12-24-11 "Promises; God's Pathway to Perspective" 1 Chronicles 17:1-27

The passage I read was 1 Chronicles 17:1-27

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Chronicles+17%3A1-27&version=NIV

The verse that most stood out to me:

¹⁶ Then King David went in and sat before the LORD, and he said:

   “Who am I, LORD God, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?

As I reflect:

In verse 1 David makes a comparison of the Lord’s house as inadequate compared to his own.  The Lord now dwells in our hearts and often I feel the same as David did.  It’s not a good enough dwelling place for the Lord.  His dwelling should be immaculate and splendid in every way.  I simply don’t fit the bill. 

Nathan hastily replied to David to go whatever he had in mind and perhaps I would have hastily advised him the same thing seeing only with my human eyes and without the wisdom of God.  Thankfully when we make those mistakes today, God still steps in just as He did then to make corrections.  So Nathan gets corrected and is told to deliver a promise from God that is:

A permanent and unmovable Israel.

Make his name great.

He will build a house for David – as in a dynasty.  Establishing David’s throne forever.

So here what happened was that David wanted to build a better dwelling for the Lord than just a tent.  I hope that this also is our heart, not only regarding the dwelling place of the Lord, but in all things that we have heart that desires to please God.  I hope that we too don’t merely find satisfaction in attempting to obey the ten commandments, but rather that we strive to do far more than is asked of us, just as a child does when desiring to please their parent. 

But God said “no”.  And instead offered to build David’s “house” up.  Speaking of his lineage in a place of kingship over Israel.  This was an important part of the promise as lineage mattered greatly in those generations of history up to and including the line of Abraham to Jesse; Jesse to David; and David to Jesus.  Lineage and genealogy were once far more important that most count them today.  But perhaps even greater than the Lord’s promises to David were the examples David gave us in his responses to those promises. 

When we receive promises from God, it can be tempting for us to become prideful in some ways because we feel special and counted differently than the rest of the world.  We as Christians sometimes become boastful not in the Lord, but in our great services to Him.  This is a huge mistake and should be watched very carefully in one’s life that we not fall prey to such sin.  Instead, let us respond humbly to god’s great offers in our lives, just as David here responds humbly in a thankful prayer that lifts up the name of the Lord.  David doesn’t become boastful in anything other than God and has no selfish pride to where as a badge at the Joy the Lord has offered him.  Nor does David become angry or upset in any way according to the passage considering that the Lord told him “no”. 

This is also an issue with Christians today.  We take passages out of context and quote “ask and you shall receive” and then expect God to honor and give.  This is an incorrect approach to the matter.  It is not our will, but God will that we ought to seek.  When we ask, we ought to have the heart and mindset of finding out first what God’s will is and then ask that we might be used in that will.  Here David determines that it is not God’s will that he built the Lord’s temple, but that doesn’t mean that he need be upset or throw his hands down to his side in idle nature with resentment.  He hears the Lord’s will that his successor will build the house and thusly he applies his efforts to assist that successor by accumulating the materials required for the build.  Just because we are told the position we sought to serve God isn’t meant for us doesn’t mean we can’t then serve the person that position is meant for.  Don’t resent God’s will, for He chose you for just the specific position He has called you to and that position is just as needed and appreciated for your answering to that calling.  David chooses to support the person who was called to build the temple. 

“If you cannot have what you hoped, do not sit down in despair and allow the energies of your life to run to waste; but arise, and gird yourself to help others to achieve. If you may not build, you may gather materials for him that shall. If you may not go down the mine, you can hold the ropes.” (Meyer)

What David didn’t know what that which was revealed in 1 Chronicles 22:8-10.  It was said that the reason God didn’t want him to build the temple was because David was a man of war who shed much blood and God wanted His temple built by a man of peace (such as Solomon).  It is not rare that you and I don’t know why God denies our requests or tells us to do what we didn’t expect for Him to tell us to do.  It is however of great importance that we trust Him with his decisions knowing that He is infinitely wiser than us and knows the purpose behind His choices.  David also didn’t at the time see the importance of the Lord first establishing His spiritual dwelling in the promise to David before the physical dwelling that would be a temple.  Again though, David didn’t question God on this manner, but rather was obedient and continued to serve in every way that he could, trusting God fully. 

Let us take note of the many example David gave us from this passage.  Let us trust in God in His promises and not question His will when it may differ from our own.  Rather let us align ourselves to His will and serve in the ways that He ask of us.  I will close with this;

I have heard it said “Lord bless what I am doing.” But I tell you, ask not for the Lord to bless what you are doing, but instead ask where you may serve that the Lord intends to bless.

My response to the Lord:

My King of Kings, at your feet I kneel humbly offering myself as your servant.  Even here I feel unworthy to kneel and I am so very thankful that due to the covering of your Son I am considered a son who can approach and speak with you.  Thank you Lord.  I have before asked you on multiple occasions to guide me to do your will and to correct me if my will differs for any reason.  You have always been faithful to lead me when I pray this.  As of recent, I have asked you every morning to guide the steps of my days that I may live in a way that honors and glorifies you.  I thank you for being faithful to guide me and knowing that I in my flesh am still a man of weakness and sinful failures I ask that you continue the work begun in me and guide me ever more to respond obediently to your words and serve wherever and however you would have me serve.  My God I am not fearful of this world, but one thing I do fear is to miss your calling no matter how big or how small due to my own selfishness or human mind.  Help me to keep my eyes, heart, mind, and soul strongly positioned on your rock and focused on You.  In Jesus’ name.

12-24-11 "Promises; God's Pathway to Perspective" Romans 8:28-39

The passage I read was Romans 8:28-39

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8%3A28-39&version=NIV

The verse that most stood out to me:

Almost every verse stood out to me.  I couldn’t choose.

As I reflect:

Romans 8:18 – we face sufferings.

Romans 8:28 – He will work them for our good. 

He didn’t begin a work in us to abandon us in suffering, but rather He predestined us and will continue to work in us even through sufferings that He may be glorified as we are justified through faith.   I have heard the verse used many a time that God will work all things for someone’s good… Sadly, most of the time that I hear it, it is simply not true.  I say that because as with many other promises given by God, there is a qualifier that is present.  In this verse that qualifier is us (those who love God and are called according to His purpose).  We who love God are also Biblically described as thusly being obedient to God.  So when I hear the majority that are living their lives in direct contradiction and obvious disobedience to God’s word use this passage to say what God is doing for them, it saddens me because they have somehow convinced themselves that they who do not follow God are qualified to receive the promises meant for His followers.  Me?  I would think hearing about His promises to His followers would be a driving/compelling force in my decision to start following Him.  But others, far too often only want to take the pleasant promises from the word without ever reading the qualifiers or considering the promised wrath for those not engrafted into the vine. 

In continuing to read, we come across the whole “if God is for us, then who can be against us” phrase.  Make no mistake, this is also greatly misused by those whom God is not for.  I have seen it even as a tattoo on many who are living very much against God and for some reason think that He is supporting them despite their obvious choices not to follow Him.  It is often sad to me to see these lost souls we are surrounded by in this dark world.  May it give us purpose though to reach them and correct the misconception that God is simply for whoever chooses to say He is for them.  Instead, let us few take this knowledge and use it as a driving force to keep us from fear on our daily battlegrounds as we come against the enemy’s work in Jesus’ name.  People will and do insult us, accuse us, condemn us, judge us, hate us, and threaten us on a pretty much regular basis.  It is verses like these of Paul’s that encourage us that it’s not only normal, but that it is part of our daily carrying the cross and we are backed by a greater army than any that has ever been, because we have God for us and have been declared “not guilty” by Him.   How encouraging is that?  What a promise to remember in every situation.  He is for me… I would include also that my action be for Him as seems only fitting for a follower. 

Finally, we are given the promise of long endurance.  God’s love for us was and is so great that He sacrificed His own Son to adopt us.  When you are willing to murder in punishment your own son for someone else who cannot even go a few seconds without sinning against you, what kind of love is that?  How great must your love for someone be, to see past how cruel they are to you, how mean and insulting they have been, how undeserving they are of mercy, and say anyway that it is worth your only Son’s life to bring those people to you?  That is a love that many cannot comprehend.  It is a love that will not easily be severed.  For the follower (the believer who reflects their belief in action – a saving faith), this love is one which we cannot be separated from by death or life, nor by angels or demons, neither present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation.  That is the love we have from God in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Surely if He loves us that much, He will keep His word; His promises to us and we can trust them with our life.  When I go onto the battlefield, I trust Him with my life.  When I close and lock the door to my home at night, It is not the lock that I trust for my family’s safety… It is God.  When hardships come (and they do quite frequently), I do not curse God, but rather I thank Him because I know and trust that He is working this together with all other occurrences in my life for my good.   My God is sovereign and I trust Him completely.  His promises are true. 

 My response to the Lord:

My God, thank you for this reflection time on your Word.  I am considering the greatness of your love for me and it is often hard to comprehend as I look on how wretched and undeserving I am.   And yet, I do believe that I am called according to your purpose, and I do know that I love you. So, though I see myself as greatly unworthy, I do recognize and believe your word that you have chosen me and will use me.  I believe that you will complete the work begun in me and I trust you daily for my growth and the growth of my family.  I not only trust you Father, but I am eternally thankful for you and the work that’s been done, being done, and will be done in me.  Remind me on the battlefield Lord that you are with me and that you are for me.  Be with me Lord, even when I am at rest that the enemy’s attack hold no strength.  I pray in the name of Jesus that you would hear me and reply Father.  Amen.

12-24-11 "Promises; God's Pathway to Perspective" Genesis 12:1-9

The passage I read was Genesis 12:1-9

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2012:1-9&version=NIV

The verse that most stood out to me:

 ¹ The LORD had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.

 ⁴ So Abram went, as the LORD had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Harran.

As I reflect:

This is a 3^rd reminder for me of the studies from these passages over a year ago.  “if” and “then”.  I see the majority of the promises God has for us as “if” and “then”. 

“if” you confess your sins; “then” he will forgive and purify.

“if” you believe in Him; “then” you will not perish.

“if” you are tempted beyond what you can bare; “then” He will provide a way out

“if” you love me; “then” you will obey my command.

“if” you don’t let my people go….plagues, locust, etc.

“if” Abraham circumcised himself and household; “then” God would fulfill His promise to number his children as the stars.

And here in Genesis we see it again.  The “if” is,

 if you Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.

The “then” is,

 “I will make you into a great nation,
   and I will bless you;
I will make your name great,
   and you will be a blessing.^[a]
3 I will bless those who bless you,
   and whoever curses you I will curse;
and all peoples on earth
   will be blessed through you.”

Notice that Abraham was obedient and this faithful obedience is what was counted to him as righteousness.  His belief in God went beyond mere words.  His belief could be plainly seen by others as he was obedient. 

This is not at all an attempt to say that our actions merit salvation.  But I won’t be caught saying that salvation doesn’t merit in us action.  Let us be obedient and take up our crosses daily doing the good we ought to do, spreading the Gospel, helping the widow and the orphan, sheltering whom we can, sharing our cloak where in need.  When God says “speak”, may we be found opening our mouths.  When God says, “go”, may we be found on the move.  And when God says, “be still and know that I am God”, may we be found silently admiring who He is.   There are many promises and oaths in the Bible that apply to us, but my admonishment to all of His disciples is to remember that God’s people are to be doers and not simply sit and await Him to do wonders on their behalf. 

My response to the Lord:

Lord, that you chose such great examples for us to follow, I am thankful.  It is clearly written and clearly understood that when you spoke, your followers reacted.  Abram reacted in obedience.  May I lead my family to do the same.  Open my ears, and heart to your messages and help me to respond in such a way that reflects salvation’s work in me.  In Jesus’ name. amen

12-24-11 "Promises; God's Pathway to Perspective" Hebrews 6:9-20

The passage I read was Hebrews 6:9-20

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+6%3A9-20&version=NIV

The verse that most stood out to me:

12 We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.

19 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain,

As I reflect:

The hope shared in this chapter is directly following admonition against falling away from Christ or remaining in Him without growth.  This hope is found in looking at and imitating others who have come before us and show us that we too can receive what has been promised if we are patient.  We can use this hope as an anchor knowing that because Jesus has entered into the Father’s presence as our forerunner, it means that we too can follow in His stead.  We too can enter into the holy presence of God if we will but hold to His promises and believe.  And not only believe, but from what is said before this passage we are to believe in such a way that we grow and have evidence of our belief.  This is yet again an example of “if” and “then”.  God’s promises are offered to us but to accept them we must live in such a way that reflects that acceptance. 

My response to the Lord:

Lord help me to both remember the certainty of your Word’s promises and also to live in such a way as to reflect that I believe in them.  I look greatly forwards with anticipation of the day that I too will be able to enter into your presence Father.  I love you and am thankful to have been called according to your purpose.  May I remember always your promise to work things together for my good.  

12-24-11 "Promises; God's Pathway to Perspective" Romans 4:16-25

The passage I read was Romans 4:16-25

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+4%3A16-25&version=NIV

The verse that most stood out to me:

²⁰ Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, ²¹ being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. 

As I reflect:

Abraham was nearly 100 years old and considered unable to have children at this age.  His wife also had a womb of many years since unable to produce children due to age.  Yet when Abraham heard this promise from God, he didn’t for a second consider his body’s inability to complete the task, nor his wife’s inability to bear child.  He instead rejoiced abundantly showing great trust in what the Lord said to him. 

I, like Abraham and like many believers out there do not consider my circumstances something that God can’t work through, around, or change all together to achieve His promises in me.   We do not consider that we are able to achieve what God has promised because that would be relying on ourselves to perform the miracles.  Instead, we consider simply that despite our own selves, God is fully capable of fulfilling what is promised. 

Because we too are “of the faith of Abraham”, we too are offered the credit of righteousness for believing in not only the Gospel, but all the promises that come with His message to us. 

I think it’s important to note that although God’s promises are available to us and we can certainly put full trust and belief in them, we must also note (as in Genesis) that we have a responsibility in each of those promises.  For Abraham it was that he had to be circumcised, all in his house had to be circumcised, and all his descendants were to be circumcised as well as anyone bought and brought into his home.  For us, we have been given the freedom to be circumcised or not physically as is your choice for only the benefits of health.  We instead have since been taught that our circumcision is to be one of the spirit.  We are to be circumcised from the world.  This is part of our covenant with God today.  We are offered a promise of salvation, but that promise comes with the condition of worldly circumcision.  In other words, repentance and change as evidenced by the Holy Spirit’s convicting work in your life;  this is your circumcision from the world.  It is what separates you from a wicked generation and is a proof of the promise of salvation being fulfilled in you. 

Let us today and every day walk, think, speak, and act in such a way as to reflect our faith and full trust in God’s promises and work in us.  May it be counted a credit of righteousness as it was for our father Abraham.

My response to the Lord:

Father God, I trust in you.  Not only by my words, but by my actions I trust in you.  Help me daily Lord to fulfill my responsibilities in faithful response to what you have offered and given to me.  I know you will complete the promises begun in me.  I trust in you and though my own understanding would say,” I am not able to be used for good”, I do not lean on that understanding.  I lean instead to you and believe every word you have given.  I trust in you regardless of my circumstances, my past, my failures.  Be glorified in your work in Lord.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.

12-19-12 strength in weakness Isaiah 53:1-12

The passage I read was Isaiah 53:1-12

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+53%3A1-12&version=NIV

The verse that most stood out to me:

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

As I reflect:

If you were to picture yourself about to be destroyed on a battlefield with many enemies of all types of weapons and then you pictured a hero coming to save you, what would that hero look like?  Would your hero be invincible?  Would they be as superman?  Would they fly onto the battlefield with bullets bouncing off them, swoop you up into one arm, drop you off on a hill to watch as they return to defeat all of your enemies before you?  How strong would that hero be?  Picture it.  Would your hero be as mighty as the hulk; picking up tanks and throwing them thousands of feet?  In most of our generation, we have come to see heroes as impervious to damage and immediate responders to our needs.  We don’t picture them as docile or timid.  We don’t see them as silent, but as outspoken representatives of the people, often making great and glorious speeches after having defeated some evil foe.  But here, we have a much different picture of our Messiah being prophesied and so Isaiah starts out with, “who has believed our message”.  He knew already that this prophecy will be a hard pill for many to swallow because it is a different image than most were expecting.  This Messiah whom we have come to call Savior is not at all like our dc and marvel comic heroes. 

The Messiah didn’t portray strength in the way that most of us are used to seeing it.  He instead, allowed His enemies to hurt Him.  When He was accused, He didn’t give a patriotic speech as music from nowhere built up to climax before He broke chains and destroyed the bad guy.  Nope, He was silent before His accusers.    He wasn’t 6’2” and 250 lbs of perfectly sculpted body builder standing in some flexible costume with blonde hair blowing in the wind and blue eyes.  He was a Jew who was likely short in stature, with dark waves or curls of short hair, bearded, brown eyed, and likely had a larger nose.  He had rough hands from working with wood and His skin was probably scared from multiple encounters working with wood and being in the elements for a lifetime.  He wasn’t met with the entirety of the world’s population cheering Him as their hero.  He was instead accused, spat upon, beaten, pierced, hung, and killed for something we alone were guilty of… Sin.  That’s my Hero.      

That’s the hero that Isaiah is prophesying about in this passage.  He said that we would look on Him and see Him punished by God and afflicted.  We would see Him taking our pain and bearing our suffering, being pierced and crushed because of us.  He says that is was by this punishment on Him that you and I receive peace today and are healed.  He says what Paul many years later said, that we all have sinned.  Calling us sheep and saying we all turned away.  Not a single one of us stood up for Him and protested during that time when He was led away.   But you see the point of this act being so different from that of common day heroes in the books is that this act was one with an eternal exchange being offered. 

Jesus could have appeared in a cape and flown down to the battlefield destroying enemies… But then there would not be any humans left alive.  For we were all enemies of God.  He could have come down and saved each of us from ourselves, but then we would have no free will to choose.  He could have forced the whole world to listen to what He said and taught us a new way, but how many generations would have passed before we again began to be disobedient and thusly deserve death?  I tell you it would not have taken even one lifetime before we again disobeyed the Lord.  God, in all His wisdom and majesty knew that for justice to truly be served (as our Lord is just), a price for the sin that we commit, must be paid.  And so Jesus stepped into time and became my Hero.  He set an example for us all, teaching what true strength is, what true love is.  Let us learn from the example of Our Savior and show by our actions how thankful we are for His taking our place. 

My response to the Lord:

Lord, I am thankful beyond words for what you have done.  You took my place, bore my pain, wore my shame for a sin you didn’t commit.  You healed me and gave me life and peace.  You alone deserve all my praise and worship and I am eternally grateful.  To you be all the glory forever.  Yeshua, teach me to be strong and silent before my accusers.  Teach me to lay down my comfort for others.  Help me not to be led astray, but to follow you in serving others.  My life is not my own; I am yours.

12-19-12 strength in weakness 2 Corinthians 4:1-12

The passage I read was 2 Corinthians 4:1-12

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+4%3A1-12&version=NIV

The verse that most stood out to me:

⁷ But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. ⁸ We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; ⁹ persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 

As I reflect:

For me, this passage’s focal point is focal point.  I mean to say that the point is that it’s not about us, but about Him who is in us.  When I preach, it is not about me, it is about Jesus.  When I share stories, they are rarely simply about me, but often about what God did in light of that story.  When I tell of how I have been persecuted, I am not telling a story about my persecution.  Rather, I am sharing a story about how God did not abandon me during my persecution but used it to build my character and make me stronger, or used it so that someone else may see that I glorified Him even in the midst of struggle.   In fact if any of my stories were to tell of how I was hard pressed, perplexed, persecuted, or struck down and didn’t include God’s work in the story, then the story likely ended with me being broken.    You see, without God, I’m just a clay pot, as easily breakable and fragile as the rest of the human race.  But with God, I am a clay pot that has substance on the inside; a treasure beyond all measure inside of me.  This treasure is the focal point.  Jesus in my life is my only reason for strength, understanding, wisdom, endurance, faith.  He is the only reason that this clay pot hasn’t been shattered. In this clay pot that I am, you will notice many blemishes, scuffs, cracks, missing pieces, dimples, dis-colorizations, and imperfections of all kinds.  But look deeper and note that each blemish reveals the light within that is not me, but my Savior shinning in me.  Eternally more important that who I am, is who He that is in me is and equally that my identity be in Him who is able to overcome all things. 

Daily as Christians or Messianic Jews, we are to carry Christ to others through this ever broken and dying vessel.   If we then practice life with our identity and characteristics drawing upon not the broken vessel that is our mortality, but the eternal life that is our Way, Truth, and Life, when we enter into eternity we will be at home.

My response to the Lord:

Dear God, I know that this life is not about me.  It is about you.  I know how very incapable I am to spread your message.  I know that I am easily breakable and brought down by mine enemies if not for you.  You have filled me with your light and I treasure your presence and power in my life.  I treasure your love and guidance.  I treasure you.  Thank you for filling my cup overflowing.  May I always remember in conversation, in thought, in action, that it is all about you and may you bless and multiply my efforts greatly that you be glorified instead of me.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

12-19-11 strength in weakness 1 Corinthians 1:18-31

The passage I read was 1 Corinthians 1:18-31

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+1%3A18-31&version=NIV

The verse that most stood out to me:  

²⁷ But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. ²⁸ God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are,

As I reflect:

This passage is evident in my history.  It can be seen very clearly that I once as a teenager memorizing verses thought that I was wise and intelligent.  I had a very high IQ and made very good grades.  I was incredibly articulate in speech.  I was also a full time Martial arts Student and was very fit, strong, fast, and capable.   To sum it up, I was all that and a bag of chips.  But I came to ruin.  I came to an end that didn’t reflect at all my strength or intelligence.  I ended up a thug, a drug dealer, and in every way a looser.  Eventually I was homeless and friendless and living for my next high.  I was brought to ruin.  God destroyed the wisdom of the wise and the intelligence of the intelligent.  He made me foolish in my own wisdom of the world.  I thought that much of what I heard from the Bible or Christians was foolish and for the weak minded.   How very wrong I was. 

God took me from the bottom I had fallen to; from my pathetic ending, and He rebuilt me.  I think of what I was when He called me and as verse 26 says, I too was not wise or influential or of nobility.  I was nothing and no one to everyone.  But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the strong; the lowly things and despised things – and the things that are not - to nullify the things that are.  That’s me.  That’s my history.  When I look back at where I was called from; pulled from, I don’t see God choosing a man of great stature or wisdom.   I see him calling upon a man who found himself at a homeless shelter with nothing but regret.  And I see today that many have come to gain wisdom from the words of God that I share with them.  I see this and I give glory to God, because I remember where I came from and know that it is only because of Him that I am used in such a way today.  It is as verse 30 says because of Him that I am in Christ Jesus, who has become for me wisdom from God, my righteousness, holiness, and redemption.  I boast only in what God has done in my life; in me. 

This passage is incredibly personal for me, because it is an exact match of what has happened in my life.  When I read the Bible, I see this same thing occurring in many other’s lives as well.  I see them often come from birth not noble and reach great worldly stature before they are humbled and taught that they are nothing but fools.  Moses and Paul stick out as examples to me as I write this, but there are many others.  They all go through a humbling state where in they realize their epic need for Christ, and it is only upon this realization that they begin to grow and truly become wise and powerful in God.  Most of the greats of the Bible that I have learned from, have been nobody’s until the were called by God to take up their cross and follow Him.  This gives me hope and I hope that it brings others hope as well as they recognize that the saying is all too true that , “God doesn’t call the qualified.  He qualifies the called.”  You too can be rebuilt and can be used by God for His glory.  Anyone can.  You don’t have to be great or wise or qualified in any way for Him to use you.  That for me was not only great news, but eternally life changing news.  I wonder how many right now are unknown even to themselves as the greatness that the Lord will one day use them for.  Make yourself available to Him today and humble yourself before the Lord. 

My response to the Lord:

Lord, as I remember where I came from; how far you have taken me in such a short time and am thankful for the past, for where you have brought me, and for where you will take me still.  I am excited to see the future you have in store for me, for my wife, my kids.  I have come to greatly trust you with all of my life because you have shown me your sovereignty.  May I always boast in You my Heavenly Father and in your Son Whom redeemed me and covers me with His blood. Thank you Lord for humbling me, for correcting me, for setting straight my paths and lighting the way to you.   In the name of Jesus I pray.  

12/19/11 strength in weakness Psalm 33:1-22

The passage I read was Psalm 33:1-22

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+33%3A1-22&version=NIV

The verse that most stood out to me:  

  

¹⁶ No king is saved by the size of his army;
   no warrior escapes by his great strength.
¹⁷ A horse is a vain hope for deliverance;
   despite all its great strength it cannot save.
¹⁸ But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him,
   on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,
¹⁹ to deliver them from death
   and keep them alive in famine.

As I reflect:

The main part of the passage and the portion that really defined the passage as a whole is that portion I placed above.  So many in the world today put their trust in their own ability or lack there of, or believe too strongly in themselves.   I have been graced by a new perceptive and am no longer able to see the world as I once did.  Thankfully, I no longer look on myself the same way either.  I have come to see our evil and the great sin that covers us as a whole.  Even the nicest and most pleasant generous people in the world are not without sin and as a result are not without the need for deliverance.  They cannot be delivered by anyone other than the Lord.  No matter how strong they appear, their strength cannot save. 

But we are saved by the Lord, Whose strength is without limit; Whose power is without end.  We wait in hope for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. 

I really feel  that this passage says it all and doesn’t in anyway need my help.  During my reflection time today, I will simply reflect upon His great power and love for us saying and knowing that:

²⁰ We wait in hope for the LORD;
   he is our help and our shield.
²¹ In him our hearts rejoice,
   for we trust in his holy name.
²² May your unfailing love be with us, LORD,
   even as we put our hope in you.

My response to the Lord:

My Lord, I didn’t feel as a scholar today as I read your word.  Nor did I feel as though a commentary was required to come along side the words of your servant.  I can understand where your servant may have been coming from as they wrote this passage.  I often see that the world places their trust on their possessions or wealth, or even in their own abilities; thinking not that you could take even their breath from them at any moment.  My King, I reverently choose instead to bow before your throne, knowing full well that your great strength is beyond any measure and I trust in you.  May your name always be glorified and lifted up in not only my words, but as importantly my actions.    

12/19/11 strength in weakness 2 Corinthians 12:1-10

The passage I read was II Corinthians 12:1-10

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II%20corinthians%2012:1-10&version=NIV

The verse that most stood out to me:  

 ⁹ But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. ¹⁰ That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
 

As I reflect:

Does anyone remember the Beatitudes? 

 ³ “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
   for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
⁴ Blessed are those who mourn,
   for they will be comforted.
⁵ Blessed are the meek,
   for they will inherit the earth.
⁶ Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
   for they will be filled.
⁷ Blessed are the merciful,
   for they will be shown mercy.
⁸ Blessed are the pure in heart,
   for they will see God.
⁹ Blessed are the peacemakers,
   for they will be called children of God.
¹⁰ Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
   for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Found in Matthew 5, these commonly called Beatitudes are nothing common at all.  Rather Jesus was teaching quite the exception to the common that is normally accepted.  Poor in spirit is really rich.  Mournful of our own state of being, is really a blessed place to be.  Meek will inherit the earth.  These teachings are directly contrary to what the world believes and stands for.  The world will tell you it’s the strong with their chest puffed out and their chins held high that will inherit power in this world.  The world will tell you to go to Harvard, go make 50k starting entry level, get a loan, start your own business, get big, take over other businesses, become as rich as you  can possibly be, and that all this makes you powerful.  This is what makes you strong!  The world tells you this is the way to leave a legacy and own the world.   The world tells you that mercy is for the weak and that seeking after righteousness is a waste of time.  Money, money, money!  - that’s one of many general world views. 

But, I tell you, take away that man’s corporations, multi-million dollar homes, bank accounts, wife, children, cars, expensive suits… All of it.  And you will watch a man fall to his knees in tears over his great loss.  You will watch a man that once thought he was very strong, become very weak before you.  God teaches us differently.  We appear fallen, weak, and often foolish to others already, when in fact we are very strong because our weakness realized cause us to lean ever more on the strongest and most powerful being in existence;  Our God.  If we rely on Him, then in our weakness truly we are strong.  He cannot be taken from us and so what can the world do to cause us to become weak?  Our reliance isn’t on our homes, our wealth, or even our families, but it is on God.  If you were to take my home today and burn it to the ground, I would not cry or become any weaker, for I am already weak and relying on God and God alone.  In this way would I also respond to any loss of material wealth.  I’d simply ask my Lord where He wanted us to go and what He wanted us to do, and then (because we rely on Him) we would move on without sadness or falling apart of any kind.  When life’s storms blow, you will find us on our knees on the solid rock that doesn’t move.  When all in life seems well and we are greatly blessed on every side, you will find us on our knees on the solid rock that doesn’t move.  This doesn’t change in sickness or in health.  It is on our knees that we are not found weak, but ever stronger in God.  The Christian who relies on himself is no Christian but only a man of religious practice.  For we rely on God. 

My response to the Lord:

Abba, you know me well.  You know my heart, my mind, my future, and my past.  You have taken me from a place where I knew everything there was to know and was strong and mighty and yet was blown by the wind every direction.   You taught me that I knew nothing and that for all my strength I was on a path to destruction.  Thank you for breaking me down so that I could be completely re-built to rely on you.  Thank you for bringing me to my knees.  I never knew there was such power there.  Thank you for humbling me and for continuing to do so.  You have shown me things that I would never have been able to learn had I not fallen to the bottom first.  Thank you even for my struggles today.  For it is these that continue to remind me to walk with you.  I cannot nor do I wish to ever attempt to live without you again.  You are my portion and my strength.  In Jesus’ name.  

week of 12/12/11 5th recorded HighQuest 1 Samuel 13:1-15

The passage I read was I Samuel 13:1-5


You can find that passage here:
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I%20Samuel%2013:1-5&version=NIV


The verse that most stood out to me:
13 “You have done a foolish thing,” Samuel said. “You have not kept the command the LORD your God gave you; if you had, he would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time.


As I reflect:
Ah yes. What a wonderful passage for the topic of “choices” this week. So many choices both bad and good are discussed in this chapter and each of them shows also the consequence of those choices.
Jonathan attacked the Philistine outpost at Geba. This is the first choice made in this passage and the outcome is war.

Saul heard of the attack and took credit for it. This was a selfish choice that ended up putting Saul in a situation that he was not yet prepared for.

As the Philistines numbers became clearer as impossible to defeat, many of Saul’s army made choices to run and hide, but Jonathan chose as he did the first time. He chose to do battle. His decision eventually led to a war won, but not without loss and consequences.

As Saul’s army diminished from fear while he waited on Samuel, he made a bad choice to take on a roll that belonged to the priest. Saul made a sacrifice that only a priest (at that time) should make. The consequence? Saul’s family line would no longer continue to reign. Wow! What a high price to pay for disobedience.
Now, as I look over the passage, I have no doubt at all that each choice that was made had a reason behind it. Just as today our choices are not often blindly made. We too have reasons and feel that our reasons are good. But had Saul been obedient to the word, his choice would have been different and his son would have had opportunity to rule as king. Had Jonathan sought first the will of God, he may have found this battle and ultimately the war not yet due. Had the army of Saul feared God more than man, perhaps they’d not have fled. Only God knows what would have happened had the choices made have been different.
I don’t yet know what great blessings or trials and tribulation that cause growth may come my way in life. But I know that my choices may determine what battles I enter. I fear not battle, for victory is always the Lord’s, but one thing I do… To make a human choice without God’s approval and thusly enter in to disobedience. I love my Heavenly Father. I love my Savior Jesus Christ. Because I love God and His presence here with me, I also desire greatly to obey what He commands. Just as a child who desires to please his parents also desires to obey them, so should we be obedient with our choices.

My response to the Lord:
Lord, I thank you for the stories of history that you have given us as example. I don’t want to make foolish choices based on impulses instead of wisdom. My Father, I ask of you in Jesus’ name please provide me with wisdom and patience to make right choices in obedience to you. May I never start a war or run head first into a battle that you have not first called me into. May I never take credit for someone else’s deeds, but always give glory to you. And finally Abba, may I always know my role and be a good steward of the responsibilities of that role. Amen.

week of 12/12/11 4th recorded HighQuest II Corinthians 5:1-10

The passage I read was II Corinthians 5:1-10

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+5%3A1-10&version=NIV

The verse that most stood out to me:

⁸ We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. ⁹ So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.

As I reflect:

I not only look forward to but long for that day when I step out of this temporal and into the eternal with my beloved Savior. As hard as this life may at times seem (especially when compared to my eternal home), I am thankful that there is comfort and promise in having God’s Holy Spirit here with me. He is a reminder of things to come; a comforting experience in knowing that one day I will be face to face and able to look upon His eyes with mine own. How I long for that day. I thought briefly on verses 2-4 being unclothed and how uncomfortable that is. I pictured standing naked in the hallways of a busy high school (you all know the nightmare). I thought about how that feels; that it is something that though I haven’t experienced, I can imagine would be immensely uncomfortable and out of my normal element. I would not feel at home in that setting. I would struggle to function if I were naked in front of all my friends and strangers alike. It would hinder me greatly. I think it is a good comparison to this temporary life in quite a few ways. I do often feel those same things about this life because it is so foreign to who I am in Christ. It is as though everyone wears selfish unrighteousness and disrespect/hatred toward God, but I am in a much different garment and it causes much laughter, mocking, and insults from those in this life. My garment doesn’t look like there’s. It is much like the contrast of being naked in comparison and I find so very few that share in this difficulty because they too take up their cross daily and wear a robe that is not like that of the world. How true Paul’s words are here as he compares our temporary lives here to being unclothed. I too look forward to going home, to a place where these beliefs and characteristics are worn be all. A place where we all share a common denominator; we will all live for and love our Messiah and King.

But for now, I/we are here and though we long to be home in Heaven with our Lord whom we serve, we must walk by faith in this life until that glorious day. We walk trusting in the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit at work in our lives. We often have to close our eyes to the mockery that surrounds us and simply trust the Lord with every step that we not stumble and fall. Though we prefer to be at home with our Lord, because we are here in this dark place, we make it our mission to not be lame or idle. We therefore make the best use of this time given to us by serving the Lord with our actions. We know that one day we will give an account of every though, word, and action before our God, and though our greatest gifts be as filthy rags to Our Perfect King, may we recount good deeds on that final day and have some reward as we stand before the judgment seat.

“Have you experienced great blessing from the Holy Spirit in your life now? Consider that if the down payment is this glorious, think of how great the whole gift will be!” – David Guzik

My response to the Lord:

My Father in Heaven, that I long to be at home with you is an understatement of great proportion. That I complain to you of my great discomfort here seems so very out of place in light of the turmoil and pain inflicted upon your Son for my sake. None the less, I do experience a discomfort not unlike being without clothes in front of many. I am thankful though that you walk with me, talk with me, teach me, and guide my every step. At times, when I think about and focus only on You, I almost feel home. It’s not unlike being in pain but closing your eyes and picturing a place that is pleasant and for a moment no matter how brief, having that pain subside. My Father, I do not mean that I am in pain or agony of any kind, for you have certainly provided abundantly the blessings that surround me. I only mean that in comparison to my eternal home, when I might live eternally in your light and presence, this place feels so far and dark. I long for home. I look forward to nothing more that your embrace Jehovah-Shalom; my Lord of Peace.

week of 12/12/11 3rd recorded HighQuest Matthew 7:24-29

The passage I read was Matthew 7:24-29

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+7%3A24-29&version=NIV

The verse that most stood out to me:

24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.

As I reflect:

“everyone who hears these words”… Note that both the builders heard the same words. This would be the equivalent of two men going into the same church on Sunday today. They both hear the same word from the Bible, but one of them is only in church because he thinks going to church saves him, or because he knows others see him in attendance, or cuz it’s just the thing to do. The 2^nd man is in church for fellowship and to learn and grow. Both men will leave the church after the service. One will be exactly the same as he was before entering the church, but the other man will be changed; and moved by the message, he will apply it to his life. Both men may look like Christians, but one of them is only a Christian on the outside. When the storms of life come; when you see their reaction to trials and tribulations in their life, you will see their Christian shroud fall off and their reactions will display their true colors. The other man will stand the test of trials and tribulations not because he went through the motions, but because he built his house on the rock. He has a solid foundation in Christ and is not easily moved because he not only listened to the word, but put them into practice being changed, matured, having characteristics of the Lord built up in them from the foundation up.

The point of this passage is a rather simple one with an eternal outcome. Our decisions have outcomes that reflect them. We must be sure to make a decision to follow Christ not only with our words but with our actions. Anyone can say they are saved, but to be saved displays fruit (the work and characteristics of) the Holy Spirit in their life. This isn’t something we can reproduce on our own. Genuine saving faith can be faked only so long. So make a decision to really know the Lord your God and really be saved from the inside out having a strong foundation.

My response to the Lord:

To my Savior, I thank you for what you have done and continue to do. Not only did you give your all for me, but you have allowed me to build upon you still today. You were rejected and continue to be rejected by the world of Pharisees; the blind and the lost, but I was blessed to see that you are in deed the only perfect cornerstone and upon this Rock has my life been rebuilt. You gave me a new heart, wisdom, understanding, and all the tools to apply the great many lessons you have shown me. Yeshua, may I never be found simply going through the motions. But it is my prayer to you that my motives always be right and that my actions reflect the truth in my words as taught by you my Savior. Amen.

week of 12/12/11 2nd recorded HighQuest Proverbs 4:1-27

The passage I read was Proverbs 4:1-27

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proberbs%204:1-27&version=NIV

The verse that most stood out to me:

⁵ Get wisdom, get understanding;
do not forget my words or turn away from them.

As I reflect:

As sound as advice from a father could be, Solomon shares every bit of the wisdom His father taught him and that we also ought teach our own children.

The purpose of Proverbs is clearly laid out for us in the first chapter:

¹ The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:

² for gaining wisdom and instruction;
for understanding words of insight;
³ for receiving instruction in prudent behavior,
doing what is right and just and fair;
⁴ for giving prudence to those who are simple,^[a]
knowledge and discretion to the young—
⁵ let the wise listen and add to their learning,
and let the discerning get guidance—
⁶ for understanding proverbs and parables,
the sayings and riddles of the wise.^[b]

⁷ The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools^[c] despise wisdom and instruction.

We are therefore wise to heed the warnings and receive this wise advice in chapter four, which can be summed up in this way:

Get wisdom, get understanding, don’t forget or forsake either.

Don’t set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in their ways.

Guard your heart. Keep your mouth free of perversity and corrupt talk.

Stay focused on the goal. Think about what you do before you do it and don’t do evil.

I think these as proverbs can carry a great deal of power in our lives if we allow our choices to be guided by them. I believe each of us stands to benefit if we are to consider what we do and how we live and with conscious intent, choose to keep our feet from evil.

My response to the Lord:

Lord, what wise words you gave Solomon and his father before him. I am thankful that you preserved these words to make it to my family today. As my wife and I read them we also shared them with our children and will continue to do so in years to come. We hope and pray that you guide us to make wise decisions in setting the example for them, so that they too may grow to make wise decisions in their own lives. Lord I pray you bless and multiply our efforts to train ourselves and our children to make wiser choices daily. In Jesus’ name. Amen

week of 12/12/11 1st recorded HighQuest Galatians 6:1-10

The passage I read was Galatians 6:1-10

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+6%3A1-10&version=NIV

The verse that most stood out to me:

6 Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor. 7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.

As I reflect:

Today, as my wife, oldest son, and I read the passage, 3 things stood out to me as seemingly contradictory. However, knowing that the Bible does not contradict itself, I decided that today’s reflection would be spent studying those 3 comparisons.

1 – judgment vs. helping someone caught in sin.

Matthew 7 records some basics to judgment. In the first portion of that chapter we are told, ¹ “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. ² For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

And yet here in Galatians, we read

¹ Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.

How often do we as followers of Christ hear from others that we are not to judge them or that we are being judgmental? I can tell you that I have heard this quite often. Sadly, a great deal of the time it includes a misquote of the above verse 1 from Matthew 7. But few people who quote the verse have actually looked at it in context. In context, Matthew is not writing to tell us that Jesus said “do not judge”… In fact, it’s rather the opposite. He is clarifying your position and method of judgment. Note in verse 2 it says that you will be judged in the same manner you judge others. Now Christian tell me, how it is that you will be judged? The Bible clearly states that we will be judged by a righteous God who is just in His judgment. Thusly, if we are to judge others, then it must be in the same manner. We must first examine ourselves. For example, If I am cheating on my wife with another woman, perhaps it’s not my place to tell you that you shouldn’t look on a woman with lust after just having caught you turning your head at a passing woman… Why? Because I must first correct my own issue to have the ability to help you with yours. This passage isn’t on passing judgment, which is what one does when they make recognition of your fault without motivation to help you with it. Instead, this passage is about the love it takes to extend a helping hand to another who needs that help to get out of a sin. So, though at first glance, Galatians 6:1 appears a contradiction, after correctly viewing and understanding Matthew 7:1-5, we see that it is instead a supporting verse of how one ought to approach a brother or sister in need of help from their sin.

2. Pride is a deadly sin vs. being proud of what the Lord has done in you.

Coming to verse 4 we read,

⁴ Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, ⁵ for each one should carry their own load.

Now you may have heard that pride is a deadly sin and that God hates it:

Proverbs 8:13 To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.

Psalm 10:4 In his pride the wicked man does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.

There are numerous verses throughout the Word that are similar to these. We can find the issue of pride as the cause for Lucifer’s downfall in Isaiah 14:12-15. We can read about the consequences of pride in Proverbs 16:18-19 and other areas as well. The difference in these types of pride and the type of pride that is shared in Galatians 6:4-5 is is that those are selfish pride that cause separation from God, whereas the pride Paul speaks of is in fact a humble pride that is thankful for the work done in the heart of a man by God having such a beautiful outcome. You can read more about this 2^nd type of pride (the good kind) in passages such as: 2 Corinthians 7:1-4 and 5:12, as well as multiple other areas. The point is to remember the humble mindset that gives glory to God for what has been done. Even if it be a work of the heart which He alone has done in you. If you have pride in what the work of the heart has allowed you to do, this then is not selfish pride, but remember to give God glory.

3. Favoritism vs. position of favor.

In verse 10 of Galatians 6 we read, ¹⁰ Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

This may appear at first glance to be a form of favoritism against which there is a slew of verses to include:

Romans 2:11 For God does not show favoritism.

Acts 10:34 Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism

Colossians 3:25 Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.

James 2:1 My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism.

& verse 9 But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.

Now over time viewing these verse in context as well as many more, you may come to notice a similarity in them. For instance you will often find that the topic of discussion is the spreading of the Gospel, or loving your neighbor, or delivering justice, or general kind treatment of a person regardless of stature, income, or personality. This makes perfect sense. However, In Galatians when we read the words “especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”, we are in fact reading about the merits or mandates of a position. For example:

If I we’re given the choice of who to spend a lifetime on an island with and my options included a random neighbor I didn’t know, a friend/brother, or my wife, I would most certainly choose my wife. I wouldn’t choose because I would be more kind to her or she would be more kind to me, for both of us would equally show kindness to a complete stranger without favoritism. The fact is though, that when it comes to who I would desire to have by and in my bed, the position my wife holds as a completion of my self mandates that I would chose her for that role. Now that is not favoritism.

Another example would be Abel and Cain.

God offered them both love and they both had an opportunity to have a right relationship with Him, but when Abel took greater time and made greater sacrifice of his belongings and efforts before God, He positioned himself in such a way that God favored his sacrifice over that of his brother’s. This is not favoritism for they both were offered the same opportunity. This was a circumstance where greater effort and thought mandated greater enjoyment and benefit.

This is my final example.

God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son… Now, I ask you if that means that He favored the world of sinners over His own Son? Of course not, but because of His position as a loving God over His creation, He chose to mandate a sacrifice on our behalf just as Jesus made a choice in accepting that mandate and laying down for the slaughter.

We are not to favor anyone or hold them in higher stature than anyone else when it comes to our love of others, the need to share the Gospel message, or in general generosity, but I do hope that I have managed to get the point across that there are positions which mandate a different type of love and generosity just as God unto man, husband unto wife, and brother unto brother. This verse again has not contradicted any other passage inspired by our Devine Creator, but has simply furthered the detail of our understanding relationships and positions. Note that for as many passages that you can use against general favoritism, you may find as many passages to support a position of favor such as:

1 Samuel 1:5 But to Hannah he gave a double portion, because he loved her, though the LORD had closed her womb.

Today’s study, though not brief was a very valuable reminder to me of the type of good judgment and understanding that is required when approaching the word of God. This is why when we read, my wife and I (just as many of my brothers) choose to pray and invite the Holy Spirit to teach and interpret the word for our daily application. Today I am reminded to daily apply discernment in the use of the scripture and never take a verse out of context.

My response to the Lord:

My Holy Father, we are so very thankful that upon your Son’s ascension to your right hand you left for us your Holy Spirit. I am thankful for your Holy Spirit’s guidance and reproof, and work in our lives in every way. I pray that you grant me a more sensitive ear to Your whispers, a more clear vision to your message, and more bold approach to it’s application. I pray these things in the name of Jesus.