Eccl. 12 - Short-Term Memory

A good quarterback has short-term memory. After throwing an interception, they need to forget that they did it and move on. If they can’t get it out of their mind, they’ll be too cautious or even hesitate. Since throwing a football is so much about timing, even the slightest hesitation can cause more mistakes.

We naturally have short-term memory in faith. That may be good for when we fall short, confess, and need to receive forgiveness avoiding a life of condemnation. But at times, our short-term memory hurts us; when we forget about God’s faithfulness and his goodness.

“Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, "I find no pleasure in them" – Ecclesiastes 12:1

I read a book a few years ago called, “Dangerous Wonder”. It was about the time as a kid that our imagination ran wild. A time when we daydreamed more than we worried. A day when we really thought superman could fly.

Then we grew up. And learned that he couldn’t.

I think Solomon is calling us to remember the early days of our faith, a day when we did not doubt our Creator like sifting sand. A day when all we felt was hope in what could be, instead of doubt that it might not. A day when superman could still fly, and we just happened to know superman.

As we wrap up Ecclesiastes, I’m thinking about this pleasure and joy that Solomon speaks of, the fact that most (if not all) of us are chasing after it, yet many have not found it. I’m also thinking about the “knowledge” he refers to throughout the book. And that we typically have much less of it than we think as well.

What captures my mind is this relationship between knowledge and joy. It seems that knowledge almost tortures joy. It seems they have a love/hate relationship and simply coexist in a world separate one from another. Some of the smartest people I know are also the most tortured people I know. In the same way, some of the most joyful people I know... well.. aren't exactly the sharpest tool in the shed. I’ve heard it said, and at times agreed, that “ignorance is bliss”. Yet I think we’d all agree that it’s a different kind of bliss… the kind that most grownups would not be content with.

So where does wisdom come into the picture? It may indeed be the missing link between knowledge and joy. I think Charles Spurgeon said it right:

“Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom.” CS

Father, teach us to apply what we know. Don’t allow us to find contentment in just knowing. In the same way, don’t let us find contentment in bliss alone. It seems you’re already busy at doing both. So I guess I’m asking for this continued journey that each of us are on. Help us to see the intentional refining, the shaping, and the “becoming” in our adventure as Christ followers. Help us to find true joy and pleasure knowing that we’re on this path as a part of You making us who we need to be. Amen.

Eccl. 11 – Spit Ballin’

There are many areas of our faith in which we really don’t know what we’re doing. We think we do. We act like we do, but we don’t. Paul wrote, “We know that we all possess knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know.”

However, this shouldn’t keep us from doing what we think we should. We should not remain idle. In fact that’s probably the most important part. As Paul said in Romans 14, “Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.” Rest assured that one-day we’ll stand before God and we’ll see where we were off. But for now, the only one who knows it all, is God. Chapter 11 reminds me of that:

“Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap. As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things. Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let not your hands be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well.” Ecclesiastes 11:4-6

There’s so much division and argument on the ways we should live out our faith. It’s pretty much always been that way. There’s always been at least two sides to almost every issue. It’s funny how today we can be convinced of something that history shows cannot be solved with our own wisdom. That doesn’t mean we stop trying to understand, it just means we should have a bit more of a humble posture in thinking we know it all.

And whatever we do, we should do it to the Glory of God and out of affection for God. That’s much harder than it sounds. But if that’s truly our motive… I think God will be pleased with our efforts (and scripture tells us he'll give us a hand).

Eccl. 10 – Mixing Words

My 11 year old is getting into a little bit of trouble at school right now. He’s a good kid, first born, who typically avoids breaking the rules at all costs (so it's a bit funny that he's even in trouble). He’s not really in major trouble… he’s just getting a little sassy with his teachers. And he’s just smart enough to think he’s getting away with it. I don’t know where he gets it. (wink, wink). Although the indicators are obvious, he claims he doesn’t know when he’s doing it… so I told him to listen to himself when he’s talking. When he catches himself talking too much, he’s usually a little full of “it”.

“Words from a wise man's mouth are gracious, but a fool is consumed by his own lips. At the beginning his words are folly; at the end they are wicked madness-and the fool multiplies words.” – Eccl. 10:12-14

Our words are important.

There’s also a pretty blatant progression found in these verses that can serve as evidence for when we are speaking foolishly. Especially in regards to other people: First, (1) our accusations or thoughts about whatever we are talking of are unfounded or possibly based on “folly”, (2) our words in themselves seem to rile ourselves up causing us to spiral into more and more madness and (3) we find ourselves constantly reeling in our words trying to convince others to agree.

No good can come from it. And the advice continues:

“Do not revile the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich in your bedroom, because a bird of the air may carry your words, and a bird on the wing may report what you say.” – Ecclesiastes 10:20

This whole chapter is about staying calm and choosing our words wisely. We’ve all struggled to do so. I think that this not only helps us maintain the right posture… but it also gives us an opportunity to evaluate our thoughts and validate them before acting on them.

This is a good reminder, one that we probably all need.

“Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.” – Ephesians 4:29

God, Help us to control our tongue. Your word says it's like a rudder that turns the whole ship... so this is important. More than anything, change our hearts... that our words may just be an overflow of the transformation happening from within. Amen.

Eccl. 9 – Lucky Dog

I was intrigued by these verses today:

“The same destiny overtakes all. The hearts of men, moreover, are full of evil and there is madness in their hearts while they live, and afterward they join the dead. Anyone who is among the living has hope - even a live dog is better off than a dead lion!” – Ecclesiastes 9:3-4

These words remind me of a thought I had this past week while preparing my sermon. I was thinking about how we apply our understanding of God when he is correcting or disciplining us. If we think that God is just a mean puppet master who messes with us for His own sport, we probably won’t respond appropriately. But if we think of God as the righteous, worthy, God of love that He is, we’ll see that His correction is not for sport, but for restoration.

However... regardless of what we believe or think, it does not change truth.

Scripture tells us that one day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord. This is because one day God will reveal himself in a way that no one will be able to deny it. Whether we thought of Him as Lord or not, it won’t change the reality that He is.

As Solomon wrote, “The same destiny overtakes all”… whether we want to believe it or not… “Anyone who is among the living has hope” and as He said, “even a live dog is better off than a dead lion.”

Eccl. 8 – Mind Map

We apply our minds in varying degrees. For our work, it seems the most natural, to apply them the most. We make much effort for our hobbies and likes. With our families, which might seem most intuitive and certainly most deserving, can often be the most neglected… and unfortunately our faith even beyond that.

“When I applied my mind to know wisdom and to observe man's labor on earth—his eyes not seeing sleep day or night- then I saw all that God has done. No one can comprehend what goes on under the sun. Despite all his efforts to search it out, man cannot discover its meaning. Even if a wise man claims he knows, he cannot really comprehend it.” – Ecclesiastes 8:16-17

Solomon applied his mind in observation of all that we do in order to make sense of it. What he found was that it could not be grasped because it’s understanding was in a realm only a heavenly king could comprehend. Our response?

“Do not be in a hurry to leave the king's presence. Do not stand up for a bad cause, for he will do whatever he pleases. Since a king's word is supreme, who can say to him, "What are you doing?" – Ecclesiastes 8:3-4

I can’t help but think about how different our concerns are as parents than they are as children. “No worries” comes to mind. My kids are oblivious to the concerns of this world, because they are unable to grasp them, are unconcerned if they could, and because they know I’m concerned about the big things for them. What if we could come to a place where we could see how temporal and ungraspable all this really is. And believe that there is one who does know, who really loves us, and who is in control. I would imagine that would bring a certain sense of peace, wouldn’t you say? Probably the peace we’ve been looking for.

It’s good to just let go. It’s good to be a child of the King.

Father, we apply our minds to many things. And most of the time they make us more worried than peaceful. If you help us to grasp anything, help us to remember that you are indeed in control, that you are indeed supreme, and that we can rest in these truths. Amen.

Eccl. 7 - Too Much

Guest Post: Mike Kilbane

"Do not be overrighteous, neither be overwise – why destroy yourself? The man who fears God will avoid all extremes." - Eccl 7:16, 18)

Can we be “too good” or “too wise”. Solomon clearly thinks so. How do we know when we’ve crossed the line? I think it’s when we believe we have “arrived” at goodness or wisdom. The day we wake up and think, “I am a really good person because I do x and don’t do y”, is the day we have started to become overrighteous, and probably self-righteous. That’s when it begins to rub off on others as the unattractive, holier-than-thou behavior that people cite as a primary reason they don’t go to church or are turned off by Christianity. The same attributes hold true for wisdom – who can tolerate the academic who sits in his office or at parties and carries on and on about how if people or the world would just do things the way he would prescribe, everything would be fine.

The common thread on both of these, and where self-destruction comes in, is that when we reach this point in our goodness, wisdom, or other characteristics, it becomes about us, and not about God. Our mind begins to attribute the blessings in our life as being earned through our rightousness or our wisdom. We begin to lose sight of mercy and grace and slide into a theology of works or Gnosticism. Better the man who recognizes and remains humble because he remains aware of his sin and ignorance, than the fool who naively thinks he’s got it figured out. Recognition of our shortcomings keeps us clinging to and focused on God.

Eccl. 6 – Smokin’ Dope

Empty calories are usually foods that give you a quick burst (sugar high) but the impending sugar crash is on its way. They seem to have substance but don’t. They offer no nutritional value and typically leave you wanting more. Drink a coke and you typically want another coke. Drink some water and you typically end up with a quenched thirst.

All man's efforts are for his mouth, 

yet his appetite is never satisfied.
Ecclesiastes 6:7

Here’s the problem. Empty calories typically represent all the foods I grew up loving. We quickly acquire a taste for them that is hard to deny. It takes work. The key is to do whatever it takes to acquire a taste for healthier food. While I have yet to master it, I know that if I were to put some discipline and even sacrifice into it and be creative and intentional about finding healthier foods that I like, I could and would acquire a taste for those as well.

And health would be my reward.

I’m thinking today of all my pursuits of faith that have left me feeling hungry. If I were to truly evaluate them, I’d probably find they were representative of empty calories. Most result in a quick hitting energy burst. And most were simply about me, my immediate craving or need, my own knowledge, my traditions, my Christian pride, whatever… Yet the things that leave me full, nourished really, are the things that begin and end with God and others. It’s once again a paradox.

The very thing we are chasing, nourishment of our soul, we allow to be hijacked by our own agenda and desires. And there are no winners.

What does this have to do with “smokin’ dope”? Kinda reminds me of President Clinton when he admitted to smoking marijuana. While he confessed he did it, he also confessed he didn’t “inhale”. Depending on who you talk to, that’s either good because he didn’t “really” want to take it in or bad because he “wasted” a hit. Either way, since he was just riding the fence, it was a lame attempt at both “appearing” cool and keeping it “innocent”. Falling short of both. It was really a lose/lose situation.

So my progression leads me to a reminder of this: Not only is there a natural leaning that leads us to emptiness and wasted effort where there are no winners, but there’s also a way in which the cost is even greater:

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.” – Prov. 14:12

Eccl. 5 – Promises

Guest Post: Alex Shootman

"When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it." Eccl. 5

Why do we promise stuff to God anyway? Sitting in church, saying, “God – if you just do XYZ then I will really behave this time”. We cannot imagine that it makes God feel better when we promise Him something. First of all, He already knows if we are going to keep our promise and second; He does not need our promise. All of these broken promises we have made to God because we didn't have enough sense to just listen and keep our mouth shut when we came into the house of God. So we promise instead of listen. And then we break our promises. We make promises because it makes us feel better. We get sort of satisfied, “I promised God I'm going to give Him everything, you know. Whew, took care of that today!” And then we feel relieved of guilt of amassing things, because after all, it all belongs to God.

But in the end, when we break our promise we feel worse than not making one. And when we keep a promise, it is merely self-discipline, because we cannot earn grace anyway.

“We must not promise what we ought not, lest we be called on to perform what we cannot” Abraham Lincoln

Eccl. 4 – Influences

Guest Post: Tray Pruet

"Better a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king who no longer knows how to take warning." - Ecclesiastes 4:13

Being poor creates need. Being wise and poor lets you see where you can sustain yourself…get your needs met.

I know this, I don’t want to become the old foolish king. I think about President Obama, and his Cabinet. The President can’t be completely knowledgeable in ALL areas, so he ask those people who are known for their expertise in certain areas to fill in the gaps. The president may have a working knowledge of Finance….but he has a Secretary of Finance (it may be called something else) there to instruct the President in areas of finance. A foolish President would go against (not listen to) the advice of the ‘expert’ in a certain area….much like the foolish king.

God, surround me with your men…and allow them to feel the need to speak into me, when you direct. God allow me to receive your words…..don’t allow my heart to harden. Do what it takes, Lover of my Soul.

I would still like to be more associated with the wise youth. I still enjoy the wonderment of new things. I believe this is why Christ tell us we must be like a child….a child believes 100%....whatever a parent tells them. A child believes a parent can catch them if they fall….100%. Children don’t hold anything back. To a child…a parent has super-human strength. That is the kind of faith Christ wants us to have….not a blind faith, but one rooted in trust and love.

Eccl. 3 - Unquenchable Thirst

Guest Post: Mike Kilbane

"He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end." - Eccl. 3:11

What an incredible gift, or curse, God has placed in our hearts. The concept of eternity. For the believer, it is the ultimate carrot to keep us pursuing God, to strive to find and develop a deeper relationship with Him. To have the security and blessing that despite the troubles we face in our lifetimes, there is the promise of an eternity with Him. However, for the non-believer, there is the curse of an unquenched thirst; the unwillingness to have the faith to believe, but being unable to shake the instinct that there must be something else, something eternal.

I think God put eternity in our hearts as the driver to seek Him. Like a hunger pang drives us to the pantry, the pang of eternity drives us to question and seek God. I thank Him for letting me discover and get to know Him, and for continuing to fill me with hunger pangs to get to know Him more deeply. The thirst is never quenched.

Eccl. 2 - The Man in Black

I love Johnny Cash. From the time I first heard “A Boy Named Sue” when I was in fourth grade I was hooked. Although I’ve had seasons following other artists, bands, and genres, there’s always been a place for Johnny Cash.

My favorite album was his final album: “American IV: The Man Comes Around”. It has a simple black cover with a silhouette of Johnny on it and “CASH” in big white letters at the top. It was released less than a year prior to his passing in September of 2003.

The song list is an obvious reflection on life and a pondering of eternity. From the title track “The Man Comes Around” to the final song “We’ll Meet Again”, the CD is packed with a journey of reflection on faith, family, and friendship. The things that when it’s all said and done, he has found to be the most meaningful.

Solomon has found this eternal perspective (in an obviously much deeper, direct, and God inspired way). He lived life to the “full”. He literally dipped his toe into everything that might bring pleasure. He found delight in his work. And yet when comparing the temporal to the eternal, there’s no comparison:

“I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor. Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.” – Ecclesiastes 2:10-11

Solomon went on to reveal that no matter what we believe about these things… it doesn’t change what is true… in the end

“The wise man has eyes in his head, while the fool walks in the darkness; but I came to realize that the same fate overtakes them both.” – Ecclesiastes 2:14

I can’t help but think about the revelation that in due time “every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord”. This is a reality. As Johnny said, “when the man comes around”… no matter what we believe about this truth… we’ll not only see it, but we’ll understand it, and we’ll all agree on it.

This brings me both peace and a sense of urgency. It’s an urgency to not only share the Good News of Christ, but also to enjoy the life God has offered. In a world full of legalism and pain, somehow, I think the two work wonderfully together.

“A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment? To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.” – Ecclesiastes 2:24-26

Eccl. 1 – Shockingly Refreshing

I grew up in western Colorado. While it certainly gets cold in the winter (and I’ve shoveled my fair share of snow), what might surprise you, is how hot it can get in the summer. It’s a different kind of hot than we get in Texas. It’s a dry hot. It’s a hot that will scorch you in minutes. During the summer, we always seemed to end up swimming, tubing, wading, jumping from bridges and/or fishing in the Colorado River. Since it’s primarily melted snow runoff, it’s shockingly cold. But to a kid on a hot summer day, shockingly refreshing as well.

That’s how I feel about Ecclesiastes. It’s shockingly refreshing. Different. Surprising… Refreshing.

Each of us feel the pull to succeed, to climb the ladder, to follow the rules, to chase after… whatever we chase after… the list goes on. We put the pressure on ourselves to stay in the chase. And we feel the pressure from our culture to do the same. In Ecclesiastes, King Solomon, a man filled with God’s wisdom puts it all in perspective.

"Meaningless! Meaningless!" says the Teacher. "Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless. What does man gain from all his labor at which he toils under the sun?”

(Ecclesiastes 1:2-3)

Keep in mind here that Solomon is not having a pity party. He’s teaching something very important. And while he does not yet say what IS meaningful, we know what’s coming. I’m looking forward to the next few weeks of study in this book. I know it’s always challenging to me… especially in causing me to rethink my priorities.

Father, I pray that our labor is for you. I pray our toil is about you. Therefore our joy will be for and about you and your mission. Help me to see where I make it about me. Help me to see when I make it temporary and meaningless. I pray that you bring eternal things to the minds of your people. Amen.

Psalm 60 - Skill v.s. Will

"Save us and help us with your right hand that those you love may be delivered." - Psalm 60:5

This verse reminds me of the conversation between Moses and God in Numbers. The Israelites are complaining because they only have manna and no meat and God tells Moses that He will provide meat for a month. “But Moses said, "Here I am among six hundred thousand men on foot, and you say, 'I will give them meat to eat for a whole month!' Would they have enough if flocks and herds were slaughtered for them? Would they have enough if all the fish in the sea were caught for them?".

The LORD answered Moses, "Is the LORD's arm too short? You will now see whether or not what I say will come true for you."

If God wants it to happen, do we really think it can happen? Is His arm too short? Our mindset must be He can do it; the question is “Will He do it?”

Psalm 59 - Troubles

David is obviously in a tough spot. He finds himself in a moment where he simply needs deliverance. While he dedicates the beginning of this Psalm to painting the picture of his situation followed by his plea to God to intercede, he closes it out by showing us (once again) why he is known as a “man after God’s own heart”.

“But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.” – Psalm 59:16

We have troubles. Jesus told us that we would. Then He told us to take heart because He had overcome the world. It’s interesting to me how we’ve slowly come to believe that somehow, if we follow Him, He’s promising that won’t happen. We need to remember that while it may be our goal to live a life without troubles, Christ’s goal is to reconcile us with God, regardless our troubles. It’s his goal to help us find peace with God so when the troubles come we have an eternal fortress.

David worshiped God and sang of his strength and love. He worshiped because God had become his true fortress, his refuge in times of trouble. Whether we have physical, emotional, relational, or spiritual troubles… we can know that because of His love and strength, we have refuge in Him.

Psalm 58 - Ultimate Victory

Guest Post: Mike Kilbane

The righteous will be glad when they are avenged, when they bathe their feet in the blood of the wicked. Then men will say, “Surely the righteous still are rewarded; surely there is a God who judges the earth.” (Psalm 58:10-11)

Friday was Good Friday, the day we remember a time evil thought it had truly triumphed, when the prince of darkness thought he had succeeded by nailing the son of God on a cross, it is comforting to know that Easter provided a way for the ultimate happy ending. For every moment where it seems the evil and oppressive have won, there is a resurrection and judgment day ahead. God is victorious. Not just “will be” victorious, he “is” victorious. The cross wasn’t a setback, it was victory, although it wouldn’t be recognized as such for 3 days.

God, thank you for your victory and your promise to reward the righteous. Thank you for the sacrifice of your son on our behalf, that we would be able to ultimately celebrate victory with you for eternity.

Psalm 57 - Gut Level Worship

I have a pattern in the weight room. My favorite exercises are the ones that come most naturally to me. Since the lady who just got off the shoulder press did more weight than I can lift, I prefer to just stay away from that machine. My pride, the extra work it takes, and the pain afterwards keep me from focusing on the areas I need most.

This is a common trend when practicing sports as well. Whether it’s golf or dribbling a basketball, when people are watching, we tend to "display" our best shots in both. Even when we DO find the courage to focus on our weakness, rarely do we do so as much as we play to our strengths. And the gap widens.

It’s the same in our faith journey. Each of us has strengths we lean towards. We may have some habits that are good. We may have things we like to do that are good. And there are other things, good things, even biblical things, that don’t come natural to us that we tend to avoid. Sometimes it’s because we don’t like it. Sometimes it’s because we feel we don’t do it well. Sometimes it’s because of pride. Sometimes it’s because of selfishness.

Serving where we benefit nothing is one of those things. And I’m reminded today through Psalm 57, that true and deep worship is another.

Awake, my soul! Awake, harp and lyre! 

I will awaken the dawn.

I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations; 

I will sing of you among the peoples.

For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; 

your faithfulness reaches to the skies.

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; 

let your glory be over all the earth.

(Psalm 57:8-11)

David worshipped his guts out. He recognized that it took a deliberate “awakening” of his soul to do so. From other Psalms, we know that it came from his great appreciation for and trust in God.

Yet the majority of us look literally bored during worship. Why is that? Since God is worthy of our praise, what’s wrong with this picture? And I just don’t buy the, “that’s just how I worship” thing. Take a moment to think about how we act at a sporting event when our favorite team scores a touchdown or makes a game winning basket… reckless abandon sound familiar? Honestly, that’s a glimpse of how capable we are of worship.

As I think back to when worship scared me, I see a combination of three things: (1) fear, (2) pride, and (3) lack of focus on the one I’m worshipping.

My answer to those three things today are (1) who cares, (2) who cares, and (3) He deserves better.

I don’t say these things to beat up those who don’t worship (and I certainly don’t expect a show from those who don’t know Christ). There are still moments that I’m distracted more than I should be. But I’m done making excuses myself. I’m going to worship with all I’ve got. God deserves better. Scripture tells us that, God inhabits the praises of His people. The gift of God is His presence through His Spirit.

Listen, we NEED the Spirit. The Spirit is our counselor and guide. The Spirit allows us to understand truth. The Spirit walks with us and leads us. If this alone was the benefit of worship, it would be worth it.

I was thinking about the phrase that, “God inhabits the praises of His people” and did a google search this morning. It pulled up a BLOG written in 2007 by a guy who (Believe it or not) lives 5 miles from my house. In it, he was struggling with the etymology of this passage of scripture (Psalm 22:3) since some versions don’t use the word “inhabits”. As he was struggling with whether or not God really did “inhabit” our praise, he wrote:

“Later in the day I went on a rather ambitious bike ride. Early in the ride I was mulling over the idea that God inhabits the praises of his people. I was considering the evidence: not actually a scripture quote, but supported by the whole tenor of scripture and by experience, and even by reason. But somehow that didn't quite satisfy me. Then, out of the blue, God spoke. Clear as day, and quite clearly not from my own thoughts, he said, "Praise me and see if I show up." I laughed out loud. Two reasons: first, the absurdity of making something as personal as God's presence in response to praise into a theoretical exercise which "merits further study." And second, the warmth of God's presence as I immediately began to praise him.

"Praise me and see if I show up." Great line, God! Thanks for helping me see you more clearly and personally. You are beautiful beyond description, absolutely matchless, and supreme over the universe. I love you.”

Great words.

Here’s the deal. It doesn’t matter what some transliterations say about this scripture (By the way, the Hebrew word used does literally mean “inhabits” or “dwell”). God simply shows up when we worship Him. That’s the truth. So let’s take a lead from David. Let’s worship our guts out.

Psalm 56: Fruit of Trust

It seems somewhat impossible that we could actually defeat fear entirely. By the tone of David’s Psalms and through the repetition of his requests, it communicates one of two things: either (1) that he’s reminding himself that he should not fear or (2) he’s actually experienced a complete departure from fear. Either way, it is accompanied by complete trust and the natural response of worship…

“In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?” – Psalm 56:4

…and the fruit of trust? The elimination of fear.

“In God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” – Psalm 56:11

I guess the reason this section stands out to me is because of the glaring areas in my life that I still fear. While I still worship, I wonder today how much this fear inhibits a complete abandonment in my expression of thanks. I wonder where else fear is holding me back.

Father, your Word says, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear”. Help me to let go of pride and selfishness and teach me to trust you in all areas of my life, that I might not get in the way of your work. Amen.

Psalm 55 – Argument & Anguish

It’s Holy Week. Some call it Passion Week. Today (Tuesday) is known as the “Day of Argument”. It was the day when Jesus’ authority was challenged in the temple. It was the day he confronted the Jewish leaders, the day of the Olivet Discourse (The Great Eschatological Discourse), and the day Judas agreed to betray Jesus.

I can’t help but think about these confrontations as I read David’s words about the “stares of the wicked” and those who revile him in their anger:

At the voice of the enemy,
at the stares of the wicked; 

for they bring down suffering upon me 

and revile me in their anger.

My heart is in anguish within me; 

the terrors of death assail me.

Fear and trembling have beset me; 

horror has overwhelmed me.

I said, "Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! 

I would fly away and be at rest.

Psalm 55:1-6

For David, there was much anguish and terror in this season. For Jesus, we know there was much anguish as he considered the gravity of his journey later in the garden. And just as there was a moment of surrender for Jesus when He submitted to God’s will, we see David’s surrender to the reality of resting in God’s rescue and peace (vs.6)

Then in verse 22, David reminds us again of God’s “upholding” and sustaining power:

Cast your cares on the LORD 

and he will sustain you; 

he will never let the righteous fall.

Psalm 55:22

On the cross, what might have seemed to an observer, to be the greatest fall… of the one we know to be the most righteous… to those who believe, became the greatest victory.

David knew this truth. Not yet framed with the exact path in which Christ would give up his life, but certainly with the surrender and trust that it represents. The full absorbing of the reality that even in death, we find victory.

David understood the paradox in our journey. The one that we so easily forget… that in our worst moment, thru our greatest trial, at the time of our most horrifying fear, we can find peace. Most of what we know, feel, and see is temporal. God is sovereign, His love is eternal, and His grace is enough.

Psalm 54 – Take Hold

Last night we celebrated the first year of Austin New Church. It was an amazing time of worship, reflection, celebration, and commissioning. As I sift through all my emotions, more than anything, I just felt comfort. Seemed strange to me really… I try to be really aware of “feelings”… and that’s honestly where I was. Then I read Psalm 54 this morning:

Behold, God is my helper;
The Lord is the sustainer of my soul.
Psalm 54:4 (NAS)

When I first read this verse, it sounded like the focus was on us... my help... my sustainer. It sounds as if it’s almost written to communicate God as fuel for our agenda. But it’s not. And since our nature is to so easily make things about us, I thought I’d dig in a bit

Here’s what I found:

The Hebrew word (azar) translated into the phrase “my helper” actually means to “surround and to protect”. The word “sustains” (camak) means to “take hold of” or to “uphold”. And if you look into the NAS instead of the NIV, you see that it says not only does the Lord, “take hold of” us, He takes hold of our “soul”.

The focus is celebrating God's effort, not ours. The emphasis is on His love nature and ability, above all others, to surround and protect. The victory is found when He takes hold of our very soul. This is where true comfort comes from. When God surrounds and upholds our soul. This is true sustenance.

Father, the word “sustain” has been a big theme for me lately. I know there are all kinds of surface things that keep that in my mind, some more selfish than they should be. But I also have a great desire to find my sustenance in you alone. I desire to find comfort in you. Thank you that you are able. Thank you that you are love. And thank you for making a way through Jesus to live in a restored relationship with you. Amen.

Psalm 53 - Denial

Guest Post: Mike Kilbane (I love the quote at the end)

The fool says in his heart, “There is not God.” (Psalm 53:1)

For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. (Rom 1:20)

Atheism is living in denial of God. Denial can happen around a number of events in our lives from disease to death to personal flaws. In most cases, we choose denial because it is easier than dealing and living with the alternative. The same holds true for atheists. It’s easier for them to live their lives without the tension caused by knowing there is a creator and judge. It’s easier to live without feeling we are ultimately accountable for our behavior and decisions. It’s easier to believe we’re here by an evolutionary accident than because we are loved. It’s easier to live without responsibility than to have to answer to God.

In this Easter season we can’t come to the cross without considering all of these things. When we think of our accountability before God it is overwhelming and, ultimately depressing. How can we stand before a holy God with the sin in our lives? How can we face Him with the unmet needs in this world? We can’t. Not without Jesus. Without Jesus the prospect of considering and facing God would rationally lead to denial. How can someone live a productive life knowing their destruction awaits at the end of their life? Thank God for Jesus.

He is our path out of denial.

Psalm 52 - Huge Accusations

My kids are liars. Well, at least that’s what they say about each other. If you were to ask the accused, they would say they were actually “just kidding”. I digress. To call someone a liar is an amazingly strong accusation. We don’t let our kids get away with it (even when it’s true) instead we teach them to say, “I’m not sure you’re telling the truth” as a healthy alternative.

Why do you boast of evil, you mighty man?
Why do you boast all day long,
you who are a disgrace in the eyes of God?

Your tongue plots destruction; 

it is like a sharpened razor, 

you who practice deceit.

You love evil rather than good, 

falsehood rather than speaking the truth. Selah

You love every harmful word, 

O you deceitful tongue!

Psalm 52:1-4

Plotting destruction, speaking deceit, and liking it: These aren’t small accusations in the eyes of God. To make them, you better be sure. And if it’s true, we better beware, especially if there is any part of us that enjoys it (See verse 4). David understood that. He knew both sides of that fence. His strategy? Chase after the heart of God and ask Him to search through his.

Our problem is that we are people of extremes. And we fool ourselves. We don’t understand that there are soft and secret words that can be just as harmful and deceitful as the loud and proud (vs.4). We don’t consider it evil when we stretch the truth or make assumptions about others, yet scripture tells us that any speaking falsehood is evil (vs.3). We think each word stands on its own although scriptures shows how each word builds on it self and can become even an unintentional plot of damage (vs.2). And we don’t even see how when we do this, even in private, we are a disgrace in the eyes of God (vs.1).

David understood what was at stake. Psalm 52 reminds us in verse 5.

“Surely God will bring you down to everlasting ruin: He will snatch you up and tear you from your tent; he will uproot you from the land of the living.” – Psalm 52:5

Wow, that’s serious. There are three things that stand out to me in this list of consequences: The first seems to be a personal consequence, whatever that may look like, the second of provision or position, and the third possibly the consequence of a full or vibrant life.

These things are significant. As believers, how we view others is significant. How we view ourselves impacts how we view others regardless of who they actually are. And it’s a big deal to God. So big that David has confidence that God won’t put up with it.

We need to invest more time into thinking how we treat one another.

Father, the hidden sins are the hardest for us. The irony is that they’re the most obvious to others. We easily fool ourselves. We indict ourselves only on what we think others see or know. And we begin to believe it ourselves. I’m reminded today that you know everything. And we could be indicted on every account. So we come back to Grace, the very thing that Christ came to give. Thank you for that act of benevolence. Amen.

Palm 51 - Do Anything

Since this is the online version of my personal study and journal, I usually don't publish "guest posts" two days in a row. But I just thought this was so good that I wanted to share it. It's from Tray Pruet, Associate Pastor at Austin New Church:

"Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you." - Psalm 51:12-13

I think this is an awesome perspective. David has just, in his own words, ‘sinned ONLY against God’ by committing adultery with Bathsheba. Nathan has confronted him about his sin. But what about Bathsheba, what about the murder of Uriah the Hittite? Yes there were personal offenses….sins even……but David recognizes that ultimately….the offenses…even the LUST and the LYING were infinite offenses against an infinite God.

And here David comes in verse 12 and 13….and says, (paraphrased) God…do what you need to do (Hebrew) tear me down to build me up. Physically break me, restore my joy of salvation you gave me.

A friend of mine in construction from Corpus once told me,

"In the renovations of older homes…you can never have enough money in job to cover the cost of what you can’t see. What lies behind the walls or under the floor is always a risk. The walls are a veil to the mess that lies beneath."

In this weekends Serve Austin Sunday project (at Soli Deo Gloria), we got to experience some of that first hand. We were to replace the subfloor of the bathrooms (because they were old and squishy), replace the tile, and reset the fixtures. Easy enough, until you cut into the subfloor and find moisture. Not only has their been a water leak, but the sewage line, that is all gravity fed….is running uphill (not a good thing). It may have even been originally built this way. So several things now have to be TORN APART to be made right.

That is what David is saying here…. God, I know I was born this way…. "Surely I was sinful at birth, 
sinful from the time my mother conceived me…" (vs.5) So no matter the mess, no matter the cost, no matter the pain, tear me down, to restore me…..so then I can help restore others. In the Hebrew…the word ‘restore’ in verse 12…is exactly the same as "turn back to you" in verse 13.

At Austin New Church, this is what I hope to see happen time and again. To see people come to faith, or return to faith, so that they in turn can point others to the joy of Salvation in Christ alone.

Psalm 50 - Promise & Obey

Just a short post today coming from a friend on Psalm 50:

"What right have you to recite my laws or take my covenant on your lips? You hate my instruction and cast my words behind you." -Psalm 50:16-17

God has made many promises to us throughout scripture. From promises of eternal life through the belief in His son (John 3:16), to others about health, blessing, wisdom and peace.

After reading this today I’m reminded of the promise “fads” that sweep over the church from time to time. “The Prayer of Jabez” is one that I think fits this well. There were thousands of people who believed that by reciting the simple prayer (it is a good one, by the way) they could bind God to His promise to “bless them greatly”. I wonder if Bruce Wilkinson had included this verse from Psalm 50 as a postscript, what people would have thought. The people who want the promise without the obedience or the blessing without the faith.

God, as you renew your people and your church, fill us with the desire to love your instruction and your Word. Glorify yourself through our obedience and lead us in your everlasting way. Amen