Zechariah 1, Hebrews 8

(Zechariah 1)

If we were honest with ourselves, most of us don’t exactly live a life that would be considered honorable when compared to what would be a truly holy life. I know I fall short. Thus comes the necessity of the cross. Literally, thank you God. As we survey the landscape of Grace that God has laid out for us, I would imagine that our frequent response of willful disobedience to His gift of perfection could at times, invoke feelings of a righteous indignation, even in the loving heart of our God. In lay terms, I can understand how God might get angry with us.

What a gift God gives us through the words of Zechariah, (2) “The Lord was very angry with your forefathers. (3) Therefore tell the people: This is what the Lord Almighty says:”

Get ready for it. Here it comes. It’s very complicated: “Return to me,’ declares the Lord Almighty, ‘and I will return to you’ says the Lord Almighty.

Okay, I was kidding. It’s simple. Oh, so very simple. Our Holy God says although I am angry for the unrighteousness in your life, I love you so much, that if you’ll just return to me, I will return to you. Christian, remember this gift. Skeptic, know that this is our God.

I thought it interesting that not only does Zechariah tell them to return, but reminds them to return to the “Lord Almighty”. The original words are more directly translated “Lord of Hosts”. I think the reason it’s written in many English translations as “Almighty” is because it captures more the passion of this term in our language. It’s critically important that we understand how he’s describing God, think about it, he said it TWICE. Seems redundant, but is intentional. The Hebrew word to describe the word “Hosts” is Tsaba’. Tsaba’ is a masculine military term meaning “a mass of persons organized for war”. So when the Lord Almighty says return to Him, picture this: Here you are running through the desert, you’re out of ammo, and the enemy is on your tail. You’re on foot, they have jeeps… and ammo. Sand is flying up around you as bullets fly closer and closer each second. You round the corner and there, in position, is a military front that is greater than any army ever amassed. There are tanks as far as the eye can see, fully armored Hummers, apache helicopters hovering overhead, fighter jets and bombers circling the sky, destroyers and aircraft carriers in the background settled just offshore, with highly trained special forces units in full gear, in ready position, waiting for the signal. Then God, our general is standing out front, as you make eye contact with him he says, “come on, we’ve been waiting for you, we’re here to rescue you.”

Father, teach us what it means to return to you. Help us to see that even in your strength as the Almighty God, we can still return to you like a child who fell down and scraped his knee. Like a child who is running to his dad for him to pick him up, hug him, pat his back, run his fingers through his hair, and hear him say over and over, “it’s gonna be alright, it’s gonna be alright, it’s gonna be alright. Because Daddy’s here. Thank you, Lord.

(Hebrews 8)

I am reminded through chapter 8 of one of my favorite scriptures in the Bible, “For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Jesus Christ.” (1 Timothy 2:5) The word “mediator” comes from the Greek word that means “reconciler”. How amazing is it that we are reconciled forever through the sacrifice of our High Priest. Thank you Jesus!

Haggai 2, Hebrews 7

(Haggai 2)

Check out Matthew Henry’s thoughts on verses 10-17, how profound:

“Those who are hearty in the Lord's service shall receive encouragement to proceed. But they could not build such a temple then, as Solomon built. Though our gracious God is pleased if we do as well as we can in his service, yet our proud hearts will scarcely let us be pleased, unless we do as well as others, whose abilities are far beyond ours. Encouragement is given the Jews to go on in the work notwithstanding. They have God with them, his Spirit and his special presence. Though he chastens their transgressions, his faithfulness does not fail. The Spirit still remained among them. And they shall have the Messiah among them shortly; to He that should come. Convulsions and changes would take place in the Jewish church and state, but first should come great revolutions and commotions among the nations. He shall come, as the Desire of all nations; desirable to all nations, for in him shall all the earth be blessed with the best of blessings; long expected and desired by all believers. The house they were building should be filled with glory, very far beyond Solomon's temple. This house shall be filled with glory of another nature. If we have silver and gold, we must serve and honour God with it, for the property is his. If we have not silver and gold, we must honour him with such as we have, and he will accept us. Let them be comforted that the glory of this latter house shall be greater than that of the former, in what would be beyond all the glories of the first house, the presence of the Messiah, the Son of God, the Lord of glory, personally, and in human nature. Nothing but the presence of the Son of God, in human form and nature, could fulfil this. Jesus is the Christ, is He that should come, and we are to look for no other. This prophecy alone is enough to silence the Jews, and condemn their obstinate rejection of Him, concerning whom all their prophets spake. If God be with us, peace is with us. But the Jews under the latter temple had much trouble; but this promise is fulfilled in that spiritual peace which Jesus Christ has by his blood purchased for all believers. All changes shall make way for Christ to be desired and valued by all nations. And the Jews shall have their eyes opened to behold how precious He is, whom they have hitherto rejected. (Hag 2:10-19)

(Hebrews 7)

The author of Hebrews is very specific in communicating Jesus as the NEW High Priest (as well as forever high priest). He reminded us that things were different and fresh in Christ through Moses’ teaching. He reminded us in verse 13 that no one from Judah had served at the alter, this was a new thing. But the change only begins there. vs 16 reminds us that Jesus is the “one who has become a priest not on the basis of a regulation as to his ancestry but on the basis of the power (ability and abundance) of an indestructible life. (permanently endless).

Let’s bask in that for a moment. Although Jesus was without sin, He became priest not on the basis of a law or physical commandment. In fact, the Greek words used to describe the “basis of regulation” were “carnal/flesh” and “temporary”. Jesus’ new priesthood was based on the “power of an indestructible life.” His ability and abundance came from His permanently endlessness that was NOT carnal, it was NOT of the law of the flesh, it was born of the Spirit. It was of God. This was a new level of priesthood opening up a new level of relationship with God. I often fall guilty of thinking Jesus was our High Priest only because he lived a perfect life. Let us never forget that He is our High Priest because He, and He alone, is the Son of God. Holy and Divine. While he suffered the world as a man (like us), the fact that He was God, and chose to walk this earth, is a staggering fact that should shed some amazing light on the love of God. This is why one day, every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

When I read this, pondering the significant difference between Christ and other priests or prophets of different religions, I thought about my children when they were younger. I remember clearly the days when they thought in terms of the concrete only. Their understanding was concrete. We spoke to them literally. Our communication was very simple, because their understanding was simple. Honestly, their world was simple, naïve, and sheltered. They had no grasp of the reality of life or the struggles that are ahead. But neither could they comprehend the inevitable joy that was ahead of being a parent or the rush of life that comes through complex experiences.

I remember the day my oldest son made a comment that seemed out of place in responding to something I said. By his reaction, I assumed he didn’t comprehend what I was saying. I looked at him and began to correct him when I noticed a grin beginning to appear on his face. He was joking. And he got the reaction he was looking for. We had a good laugh. It was really funny… and he really got me.

Then it sunk in that he made a joke that was abstract. It was really clever. I was proud for a moment, but then was sad some when I realized my son’s understanding had reached another level, in essence, it was an indictor of him growing up. Geeze. The reality is, when we move beyond concrete thinking into the abstract, the whole world opens up. It’s as if someone turns on a light switch in our minds to another level of communication and processing. And that’s exactly what happens.
This is just a small hint to beginning to understand what Jesus brought to the title of High Priest. He broke through the physical (Concrete/Temporary) level of penance into the Spiritual realm (Abstract/Eternal). It was a new day for us. It was a new life for us. It was a new faith for us. And the whole world opened up for us. Forever.

Father, I am thankful for the new covenant bought and brought through the blood of Jesus Christ. How humbling to realize through His power we can stand before you and it has absolutely nothing to do with our ability or greatness. God, help us to remember that as we seek to please you. Help us to be aware of the true areas that bring you joy and honor. May we seek your greatness and fight the desire to impress you with our abilities. Instead Father, may we seek to impress you only with our loyalty and love for the ways of Christ and our appreciation for His sacrifice.

Haggai 1, Hebrews 6

(Haggai 1)

In chapter one, Haggai brings the news that it is time to build the house of the Lord. Although Haggai was speaking of an actual place of worship, today, as believers living under the new covenant, this passage holds an amazing word picture for our own lives as the temple of the Holy Spirit but also as the body of Christ corporately as “the church”. Don’t miss it, God reveals to Haggai that His desire is that this place be built for two reasons at this time, “…so that I may take pleasure in it and be honored”

I think often about trying to honor God in my life and church. But in all honesty, I probably don’t think enough about God taking pleasure in it. And that is His desire. Pleasure. Wow, can you believe that in our lives, we have the opportunity to bring pleasure to the heart of God?

But we have to be reminded and be aware of our nature. God speaks of our natural focus on ourselves, and reminds us of our selfish pursuit. He reminds us that, “What you brought 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.” We have to remember that God desires HIS best for us and not OUR best. And His best is far greater than we can fathom.

Something really special happened after Haggai reminded Israel of the off-center focus. Scripture says that, “…the whole remnant of the people obeyed the voice of the LORD their God and the message of the prophet Haggai, because the LORD their God had sent him. And the people feared the LORD.”

How awesome that God was moving in such a way that the “whole remnant of people” obeyed the voice of God. They obeyed because of their respect and fear of the Lord. And God’s response, “Then Haggai, the LORD's messenger, gave this message of the LORD to the people: "I am with you," declares the LORD.”

God, thank you for your continued grace. As we fall to the temptation of selfish gain and focus, may we remember your greater plan and desire for your will to be done. When we are redirected by your spirit, through circumstances, through other believers, through your word, or through your direct leading may we obey with a humble spirit that we might hear your words and find pleasure when you say that, “I am with you.”

(Hebrews 6)

Amazing words I read about verses 11-20 today: “There are things that are never separated from salvation; things that show the person to be in a state of salvation, and which will end in eternal salvation. And the things that accompany salvation, are better things than ever any dissembler or apostate enjoyed. The works of love, done for the glory of Christ, or done to his saints for Christ's sake, from time to time, as God gives occasion, are evident marks of a man's salvation; and more sure tokens of saving grace given, than the enlightenings and tastings spoken of before. No love is to be reckoned as love, but working love; and no works are right works, which flow not from love to Christ.”

Zephaniah 3, Hebrews 5

(Zephaniah 3)

Under the new covenant, things are just different. Verse 15 says, “The LORD has taken away your punishment, he has turned back your enemy. The LORD, the King of Israel, is with you; never again will you fear any harm.” No longer can we boast of our own righteousness through following the law (although before we only boast of a righteousness that was not pure) because it is only through humility that we can no longer fear harm. Not scripture, but a great quote I read about Zephaniah 3, “The Lord will shut out boasting, and leave men nothing to glory in, save the Lord Jesus, as made of God to them wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.

Thank you God for your grace in Christ.

(Hebrews 5)

Two things stand out to me in Hebrews chapter 5. The first, and most significant, is found in verse 8 speaking of Christ as our High Priest, “Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered.”

I am humbly reminded about the process of growth in this spiritual journey of life. Even Christ, himself, suffered of the flesh in this world. He didn’t experience it, see it, or know about it, he suffered it. And in it, scripture says, he learned obedience. My suffering is so small. I feel selfish this morning for ever complaining about life. And yet in the same breath, feel comforted that my savior wore skin like mine, walked this earth (even without internet, Starbucks, and crack-berry) and learned obedience. Think about that for a moment. Jesus, the Son of God, came to earth that he might be a way for us. We are so small in comparison to our God.

Second thought for today comes from verses 12-14 about growth in God’s word, “In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.”

Scripture reminds us that the result of not being acquainted with God’s teaching is infancy. We cannot grow beyond infancy apart from growing in God’s word. I have always felt this scripture gives us some insight to the HOW we should be learning to study as much as the what. As a parent, I remember the days of having to feed my children as infants from their bottle. They were drinking milk. They relied on others to feed them. Even once they were on softer foods, they were always being spoon fed.

As believers, so many of us rely only upon others feeding us God’s word, we expect pastors and teachers to bring it to us, and when we don’t feel like they’ve gone “deep enough”, we get frustrated. Most of the time, that’s because it’s the only feast of God’s word we have in our lives. Even a weekly dose of some of the best teaching in town will only go so far as long as our only nourishment is coming from being spoon fed. You can only take in so much when it’s just milk and soft food.

But just like a child, when they begin to eat solid food, when they begin to feed themselves, it is not only liberating (for the parent as well), but some serious growth begins. You can eat wherever there is food, not just where there is someone with a spoon, or worse a bottle.

It is so significant that we learn, commit, and discipline ourselves to spending personal time in God’s word. There is so much to be found along the journey of discovering truth in scripture. That is where we learn to hear the Spirit. That is where we allow God to reach into our souls and teach us. That is where we grow in intimacy with God, one on one, through the provision of Christ. That is where we begin to see His word come alive… and we grow. No longer being infants, but grow in knowledge and understanding of our Lord.

Father, thank you for your living word. Thank you that in Christ we might explore your truths and grow in you. Give us a hunger for your truth and a desire to understand you more. May we discover and celebrate the mystery of your greatness, may we discover and celebrate your grace, and in that discovery, may we find peace and joy in being a child of God.

Zephaniah 2, Hebrews 4

(Zephaniah 2)

I’m struck by the fact that God’s judgment comes upon nations, not just people. That’s a sobering thought today. As we consider our condition as a nation. As we consider our condition as a state, city, or even community. What is our condition? Even more so, how are we contributing to that condition? I’ve always struggled with identifying what the true role the church should be in politics and government. I’ve always wondered what our true role is as a privileged nation to the world. I don’t think our role is to be boycotting and picketing and being negative. I think that, at the risk of sounding overly simple, the answer is to do good and be a blessing in each moment before us. However that looks. Zephaniah’s words tell us that even if judgment were to fall, there is hope for the one who seeks to honor God. Verse 3 says, “Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered.”

This is not a prideful response to corruption or injustice. This is a posture of humility. Very simply stated. In fact, verse 10 reminds us of this judgment that, “This is what they will get in return for their pride.”

God, this morning may we seek your righteousness. As believers, help us to humbly live out your ways. Teach us to do that in YOUR power and strength, not our prideful agendas. Help us to see the strength in righteousness and humility instead of it’s perceived weakness. Help us to take refuge in your goodness. Help us to live out Paul’s instructions in Philippians 4:8-9, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

(Hebrews 4)

God’s Word truly is sharper than any double-edged sword. Verse three says, “Now we who have believed, enter that rest…” Rest is such a huge concept. Rest has so many forms from physical, to emotional, to physical. While my spirit typically takes me to the physical day of rest in the Sabbath, today I’m captured by the thoughts of spiritual and emotional rest and leads me to a question: “Is my spirit at rest in Christ?” On my agenda in life, at work, as a father, as a husband, as a leader in my church, do I find rest in my relationship with Christ that results in peace? Do I experience the release and freedom that comes from a grace that is manifest in Christ as my savior? Have I allowed the truth of scripture and trust in God’s promise to saturate my mind and heart in such a way that there is the fruit of rest in my life?

Paul clearly says to the believer that there will be turmoil in our lives. But do I capture that turmoil and consider it joy because of a Holy trust in a Holy God?

Father, remind us of your eternal reality. Remind us of this fleeting life. Remind us that the significance of the journey is found in you each day. Help us to capture the moments with our dear friends, our families, our wives, and with those in need and offer them to you. And we pray then, dear God, that the Spirit of peace that surpasses all understanding would give us rest, in you, and in you alone. Thank you Father, for a life of joy in Christ.

Zephaniah 1, Hebrews 3

Wednesday, October 24, 2007 – Brandon Hatmaker

(Zephaniah 1)

As a parent, I’m always amazed at how much confusion I create with my children when I don’t communicate with them clearly. Especially in areas of expectations and how they should “act” in certain situations. Most times, I speak to them as if they were adults instead of kids. It’s my nature to communicate how I want to communicate instead of how they need me to communicate.

I’m struck this morning by a couple things that stood out to me in Zephaniah chapter 1. The first is how clearly God is truly speaking to us in our language through the prophets. Let there be no doubt the impending destruction and the clear reason for it’s approach. We are warned as “those who bow down on the roofs to worship the starry host, those who bow down and swear by the LORD and who also swear by Molech.” How much more obvious can our God be with his disgust of allowing the idols in our life share his glory and our affection?

I read once that, “If Satan have half, he will have all; if the Lord have but half, he will have none.”

Those are good words. God will not share his glory with any other god’s or idols. Why would he? Even better question: Why would we allow it in our lives? For those of us convinced in faith, we should spend extra duty in discovering our idols. We should prayerfully consider what things dominate our lives and attention in ungodly ways. If our hearts are pure before God, he will show us. He will also give the courage and strength to walk away, if we seek that ability through Him. To God be the glory.

I’m reminded of something else about our relationship with God in verse 6 that says, “those who turn back from following the LORD and neither seek the LORD nor inquire of him.”

So many times we feel like we are “bugging” God with bringing things of small significance to him. Please remember, God wants all of us. His desire is that we place him as our all-in-all. Verse six indicts us when we no longer “inquire” of God. When we neglect seeking His provision, what does that say about who we think is the provider?

God, give us the courage to identify and depart from our idols. May we come to you for strength, insight, provision, and in all other things. May we see you as the “daddy” that you are. May we claim the identity in Christ as the children of God. May we come to your throne with humility, but with the confidence of being a child of the King.

(Hebrews 3)

“And there are none, even the strongest of the flock, who do not
need help of other Christians. Neither are there any so low and despised, but the care of their standing in the faith, and of their safety, belongs to all. Sin has so many ways and colours, that we need more eyes than ours own. Sin appears fair, but is vile; it appears pleasant, but is destructive; it promises much, but performs nothing. The deceitfulness of sin hardens the soul; one sin allowed makes way for another; and every act of sin confirms the habit. Let every one beware of sin.” - Matthew Henry

Habakkuk 3, Hebrews 2

(Habakkuk 3)

Verse 9 says, “You uncovered your bow, you called for many arrows. Selah. You split the earth with rivers”. In the middle of Habakkuk literally praising God for greatness and his awe, he takes a moment of pause. Selah.

Selah literally means “to pause”. It comes from the Hebrew word that means to not only suspend, but to weigh. Here we are challenged to not only celebrate the greatness of the one who spoke, and it was, but to remember that greatness and literally take a moment to soak it in. Reflect on it. Celebrate it. Be thankful for it.

Father, this day may we take time to pause. As we seek moments to be still in you, may we remember your greatness. Thank you, Lord, that in your greatness there is grace and a love that we can only begin to understand.

(Hebrews 2)

“But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.” Vs. 9

Lower than the angels? Jesus? The son of a Holy God was made lower than the angels? God, what an amazing sacrifice! What a small task you have assigned us that we might live greater than our nature in light of how you have lived so much below yours, that we could have life.

Habakkuk 2, Hebrews 1

(Habakkuk 2)

Verse 3 says, “For the revelation awaits an appointed time; 
it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.”

It’s so hard to wait. But even sweeter when you do and God’s plan is revealed. Today we’re reminded that in all of God’s promises, that they will be fulfilled. They WILL come to pass. Whatever they are, if they haven’t happened yet, it’s not time. “Wait for it”. Stay diligent, but wait, and remain in His peace.

Chapter two reminds us of our nature to turn to other images when we don’t see God in our timing. It’s so easy for us to give up on waiting and look elsewhere. The extreme danger is when we don’t realize that that “elsewhere” in our lives takes the place of God’s guidance and provision. We set that “elsewhere” on the pedestal where the creator of the universe should sit. It becomes our idol.

We must remember that God is at work. He is shaping the conditions that surround our existence. He is the master of design. He is lovingly moving us from one moment to the next in our lives. Watching us discover and trust Him as He reveals himself and His plan. It will prevail.

God, this morning may we trust you. Whatever it may be in our lives that steal our trust or peace, may we offer it today as a sacrifice to you, and trust in your promises. Give us patience. Help is to remember that the journey is the most significant experience, for the end is your success and not ours.

(Hebrews 1)

From the very beginning of Hebrews, we are reminded of the supremacy of the message and new covenant of Christ. Verse 1 says, “In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.”

Father, thank you for the cross of Jesus Christ. Thank you that today we live under the blood of Christ. Thank you that we live under a New Covenant of freedom and peace with you. Thank you God that it has nothing to do with our greatness, but everything to do with your greatness and grace. Strengthen our belief today. Strengthen our trust today. Strengthen our desire today to live for the supremacy of Christ in our lives.

Habakkuk 1, Philemon 1

(Habakkuk 1)

If we haven’t already, each of us will one day, see something we feel confused about as believers. Maybe even as non-believers. Something that we look at and wonder, God, how in the world could you let that to happen. Why are you not intervening? If you are a God of justice, what’s taking so long? Habakkuk obviously felt that way.

He asked, “How long, O Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, "Violence!" but you do not save?

It’s not wrong to feel that way. Those who are servants of the Lord should be deeply afflicted by seeing ungodliness and violence prevail. But we have to keep perspective in the greatness of God in respect to our humanity. We have to remember our inability to even fathom the path in which God has this world on.

Scripture gives us a reminder of that when Habakkuk writes what God says in verse 5, "Look at the nations and watch - and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told.”

God, we HAVE been told how this story ends. Not just the one we’ve read today, but the story of your Glory as Christ returns. May that be our hope as we press forward in our lives. May we seek after the fullness of Christ and trust in your love, leading, and greatness. Lord, turn our questions into hopeful anticipation of your faithfulness, that we might not question you and weaken our faith, but that we might experience what it’s like to sit in the lap of loving father who wants His absolute best for His children.

(Philemon)

How significant it is that we have others in our lives encouraging us, praying for us, and sharpening us? Paul always made it a point to lead with this in his letters. If this is done right, it’s result is joy, encouragement, refreshment, and thanksgiving back to our God. May we gain advance from the fruit of each others faith, as Paul writes to Philemon in vs.4-7, “I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.”

Nahum 3, Titus 3

(Nahum 3)

This chapter shows us just how much God hates injustice. Not only does He speak judgment and warning to Ninevah through Nahum, but He taunts them. God takes it to another level in going from warning of destruction to saying He will “lift up your skirts over your face” and called their troops a bunch of “women”. I hope we don’t miss it, God is absolutely ticked at who they have become, what they are doing, and how they are treating others. Look at his accusation, “Woe to the city of blood, full of lies, full of plunder, never without victims!”

So here is my thought: Be encouraged, you who have been hurt, mistreated, attacked, lied to, plundered, oppressed, abandoned, or abused. God is on your side. In His timing, justice will be served. It is not ours to serve, but our Holy God’s. But also, what a reminder to us as we focus on our private ambitions, to make sure and remember who we may be leaving in our wake of advancement. What a warning to us in how we treat one another for selfish gain. Here is one of my favorite commentaries on this passage:

“When proud sinners are brought down, others should learn not to lift themselves up. The fall of this great city should be a lesson to private persons, who increase wealth by fraud and oppression. They are preparing enemies for themselves; and if the Lord sees good to punish them in this world, they will have none to pity them. Every man who seeks his own prosperity, safety, and peace, should not only act in an upright, honorable manner, but with kindness to all.” – Matthew Henry

God, may we see history and may we be encouraged, led, and warned at the same time. May the fact that our God is a God of justice, warm our heart and set our course. May we see that standing idle to injustice and oppression as sin, and may we have the courage and spirit to do all that we can as representatives of Christ to help those in need. Dear Lord, break our hearts for what breaks yours.

(Titus 3)

Paul spends a bit of time reminding Titus of their past. He reminded him that they once lived a foolish life and were enslaved with passions and selfish pleasures. He reminds him that they lived in jealousy and maliciousness with each other and hated and were hated by others. He wraps that up with reminding him that it is through Christ’s mercy that they have been rescued from that misery. This is not of their doing, but of God’s. Paul continuously brings his followers to a place of perspective. He then goes on to express some foundational doctrinal truths about justification. After reminding them of these two things, he leads them forward, “This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.”

Father, may I see my past experiences, the emptiness, the incompleteness, and it’s reality of being temporary, and may I be thankful for your provision of eternity. God, in all our imperfection, we celebrate your perfection. Help me to be devoted to doing what is good, what is excellent, and what is profitable for everyone.

Nahum 2, Titus 2

(Nahum 2)

I would imagine there was quite a bit of comfort within the palace gates in Ninevah. Maybe there was an untouchable feeling. A sense of security that surely in the heart of the capital city of the Assyrian Empire, all was well, and always would be. I would imagine that children played without concern, parents had the confidence to bask in their lifestyles and personal agenda’s, and rulers were proud of their conquests.

Paul warns the Church at Corinth in Chapter 10, “…let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall.” To make it personal, if God and I were to sit down, I wonder what areas of my life, in which I think I stand tall, would be found out to be built on selfish and weak motives? What are the false securities in my life that would be exposed?

Nahum warns of a time when the city walls will fall and the river gates are thrown open. When the man made security they once had will not only challenged, but will be thrown aside. Vs.8 says, “Where now is the lions' den, the place where they fed their young, where the lion and lioness went, and the cubs, with nothing to fear?”

Nahum writes in vs.8 that, “Ninevah is a pool, and it’s water is draining away.”

God, this morning I ask that you reveal the things in my life that are built apart from you. I pray for your grace in those areas and gentle correction. I pray that you would help me not to trust in things of the world that are temporary, but instead trust in you as the solid foundation whose love will stand forever. Help me, dear God, to put on the things of Christ.

(Titus 2)

It’s so easy to look at Titus 2 as a list of standards that any of us could easily be disqualified. Honestly, wouldn’t we? Thank God, literally, that through Jesus and the Holy Spirit we are given victory over death. These are certainly a reflection of a mature faith. Chapter two is a great picture of how a life can look like under the influence of the Spirit. I can’t imagine love and unity not being the end result in our families, our churches, our workplaces, and our friendships (and beyond).

In all this, the purpose is to Glorify God. Paul gives an example to Titus that would reflect a pure image of who Christ was. As a follower of Christ, that should be our standard, not just for those who desire the position of an overseer or pastor, all of us.

If we do so, we will stand blameless (not perfect). Who could accuse us of falsehood? Not because we’re so great, but because God is. The greatest indictment on the church today is not disbelief in God. I’ve met a ton of people who believe in God, they just don’t believe in Christians. They’ve seen how Churches treat each other, they’ve seen the spiritual pride and arrogance, they’ve seen what they feel are “hypocrites”, they’ve seen enough evidence that not only do they not want to trust us with their lives, why would they trust us to instruct them about their eternity?

Verse 7 and 8, Paul writes, “… in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.”

While, unfortunately, these verses could be talking about another believer who is trying to slander you, let’s not forget to be concerned even moreso for the skeptic.

God, help us to recognize that not only do we have an opportunity to worship you through our lives in pursuing your ways, but help us to recognize that we can easily cloud the image of Christ through our lives. Help us to truly believe that if we abide in you, dear God, your Spirit will be manifest in us.

Nahum 1, Titus 1

(Nahum 1)

I’ve got to admit, after a couple months of studying the prophets, I’m a bit weary of hearing about our messed up world and God’s judgment. I’m just as amazed and in awe of His greatness, but wow, when will we ever learn? I'm so thankful we live under a New Covenant. Here, Nahum is warning Ninevah (again), the capital of the Assyrian empire. About a hundred years earlier, at Jonah's preaching, the Ninevites repented, and were spared, yet, soon after, they became worse than ever. Nahum’s words come just prior to the fall of the Assyrian Empire. He reminds them of God’s greatness throughout chapter one, but I’m held captive today by verse 4, “He rebukes the sea and dries it up; he makes all the rivers run dry.”

Wow, how great is our God? The Hebrew word used here translated “rebuke” literally means to “chide”. That is such a great word picture. If God were to “chide” the sea, if he was to scold it and express His disapproval, it would dry up. The SEA! It would dry up, all of it. I can’t help but think about when I scold my dogs after they eat another plant or chair on my patio. Believe me. I am angry. When I walk out the back door, my dogs know it. I don’t even have to say a word and I know they’ve done something wrong. Instantly the tail goes down, the head goes down, they slowly walk away, and hide. I have such amazing authority over my dogs, right? This is the power and authority we have as humans. We’re so simple (and at times sad). Let’s put this in perspective with God’s power and his authority. God rebukes the sea, and it dries up. Wow.
Funny thing is, the name Nahum literally means “Comforter”. How is this a message of comfort? Matthew Henry says of this writing that, “The anger of the Lord is contrasted with his goodness to his people.”

Check out verse 7. Right in the middle of a chapter on God’s power, judgment, wrath and his anger it says to us, “The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. 
He cares for those who trust in him.”

Ah, there it is. Our comfort. Be sure not to miss it.

Scripture let’s us know that God “cares” for those who trust him. The word “care” comes from the root meaning “to know”. Not just to know about or know of, but in context means to care about someone you know and to “advise as a familiar friend”. That brings great comfort to me this morning. That in tough times of life as well as good, that we have a God who cares for us and relates with us as someone who truly cares about our wellbeing and gives us good advise. When does he do this? Scripture says when we trust Him. This happens when we flee to him for protection. When we confide in Him. When we have hope in Him. When we make refuge in Him. Not just when we trust him with our mind, but the Hebrew tells us it’s when we PUT trust in Him. That takes an effort of denying self-sufficiency, submitting to His authority and His Word, and allowing it to be manifest in our lives.

God, in fifteen verses we see fourteen on your power and judgment. As children of God, may we find as much comfort in knowing of your power, as we find in knowing of your amazing grace.

(Titus 1)

I overdid Nahum today, so I’ll be brief on Titus (I hope). There are several great topics of learning in Titus, especially on the standards of being an overseer and leader. Paul also gives Him a little slap on the hand for not taking care of business in verse 5. He literally told him, I left you so you can do what I told you to do regarding elders. It was almost as if Paul was saying, “Hey, I’m taking my ball and going home. When you’re ready to play for real, let me know.” I don’t know if His frustration was because Titus was doing it all himself, if he was losing the opportunity to engage others in ministry, if he was not getting counsel from guys because he hadn’t placed in authority yet, or if he was just mad that Titus blew him off and hadn’t finished what Paul had “directed him to do”. It was probably a combination of all of those things. Let there be no doubt, this was a slap.

For today, as with my writing on Nahum, my theme is finding comfort in God. Call me soft, but I love verses 2 and 3 and the gentle reminder of God’s greatness and his foreknowledge. Paul reminds Titus that God simply does what He says He will do. It’s been proven through time, over and over again. Look at these two verses where Paul is speaking of his faith describing it as, “a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time, and at his appointed season he brought his word to light through the preaching entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior.”

It’s as simple as that. Before the beginning of time, God promised and planned to bring his word to light. Thank you God for life through Christ!

Micah 7, 2 Timothy 4

Micah 7

Verse 7 reminds us to wait on God. “But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.”

Not only is it an encouragement to be patient and remain dependent, but also a reminder that God is faithful. Those simple words… “my God will hear me.” Wow, so powerful. What a confidence and trust that in the darkest moments, in the quietness, in the loudest storms, in the moments of dire confusion or even frustration, we can wait on our Lord, KNOWING that he hears the prayers and heart of His children.

If this is the promise in tough times, how amazing are the days of provision?

God, thank you for your faithfulness. Thank you that even when our words are few, and many times senseless, your Spirit intercedes for us and shares our heart with you. Thank you for your unconditional love and promise.


2 Timothy 4

Verse 2 says, “Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.”

So many times we let our agenda push the method in which we share God’s truth. We so quickly have a judgmental spirit, whether we admit it or not. It’s easy to get frustrated with others who don’t seem to get it or don’t get us. But when you think about it, why would we expect new believers, unseasoned or uninformed believers, or even non-Christians to understand things that are Spiritual Discerned? So what’s our agenda? Is it ours, or God’s that we are pushing? If we were responding in the spirit to God’s leading, we would be responding with patience and care. It’s when we get in the way that we are hurried, frustrated, confused, and inauthentic.

God, may we always speak your words in love and with action that is reflected in our lives. May we be patient and careful as you have been patient with us so many times.

Micah 6, 2 Timothy 3

Micah 6

I think so many times in our lives we get side-tracked by what we think we should be doing (or be all about) and what scripture actually says is important to God. No place is this seen more than when we try to do good. What is good? I think most Christians would answer that with something to do with religious practice or tradition. Sadly enough, I bet if we were to interview non-believers, they’d come closer to answering it more biblically.

Micah gives us some insight to those who call themselves followers of God: “He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?” – Micah 6:8

Hebrew is an incredible language. The word “good” comes from a Hebrew word that means beautiful, best, and bountiful. There is so much meaning in those three representative words. Scripture is telling us that the following list of things required of us are not only best, but they are fruitful and beautiful in the eyes of our God: That we live out and defend justice, that we show kindness (mercy), and we walk humbly with God.

I love that the word kindness (mercy in NIV) comes from a Hebrew word that implies that the mercy is manifest through good deeds. So it’s an action, not just an emotion or feeling.

What a sweet list of things God desires for us. God, as we seek to honor you and to live out “goodness” in our lives, may we not only find strength in your justice, kindness, and relationship but also contentment, love, peace and joy. Thank you Lord, for that privilege.

2 Timothy 3

Verse 7 gives us a reminder and warning about the blind spots of religion. One is very significant because it has the appearance of Godliness but falls short of realizing it’s truth. Paul writes, “They are… always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth.”

I think there are at least two lessons I’m reminded of in this scripture. The first is that sometimes when we seek to understand completely and make our spiritual journey intellectual, that search for knowledge can literally get in the way of us finding Christ. So easily knowledge becomes our God.

The second is more challenging to me as a believer, verse 16 goes on to describe the significance of God’s word and it’s teaching, verse 17 wraps it up saying that it’s purpose… “so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every GOOD WORK.”
For those of us who have had the thrill, honor, privilege (the list goes on and on) of already finding a faith in Christ, have we allowed ourselves to slip back into “always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth”? If the purpose of God’s word is to equip us for good work, then have we fallen short of acknowledging that truth if we sit idly by as believers and ignore injustice, needs, and hurt in our community and world?

I think it’s a resounding yes.

God, may we be ever-increasingly aware and concerned for the good work you have for us to do. May we choose daily to deny ourselves and grow in the knowledge of your truth that we might DO and trust what it says. I thank you God that the most fulfilling, personal rewarding, and nourishing acts we can do as believers are these things that are not natural to man. God, continue to mold us through our trials, sufferings, and victories that we might become more and more like Christ.

Micah 5, 2 Timothy 2

Micah 5

Today I’m struck by something I’d typically overlook in verses 4 and 5:

“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.” Micah 5:4-5

I struggle daily with finding peace in my journey. My nature is to try and find it through accomplishing a task for God, doing something good or right, even sometimes the duty of spending time with God (moment of transparency). I’m a list guy and a detail guy, so it’s hard for me to just be still sometimes. My nature is to want to do things for God (as if he needs me to) instead of allow him to do things through me. I believe even then, with noble efforts at heart, my dependency leaves and my peace can go with it.

When teaching about the coming of Christ, Micah 5 reminds us that it’s “the strength of the Lord”, the “majesty of his name”, and in “his greatness” that he will “live securely” and he will “be their peace”. It’s regardless of our situation, success, strength, reputation, or even our greatness.

God, this morning, I pray that we find peace in you alone. That we remember that in all our task ahead, in following your leading, in our surrender, in our healing, in all our success and failures, that it is YOUR strength, your majesty, and your greatness that offers unending peace. We claim that today in Christ. Thank you God that your weakness is stronger than our strength!

2 Timothy 2

There is so much great (and personally indicting) stuff in this chapter. One of the things that stood out to me, which I find my heart crying out for, is captured in verse 14:

“Keep reminding them of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen.” 2 Timothy 2:14

As “Churched” Christians, there are so many things we argue about that I think we’ll be surprised to find the true answer one day. How can we be so convinced on what Paul would call disputable matters? How can we be so convinced that we have captured the mind of God in our argument of how selection or pre-destination vs free will truly looks like? How can we be so confident that the rapture will occur before the tribulation or after?

These things are certainly issues of faith for discussion that I pray gives us a desire to seek out God’s greatness, indeed. But I pray it to be a celebration in the great mystery of our God, who’s understanding makes us look like a first-grader doing calculus. MUCH LESS NOT an issue that divides the church or confuses a seeker, new believer, or skeptic.

God, allow us to swallow our pride that you might rule in our minds as well as our hearts and souls. Give us the desire to allow you to be sovereign and allow our minds to suffer where we yearn for selfish answers that may have no bearing on how we should live or love. God, as we seek out truth, may it be for your glory and not our ammo in discussion with others. Keep us humble in our knowledge that our goal would be that we might live it and not just study it.

Micah 4, 2 Timothy 1

Micah 4

Matthew Henry’s words on today’s reading: “The nations have not yet so submitted to the Prince of Peace, as to beat their swords into ploughshares, nor has war ceased. But very precious promises these are, relating to the gospel church, which will be more and more fulfilled, for He is faithful that has promised. There shall be a glorious church for God set up in the world, in the last days, in the days of the Messiah. Christ himself will build it upon a rock. The Gentiles worshipped their idol gods; but in the period spoken of, the people will cleave to the Lord with full purpose of heart, and delight in doing his will. The word to “halteth, to” describes those who walk not according to the Divine word. The collecting the captives from Babylon was an earnest of healing, purifying, and prospering the church; and the reign of Christ shall continue till succeeded by the everlasting kingdom of heaven. Let us stir up each other to attend the ordinances of God, that we may learn his holy ways, and walk in them, receiving the law from his hands, which, being written in our hearts by his Spirit, may show our interest in the Redeemer's righteousness.” (Micah 4:9-13)

2 Timothy 1

I love how Paul starts his letters: “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, according to the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus.”

Timothy knows who he is. Timothy even knows where his hope comes from. But not only does Paul remind him in these words, I believe he is reminding himself. Paul takes every moment to tangibly put himself in his right place… under the authority and provision of God. And he celebrates it.

Paul calls himself a messenger (apostle) of a message (promise) that literally translates to being a “Divine assurance of Good”. And it’s God’s will (desire) that he shares it.

I’m struck by how much more appealing to my spirit it is to hear a “divine assurance of good”, rather than all the other Churchy words we use to share faith. I’m refreshed by that sentence. I want to share that with the world. I want to bask in that personally. I want to discover what that really means to me and for others. It’s divine. It’s good. And we can be assured of it through Jesus Christ alone. Praise God!

God, may we not only live the good news, but may we share it. Give us your perspective, to see with your eyes, to process with your wisdom, to feel it with your heart.

Micah 3, 1 Timothy 6

Micah 3

This is what the LORD says: "As for the prophets who lead my people astray, if one feeds them, they proclaim 'peace'; if he does not, they prepare to wage war against him.” Vs.5

Scripture clearly speaks of avoiding favoritism. In ministry, as well as life, money is the easy way out of almost any bind. If there is enough money, we can make it happen. So our nature… draw close to those who have it. That’s a tough thing not to do. In the OT as well as the early NT Church, leaders were warned not to give special privilege to the wealthy or to those who provided. Verse 5 above reflects the literal benefit sought after and the attitude that follows.

I’ve always thought of this as a one-way issue. Today I see it differently.

I wonder if the issue with favoritism is less about showing it to the person we benefit from and MORE about the neglect of those we don’t. I’m sure in some way it’s both/and, but it catches me off guard a little more this morning.

How do I feel about the poor? Do I want to be around them? Why aren’t I? Even those not poor or in need, how do I treat those whom I benefit NOTHING from? It’s kind of like thinking about the old definition of character: “what you do when no one is watching”. When we benefit nothing from someone, how do we treat them? What is the attitude of our heart for them? What if all our outreach efforts meant NONE of the people would ever come to our new church? Would we still be as zealous? Would we still invest in them over coffee or dinner?

God, give us a heart for people regardless of our agenda. Because this reflects your heart: Unconditional.

1 Timothy 6

Paul gives us some great words about wealth. He doesn’t say it’s wrong to be wealthy. Although, it’s taught that it makes a faith walk more difficult. Specifically in chapter 6, he says to “not be arrogant about it or put your hope” in it. God has always provided my needs. While I’ve not always been faithful in stewarding those provisions as much as I could. I also acknowledge that I have never been “without” in my life. There have been seasons in which I’ve felt guilty for having some nice stuff. It’s true, I’ve owned things of excess, while I’ve enjoyed them, I can honestly say (now) that I don’t put my hope in those things. I recognize them as what they are: stuff that’s nice to have, but still stuff.

I think chapter 6 reminds us very bluntly that it’s not wrong to have (within moderation) but what is absolutely a sin before God is not leveraging His provision for His good. Jesus even told us that the proportion should increase because the expectation increases! Luke 12:48 says, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”

Paul says about the wealthy: “Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.”

The question is not necessarily, “what do you have”? The question is moreso, “what are you doing with what God has provided you”?

God, may we be faithful stewards of what you have provided. May we always recognize it as a gift from you and not something owed us because of our hard work. God, you chose to place us in a nation where religion is free. You placed us far from a third World country where technology, healthcare, and education is an everyday luxury. There is no way we can even begin to fathom the intricate design you have put in motion to get us to where we are today. It’s laughable that we even entertain the idea that we had something to do with it. We benefit from your Grace. None of us would be where we are today without your hand. Thank you. May we be forever grateful.

Micah 2, 1 Timothy 5

Micah 2

“One who breaks open the way will go up before them; they will break through the gate and go out. Their king will pass through before them, the LORD at their head."

700 years before the cross, God was once again sharing His promise of redemption to the Jews. In the middle of oracles of judgment, He closes a chapter with a reminder of the hope found in His mercy and grace. I’m reminded of God’s sovereignty and His ultimate plan for redemption.

700 years? Seems like an eternity. Seems like forever. But for us, all we have is a few short years.

This too shall pass away. All that we know and see will be changed in the blink of an eye. All our fleshly struggles, worries, and plans will be gone. This is such a short life. Whether Jesus returns in our lifetime or not, the short time remaining in our life seems shorter than ever. Do we celebrate? Absolutely yes! Our redemption is found at the foot of the cross. Knowing this, how then can we waste our short life? How then can we sit idly by when we’ve had a calling on our lives and a hope to share?

God, thank you for your grace. Thank you God that you have set eternity in our hearts. Call us to task, oh God. May we stay focused on you and your way.

1 Timothy 5

So many times we have ideas of what pure religion is. So many times we miss the mark. Chapter 5 is a great reminder of this. Paul clearly says that, “If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”

So many times we get so consumed with the traditions of faith, that we can easily neglect the orphans, the poor, the neglected, Paul says even those in our own family. Heck, many times we can even neglect the spiritual and emotional needs of our own kids and wives.

I’m also reminded of swinging too far to the other side of faith. We are people of extremes. It seems today churches as well as Christians are either one or the other. If you’re one, there is no time for the other. Where is the line of moderation that honors God? I think each one of us is called to honor God with our opportunities. I feel that we can many times get bogged down in the “What ifs” so much that it steals our joy, purpose, and even focus.

Here’s my thought for the day: Just be a blessing. In whatever scenario, be a blessing.

My family debriefed yesterday when we got home from our community group meeting. The kids had a blast! I’m so thankful for that. They loved swimming, eating, and hanging out with all the other kids. They all said they loved The Austin Stone yesterday morning and talked all about the lesson they were taught.

But every one of them said the best part of their day was when we took the left over food downtown, set up our table, and served fajitas as a family to about 40 homeless people (I truly believe God multiplied our food).

We didn’t plan to go down there last night. In fact, I was tired and wanted to go home. We didn’t worry all day about how we could be a blessing and try to force something in to check the spiritual box of doing something good (as if there is a merit badge to earn). But when we had extra food, we just tried to do something that would be a blessing.

We were the ones that ended up being blessed. It’s almost as if God knows what He’s doing.

Micah 1, 1 Timothy 4

Micah 1

“The mountains melt beneath him and the valleys split apart, like wax before the fire, like water rushing down a slope.”

God, I’m humbled by your majesty and power. Forgive me forever doubting your ways or wondering if you’re there. God tune me in to your leading. May I hear you in a whisper. May I recognize your voice in the wind. God, my selfishness, desires you to speak like thunder, but God, may I learn to be so sensitive to your spirit the the Holy Spirit in me just knows what you’re saying. May I truly walk with you.

1 Timothy 4

“…whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.”

Paul uses this as a way to describe the spiritual condition of those who have abandoned their faith and are teaching falsely. I’m challenged with this thought. If we ever get to a place in which we abandon our conscience, when we no longer care about people. When we choose our self over love of others without conscious. May we be aware and may we beware.

There will be moments we have to make tough decisions and people will not understand, disagree, or possibly be hurt. If those are the right decisions before God, may we labor and hurt for those people. May we not be calloused to the point of dismissal. I pray there is a huge confidence and affirmation in God’s leading, but may it be out of love. Always with compassion and care. When people are hurt, even when we’re right, it should grieve our spirit.

Jonah 4, 1 Timothy 3

Jonah 4

Psalm 4:4 says, “In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent.”

I feel a different emotion today when reading Jonah than I ever have. I’m thankful. I’m actually encouraged by Jonah. I’m reminded of his humanity (in light of my own) in the very first verse of chapter four. It says that he was displeased and became angry. Scripture clearly tells us that anger in itself is not sin (Psalm 4:4). I guess that’s because as flesh we will have emotions that are crazy. God knows that already, but many times I feel guilty for the thought to even pop into my mind. Many times they will not make sense. But at that moment we have an opportunity to choose God.

Have you ever spent time “pondering” what life used to be like prior to living for Christ. Have you ever struggled with a moment of “splurging” or doing something you enjoyed in the flesh with absolutely NO intention of doing it again, but pondering it and remembering what it was like? That’s a dangerous place.

James teaches us that each one of us is enticed by our own fleshly desires. That we are taken captive and there is moment prior to us acting where we can choose to “entertain” those sinful options or RUN away. Unfortunately, we have this idea that as long as we just keep it in our mind and fart around with it, as long as we don’t act on it, that it is okay. James reminds us that in that moment is when it “gives birth to sin”.

I see Jonah sitting on this hill pondering all this stuff. Instead of recognizing it as God’s grace, he spends time “thinking through” what he wanted to happen. Dangerous.

God asked him twice, “Do you have any right to be angry?”

What a great question for us to ask ourselves. “Do you have any right?” If that doesn’t put it in perspective, I don’t know what will. God, as we live our lives and face issues, dilemmas, and make choices. While thoughts are in our mind, may we take them captive and submit them to you. Give us strength that in our anger, in our selfishness, in our pride, in our agendas, keep us from sinning. Help us choose you.

1 Timothy 3

Apparently, I’m all about verse one today. I just can’t get past it without being provoked in my spirit. How awesome and full is God’s Word! In verse 1, Paul starts, “Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task.”

How cool is that? We are indeed, held captive by the lists and qualifications for an overseer of the church through the following scriptures, but listen to the heart of God in this verse. He KNOWS this is a humbling challenge to each of us, but he also knows that in order to even begin this consideration of office, we have to be in a place of desiring to honor God and seek after the things of Him!

In the wording Paul uses, if anyone “set’s his heart”, we find the same Greek word used later in the verse (obviously a different tense) for the word “desire”. In fact, in most translations (like NAS) use the word desire twice.

The base of that Greek word for desire literally means, “To stretch oneself”. So Paul is saying if any of us is willing to stretch ourselves, challenge ourselves, step out of our safe little box, live beyond our personal abilities, etc, etc, etc… He is desiring a noble task!

God knows we are stretched and don’t deserve it. God knows we are incapable without Him, that’s why it requires that we realize we are incapable before he gives us the desire to be stretched. That’s why he chose Paul who realized he was a “Chief among sinners”, so that God might be glorified.

God, help us to stop trying to be “worthy” of being an overseer for the sake of actually being “worthy”. Instead, God give us the attitude of the heart and mind that we would literally chase after being stretched by you, with thanksgiving in our hearts, that YOUR will might be done, on earth as it is in heaven!

Okay, one more thing, ‘cause I can’t get away from it, and it’s sweet!

Paul says, this person “desires a noble task.” Other translations call it a “good work” or even a “fine work”. The word used that is translated noble, good, or fine, comes from the Greek meaning “beautiful, valuable, and virtuous”. There is another word translated the same but is distinguished from this one because it means these things as an intrinsic value, Paul chose not to use it. What does that mean to us? That this is a beautiful, valuable, and virtuous task that is NOT natural (intrinsic) to us. I’m so encouraged by that because it means it’s only from God, He knows it’s not our nature to even want to be stretched outside of us, He knows we will have doubts, struggles, and insecurities as we seek to lead in His church, but we have the privilege of remembering it comes as a gift from Him alone when we are… willing.

Jonah 3, 1 Timothy 2

Jonah 3

“When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction he had threatened.” Vs 10.

How we respond to God’s Word matters. In the old days, God used his prophets to communicate His warning and leading. Today, we hear God through many methods including the Holy Spirit, but most concretely through the Bible. His Living Word.

God is a god of second chances. He is merciful and loving. But He is just. When I think about the shortfalls in my own life, and I continue to see God’s favor instead of Judgment, I wonder how often I truly look at it as a blessing verses me “getting by”. How long can we walk our own paths before we see His destruction? But when we come before God consecrating ourselves, fasting, and begging Him for His grace AND we turn from our evil ways, He will have compassion on us.

Thank you, Lord.

1 Timothy 2

There are common themes Paul taught in his letters to the early churches and his early pastors like Timothy. They are recurring themes that resonate with me

(1) We must endure (which is an encouragement and a warning) and the way we do that is through remaining faithful to the things of Christ. (2) do your best to present yourselves as one approved (3) Correctly handle the word of truth (4) don’t allow meaningless argument to become the focus… of anything.

God, keep us on track. May we stay in YOU so that all we do is of you and of your leading and not for you and of our leading. May we do all we know to wholeheartedly remain in you as we seek and walk in your truth. May we correctly handle your truth, may we rightly interpret and teach. May we major on the majors for your Glory and not our ease.

Jonah 2, 1 Timothy 1

Jonah 2

From the belly of a Whale, here’s what Jonah said, “But I, with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. Salvation comes from the LORD." Jonah 2:9

God’s rescue sometime comes in unconventional ways. I’ve always thought of the whale swallowing Jonah as a punishment, but it was a rescue. A weird one at that, but God obviously wasn’t done with Jonah yet. But he didn’t drown. So easily in God’s provision and leading, we still complain in the way he provides and leads. We want it to be a certain way. Somehow we manage to make it about us.

I’m dealing with that as God leads through our facility and worship leader. God has seriously gone before us in showing us He is at work. In that, we trust him, we celebrate him, and then as soon as something doesn’t go the way I want it to, I want to take control.

Even if Akins HS isn’t our place or if Michael Armstrong isn’t our guy (although I sense both of them are), God has a plan already in place. His timing will prevail. God, may I remain patient, as I trust your timing and your continual leading. May we find peace in the moments of waiting. Allow us to keep working hard, but to trust patiently when the next step is not revealed.

1 Timothy 1

3As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer 4nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. These promote controversies rather than God's work—which is by faith. 5The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 6Some have wandered away from these and turned to meaningless talk. 7They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.

In 1 Timothy, Paul is leading Timothy to not allow the teaching of disputable matters (among other things) to divide the church. He reminds him that they only promote controversies rather than God’s work. I think it’s interesting as I can’t help but to personally begin to internally rethink some of my beliefs on certain matters that are not the “majors”. It’s amazing how they steal your attention.

I think the key is found in verse 6 to not turn to meaningless talk. Any talk or thought that has no value or ultimate meaning, why spend time on it, much less argument over it while the world is out there hurting and dying?

Then the foolishness sets in. It’s amazing that not only do we claim to understand the mystery of God, but in defensiveness, our nature is to “so confidently affirm” that which we don’t even know what we’re talking about. Our nature is so jacked up!
God, may we teach your undisputable truth and not affirm what we do not know. May we not so be proud, that we think we’ve got you all figured out. Thank you God that in your sovereignty, we cannot grasp your mind and your complete ways. Thank you that your ways are higher than my ways and your thoughts are higher than my thoughts.

Jonah 1, 2 Thessalonians 3

Jonah 1

“But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish.” Jonah 1:1

How many times in our lives have we been urged by the Spirit to do something but choose not to do? It’s amazing, daily there are opportunities to either choose the way of Christ or choose the way of self. Whether they are small things, or huge things, we have a responsibility as children of God to trust and press into the leadings of God. But our checklists of all the details come in to play. Many times they are details that seem huge but are not. Many times they are just selfish.

Jonah wouldn’t go to Nineveh because He felt they didn’t deserve it the warning of God’s coming judgment. This makes me ask the question: Who does he think he is? What place does he have to not only question God, and later get mad at him for doing something that is compassionate?

Here’s a better question: When I think about my life, who do we think I am? When God places me in opportunities to follow him, who do I think I am to disobey or to even question? For those of us who’ve seen God’s faithfulness, who are we to even doubt or be concerned about ourselves? How can we forget God’s promises and faithfulness to provide, bless, walk with us, and give us His joy and full life?

As we raise our children, as we husband our wives, as we represent Christ in our attitudes, as we choose how we spend our money, as we choose how we spend our time, will we choose the ways of God’s leading?

God, we are selfish people. Cover us with your leading and your heart. Remind us of your grace and your sovereignty, that we might live out of worship for you, not concerned for ourselves (as we know YOU are concerned for us) but for others.

2 Thessalonians 3

While the whole section on not being idle makes me want to just jump out of my skin and start doing things… something… anything… and keep going… The verse that appeals to my Spirit is verse 1. It says, “Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you.” I’m reminded about the power and priority of prayer, but also that their desire for the message of Christ was that it would not only spread rapidly, but that it be HONORED. So many times we forget that the Word of God is living. It represents God himself and should be treated as such. There is a reason that scripture tells us that Jesus was the Word made flesh. When we spend time pouring over God’s word and making it a priority in our lives (and our church) wee are spending time with Christ! We are building a relationship! We are fellowshipping with the God of this universe! May we never minimize the living Word of God!