Wednesday, December 31, 2014 ~ New Year's Eve

MALACHI:

Date is 450-400 B.C.  The time is one hundred years since the return of the Jews to Palestine.  The city of Jerusalem and the second Temple are completed.  Malachi rebukes the people because they have become slack in their worship.  The book consists of a back and forth questioning and answering between God and his people.  The core question comes down to the true motivation in following God.

In regard to tithes and offerings...

...Test me in this," says the Lord Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it...Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land, says the Lord Almighty.

The people then question...

"You have said, 'It is futile to serve God.  What did we gain by carrying out his requirements and going about like mourners before the Lord Almighty?  But now we call the arrogant blessed.  Certainly the evildoers prosper, and even those who challenge God escape.'"(3:14)

REVELATION 22:

Last chapter in the book and again John being overwhelmed by the experience, falls down at the feet of the angel to worship.

I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had been showing them to me.  But he said to me "Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers the prophets and all who keep the words of the book. Worship God!"(22:9)

In his closing remarks, he warns of the dangers of manipulating prophecy.

I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book. (22:18-19)

In John's final words, the farewell is given and we are reminded of the purpose and reason of it all...

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people.  Amen. 

JOURNAL:

Yesterday I was having a discussion regarding the motivation and reason for obedience.  The "prosperity gospel" was the center topic.  Often in my life, God is viewed as an ATM...I put my code in and I am supposed to get what I need and want.  My God bank account is filled with my "righteous" actions and or my "rights" based on my justification as compared to those around me.  Then when the account reads "insufficient funds"...anger, shame, guilt and panic set in.  

I think this is a very normal response given our culture.  The idea of working hard, and getting a fair wage is the American way.  That is a good thing, it is the “right” path to solid economic prosperity...the only problem is that based on scripture...this is not the path to Righteousness.  This exact problem plagued the Jews and it was at the center of Jesus' accusation of the pharisees. The reality is that if I really want to get paid what I deserve then when I put 'my' card in the God ATM...it is confiscated, sirens go off, and the police come and escort me to jail.  

I can never, ever work my way into righteousness.  It is a gift that has to be accepted, not earned.  Because, the fruit of the spirit is not the same as the fruit of my labor in a monetary culture. 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. (Galatians 5:22)

These fruits have nothing to do with economic condition.  And economic conditions do not produce these fruits either.  These are what flow out of a heart that is grafted into God's. Therefore it could come from the heart of destitute man on the street or from the heart of the CEO of Microsoft.  It could come from the heart of a King, or the heart of a thief dying on a cross. Position and title are never the requirements or the qualifications.  

As the door is closed on 2014, I look back at all the blessings and all the struggles.  I am amazed by God's grace.  As I look to a new year, I take joy in knowing that God's love and his gifts are bought and paid for...the greatest joy life can ever know is already given. 

"Jesus loves me this I know.  For the Bible tells me so, little ones to him belong, they are weak but he is strong. Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me..the Bible tells me so."

Glenn Beck post December 24, 2014

A Christmas story.

I have had a milestone day. 

Maybe it won't seem profound to you but it was to me. 

I hesitate to share this with you because some will think that I am lifting myself up when indeed the opposite it true. I would not have felt what I felt today if I were the man I would want others to believe I am. (Which none of us are).

We are all flawed. Struggling and selfish. We strike out when we are afraid. We become ego maniacs when we fear we are not good enough. We become self righteous when we are far away from God. We become judgmental when we are the least likely to be asked to help judge others in the after life. When we close our minds to others it generally is because we are no longer curious (a bad sign) or when we are afraid that our point of view is right but we can't defend it.

I am many of those things and at times in my life I have been all of those things. Our job in life is to shed that natural man and become more Christlike. 

Our next challenge in such a dark world is to SHARE our light. To not hide it under a bushel. Jesus didn't hide the healing. The apostles gave and healed and not only shared it, but wrote it down. Not for their glory but for His. To show others that joy, peace and comfort can be found. 

Love will change the world. But it must be modeled. May I suggest you and I begin sharing our experiences?

I have promised The Lord, "show me miracles and I will proclaim them throughout the land." Not for my glory but for His. 

Please, I beg you. Do the same thing. Let's reintroduce a good and great God to the world,

Our God is much bigger than we give Him credit for. We are worried about our jobs or our car payments. He cares and He will do those things, but let's let Him show is what He can do. 

He is a God of grace, love, covenants and miracles.

This morning at six am, we got the kids up, dressed and ready to take on the snow covered mountains. We drove to a place two towns over. It was the local food bank. There, for a few hours, the kids, Tania and I, unloaded boxes, stocked shelves and helped bag groceries for those less fortunate than us.

It wasn't too long into our workday that I realized that if it wasn't for my ability to broadcast, my body would have given out and this would be the life I would be living with my children right now. There but for the grace of God go I.

About twenty minutes in, with people lined up out the door in the cold, a man looked up when I greeted him with Merry Christmas and with shock and disbelief he said to me:

"Are you ... Wait. You can't be. Are you Glenn beck?"

"Yes", I said feeling foolish. "Merry Christmas"

He looked down and said. "Wow, I never thought I would meet you here."

He paused and said perhaps to himself, "I never thought I would be here." 

The gift of empathy. I felt him. I knew him. For a fraction of a second I was him and I loved him.

He had been successful and used to watch me on fox, but then lost his job and could no longer afford to watch, we caught up on things and he pushed his cart on through.

The newspaper came, looking for a Christmas story. I got down on bended knee and began to help my daughter restock shelves. It gave me a chance to bury my face until they left. I don't think they saw me. They will air the same story they air every year. In every town all over the world and no one will watch it.

I wasn't looking for a story. I was looking for a miracle. I found it. The kindness we saw. The moms with children. The gratitude. The great and powerful volunteers who treated us as if we really were making a difference on this one visit while they are there year round. 

The people just like you and me, in situations they never thought possible. The people starving not for food but to no longer be invisible... Or maybe no longer wishing to be invisible. 

Another man stopped me and simply said, "you are so much taller than I would have imagined. Why are you here?"

"My kids and you". I replied. He told me about how he was now raising his grand daughter as his own, this daughter just moved to New York City and left her baby. With a far away look in his eyes he pondered aloud, "how does a mother do that?"

It was a day full of heart felt questions and needed insight and answers. None of which provided by me. 

It wasn't long before I truly understood: We may all be in that line someday. Sooner than we think and longer than we care to admit.

As I was restocking the chocolate syrup I heard a woman pick up a bag of 3 popcorn balls as if they were gold, frankincense or myrrh. I heard her ask herself with my back turned,

"The question is, can I keep these hidden until Christmas morning?" She had struck gold, an answered prayer, a simple gift for her Children which indeed was a profound gift to her from a Father who loves her.

I almost broke down and wept. I remember those days when I couldn't afford a simple gift from the shelves of cvs. I felt like a failure as a dad.

I wasn't. She isn't and if you are going through tough times, neither are you.

Hard times make us.

This trip started out as service to others, as something I wanted my kids to do. They have so much and their life is unlike anyone else's that I know. I want them to understand what the rest of the world is like. I want to teach them compassion, charity, love and most importantly, empathy.

I want to teach myself those things as well.

I left richer than I was when I entered and as always, my kids asked if we could do that again. Yes. On the first and third Saturday of every month this happens. Not just at Christmas.

I heard a sermon from a friend of mine this am before the family was awake. It revolved around despair. How many are suffering? Rape, death, joblessness, war, hopelessness, drugs, loneliness.

How many times have we heard "where is God? How could he allow this happen? So much suffering.!"

Let me apologize. I am just finally beginning to get it. If you know me and still ask that question "where is God?" then I have failed my God and you. 

If you know me and haven't seen compassion, hope, faith, and patience than I haven't been doing my part.

Where is God? 

Acting through you if you will let him. 

Brightening the world through you. If people don't see Him in us than we are not active enough. If we are taking credit than we are misguided.

I saw God today. 

He was picking up a bag of popcorn balls, he was taking care of his daughters baby as his own and he was bringing joy to others who can't afford every meal, just like him, wearing a red shirt and red sweat pants and a home made Santa beard he had made from yarn.

He is there every Saturday and has been for twelve years. He is a simple man who knows how to give away pallets of joy as if it just grew on trees.

Let's find our way to each other. Let's really look people in the eye when we say merry Christmas. Hold the gaze a little longer than normal to let the other person know "I see you" and that they are not invisible.

Tomorrow, I am going door to door as Santa. We have mapped out the route, checked it twice. My kids are elves. Let see who leaves with more gifts, us or those who we visit.

I am not a perfect guy. I was raised in a family that never tithed nor had enough money to give to charity. I am still learning how to be a better man, father, husband and neighbor. Perhaps you are too. May I suggest, you stop begging for answers and begin to seek miracles and as you prepare for those to happen, go be a miracle in someone else's life.

Today!

From the house over the river and through the woods, with the smoke billowing from the chimney and the brightest stars you have ever seen lighting the diamond snow in the front yard ... Goodnight America.

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

ZECHARIAH 13,14:

These last two chapters cover God's cleansing of Jerusalem and the Second coming.  Mirroring Revelation, Zechariah tells that a third of the people will be left in the whole earth, that God will:

...bring into the fire; I will refine them like silver and test them like gold.  they will call on my name and I will answer them; I will say, 'They are my people', and they will say, 'The Lord is our God.'(13:9)

God will then establish his permanent Kingdom.

Then the survivors from all the nations that have attacked Jerusalem will go up year after year to worship the King, the Lord Almighty, and to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles...On that day HOLY TO THE LORD will be inscribed on the bells of the horses, and the cooking pots in the Lord's house will be like sacred bowls in front of the altar. (14:16-20) 

REVELATION 21:

John sees the New Jerusalem.

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth...I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God...And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them.  They will be his people and God himself will be with them and be their God.  He will wipe every tear from their eyes.  there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." (21:1-4)

The angel who talked with me had a measuring rod...The city was laid out like a square as long as it was wide. He measured the city thigh the rod and found it to be 12,000 stadia in length, and as wide and his as it is long.  He measured its wall and it was 144 cubits thick... (21:15-17)

The converted measurement is 1400 miles long, high and wide.  It's walls are 200 feet thick.

JOURNAL:

Beyond comprehension.  It makes me realize that most of the things I hope for are so trivial when compared to the promised Kingdom of God. How often have I quietly sold out to hopes and visions that are so cheap and pale in comparison.  I realize how silly are my worries, how misplaced are my fears.  

Why would I ever compromise and disobey God for cheap, imperfect, idols?  Yet in the course of a day, I am deceived and my desires want things now.  It reminds me of Esau...being so hungry that he willingly gives away his birthright. How often I am willing to settle for a crumb, when the feast awaits.  

Yet as only an amazing loving God can do...he forgives me, turns my head back toward him and restores my hope.  I think of how Christ left the perfect and endured the filth, agony and horror of his life and the cross...only so that we would accept, believe and be covered for eternity.  It truly is beyond my comprehension...

"God loves you!...make it a great Day!"

Monday, December 29, 2014

ZECHARIAH 10-12:

Zechariah speaks of the coming destruction of opposing kingdoms as well as God's care for his people through the coming Messiah.

And I will pour out on the house of David and inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication.  They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son. (12:10)

REVELATION 20:

Satan is bound and locked up for a thousand years.  Then those that were beheaded during the tribulation period are brought back to life and reign with Christ for a thousand years.  After the thousand years Satan is released and once more he roams the earth, gathers followers through deception and stages an attack on God's people.  He is finally defeated and thrown into the lake of burning sulfur with the beast and the false prophet.

And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown.  They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever. (20:10)

JOURNAL: 

Deception: beguilement, deceit, bluff, mystification and subterfuge are acts to propagate beliefs of things that are not true, or not the whole truth. Deception can involve dissimulation, propaganda, and sleight of hand, as well as distraction, camouflage, or concealment.

In all of the scriptures Satan's mode of operation is through deception. Using means to disguise truth into something that will lure people away from God and obedience. The lures of Satan will therefore never be things that are unpleasant or unnatractive.  They will mostly be things that are attractive and give a sense of pleasure and goodness.  

Sun Tzu, the great military tactician stated:

If you know your enemies and know yourself, you will not be imperiled in a hundred battles; if you do not know your enemies but do know yourself, you will win one and lose one; if you do not know your enemies nor yourself, you will be imperiled in every single battle.

I don't like thinking of the world or my life this way.  I don't want to believe that there is an enemy that wants my destruction...yet I must believe based on scripture that this is the the truth, and realize that my disdain for this truth is part of the deception.

On my own, out in the world, the probability for deception is great. It just makes sense that I be linked to the truth (God's word) always and together with other believers that will keep me honest and less likely to be lured to paths away from God.  

"God loves you! So do I! Make it a great day!

Sunday, December 28, 2014

ZECHARIAH 7-9:

The people come to inquire of God as to whether they should continue to fast in the 5th month.  Apparently they had been doing so as a sign of mourning since Nebuchadnezzar had burned down the temple in 586 B.C.

God answers and questions their motives. 

"When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months for the past seventy years, was it really for me that you fasted? And when you were eating and drinking, were you not just feasting for yourselves?"(7:4)

God then recounts his simple instructions all along...which were disobeyed and were the cause of all the destruction.

"Administer true justice, show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor.  In your hearts do not think evil of each other." 

"But they refused to pay attention; stubbornly they turned their backs and stopped up their ears.  The made their hearts as hard as flint and would not listen to the law or to the words that the Lord almighty had sent by his Spirit...So the Lord Almighty was very angry.  When I called, they did not listen; so when they called, I would not listen...This is how they made the pleasant land desolate." (7:9-14)

The rest of the two chapters reiterate the same points and end with predictions of Christ and the coming of the Kingdom.

REVELATION 19:

"Hallelujah!" The roar goes up from Heaven as the announcement of the entrance of Christ.

For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine lined, bright and clean, was given her to wear."

John at this point falls down to worship the messengar and he rebukes him...

Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God!

Then enters Christ

I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns.  He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God...Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations...On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS

The final battle is underway...the beast and false prophet are captured and thrown into the "fiery lake of burning sulfur"

JOURNAL:

I am amazed...I guess I should be amazed at how little I typically comprehend. I feel as if you could take these few chapters and spend years disecting them and also living by them.  So often my motives for my actions are completely selfish.  I do things because I hope they will benefit me.  Not because I am obedient to God.  I tend to worship and place importance on myself and then on things and people that are not God.  I see very clearly that I am no better than the rebellious Israelites. Even though for all my life scripture is right here...clearly revealing my rebellious ways, I still tend to focus first on myself and then on all those things that benefit my wants and desires. 

No wonder Paul, a man who obeyed the scriptures all of his life and could quote entire books says...

Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners - of whom I am the worst.  But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.  Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen (1 Timothy 1:15-17)

With that...there is really nothing left to say!

"God loves you! So do I! Make it a great day!

Saturday, December 27, 2014

ZECHARIAH 4-6:

Four different visions make up these 3 chapters: Golden Lampstand, Flying Scroll, Woman in measuring basket and the Four Chariots.  The last chapter ends with the crowning of Joshua

Take the silver and the gold and make a crown, and set it on the head of the high priest, Joshua son of Jehozadak.  Tell him this is what the Lord Almighty says: 'Here is the man whose name is the Branch, and he will branch out from his place and build the temple of the Lord...'(6:11-12)

Most of the visions relate to the future of the temple but also foreshadows the millennial Kingdom of the Messiah.

REVELATION 18:

"Woe! Woe, O great city, O Babylon, city of power! In one hour your doom has come! (18:10)

The chapter is filled with descriptions of all the power, beauty and greatness of the city and how in the scope of an hour it is all turned to rubble.

JOURNAL:

One hour, how often do I dismiss hours upon hours. Yet in one hour the greatest city the world has ever known is eliminated. The power of God to act and to act swiftly and decisively, is both frightening and comforting. I think of how long it takes to build a home, build a family and a life, yet in the scope of an hour it can be dismantled and destroyed.  God gives us power through the spirit to do great things, but that power also can do great harm.  

As I think about the current hour and all that God has given and blessed me with, it is overwhelming as to where to begin.  However, just as with yesterday, to remember that time is a gift, God in his sovereignty will make it work to his purposes.  It is not to be feared or dreaded, it is to be used with confidence in that God will not fail.  Though, my life is a whisp, it is a whisp that matters and was paid for in Christ's life and death.  Therefore my joy is found in living it with confidence, hour by hour.  

My favorite things in life don't cost any money. It's really clear that the most precious resource we all have is time. ~ Steve Jobs

A quote from someone who knew the triumph of industry and technology and almost unlimited worldly resoursces and power...yet still the gift of time was one that was most precious.

"God loves you! So do I! Make it a great Day!"

Friday, December 26, 2014

ZECHARIAH 1-3:

520-518 B.C. He prophesied during the time immediately after the rebuilding of the temple had been halted and then restarted in 521.  His prophesies were encouraging the people to build as well as predicting the coming of the Messiah.  He predicted more about the Messiah than any other prophet other than Isaiah.

Chapters 1-3 are several visions concerning the coming peace of the Kingdom as well as a vision of Joshua the High Priest and a command:

"If you will walk in my ways and keep my requirements, then you will govern my house and have charge of my courts, and I will give you a place among these standing here...

I am going to bring my servant, the Branch. See, the stone I have set in front of Joshua!...I will remove the sin of this land in a single day. In that day each of you will invite his neighbor to sit under his vine and fig tree, declares the Lord Almighty."(3:6-10) 

REVELATION 17:

Very disturbing chapter as it describes a city represented as a prostitute sitting on a scarlet beast that is covered in blasphemous names.  She holds a golden cup filled with abominable things and all her adulteries.  Written on her head is the following:

MYSTERY

BABYLON THE GREAT

THE MOTHER OF PROSTITUTES

AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF 

THE EARTH

The woman is "drunk with the blood of the saints, the blood of those who bore testimony to Jesus"

John is astonished and the Angel then explains the meaning of it all...in his descriptions he does give the ultimate hope.

They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings - and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers. 

JOURNAL:

Two days ago on Christmas eve, I had an overwhelming thought...the same God of the prophets, that brought the Israelites out of Egypt, that has seen the entire history of the world from creation to this very moment, is available always and desires relationship with me.  I thought about him walking millions of followers through their lives, from riches to poor, from those in foxholes to those sitting on thrones.  It is the same God.  All different lives, in all vastly different circumstances, yet still the same God.  

Who am I to worry? Why should I question? Also why does my life matter?  That takes me to countless scriptures but also a poem that keeps popping into my head...

Oh me! Oh life! of the questions of these recurring,

Of the endless trains of the faithless, of cities fill’d with the foolish,

Of myself forever reproaching myself, (for who more foolish than I, and who more faithless?)

Of eyes that vainly crave the light, of the objects mean, of the struggle ever renew’d,

Of the poor results of all, of the plodding and sordid crowds I see around me,

Of the empty and useless years of the rest, with the rest me intertwined,

The question, O me! so sad, recurring—What good amid these, O me, O life?

                                       Answer.

That you are here—that life exists and identity,

That the powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse.

Walt Whitman

Each life, each moment, each day matters because God created it, allowed it and therefore has blessed it. We get to contribute a verse...although it is a commercial for Apple the following is such a powerful visual...

"God loves you! So do I! Make it a great day!

Merry Christmas! Thursday, December 25, 2014

HAGGAI:

520 B.C. Haggai called the people to finish the Temple.  The book is addressed to all the people to encourage them to rebuild.  But specifically Zerubbabel, the governor and Joshua, the high priest are addressed. 

A verse of particular interest is when he relays the rebuke from God.

"You expected much, but see, it turned out to be little. What you bought home, I blew away. Why?" declares the Lord Almighty. "Because of my house which remains  a ruin, while each of you is busy with his own house..." (1:9)

REVELATION 16:

Armageddon is reaching its completion as the seven angels pour out their bowls of affliction and total destruction occurs.

...The great city split into three parts, and the cities of the nations collapsed...Every island fled away and the mountains could not be found. From the sky huge hailstones of about a hundred pounds each fell upon men. And they cursed God on account of the plague of hail...(16:17-21)

JOURNAL:

Merry Christmas! It is actually strange to read such ominous verses on a day of celebration.  However in many ways it is a sober reminder that God is the only permanence in our lives. I do love the good things in my life though.  Laughs, good movies, popcorn, christmas lights...after such a good day the last thing I want to think about is that its all temporary, but there is a certain beauty about the fact that each day has it's own life and then it ends.  It is a gift, it's not meant to last forever, it's not meant to savor and hold onto. It is meant to be enjoyed. God will give us more, that's why I trust him.  So tonight, I will enjoy, I won't think too much or wish it could last.  I'll simply thank God for the miracle of life, my family, my friends and the God who loves me.

Merry Christmas!!

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

ZEPHANIAH:

He was a prophet around 625 B.C. in the Kingdom of Judah.  He apparently was of noble birth and was key in preparing the people for a revival that later came under King Josiah. Like most of the prophetic books, it centers around coming judgement for the people's disobedience and worship of other Gods. 

Another theme is acknowledgement of those that are meek and humble

Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the Lord's anger. (2:3)

...because I will remove from this city those who rejoice in their pride. Never again will you be haughty on my holy hill. But I will leave within you the meek and humble, who trust in the name of the Lord. (3:11-12) 

REVELATION 15:

Seven angels appear who are responsible for the final and last plagues on the earth. They held harps and sang the "song of Moses"

"Great and marvelous are your deeds, Lord God Almighty. Just and true are your ways, King of the ages. Who will not fear you, O Lord, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed."(15:3-4) 

JOURNAL:

Here it is Christmas Eve, my family all still asleep and I know this time tomorrow morning they will be itching to open presents, wait, I'm sure we will be well into the gift opening by this point.  I can still remember the excitement as a kid.  It all was so magical.  The anticipation of gifts and the joy of family and grandparents, good food all wrapped into one day. 

Reading this morning I am reminded of the hope that it all represents. It is the hope and the reality of Christ.  A couple of years ago I came across this video and song by Mac Powell (lyrics and video below). It gets me every time I watch it...to see the hope and joy in the humble yet powerful presence of Christ reminds me of what is truly important and what it really is all about.

When Love Sees You

Blessed are you as you weep on your knees

With perfume and tears washing over My feet

And blessed are you, beggar, hopeless and blind

Calling for mercy when I'm passing by

Blessed are you, shaking your head

At two tiny fish and some bread

And blessed are you as you tremble and wait

For the first stone thrown at your sinful disgrace

Tell Me your story, show Me your wounds

And I'll show you what Love sees when Love looks at you

Hand Me the pieces, broken and bruised

And I'll show you what Love sees when Love sees you

Blessed are you, walking on waves

To find yourself sinking when you look away

Blessed are you, leper, standing alone

The fear on their faces is all that you've known

Blessed are you, lonely widow who gave

Your last shiny coin to Yahweh

Blessed are you with your silver and lies

Kissing the One who's saving your life

Tell Me your story, show Me your wounds

And I'll show you what Love sees when Love looks at you

Hand Me the pieces, broken and bruised

And I'll show you what Love sees when Love sees you

I see what I made in your mother's womb

And I see the day I fell in love with you

I see your tomorrows, nothing left to chance

I see My Father's fingerprints

I see your story, I see My name

Written on every beautiful page

You see the struggle, you see the shame

I see the reason I came

I came for your story, I came for your wounds

To show you what Love sees when I see you

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

HABAKKUK:

Written around 607 B.C. just before Nebuchadnezzar invaded Judah. He is commissioned by God to announce the coming invasion and captivity. He spends the first chapter asking God why he allows wickedness in Judah. Then when God answers that he will punish them through the Babylonians, he questions why God would use wicked people to do so.

Why then do you tolerate the treacherous? Why are you silent while the wicked swallow up those more righteous than themselves? (1:13)

God then answers by defining the evil done by people and then defines what separates righteousness from unrighteousness.

"See he is puffed up; his desires are not upright - but the righteous will live by his faith..."(2:4)

Habakkuk then  spends the third chapter praising God.

Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord...The sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights. (3:17-19)

REVELATION 14:

 This chapter covers the 144,000 who did not fall prey to worshiping the antichrist. They began to sing a new song which no one else could learn or understand. They are described as

They follow the Lamb wherever he goes. They were purchased from among men and offered as first fruits to God and the Lamb. (14:4)

The chapter ends with two angels harvesting the earth and killing all those who have followed the antichrist.

JOURNAL:

Yesterday my oldest and I were having a discussion on yesterdays' passages. How it is so overwhelming to begin to understand someone else's life.  We were riding down the road and he asks the question "what could be going on in that person's life right now".   As we stared at the man beside us...I'm sure he wondered what was going on...I realized how pointless the thought and limited I am. Reading this morning it is evident that Habakkuk struggles with understanding God and his ways. It is not for him to remedy but only to obey.

I realize more and more how my thoughts so drift from the here and now into wondering and worrying about the future.  Trying to make plans and then when I consider all that is out of my control and out of my understanding I am reminded of Jesus' words to us regarding worry.

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6:34)

No kidding each day has enough trouble, and when I think about it, do I really invest all my energy and time into the day, the moment that is right here? The answer is no. One of my great enemies is distraction, I so easily can be distracted by what is next, that I miss all the richness that is right here, right now. There is an answer from yesterday...Trust God for the future and embrace all that is here now in this moment...No matter how trivial or overwhelming.  Today and this moment is where God intended me...it is not for me to question...another verse comes to mind.

I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:12-13)

"God loves you! So do I! Make it a great day!" 

Monday, December 22, 2014

NAHUM:

Nahum prophesied 663-612 B.C. His message was concerning Nineveh, who after Jonah (100 years before), had fallen back into their old ways.  He begins chapter 1 with a description of the power and goodness of God. 

The Lord is a jealous and avenging God...the Lord is slow to anger and great in power; the Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished...The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him, but with an overwhelming flood he will make an end of Nineveh...(1:2-7)

He describes in great detail the destruction, complete with piles of dead laying in the street. He then somewhat mocks their false confidence

Are you better than Thebes, situated on the Nile, with water around her?...Yet she was taken captive and went into exile. Her infants were dashed to pieces at the head of every street. Lots were cast for her nobles, and all her great men were put in chains.(3:8-10)

The chapter ends with

...Everyone who hears the news about you claps his hands at your fall, for who has not felt your endless cruelty?(3:19)

REVELATION 13:

This chapter describes the unrestricted rule of the Antichrist.

He was given power to make war against the saints and to conquer them. And he was given authority over every tribe, people, language and nation. All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast-all whose names have not been written in the book of life belonging to the Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world.

He also forced everyone, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead, so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark, which is the name of the beast...(13:7-18) 

JOURNAL:

Here I am 3 days before Christmas and I'm reading about God's destruction and him allowing the Antichrist to have his way with the world.  Definitely not the feel-good Hallmark channel. And I can begin to see how spoiled I am when it comes to Holidays and all the things that I want and expect.  I can see how I feel such security in traditions, people and the freedom we enjoy.  It all feels as if it's supposed to be this way, as if it is somehow guaranteed to always be this way.

The true reality...it's not!  Even now there are those that are persecuted and killed, there are those that are starving and dying.  There are children right here among us who are living a private hell, forget whether Santa is going to bring them anything or not, they simply hope not to be abused or punched or kicked.  I am reminded that the ravages of hurt and destruction are not limited to "end-times", for many...it exists right under our noses. 

So what am I to do with that? I don't really know.  For sure, I am to be grateful for what I do have and remember that nothing on earth can ever keep hurt and destruction at bay. No amount of money or position or family can ever be our God.  Also to be aware of ways I can be more loving and aware of "real needs" and "real hurts". This is a hard balance, yet I don't think that closing myself off to reality is the answer.

"God loves you! So do I! Make it great day!"

Sunday, December 21, 2014

MICAH 6,7:

In these last two chapters of Micah, he writes of a back and forth discussion between God and his people. God asks the question:

"My people, what have I done to you? How have I burdened you? Answer me. I brought you up out of Egypt and redeemed you from the land of slavery...Remember your journey...that you may know the righteous acts of the Lord" (6:3-5)

Israel responds with burnt offerings and the fruits of labor, but then Micah sums it all and somewhat rebukes the reply

He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. (6:8) 

God then responds again

Am I still to forget, O wicked house, your ill-gotten treasures...Therefore I have begun to destroy you, to ruin you because of your sins. You will eat but not be satisfied; your stomach will still be empty. You will store up but save nothing...You will plant but not harvest...you will crush grapes but not drink the wine. 

Israel then responds, admitting its evil...

The godly have been swept from the land; not one upright man remains. All men lie in wait to shed blood; each hunts his brother...Both hands are skilled in doing evil; the ruler demands gifts, the judge accepts bribes, the powerful dictate what they desire - they all conspire together. The best of them is like a brier, the most upright worse than a thorn hedge. 

God then gives a promise of blessing and Israel responds

Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression...You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea. (7:18-19) 

REVELATION 12:

The vision continues with a war on earth and in heaven.  An honored woman (Israel) gives birth to a son (Jesus). An enormous dragon is waiting to devour him, but he is swept into heaven and so the dragon wages war on heaven but is cast down to the earth. In a fit of anger he wages war on the people of the earth. 

For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down.  They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. (12:10-11)

JOURNAL:

I am speechless.  Today this hits me hard.  I see so much of my own journey and God's grace and my lack of gratitude. I see how I am never satisfied for long.  I see my lack of justice and mercy and how I refuse to walk humbly with God.  I see the "filthy rags" of my own righteousness.  I lastly see how I love my life too much and how I do shrink from giving it completely. 

In the midst of all my despair and hopelessness, God redeems and hurls all my sins and failures into the "depths of the sea." There really is nothing left to say but...AMEN!

"God loves you! So do I! Make it a great day!"

Saturday, December 20, 2014

MICAH 4-5:

Micah spends these two chapters forecasting the coming of Christ and the redemption of Israel.  

He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. And he will be their peace. (5:4-5)

REVELATION 11:

Two prophets then appear and begin prophesying to the people and God protects them and keeps them from harm.  When they finish their testimony the Antichrist appears and kills them.

...the beast that comes up from the Abyss will attack them, and overpower and kill them. Their bodies will lie in the street of the great city...For three and a half days men from every people, tribe, language and nation will gaze on their bodies and refuse them burial.  The inhabitants of the earth will gloat over them and will celebrate by sending each other gifts, because these two prophets had tormented those who live on earth. 

but after the three and a half days a breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet, and terror struck those who saw them...And they went up to heaven in a cloud, while their enemies looked on. (11:7-12)

JOURNAL:

Obviously this scene from revelation, is much like the road to calvary.  Public opinion would say "game over".  God's anointed are dead, laying in the street for over 3 days. Starting to discolor and smell.  Relief that finally something stopped the internal torment people were experiencing.  Then it happens, God shows up in ways never expected. Turns the table, flips the script, changes the game.

It is hard to mesh the spiritual with the world. The reality is that only God can really do it.  So often I wish that God would change the world to fit my needs and wants.  The truth is that God only does that to serve his purposes, not my desires.  This text also is a warning to not let the world's definition of success be confused with God's.  Death on a cross or dead and rotting in the street would never have been deemed the greatest victory the world has ever known. Yet it is. Public opinion will never be the final authority.  The world's laws and victories will never be the final scoreboard.

I don't think this means that we reject society and try to usher in the Kingdom on our own.  That is a dangerous path that in essence attempts to usurp God.  I think we still have to serve and love in this world in ways that reflect our obedience to God, without making the world our God and master.  On my own, this is impossible, but with God it is just a "breath" away.

"God loves you! So do I! Make it a great day"

Friday, December 19, 2014

MICAH 1-3:

Micah prophesied in Judah in the years 737-696 B.C. He was from a rural area and a lot the book is spent on rebuking corruption of city life in Judah and Israel.  The first 3 chapters address future suffering, the futility of Man's plans, false prophets and a rebuking of all leaders and prophets who devise evil.

Her leaders judge of a bribe, her priests teach for a price, and her prophets tell fortunes for money. Yet they lean upon the Lord and say, "Is not the Lord among us? No disaster will come upon us." Therefore because of you, Zion will be plowed like a field, Jerusalem will become a heap of rubble, the temple hill a mound overgrown with thickets.

REVELATION 10:

Chapter 10 covers the 7th Angel and his revealing the mystery of God. The angel comes down and stands part on the earth and part on the sea. John is commanded in his vision to ask him for the scroll that is in his hand.

So I went to the angel and asked him to give me the little scroll.  He said to me, "Take it and eat it. It will turn your stomach sour, but in your mouth it will be as sweet as honey."...It tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth, but when I had eaten it, my stomach turned sour. Then I was told, "You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages and kings."

JOURNAL:

Here from Micah is a warning that to me, seems against those that have found profit and comfort in their current position.  Of course since he is from a rural area he is a bit of an outsider and would naturally rebuke those in the city.  It also is a reminder of the dangers and the subtlety of comfort. Yet that is what I seem to long for...is that not the lure of retirement and vacation.  I can't help but wonder if that is not a well played lie to keep us out of the battle.  The more I can be compromised, the more comfortable I am, the harder it will be to break out of that into whatever God calls me to do.

What is tough about this is...vacation, retirement are all wonderful things.  They are definitely gifts that are good.  Just as the Kingdom of Israel, Solomon's wealth were all blessings. But I think the danger is when they become the end and goal rather than a blessing from God.  One of the things that used to bother me as a financial advisor was always focusing on planning for the day that people will do nothing.  The more I think about it...it almost feels like a way to take people out of the game and render them ineffective.

It also is a reminder for the need to get out of our comfort zone, get into the country, slow down and hear from God.  A great quote from John Wooden puts things into proper perspective...

Be true to yourself. Make each day your masterpiece. Help others. Drink deeply from good books. Make friendship a fine art. Build a shelter against a rainy day. Pray for guidance and give thanks for your blessings every day.

Thursday, December 18, 2014

JONAH:

Jonah is a prophet in Israel around 760 B.C.  during the reign of Jeroboam II.  Jonah receives word that he is to go to Ninevah and preach against it. So Jonah runs away, boards a boat and heads for Tarshish. While on the boat a terrible storm rages, Jonah reveals to the crew it is because of him and has them throw him overboard.  A fish swallows him, keeps him alive and then deposits him on the beach. Jonah then obeys God, goes to Ninevah, preaches against them, forecasts their destruction and to his great displeasure they repent.  Jonah becomes angry with God and admits this is why he ran away, he did not want to see God redeem then Nineties

"O Lord is this not what I said when I was still at home? That is why I was so quick to flee to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. Now, O Lord, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live." (4:1-3)

But the Lord replied, "Have you any right to be any?"(4:4)

So Jonah goes outside the city, made a shelter and sat in it's shade.  God then caused a vine to grow up and cover him from the sun.  Jonah was very happy about the vine, but the next day God caused a worm to eat it and it withered and died.  Jonah was even angrier because of the vine, so much so that he wanted to die.

But the Lord said, "You have been concerned about this vine, though you did not tend it or make it grow...But Nineveh has more than a hundred and twenty thousand people...should I not be concerned about that great city?"

REVELATION 9:

The fifth trumpet blows and swarms of locusts attack the earth tormenting mankind.  People who do not have the seal of God are tortured to the point that they long to die. Then the sixth trumpet is blown and it released two hundred million mounted troops to release plagues onto the earth.

The rest of mankind that were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the work of their hands; they did not stop worshiping demons, and idol of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood - idol that cannot see hear or walk. Nor did they repent of their murders, their magic arts, their sexual immorality or their thefts. (9:20,21)

JOURNAL:

 I have heard the story of Jonah countless times. Yet this morning I am struck by how angry he is. I always thought that Jonah was fearful of the people of Ninevah and that is why he was running away. No clearly, he hated them and did not want to see God redeem.  Then to see him sit and pout and acknowledge God's grace and actually be angry about it, is almost funny.  The interaction between them is truly that of a spoiled child.  It is accentuated even more over the vine and how he is so happy about it and then bitterly angry when it dies.

Jonah is a mess! And boy do I relate...and as only God can do, he has compassion on him.  He continues to communicate and teach and love.  God's concern, as always, is Jonah's heart.  Just as yesterday with the people of Edom, the pill of bitterness and hate will cause senseless behavior that in itself is a prison.  With Jonah, God knows he needs to be pushed in ways that are unconventional so that his sin can be exposed. Again, the amazing grace and love of God always wins out.

The other thing that really hits me about these two texts is our ability to hold onto sin and how God allows it. With Jonah and with the prophesy of Revelation, sin can be so pervasive and blinding that tremendous, obvious acts of God, seem to have no effect.  It is in these moments, thinking about my own life, that I realize all the miraculous blessings that are freely given, and yet I am more prone to complain about what I don't get or have rather than what I do.  It truly is a reminder that feelings are gifts, but they can't always be trusted.  Like the vine they come and go. But God is constant and will never leave or forsake us.

"God loves you! So do I! Make it a great day!"

 

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

OBADIAH:

The book was written either 840 or 586 B.C. The confusion on dates is based on two attacks on Jerusalem.  There is nothing known about Obadiah, except that his name means servant of the Lord. The entire book is written to the Edomites who were the descendants of Esau (Jacob's twin brother).  Although Jacob and Esau resolved their differences the Edomites were the sworn enemies of Israel. So the purpose of the book is a forewarning of destruction because of their actions:

Because of the violence against your brother Jacob, you will be covered with shame; you will be destroyed forever. (10)

On the day you stood aloof while strangers carried off his wealth...You should not look down on your brother in the day of his misfortune, nor boast so much in the day of their trouble. (11,12)

...As you have done, it will be done to you; your deeds will return upon your head. (15) 

REVELATION 8:

The seventh seal is broken and the second series of judgements comes upon the earth, the sea, the rivers and the heavens. So where with the first series, man is attacked, in the second a third of all the earth is destroyed.

...A third of the earth was burned up...A third of the sea turned into blood...A third of the waters turned bitter...A third of the day was without light, and also a third of the night (7-12)

JOURNAL:

So where is the "brotherly love"? I never realized what happened to Esau and his descendants. Apparently they were an established Kingdom in the mountains of Mount Seir.  They never were at peace with Israel, in fact they assisted any enemy and also participated in most attacks against them.  One Edomite of note was Herod the Great.

So I picture Edom being the snotty brother who finds all kinds of ways to get his brother in trouble and does his "happy dance" at every misfortune.  Although God is furious with Israel's rebellion, in the end,  Israel is restored and Edom is completely destroyed.

Just when I think I can finally get out of the crosshairs of my own sin, I am hit right between the eyes. How many times have I secretly rejoiced at the misfortune of someone who has caused me harm?How often have I felt justified when an enemy fails?...Too often.  Reality is that I am not God, I do not hold the keys to eternity and judgement. No matter the wrongs done to me, the ultimate wrongs are those done in disobedience to God.  I am no better than the worst of mankind and therefore deserve no less punishment.

Again...the redemption of grace is always about the heart.  I am reminded of 1 Corinthians 13...

Love is patient, love is kind.  It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. (13:4-8)

So, to hold grudges and to seek revenge are toxic positions and will ultimately lead to my own destruction...that is a tough word, yet one I know deep down is true.

To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.

Lewis B. Smedes

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

AMOS 7-9:

Chapter 7 begins with Amos prophesying Israel's demise and then being rebuked by Amaziah and King Jeroboam.  Amos' response:

I was neither a prophet nor a prophet's son, but I was a shepherd, and I also took care of sycamore-fig trees. But the Lord took me from tending the flock and said to me, "Go prophesy to my people Israel."(7:14-16)

Amos then begins to prophesy about a famine, but not a famine of food but a famine of God's word.

"The days are coming" declares the sovereign Lord, "when I will send a famine through the land-nota a famine for food or a thirst for water, but a famine of hearing the words of the Lord."

"Men will stagger from sea to east, searching for the word of the Lord, but they will not find it." (8:11-12) 

The chapter does end with a promise of future blessing.

"I will bring back my exiled people Israel; the will rebuild the ruined cities and live in them. They will plant vineyards and drink their wine; they will make gardens and eat their fruit. I will plant Israel in their own land never again to be uprooted from the land I have given them," says the Lord

REVELATION 7:

The vision continues with a seal being put on those chosen from the tribes of Israel. Then a large number of diverse people in white robes appeared, holding palm branches and praising God. Then one of the elders explained who these people were.

"These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore, "they are before the throne of god and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them. Never again will they hunger, never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat upon them, nor and scorching heat. For the lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.

JOURNAL:

Bitterness. Such a nasty word and yet it is such an ingrained part of life.  I see it all around me and when I am really honest, I see it in myself.  It can be further defined as " Resentment (also called ranklement or bitterness) is the experience of a negative emotion felt as a result of a real or imagined wrong done."

Bitterness and resentment therefore come from a heart that feels wronged. It comes when we don't get something that we "feel" entitled to. I know in my own life, I have certain expectations as to what I "deserve".  When those expectations aren't met I get angry and bitterness is the result.  So the next question is "what are my expectations?' 

Sadly, they come from a serious lack of gratitude.  For some reason I begin to "expect" grace and the goodness of God.  I can see the same thing over and over in the Bible. Grace and goodness becomes expected from God's children who don't deserve it, they then don't listen, don't obey.  Hmm sounds like this morning with my own children.  And there I commit the same sin...expecting them to be grateful for my flawed grace and love.  I am reminded of that old hymm "Amazing grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me"

"God loves you! So do I! Make it a great day!"

 

 

Monday, December 15, 2014

AMOS 4-6:

God continues to speak through Amos in warning the people to repent.  He tells them that he has been the cause of problems in order to get them to turn to God.

I gave you empty stomachs in every city and lack of bread in every town, yet you have not returned to me, declares the Lord. (4:6)

Many times I struck your gardens and vineyards...I sent plagues...I killed your young men...I overthrew some of you as I overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah...yet you have not returned to me, says the Lord. (4:9-11) 

He continues to list their sins and then rebukes their attempts at worship.

I hate, I despise your religious feasts; I cannot stand your assemblies. Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them...Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of our harps. (5:21-23)

REVELATION 5-6:

 A Scroll is revealed and the only one authorized to open it is Christ represented as a slain lamb.  All the elders and those gathered around the throne sang.

You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on earth. (5:9,10)

The scroll is opened and the plagues are released on the earth: Cold war, open war, famine, death and martrydom.

Then the kings of the earth, the princes, the generals, the rich, the mighty, and every slave and every free man hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountains. They called to the mountains and the rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?"

JOURNAL:

I am tired of reading about death and destruction. I want to read some happy words and see again God's love.  Over and over and over again God is rebuking and warning and forecasting doom.  No wonder the prophets are rejected and forced into exile. No one wants to constantly hear this...and there it is.  I am no different...I don't want to face my sin. I don't want to hear how I have rebelled and rejected God. I want to somehow believe that I am different that I don't deserve this.  

But I do...which is why I can rejoice in salvation. Yet I must never forget from what I have been saved and why.

  It aint the heat. It's the humility. ~ Yogi Berra

Sunday, December 14, 2014

AMOS 1-3:

Amos is a layman sheep breeder during the reign of Uzziah in Judah and Jeroboam II in Israel (755 B.C).  He is called to Bethel (center of Idol worship) to preach, however there is so much opposition that he returns to Judah and writes out the message. 

The first two chapters are warnings to multiple cities, Amon spells out their sins, which include Idol worship, prostitution, selling fellow Israelites into slavery, killing women and children, brothers killing brothers. Then he highlights the sins of Israel

They sell the righteous for silver, and the needy for a pair of sandals. They trample on the heads of the poor as upon the dust of the ground and deny justice to the oppressed. Father and son use the same girl and so profane my holy name. They lie down beside every altar on garments taken in pledge. In the house of their god they drink wine taken as fines. (2:6-8)

I brought you up out of Egypt, and led you forty years in the desert to give you the land of the Amorites. I also raised up prophets from among your sons and Nazarites from among your young men. Is this not true, people of Israel? declares the Lord.

He then ends the chapter forecasting doom and a tearing apart the kingdom.

REVELATION 4:

In this chapter John is taken and shown "what must take place".  At this point the details become overwhelming.  All references include 24 elders, seven lams, seven spirits, sea of glass, creatures covered in eyes etc. all repeating Day and night "

Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is and is to come."(4:8)

Then the 24 elders lay their crowns before the throne and say

You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive flory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.

JOURNAL:

In reading the last 3 books of Hosea, Joel and Amos; they were written almost 200 years before Daniel, right before the destruction of Israel.  It is like going back in time...so to have seen all that Daniel went through serving foreign Kings, we get to see why that happened and that God had warned the people repeatedly.  Not only through Prophets but also through laymen. 

Then to read Revelation and how all things are coming and building to everything ultimately surrendering to God.  It almost makes me queasy to think how I take so many things for granted and how negligent I am in acknowledging, thanking and surrendering to God.  

It is so easy to forget in the course of even a few hours. We are so blessed and yet I seem to daily get spiritual amnesia and forget that we are created to glorify God, not ourselves.

"God loves you! So do I! Make it a great day!"

 

Saturday, December 13, 2014

JOEL:

Joel was a prophet and wrote during the days of king Joash (835-796 B.C).  The book focuses on an invasion locusts that has devastated the land.  Everything has been decimated to the point that he states "Surely the joy of mankind is withered away."(1:12) He advises the people of God to repent or there will be another army, led by God "The Lord thunders at the head of his army; his forces are beyond number, and mighty are those who obey his command.  The day of the Lord is great and dreadful. Who can endure it?(2:11) God however gives them a way out...

"Even now," declares the Lord, 'return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.' Rend your hearts and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity. Who knows? He may turn and have pity and leave behind a blessing..."

Joel goes on to say that God will then destroy the army he has used to discipline his people. He ends the book..."The Lord dwells in Zion"(3:21)

REVELATION 3:

John addresses the last 3 churches in Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicean. To Sardis he tells them to "wake up".  To Philadelphia he commends them and tells them to "hold on".  To Laodicea he takes to task"    

I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm neither hot nor cold-I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.(3:14-17)

Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. (3:19-20) 

John concludes the chapter "He who has an ear, let him hear what the spirit says to the churches."(3:22)

JOURNAL:

Of all the verses one stands out to me from Joel, "Rend your hearts and not your garments".  It is never about 'activity'.  It is always about the heart. In our culture it is so hard not to get caught up in how things 'appear'.  For appearance many times is far more important than truth. I would say many times from a cultural perspective, appearance is truth.  In both of these books, the people are taken to task for their hearts not being in line with their actions.  It is not enough to just 'do the right thing', if your heart is not in it.  It is not enough just to be in the Kingdom of Israel, or be one of the churches.  It is not enough to repent and follow all the rules...it means nothing if it is not from your heart. 

A haunting verse is "...because you are lukewarm...I am about to spit you out of my mouth".  Again I relate to my own children when they say "I'm sorry", yet I know they aren't.  They are just verbally saying what I want them to say, but it's not true.  In essence they are lying.  I would rather them flat out say "I'm not sorry". At least I could get to the bottom of it, but giving half-hearted responses just to dismiss me is manipulation.  

Wow.  This takes me to task, so often I have just gone through the motions.  Made sure I appeared to be something that in my heart I was not. Yet all I have to do is realize that as soon as I am honest, and my heart truly turns back home, I will find God running down the road to embrace me.  

"God loves you! So do I! Make it a great day!"

Friday, December12, 2014

HOSEA 12-14:

In theses last 3 chapters of Hosea the focus turns to God's restoration. Hosea highlights the life of Jacob and how though he was condemned for his sin "as a man he struggled with God. He struggled with the angel and overcame him; he wept and begged for his favor."(12:3-4) After further references to saving them from Egypt and all the ways they are blessed he recounts again their destruction because of their outright rebellion and sin.  Once Israel turns to repent from following idols "We will never again say 'Our gods' to what our hands have made, for in you the fatherless find compassion."(14:3) God's response, "I will heal their waywardness and love them freely, for my anger has turned away from them. (14:4) Hosea ends the chapter with sage advice and warning.  

"Who is wise? He will realize these things. Who is discerning? He will understand them. The ways of the Lord are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them."

REVELATION 2:

John begins chapter 2 with letters to churches, the chapter actually contains 4 letters.  In each of these he commends them, but then warns them of specific struggles they are facing.  All of them are a form of turning away, following idols and or becoming complacent.   He warns of future suffering, yet gives hope in the end. "Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life."(2:10).   

JOURNAL:

Redemption, finally! Although God is furious and Israel has continued to betray and turn away...all it takes is to ask and God is ready to forgive and restore.  One of the miracles of life is experiencing it as a child and then as a Father.  I understand so much better the absolute frustration when my boys refuse to listen and that refusal brings them harm.  I also know how my heart melts when they truly turn and are remorseful and seek my advice.  To see that play out in God's relationship with Israel, is such an amazing display of love, more-so though is God's grace to let me experience a fraction of his hurt and his joy in the lives of my own children.  I understand better my own sin and my own rebellion and how God's commands are only to help me, never to hurt me.  

As a parent I often feel like I am screaming as Jerry does to his client Rod Tidwell in the movie Jerry Maguire..."Help me help you..." I can only smile when I realize that is all God wants.  Though that help may not be to fulfill my earthly agenda, it ultimately is for my good. 

"God loves you! So do I! Make it a great day!

Success Trap

Beware of the toxic trap of success

Success can be toxic 

Published on December 8, 2010 by Ray Williams in Wired for Success

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Beware of the toxic trap of success

Dr. Paul Pearsall, a clinical psychologist and best-selling author of 15 books, lays out in his most recent offering,Toxic Success, the details of a 10 year study of 100 "winners" and their families and associates. The study found that well-adjusted high achievers and those who suffer from what he calls toxic success syndrome, approach their lives in significantly different ways. He confirmed that most victims of this syndrome are distant, detached, distracted and suffer from a form of attention deficit disorder. In contrast, people who experience "sweet success" are in an almost constant state of delight in their work and play and are able to direct their attention to the moment.

Jane Austin, author of What No On Ever Tells You About Leading for Results , says that many people in the throes of toxic success argue that they "will lose their edge" or slow down if they cut back on work commitments. She offers the following myth busters:

• I'll do whatever it takes until I really make it. This distorted view assumes that life doesn't exist until you've reached your goal;
• My success is defined by my career and how much money I make. This distortion places no value on the complete individual.
• I'll live a balanced life once I'm successful. This "if, then" argument places responsibility for life in the future and ignores that fact that behaviors become hard wired and hard to change.
• I have to stay on the fast track to be seen as a player. This fear-driven argument leaves control of your life in someone else's hands.

Austin recommends that organizations create work environments that support healthy success and a balanced lifestyle by measuring results not in face-time but by aligning worker strengths with job responsibilities, by incorporating self-management into performance appraisals and by executives walking the talk of work-life balance.

The focus of my executive mentoring and training programs emphasize a balanced approach to life without sacrificing the commitment to success. The bottom line here is that success is possible without a toxic workaholic obsession with work.

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