision of You. Bring that to my imagination today.
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Today is the first installment of several in Colossians 1. Verses 15-20 are a soaring song about Jesus. You can read it for yourself but today we’ll read verse 15 which says, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.”
What does God look like? What IS God like and what does He do? Is there a question more important? You can spend your entire life building your own little empire, staying healthy, increasing your learning, having a family, fill in the blank, but get this question wrong, and the results could be catastrophic. There is nothing more important for you to ponder than God Himself. And this isn’t just for the religious. Everyone on earth including you has two things in common. First - you are currently alive. Second - you will eventually die. Contemplating the Creator and engaging the Creator is truly the most critical activity for a human being and every human owes it to themselves to ask the biggest questions.
Paul has an answer for the God question. God is Jesus. Jesus is God. Jesus is the image of God. Why would God need an image? Well, because God is invisible. When you picture God, what do you see? An old man, a flashing throne, an amorphous swirling glob of energy? They’re all wrong. The answer is nothing. There is nothing to see. The God of the Bible has no form, no physical features, nothing our senses can experience. Does that bother you? The implication is that without an image, without revelation, there would be no way for you or me to know or experience God.
Thankfully He has an image. Jesus Himself. An image carries the properties of the deity to people so they can understand. Zeus had images - many of them. They were all dumb lifeless statues. And as grand a statue sitting in the Parthenon may have been, it was still carved by human hands, and utterly powerless.
But not Jesus. The true God images Himself in a way humans can truly grasp - a human image. But while Jesus is a flesh and blood image, He is more. He is the quote “firstborn” over all creation.
Firstborn. Some take firstborn to mean first made. But that’s not what it says. God doesn’t birth children. But He does have a firstborn - in Greek it’s - pro-TO-tokos and means preeminent. Don’t understand it? Join the club. All we need to know is that Jesus Himself predates the manger, and the universe itself. He predates time and all, literally all of creation is His - He’s the darling of all creation - the preeminent one.
It might be enough for today to linger in the thought of a timeless Christ, the accessible image of God Himself. We don’t have to understand. It is enough to behold and worship.
Jesus, You are blowing my mind. Self-existent image of the invisible God. I am in awe of You.
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Today we will read Luke 17:20-21 which says, “Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God will come, He answered them, “The kingdom of God is not coming with something observable: no one will say, ‘Look here!’ of ‘There!’ For you see, the kingdom of God is within you.”
The Pharisees were a sect of religious Jews known for their strict interpretation and adherence to scripture. They also lived out their faith quite pretentiously. Here they are asking when the Kingdom of God will arrive.
And Jesus answer is shocking! His kingdom will not be observable. Incredible! But every other kingdom is. They come with force and violence. They have a dictator and oppress the non-compliant. How could a kingdom be anything but?
But not Jesus’ Kingdom. If it’s invisible, is it just spiritually all around us? No. It’s “In” us. “Within” us - like liquid in a cup. We contain the kingdom. We carry the presence and power of God in us. We are kingdom builders. We have Godly authority to build a lasting kingdom of which Jesus is King.
Do you believe this? Or are you sitting on your hands waiting for a yet-to-be physical kingdom? You - right now - seeking God - have. this. power. It’s happening now. You are a part. What are you doing with such power?
“God I don’t know that I even believe Jesus’ words here. They are so counter to what I’ve believed about You. But if it’s true, and if the kingdom is advancing in people like me, then I want to be active in it! Give me wisdom and strengthen me to be a Kingdom builder.”
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Happy Passion Week. And thank you for listening to these classic replays as my family and I have been moving into our new home. New content will be coming tomorrow but for today, I hope you enjoy this last classic replay on “Sin.” Everything in the life of Christ led up to this week and to the cross in particular. It’s good to be reminded that dealing with sin is the entire reason Jesus came in the first place. Matthew 1:21 says “She will have a son, and you are to name Him Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”
The name Jesus started as Yeshua. It’s well established that this is even how it was pronounced. So how did Yeshua become Jesus? The name Yeshua was common - the equivalent of Joshua. The name itself means “God saves” or “God delivers.” The Hebrew language doesn’t have vowels, and sometimes the Y was pronounced as a J. Therefore - Jehshua, or Jeeshua. Latin added an M, or an S. Jesum, Jesus.
However it happened exactly, what cannot be denied is that this God-man, named “God delivers” came to rescue us from our sin and through peacefully, lovingly, and radically ministering, ultimately dying a humiliating and bloody death, has utterly turned the world upside down. Every person owes it to themselves to take Jesus seriously and consider the implications in their own life. Thank you again for listening.
Today we will read 1 John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
There are some who believe they have no sin (or perhaps very little). The next verse affirms this when it says “If we say ‘we don’t have any sin,’ we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.” These are the resistant. There are others who are so grief-stricken, so disappointed, so ashamed of themselves that they live their lives in a self-imposed prison. These are the hopeless.
But scripture offers a better way. Scripture acknowledges our sin. It doesn’t even apologize for doing so. There it is. In you, in me, in everyone. What to do with it though? Bury it, try better next time, punish yourself?
No. Take it to God. Boldly and without hesitation. Confess to Him and He will forgive. And not only forgive, but cleanse you of all unrighteousness. God stands ready to forgive every wrongdoing, every misstep, every rebellion, the very worst deeds that you could possibly commit…He stands ready to forgive simply with a confession.
Does this sound too good to be true? Just because it’s incredible to you, doesn’t mean that it’s not true. God is far better than you or I think. God made all this possible in Jesus Himself. He will deal with the injustice of humanity in His own way and in His own time. But for now…you…if YOU confess YOUR sin… do it now.
God You are true. I am sinful. If I only judged myself by my own standard I miserably fail. But compared to You, I would be a liar to say I’m not sinful. But I confess to You and I receive Your forgiveness and Your cleansing of all my unrighteousness. I don’t even hesitate. I don’t wait until I feel better. I receive it now. I confess the following…
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Today we will read Romans 1:20. “For His invisible attributes, that is, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen since the creation of the world, being understood through what He has made. As a result people are without excuse.”
We are not the first to ponder the glory of the heavens and we won’t be the last. Since humans first looked to the stars and asked, “How did this happen?” we have been asking the same questions.
There are some things we can know about God because the heavens are revelation in their own right. They reveal His power, capacity, divine nature. These attributes are invisible. While we don’t see Him, we see His art. In fact we are part of His artistic expression. And we have a mind to contemplate it.
You would wonder why everyone isn’t contemplating God all the time. After all, there isn’t anything we experience or interact with that isn’t His creation. And yet many ignore Him. And because His art is so apparent, they are without excuse.
But for a worshipper, the prevalence of creative beauty compels us forward to pursue Him more and more. To at least ask this invisible God to reveal Himself more. It shouldn’t surprise us then that He reveals Himself in invisible ways. The visible plane is saturated. It’s the invisible, the spiritual where we most need Him now.
“God I look around. Anywhere, and I see You. Your power is on full display. That is obvious. And if Your artwork is this splendid, what does that say about You? I wish I could know You more. Come meet with me.”
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Today we will read John 3:16 again. We looked at this verse yesterday. But it’s okay to meditate on a verse or idea for days on end. We are not the first. John 3:16 says “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whosoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.”
We focused yesterday on God. God is a lover. God loves You. God loves the world. Far from a distant, uninvolved, disinterested force, God is a passionate and intentional lover.
And it is because of His love that He gives what the world actually needs - His One-of-a-kind, special Son.
In all the pain and loss you’ve experienced, and the heartache those you love experience, you might be tempted to think that God is distant. But He’s not. He’s actually given everything He has to give. A creative universe, life itself, and His Son through Whom He is reconciling all things.
Does this surprise you? Would you do it differently? You wouldn’t be the first to question God. It would be easy to prefer that God went around putting bandaids on every hurt. Or every death. But He doesn’t.
Instead, God gave Himself. And what all happened in Jesus in His life, and on the cross is impossible to know. What we do know is that it is, and will ultimately be effective at bringing everything together under God in a good way.
So where does that leave us then? This verse tells us - “…everyone who BELIEVES in Him…”. Believes? Yes. It’s as simple as that. Hardly earth-shattering. Just the simple acknowledgement that God has it under control. God will work it out. This is why we worship.
“God I don’t get it. But I receive Your love. I receive Your Son. I receive You. I believe Jesus - that He is life everlasting and in Him You will fix everything - in Your way. In the meantime, in my unknowing, I choose to believe and to worship.”
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Today we will read Luke 18:13-14. This is the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector. It says, “…But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’ I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
You’d think it’d be better to come to God once you’ve cleaned yourself up a bit. But not according to Jesus. This person made the effort to come to God out of a sense of need and humility. He couldn’t even look up. He beat his chest and confessed his sin. Notice he didn’t even promise to never do it again or even to do better next time. He simply appealed to God’s mercy.
How does God respond to such a person? Is He angry? Far from it. This is what He’s looking for. This is what He wants from you. Are you capable of dealing with your own sin on your own? Many think so - but they’re wrong. God receives the humble with open arms.
How are you? If you’re broken over the sin in your own life - you’re in good company. There is good news. God awaits your bold appeal to His mercy. Why? Because He’s better than we think. Always better.
“God I feel the same as this tax collector. How can my eyes look to you when they’re dirty? How can my mouth praise You when it’s dirty? How can my mind think of You when it’s dirty? It breaks me. But where else could I go? I come to You for mercy. Receive me. Do what You do. Amen.”
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Today we will read Colossians 1:19-20. These verses say,
“For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him and through Him to reconcile everything to Himself by making peace through the blood of His cross whether things on earth or things in heaven.”
Every religion worships. But I wonder, how do they know how? What is God like? There are many things we can deduce without a bible - that God creates, and is all-powerful if we even understand what “all-powerful” means. We are in fact hopelessly limited.
That is, unless God shows us what He’s like. These verses succinctly say what the whole Bible is about. That Jesus is the fullness of God in a way we can best understand. What is God like? Look at Jesus. What does God feel? Look at Jesus. What does God do? Look at Jesus. Jesus is the interface between 4 dimensional humans, and inter dimensional deity. He is the absolute fullness of God and man.
Do you understand this? Neither do I. But should it surprise you that God would reveal Himself in such a way? Why not? In order to communicate at all it must be in a way that humans can understand. Why not as a human? God is thorough in every other way - why not in His communication?
And what did Jesus do? He reconciled, or restored friendly relations, with… with what? With EVERYTHING on heaven and on earth. Everything? It’s what it says. What does it mean? I suppose it means everything. And why shouldn’t it? God is God of all!
“God, my mind races with thoughts of all You are and all You’re doing. I don’t have a clue but I’m excited for You! You are the hero and I get to watch as You reconcile all things. Praise Your Name!”
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Today we will read 2 verses. Proverbs 18:10 and then verse 11. “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are protected.” And then verse 11, “A rich man’s wealth is his fortified city; in his imagination it is like a high wall.”
These may not seem like a pair at first glance. But maybe they are. The name - YAWHEH - is a strong tower. Those who run to it are “protected?” Literally it means they are lifted up. They are elevated out of harms way. What is the Lord’s Name? Our names are combinations of arbitrary sounds. But not YAHWEH. When He revealed His “name” to Moses it was more of a description. “Yahweh is compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, rich in faithful love. Forgiving wrongdoing but also One Who brings justice.” This is a good God - and if we’re honest, we wouldn’t want Him to be any different.
The righteous run to this Name. Do you? Are you willing to believe God is this self-description? How does that affect how you approach Him? Contrast that with verse 11. “A rich man’s wealth.” It’s his fortified city - he believes it to be a high wall. A high wall - lifted up - protected.
What protects you? Is it wealth? If you have wealth is your faith in it? If you don’t have wealth, do you pursue it as though it will protect you? Of course, money is something - it isn’t nothing. But it only takes a small accident, a tragedy, a funeral, even a birthday party, to realize that money is powerless ultimately.
But God - God is the real power. He has all resource. He has all time. And He is good. Run to Him. Take refuge in Him. “God I believe this. I don’t exactly know how to take refuge in You except to say that I believe You. I lean on You to be my protection and my provision. I need You.”
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Today we will read Proverbs 15:24. “To the discerning the path of life leads upward, so that he may avoid going down to Sheol.”
The Old Testament doesn’t say a lot about the afterlife. And it would be impossible to know exactly what the writer of this proverb intended. No matter. This was written for our benefit and to instruct. There is a path that leads “upward”. This path is opposite and opposed to the path that leads “downward” to Sheol - the shadowy abode of the dead.
And what separates these two paths? Discernment. It’s the discerning who take the path upward. Does this surprise you? You might think sinless perfection, or righteousness, or religious observances are what lead you to God. Apparently not. It’s this magical word “Discernment.”
If we looked at the whole of Proverbs, discernment, wisdom, knowledge…these seem to be synonymous. And they have one source - God Himself - and specifically - fear of the Lord. No, you cannot earn God’s favor in yourself. But You can receive God’s favor by appealing to God Himself. This is discernment.
God, this discernment, the ability to see things for what they are, to recognize that which is true, comes from You - and how badly we need it. I appeal to You for it. Give me Your wisdom, Your understanding so that I can experience You and live this day successfully.
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Today we will read Jeremiah 1:5 which says, “I chose you before I formed you in the womb; I set you apart before you were born.”
What do you think about your life? Perhaps you’re like many today who believe your life is not valuable, or special, or important. But that’s not so. Not only did God form Jeremiah in the womb, but God chose him even before He formed him in the womb. How can this be? No one knows. But his life was important to God.
Not only was he chosen, but he was set apart. Set apart? Unique? Special? Yes! Why? Because God wanted it so.
And it’s the same with you. You ARE chosen. You ARE special to the only One Who matters - God. What are you chosen for? What are you set apart for? Only God can reveal that. And that is why you are here right now doing what you are doing.
God, I believe my life is special because of You. I want to realize the special calling and purpose You have for me. I trust that it is good. Perhaps not easy. Perhaps not simple. But good. I know that I can only realize it with You. Give me glimpses now.
Take a moment and express these thoughts to God in your own way.
Thank you for taking this time. Feel free to stay here as long as you like. May God bless your day. And I look forward to being here with you again next time.
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Today we will read Mark 16:1-6 which says, “When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so they could go and anoint Him. Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they went to the tomb at sunrise. They were saying to on another, ‘Who will roll away the stone from the entrance to the tomb for us?’ Looking up, they observed that the stone - which was very large - had been rolled away. When they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a long white robe sitting on the right side’ they were amazed and alarmed. ‘Don’t be alarmed,’ he told them. ‘You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has been resurrected! He is not here!…”
What is the most important thing Jesus did? Is it even possible to answer that question? Everything Jesus has done, continues to do, and will do is absolutely perfect and totally consistent with His nature. It was in His nature to create the universe. It was in His nature to love humanity. It was in His nature to take on all the responsibility of reestablishing the lost relationship with us. It was in His nature to go the distance in dealing with sin all the way to the bloody cross. And it’s in His nature to live! Nothing can keep Jesus from doing exactly what He sets out to do.
Is resurrection hard to believe? It’s actually not complicated. All you need to do to perform a resurrection is to apply the perfect amount of energy, in the absolute perfect way, perfectly understanding all the variables, and with perfect wisdom. Nothing to it. For God that is. Doing things perfectly is simply what He does. And God lives. What is death compared to an infinitely energetic God? It’s an aberrant only here briefly to accomplish even more mysterious but perfect wishes of the King.
Resurrection in itself is hardly miraculous for God. He generates universes with such wisdom as to confound physicists. The science behind it is like breathing for God. The true miracle, if there is such a thing with God, is the fact that God is Who God is. We have a God Who wants to create, and pursue, and go the distance, and not cut a single corner along the way. Our God wants You, and our God will not stop until He has you. The resurrection is just one more indication of what He’s like. And He’s just getting started. The resurrection, like the cross, is not the end but simply the beginning. Jesus started it. But He’s taking us along for the ride. So buckle up. Because He is way more energetic, and way better than we could possibly imagine.
Jesus, praise Your name! You are alive. Nothing can hold you back. I worship You and celebrate You! Hallelujah.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Today we will wrap up our time in Psalm 103 by reading verses 20-22. “Praise the LORD, all His angels of great strength, who do His word, obedient to His command. Praise the LORD, all His armies, His servants who do His will. Praise the LORD, all HIs works in all the places where He rules. My soul, praise Yahweh!”
Psalm 103 hits it all. God is a forgiving and healing God. God is a just God. We are frail, and temporary but He is solid and enduring. We are left with a choice - how do we respond to God such as He is? In short answer - we praise. But what is praise? The hebrew word is “barak” and means to bless. It’s literally to say good things. To use your energy to speak well of God. To kiss God with your words. To choose to celebrate Him and let your feelings and emotions follow. They will.
Do you find it difficult or strange to praise God? Does God seem just too far away to engage? Is He a non-physical essence that’s easier to just contemplate? Well okay. Understood. Then why not just simply follow the pattern of David here. Let’s repeat what he says and see what that does. After all we say day after day that seeking God is the risk we take. We make a choice to reach out into the void. Eventually that means actually doing it. So let’s say these together. Close your eyes for a moment, say it loud or soft. It doesn’t matter so long as you say it…
“Praise the LORD
All His angels of great strength who do His word,
obedient to His command.
Praise the LORD all His armies
His servants who do His will.
Praise the LORD, all His works
in all the places where He rules.
My soul, praise Yahweh!”
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Today we will read Psalm 103:15-19. It says, “As for man, his days are like grass - he blooms like a flower of the field; when the wind passes over it, it vanishes, and its place is no longer known. But from eternity to eternity the LORD’s faithful love is toward those who fear Him, and His righteousness toward the grandchildren of those who keep His covenant, who remember to observe His precepts. The LORD has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all.”
Everything you and I experience in this world is man-focused. We see everything through our eyes, and process it in our brains. We work feverishly to feed ourselves and our families, to make a name, to get along and negotiate with others, and vainly cling to the life that is rapidly slipping through our fingers.
Yes you will bloom like a beautiful flower. You’ll have your moment in the sun and all will look on you and your talents and your accomplishments and applaud. And just as quickly as the accolades come they will fade and move along to another - younger - better. And you will fade as the flower does. Eventually you’ll pass on and just perhaps be remembered by a generation or two before your memory fades into oblivion.
And then there’s God - solid - unchanging - forever. He’s always been here and always will. And fortunately for us fading humans, He is a God “Hesed” - of faithful, enduring, loyal love. You may fade, He does not. You’re unfaithful, He is faithful. You lack love - He has it all. You do not have the capacity to keep the little you have - while He is the unshakable King of an unshakable Kingdom.
So you have a choice to make today. What will you invest in? Can you keep the bloom alive? Can you keep the flower from fading? Of course not. Enjoy it for what is and embrace its imminent demise. But fix your thoughts, attention, devotion, obedience, and energy on the One who not only has it all, but desires to share it with you, and your children’s children. What good reason do you have then to not seek God? No one likes to think about our limits. But it’s as obvious as the rising and setting of the sun. Get a jump now on being a member of God’s Kingdom. And just see what He does with you.
“God, I know my time is limited. But I’m limited. I need You to take these truths and bring them home.”
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We’re continuing in our reading of Psalm 103 - a psalm of David. This is a beautiful and encouraging psalm. If you’re new, you might want to check out the last few episodes on Psalm 103. We’ve been encouraged to praise God - our ultimate healer - a God full of benefits - who enacts real justice. Even now, go ahead and take a few seconds and repeat after me out loud. Say, “I praise You God - my healer - in You I have everything.”
Today we’re looking at verses 11-14 which say, “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His faithful love toward those who fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him. For He knows what we are made of, remembering that we are dust.”
How much do you think God loves you? Not someone else. Not someone more deserving. You - how much do you think God loves you? You wouldn’t believe it if I told you. It’s a lot. In fact its infinite. It’s as high as the heavens are above the earth. No one could measure that. That’s how much God loves you - yes you!
But what about all the stupid junk you’ve done? Maybe even yesterday, or 30 seconds ago? Isn’t He mad? Doesn’t it tarnish how He loves? Hardly. You just don’t understand the love of God yet. He has separated you from all your stupid junk as far as the east is from the west. Not sure if you’ve noticed, but there’s a limit to north and south. You can only go so far north and then you have to go south. But you can go east or west forever and ever. He has separated you from your sin by that much.
But isn’t He a mighty King? A powerful and holy sovereign? Isn’t He to be dreaded? Shouldn’t you cower in his presence? Well, do you cower in your dads presence? He’s your father. A good father loves his children and God is the perfect father. He has compassion on you. No need to cower.
But doesn’t He have high expectations of us that we fail at moment to moment? Surely He sees us as pathetic and weak. Surely we have failed Him.
Well - sorta. It is true He has lofty “Plans” for us. But He is keenly aware of what He’s made. He loves, forgives, and has compassion on you knowing that you - and this may seem odd - are dust. You are a transitory temporary tenant here. You are fragile, earthy, and limited. There are reasons you are this way and there are accompanying weaknesses. But God is aware of all of them. His expectations of you take your entire context into account. He’s a much better Father than you can possibly imagine.
You have one responsibility. And it’s right there. Your job (if that’s even the right word) is to “fear” Him. We’ve addressed this word before. But for now just ask yourself, “what is it you fear?” Do you fear the recession, losing your job, getting sick, losing a loved one? You fear something and probably lots of things. But do you actually fear that which has real power? God has all the power and resources. Why not elevate your fear to one object? God Himself. And there find out that He is supremely wonderful. This is what your soul needs. And there is an infinite supply in God Himself.
God I love You - You love me - I need You - You want me - I’m dirty - You forgive and pursue me…show me today how to live in light of that.
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We’re continuing our time in Psalm 103. We began by praising God and then observed the incredible benefits we get in God. Perhaps listen to the last couple of episodes, or take a moment and say, “God I praise You. In You I have everything.” Go ahead…
Today we are looking at verses 6-10 which say, “The LORD executes acts of righteousness and justice for all the oppressed… The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and rich in faithful love. He will not always accuse us or be angry forever. He has not dealt with us as our sins deserve or repaid us according to our offenses.”
Some don’t like the idea of a punishing God. Others relish in it. But what is God actually like? Is He punitive? Is He permissive?
What would you want to God to be like if you could choose? At the very least, we want a God who is easy on us since we esteem ourselves as mild offenders. We prefer a light-handed God.
But do you want to live in a world where the victim is left holding the bag? Let’s say someone is murdered and God simply says, “I forgive you.” Who is paying the consequence? Well, it’d be the victim and their family. Or suppose the murderer is locked up, hung, or faces a firing squad - has justice been served? Has life been returned? Punishment has been meted out but has justice been restored?
These are the questions that haunt our souls because we are faced with such extreme suffering and injustice. Only God can be the solution to all of it. And here we see how.
The Lord does execute righteousness and justice for the oppressed. In other words, He restores the loss. He repays and restores. That’s nice - but what about when we’re the offender? Well, in that case He is gracious, slow to anger and rich in faithful love. While He accuses, and is angry, He’s not that way permanently. Other passages say this mercy is new every morning. Ultimately, He is lenient. He doesn’t treat us as we deserve. Are you grateful for that?
Ask yourself, are there any one of these characteristics of God that you wished were different? Is anything left unsatisfied? Only this God could truly bring all things back in order. But how? Well, the grand story of scripture, and certainly this one, is that in Jesus, all the injustice of the world, the righteousness, compassion, grace, and anger of God, came to a head and was dealt with in a thorough, God-sized way. How exactly? That’s for God to know. Our response is to marvel, praise, and express gratitude.
God, You’ve got it all under control. You will deal as You see fit, and I’m so grateful. Thank you for dealing with injustice in a real way, and thank You for dealing with me kindly.
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Today we will continue in Psalm 103. We began by looking at verse 1 & 2 as an encouragement to our soul to praise God. Even now, take just a moment and encourage your own soul. You can simply say softly, “I praise You God, I praise You God, I praise You God.” Go ahead.
We continue in this Psalm in verses 3-5 which say, “He forgives all your sin; He heals all your diseases. He redeems your life from the Pit; He crowns you with faithful love and compassion. He satisfies you with goodness; your youth is renewed like the eagle.”
What sticks out to you as you hear these verses? Personally, it’s the “heals all your diseases” part. Great songs have been written on it. But He clearly doesn’t heal “all” diseases. At least not yet. Indeed some suffer with ailments for years until their physical bodies succumb. Perhaps some of us focus on the “diseases” because it’s the most visceral, most obvious.
But look at the other things God is doing…forgiving all your sin, redeeming your life from…well…whatever the Pit is. Crowning you with His love and compassion, satisfying you, renewing your youth and energy.
My goodness, if He’s truly doing these things, then what a God! Healing disease is the easiest bit. God is treating you and me like royalty. Do you want that? Do you want God?
We are strange people. We can tie our sense of wellbeing to facebook likes - people that can offer us nothing more than a passing bit of attention. Meanwhile the God of the Universe is giving us infinite attention and treasure. Just think about that.
But again, facebook likes, like diseases, are immediate, here and now, and fleeting. Whether or not a disease takes you or me today, or in 20 years remains to be seen. But in the heavenly’s and for all eternity, you have God Himself and all the benefits that come with Him. Be blessed and live in that light today.
God, You forgive, heal, redeem, crown, and satisfy. I want to know You and rest in You today. Praise You God.
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We’re going to be spending a few days in Psalm 103 - a beautiful song by David. Today we will read verses 1 & 2 which say, “My soul, praise Yahweh, and all that is within me, praise His holy name. My soul, praise the Lord, and do not forget all His benefits.”
Good morning to you (or whenever you’re listening). Have you noticed yet that life is a rat-race and it doesn’t take much to get overwhelmed by the frenzy of your life? Of course you have. Things you want to do, things you fear you’ll never get to. Want to know what to do? King David tells you. “My soul, praise Yahweh.”
Start here. David is giving an order to his own soul. What’s the soul? It seems to be the immaterial part of you. David doesn’t say, “I’m going to praise.” He’s not that brazen. Rather he’s encouraging something within him.
What is he telling his soul to do? Obey Yahweh? Think about Yahweh? Evangelize others about Yahweh? Pray to Yahweh? No. He tells his soul to praise. Praise - to express warm admiration.
How do you praise someone? You applaud them, verbally express their qualities, recount their exploits, lift your voice or your hands to participate in their triumph… there are any number of ways to praise. And as a human, you do this naturally. And you should be lavish in your praise of others.
And if you’re comfortable praising and celebrating a worthy person for their work, how much more appropriate to praise God for His? Of course with most things, especially important things, it’s not that easy. Why do you think David has to tell his own soul what to do? Perhaps you should too. Soul - praise God - and don’t forget all the advantages God gives.
Why not do that now right where you are? Even open your mouth and hear your own voice say, “Soul - praise God. God you are worthy to be praised for the following…” go ahead.
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Today is a little different. We will look at Genesis 1 as a whole. We don’t have time to read all of it here but it wouldn’t take you long on your own. We’re going to hit some highlights. And as we do, ask yourself - can I trust this? Is there enough here to have confidence not just in God, but in what God communicates…
Let’s begin. First, Genesis 1 was written anywhere from 2600 to 3400 years ago. Many would say without question that it was written by Moses, while others disagree. Whoever it was, consider that it was written thousands of years before any modern conventions of science.
Genesis 1 is written in ancient Hebrew - a language with relatively few words - 7000ish - as compared to say English which has 175,000. This means that one Hebrew word is packed with meaning and can be used more flexibly.
Genesis 1 has 31 verses that don’t have the luxury of changing with new discoveries. It is what it is - it says what it says. And the first statement is the boldest of all. In the beginning… the Greeks argued that the universe is eternal, and that view was widely held until the Hubble gave evidence of the Big Bang, the singularity, the…whatever you call it… a beginning. Genesis 1 beat the Hubble to it.
Now consider the claims of Genesis 1 that shockingly correspond to modern earth science. First, the early earth was chaotic but soon covered entirely in water. When dry land eventually emerged, primitive life soon followed. Afterwards the atmosphere allowed the appearance of the sun, moon, and stars through what was otherwise a translucent atmosphere. Advanced life began not on land but in the oceans with an incredible creative, explosive act. The earth participated in bringing about land animals. And last on the scene right towards the end of it all - humans.
There are protests of course. But let’s just focus on one - the quote unquote “creation” of the sun on day 4. Remember what we said about Hebrew words. That’s important. And Hebrew actually has 3 words used to describe what God does in creating and forming.
First is “bara” which is to create out of…nothing. This word is only used 3 times - at the very beginning and then not again until day 5 with the explosion of animal life in the oceans. Google “Cambrian Explosion” for more on that. And the last time the word is used is in the creation of the human soul.
The second word is “asah” and means to form. God formed man’s body out of existing stuff, but “bara” created the soul.
The third word is “hayah” and means to appear. It is this word that is used of the sun, moon, and stars on day 4. It is perfectly plausible that Genesis 1 is stating that the celestial bodies, rather than coming into existence on day 4, were rather made apparent.
We’ve only scratched the surface. We haven’t addressed how long a day is - does it have to be 24 hours? Did Adam have a bellybutton, who did Cain marry… these are all great question and there are many great physicists, theologians, and experts in a variety of fields who have done wonderful work harmonizing Genesis 1 and then some to modern science. But figuring it all out isn’t really the goal. We began by asking, is there enough to confidence not just in God, but in what He communicates. There will always be rocks to uncover and mysteries to solve, but thousands of years ago this ancient was written with startling accuracy. The real question, will you use it as a springboard to seek God?
God you’re amazing. And whatever You did, and however long it took, I do trust You. And more importantly, I seek You - I need You. Let me experience You more.
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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.
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Today we will read the beautiful story of Jesus washing His disciple’s feet in John 13 starting in verse 3. “Jesus knew that the Father had given everything into His hands, that He had come from God, and that He was going back to God. So He got up from the supper, laid aside His robe, took a towel, and tied it around Himself. Next, He poured water into a basin and began to wash His disciples’ feet and to dry them with the towel tied around Him.”
The One of God, going back to God, does the work of the servant - cleaning the feet of His disciples. Of course we all know how filthy feet can get in sandals on a dusty road in an agrarian world without indoor plumbing. But that’s beside the point. Jesus has more on His mind than feet. Peter refuses. But so important is this act that He tells Peter, “If I don’t wash your feet, you have no part of me.” So Peter does Peter. “Then wash everything!” But Jesus doesn’t need to. Peter is “clean”. Only his feet remain. Jesus knows they’re confused and says, “You’ll understand afterward”. Perhaps we will never in all eternity truly grasp His act. But we can marvel in the meantime.
The disciples, with the exception of Judas per the story (and even he got a foot washing), were already clean. But their feet required maintenance. The feet are the only part of body to make contact with the ground regularly. It’s understandable they’d get dirty. And it seems obvious that the “dirtiness” is more than dirt. Judas was unclean because he was about to betray Jesus. He didn’t truly belong. His case was terminal. He was destined for destruction. But the disciples were clean because of Jesus. Well mostly clean anyway.
You too, in Jesus, are clean. And yet, there’s parts of you that regularly make contact with the dirt. And you find yourself yet again in need of cleaning. Not the whole of you, just a part. Incredibly, you are not responsible for cleaning your own mess. Confused? Jesus makes it clear, if He doesn’t do it, then you have no part with Him. You are not the one to clean yourself. You have one job. And that is to sit there quietly, humbly, and allow the Son of the Universe to serve you yet again in all His beauty. To wash off that bit of extra grime yet again. And just be ready. You’ll need the same treatment again soon enough. He always stands ready.
There are only so many ways to get dirty feet. You’re limited. You’re not unique. All of us in Jesus need to return to Him again and again for this washing. It seems His pleasure to do so. And without it we have no part in Him. So don’t hesitate.
There is another story this reminds me of. It’s recorded in all four gospels. Mary cares deeply for Jesus’ feet. She cries and wets them with her tears. She pours expensive perfume on them, and wipes them with her hair. She even kisses them.
Clearly Jesus was in no need of moral cleaning. This is different. She was the one cleaned by Him. She was the “sinful woman” afteral. She was so moved, and so in tune with Jesus that she prophetically prepared Him for His work. In response to what He had already cleaned in her, she used what was at her disposal to worship. She had tears, perfume, and hair. She had kisses. And in response to Jesus, she poured them out on His feet, and He received it.
You do not impress Jesus with your goodness. It’s never been that way. You cooperate with Jesus when you allow Him to do what He wants - and that is to clean you, repeatedly. And in response, you too, like Mary, can use whatever is at your disposal to pour out worship on His beautiful feet.
God I’m moved just thinking about You. How wonderful You are. Again and again I’m brought back to You. I need You. Wash my feet. Receive my tears. I love You!
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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.
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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.
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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.”
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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!”
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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.
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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Today we will read Matthew 5:5 which says, “The gentle are blessed, for they will inherit the earth.”
This is a beatitude from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Each statement originally began with the word “Blessed”. If you want to be supremely blessed, and who doesn’t, then follow Jesus’ teaching here.
Jesus upends our worldview. He’s really good at that. And this is no exception. You are blessed if you are gentle. Gentle? Since when does gentleness get you anywhere? You’re told to be assertive. If you want to get ahead, see yourself as someone worthy of respect, and then demand that of others. Cut through the noise, make a big splash, and be noticed. Take it while you can. Don’t put up with crap from anyone. Get in the last word.
But gentleness is none of things. Gentle is showing mild or measured temperament. Gentle is the opposite of harsh. Gentle is kind. But Jesus has a promise. The gentle will inherit the earth. Imagine that! In our way of thinking, gentle people get overlooked and stepped on. Gentle people don’t get rich. Gentle people don’t get ahead.
Yet Jesus makes this bold promise to you and me. Do you want to get ahead? Do you want dominion? Do you want to inherit the earth? Do you trust Jesus? Then be gentle. When you want to be harsh, especially then, if what you really want is to get ahead, then be gentle.
“God this doesn’t make sense. But if I’m honest, my harshness doesn’t have the power to get me where I want anyway. I will be gentle and watch You work.”
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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.”
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If you appreciate this work, consider supporting it - https://www.patreon.com/seekgodtogether 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.”
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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.
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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.
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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.”
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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?
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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Roe v Wade has been overturned. The level of discourse leading to this has been unlike any other. Some have even appealed to the Bible to defend abortion. So what does the Bible say on the matter? What doesn't it say? God bless your day as you seek Him.
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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.”
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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.”
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Today we read Matthew 5:3 which says “The poor in spirit are blessed, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.”
This is the first of what are known as the beatitudes spoken by Jesus. “Beatitude” comes from the latin word for blessed. Jesus says “Blessed are…” hence the word beatitude. Oxford Languages defines it as “Supreme Blessedness”. That is quite beautiful.
When we ask what is God like, the answer is - Jesus. God is like Jesus. When we ask what God feels, it’s what Jesus feels. What’s important to God? We can have a good idea by examining that which is important to Jesus. And here He tells us...
Blessed are the poor - the poor in spirit. The Kingdom! The kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
In what society are the poor the blessed ones? None that I’m aware of. We value strength, riches, capacity, good looks, charisma, self-assurance. The violent, and the winsome win elections and get power. The king is the most fit to rule.
But then there’s Jesus. And He flips it on its head. It’s not the mightiest. It’s the poorest. More specifically, the spiritually poor that own and rule the mightiest of Kingdoms - the Kingdom of heaven - or rather - the Kingdom of God Himself.
How do you respond to this? You’d be forgiven if you roll your eyes a bit since the idea is so foreign. But how do you feel? How strong are you really? How rich are you really? Are you a raging success? Are you beautiful? Are you charming? Are you self assured? Are you violent?
Or are you none of these things? Are even the potential of these things rapidly slipping through your fingers? Are you poor? Do you feel poor? If so, you’re right where Jesus says you’re most blessed. You can’t move the heart of God in your strength. But He gives the whole kingdom to the weak - the poor.
“God - I don’t feel rich. I feel poor. But I believe that’s what You want from me. And I believe that You give me the Kingdom because of it. That’s shocking. I don’t know whether to believe or disbelieve. Therefore, please give me the ability to see and know what that Kingdom is like. Help me see the way You do.”
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Today we will read Philippians 1:6. This verse says, “I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Who is responsible for You? You might say yourself. And in most ways we ask the question, you’d be right. But if we get a higher view, there is Someone Who has taken responsibility for you long ago. That’s God. God is the One Who began a work - and not any work - a good work - in you. And it is on Him, not you, to complete it.
Let’s acknowledge then a couple things. First, it’s not complete yet. You may have noticed that you still struggle. Perhaps you struggle more or less with the same things you’ve struggled with for years or decades. You may wonder if God is through with you. Far from it! God will see to it that the good work is completed until the Day of Christ Jesus! Perhaps we’ll ponder what that Day is another time.
Our second acknowledgement is that we are once again thrown onto the altar of God’s character. If God had a limit, a governor, a measure of patience, then we’d have for sure maxed out. But we are dealing with a Being of infinite resource. The good work He is seeing to is based on Who He is - not who we are. While mysterious, we can allow this reality to fill us with confidence (not in ourselves) but in Him. He is our confidence.
“God there are days I’m ashamed to even show up here. But no matter, You are the One doing the good work. You took this responsibility on Yourself. You are the Hero - not me. You’re amazing! I want to be receptive to the good work you are doing in and around me.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
If you appreciate this work, consider supporting it - https://www.patreon.com/seekgodtogether 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.”
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Today we will continue in Psalm 103. We began by looking at verse 1 & 2 as an encouragement to our soul to praise God. Even now, take just a moment and encourage your own soul. You can simply say softly, “I praise You God, I praise You God, I praise You God.” Go ahead.
We continue in this Psalm in verses 3-5 which say, “He forgives all your sin; He heals all your diseases. He redeems your life from the Pit; He crowns you with faithful love and compassion. He satisfies you with goodness; your youth is renewed like the eagle.”
What sticks out to you as you hear these verses? Personally, it’s the “heals all your diseases” part. Great songs have been written on it. But He clearly doesn’t heal “all” diseases. At least not yet. Indeed some suffer with ailments for years until their physical bodies succumb. Perhaps some of us focus on the “diseases” because it’s the most visceral, most obvious.
But look at the other things God is doing…forgiving all your sin, redeeming your life from…well…whatever the Pit is. Crowning you with His love and compassion, satisfying you, renewing your youth and energy.
My goodness, if He’s truly doing these things, then what a God! Healing disease is the easiest bit. God is treating you and me like royalty. Do you want that? Do you want God?
We are strange people. We can tie our sense of wellbeing to facebook likes - people that can offer us nothing more than a passing bit of attention. Meanwhile the God of the Universe is giving us infinite attention and treasure. Just think about that.
But again, facebook likes, like diseases, are immediate, here and now, and fleeting. Whether or not a disease takes you or me today, or in 20 years remains to be seen. But in the heavenly’s and for all eternity, you have God Himself and all the benefits that come with Him. Be blessed and live in that light today.
God, You forgive, heal, redeem, crown, and satisfy. I want to know You and rest in You today. Praise You God.
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We’re going to be spending a few days in Psalm 103 - a beautiful song by David. Today we will read verses 1 & 2 which say, “My soul, praise Yahweh, and all that is within me, praise His holy name. My soul, praise the Lord, and do not forget all His benefits.”
Good morning to you (or whenever you’re listening). Have you noticed yet that life is a rat-race and it doesn’t take much to get overwhelmed by the frenzy of your life? Of course you have. Things you want to do, things you fear you’ll never get to. Want to know what to do? King David tells you. “My soul, praise Yahweh.”
Start here. David is giving an order to his own soul. What’s the soul? It seems to be the immaterial part of you. David doesn’t say, “I’m going to praise.” He’s not that brazen. Rather he’s encouraging something within him.
What is he telling his soul to do? Obey Yahweh? Think about Yahweh? Evangelize others about Yahweh? Pray to Yahweh? No. He tells his soul to praise. Praise - to express warm admiration.
How do you praise someone? You applaud them, verbally express their qualities, recount their exploits, lift your voice or your hands to participate in their triumph… there are any number of ways to praise. And as a human, you do this naturally. And you should be lavish in your praise of others.
And if you’re comfortable praising and celebrating a worthy person for their work, how much more appropriate to praise God for His? Of course with most things, especially important things, it’s not that easy. Why do you think David has to tell his own soul what to do? Perhaps you should too. Soul - praise God - and don’t forget all the advantages God gives.
Why not do that now right where you are? Even open your mouth and hear your own voice say, “Soul - praise God. God you are worthy to be praised for the following…” go ahead.
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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Today we will read Revelation 21:4 which says “He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”
Have you ever been woken up by your burdens? Has your stomach ever been in knots over your regrets? It could be a decades old wound. Did someone hurt you? Did you hurt someone? Have you prayed and prayed and prayed but pray as you may, it never goes away?
The answer - as always - is God. This verse (and this certainly isn’t the last time we’ll address this verse) shows us that sorrow, death, pain, crying…these are inevitable and part of the human experience. The burden you feel proves you are alive. And that God is the One who wipes away the tears.
Imagine God like a mother literally wiping away her child’s tears. To the child anything can be a burden: a hurt feeling, a scraped knee, disappointment or even regret. What the child needs is mom to make it go away and the simple act of wiping away the tears soothes the hurt.
God will ultimately do this for us but not quite yet. In the meantime we do suffer. But let’s be comforted by two thoughts.
First, a little exercise to ease your burden. Imagine that whoever hurt you suffered everyday multiple times a day with the torture of having hurt you. And suppose they appealed to you everyday or at least weekly forever to seek your forgiveness. And you continually offer it. Even if this were to happen, would it really make you feel better? Suppose the tables were turned and you were the one tortured by regret. Would your self-flagellation cure the hurt? I highly doubt it would help even a little. Better to live today with a freshness and vigor simply because you are alive and today is a gift! This leads to our second point…
You are not able to truly deal with burden are you? No you’re not. Nor is anyone else. So stop demanding it of yourself and others. Jesus is the only One capable and He’s already done it. No this doesn’t answer every question you have about the atonement. And no this doesn’t cure every burden in its entirety. But it can sure help lift it a bit today.
“God You are the burden lifter and I love You. You can handle my burdens and the burdens of others. So help me release myself and others knowing that You bore it all. You are the only One equipped to deal with our burdens.”
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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.
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Today we will read Psalm 8 verse 3 (and later verse 4) which says, “When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers - the moon and the stars you set in place…”
You are alive, thinking, and aware of your immediate surroundings. Zoom out now and consider that you’re a part of a community, a country, and a planet. And that this planet owes all, literally all of its energy to a single, stable, middle aged, yellow dwarf star of no particular significance at all.
Our sun lives in the Orion Arm, a rural part of the Milky Way Galaxy. Our location is so spacious that the fastest spacecraft ever built would take 80,000 years to reach the next nearest star - Proxima Centauri. But it’s okay - you can still see about 2000 stars on a clear night. For most of human history, and surely when this psalm was written, that was extent of the known cosmos. 2000 stars.
We now know that the Milky Way has a staggering 100 billion stars. How big is 100 billion? Well, if you printed the Adobe asterisks page (which is filled with 4000 asterisks) it would take a stack of paper nearly 2 miles high to reach 100 billion asterisks. That’s just our galaxy and its 50,000 light years across. That’s big.
Our nearest large neighbor, Andromeda, is another 2.5 million light years away. That may seem far but we’re all close friends with another 50 galaxies that make up our local group. Local groups make up clusters. And clusters form super clusters. Ours is the Virgo Supercluster and contains around 2000 galaxies. Superclusters combine into vast filaments of rotating harp-like strings sitting in a universal ocean of dark matter. All told there are 10 million superclusters, 200 billion galaxies, and 200 billion trillion stars in the known universe.
The question you must answer for yourself is, did all that come from nothing, or from something? And does that something (or someone) care about you?
Indeed, “When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers - the moon and the stars you set in place - what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them?”
God, I’m simply blown away by Your power, vastness, genius…You have no limits. How is it You’ve done all this, made it possible for me to be here, and love me? I don’t even know how to respond.
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Today we will read Mark 16:19 which says, "After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God.” And we’ll also read Hebrews 7:25 which says, “Therefore, He is always able to save those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them.”
Happy Ascension! Technically the Ascension of Christ is 40 days after Easter. And spoiler alert, Pentecost (or the outpouring of the Spirit) occurs 10 days after Christ’s Ascension.
Central to Christianity, is our namesake - Christ Himself. If Jesus didn’t rise bodily from the dead, as in literal flesh and blood, the literal stuff that made up His body, then what hope is there for you? What hope is there for anything or anyone if God does not resurrect? Jesus is the start of it all. And our faith says it really happened. But then what?
The passage says that Jesus ascended and sat down at the right hand of God. Did He have to travel far? Or was the Ascension a type of transition out of our 4 dimensions into infinite dimensions of spirit realms all around us? God knows. Regardless, Jesus took up His position of power and sovereignty at the throne.
And what is He doing with all that power? All that position? Well, He’s talking to God. He’s talking to God about You. Right now, the King of All - the Creator - the Sovereign - the One with all resource - is talking to the Father about you. He’s asking for things on your behalf. He’s actively concerned and caring for you. Yes you - right now. Whether you realize it or not.
How does that make you feel? How does that make you view God? How does that make you feel about Jesus? You don’t have to get His attention. You have it. Does He have yours?
What would you like Him to do for you? What do you want? If you’ve got His full attention, why not ask? Do it now.
Jesus, I trust You to know what I need. I need You - the King of all.
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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.”
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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.”
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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!”
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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.”
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Today we will read 2 Samuel 6:14. This verse simply says “David was dancing with all his might before the Lord wearing a linen ephod.”
This is a strange and fascinating story because of what is happening, what happened before, and what happens after.
King David’s men were bringing the Ark of the Covenant (the mystical presence of God among the people) back to Israel. A servant named Uzzah reached out and touched the Ark to steady it. Yet his gesture was not received well. God’s anger burned and killed Uzzah. And consequently David’s anger burned seemingly against God. The anger caused him to fear God more.
And then later, David is dancing, mightily. He’s not holding back. Wearing a linen ephod. Who knows what that looked like, and why it matters. But it’s there.
Later in the day the king meets up with his wife Michael. She chastises him for his lack of dignity. For his extravagant worship that seemed beneath a king. David doubled down and promised to give it even more energy next time. For Michael’s part, she was unable to conceive and reproduce because of this.
This story is strange, and there are many others like it. Remember we don’t approach scripture to answer every question, but rather we receive it from God. God is different than you think or I think. He is more energetic, more involved, more strange, more holy, better…yes far better than we could imagine. King David was far from perfect, as we are. And yet He was a man after God’s heart.
We like him, would do well to consider the harsh realities we see, the strangeness we perceive, and respond with true feeling, and extravagant response in our spirits and our bodies. Perhaps this isn’t how we’d naturally assume God to be, or our response. But it may be more true to His essence, and ours.
“God, sometimes You scare me. You always thrill me. But You are worth the pursuit. I’ll give even more to celebrate You and to know You. Reveal Yourself.”
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Today we will read John 3:16. You’ve most likely read it. It says,
“For God so loved the world,
that He gave His only Son,
that whosoever believes in Him
will not perish but have eternal life.”
No doubt you’ve seen this verse on signs at games or on a T-Shirt. It’s arguably the most famous verse in the Bible. It’s most often used as a succinct gospel presentation - as well is it should.
But often the first part of the verse gets overlooked. We know what Jesus is doing. But what is God doing? God is loving.
In fact God loves so much, everyone, everywhere…you - that He gave something so precious that it’s a one-of-a-kind. He gave the most valuable thing. God loves you so passionately that He gave what He most treasures in order to get you back. He loves!!! What is God like? He’s a lover.
And You are the object of His love. Do you feel that way? Do you believe yourself to be the target of His passion? Well you are. Does that humble you? Does it challenge your assumptions about God? It should.
“God I don’t feel loved. I don’t feel lovable. But this isn’t about how I feel. You are a lover. You give Your very best and most wonderful to win back those You love - the whole world!”
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Today we will read Mark 4:4-9. This is the Parable of the Sower and it says, “As he sowed, this occurred: Some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Other seed fell on rocky ground where it didn’t have much soil, and it sprang up right away, since it didn’t have deep soil. When the sun came up, it was scorched, and since it didn’t have a root it withered. Other seed fell among thorns, and the thorns came up and choked it, and it didn’t produce a crop. Still others fell on good ground and produced a crop that increased 30, 60, and 100 times what was sown.” Then He said, “Anyone who has ears to hear should listen!”
Jesus taught in parables or stories. They memorable and easy to share. But what do they mean? Fortunately for us, Jesus explains the meaning of this parable just a few verses later. The soil is the human heart and the seed is the word of God. What is the word? The word is whatever God communicates culminating in the God-man Jesus Himself. But unfortunately not everyone receives the communication of God as readily.
Jesus categorizes the hearers into four groups. The first hear the word but it is of no affect. The birds quickly come and eat the seed. Or rather, Satan removes it. The result is simple, the word does nothing. It’s as if it was never there at all and the listeners go on their merry way oblivious.
The second group hears the word and are even excited. There’s an explosive and enthusiastic growth that is obvious and visible, but with just a little pressure and adversity, it withers and is no more. This group is a bright flame that extinguishes quickly.
The third group hears the word, and it even takes root! There’s growth. Everything looks great. Except there’s something else - thorns. The word is not alone. These thorns represent worries, the seduction of wealth, and the desire for things. They begin to crowd and choke the word. Slowly over time the thorns suck the nutrients and energy. There just isn’t enough resources to go around. Just not enough room to breath. Apparently the word needs space, freedom, and energy to be productive.
Lastly, some of the seed makes its way to fertile soil. Here the word is welcomed, allowed to grow, and produce a crop. Incredibly the production isn’t double or triple what is sown. It’s not even 10 times what is sown. Nope. It’s 30, 60, or even 100 times what is sown! The rate of return is exponential!
I suppose the takeaway, if I’m honest, is that I see all these groups active in my life. How about you? Do you fall into one category or several? If you’re listening, and if you care, it’s all but guaranteed that you’re not in the first group. But let’s ask God to spare us from groups two and three, and to help us produce an exponential return on what He sows in us.
God, multiply, exponentially multiply Your word in us. God, help us to eliminate anything, literally anything, that would choke out your word.
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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.”
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Today we will read a passage from Ezekiels vision of God. This is Ezekiel 1:26-28. “The shape of a throne with the appearance of sapphire stone was above the expanse. There was a form with the appearance of a human on the throne high above. From what seemed to be His waist up, I saw a gleam like amber, with what looked like fire enclosing it all around. From what seemed to be His waist down, I also saw what looked like fire. There was a brilliant light all around Him. The appearance of the brilliant light all around was like that of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day. This was the appearance of the form of the Lord’s glory. When I saw it, I fell facedown and heard a voice speaking.”
What does God look like? And what does that even mean? Our eyes only take in the thinnest frequency band of energy and interpret that as color. But we know that there is “light” or “energy” far far beyond what we can see. And then our knowledge of energy comes to an end. So does God “look” like anything? He is Spirit. Paul says He is invisible.
And yet here, and in numerous other passages, we get glimpses of God. Rather, we get a glimpse of how He is willing to present Himself in a moment. And it is truly other-worldly. You may want to read the entire chapter to get the context of strange and magnificent creatures that attend to God. But always the most brilliance and gleam is reserved for God Himself.
Notice the difficulty in the wording: “a form with the appearance of a human” - “this was the appearance of the form of the Lord’s glory.” Ezekiel is struggling to describe what he sees. This is the best he can do. Perhaps we can take away 2 things: first, God is beyond our wildest imagine. And second, God comes to us ultimately as human.
Are you willing to receive this as it is? Again, you don’t have to understand. Faith doesn’t understand. Faith believes. And like Ezekiel, we too fall facedown when confronted with God.
God, I do not pretend to have You figured out. But I delight in the beauty of Your glory. I wonder at Your love for humanity - Your love for me.
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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.”
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Today we will read 1 Corinthians 1:18,21 which say, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but it is God’s power to us who are being saved…For since, in God’s wisdom, the world did not know God through wisdom, God was pleased to save those who believe through the foolishness of the message preached.”
We believe in a man who walked the earth 2000 years ago and is said to have risen from the dead. We largely (though not entirely) take this account from texts that are said to be breathed out by God and written by man. For many, for most, this is pure folklore - utter foolishness. But for others, this is an expression of the power of the God of the universe.
What do you think? If I’m being honest, there are days, many days, I wake up and think, “Am I sure I believe this?” If you ask that question, it’s okay. It’s okay to examine important things. It’s good to ask of your marriage, “Will I stay true to what I’ve promised today?” So long as the answer is yes. Or to your children, “Will I choose today to my own desires aside to seek your good?” These questions determine what you value. It’s no virtue to turn our brains off or to leave the most important things in life unexamined.
But what do you think? We pride ourselves on being knowledgeable. I mean Google is at our fingertips. We have all the answers right? Maybe not. Quote, “In God’s wisdom the world did not know God through wisdom.” If you look all the way back to Genesis 1, the Bible claims that the universe had a finite beginning. Whenever that beginning was, it was a beginning. And yet the prevailing wisdom of humanity all the way back to the Greeks and up until the last century has believed that the universe is eternal and static. So much for human wisdom. It would be a cruel burden for God to demand of us perfect understanding in order to know Him. Could you do it? Is there anyone who has the wisdom to know God via their brain? The philosopher is just guessing.
So God places the burden somewhere else. He is pleased to save those who believe. And believe in what? Through a message preached. A communication. Those who believe the communication of God are basically taking Him at His word. Believing someone is the basis for a genuine relationship. And God offers that.
So what say you? There’s a whole lot in scripture we can debate. But this passage focuses on just one thing. The cross. What say you about the cross? Is it God’s power to save? Or is it foolishness. Those are the options. And you must choose. And if you’re unsure, or vacillating, why not reach out to God and simply ask for His wisdom.
God, I believe, but I also struggle to believe. I know You’re a communicating and saving God. I’m not even sure why I doubt. But help me believe. Give me your thoughts.
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Today we will read a lengthier passage in Acts 17. Verses 24-32 say this, “‘The God who made the world and everything in it - He is Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in shrines made by hands. Neither is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives everyone life and breath and all things. From one man He has made every nationality to live over the whole earth and has determined their appointed times and the boundaries of where thy live. He did this so they might seek God, and perhaps they might reach out and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us. For in Him we live and move and exist…God now commands all people everywhere to repent, because He has set a day when He is going to judge the world in righteousness by the Man He has appointed. He has provided proof of this to everyone by raising Him from the dead.’ When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some began to ridicule him.”
Have you ever wondered why life is the way it is, why human power dynamics are such as they are, why you seem to get just a few short years to figure things out then you die, why there’s suffering, why God seems distant… Paul tells you, but will you believe him?
In this pithy statement, Paul summarizes The Human Condition. Let’s walk through it together. There is a God who is creative and has made everything you see and don’t see. And while He Himself is immaterial and needs nothing, it is in Him that you and I have the energy of life. And He created a mechanism whereby you arrived on the scene. Trace it back far enough and you get to one man (or in other manuscripts - one blood). We are related then somehow. But there’s more, we have appointed times, a start and a finish, and appointed boundaries - limits.
You, as jarring as it is to admit, have limitations imposed by the Great Creator. But why? Paul’s answer - so that you’d reach out and seek God. But He’s not far. He’s close, but He requires of you to seek. Your limits, your humanity, your experience with others, this life and breath, is all so that you’d reach out to the great uncreated Creator who is waiting for you. And in Paul’s thinking, this is the essence of repentance.
But there’s even a limit to this paradigm. At some point, God will intervene and bring about righteous judgment. And He has opted to do so by proxy. He will judge via the God-man Jesus Himself. And how can you know that this is so? God has proven it by raising Jesus from the dead.
Perhaps there are days when this seems too fanciful or mythical. Certainly Paul’s listeners thought so. Some ridiculed him. Have you ever thought, “If only I lived closer to the time of Christ I’d believe easier?” Perhaps you wouldn’t. Perhaps I wouldn’t. Things are no different now. You and I are here - alive - thinking - and we must choose as everyone must whether to ridicule, or to repent and seek God. That is why you are of course. And it’s okay to revisit this line of thinking daily if necessary. This scripture is here for that reason and this time is here for you to seek God.
God I believe. I don’t know it all, not by a long shot, but I believe You and I seek You. Reveal Yourself to me now.
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Today we will read Psalm 38:1-3 which say “O Lord, don’t rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your rage! Your arrows have struck deep, and your blows are crushing me. Because of your anger, my whole body is sick; my health is broken because of my sins.”
Many scriptures are soaring, lofty, encouraging, and beautiful. These are not. They’re gritty and painful. But they are however illuminating. They provide insight as to how David related to God - how David saw God.
How often do you, when you think of God, see Him as static, standing at a distance with a blank expression on His face? So far above our experiences that He’s unmoved? Not David. David sees God as keenly aware, engaged, and emotional - even in a fit of rage. In David’s mind, God Himself is punishing him. He calls them God’s arrows and blows. David is sick because of it. He sees his illness as God’s doing. And David believes he deserves it. They may be God’s arrows, but the brokenness is the result of sin.
But is God punishing David? Is God more aloof than David assumes? Well, who are you and who am I to answer such a question? We can get some insight (as always) by looking at Jesus. Did Jesus get angry? Yes. Did He punish? Well, He was quick to forgive and seemed more interested in absorbing the punishment Himself - though not indifferent to sin. Was He aloof? Not even a little.
So did David get it right or wrong? Well he’s a man after God’s own heart so it’d be quite a reach to say he ever got God wrong. What’s most important is that David approached God at all - most don’t. And his approach was visceral and honest. And he wasn’t fatalistic. He appealed to God to fix the problem, to heal the wound. David appealed to God to change His mind. Imagine that.
It seems more important than getting it right, is approaching God with your honest feelings. That’s what moves the heart of God.
God, it’s not always sunshine. And sometimes it’s just plain my fault. But will You fix it? Fix me, heal me. I want to see Your goodness.
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Today we will read Exodus 21:22-23. These verses say, “When men get in a fight and hit a pregnant woman so that her children are born prematurely but there is no injury, the one who hit her must be fined as the woman’s husband demands from him, and he must pay according to judicial assessment. If there is an injury, then you must give life for life…”
The bible has little to say about unborn babies. But it isn’t entirely silent. You could summarize scriptures’ teaching on the unborn as a mystery, a place of budding life where the divine meets the physical.
Regardless, the passage at hand is part of the Old Testament law. And it’s fair to ask what role the law plays in the Christian faith. Do we follow every law? No. Were some laws fulfilled and done away with? Yes. Are we going to solve the matter right now? Hardly. But we can safely say that all the laws fall under a handful of general principles AND that these principles were more than addressed by Paul, John, and of course Jesus Himself. And in this way we can see what’s important to God. There are many laws regarding sexual ethics. The takeaway? How you use your body sexually is important to God. Jesus says that even looking at women lustfully is adultery. There are numerous laws regarding religious purity and the sacrificial system. Takeaway - how you approach God matters. Jesus says to be perfect even as Your Father in heaven is perfect. And the text at hand as well as numerous other laws highlight the fact that life is of critical importance to God. Jesus says that to hate your brother is to murder in the heart.
Back to our passage. The text reads that if two men are fighting and a pregnant woman is accidentally hit and thus prematurely gives birth (the Hebrew literally means to come out), the issue at hand is whether there is injury. Scripture acknowledges that accidents happen. But the injustice must be set right. Payment must be made even if there is no additional injury. The men must pay the husband whatever he deems appropriate. However if there is injury, the penalty must be commensurate even to the point of death.
To be fair, there is historical debate among Jewish rabbis as to what this passage means exactly. Is it referring to the baby and mother, to the mother only, to the baby only? You decide. But don’t miss the forest for the tree. Life is a gift from God. And He values life.
God, help me to value life as You value life. Help me to see life as You see life. You are alive, and life is from You.
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Today we will read 2 Samuel 23:3-4. These are the last words of David, King of Israel, passionate worshipper, forgiven transgressor, ancestor of Jesus, warrior, poet, musician, man after God’s own heart…he says, “The God of Israel spoke; the Rock of Israel said to me, ‘The one who rules the people with justice, who rules in the fear of God, is like the morning light when the sun rises on a cloudless morning, the glisten of rain on sprouting grass.’”
David could have compared a Godly reign to anything: a castle with high walls, a splendid temple, a rich city bustling with enterprise, military conquest and vanquished enemies. No, he chose a sunrise. A simple sunrise. Something so mundane that it’s happened predictably every single day for ages and will continue for ages. A sunrise. Chances are it happened before you got up. Or if you’re an early bird and it’s still dark, you’ll likely get your morning coffee and go through your routine without hardly giving it a second thought.
A sunrise. Predictable. Steady. But that’s not even what David focuses on. No it’s the beauty of a sunrise on a cloudless morning. Nothing to impede the vision of that gentle golden gleam across the glistening grass.
Have you noticed that when you stop to watch a sunrise you wish you did so more often? It’s breathtaking and yet it happens every morning. You could set your watch by it. In fact, you have to watch it precisely on its schedule not yours. You can’t rush the sunrise. And you won’t see it if you don’t discipline yourself to get up early, sit still long enough, at just the right time, looking in just the right direction. Otherwise you’ll miss it - it’ll be too late.
Such is the Godly King. And you, if you want the effectiveness of David, the closeness to God of David, the blessing of David, ultimately the Jesus of David, you will imitate David who spent many mornings on a hill watching the sunrise, seeking God, getting to know His King. The invitation is there for you just as surely as the sun will rise.
Oh God, You are beautiful. I want You my King. I cannot rush You, I will meet You on Your schedule, on your terms. Help me to respond to You.
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Today we will read Psalm 119:1-2. These verses say, “How happy are those who way is blameless, who live according to the Lord’s instruction! Happy are those who keep His decrees and seek Him with all their heart.”
Psalm 119 is the longest chapter, and poem in the bible. In English, you’ll notice that it’s broken down into several groups of 8 verses each. At the beginning of each group of 8 verses, your Bible may have a strange Hebrew character. These are the letters of the Hebrew alphabet. And each verse begins with it’s corresponding letter. So the first 8 verses start with “alef” and the next 8 with “bet” and so forth.
This lengthy chapter opens with these verses. “How happy are those…” That sounds familiar. A few times we’ve looked at Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. He opens his teaching in the same way…how happy, how blessed, or even how supremely blessed…
Do you want to be happy? Do you want to be blessed? I do. Do you feel like that happiness, that blessedness is illusive? That you’re missing it? You’re not alone. Pay careful attention then to what it says…
How happy are those whose way is blameless, who live according to the Lord’s instruction. Literally it’s saying that happiness is reserved for those walking within God’s law. Those who keep His instruction AND, and what? Seek Him with their whole heart. There it is again. The importance of actively and energetically seeking Him - as You are right now. But what is the seeking linked to? It may sound old fashioned, but it’s simple observance of God’s law. Not what you think it is, not what you wish it to be, but what has actually been commanded.
The two are linked. Happiness in God does not exist in a vacuum. If you feel thin and unsatisfied in your happiness with God, if you want to be happier, or more blessed, simply ask yourself and God, “Am I seeking with my whole heart?” And if you’re wondering what that even means I would add, “Have you set aside distraction-less time with God recently?” It’s easy to avoid. And then the followup question, “Is there instruction from God that you’re neglecting?” Asking these questions could make all the difference in your happiness today.
God I want to be happy, I want to be blessed. I seek You now, and I ask You to show me if there is anything keeping me from enjoying You.
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Today we will read Romans 11:32 which says, “For God has imprisoned all in disobedience, so that He may have mercy on all.”
What will happen in the end - when everyone is dead - everyone’s judged? What will hell be like and who will be there?
These are not pleasant questions. But are there any that are more important? Really? If we take life seriously, and the reality of death seriously, we must deal with it. If we take scripture seriously, we must deal with what it says. And frankly there are verses like this one right under our nose that we frankly ignore.
Who has God imprisoned in disobedience? All. Are there any exceptions? It doesn’t appear so. And who will He have mercy on? All. The same All. Will there be any exceptions? That is the question but in faith looking at this verse, we must say it doesn’t appear so. This runs counter to our typical thoughts on an eternal tormenting hell. And while there isn’t time in a thousand lifetimes to answer all the questions arising from just this one verse, let me ask you a couple questions…
First - Christ’s work on the cross - is it enough to deal with the sin of everyone?
Second - If the answer to the first question is yes - would there be anything to stop God from applying Christ’s work on the cross to everyone?
And if this maybe too out of the box, let’s just re-read the verse … “For God has imprisoned ALL in disobedience, so that He may have mercy on All.”
“God I don’t know what You’re up to. But if this verse is hinting at what I think it’s hinting at - then You’re up to far more than I ever could have imagined.”
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Happy Mother's Day! Enjoy this classic replay.
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Today we will read Matthew 23:37 - “Jerusalem, Jerusalem! She who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her. How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, yet you were not willing.”
What is God like? God is like Jesus. And here we see that Jesus is sad and therefore God is sad. What has Jesus so moved?
It’s the children. Jerusalem had a collective resistance. But resistance to what? To Jesus being…motherly. Jesus equates His affection to a nurturing hen gathering, protecting, loving… and this breaks His heart. The result of this resistance is a broken Jesus, and a broken Jerusalem. The resistance has real consequences.
Jesus could have expressed rage over their stubbornness. Threatened action against their ingratitude. But no. He’s like a hurt mom wishing her children would simply receive the love she offers and all the protection and benefits that accompany it. This is not a happy part of the story. But it is revealing of the heart of God.
Will you receive God this way? It may be very different than how you typically think of Him. But we’re not attempting to reinforce our view of God but to receive Him as He is.
“God, I can’t imagine the depth of feeling You have for Your children. I am Your child. I know that I too have resisted. And if I’m honest it’s because in some way I distrust You - even without realizing it. But I want to trust. I don’t want to resist. I want to know Your heart.”
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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…
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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.
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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!
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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.
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Today we will read Isaiah 43:18-19, and 21. These verses say, “Do not remember the past events, pay no attention to things of old. Look, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert. The people I formed for Myself will declare My praise.”
You may have heard the old adage, “The bible is written for you, not to you.” It’s good to remember that we are reading ancient literature for a particular time, people, and place. Exactly what the Jews thought when they heard this is unknown. But it’s important to recognize that this portion of Isaiah is in the “Servant” or better yet, “Jesus” passages of the book.
When you think of God, do you see a being doing new things? Or do you see a distant, static being unmoved by our pain? Unwilling to take action?
Here God is anything but. Not only are we told that God is doing a new thing, but it’s so new, so novel, so revolutionary, that we are to forget the past. This new is so new that there’s no room to remember the old. It’s that new.
“Do you not see it?” He asks. The text reads with a sense of frenzy. “I will make rivers in the desert” Rivers don’t flow in the desert. But when God does new things, the convention of the old becomes obsolete. The new is here! And God is doing it.
And what’s the result of this fury of new activity? The people will declare His praise. But not just any people. Not distant or insignificant people. These people have been formed by God, and for God. He made people for Himself. He seems to exult in doing a new thing and receiving praise from people. And He doesn’t even apologize for making people for His own sake. It’s you. You are His people! Are you willing? Are you willing to praise?
God I praise You! I use my mouth, my voice, my hands to declare that You are wonderful! You are active. Be active in and around me today!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Today we will read Luke 24 verses 13-15 and then verses 25-27. They say, “Now that same day two of them were on their way to a village called Emmaus, which was about seven miles from Jerusalem. Together they were discussing everything that had taken place. And while they were discussing and arguing, Jesus Himself came near and began to walk along with them. He said to them, ‘How unwise and slow you are to believe in your hearts all that the prophets have spoken! Didn’t the Message have to suffer these things and enter into His glory?’ Then beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He interpreted for the them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures.”
Happy post Passion Week! Jesus has risen from the dead! The Resurrection and reconciliation of all things has begun with the Savior Himself! But we’re between Christ’s resurrection and His ascension, when Jesus takes up His throne and authority. That will come in a few weeks. For now, He’s in His resurrected form. And there are admittedly, some oddities associated with it. For instance in this story, two of Jesus’ disciples are discussing, or arguing rather about everything that had taken place when suddenly Jesus Himself joins their discussion. They don’t even recognize it’s Him. Is it because they were too distracted by the discussion? Did He have a face covering? Were their minds kept from seeing Him for Who He was? Or is it possible that His resurrected body was somehow different than His pre-resurrected body? Nobody knows. And the biblical writers didn’t consult us or our curiosities when writing. We’re forced to marvel.
In any event Jesus listens to their discussion for a while before rebuking them for being unwise and slow. Rather pointed. It seemed obvious to Him that scripture was crystal clear that the Messiah had to suffer. Scripture at this point, mind you, was the Old Testament. So Jesus unpacks all the ways the Old Testament tells about His suffering. The journey from Jerusalem to Emmaus was about 7 miles. That’s roughly 2 hours of walking. As a pastor friend once told me, if you can’t talk about Jesus from the Old Testament for 2 hours, then you’re reading it wrong. Well guilty as charged. But let’s take a look at a few interesting passages.
Genesis 3:15, God curses the serpent and prophecies about Eve’s quote “seed.” Regarding the seed, the serpent will injure Him by striking His heel. But the seed will crush the serpents head.
Genesis 40. Joseph is unfairly accused of a crime he didn’t commit, and was thrown into prison. Who is he there with? The cupbearer, and baker - the wine and the bread. Sound familiar?
Exodus 12, the Hebrews are instructed to sacrifice a lamb, and take its blood and spread it horizontally over the door, and vertically against the posts - strangely cross-like. The blood of the lamb protects the firstborn from death.
Daniel 6, a scheming plot is set against Daniel. The Kings servants hoodwink him into signing a law forbidding any worship and prayer except to him - the height of hubris. Of course Daniel’s routine is to pray towards Jerusalem 3 times a day. This is no exception and the servants know it. So they catch him in the act and tattle. The King is in a tough spot for he cares for Daniel. But the laws is the law. Daniel is thrown into the lion’s den. It’s a tomb. And a stone is rolled over the mouth of it until morning. When dawn comes, Daniel is found to be alive and is brought up seemingly from the dead.
Jonah
Isaiah 53
Jesus, you amaze me! And the wisdom of God to put it in scripture over thousands of years and by various authors. Truly You are the only wise God. Show me more.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Today we will read Mark 16:1-6 which says, “When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so they could go and anoint Him. Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they went to the tomb at sunrise. They were saying to on another, ‘Who will roll away the stone from the entrance to the tomb for us?’ Looking up, they observed that the stone - which was very large - had been rolled away. When they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a long white robe sitting on the right side’ they were amazed and alarmed. ‘Don’t be alarmed,’ he told them. ‘You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has been resurrected! He is not here!…”
What is the most important thing Jesus did? Is it even possible to answer that question? Everything Jesus has done, continues to do, and will do is absolutely perfect and totally consistent with His nature. It was in His nature to create the universe. It was in His nature to love humanity. It was in His nature to take on all the responsibility of reestablishing the lost relationship with us. It was in His nature to go the distance in dealing with sin all the way to the bloody cross. And it’s in His nature to live! Nothing can keep Jesus from doing exactly what He sets out to do.
Is resurrection hard to believe? It’s actually not complicated. All you need to do to perform a resurrection is to apply the perfect amount of energy, in the absolute perfect way, perfectly understanding all the variables, and with perfect wisdom. Nothing to it. For God that is. Doing things perfectly is simply what He does. And God lives. What is death compared to an infinitely energetic God? It’s an aberrant only here briefly to accomplish even more mysterious but perfect wishes of the King.
Resurrection in itself is hardly miraculous for God. He generates universes with such wisdom as to confound physicists. The science behind it is like breathing for God. The true miracle, if there is such a thing with God, is the fact that God is Who God is. We have a God Who wants to create, and pursue, and go the distance, and not cut a single corner along the way. Our God wants You, and our God will not stop until He has you. The resurrection is just one more indication of what He’s like. And He’s just getting started. The resurrection, like the cross, is not the end but simply the beginning. Jesus started it. But He’s taking us along for the ride. So buckle up. Because He is way more energetic, and way better than we could possibly imagine.
Jesus, praise Your name! You are alive. Nothing can hold you back. I worship You and celebrate You! Hallelujah.
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Today we will read John 19:30 and then Isaiah 53. The verse in John 18 says, “When Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, ‘It is finished!’ Then bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.”
It is Good Friday. And while hardly anything seems good about it, this is the moment the universe changed. Whatever the awful cost of the entirety of our sin clashing with the inevitable holiness of God…the death-wish of humanity colliding with the unyielding relational love of God…a shrinking creation hiding from the inexhaustible passion of God…whatever happened on that cross, it is finished. Jesus, the perfect Jew, perfect Davidic king, leading His people out of exile, had accomplished everything perfectly. Jesus is perfect and His passion was now satisfied.
What else can be said about so great a God, so great a Savior? We will finish today with the reading of Isaiah 53. Keep in mind that this was written hundreds of years before Jesus arrived on the scene. Take in the wisdom of God.
“Who has believed what we have heard? And who has the arm of the LORD been reveled to? He grew up before Him like a young plant and like a root out of dry ground. He didn’t have an impressive form or majesty that we should look at Him, no appearance that we should desire Him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of suffering who knew what sickness was. He was like someone people turned away from; He was despised, and we didn’t value Him.
Yet He Himself bore our sicknesses, and He carried our pains; but we in turn regarded Him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. But He was pieced because of our transgressions, crushed because of our iniquities; punishment for our peace was on Him, and we are healed by His wounds. We all went astray like sheep; we all have turned to our own way; and the LORD has punished Him for the iniquity of us all.
He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. Like a lamb led to the slaughter and like a sheep silent before her shearers, He did not open His mouth. He was taken away because of oppression and judgments and who considered His fate? For He was cut off from the land of the living; He was struck because of my people’s rebellion. They made His grave with the wicked and with a rich man at HIs death, although He had done no violence and had not spoken deceitfully.
Yet the LORD was placed to crush Him severely. When You make Him a restitution offering, He will see His seed, He will prolong His days, and by His hand, the LORD’s pleasure will be accomplished. He will see it out of His anguish, and He will be satisfied with His knowledge. My righteous Servant will justify man, and He will carry their iniquities. Therefore I will give Him the many as a portion, and He will receive the mighty as spoil, because He submitted Himself to death, and was counted among the rebels; yet He bore the sin of many and interceded for the rebels.”
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Today we will read Matthew 26:26 which says, “While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to His disciples, saying, ‘Take and eat; this is my body.’”
Happy Holy Week. It’s Thursday also known as Great and Holy Thursday, Covenant Thursday, Thursday of Mysteries, or Maundy Thursday. Maundy comes from the Latin word “mandatum” or mandate. It is on this day where many Christian traditions imitate Jesus’ ceremonial foot washing. And as beautiful as the feet washing is, the whole occasion was surrounding the Passover.
The Passover Seder has been celebrated for 3000 years. And there are elements of it that are truly awe-inspiring on close examination. The Seder exists to commemorate God bringing His people out of slavery. But in order to finalize the plan, a sacrifice must be made. The Passover Lamb would need to be slaughtered and its blood posted on the doorway in a manner reminiscent of a cross. The blood would be a deterrent so the angel of death would literally “passover” and spare the firstborn son.
Incredibly, the middle piece of bread made without yeast would be broken and the larger piece hidden away wrapped in a linen shroud to be redeemed later. And the people would escape their enslavement and march victoriously into the promised land God had prepared for them.
Does any of this sound familiar? Of course. It’s Jesus in plain sight. The story of Jesus has been celebrated by the Jewish people long before His grand entrance in Jerusalem. And the Old Testament, as we’ve said before, is filled with Easter Eggs leading us to Jesus. Only the wisdom of God could accomplish such a thing.
Jesus celebrates this Passover Seder as countless other Jews have as well. But He shockingly, and unapologetically says the broken bread is Himself. And the wine is His blood. He is the Passover Lamb. And the mandate we carry is to continue the story.
Oh Jesus, the wonder and mystery of how You do what You do. You’ve written Yourself into Jewish history. You are the Lamb of God. I believe.
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Today we will read Matthew 26:7-8 and then verses 14-15. They say, “a woman approached (Jesus) with an alabaster jar of very expensive fragrant oil. She poured it on His head as He was reclining at the table. When the disciples saw it, they were indignant. ‘Why this waste?’ they asked.” And verse 14, “Then one of the Twelve - the man called Judas Iscariot - went to the chief priests and said, ‘What are you willing to give me if I hand Him over to you?’ So they weighed out 30 pieces of silver for him.”
We are in the middle of Holy Week. And Wednesday is known as Holy Wednesday, Good Wednesday, Great and Holy Wednesday, or perhaps most intriguing, “Spy Wednesday” - the day in which the clandestine, thieving disciple decided to betray the Firstborn of the Universe.
Judas wasn’t the only one with heart issues. Look at the disciples response to the (sinful) woman anointing Jesus’ feet. The text says they were “indignant”. Funny - it’s the exact word used for the Pharisees on Palm Sunday as the children were shouting “Hosanna” (a word that is both a prayer for rescue, and praise). Strange how easy it is to scorn the worship of someone else and deem it inappropriate. Meanwhile Jesus loves it. Be very careful how you judge another’s worship.
In any event, what made their worship acceptable? The children were so young, so uncivilized. They were dancing and yelling. And it’s likely they didn’t even understand what they were celebrating. But they did it. And the sinful woman anointing Jesus…who was she to even touch His feet? A sinner! Yet Jesus loved every moment. Neither ignorance, simplicity, or gross sin gets in the way of a worshipper touching Jesus’ heart. You too. There’s literally nothing to keep you back from worshipping Jesus right this minute.
The Pharisees withheld worship and they felt Jesus stinging whip in the temple. The disciples withheld worship and criticized the woman, and they routinely felt Jesus’ stinging rebuke. Judas, in the ultimate act of anti-worship, betrayed the King for a bit of petty cash. What incredible delusion overcomes the resistant. Even now, let’s soften our hearts, and like the sinful woman, pour out our tears on Jesus.
Lord, thank You for loving me. I often feel like my failures keep me from You but they don’t. The only thing keeping me from You, is if I choose to stay away. I want to be close to You again.
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Today we will read John 12:23-25 which says, “Jesus replied to them, ‘The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. I assure you: Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains by itself. But if it dies, it produces a large crop. The one who loves his life will lose it, and the one who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.’”
This is Holy Week which began with the Triumphal entry on Palm Sunday. Holy Monday commemorates the cursing of the fig tree, and the cleansing of the temple. Today is Holy Tuesday and observes Jesus predicting His own death. Christians vary in how specifically they celebrate Holy Week, but there is value in understanding the ancient traditions. And even now, in setting out to say something of value concerning Christ’s work leading up to the cross, I personally want to clasp my hand over my mouth and say nothing for fear of getting it wrong. Like Isaiah, I am a man of unclean lips and we are looking upon the most holy things of God. And yet we’ve been invited to look on in worship at our incredible Savior. And so we’ll venture in further.
Jesus’ had become infamous. And His entry into Jerusalem, especially around Passover, had created quite a stir. Some Greeks wanted to see Him. But when asked if they could, Jesus seems to answer a question no one asks and says, “The hour has come.” Jesus predicts His own death.
To illustrate His death, He appeals to the principle of sowing and reaping. By Jesus dying, He (like a seed) lays the groundwork for exponential returns. His death is not the end of the story but rather just the beginning. His eyes are on His impending death yes, but more so on the crop it will yield later.
And He includes us in on the picture. Often the passion of Jesus is seen as something He does alone. And that’s true. But here Jesus sees an obvious if/then. Since He will die and produce a crop, in the same way, you and I will produce a crop leading to eternal life. But how? By hating our lives. This passage has often disturbed readers. And understandably so. Let’s not attempt to soften the blow of His words. But let’s also consider. Did Jesus hate His life? Did He want to lose it? No. He asked that the cup of suffering be taken from Him if possible. Jesus never had a death wish. But He passionately wanted to redeem people, and please God, and accomplish His task, and fulfill scripture, and reconcile all creation. You could say these far outweighed His all-too-human instinct for self-preservation. And in the same way, we are invited to participate. In the suffering, yes. But far more in the glory.
Jesus - You amaze me at every turn. I’ve seen You suffer. And I’ve seen some of the return. I want to see more. And I hardly even know what I’m asking, but I want to play the role You have for me in it.
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Today we will read Psalm 34:8 which says, “Taste and See that the Lord is good. How happy is the man who takes refuge in Him!”
This verse could have began with, “Think and know.” Or “Try and Focus.” Or “Ponder and meditate.” But it doesn’t. It says “Taste. Taste and See.”
Your senses of tasting and seeing root you to the world around you as do your other senses. Thinking and pondering is important. But it’s easy to daydream and lose connection with what’s right in front of you. What can snap you back to reality? Something that tastes good.
Taste and see.
Have you noticed how easy it is to speak and think of God as incomprehensible? Completely outside of our everyday experience? And while I believe that He is far greater than we could ever imagine, this seems to be an open challenge to tangibly experience Him. Will you accept it?
Taste and see.
How do you go about tasting and seeing God? Maybe we start where you are and move outward: You are here. You came from somewhere. You didn’t come from nowhere. You have a story. There’s a story for everyone and everything all the way to the entire universe itself. What do you suppose would motivate God to go through all the trouble? It seems like He actually wanted to come up with an elaborate, finely detailed, beautiful, powerful design filled with life capable of tasting and seeing that He is good. He’s almost begging you. Go ahead. Look around. Taste. See that He is good.
“God, it seems strange to taste and see You. But I didn’t write it. I accept the challenge. I want it. So go ahead. Show me just how good You are!”
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Today we will read Genesis 1:1 - the first verse in the Bible. It says, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”
There was a beginning to the universe. And there is One who began it - God. It would take scientists millennia to discover that evidence points to a finite beginning.
Do you find it challenging to believe in miracles? There’s no more consequential miracle than the resurrection of Jesus Christ right? Or is there? You are in a gigantic miracle. The universe itself and the abundance of life is a miracle. And without God, there would be nothing. If you find miracles difficult, just remember that you’re in one right now. You may take it for granted every moment, but it’s no less miraculous.
And if God could generate a universe with His mind, why would any miracle be unbelievable? Miracles are not difficult to believe when literally everything is a miracle. God, You have revealed Your glory for all to see who are willing to look. This universe, my own life, is a miracle. With You, anything is possible.
Take a moment and express these thoughts to God in your own way.(30 seconds)
Thank you for taking this time. Feel free to stay here as long as you like. May God bless your day. And I look forward to being here with you again tomorrow.
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Today we will read Psalm 19:1-2. “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky proclaims the work of His hands. Day after day they pour out speech; night after night they communicate knowledge.”
Do you ever wonder, “Where do I start?” In such a noisy frantic world, and in your noisy frantic life, how do you even begin to look to God?
The answer is here. Look to what He has made. The heavens declare! When was the last time you looked at the multitude of stars on a clear night, or took some time to go on a walk, and marvel at the variety of trees and plants. They are beautiful aren’t they? They’re inspiring. They’re meant to be.
These created things are speaking. Night after night, all the time, they speak to you imparting to you knowledge about the Creator. What are they declaring? His glory. God we seek Your glory and we marvel at the work of Your hands.
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Today we will read Jeremiah 29:12-13. It says, “You will call to me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.”
Let’s break it down. You will call - and pray. To call on God is to pray. Prayer is not a laundry list. Or passive thoughtless bliss. It’s calling on God. Just as you would call on a friend, or someone you trust. And God promises that He will listen.
You will seek and find Him. The object of your quest is not more money, more health, more…whatever… And why should it be? You have the potential of finding the inexhaustible Source of all things! Why spend a moment looking for a few extra bucks if you have unfettered access to the Federal Reserve? Why swim in the kiddie pool when the Ocean is yours? God says that the ultimate find, is God Himself.
And finally, this endless treasure is for you to find, when you “Search” when you “seek” with what? With your WHOLE heart. How do you know if you’re seeking with your WHOLE heart? Well how do you know when you do anything with your WHOLE heart? The answer is simple. You DO it. Do you want to start an exercise program? You know you’re doing it with your WHOLE heart when you DO it. You may not FEEL like doing it. You may hate it. But you do it.
You know you are seeking God with your WHOLE heart, when you DO it. And you are doing it now. So don’t fear. Instead boldly go for it. Spend a moment and ask God to show you what He’s like. You could say…
“God, I believe you listen when I call. And I’m calling out to you - that you would allow me to find You. Would you then reveal Yourself to me? I love you.”
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Today we will read Matthew 22:36-38. Jesus is asked by one of the religious elites, “Teacher, which command in the law is the greatest?” He said to him, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important commandment.”
Jesus always responds well. Little known fact, Jesus most often quotes from the Psalms. But the book that comes in second is Deuteronomy. And it is here that Jesus quotes.
What is it to love God? Is there anyone who can definitively answer that? Love is something we understand at a gut level but can’t exactly pin down. What is it to love anyone? It’s at the very least strong affection. Honor. Care. Attention. Goodwill. Respect. Warmth. Deep feeling. Whatever it is exactly seems to be what moves the heart of God. God responds to love.
Maybe we’re not supposed to have an exhaustive definition. Maybe it’s not definable in words. But scripture helps. Consider what it says to love with…
Love God with your mind. That at least seems to be your thoughts. Your intentions.
Love God with your heart. This seems to be your feelings. Your emotions. The less tangible part of your thinking.
Love God with your soul. I honestly don’t know what to do with this. Once I’ve engaged my mind and heart, what is left? But there seems to be something - the soul. The real you. The deepest you. Love God with that. That will touch heaven.
“God I love You - You are absolutely lovely and attractive. But I want more. My soul needs to be set on fire by You - then I’ll be able to love you more and more.”
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If you appreciate this work, consider supporting it - https://www.patreon.com/seekgodtogether Today we will read Hebrews 11:6 which says, “Now without faith it is impossible to please God, for the one who draws near to Him must believe that He exists and rewards those who diligently seek Him.” Think about that. Pay special attention to the second part of this verse. “The one who draws near” (that’s you right now) “must believe that He exists” (You may be filled with doubt. You may have 1000 questions about God and His existence. But the fact that you’ve chosen to reach out to Him is a step of faith. There are many things you “do” in your day that you don’t have 100% assurance of. But the fact that you choose to do, is what matters.) The last part of the verse is the promise “He rewards those who diligently seek Him.” He rewards the seeker. That’s you. Does that excite you? Imagine what the infinite God of the Universe has at His disposal to reward you with… Do you want that? It’s not wrong to desire His rewards. But notice, it says “diligently seek”. That means careful to seek. It means regularly seek. It may seem odd, but let’s ask God to reward you for this moment. “God we believe in you. We don’t have it all figured out. But we believe. And we believe that You reward the seeker. Reward us then. Reward us with a sense of Your Presence. Reward us by blessing our activities today. Reward us by prospering us, and fighting our battles. Reward us with a renewed spirit that looks more like Jesus Christ. Reward us. We love you. Amen.”
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Today we will read the beautiful story of Jesus washing His disciple’s feet in John 13 starting in verse 3. “Jesus knew that the Father had given everything into His hands, that He had come from God, and that He was going back to God. So He got up from the supper, laid aside His robe, took a towel, and tied it around Himself. Next, He poured water into a basin and began to wash His disciples’ feet and to dry them with the towel tied around Him.”
The One of God, going back to God, does the work of the servant - cleaning the feet of His disciples. Of course we all know how filthy feet can get in sandals on a dusty road in an agrarian world without indoor plumbing. But that’s beside the point. Jesus has more on His mind than feet. Peter refuses. But so important is this act that He tells Peter, “If I don’t wash your feet, you have no part of me.” So Peter does Peter. “Then wash everything!” But Jesus doesn’t need to. Peter is “clean”. Only his feet remain. Jesus knows they’re confused and says, “You’ll understand afterward”. Perhaps we will never in all eternity truly grasp His act. But we can marvel in the meantime.
The disciples, with the exception of Judas per the story (and even he got a foot washing), were already clean. But their feet required maintenance. The feet are the only part of body to make contact with the ground regularly. It’s understandable they’d get dirty. And it seems obvious that the “dirtiness” is more than dirt. Judas was unclean because he was about to betray Jesus. He didn’t truly belong. His case was terminal. He was destined for destruction. But the disciples were clean because of Jesus. Well mostly clean anyway.
You too, in Jesus, are clean. And yet, there’s parts of you that regularly make contact with the dirt. And you find yourself yet again in need of cleaning. Not the whole of you, just a part. Incredibly, you are not responsible for cleaning your own mess. Confused? Jesus makes it clear, if He doesn’t do it, then you have no part with Him. You are not the one to clean yourself. You have one job. And that is to sit there quietly, humbly, and allow the Son of the Universe to serve you yet again in all His beauty. To wash off that bit of extra grime yet again. And just be ready. You’ll need the same treatment again soon enough. He always stands ready.
There are only so many ways to get dirty feet. You’re limited. You’re not unique. All of us in Jesus need to return to Him again and again for this washing. It seems His pleasure to do so. And without it we have no part in Him. So don’t hesitate.
There is another story this reminds me of. It’s recorded in all four gospels. Mary cares deeply for Jesus’ feet. She cries and wets them with her tears. She pours expensive perfume on them, and wipes them with her hair. She even kisses them.
Clearly Jesus was in no need of moral cleaning. This is different. She was the one cleaned by Him. She was the “sinful woman” afteral. She was so moved, and so in tune with Jesus that she prophetically prepared Him for His work. In response to what He had already cleaned in her, she used what was at her disposal to worship. She had tears, perfume, and hair. She had kisses. And in response to Jesus, she poured them out on His feet, and He received it.
You do not impress Jesus with your goodness. It’s never been that way. You cooperate with Jesus when you allow Him to do what He wants - and that is to clean you, repeatedly. And in response, you too, like Mary, can use whatever is at your disposal to pour out worship on His beautiful feet.
God I’m moved just thinking about You. How wonderful You are. Again and again I’m brought back to You. I need You. Wash my feet. Receive my tears. I love You!
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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.”
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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!”
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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.
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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Today we will read Matthew 5:5 which says, “The gentle are blessed, for they will inherit the earth.”
This is a beatitude from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Each statement originally began with the word “Blessed”. If you want to be supremely blessed, and who doesn’t, then follow Jesus’ teaching here.
Jesus upends our worldview. He’s really good at that. And this is no exception. You are blessed if you are gentle. Gentle? Since when does gentleness get you anywhere? You’re told to be assertive. If you want to get ahead, see yourself as someone worthy of respect, and then demand that of others. Cut through the noise, make a big splash, and be noticed. Take it while you can. Don’t put up with crap from anyone. Get in the last word.
But gentleness is none of things. Gentle is showing mild or measured temperament. Gentle is the opposite of harsh. Gentle is kind. But Jesus has a promise. The gentle will inherit the earth. Imagine that! In our way of thinking, gentle people get overlooked and stepped on. Gentle people don’t get rich. Gentle people don’t get ahead.
Yet Jesus makes this bold promise to you and me. Do you want to get ahead? Do you want dominion? Do you want to inherit the earth? Do you trust Jesus? Then be gentle. When you want to be harsh, especially then, if what you really want is to get ahead, then be gentle.
“God this doesn’t make sense. But if I’m honest, my harshness doesn’t have the power to get me where I want anyway. I will be gentle and watch You work.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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?
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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Today we will read Revelation 21:4 which says “He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”
Have you ever been woken up by your burdens? Has your stomach ever been in knots over your regrets? It could be a decades old wound. Did someone hurt you? Did you hurt someone? Have you prayed and prayed and prayed but pray as you may, it never goes away?
The answer - as always - is God. This verse (and this certainly isn’t the last time we’ll address this verse) shows us that sorrow, death, pain, crying…these are inevitable and part of the human experience. The burden you feel proves you are alive. And that God is the One who wipes away the tears.
Imagine God like a mother literally wiping away her child’s tears. To the child anything can be a burden: a hurt feeling, a scraped knee, disappointment or even regret. What the child needs is mom to make it go away and the simple act of wiping away the tears soothes the hurt.
God will ultimately do this for us but not quite yet. In the meantime we do suffer. But let’s be comforted by two thoughts.
First, a little exercise to ease your burden. Imagine that whoever hurt you suffered everyday multiple times a day with the torture of having hurt you. And suppose they appealed to you everyday or at least weekly forever to seek your forgiveness. And you continually offer it. Even if this were to happen, would it really make you feel better? Suppose the tables were turned and you were the one tortured by regret. Would your self-flagellation cure the hurt? I highly doubt it would help even a little. Better to live today with a freshness and vigor simply because you are alive and today is a gift! This leads to our second point…
You are not able to truly deal with burden are you? No you’re not. Nor is anyone else. So stop demanding it of yourself and others. Jesus is the only One capable and He’s already done it. No this doesn’t answer every question you have about the atonement. And no this doesn’t cure every burden in its entirety. But it can sure help lift it a bit today.
“God You are the burden lifter and I love You. You can handle my burdens and the burdens of others. So help me release myself and others knowing that You bore it all. You are the only One equipped to deal with our burdens.”
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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.”
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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.
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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.”
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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!”
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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.”
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Today we will read John 1:1-4 which says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. All things were created through Him, and apart from Him not one thing was created that has been in created. Life was in Him and that life was the light of men.”
What is the Word of God? Many would say “the bible”. And they’re not wrong. But here the Word is very different. This greek word logos is clearly describing Jesus in a strange and wonderful way. He is God, He was with God, He did all the creating, He has life in Himself naturally and gives it to humanity. All of this - whatever it all is - is the Word. The logos.
When Jesus was being tempted by Satan He responded that “man does not live on bread alone but every word that comes from the mouth of God”. This greek word is rhema and it means at the very least, utterance, or communication.
So what is the Word of God? You can go ahead and read articles by those trying to precisely define each term if you’d like. But we might be better off being content with the mystery. The Word is the essence of God communicated to us in a way we would otherwise not know, and it is for our benefit to discover it - and even feed on it.
“God, Jesus, Word, I take You at Your word. I receive from You what You have communicated. I receive it as more than just concepts. I feed on it. I’m animated by it. How I need You! Thank You for communicating and giving Yourself.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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Today we will read a portion of Daniel 2 verse 28 which says, “There is a God in heaven Who reveals mysteries.”
The king of Babylon had a dream. And it so disturbed him that he asked the impossible of his wise men. “Tell me the dream I had and the interpretation or I will have you executed.” Of course none of the wise men could and openly told the king so. “You ask the impossible.” What else could they do?
Mad with power, disturbed by the dream, the king carried out his order until Daniel intervened. He asked for time and sought the God of Heaven - the Revealer of Mysteries. And God revealed the dream and its meaning to Daniel who shared it with the King.
Daniel’s back was against the wall. There was no other option unless God revealed. Which He did. But even Daniel was careful to tell the king why. It wasn’t because Daniel was wiser. It was to reveal.
Perhaps we think God just reveals to the prophet out of nowhere. Perhaps at times that’s true. But here, it’s in the stress of real living. And it’s in response to Daniel seeking. And it’s for the purpose of revealing.
You right now, in all your real living need the Revealer of Mysteries. And perhaps He will only reveal when asked.
“God in Heaven - Revealer of Mysteries - show me the reality around me, and the meaning. Reveal to me so that I can be a benefit to those around me and help people see You.”
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Today we will read John 21:25 - the last verse in John. It says, “And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which, if they were written one by one, I suppose not even the world itself could contain the books that would be written.”
What could possibly be said of Jesus? Mark records a verse with a similar spirit, the people were overwhelmed with amazement and said “He has done everything well!” Yes He has. The entire biblical story is one gigantic (dare I say) Easter egg (ironically) leading us to Jesus.
What other man has influenced more history than Jesus? Who has exerted more power over people by Himself dying than Jesus? Who’s teachings are more morally superior, unimpeachable, than Jesus? If you know of anyone even close, I want to know.
But honestly, why should we expect any different? Jesus is what God looks like when human. Jesus is the interface between Deity and Humanity. Jesus is real humanity and real God. We worship God and cry “mystery mystery” as well we should. But in Jesus we can say, “We have seen - and You do all things well!” Jesus is what it’s all about.
There’s no sense trying to grasp it all in one sitting. You couldn’t even if you tried. Just as John says. Instead, let your heart be moved by this man. So caring, so gentle, so strong, so thorough, so self-giving, and so God that He is bringing all things together back within Himself. It’s enough in this moment just to marvel.
“Jesus, to speak to You is to speak to God. To see You is to see God. Yes of course we’re limited in what we can see and imagine, but we’re moved. Show us more of Yourself. We love You!”
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Today we will read from first Samuel. The prophet Samuel is just a boy in the house of the Lord with the priest Eli. Twice now Samuel has been awakened by the Lord. The prompting was apparently familiar enough that the boy mistook the Lord for Eli. 1 Samuel 3:7-9 says “Now Samuel had not yet experienced the Lord, because the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. Once again, for the third time, the Lord called Samuel. He got up, went to Eli, and said, ‘Here I am; you called me.’ Then Eli understood that the Lord was calling the boy. He told Samuel, ‘Go and lie down. If He calls you, say, “Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening”; So Samuel went and lay down in his place.’”
Have you ever been awakened in the middle of the night with the sense that it was something “Other” that was waking you? What did you think it was? Perhaps something you ate. And that may be true. But perhaps it was more.
Samuel heard from God in the middle of the night - and you may as well. And when He does, there is only one response. “Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening”. Samuel had not yet “experienced” the Lord, because the word had not been revealed to Him. The word of the Lord is anything the Lord reveals. And Samuel was now experiencing God.
It is wondrous to think that God might even awaken You - perhaps tonight - and allow you to experience Him. And when He does, get up, fall to your knees, and simply respond.
“God, I won’t presume upon You - but I do want to experience You. More than anything I want to experience You. How You move is a mystery. But would You awaken me? Reveal Yourself to me. Tell me Your secrets.”
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Today we will read Acts 2:4 which says, “Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different languages as the Spirit gave them ability for speech.”
This is strange. But it’s scripture. We must receive it. The Spirit comes and fills believers. They are now partners with and animated by God. They speak in languages they did not learn - a reversal of the curse at the Tower of Babel. Humans are coming back together in the Spirit.
It’s actually a fulfillment of an Old Testament prophecy from Joel 2:28-32. Strangely enough, these days are referred to as, “The Last Days”. Can it be that whatever the last days are, we have been in them for 2000 years? A time in which the Holy Spirit is bringing us back together in Christ? Yes I think so.
And He does this at least initially through the phenomena of “speaking in tongues.” God does strange things and works in strange ways. But His end game seems clear - to bring humanity back together in Him.
So should we seek strange phenomena? I won’t say no. I do. But perhaps what we should really seek is the filling of the Spirit - whatever that entails. Whatever strange phenomena God wants to perform in us…let’s be open. However God wants to use us to bring those He loves back together…let’s be open.
“Holy Spirit fill me. Animate me to unite those You love in Jesus. Strange phenomena or not, I am open to You. Surprise me, thrill me with Your methods.”
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Today we will read Psalm 46:1 & 10. “God is our refuge and strength. An ever-present help in time of trouble. “Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted in the nations. I will be exalted in the earth.”
Today we will meditate. We will think deeply and with less words. This passage opens by focusing our thinking - God. God is our safety, God is our power. God is our help.
Then in verse 10 it says “Be Still.” or “Stop fighting.” or “Stop striving.” Calm down. Who is asking it of you? Is it the songwriter? Is it a guru? No - it’s God Himself. Be still and know that “I” am God. You are not God - and no one else is. Just Him.
But it’s not a call to empty your mind. Far from it. It’s a call to stop and consider that He and He alone will be exalted among all people in all the earth. Won’t that be a great day!
We will take longer now to consider this. Stop what you’re doing and consider God taking charge. Thoroughly setting things right. Doing all things well. You might find it helpful just to imagine Him getting bigger and bigger and filling all things and in so doing, all things getting better. We will take a little time to do this - and I will stop now and join you. You can begin imagining now.
“You are God - we praise You - we adore You. You are the King. We find ourselves in You. We love You.”
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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.”
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Today we will read portions of Job 1:1-5 which says “There was a man in the country of Uz named Job. He was a man of perfect integrity, who feared God and turned away from evil. He had seven sons and three daughters. Job was the greatest man among all the people of the east. His sons used to take turns having banquets at their homes. Whenever a round of banqueting was over, Job would send for his children and purify them, rising early in the morning to offer burnt offerings for all of them. For Job thought: perhaps my children have sinned having cursed God in their hearts. This was Job’s regular practice.
Did you know that Job is the oldest book in the bible? It’s true. When it was written there was no bible. There was no Judaism. There was no church. There was no law. There was no knowledge of Jesus.
And yet this great man, this honorable man, this rich man, would rise early in the morning to offer sacrifices to God on behalf of his children. What rule instructed him? What religion? None. Something inside of Job compelled him to seek God. And not only to seek God, but to make amends for sin. It was so obvious to Job that this was worship. He also knew that it was the sacrifice, or his children that would pay for their sin.
Overlay this story with Proverbs 14:9 which says “Fools mock at making amends to sin…” Job was no fool. He took worship seriously. In fact his worship was build on the idea of thoroughly dealing with sin.
Nothing has changed. Well that’s not exactly true. God’s self-disclosure has changed - we know more. He’s shown us more. He’s revealed Jesus, and Jesus has become our burnt offering. Fundamentally though, worship still looks the same. It’s always the sacrifice that takes our sin. And fools mock the idea.
“God, I don’t need a religion, a pastor, or even a bible to demonstrate that I need a sacrifice. But I’m grateful that You have taken all the responsibility on Yourself in Jesus. You are my sacrifice. You make me right with You. And in light of that - I worship You.”
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Today we will read Genesis 22:2. Here God is speaking with Abraham and He makes an unimaginable request… “Take your son, He said, your only son Isaac, whom you love, go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about.”
We don’t like this verse (and many of the stories in scripture). Understandably so. They’re monstrous at first glance. God is asking the impossible - and why???
But let’s point something out. God did not allow Abraham to kill Isaac. Okay? Let’s remember that. Something else is happening. You may want to take time to read the entire story.
First, Abraham and Isaac go to a mountain - a mountain that God designates. When Isaac asks where the lamb is, Abraham tells his son that God Himself will provide the lamb. When they reach their spot, Abraham binds Isaac and lays him on the wood. Once he is in position, Abraham prepares to stab him. At that moment, he is stopped. God points Abraham to an animal caught in a thicket. It’s a ram - not a lamb. Strangely God does not provide the lamb. Ultimately, immeasurable blessing come through Abraham’s sacrificial and faithful act.
Hmmm - Let’s summarize: they ascend a hill. The son, the one and only beloved son is laid on wood to be pierced. God Himself provides the lamb, and immeasurable blessing flows from this act of faithful sacrifice.
Sound familiar? Yes - it’s Jesus. These stories, brutal as they are, foreign as they are, are pointing to Jesus. They are like reverse echoes that only make sense after the fact. And scripture is filled with them. What is God up to? Getting us to Jesus.
“God I don’t understand it all - not by a long shot. But Jesus is wonderful. You are wonderful. You are blessing and redeeming all things in Jesus. Thank You and I love You.”
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Today we will read Proverbs 3:19-22. It says, “The Lord founded the earth by wisdom and established the heavens by understanding. By His knowledge the watery depths broke open, and the clouds dripped with dew. Maintain your competence and discretion. My son, don’t lose sight of them. They will be life for you and adornment for your neck.
It would be easy in a spiritual practice or worship to ignore the physical and focus only on the spiritual. But in God’s way of doing things, there is no separation. It’s simply Who He is and what He does. And while we are so accustomed to the physical reality and often ignore the spiritual, true worship is actually harmonizing both. Proverbs is entirely practical. Yes, God is interested in how you do the work you do.
How does God work? Yes God works. And He does it well. Everything He does is done with wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. So what is wisdom? Scripture spends more time describing it than defining it. Ultimately God is the definition. So how about we just say that wisdom is the skill that God has within Himself to do things well. This is why the universe just works. It’s why it’s so beautiful and wondrous. Because God is a genius and full of skillful wisdom.
And then the passage quickly pivots to you. The writer tells you to “Maintain your competence.” To keep it up and keep going. To see that your skill remains sharp. To use your abilities regularly. And why? Because they are “life” for you. Adornment for your neck.
Why would God care about your work? Because you are an extension of Him. Work is good. Do you feel that way? What are you good at? You’re good at something - maybe many things. You should use it AND maintain. God does things - you should do things. And it will be a kind of glory for you.
God cares how you spend your day. Don’t waste it frivolously or sit on your hands. Use the skill you have to build on the beautiful world He has made. You never know what will come of it.
“God You are a genius - a wonderful creative! Everything You do is done well. I want to join You. Breathe fresh energy into my work and bless it in amazing ways!”
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Today we will read Romans 11:32 which says, “For God has imprisoned all in disobedience, so that He may have mercy on all.”
What will happen in the end - when everyone is dead - everyone’s judged? What will hell be like and who will be there?
These are not pleasant questions. But are there any that are more important? Really? If we take life seriously, and the reality of death seriously, we must deal with it. If we take scripture seriously, we must deal with what it says. And frankly there are verses like this one right under our nose that we frankly ignore.
Who has God imprisoned in disobedience? All. Are there any exceptions? It doesn’t appear so. And who will He have mercy on? All. The same All. Will there be any exceptions? That is the question but in faith looking at this verse, we must say it doesn’t appear so. This runs counter to our typical thoughts on an eternal tormenting hell. And while there isn’t time in a thousand lifetimes to answer all the questions arising from just this one verse, let me ask you a couple questions…
First - Christ’s work on the cross - is it enough to deal with the sin of everyone?
Second - If the answer to the first question is yes - would there be anything to stop God from applying Christ’s work on the cross to everyone?
And if this maybe too out of the box, let’s just re-read the verse … “For God has imprisoned ALL in disobedience, so that He may have mercy on All.”
“God I don’t know what You’re up to. But if this verse is hinting at what I think it’s hinting at - then You’re up to far more than I ever could have imagined.”
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Today we will read Isaiah 44:22 which says “I have swept away your transgressions like a cloud, and your sins like a mist. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you” and let’s parenthetically add the last part of Revelation 13:8 which says “…Christ slain from the foundation of the world”.
Have you ever avoided God? I have. What would cause us to do something like that?
Shame. A sense of shame and guilt. What if I did the same thing yesterday (or 2 seconds ago) that I’ve done a thousand times? Surely God must be done with me this time. Surely He doesn’t want me. Surely I need to clean myself a bit, or at least let a little time go by to let the dust settle before talking to Him again.
But doesn’t this knee-jerk feeling demonstrate that what you’re actually doing is depending on yourself for God’s acceptance?
And yet, look at those verses…God has ALREADY swept away your transgression and your sin. God has removed your gross rebellion (the worst of the worst) and even your rather mundane imperfections. Imagine that. He didn’t consult you. He didn’t get your consent. He simply did it. And when did He do it? Somehow, and I won’t pretend to understand…from the foundation of the world.
Your most disgusting rebellion and annoying imperfections were addressed by God long before you were ever born. It is simply not your responsibility to clean them up. You heard me right. It’s not your job - it’s God’s. Stop taking God’s job.
But you do have a responsibility. And that is to simply return to God. You’re actually doing that now. Go to God with your rebellion, imperfections and all. He has all the capacity to form you into the person you were made to be. Let Him do it. All you are required to do, is go to Him. Don’t ignore Him.
“God I believe You. You have accepted me. You’ve dealt with my guilt. I don’t have to bother with it. I return to You. Again and again. Unbelievable as it is, I believe You receive me as if I were perfect.”
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Today we will read John 11:50-52. In this passage Caiaphas (the high priest) is instructing his concerned underlings about the disturbance Jesus is causing and what should be done. Caiaphas says, “You’re not considering that it is to your advantage that one man should die for the people rather than the whole nation perish.” He did not say this on his own, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation, and not for the nation only, but also to unite the scattered children of God.
What a strange passage. Let’s quickly point out something. Caiaphas was no friend of Jesus. And yet scripture claims he was speaking prophetically. Takeaway?: Even the enemies can be putty in God’s hands. He will get done what He wants done.
But more important than Caiaphas himself is what he said, “It’s better that one die than the whole.” As harsh as this seems, and as much as we want to look away from death as a whole, this seems to be the very heart of God.
We’ve seen that Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life. And yet there’s a problem. God’s creation has rebelled, abused the physical design, repeatedly inflicted injustice on one another and self-harm on themselves, and has suffered most grievously in a way not visible. Humans are spiritually dead and distanced from the God Who loves them. What to do?
God could do nothing and allow the death to spread until there’s nothing but death - death to all. God seems to have done the complete opposite. He didn’t just step in a little bit. He took the most thorough plunge into the heart of the problem. He ate every last bit of death, all harm, all rebellion, all injustice and all spiritual decay into Himself. How exactly? I don’t have a clue. Neither does anyone else. But it’s this fact alone that unites all Christians. Jesus is the One thoroughly dealing with the problem of death.
“God I don’t get it. I have no idea all that happened on the cross. But I believe it works and will accomplish all that You want it to accomplish. Let me walk in Your Life Power today. In Jesus’ Name.”
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Today we will read John 11:25-26. Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me, even if he dies, will live. Everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die - ever. Do you believe this?”
How do we even begin to probe the depths of Jesus’ words here or anywhere? We must do what we came here for, to receive His words. Here he tells a grieving Martha, whose brother Lazarus had recently died, that he, Jesus, IS the resurrection and the life. He doesn’t say He’s going to be resurrected. He says He IS the resurrection. In the same way He says He IS the life. He doesn’t have life. He isn’t just alive. He wasn’t given His life. He IS LIFE!
You and I have a bit of life. It’s temporary and it will end. We will die. We are currently alive. But He IS life. All life comes from Him. He doesn’t just get resurrected. He is resurrection. That is, He takes that which is dead and does what only He can do - gives it life again. Life is only His to give.
And those who believe in Him though they die, will live. And never die. He doubles down and says will never die - EVER!
He finishes by asking Martha…do you believe this? … Doesn’t that ring in your heart as well? Do you believe this? Believe what? A set of facts about Jesus? A doctrine, a creed? I refuse to add to Jesus’ words here. He simply says believe IN Him. I’ll take Him at His word. To believe that He IS resurrection - He IS life. I gladly entrust myself to Him.
“Jesus, how do I even start a conversation with You! It’s all from You, IN You, for You. Life and everything good is Yours by nature. And I believe You are generous and share with those who take You at Your word. You are Resurrection and Life and I am asking to receive it from You.”
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Today we will read Luke17:20-21 which says, “Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God will come, He answered them, “The kingdom of God is not coming with something observable: no one will say, ‘Look here!’ of ‘There!’ For you see, the kingdom of God is within you.”
The Pharisees were a sect of religious Jews known for their strict interpretation and adherence to scripture. They also lived out their faith quite pretentiously. Here they are asking when the Kingdom of God will arrive.
And Jesus answer is shocking! His kingdom will not be observable. Incredible! But every other kingdom is. They come with force and violence. They have a dictator and oppress the non-compliant. How could a kingdom be anything but?
But not Jesus’ Kingdom. If it’s invisible, is it just spiritually all around us? No. It’s “In” us. “Within” us - like liquid in a cup. We contain the kingdom. We carry the presence and power of God in us. We are kingdom builders. We have Godly authority to build a lasting kingdom of which Jesus is King.
Do you believe this? Or are you sitting on your hands waiting for a yet-to-be physical kingdom? You - right now - seeking God - have. this. power. It’s happening now. You are a part. What are you doing with such power?
“God I don’t know that I even believe Jesus’ words here. They are so counter to what I’ve believed about You. But if it’s true, and if the kingdom is advancing in people like me, then I want to be active in it! Give me wisdom and strengthen me to be a Kingdom builder.”
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Today we will read Matthew 23:37 - “Jerusalem, Jerusalem! She who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her. How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, yet you were not willing.”
What is God like? God is like Jesus. And here we see that Jesus is sad and therefore God is sad. What has Jesus so moved?
It’s the children. Jerusalem had a collective resistance. But resistance to what? To Jesus being…motherly. Jesus equates His affection to a nurturing hen gathering, protecting, loving… and this breaks His heart. The result of this resistance is a broken Jesus, and a broken Jerusalem. The resistance has real consequences.
Jesus could have expressed rage over their stubbornness. Threatened action against their ingratitude. But no. He’s like a hurt mom wishing her children would simply receive the love she offers and all the protection and benefits that accompany it. This is not a happy part of the story. But it is revealing of the heart of God.
Will you receive God this way? It may be very different than how you typically think of Him. But we’re not attempting to reinforce our view of God but to receive Him as He is.
“God, I can’t imagine the depth of feeling You have for Your children. I am Your child. I know that I too have resisted. And if I’m honest it’s because in some way I distrust You - even without realizing it. But I want to trust. I don’t want to resist. I want to know Your heart.”
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Today we read Matthew 5:3 which says “The poor in spirit are blessed, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.”
This is the first of what are known as the beatitudes spoken by Jesus. “Beatitude” comes from the latin word for blessed. Jesus says “Blessed are…” hence the word beatitude. Oxford Languages defines it as “Supreme Blessedness”. That is quite beautiful.
When we ask what is God like, the answer is - Jesus. God is like Jesus. When we ask what God feels, it’s what Jesus feels. What’s important to God? We can have a good idea by examining that which is important to Jesus. And here He tells us...
Blessed are the poor - the poor in spirit. The Kingdom! The kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
In what society are the poor the blessed ones? None that I’m aware of. We value strength, riches, capacity, good looks, charisma, self-assurance. The violent, and the winsome win elections and get power. The king is the most fit to rule.
But then there’s Jesus. And He flips it on its head. It’s not the mightiest. It’s the poorest. More specifically, the spiritually poor that own and rule the mightiest of Kingdoms - the Kingdom of heaven - or rather - the Kingdom of God Himself.
How do you respond to this? You’d be forgiven if you roll your eyes a bit since the idea is so foreign. But how do you feel? How strong are you really? How rich are you really? Are you a raging success? Are you beautiful? Are you charming? Are you self assured? Are you violent?
Or are you none of these things? Are even the potential of these things rapidly slipping through your fingers? Are you poor? Do you feel poor? If so, you’re right where Jesus says you’re most blessed. You can’t move the heart of God in your strength. But He gives the whole kingdom to the weak - the poor.
“God - I don’t feel rich. I feel poor. But I believe that’s what You want from me. And I believe that You give me the Kingdom because of it. That’s shocking. I don’t know whether to believe or disbelieve. Therefore, please give me the ability to see and know what that Kingdom is like. Help me see the way You do.”
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Today we will read 2 Samuel 6:14. This verse simply says “David was dancing with all his might before the Lord wearing a linen ephod.”
This is a strange and fascinating story because of what is happening, what happened before, and what happens after.
King David’s men were bringing the Ark of the Covenant (the mystical presence of God among the people) back to Israel. A servant named Uzzah reached out and touched the Ark to steady it. Yet his gesture was not received well. God’s anger burned and killed Uzzah. And consequently David’s anger burned seemingly against God. The anger caused him to fear God more.
And then later, David is dancing, mightily. He’s not holding back. Wearing a linen ephod. Who knows what that looked like, and why it matters. But it’s there.
Later in the day the king meets up with his wife Michael. She chastises him for his lack of dignity. For his extravagant worship that seemed beneath a king. David doubled down and promised to give it even more energy next time. For Michael’s part, she was unable to conceive and reproduce because of this.
This story is strange, and there are many others like it. Remember we don’t approach scripture to answer every question, but rather we receive it from God. God is different than you think or I think. He is more energetic, more involved, more strange, more holy, better…yes far better than we could imagine. King David was far from perfect, as we are. And yet He was a man after God’s heart.
We like him, would do well to consider the harsh realities we see, the strangeness we perceive, and respond with true feeling, and extravagant response in our spirits and our bodies. Perhaps this isn’t how we’d naturally assume God to be, or our response. But it may be more true to His essence, and ours.
“God, sometimes You scare me. You always thrill me. But You are worth the pursuit. I’ll give even more to celebrate You and to know You. Reveal Yourself.”
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Today we will read Romans 1:20. “For His invisible attributes, that is, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen since the creation of the world, being understood through what He has made. As a result people are without excuse.”
We are not the first to ponder the glory of the heavens and we won’t be the last. Since humans first looked to the stars and asked, “How did this happen?” we have been asking the same questions.
There are some things we can know about God because the heavens are revelation in their own right. They reveal His power, capacity, divine nature. These attributes are invisible. While we don’t see Him, we see His art. In fact we are part of His artistic expression. And we have a mind to contemplate it.
You would wonder why everyone isn’t contemplating God all the time. After all, there isn’t anything we experience or interact with that isn’t His creation. And yet many ignore Him. And because His art is so apparent, they are without excuse.
But for a worshipper, the prevalence of creative beauty compels us forward to pursue Him more and more. To at least ask this invisible God to reveal Himself more. It shouldn’t surprise us then that He reveals Himself in invisible ways. The visible plane is saturated. It’s the invisible, the spiritual where we most need Him now.
“God I look around. Anywhere, and I see You. Your power is on full display. That is obvious. And if Your artwork is this splendid, what does that say about You? I wish I could know You more. Come meet with me.”
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Today we will read John 3:16 again. We looked at this verse yesterday. But it’s okay to meditate on a verse or idea for days on end. We are not the first. John 3:16 says “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whosoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.”
We focused yesterday on God. God is a lover. God loves You. God loves the world. Far from a distant, uninvolved, disinterested force, God is a passionate and intentional lover.
And it is because of His love that He gives what the world actually needs - His One-of-a-kind, special Son.
In all the pain and loss you’ve experienced, and the heartache those you love experience, you might be tempted to think that God is distant. But He’s not. He’s actually given everything He has to give. A creative universe, life itself, and His Son through Whom He is reconciling all things.
Does this surprise you? Would you do it differently? You wouldn’t be the first to question God. It would be easy to prefer that God went around putting bandaids on every hurt. Or every death. But He doesn’t.
Instead, God gave Himself. And what all happened in Jesus in His life, and on the cross is impossible to know. What we do know is that it is, and will ultimately be effective at bringing everything together under God in a good way.
So where does that leave us then? This verse tells us - “…everyone who BELIEVES in Him…”. Believes? Yes. It’s as simple as that. Hardly earth-shattering. Just the simple acknowledgement that God has it under control. God will work it out. This is why we worship.
“God I don’t get it. But I receive Your love. I receive Your Son. I receive You. I believe Jesus - that He is life everlasting and in Him You will fix everything - in Your way. In the meantime, in my unknowing, I choose to believe and to worship.”
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Today we will read John 3:16. You’ve most likely read it. It says,
“For God so loved the world,
that He gave His only Son,
that whosoever believes in Him
will not perish but have eternal life.”
No doubt you’ve seen this verse on signs at games or on a T-Shirt. It’s arguably the most famous verse in the Bible. It’s most often used as a succinct gospel presentation - as well is it should.
But often the first part of the verse gets overlooked. We know what Jesus is doing. But what is God doing? God is loving.
In fact God loves so much, everyone, everywhere…you - that He gave something so precious that it’s a one-of-a-kind. He gave the most valuable thing. God loves you so passionately that He gave what He most treasures in order to get you back. He loves!!! What is God like? He’s a lover.
And You are the object of His love. Do you feel that way? Do you believe yourself to be the target of His passion? Well you are. Does that humble you? Does it challenge your assumptions about God? It should.
“God I don’t feel loved. I don’t feel lovable. But this isn’t about how I feel. You are a lover. You give Your very best and most wonderful to win back those You love - the whole world!”
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Today we will read Luke 18:13-14. This is the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector. It says, “…But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’ I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
You’d think it’d be better to come to God once you’ve cleaned yourself up a bit. But not according to Jesus. This person made the effort to come to God out of a sense of need and humility. He couldn’t even look up. He beat his chest and confessed his sin. Notice he didn’t even promise to never do it again or even to do better next time. He simply appealed to God’s mercy.
How does God respond to such a person? Is He angry? Far from it. This is what He’s looking for. This is what He wants from you. Are you capable of dealing with your own sin on your own? Many think so - but they’re wrong. God receives the humble with open arms.
How are you? If you’re broken over the sin in your own life - you’re in good company. There is good news. God awaits your bold appeal to His mercy. Why? Because He’s better than we think. Always better.
“God I feel the same as this tax collector. How can my eyes look to you when they’re dirty? How can my mouth praise You when it’s dirty? How can my mind think of You when it’s dirty? It breaks me. But where else could I go? I come to You for mercy. Receive me. Do what You do. Amen.”
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Today we will read Colossians 1:19-20. These verses say,
“For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him and through Him to reconcile everything to Himself by making peace through the blood of His cross whether things on earth or things in heaven.”
Every religion worships. But I wonder, how do they know how? What is God like? There are many things we can deduce without a bible - that God creates, and is all-powerful if we even understand what “all-powerful” means. We are in fact hopelessly limited.
That is, unless God shows us what He’s like. These verses succinctly say what the whole Bible is about. That Jesus is the fullness of God in a way we can best understand. What is God like? Look at Jesus. What does God feel? Look at Jesus. What does God do? Look at Jesus. Jesus is the interface between 4 dimensional humans, and inter dimensional deity. He is the absolute fullness of God and man.
Do you understand this? Neither do I. But should it surprise you that God would reveal Himself in such a way? Why not? In order to communicate at all it must be in a way that humans can understand. Why not as a human? God is thorough in every other way - why not in His communication?
And what did Jesus do? He reconciled, or restored friendly relations, with… with what? With EVERYTHING on heaven and on earth. Everything? It’s what it says. What does it mean? I suppose it means everything. And why shouldn’t it? God is God of all!
“God, my mind races with thoughts of all You are and all You’re doing. I don’t have a clue but I’m excited for You! You are the hero and I get to watch as You reconcile all things. Praise Your Name!”
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Today we will read Philippians 1:6. This verse says, “I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Who is responsible for You? You might say yourself. And in most ways we ask the question, you’d be right. But if we get a higher view, there is Someone Who has taken responsibility for you long ago. That’s God. God is the One Who began a work - and not any work - a good work - in you. And it is on Him, not you, to complete it.
Let’s acknowledge then a couple things. First, it’s not complete yet. You may have noticed that you still struggle. Perhaps you struggle more or less with the same things you’ve struggled with for years or decades. You may wonder if God is through with you. Far from it! God will see to it that the good work is completed until the Day of Christ Jesus! Perhaps we’ll ponder what that Day is another time.
Our second acknowledgement is that we are once again thrown onto the altar of God’s character. If God had a limit, a governor, a measure of patience, then we’d have for sure maxed out. But we are dealing with a Being of infinite resource. The good work He is seeing to is based on Who He is - not who we are. While mysterious, we can allow this reality to fill us with confidence (not in ourselves) but in Him. He is our confidence.
“God there are days I’m ashamed to even show up here. But no matter, You are the One doing the good work. You took this responsibility on Yourself. You are the Hero - not me. You’re amazing! I want to be receptive to the good work you are doing in and around me.”
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Today we will read 2 verses. Proverbs 18:10 and then verse 11. “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are protected.” And then verse 11, “A rich man’s wealth is his fortified city; in his imagination it is like a high wall.”
These may not seem like a pair at first glance. But maybe they are. The name - YAWHEH - is a strong tower. Those who run to it are “protected?” Literally it means they are lifted up. They are elevated out of harms way. What is the Lord’s Name? Our names are combinations of arbitrary sounds. But not YAHWEH. When He revealed His “name” to Moses it was more of a description. “Yahweh is compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, rich in faithful love. Forgiving wrongdoing but also One Who brings justice.” This is a good God - and if we’re honest, we wouldn’t want Him to be any different.
The righteous run to this Name. Do you? Are you willing to believe God is this self-description? How does that affect how you approach Him? Contrast that with verse 11. “A rich man’s wealth.” It’s his fortified city - he believes it to be a high wall. A high wall - lifted up - protected.
What protects you? Is it wealth? If you have wealth is your faith in it? If you don’t have wealth, do you pursue it as though it will protect you? Of course, money is something - it isn’t nothing. But it only takes a small accident, a tragedy, a funeral, even a birthday party, to realize that money is powerless ultimately.
But God - God is the real power. He has all resource. He has all time. And He is good. Run to Him. Take refuge in Him. “God I believe this. I don’t exactly know how to take refuge in You except to say that I believe You. I lean on You to be my protection and my provision. I need You.”
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Today we will read Proverbs 15:24. “To the discerning the path of life leads upward, so that he may avoid going down to Sheol.”
The Old Testament doesn’t say a lot about the afterlife. And it would be impossible to know exactly what the writer of this proverb intended. No matter. This was written for our benefit and to instruct. There is a path that leads “upward”. This path is opposite and opposed to the path that leads “downward” to Sheol - the shadowy abode of the dead.
And what separates these two paths? Discernment. It’s the discerning who take the path upward. Does this surprise you? You might think sinless perfection, or righteousness, or religious observances are what lead you to God. Apparently not. It’s this magical word “Discernment.”
If we looked at the whole of Proverbs, discernment, wisdom, knowledge…these seem to be synonymous. And they have one source - God Himself - and specifically - fear of the Lord. No, you cannot earn God’s favor in yourself. But You can receive God’s favor by appealing to God Himself. This is discernment.
God, this discernment, the ability to see things for what they are, to recognize that which is true, comes from You - and how badly we need it. I appeal to You for it. Give me Your wisdom, Your understanding so that I can experience You and live this day successfully.
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Today we will read a passage from Ezekiels vision of God. This is Ezekiel 1:26-28. “The shape of a throne with the appearance of sapphire stone was above the expanse. There was a form with the appearance of a human on the throne high above. From what seemed to be His waist up, I saw a gleam like amber, with what looked like fire enclosing it all around. From what seemed to be His waist down, I also saw what looked like fire. There was a brilliant light all around Him. The appearance of the brilliant light all around was like that of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day. This was the appearance of the form of the Lord’s glory. When I saw it, I fell facedown and heard a voice speaking.”
What does God look like? And what does that even mean? Our eyes only take in the thinnest frequency band of energy and interpret that as color. But we know that there is “light” or “energy” far far beyond what we can see. And then our knowledge of energy comes to an end. So does God “look” like anything? He is Spirit. Paul says He is invisible.
And yet here, and in numerous other passages, we get glimpses of God. Rather, we get a glimpse of how He is willing to present Himself in a moment. And it is truly other-worldly. You may want to read the entire chapter to get the context of strange and magnificent creatures that attend to God. But always the most brilliance and gleam is reserved for God Himself.
Notice the difficulty in the wording: “a form with the appearance of a human” - “this was the appearance of the form of the Lord’s glory.” Ezekiel is struggling to describe what he sees. This is the best he can do. Perhaps we can take away 2 things: first, God is beyond our wildest imagine. And second, God comes to us ultimately as human.
Are you willing to receive this as it is? Again, you don’t have to understand. Faith doesn’t understand. Faith believes. And like Ezekiel, we too fall facedown when confronted with God.
God, I do not pretend to have You figured out. But I delight in the beauty of Your glory. I wonder at Your love for humanity - Your love for me.
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Today we will read Jeremiah 1:5 which says, “I chose you before I formed you in the womb; I set you apart before you were born.”
What do you think about your life? Perhaps you’re like many today who believe your life is not valuable, or special, or important. But that’s not so. Not only did God form Jeremiah in the womb, but God chose him even before He formed him in the womb. How can this be? No one knows. But his life was important to God.
Not only was he chosen, but he was set apart. Set apart? Unique? Special? Yes! Why? Because God wanted it so.
And it’s the same with you. You ARE chosen. You ARE special to the only One Who matters - God. What are you chosen for? What are you set apart for? Only God can reveal that. And that is why you are here right now doing what you are doing.
God, I believe my life is special because of You. I want to realize the special calling and purpose You have for me. I trust that it is good. Perhaps not easy. Perhaps not simple. But good. I know that I can only realize it with You. Give me glimpses now.
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Today we will read Isaiah 40:15 which says, “Look, the nations are like a drop in a bucket; they are considered as a speck of dust in the scales…”
Does the world around you seem overwhelming, loud, exhausting? You’re not alone. It’s easy to be swept up in the politics, pandemics, economics, technology, medicine, environment, society… what to do? And even if you could bring some sanity, where to begin?
And yet it is all a superficial film overtop the solidity of God. He says of the nations, not just our nation, but all the nations ever, that they are the dust on the scales. No they are not even the scales themselves. They are the inconsequential specks lying on the scales. They are a mere drop in a bucket. To God, there is no clamor, no stress, no fear, no lack of power, wisdom, or capacity.
You and I are mere mortals. But God is not. He has no limit. All that we fret about is real - that’s true. But it’s also beyond us. So why bother? Why not instead go to the one who holds the universe in His hands?
God, the things around me are too great for me. I admit it. But they are nothing for you. So here are my concerns. I give them to You. What I really need is You. And I trust You to deal with the realities of my life. Either address them, or empower me and give me the wisdom to deal with them. Either way, it’s all from You.
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Today we will read 1 John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
There are some who believe they have no sin (or perhaps very little). The next verse affirms this when it says “If we say ‘we don’t have any sin,’ we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.” These are the resistant. There are others who are so grief-stricken, so disappointed, so ashamed of themselves that they live their lives in a self-imposed prison. These are the hopeless.
But scripture offers a better way. Scripture acknowledges our sin. It doesn’t even apologize for doing so. There it is. In you, in me, in everyone. What to do with it though? Bury it, try better next time, punish yourself?
No. Take it to God. Boldly and without hesitation. Confess to Him and He will forgive. And not only forgive, but cleanse you of all unrighteousness. God stands ready to forgive every wrongdoing, every misstep, every rebellion, the very worst deeds that you could possibly commit…He stands ready to forgive simply with a confession.
Does this sound too good to be true? Just because it’s incredible to you, doesn’t mean that it’s not true. God is far better than you or I think. God made all this possible in Jesus Himself. He will deal with the injustice of humanity in His own way and in His own time. But for now…you…if YOU confess YOUR sin… do it now.
God You are true. I am sinful. If I only judged myself by my own standard I miserably fail. But compared to You, I would be a liar to say I’m not sinful. But I confess to You and I receive Your forgiveness and Your cleansing of all my unrighteousness. I don’t even hesitate. I don’t wait until I feel better. I receive it now. I confess the following…
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Today we will read Isaiah 43:18-19, and 21. These verses say, “Do not remember the past events, pay no attention to things of old. Look, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert. The people I formed for Myself will declare My praise.”
You may have heard the old adage, “The bible is written for you, not to you.” It’s good to remember that we are reading ancient literature for a particular time, people, and place. Exactly what the Jews thought when they heard this is unknown. But it’s important to recognize that this portion of Isaiah is in the “Servant” or better yet, “Jesus” passages of the book.
When you think of God, do you see a being doing new things? Or do you see a distant, static being unmoved by our pain? Unwilling to take action?
Here God is anything but. Not only are we told that God is doing a new thing, but it’s so new, so novel, so revolutionary, that we are to forget the past. This new is so new that there’s no room to remember the old. It’s that new.
“Do you not see it?” He asks. The text reads with a sense of frenzy. “I will make rivers in the desert” Rivers don’t flow in the desert. But when God does new things, the convention of the old becomes obsolete. The new is here! And God is doing it.
And what’s the result of this fury of new activity? The people will declare His praise. But not just any people. Not distant or insignificant people. These people have been formed by God, and for God. He made people for Himself. He seems to exult in doing a new thing and receiving praise from people. And He doesn’t even apologize for making people for His own sake. It’s you. You are His people! Are you willing? Are you willing to praise?
God I praise You! I use my mouth, my voice, my hands to declare that You are wonderful! You are active. Be active in and around me today!
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Happy New Year! In this episode I (Jordan) introduce you to the concept of SGT and what you can expect. Have a blessed 2022.
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Today we will read Psalm 34:8 which says, “Taste and See that the Lord is good. How happy is the man who takes refuge in Him!”
This verse could have began with, “Think and know.” Or “Try and Focus.” Or “Ponder and meditate.” But it doesn’t. It says “Taste. Taste and See.”
Your senses of tasting and seeing root you to the world around you as do your other senses. Thinking and pondering is important. But it’s easy to daydream and lose connection with what’s right in front of you. What can snap you back to reality? Something that tastes good.
Taste and see.
Have you noticed how easy it is to speak and think of God as incomprehensible? Completely outside of our everyday experience? And while I believe that He is far greater than we could ever imagine, this seems to be an open challenge to tangibly experience Him. Will you accept it?
Taste and see.
How do you go about tasting and seeing God? Maybe we start where you are and move outward: You are here. You came from somewhere. You didn’t come from nowhere. You have a story. There’s a story for everyone and everything all the way to the entire universe itself. What do you suppose would motivate God to go through all the trouble? It seems like He actually wanted to come up with an elaborate, finely detailed, beautiful, powerful design filled with life capable of tasting and seeing that He is good. He’s almost begging you. Go ahead. Look around. Taste. See that He is good.
“God, it seems strange to taste and see You. But I didn’t write it. I accept the challenge. I want it. So go ahead. Show me just how good You are!”
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Today we will read Genesis 1:1 - the first verse in the Bible. It says, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”
There was a beginning to the universe. And there is One who began it - God. It would take scientists millennia to discover that evidence points to a finite beginning.
Do you find it challenging to believe in miracles? There’s no more consequential miracle than the resurrection of Jesus Christ right? Or is there? You are in a gigantic miracle. The universe itself and the abundance of life is a miracle. And without God, there would be nothing. If you find miracles difficult, just remember that you’re in one right now. You may take it for granted every moment, but it’s no less miraculous.
And if God could generate a universe with His mind, why would any miracle be unbelievable? Miracles are not difficult to believe when literally everything is a miracle. God, You have revealed Your glory for all to see who are willing to look. This universe, my own life, is a miracle. With You, anything is possible.
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Today we will read Psalm 19:1-2. “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky proclaims the work of His hands. Day after day they pour out speech; night after night they communicate knowledge.”
Do you ever wonder, “Where do I start?” In such a noisy frantic world, and in your noisy frantic life, how do you even begin to look to God?
The answer is here. Look to what He has made. The heavens declare! When was the last time you looked at the multitude of stars on a clear night, or took some time to go on a walk, and marvel at the variety of trees and plants. They are beautiful aren’t they? They’re inspiring. They’re meant to be.
These created things are speaking. Night after night, all the time, they speak to you imparting to you knowledge about the Creator. What are they declaring? His glory. God we seek Your glory and we marvel at the work of Your hands.
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Today we will read Jeremiah 29:12-13. It says, “You will call to me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.”
Let’s break it down. You will call - and pray. To call on God is to pray. Prayer is not a laundry list. Or passive thoughtless bliss. It’s calling on God. Just as you would call on a friend, or someone you trust. And God promises that He will listen.
You will seek and find Him. The object of your quest is not more money, more health, more…whatever… And why should it be? You have the potential of finding the inexhaustible Source of all things! Why spend a moment looking for a few extra bucks if you have unfettered access to the Federal Reserve? Why swim in the kiddie pool when the Ocean is yours? God says that the ultimate find, is God Himself.
And finally, this endless treasure is for you to find, when you “Search” when you “seek” with what? With your WHOLE heart. How do you know if you’re seeking with your WHOLE heart? Well how do you know when you do anything with your WHOLE heart? The answer is simple. You DO it. Do you want to start an exercise program? You know you’re doing it with your WHOLE heart when you DO it. You may not FEEL like doing it. You may hate it. But you do it.
You know you are seeking God with your WHOLE heart, when you DO it. And you are doing it now. So don’t fear. Instead boldly go for it. Spend a moment and ask God to show you what He’s like. You could say…
“God, I believe you listen when I call. And I’m calling out to you - that you would allow me to find You. Would you then reveal Yourself to me? I love you.”
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Today we will read Hebrews 11:6 which says, “Now without faith it is impossible to please God, for the one who draws near to Him must believe that He exists and rewards those who diligently seek Him.”
Think about that. Pay special attention to the second part of this verse. “The one who draws near” (that’s you right now) “must believe that He exists” (You may be filled with doubt. You may have 1000 questions about God and His existence. But the fact that you’ve chosen to reach out to Him is a step of faith. There are many things you “do” in your day that you don’t have 100% assurance of. But the fact that you choose to do, is what matters.)
The last part of the verse is the promise “He rewards those who diligently seek Him.”
He rewards the seeker. That’s you. Does that excite you? Imagine what the infinite God of the Universe has at His disposal to reward you with… Do you want that? It’s not wrong to desire His rewards. But notice, it says “diligently seek”. That means careful to seek. It means regularly seek.
It may seem odd, but let’s ask God to reward you for this moment.
“God we believe in you. We don’t have it all figured out. But we believe. And we believe that You reward the seeker. Reward us then. Reward us with a sense of Your Presence. Reward us by blessing our activities today. Reward us by prospering us, and fighting our battles. Reward us with a renewed spirit that looks more like Jesus Christ. Reward us. We love you. Amen.”
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Today we will read Matthew 22:36-38. Jesus is asked by one of the religious elites, “Teacher, which command in the law is the greatest?” He said to him, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important commandment.”
Jesus always responds well. Little known fact, Jesus most often quotes from the Psalms. But the book that comes in second is Deuteronomy. And it is here that Jesus quotes.
What is it to love God? Is there anyone who can definitively answer that? Love is something we understand at a gut level but can’t exactly pin down. What is it to love anyone? It’s at the very least strong affection. Honor. Care. Attention. Goodwill. Respect. Warmth. Deep feeling. Whatever it is exactly seems to be what moves the heart of God. God responds to love.
Maybe we’re not supposed to have an exhaustive definition. Maybe it’s not definable in words. But scripture helps. Consider what it says to love with…
Love God with your mind. That at least seems to be your thoughts. Your intentions.
Love God with your heart. This seems to be your feelings. Your emotions. The less tangible part of your thinking.
Love God with your soul. I honestly don’t know what to do with this. Once I’ve engaged my mind and heart, what is left? But there seems to be something - the soul. The real you. The deepest you. Love God with that. That will touch heaven.
“God I love You - You are absolutely lovely and attractive. But I want more. My soul needs to be set on fire by You - then I’ll be able to love you more and more.”
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