22 October 2015

Scriptures:

• Romans 14
• Ezekiel 45
• 1 Kings 14:21-15:24
• Psalm 82

Observations:

So, the first part of this Romans passage is concerning differences in minor doctrine that is, the manners in which Christians worship and the variances thereof. We should be respectful of those differences, not flagrantly displaying our freedoms in comparison to another. This idea may also be applied to others of different religions. After all, wouldn't it be rude to eat pork at the same table as a Jew or Muslim? Again, Paul makes the distinction between can and should. The main point, though, is to keep this consideration with other Christians, especially newer Christians who may feel they need to prescribe to extra behaviours, because that is walking in love.

In Ezekiel, we see God re-specifying the land allotments for the Levites, the measurements of materials, the requirements for sacrifices, and the celebrations. Presumably, the point for this is an indication that God is looking favourably towards Israel or is about to restore them.

First, in 1 Kings, we see the description of Rehoboam's reign, which wasn't very good. He led Israel away from God, was attacked and raided by Egypt and was at war with Israel throughout his rule. Rehoboam's son Abijam reigned for all of three years before passing, leaving the throne to his son, Asa, who lived more in line with God. He wasn't perfect, but he attempted to undo much of his father's, grandfather's and great-grandfathers' follies.

In the psalm, we see Asaph comparing God to the other gods of the nations surrounding them, comparing their justice, knowledge, and understanding, finding it lacking compared to God's.

Application:

Well, firstly, the obvious application is the manner in which we use our freedoms, both around others and individually. It's a big area for me, because of temptation and sin, to say, "I can totally do this; God's got me." or "It's not too bad." No, no. That's sin.

More specifically, in this context, Sure, I can choose to eat certain things, drink certain things, and say certain things, but should I? How woulf that impact the faith and understanding of others around me?

The other thing for me to really take a look at is the comparison of the kings, looking at their reigns. My heart really needs to be more in the right place, seeking and desiring God. I'm all too easily consumed in myself and that's part of my struggles recently.

Prayer:

God, I'm a mess. I've been a mess for a decent bit. Yesterday's conflict just added to the mix. My eyes have been roving all over the place recently and I need your help pulling them under control. I've tried on my own, but it's not helped too much. I need you to help give me discipline and really work in me more than you're already doing. 

Look into my heart, Lord. I'm trying to do the best I can for you, but it's not enough. I'm feeling somewhat empty and dead, without much remorse of guilt.

Help me to connect with my wife better. I'm doing the best I can, considering all that's on my plate. I don't know how much more can be done right now from my side and how much is work from her side, but help me to do the best and most I can.

I need you here, with me, Lord.

Amen

20 October 2015

Scriptures:

• Romans 12
• Ezekiel 43
• 1 Kings 13
• Psalm 80

Observations:

In the Romans passage, Paul is giving instruction on how to work with each other in the church, that is, not thinking of oneself too highly, being aware of and co-operating in different skills/giftings, and having genuine community that flows out from love. Paul closes off this segment, saying "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." This verse should really prescript how we interact with many individuals today, yet we seem to forget that, especially here in the US.

In Ezekiel, we have the climax of chapters 40-42. Here we see God returning to the temple in the vision. The Lord speaks of how Israel will no longer sin and he will dwell in their midst forever (which makes me think it's an end-times prophecy). We also see God providing instructions on building and consecrating an altar, arguably the most important part of the entire temple, as, without it, Israel cannot make atonement for their sins.

In 1 Kings, we have a prophet calling out Jeroboam in his altar-building and idol worshipping. We also see the confirmation that this prophet was of God in that, when he [the prophet] disobeyed, he received his punishment, which was recognised and helped spread the word against Jeroboam further, though Jeroboam did not turn from his sin, but continued it even further.

The psalm today, another one of Asaph, is one asking again how long Israel's punishment would be and seeking God's restoration/relenting.

Application:

Firstly, the Romans passage is always applicable in daily life - govern your interactions with humility, mindfulness of others' strengths, and love, seeking to overcome evil with good.

In  the Ezekiel and 1 Kings passages, we also see what God will not abide, that is, Idolatry. God seeks and demands primacy in our lives, which is evident in everything from the nature of the sacrifices required through, probably, the book of Romans, in which Paul makes fairly evident that man cannot serve both God and another master.

Prayer:

Lord, I have two things to ask today, but first, thank you for the test yesterday and I hope my grades will reflect how optimistic I am.

More seriously, though, help me to continually put you first. I am a selfish individual and I like to get my way. Also, help me to engage with others in humility, mindfulness, and love. We both know this is a weak point for me, causing many tensions in my relationships.

Be with my wife as our dog is getting spayed - she is very stressed and tense about it. Ease her worries and allow her to relax somewhat.

Be with my professors today as they face all of my class today during the exam review. Help them to keep a level head and help my class to remain civil.

Amen

19 October 2015

Scriptures:

• Romans 11
• Ezekiel 41-42
• 1 Kings 12:16-33
• Psalm 79

Observations:

Okay, so this Romans passage is a little muddy to me, but what I think I understand is that some Jews, in their unbelief, were cut off and given over to their sin so that Gentiles may come into mercy. Does that mean they are forever cast off? No, rather they now may be shown the same mercy shown to the Gentiles.

In Ezekiel, we continue the measurements and descriptions of the temple vision being given to Ezekiel.

In 1 Kings, we see the splitting of Israel and also Jeroboam's folly - the establishment of separate, national idols and holidays thereunto.

The psalm today is one in which Asaph is crying out to the Lord, asking how long the Lord's anger and punishment will last, asking the Lord to repay those who taunt and deride Israel.

Application:

Right now, I'm still tossing over the questions from Romans 9-10 and trying to see how 11 fits in, without much success right now. Perhaps I'll take a second look later. We do, however see the handing over of certain individuals to sin for an express purpose unknown to man in the 1 Kings passage, where, as punishment to Solomon and the line of David because of Solomon's folly, the nation has been split and the northern nation given over to sin and idolatry.

Prayer:

Lord, I apologise for the rush, but thank you for your provision during the exams. Help me to further refine my study habits so I can make the most of my time and still fulfill my role as a husband.

Teach me more of your character, God. Especially in connection with Romans 9-11; it's a complex passage I don't fully understand.

Be with the Chrstians in Afghanistan. Give them boldness to share your word and keep them safe. Plant your word among those who do not follow you and encourage the faithful to reach out.

Continue to give my parents wisdom and help my brothers on their finals. Also, remind my sister of who you are.

Amen

18 October 2015

Scriptures:

• Romans 9:30-10:21
• Ezekiel 40
• 1 Kings 12:1-15
• Psalm 78

Observations:

In the first part of the Romans passage, Paul highlights why Gentiles, who did not have the law have attained righteousness, where Jews, who have had the law have not, which is the question of faith; the Jews pursued righteousness not by faith, but by works. Paul goes on to expound upon this, expressing his hopes that the Jews may realise that righteousness comes from God and cannot be established by their own works. Paul goes a little further and explains the requirements of the law versus faith and explaining how, in God, there is no difference between Gentiles & Jews, for all who call on him in faith are saved. Now, this kinda stands in contrast to yesterday's passage regarding the issue of predestination. The original intention of that passage, as mentioned, was to indicate that it is God who works to bring us to salvation, in his mercy, not from our own works. The question of predestination is on the issue of God selecting some to come to salvation and others to display his power. Someone more in favour of predestination than I would reconcile these two passages with the idea that it is only by God working in us that we could even come to the point of calling on the name of the Lord for salvation in the first place. As for myself, that argument makes sense, but I dislike the concept of predestination for pretty much the reason given in Paul's dialogue in chapter 9, but I cannot at this point string together an alternate argument.

Regardless, though, Paul's next words in Romans 10 establish the importance of evangelism whether or not one agrees with predestination: "How can they call on the one  ... of whom they have never heard?" and "So, faith comes from hearing and hearing through the word of Christ." So, we still need to be faithful in witnessing to those around us.

In Ezekiel, we see the Lord taking Ezekiel through the temple, with an angel giving him all of its measurements. The only thing I can think of for this passage's importance is the promise of restoration, a new temple. That was a pretty big issue for the Jews in exile.

In 1 Kings, we see the Lord's prophecy to Solomon come true - in his son's foolishness, he has caused the events leading to the split of the country.

In the psalm today, we see the faithfulness of God and the fickleness of Israel painted out in an almost parable-like form, with the palmist recounting Israel's travels through the desert and early history during the time of the judges leading up to David. To me, the psalm sounds only half-complete, as though there's still more to come, some climax and conclusion still awaiting. Still, we can see the faithfulness of God despite and through Israel's unfaithfulness and give glory to him for that reason.

Application:

Firstly, I need to not underestimate the importance of evangelism. Evangelism is the primary mode of bringing others to Christ. I also need to seek wisdom in puzzling out the question of predestination and election.

Secondly, it's important to remember the faithfulness of God above and throughout our history and is justice as well. God is faithful to us, yes, but he is faithful first to himself. What he says he will do, blessing or punishment, he will do.

Prayer:

Lord, lead me to wisdom. I need a better understanding of these issues, particularly for my wife, and I know that understanding will help build my fervour for you.

Also, provide insight for us into where you are calling us in future service. As we go down the list of nations, this week on Afghanistan, help us become more aware of the need there and soften our hearts to the peoples' plights.

Again, as always, grant my family the wisdom and strength they need and allow them to see you in deeper ways each day.

Amen